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in this patent , the fdsmooth ™ technique is useful for multipath error mitigation in various gnss architectures . to illustrate the details of the fdsmooth ™ technique dual - frequency ( i . e ., ionosphere free ) gps measurements will be used as a test case to illustrate the fdsmooth ™ technique . step 1 : multipath spectrum estimation . the multipath frequency spectrum can be estimated in at least two ways . when the multipath fading frequency can be well predicted , such as a controlled ground - based reference station location , it can be predicted from a multipath model , which is a function of the antenna height , sv elevation angle , reflection coefficient , code correlator spacing , etc . when the multipath fading frequency cannot be well predicted with a model , the multipath frequency estimation can be via spectral estimation of cmc residual ; a demonstration of this spectral estimation can be found in j . dickman , c . bartone , y . zhang , and b . thornburg , “ characterization and performance of a prototype wideband airport pseudolite multipath limiting antenna for the local area augmentation system ”, in 2003 proc . institute of navigation national technical meeting , anaheim , calif ., jan . 22 - 24 , 2003 , pp . 783 - 793 . for illustration purpose , with no lost in generality , a ground - based reference station multipath model is used here to illustrate the concept . the multipath model used to estimate the code multipath error m ρ . a fourier transform is applied to transfer the code multipath time series into frequency domain as in equation ( 5 ). x ( f ) = ∑ t = k - τ + 1 k m ρ ( t ) ⅇ - j2π ft τ ( 5 ) x : fft spectrum of estimated code multipath error f : frequency [ hz ] k : current epoch index [ s ] t : time series index of the data block [ s ] τ : block size of data points [ s ] m ρ : time series of estimated code multipath error [ m ]. the multipath frequency bandwidth is identified and noted as f 0 . the f 0 includes all the frequency elements f 0 which satisfies the condition as in equation ( 6 ). three parameters are used : scaling factor β , the peak frequency spectrum (| x | max ) and mean frequency spectrum (| x | mean ). f 0 = f 0 , | x ( ƒ 0 )≧| x | mean +(| x | max −| x | mean )/ β ( 6 ) f 0 : multipath frequency bandwidth [ hz ] f 0 : multipath frequency elements [ hz ] | x | mean : mean value of the fft spectrum magnitude | x | max : maximum value of the fft spectrum magnitude β : scaling factor . in the case of 1 hz sampling frequency , the receiver noise frequency component spread over 1 hz bandwidth ( from − 0 . 5 to 0 . 5 hz ), whereas the ionosphere and multipath error frequency component reside in a very narrow 0 . 04 hz bandwidth (− 0 . 02 to 0 . 02 hz ). therefore , | x | mean is close to the noise spectrum value . the center multipath frequency is selected where the peak spectrum occurs . a scaling factor β is utilized to control the targeted removal bandwidth . when scaling factor β is zero , the bandwidth is zero with no mitigation . as β goes to positive infinity , all the error components ( e . g ., multipath , ionosphere ) are mitigated except the noise ( the noise is removed afterward using csc ). the β value selection is a tradeoff between the mitigation effect and the overlapping frequency spectrum of other measurement components in equation ( 2 ), e . g ., higher order ionosphere term . the greater the β , the more multipath mitigation is achieved at the risk of more frequency overlapping with other error components . the value of β is suggested with the following considerations . 1 ) single frequency or dual - frequency . in the case of dual - frequency gps measurements , the major ionosphere errors can be removed by forming iono - free measurements [ 19 ]. therefore , a more aggressive approach ( e . g . β = 45 ) can be pursued since no overlap between multipath and ionosphere error . in the case of single frequency gps measurements , β could be selected based on the following factors . 2 ) frequency spectrums overlap of multipath and ionosphere error component . the selection of β is based on the knowledge of the multipath fading frequency and how well it is be isolated from the ionosphere frequency spectrum . the multipath fading frequency can be retrieved from a multipath frequency spectrum estimation process through either the multipath model or performing spectral estimation on the real cmc data . when well isolated , a more aggressive approach ( e . g . β = 45 ) is preferred for maximum multipath mitigation . when the signal multipath fading frequency is very low ( close to the ionosphere frequency spectrum ) or higher order ionosphere error become dominant ( i . e ., begin to overlap with some multipath frequency spectrum ), a narrow bandwidth ( e . g . β = 5 ) can be used for multipath removal . again , the scope of this paper is limited to dual - frequency receivers , and the detailed application for single frequency users is beyond the scope of this paper , but could in investigated in further research . 3 ) type of application . the β selection provides the flexibility for different types of applications . for cm level high accuracy ambiguity resolution positioning type of application , a more conservative approach ( e . g . β = 5 ) is preferred , with minimal bias introduction ; for dm - m level dgps or precise point positioning application , a more aggressive approach ( e . g . β = 45 ) is considered to attain more multipath mitigation with reasonable bias . ( bias performance has been discussed in the previous section , but is a consideration in β selection .) step 2 : multipath mitigation . the cmc formed in equation ( 4 ) has a bias term ( carrier integer ambiguity and initial multipath bias errors ), which is a nuisance parameter and desired for removed in order to get a closer look at any time - varying multipath that might be present . the bias term is calculated as ( 7 ) in the real - time processing , which is the mean of the cmc from epoch k − τ + 1 to epoch k . for a “ small ” smoothing block size τ , ( i . e . less than a multipath cycle ) the bias estimate will be less accurate . for a “ large ” smoothing block size τ . ( i . e ., comparable to a multiple multipath cycle ), the average bias term in ( 6 ) will represents more precisely the true constant bias . here , the smoothing block size τ , will essentially be the block size of data operated upon . cmc biased , k _ ❘ τ = ∑ j = k - τ + 1 k cmc biased , j τ ( 7 ) at any given time epoch , k , the bias will be fixed as in equation ( 7 ) and removed as described in equation ( 8 ); however , as time goes on , this bias may change , if it is caused by multipath and will be updated at every measurement epoch k . it should be noted that the longer block sizes have a better chance to envelope lower rate multipath ( slowly changing bias terms ). the remaining unbiased cmc residual can be expressed as equation ( 8 ). cmc unbiased ( k ) = cmc biased ( k ) - cmc biased , k _ ❘ τ = m ρ ( k ) - m ϕ ( k ) + ɛ ρ ( k ) - ɛ ϕ ( k ) + ɛ u ( k ) ( 8 ) as shown in equation ( 8 ), an additional error term “ epsilon with subscript u ” is introduced in forming the unbiased cmc residual ; this term represents an additional error component that may be introduced in the unbiasing procedure . this term will diminish when a large τ is applied or a longer previous data segment is available for cmc bias estimate . the unbiased cmc residual was often too noisy to identify the highest anticipated multipath fading frequency of 0 . 005 hz ( for a typical ground - based application ), so the unbiased cmc residual was smoothed by implementing a recursive filter as shown in equation ( 9 ). cmc sm , unbiased ( k ) = 1 l cmc unbiased ( k ) + l - 1 l cmc sm , unbiased ( k - 1 ) ( 9 ) this smoothing operation doesn &# 39 ; t significantly affect the multipath as long as the smoothing time constant , τ , is shorter than the highest rate multipath as described in j . dickman , c . bartone , y . zhang , and b . thornburg , “ characterization and performance of a prototype wideband airport pseudolite multipath limiting antenna for the local area augmentation system ”, in 2003 proc . institute of navigation national technical meeting , anaheim , calif ., jan . 22 - 24 , 2003 , pp . 783 - 793 . in this case , the smoothing time constant was 30 seconds , which was only a fraction of the shortest anticipated multipath fading period of 200 second . thus , a significant amount of the receiver noise was removed in the cmc operation without removing the multipath which was to be quantified . the remaining residual expressed in equation ( 9 ) exposes any multipath that was present in the measurement . this cmc residual was then transferred from the time domain into the frequency domain , and then compared to a frequency estimation of the multipath error in order to mitigate the multipath frequency component . the smoothed unbiased cmc residual was formed as in equation ( 9 ). this was transferred into the frequency domain as in equation ( 10 ). y sm ( f ) = ∑ t = k - τ + 1 k cmc sm , unbiased ( t ) ⅇ - j2π ft τ ( 10 ) y sm : fft spectrum of smoothed cmc residual cmc sm , unbiased : time series of smoothed cmc residual [ m ]. given the knowledge of the multipath frequency bandwidth from step 1 , a windowing function was applied to the fft spectrum to filter out the multipath frequency component , as in equation ( 11 ). y sm , mitigated ( ƒ )= y sm ( ƒ ) h ( f 0 ) ( 11 ) y sm , mitigated : the multipath mitigated cmc fft spectrum . h ( f 0 ): windowing function the windowing function h ( f 0 ) is a transfer function of a casual filter ( e . g . chebyshev , butterworth , etc .) with stopband f 0 . note that the non - casual filter ( e . g . ideal filter ) is not applicable for real - time signal processing as described in e . w . kamen , and b . s . heck , fundamentals of signals and systems using matlab , prentice hall , 2000 , pp . 37 . in comparison with a butterworth filter , the chebyshev achieves sharper transition between the stopband and passband . since sharper transition is preferred in isolating different error frequency components ( e . g . multipath and ionosphere ), chebyshev filter was used in this paper . an inverse fourier transform was applied to y sm , mitigated as in equation ( 11 ) to form the multipath mitigated cmc as equation ( 12 ). cmc sm , mitigated ( k - τ + 1 , … , k ) = ∑ f = 0 τ - 1 y sm , mitigated ( f ) ⅇ j2π ft τ ( 12 ) step 3 : multipath correction . the code multipath correction is formed using equation ( 9 ) and ( 12 ), at every current time epoch k as in equation ( 13 ). { circumflex over ( m )} ρ ( k )= cmc sm , unbiased ( k )− c sm , mitigated ( k ) ( 13 ) the correction formed in equation ( 13 ) is subtracted from the code measurement at every measurement epoch k to mitigate the multipath error as in equation ( 14 ). ρ * mitigated ( k )= ρ *( k )− { circumflex over ( m )} ρ ( k ) ( 14 ) in terms of filtering , the proposed technique can be categorized as an adaptive digital band - reject filter using a windowing fft . note that this technique is targeted to remove the multipath error within a certain fading frequency band , which leaves the low frequency component ( such as ionosphere component in single frequency case ) and the dc component ( such as nonzero mean bias ) unaffected . based on the selection of block size and the multipath frequency bandwidth , certain ac components are removed but the dc component is largely unaffected at each time epoch k . as time proceeds , if the dc multipath bias term changes , the rate of this change , as characterized by the multipath spectral estimation process ( i . e ., model or spectral estimation on the cmc data ), and will be targeted for removed in the frequency domain processing . | 6 |
with reference to fig1 a block diagram of the preferred embodiment a polyphonic electronic music system 1 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated . a clock 10 includes a one megahertz oscillator and produces various clock outputs of varying duty cycles and phases at 250 khz as illustrated in fig8 a . the ck2 and ck2 outputs are connected to counter and decoder circuit 11 . the ck2 output is also connected to multiplexer circuits 12 . the ck3 clock is connected to memory circuit 17 and ck5 output is connected to comparator circuit 16 and monostable and enable logic circuit 19 to control its operation . counter and decoder circuit 11 is clocked by ck2 and ck2 . ck2 is counted by a count by twelve flip - flop circuit and decoded into twelve sequential pulses t1 through t12 and their complements t1 through t12 ( see fig8 b ). the t pulses have a guard band of one eighth duty cycle imposed by the ck2 pulse from clock 10 so that there is no overlap between any of the pulses t1 - t12 . t1 - t12 are connected to multiplexer circuits 12 by twelve separate lines 24 . t1 - t12 are connected to the demultiplexer and gate circuits 14 by twelve separate lines 26 . counter and decoder circuit 11 also divides ck2 into six sequential pulses 01 - 06 . the period of each of the 01 - 06 pulses spans the t1 through t12 sequence of pulses . the 01 - 06 data pulses are applied on six separate lines 28 to multiplexer circuit 15 . counter and decoder circuit 11 also produces two data pulses m1 and m2 each of which encompass the entire sequence of octave time pulses 01 - 06 . m1 and m2 time pulses represent the selected manual of the organ . m1 and m2 are applied to octave multiplexing circuit 15 as well as to priority selector circuit 18 . a nine bit word q3 - q11 produced by counter and decoder circuit 11 is applied on nine separate leads 30 from counter and decoder circuit 11 to memory circuit 17 . seven bits , q3 - q9 , are applied on seven different leads 32 to priority selector circuit 18 . also , time slot pulse t10 and octave time slot pulse 06 are applied to priority selector circuit 18 to decode the seventieth time slot ( i . e ., the 10th note of the sixth octave ). the data pulses t2 - t12 are connected by eleven separate leads 34 to programmable counter circuits 20 . a three bit word produced by counter and decoder 11 comprising q7 , q9 and q8 is connected by three separate leads 36 to the programmable counter circuits 20 . q7 , q9 and q8 encode the octave time slots 01 - 06 and are used by the programmable counter circuits to decode the octave of the played keys . multiplexer 12 encodes the notes played by the two sets sixty - one key switches 33 representing two manuals or keyboards into a time division multiplex logic signal on lead 39 connected to tab switch logic circuit 13 . the tab switch logic circuit 13 directs each octave of encoded key switch data obtained from multiplexer circuit 12 into the appropriate octave demultiplexer and gate circuits 14 . tab switch logic circuit 13 and demultiplexer and gate circuits 14 are conventional and operate in substantially the same manner as illustrated and described in applicant &# 39 ; s u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 746 , 773 and 3 , 916 , 750 . the t1 - t12 data on lead 26 to demultiplexer and gate circuit 14 is utilized to decode the input from the tab switch logic circuit 13 into the corresponding played notes . the output of demultiplexer and gate circuits 14 is applied to a conventional primary output system 27 ( including filters , an amplifier and loud speaker ). a master frequency generator 23 is connected to a top octave frequency generator and dividers 25 which produce tone signals for all 96 notes of the organ which are applied on 96 leads 40 to the demultiplexer and gate circuit 14 . frequency generators 23 and 25 are conventional and may be similar to those illustrated in applicant &# 39 ; s u . s . pat . no . 3 , 816 , 635 . master frequency generator 23 is also connected to a rate scaler frequency generator 22 which produces four output frequencies mf1 , mf2 , mf3 , and mfh which are applied to the programmable counter circuits 20 . a control voltage vh is connected via line 56 from the counter circuits 20 to the rate scaler frequency generator 22 for the purpose of slightly varying its output frequencies mf1 , mf2 , mf3 , and mfh . multiplexer 12 provides time division multiplex signals on twelve separate leads 41 representative of played key switches 33 . six of the leads correspond to the six octaves of the solo manual ( s1 - s6 ) of the organ and the other six leads correspond to the six octaves of the accompaniment manual ( a1 - a6 ) of the organ . these twelve leads are connected to the multiplexer circuit 15 which decodes this data along with 01 - 06 and m1 and m2 data to produce a sequential time division multiplex output signal train sa on a single lead 42 . sa contains data representative of the particular notes played and the manual in which these notes are located . sa is directed to memory 17 where the data is stored for one cycle to be compared with sa data on the next occurrence of the ck3 clock to determine whether there has been any change in the played keys from one cycle of the clock to the next . comparator 16 receives the sa data stored by memory 17 on the previous cycle on lead 44 and upon the occurrence of the ck5 clock signal , compares that data with the sa data on lead 42 for the present cycle . if the data has not changed , a logic signal identified by the mnemonic sch is applied on lead 45 to the monstable and enable logic circuit 19 to indicate that there has been no change in the keys played . the priority selector circuit 18 decodes sa , m1 , m2 , t10 06 , q3 - q9 to produce on eleven leads 46 connected to monostable and enable logic circuit 19 data representative of the lowest three notes and the highest note played . the monostable and enable logic circuit 19 decodes the information on leads 46 to produce on four leads 48 logic information designated cle1 , cle2 , cle3 , and cleh representative of three lowest notes played and the highest note played . monostable and enable logic circuit 19 also produces on two leads 50 information designated gbe1 and gbe2 representative of the number of notes that have been played . the programmable counter circuits 20 receive the cle1 through cleh information which is converted to four frequency outputs f1 - fh on four leads 52 . the four programmable counter circuits 20 also produce on four leads 54 four separate voltages , v1 , v2 , v3 , and vh which are representative of the frequency outputs f1 - fh . vh is also applied by lead 56 to the rate scaler frequency generator 22 to control mf1 through mfh so that those frequencies change very slightly to detune the outputs f1 - fh so that a richer orchestral effect is produced . the four frequencies f1 - fh are applied to the voltage controlled gate and filter circuits 21 . the output of the voltage controlled gate and filter circuits 21 is connected to a two channel secondary output system 31 ( i . e ., an acoustic radiating system including amplifiers and loudspeakers ). with reference to fig2 clock 10 comprises a conventional 1mhz oscillator 100 comprising nand gates 102 and 104 and nor gate 106 arranged to produce 1mhz at the ck1 output . the 1mhz ck1 output is connected to the clock ( ck ) inputs of jk flip - flops ff1 and ff2 . the ck1 output and the respective q1 , q1 , and q2 outputs of flip - flops ff1 and ff2 are connected as indicated to nand gates 108 and 110 and nor gates 112 , 114 , and 116 which act to decode these outputs to produce clock outputs ck2 , ck3 , ck4 , ck5 , and ck2 . fig8 a illustrates the time relationship of the various clock outputs ck1 , ck2 , ck3 , ck4 , and ck5 . the ck2 output from nor gate 116 is applied to the clock input of flip - flop ff3 ( see fig3 ) of counter and decoder circuit 11 . the ck2 output of nor gate 114 is also connected to one of the inputs of each of nor gates 120 and 122 in counter and decoder circuit 11 . the q3 output of ff3 is connected to the other input of nor gate 122 and the q3 output of ff3 is connected to the input of nor gate 120 and also to the clock ( ck ) inputs of jk flip - flops ff4 , ff5 , and ff6 . the q output of flip - flop ff4 is labelled q4 , the q output of ff5 is labelled q5 , and q the output of ff6 is labelled q6 . the purpose of these outputs will be described later . the output of nor gate 120 is labelled qa and the output of nor gate 122 is labelled qb . the q and q outputs of ff4 , ff5 , and ff6 are encoded by 12 nand gates 124 to produce 12 logic outputs labelled t1 through t12 which , with reference to fig8 b can be seen to be 12 sequential pulses having a slightly reduced duty cycle so that there is a guard band between each of the pulses t1 through t12 separating the pulses so that there is no overlap . the guard band separating the pulses is imposed by the ck2 pulse applied to nor gates 120 and 122 . qa and qb are applied to alternate nand gates 124 so that the end of each t pulse is brought to logic one when ck2 goes to logic one . thus , there is no overlap between the adjacent t and t pulses . counter and decoder circuit 11 also comprises twelve inverters 126 which invert the t1 - t12 pulses to positive true t1 - t12 . t1 - t12 are applied to the demultiplexer and gate circuits 14 to provide time position signals to the demultiplexer and gate circuits 14 in the same manner as described in applicant &# 39 ; s u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 746 , 773 and 3 , 916 , 750 . the q6 output of ff6 is connected to the clock ( ck ) inputs of jk flip - flops ff7 , ff8 , and ff9 ( see fig4 ). the q outputs of ff7 , ff8 , and ff9 are respectively labelled q7 , q8 , and q9 . the q and q outputs of ff7 , ff8 and ff9 are decoded by 6 nor gates 128 to produce 6 sequential pulses 01 through 06 , each having a period of 48 micro - seconds encompassing the period of t1 through t12 . ( see fig9 a and 8b ). sequential periods 01 through 06 represent the octave time slots of the time division multiplex signal as will be hereinafter more fully described . thus , for each 0 time slot the entire sequence of t pulses ( t1 - t12 ) occurs . the q7 output of ff7 connected to the clock ( ck ) input of jk flip - flops ff10 and ff11 which produce at their q outputs q10 and q11 logic signals . q10 and q11 are decoded by nand gates 129 and 130 to produce each of their respective outputs m1 and m2 time division multiplex signals ( see fig9 b ). m1 represents the time slot for the solo manual of the organ and m2 represents the time slot for the accompaniment manual of the organ . as can be seen m1 and m2 each encompass 01 through 06 so that seventy two t time slots ( 6 × 12 ) are included in each m1 and m2 time slot . this is more than enough time slots to cover the notes of an organ manual . illustrated in the lower right hand corner of fig4 is a partial representation of multiplex circuit 12 for one octave of twelve total octaves of the organ . multiplexer 12 comprises 12 similar circuits ( only one of which is shown ) each of which include twelve key switches 132 ( only one of which is shown ) for each semitone of the octave connected in series with the cathode twelve diodes 134 ( only one of which is shown ). switches 132 are connected in parallel to a 2 . 5 volt source , and the anodes of all twelve diodes 134 are connected in parallel to one side of a 1k resistor 136 . resistor 136 is connected to one input of a nand gate 138 and the other input to nand gate 138 is connected to diodes 134 . the output of nand gate 138 is connected to one input of nand gate 140 , and the other input of nand gate 140 is connected to the ck2 output of clock 10 ( fig2 ). similarly , ck2 is connected to a similar nand gate arrangement in each of the other twelve octave multiplexer circuits for the solo and accompaniment manuals . connected between each of the switches 132 and diodes 134 is a 0 . 0047 micro farad capacitor in series with one of the t1 - t12 outputs of counter and decoder circuit 11 in fig3 . thus , each of the twelve key switches representing one semitone of the octave is connected to a different t output of counter and decoder 11 so that each time a key switch is closed , a t pulse representative of the time slot of that particular note is applied to nand gate 138 . nand gates 138 and 140 act as an rs flip - flop to clean up the output signal to assure that regardless of the noise level of the circuit , the t output is latched until the ck2 output goes negative ( at the end of each t pulse ) and resets the rs flip - flop . the multiplexer 12 illustrated in fig4 corresponds to one octave to the accompaniment manual of the organ . the output of nand gate 138 is connected to the a1 input of nand gate 142 in multiplexer circuit 15 . the other input of nand gate 142 is connected to the 01 ( first octave ) output from nor gates 128 in counter and decoder circuit 11 . similarly , nand gates 143 - 147 are respectively connected at one input to 02 , 03 , 04 , 05 and 06 outputs and the other input is connected to the second , third , fourth , fifth , and sixth accompaniment octave multiplexer circuits ( not shown ) at inputs a2 , a3 , a4 , a5 , and a6 to produce a time division multiplex signal identified acc corresponding to the keys played on the accompaniment manual . similarly , six nand gates 148 receive six octaves of solo manual t inputs which are nanded with 01 - 06 to provide a time division multiplex signal identified solo corresponding to the keys played in the solo manual . the output of the accompaniment manual nand gates 142 - 147 are combined on a single lead which is marked acc which is connected to one input of nor gate 152 . the outputs of nand gates 148 are combined on a single lead marked solo which is connected to one input of nor gate 150 . the other input of nor gate 150 is connected to the m1 output of nand gate 129 , and the m2 output of nand gate 130 is connected to the other input of nor gate 152 . the output of nor gates 150 and 152 are connected to the inputs of nor gate 154 , and nor gate 154 produces at its output on lead 42 a time division multiplex serial digital logic train of signals representative of the note , octave , and manual of the actuated key switches . this output signal of nand gate 154 is identified by the mnemonic sa . it can be seen that the combination of signals 01 - 06 and signals t1 - t12 combine to define 72 time slots ( 6 times 12 ) for each manual and a total of 144 time slots ( 2 × 72 ) for both the solo and accompaniment manuals , thus , each key switch on the accompaniment and solo manual has a corresponding time slot which is identified by the serial digital logic train sa . with reference to fig5 and 6 , the q3 - q6 inputs in the upper lefthand corner of fig6 are connected to the same marked outputs in fig3 and q7 - q9 are connected to the corresponding outputs of fig4 . the input identified sa in fig6 is connected to the corresponding sa output of nor gate 154 in fig4 . the sa serial data train is applied to nor gate 160 which gates sa to the data ( d ) input of flip - flop ff13 . the clock ( ck ) input of ff13 is connected to ck2 output of clock 10 ( fig2 ). thus , the sa data train is clocked through ff13 by ck2 but each bit of data is delayed one time slot ( since ck2 occurs at the end of each t pulse ) to synchronize the frequencies produced by the top octave frequency generator and dividers 25 with the outputs from the programmable counters 20 as will be more fully described below . the 06 output from nor gates 128 in fig4 is applied to one input of nand gate 162 . the other input of nand gate 162 receives the output of nand gate 164 . applied to one input of nand gate 164 is the t10 output from counter and encoder circuit 11 in fig3 and the other input of nand gate 164 receives mn logic data from nor gate 166 which is the negative true logic for the selected manual ( m1 or m2 ). thus , nand gate 162 and nor gate 164 follow the boolean logic equation ( t10 ) ( m ) ( 06 ). this logic equation decodes time slot 70 for either the solo or the accompaniment manual ( i . e ., the tenth note of the sixth octave ). time slots 1 - 61 are used to scan the keys for one manual during m1 , and then for the other manual during m2 . this information is delayed to time slots 2 through 62 by ff13 as noted above . m1 from nand gate 129 in fig4 is applied to the m1 input to nor gate 168 in fig6 . m2 from nand gate 130 in fig4 is applied to the m2 input to nor gate 170 in fig6 . the other inputs of nor gates 168 and 170 are respectively connected to solo and accompaniment switch contacts 169 and 171 in solo and accompaniment selector switch 172 . contacts 169 and 171 are respectively connected through 3 . 9k resistors 173 to an appropriate voltage source v to provide logic signals for nor gates 168 and 170 . as can be seen , when switch 172 is moved to the solo position , lead 174 is brought to logic zero but lead 176 remains at logic one . thus , when m1 goes to logic one , the output of nor gate 168 goes to logic zero and when m1 goes to logic zero , the output of nor gate 168 goes to logic 1 . thus , nor gate 168 acts as an inverter of the m1 signal . at the same time , since lead 176 is at logic one , the output of gate 170 remains at zero irrespective of the m2 logic state . the output of nor gate 168 is applied to one input of nor gate 178 . the other input of nor gate 178 is connected to the output of nor gate 170 . thus , since the output of nor gate 170 remains at logic zero while the switch 172 is in the solo position , nor gate 178 acts as an inverter so that the output of nor gate 178 is once again m1 . the output of nor gate 178 is applied to one input of nand gate 180 , the other input of nand gate 180 is connected to the output of nand gate 182 . nand gate 182 is connected to the solo and accompaniment contacts 169 and 171 of switch 172 . in the present hypothetical , since switch 172 is in the solo position , one input of nand gate 182 is at logic zero and the other is at logic one . thus , the output of nand gate 182 is logic one . when switch 172 is in the off position both inputs of nand gate 182 are at logic one . accordingly , it can be seen that the output of nand gate 182 is zero if switch 172 is off and logic one if switch 172 is in either the solo or accompaniment positions . accordingly , nand gate 180 operates to invert the output of nor gate 178 only when switch 172 is in either the solo or accompaniment positions . nor gate 166 inverts the output of nand gate 180 so that the output mn goes to logic one when m1 goes to logic one and to logic zero when m1 goes to logic zero . similarly , if switch 172 is moved to the accompaniment position , mn goes to logic one when m2 goes to logic one and to zero when m2 goes to zero . as pointed out before , mn is applied to nor gate 164 to decode time slot 70 for the selected manual . the output of nand gate 162 is connected to the preset ( pre ) input of flip - flop ff14 and the clear ( clr ) inputs of flip - flops ff15 and ff16 . thus , at time slot 70 , the q outputs of flip - flops ff14 , ff15 , and ff16 are set to logic one , zero , zero ( when no keys are being scanned ). the serial multiplex data train sa is combined with manual time slot mn to produce sam data applied to the data ( d ) input of ff13 . sam is clocked through ff13 upon each ck2 clock pulse and cleared by each ck3 pulse so that the data remains at the q output only during the appropriate time slot . the q output of ff13 is connected to the clock inputs of ff14 , ff15 and ff16 . thus , the first serial data pulse representing a closed key switch is clocked through ff13 , and at the trailing edge of this pulse , the q outputs of ff14 , ff15 and ff16 are closed to zero , one , zero respectively . the second data pulse of sam representative of the next actuated switch clocks the q outputs of ff14 , 15 , and 16 respectively to zero , zero , one . a third data pulse of sam clocks the q outputs of ff14 , 15 and 16 to zero , zero , zero . the q output of ff14 is directly connected by lead 190 to the first data ( 1d ) input of integrated latch circuit l1 . latch circuit l1 is sold under the commercial designation 7475 . the second data ( 2d terminal ) of latch circuit l1 is connected to the output of nand gate 192 , one input of which is connected to the q output of ff14 and the other input of which is connected by lead 191 to the q output of ff15 . the third data ( 3d ) input of latch circuit l1 is connected to the output of nand gate 194 . the 3 inputs of nand gate 194 are respectively connected to the q outputs of ff14 , ff15 , and ff16 . thus , nand gates 192 and 194 decode the q outputs of ff14 , ff15 and ff16 . nand gate 196 is connected to the 06 and t8 outputs and also receives h or key enable data from the monostable circuit 198 ( which will be more fully described hereinafter ). the output of nand gate 196 is connected to one input of nor gate 200 the output of which is connected to the g or gate enable inputs of latch circuit l1 . the other input of nor gate 200 receives mn data from nor gate 166 . thus , it can be seen that at the 68th time slot ( 06 - t8 ) of the selected manual ( mn ) the data inputs on the 1d , 2d , and 3d inputs of latch circuit l1 are gated to the q outputs of latch circuit l1 . if no keys have been played , the geb1 ( 1q ) geb2 ( 2q ) and be3 ( 3q ) outputs of latch circuit l1 will be zero . these outputs follow the following logic equations gbe1 = 1d = q14 , gbe2 = 2d = ( q14 ) ( q15 ), be3 = 3d = ( q14 ) ( q15 ) ( q16 ). if one key is played , gbe1 goes to logic one and gbe2 and be3 stay at logic zero . if two keys are played , gbe1 and gbe2 go to logic one and be3 stays at logic zero . if three keys are played , geb1 , geb2 , and be3 go to logic one . nor gate 202 also receives mn data and the output of nand gate 196 so that the logic output of nor gate 202 designated sscc ( steady state cycle complete ) is at logic one when 06 , t8 , h , and mn equal one . this logic corresponds to the unused time slot 68 , the system not in hold , the manual being scanned corresponding to the manual to which the system is coupled , i . e ., the appropriate manual selected by switch 172 . nor gate 204 has one input grounded and the other input connected to the output of nand gate 206 . the output of nor gate 204 is identified as steady state valid data ( ssvd ). ssvd equals logic one when q13 , h , and ck5 equal one . this state corresponds to a played key being scanned , the system in steady state ( not in hold ), and the data is valid , i . e ., ck5 equals one . ck5 goes to logic one at the center of each t time slot ( see fig8 a and 8b ) so that data is valid only after initial transients have subsided . the ssvd output of nor gate 204 is connected to the g or gate enable inputs of integrated latch circuits l2 and l3 . as previously pointed out , the inputs of l2 and l3 receive q3 - q9 data . the sscc data from nor gate 202 is connected to the gate enable inputs of integrated latch circuits l4 and l5 . integrated latch circuits l2 through l5 are commercially available integrated circuits sold under the designation 7475 . flip - flops ff13 - ff17 are integrated circuits sold under the designation 7474 . it can be seen , therefore , that each time the q output of ff13 goes to logic one , i . e ., at each time slot representative of a played key ( delayed one slot by ff13 ), and the other conditions are satisfied , ( h = ck5 = 1 ), ssvd goes to logic one clocking the q3 through q9 data on the inputs of l2 and l3 through the latch circuits to the q outputs of l2 and l3 . this will occur each time a note is scanned until ultimately the q3 - q9 data representative of the highest note played on the selected manual will be present at the q outputs of l2 and l3 . at the conclusion of the scan cycle , sscc goes to logic one so that latch circuits l4 and l5 clock through to their outputs the data representative of the highest note played . thus , information representative of the highest note played is present at the outputs of l4 and l5 at the completion of the cycle . this data is applied to a series of seven exclusive or gates 208 . the outputs of exclusive or gates 208 are connected in parallel to the inputs of a nand gate 210 . the other inputs of exclusive or gates 208 are connected to the corresponding q3 - q9 inputs as indicated . when the high note data latched by l4 and l5 is the same as the q data on inputs q3 - q9 on the next scan , the outputs of exclusive or gates 208 go to logic one simultaneously so the output of nand gate 210 goes to logic zero . this state occurs only at the time slot representative of the highest note played . the output of nand gate 210 identified hn is applied to one input of nor gate 212 which decodes the cleh ( counter latch enable high ) output . the other input of nor gate 212 is connected to nand gate 206 which decodes the q output of ff13 during the ck5 and h equal to one state . ck5 goes to logic 1 approximately halfway in between ck2 pulses . thus , ck5 clocks the q output of ff13 through nand gate 206 approximately halfway between successive clocks of ff13 . thus , the q output of ff13 has had an opportunity to reach a steady state before that data is clocked through nand gate 206 . the output of nand gate 206 is the complement of steady state valid data or ssvd . with reference to fig6 memory 17 comprises an integrated circuit random access memory ( ram ) sold under the commercial designation 2102 . the sa data from fig4 is also applied to the data ( din ) input of ram 220 . the q3 through q11 outputs of flip - flops ff3 through ff11 ( from fig3 and 4 ) are applied to the a0 through a8 inputs of ram 220 . the a9 input is grounded and the read / write ( r / w ) input is connected to the ck3 clock output of clock 10 in fig2 . the data out ( dout ) output of ram 220 is connected to one input of exclusive or gate 222 in comparator circuit 16 . the other input of exclusive or gate 222 is connected to sa lead 42 . if ck3 is logic one , ram 220 is reading out data and when ck3 is logic zero , the ram 220 is writing in data . as previously pointed out , logic one of ck5 is the time slot when valid data is being transmitted through the system . with reference to fig8 a , it can be seen that ck3 pulses do not occur at the same time that ck5 is at logic one . thus , ram 220 records or writes in data only at a time after ck5 has sampled previous data and reads out data at the same time ck5 clocks valid data . the output of exclusive or gate 222 is connected to one input of nand gate 224 . the other input of nand gate 224 is connected to the ck5 clock output of clock 10 ( fig2 ). since exclusive or gate 222 will only present a zero output when the data on the data output of ram 220 is the same as the data of sa , the output of nand gate 224 will equal one when sa equals data ( dout ) of ram 220 or when ck5 is at logic zero . the data output of nand gate 224 is identified sch and will only be at logic one when the notes played during the previous scan are the same notes being played during the current scan . if the played notes have changed , sch goes to logic zero during ck5 since the inputs to exclusive or gate 222 are not equal . sch is applied to one input of nor gate 226 , and the other input is connected to the mn output of nor gate 178 . thus , the output of nor gate 226 identified schm goes to logic one when the sch equals logic zero and mn equals logic zero . nor gates 228 and 230 form an rs flip - flop . one input of nor gate 232 receives time slot 70 data from nand gate 162 and the other input is connected to the collector of transistor t1 . normally , when no keys are played , the 1q output of latch l1 is at logic one ( gbe1 = 1 ), h is at logic one and transistor t1 is biased &# 34 ; on &# 34 ;. when a key is first played from the manual to which the logic is coupled by switch 172 , schm goes to logic one and h goes to logic zero . when h goes to logic 0 , transistor t1 is turned &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; through the coupling action of capacitor 234 and resistor 236 . since gbe1 is high , both resistors 238 and 240 charge capacitor 234 towards + 5 volts . as a result , transistor t1 turns &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; in about 15 milliseconds . when it does , nor gate 232 decodes a logic one when transistor t1 is &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; and when time slot 70 corresponding to a selected manual mn occurs , the output of nor gate 232 resets rs flip flop 230 and 228 and h goes to logic one . if subsequent deletion of keys set h to logic zero , h remains logic zero for approximately 40 milliseconds since gbe1 equals zero and only resistors 240 would charge capacitor 234 . the reason for the 40 millisecond delay when keys are released is that it takes longer for the organist to release keys than it does to initially play keys . as long as h is logic zero the system is in hold since no data can be clocked through nand gate 206 . once h goes to logic one after a key is played , the data corresponding to the played keys is clocked at each ck5 pulse to the counter latch enable outputs cle1 , cle2 , cle3 , and cleh in the following manner . cle1 is decoded and determined by nand gate 206 , nand gate 250 , and nor gate 252 . it can be seen that if only one key has been played , gbe2 is logic zero so that nand gate 250 produces a logic one output to one input of nor gate 252 . thus , the output of nor gate 252 remains at logic zero as long as only one key is played . however , if two or more keys are played , gbe2 is at logic one . thus , cle1 follows the following logic equation : accordingly , if two or more keys have played in the previous scan , at the time slot of the first key played when ck5 goes to logic one , cle1 will go to logic one . thus , cle1 goes to logic one for the lowest or first note played when two or more notes are played but remains at logic zero if only one key is played . cle2 is decoded by nand gate 254 , nand gate 256 , nand gate 258 , nor gate 260 and nand gate 206 . cle2 follows the logic equations : the later equation corresponds to two keys being played since be3 equals logic one for less than three keys and cle1 equals logic one for two or more keys played as defined above . cleh is decoded by nor gate 212 and nand gate 206 . thus , cleh follows the equation : thus , it can be seen that cleh goes to logic one only during the time slot of the highest note played . cle3 is decoded by nand gate 261 , 262 , 264 , nor gate 266 and nand gate 206 in accordance with the following logic equations : the first equation corresponds to a played key being scanned , the system not in hold , data valid , the third key slot enabled , and three or more keys played on the previous scan . if be3 and cleh equals one , cle3 equals cleh equals 1 . this corresponds to less than three keys being played on the previous scan therefore , cle3 and cleh go to logic one for the time slot of the highest note played when less than three keys have been played . the following table indicates the corresponding note time slots for which the cle outputs go to logic one when 1 , 2 , 3 or more keys are played . ______________________________________keys played1 key 2 keys 3 or more keys______________________________________cle1 disabled lowest note lowest notecle2 disabled lowest note second notecle3 highest note highest note third notecleh highest note highest note highest note______________________________________ with reference fig7 a , 7b , 7c , and 7d ; cle1 , cle2 , cle3 , and cleh from fig5 are applied as indicated in fig7 a . also , q7 , q8 , and q9 outputs from ff7 , ff8 , and ff9 in fig4 are connected as indicated . the t2 through t12 outputs from counter and decoder 11 in fig3 are connected as indicated in fig7 a . cle1 through cleh go to logic 1 during the time slot of the played keys in accordance with the previous table . the q7 , q8 and q9 data is the data that decodes into the respective octave slots ( 01 - 06 ). t2 through t12 is decoded by eight nand gates 270 into d1 , d2 , d3 , d4 , d5 , d6 , d7 , and d8 data in accordance with the truth table chart in fig1 a . four programmable counters 272 , 274 , 276 , and 278 are respectively connected as indicated in fig7 b , 7c and 7d . the four programmable counters are identical internally so only programmable counter 272 will be described . integrated circuit latches 280 , 282 and 284 are commercial type 7475 integrated circuits . the gate enable ( g ) inputs of latches 280 - 284 are connected to cle1 . the data inputs ( 1d - 4d ) of latches 280 and 282 are connected as indicated to d1 through d8 . the three data inputs ( 1d - 3d ) of latch 284 are connected to q7 , q8 , and q9 as indicated . the logic state of d1 - d8 at any given moment of time is a function of the inputs t2 - t12 . fig1 a indicates the status of the respective d1 - d8 lines for each time slot corresponding to t1 through t12 . as previously pointed out , cle1 goes to logic one during the time slot for the first played note when two or more keys are played . when this logic one is applied to the g inputs of latches 280 - 284 , the data on the data inputs at that time is clocked through to the indicated q outputs of latches 280 , 282 , and 284 . the q outputs of latches 280 and 282 are connected to the data inputs ( 1d - 4d ) of integrated circuit presettable binary counters 286 and 288 . these binary counters are commercial type 74197 . the output of counter 286 is connected to the clock input of counter 288 and the output ( q4 ) of counter 288 is connected to flip - flop 290 . the q output of flip - flop 290 is connected to the clock ( ck ) input of flip - flop 292 and flip - flops 294 , 296 , 298 , and 300 are all connected to divide - by - two operation . flip - flops 290 - 300 are all commercial type 74107 jk flip - flops . the q output of flip - flop 290 is also connected through capacitor 302 to the count / load ( c / l ) input of counters 286 and 288 . the clock ( ck ) input of counter 286 receives master frequency one ( mf1 ) which is a relatively fixed frequency of approximately 2 megahertz . this mf1 frequency is supplied by rate scaler frequency generator 22 connected to the master frequency generator 23 of the system and can be varied slightly at a subaudio rate to produce vibrato effects as well as varied to slightly detune the output to enhance the ensemble effect . counters 286 and 288 and flip - flop 290 are connected to operate as a nine bit counter and operate to count at 512 ( 2 to the ninth power ). thus , counters 286 and 288 and flip - flop 290 operate to divide mf1 by 512 . the d inputs of counters 286 and 288 are the true inputs which program these counters . thus , depending upon the input logic state of the d inputs , the count of counters 286 and 288 can be varied . looking at fig1 a , it can be seen that the d1 through d8 true code ( inverting d2 and d3 ) for time slot t1 is the binary number for the number 6 0000110 ). thus , counters 280 and 282 are programmed to count by the number 512 minus 6 or by 506 ( see the n column of fig1 a ). the number 6 is loaded into the counter at the end of each cycle when the q output of flip flop 290 transfers a negative pulse to the c / l ( count / load ) input of counters 286 and 288 via capacitor 302 . the c / l input is normally biased to a logic one by resistors 303 and 304 and diode 307 . the junction of diode 307 and resistor 305 is bypassed by capacitor 309 . similarly , taking any of the other t time slots and finding the true binary number representative of the d code for that time slot , it can be seen that the number in the n column of fig1 a is the number by which counters 286 and 288 are programmed to divide mf1 if cle1 goes to logic one during that t time slot . mf1 when divided by these numbers n produces the 12 semitones of the top octave of the manual . flip - flops 292 , 294 , 296 , 298 and 300 divide this frequency down to the each of the lower octaves . as can be seen , each of the q outputs of flip - flops 290 - 300 are respectively connected to one of 6 nand gates 304 in fig7 c . the other two inputs of nand gates 304 are connected to the q outputs of latch 284 . the state of the q outputs of latch 284 when clocked by cle1 represents the state of the q7 , q9 , and q8 inputs which determines the octave time slot in which the actuated key is located . this data is applied to nand gates 304 so that only the nand gate corresponding to the octave of the played key will be enabled to pass that frequency to the output f1 . fig1 b indicates the truth table logic of the q7 , q9 and q8 lines for each of the octave time slots 01 through 06 . assuming the first note time slot t1 for the first octave 01 was the lowest note played , it can be seen that mf1 would be divided by 506 and then divided by flip - flops 290 through 300 . the 0 , 0 , 0 , inputs on latch 284 would be clocked through at cle1 so that the q outputs would be at zero and the q outputs are at one . it can be seen that only the nand gate 304 connected to the q output of flipflop 300 representing the first or lowest octave will be enabled to pass the frequency of the q output of flip - flop 300 . the other nand gates 304 are turned off . similarly , all of the other nand gates 304 are connected only in such a way that they are enabled to pass their respective divided frequency if the state of the q inputs at the time of cle1 is such to indicate that a key in that octave has been played . the digital to analogue converter 271 converts the digital data of programmable counter 272 to analogue voltage v1 as follows . the q and q outputs of the latch 284 are also respectively connected to nand gates 306 and 308 and inverters 310 , 312 and 314 respectively as indicated in fig7 b . the outputs of nand gates 306 and 308 are connected in series to 17 . 8k resistor 316 and 53 . 3k resistor 318 . inverters 310 , 312 and 314 are respectively connected to 120k resistor 320 , 240k resistor 322 and 480k resistor 324 . a 480k resistor 326 is connected from ground to the common bus 328 connected to all of resistors 316 - 326 . bus 328 is connected to the emitter of transistor 330 in fig7 c . the base of transistor 330 is connected through a 1k resistor 332 to a five volt source . the base is also connected through a 2 . 7k resistor 334 to the 4q output of latch 282 and through a 5 . 6k resistor 336 to the 3q output of latch 282 . the 3q and 4q outputs of latch 282 represent the d7 and d8 data clocked through latch 284 . this data controls the biasing of transistor 330 to transistor on . the base voltage of transistor 330 follows the values under column k in fig1 a . the collector of transistor 330 is connected to the input of an operational amplifier 338 and the output of amplifier 338 has been labelled v1 . the output of voltage v1 follows the following equation : where k is the value shown under the column k in fig1 a for the played note time slot , and m is the multiplying factor m shown in fig1 b for the particular octave of the played note . where mf1 is the frequency at the mf1 input , n equals the number under the n column in fig1 a for the particular t time slot , and m equals the multiplying factor m in fig1 b for the octave of the played note . programmable counters 274 , 276 , and 278 operate in the same manner as previously described with respect to programmable counter 272 . programmable counter 274 receives a master frequency mf2 , programmable counter 276 receives a master frequency mf3 , and programmable counter 4 receives a master frequency of mfh . the output voltage vh from programmable counter 278 controls the amount of rate scaling by rate scale frequency generator 22 so that input frequencies mf1 , mf2 , mf3 , and mfh may be shifted very slightly to detune these frequencies very slightly to enhance the orchestral effect , as will be described later . the amount of frequency shift at the lower frequency end is by a greater percentage than at the higher frequency end but not enough to give a fixed difference frequency . the four output frequencies f1 , f2 , f3 , and fh and the four voltages v1 , v2 , v3 and vh are applied to the voltage controlled gate and filter circuits 21 . fig1 - 13 disclose the orientation of fig2 - 7d . with reference to fig1 , a more detailed block diagram of the rate scaler frequency generator 22 is illustrated . master frequency generator 23 provides on three separate leads 352 , 354 , and 356 frequency signals designated f , f , and fm . the fm output is also connected on lead 358 to the top octave frequency generator dividers 25 . leads 352 , 354 , and 356 are connected to rate scaled frequency shifters 360 , the operation of which will be described below . rate scaler frequency generator 22 also comprises a vibrato oscillator 362 which is a conventional vibrato oscillator which generates a vibrato signal at approximately 6 hertz in the manner to be hereinafter described . vibrator oscillator 362 is connected by a lead 364 to a vibrato voltage controlled oscillator 366 . the vibrator voltage controlled oscillator 366 generates an output signal fv at a frequency which is approximately proportional to the magnitude of the input vibrato voltage on lead 364 as illustrated in fig1 . the fv signal is applied on lead 368 to the rate scale frequency shifters 360 and vibrator voltage controlled oscillator 366 also applies a logic voltage signal v s on lead 370 to rate scale frequency shifters 360 . rate scaler frequency generator 22 also comprises a control voltage generator 372 which receives the vh signal on lead 56 from the programmable counter circuits 20 and also gbe2 and gbe1 signals from the mono and enable logic circit 19 . vh is a tracking voltage which is proportional to the frequency of the oscillator assigned to the highest note being played as previously described . gbe1 and gbe2 are signals representative of the number of keys played as previously described . control voltage generator 372 provides two output signals on leads 374 and 376 to control ensemble voltage control oscillator 378 . ensemble voltage control oscillator 378 provides two output signals f delta and 1 / 2 f delta on leads 380 and 382 to rate scale frequency shifters 360 for the purpose that will hereinafter be more fully described . rate scale frequency shifters 360 receive the respective signals on leads 352 , 354 , 356 , 368 , 370 , 380 and 382 to provide output frequency signals mf1 , mf2 , mf3 , and mfh which are applied to the programmable counter circuits 20 as previously described . with reference to fig1 , master frequency generator 23 is a conventional tuneable lc oscillator and divider circuit comprising a tuneable choke coil 384 , capacitor 385 , resistors 386 and 387 , integrated circuit inverter amplifiers 388 , 389 , 390 , 391 , and integrated circuit divider 392 . the output of inverter amplifier 390 is a square wave signal f on lead 352 as illustrated in fig2 . inverter 391 inverts that signal to produce its complement f on lead 354 as illustrated in fig2 and divider 392 divides that signal by two to produce fm on lead 356 illustrated in fig2 . with reference to fig1 , a detailed schematic circuit diagram of the vibrato oscillator 362 is illustrated . the voltage on lead 394 is the supply voltage which turns the vibrato oscillator &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; and controls the amplitude of the output vibrato signal on lead 364 . the voltage on lead 396 is a reference voltage used for the purpose that will be more fully described below . lead 396 is connected to the emitter of transistor 398 whose base is biased by the voltage developed across voltage divider resistors 400 and 402 . transistor 398 also has an emitter load resistor 404 and a collector supply resistor 406 . lead 396 is also connected to the emitter of transistor 408 which is a temperature sensitive transistor . the base emitter drop of transistor 408 is compensated by the base emitter drop of transistor 398 . this compensation maintains a nearly constant threshold voltage at the base of transistor 408 , and accordingly , a stable vibrato output frequency . assuming that the voltage on lead 410 to the base of transistor 408 and the voltage on lead 418 at the collector of transistor 408 are at ground potential , transistor 408 , transistor 412 , and transistor 414 are all biased &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; and transistor 416 is biased &# 34 ; on &# 34 ;. the voltage on lead 418 connected to the collector of transistor 408 and the base of transistor 412 will charge positively through resistor 420 and 422 , and when the voltage on lead 418 reaches approximately 0 . 5 volts , transistor 412 is biased &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; passing current from lead 394 through collector supply resistor 424 and emitter load resistor 426 to ground . at approximately one volt , transistor 414 is also biased &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; thereby effectively grounding the base of transistor 416 through resistor 428 turning transistor 416 &# 34 ; off &# 34 ;. capacitor 430 commences charging through resistor 420 and resistor 432 raising the voltage on lead 418 thereby causing transistors 412 and 414 to be biased &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; more substantially . the voltage on lead 418 is clamped by the base to emitter drop of transistors 412 and 414 and the voltage on lead 410 is charged positively . at about one volt , transistor 408 is biased &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; clamping the voltage on lead 410 and driving the voltage on lead 418 negatively . this causes transistors 412 and 414 to turn &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; and transistor 416 turns &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; driving the voltage on leads 410 and 418 back to ground potential . accordingly , one cycle of the vibrato oscillator has now been completed and the parameters are back to the initial assumed state of ground potential on leads 410 and 418 . the output vibrato signal is coupled through a capacitor 436 and developed across a reference resistor 434 on lead 364 . the reference voltage on lead 394 is developed from the 27 volt voltage source at point 437 through the collector supply resistor 438 and the emitter load resistor 440 connected across transistor 442 . when transistor 442 is biased &# 34 ; on &# 34 ;, reference voltage across resistor 440 is applied to lead 394 and when transistor 442 is biased &# 34 ; off &# 34 ;, lead 394 is essentially grounded through resistor 440 . when the input gbe1 is at a logic &# 34 ; one &# 34 ; ( no notes played ), transistor 444 is biased &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; by diode 446 and resistor 448 . the base of transistor 442 is grounded through transistor 454 biasing transistor 442 &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; so that the reference voltage on lead 394 is grounded turning the vibrato oscillator &# 34 ; off &# 34 ;. when the first note is played gbe1 switches to &# 34 ; zero &# 34 ; logic , and capacitor 450 starts charging through resistor 452 and resistor 454 until the ir drop across resistor 454 is less than one diode drop and transistor 444 is biased . thus , the voltage at the base of transistor 442 approaches the voltage on lead 456 slowly so that transistor 442 is turned &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; slowly . the final voltage on lead 394 , lead 456 , and the base of transistor 442 is determined by resistor 458 , and the setting of variable resistor 460 , when transistor 462 is biased &# 34 ; on &# 34 ;, and by the setting of variable resistor 460 when transistor 462 is biased &# 34 ; off &# 34 ;. transistor 462 is biased &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; when gbe3 is at logic &# 34 ; one &# 34 ; and is biased &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; when obe3 is at logic &# 34 ; zero &# 34 ;. when the first note is played , gbe1 switches to logic &# 34 ; zero &# 34 ;, and the vibrato oscillator turns &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; slowly in a delayed mode . when more than two notes are played , obe3 switches to logic &# 34 ; one &# 34 ;, transistor 462 is biased &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; so that increased voltage is applied on lead 456 , and the magnitude of the vibrato oscillator output signal is increased . with reference to fig1 , a detailed circuit diagram of the vibrato voltage control oscillator 366 is illustrated . the output of the vibrato oscillator 362 is applied on lead 364 through capacitor 464 to the junction of resistors 468 and 470 . capacitor 472 is connected from the other side of resistor 470 to ground . lead 466 is connected from resistor 470 to the base of transistor 474 , and lead 476 is connected to the junction of resistors 477 and 478 . resistors 477 , 478 , diodes 479 and 480 , and resistor 481 are connected between + 27 volts and + 5 volts to establish low impedance reference voltages v2 and v4 . transistor 474 is biased at its base by v2 through resistors 468 and 470 . capacitor 464 is a direct current blocking capacitor and capacitor 472 and resistor 470 filter the vibrato signal to obtain a nearly sinusoidal input to the base of transistor 474 . the emitter of transistor 482 is at voltage v4 . resistor 473 is a current limiting supply resistor for transistor 474 . when no vibrato input signal is applied on lead 364 , transistor 474 is biased such that very little current flows through resistors 484 and 486 so that voltage v6 is approximately one base to emitter drop of transistor 482 below voltage v4 . if transistor 482 is biased &# 34 ; on &# 34 ;, resistors 488 and 489 divide the current from transistor 482 so that transistor 490 is biased &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; and transistor 482 is held &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; by the voltage caused by current flowing through resistor 491 . if transistor 482 is biased &# 34 ; off &# 34 ;, transistor 490 is also biased &# 34 ; off &# 34 ;, and diode 492 supplies enough current through resistor 491 and resistor 493 to hold transistor 482 &# 34 ; off &# 34 ;. this slight hysteresis effect prevents transistors 482 and 490 from oscillating eradically . a slight increased in the voltage v8 in lead 466 turns transistors 482 and 490 &# 34 ; off &# 34 ;. as voltage v8 increases , voltage v10 on lead 494 is clamped by diode 496 ( i . e ., one diode drop above five volts ), and the current increases through resistor 484 and transistor 498 , as well as through resistor 486 and transistor 499 . when voltage v8 swings back to normal voltage bias ( i . e ., v8 equals v2 ), a slight decrease in voltage turns transistors 482 and 490 &# 34 ; on &# 34 ;. as voltage v8 decreases , voltage v6 on lead 493 is clamped by transistor 482 , and voltage v4 across the base to emitter junction of transistor 482 . diodes 500 and 502 and resistors 503 and 504 cause voltage v10 to be biased negatively increasing the current through resistor 484 and transistor 498 as well as through resistor 486 and transistor 499 . from the foregoing , it can be seen that the collector current from transistor 498 and transistor 499 increases with the magnitude of the difference between voltage v8 and v2 ( i . e ., v8 minus v2 greater than zero or v2 minus v8 greater than zero ). voltage vs on lead 370 is above ground &# 34 ; high &# 34 ; when v8 minus v2 is positive and transistor 490 is biased &# 34 ; off &# 34 ;, and is grounded &# 34 ; low &# 34 ; when v8 minus v2 is negative and transistor 490 is biased &# 34 ; on &# 34 ;. for further purposes of explanation , assume initially that voltage v14 on lead 504 equals ground and equals voltage v16 on lead 505 . in this situation , transistors 506 , 597 and 510 are biased &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; and transistors 508 and 509 are biased &# 34 ; on &# 34 ;. the collector current from transistor 499 charges capacitors 511 and 512 . voltage v16 will then increase linearly . when voltage v16 equals one diode drop across transistor 507 , it starts to turn &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; and voltage v18 will decrease to three halves of a diode drop across transistor 507 . resistors 518 and 513 will then bias transistor 509 &# 34 ; off &# 34 ;. when transistor 509 turns &# 34 ; off &# 34 ;, resistor 514 and capacitor 512 supply additional current to speed up the switching action of transistor 507 when the collector current of transistor 499 is barely enough to turn transistor 507 &# 34 ; on &# 34 ;. when transistor 507 is turned &# 34 ; on &# 34 ;, both voltage v14 and voltage v18 equal zero , and voltage v16 is clamped at one base to emittr diode drop across transistor 507 . transistors 506 , 508 , and 509 are biased &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; and transistors 507 , and 510 are biased &# 34 ; on &# 34 ;. resistor 517 is a collector supply resistor for transistor 510 . the collector current of transistor 498 now charges capacitor 511 and voltage v14 becomes positive . the collector current from transistor 498 through capacitor 511 adds to the current from transistor 499 insuring that transistor 507 remains biased &# 34 ; on &# 34 ;. voltage v14 increases until transistor 506 is biased &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; and voltage v14 is clamped to one base to emitter drop across transistor 506 . when transistor 506 turns &# 34 ; on &# 34 ;, voltage v16 starts to decrease . voltage v18 starts to increase until resistors 515 and 516 bias transistor 508 &# 34 ; on &# 34 ;. the resulting decrease in voltage v14 is coupled through capacitor 511 to switch transistor 507 &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; and switch transistor 508 &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; very hard . voltage v14 and voltage v16 now equal zero as originally assumed and the cycle repeats . the output of transistor 510 is at a frequency fv which oscillates at a frequency directly related to the magnitude v8 minus v2 as illustrated in fig1 . as pointed out previously , output logic signal voltage v s is at logic &# 34 ; one &# 34 ; when v8 minus v2 is greater than zero and at logic &# 34 ; zero &# 34 ; when v8 minus v2 is less than zero . with reference to fig2 , a detailed circuit diagram of the ensemble voltage control oscillator 37 is illustrated . this circuit is virtually identical to the right hand portion of the circuit illustrated in fig1 and there is a direct component by component correlation . in fig2 , transistors 520 , 521 , 522 , 523 , and 524 respectively correspond to transistors 508 , 506 , 507 , 509 , and 510 , in fig1 . capacitors 526 and 527 in fig2 directly correspond to capacitors 511 and 512 in fig1 . similarly , resistors 528 , 529 , 530 , 531 , 532 and 533 correspond to resistors 515 , 513 , 514 , 517 , 518 , and 516 in fig1 . this circuit operates in the same manner as the fig1 circuit and the output from transistor 524 is at a frequency f delta on lead 380 . an integrated circuit divider 534 divides f delta to produce one - half f delta on lead 382 . with reference to fig1 , a detailed circuit diagram of the control voltage generator 372 is illustrated . input voltage vh is the tracking voltage the magnitude of which is proportional to the frequency of the oscillator assigned to the highest note being played as previously described . voltage vh is applied through resistor 540 to the base of transistor 541 . transistor 541 inverts vh and supplies current on lead 543 which current is limited by resistor 542 , diode 545 , resistor 544 , and resistor 546 . resistors 544 and 546 form a voltage divider . when the voltage on the cathode of diode 545 is positive with respect to the voltage on the anode of diode 545 , diode 545 is reverse biased and the voltage on the anode is approximately 13 volts . when vh decreases ( with decreasing frequency ), the voltage on the cathode of diode 545 goes negative and doide 545 is forward biased so that the gain of transistor 541 is increased . resistor 548 is connected between the &# 34 ; 27 volt supply and lead 549 . lead 549 is connected to resistors 550 and 552 . resistors 550 and 552 split the current on lead 549 and apply that current by leads 374 and 376 to each side of capacitor 526 in fig2 . the normal current supplied by resistor 548 is sufficient to establish a minimum frequency f delta of approximately 2 . 5 khz . when vh swings negatively from approximately 21 volts to 5 . 5 volts , the frequency f delta increases from 2 . 5 khz to 8 khz . when more than one note is played , gbe2 goes to logic &# 34 ; one &# 34 ; biasing the base of transistor 549 &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; through resistors 554 and 556 . this grounds the cathode of diode 545 and the frequency of f delta is reduced to the range 2 . 5 khz to 4 khz . when the first note is played , gbe1 goes to logic &# 34 ; zero &# 34 ; thereby grounding the voltage supplied by the 5 volt supply through resistor 558 . the base of transistor 559 is switched negative with respect to + 14 volts by capacitor 561 and then charged exponentially through resistor 560 to + 14 volts as capacitor 561 charges . the exponential base voltage generates an exponential current on lead 563 through transistor 559 and resistor 562 . this current is split by diodes 565 and 567 and resistors 564 and 566 and applied by leads 374 and 376 across capacitor 526 in fig2 . this causes f delta to be transiently increased to 30 khz during the onset of the fast attack voices . the transient is negligible by the time the slow attack voices are on . with reference to fig2 , a detailed schematic diagram of the rate scale frequency shifters 360 is illustrated . the input leads 368 and 370 for fv and vs are from fig1 and input leads 380 and 382 for f delta and one - half f delta are from fig2 . assuming vs is at a logic &# 34 ; one &# 34 ; ( i . e ., v 8 - v 2 is greater than zero ), nand gate 570 inverts fv to its compliment fv on lead 572 . the wave form of fv and the other wave forms relating to fig2 are illustrated in fig2 . the input frequency fm to exclusive or gate 574 is at 2 mhz and the input fv is a maximum of 30 khz . therefore , fig2 shows the wave forms just before and after transisitions of fv . exclusive or gate 574 operates such that when the input on lead 572 is at &# 34 ; zero &# 34 ;, fm occurs on output lead 576 , and when lead 572 is at &# 34 ; one &# 34 ; fm occurs on lead 576 as shown by the wave forms fv and fa in fig2 . the output on lead 576 is sampled by an integrated circuit delay flip - flop 578 at the positive transisitions of the four mhz clock frequency f . the output on lead 580 is shown by wave form fb in fig2 . it can be seen that a transition of fv ( positive or negative ) inverts fa and the succeeding sample of fa by flip - flop 578 does not change fb . therefore , two transitions or one cycle is deleted from fb for every cycle of fv . thus , the frequency of fb is the nominal frequency fm minus the vibrato frequency fv . now assuming that the voltage on lead 382 equals the voltage on lead 380 and is at zero , and vs is still logic &# 34 ; one &# 34 ;, integrated circuit inverter 584 inverts vs so that the output lead 585 is at logic &# 34 ; zero &# 34 ;, and nand gate 586 forces a &# 34 ; one &# 34 ; on output lead 587 . exclusive or gates 588 and 589 produce a &# 34 ; one &# 34 ; on outputs 590 and 591 . delay flip - flops 592 and 593 sample outputs 590 and 591 respectively and yield a &# 34 ; one &# 34 ; on output leads 594 and 595 respectively . therefore , exclusive or gates 596 and 598 invert fb on lead 580 and yield fb at the mfh and mf2 outputs . frequency fb is the same frequency as fb but opposite or complement in phase . wave form fa on lead 576 is also supplied to exclusive or gates 600 and 602 . since it has been assumed that the voltage onleads 380 and 382 are zero , the frequency fa appears at the output leads 603 and 604 of exclusive or gates 600 and 602 respectively . flip - flops 605 and 606 sample fa at the positive transitions of f and yield fc ( see fig2 ) on leads 607 and 608 respectively . the &# 34 ; one &# 34 ; on lead 587 is sampled by flip - flop 610 at the positive transitions of f which yields a &# 34 ; one &# 34 ; on lead 611 . as a result , exclusive or gates 612 and 614 invert the output on leads 608 and 607 respectively yielding frequency fc at the mf3 and mf1 outputs . it can be seen from fig2 that frequency fc is also the nominal frequency fm minus the vibrato frequency fv . now assuming that the voltage on leads 380 and 382 are still zero , but that the voltage vs is now also &# 34 ; zero &# 34 ;, nand gate 570 forces the output on lead 572 to &# 34 ; one &# 34 ; and exclusive or gate 574 yields fm on lead 576 . since the voltage on leads 380 and 382 equals zero , exclusive or gates 600 and 602 yield fm on output leads 603 and 604 . flip - flop 578 synchronizes the transitions of fm with the positive transitions of f yielding fd ( see fig2 ) on lead 580 . flip - flops 605 and 606 synchronize the transitions of fm with the positive transitions of f yielding fd ( see fig2 ) on leads 607 and 608 . since vs on lead 370 is at &# 34 ; zero &# 34 ;, inverter 584 forces a &# 34 ; one &# 34 ; output on lead 585 and nand gate 586 yields fv on lead 587 . since the voltage on leads 380 and 382 equal zero exclusive or gates 588 and 589 yield fv on leads 590 and 591 . flip - flops 592 and 593 synchronize the transitions of fv with the positive transitions of f yielding fe on leads 594 and 595 . flip - flop 610 synchronizes the transitions of f with the positive transitions of f yielding ff on lead 611 . the combination of frequencies of ff and fm into exclusive or gates 612 and 614 yields frequency fg ( see fig2 ) at outputs mf3 and mf1 . the combination of frequency fd and fe into exclusive or gates 596 and 598 yields frequency fh at the mfh and mf2 outputs . it can be seen in fig2 that fg and fh have two extra transitions and one extra cycle more than fm for each cycle of fv . therefore , the output frequency is the nominal frequency fm plus the vibrato frequency fv . thus , it can be seen that when vs is at &# 34 ; one &# 34 ; fv is added to fm at each of the mfh , mf1 , mf2 and mf3 outputs . in a similar manner the transitions of one - half f delta on lead 382 will be combined by exclusive or gates 600 with transitions of fv and fm and sampled by flip - flop 605 to add output pulses at the mf3 output . transitions on lead 382 are combined with the transitions on lead 587 by exclusive or gate 589 , synchronized by flip - flop 593 and subtracted from the frequency on lead 580 by exclusive or gate 598 to produce an output on mf2 . similarly , transitions of f delta on lead 380 are subtracted by exclusive or gate 602 , flip - flops 606 , exclusive or gate 614 , to produce the mf1 output . transitions of f delta on lead 380 are added by exclusive or gate 588 , flip - flop 592 exclusive or gate 596 to produce the mfh output . it can be see that if a transition occurs on leads 380 or 382 during the same cycle of f ( from one positive transition to the next ) as a transition of fv occurs , both transitions are missed . since the probability of this occurring is so slight , it cannot be audibly detected . thus , it can be seen that the master frequencies mf1 , mf2 , mf3 , and mfh applied to the programable counters 270 , 274 , 276 and 278 in fig7 a - c are dynamically controlled and shifted very slightly with respect to one another depending on when the first key is played , the number of keys played , the vibrato voltage controlled oscillator 366 , and the ensemble voltage controlled oscillator 378 . it should be apparent that various changes , alterations and modifications may be made to the embodiment illustrated herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims . | 8 |
with reference now to the drawings , and in particular to fig1 through 7 thereof , a new crown installation system 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 7 , the crown installation system 10 generally comprises a kit for forming a crown on a pillar such as a chimney , and a method for forming a crown on a pillar especially employing the kit . the invention is suitable for forming a crown on a pillar or other upwardly extending element having sides and a top . the invention is especially suitable for forming a crown on a chimney , although a crown may be formed on other pillars , such as columns , using the invention . for description purposes , the invention will be described in the context of forming a crown on a chimney . a suitable chimney 2 for employing the kit and method of the invention has a perimeter wall 4 with an outer surface 6 and an upper surface 8 converging at an outer upper perimeter edge 9 . the kit of the invention includes a plurality of form members 12 . each of the form members 12 is adapted for forming a portion of the outer surface 14 of the crown 16 . each of the form members has opposite ends 18 , 19 . each of the form members also has an outer face 20 , a lower face 22 , an upper face 24 , and an inner surface 26 . the inner surface 26 of each of the form members has a contoured portion 28 with a bottom forming surface 30 for forming a portion of the bottom of the crown . the contoured portion 28 of the inner surface 26 of each of the form members also has a side forming surface 32 for forming a portion of the outer surface of the crown . in a highly preferred embodiment of the invention , the bottom forming surface 30 of each of the form members has a protrusion 34 extending along a length of the form members for forming a drip edge 36 in the bottom of the crown ( see fig2 ). the contoured portion 28 of the form members may have various shapes for forming various styles of cornices on the outer surface 14 of the chimney crown 16 . the inner surface 26 of the form member has an interface portion 38 for pressing against the outer surface 6 of the chimney 2 . preferably , the inner surface 26 of the form member has a positioning lip 40 extending outwardly from the form member for positioning the form member 12 with respect to the upper surface of the chimney , with the positioning lip being positionable or restable on the outer upper perimeter edge 9 of the chimney . preferably , each of the form members may be most ideally formed from an expanded rigid polystyrene plastic material , although other lightweight materials may also be used . the kit also includes a plurality of support members 42 for supporting the form members . each of the support members has a front surface 44 for pressing against a portion of the outer face 20 of one of the form members , and each of the support members also has a back surface 46 . each of the support members has a substantially triangular shape with the front surface 44 lying along a longest side of the triangle . the back surface 46 of the support member 42 lies along shorter sides of the triangle . a corner 48 lies between the shorter sides , and is adapted for being pressed by the tension member described below . each of the support members may be most ideally formed from an expanded rigid polystyrene plastic material . the kit also preferably includes a plurality of support brackets 50 for supporting the form members on the chimney . the support brackets 50 are adapted for positioning on the outer upper perimeter edge 9 of the chimney 2 . each of the support brackets 50 has a first portion 52 for resting on the upper surface of the chimney . a second portion 54 of the support brackets is adapted for positioning adjacent to the outer surface 6 of the chimney . a third portion 56 of the support brackets is adapted for having a portion of one of the form members 12 resting thereon , and is adapted for positioning in an extended orientation from the outer surface 6 of the chimney . in one embodiment of the support bracket , the first portion 52 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the second portion 54 . the third portion 56 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the second portion 54 . the first 52 and third 56 portions may thus be oriented substantially parallel to each other . the most preferred support bracket 50 comprises a wire , such as , for example , an approximately 9 gauge wire . the support brackets 50 are preferably positioned on the chimney with spaces of approximately 16 to 18 inches therebetween . the kit also includes a tension member 58 for holding the support members in position against the form members . the tension member 58 preferably includes a perimeter band for extending about the form members and support members , and may also include a tensioning device 59 ( such as a ratcheting band retraction device ) for selectively applying tension to the band illustratively , the perimeter band may comprise a 1 inch width nylon strap . the kit may also include corner engaging members 60 for distributing inward pressure from the band to the support members and the form members . each of the corner engaging members has a first arm 62 and a second arm 63 that intersect at an angle . the corner engaging members 60 may be positioned at the corners at the intersection of the form members for distributing the force of the tension perimeter band and protecting the ends of the form members 12 at places that the band contacts the form members . the corner engaging members 60 may also be positioned on the back surface 46 of the support members . illustratively , each of the corners engaging members 60 has arms 62 , 63 of approximately 3 inches , and the arms have a height of approximately 3 inches . the kit preferably includes a form cutting guide 64 for guiding cutting of the form member ( see fig7 ). the form cutting guide 64 has a perimeter wall 66 defining a lumen 68 . the lumen 68 is adapted to receive a portion of one of the form members 12 . the lumen 68 has a longitudinal axis , and the form cutting guide 64 has an end perimeter edge 70 lying in a plane oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lumen 68 . preferably , the angle is approximately 45 degrees for forming a mitered orthogonal corner between the form members . preferably , the outer face 20 of each of the form members 12 has a channel 71 for receiving a portion of the support member 42 to secure the position of the support member with respect to the form member . the portion of the support member 42 adjacent the front surface 44 is insertable in the channel 71 for locating and retaining the support member in the proper orientation with respect to the form member 12 . preferably , the channel 71 extends along a length of the form member 12 . the invention further includes a method of forming a crown using the elements of the kit . the dimensions of the outer upper perimeter edge of the chimney are measured , including at least a first dimension of a first edge of the outer upper perimeter edge and a second dimension of a second edge of the outer upper perimeter edge . the second edge extends substantially perpendicular to the first edge . preferably , the dimensions of each of the sides is measured to account for any irregularities in the lengths of the sides if the outer upper perimeter edge is asymmetrical . each of the form members is cut to size for the chimney . a first end of the form member is at approximately 45 degrees to the length of the form member , including inserting the form member into the lumen of the form cutting guide . a second end of the form member is then cut to a length such that the interface portion of the inner face of the form member measures approximately equal to the first dimension . a second one of the form members is cut to the second dimension in a manner similar to the first one . additional form members may be cut to the first and second dimensions . the ends of the form members are secured together to form a perimeter form , which in most applications will be rectangular formed by four sides , but could be easily adapted to include forms having three , five , six or more sides depending upon the ultimate shape of the crown to be formed . in one preferred embodiment , a piece of adhesive tape 72 may be applied across adjacent ends of adjacent form members to form a connection therebetween . in one preferred practice of the invention , two pieces of the tape are utilized with one piece being situated in the channel 71 . the support bracket is propped or rested on the chimney adjacent to the outer upper perimeter edge of the chimney . the first portion of the support bracket may be placed on the upper surface of the chimney , and the second portion of the support bracket may be placed against the outer surface of the chimney . the form members of the perimeter form are rested on the chimney . the positioning lip of the form members is placed on the outer upper perimeter edge of the chimney . preferably , one of the corner engaging members is positioned against the adjacent ends of the form members of the perimeter form . in a highly preferred option , the support bracket may be taped or otherwise adhered to the form member at the desired spacing prior to placement of the perimeter form on the outer upper perimeter edge . the support members are abutted against the form members , preferably by placing the front surface of the support members against the outer face of the form member . a front portion of the support member is inserted into a channel formed on the outer face of the form member . preferably , one of the corner engaging members is positioned against the back surface of the support members . on relatively shorter lengths of the form members , a single support member may be used ( see fig3 ). on relatively longer lengths of the form members , two or more support members may be positioned along the form member on one side of the perimeter form ( see fig5 ). ideally , multiple support members should be spaced substantially uniformly apart on a side of the perimeter form . on perimeter forms having relatively long sides , multiple form member pieces may be used and may be attached using , for example , pieces of adhesive tape . crowns with sides as long as 96 inches or more may be formed using multiple form member pieces and multiple support members . preferably , the support members are positioned such that the connections between the form member pieces are located along the front surface of one of the support members . the tension member is extended about the support members and the perimeter form for pressing the support members inward against the form members of the perimeter form . preferably , the perimeter band is extended about the support members and engages the back surface of the support members , and may engage the corners of the perimeter form for providing additional support . a form release agent may be applied to the inner surface of the form members for facilitating separation of the form members from the formed cementitious material after the material has set up . a cementitious material is poured into an interior of the perimeter form and onto the upper surface of the chimney . after the cementitious material has set up , the form members may be pulled away from the chimney crown . the form members may be discarded , while the rest of the kit may be reused on subsequent crown constructions . it has been observed that with careful removal techniques , the form members can be used two or even more times before the form member is too worn to reuse . in one illustrative embodiment , the outer face of the form members has a width of approximately 6½ inches , and the lower face has a width of approximately 3½ inches . the upper face has a width of approximately 1½ inches . the contoured portion of the inner surface has a bottom forming surface with a width of approximately 2⅜ inches , and a side forming surface with a width of approximately ⅜ inches . the positioning lip has a width of approximately ⅜ inch , and protrudes approximately ¼ inch from the interface surface , which has a width of approximately 2½ inches . it will be realized that these illustrative dimensions are approximate , and may be varied , for example , to achieve various shapes for the sides of the crown molding to be formed . 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 . | 4 |
fig1 shows fig1 shows a schematic perspective view onto a conventional swirler 43 . the swirler 43 comprises an annular housing with an inner limiting wall 44 ′, an outer limiting wall 44 ″, an inlet area 45 , and an outlet area 46 . vanes 3 are arranged between the inner limiting wall 44 ′ and outer limiting wall 44 ″. the swirl vanes 3 are provided with a discharge flow angle that does not depend on a distance r from a swirl axis 47 , but is constant throughout the annulus . the leading edge area of each vane 3 has a profile , which is oriented parallel to the inlet flow direction 48 . in the example shown the inflow is coaxial to the longitudinal axis 47 of the swirler 43 . the profiles of the vanes 3 turn from the main flow direction 48 to impose a swirl on the flow , and resulting in an outlet - flow direction 55 , which has an angle relative to the inlet flow direction 48 . the main flow is coaxial to the annular swirler . the outlet flow is rotating around the axis 47 of the swirler 43 . the present invention improves the swirl vanes 3 by providing them with a discharge flow angle that varies with distance r . fig2 shows two examples of dependences of the discharge or exit flow angle α on the radial distance r to the swirler axis 47 , wherein the dependences are implicitly defined by the function : the dashed line is for an exponent value β = 1 and the solid line for an exponent value β = 10 . r norm is defined as r norm [ dimensionless ]= r [ in meters ]/ r max [ in meters ]; r norm is normalized with the maximum value r max of the distance r to the swirler axis 47 value , hence dimensionless . for β = 1 : k has a value of about 1 . 5 . h has a value of about − 0 . 33 . for β = 10 : k has a value of about 0 . 8 . h has a value of about 0 . 36 . fig3 shows two embodiments of the swirler blade 3 that both satisfy the above mentioned function of fig2 with β = 1 ( fig3 ( a ) ) and β = 10 ( fig3 ( b ) ). the swirler vanes 3 shown in fig3 extend from a leading edge 38 to a trailing edge 39 . the leading edge area of each vane 3 has a profile , which is oriented essentially parallel to the inflow . the inflow is coaxial to the longitudinal axis 47 of the swirler 43 . the profiles of the vanes 3 turn from the main flow direction 48 , i . e . in downstream direction the streamline profile twists and bends such as to form a smoothly shaped suction side 31 and pressure side 32 . this shape imposes a swirl on the flow and results in an outlet - flow direction , which has an angle relative to the inlet flow direction 48 . the main flow is coaxial to the annular swirler . the outlet flow is rotating around the axis 47 of the swirler 43 . in the embodiment of vanes according to fig3 , both edges 38 , 39 are each essentially straight and each arranged in a plane normal to axis 47 . the trailing edge 39 is , with respect to the leading edge 38 , vertically shifted in fig3 ( out of the drawing layer , i . e . trailing edge 39 lies above leading edge 38 ). as depicted in fig3 , the trailing edge 38 is also horizontally shifted ( to the left in the drawing layer ). furthermore , the trailing edge 39 is rotated clockwise by about 20 degrees with respect to the leading edge 38 . the suction side 31 ( facing to the left in fig3 ) and the pressure side 32 ( facing to the right in fig3 ) extend from the leading edge 38 downstream to the trailing edge 39 . the surface progression of sides 31 and 32 is smooth . the suction side 31 is essentially concavely shaped in the direction of the axis 47 and the pressure side 32 is essentially convexly shaped in the direction of the axis 47 . in the direction of the leading edge 38 , the suction side 31 of vane 3 according to fig3 ( a ) is essentially flat or slightly concavely shaped and the suction side 31 of vane 3 according to fig3 ( b ) is concavely shaped , whereas the pressure side 32 of vane 3 according to fig3 ( a ) is essentially flat or slightly convexly shaped and the pressure side 32 of vane 3 according to fig3 ( b ) is essentially convexly shaped . the trailing edge 39 is essentially straight and rotated , i . e . it runs , with increasing r , in the direction in which the pressure side 32 faces . the discharge flow angle α increases with increasing distance r . the vanes 3 in fig3 cause the gas flow on the pressure side 32 to be driven toward the minimum radius r min , thereby filling the inner part of the annulus , while the gas flow on suction side 31 is driven radially outwardly toward the maximum radius r max , thereby filling the outer part of the annulus . at the trailing edge 39 of fig3 ( a ) three positions , i . e . three values for the radial distance r are indicated , namely for a minimum value r min , an intermediate value r i , and a maximum value r max . at all three positions a parallel line 47 ′ to the swirl axis 47 is indicated as a dashed - dotted line . furthermore , a camber line 36 ( see dashed line in fig3 ), given by a cut of a center surface between surfaces 31 , 32 of vane 3 and cross - sectional plane , is indicated as solid line at positions r min , r i , r max . the corresponding α - values are indicated as α ( r min ), α ( r i ), α ( r max ). it is apparent , that α is increasing with increasing r . fig4 shows in each subfigure ( a ) and ( b ) a schematic perspective view of the swirl vanes 3 as arranged in the axial swirler 43 . the annular housing around swirler axis 47 , with limiting walls 44 , 44 ″, inlet 45 , and outlet 46 are not shown . the inner limiting wall 44 ′ of the housing is indicated by a dashed circle . in fig4 , the r - dependence of the discharge flow angle α is following the above mentioned tan - function with β = 1 . eight swirl vanes 3 are shown . between the swirl vanes 3 , i . e . between a convex pressure side 32 of one vane 3 and a concave suction side 31 of a circumferentially adjacent vane 3 , flow slots 33 with a gas entrance region 34 in the upstream third near the leading edge 38 and a gas discharge region 35 in the downstream third near the trailing edge 39 are formed . each swirl vane 3 has a straight leading edge 38 and a curved trailing edge 39 . the trailing edge 39 is convexly curved with respect to the suction side 31 . such curved trailing edge allows achievement of the desired radial distribution of □( r ) without moving the position of maximum camber too close to the extreme positions ( leading and trailing edges ), i . e . within 30 % distance from the leading edge and 20 % distance from the trailing edge . in fig4 ( a ) a high swirl configuration , i . e . a swirler with a low swirl number s n of 0 . 7 is shown , whereas in fig4 ( b ) a swirler with a lower swirl , i . e . with a lower swirl number than the embodiment in fig4 ( a ) is shown ( s n of about 0 . 5 to 0 . 6 ). in other words , the vanes 3 of the embodiment of fig4 ( a ) are more twisted than the vanes 3 of the embodiment of fig4 ( b ) . in fig4 ( a ) fuel nozzles 50 are shown , which are arranged on the pressure side 32 of each vane 3 . the six fuel nozzles 50 of one vane 3 are arranged in an essentially straight or straight line , essentially parallel or parallel to the leading edge 38 , in the upstream third of the vane 3 , i . e . in the gas entrance region 34 . in fig4 ( b ) the fuel nozzles 50 are arranged on the pressure side 32 as described above and , additionally , the suction side 31 is provided with nozzles 50 . the fuel nozzles 50 on the suction side 31 are also arranged in the gas entrance region 34 , such that one fuel nozzle 50 from the suction side 31 is opposite one nozzle 50 on the pressure side 32 of the same vane 3 . fuel injection through fuel nozzles 50 on both sides 31 , 32 leads to a higher mixing quality , as fuel injected from pressure side 32 is driven by the flow toward the minimum radius r min , thereby filling the inner part of the annulus , while fuel injected from the suction side 31 is driven radially outwardly toward r max , thereby filling the outer part of the annulus . the unmixedness of the fuel - air mixture after premixing with swirler 43 is decreased by a factor of about 10 when changing from one - side fuel injection to two - side fuel injection . unmixedness represents a measure of fuel / air premixing at molecular level in a turbulent flow . the definition is such that unmixedness is zero ( u = 0 ) for fully molecularly premixed condition and one ( u = 1 ) for molecularly segregated conditions . fig5 shows the ( non - dimensional ) pressure drop dp * with as a function of the swirl number s n from experiments and cfd calculations . it clearly shows that the pressure drop dp * decreases for smaller swirl numbers s n . fig6 shows the dependence of the swirl number s n on the parameter β for α ( r min )= 20 degrees and α ( r max )= 50 degrees . it is apparent that a β - value of about 7 may be chosen to reach the minimum swirl number of about 0 . 4 for vortex breakdown . i . e . with β ≈ 7 vortex breakdown is achieved with sn ≈ 0 . 4 . s n = ∫ r min r max u w r 2 ⅆ r r max ∫ r min r max u 2 r ⅆ r with the radius of the swirler r , the axial component of the velocity u and tangential components of velocity w at radius . fig7 shows in ( a ) and ( b ), from a downstream end , examples of an annular combustors with burners 1 comprising swirlers 43 with swirl vanes 3 with a discharge flow angle α according to invention . the burners 1 are distributed equally spaced on circle around the center axis of a gas turbine and discharge the combustible mixture of fuel and gas into an annular combustor . in the example shown in fig7 ( a ) each burner 1 comprises one swirler 43 . the vanes 3 are indicated schematically . in the example shown in fig7 ( b ) exemplarily a number of five swirlers 43 are arranged in a circular pattern in each burner 1 . the burners of fig7 ( a ) and ( b ) can also be used in combination with a plurality of can combustors instead of in one annular combustor . | 5 |
with reference to fig1 it can be seen that the apparatus according to the present invention generally comprises a draining grid assembly , indicated as a whole by reference 10 , and a press module , indicated as a whole by reference 12 . this press module is of the conventional double cloth type and comprises essentially filter cloths 14 , 14 &# 39 ; which run over pressing rollers 16 and are driven by a variable - speed motor ( not shown in the figure ). since this part of the machine is , furthermore , well known , it will not be described here . the sludge to be treated is introduced with a polyelectrolyte by means of a pipe 18 which feeds a distribution trough 20 . the sludge then overflows onto a draining grid 22 , through which it passes under the thrust of a series of scrapers 24 , which are driven by a double chain 26 to which they are attached , as can be seen clearly in fig1 and 2 . the interstitial water flows away through grid 22 and the separation of the sludge from the water is promoted by the construction of the sludge rollers rotating about themselves on grid 22 , when scrapers 24 move . at the end of the grid the sludge spills over onto filter cloth 14 , which conveys it towards the pressing zone with the aid of a baffle 28 , the plane of grid 22 and the plane of cloth 14 of the press part being then as close as possible to each other , since they are no longer separated by the washing system , given that the latter , according to the invention , is situated above grid 22 . after passing under a compacting roller 30 the sludge is then taken between the two cloths 14 and 14 &# 39 ; of the pressing - belt filter module 12 which , as explained below , forms part of the prior art and will not be described here . the grid 22 is washed at regular intervals with the aid of a movable rack carrying nozzles and without stopping the sludge feed . the grid - washing system provided by the present invention is illustrated in detail by fig2 to 4 , to which reference is now made . a movable washing rack 32 is provided with a plurality of jets in the form of nozzles 34 pointing downwards . rack 32 can move with an alternating horizontal translational motion , sliding by means of two guides 38 , 38 &# 39 ; along two guide tubes 36 , 36 &# 39 ; fitted with stops 40 , 40 &# 39 ; at each of their ends . furthermore , chain 26 which carries scrapers 24 comprises two scrapers near each other 42 , 44 , between which movable rack 32 is placed . these scrapers 42 , 44 are fitted with spring blades such as 46 , one of whose ends is applied to rack 32 . the presence of these spring blades makes it possible for movable washing rack 32 to be driven according to the movement referred to above . the supply of water under pressure to the movable rack is obtained with the aid of a flexible pipe 33 which moves in an opening 35 provided in one of the side walls of the apparatus . when scrapers 42 , 44 pass , the spring blades 46 push the rack 32 from the position limited by the stops 40 as far as the position limited by the stops 40 &# 39 ;. there , the spring blades 46 escape below the rack 32 , since the latter is stopped and they start pushing the rack 32 again , above the latter , when the upper strand of the chain 26 moves , in the reverse direction from the stops 40 &# 39 ; to the stops 40 . when the rack 32 reaches the stops 40 the spring blades 46 escape again , for just the time needed to return to the initial thrust position , as shown in fig2 . according to the invention , two contacts , electrical or pneumatic , are provided at the location of the end stops 40 , 40 &# 39 ;, in order to actuate an automatic valve responsible for supplying the rack with water under pressure when this rack moves from the stops towards the stops 40 &# 39 ; and to shut off the water supply when the rack reaches the stops 40 &# 39 ;. washing of grid 22 is therefore carried out from above , between the scrapers 42 , 44 , entraining a very small quantity of sludge which has been trapped between these two scrapers . the arrangement of the two scrapers near each other 42 , 44 offers two advantages : on the one hand , it increases the washing efficiency by concentrating the energy of the washing water on a limited area ; and on the other hand , the dilution due to the washing water affects only a very small quantity of sludge which is included between these two scrapers . it will be noted , in particular in fig4 that the height h under the grid 22 can be very low , since this height is dimensioned merely to ensure the flow of the draining water . it is this low height which allows the sludge to pass from the draining zone to the pressing zone without damaging the structure of the sludge which is flocculated with the polymers . furthermore , according to a preferred embodiment of the invention , grid assembly 10 and the double cloth filter module 12 are superposed from head to tail ( see fig1 ), and this makes it possible to place one above the other the outlets for sludge thickened on the grid and dehydrated sludge . it therefore becomes particularly simple , for example by switching the baffle 28 , to use the same apparatus ( pump , screw and the like ) to pick up the thickened sludge or the dehydrated sludge , depending on the final description of the product . it remains obvious that the present invention is not limited to the examples of embodiment described and / or shown here , but that it includes all the alternative forms . | 1 |
referring now to the drawings , and particularly to fig1 through 4 , the apparatus of the present invention is illustrated and generally designated by the numeral 10 . in fig1 and 2 , the apparatus 10 is shown mounted to structural members 12 of a derrick and engaging a pair of suspended pipe sections 14 whereby the pipe sections are aligned with the uppermost threaded box end of a pipe section 16 clamped in the derrick floor or worktable 18 . in fig3 and 4 , the apparatus 10 is illustrated in the lowered and disengaged position . the apparatus 10 is comprised of rotary axle means , generally designated by the numeral 20 , adapted for horizontal attachment to the structural members 12 of a rig or derrick . the rotary axle means 20 include a pair of journal boxes 22 adapted for attachment to the structural members 12 by bolting , welding , etc . a horizontal axle 24 is journaled within and between the journal boxes 22 and a sprocket 26 is attached to the axle 24 . a chain 28 adapted to engage the teeth of the sprocket 26 is provided , one end of which is attached to the sprocket 26 and the other end attached to the operative arm 31 of a conventional fluid pressure operated power cylinder 30 . as will be understood , a variety of linkages between the power cylinder 30 and the axle 24 of the apparatus 10 can be utilized in lieu of the sprocket and chain arrangement illustrated in the drawings so long as the linkage used and power cylinder 30 are capable of rotating the axle 24 through at least 90 °. a frame , generally designated by the numeral 32 , having a forward end 34 and a rearward end 36 is provided , the rearward end 36 being attached to the axle 24 of the rotary axle means 20 . the frame 32 can take a variety of forms and in the embodiment illustrated in the drawings includes a pair of elongated frame members 38 positioned parallel to each other , the rearward ends of which are welded or otherwise attached to the axle 24 . a pair of additional frame members 40 are attached to the axle 24 at their rearward ends and to the frame members 38 at their forward ends to provide overall strength and rigidity to the frame 32 . a flat horizontally positioned plate 42 is attached to the top surface of the frame members 38 at the forward end 34 of the frame 32 . pivotally attached to the plate 42 are a pair of guide jaws 44 and 46 . the guide jaws 44 and 46 are each of a generally crescent shape with the rearward ends thereof pivotally attached to the plate 42 by means of a pin 48 . the guide jaws 44 and 46 are positioned so that when in the closed position as illustrated in fig1 and 2 , the concave portions thereof face each other and form a generally circular enclosure within which the pipe section 14 is engaged and confined . an upstanding plate 48 is provided attached to the plate 42 and an upstanding plate 50 positioned rearwardly of the plate 48 is attached to the frame members 38 . positioned between and attached to the plates 48 and 50 is a shaft 52 , and slidably positioned on the shaft 52 is a sleeve member 54 having a forward end 56 and a rearward end 58 . attached to the forward end 56 of the sleeve member 54 are a pair of horizontally positioned outwardly extending lugs 60 and 62 . a pair of linking members 64 are pivotally attached to the lug 60 and a pair of linking members 66 are pivotally attached to the lug 62 . the forward ends of the linking members 64 are pivotally attached to the guide jaw 44 and the forward ends of the linking members 66 are pivotally attached to the guide jaw 46 . a second pressurized fluid operated power cylinder 68 is mounted on the upstanding plate 50 and a second plate 70 both of which are attached to the frame members 38 of the frame 32 . the operating arm 72 of the power cylinder 68 is connected to the rearward end 58 of the sleeve 54 by means of a pin 74 . a two - way spring loaded valve 76 is attached to the forward end 34 of the frame 32 having a contact plate 78 attached to the operating shaft 80 thereof . the contact plate 78 can take various forms but preferably is elongated horizontally whereby it spans a major portion of the distance between the guide jaws 44 and 46 when in the open position . referring now to fig5 one form of conduit and valve control system which can be utilized for effecting the remote control and operation of the apparatus 10 is illustrated diagrammatically . the first and second power cylinders 30 and 68 described above and illustrated in fig1 - 4 are shown in fig5 as is the two - way valve 76 , and the operating shaft 80 and contact plate 78 thereof . a foot operated valve assembly , generally designated by the numeral 82 , is provided including a two - way valve 84 and a three - way valve 86 operated by a single shaft 88 to which a foot plate 90 is attached . as will be understood , the valve assembly 82 is of conventional construction and includes a latching mechanism or the equivalent whereby when the foot pedal 90 is depressed the valves 84 and 86 are moved to one position until the foot pedal is again depressed which causes the valves 84 and 86 to change position . a source of pressurized fluid 92 , such as pressurized air , is connected to an inlet port of the three - way valve 86 of the valve assembly 82 by a conduit or hose 94 . one of the outlet ports of the three - way valve 86 is connected to the power cylinder 30 by conduit or hose 96 . the inlet port of the valve 76 is connected to the conduit or hose 94 by a conduit or hose 98 and the outlet port of the two - way valve 76 is connected to the pressurized fluid inlet connection of the power cylinder 68 by a conduit or hose 100 . one of the ports of the two - way valve 84 of the foot operated valve assembly 82 is connected to the conduit or hose 100 by a conduit or hose 102 and the other port of the two - way valve 84 and one of the outlet ports of the three - way valve 86 of the assembly 82 are open to the atmosphere or connected to a vent . as shown in fig5 the power cylinder 30 includes a piston 104 connected to the operating arm 31 thereof and a spring 106 positioned on the opposite side of the piston 104 whereby when pressurized fluid is communicated to the cylinder 30 by way of the conduit or hose 96 , the operating arm 31 is moved downwardly and when the pressurized fluid is exhausted from the cylinder 30 , the operating arm 31 is moved upwardly by the spring 106 . in like manner , the second power cylinder 68 includes a piston 108 connected to the operating arm 72 thereof and a spring 110 is disposed in the cylinder 68 whereby when pressurized fluid is conducted to the power cylinder 68 by way of the conduit or hose 100 , the operating arm 72 is extended and when the pressurized fluid is exhausted from the cylinder 68 , the spring 110 causes the operating arm 72 to be retracted . in operation of the apparatus 10 , and referring to fig1 and 5 , when one or more pipe sections 14 are suspended in a derrick and are positioned over one or more pipe sections 16 extending within the well bore of a well with the top threaded box end positioned above the derrick floor 18 as illustrated in fig1 the foot operated valve assembly 82 is operated whereby pressurized fluid , such as pressurized air , is caused to flow from the source 92 thereof by way of the conduit or hose 94 through the three - way valve 86 and into the power cylinder 30 by way of the conduit or hose 96 . the introduction of pressurized fluid into the power cylinder 30 causes the operating arm 31 thereof to move downwardly which in turn moves the chain 28 downwardly and causes the sprocket 26 and the axle 24 thereof to rotate whereby the frame 32 and the guide jaws 44 and 46 attached thereto are moved from a lowered position ( fig3 ) to a horizontal position ( fig1 ). the guide jaws 44 and 46 remain in the open position as illustrated in fig4 until the suspended pipe sections 14 are brought into contact with the contact plate 78 of the two - way valve 76 attached to the forward end 34 of the frame 32 . when the pipe sections 14 contact the contact plate 78 , the shaft 80 connected thereto , is moved inwardly which opens the two - way valve 76 and causes pressurized fluid conducted to the valve 76 by way of the conduit or hose 98 to flow through the conduit or hose 100 into the power cylinder 68 . the introduction of pressurized fluid into the power cylinder 68 causes the operating arm 72 thereof to be extended which in turn moves the sleeve 54 forwardly on the shaft 52 . with the movement of the sleeve 52 forwardly , the linking members 64 and 66 are also moved forwardly which causes the guide jaws 44 and 46 to be pivoted around the pin 48 and to close on one of the pipe sections 14 as illustrated in fig1 and 2 . once the apparatus 32 has engaged the suspended pipe sections 14 , the pipe sections 14 are aligned with the pipe sections 16 and the pipe sections 14 are prevented from bowing whereby the threaded joints of the pipe sections 14 and 16 can be engaged without damaging the threads thereof . once the joinder of the pipe sections 14 and 16 has been completed , the foot operated valve assembly 82 is again operated which changes the position of the two - way valve 84 and three - way valve 86 thereof whereby the power cylinder 30 is communicated to the atmosphere or to a vent by way of the conduit or hose 96 and the valve 86 . simultaneously , the valve 84 is opened whereby the power cylinder 68 is communicated to the atmosphere or to a vent by way of the conduit or hose 102 . the venting of the power cylinders 30 and 68 causes the operating arm 31 of the power cylinder 32 to be moved upwardly which in turn lowers the frame 32 and the operating arm 72 of the power cylinder 68 to be retracted which opens the guide jaws 44 and 46 . the elevator of the derrick is then lowered whereby the pipe sections 14 joined with the pipe sections 16 are lowered into the well bore and the uppermost threaded joint of the pipe sections 16 positioned at the worktable 18 of the derrick . additional pipe sections are then suspended in the derrick and the apparatus 10 is again operated in the manner described above to align the pipe sections while they are being joined . thus , the apparatus of the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends mentioned as well as those inherent therein . while numerous changes in the construction and arrangement of parts , such as the use of a remote control system which utilizes hydraulic fluid rather than pressurized air , will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art , such changes are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the appended claims . | 4 |
referring to fig1 the netting system is shown is one embodiment with a netting unit , designated generally by the reference numeral 10 installed under a large mature tree 12 , shown in phantom . the netting unit 10 is interconnected with netting units of adjacent trees by a tension line 14 interconnecting the tips 15 of diagonally adjacent support struts 16 . the support struts 16 are utilized to maintain the netting unit 10 in an open condition under adverse weather conditions . in the preferred embodiment , four elongated struts 16 are utilized and are sufficient to maintain the net in an open condition on a single tree . although three or more struts may be employed in the netting unit , four struts are preferred for use in orchards where the trees are arranged in orthogonal rows . this enables the tips 15 of the struts of adjacent trees to be proximately positioned for interconnection by the tie lines 14 for effective use of the netting system in an orchard . the four struts 16 are fabricated from semi - rigid materials such as bamboo pole , semi - rigid wire , or preferably three - quarter inch , schedule forty , pvc conduit having a one inch outside diameter . although the conduit is somewhat more flexible than bamboo , the availability of conventional pvc water conduit in substantial quantities renders the material attractive for large orchard installations . the uniformity of the material permits a uniform installation using a consistent design . furthermore , the use of the particular cross - brace structure described herein enables the flexibility of the conduit to be used to advantage in providing an aesthetically pleasing structure when installed . the configuration of the installed netting unit 10 is substantially that of an inverted , truncated pyramid with the struts defining the edges , and providing a curved warp to the netting surface by the outward bend of the middle of the angled struts . in the embodiments of fig1 as shown also in fig2 - 4 , the struts 16 comprise twenty foot lengths of conduit that are arranged such that with one end of the strut 16 is wedged in the ground abutting the base 12a of the trunk 12b of the tree 12 , the tip 15 of the strut projects approximately ten feet above the ground . this low elevation enables installation to be accomplished utilizing a conventional ladder or other ordinary elevational means that can be arranged in the field . the elevation is sufficiently high to enable maintenance or crop collection vehicles to pass between trees . the struts 16 are supported in the incline position by a cross - brace structure 18 interconnecting the struts with the trunk 12b of the tree 12 . the cross - brace structure 18 includes crossed brace members 19 with nylon lines 20 which are connected at one end to the struts 16 by a plastic bracket 22 that is shown in greater detail in fig2 and 3 . the plastic bracket 22 has a ring split 24 which enables the bracket to be installed around the tubular strut 16 and fastened in place by a quick setting glue . the pair of lines 20 connected to the bracket 22 on each strut 16 are connected at their opposite end to the ends of the brace member 19 . for the mature tree of fig1 each brace member 19 comprises a length of one - by - one wood stock approximately four feet in length . the tension lines 20 provide stability to maintain the appropriate positioning and incline to each strut 16 and to the unit 10 on assembly . to prevent winds from lifting the struts from their anchor position at the base of the tree , it is preferred that the bracket be positioned for fastening the struts one quarter or one third distance from their distal ends . because of the unwieldy length of the struts 16 for the large or mature tree 12 , an installation device 21 is used to assist the installer in positioning the strut 16 in a correct orientation . the installation device 21 not only allows erection to be accomplished by an individual , if necessary , but provides for general uniformity when erecting nets in an orchard . a brace member 19 is first pinned to the tree 1 about six feet above the ground by a nail 30 or other fastening means and the strut 16 is supported on the installation device 21 with one end 42 wedged into the ground at the base 12a of the tree . alternately , the struts can be anchored by tying the ends to a belt or rope encircling the trunk . an l - channel 32 mounted on the end of a telescoping extension 34 is oriented in a v - position to form a trough in which the strut rests . the extension 34 extends from the body 36 of the installation device 28 and the body 36 is supported on a tri - pod 38 set on the ground . the appropriate height for a given distance from the base 12a of the tree 12 is obtained by adjusting the extension 34 and fixing the height of the l - channel 32 , using a turn - screw clamp 40 . with one end 42 of the strut 16 wedged in the soil material 44 around the base of the tree , the tip 15 projects into the air approximately ten feet above the ground . in macadamia nut orchards , the soil 44 is commonly lava rock and anchoring of the end 42 of the strut 16 may be accomplished by use of wedging rock 46 . with the strut 16 in position resting on the installation device 21 , the tie lines 20 are fastened to the ends of the cross brace 19 and to the plastic bracket 22 , which has been glued to the strut 16 at a convenient location . after the four struts have been positioned and secured with the tie lines 20 , a top perimeter line 50 is fastened to the tips 15 of the struts 16 . preferably , the tip 15 has been equipped with cross pegs 52 to prevent the perimeter line 50 from slipping up or down the strut tip 15 when secured by a simple clove hitch . the ends ( not shown ) of the line 50 can simply be tied together between or at a strut tip 15 . after the perimeter line 50 is secured , four trapezoidal net panels 54 are draped from the line 50 , being secured at the top by a series of ties 56 , which can comprise short segments of line or plastic quick connectors 58 . the plastic quick connectors , which are small straps with a cross corregated surface that locks in a slot housing 57 , are preferred for spaced use along the struts 16 to connect the panels 54 to the struts 16 as shown in fig2 . the wedge - shaped or trapezoidal panels 54 are truncated at the inverted tip 54a to provide open space at the base 12a of the trunk 12b for insertion of a pair of rectangular collection baskets 60 , one of which is shown in fig1 and 10 . together , the four panels form a truncated , inverted pyramid that directs falling fruit or nuts to the positioned baskets at the trunk . the collection baskets 60 are fabricated from a one - piece wire screen 62 , and preferably are shaped to maintain the collected nuts off the ground by use of added corner pedestals 64 . the pedestals 64 are shaped from folded , square , corner sections removed from the screen 62 when forming the sides of the basket 60 . two baskets 60 are positioned between the four struts 16 at the base 12a of each tree 12 . part of one side 66 and the bottom are cut and spliced to accommodate the tree trunk 12b and the intermediate strut 16a . a second basket ( not shown ) abuts the basket shown in fig1 , with the common side 66 bent to accommodate the struts 16 . the baskets can be manually dumped during periodic harvest , or a vacuum device can be used to hose out the containers for semi - automated collection . with reference to fig5 and 6 , smaller trees 70 utilize a similar netting unit 72 as provided for the larger trees 12 . the netting unit 72 includes four struts 74 with one end 76 of each strut lodged in the ground adjacent the base of the tree 70 . a cross brace structure 78 connects diametrically opposite struts 74 with cross members 80 . at the intersection 82 of the cross members 80 , the members are taped or tied together by a strap 84 which encircles the trunk of the tree 70 and stabilizes the cross brace structure 78 relative to the tree . preferably , the struts 74 and cross brace members 80 are formed from one - half inch , schedule forty , pvc , having a three - quarter inch outside diameter . the struts 74 and cross brace members 80 are interconnected using lateral fittings 86 which are preferably split in a manner similar to the line brackets 22 for ease of assembly . a top perimeter line 88 having loops 90 connect to the distal end 94 of the struts 74 and are retained in end notches 96 as shown in fig6 . the net panels 98 are suspended from the perimeter line 88 from which they are attached using plasticcoated , wire twists 100 . similarly , the panels 98 are secured together along their edges and to the struts 74 by similar twists 102 . a pair of collections baskets 60 of the type shown in fig1 are placed under the nets to gather the nuts for periodic collection . the nets are preferably of monofilament , interconnected web construction , preferably having one - quarter to one - half inch square openings . this material is suitable for macadamia nuts , and fruit and nuts having larger or smaller diameters may utilize netting having different size webbing , accordingly . all lines are preferably nylon to withstand the outdoor environment , and all materials are generally selected to be weather and sun resistant to maximize the capital investment of a net equipped orchard . referring now to fig1 - 14 , an alternate embodiment of the net system is shown . in the construction of the net system of fig1 , a net unit , designated generally by the reference numeral 150 is shown with semi - rigid struts 152 tied to trapezoidal net panels 154 , with wire ties 156 . the net panels 154 have a top perimeter line 158 that is threaded through the top edge of the net panels and connected to the end of the wire struts 152 . the ends 160 of the struts 152 are bent around guy cables 162 to intersect at the upper trunk 164 of a mature tree 12 . the guy cables 162 are attached to the tree 12 by eye - screws 166 as shown in fig1 . preferably , the cable is allowed to linearly displace in the eye - screw 166 to reduce tension on the cable in the event of high winds and tree motion . the cables 162 extend to the edge of the orchard where they are connected to an end pole 168 and secured to an anchoring stake 170 that is firmly set into the ground . the net panels 154 form a cone - like trapezoidal funnel directing nuts and fruit down toward the base 172 of the tree . the bottom edge of the trapezoidal net structure may be interconnected with a similar semi - rigid , but bendable wire 174 , which may be anchored to a collection basket 60 one half of which is shown in fig1 . simple ties 176 can be used to interconnect the base wire 174 with the basket 60 . the upper end 160 of the wire struts 152 are interconnected to the diagonally adjacent strut member 152a of the adjacent tree 12a as shown in fig1 . where for reasons of poor spacing of trees or other inconsistencies , the ends of the struts cannot be stretched to directly interconnect , a tie line as in fig1 can be utilized for the interconnection . simply connecting to the guide cable may cause slippage during high winds and the like , and interconnection with the net system of a neighboring tree is preferred . as shown in fig1 , the net array takes on a pattern where approximately one half of the projected ground area is covered by net . the guy cables 162 intersect in a matrix at the trunk of each tree . note that in fig1 , foliage shown in phantom for one tree would generally obscure the net from a aerial view . referring now to fig1 and 14 , a modification to the embodiment of fig1 is shown wherein struts 180 are formed from the lengths of plastic conduit of the type show with reference to fig1 . the strut 180 is formed of a conduit pole 182 with bent wire insets 184 and 186 inserted in each end of the conduit pole 182 . the upper inset 186 connects to the guy cable 162 and concurrently to the inset of the diagonally adjacent net unit . the lower inset 184 has a downwardly bent prong 188 that is installed into a strap 190 that encircles the base of the tree . a basket ( not shown ) is installed under the net unit 150 in the manner previously described . except for the structural difference in the strut 180 , the netting system operates in the same manner as that disclosed with reference to fig1 . while , in the foregoing , embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention , it may be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such detail without departing from the spirit and principles of the invention . | 0 |
the polymerization time varies as a function of the composition of the mixture , and of the type of plasticizer used . in particular , it decreases with increasing libf 4 concentration , and when propylene carbonate is used as the dipolar aprotic liquid . the membranes obtained according to this particular aspect of the present invention result to be very easily handeable and display extremely good adhesive properties . in general , according to the present invention , in the step ( 1 ) the molar ratio of the divinyl ether ( ii ) to the vinyl ether ( i ) is preferably comprised within the range of from 8 : 92 to 20 : 80 , the amount of ionic compound is comprised within the range of from 5 to 20 % by weight , and the amount of dipolar aprotic liquid is comprised within the range of from 50 to 80 % by weight . the vinyl ether ( i ) can be prepared by reacting ethyl vinyl ether : with a polyoxyethylene glycol monoether , which may be represented with the formula : wherein r and n have the same meaning as reported hereinabove with regard to formula ( i ). the reaction is carried out in the liquid phase , with an excess of compound ( iii ) relatively to the compound ( iv ), preferably at the reaction mixture refluxing temperature under room pressure and in the presence of a transesterification catalyst . specific examples of catalysts suitable for the intended purpose are mercury -( ii ) salts . the divinyl ether ( ii ) can be prepared by reacting a vinyl ether ( iii ) with a polyoxyethylene glycol of formula : wherein m has the same meaning as indicated hereinabove with regard to formula ( ii ), under similar conditions to those as reported hereinabove for the preparation of the vinyl ether ( i ). the ionic compound used in the step ( 1 ) is a salt , preferably a perchlorate , triflate , tetrafluoroborate or hexafluoroarsenate , of ( either univalent or multivalent ) metals , and , in particular , of lithium , sodium , potassium , calcium , copper , zinc , magnesium , lead , tin and aluminum , used in such an amount as to yield an atomic ratio of oxygen contained in the polyvinyl ether to the metal , comprised within the range of from approximately 4 : 1 to approximately 25 : 1 . the metal preferably is lithium . the dipolar aprotic liquid preferably is : propylene carbonate , ethylene carbonate , gammabutyrolactone , acetonitrile and mixtures thereof . the oligomer can be selected from the oligovinyl ethers deriving from monomers of type ( i ), from ethylene - oxide - sequence - containing oligomers , such as polyethylene glycol , or from oligoethylene glycol dialkyl ethers , such as tetraglyme . the mixture ( m ) of the step ( 1 ) is generally prepared by mixing the components and stirring until a colourless , homogeneous solution is obtained . in the particular case where the ionic compound used is libf 4 , the mixture ( m ) is prepared by adding a mixture ( a ), containing the components ( c ) and ( d ), to a mixture ( b ) containing the components ( a ) and ( b ). in the step ( 2 ), the support may be a film of an inert plastics material , such as , e . g ., teflon , polyethylene and mylar , it may be glass , or it may directly be the surface of a lithium anode or of a composite cathode constituted by an oxide or sulfide of a transition metal . in the latter case , said polymeric electrolyte may also constitute the ionically conductive polymeric component used in the formulation of the composite cathod . the polymerization process is rather fast , starts with irradiation , but can continue even with no further exposure to u . v . light , and it can be accelerated by thermal way , by heating at a temperature of round 50 ° c . a solid , polymeric electrolyte is obtained as a membrane having a thickness of the order of 50 - 200 microns . in particular , when in the process disclosed above , the component ( d ) is a dipolar aprotic liquid in an amount comprised within the range of from 50 to 80 % by weight , the obtained electrolyte is mechanically stronger , dimensionally stabler and displays a higher conductivity , even at fairly low temperatures , as compared to the polymeric polyvinyl ether - based electrolytes known from the prior art . fig1 plots the ionic conductivity of the electrolytic membranes of examples 2 , 3 , and 4 as a function of temperature . fig2 plots the ionic conductivity of the electrolytic membranes of examples 5 and 6 as a function of temperature . the following experimental examples are illustrative and do not limit the purview of the present invention . preparation of an electrolytic membrane by starting from a vinyl ether of formula ( i ) with n = 2 and a divinyl ether of formula ( ii ) with m = 4 . inside a glove - box , under an argon atmosphere , the following components were mixed together with each other : ______________________________________component weight ( g ) % by weight______________________________________vinyl ether ( i ) 2 . 00 59 . 9divinyl ether ( ii ) 0 , 27 8 . 1liclo . sub . 4 0 . 33 9 . 9propylene carbonate 0 . 71 21 . 2photoinitiator 0 . 03 0 . 9______________________________________ wherein the photoinitiator bis ( 4 - diphenylsulfoniumphenyl ) sulfide - bis - hexafluorophosphate . the mixture was stirred with a magnetic drive stirrer until a homogeneous , colourless solution was obtained which was then coated as a constant - thickness film on a ptfe sheet by using a bar hand coater . the resulting film was exposed to u . v . light for 5 seconds , by means of a medium pressure mercury vapour lamp . the mixture was then heated for a few minutes at 40 °- 50 ° c . in that way , a homogeneous , colourless electrolytic membrane was obtained in handeable film form , with good adhesion properties and having a thickness of 100 microns . the ionic conductivity at room temperature , as measured by placing the membrane between two fastening steel electrodes , resulted to be of approximately 1 . 3 × 10 - 5 s / cm . preparation of an electrolytic membrane by starting from a vinyl ether of formula ( i ), with n = 5 and r = methyl , and a divinyl ether of formula ( ii ) with m = 4 . inside a glove - box , under an argon atmosphere , the following components were mixed together with each other : ______________________________________component weight ( g ) % by weight______________________________________vinyl ether ( i ) 2 . 03 33 . 8divinyl ether ( ii ) 0 . 53 8 . 8liclo . sub . 4 0 . 354 5 . 9propylene carbonate 3 . 042 50 . 7photoinitiator 0 . 048 0 . 8______________________________________ wherein the photoinitiator is bis ( 4 - diphenylsulfoniumphenyl ) sulfide - bis - hexafluorophosphate . the mixture was stirred with a magnetic drive stirrer until a homogeneous , colourless solution was obtained , which was then coated as a constant - thickness film on a ptfe sheet by using a bar hand coater for thickness control . the resulting film was exposed to u . v . light for 5 seconds , using a medium pressure mercury vapour lamp . in that way , a homogeneous , colourless electrolytic membrane is obtained , in handeable film form , which displays good adhesive properties and has a thickness of 100 microns . the glass transition temperature ( tg ) of the membrane , as determined by dsc , is of - 83 ° c . and the membrane is completely amorphous at higher temperatures than its tg ; in fact , no crystallization peaks are detected . the behaviour of the ionic conductivity as a function of temperature , as measured by placing the membrane between two fastening steel electrodes , is reported in fig1 . in particular , the ionic conductivity at room temperature results to be of approximately 8 . 7 × 10 - 4 s / cm . preparation of an electrolytic membrane by starting from a vinyl ether of formula ( i ), with n = 3 and r = methyl , and a divinyl ether of formula ( ii ) with m = 3 . inside a glove - box , under an argon atmosphere , the following components were mixed together with each other : ______________________________________component weight ( g ) % by weight______________________________________vinyl ether ( i ) 1 . 266 21 . 1divinyl ether ( ii ) 0 . 540 9 . 0liclo . sub . 4 0 . 246 4 . 1propylene carbonate 3 . 900 65photoinitiator 0 . 048 0 . 8______________________________________ the mixture was stirred with a magnetic drive stirrer until a homogeneous , colourless solution was obtained , which was then coated as a constant - thickness film on a ptfe sheet by using a bar hand coater for thickness control . the resulting film was exposed to u . v . light for 5 seconds , using a medium pressure mercury vapour lamp . in that way , a homogeneous , colourless electrolytic membrane is obtained , in handeable film form , which displays good adhesive properties and has a thickness of 100 microns . the glass transition temperature ( tg ) of the membrane , as determined by dsc , is of - 100 ° c . furthermore , the membrane results to be completely amorphous at higher temperatures than its tg . the behaviour of the ionic conductivity as a function of temperature , as measured by placing the membrane between two fastening steel electrodes , is reported in fig1 . in particular , the ionic conductivity at room temperature results to be of 2 . 09 × 10 - 3 s / cm . preparation of an electrolytic membrane by starting from a vinyl ether of formula ( i ), with n = 3 and r = methyl , and a divinyl ether of formula ( ii ) with m = 3 , using tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether ( tgme ) as the plasticizer in lieu of propylene carbonate . inside a glove - box , under an argon atmosphere , the following components were mixed together with each other : ______________________________________component weight ( g ) % by weight______________________________________vinyl ether ( i ) 2 . 040 34divinyl ether ( ii ) 0 . 540 9 . 0liclo . sub . 4 0 . 354 5 . 9tgme 3 . 018 50 . 3photoinitiator 0 . 048 0 . 8______________________________________ the mixture was stirred with a magnetic drive stirrer until a homogeneous , colourless solution was obtained , which was then coated as a constant - thickness film on a ptfe sheet by using a bar hand coater for thickness control . the resulting film was exposed to u . v . light for 5 seconds , using a medium pressure mercury vapour lamp . in that way , a homogeneous , colourless electrolytic membrane is obtained , in handeable film form , which displays good adhesive properties and has a thickness of 100 microns . the glass transition temperature ( tg ) of the membrane , as determined by dsc , is of - 86 ° c ., and the membrane results to be completely amorphous at higher temperatures than its tg . the behaviour of the ionic conductivity as a function of temperature , as measured by placing the membrane between two fastening steel electrodes , is reported in fig1 . in particular , the conductivity at room temperature results to be of 3 . 55 × 10 - 4 s / cm . preparation of an electrolytic membrane by starting from a vinyl ether of formula ( i ), with n = 3 and r = ethyl , and a divinyl ether of formula ( ii ) with n = 3 . as the ionic compound , libf 4 is used ( 98 %, aldrich ) inside a glove - box , under an argon atmosphere , two mixtures were prepared and were made homogenize , which had the following composition : ______________________________________component weight ( g ) % by weight______________________________________mixture ( a ) libf . sub . 4 302 5 . 03propylene carbonate 3750 62 . 5mixture ( b ) vinyl ether ( i ) 1345 22 . 42divinyl ether ( ii ) 603 10 . 05______________________________________ the resulting solution was then coated , as a constant - thickness film on a ptfe sheet . crosslinking went to completion within approximately 8 hours . the resulting electrolytic membrane is homogeneous and colourless , and is an easily handeable film , which displays very good adhesive properties and has a thickness of approximately 100 microns . the glass transition temperature ( tg ) of the membrane , as determined by dsc , is of - 101 ° c ., and the membrane results to be completely amorphous . the behaviour of the ionic conductivity as a function of temperature , as measured by placing the membrane between two fastening steel electrodes , is reported in fig2 . in particular , the conductivity at room temperature results to be of 1 . 55 × 10 - 3 s / cm . preparation of an electrolytic membrane by starting from a vinyl ether of formula ( i ), with n = 3 and r = ethyl , and divinyl ether of formula ( ii ) with m = 3 . as the ionic compound , libf 4 is used ( 98 %, aldrich ). inside a glove - box , under an argon atmosphere , two mixtures were prepared and were made homogenize , which had the following composition : ______________________________________component weight ( g ) % by weight______________________________________mixture ( a ) libf . sub . 4 288 4 . 8tgme 3750 62 . 5mixture ( b ) vinyl ether ( i ) 1347 22 . 45divinyl ether ( ii ) 614 10 . 23______________________________________ the resulting solution was coated , as a constant - thickness film , on a ptfe support . crosslinking went to completion within approximately 16 hours . the resulting electrolytic membrane is homogeneous and colourless , is easily handeable with very good adhesive properties , and has a thickness of approximately 100 microns . the glass transition temperature ( tg ) of the membrane , as determined by dsc , is of - 99 ° c ., and its tm is of - 38 ° c . the behaviour of the ionic conductivity as a function of temperature , as measured by placing the membrane between two fastening steel electrodes , is reported in fig2 . in particular , the ionic conductivity at room temperature results to be of 4 . 4 × 10 - 4 s / cm . | 7 |
in the nonlimiting figures , the various items are not necessarily represented to the same scale . the same references are used in the various figures to designate identical or similar items . fig1 and 2 have been described in the preamble . refer to fig3 , also described in part hereinabove . according to the invention , the first and second faces 16 a and 16 b of the exterior surface 16 of the filter unit 11 include first and second irregularities 30 a and 30 b , respectively , that extend along the longitudinal axis d - d of the unit 11 . the irregularities 30 a and 30 b preferably have a length “ l ” equal to that of the unit 11 and extend from the upstream face 12 to the downstream face 13 on exterior faces 32 a and 32 b of peripheral passages 14 a and 14 b , respectively . the irregularities 30 a and 30 b , represented in section in fig4 and 5 , respectively , are respectively a boss and a groove . the width “ i ” of these irregularities is substantially that of the exterior faces 32 a and 32 b of the peripheral passages 14 a and 14 b , respectively . the irregularities 30 a and 30 b are in line with a single passage 14 a and 14 b , respectively . the irregularities 30 a and 30 b can have any height “ h ”. the height “ h ” is preferably less than the local thickness of the exterior walls 34 a and 34 b of the peripheral passages 30 a and 30 b on the exterior faces 32 a and 32 b whereof the irregularities 30 a and 30 b , respectively , extend . the thickness “ e ” of the exterior walls of the peripheral passages forming the boss 30 a and / or the groove 30 b is preferably substantially constant and substantially equal to the thickness “ e ′” of the exterior walls of the adjacent peripheral passages . the thickness “ e ” is preferably never zero ; in other words , the irregularity does not create a lateral opening in the peripheral passage ( s ) in which it is formed . the boss 30 a then takes the form of an outward deformation of the exterior wall 34 a of the passage 14 a ( fig4 ). this advantageously increases the useful interior volume of the passage 14 a . after each regeneration , ash accumulates in the inlet passages , which limits their subsequent efficiency and limits the time of use of the filter unit before the next regeneration . to extend the service life of the filter , it is preferable for the passage 14 a to be an inlet passage , i . e . a passage through which the gases to be filtered are introduced into the filter unit 11 . the groove 30 b preferably extends over an outlet passage 14 b ( fig5 ). this has the advantage of avoiding the loss of volume of an inlet passage . moreover , the reduction of the volume of a peripheral outlet passage adapts it to the reduced volumes of filtered gas that it receives . indeed , a peripheral outlet passage does not receive filtered gases through its face ( s ) in contact with the joints 17 and therefore receives a lesser volume of gas than passages inside the filter unit , or “ interior passages ”, the four faces of which have a filter action . the groove 30 b represented in fig5 reduces the section of the peripheral outlet passage 14 b and advantageously makes the ratios between the section of a passage and the volume of gas that it receives homogeneous between the various outlet passages . this facilitates the flow of gas through the filter unit and reduces the head loss . to improve further the adhesion of the joint 17 to the exterior face 16 of the unit 11 , the exterior surfaces of the boss 30 a and / or the groove 30 b may themselves have microroughnesses 36 a and 36 b , respectively . as represented in fig6 , a groove 30 b ′ may result from a local reduction in the thickness “ e ” of an exterior wall 34 b ′ of a passage 14 b ′. this advantageously reduces the quantity of material necessary for fabricating the filter unit 11 . furthermore , this embodiment enables grooves to be produced on the inlet passages 14 a ′ without reducing their interior volume . there is no limit on the number of irregularities 30 a and 30 b . in one embodiment of the invention , bosses 30 a and grooves 30 b follow on alternately over the width of at least one face 16 a - 16 d of the exterior surface 16 of the unit 11 , preferably covering respective successive inlet and outlet passages . the longitudinal grooves 30 b and bosses 30 a are preferably regularly spaced from each other . the transition between bosses and grooves may be progressive , with no projecting corners . for example , the exterior surface 16 of the unit may have a sinusoidal shape in cross section , at least locally , as represented in fig7 . the thickness “ e ” of the exterior walls 34 of the peripheral passages is preferably substantially constant . the boss 30 a or the grooves 30 b may also straddle two passages , which is preferable because it reinforces the mechanical coherence of the unit 11 . the shape , dimensions and number of the irregularities 30 a and 30 b are preferably determined as a function of the support , i . e . the joints 17 for fastening them together . the shape , dimensions and number of the irregularities 30 a and 30 b may in particular depend on the nature and / or the thickness of the joints 17 , the position of the irregularities on the exterior surface 16 of the unit 11 and / or the position of the unit 11 within the filter body 3 . thus not all the faces 16 a - 16 d of the same filter unit 11 are necessarily provided with the same irregularities . however , the width “ i ” of the irregularities is preferably less than or equal to that of the passages over which they extend , preferably substantially equal thereto . neither the width “ i ”, nor the length “ l ”, nor the thickness “ e ”, nor the orientation of an irregularity is limiting on the invention . for example , according to the invention , the exterior surface 16 of the filter unit 11 can have diagonal striations in one or more directions , holes , notches , etc . the width , thickness or orientation may also vary along the same irregularity . in a variant of the invention that is not represented , two units intended to be assembled with two respective faces placed once against the other have irregularities on said faces that have complementary shapes and are disposed so that they can be accommodated one within the other . the irregularities extending longitudinally may be fabricated during extrusion of the unit 11 by means of an appropriate die , using techniques known to the person skilled in the art . it is equally possible to form the irregularities on the surface of the unit 11 solid by “ sculpting ” the exterior surface 16 of the unit 11 and / or by fixing beads 30 a of material thereto by gluing , welding or any other technique known in the art . the material of the attached beads 30 a may be the same as or different from the material of the unit 11 . of course , the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described hereinabove and represented by way of illustrative and nonlimiting example . the joint 17 disposed between the respective exterior faces of two units facing each other may be continuous or discontinuous , provided that they fasten the units together . the cross section of the passages 14 is not limited to a square shape . equally , the section of the inlet passages could be different from that of the outlet passages . the cross section of a passage could also evolve along the passage , periodically or otherwise . | 8 |
although the embodiments described below describe monitoring intelligent electronic device ( ied ) life based on environmental factors such as temperature , surges , and grounding , one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that other environmental factors may also be monitored . moreover , one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that effects due to environmental factors may change due to flows in engineering or construction , unexpected events , and / or due to intentional use by a user that subjects the ied to accelerated wear . further , it should be understood that miniaturization and / or integration enables an ied to include one sensor as described below , or a plurality of sensors , such that each ied may monitor multiple environmental factors concurrently . for example , and not by way of limitation , an ied may include a plurality of sensors that enable the ied to concurrently monitor mechanical shock , vibration , humidity , exposure to chemical factors , power supply levels , and / or radiated and / or conducted electromagnetic interference . fig1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary intelligent electronic device ( ied ) 100 that may be used to monitor operating temperatures . ied 100 includes a chassis 102 having a plurality of components 104 and at least one temperature sensor 106 . in the exemplary embodiment , components 104 are critical components within ied 100 such as , but not limited to , a capacitor , a microcontroller , a graphical display , and / or a communication transceiver . temperature sensor 106 is positioned within ied 100 such that temperature sensor 106 may monitor temperature points inside ied 100 as well as a temperature of ambient air 108 . more specifically , temperature sensor 106 is positioned to facilitate an accurate estimation of a temperature of each component 104 and ambient temperature 108 in order for a processor 110 to determine a temperature gradient between each component 104 and ambient temperature 108 . during operation , and under steady state conditions , a temperature measured by temperature sensor 106 remains at a substantially constant offset δta with respect to ambient temperature 108 . moreover , the temperature measured by temperature sensor 106 remains at a substantially constant offset with respect to each component 104 . for example , the temperature measured by temperature sensor 106 remains at a substantially constant first offset δt 1 with respect to a first component 112 , and remains at a substantially constant second offset δt 2 with respect to a second component 114 . each offset δta , δt 1 , δt 2 is determined via calculations and / or measurements during ied construction and / or ied post - construction testing . in the exemplary embodiment , temperature sensor 106 measures a temperature within ied 100 . temperature sensor 106 generates a signal representative of the measured temperature , and transmits the signal to processor 110 . processor 110 determines an estimated temperature of each component 104 by adding or subtracting the known temperature offset . for example , processor 110 determines an estimated temperature of first component 112 by adding or subtracting δt 1 , as appropriate , from the temperature measured by temperature sensor 106 . moreover , processor 110 determines an estimated temperature difference between an interior operating temperature of ied 100 and ambient temperature 108 by adding or subtracting δta , as appropriate , from the temperature measured by temperature sensor 106 . one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that external conditions such as a style of mounting used for each component 104 and / or temperature sensor 106 , patterns of circulating air , and the like , may change a temperature profile within ied 100 , thereby affecting the accuracy of the estimation of the temperature of each component 104 . fig2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary ied 200 that may be used to monitor and / or measure electrical surges . ied 200 includes a plurality of inputs 202 , at least one grounding point 204 , and a plurality of surge suppressing circuits 206 that are coupled at a first end 208 to an input 202 . each surge suppressing circuit 206 is also coupled at a second end 210 a shunt 212 to facilitate generating a measurable voltage across shunt 212 . moreover , each surge suppressing circuit 206 is implemented using capacitors and / or non - linear resistors . shunt 212 may be implemented by , for example and not by way of limitation , a resistor or an rlc circuit that is designed to capture desired frequency components in a surge current . in the exemplary embodiment , the voltage generated across shunt 212 is measured by a surge measuring circuit 214 . surge measuring circuit 214 generates a signal representative of the measured voltage and transmits the signal to a processor 216 . the surge current that generated the measured surge voltage is then shunted by shunt 212 to grounding point 204 . in an alternative embodiment , shunt 212 is embodied by a plurality of capacitors to integrate high frequency components into a signal representative of the surge current , and surge measuring circuit 214 is implemented by a plurality of standard amplifiers . in such an embodiment , surge measuring circuit 214 amplifies the signal and transmits the signal to an analog - to - digital ( a / d ) converter ( not shown ) that digitizes the signal and transmits the digital signal to processor 216 . the remaining components of the surge current are shunted by shunt 212 to grounding point 204 . during operation , surge suppressing circuits 206 create a bypass path for high frequency signal components and shunt these components to grounding point 204 without exposing other internal circuitry ( not shown ) of ied 200 to excessive electrical stress . in the exemplary embodiment , a surge current flows into ied 200 through inputs 202 . the surge current flows from each input 202 through an associated surge suppressing circuit 206 , thereby bypassing the other internal ied circuitry . the surge current then flows through shunt 212 , generating a surge voltage that is proportional to the surge current and a resistance of shunt 212 . the surge current then flows to grounding point 204 . the surge voltage is measured by surge measurement circuit 214 . surge measurement circuit 214 generates a signal representative of the surge voltage and transmits the signal to processor 216 . in an alternative embodiment , the surge current flows through shunt 212 , which generates a signal representative of the surge current . surge measurement circuit 214 amplifies the signal and transmits the signal to processor 216 . fig3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary ied 300 that may be used to detect improper grounding of inputs in relation to a grounding point . where an ied , such as ied 300 , is coupled to secondary generators of current and / or voltage , generally at least one wire carrying the secondary current and / or secondary voltage is grounded . an example of a secondary generator is a high voltage instrument transformer . grounding the wire facilitates preventing capacitive coupling with primary generators of current and / or voltage . in the exemplary embodiment , ied 300 includes a high voltage current transformer 302 and a voltage transformer 304 , which are both coupled to respective inputs 306 and 308 . specifically , current input 306 includes input terminal 310 , and voltage input 308 includes input terminal 312 . ied 300 also includes grounded input terminals 314 and 316 , each of which correspond to a respective input 306 and 308 . current transformer 302 includes a primary circuit 318 and a secondary circuit 320 that is coupled to grounded input terminal 314 . similarly , voltage transformer 304 includes a primary circuit 322 and a secondary circuit 324 that is coupled to grounded input terminal 316 . grounding both secondary circuits 320 and 324 maintains grounded input terminals 314 and 316 at ground potential , and the non - grounded input terminals 310 and 312 at a relatively low voltage compared to ground potential . an impedance of current inputs 306 facilitates maintaining both input terminal 310 and grounded input terminal 314 at a potential nearly equal to ground potential . moreover , an impedance of voltage inputs 308 facilitates maintaining both input terminal 312 and grounded input terminal 316 to within a relatively low voltage difference , such as 10 . 0 volts ( v ) or 100 . 0 v . in the exemplary embodiment , ied 300 also includes a ground terminal 326 , which also facilitates maintaining current input terminal 310 near ground potential with respect to ground terminal 326 . moreover , ground terminal 326 facilitates maintaining voltage input terminal 312 at a low potential with respect to ground terminal 326 . in the exemplary embodiment , ied 300 also includes a plurality of voltage detector circuits 328 that monitor voltages between current inputs 306 and voltage inputs 308 . more specifically , a first voltage detector circuit 330 monitors a voltage between current input terminal 310 and ground terminal 314 , and a second voltage detector circuit 332 monitors a voltage between voltage input terminal 312 and ground terminal 316 . voltage detector circuits 328 are designed so as to respond to high frequency components of signals input into inputs 306 and 308 , as well as to system frequency components of approximately 50 . 0 hertz ( hz ) and approximately 60 . 0 hz . each voltage detector circuit 328 generates a signal representative of a detected voltage , digitizes the signal , and transmits the digitized signal to a processor 334 . during operation , high voltage current transformer 302 and voltage transformer 304 generate input signals and transmit the input signals to current inputs 306 and voltage inputs 308 , respectively . a voltage across the terminals of each input 306 and 308 is monitored by a voltage detector circuit 328 . more specifically , first voltage detector circuit 330 monitors a voltage between current input terminal 310 and ground terminal 314 , and second voltage detector circuit 332 monitors a voltage between voltage input terminal 312 and ground terminal 316 . each voltage detector circuit 328 generates a signal representative of the detected voltage , digitizes the signal , and transmits the digitized signal to processor 334 . fig4 is a flowchart showing an exemplary predictive maintenance method 400 using an ied . although the ied is designed to withstand such factors as temperature extremes , electrical surges , improper grounding and exposure to elevated voltages , and the like , per applicable standards and design practices , such factors add wear to the ied and affect the life expectancy of the ied accordingly . moreover , repetitive exposure of such factors shorten the life expectancy of the ied . as such , method 400 uses measured data , as described above , and applies the measured data to a reliability model developed for the ied . although method 400 is described below in relation to ied 100 ( shown in fig1 ), it should be understood that method 400 is applicable to predicting maintenance for any ied . in the exemplary embodiment , a reliability model is developed 402 . for example , an integrated circuit , such as a microcontroller , typically exhibits a temperature - reliability relationship with a decline in reliability as the operating temperature exceeds a particular value . such information is typically available from the integrated circuit manufacturer and may be verified by testing . for example , an integrated circuit that is operated with an internal temperature of 115 ° c . may have a life expectancy that is half of an expected life - expectancy when operated with an internal temperature of 75 ° c . a manufacturer of ied 100 may derive the internal operating temperature for each component 104 ( shown in fig1 ) based on a temperature profile of ied 100 and / or by directly measuring one or more points within ied chassis 102 ( shown in fig1 ), as described above . in one embodiment , the reliability model applied to the long - term exposure factors is a deterministic reliability model . in an alternative embodiment , the reliability model is a stochastic reliability model . in further alternative embodiments , the reliability model may be based on , for example , fuzzy mathematics and / or an artificial neural network . in one embodiment , the reliability model is integrated into an operating code of ied 100 . in an alternative embodiment , the reliability model is stored by ied 100 as a data entity . storing the reliability model facilitates enabling an ied operator to upgrade the reliability model . for example , the operator may manually upgrade the reliability model at an ted installation site , or the reliability model may be upgraded from a centrally located application that is remote to the ied . next , environmental factors are measured 404 within ied 100 using , for example , temperature sensor 106 ( shown in fig1 ). the measured environmental factors are then processed 406 to determine long - term exposure factors that represent historical operating conditions of ied 100 . more specifically , processor 110 ( shown in fig1 ) determines raw measurements , an integral , an average value of raw measurements , and / or a maximum value of raw measurements . for example , a set of internal temperature readings as recorded by temperature sensor 106 are sorted into temperature bands such as − 40 . 0 ° c . to − 25 . 0 ° c ., − 25 . 0 ° c . to 0 ° c ., 0 ° c . to 25 . 0 ° c ., 25 . 0 ° c . to 30 . 0 ° c ., 30 . 0 ° c . to 35 . 0 ° c ., and so on . a total operating time in each temperature band is accumulated by processor 110 . in the exemplary embodiment , the long - term exposure factors are then applied 408 to the reliability model of ied 100 and / or each component 104 . by using the temperature - reliability relationship , or reliability model , a remaining life of each component 104 and / or a probability of a failure may be calculated by processor 110 based on the long - term exposure factors . more specifically , processor 110 determines 410 a numerical measure of remaining ied life based on the long - term exposure factors and the reliability model . examples of a numerical measure include , but are not limited to including , a remaining life of ied 100 , a used life of ied 100 , and a rate of wear of ied 100 . in one embodiment , the used life of ied 100 may be expressed in a number of time units such as hours , days , weeks , months , and / or years . further examples of a numerical measure include a ratio of actual wear to normal wear . in one embodiment , the rate of wear of ied 100 is based on operating conditions that are outside a specified range of acceptable operating conditions for ied 100 . in one embodiment , the long - term exposure factors are transmitted to a centrally located application that is remote to ied 100 , such that the central application applies the long - term exposure factors received from a plurality of ieds to one or more reliability models and determines a numerical measure of remaining ied life for each of the plurality of ieds and / or for each individual ied . in the exemplary embodiment , processor 110 compares 412 the numerical measure of remaining ied life to a preselected remaining life value . if the numerical measure of remaining ied life is less than the preselected remaining life value , processor 110 generates 414 a signal , such as an alarm . the signal may be based on , for example , the determined remaining life of ied 100 , the determined used life of ied 100 , the determined rate of wear , and / or exceeded operating conditions . in one embodiment , the signal is a visual indication provided to an ied operator by , for example , an alphanumeric message , a light - emitting diode ( led ), and the like . in an alternative embodiment , the signal is a physical on / off output . in another alternative embodiment , the signal may be a virtual point created by processor 110 in an operating code and / or programming code of ied 100 . for example , in such an embodiment , a maintenance output relay , or fail safe relay , may be opened , thereby de - energizing the relay to signify to the ied operator that ied 100 is in need of attention and / or repair . in such a case , ied 100 may continue to function while signifying to the ied operator that environmental conditions are not normal . moreover , the opened relay may signify that ied 100 is experiencing wear at an accelerated rate and / or a remaining life of ied 100 has reached a level at which service is necessary . in the exemplary embodiment , sensitivity and / or functionality of the signal may be selected via user settings . in one embodiment , upon a failure of ied 100 and / or a particular component 104 , the long - term exposure factors determined for ied 100 are stored in a memory ( not shown ) such that the long - term exposure factors may be extracted by , for example , a service technician . alternatively , the long - term exposure factors may be transmitted by processor 110 to a remote storage device ( not shown ) for storage . if ied 100 is sent for repair and / or refurbishment , for example after a failure of ied 100 and / or a particular component 104 , the stored long - term exposure factors may be augmented to reflect an actual wear of ied 100 in order to reflect the improved operation status of ied 100 due to the repair and / or refurbishment . in addition , the reliability model may be updated to reflect data , such as long - term exposure data , collected by a technician during repair . upon a significant change in reliability data , a manufacturer of ied 100 may update the reliability model in newly manufactured devices . the systems and methods described herein facilitate predicting needed maintenance of intelligent electronic devices ( ieds ) by using sensors and / or processors to enable the ieds to collect and analyze information from the sensors . collecting and analyzing the information facilitates understanding the operating conditions and exposures of ieds in combination with an embedded knowledge of the life expectancies of the ieds , such as a reliability model , to generate predictive maintenance requests and / or signals . when introducing elements of aspects of the invention or embodiments thereof , the articles “ a ,” “ an ,” “ the ,” and “ said ” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements . the terms “ comprising ,” including ,” and “ having ” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements . exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for predicting maintenance of an intelligent electronic device ( ied ) are described above in detail . the systems and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein but , rather , steps of the methods and / or components of the system may be utilized independently and separately from other steps and / or components described herein . further , the described steps and / or components may also be defined in , or used in combination with , other systems and / or methods , and are not limited to practice with only the systems and methods as described herein . this written description uses examples to disclose the invention , including the best mode , and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention , including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods . the patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims , and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art . such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims , or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims . | 8 |
reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . while the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments , it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments . on the contrary , the invention is intended to cover alternatives , modifications and equivalents , which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims . fig1 shows a computer system 10 having a cpu , or execution unit , 12 . a relatively small , fast cache memory unit 14 serves as a buffer memory for a main memory unit 16 . the cache memory unit 14 and the main memory unit form a two - level hierarchy which has many of the properties of a virtual memory system , that is , a memory storage system with at least two memory levels which is managed by an operating system to appear to a user as one large directly - addressable main memory unit . virtual memory systems use a two - level hierarchy of a so - called main memory with relatively small memory capacity and a much larger secondary memory . a computer - system user , who often programs the system with the aid of a high - level source language , sees the memory functions of the system as a single virtual or logical memory of very large capacity . that virtual memory system is addressed by a set of logical addresses l specified by the user high - level program . the physical storage locations in the memory units are identified by a set of physical addresses p . in operation , a virtual memory system is implemented by automatic mapping of the logical addresses l in the physical addresses p . to achieve faster system performance using a cache memory unit , a high percentage of memory references must be satisfied by the cache memory . cache memory units have some important distinctions over main - secondary memory units including : a smaller difference between the access times of the memory components ; control by high - speed logic hardware circuits , as opposed to software control ; transparency to both applications programmers and to system programmers ; organization of the memory units into relatively small pages ; and direct access by the cpu to both the cache unit and the main memory unit , so that the cpu can directly access information in the main memory when the cache memory unit does not contain the required information . fig2 shows a main memory unit 20 and a cache buffer memory unit 22 arranged as an associative mapping . the main memory unit 20 is defined as a ( m ) by ( n ) array of blocks of information . the cache memory unit 22 is an ( n ) one - dimensional , linear array . corresponding to every block in the cache memory unit 22 is a tag address specifying which block is currently in the cache memory block . the addresses assigned to a cache memory unit are typically held in a memory map contained in a tag buffer memory . if the block address in the tag buffer memory matches an address generated by the cpu for a desired word , the corresponding cache - memory data is made available to the cpu . if no match is found , the required memory information must be obtained from the main memory unit by transferring the block of information containing the desired word into the cache memory unit . if the cache memory unit is full , an appropriate block must be displaced in accordance with a predetermined replacement scheme . for an associative mapping as shown in fig2 any block in the main memory unit 20 can be located in any block of the cache memory 22 . as a consequence , for an associative scheme , every address generated by the cpu is compared with all of the tag memory locations and the tag memory field must cover all of the main memory blocks . for an associative scheme , the tag buffer is an associative memory , also known as a content - addressable memory cam . a cam is a memory structure in which the information stored therein is accessed by using the contents of the memory , generally a subfield of the memory , as an address , or key . associative memories are expensive and require more extensive control logic than a set - associative scheme described hereinbelow . fig3 shows a set - associative mapping of a main memory unit 30 into a cache buffer memory unit 32 . the main memory unit 30 is defined as a ( m ) by ( n ) array of blocks and the cache memory unit 32 is defined as a ( n ) one - dimensional linear array into which certain blocks of main - memory information are mapped . a set - associative algorithm maps each modulo ( n ) group of ( m ) main - memory 30 blocks into a corresponding row of the cache memory unit 32 . the bits of the cpu address which cover the sets ( n ) also select a row of the cache memory unit 32 . a tag buffer is used to select the ( m ) dimension of the desired block . if the block address in the tag buffer matches the address generated by the cpu , the contents of the cache buffer are make available . if no match occurs , the cpu must wait while the appropriate information is obtained from the main memory unit . when this occurs , the block containing the desired word is transferred into the cache memory unit . if the cache memory unit location is full , it is overwritten with data from the main memory 30 . fig4 represents an exemplary memory map 40 showing the physical address space p for a main memory unit into which are mapped the logical address l of a compiled program . the compiled program and its data sets are transformed into a set of contiguous word sequences to be stored in a main memory unit . the physical address space is represented as a linear sequence , or one - dimensional array , of address numbers 0 , 1 , . . . , n - 1 . reference numerals 42 , 44 , 46 represent block boundaries which are selected , for example , as the page boundaries of a paged memory allocation system . a paging system uses predetermined fixed - length blocks called pages and assigns them to fixed regions of memory called page frames . paging uses simpler memory allocation systems than memory segmentation systems which have variable block sizes because block size is not a factor in allocating memory locations for a paging system . the blocks from the main memory unit are mappped into similar blocks of a cache memory unit . block 48 represents a sequence of compiled loop instructions and data , which starts at memory instruction 50 and extends to instruction 51 . the compiled loop instruction sequence is smaller than one block but extends during compilation , if this condition occurs for a sequence of loop instructions which is less than one cache block long , the present invention relocates the loop sequence so as to fall entirely within the boundaries of a cache block . arrow 52 indicates that the block 48 is relocated within the boundaries 44 , 46 of a block of main memory which will be mapped into a cache block in the cache memory . generally , loop invariant instructions must be moved out of the sequence of compiled instructions before the loop is relocated so that the removal of loop invariant instructions will not cause the loop to overlay a cache block boundary . fig5 shows a memory layout diagram for a set - associative mapping of a main memory unit 60 into a cache memory unit 62 . a set of loop instructions are located in main - memory block ( 1 , 1 ). these loop instructions call an external function which is located in a targeted main - memory memory block ( 1 , 3 ), which block is located in the same row ( 1 , x ) as the loop instructions . mapping both of these blocks ( 1 , 1 ) and ( 1 , 3 ) into the same cache block which is designated as block ( 1 , 0 )) will result in 2n caches misses , where n is the number of passes through the loop . this main memory unit 60 so that the set of compiled loop instructions in block ( 1 , 1 ) and the main memory location targeted by the loop instructions are not on the same row of the main memory unit . for example , the targeted information can be moved to block ( 2 , 3 ) of the main memory , which is mappped into block ( 2 , 0 ) of the cache memory unit 62 . this allows the targeted main memory location to remain in the cache memory when the loop instructions are executed so that cache misses are avoided and the loop instructions run efficiently . fig6 shows a flowchart for optimizing operation of a compiled computer program having at least one loop instruction . a group of the program statements , or code , is examined to determine whether any looping instructions are in the program . if not , another group of statements are examined . loop instructions ( i . e ., the set of instructions within an execution loop ) are then examined to determine if any of the instructions or expressions are loop - invariant , or not dependant on execution of the loop . if one or more loop - invariant instructions are present , they are moved out of the loop . the next step is to determine the memory locations of the boundaries of the loop instructions and compare the block size of a cache block to the size of the loop block in main memory . if the loop block in main memory is less than the size of a cache block , the loop instructions in the main memory are aligned , if necessary , to fit within the main memory boundaries of a main - memory block which is mapped into a single cache block . for the case where the main - memory loop instructions are greater than one cache block , the loop instructions are aligned , if necessary , to minimize number of cache blocks used to execute the loop and to thereby minimize cache - block misses . if the mapping between the main memory unit and the cache memory unit is set - associative and if the loop instructions in main memory have an external - call instruction , the external call instruction is relocated in main memory so that it is not on the same row of main memory as the loop instructions . this permits the loop instructions to refer to the external - call location without causing a cache miss . the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description . they are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed , and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching . the embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application , to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated . it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents . | 6 |
reference is now made to the figures in which like reference numerals refer to like elements . for clarity , the first digit of a reference numeral indicates the figure number in which the corresponding element is first used . in the following description , certain specific details of programming , software modules , user selections , network transactions , database queries , database structures , etc . are omitted to avoid obscuring the invention . those of ordinary skill in computer sciences will comprehend many ways to implement the invention in various embodiments , the details of which can be determined using known technologies . furthermore , the described features , structures , or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments . in general , the methodologies of the present invention are advantageously carried out using one or more digital processors , for example the types of microprocessors that are commonly found in servers , pc &# 39 ; s , laptops , pda &# 39 ; s and all manner of desktop or portable electronic appliances . the system preferably comprises or has access to a knowledge base which is a collection of mediasets . a mediaset is a list of media items that a user has grouped together . a media item can be almost any kind of content ; audio , video , multi - media , etc ., for example a song , a book , a newspaper or magazine article , a movie , a piece of a radio program , etc . media items might also be artists or albums . if a mediaset is composed of a single type of media items it is called a homogeneous mediaset , otherwise it is called a heterogeneous mediaset . a mediaset can be ordered or unordered . an ordered mediaset implies a certain order with respect to the sequence in which the items are used 1 by the user . note again that a mediaset , in a preferred embodiment , is a list of media items , i . e . meta data , rather than the actual content of the media items . in other embodiments , the content itself may be included . preferably , a knowledge base is stored in a machine - readable digital storage system . it can employ well - known database technologies for establishing , maintaining and querying the database . 1 depending on the nature of the item , it will be played , viewed , read , etc . in general , mediasets are based on the assumption that users group media items together following some logic or reasoning , which may be purely subjective , or not . for example , in the music domain , a user may be selecting a set of songs for driving , hence that is a homogeneous mediaset of songs . in this invention , we also consider other kinds of media items such as books , movies , newspapers , and so on . for example , if we consider books , a user may have a list of books for the summer , a list of books for bus riding , and another list of books for the weekends . a user may be interested in expressing a heterogeneous mediaset with a mix of books and music , expressing ( impliedly ) that the listed music goes well with certain books . a set of media items is not considered the same as a mediaset . the difference is mainly about the intention of the user in grouping the items together . in the case of a mediaset the user is expressing that the items in the mediaset go together well , in some sense , according to her personal preferences . a common example of a music mediaset is a playlist . on the other hand , a set of media items does not express necessarily the preferences of a user . we use the term set of media items to refer to the input of the system of the invention as well as to the output of the system . a metric m between a pair of media items i and j for a given knowledge base k expresses some degree of relation between i and j with respect to k . a metric may be expressed as a “ distance ,” where smaller distance values ( proximity ) represent stronger association values , or as a similarity , where larger similarity values represent stronger association values . these are functionally equivalent , but the mathematics are complementary . the most immediate metric is the co - concurrency ( i , j , k ) that indicates how many times item i and item j appear together in any of the mediasets of k . the metric pre - concurrency ( i , j , k ) indicates how many times item i and item j appear together but i before j in any of the mediasets of k . the metric post - concurrency ( i , j , k ) indicates how many times item i and item j appear together but only i after j in any of the mediasets of k . the previous defined metrics can also be applied to considering the immediate sequence of i and j . so , the system might be considering co / pre / post - concurrencies metrics but only if items i and j are consecutive in the mediasets ( i . e ., the mediasets are ordered ). other metrics can be considered and also new ones can be defined by combining the previous ones . a metric may be computed based on any of the above metrics and applying transitivity . for instance , consider co - concurrency between item i and j , co ( i , j ), and between j and k , co ( j , k ), and consider that co ( i , k )= 0 . we could create another metric to include transitivity , for example d ( i , k )= 1 / co ( i , j )+ 1 / co ( j , k ). these type of transitivity metrics may be efficiently computed using standard branch and bound search algorithms . this metric reveals an association between items i and k notwithstanding that i and k do not appear within any one mediaset in k . a matrix representation of metric m , for a given knowledge base k can be defined as a bidimensional matrix where the element m ( i , j ) is the value of the metric between the media item i and media item j . a graph representation for a given knowledge base k , is a graph where nodes represent media items , and edges are between pairs of media items . pairs of media items i , j are linked by labeled directed edges , where the label indicates the value of the similarity or distance metric m ( i , j ) for the edge with head media item i and tail media item j . one embodiment of the invention is illustrated by the flow diagram shown in fig2 . this method accepts an input set 301 of media items . usually , this is a partial mediaset , i . e . a set of media items ( at lease one item ) that a user grouped together as a starting point with the goal of building a mediaset . a first collection of candidate media items most similar to the input media items is generated by process 302 as follows . as a preliminary matter , in a presently preferred embodiment , a pre - processing step is carried out to analyze the contents of an existing knowledge base . this can be done in advance of receiving any input items . as noted above , the knowledge base comprises an existing collection of mediasets . this is illustrated in fig3 , which shows a simplified conceptual illustration of a knowledge base 400 . in fig3 , the knowledge base 400 includes a plurality of mediasets , delineated by rectangles [ or ovals ] and numbered 1 through 7 . each mediaset comprises at least two media items . for example , mediaset 2 has three items , while mediaset 7 has five items . the presence of media items within a given mediaset creates an association among them . pre - processing analysis of a knowledge base can be conducted for any selected metric . in general , the metrics reflect and indeed quantify the association between pairs of media items in a given knowledge base . the process is described by way of example using the co - concurrency metric mentioned earlier . for each item in a mediaset , the process identifies every other item in the same mediaset , thereby defining all of the pairs of items in that mediaset . for example , in fig3 , one pair in set 1 is the pair m ( 1 , 1 )+ m ( 1 , 3 ). three pairs are defined that include m ( 1 , 1 ). this process is repeated for every mediaset in the knowledge base , thus every pair of items that appears in any mediaset throughout the knowledge base is defined . next , for each pair of media items , a co - concurrency metric is incremented for each additional occurrence of the same pair of items in the same knowledge base . for example , if a pair of media items , say the song “ uptown girl ” by billy joel and “ hallelujah ” by jeff buckley , appear together in 42 different mediasets in the knowledge base ( not necessarily adjacent one another ), then the co - concurrency metric might be 42 ( or some other figure depending on the scaling selected , normalization , etc . in some embodiments , this figure or co - concurrency “ weight ” may be normalized to a number between zero and one . referring now to fig1 a , matrix 100 illustrates a useful method for storing the metric values or weights for any particular metric . here , individual media items in the knowledge base , say m 1 , m 2 , m 3 . . . m k are assigned corresponding rows and columns in the matrix . in the matrix , the selected metric weight for every pair of items is entered at row , column location x , y corresponding to the two media items defining the pair . in fig1 a , the values are normalized . now we assume an input set of media items is received . referring again to process step 302 , a collection of “ candidate media items ” most similar to the input media items is generated , based on a metric matrix like matrix 100 of fig1 a . for instance , for each media item , say ( item m 2 ) in the input set 301 , process 302 could add to a candidate collection of media items every media item ( m 1 , m 3 . . . m k in fig1 a ) that has a non - zero similarity value , or exceeds a predetermined threshold value , in the corresponding row 102 of metric matrix 100 for the media item m 2 , labeling each added media item with the corresponding metric value ( 0 . 7 , 0 . 4 and 0 . 1 , respectively ). see the edges in fig1 b . for each media item in the input set of size m , process 302 selects n media items as candidates ; thus the aggregation of all the candidates produces a set of at most m * n media items . process 303 receives the candidate set from process 302 which contains at the most m * n media items . this component selects p elements from the m * n items of the candidate set . this selection can be done according to various criteria . for example , the system may consider that the candidates should be selected according to the media item distribution that generated the candidate set . this distribution policy may be used to avoid having many candidates coming from very few media items . also , the system may consider the popularity of the media items in the candidate set . the popularity of a media item with respect to a knowledge base indicates the frequency of such media item in the mediasets of the knowledge base . finally , from the second collection of [ p ] media items , a third and final output set 305 of some specified number of media items is selected that satisfy any additional desired external constraints by a filter process 304 . for instance , this step could ensure that the final set of media items is balanced with respect to the metrics among the media sets of the final set . for example , the system may maximize the sum of the metrics among each pair of media items in the resulting set . sometimes , the system may be using optimization techniques when computation would otherwise be too expensive . filtering criteria such as personalization or other preferences expressed by the user may also be considered in this step . in some applications , because of some possible computational constraints , these filtering steps may be done in the process 303 instead of 304 . filtering in other embodiments might include genre , decade or year of creation , vendor , etc . also , filtering can be used to demote , rather then remove a candidate output item . in another embodiment or aspect of the invention , explicit associations including similarity values between a subset of the full set of media items known to the system , as shown in graph form in fig1 b , may be used . to illustrate , if the similarity value between a first media item 202 , generally denoted below by the index i , and a second media item , say 214 , generally denoted below by the index j , is not explicitly specified , an implicit similarity value can instead be derived by following a directed path such as that represented by edges 210 and 212 from the first media item to an intermediate item , and finally to the second media item of interest , in this example item m p . any number of intermediate items can be traversed in this manner , which we call a transitive technique . the list of similarity values m ( i , i + 1 ), m ( i + 1 , i + 2 ), m ( i + k , j ) between pairs of media items along this path through the graph are combined in a manner such that the resulting value satisfies a definition of similarity between media item i and media item j appropriate for the application . for example , the similarity m ( i , j ) might be computed as : m ( i , j )= m ( i , i + 1 )* m ( i , i + 2 )* . . . * m ( i + k , j ) other methods for computing a similarity value m ( i , j ) for the path between a first media item i and a second , non - adjacent media item j where the edges are labeled with the sequence of similarity values m ( i , i + 1 ), m ( i + 1 , i + 2 ), m ( i + k , j ) can be used . from the user standpoint , this corresponds to determining an association metric for a pair of items that do not appear within the same mediaset . many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings . therefore , it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims . for example , one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that , while the above system and methods were described as embodied in a media recommendation system , it should be understood that the inventive system could be used in any system for recommending other items that can be grouped by users following some criterion . although specific terms are employed herein , there are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation . it will be obvious to those having skill in the art that many changes may be made to the details of the above - described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention . the scope of the present invention should , therefore , be determined only by the following claims . | 6 |
reference is now made to fig1 which is a schematic diagram illustrating a layout of an optical distribution system 10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention . system 10 comprises generally similar service lines 12 , each of the service lines being able to transfer data according to an industry - standard protocol . for example , a first service line 12 may comprise a coaxial cable adapted to transfer ethernet data - frames at 10 mbit / s or higher rates ; a second service line 12 may comprise a twisted wire pair adapted to transfer data - frames at rates of the order of 1 gbit / s ; and a third service line 12 may comprise an optical fiber transmitting data - frames according to a synchronous optical network ( sonet ) standard . other types of lines and other methods for transferring data will be familiar to those skilled in the art ; all such types and methods are considered to be within the scope of the present invention . service lines 12 are coupled to an optical line termination ( olt ) 14 which is able to receive downstream data from service lines 12 , and which is able to transmit upstream data to the service lines . olt 14 conveys downstream data received from service lines 12 to a passive optical network ( pon ) 16 , and conveys upstream data received from pon 16 to the service lines . the olt acts as a central transmission point and an overall controlling device for system 10 . data is conveyed between olt 14 and pon 16 by one or more fiber optic lines using a plurality of discrete wavelength groups [ λ 1 ], [ λ 2 ], [ λ 3 ], [ λ 4 ], . . . . each wavelength group comprises a first wavelength at which olt 14 transmits the downstream data for the group and a second wavelength at which the olt receives the upstream data for the group . thus , data is transferred within pon 16 by a wavelength division multiplexed method . pon 16 is terminated at its downstream side by generally similar optical network terminations ( onts ) 18 acting as respective receiving end points , each ont 18 operating at one of the wavelength groups . each ont 18 then distributes received data to one or more end users , each end user receiving the data according to one of the protocols transmitted by service line 12 . each ont 18 preferably also acts as a collection point for data transmitted upstream by respective end users of the ont . most preferably , for each wavelength group , data transfers between olt 14 and onts 18 by a dynamically varying time division multiplexed ( tdm ) method . a detailed description of such a method is given in u . s . patent application ser . no . 10 / 016 , 584 , which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and which is incorporated herein by reference . alternatively , data for each wavelength group transfers between olt 14 and onts 18 by another tdm method known in the art . olt 14 comprises a first plurality of generally similar client interface ( cif ) units 20 , each unit being coupled to one or more service lines 12 via one or more ports . typically , each port comprises a different physical connection . by way of example in system 10 , four service lines 12 are coupled by four ports to a first cif unit 20 , two service lines 12 are coupled by two ports to a second cif unit 20 , and one service line 12 is coupled to a third cif unit 20 . it will be appreciated that each cif unit 20 may be coupled to virtually any number of service lines . each cif unit 20 operates to transfer data between its respective service lines and olt 14 , and is preferably implemented as a printed circuit card . it will be appreciated that each cif unit 20 may be implemented by other means known in the art , such as one or more application specific integrated circuits . hereinbelow , cif units 20 are also referred to as cif cards 20 . olt 14 also comprises a second plurality of generally similar optical interface ( oif ) units 24 , each oif unit 24 transferring data between olt 14 and network 16 for one of the wavelength groups [ λ 1 ] [ λ 2 ], [ λ 3 ], [ λ 4 ], . . . . preferably , each oif unit 24 transfers its wavelength group to and from network 16 using one fiber optic . alternatively , each oif unit 24 transfers its wavelength group to and from network 16 using two separate fiber optics . as for the cif units , each oif unit 24 is preferably implemented as a printed circuit card , or alternatively by other means known in the art , such as one or more application specific integrated circuits . hereinbelow , oif units 24 are also referred to as oif cards 24 . each cif card 20 is implemented to operate in the industry - standard formats of the service lines to which the card is connected , examples of which are given above . each cif card 20 acts as a data buffer , both for upstream and downstream data . each cif card 20 also acts as a data transducer between its one or more service lines and the olt . similarly , each oif card 24 acts as a data buffer for upstream and downstream data . each oif card 24 also acts as a transducer converting between optical and electronic signals . for upstream data flow each oif card 24 functions as a first element in directing data for a specific channel upstream to one of cif cards 20 , each cif card 20 acting as a receiver of the upstream data before transmitting the data on its coupled service line ( s ) 12 . for downstream data flow , each cif card 20 functions as a first element in directing data for a specific channel downstream to one of oif cards 24 , each oif card 24 acting as a receiver of the downstream data before transmitting the data on its respective downstream wavelength . data is transferred between cif cards 20 and oif cards 24 via a connectivity unit 22 in olt 14 . connectivity unit 22 is preferably implemented as a printed circuit card . alternatively , connectivity unit 22 may be implemented by any other means known in the art . further details of the operation of cif cards 20 and oif cards 24 and of connectivity unit 22 are described below . olt 14 most preferably comprises a main central processor ( mcp ) 26 , which acts as an overall controller for transfer of data between cif cards 20 and oif cards 24 . [ 0064 ] fig2 is a schematic diagram showing structure of a section of olt 14 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention . for clarity , only one cif card 20 and sets of elements used by the cif card are shown in fig2 and the one cif card 20 is assumed to be coupled to one service line 12 . similarly , only one oif card 24 and sets of elements used by the oif card are shown . it will be appreciated that olt 14 comprises substantially similar sets of elements for each cif card 20 and each oif card 24 comprised in olt 14 . each cif card 20 and each oif card 24 is coupled to a bus 50 comprised in connectivity unit 22 . mcp 26 is also coupled to bus 50 . for each cif card 20 there is an upstream data memory ( dm ) 40 in unit 22 , dm 40 being sub - divided into zones 40 a , 40 b , 40 c , and 40 d which are dedicated to wavelength groups [ λ 1 ], [ λ 2 ], [ λ 3 ], [ λ 4 ] respectively . unit 22 also comprises , for each cif card 20 , an upstream channel memory ( cm ) 42 , a downstream dm 44 , a downstream label memory 60 , and a downstream cm 46 . upstream cm 42 is sub - divided into zones 42 a , 42 b , 42 c , and 42 d , and downstream cm 46 is sub - divided into zones 46 a , 46 b , 46 c , and 46 d , the zones corresponding to the wavelength groups [ λ 1 ], [ λ 2 ], [ λ 3 ], [ λ 4 ] respectively . each cif card 20 comprises an upstream first - in first - out ( fifo ) memory 69 for upstream data storage , and upstream serializer - deserializer ( serdes ) logic 65 for transferring the data . each cif card 20 also comprises a downstream fifo memory 68 and downstream serdes logic 64 for transferring downstream data . unit 22 comprises an upstream serdes logic 63 and a downstream serdes logic 62 for each cif card 20 . each serdes logic 63 communicates with its corresponding serdes logic 65 , and each serdes logic 64 communicates with its corresponding serdes logic 62 . for each oif card 24 there is an upstream label memory 54 in unit 22 . unit 22 also comprises an upstream serdes logic 76 and a downstream serdes logic 77 for each oif card 24 . each oif card 24 comprises an upstream fifo memory 74 and upstream serdes logic 72 . each oif card 24 also comprises a downstream fifo memory 75 and downstream serdes logic 73 . each serdes logic 72 communicates with its corresponding serdes logic 76 , and each serdes logic 77 communicates with its corresponding serdes logic 73 . it will be appreciated that methods , other than methods using serdes logic units described herein , may be used for transferring data . for example , data may be transferred substantially directly , with no translation between serial and parallel and vice versa . all such methods are considered to be comprised within the scope of the present invention . olt 14 uses its cif cards 20 , oif cards 24 , and connectivity unit 0 . 22 to route channels between any service line 12 and any oif card 24 , i . e ., any wavelength group . the routing of each channel is implemented according to a service level agreement between a provider of data of the channel and an operator of system 10 , when the channel is initially set up for transmission within the system . the routing may be changed by the operator at a later time . the operator stores the routing in each upstream label memory 54 and each downstream label memory 60 , using management software 58 comprised in a memory 59 of connectivity unit 22 . the stored routing enables any channel to be routed between any cif card 20 and any oif card 24 . [ 0069 ] fig3 is a flowchart showing how data is transferred in an upstream direction from oif cards 24 to cif cards 20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention . in an initial step 100 the operator of system 10 sets up a routing for each channel using software 58 , so that mcp 26 will be aware of which cif card 20 and which oif card 24 is to be used for each channel . for each oif card 24 the routing is entered into respective upstream label memory 54 , which stores a label for each channel transmitted by the wavelength group of the card , and a mapping between the channels and their cif card 20 s . the label is attached to data of a specific channel when data for that channel is transmitted ( from downstream onts 18 ), and is used as an identifier of the channel . also , labels for each channel transmitted by each cif card 20 are stored in respective memories 30 of the cards . in a second step 102 , upstream data arriving at each oif card 24 is entered into the respective upstream fifo memory 74 for the card . the upstream data is identified by channel according to the label attached to the data . the upstream data is then transferred out of each memory 74 by respective serdes logic 72 in card 24 , via the corresponding serdes logic 76 , to bus 50 , boundaries being inserted between channels . in a third step 104 , connectivity unit 22 reads the transferred upstream data from each oif card 24 and writes the data to its mapped cif card , according to the label on the data and according to the mapping that was stored in each respective label memory 54 . the data is written into the appropriate section of each cif upstream data memory 40 , e . g ., for data read from oif card 24 corresponding to wavelength group [ λ 2 ], the data is written into zone 40 b of memory 40 of the specific cif card 20 determined by label memory 54 . unit 22 reads the data from each oif card 24 in units having a predetermined minimum size , preferably four bytes , the size being set by software 58 , although software 58 may be used to set any other convenient unit size . substantially in parallel with writing into each data memory 40 , connectivity unit 22 writes start and end addresses for the data into the appropriate zone in each channel memory 42 . thus , for the example described above , start and end addresses in data memory 40 are written into zone 42 b . in a fourth step 106 , unit 22 reads data sequentially from data memory 40 for a specific cif card 20 , until all data memory 40 is cleared . in a fifth step 108 , data read from the specific data memory 40 is sent to the corresponding cif card 20 , using serdes logic 63 to convert the data to a serial form and then transfer the data . boundaries between the channels read from data memory 40 are inserted into the serial data , and the channel data is also sent with its corresponding channel label . in a final step 110 , each cif card 20 receives its serial data . the data is converted in serdes logic 65 , the channel boundaries are removed , and labels are recovered from the converted parallel data . each recovered channel label is compared with labels stored in a memory 30 of the specific cif card 20 , and when the labels correspond , the data is written , according to channel , into the upstream fifo memory 69 comprised in the card . [ 0076 ] fig4 is a flowchart showing how data is transferred in a downstream direction from cif cards 20 to oif cards 24 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention . in an initial step 120 , downstream routing and a label for each channel transmitted via each cif card 20 is stored in downstream label memory 60 of the respective card , using software 58 . the routing stored in each memory 60 indicates the oif card 24 to which each channel from the cif card is to be sent . software 58 also provides the labels to each respective cif card 20 . in a second step 122 , downstream data arriving at each cif card 20 is entered into the respective downstream fifo 68 for the card . a label , chosen from those provided by software 58 to the specific cif card 20 , is attached to each channel of the downstream data . the downstream data is then transferred out of each memory 68 by the respective serdes logic 64 in card 20 , via serdes logic 62 , to bus 50 . in a third step 124 , unit 22 writes the transferred data to the respective downstream data memory 44 of the cif card . substantially as the downstream data is written , unit 22 writes start and end addresses of each channel into one of zones 46 a , 46 b , 46 c , or 46 d of downstream channel memory 46 . the zone is determined from label memory 60 . in a fourth step 126 , data for a specific oif card 24 is read from the appropriate zone of each data memory 44 of each cif card 20 until all data for the zone has been read . the data is then placed on bus 50 , for subsequent transfer to the oif card 24 corresponding to the zone . in a final step 128 , downstream data directed to a specific oif card 24 is transferred from bus 50 via the respective serdes logics 76 , and the serdes logic 72 of the oif card . channel boundaries are introduced and removed by the serdes logics , substantially as described above for step 110 . it will be appreciated that initial steps 100 and 120 , for the flowcharts of fig3 and 4 , may be performed at substantially any time during operation of system 10 , for example , in the case of the system operator needing to update routing of one or more channels , introduce new channels to the system , or delete existing channels from the system . it will further be appreciated that downstream data from a particular cif card 20 may be multicast to more than one oif card 24 , by the system operator making appropriate entries in channel memory 46 and / or label memory 60 . it will be understood that system 10 enables a data channel to be transferred between any cif card 20 supporting the protocol of the data channel and any oif card 24 and its corresponding wavelength group . since the oif card may be chosen independent of the protocol of the data channel , system 10 enables implementation of highly flexible channel allocation over the wavelength groups of the system , and thus enables efficient use of wavelength group bandwidth . [ 0083 ] fig5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating elements of system 10 used for local routing of upstream data , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention . fig5 is generally similar to fig2 but for clarity , elements not involved in locally routing upstream data are not shown in fig5 . in addition to transferring upstream and downstream data as described above with respect to fig3 and 4 , system 10 enables one or more upstream data channels from a first oif card 24 , herein termed oif card 24 a , to be locally routed as respective downstream data channels to a second oif card 24 , herein termed oif card 24 b . the local routing may be performed as well as , or in place of , routing to a specific cif card 20 , herein termed cif card 20 m . in the following description , suffixes a , b , and m are appended to identifiers of elements associated respectively with card 24 a , card 24 b , and card 20 m . to transfer an upstream channel of data from oif card 24 a to become a downstream channel into oif card 24 b , software 58 sets upstream label memory 54 a for card 24 a to store the upstream channel data in downstream data memory 44 m for cif card 20 m . data is written into memory 44 m using channel memory 46 m . the data is then written , using management software 58 , from memory 44 m into fifo 75 b via serdes logics 77 b and 73 b , substantially as described above in steps 126 and 128 with reference to fig4 . oif card 24 b is then able to transmit the data from fifo 75 b as downstream data , substantially as described above with reference to fig2 . it will be appreciated that in order for the data to be written into fifo 75 b , software 58 requires read access to data memory 44 m . the read access may be provided by any means known in the art . it will be understood that by enabling local routing of upstream data to downstream data , onts 18 in system 10 may be effectively configured in the form of virtual local area networks ( vlans ), the configuration of the vlans being controlled by the local routing set by software 58 . it will be further understood that preferred embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in a data transfer network other than a passive optical network such as pon 16 , such as data transfer networks which are implemented at least partly using a transmission medium such as conductive cabling , and / or transmission over - the - air . all such data networks are included within the scope of the present invention . it will be appreciated that the preferred embodiments described above are cited by way of example , and that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove . rather , the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove , as well as variations and modifications thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not disclosed in the prior art . | 7 |
as stated above , the present invention relates to a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor ( mosfet ) having an asymmetric gate electrode and methods of manufacturing the same , which are now described in detail with accompanying figures . it is noted that like and corresponding elements are referred to by like reference numerals . referring to fig1 , a first exemplary semiconductor structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a semiconductor substrate 8 containing shallow trench isolation 20 and a substrate layer 10 . the shallow trench isolation 20 comprises a dielectric material such as silicon oxide . the shallow trench isolation 20 surrounds a region of the substrate layer 10 so that a device formed in the region may be electrically isolated from other devices located on the same semiconductor substrate 8 . the substrate layer 10 comprises a semiconductor material . the semiconductor material may be selected from , but is not limited to , silicon , germanium , silicon - germanium alloy , silicon carbon alloy , silicon - germanium - carbon alloy , gallium arsenide , indium arsenide , indium phosphide , iii - v compound semiconductor materials , ii - vi compound semiconductor materials , organic semiconductor materials , and other compound semiconductor materials . in an exemplary embodiment , the semiconductor material comprises silicon . the substrate layer 10 is preferably single crystalline . the substrate layer 10 may be doped with electrical dopants of a first conductivity type . the electrical dopants may be at least one of p - type dopants such as b , ga , and in . alternately , the electrical dopants may be at least one of n - type dopants such as p , as , and sb . the concentration of the electrical dopants may be from about 1 . 0 × 10 15 atoms / cm 3 to about 1 . 0 × 10 19 atoms / cm 3 . non - electrical stress - generating dopants such as ge and / or c may also be present . the substrate layer 10 may have a built - in biaxial stress in the plane perpendicular to the direction of the surface normal of a top surface 19 of the semiconductor substrate 8 . while the present invention is described with a bulk semiconductor substrate , the present invention may be implemented on a semiconductor - on - insulator substrate or on a hybrid substrate . such variations are explicitly contemplated herein . a first gate dielectric 30 comprising a silicon oxide based material is formed on the top surface 19 of the semiconductor substrate 8 . preferably , the first gate dielectric 30 comprises a silicon oxide based dielectric material such as silicon oxide , nitridated silicon oxide , silicon oxynitride , or a stack thereof . alternately , the first gate dielectric 30 may comprise a high - k dielectric material , i . e ., a dielectric metal oxide or a silicate thereof having a dielectric constant that is greater than the dielectric constant of silicon oxide of 3 . 9 . for example , the high - k dielectric material may comprise one of hfo 2 , zro 2 , la 2 o 3 , tio 2 , srtio 3 , y 2 o 3 , al 2 o 3 , laalo 3 , an alloy thereof , and a silicate thereof . the high - k dielectric material may be formed by methods well known in the art including , for example , a chemical vapor deposition ( cvd ), an atomic layer deposition ( pvd ), molecular beam epitaxy ( mbe ), pulsed laser deposition ( pld ), liquid source misted chemical deposition ( lsmcd ), etc . the thickness of the first gate dielectric 30 may be from about 1 nm to about 3 nm in the case of a conventional dielectric material , and from about 2 nm to about 6 nm in the case of the high - k dielectric material , and may have an effective oxide thickness on the order of or less than 1 nm . a first gate conductor layer 32 is formed on the first gate dielectric 30 , for example , by chemical vapor deposition ( cvd ). the first gate conductor layer 32 may comprise a semiconductor material such as doped polysilicon or doped silicon containing alloy , or may comprise a metal such as ti , tan , tasin , cosi 2 , ni , wn , w , re , and nisi . in one embodiment , the first gate conductor layer 32 comprises a material having a work function closer to the valence band of silicon than to the conduction band of silicon such as n - doped polysilicon , ti , tan , tasin , and cosi 2 . in another embodiment , the first gate conductor layer 32 comprises a material having a work function closer to the conduction band of silicon than to the valence band of silicon such as p - doped polysilicon , wn , w , re , and nisi . the thickness of the first gate conductor layer 32 may be from about 30 nm to about 150 nm , and typically from about 60 nm to about 120 nm , although lesser and greater thickness are herein contemplated as well . a spacer template layer 34 is formed on the first gate conductor layer 32 . the spacer template layer 34 may comprise a dielectric material , a semiconductor material , or a metal . the spacer template layer 34 comprises a different material than the first conductor layer 32 so that a portion of the spacer template layer 34 may be employed as an etch mask during a subsequent etch of the first conductor layer 32 . in one embodiment , the spacer template layer 34 comprises a polycrystalline silicon germanium alloy having an atomic concentration of germanium from about 2 % to about 40 %, and preferably from about 5 % to about 20 %. the thickness of the spacer template layer 34 may be from about 20 nm to about 200 nm , and preferably from about 40 nm to about 100 nm . referring to fig2 , a photoresist 35 is applied to a top surface of the spacer template layer 34 and lithographically patterned . the pattern in the photoresist 35 is transferred into the spacer template layer 34 by a reactive ion etch and forms a sidewall 34 s that is substantially vertical and extends from a top surface of the spacer template layer 34 to a bottom surface of the spacer template layer 34 . referring to fig3 , a first dielectric spacer 37 is formed by conformal deposition of a first dielectric layer ( not shown ) and an anisotropic reactive ion etch . horizontal portions of the first dielectric layer are removed by the anisotropic reactive ion etch , and the first dielectric spacer 37 is formed directly on the sidewall 34 s of the spacer template layer 34 . the pattern on the spacer template layer 34 guides the shape of the first dielectric spacer 37 . the sidewall 34 s of the spacer template layer 34 coincides with one edge of a gate electrode to be subsequently formed . the first dielectric spacer 37 comprises a dielectric material such as silicon nitride , silicon oxide , or a stack thereof . in one embodiment , the first dielectric spacer 37 comprises silicon nitride . the first dielectric spacer 37 may , or may not , comprise the same material as the shallow trench isolation 20 . preferably , the first dielectric spacer 37 comprises a different dielectric material from the dielectric material of the shallow trench isolation 20 . the first width w 1 of the first dielectric spacer 37 , or the lateral thickness of the first dielectric spacer 37 at its base , is substantially determined by the thickness of the dielectric layer . the first width w 1 of the first dielectric spacer 37 is less than the gate length of the gate electrode to be subsequently formed . the first width w 1 may be from about 5 nm to about 50 nm , although lesser and greater dimensions are also contemplated herein . referring to fig4 , exposed portions of the first gate conductor layer is removed by a reactive ion etch that employs the first dielectric spacer 37 as an etch mask . in one embodiment , the spacer template layer 34 may also be employed as the etch mask , i . e ., the dielectric layer 37 and the spacer template layer are collectively employed as the etch mask . in another embodiment , at least a portion of the spacer template layer 34 may be removed by the reactive ion etch . different levels of removal of the spacer template layer 34 including a complete removal are contemplated herein . the reactive ion etch may stop on the first gate dielectric 30 , or alternatively , etch the first gate dielectric and stop on the substrate layer 10 . a second gate dielectric 40 is deposited on the exposed portions of the substrate layer 10 , a sidewall of the first gate dielectric 30 , a sidewall of the first gate conductor layer 32 , the first dielectric spacer 47 , and exposed surfaces of the spacer template layer 34 , if applicable . preferably , the second gate dielectric 40 comprises a high - k dielectric material such as hfo 2 , zro 2 , la 2 o 3 , tio 2 , srtio 3 , y 2 o 3 , al 2 o 3 , laalo 3 , an alloy thereof , and a silicate thereof . the high - k dielectric material may be formed by methods well known in the art including , for example , a chemical vapor deposition ( cvd ), an atomic layer deposition ( pvd ), molecular beam epitaxy ( mbe ), pulsed laser deposition ( pld ), liquid source misted chemical deposition ( lsmcd ), etc . alternately , the second gate dielectric 40 , may comprise a conventional dielectric material such as silicon oxide , silicon nitride , silicon oxynitride , and / or a stack thereof . the conventional dielectric material may be formed by thermal conversion of a top portion of the substrate layer 10 and / or by chemical vapor deposition ( cvd ). the thickness of the second gate dielectric 40 may be from about 1 nm to about 3 nm in the case of a conventional dielectric material , and from about 2 nm to about 6 nm in the case of the high - k dielectric material , and may have an effective oxide thickness on the order of or less than 1 nm . the first gate dielectric 30 and the second gate dielectric 40 may have the same effective oxide thickness ( eot ), or different effective oxide thicknesses . the first gate dielectric 30 and the second gate dielectric 40 may comprise the same material , or different materials . preferably , the second gate dielectric 40 comprises a different material than the first gate dielectric 30 . more preferably , the first gate dielectric 30 comprises a silicon oxide based dielectric material , while the second gate dielectric 40 comprises a high - k dielectric material . referring to fig5 , a second gate conductor layer 42 is deposited and planarized . for example , chemical vapor deposition ( cvd ) may be employed for the deposition process and chemical mechanical polishing ( cmp ), recess reactive ion etch , or a combination thereof may be employed for the planarization process . the second gate conductor layer 42 may comprise a semiconductor material such as doped polysilicon or doped silicon containing alloy , or may comprise a metal such as ti , tan , tasin , cosi 2 , ni , wn , w , re , and nisi . preferably , the second gate conductor layer 42 comprises a different material from the first gate conductor layer 32 . in one embodiment , the substrate layer 10 comprises silicon and the first gate conductor layer 32 comprises a material having a work function closer to the valence band of silicon than to the conduction band of silicon such as n - doped polysilicon , ti , tan , tasin , and cosi 2 , while the second gate conductor layer 42 comprises a material having a work function closer to the conduction band of silicon than to the valence band of silicon such as p - doped polysilicon , wn , w , re , and nisi . in this case , the field effect transistor to be formed is preferably an n - type transistor having a p - type body and n - type source and drain regions . in another embodiment , the substrate layer 10 comprises silicon and the first gate conductor layer 32 comprises a material having a work function closer to the conduction band of silicon than to the valence band of silicon such as p - doped polysilicon , wn , w , re , and nisi , while the second gate conductor layer 42 comprises a material having a work function closer to the valence band of silicon than to the conduction band of silicon such as n - doped polysilicon , ti , tan , tasin , and cosi 2 . in this case , the field effect transistor to be formed is preferably a p - type transistor having an n - type body and p - type source and drain regions . the thickness of the second gate conductor layer 42 is preferably greater than the sum of the thickness of the first gate conductor layer 32 and the thickness of the spacer template layer 34 , and may be from about 50 nm to about 500 nm , and typically from about 100 nm to about 250 nm , although lesser and greater thickness are herein contemplated as well . an embodiment in which the second gate conductor layer 42 comprises the same material from the first gate conductor layer 32 is herein contemplated also . referring to fig6 , the second gate conductor layer 42 is further removed to the level of the second gate dielectric 40 above the spacer template layer 34 . the second gate dielectric 40 may be employed as a stopping layer during planarization of the second gate dielectric layer 42 . alternately , the second gate dielectric 40 may be employed as an endpoint layer to signal exposure of the second gate dielectric 40 during the reactive ion etch of the second gate conductor layer 42 . referring to fig7 , the second gate conductor layer 42 is further recessed below the level of the top surface of the spacer template layer 34 , for example , by a reactive ion etch . the thickness of the second gate conductor layer 42 after the reactive ion etch may be from about 20 nm to about 130 nm , and typically from about 45 nm to about 100 nm , although lesser and greater thickness are herein contemplated as well . the thickness of the second gate conductor layer 42 at this point may be substantially the same as , or less than , the thickness of the first gate conductor layer 32 . referring to fig8 , exposed portions of the second gate dielectric 40 is removed by a substantially isotropic etch . the remaining portion of the second gate dielectric is l - shaped , i . e ., has a vertical cross - sectional profile in the shape of the letter “ l .” the substantially isotropic etch may be a substantially isotropic reactive ion etch or a wet etch . preferably , the substantially isotropic etch is selective to the first dielectric spacer 37 , i . e ., does not etch the first dielectric spacer 37 in any substantial manner . a second dielectric spacer 38 is formed by conformal deposition of a second dielectric layer ( not shown ) and an anisotropic reactive ion etch . horizontal portions of the second dielectric layer are removed by the anisotropic reactive ion etch , and the second dielectric spacer 47 is formed directly on the first dielectric spacer 37 . the shape of the first dielectric spacer 37 guides the shape of the second dielectric spacer 47 , since the second dielectric spacer 47 adjoins the first dielectric spacer 37 . the outer sidewall of the second dielectric spacer 47 , i . e ., the sidewall of the second dielectric spacer 47 that does not abut the first dielectric spacer 37 , coincides with the other edge the gate electrode to be subsequently formed . the second dielectric spacer 47 comprises another dielectric material such as silicon nitride , silicon oxide , or a stack thereof . in one embodiment , the second dielectric spacer 47 comprises silicon nitride . the second dielectric spacer 47 may comprise the same material as the first dielectric spacer 37 , or may comprise a different material than the first dielectric spacer 37 . the second dielectric spacer 47 may , or may not , comprise the same material as the shallow trench isolation 20 . preferably , the second dielectric spacer 47 comprises a different dielectric material from the dielectric material of the shallow trench isolation 20 . the second width w 2 of the second dielectric spacer 47 , or the lateral thickness of the second dielectric spacer 47 at its base , is substantially determined by the thickness of the second dielectric layer . the second width w 2 of the second dielectric spacer 47 is less than the gate length of the gate electrode to be subsequently formed . as will be shown below , the sum of the first width w 1 and the second width w 2 is substantially the same as the gate length of the gate electrode to be subsequently formed . the second width w 2 may be from about 5 nm to about 50 nm , although lesser and greater dimensions are also contemplated herein . referring to fig9 , any remaining portion of the spacer template layer 34 is removed by a wet etch or a reactive ion etch . employing the first dielectric spacer 37 and the second dielectric spacer 47 collectively as an etch mask , the exposed portions of the first gate conductor layer 32 and the second gate conductor 42 are etched at least down to a top surface of the first gate dielectric 30 or a top surface of the second gate dielectric 40 . the remaining portion of the first gate conductor layer 32 constitutes a first gate conductor 62 , while the remaining portion of the second gate conductor layer 42 constitutes a second gate conductor 72 . the first gate conductor 62 may have a greater height than the second gate conductor 72 . one of the first gate conductor 62 and the second gate conductor 72 may be recessed selective to the other to alter relative heights of the first gate conductor 62 and the second gate conductor 72 . in this case , the first gate conductor 62 may have a greater height than , a lesser height than , or substantially the same height as the second gate conductor 72 . referring to fig1 , the first dielectric spacer 37 and the second dielectric spacer 47 are removed , for example , by a wet etch or a reactive ion etch . preferably , the removal of the first dielectric spacer 37 and the second dielectric spacer 47 is selective to the shallow trench isolation 20 , i . e ., the removed amount of the shallow trench isolation 20 is insignificant . source extension region 52 a and drain extension region 52 b having a doping of a second conductivity type may be formed by implantation of dopants of the second conductivity type , which is the opposite of the first conductivity type . if the first conductivity type is p - type , the second conductivity type is n - type , and vice versa . halo implantation may be performed to form source side halo region ( not shown ) and drain side halo region ( not shown ) directly beneath the source extension region 52 a and the drain extension region 52 b , respectively . the halo implantation implants dopants of the first conductivity type , i . e ., dopants of the same conductivity type as the doping of the substrate layer 10 . referring to fig1 , a gate spacer 54 is formed directly on an outer sidewall of the first gate conductor 62 and on an outer sidewall of the second gate conductor 72 . the gate spacer 54 comprises a dielectric material such as silicon oxide or silicon nitride . the gate spacer 54 may be formed by a conformal deposition of a gate spacer layer ( not shown ) followed by an anisotropic reactive ion etch . the width , or the lateral dimension , of the gate spacer 54 , as measured from one of the outer sidewalls of the first gate conductor 62 and the second gate conductor 72 to a nearest outer sidewall of the gate spacer 54 , may be from about 5 nm to about 120 nm , and typically from about 20 nm to abut 80 nm . source and drain implantation is performed into the substrate layer 10 to form a source region 56 a and the drain region 56 b having a doping of the second conductivity type . the source region 56 a herein denotes a contiguous region having the second conductivity type doping that abuts the first gate dielectric 30 . the source region 56 a includes the source extension region 52 a . likewise , the drain region 56 b herein denotes a contiguous region having the second conductivity type doping that abuts the second gate dielectric 40 . the drain region 56 b includes the drain extension region 52 b . the exposed portions of the first gate dielectric 30 and the second gate dielectric 40 are removed thereafter , for example , by a reactive ion etch , a wet etch , or a combination thereof . the remaining portion of the second gate dielectric 40 has an l - shape having substantially the same height as the second gate conductor 72 and laterally extending from a sidewall of the first gate conductor 62 to an outer edge of the gate spacer 54 located above the drain region 56 b . while the present invention is described with the first gate dielectric 30 and the second gate dielectric 40 located above the source extension region 52 a and the drain extension region 52 b during the various ion implantation steps , the present invention may be practiced with the with exposed portions of the first gate dielectric 30 and the second gate dielectric 40 removed , i . e ., with the surface of the substrate layer exposed outside the area of the first gate conductor 62 and the second gate conductor 72 , during at least one of the implantation steps . the sum of the first width w 1 and the second width w 2 is substantially the same as the gate length of the gate electrode , which comprises the first gate conductor 62 and the second gate conductor 72 . referring to fig1 , metallization is performed on exposed portions of the semiconductor material to form various metal semiconductor alloys . specifically , a source metal semiconductor alloy 58 a is formed on the source region 56 a , and a drain metal semiconductor alloy 58 b is formed on the drain region 26 b . in case the substrate layer 10 comprises silicon , the source metal semiconductor alloy 58 a and the drain metal semiconductor alloy 58 b comprise a metal silicide . methods of forming a metal semiconductor alloy is well known in the art , and typically involves deposition of a metal layer , an anneal at an elevated temperature to facilitate metallization , and removal of unreacted portion of the metal layer . in one embodiment , at least one of the first gate conductor 62 and the second gate conductor 72 comprises a semiconductor material such as doped polysilicon or a doped polycrystalline silicon alloy . the metal layer reacts with the semiconductor material of at least one of the first gate conductor 62 and the second gate conductor 72 to form a gate metal semiconductor alloy 48 . typically , the gate metal semiconductor alloy 48 is derived from the same metal layer and formed at the same processing steps as the source metal semiconductor alloy 58 a and the drain metal semiconductor alloy 58 b . in case only one of the first gate conductor 62 and the second gate conductor 72 reacts with the metal layer to form the gate metal semiconductor alloy 48 , the gate metal semiconductor alloy 48 may , or may not , contact the other of the first gate conductor 62 and the second gate conductor 72 that does not form a metal semiconductor alloy . in another embodiment , none of the first gate conductor 62 and the second gate conductor 72 comprises a semiconductor material . for example , each of the first gate conductor 62 and the second gate conductor 72 may comprise a metal . in this case , a gate metal semiconductor alloy is not formed . referring to fig1 , a middle - of - line ( mol ) dielectric layer 70 is formed on the gate spacer 54 , the source metal semiconductor alloy 58 a , the drain metal semiconductor alloy 58 b , and the shallow trench isolation 20 , and the gate metal semiconductor alloy 48 if present . the mol dielectric layer 70 may comprise a silicon oxide , a silicon nitride , a chemical vapor deposition ( cvd ) low - k dielectric material , a spin - on low - k dielectric material , or a stack thereof . the mol dielectric layer 70 may contain a mobile ion diffusion barrier layer that prevents diffusion of mobile ions such as sodium and potassium from back - end - of - line ( beol ) dielectric layers . further , the mol dielectric layer 70 may contain a stress liner that applies tensile or compressive stress on underlying structures to alter charge carrier mobility in a portion of the substrate layer 10 such as a channel of a transistor . non - limiting examples of the silicon oxide include undoped silicate glass ( usg ), borosilicate glass ( bsg ), phosphosilicate glass ( psg ), borophosphosilicate glass ( bpsg ), fluorosilicate glass ( fsg ), and teos ( tetra - ethyl - ortho - silicate ) oxide . the silicon nitride may be a stoichiometric nitride , or a non stoichiometric nitride applying a tensile or compressive stress to underlying structures . contact via holes are formed in the mol dielectric layer 70 and filled with metal to form various metal contacts . specifically , a source contact via 74 a is formed directly on the source metal semiconductor alloy 58 a , and a drain contact via 74 b is formed directly on the drain metal semiconductor alloy 58 b . a gate contact via 76 is formed directly on the gate metal semiconductor alloy 48 . the substrate layer 10 , which now excludes the source region 56 a and the drain region 56 b , maintains the initial doping of the first conductivity type , and serves as a body of a field effect transistor . a source side gate electrode containing a first gate dielectric 30 and a first gate conductor 62 , wherein the first gate dielectric 30 vertically abuts the body and comprises a silicon oxide based dielectric material , and wherein the first gate conductor 30 abuts the first gate dielectric ; and a drain side gate electrode abutting the source side gate electrode ( 30 , 62 ) and containing a second gate dielectric 40 and a second gate conductor 72 , wherein the second gate dielectric 40 vertically abuts the body and comprises a high - k dielectric material , and wherein the second gate conductor 72 abuts the second gate dielectric 40 . referring to fig1 , a variation on the first exemplary semiconductor structure is shown in which a gate metal semiconductor alloy is not formed . in this case , the gate contact via 76 directly contacts the first gate conductor 62 and the second gate conductor 72 . referring to fig1 , a second exemplary semiconductor structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention comprises a semiconductor substrate 8 containing shallow trench isolation 20 and a substrate layer 10 as in the first embodiment . a gate dielectric 130 is formed on the top surface 19 of the semiconductor substrate 8 . the gate dielectric 130 may be a silicon oxide based dielectric material comprising silicon oxide , nitridated silicon oxide , silicon oxynitride , or a stack thereof . the conventional silicon oxide based dielectric material may be formed by thermal conversion of a top portion of the substrate layer 10 and / or by chemical vapor deposition ( cvd ). alternately and preferably , the gate dielectric 130 comprises a high - k dielectric material such as hfo 2 , zro 2 , la 2 o 3 , tio 2 , srtio 3 , y 2 o 3 , al 2 o 3 , laalo 3 , an alloy thereof , and a silicate thereof . methods of forming a high - k dielectric material described above may be employed . a first gate conductor layer 32 is formed on the gate dielectric 130 . the first gate conductor layer 32 may comprise a semiconductor layer , a metal layer , or a stack thereof . for example , the first gate conductor layer 32 may comprise a metal gate layer 131 and a semiconductor gate layer 133 . the metal gate layer 131 may comprise a metal such as ti , tan , tasin , cosi 2 , ni , wn , w , re , and nisi . the semiconductor gate layer 131 may comprise a doped semiconductor material such as p - doped polysilicon , n - doped polysilicon , p - doped polycrystalline silicon alloy , or n - doped polycrystalline silicon alloy . in one embodiment , the substrate layer 10 comprises silicon and the metal gate layer 131 comprises a material having a work function closer to the valence band of silicon than to the conduction band of silicon such as n - doped polysilicon , ti , tan , tasin , and cosi 2 . in another embodiment , the substrate layer 10 comprises silicon and the metal gate layer comprises a material having a work function closer to the conduction band of silicon than to the valence band of silicon such as wn , w , re , and nisi . alternately , the first gate conductor layer 32 may consist of a semiconductor layer comprising a doped semiconductor material such as p - doped polysilicon , n - doped polysilicon , p - doped polycrystalline silicon alloy , or n - doped polycrystalline silicon alloy , or may consist of a metal layer comprising a metal such as ti , tan , tasin , cosi 2 , ni , wn , w , re , and nisi . a spacer template layer 34 is formed on the first gate conductor layer 32 as in the first embodiment . the physical and compositional properties of the spacer template layer 34 are the same as in the first embodiment . referring to fig1 , a photoresist 35 is applied to a top surface of the spacer template layer 34 and lithographically patterned . the pattern in the photoresist 35 is transferred into the spacer template layer 34 by a reactive ion etch and forms a sidewall 34 s that is substantially vertical and extends from a top surface of the spacer template layer 34 to a bottom surface of the spacer template layer 34 as in the first embodiment . referring to fig1 , a first dielectric spacer 37 is formed by conformal deposition of a first dielectric layer ( not shown ) and an anisotropic reactive ion etch as in the first embodiment . the physical and compositional properties of the first dielectric spacer 37 are the same as in the first embodiment . the definition and properties of the width w 1 of the first dielectric spacer 37 is the same as in the first exemplary structure in fig3 . exposed portions of the first gate conductor layer is removed by a reactive ion etch that employs the first dielectric spacer 37 as an etch mask . in one embodiment , the spacer template layer 34 may also be employed as the etch mask , i . e ., the dielectric layer 37 and the spacer template layer are collectively employed as the etch mask . in another embodiment , at least a portion of the spacer template layer 34 may be removed by the reactive ion etch . different levels of removal of the spacer template layer 34 including a complete removal are contemplated herein . the reactive ion etch stops on the first gate dielectric 30 , and an insignificant amount , if any , of the first gate dielectric 30 is removed by the reactive ion etch . referring to fig1 , a second gate conductor layer 142 is deposited on a sidewall of the first gate conductor layer 32 and on the first dielectric spacer 37 . the second gate conductor layer 172 is preferably conformal , i . e ., has substantially the same thickness on a sidewall as on a horizontal surface . the second gate conductor layer 142 may comprise a semiconductor material such as doped polysilicon or doped silicon containing alloy , or may comprise a metal such as ti , tan , tasin , cosi 2 , ni , wn , w , re , and nisi . preferably , the second gate conductor layer 142 comprises a different material from the first gate conductor layer 32 . in one embodiment , the substrate layer 10 comprises silicon and the metal gate layer 131 comprises a material having a work function closer to the valence band of silicon than to the conduction band of silicon such as n - doped polysilicon , ti , tan , tasin , and cosi 2 , while the second gate conductor layer 142 comprises a material having a work function closer to the conduction band of silicon than to the valence band of silicon such as p - doped polysilicon , wn , w , re , and nisi . in this case , the field effect transistor to be formed is preferably an n - type transistor having a p - type body and n - type source and drain regions . in another embodiment , the substrate layer 10 comprises silicon and the metal gate layer 131 comprises a material having a work function closer to the conduction band of silicon than to the valence band of silicon such as p - doped polysilicon , wn , w , re , and nisi , while the second gate conductor layer 142 comprises a material having a work function closer to the valence band of silicon than to the conduction band of silicon such as n - doped polysilicon , ti , tan , tasin , and cosi 2 . in this case , the field effect transistor to be formed is preferably a p - type transistor having an n - type body and p - type source and drain regions . the thickness t of the second gate conductor layer 142 , or the lateral width of the portion of the second gate conductor layer 142 on the sidewall of the first gate conductor layer 32 , substantially determines the width of a second gate conductor to be subsequently formed . the thickness t of the second gate conductor layer 142 may be from about 5 nm to about 50 nm , although lesser and greater dimensions are also contemplated herein . referring to fig1 , an anisotropic reactive ion etch is performed on the second gate conductor layer 142 to remove horizontal portions . not necessarily but preferably , the anisotropic reactive ion etch is selective to at least one of the first dielectric spacer 37 , the spacer template layer 34 , and the first gate dielectric 130 . the remaining portion of the second gate conductor layer 142 on the sidewall of the first gate conductor layer 32 constitutes a second gate conductor 172 . the second gate conductor 172 has a width w 3 , which is herein referred to as a third width w 3 . the third width w 3 is substantially determined by the thickness t of the second gate conductor layer 142 , and may be the same . the third width w 3 of the second gate conductor 172 is less than the gate length of the gate electrode to be subsequently formed . as will be shown below , the sum of the first width w 1 and the third width w 3 is substantially the same as the gate length of the gate electrode to be subsequently formed . the third width w 3 may be from about 5 nm to about 50 nm , although lesser and greater dimensions are also contemplated herein . referring to fig2 , any remaining portion of the spacer template layer 34 is removed by a wet etch or a reactive ion etch . employing the first dielectric spacer 37 and the second gate conductor 172 collectively as an etch mask , exposed portions of the semiconductor gate layer 133 are etched at least down to a top surface of the metal gate layer 131 . the remaining portion of the semiconductor gate layer 133 constitutes a semiconductor gate 82 . some or all of the exposed portion of the gate dielectric 130 may be removed during the etch . referring to fig2 , the etch further proceeds to remove exposed portions of the metal gate layer 131 employing the first dielectric spacer 37 and the second gate conductor 172 collectively as an etch mask . the remaining portion of the metal gate layer 131 constitutes a metal gate 181 . the metal gate 181 and the semiconductor gate 82 collectively constitute a first gate conductor 62 . referring to fig2 , the first dielectric spacer is removed , for example , by a wet etch or a reactive ion etch . preferably , the removal of the first dielectric spacer 37 is selective to the shallow trench isolation 20 , i . e ., the removed amount of the shallow trench isolation 20 is insignificant . the gate dielectric 130 is shown in two portions , i . e ., a first gate dielectric portion 130 a located directly beneath the first gate conductor 62 and a second gate dielectric portion 130 b located directly beneath the second gate conductor 172 . the first gate conductor 62 and the second gate dielectric portion 130 b are of integral construction and collectively constitute the gate dielectric 130 . the first gate conductor 62 and the second gate dielectric portion 130 b have the same composition and the same thickness . the first gate conductor 62 electrically couples to the substrate layer 10 primarily by a capacitive coupling and band gap manipulation through the first gate dielectric portion 130 a . likewise , the second gate conductor 172 electrically couples to the substrate layer 10 primarily by a capacitive coupling and band gap manipulation through the second gate dielectric portion 130 b . different work functions of the materials in the first gate conductor 62 and the second gate conductor may be advantageously utilized to improve performance of a mosfet . the sum of the first width w 1 and the third width w 3 is substantially the same as the gate length of the gate electrode , which comprises the first gate conductor 62 and the second gate conductor 172 . referring to fig2 , source extension region 52 a and drain extension region 52 b having a doping of a second conductivity type may be formed by implantation of dopants of the second conductivity type , as in the first exemplary semiconductor structure in fig1 . halo implantation may be performed to form source side halo region ( not shown ) and drain side halo region ( not shown ) directly beneath the source extension region 52 a and the drain extension region 52 b , respectively as in the first exemplary semiconductor structure . referring to fig2 , the same processing steps are subsequently employed on the second exemplary semiconductor structure as on the first exemplary semiconductor structure as described above . a source side gate electrode containing a first gate dielectric portion 130 a and a first gate conductor 62 , wherein the first gate dielectric portion 130 a vertically abuts the body and comprises a high - k dielectric material , and wherein the first gate conductor 62 abuts the first gate dielectric ; and a drain side gate electrode abutting the source side gate electrode ( 130 a , 62 ) and containing a second gate dielectric portion 130 b and a second gate conductor 172 , wherein the second gate dielectric portion 130 b vertically abuts the body and comprises the high - k dielectric material and has a same thickness as the first gate dielectric portion 130 a . while the invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments , it is evident in view of the foregoing description that numerous alternatives , modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art . accordingly , the invention is intended to encompass all such alternatives , modifications and variations which fall within the scope and spirit of the invention and the following claims . | 7 |
a vehicle receives broadcast signals from one or more satellites and / or one or more land - based transmitters . the signals received from the satellites may include satellite radio , satellite televison , etc . the signals received from the land - based transmitters may include any signal capable of delivering complex information such wi - fi , wider - fi , max - fi , digital fm , digital am , high definition television , or wireless internet embodiments , etc . the vehicle has the system of the present invention installed therein . the system includes a delivery mechanism which in many instances will be installed in the dashboard of the vehicle . the delivery mechanism receives content which is broadcast from the satellites and / or from the land - based transmitters . a listener situated within the vehicle listens to content which is received and reproduced by the delivery mechanism . when the listener desires to purchase a particular content item , a “ buy ” button or switch is actuated . upon initial actuation of the “ buy ” button or switch the delivery mechanism displays appropriate “ price tag ” information on a display panel comprising part of the delivery mechanism . the “ price tag ” includes some or all of : track price , track name , label name , artist name , track length in time , recording date , album or collection price , security information , anti - piracy information , commerce enabling information , video image ( s ) and isrc code information that is decipherable and encode - able by software resident in or downloadable to the delivery mechanism . after considering the “ price tag ” information , the listener determines whether to continue the process for purchasing the selected content . this is accomplished by a second actuation of the “ buy ” button or switch . the delivery mechanism then proceeds to complete the transaction with the royalty exchange and / or the listener &# 39 ; s system internet interface as appropriate per the transaction type described hereinabove . an important feature of the invention comprises the fact that the delivery mechanism includes a rolling recording media which initially records all discernable , saleable content received by the delivery mechanism . this allows the delivery mechanism to transfer a particular content item from the rolling recording media to a permanent albeit re - recordable recording medium even though the broadcast of the selected content item has already commenced , thereby selling a complete unit of content . use of the rolling temporary recording medium also facilitates the transfer of a particular content item to the permanent recording medium even though broadcast of the selected content item has been previously completed , thereby enabling the sale of a desired yet not currently broadcast unit of content . delivery mechanism . includes any device that enables the delivery of digital content , including content that at some point in the delivery or recording process was analog . further , the delivery mechanism has the ability to record content to a permanent , though potentially re - recordable memory facility that may be internal and / or a portable , detachable memory facility , such that the content is digital . the delivery mechanism includes a facility to record content and discards content continuously while activated ( rolling memory ), facilitating spontaneous user selection of content underway , such that an entire content packet can be captured whether an intent to capture is indicated at the beginning , throughout the program to the end , and for a specified period after the end of the audible content delivery . content packets may include songs , collections of songs , interviews , news programs or segments , talk programs or segments , commercials , movies and other video presentations , i . e ., any content with an identifiable beginning and an end that is available for sale . content as defined herein includes an electronic information component called a price tag that includes some or all of : track price , track name , label name , artist name , track length in time , recording date , album or collection price , secuirty features , constraint of use features , etc . and isrc code information that is decipherable by software resident or downloadable to the delivery mechanism . upon an inquiry to purchase content the delivery mechanism deciphers the appropriate price tag information for conveyance to the listener . upon a confirmed capture ( purchase ) of content , listener &# 39 ; s account identification information is encoded in the content , in the price tag or other facility programmable or populate - able by the delivery mechanism , for the purpose of constraining use of the content to other devices included in the listener &# 39 ; s account . information retrieved from the price tag is stored by the delivery mechanism and uploaded upon demand to a remote device via wi - fi , telephony , etc . where the remote device can communicate with the delivery mechanism — an addressable device . for content purchased via the delivery mechanism but not resident in a delivery mechanism memory facility ( a record album associated with a song in the delivery mechanism &# 39 ; s memory facilities is an example ) the specifications of the delivery mechanism will give the listener a choice to : have content delivered to a memory facility in or connected to the delivery mechanism ; to another named addressable device ; to an email address or to the listener &# 39 ; s system internet interface . to facilitate any remote transactions , the delivery mechanism may include equipment designed to receive and / or send satellite , wi - fi , radio , internet , cable , infrared or other signals , or may be attached to such devices . the delivery mechanism may include fast forward , rewind , pause , skip , search , random play and other features common to devices that facilitate content delivery , including the facility to extend retention of rolling memory to complete a requested task . the delivery mechanism may include a back - up memory for purchased content , listener &# 39 ; s account information and other data , and may include other features , i . e . anti - theft technology , or other technology related or unrelated to the system and / or any of its components . the delivery mechanism may be an integrated component of another device , i . e . an automobile . listener . includes any person actively or passively listening to content delivered by any means , where the listener is not in control of the programming other than to activate the delivery mechanism and / or choose a channel , station or other address where pre - organized content persists whether the listener paticipates or not . listener &# 39 ; s system internet interface ( lsii ). provides complete listener account set - up and management facilties including but not limited to system access control and contact facilities , delivery mechanism add / delete / configuration , on - line bill payment , content re - equalization , re - compilation , master file storage management for a memory facility local to the internet access facility , i . e . a pc , portable device , other stationary device or a memory facility not local to the internet access facility , i . e . a location on the web . facilities to convert , translate and / or transfer content among multiple , limited memory facilities identified with the listener account . royalty exchange . information per listener account is collected via communication with the delivery mechanism or the lsii . information per listener account includes but is not limited to : delivery mechanism id , lsii id , date and time of a purchase , purchase id . information including all appropriate fields as identified in the price tag . information is compiled into a billing statement and delivered to the account holder for payment . royalty allocations are made from compiled price tag sales information and distributed electronically to accounts per record label , artist and / or the appropriate level of granularity . royalty exchange is an automated electronic solution . customer profile and sales data becomes re - saleable property . the following steps further illustrate the present invention if the listener develops an interest in owning content while it is being delivered : 1 . listener indicates a purchase interest by interacting with the delivery mechanism . 2 . the delivery mechanism reads and returns price tag information for the content packet selected by listener to a display for listener &# 39 ; s consideration . 3 . listener interacts with the delivery mechanism thereby confirming the purchase request . 4 . the delivery mechanism dedicates the selected content packet to the permanent ( re - recordable ) memory facility and provides confirmation to the listener that the purchase was successful . the following steps further illustrate the present invention if listener develops an interest in owning content delivered prior to the most recent or current content being delivered : 5 . listener interacts with the delivery mechanism indicating a request to search previously delivered saleable content . 6 . delivery mechanism displays rolling memory information for previously delivered , complete and saleable content packets . 7 . listener interacts with the delivery mechanism to select content and indicate a purchase interest . 8 . listener interacts with the delivery mechanism indicating interest in purchasing an entire album of music or other item beyond the content available in any of the delivery mechanism &# 39 ; s memory facilities but associated with delivered content . 9 . delivery mechanism requests content as required to fulfill the purchase request and directs content to the permanent memory location resident in the delivery mechanism or to another named addressable device , an email address , or to the listener &# 39 ; s system internet interface . 10 . listener indicates a preference to listen to one unit of purchased content , to listen to multiple units of purchased content in a specified or random order , or to replay any unit of content currently available from the rolling memory . 11 . delivery mechanism accesses and delivers content as requested from the appropriate memory facility , extending retention of the content selected from the rolling memory as required . 12 . listener removes portable , permanent , re - recordable memory facility to use content elsewhere . although preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description , it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed , but is capable of numerous rearrangements , modifications , and substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the spirit of the invention . | 7 |
reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . fig1 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the window and glass cleaning apparatus 10 of the invention . the apparatus 10 includes an elongated handle 12 and an elongated cleaning head 14 . the cleaning head 14 is pivotally connected to one end of the handle 12 by pivot coupling 13 for rotation about an axis generally normal to a longitudinal axis of the handle 12 . the cleaning head 14 rotates with respective to the handle 12 between an in use position where the cleaning head and handle form a t - shape , as best seen in fig1 , and where the cleaning head is positioned along side and generally parallel to the handle , as best seen in fig1 . the handle 12 houses a container 16 for holding a cleaning fluid to be dispensed during operation of the apparatus . the container 16 can be integrally formed with the handle 12 or alternatively , the container can be removably positioned within the handle , as shown . the handle 12 further comprises a pump chamber 18 in which is positioned a pump 20 for dispensing or pumping out the cleaning fluid held within container 16 . the pump 20 connects the container 16 to a spray nozzle 21 through which the cleaning fluid held within the container is dispensed from during operation of the pump . the spray nozzle 21 is positioned below the cleaning head 14 . as will be discussed further below , the container 16 may hold the cleaning fluid under pressure , such as an aerosol . alternatively , the container 16 may hold the cleaning fluid under atmospheric pressure . in either instances , the container 16 and the pump 20 are configured for cooperation and the pump is operated to dispense the cleaning fluid held within the container 16 from the container and through the spray nozzle 21 for application to a surface to be cleaned . while it is possible for the pump 20 to be a manually operated pump , it is preferred that the pump be electrically operated for user convenience . in which case , the pump 20 includes a pump actuator 22 that mechanically drives the pump . an electric motor 24 operatively engages the pump actuator 22 for operation thereof to dispense the cleaning fluid held within the container 16 . the motor 24 is electrically connected to a power source , such as batteries 26 held within the handle 12 . a switch 28 electrically connects the motor 24 and the power source 26 for selectively supplying power to the motor . a trigger assembly 30 may be included and mounted to the handle 12 . the trigger assembly 30 operatively engages the switch 28 for selective operation thereof . the cleaning head 14 includes a cleaning implement 32 and a squeegee blade 34 . as depicted in fig1 , the cleaning implement 32 and the squeegee blade 34 are positioned on opposite longitudinal sides of the cleaning head 14 , and extend the longitudinal length of the cleaning head . with continued reference to fig1 , end portion 36 is removably attached to the handle 12 , for example through a cooperative threaded engagement , to permit access to power supply or batteries 26 for replacement . end portion 36 permits the attachment of accessories to the handle 12 and includes a female receiving space 38 that is cooperatively engagable to an accessory permitting the connection to handle . access to the female receiving space 38 is made through opening 40 formed through an end of the end portion 36 . opening 40 is selectively closed by a cap 42 that is threadable into the opening 40 . fig2 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus 10 of fig1 illustrating an accessory in the form of an extension handle 42 . the extension handle 42 is shown exploded from handle 12 . as shown , cap 42 is removed thereby permitting access to the female receiving space 38 of end portion 36 . an end of the extension handle 42 and the female receiving space 38 are configured for cooperative engagement to permit fixedly connecting the extension handle to handle 12 . in an aspect , the extension handle 42 can include spring biased tabs 44 that are cooperatively engagable with shoulder 46 of the female receiving space 38 . in this instance , the end of the extension handle 42 is inserted through opening 40 and into the female receiving space 38 which causes tabs 44 to be pressed inwardly towards the extension handle . once the extension handle 42 is fully inserted into the female receiving space 38 of the end portion 36 , the tabs 44 engage shoulder 46 and lock the end of the extension handle within the female receiving space , and thereby connect the extension handle to the handle 12 . other structures capable of fixedly connecting the extension handle 42 or accessories to handle 12 could also be employed . the extension handle 42 includes a secondary electrical switch 48 that is electrically connected to the power source 26 and the motor 24 by a cooperative electrical connection that is made when the extension handle 42 is connected to handle 12 . the cooperative electrical connection includes a pair of electrical contacts each including an electrical contact pad 52 positioned within the female receiving space 38 and an electrical contact pad 54 positioned on the extension handle 42 . contact pads 52 and 54 of each electrical connection are arranged such that they are engaged and communicate electrical power when the extension handle 42 is connected to handle 12 . the secondary electrical switch 48 is connected to contact pads 54 of each of the electrical connection by associated wiring 56 and 58 . likewise , contact pads 52 of each of the electrical connection are connected to the power supply 26 and the motor 24 by associated wiring ( not shown ). fig3 a is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus 10 of fig1 illustrating the container 16 removed from the handle 12 through a front reception through the handle . here , the container 16 is shown as an aerosol type container holding the cleaning fluid under pressure . the pump 20 and the pump actuator 22 are configured for cooperative engagement with the nozzle 17 of the container 16 to connect the container to the spray nozzle 21 and to operate nozzle 17 to dispense the cleaning fluid from the container and through the spray nozzle . there exist numerous suitable configurations of the pump actuator 22 in the art that one of ordinary skill would be readily able to select one of the many available pump actuator configurations for implementation herein . further shown is the cleaning implement 32 having a base 60 of a flexible sponge or absorbent of a conventional type and with a replaceable covering removed therefrom . fig3 b illustrates side view of a first replaceable covering 62 for attachment to the base 60 . the covering 62 is a general c - shaped configuration wherein the covering is attached to the base 60 by inserting the base within the opening 64 of the covering such that the covering at least partially wraps around the base . the covering 62 includes an absorbent central layer 66 , a water proof backing layer 68 and a scrubbing layer 70 consisting of brush bristles 72 extending continuously around the central layer . the water proof backing layer 68 prevents soiling of the base 60 . fig3 c illustrates side view of a second replaceable covering 74 for attachment to the base 60 . the covering 74 is a general c - shaped configuration wherein the covering is attached to the base 60 by inserting the base within the opening 76 of the covering such that the covering at least partially wraps around the base . the covering 76 includes an absorbent central layer 78 , a water proof backing layer 80 and a scrubbing layer 82 consisting of brush bristles 84 that partially extend around the central layer . the water proof backing layer 80 prevents soiling of the base 60 . fig3 d illustrates side view of a third replaceable covering 86 for attachment to the base 60 . the covering 86 is a general c - shaped configuration wherein the covering is attached to the base 60 by inserting the base within the opening 88 of the covering such that the covering at least partially wraps around the base . the covering 88 includes an absorbent central layer 90 and a water proof backing layer 92 . the water proof backing layer 92 prevents soiling of the base 60 . fig4 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus 10 of fig1 illustrating the container 16 removed from the handle 12 through a rear reception through the handle . here , the container 16 is shown as pump container holding the cleaning fluid under atmospheric pressure . the pump and the pump actuator 22 are configured for cooperative engagement with the conventional pump mechanism 19 of the container 16 to connect the container to the spray nozzle 21 and to operate the pump mechanism 19 to dispense the cleaning fluid from the container and through the spray nozzle . there exists numerous suitable configurations of the pump actuator 22 in the art that one of ordinary skill would be readily able to select one of the many available pump actuator configurations for implementation herein . fig5 a is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus 10 of fig1 illustrating the container 16 as a pump container and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle 21 . fig5 b is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus 10 of fig1 illustrating the container 16 as an aerosol container and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle 21 . alternative embodiments of the apparatus 10 are possible . fig6 a is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a second embodiment of the apparatus 200 . the same reference numbers , as employed in the first embodiment , will refer to the same parts , and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here . in the apparatus 200 the electrical motor 24 of pump 20 of the apparatus 10 is replaced with an alternative pump 220 . the pump 220 includes a pump actuator 222 that mechanically drives the pump . there exists numerous suitable configurations of the pump actuator 222 in the art that one of ordinary skill would be readily able to select one of the many available pump actuator configurations for implementation herein . an electric solenoid actuator 224 operatively engages the pump actuator 222 for operation thereof and to dispense the cleaning fluid held within the container 16 . the switch 28 electrically connects the solenoid actuator 224 and the power source 26 for selectively supplying power to the solenoid actuator . further as shown here , the container 16 is depicted as a pump container and with the apparatus 200 in use dispensing the cleaning fluid from the container through spray nozzle 21 . fig6 b is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus 200 of fig6 a illustrating the container 16 as an aerosol container and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle 21 . fig7 a is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a third embodiment of the apparatus 300 . the same reference numbers , as employed in the prior embodiments , will refer to the same parts , and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here . in the apparatus 300 the container 16 and the spray nozzle 20 of the prior embodiments is replaced with a container 316 that includes a spray nozzle 319 integral with a container pump 317 . handle 12 is replaced with handle 312 . handle 312 includes a passage or opening 313 that is positioned for cooperative alignment with the spray nozzle 319 of the container 316 when the container is positioned within the handle 312 . apparatus 300 includes an alternative pump 320 having a pump actuator 322 configured for cooperative engagement with container pump 317 and for mechanically driving the container pump 317 . there exists numerous suitable configurations of the pump actuator 322 in the art that one of ordinary skill would be readily able to select one of the many available pump actuator configurations for implementation herein . an electric solenoid actuator 324 operatively engages the pump actuator 322 for operation thereof and to dispense the cleaning fluid held within the container 316 . the switch 28 electrically connects the solenoid actuator 324 and the power source 26 for selectively supplying power to the solenoid actuator . fig7 b is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the apparatus 400 . the same reference numbers , as employed in the prior embodiments , will refer to the same parts , and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here . in the apparatus 400 the solenoid actuator 324 is replaced with an electric motor 424 . the switch 28 electrically connects the electric motor 424 and the power source 26 for selectively supplying power to the electric motor . fig8 a is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus 300 of fig7 a illustrating the container 316 as an aerosol container and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle 319 . fig8 b is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus 400 of fig7 b illustrating the container 316 as an aerosol container and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle 319 . fig9 a is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the apparatus 500 . the same reference numbers , as employed in the prior embodiments , will refer to the same parts , and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here . in the apparatus 500 container 16 is replaced with a container 516 formed integrally with handle 512 . container 516 is not removable from handle 512 . container 516 includes a mouth opening 517 extending through handle 512 and closed by a removable cap 519 . mouth 517 permits filling of container 516 with a cleaning fluid for dispensing . further depicted is a similar pump and nozzle arrangement of the pump 320 and the nozzle 319 of the third embodiment 300 . however , any pump and nozzle arrangement of any of the prior embodiments discussed herein could be implemented in the apparatus 500 . fig9 b is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the apparatus 600 . the same reference numbers , as employed in the prior embodiments , will refer to the same parts , and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here . apparatus 600 is the apparatus 500 of fig9 a but with a similar pump and nozzle arrangement of the pump 420 and the nozzle 419 of the fourth embodiment 400 . however , any pump and nozzle arrangement of any of the prior embodiments discussed herein could be implemented in the apparatus 600 . fig1 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the apparatus 700 . the same reference numbers , as employed in the prior embodiments , will refer to the same parts , and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here . fig1 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an additional accessory attachment 100 exploded from end portion 36 . accessory attachment 100 includes an electrical outlet cord 102 suitable for plugging into an electrical outlet to provide electrical power to the apparatus 10 as the power source 26 or to charge the batteries . accessory attachment 100 is attachable to the handle 12 in the same manner as the extension handle 42 , as discussed above . to this end , accessory attachment 100 includes the same cooperative electrical connection including the pair of electrical contacts each including an electrical contact pad 52 positioned within the female receiving space 38 and an electrical contact pad 54 positioned on the extension handle 42 . contact pads 52 and 54 of each electrical contact 50 are arranged such that they are engaged and communicate electrical power when the accessory attachment 100 is connected to the handle 12 . fig1 is a diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of the apparatus 10 of fig1 illustrating the cleaning head 14 positioned in the in - use position where the cleaning head forms a general t - shape with the handle 12 . fig1 is a diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of the apparatus 10 of fig1 illustrating the cleaning head 14 positioned in the storage position where the cleaning head is positioned generally parallel to the handle 12 . fig1 is a diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of an eighth embodiment of the apparatus 800 . the same reference numbers , as employed in the prior embodiments , will refer to the same parts , and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here . the apparatus 800 replaces spray nozzle 20 with spray nozzle 820 which is positioned on the cleaning head 814 for movement therewith . pivot coupling 13 is replaced with pivot coupling 813 including a fluid passage way 815 extending therethrough and connecting the spray nozzle 820 with the pump 20 and container 16 . the cleaning head 814 is shown in the in - use position . fig1 is diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of the apparatus 800 of fig1 illustrating the cleaning head 814 in the storage position . fig1 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a ninth embodiment of the apparatus 900 . the same reference numbers , as employed in the prior embodiments , will refer to the same parts , and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here . apparatus 900 includes a cleaning head 914 of an alternative arrangement having an integral cleaning implement 32 and squeegee blade 34 as depicted . fig1 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a tenth embodiment of the apparatus 1000 . the same reference numbers , as employed in the prior embodiments , will refer to the same parts , and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here . apparatus 1000 includes a cleaning head 1014 of yet and additional alternative arrangement having a cleaning implement 1032 and being devoid of a squeegee blade . cleaning implement 1032 includes a base 1060 of a flexible sponge and a replaceable covering 1062 . fig1 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an eleventh embodiment of the apparatus 1100 . the same reference numbers , as employed in the prior embodiments , will refer to the same parts , and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here . apparatus 1100 includes a cleaning head 1114 of yet and additional alternative arrangement having a first cleaning implement 1132 and a second cleaning implement 1133 . cleaning implements 1132 and 1133 are positioned on opposite sides of the cleaning head 1114 . each of the cleaning implements 1132 and 1133 are similar to the cleaning implement 32 as discussed and shown above which includes base 60 and replaceable covering 62 . fig1 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an twelfth embodiment of the apparatus 1200 . the same reference numbers , as employed in the prior embodiments , will refer to the same parts , and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here . apparatus 1200 includes a cleaning head 1214 of yet and additional alternative arrangement having including a cleaning implement 1232 in the form of a bristle brush . fig2 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an thirteenth embodiment of the apparatus 1300 . the same reference numbers , as employed in the prior embodiments , will refer to the same parts , and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here . apparatus 1300 includes a cleaning head 1314 of yet and additional alternative arrangement having including a cleaning implement 1332 in the form of a bristle brush and being devoid of a squeegee blade . here , the cleaning head 1314 is fixed with the handle 1312 and does not pivot or fold . fig2 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an additional accessory attachment 120 exploded from end portion 36 . accessory attachment 120 is in the form of a scraper blade and includes a body 122 having attached thereto a blade 124 suitable for scraping surfaces . accessory attachment 120 is attached to handle 12 in the same manner as the prior accessory attachments as discussed and shown above . fig2 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an fourteenth embodiment of the apparatus 1400 . the same reference numbers , as employed in the prior embodiments , will refer to the same parts , and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here . the apparatus 1400 is similar to apparatus 500 as discussed above and includes an integral container 1416 formed into handle 1412 . a dip tube 1402 extends the length of the handle 1412 exteriorly of the container 1416 and is fluidically connected at end 1406 to container 1416 at the bottom thereof . opposite end 1408 of the dip tube 1402 includes a pump 1420 . the pump 1420 connects the container dip tube 1402 to a spray nozzle 21 through which the cleaning fluid held within the container 1416 is dispensed from during operation of the pump . the pump 1420 includes a pump actuator 1422 that mechanically drives the pump . a solenoid 1424 operatively engages the pump actuator 1422 for operation thereof to dispense the cleaning fluid held within the container 1416 . the solenoid 1424 is electrically connected to a power source , such as batteries 26 held within the handle 1412 . a switch 28 electrically connects the solenoid 1424 and the power source 26 for selectively supplying power to the solenoid . a trigger assembly 30 may be included and mounted to the handle 1412 . the trigger assembly 30 operatively engages the switch 28 for selective operation thereof . fig2 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a fifteenth embodiment of the apparatus 1500 . the same reference numbers , as employed in the prior embodiments , will refer to the same parts , and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here . the apparatus 1500 is similar to apparatus 1400 as discussed above and includes an integral container 1516 formed into handle 1512 . a dip tube 1502 extends the length of the handle 1512 exteriorly of the container 1516 and is fluidically connected at end 1506 to container 1516 at the bottom thereof . opposite end 1508 of the dip tube 1502 includes a pump 1520 . the pump 1520 connects the container dip tube 1502 to a spray nozzle 21 through which the cleaning fluid held within the container 1516 is dispensed from during operation of the pump . the pump 1520 includes a pump actuator 1522 that mechanically drives the pump . a motor 1524 operatively engages the pump actuator 1522 for operation thereof to dispense the cleaning fluid held within the container 1516 . the motor 1524 is electrically connected to a power source , such as batteries 26 held within the handle 1512 . a switch 28 electrically connects the motor 1524 and the power source 26 for selectively supplying power to the motor 1524 . a trigger assembly 30 may be included and mounted to the handle 1512 . the trigger assembly 30 operatively engages the switch 28 for selective operation thereof . a number of embodiments of the present invention have been described . nevertheless , it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . | 8 |
the present inventor was interested in the pattern of the correlation power value and the spread data pattern in a reception side , found that these patterns are useful to detect a long code phase and achieved the present invention . detail explanations are given to the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings in the following . in addition , in the embodiments below , the explanations relate to a cdma asynchronous cellular radio communication system . in the embodiment of the present invention , an explanation is given to a cdma mobile communication system in which a long code phase is detected using a multiplexed pattern of masked symbols spread with two short codes . fig2 is block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of cdma radio communication system . in this system , in a base station side , a transmission signal is constructed in a frame according to the prescribed frame format in frame constructing section 201 , and transmitted from antenna 203 via radio section 202 . on the other hand , in a mobile terminal device side , a signals is received at antenna 204 and transmitted to initial synchronization section 206 via radio section 205 . in addition , in fig2 , the processing sections featured by cdma in the base station and mobile terminal device of the present invention are the same as those in an ordinary cdma system , and not illustrated . fig3 is a block diagram illustrating an initial synchronization section in a cdma radio communication apparatus ( mobile terminal device ) in the first embodiment of the present invention . in fig3 , a signal transmitted from a base station is received in a mobile terminal device as input signal 120 . input signal 120 is processed in matched filter 103 to detect the correlation with a common short code to all base stations generated in common short code to all base stations generating section 101 . the output in matched filter 103 is converted into a power value in electric power converting section 104 , and the power value is averaged in averaging section 105 . the correlation power values the necessary to average , for instance , the data corresponding to the number of chips in a slot , are stored in memory 102 . in the prescribed period , the maximum value among the averaged power values is detected in maximum value detecting section 106 , and a timing detected in masked symbol timing generating section 107 is a masked symbol timing . as described above , the slot timing is detected , and concurrently the masked symbol time is detected . thus , the masked symbol timing process is completed . on the other hand , input signal 120 is processed in correlator 108 to detect the correlation with a long code group indication short code generated in long code group indication short code generating section 112 at the masked symbol timing described above . the output in correlator 108 is converted into a power value in electric power converting section 109 , and the power values obtained in the prescribed period are integrated in integrating section 110 . next the maximum value among the integrated power values is detected in maximum value detecting section 111 , and by using a long code group identification short code with the maximum value , a long code group is identified . in addition , the output in maximum value detecting section 111 is transmitted to long code timing / short code generating section 119 . the output in electric power converting section 109 is transmitted to pattern detecting section 113 , a known pattern of masked symbols for a frame is detected , and a phase of a long code ( for instance , head slot of a long code ) is detected . the obtained result is transmitted to long code timing generating section 114 , and a long code timing is determined in long code timing generating section 114 . the determined long code timing is transmitted to long code / short code generating section 119 . thus , the long code group identification process and the long code timing process are completed . and input signal 120 is processed at the determined timing to detect the correlation with a long code / common short code to all base stations generated in long code / short code generating section 119 . the output in correlation 115 is converted into a power value in electric power converting section 116 , and the power values obtained during the prescribed period are integrated . next in threshold value deciding section 118 , a long code with the maximum value , which is detected in maximum value detecting section 106 , exceeding the threshold value is identified as a long code for the base station . thus , the long code identification process is completed . in addition , in the above configuration , a sliding correlator is available in stead of matched filter 103 . an explanation is given to an operation in an initial synchronization section in the cdma radio communication apparatus configured as described above . first , in a transmission side ( base station ), a transmission signal is , as illustrated in fig4 , constructed into a frame where a masked symbol in a long code is prepared each slot at equal intervals . herein an explanation is given to the case where a masked symbol is prepared at the head of a slot for the simplified explanation . in a frame construction illustrated in fig4 , a long code is repeated in a frame period , and the head of a long code is the head of a frame . and in a masked symbol in this frame construction , the data spread with only a common short code to all base stations and the data spread with only a long code group identification short code are multiplexed . on the other hand , other symbols are spread twice with a common short code to all base stations and a long code specific to a base station . however , since data spread with only a long code group identification short code is multiplexed at the prescribed position in symbols spread with a common short code to all base station , at some positions in the symbols spread with a common short code to all base station , the data spread with only a long code group identification short code are not multiplexed . in addition , the prescribed position is already known for a base station and a mobile terminal device . in a reception side ( mobile terminal device ), the cell search processing is executed in the order of the masked symbol timing detection , the long code group identification and the long code identification . and , in the masked symbol timing detection process , the received data ( input signal 120 ), is processed in matched filter 103 to detect the correlation with a common short code to all base stations , and the correlation is output at the chip rate . the output data of the correlation is converted into a power value in electric power converting section 104 . the power value is stored in memory 102 , and the power values stored in memory 102 of a polarity of slots are in averaging section 105 added and averaged by the predetermined number . as illustrated in fig5 , the correlation ( power value ) has the maximum value at the position of a masked symbol . accordingly the power value averaged in averaging section 105 has the maximum value also at the position of a masked symbol . maximum value detecting section 106 detects this maximum value , and based on this maximum value , masked symbol timing generating section 107 detects a masked symbol timing , i . e ., a slot timing . next in the long code group identification process , at the detected masked symbol timing , long code group identification short code generating section 112 generates all long code group identification short codes by varying a frame sequentially , and correlator 108 detects the correlation of each of these long code group identification short codes and a masked symbol in an input signal . integrating section 110 integrates the correlation power values of the masked symbols in a frame and the long code group identification short code . maximum value detecting section 111 identifies , from all long code group identification short codes , one with the maximum integrated value as a long code group identification short code for the base station . at this time , the head slot of a frame is detected from a pattern of the correlation ( power value ) of the masked symbols in a frame . in a frame in a transmission side , the interval where a long code group identification short code is multiplexed with masked symbols has a pattern illustrated in fig6 . the multiplexed pattern in this example is “ 1111011110101100 ”. in addition , fig6 illustrates the condition where masked symbols are only extracted without other symbols . in a reception side , the correlation power value of masked symbol and long code group identification short code in a frame has , as illustrated in fig6 , the higher value at the position where a symbol spread with long code group identification short code is multiplexed . this pattern is the same as that in the interval where a long code group identification short code is multiplexed in a frame in a transmission side in fig6 . since it is possible to identify this pattern , by identifying the pattern in pattern detecting section 113 , it is possible to detect a frame position , i . e ., a long code phase . by using this long code phase , long code timing generating section 114 acquires a long code timing . next in the long code identification process , at the acquired long code timing , long code / common short code to all base stations generating section 119 generates a replica code of a long code / common short code to all base stations . at this time , a plurality of replica codes are generated using long codes in the identified long code group to vary a long code sequentially . and correlator 115 detects the correlation of the replica code and a symbol except masked symbols . electric converting section 116 converts the correlation into a power value , and integrating section 117 integrates the power values of the predetermined number of symbols . threshold value deciding section 118 identifies , the long code with the integrated value exceeding the threshold value as a long code for the base station . in a conventional method , in the long code identification process , it is necessary to detect a plurality of the correlations of a long code corresponding to the number of slots by shifting a phase according to a slot in a long code . on the other hand , according to the method of this embodiment , it is not necessary to detect a plurality of the correlations of a long code corresponding to the number of slots for a long code . accordingly , when the number of slots is n , in the method of this embodiment , the long code identification process time is reduced to a nth that of the conventional method . thus , according to the present invention , a transmission side transmits a frame in which long code masked symbols spread with a common short code to all base stations are multiplexed by masked symbols spread with a long code group identification short code in the predetermined pattern , and an initial synchronization section in a reception side , in the identification process of long code group identification short code , detects the pattern to detect a phase of a long code . for instance , the head position of a long code is detected . as a result , the initial synchronization acquisition time is largely reduced . in this embodiment , an explanation is given to a cdma radio communication apparatus for detecting a long code phase from the pattern data spread with a common short code to all base stations and / or a long code group identification short code . fig7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an initial synchronization section in a cdma radio communication apparatus ( mobile terminal device ) in this embodiment . the same sections in fig7 as those in fig3 have the same symbols in those in fig3 so that those explanations are omitted . the output in matched filter 103 in the masked symbol timing detection process is transmitted to data demodulating section 121 , and from the output , the data included in a masked symbol spread with a common short code to all base stations is extracted in demodulating section 121 . the extracted data is transmitted to code phase detecting section 123 . the output in correlator 108 in the long code group identification process is transmitted to data demodulating section 122 , and from the output , the data included in a masked symbol spread with a long code group identification short code is extracted . the extracted data is transmitted to long code phase detecting section 123 . in long code phase detecting section 123 , a long code phase is detected using the both data from data demodulating section 121 and / or data demodulating section 122 . this long code phase is transmitted to long code timing generating section 114 . in addition , in the case of using the data of data demodulating section 122 , the data demodulation is executed in data demodulating section 122 after the long code group identification short code is identified . an explanation is given to an operation of an initial synchronization section in a cdma radio communication apparatus with the above configuration . first a transmission side ( base station ) constructs a frame , as illustrated in fig8 , in which a masked symbol to partially mask a long code is prepared each slot at equal intervals in a long code . herein , the case is explained where a masked symbol is prepared at the head of a slot for the simplified explanation . in a frame construction illustrated in fig8 , a long code is repeated in a frame period , and the head of a long code is the head of a frame . and in the masked symbols in this frame construction , the data spread with only a common short code to all base stations and the data spread with only a long code group identification short code are multiplexed . on the other hand , other symbols are spread twice with a common short code to all base stations and a long code specific to a bases station . at this time , the long code phase information is used as data to be spread with a common short code to all base stations and / or long code group identification short code . the long code phase information ( pattern data ) is included within a frame , and the same information is transmitted each frame . in a reception side ( mobile terminal device ), the cell search processing is executed in the order of the masked symbol timing detection , the long code group identification and the long code identification . first , in the masked symbol timing detection process , received data ( input signal 120 ), is processed in matched filter 103 to detect the correlation with a common short code to all base stations , and the correlation is output at the chip rate . the output data of the correlation is converted into a power value in electric power converting section 104 , and the power value is stored in memory 102 . the power values stored in memory 102 of a polarity of slots are in averaging section 105 added and averaged by the predetermined number . as illustrated in fig5 , the correlation ( power value ) has the maximum value at the position of a masked symbol . accordingly the power value averaged in averaging section 105 has the maximum value also at the position of a masked symbol . maximum value detecting section 106 detects this maximum value , and based on this maximum value , masked symbol timing generating section 107 detects a masked symbol timing , i . e ., a slot timing . and data demodulating section 121 data modulates the output of the correlation with a common short code to all base stations from matched filter 103 only for a masked symbol and extracts the data . in this case , if the transmitted data pattern is known in advance , a long code phase can be detected from the pattern phase by detecting the pattern of the extracted data . thus , a long code timing is acquired . next in the long code group identification process , at the detected masked symbol timing , long code group identification short code generating section 112 generates all long code group identification short codes by varying , and correlator 108 detects the correlation of each of these long code group identification short codes and a masked symbols in an input signal . integrating section 110 integrates the correlation power values of masked symbols and the long code group identification short code over the predetermined number of symbols . maximum value detecting section 111 identifies , from all long code group identification short codes , one with the maximum integrated value as a long code group identification short code for the base station . next in the long code identification process , at the obtained long code timing , long code / common short code to all base stations generating section 119 generates a replica code of a long code / common short code to all base stations . at this time , a plurality of replica codes are generated using long codes in the identified long code group to vary a long code sequentially . and correlator 115 detects the correlation of the replica code and a symbol except masked symbols . electric converting section 116 converts the correlation into a power value , and integrating section 117 integrates the power values of the predetermined number of symbols . threshold value deciding section 118 compares the integrated value described above with the threshold value calculated from the maximum value of the correlation power value of common short code to all base stations detected in maximum value detecting section 106 , and identifies the long code with the integrated value exceeding the threshold value as a long code for the base station . in addition , in the above method , after the identification of long code group identification short code , data demodulating section 122 may extract the data spread with a long code group identification short code and , from the pattern , a long code phase can be detected . thus , according to this embodiment , a transmission side assigns the pattern data for the long code phase detection to a long code masked symbol in a frame , and spreads it with a common short code to all base stations and / or a long code identification short code to transmit . an initial synchronization section extracts the data pattern from the output in a matched filter and / or the output of the correlator for a long code group identification short code , and detects a long code phase from the pattern . as a result , since it is not necessary to detect the number of correlations corresponding to the number of slots in a long code , the initial synchronization acquisition time is largely reduced . in this embodiment , an explanation is given to a cdma radio communication apparatus in which the data of masked symbol is stored in a buffer memory and the correlation of the data and a long code group identification short code is processed in a slot in time division . fig9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a long code group identification short code identifying section in this embodiment . the same sections in fig9 as those in fig7 have the same symbols in those in fig7 so that those explanations are omitted . buffer memory 124 illustrated in fig9 is to store the data of masked symbols in input signal 120 . an explanation is given to an operation of a long code group identification short code identifying section with the configuration described above . only the data of masked symbols in input signal 120 are stored in buffer memory 124 . in this case , since the correlation of a masked symbol is processed with a long code group identification short code , one symbol time is enough for one long code group identification short code to process . and during the residual time in a slot time , the correlations of the contents in buffer memory 124 and other long code identification group short codes are sequentially processed in time division in a slot time . thus , according to this embodiment , since an initial synchronization section in a reception side stores the data of masked symbols in a buffer memory , and the correlations of long code group identification short codes are processed in time division in a slot time , the time to identify the long code group identification short code is largely reduced . in this embodiment , an explanation is given to a cdma radio communication apparatus for communicating a frame construction in which a masked symbol spread with a common short code to all base stations and a masked symbol spread with a long code group identification short code are prepared separately at different positions . fig1 is a diagram illustrating a frame format used in a radio communication in this embodiment . a transmission side generates in a frame constructing section a frame format illustrated in fig1 . in the frame construction , two masked symbols are prepared in a slot , where one is assigned a symbol spread with a common short code to all base stations , and another is assigned a symbol spread with a long code group identification short code . in fig1 , the two masked symbols are continuously prepared for the simplified explanation . in the long code group identification process , a reception side detects the correlation of an input signal and a long code group identification short code at the position of a symbol after the masked symbol detected using the correlation of a common short code to all base stations in the timing detection process , and identifies a long code group identification short code . in this embodiment , since two masked symbols are prepared separately in a frame , the correlation and the correlation power value become twice than the case where two masked symbols are multiplexed at a single position to transmit . that permits less influence by noise and fading . in addition , in this embodiment , although the explanation is given to the case where the masked symbol spread with a long code identification short code presents at the position of a symbol after the masked symbol spread with a common short code to all base stations , if the relationship of positions of the masked symbol spread with a long code identification short code and the masked symbol spread with a common short code to all base stations is predetermined in a frame format , i . e ., patterned , the cell search is performed as well as the above case . thus , according to this embodiment , since a transmission side in a radio communication system transmits separately a masked symbol spread with a common short code to all base stations and a masked symbol spread with a long code group identification short code , the large correlation and the large correlation power value are acquired at an initial synchronization section in a reception side . as a result , in this system , the initial synchronization is certainly acquired in the condition resistant to noise and so on . in this embodiment , an explanation is given to a cdma radio communication apparatus for detecting a long code group and a long code phase from the pattern data spread with a common short code to all base stations . fig1 is a block diagram illustrating an initial synchronization section in a cdma radio communication apparatus ( mobile terminal device ) in this embodiment . the same sections in fig1 as those in fig7 have the same symbols as those in fig7 so that those explanations are omitted . the initial synchronization section illustrated in fig1 has the same configuration as that in fig7 except the sections concerning the long code group identification process . in other words , the initial synchronization section illustrated in fig1 has the configuration where long code group detecting section 125 is prepared instead of long code group detecting section 123 without preparing correltor 108 , electric converting section 109 , integrating section 110 , maximum value detecting section 111 , long code group identification short code generating section 112 and data demodulating section 122 which are in the initial synchronization section illustrated in fig7 . long code group detecting section 125 detects a long code group and a phase of a long code from the data demodulated from the output in matched filter 103 in data demodulating section 121 . an explanation is given to an operation of an initial synchronization section in a cdma radio communication apparatus with the configuration described above . first , in a transmission side , a transmission signal is , as illustrated in fig1 , constructed into a frame in which a masked symbol in a long code is prepared each slot at equal intervals . herein an explanation is given to the case where a masked symbol is prepared at the head of a slot for the simplified explanation . in a frame construction illustrated in fig1 , a long code is repeated in a frame period , and the head of a long code is the head of a frame . and in this frame construction , a masked symbol is the long code group identification data spread with only a common short code to all base stations . on the other hand , other symbols are spread twice with a common short code to all base stations and a long code specific to the base station . in addition , the long code group identification data are included within a frame , and repeatedly transmitted in each frame . a reception side ( mobile terminal device ) detect the correlation , in the masked symbol timing detection process as well as the first embodiment , of input signal 102 and a common short code to all base stations in matched filter 103 , and acquires a timing of a masked symbol from the correlation . next in the long code group identification process , data demodulating section 121 demodulates the data of the masked symbol from the output of correlation in matched filter 103 , and extracts the pattern of long code group identification data . next the extracted pattern of long code group identification data and the already known patterns of several sorts of long code group are compared to detect the matching . the matching one is used to identify a long code group and detect a long code phase . thus , a long code timing is acquired . next in the long code identification process , at the acquired long code timing , long code / common short code to all base stations generating section 119 generates a replica code of a long code / common short code to all base stations . at this time , a plurality of replica codes are generated using long codes classified in the identified long code group to vary a long code sequentially . and correlator 115 detects the correlation of the replica code and a symbol except masked symbols . electric converting section 116 converts the correlation into a power value , and integrating section 117 integrates the power values of the predetermined number of symbols . threshold value deciding section 118 compares the integrated value described above with the threshold value calculated from the maximum value of the correlation power value of common short code to all base stations detected in maximum value detecting section 106 , and identifies the long code with the integrated value exceeding the threshold value as a long code for the base station . thus , according to this embodiment , a transmission side transmits a long code masked symbol in which the pattern data to detect a long code group are spread with a common short code to all base stations , then a reception side extracts in an initial synchronization section the pattern data from the output in the matched filter and performs the identification of a long code group and the detection of a long code phase from the extracted data pattern . as a result , the initial synchronization acquisition time can be reduce largely , and the hardware scale can be reduced . in this embodiment , an explanation is given to a cdma radio communication apparatus for identifying a long code group from the relationship of the positions of two masked symbols . fig1 is a block diagram illustrating an initial synchronization section in a cdma radio communication apparatus ( mobile terminal device ) in this embodiment . the same sections in fig1 as those in fgi . 11 have the same symbols those in fig1 so that those explanations are omitted . the initial synchronization section illustrated in fig1 has the same configuration as that in the initial synchronization section illustrated in fig1 except data demodulating 121 and long code timing generating section 114 which are eliminated . in this initial synchronization section , long code group detecting section 125 identifies a long code group from the output in maximum value detecting section 106 , i . e ., the maximum value of two common short codes to all base stations . an explanation is given to an operation of an initial synchronization section of a cdma radio communication apparatus with the configuration described above . a reception side constructs a frame , as illustrated in fig1 , in which two long code masked symbols are prepared in a slot . herein , one masked symbol is prepared at the head of a slot and another one is prepared in a slot for the simplified explanation . in detail , a symbol spread with the first common short code to all base stations is assigned for a masked symbol at the head of the slot , and a symbol spread with the second common short code to all base stations is assigned for another masked symbol . in this case , the relationship of the positions of two masked symbols ( patter ) corresponds to a long code group . accordingly , the long code group identification is performed by identifying the relationship of the positions of two masked symbols . in a reception side ( mobile terminal device ), in the masked symbol timing detection process , input signal 120 is processed in matched filter 103 to detect the correlation with the first common short code to all base stations generated in common short code generating section 101 . the correlation output data are converted into a power value in electric power converting section 104 . the power value is stored in memory 102 , and the power values stored in memory 102 of a polarity of slots are in averaging section 105 added and averaged by the predetermined number . maximum value detecting section 106 detects the maximum value among the averaged correlation power values , and base on this maximum value , masked symbol timing generating section 107 detects a masked symbol timing , i . e ., a slot timing . next in the long code group identification process , input signal 120 is processed in matched filter 103 to detect the correlation with the second common short code to all base stations generated in common short code generating section 101 . the correlation output data are converted into a power value in electric power converting section 104 . the power value is stored in memory 102 , and the power values stored in memory 102 of a polarity of slots are in averaging section 105 added and averaged by the predetermined number . maximum value detecting section 106 detects the maximum value among the averaged correlation power values . this maximum value and the slot timing detected previously are transmitted to long code group detecting section 125 . long code group detecting section 125 recognizes the relationship of the positions of masked symbols in a slot ( the relationship of symbol position to obtain the maximum correlation in the slot ) using the slot timing detected previously and the timing for the maximum value , and identifies a long code corresponding to the relationship of the positions . next in the long code identification process , an input signal is processed to detect the correlation with each of candidate long codes included in the identified long code group by varying a phase corresponding to the number of slots . and until threshold value deciding section 118 obtains the long code with the integrated correlation power value exceeding the threshold value , the correlation is processed sequentially by varying a long code from candidate long codes . the long code with the integrated value exceeding the threshold value is identified as a long code for the base station , and the slot timing is identified as a long code phase . thus , according to this embodiment , a transmission side transmits two masked symbols spread with common short codes to all base stations , and an initial synchronization section in a reception side detects a long code group from the relationship of the positions of two masked symbols without a long code group identification short code . that allows to downsize the hardware scale and reduce the initial synchronization acquisition time . in this embodiment , although the explanation is given to the case where two masked symbols are prepared in a slot , more than three masked symbols can be prepared in a slot according to the present invention . in this embodiment , an explanation is given to a cdma radio communication apparatus for detecting a long code phase using the long code phase information pattern . fig1 is a block diagram illustrating an initial synchronization section in a cdma radio communication apparatus ( mobile terminal device ) in this embodiment . the same sections in fig1 as those in fig1 have the same symbols as those in fig1 so that those explanations are omitted . a cdma communication apparatus illustrated in fig1 detects in long code phase detecting section 123 a long code phase using the data extracted in data demodulating section 121 . an explanation is given to an operation of an initial synchronization section in a cdma radio communication apparatus with the configuration described above . as illustrated in fig1 , a transmission side constructs a frame , as well as the sixth embodiment , in which two long code masked symbols are prepared in a slot . herein one masked symbols is prepared at the head of a slot , and another one is prepared in a slot for the simplified explanation . in detail , a symbol spread with the first common short code to all base stations is assigned for a masked symbol at the head of the slot , and a symbol spread with the second common short code to all base stations is assigned for another masked symbol . in this case , the data to be spread with the first common short code or the second common short code to all base stations include the pattern for providing the long code phase information . and the relationship of the positions of two masked symbols ( pattern ) corresponds to a long code group . accordingly , the long code group identification is performed by identifying the relationship of the positions of two masked symbols . in a reception side ( mobile terminal device ), in the masked symbol timing detection process , input signal 120 is processed in matched filter 103 to detect the correlation with the first common short code to all base stations generated in common short code generating section 101 . the correlation output data are converted into a power value in electric power converting section 104 . the power value is stored in memory 102 , and the power values stored in memory 102 of a polarity of slots are in averaging section 105 added and averaged by the predetermined number . maximum value detecting section 106 detects the maximum value among the averaged correlation power values , and base on this maximum value , masked symbol timing generating section 107 detects a masked symbol timing , i . e ., a slot timing . next in the long code group identification process , input signal 120 is processed in matched filter 103 to detect the correlation with the second common short code to all base stations generated in common short code generating section 101 . the correlation output data are converted into a power value in electric power converting section 104 . the power value is stored in memory 102 , and the power values stored in memory 102 of a polarity of slots are in averaging section 105 added and averaged by the predetermined number . maximum value detecting section 106 detects the maximum value among the averaged correlation power values . this maximum value and the slot timing detected previously are transmitted to long code group detecting section 125 . long code group detecting section 125 recognizes the relationship of the positions of masked symbols in a slot ( the relationship of the symbol position to obtain the maximum correlation in the slot ) using the slot timing detected previously and the timing for the maximum value and identifies a long code corresponding to the relationship of the positions . and data demodulating section 121 demodulates the data of only masked symbols from the correlation outputs in matched filter 103 , and extracts the data . since the data has the known pattern for providing the long code phase information , a long code phase ( the head slot in a frame ) can be detected using the phase of the extracted data pattern . next in the long code identification process , an input signal is processed to detect the correlation with each of candidate long codes included in the identified long code group using the detected long code phase , the correlation power value is obtained , and the obtained correlation power values are integrated . and until threshold value deciding section 118 acquires the long code with the integrated correlation power value exceeding the threshold value , the correlation is processed sequentially by varying a long code from candidate long codes . the long code with the integrated value exceeding the threshold value is identified as a long code for the base station . thus , according to this embodiment , a transmission side transmits two masked symbols which are spread with common short codes to all base stations and include the long code phase information , and an initial synchronization section in a reception side detects a long code group from the relationship of the positions of two masked symbols without using a long code group identification short code , and detects the long code phase using the long phase information . that allows to downsize the hardware scale and reduce the initial synchronization acquisition time . in this embodiment , an explanation is given to a cdma radio communication apparatus for acquiring a sort of long code using a pattern for providing a sort of long code and a long code group . fig1 is a block diagram illustrating an initial synchronization section in a cdma radio communication apparatus ( mobile terminal device ) in this embodiment . the same sections in fig1 as those in fig1 have the same symbols as those in fig1 so that those explanations are omitted . in a cdma radio communication apparatus illustrated in fig1 , long code sort detecting section 127 detects a sort of long code using the data extracted in data demodulating section 121 . the sort of long code is transmitted to long code / short code generating section 119 . an explanation is given to an operation of an initial synchronization section in a cdma radio communication apparatus with the configuration described above . as illustrated in fig1 , a transmission side constructs a frame , as well as the sixth embodiment , in which two long code masked symbols are prepared in a slot . herein , one masked symbol is prepared at the head and another one is prepared in a slot for the simplified explanation . in detail , a symbol spread with the first common short code to all base stations is assigned for a masked symbol at the head of the slot , and a symbol spread with the second common short code to all base stations is assigned for another masked symbol . in this case , the data to be spread with the first common short code or the second common short code to all base stations include the pattern for providing a sort of long code . and the relationship of the positions of two masked symbols ( pattern ) corresponds to a long code group . accordingly , the long code group identification is performed by identifying the relationship of the positions of two masked symbols . a reception side detects , as well as the sixth embodiment , the slot timing using the first and the second common short codes to all base stations , and identifies the long code group using the relationship of the positions of two masked symbols in a slot . concurrently data demodulating section 121 demodulates the data of only masked symbols from correlation outputs in matched filter 103 and extracts the pattern data . long code phase detecting section 123 detects the sort of long code and the long code phase using the matching result of the pattern data . thus , the long code identification , and the sort and phase of long code are acquired one time . in this case , it is preferable for the conformation to detect the correlation of an input signal with the identified long code , and executes the threshold decision in the same way as that in the embodiment described previously . thus , according to this embodiment , a transmission side transmits two masked symbols which are spread with common short codes to all base stations and include the long code sort information , and an initial synchronization section in a reception side demodulates the masked symbols without using a long code group identification short code , and detects a sort of long code and a long code phase . that allows to downsize the hardware scale and reduce the initial synchronization acquisition time . in addition , in the first up to the eighth embodiments described above , although the explanations are given to the case where a cdma radio communication apparatus is a mobile terminal device , the present invention is applied to the case where a cdma radio communication apparatus is not a mobile terminal device but a communication terminal . in the first up to the eighth embodiments described above , although the explanations are given to the case where a masked symbol locates at the head of a slot in a frame , the present invention provides the same effect in the case where a masked symbol presents anyway in a slot in a frame . and the present invention is not limited to the first up to the eighth embodiments described above , which variations are available to practice . in addition , it is possible to properly combine the first up to the eighth embodiments described above to practice . in the present invention as described above , the masked position ( masking interval ), where a masked symbol spread with a long code group identification short code and another masked symbol spread with a common short code to all base stations are multiplexed , is patterned , and as detecting a long code group identification short code , the pattern is detected to acquire a long code phase . that allows to reduce the long code identification time largely without increasing the hardware scale . and in the present invention , the long code phase information or the long code group information is used as the data of a masked symbol . because of it , the long code identification time can be reduced drastically . further in the present invention , the long code group is identified from the relationship of the positions of a plurality of masked symbols in a slot using a plurality of common short codes to all base stations . that allows to reduce the long code identification time drastically . | 7 |
an exemplary embodiment of the inventive method , as can be used within the framework of magnetic resonance fingerprinting , will be presented with reference to fig1 . material parameters describing various material characteristics in a target region of an examination object , here of a patient , are to be established here , for example the t1 relaxation time , the t2 relaxation time , the t2 * relaxation time and / or the proton density . the aim of the examination can be the more precise analysis of a tumor or of another lesion for example . in this method , in a step s 1 , a basic magnetic resonance sequence is initially selected , which makes possible a good distinction of magnetic resonance signals , which arise in accordance with an excitation contained within them , in particular a combined excitation , in ranges of basic values for the material parameters through to a basic resolution . the magnetic resonance signals , which for example can be based on a pseudo - randomized sequence of excitation pulses , represent a type of fingerprint of the material , in particular tissue , in the corresponding image element . in other words a characteristic of the magnetic resonance signals is produced , which is typical for specific combinations of parameter values of the material parameters . the range of basic values for the various material parameters and thus the basic magnetic resonance sequence can be selected , for example , so that all parameter values for the material parameters that might possibly occur in the target region are covered by the range of basic values . this is usually associated with sacrifices in the basic resolution , since as from specific differences of the values of the material parameter in a combination , magnetic resonance signals may no longer be sufficiently or uniquely differentiated . the basic resolution can still be selected extremely coarse in such cases in the inventive method , since at later points in time refinement is to take place in any event , in the sense of measurement time optimization , for example in 100 millisecond steps or even 1000 millisecond steps for the relaxation times . then , in step s 2 a series of establishing steps is carried out , in which initially within the framework of the basic magnetic resonance sequence , magnetic resonance signals of a measurement region will be recorded , according to which , for establishing the parameter values of each material parameter for each image element , comparisons of the recorded magnetic resonance signals with comparison signals assigned to the basic magnetic resonance sequence are undertaken . the comparison signals , which correspond to specific combinations of parameter values of the material parameters , which are to be called assignment parameter values here , and have been established in advance by simulations , are frequently also referred to as a dictionary for the magnetic resonance signals , i . e . the fingerprints . the number of the comparison signals and their assignment values are selected in such cases so that overall the range of basic values will be covered in the basic resolution . the comparison can be made by a correlator , for example . in the present example the assignment values , for which the highest correlation of the comparison signal with the magnetic resonance signal is given , are employed as parameter values for the image element of the magnetic resonance signal , so that , as a conclusion of step s 2 , a magnetic resonance data set 1 is produced , in which each image element corresponding to a spatial part of the target region is assigned corresponding parameter values of the material parameters . these are initially only coarsely resolved , since the ranges of basic values and the basic resolutions were actually used . in this sense this magnetic resonance data set first established in step s 2 can be understood as a type of overview measurement . in a step s 3 it is now decided whether a refinement is to be carried out in refinement regions at least for refinement material parameters among the material parameters considered overall . this is done on the basis of the magnetic resonance data set 1 , as has been established in step s 2 , by analysis thereof . within the magnetic resonance data set 1 in such cases , in the exemplary embodiment described here ( in particular as spatial subregions ) refinement regions of the target region recorded in step s 2 are to be discovered , in which the range of values for the at least one refinement material parameter is able to be restricted to a range of target values that is smaller than the range of basic values , so that another magnetic resonance sequence can be employed as refinement magnetic resonance sequence , which allows a higher resolution in relation to the at least one refinement material parameter , for which comparison signals that are assigned to the refinement magnetic resonance sequence are able to be distinguished sufficiently clearly , even for small spacings of assignment values of the material parameters . only in the event of there being no refinement possibility that is sensible being produced in step s 3 does the method end in step s 6 with the last magnetic resonance data set 1 determined , which can also be displayed there , which will be explained in greater detail below . however it is to be assumed at least after the overview measurement that conspicuous ranges of parameter values , which justify subsequent refinement measurements , are produced . examples of these will be explained in greater detail using fig2 and 3 . fig2 shows a first example of a histogram 2 of a parameter value distribution of a material parameter , wherein the frequency h is plotted against the parameter p and the range of basic values 3 is marked . the histogram 2 can in particular relate to a candidate region for a refinement region , which is thus formed from a number of image elements . this clearly shows that in histogram 2 a peak - like accumulation of parameter values occurs in a range of sub - values greatly restricted by comparison with the range of basic values 3 , which in the present case can be employed as the range of target values 4 . if refinement regions , refinement material parameters and ranges of target values 4 are to be determined automatically , a check on a refinement criterion can take place for example in the candidate region as to whether more than one predetermined proportion , for example 80 % or 90 %, of the parameter values , lies in the potential range of target values 4 , which in addition is sufficiently restricted by comparison with the range of basic values 3 . part of the refinement criterion can also be whether , for the range of target values 4 and a corresponding target resolution improved compared to the basic resolution , suitable selection magnetic resonance sequences are available in a database for selection as an optimally suited refinement magnetic resonance sequence . it can be seen that a number of concrete possibilities are conceivable for automatically ( or even at least partly with manually assistance ) discovering refinement regions and ranges of target values 4 , which then , as described below , can be measured to obtain the increased target resolution in the range of target values 4 . another example for conspicuous parameter value distributions and ranges of target values 5 able to be derived therefrom is offered by the further exemplary histogram 6 of a parameter value distribution in fig3 . in said histogram the peak of fig2 is evidently markedly reduced in its height , wherein however an unusual accumulation of parameter values occurs in another subregion of the range of basic values 3 , which would not have been expected in accordance with a normal distribution 7 , thus indicating a lesion , for example a tumor . accordingly in such a case , if necessary even independent of the question of the proportion of the parameter values that is contained there , the corresponding subregion of the range of basic values 3 can be used as the range of target values 5 , wherein usually the refinement region is then to be selected so that the structure giving rise to the unusual parameter values is outlined as exactly as possible , actually as many parameter values as possible actually lie in the range of target values 5 . it should also be noted that it does no harm for parameter values lying outside the range of target values 5 not to be defined any more precisely , since ultimately it is a matter of characterizing the lesion as precisely as possible ; but it is basically also possible to use refinement measurements even for the same refinement region with different ranges of target values . also in step s 3 , refinement magnetic resonance sequences optimally suited to the range of target values , which offer the best possible improvement of the resolution compared to the basic resolution , are then selected from selection magnetic resonance sequences of a database for the range of target values , which as well as the selection magnetic resonance sequences ( with assigned ranges of values and if necessary resolutions ) also contains the corresponding assigned comparison signals , thus the “ dictionaries ” assigned to the corresponding selection magnetic resonance sequences . these have been determined within the framework of simulations , in which the selection magnetic resonance sequences covering as many ranges of target values 4 , 5 as possible have been produced . this is because in the evaluation as to whether a magnetic resonance sequence is suitable for a range of values with the highest possible resolution of parameter values , it is insured that as clear a distinction as possible of the various comparison signals , which arise for the desired resolution , is available so that thus , in the establishment of suitable selection magnetic resonance sequences in the present example , even the correspondingly assigned “ dictionaries ” are also produced . in terms of time , all of this , i . e . the compilation of the database , already occurs long before the carrying out of the method described here in accordance with fig1 , since the corresponding database is of course suitable and can be used for a number of specific measurements , wherein in addition the necessary calculation time can already be employed in advance . then , in a step s 4 , the series of establishing steps already described in relation to step s 2 is carried out again , but this time for the refinement regions and the refinement magnetic resonance sequences with the assigned ranges of target values 4 , 5 and target resolutions . in step s 5 , the result parameter values of step s 4 are then integrated into the magnetic resonance data set 1 , wherein refinement information will also then be assigned to the respective image elements . in such cases mosaic - like combinations can arise as well within the refinement regions , since when a parameter value that lies outside the corresponding range of target values 4 , 5 was already present within a refinement region , to avoid incorrect determinations and inconsistencies , this value is retained , since the refinement magnetic resonance sequence was then not actually suitable to determine a correspondingly more accurate value reliably here . also in subregions of the target region outside refinement regions the previous parameter values will of course be retained , in order to retain a complete magnetic resonance data set 1 of the target region , which then moreover , as indicated by the arrow 8 , will be used as the basis for further deliberations for refinement in step s 3 . the improvement of the resolution can thus , if desired , occur in a number of steps . it should also be noted that , within the framework of the present invention , it is also possible to also increase the spatial resolution in the refinement regions at the same time as increasing the resolution in relation to the parameter values , in order by doing so to unify a zoom function with a more precise determination of the parameter values . in step s 6 there can also be a presentation of material parameter maps derived from the magnetic resonance data set 1 , wherein it is expedient in such cases also to integrate a visual identification of the measurement resolutions . if for example the parameter values are shown encoded in brightness (“ gray scale ”), a colored background of the corresponding image elements can show the resolution for which the parameter value has been measured . this is to be seen purely as a broad outline by the label 9 of fig4 . various structures 10 , 11 , 12 in the target region can be seen there , of which a more precise measurement of parameter values has been used for the structures 10 , 11 , in the case of the structure 10 , even an extremely precise measurement in a subregion , in order to classify a tissue extremely exactly for example . although , as a result of the mosaic - type combination in step s 5 , lower - resolution parameter values can also still be present in the refinement regions , to simplify the diagram in fig4 , a cross - hatching showing specific color coding is shown in each case for the refinement regions 13 , 14 and 15 . fig5 shows a block diagram of an inventive magnetic resonance apparatus 16 , which , as is fundamentally known , has a scanner that forms a basic field magnet 17 , which generates the basic field , and that also defines the patient receiving area 18 , which is surrounded here by a radio - frequency coil arrangement and a gradient coil arrangement ( not shown ). the operation of the magnetic resonance apparatus 16 is controlled by a control computer 19 , which is designed for carrying out the inventive method and in the present case , in accordance with the arrow 20 , also for communication with the database 21 , in which the basic magnetic resonance sequence and the selection magnetic resonance sequence can be stored , each with their assigned dictionaries . the database 21 can in this case be present on a central server for example , to which there can be access via the internet or an intranet , so that it can be used at a number of magnetic resonance apparatuses . the database 21 , however , can also form part of the control computer 19 . as well as the fundamentally known sequence controller and the parameter value establishment processor , the control computer 19 in the present example also has a refinement processor , in order , as explained in relation to step s 3 , to be able to pre - plan possible refinements of the resolution of material parameters . the method described herein can also be available in the form of stored computer code , which implements the method in the control computer 19 when executed thereon . the code is stored on an electronically readable data medium as electronically readable control information . when this data storage medium is loaded in the control computer 19 of the magnetic resonance device 16 , the code causes the computer 19 to implement the described method . although modifications and changes may be suggested by those skilled in the art , it is the intention of the applicant to embody within the patent warranted hereon all changes and modifications as reasonably and properly come within the scope of the applicant &# 39 ; s contribution to the art . | 6 |
preferred embodiments of the present invention and its advantages are best understood by referring to the fig1 - 7 of the drawings , like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings . [ 0022 ] fig1 illustrates a flow chart indicating a method 100 of implementing a stimulation signal treatment routine capable of producing a desired effect on selected tissue at a treatment site . method 100 begins with step 105 in which identification of the tissue to be treated is performed . this identification , or diagnosis , produces results such as a fractured bone , a tumor or growth , a blood clot , or another medical condition which may respond to stimulation signal therapy . one of the goals of step 105 is to determine and select which type of tissue should be stimulated in order to most effectively treat the condition . for example , in the case of a fractured bone , it may be determined that it would be most effective to stimulate red blood cells and blood flow in the area of the fracture in order to enhance the calcification of the extracellular matrix , which would increase fracture healing . in the case of an organ with marginal blood supply , tissue stimulation therapy may be applied to stimulate angiogenesis ( the formation of new blood vessels ) in a previously ischemic area . in the case of a blood clot , it may be determined that the most effective treatment is to use a stimulation treatment frequency that would stimulate the clot itself such that it is broken up and the blood vessel is cleared of any obstruction to blood flow . alternatively , it might be determined that stimulating red blood cells to increase the blood flow at the site of the clot will clear the blood vessel . therefore , a stimulation signal capable of stimulating red blood cells to increase blood flow in the clotted area may be the selected treatment . in some cases it may be determined that stimulating certain cell or tissue types at a treatment site will be harmful to the desired outcome . in this situation , the use of certain stimulation signals should be avoided and those used should be ones which do not stimulate those particular cell and tissue types . once the site to be treated has been identified , including the underlying components for which the treatment will be focused , e . g ., red blood cells , bone tissue , or soft tissue , method 100 proceeds to step 110 where a determination of the type of stimulation signal which will most effectively produce the desired result is made . the present invention accommodates a myriad of possible factors which can influence the type of stimulation signal used to stimulate tissue at a treatment site . for example , it may be determined in accordance with teachings of the present invention that there is a relationship between the dimensions of a particular type of cell and the wavelength or frequency of an applied pemf to which the cell will respond . in this scenario , the cell dimensions of the tissue to be treated would be determined and an appropriate pemf would be generated and applied to the tissue . the stimulation signal is , in effect , tuned to the frequency which will be best received by the tissue under treatment . in addition to cell dimensions , other cell characteristics can be important in determining the most effective stimulation signal to be applied to a tissue type . for example , chemical compounds which make up or reside near the tissue can influence the type of stimulation signal which should be applied . cell density and molecular dynamics , as well as other characteristics of a treatment site may have some bearing on what type of stimulation signal would be most effective for the treatment of the selected tissue at the treatment site . once the appropriate characteristics of the tissue to be treated have been determined , it can then be determined whether application of an electrical stimulation signal or a mechanical stimulation signal would be more effective in the treatment of the selected tissue . for example , consider a situation where an obstructing tissue mass needs to be broken down . if the density or other characteristics of the tissue mass indicate that an electrical stimulation signal would not effectively break the tissue down it might be desirable to use a mechanical stimulation signal , such as a sound wave , to treat the tissue mass . the mechanical stimulation signal could then be adjusted so that the resonant frequency of the tissue mass and the frequency of the mechanical stimulation signal were additive . this additive effect could then result in the over - stimulation and eventual breakdown of the tissue mass . for some applications , a combination of electrical stimulation signals and mechanical stimulation signals may be used in accordance with teachings of the present invention . in determining the most effective stimulation signal , it may be desirable to treat more than one tissue type at a time . this will require determining a preferred stimulation signal for each tissue . for example , if it would be more effective to dissolve a blood clot by increasing blood flow and breaking up the clotting tissue , it may be determined that a sound wave stimulation signal tuned to break up the clotting tissue and a pemf stimulation signal tuned to increase blood flow need to be simultaneously applied . once the most effective stimulation signal or series of signals have been determined , method 100 proceeds to step 115 at which a stimulation signal treatment plan is devised . at step 115 , the most effective means of achieving the desired results on the selected tissue is further analyzed . the most effective stimulation signal therapy routine can involve many different factors . for example , if a portion of a cell population is showing no response to an applied pemf , it may be determined that part of the population is out of tune with the pemf and that is why it is not responding . one method of improving the response at this point would be to tune the applied pemf such that a larger portion of the population exhibits a response to a given frequency of stimulation . an alternate method involves modulating the pemf , such as by frequency modulation ( fm ) or amplitude modulation ( am ), to effectively spread out the pemf stimulation signal and increase the range of frequencies simultaneously applied to the tissue . this technique subsequently enables the pemf stimulation signal to reach , be received by , and , therefore , stimulate a greater portion of the cell population . in the situation where multiple stimulation signals are needed to treat a selected tissue site , it is in step 115 where the output routine of the stimulation signals is determined . for example , it may be decided for reasons of device or treatment efficiency that the best way for the multiple stimulation signals to be applied to the tissue site is to overlap the signals such that a first stimulation signal is applied , and at the same time a second signal is applied , and so on , up to as many signals as are necessary for an effective treatment . an alternative to this overlapping , or parallel application , of multiple stimulation signals is to transmit each of the signals serially . for example , a first signal may be transmitted for a time period , turned off and then a second stimulation signal is transmitted and then turned off . this procedure can be repeated with as many stimulation signals as are necessary for an effective treatment . the sequence can then be begun all over again starting with the first signal . other methods of serially applying stimulation signals are considered within the scope of the present invention . upon determination of an appropriate stimulation signal routine , method 100 proceeds to step 120 . in step 120 , the stimulation signal routine is applied to the selected tissue at the treatment site . this application can take place using non - invasive devices such as those illustrated in fig4 - 7 , discussed below , or by using devices configured to be implanted internally at or near the treatment site of the subject being treated . to ensure the stimulation signal routine is effective , one embodiment of method 100 includes step 125 which involves monitoring the stimulation signal routine . monitoring of the stimulation signal routine includes , but is not limited to , monitoring the effects on the selected tissue under treatment , monitoring the amount of time the stimulation signal therapy is applied , monitoring the consistency of the applied stimulation signal routine , as well as other characteristics . one possible goal of the monitoring performed in step 125 is to provide a reference for the evaluation of the stimulation signal and the stimulation signal routine to ensure that the stimulation signal and the stimulation signal routine are producing the desired effects on the selected tissue at the treatment site . for example , if the monitoring results indicate that the stimulation signal routine has been applied as planned but laboratory and radiologic tests indicate that the selected tissue is not responding , the frequency of stimulation signal being employed would be reevaluated at step 110 . if the stimulation signal in use is reaffirmed as the most effective , method 100 proceeds to step 115 for a stimulation signal routine reevaluation . alternatively , if the monitoring results of step 125 determine that the stimulation signal routine is beginning to produce the desired results at the tissue site under treatment , method 100 returns to step 120 to continue application of the stimulation signal routine until the monitoring results are checked again . when it is determined that the results of step 125 indicate that the treatment of the selected tissue has been successful , method 100 ends stimulation signal therapy at 130 . [ 0037 ] fig2 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a system capable of performing method 100 of fig1 . system 200 includes tissue analysis module 205 to enable the identification of the tissue site to be treated . components that might be included in tissue analysis module 205 include x - ray machines , blood analyzers , chemical detection means , as well as other components for evaluating biologic effects at a treatment site . stimulation signal selection module 210 is included in tissue analysis module 205 to allow an appropriate stimulation signal to be quickly determined . stimulation signal module 210 might include a database consisting of scientific data supporting which type of stimulation signal is most effective on certain types of tissues , chemical compounds , cell sizes , etc . stimulation signal module 210 might also contain simulations of the effects of various stimulation signal types on various tissue types to enable the selection of the appropriate stimulation signal for producing a desired result . operably coupled to tissue analysis module 205 is stimulation signal module 215 . stimulation signal module 215 includes at least one signal generator 220 capable of generating the stimulation signal determined to be appropriate by tissue analysis module 205 . signal generator 220 , in a preferred embodiment , is capable of producing various waveforms with various duty cycles , amplitudes , frequencies , as well as other signal characteristics . in addition , signal generator 220 is configured with a tuning capability . stimulation signal module 215 also includes at least one modulator 225 capable of selectively modulating the signals generated by signal generator 220 . various forms of modulation are anticipated , including , but not limited to , frequency modulation ( fm ), amplitude modulation ( am ), duty cycle modulation , as well as variants thereof . emitter 230 is included to enable the stimulation signal generated to be applied to the selected tissue at the treatment site . stimulation signal module 215 is preferably coupled to monitoring module 235 . monitoring module 235 might include memory , such as random access memory , magnetic media , as well as others , to record the stimulation signal routine being emitted by stimulation signal module 215 . exemplary embodiments of the tissue site therapy system of the present invention are configured to provide stimulation signals , in the form of pemfs , sound waves , or other forms of electromagnetic energy or heat energy . the treatment sites may include the shoulder , the hands , the hip , blood vessels , the heart , tumors or essentially any other anatomic region to assist in the healing of injuries or the treatment of ailments . [ 0041 ] fig3 a and 3b illustrate a stimulation signal routine before and after frequency modulation and the fourier transform associated with each according to one embodiment of the present invention . specifically , in fig3 a , a sinusoidal stimulation signal routine 315 is illustrated in the time domain at 305 and in the frequency domain 310 . sinusoidal stimulation signal routine 315 is oscillating at center frequency fc . as illustrated at 320 , the power carried by sinusoidal stimulation signal routine 315 is centralized primarily at center frequency fc . thus , unmodulated stimulation signal routines typically provide the majority of their power primarily at their center frequency or oscillating frequency , as illustrated at 310 . according to teachings of the present invention , a lack of response in a portion of the cells at the treatment site is likely to be displayed because the receptors of the non - responsive cells are out of tune with center frequency fc of the applied stimulation signal . thus , the precise field of an unmodulated stimulation signal routine will be received by that portion of the cells at the treatment site which are in tune with the precise field . accordingly , only that portion receiving the precise field will be affected by the unmodulated stimulation signal routine . illustrated at 323 in fig3 b , is the result of passing sinusoidal stimulation signal routine 315 of fig3 a through a frequency modulator . the resultant fourier transform of frequency modulated stimulation signal routine 325 is illustrated at 330 . one significant result of frequency modulating sinusoidal stimulation signal routine 315 is that instead of being limited to the primary power frequency fc as indicated at 320 , the power in frequency modulated sinusoidal stimulation signal routine 325 is spread out over a broad range of frequencies . the result of this spreading of power is that a greater portion of the cells at the tissue site under treatment , will be effected . as mentioned above , since the cells at the tissue site under treatment are likely to be out of tune with a primary frequency , the spreading out of the power contained in a stimulation signal routine enables a greater portions of the cells to be effected . subsequently , as illustrated at 330 , significant power can be observed not only at center frequency 333 , but also at harmonics 334 - 337 and sub - harmonics 338 - 341 of frequency modulated stimulation signal routine 325 . additionally , although fig3 a and 3b include a sinusoidal stimulation signal routine , stimulation signal routines of other forms , such as square , triangular , diamond and other , are also considered within the scope of the present invention . fig4 - 7 illustrate different examples of non - invasive stimulation therapy systems formed according to teachings of the present invention . the stimulation signal generators employed to effect the present invention may be formed and anatomically contoured for the shoulder , the wrist , the hip or other areas of the anatomy . fig4 in particular , shows a contoured triangular stimulation signal transducer 410 that is anatomically contoured for providing stimulation therapy to the shoulder area . that is , one side is curved to fit over the top of the shoulder so that corresponding angular areas are positioned in front and in back of the shoulder , with the other sides being curved down along the upper arm . the shoulder transducer is an integral unit including drive electronics and control electronics that may be held in place by a body strap . [ 0046 ] fig5 shows a placement of a stimulation therapy device that includes a stimulation transducer 512 according to the teachings of the present invention , but of a size and shape that best suits the patient &# 39 ; s wrist or other limb portion . stimulation transducer drive circuitry and control electronics are preferably included as an integral part of stimulation transducer 512 . [ 0047 ] fig6 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention as a hip belt stimulation therapy device 618 that a patient may wear around the waist , the stimulation transducer 620 arranged over the hip area . the drive electronics and control circuitry , again , are an integral part of stimulation therapy device 618 . [ 0048 ] fig7 shows a read - out unit 722 that may be used for displaying and recording a patient &# 39 ; s operation of the present invention . the present invention may include , therefore , an extended memory and built - in printer interface 724 for providing the ability to correlate patient usage with desired healing progress and provide results on a paper print - out device 726 . the system of the present embodiment , for example , may store months of compliance data for developing important correlation data and print out such data using a paper print - out device 726 . although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail it should be understood that various changes , substitutions , and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims . | 0 |
referring to fig2 - 7 , there is shown the initial garment blank 8 ( fig3 ), an improved garment blank ( fig4 , & amp ; 6 ), and trousers 12 formed from such blanks 8 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment . as used herein , the terms “ a ” or “ an ” shall mean one or more than one . the term “ plurality ” shall mean two or more than two . the term “ another ” is defined as a second or more . the terms “ including ” and / or “ having ” are open ended ( e . g ., comprising ). the term “ or ” as used herein is to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination . therefore , “ a , b or c ” means “ any of the following : a ; b ; c ; a and b ; a and c ; b and c ; a , b and c ”. an exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements , functions , steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive . reference throughout this document to “ one embodiment ,” “ certain embodiments ,” “ an embodiment ,” or similar term means that a particular feature , structure , or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure . thus , the appearances of such phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment . furthermore , the particular features , structures , or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner on one or more embodiments without limitation . the detailed description illustrates by way of example , not by way of limitation , the principles of the invention . this description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention , and describes several embodiments , adaptations , variations , alternatives , and uses of the invention , including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention . fig1 depicts a conventional prior art pair of trousers with a crease line 17 comprising a lower crease line 17 l , upper crease line 17 u , and a conventional seam line 21 . the crease line 17 of the conventional trousers generally runs parallel to the conventional seam line 21 . fig2 depicts a novel pair of trousers 12 comprising fabric 10 . the novel pair of trousers 12 results from a first movement of the lower crease line 17 l to a vertical center of knee line 18 and a second movement of the lower crease line 17 l towards the rear of the lower leg 25 to form a new lower crease line 17 ln . when viewed from the front , the vertical center of knee line 18 is an imaginary vertical line that conceptually comprises the position on the fabric 10 at which , when assembled , approximately one half of the wearer &# 39 ; s knee would be positioned on one lateral side , and the other half of the wearer &# 39 ; s knee on the other lateral side . referring to fig3 , an initial garment blank 8 for the novel pair of trousers 12 is shown . in accordance with the present disclosure , the blank 8 comprises fabric 10 , a selvedge outer seam 14 , an upper edge 38 , a crotch 24 , an inner edge 34 , and a lower edge 38 . the blank 8 further comprises a vertical center of thigh line 16 , the vertical center of knee line 18 , a horizontal knee line 20 , and a horizontal hip line 22 . the vertical center of thigh line 16 is an imaginary line that , when viewed from the front , conceptually comprises the position on the fabric 10 at which approximately one half of a wearer &# 39 ; s thigh would be positioned on one lateral side , and the other half of the wearer &# 39 ; s thigh on the other lateral side . in the preferred embodiment , the fabric 10 is denim . however , the fabric 10 need not be denim . rather , the fabric 10 may be duck or other suitable weave and may be formed from cotton , wool , synthetic fibers , or other conventional and commercially available material . as may be seen in fig3 - 5 , the vertical center of thigh line 16 and vertical center of knee line 18 are not aligned . as may be seen in fig1 , in a conventional pair of pants , the crease line 17 is vertical the entire length of the pants and generally parallel to the conventional seam line 21 . this configuration results in undesirable gatherings 19 in the fabric 10 . referring to fig4 , in order to more closely align the vertical center of thigh line 16 and vertical center of knee line 18 , and to cause the crease line 17 and selvedge seam 14 to more closely approximate the backward angle of the leg 23 , one or more slits 26 , 28 , 30 a , 30 b are formed such that the fabric 10 may be repositioned . in the preferred embodiment , an initial slit 26 is cut on the crotch 24 side of the blank 8 and extends downwardly from a juncture 32 of the crotch 24 and inner edge 34 to the vertical center of thigh line 16 at a position approximately ¾ of the way down from the horizontal hip line 22 . as may be seen in fig4 , in the preferred embodiment , a lower slit 28 extends from a lower edge 38 position approximately midway between the inner edge 34 and the vertical center of knee line 18 to a position on the vertical center of knee line 18 approximately midway between the lower edge 38 and the horizontal knee line 20 . although in the preferred embodiment , the initial slit 26 extends from the juncture 32 of the crotch 24 and inner edge 34 to the vertical center of thigh line 16 at the position approximately ¾ of the way down from the horizontal hip line 22 , and the lower slit 28 extends from the lower edge 38 position approximately midway between the inner edge 34 and the vertical center of knee line 18 to a position on the vertical center of knee line 18 approximately midway between the lower edge 38 and the horizontal knee line 20 , the initial and lower slits 26 , 28 may begin and end at different positions without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure . for example , the initial slit 26 may begin at a position closer to the horizontal knee line 20 and extend at a different angle to a position further from the vertical center of thigh line 16 . the lower slit 28 may begin nearer or further from the inner edge 34 and extend at a different angle to a position further from the vertical center of knee line 18 . in some embodiments one or more intermediate slits 30 a , 30 b may be formed . in one embodiment , a lower intermediate slit 30 a extends upwardly at an angle from an end of the lower slit 28 to a position approximately ¾ of the way between the lower edge 38 and horizontal knee line 20 . in one embodiment , an upper intermediate slit 30 b extends downwardly at an angle from an end of the initial slit 26 to a position approximately ¾ of the way between the horizontal hip line 22 and horizontal knee line 20 . referring to fig5 , after the one or more slits 26 , 28 , 30 a , 30 b are formed , lower slit material 46 on the crotch 24 side of the lower slit 28 is repositioned from a first position 40 to a second position 42 ( defined by the lower diagonal line 42 ). in some embodiments , central material 48 between positions 40 and 42 may be removed . in some embodiments , the central material 48 is folded to form a dart . whether the central material 48 between positions 40 and 42 is removed or folded , the lower slit material 46 is secured to selvedge side material 50 in a conventional manner such as with stitching . referring to fig6 , the movement of the lower slit material 48 from the first position 40 to the second position 42 results in the vertical center of knee line 18 being moved to a resulting vertical center of lower leg line 44 . as may be seen in fig6 , such vertical center of lower leg line 44 is more closely aligned with the vertical center of thigh line 16 . referring to fig7 , when worn by the wearer , the vertical center of thigh line 16 generally aligns with the vertical center of a wearer &# 39 ; s thigh and the vertical center of lower leg line 44 generally aligns with the vertical center of a wearer &# 39 ; s lower leg . referring again to fig5 , after the lower slit material 46 is moved from the first position 40 to the second position 42 , initial slit material 52 is repositioned from a first position 54 to a second position 56 ( defined by the upper diagonal line 56 ). in the preferred embodiment initial central material 58 between positions 54 and 56 is folded into a seam comprising a diagonal seam 57 comprising a dart 62 ( fig7 ). in other embodiments , the initial central material 58 is removed . whether the initial central material 58 between positions 54 and 56 is removed or folded , initial slit material 52 is secured to inner edge material 60 in a conventional manner such as with stitching . referring to fig7 , the blank 8 , as modified in the manner discussed herein , is then used to form a pair of trousers 12 comprising a diagonal upper seam 57 and a vertical lower seam 45 . the modified blank 8 may be sewn together with a similarly modified blank 8 to form the front and back of a pants leg . the pants leg may be coupled with a similarly formed pants leg to form the pants of a pair of trousers 12 . the modified blank 8 may be sewn to an unmodified blank 8 or blank 8 modified in a different manner than that described herein . a zipper 64 , waist band 66 , belt loops 68 , button 70 , pocket 72 , and other finishing elements found in conventional trousers may be added to form the trousers 12 . the method of making trousers 12 comprises the steps of providing a garment blank 8 , the blank 8 comprising fabric 10 , a selvedge outer seam 14 , an upper edge 36 , a crotch 24 , an inner edge 34 , and a lower edge 38 ; the blank 8 further comprising vertical center of thigh line 16 , vertical center of knee line 18 , horizontal knee line 20 , and horizontal hip line 22 ; making an initial slit 26 extending from a juncture 32 of the crotch 24 and inner edge 34 to the vertical center of thigh line 16 ; making a lower slit 28 extending from a lower edge 38 position approximately midway between the inner edge 34 and the vertical center of knee line 18 to a position on the vertical center of knee line 18 approximately midway between the lower edge 38 and the horizontal knee line 20 ; after making the initial and lower slits 26 , 28 , repositioning lower slit material 46 from a first position 40 to a second position 42 ; securing the lower slit material 46 to selvedge side material 50 ; after the lower slit material 46 is moved from the first position 40 to the second position 42 , repositioning the initial slit material 52 from a first position 54 to a second position 56 ; forming a seam 57 which may comprise a dart with the initial slit material 52 ; using the modified blank 8 to form a pair of trouser comprising an unbroken selvedge edge 14 . in some embodiments of the method , one or more intermediate slits 30 a , 30 b are formed . in one embodiment of the method , a lower intermediate slit 30 a extends upwardly at an angle from an end of the lower slit 28 to a position approximately ¾ of the way between the lower edge 38 and horizontal knee line 20 . in one embodiment , of the method , an upper intermediate slit 30 b extends downwardly at an angle from an end of the initial slit 26 to a position approximately ¾ of the way between the horizontal hip line 22 and horizontal knee line 20 . in some embodiments of the method , central material 48 between positions 40 and 42 is removed . in some embodiments , the central material 48 is folded to form a dart . in some embodiments of the method , the initial central material 58 is removed . while there has been illustrated and described what is , at present , considered to be a preferred embodiment of the present invention , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made , and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true scope of the invention . therefore , it is intended that this invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention , but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of this disclosure . | 0 |
reference is made herein to the attached drawings . like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the christmas tree fire extinguishing and monitoring system . for the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention , the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for monitoring and preventing christmas tree fires and for alerting owners and authorities of a fire event . the figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect . referring now to fig1 , there is shown a view of the fire extinguishing system of the present invention in a working state , whereby the system monitors the condition of the christmas tree 50 and can activate a fire extinguishing agent 13 from within a housing 11 placed below the tree 50 . positioned within the tree 50 and along its trunk is a conduit 20 that routes a plurality of hoses 21 and a plurality of electrical connections through the tree 50 . the hoses are preferably a heat - resistant material that are adapted to carry a pressurized fire extinguishing agent from the agent canister 13 to the tree 50 for dispensing the same therein to combat an open fire . the fire extinguishing agent travels through the conduit 20 within a central line and into the individual hoses 21 disposed along the conduit 20 length . the fire extinguishing agent then exits the nozzles 22 of the hoses 21 to cover the tree 50 with the agent and smother any fire emanating therefrom . electrically connected to the housing 11 and extending from the conduit 20 is a plurality of fire sensors 23 and an audible warning means 24 . the fire sensors 23 comprise electrical smoke and / or heat sensors that communicate to a controller within the housing 11 and act to monitor the tree 50 for smoke and / or flames . when a fire condition is detected , the controller receives signals from the sensors 23 and thereafter activates a trigger 14 that releases the fire extinguishing agent 13 . the sensors 23 may be disposed along the upper portion of the tree 50 , along the length of the conduit 20 , and in any configuration that is best suited for monitoring the tree 50 as a whole and for detecting a fire or smoke event . the housing 11 includes the fire extinguishing agent and the electronics utilized to operate the present system . the housing may be electrically connected 12 to external power and to external communication lines for operation , or the system may be designed to operate wirelessly . using a wired connection 12 , the system may receive ac power from a household electrical outlet , and can further be connected to a communications system via a telephonic landline wire or to a voice over ip ( voip ) network via an ethernet connector . it is desired that the present system be designed to be either wired or wireless , and one that can achieve communication with the outside world via traditional landlines or a voip connection . referring now to fig2 , there is shown a cut - away view of the housing 11 and a schematic view of its internal components . the housing 11 is an enclosure adapted to be placed at the base of the christmas tree , wherein the housing 11 includes the pressurized fire extinguishing agent 13 and the electrical control unit 101 of the system that controls operation of the system and release of the fire extinguishing agent 13 . there may also be a manual release trigger 14 for manually releasing the agent in the event of an emergency . the control unit 101 receives signals from the fire / smoke sensors , processing their signals and coordinates the fire extinguishing activities and communication of the system when deployed . the control unit 101 receives power either from an ac power connection 102 or from onboard battery power 103 , wherein the battery 103 may be supplied as a backup to the ac connection 102 . upon activation of the fire extinguishing agent 13 , the pressurized agent is released through a hose 16 to the conduit and out through the nozzles . the control unit 101 receives signals from the sensors within the tree , wherefrom actions can be taken and the system can release the fire extinguishing agent 13 and notify the authorities of a trigger event . to trigger the canister of agent 13 , the control unit 101 operates a relay or solenoid that releases the pressurized agent . at the same time , the control unit 101 activates the audible alarm to warn occupants of the household and triggers a distress call to local authorities and the homeowner via phone message . the fire extinguishing agent may consist of one of the following agents : dry powder agent , foam agent , water , or carbon dioxide . the agent is released from the nozzles and into the tree interior for end a fire and ceasing its spread . referring now to fig3 , there is shown a schematic view of the system elements of the present fire monitoring and extinguishing system . the system comprises a controller unit 101 that receives and transmits signals to different system elements during operation . the controller unit 101 is an analog or digital circuit ( e . g . logic circuit , microprocessor , etc .) that is capable of interpreting signals from the heat and smoke sensors 23 and initiating the alarm 105 and fire extinguishing agent 14 if a fire starts in the tree . the controller unit 101 is preferably a digital circuit that includes a processing means , a memory , a storage means , and connections to the various system elements for operation of the same . the controller unit 101 exercises code based on the electrical inputs from the sensors 23 , whereby a signal can be sent to the audible alarm 105 and a solenoid or relay can trigger the fire extinguishing agent 14 . the audible alarm 105 preferably comprises a speaker and a sound generator that creates a high pitched alarm similar to that found in most household fire alarms . powering the system is preferably an ac power connection 102 and battery backup power 103 . referring now to fig4 and 5 , there are shown two embodiments of the communication means of the present invention , wherein a wireless communications system and a landline connection are provided . the control unit 101 of the present invention is supported within the housing of the system . in a wireless configuration , the housing further includes connection to or integration of a wireless antenna 110 that can wirelessly communicate to a network router 111 within the home . the router 111 connects to the local area network 112 , which connects to a larger network 113 ( e . g . the internet ). through this connection , connection to a voice over ip ( voip ) connection can be established between the control unit 101 and a voip service provider 114 . the service provider 114 can then establish a connection with 9 - 1 - 1 services or another recipient . in this way , a distress message can be sent to fire authorities and / or the homeowner if the system is triggered . fig5 represents a landline connection between the control unit 101 and the end recipient of the distress message . the control unit connects to a telephone modem 201 , which connects to a telephonic landline connection 202 for establishing an outgoing call to fire authorities or the homeowner . in either embodiment , the present invention contemplates a christmas tree fire monitoring and extinguishing system that not only stops the fire before it spreads , but also alerts others of the event . the alert includes both a local , audible alarm , and a communication means that establishes an alert for those not in the immediate area ( fire department , homeowner , etc .). the system includes smoke and fire sensors that are supported within the tree interior by way of a flexible , flame retardant hose having a plurality of nozzles spaced therealong for dispensing the fire extinguishing agent when the system is triggered . the device further includes a communication means ( e . g . a phone modem or network connection ) for calling the fire department , police , or owner in the case of a fire . if fire or smoke is detected , the alarm is activated , and the fire extinguishing agent is released through the nozzles to extinguish the fire . the device can then alert the authorities and owner of the fire . the present invention detects and responds to increased temperatures before a fire can spread , thereby reducing the safety hazards associated with putting lights on live pine trees . the conduit , extinguishing agent nozzles , and sensors of the present invention are supported within a christmas tree in order to both detect and extinguish fires . the system includes smoke and fire sensors that connect to the control unit via a flame retardant cord . an audible alarm creates a high - pitched sound or voice alerts when extreme heat or smoke is detected . the hose can be constructed of a clear , flexible material , and can come in three pieces so the user can adjust the length to better suit a particular tree . the device can further include a plurality of nozzles attached to the sensors at the end of the hose . each nozzle end and connector piece is made of brass , steel or another suitable material , and includes a screw - on cap to work properly with the pressure of the extinguisher . the fire extinguisher is 3 or 5 pounds and is supported within the housing at the base of the tree . it is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments . it is recognized , however , that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art . 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 |
with reference to the remaining figures , exemplary embodiments of the method of the co - pending application and of the present invention will now be described . the exemplary methods will be described primarily with respect to the analysis of mutation signatures within output patterns of dna biochip microarrays , but principles of the invention to the analysis of a wide variety of other patterns as well . briefly , the exemplary method of the co - pending application exploits , among other features : ( a ) a novel representation , interpretation and mathematical model for the immobilized oligonucleotide hybridization patterns , represented via a dot spectrogram ; ( b ) a new “ active ” biomolecular target detection and discrimination method based on quantum resonance interferometry , and ( c ) a new spatial hashing function that yields accurate diagnostic assessment . to this end the exemplary method of the co - pending application exploits a fundamentally different computational paradigm for mutation expression detection in pre - enhanced dot spectrogram realizations . the method is an innovative modification to dynamically arrayed quantum stochastic resonance ( qsr ) for discrete system analysis . the arraying strategy is a function of the expression pathway of interest . the method depends on the molecular diagnostic spectrum being addressed . banks of coupled quantum resonators are algorithmically designed to significantly enhance signal - to - noise ( snr ) performance and fuse multiple synthetic renormalized dot spectrogram realizations to better detect prespecified biomolecular expression patterns . moreover , the exemplary method of the co - pending application exploits an enhancement in previous extensions to classical stochastic resonance ( sr ) and array enhanced sr ( aesr ) in signal processing and sensor data analysis . stochastic resonance is a phenomenon wherein the response to a sensor , modeled in terms of a bistable nonlinear dynamical system , is enhanced by applying a random noise element and a periodic sinusoidal forcing function . sr occurs when the snr passes through a maximum as the noise level is increased . thus as important aspect of the exemplary method of the co - pending application involves the coupling of transformed and preconditioned discrete microarray outputs to a mathematical model for a quantum - mechanical dynamical system with specific properties . when driven in a particular manner , the coupled system exhibits a nonlinear response that corresponds to detection of phenomena of interest . the method exploits modulation of observables from a “ base ” ( canonical continuous dynamical system ), so that a selected set of spectral properties match a similar selected spectral properties of a discrete spatial tessellation substructure from an amplitude spectrogram derived from bioelectronic observables . the method further exploits the concept of convolving a discrete spatial system ( derived from base mutants of interest ) with a continuous asymmetric temporal system to derive a spatiotemporal input to further convolve with another discrete spatial projection ( of an inherently partially stabilized spatiotemporal system ). hence key components of the exemplary biomolecular detection method of the co - pending application are : ( i ) selection of a basis system ; ( ii ) generation of designer quantum expressor function ( qef ) for coupling with the substrate to be analyzed ; ( iii ) generation of a hamiltonian to describe relaxation dynamics of the coupled system ; ( iv ) modulation of resonance parameters to enforce early resonance ; ( v ) and exploitation of resonance suppressors to verify detection . referring to fig2 initially at step 100 , a set of mutations of interest are selected . the mutations , for example , may be mutations relevant to cancer , aids , or other diseases or conditions . at step 101 , preconditioner transforms are generated based upon the selected set of mutations . the preconditioner transforms are provided to convert mutation nucleotide sequences into expected amplitude patterns in the prespecified microarray representation , given a particular biochip layout . at step 102 , quantum expressor functions are generated based upon the hamiltonian of a pre - selected basis system . the quantum expressor functions are designed to couple the hamiltonian for the selected basis system to a predetermined dna microarray configuration to permit a resonance interaction involving the output of the dna microarray . resonance stimulus is generated , at step 106 , using the quantum expressor functions . what has been summarized thus far are preliminary steps performed off - line for setting up the quantum expressor functions and the corresponding resonance stimulus . these steps need be performed only once for a given set of mutations and for a given dna microarray configuration . thereafter , any number of output patterns from the dna microarray may be processed using the quantum expressor functions to identify whether any of the mutations of the pre - selected set of mutations are found therein . preferably , quantum expressor functions are pre - generated for a large set of mutations and for a large set of dna microarray patterns such that , for each new dna microarray output pattern from each new patient sample , the presence of any of the mutations can be quickly identified using the predetermined set of quantum expressor functions . in general , the aforementioned steps need be repeated only to update the quantum expressor functions to accommodate new and different dna microarray patterns or to if new mutations of interest need to be considered . at step 106 , an output pattern ( referred to herein as a dot spectrogram ) is generated using a dna microarray for which quantum expressor functions have already been generated . at step 108 , the dot spectrogram is preconditioned to yield a dot spectrogram tesselation ( dst ) to permit exploitation of a resonance between the dot spectrogram and the quantum expressor functions . the actual resonant interaction , which involves convergent reverberations , is performed at step 110 until a pre - determined degree of convergence is achieved . once convergence is achieved , a resulting resonance pattern is processed at step 112 to identify any mutations represented thereby . as will be described below , step 112 is rendered trivial by virtue of the aforementioned resonant interaction which is based upon quantum expressor function already correlated with the pre - selected mutations . hence , no complicated analysis is required to interpret the resonance pattern to identify the mutations . next , at step 114 , the mutations are mapped to corresponding diseases and conditions to thereby identify any diseases or conditions that the patient providing the sample being analyzed is afflicted with . again , this is a fairly trivial step . finally , at step 116 , diagnostic confirmation is preformed to verify that the diseases or conditions are present in the sample . this is achieved by starting with the found diseases or conditions and then performing the steps of the method in reverse . each of the aforementioned steps are described in detail in the co - pending application and the detailed description thereof is not repeated herein . the present invention is directed , in part , to improving the repeatability of the method of the co - pending application by tessellating the dot spectrogram so as to match morphological characteristics of the quantum expressor functions and by using extracted local parametrics as part of a resonance convergence check during the resonance interaction . these additional steps have the advantage of establishing uncertainty bounds which permit method repeatability to be enhanced and quantified . fig3 illustrates enhancements to the technique of fig2 provided by the present invention along with steps of the technique of fig2 . the repeated steps of fig2 appearing in fig3 may be the same as those of fig2 and will not be redescribed . like reference numerals , incremented by one hundred , are employed to represent the repeated steps . preconditioning the hybridized array output pattern ( i . e . the dot spectrogram ) by a fuzzy tessellation and coupling the preconditioned output pattern with a canonical system with aftereffect and memory properties ( step 218 ); implementation of resonance interaction by integrating partial or subthreshold resonances using phased array enhancement operator resonance dynamics ( step 224 ) with additional resonances synthetically induced to accommodate the possibility for the presence of single - point and two - point mutations around the mutation - centered pixels ; and a combination of one or more these enhancements are superimposed on the techniques described in the co - pending patent application to address specific sources of hybridization degradation , device imperfections and protocol variability in the analysis process to thereby enhance repeatability . referring now to fig4 - a - 4 c , initially at step 300 , a set of mutations of interest are selected and at step 301 preconditioner transforms are generated based upon the selected set of mutations . at step 302 , quantum expressor functions are generated based upon the hamiltonian of a pre - selected basis system . phase shifted resonance stimulus is generated , at step 304 , using the quantum expressor functions . grouping stimulus is also generated , at step 305 . steps 300 - 305 are preferably performed off - line to set up the quantum expressor functions and the corresponding resonance stimulus and grouping stimulus and need not be repeated other than to update the quantum expressor functions to accommodate new and different dna microarray patterns or if new mutations of interest need to be considered . at step 306 , a dot spectrogram is generated using a dna microarray for which quantum expressor functions have already been generated . at step 307 , the dot spectrogram is tessellated to match morphological characteristics of the quantum expressor functions yielding a dot spectrogram tesselation ( dst ). at step 308 , local parametrics of the tessellated image are extracted . then , at step 310 , an amount of amplitude wandering is determined and compared with pre - determined allowable generator function limits . if , at step 310 , the amplitude wandering is not within the allowable generator function limits , then execution proceeds to step 312 where the tessellated dot spectrogram to match spectral characteristics of the quantum expressor functions . steps 308 and 310 are repeated until the amplitude wandering is found to be within the pre - determined limits at which point execution proceeds to block 314 wherein a resonance interaction is performed between the tessellated , renormalized dot spectrogram and the phase shifted resonance stimulus generated at step 304 and the group stimulus generated at step 305 to identify any mutations represented by the dot spectrogram . the actual resonant interaction , which involves convergent reverberations , includes the following sub - steps also shown in fig4 a - 4c . at step 316 , a resonance dynamics iteration is initiated which includes the use of ensemble boundary and csr operators ( step 318 ) and the use of bulk property estimators ( step 320 ). the ensemble boundary filters , csr filters and bulk property estimators are applied to the tessellated , re - normalized dot spectrogram in combination with the resonance and group stimulus . the resulting filtered dot spectrogram is then evaluated to determine a degree of resonance convergence to one or more of the set of predetermined mutations , at step 322 . the degree of convergence is evaluated , at step 324 , against a lindbald condition and , if the lindbald condition is not met , the system is deemed to be subject to paralysis of dynamics and execution proceeds to step 326 wherein possible hixel death is compensated for by increasing a time scale for the iteration initiated at step 316 and then repeating the iteration . here it should be noted that mutation death and paralysis of dynamics are different concepts . the mutation death check is a conditional check . if this check shows that a resonance is not possible for a specific mutation resonance centered ( mrc )- hixel then the iteration is terminated and block 314 is exited . but failure of resonance dynamics is not sufficient to conclude that a specific mutation is absent . indeed , if the “ hixel death ” check fails , that implies that resonance could be still obtained in a downstream iteration . if , at step 324 , the iteration has converged and no paralysis has occurred , then one or more mutations have been reliably identified . execution proceeds to block 325 wherein another resonant interaction is performed to identify particular diseases represented by the mutations . briefly , at step 326 , a resonance dynamics iteration is initiated which includes the use of ensemble boundary and csr operators ( step 328 ) and the use of bulk property estimators ( step 330 ). the resulting filtered dot spectrogram is then evaluated to determine a degree of resonance convergence , at step 332 . the degree of convergence is evaluated , at step 334 , against a lindbald condition and , if the lindbald condition is not met , the system is deemed to be subject to paralysis of dynamics and execution proceeds to step 336 wherein a time scale for the iteration initiated at step 326 is increased before the iteration is repeated . if the lindbald condition is met , then diseases corresponding to the mutations found using step 314 have been reliably identified . processing in accordance with step 335 depends on the biochip . the flowchart of fig4 illustrates a general form of the method requiring processing during step 335 . in other implementations , this step is trivial or can be eliminated entirely . in this regard , the overall method is implemented at two levels of abstraction , depending on how well the disease genomics is understood . detection of a specific mutation is necessary and sufficient to conclude expression of a specific gene . but the expressed gene may not be the one to conclusively identify the disease . then another level of abstraction is invoked wherein the method is applied inferentially by expanding the gene expression circuit or gene expression tree to determine if there is evidence that all expressed genes eventually lead to one that conclusively identifies the disease . so step 335 operates on the results of step 314 , such that all identified mutations are used as an input to determine if the complete expression pathway for leading up to the point that a disease can be concluded . if the biochip is so designed that the mutations corresponding to all intermediate expressed products , from any disease starting point can be captured by resonance output of step 314 , then sub - steps within step 335 and subsequent steps 340 and 342 can be circumvented . if not , clustering step 340 and geometric hashing step 342 are provided to identify that an expression pathway is present that trivializes the disease conclusion =( step 344 ). once the diseases are identified , clustering properties are evaluated at step 340 to selectively eliminate oligonucleotides representing possible diagnoses based on morphological filtering of subthreshold resonances and any subsequent recentering ( i . e . the inverse of dispersion ). steps 314 - 335 produce a cluster of sub - threshold resonances . step 340 is a reverification such that all induced resonances are present in the target sample and not a manifestation of multiple rescalings and synthetic snr enhancements . then a hashing projector is applied at step 342 to order the mutations . a diagnostic decision is then rendered at step 344 by examining the order of the mutations and comparing the mutations with a table identifying corresponding diseases . thus , the output of block 314 represents all hixels that identify complementary oligonucleotide bindings in the biological sample being analyzed and this represent “ mutations ”. the output of block 335 comprises a set of expressed genes that are associated with a particular pathogenic pathway and thus represent a preliminary “ diagnosis ”. further analysis of the pathogenic pathway provides a set of possible diseases , if any . this decomposition is motivated by scaling the computation to answer three questions : what is the set of all possible diseases that may be concluded from the target sample , given a specific genomic encoding implemented by the biochip ? in any case , if the diagnostic decision rendered at step 344 is affirmative , then the diagnosis is output . if the diagnosis is negative then , at step 346 , a determination is made as to whether there are any alternative mutations , not within the initial set of mutations selected at step 300 , that could be present within the sample . this determination is made by examining a table listing all possible mutations . if there are alternative mutations , then the process is repeated from step 300 . if not , then a signal is simply output indicating that no mutations were found in the sample . now details of the steps of the new method will be provided . details regard steps already described in the co - pending application will not be repeated herein . the mutation set of interest generated at step 300 is selected by identifying oligonucleotides representative of the { z } mutations of interest . each oligonucleotide is represented by ψ ( i , j ) which is given by [ α 0 α : . . . α k ] where α ={ a , c , t , g } base associated with each array cell [ a , b ] where 10 ≦ k ≦ 25 . the entire set of unique oligonucleotides denoting mutations of interest , δ ( l , m ), is given by [ δ 0 δ 1 . . . δ k ] where δ ={ a , c , t , g } length | δ |= length | ψ |, and 0 & lt ;|| δ − ψ ||≦ k , and the designed in ψ ( l , m ) oligonucleotide sequence is a perfect complement to only δ ( l , m ) for all l , m . as part of step 300 , an oligonucleotide table is generated which contains the oligonucleotide sequences associated with each mutation of interest identified by row and column location ( i , j ). the oligonucleotide table is provided for subsequent use at step 312 to map locations within the dot spectrogram wherein resonance occurs at step 310 to oligonucleotides such that mutations present in a sample being analyzed are easily identified . also as part of step 300 , a mutation table is generated which contains the diseases associated with each mutation of interest . the mutation table is provided for subsequent use at step 314 to map mutations identified at step 312 to specific diseases or other medical conditions such that the diseases can be easily identified . the selection of the basis system and the generation of the qef &# 39 ; s based thereon depends , in part , and the characteristics of the dna microarray . in the exemplary embodiment , the dna microarray is an n by m dna chip array wherein an clement of the array is referred to herein as an “ oxel ”: o ( i , j ). the pre - hybridization microarray ( pebc ) is expressed as : pebc = ∑ 1 n ∑ 1 m o ( i , j ) , where n and m refer to the linear ( row and column ) dimensions of the 2 - d microarray . ô ( i , j )= α k · 4 k − 1 α k − 1 · 4 k − 2 + . . . + α 1 · 4 1 + α 0 · 4 0 an element of the dot spectrogram is referred to herein as a hixel : h ( i , j ). a spin boson basis system is selected for use with this type of array . other basis system may be appropriate for either the same or other microarray configurations . the qef is generated at step 302 based upon the spin boson basis system by first calculating the hamiltonian for the system , calculating harmonic amplitudes | p m | for the hamiltonian , generating an order function ( of ), measuring entrainment entrainment states of the of of the ground truth and finally modulating the of of ground truth to yield the qef . the qef &# 39 ; s generated at step 302 are converted to a phase - space representation . also , if the output of the hybridization chip is not in phase space then it is converted as well . the conversion is performed using phase embedding operator , γ , described in the co - pending application . results associated with combinatorial hopf algebra are used to contain amplitude dispersion due to loss of hybridization . a special case of quantum random walk , gelfand - naimark segal ( gns ) construction is used to disperse group stimulus . note that coproduct construct of the hopf algebra plays the role of “ sharing out ” possible explanations of a fact . the gns dispersion of qef is implemented using an approximation : φ qef ( amp · vector )= û l αû l − 1 where û i = e − ith as noted a dot spectrogram is generated at step 306 for a sample from an n by m dna chip array wherein an element of the array is an “ oxel ”: o ( i , j ). a 6 - σ manufacturing process accuracy in microarray design is assumed . each array cell amplitude is given by φ ( i , j ) for i : 1 to n , and j : 1 to m . let ψ ( i , j ) denote the a priori known oligonucleotide given by [ α 0 α l . . . α k ], where α ={ a , c , t , g } base associated with each array cell [ a , b ] where 10 ≦ k ≦ 25 . the complimentary strand , derived from unknown sample is denoted by { right arrow over ( ψ )}( i , j ). the post - hybridization microarray is treated mathematically using the machinery of equations with aftereffect . each hixel given by φ ( i , j ) is represented as a cluster of dynamical systems of potentially [ cb ] correctly bound , [ ub ] unbound , [ pb ] partially bound and [ ib ] incorrectly bound . thus [ cb ] φ ( i , j ) +[ ub ] φ ( i , j ) +[ pb ] φ ( i , j )+[ ib ] φ ( i , j ) = t φ ( i , j ) within 0 . 0001 %. the dot spectrogram φ ( i , j ) is then tessellated to determine idealized ensemble boundaries for forcing downstream resonant action . typically , in signal processing applications , high pass or band pass spatial filtering is implemented to enhance snr in ds matrix . alternate methods apply a combination of laplacian or other edge detection filters to enhance signal from arrays cells with a higher hybridization concentration from those of the adjacent cells . these snr enhancement methods however work only with positive or zero - snr . since snr in general is negative in our case ( ultra - low target dna concentrations ), these methods in effect amplify noise or further blur the hixel boundaries . tesselation is performed by performing gradient refocusing and rescaling as described in the co - pending application . in the alternative , a dirichlet tessellation operator or a delaunay triangulation operator are applied to tessellate the dot spectrogram . the tessellated image is treated as a metrically transitive random field . all properties associated with a singular ( deterministic ), homogeneous ( i . e ., stationary ) field are subsumed . the parametric of most interest is the integrated density of states , given by n ( λ ) = lim l → ∞ 1 π l e { ℵ ( l ) } where ℵ ′ = λ - q λ sin 2 ℵ where n is the number of eigenvalues to the system ( random field approximation ). amplitude wandering is determined using palm generators as described in the co - pending patent application . the palm generators exploits the notion of generator functions to capture stochastic variability in hybridization binding efficacy . the exemplary method described herein draws upon results in stochastic integral geometry and geometric probability theory . “ amplitude wandering estimate ” that bounds the hixel amplitude dispersion due to total hybridization losses , is computed using palm generators over the globally re - scaled dot spectrogram to capture amplitude wanderings and transitions at element , neighboring pair and local ensemble levels . step 310 provides a measure for each mutation - recognizer centered ( mrc -) hixel that is invariant to local degradation . the measure is expressed via the form where z denotes the set of mutations of interest . in other words , we determine the function ƒ ( z ) under the condition that m ( z ) should be invariant with respect to all dispersions ξ . also , up to a constant factor , this measure is the only one which is invariant under a group of motions in a plane . in principle , we derive deterministic analytical transformations on each mrc - hixel ., that map error - elliptic dispersion bound defined on 2 ( the two dimension euclidean space — i . e ., oxel layout ) onto measures defined on . the dispersion bound is given by the form . recall that palm distribution , π of a translation ( t η ) invariant , finite intensity point process in n is defined to the conditional distribution of the process . it is expressed in terms of a lebesgue factorization : e p n *= λl n xπ , where π and λ completely and uniquely determine the source distribution p of the translation invariant point process . the term e p n * denotes the first moment measure of the point process and l n is a probability measure . in the co - pending application we described how to compute π and λ which can uniquely encode the dispersion and amplitude wandering associated with the mrc - hixel . in this invention we relax the strong assumption that palm generators , π and λ , capture all sources of stochasticity in dot spectrogram output . since hybridization losses are affected in unknown and unpredictable ways , we need to modify the generators as probabilistic functions themselves . in other words the generators are converted to manifolds as opposed to a point function . ( ρ m ( i , j ) , σ m , η m , { overscore ( ω )} m ) specifies a continuous probability density function for amplitude wandering in the m - th mrc - hixel of interest where the terms denote : oligonucleotide density per oxel ρ m ( i , j ) , pcr amplification protocol ( σ m ), fluorescence binding efficiency ( η m ) and imaging performance ({ overscore ( ω )} m ). previously we required a preset binding dispersion limit to be apriori provided to compute λ , given by the second moment to the function at snr = 0 . nondispersive π is computed using π = θ * p where p = ∫ τ 1 τ 2 ℘ ( ρ m ( i , j ) , σ m , η m , ϖ m ) ∂ τ and τ 1 and τ 2 represent normalized hybridization dispersion limits ( typically preset to 0 . 1 and 0 . 7 respectively to assume losses between 10 %- 70 % hybridization . preconditioned dot spectrogram is represented by φ ( i , j ). where function 1 /( 1 + exp (( . . . ))) was used to express the underlying known and stationary point process . the latter assumption is relaxed in this method and determination of whether the amplitude wandering is within allowable generator function limits is achieved by : ∏ 0 - ξ 2 ξ 1 ξ 2 … ξ k ≤ ∏ 0 ≤ ∏ 0 + ξ 2 ξ 1 ξ 2 … ξ k ξ 1 , ξ 2 , . . . , ξ k provide the laplace characteristic functional of the poisson random field ssociated with each source of hybridization degradation . the contributions are estimated using { square root over ( ξ )} i = c d ·( det { circumflex over ( α )} i ) − ½ λ 0 d / 2 where c is gain constant and { circumflex over ( α )} denotes a nonrandom matrix { circumflex over ( α )} ij = e { α ik ( ξ ) ψ kj ( ξ )} and are metrically transitive fields representing the unique solution of the following variational problems : rot ψ i = ∂ ψ ij ψ k - ∂ ψ ki ψ j = 0 ( ii ) e { ψ ji ( ξ )}= δ ji ( iii ) the differential operator for the metrically transitive field for convoling the uncertainty parameters is denoted by a 0 . population and solution of the above equation requires estimates for the forward sensitivity matrix of variables impacting hybridization degradation . renormalization at step 312 , if necessary , is performed on the tessellated image to further match spectral properties of the stimulus pattern the re - normalization of the dot spectrogram is achieved by rescaling the dot spectrogram in the interval [− π , + π ]. the entire calculation proceeds in the phase space which is why we transformed the system to the metrically transitive random field . as noted , at step 314 , the resonant interaction between the qef and the tessellated , re - normalized dot spectrogram is performed until a pre - selected degree of convergence is achieved . resonance dynamics relaxation values are calculated at step 316 as follows . a closed - form convolutionless evolution equation is given by : ϕ dst 1 ( t ) = θ ( t , τ ) ϕ dst 1 ( τ ) where ∂ θ ( t , τ ) ∂ t = ψ dst ( t , τ ) ϕ dst i ( t , τ ) where both depend upon the normalized dst 1 ( i . e ., initial state ) at time τ — post - hybridization but pre - conditioned state . and ψ dst ( t , τ ) is the unitary evoluter - τ ( t = τ ) h . also , ϕ dst i ( t , τ ) = lim 1 ɛ ɛ → 0 [ ψ dst ( t + ɛ , τ ) - 1 ] so if theoretical convergence time is τ 0 ( outer convergence cycle time ) and choosing t & lt ; τ + τ 0 , then : ϕ dst 1 ( t ) = θ ( t , τ + τ 0 ) ϕ dst 1 ( τ + τ 0 ) and θ ( t , τ ′ ) = λ [ ∫ τ ′ τ ϕ ( t ′ ) t ′ ] the dynamics relaxation values are then filtered at step 318 using ensemble boundary and csr filters ( higher order poisson kernel ) as follows : ϕ ( t ) * - p ( θ ) where p r ( θ ) = 1 - r 2 1 - 2 r cos + r 2 where r ≥ 0 . the bulk property estimators of step 320 are applied to the dynamics relaxation values as follows : 1 2 π ∫ dst i p r ( t - θ ) t the above expression provides an estimate of when a geometric motion embodied by the convolutionless equation , is no longer a plausible resonance candidate . this is the closed form for an expression at which the coupling between dst and the microarray is broken and a coupling with a nonlinear information filter ( nif ) is established . in essence , the system forgets any initial correlation and tends to a lindbald condition . the resonance convergence is determined at step 322 as follows : log u ( t + 1 ) - u ∫ [ avg ] u ( t ) - u ∫ λ [ avg ] ≥ 1 the system oscillates if no convergence is reached . if increasing the timescale x - times (˜ 5 ) does not meet the condition , then the mutation is deemed to be absent . it should be noted that , unlike the technique of the co - pending application , in the present invention the absence of resonance over a maximum interation count does not imply absence of resonance . the reason is that both the dot spectrogram and the qef are dispersed , i . e ., the snr is reduced over an individual hixel , but is in fact increased over an ensemble . so the convergence decisions are made by cascading the inner loop reverberations as opposed to a single reverberation . so two timecycles are used for the convergence analysis : ( a ) time cycle over which hyperfine resonances are tracked , detected and used as a decision mechanisms to continue or stop the interation ; ( b ) time cycle over which the absense of mutation is actually concluded . this is done by implementing a local maxima over output of previous step and then reintegrating . the method essentially accumulates partial resonances and then applies the same resonance equation to the rescaled and renormalized partial stage . this process can be analytically be represented as : ( τ 1 , τ 2 ) = ∑ dst c 3 ( τ 2 ) [ ∮ c 2 ( τ 2 ) ⊗ [ 1 c ( τ 2 ) | [ ∑ dst c 1 0 ( τ 2 ) ⊗ ∮ dst i u ∫ λ [ avg ] τ 1 ] otherwise & gt ; 0 ] τ 2 ] where c 1 , c 2 and c 3 are thresholding constants that are used to detect subthreshold resonances . also , c 1 & gt ;& gt ; c 2 & gt ;& gt ; c 3 & gt ;& gt ; 1 /[ amplitude resolution ]. also τ 1 and τ 2 refer to the inner and outer integration timescales . in an implementation they refer to the iteration conter at which the integration loop is terminated , exceeded or exited . typically termination counter is set to one thousand steps with timescale of the order of ten nanoseconds for inner step and microsecond for outer step . so effective device convergence time is within one hundred milliseconds for the entire computation . in this regard , if the lindbald condition is not achieved and verified the dynamics is considered paralyzed . is too weak to exhibit a nonlinear resonance . the physical interpretation is that the coupled system exhibits “ frustrated dynamics ” which enhances and impedes resonance reaction at the same time . so the actual output takes the form of white noise over several hixels which oscillates . the detection of oscillation occurs when the spectral radius for the convergence criteria oscillates between limits [ ε 1 , ε 2 ] and does not tend towards 0 . this may be verified by tracking the spectral radius zero crossing with respect to the lower bound ε 1 . if the zero crossing frequency exceeds a present number ( e . g ., 10 ) in this implementation , the dynamics is deemed paralyzed . if a paralysis of dynamics has occurred , a “ mutation death ” is evaluated as follows . the check for mrc hixel death relates to the verification of a suprathreshold resonance , where the resonance is defined as the integrand of partial resonances over the entire dst structure , i . e , ( τ 1 , τ 2 ) = ∑ dst & gt ; c 3 ( τ 2 ) [ k ∮ c 2 ( τ 2 ) ⊗ [ 1 c ( τ 2 ) | [ ∑ dst c 1 0 ( τ 2 ) ⊗ ∮ dst i u ∫ λ [ avg ] τ 1 ] otherwise & gt ; 0 ] τ 2 ] ∀ τ 1 , τ 2 ≦ predefined upper limit . typically set to 100 for outer iteration and 1000 for inner iterations . the time scale for realization of the lindbald condition is changed and the system reiterated . hence the final output of step 314 is all hixels that identify complementary oligonucleotide bindings in the biological sample which are represented computationally by the set { h k ( i , j )} where { h k ( i , j )} is the corresponding oligonucleotide sequence [ α 0 α l . . . α k ] for the kth surviving hixel . the mutations identified using block 314 are processed using similar steps within block 325 to identify diseases represented by the mutations . hence the final output of step 335 is a set of expressed genes that are associated with a particular pathogenic pathway which is represented computationally by the set { ψ l k ( i , j )} where { ψ l k ( i , j )}: [ α 0 α l . . . α k ] for the l - th element of the pathway capturing the k - th disease . for single disease analysis steps 324 - 334 , i . e ., block 335 can be omitted . diseases identified using block 325 are processed at step 340 to identify clustering properties as follows . the clustering operation is essentially a pruning operation based on morphological filtering of subthreshold resonances and subsequent recentering ( i . e . the inverse of dispersion ). the clustering computation is based on transversal ordering ( is based on transversal numbers ) of the oligonucleotide sequencing underlying the resonance - centers for all subthreshold resonances . the concept draws from a result in hypergraph theory . recall that transversal of a hypergraph h ={ x : e 1 , e 2 , . . . , e m ) is defined to be a set t ⊂ x such that t ∩ e i ≠ φ for i = 1 , 2 , . . . , m , where e 1 , e 2 , . . . , e m define subgraphs . in this method , each oligonucleotide , associated with a mutation that survives “ hixel - death ” during resonant reverberation iterations , is represented by ψ ( i , j ): [ α 0 α l . . . α k ], where α ={ a , c , t , g } base associated is treated as a subgraph of the total set of unknown mutations that are actually present in the target sample . if the surviving hixel is an ensemble than each ensemble is treated as a subgraph with multiple nodes and several edges . if only an individual hixel survives than it is treated as a single node subgraph . transversal number of a hypergraph , h , is defined as the minimum number of vertices in a transversal . it is given by : determine min ℑ ={ a 1 , a 2 , . . . , a k }. where a 1 , a 2 , . . . , a k denote the surviving resonance clusters . ℑ 2 = ℑ 1 ∪{ a 1 ,}→ tr { ℑ 2 }= min ( trℑ 1 νtr { a 2 }) ℑ 3 = ℑ 2 ∪{ a 3 }→ tr { ℑ 3 }= min ( trℑ 2 νtr { a 3 }) if min a has k members , then the algorithm constructs tr a = tr k in k steps . a hashing projector is then applied at step 342 to the output of the clustering check . the hashing projector produces an enumeration of the leading k oligonucleotides with the highest transveral numbers . so a set of mutations or the corresponding expressed genes are created that have the highest sorted transversal numbers . typically , all members that are seperated by a distance of , at most two , are chosen . a diagnostic decision is rendered at step 344 based upon the output of the hashing projector . the diagnostic decision is achieved using a simple table lookup that is indexed by the results of hashing projection computation using the aforementioned tables . alterative possible mutations are evaluated at step 346 . if alternatives are available , the alternative set of mutations of interest are loaded and the process is repeated beginning at step 300 . hence , if the original set of mutations from which the original set of qif &# 39 ; s were generated during the off - line process of steps 301 and 302 , did not include the alternative mutations , then the off - line process is repeated with the new set of mutations to generate new qif &# 39 ; s . in the event that method yields ( and it often does ) multiple disease detection hypotheses , all possible hypotheses are provided as plausible candidates . the technique described with respect to fig4 - a - 4 - c is particularly powerful in that it provides an enumerative solution which generally covers all possible diagnostic candidates as opposed to only one or two , given the best genomic understanding or mapping between expressed genes and diseases . details tegarding an implementation directed to measuring viral loads may be found in co - pending u . s . patent application ser . no . 09 / 253 , 791 , now u . s . pat . no . 6 , 235 , 511 , also filed contemporaneously herewith , entitled “ exponentially convergent therapy effectiveness monitoring using viral load measurements ”, and also incorporated by reference herein . the exemplary embodiments have been primarily described with reference to flow charts illustrating pertinent features of the embodiments . each method step also represents a hardware or software component for performing the corresponding step . these components are also referred to herein as a “ means for ” performing the step . it should be appreciated that not all components of a complete implementation of a practical system are necessarily illustrated or described in detail . rather , only those components necessary for a thorough understanding of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail . actual implementations may contain more components or , depending upon the implementation , may contain fewer components . the description of the exemplary embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention . various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the inventive faculty . thus , the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein . | 6 |
a block diagram of the basic system is shown in fig1 . a number of lights collectively form a “ show ”, with the number of lights typically being between 5 and 200 lights , although there is no actual limit on the number of lights that can form a show . effects being produced by all of these lights are controlled by the console 100 , under control of a lighting designer or operator . the console may produce one or many outputs which collectively control the array of lights . in fig1 , the line 111 is shown connected from console 100 , to control a first light assembly 120 which is explained in further detail . the line 110 is shown as controlling other lights shown generically as 102 ; where it should be understood that there are at least 2 lights , and more typically between 5 and 200 lights in the overall show . in an embodiment , the controlling line 110 may be a control using ethernet protocol . the actual light 120 being controlled by the control line 102 is an m box ™ light made by light and sound design , ltd . the m box is formed of a computer part 122 which is programmed with suitable programs as described herein , a user interface 124 , an external memory source 126 , and a display 128 . in a preferred embodiment , a keyboard switch or kvm switch 125 is used so that the user interface 124 and display 128 may be used in common for all of a multiplicity of different computer units 122 , 116 & amp ; 118 . the computer part 122 also includes its own internal memory 130 , which stores both programs which are used for image processing , and also stores prestored gobos and effects to be used by the light . for example , the memory 130 may store video clips , as well as a number of different shapes , and may store specified libraries from different gobo manufacturers . the gobo shapes may be used to shape the outer shape of the light beam being projected . in an embodiment , the final effect produced by the light may be a combination of a number of different layers , and the shape of the layer may also be controlled by the images stored in memory 130 . the computer part 122 also includes a processor shown as cpu 132 , and a video card 134 . all of these may be off - the - shelf items . the cpu 132 operates based on the programs stored in memory 130 to produce a video output using video card 134 . the video output 136 is connected to an external projector 140 . in an embodiment , this projector 140 may be a projector which is digitally controllable , which is to say that each of a plurality of digital bits forming the image is separately controllable for brightness , color and other aspects such as duty cycle . for example , the projector 140 may be a digital micromirror based device or dmd , also referred to as a digital light processor based device . the projector produces an output effect 145 which is used for part of the show . for example , the effect 145 may be projected onto the stage . as explained above , there be may be a number of computer units 122 controlled by the common user interface 124 and display 128 , and also controlled by the ethernet control signal 102 . in this embodiment , two additional computer units 116 and 118 are shown , each also controlling external projectors 117 , 119 to produce other lighting effects . in operation , the cpu 132 operates according to a stored program to carry out certain operations based on the basic shapes and effects which are stored in the memory 130 . for example , the cpu 132 typically controls a number of different layers collectively forming the image which is used to control the projector . each of these layers may define shape , color and movement . the movements can be rotations or can be more complicated movements . one layer may cover any other layer or may add to or subtract from any of the other layers . the combined images , as controlled in this way , form a composite image 136 which is used to control the projector . the images may be stored in memory as libraries , or may be part of external memory 126 that is added to the libraries . the cpu 132 , however , needs to know which images it can use . accordingly , the cpu executes the routine shown in fig2 at startup . this routine enables the system to look for all of the different files and effects which can be used during the operation . at 200 , the device looks for its configuration file . the configuration file defines which kinds of files to look for in the system . typical files may be files of type “ gobo ”, type “ media ”, as well as more conventional types such as jpeg and mpeg files may be used . in addition , the user can specify different types of files . the type of gobo in the type “ media ” are special files for use with the m box system . the “ gobo ” file comprises compiled code representing an effect of a gobo , which may comprise an image which is compiled to include a certain effect . at 205 , the processor searches all the memory media which may include memory 130 , as well as external memory 126 , for all files of the specified types . this search may use an indexing technique for faster results . for example , the indexing technique may index all files on the memory 130 during spare time of the computer 122 . any file which is added after the index , of course , needs to be searched separately and otherwise the system simply searches the index . a similar indexing technique may be used for external memory 126 by using a serial number of the external memory ; that is , by using a unique identifying code referring to the removable memory . the external memory may be a removable memory such as a memory stick or like nonvolatile memory , or a cd or dvd drive . at 210 , the cpu makes a list of all the found files , and arranges them in a specified hierarchy . in one preferred hierarchy , a hyperlinked list , for example , in xml , is formed . the list may show the basic overall categories such as gobos , media , and others . clicking on any item on the list may produce a sublist . under the gobos , there is a sublist for numbered gobos , and other gobos . the basic gobos in the library may be named according to a 16 - bit gobo number which uniquely identifies the gobo as part of the library . however , gobos may also be named as different things , hence the external gobos may be other gobos . similarly , media may be numbered in a similar way , and numbered media and other media may be separately identified . clicking on any item , such as the numbered gobos , can bring up the list of gobos or may bring up a sublist of the different gobos . the file names associated with the gobos may also include metatag information , and that metatag information may be viewable as part of the xml hierarchy . in addition , the hierarchy shown in 210 may optionally include thumbnails or may include the light showing certain information about the gobos in the media . for example , for gobos , the thumbnail may show the basic shape of the gobo . the thumbnails may be automatically produced as a preview , or may be entered by a user as part of the meta tag information . the other information , which is shown as part of the hierarchy , may be any other feature which can be used to effect the output video produced at 134 . for example , different effects which can be added to gobos can be compiled and stored as a file . the different effects may be specified types of rotation , shaping , and other such effects . basically any effect which can be used on an image can be compiled as one of the other effects . the meta tag information and / or thumbnail information can include some information about the different gobos which are used . this hierarchy of files is displayed to the user at 215 , and may be also stored in a specified location so that the user can call up the xml file at any point . in this way , a user can find the different files which exist on the system . in operation , the user / operator can select any of the files for part of the show . in addition , a show can be tested to determine if all the files needed for that show are available . the testing is carried out by entering a test mode which is shown in fig3 . in this test mode , the user commands that a show be run at 300 . the processor begins running the show at 310 by calling up all necessary stored files and producing the layers representing those stored files with an output . the operation involves calling a stored file at 315 . at 320 , the system determines if the stored file is available . this may be done by searching the xml file for an index or by searching all files in the system . if the stored file is available , then the stored file is used and operation continues at 325 . however , if the stored file is not available at 320 , then a special default screen is substituted at 330 . in an embodiment , the special default screen is as shown in 335 ; that is a black bar 340 shown on a white screen 345 . a black bar preferably goes across approximately 70 % of the screen both in width and in height directions . this default screen makes it very easy to determine which files are unavailable . in an embodiment , the file name may also be alphanumerically placed on the default screen . the operation then continues to show the remainder of the show with the default screen in place of the missing file . a user reviewing this , however , may be able to determine , at a glance , that the default screen is present and therefore that a file is missing . although only a few embodiments have been disclosed in detail above , other modifications are possible . for example , other types of default screens may be used . in addition , other files besides those mentioned may be used , and also this system may be usable in other types of lighting instruments . for example , this system has been described as being used in a system in which the computer box which controls the image that is formed is separate from the projector that actually projects the image . however , the computer box 122 and projector 140 may be combined into a single device , such as the icon m device . in addition , while the above describes the projector as being a dmd based projector , other types of controlled projectors may also be used , including projectors based on grating light valves and the like . all such modifications are intended to be encompassed within the following claims , in which : | 7 |
referring to fig1 an embodiment of the invention is shown in which the hinged lens holder triggering device is incorporated in a welding hood with a hinged lens holder . the welding hood is comprised of the entire assembly as a stationary structure 1 , and the hinged lens holder as a hinged structure 2 . in this embodiment , a locking member 3 , a spring wire such as a piano wire which is stiff and also flexible , is attached on one end by being hooked through a hinged structure 2 , having an opening 4 , then passing through a stationary structure 1 , having an opening 5 , which serves as a guide , then the other end being formed to fit an l shaped stop structure 6 , and interlocking when in the open position as shown in fig1 . when opening , it uses the spring pressure of a locking member 3 , against the stop structure 6 , then they continue to rub together until a full open position , then the formed end of the locking member 3 , snaps up against the stop structure 6 , and remains in place holding the hinged structure 2 , in an open position . a spring 7 , is hooked on one end through hinged structure 2 , having a second opening 8 , the other end is hooked through a stationary structure 1 , having a second opening 9 , a spring 7 , is stretched and pressure applied when the hinged structure 2 , is open . an actuating member 10 , on one end passes through a stop structure 6 , having an opening 11 , which serves as a guide , and is formed in a circle shape 12 , and encircles the locking member 3 . a second hinge 13 , being attached to a stationary structure 1 , and having an opening 14 , through which one end of an actuating member 10 , may pass and hook as a means of attachment and thereby attaching actuating member 10 , to a stationary structure 1 . a slight pressure of the chin against a second hinge 13 , causes the actuating member 10 , to move in a downward motion thereby causing the circle shape 12 , to apply pressure in a downward motion against a locking member 3 , thereby causing a locking member 3 , to unlock from stop structure 6 , thereby causing the stretched and applied pressure of a spring 7 , to be activated causing a hinged structure 2 , to swing in a downward motion until it comes to a stop and is closed . although the invention has been described in its preferred form , it is contemplated that variations in parts , materials , and positions may be resorted to in the details of construction and that in a different embodiment , the stop structure could be moved and the actuating member eliminated and the locking member would be continuous down to a position whereby a second hinge , no longer being attached , could unlock the locking member and that by reversing certain parts , the invention would open , and a voice or electrical actuating means could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed . | 0 |
a combustion - type power tool according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig1 through 3 . the embodiment pertains to a combustion type nail driver . the combustion type nail driver 1 has a housing 2 a constituting an outer frame and including a main housing 2 a and a canister housing 2 b juxtaposed to the main housing 2 a . a head cover 4 formed with an intake port is mounted on the top of the main housing 2 a , and a gas canister 5 a containing therein a combustible gas is detachably disposed in the canister housing 2 b . a handle 7 extends from the canister housing 2 b . the handle 7 has a trigger switch 6 and accommodates therein a battery ( not shown ). a magazine 8 and a tail cover 9 are provided on the bottoms of the main housing 2 a and canister housing 2 b . the magazine 8 contains nails ( not shown ), and the tail cover 9 is adapted to guidingly feed each nail in the magazine 8 and set the nail to a predetermined position . a push lever 10 is movably provided at the lower end of the main housing 2 a and is positioned in conformance with a nail setting position defined by the tail cover 9 . the push lever 10 is coupled to a coupling member 12 that is secured to a combustion - chamber frame 11 a which will be described later . when the entire housing 2 is pressed toward a workpiece 28 while the push lever 10 is in abutment with the workpiece against a biasing force of a compression coil spring 30 ( described later ), an upper portion of the push lever 10 is retractable into the main housing 2 a . a head cap 13 is secured to the top of the main housing 2 a and closes the open top end of the main housing 2 a . the head cap 13 supports a motor 3 having a motor shaft 16 a , and a fan 14 a is coaxially fixed to the motor shaft 16 a . the head cap 13 also supports an ignition plug 15 a ignitable upon manipulation to the trigger switch 6 . a head switch ( not shown ) is provided in the main housing 2 a for detecting an uppermost stroke end position of the combustion - chamber frame 11 a when the power tool is pressed against the workpiece 28 . thus , the head switch can be turned on when the push lever 10 is elevated to a predetermined position for starting rotation of the motor 3 , thereby starting rotation of the fan 14 a . the head cap 13 has a canister housing 2 b side in which is formed a fuel ejection passage 17 which allows a combustible gas to pass therethrough . one end of the ejection passage 17 serves as an ejection port 18 a that opens at the lower surface of the head cap 13 . another end of the ejection passage 17 serves as a gas canister connecting portion in communication with a gas canister 5 a . the combustion - chamber frame 11 a is provided in the main housing 2 a and is movable in the lengthwise direction of the main housing 2 a . the uppermost end of the combustion - chamber frame 11 a is abuttable on the lower peripheral side of the head cap 13 . the coupling member 12 described above is secured to the lower end of the combustion - chamber frame 11 a and is connected to the push lever 10 . therefore , the combustion - chamber frame 11 a is movable in interlocking relation to the push lever 10 . a cylinder 20 is fixed to the main housing 2 a . the inner circumference of the combustion - chamber frame 11 a is in sliding contact with an outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 11 for guiding the movement of the combustion - chamber frame 11 a . the cylinder 20 has an axially intermediate portion formed with an exhaust hole 21 . the compression coil spring 30 is interposed between the coupling member 12 and the bottom of the cylinder 20 for biasing the push lever 10 in a direction away from the bottom of the cylinder 20 . an exhaust - gas check valve ( not shown ) is provided to selectively close the exhaust hole 21 . further , a bumper 22 is provided on the bottom of the cylinder 20 . a piston 23 is slidably and reciprocally provided in the cylinder 20 . the piston 23 divides an inner space of the cylinder 20 into an upper space above the piston 23 and a lower space below the piston 23 . when the upper end of the combustion - chamber frame 11 a abuts on the head cap 13 , the head cap 13 , the combustion - chamber frame 11 a , the upper cylinder space above the piston 23 define in combustion a combustion chamber 26 a . when the combustion - chamber frame 11 a is separated from the head cap 13 , a first flow passage 24 in communication with the atmosphere is provided between the head cap 13 and the upper end of the combustion - chamber frame 11 a , and a second flow passage 25 in communication with the first flow passage 24 is provided between the lower end portion of the combustion - chamber frame 11 a and the upper end portion of the cylinder 20 . the second flow passage 25 allows a combustion gas and a fresh air to pass along the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 20 for discharging these gas through an exhaust port ( not shown ) of the main housing 2 a . further , the above - described intake port is formed for supplying a fresh air into the combustion chamber 26 a , and the exhaust hole 21 is adapted for discharging combustion gas generated in the combustion chamber 26 a . as shown in fig2 , a plurality of ribs 27 a are provided on the inner peripheral portion of the combustion - chamber frame 11 a which portion defines the combustion chamber 26 a . the ribs 27 a extend in the lengthwise direction of the combustion - chamber frame 11 a and project radially inwardly toward the axis of the main housing 2 a . the portion of the combustion - chamber frame 11 a defining the combustion chamber 26 a has a specific section and a remaining section other than the specific section . the specific section is in a range from − 30 to 150 degrees about the rotation axis of the fan 14 a relative to a line connecting the axis of the fan and the ignition plug 15 a in a rotational direction of the fan 14 . in other words , the specific section is in a range of from − 30 to 150 degrees from the position of the ignition plug 15 a in the rotational direction of the fan 14 a . a distance between the rotation axis of the fan 14 a and an inner wall of the specific section in a plane perpendicular to the axis is greater than the distance between the rotation axis of the fan and an inner wall of the remaining section in the plane . the ribs 27 a cooperate with the rotating fan 14 a to promote stirring and mixing of air with the combustible gas in the combustion chamber 26 a . the fan 14 a , the ignition plug 15 a , and the fuel ejection port 18 a are all disposed in or open to the combustion chamber 26 a . rotation of the fan 14 a performs the following three functions . first , the fan 14 a stirs and mixes the air with the combustible gas as long as the combustion - chamber frame 11 a remains in abutment with the head cap 13 . second , after the mixed gas has been ignited , the fan 14 a causes turbulence of the air - fuel mixture , thus promoting the combustion of the air - fuel mixture in the combustion chamber 26 a . third , the fan 14 a performs scavenging such that the exhaust gas in the combustion chamber 26 a can be scavenged therefrom and also performs cooling to the combustion - chamber frame 11 a and the cylinder 20 when the combustion - chamber frame 11 a moves away from the head cap 13 and when the first and second flow passages 24 , 25 are provided . a driver blade 29 extends downwards from a side of the piston 23 , the side being at the cylinder space below the piston 23 , to the lower end of the main housing 2 a . the driver blade 29 is positioned coaxially with the nail setting position in the tail cover 9 , so that the driver blade 29 can strike against the nail during downward movement of the piston 23 . when the piston 23 moves downward , the piston 23 abuts on the bumper 22 and stops . in this case , the bumper 22 absorbs a surplus energy of the piston 23 . operation of the combustion type nail driver 1 a according to the first embodiment will next be described . in the non - operational state of the combustion type nail driver 1 a , the push lever 10 is biased downward by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 30 , so that the push lever 10 protrudes from the lower end of the tail cover 9 . thus , the uppermost end of the combustion - chamber frame 11 a is spaced away from the head cap 13 because the coupling member 12 couples the combustion - chamber frame 11 a to the push lever 10 . further , a part of the combustion - chamber frame 11 a which part defines the combustion chamber 26 a is also spaced from the top portion of the cylinder 20 . hence , the first and second flow passages 24 and 25 are provided . in this condition , the piston 23 stays at the top dead center in the cylinder 20 . with this state , if the push lever 10 is pushed onto the workpiece 28 while holding the handle 7 by a user , the push lever 10 is moved upward against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 30 . at the same time , the combustion - chamber frame 11 a which is coupled to the push lever 10 , is also moved upward , closing the above - described flow passages 24 and 25 . thus , the sealed combustion chamber 26 a is provided . in accordance with the movement of the push lever 10 , the gas canister 5 a is tilted toward the head cap 13 by an action of a cam ( not shown ). thus , the injection rod ( not shown ) of the gas canister 5 a is pressed against the connecting portion of the head cap 13 . therefore , the liquidized gas in the gas canister 5 a is ejected once into the combustion chamber 26 a through the ejection port 18 a . further , in accordance with the movement of the push lever 10 , the combustion - chamber frame 11 a reaches the uppermost stroke end whereupon the head switch is turned on to start rotation of the fan 14 a . rotation of the fan 14 a and the ribs 27 a protruding into the combustion chamber 26 a cooperate , stirring and mixing the combustible gas with air in the combustion chamber 26 a . in this state , when the trigger switch 6 provided at the handle 7 is turned on , spark is generated at the ignition plug 15 a to ignite the combustible gas . at this time , the fan 14 a keeps rotating in the combustion chamber 26 a , so that the air - fuel mixture flowing near the outer peripheral edge of the fan 14 a provides the most highest turbulent flow . moreover , the gas combustion at the high turbulence area provides higher combustion speed . in the combustion , a laminar state combustion flash point with lesser heat and lesser expansion and generated at the ignition plug 15 a is moved in the rotating direction of the fan 14 a . after the flash point reaches an area x in fig2 where high turbulence is occurring , an explosive turbulent combustion accompanying heat generation and expansion will be started from the area x . even through the area x at which the turbulent combustion is started may vary depending upon the degree of combustion , the area x is generally located at 50 degrees about the rotation axis of the fan 16 a and with respect to a line connecting the rotation axis and the ignition plug 15 a in a rotational direction of the fan 14 a . because the fan 14 a is positioned at approximately center of the combustion chamber 26 a , the turbulent combustion starting area x is within the combustion - chamber frame 11 a and nearby the ribs 27 a . if the flame propagation contour at the front end of the combustion portion reaches the inner surface of the combustion chamber flame 11 a and the ribs 27 a , heat generated by the combustion may be absorbed at the surfaces of the inner surface and the ribs 27 a . therefore , cooling and contraction may occur in the thermally expanded gas . therefore , the turbulent combustion generated at the area x must be protected . to this effect , as shown in fig2 , the portion of the combustion - chamber frame 11 a defining the combustion chamber has the specific section and the remaining section other than the specific section . the specific section is in a range from about − 30 to 150 degrees about the rotation axis of the fan 14 a relative to a line connecting the axis of the fan and the ignition plug 15 a in the rotational direction of the fan 14 a , and the distance between the rotation axis of the fan 14 a and an inner wall of the specific section in a plane perpendicular to the axis is greater than the distance between the rotation axis of the fan and an inner wall of the remaining section in the plane . with this arrangement , immediately after the turbulent combustion is generated at the area x , the flame propagation contour of the turbulent combustion does not contact the inner surface of the combustion - chamber frame 11 a . therefore , at an initial stage of the turbulent combustion , no heat transmission occurs from the combustion gas forming the turbulent combustion to the combustion - chamber frame 11 a . consequently , promotion of the turbulent combustion will not be inhibited . the combusted and expanded gas pushes the piston 23 downward . therefore , a nail in the tail cover 9 is driven into the workpiece through the driver blade 29 until the piston 23 abuts on the bumper 22 . after the nail driving , the piston 23 strikes against the bumper 22 , and the combustion gas is discharged out of the cylinder 20 through the exhaust hole 21 of the cylinder 20 and through the check valve ( not shown ) provided at the exhaust hole 21 . when the inner space of the cylinder 20 and the combustion chamber 26 a becomes the atmospheric pressure , the check valve is closed . combustion gas still remaining in the cylinder 20 and the combustion chamber 26 a has a high temperature at a phase immediately after the combustion . however , the high temperature can be absorbed into the walls of the cylinder 20 and the combustion - chamber frame 11 a to rapidly cool the combustion gas . thus , the pressure in the sealed space in the cylinder 20 above the piston 23 further drops to less than the atmospheric pressure ( creating a so - called “ thermal vacuum ”). accordingly , the piston 23 is moved back to the initial top dead center position . then , the trigger switch 6 is turned off , and the user lifts the combustion type nail driver 1 a from the workpiece for separating the push lever 10 from the workpiece 28 . as a result , the push lever 10 and the combustion - chamber frame 11 a move downward due to the biasing force of the compression coil spring 30 to restore a state shown in fig1 . in this case , the fan 14 a keeps rotating for a predetermined period of time in spite of off state of the trigger switch 6 because of an operation of a control portion ( not shown ). in the state shown in fig1 , the flow passages 24 and 25 are provided again at the upper and lower sides of the combustion chamber , so that fresh air flows into the combustion chamber 26 a through the intake port and through the flow passages 24 , 25 , expelling the residual combustion gas through the exhaust port ( not shown ). thus , the combustion chamber 26 a is scavenged . then , the rotation of the fan 14 a is stopped to restore an initial stationary state . thereafter , subsequent nail driving operation can be performed by repeating the above described operation process . as described above , in the combustion type nail driver 1 a , expansion of the gas in the combustion chamber 26 a is used as a power source for driving a nail . thus , according to the first embodiment , the gas can be efficiently heated and expanded , to enhance driving performance and operability because of the geometrical relationship between the rotational center of the fan 14 a and the inner wall of the combustion - chamber frame 11 a . a combustion type nail driving tool 1 b which embodies a combustion type power tool and in accordance with a second embodiment will be described with reference to fig4 . the second embodiment is approximately the same as the first embodiment , and therefore , duplicating description will be omitted . in the combustion type nail driving tool 1 a according to the first embodiment , the distance between the rotation axis of the fan 14 a and the inner surface of the specific section of the combustion - chamber frame 11 a is greater than the distance between the rotation axis and the inner surface of the remaining section of the combustion - chamber frame 11 a , the specific section being in a range from about − 30 to 150 degrees about the rotation axis and relative to the position of the ignition plug 15 a in the rotational direction of the fan . as shown in fig4 , because the starting area x at which the turbulent combustion is started is at about 50 degrees from the ignition plug 15 b in the rotational direction of the fan 14 b , a position where the combustion is most developed as a result of generation of the turbulent combustion is designated by x ′ in fig4 . an angular range containing the area x ′ is represented as 30 to 70 degrees from the position of the ignition plug 15 b in the rotational direction of the fan and about a rotational axis of the fan 14 b . therefore , according to the second embodiment , at least the area ranging from about 30 to 70 degrees about the rotation axis 16 b and from the position of the ignition plug 15 b in the rotational direction of the fan 14 b has the increased distance between the inner surface of the combustion - chamber frame 11 b and the rotation axis 16 b as shown in fig4 , this structure is particularly effective even in a case where , due to the structural reason or the like , increased distance between the inner surface of the combustion - chamber frame 11 b and the rotation axis of the fan 14 b cannot be provided at an area ranging from about − 30 to 150 degrees about the rotation axis 16 b and from the position of the ignition plug 15 b in the rotational direction of the fan . with the structure in the second embodiment , immediately after the turbulent combustion is generated at the area x , flame propagation contour of the turbulent combustion does not reach the inner surface of the combustion - chamber frame 11 b . therefore , at the initial stage of the turbulent combustion , heat transmission from the combustion gas forming the turbulent combustion to the combustion - chamber frame 11 b does not occur . as a result , the development of the turbulent combustion is not disturbed . consequently , combustion of the combustible gas in the combustion chamber 26 b is not excessively restrained , but the combustible gas in the combustion chamber 26 b is efficiently heated and expanded , thereby improving driving performance of the combustion type nail driving tool 1 b and enhancing operability . a combustion type nail driving tool 1 c according to a third embodiment will next be described with reference to fig5 . the third embodiment is approximately the same as the first embodiment , and therefore , duplicating description will be omitted . in the combustion type nail driving tool 1 a according to the first embodiment , ribs are provided not locally but equidistantly over an entire inner peripheral surface of the combustion - chamber frame 11 a at a portion forming the combustion chamber 26 a . in the third embodiment , as shown in fig5 , ribs 27 c are locally provided about the rotation axis ( i . e ., the motor shaft 16 c ) and from 150 to 330 degrees from the position of the ignition plug 15 c in the rotational direction of the fan 14 c . with this structure , after the turbulent combustion occurs , no component is provided which robs the heat of the combustion gas until the flame propagation contour reaches the combustion - chamber frame 11 c . therefore , development of the turbulent combustion is not disturbed . accordingly , at the initial stage of the turbulent combustion , heat transmission from the combustion gas forming the turbulent combustion to the combustion - chamber frame 11 c does not occur . as a result , the development of the turbulent combustion is not disturbed . fig6 shows a combustion type nail driving tool 1 d according to a fourth embodiment . the fourth embodiment is approximately the same as the first embodiment , and therefore , duplicating description will be omitted . as described in connection with the second embodiment , the position where the combustion is most promoted is ranging from 30 to 70 degrees about the rotation axis from the position of the ignition plug in the rotational direction of the fan . therefore , as shown in fig6 , ribs 27 d are disposed at least at the area ranging from about 0 to 30 degrees and from 70 to 360 degrees about the rotation axis i . e ., the motor shaft 16 d from the position of the ignition plug 15 d in the rotational direction of the fan 14 d . in other words , ribs 27 d are not provided at an area ranging from 30 to 70 degrees . with this arrangement , after the turbulent combustion occurs and until the flame propagation contour reaches from the position where the turbulent combustion is most promoted to the combustion - chamber frame 11 d , no component exists which robs the heat of the combustion gas . thus , promotion of the turbulent combustion is not disturbed . accordingly , at an initial stage of turbulent combustion , heat transmission does not occur from the combustion gas to the combustion - chamber frame 11 d at the position where the turbulent combustion is the most promoted . thus , promotion of the turbulent combustion is not disturbed . fig7 shows a combustion type nail driving tool 1 e according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention . the fifth embodiment is approximately the same as the first embodiment , and therefore , duplicating description will be omitted . in the first embodiment , the ribs are provided at the inner surface of the combustion chamber space with a constant interval . in case where the ribs cannot be dispensed with because of the necessity of strength of the combustion - chamber frame , intervals between the neighboring ribs 27 e is set greater in an area ranging from − 30 to 150 degrees about the rotation axis i . e ., motor shaft 16 e and from the position of the ignition plug 15 e in the rotational direction of the fan 14 e than that of the remaining ribs in an area ranging from 150 to 330 degrees . further , surface area of the ribs provided within this range from − 30 to 150 degrees is smaller than that of the remaining ribs . with this arrangement , when the flame propagation contour reaches the inner surface of the combustion - chamber frame 11 e , heat transmission amount from the combustion gas to the ribs 27 e can be reduced because the surface area of the ribs at that area is small . accordingly , after the turbulent combustion occurs and the flame propagation contour reaches the inner surface of the combustion - chamber frame 11 e , promotion of the turbulent combustion is not so much disturbed because heat transmission amount to the ribs 27 e at that area is small . consequently , at an initial stage of turbulent combustion , heat transmission from the combustion gas forming the turbulent combustion to the combustion - chamber frame 11 e can be small , and promotion of the turbulent combustion is not excessively disturbed . a combustion type nail driving tool 1 f according to a sixth embodiment will next be described with reference to fig8 . the sixth embodiment is approximately the same as the first embodiment , and therefore , duplicating description will be omitted . as described in connection with the second embodiment , the position where the combustion is most promoted is in a range of from 30 to 70 degrees about the rotation axis of the fan and from the position of the ignition plug in the rotational direction of the fan . therefore , as shown in fig8 , protrusion amount of the ribs 27 f protruding from the combustion - chamber frame 11 f and ranging from 30 to 70 degrees about the rotation axis , i . e ., motor shaft 16 f and from the position of the ignition plug 15 f in the rotational direction of the fan 14 f is set smaller than that of the remaining ribs in order to reduce the surface area of the ribs at the specific angular range . thus , after the turbulent combustion occurs and when the flame propagation contour reaches the inner surface of the combustion - chamber frame 11 f , heat transmission from the combustion gas to the ribs 27 f can be reduced because the surface area of the ribs is small . accordingly , after the turbulent combustion occurs and even if the flame propagation contour from the position where the turbulent combustion is most promoted reaches the inner surface of the combustion - chamber frame 11 f , disturbance of promotion of the turbulent combustion can be reduced because of the reduction in heat transmission at the ribs 27 f . consequently , at an initial stage of the turbulent combustion , heat transmission from the combustion gas forming the turbulent combustion to the combustion - chamber frame 11 f can be reduced , so that the excessive disturbance against the promotion of the turbulent combustion does not occur . according to the sixth embodiment , protruding length of the specific ribs 27 f from the inner surface of the combustion - chamber frame 11 f is reduced at the specific area . however , surface area of the specific ribs can also be reduced by shortening the extension length of the specific ribs 27 at which the flame propagation contour of the turbulent combustion arrives . fig9 shows a combustion type nail driving tool 1 g according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention . the seventh embodiment is approximately the same as the first embodiment , and therefore , duplicating description will be omitted . in the combustion type nail driving tool 1 g according to the seventh embodiment , an enlargement of the outer diameter of the combustion - chamber frame 11 g is prohibited because of the positional relationship to the housing 2 g . thus , a distance between the rotation axis , i . e ., the axis of the motor shaft 16 g and the inner surface of the combustion - chamber frame 11 g is uniform over an entire circumference of the combustion - chamber frame 11 g . in the combustion type nail driving tool 1 g , combustible gas is intaken into the combustion chamber 26 g and the fan 14 g generates an eddy current for mixing the combustible gas with air in the combustion chamber 26 g . then , the air - fuel mixture is ignited by the ignition plug 15 g so as to generate combustion . in this case , similar to the combustion type nail driving tool 1 a of the first embodiment , a laminar state combustion flash point with lesser heat and lesser expansion and generated at the ignition plug 15 g is moved in the rotating direction of the fan 14 g . after the flash point reaches an area x where high turbulence is occurring , an explosive turbulent combustion accompanying heat generation and expansion will be started from the area x . therefore , even in the combustion type nail driving tool 1 g according to the seventh embodiment , ribs 27 g are locally provided at a specific inner surface of the combustion - chamber frame 11 g , the specific inner surface ranging from about 150 to 330 degrees about the rotation axis of the fan 14 g and from the position of the ignition plug 15 g in the rotational direction of the fan 14 g . in other words , ribs 27 g are not provided at a region ranging from about − 30 to 150 degrees about the rotation axis of the fan 14 g . with this structure , after the turbulent combustion occurs , no component is provided which robs the heat of the combustion gas until the flame propagation contour reaches the combustion - chamber frame 11 g . therefore , development of the turbulent combustion is not disturbed . accordingly , at the initial stage of the turbulent combustion , heat transmission from the combustion gas forming the turbulent combustion to the combustion - chamber frame 11 g does not occur . as a result , the development of the turbulent combustion is not disturbed . even if the flame propagation contour of the turbulent combustion reaches the combustion - chamber frame 11 g at an initial stage of the turbulent combustion , heat transmission through the ribs does not occur because no rib 27 g is provided at the position near the reaching area . accordingly , even if the flame propagation contour of the turbulent combustion reaches the combustion - chamber frame 11 g at the initial stage of the turbulent combustion , amount of heat transmission of the combustion gas forming the turbulent combustion to the combustion - chamber frame 11 g is small . as a result , promotion of the turbulent combustion is not excessively disturbed . fig1 shows a combustion type nail driving tool 1 h according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention . in the combustion type nail driving tool 1 h , an enlargement of the outer diameter of the combustion - chamber frame 11 h is prohibited because of the positional relationship to the housing 2 h , similar to the seventh embodiment . thus , a distance between the rotation center of the fan 14 h and the inner surface of the combustion - chamber frame 11 h is uniform over an entire circumference of the combustion - chamber frame 11 h . remaining arrangement of the eighth embodiment is approximately the same as the first embodiment , and therefore , duplicating description will be omitted . as described in connection with the second embodiment , the position where the combustion is most promoted is ranging from 30 to 70 degrees about the rotation axis from the position of the ignition plug in the rotational direction of the fan . therefore , as shown in fig1 , ribs 27 h are disposed at least at the area ranging from about 0 to 30 degrees and from 70 to 360 degrees about the rotation axis of the fan , i . e ., the axis of the motor shaft 16 h from the position of the ignition plug 15 h in the rotational direction of the fan 14 h . in other words , ribs 27 h are not provided at an area ranging from 30 to 70 degrees . with this arrangement , after the turbulent combustion occurs and until the flame propagation contour reaches from the position where the turbulent combustion is most promoted to the combustion - chamber frame 11 h , no component exists which robs the heat of the combustion gas . thus , promotion of the turbulent combustion is not disturbed . accordingly , at an initial stage of turbulent combustion , heat transmission does not occur from the combustion gas forming the turbulent combustion to the combustion - chamber frame 11 h . thus , promotion of the turbulent combustion is not disturbed . even if the flame propagation contour of the turbulent combustion reaches the combustion - chamber frame 11 h from the position where the turbulent combustion is most promoted at an initial stage of the turbulent combustion , heat transmission through the ribs does not occur because no rib 27 h is provided at the position near the reaching area . accordingly , even if the flame propagation contour of the turbulent combustion reaches the combustion - chamber frame 11 h at the initial stage of the turbulent combustion , amount of heat transmission of the combustion gas forming the turbulent combustion to the combustion - chamber frame 11 h is small . as a result , promotion of the turbulent combustion is not excessively disturbed . a combustion type nail driving tool 1 i according to a ninth embodiment will next be described with reference to fig1 . in the combustion type nail driving tool 1 i , an enlargement of the outer diameter of the combustion - chamber frame 11 i is prohibited because of the positional relationship to the housing 2 i , similar to the seventh embodiment . thus , a distance between the rotation center of the fan 16 i i . e . the rotation axis of the motor shaft 16 i and the inner surface of the combustion - chamber frame 11 i is uniform over an entire circumference of the combustion - chamber frame 11 i . remaining arrangement of the ninth embodiment is approximately the same as the first embodiment , and therefore , duplicating description will be omitted . in case where ribs 27 i cannot be dispensed with in view of the various parameters such as a strength of the combustion - chamber frame , as shown in fig1 , protrusion amount of the ribs 27 i protruding from the combustion - chamber frame 11 i and ranging from about − 30 to 150 degrees about the rotation axis of the fan 14 i and from the position of the ignition plug 15 i in the rotational direction of the fan 14 i is set smaller than that of the remaining ribs in order to reduce the surface area of the ribs at the specific angular range . accordingly , after the turbulent combustion occurs and when the flame propagation contour reaches the inner surface of the combustion - chamber frame 11 i , heat transmission amount transmitted from the combustion gas to the ribs 27 i can be reduced because of the small surface area of the ribs 27 i . thus , after the turbulent combustion occurs and even if the flame propagation contour reaches the inner surface of the combustion - chamber frame 11 i , disturbance of promotion of the turbulent combustion can be reduced because of the reduction in heat transmission at the ribs 27 i . consequently , at an initial stage of the turbulent combustion , heat transmission from the combustion gas forming the turbulent combustion to the combustion - chamber frame 11 i can be reduced , so that the excessive disturbance against the promotion of the turbulent combustion does not occur . a combustion type nail driving tool 1 j according to a tenth embodiment will next be described with reference to fig1 . in the combustion type nail driving tool 1 j , an enlargement of the outer diameter of the combustion - chamber frame 11 j is prohibited because of the positional relationship to the housing 2 j , similar to the seventh embodiment . thus , a distance between the rotation center of the fan 14 j , i . e ., the rotation axis of the motor shaft 16 j and the inner surface of the combustion - chamber frame 11 j is uniform over an entire circumference of the combustion - chamber frame 11 j . remaining arrangement of the tenth embodiment is approximately the same as the first embodiment , and therefore , duplicating description will be omitted . as described in connection with the second embodiment , the position where the combustion is most promoted is ranging from 30 to 70 degrees about the rotation axis from the position of the ignition plug in the rotational direction of the fan . in case where ribs 27 j cannot be dispensed with in view of the various parameters such as a strength of the combustion - chamber frame , protrusion amount of the ribs 27 j protruding from the combustion - chamber frame 11 j and ranging from about 30 to 70 degrees about the rotation axis 16 j and from the position of the ignition plug 15 j in the rotational direction of the fan 14 j is set smaller than that of the remaining ribs in order to reduce the surface area of the ribs at the specific angular range . accordingly , after the turbulent combustion occurs and when the flame propagation contour reaches the inner surface of the combustion - chamber frame 11 j , heat transmission amount transmitted from the combustion gas to the ribs 27 j can be reduced because of the small surface area of the ribs 27 j . thus , after the turbulent combustion occurs and even if the flame propagation contour from the position where the turbulent combustion is most promoted reaches the inner surface of the combustion - chamber frame 11 j , disturbance of promotion of the turbulent combustion can be reduced because of the reduction in heat transmission at the ribs 27 j . consequently , at an initial stage of the turbulent combustion , heat transmission from the combustion gas forming the turbulent combustion to the combustion - chamber frame 11 j at the position where the turbulent combustion is most promoted can be reduced , so that the excessive disturbance against the promotion of the turbulent combustion does not occur . according to the ninth and tenth embodiments , the surface area of the ribs are reduced by reducing protruding length of the ribs from the inner surface of the combustion - chamber frame in order to reduce heat absorbing amount at the surface of the ribs . however , various modifications are available in these embodiments , such that an interval between neighboring ribs at the specific area is set greater than that at the other area . alternatively , extension length of the specific ribs can be set smaller than that of the remaining ribs . thus , surface area of the specific ribs can be reduced to lower the heat absorption amount at the surface of the specific ribs . while the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof , it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made in any kind of power tools in which a combustion chamber and a piston are provided , and as long as expansion of gas as a result of combustion of air - fuel mixture in the combustion chamber causes reciprocal motion of the piston . | 1 |
referring now to the drawings in more detail , fig1 shows a storage box 1 for storing fishing accessories such as , but not limited to , hooks , flies , and sinkers . the box 1 has sides 2 and ends 19 . the top surface of the box 20 has a plurality of compartments 8 which will be used to store fishing accessories . it should be noted that the box is shown as being rectangular and the compartments as circular , however this is merely for illustration purposes , and the shape of the box and the compartments could be any convenient shape . the box has a bottom cover 25 attached thereto . encircling the box 1 is an endless , transparent belt 4 which has an aperture 6 similar to aperture 18 ( shown in fig6 ) which is large enough to uncover an entire row of compartments 8 . the belt 4 should be made of a flexible , transparent material which will not be damaged by fresh or salt water , and will be glued together to form an endless belt . it should be noted that the belt 4 in fig1 is shown before the ends of the belt are glued together to make an endless belt . the transparent material will allow the fisherman to see all the items to make selecting the needed item easier . also , mounted at the ends of the box are pinions 28 which will allow the belt 4 to move smoothly . a second endless belt 5 , as shown in fig1 and 2 , encircles the box 1 and the first belt 4 and has an aperture 6 which will uncover one of the compartments 8 . the belt 5 is made similar to the belt 4 and is made as a rectangular piece of material that is glued together to form an endless belt . at the side of the box is a guide 23 for the belt 5 . the belt will slide back and forth in the guide 23 , to allow the aperture 6 , and the aperture in the belt 4 to align . the guide 23 can be moved from one end of the box to the other so the user will be able to select which ever row of compartments holds the accessory he wants . also , it does not matter whether belt 5 is beneath belt 4 , or whether belt 4 is beneath belt 5 . whichever is the case , the belts should be of a size to provide a snug fit around the box 1 so the belts will remain in whatever position they are placed . if the belts are too loose they will tend to slide and allow the contents of the compartments to slip out . this could result in a jammed belt which will make removing the items from the compartments difficult . at the bottom of the box is a cover 25 which will be secured to the bottom of the box in any conventional manner such as by , but not limited to , a friction fit once the belts are assembled onto the box . in fig7 and 8 , a lever holding assembly for the belt 5 is disclosed . the lever 27 could be mounted in the aperture 24 in the guide 23 ( shown in fig1 and fig7 ). also , a second lever 27 ( not shown ) could be mounted on the opposite side of the box . the belt 5 will pass under pinions 26 . the bottom pinion will be pivoted to the guide 23 by any conventional means . a conventional spring ( not shown ) could be used to hold the top of the lever away from the guide 23 ( as shown in fig7 ). when the lever is in the position shown in fig7 the top pinion will hold the belt 5 away from the side of the box , thereby making the belt tighter . when a user wants to move the belt , he / she will push the top of the lever toward the box , which will loosen the belt so it can be moved . the process of using the storage box will now be described . when a particular item is needed , the lever 27 will be pushed , the belt 5 will be rotated until aperture 7 is positioned above the proper row of compartments . then belt 4 will be moved until aperture 6 is positioned over the proper compartment . at this point , depending on the item selected , the fisherman could use his fingers to pick the item out of the compartment . then he will rotate the belts until their respective apertures are not aligned with any of the compartments and release the lever 27 . since the belts fit around the box 1 snugly , the belts will act as a &# 34 ; lid &# 34 ; in this position and keep all of the items in their respective compartments . since some items , such as hooks , can impart injuries if grabbed the wrong way , a second method of using the box would be to align the apertures in the belts with the proper compartment and then turn the box over and allow the hook to fall into the palm of the hand . the apertures in the belts could then be misaligned to keep the rest of the items in their proper compartments . the belts could have segments which are made from an elastic material , over time the natural tensioning ability of the material may be reduced . a tensioning means , which could be added to a box , similar to the box 1 , is shown in fig3 . this box has at least one open end and the belt 4 is wound around pinions 9 and 21 . the open end of the box will receive a block 10 which has a projection 11 . as the block 10 is pushed into the box the projection 11 will depress the belt 4 between two of the pinions 21 . this will tighten the belt and result in a snug fit around the box once more . also , it should be noted that the box would have to be made with at least one removable side in this embodiment , so the endless belt 4 could be wound around the pinions . the block 10 could fit within the sides 2 &# 39 ; in a friction fit , or there could be a conventional projection on block 10 which snaps into a groove or grooves on sides 2 &# 39 ; which will hold the block 10 in the box . the use of plural grooves would add more adjustments as the belt ages and tends to stretch . a second tensioning means is shown in fig4 . instead of a removable block 10 , the block 10 &# 39 ; could be permanently attached to the sides of the box , after the belt is assembled . a screw 12 would be threaded through a threaded aperture in the block 10 &# 39 ; and the inner end of the screw would be undercut at 14 and have a circular or spherical projection 13 secured thereto . when the screw 12 is rotated the projection 13 will press the belt between the pinions , similar to the operation of the projection 11 in fig3 . of course both projections 11 and 13 should be rounded so they do not damage the belt 4 . another embodiment of the storage box is shown in fig5 . in this embodiment only a single belt 4 &# 39 ; is needed which will have an aperture ( not shown ) similar to aperture 7 on belt 5 in fig2 . attached to the belt is a disc 15 which has at least one aperture 16 . the disc will be pivotably attached to the belt by a shaft 17 , which could be a rivet or similar fastener . the belt 4 &# 39 ; will operate in the same manner as belt 4 in fig1 and 2 . once the aperture in the belt is positioned over the proper row of compartments , the disc 15 will be rotated until the aperture 16 aligns with the selected compartment . the disc could have more than one aperture , if desired or necessary . another embodiment is shown in fig6 . this embodiment has only one belt 4 &# 34 ; and a single , large aperture 18 . this embodiment is designed for large fishing accessories such as , but not limited to , lures . the box for this embodiment would have only a single compartment extending across the width of the box so a second belt or rotating disc would not be necessary . all that is necessary to use this type of storage box is to rotate the belt 4 &# 34 ; until the aperture 18 is aligned with the right compartment , remove the needed item and then rotate the belt until the aperture 18 is not aligned with any of the compartments . another embodiment is shown in fig9 in which an endless belt 5 is shown before its ends are secured together . attached to the belt , such as by gluing , is a door 21 with an aperture 22 . the belt would have an aperture directly beneath the aperture 22 . the door 21 would help to reinforce the aperture in the belt . this belt would operate in the same manner as the belt 5 in fig2 . although the storage box and the method of using the same according to the present invention has been described in the foregoing specification with considerable details , it is to be understood that modifications may be made to the invention which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims and modified forms of the present invention done by others skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will be considered infringements of this invention when those modified forms fall within the claimed scope of this invention . for example the storage box is not limited to storing only fishing accessories . it can be used for storing any item including , but not limited to sewing accessories , medicine in the form of pills , paper clips or safety pins . | 0 |
referring now to the drawings , some of the preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail below . fig3 is a simplified sectional view of a first embodiment of the invention . in this embodiment , in a printer or similar machine , a right cylindrical grounded photoreceptor 113 is driven in the rotational direction indicated by arrow 114 . this photoreceptor 113 is charged by a corona discharger 115 , and is exposed in an exposure region 117 by a light 116 corresponding to the original image , so that an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 113 . this electrostatic latent image is made into a sensible toner image by a magnetic brush development apparatus 118 . the toner image on the photoreceptor 113 is transferred onto a recording paper 122 which is guided in the direction indicated by arrow 121 by a guide member 120 to a transfer region 119 . after transfer of the image onto the recording paper , the recording paper 122 is conveyed in the direction indicated by arrow 125 by a lower stretched portion 123a of a belt 123 to a fixing apparatus . the conveying belt 123 is endless , and is driven about a pair of conductive rollers 127 , 128 . the inner surface of the conveying belt 123 includes a conductive layer thereon in contact with the rollers 127 , 128 , and the belt also includes a dielectric layer . the conductive layer is composed of metal , conductive rubber or similar material . the dielectric layer is composed of an electrically insulating material . a corona discharger 130 is mounted adjacent the roller 128 nearest to the photoreceptor 113 . this corona discharger 130 is disposed on the side of the belt 123 opposite the roller 128 , and on the side of the recording paper 122 opposite the upper part of the outer circumference of the photoreceptor 113 . the corona discharger 130 comprises a metallic shielded case 132 , and a conductor 133 which is disposed in a stretched condition in a space formed within the shielded case 132 . the shielded case 132 and the conductor 133 extend parallel to the rotational axis of the photoreceptor 113 and perpendicular to the direction indicated by arrows 122 and 125 . the shielded case 132 is grounded and the conductor 133 is connected to the positive electrode of a dc power supply 134 . the negative electrode of this dc power supply is grounded to the machine body . when a corona discharge is effected by the corona discharger 130 , the toner image on the photoreceptor 113 is transferred onto the lower surface of the recording paper 122 being conveyed in the conveying direction 121 . the portion 131 of the belt 123 wound on the roller 128 is electrified by the corona discharge mentioned above . this causes the recording paper 122 after the image has been transferred thereto to be attracted to the lower stretched portion 123a of the belt 123 such that the paper 122 can be conveyed thereby in the direction indicated by arrow 125 . a brush 135 contacts the roller 127 and is grounded to the machine body . therefore , it is not necessary to connect a high voltage power supply to the rollers 127 , 128 through the brush as was necessary in a previously discussed prior art apparatus . thus , no spark is generated so that transfer and conveying by attraction can be carried out in a stable manner for a long period of time . fig4 is a simplified sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention . this embodiment is similar to the foregoing embodiment shown in fig3 and the corresponding parts are identified with the same reference numbers . here , in the corona discharger 130 , a mesh grid 137 is placed between the shielded case 132 and the photoreceptor 113 and is connected to the positive electrode of the dc power supply 134 . as a result , increase of the surface potential of the recording paper 122 by corona discharge is suppressed , and the surface potential of the recording paper 122 can be set to a suitable value to provide attraction and conveying of the recording paper 122 by the conveying belt after transfer of the image onto the paper 122 . fig5 is a simplified sectional view of a third embodiment of the invention . a grounded right cylindrical photoreceptor 201 is rotated and driven in the direction indicated by arrow 202 . this photoreceptor 201 is charged by a corona discharger 203 , and is irradiated with a light 205 in an exposure region 204 to form an electrostatic latent image . the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 201 is made into a sensible toner image by a magnetic brush developing apparatus 206 , and the toner image is transferred onto the recording paper 210 after the recording paper 210 is guided by a guide member 209 in the direction indicated by arrow 208 to a transfer region 207 . after transfer of the image onto the paper 210 , the recording paper 210 is conveyed in the direction indicated by arrow 211 to the fixing apparatus . this conveyance is carried out by an endless transfer and conveying belt 212 to which the conveying paper 210 is attracted . the belt 212 is trained about a pair of conductive rollers 213 , 214 , and the recording paper 210 is held between the belt 212 and the photoreceptor 201 when the image is being transferred . the belt 212 is composed of , as shown in fig6 a conductive layer 215 and a dielectric layer 216 , and the conductive layer 215 contacts the rollers 213 , 214 . the outer circumference of the belt 212 is contacted by a wipe - off member 217 so that the undesired deposit of toner on the surface of the dielectric layer 216 of the belt 212 is wiped off and removed . the roller 214 contacts a brush 218 , and the dielectric layer 216 of the belt 212 which is grounded to the machine body contacts a brush 219 . this brush 219 extends in the widthwise direction ( the direction perpendicular to the sheet of paper of fig5 ) of the belt 212 . the brush 219 is composed , as shown in fig7 so that the free ends of multiple metal bristles 220 may elastically contact the surface of the dielectric layer 216 of the belt 212 . such bristles 220 are fine and long like needles . aside from such metallic bristles 220 , other materials may be used , such as compositions of metal power , carbon or other conductive powder with synthetic resin . the brush 219 is connected to a common contact 223 of a changeover switch 222 through a line 221 . this changeover switch 222 includes two individual contacts 224 , 225 , one 224 of which is connected to a negative electrode of the dc power supply 226 . the other individual contact 225 is connected to an ac power supply 227 . the control circuit 228 controls the switching mode of the changeover switch 222 . an optical image of the electrostatic latent image to be formed on the photoreceptor 201 is delivered by light 205 from a processing circuit 229 which also sends an output signal corresponding to the optical image to the control circuit 228 . during operation , the portion of the photoreceptor 201 which is to be exposed is continuously irradiated with the light 205 . during formation of an electrostatic latent image , the common contact 223 of the changeover switch 222 is connected with the individual contact 224 , and the dielectric layer 216 of the belt 212 is charged to a positive high potential . therefore , the toner image on the photoreceptor 201 is transferred onto the recording paper 210 held between the belt 212 and photoreceptor 201 , and the recording paper 210 is attracted to the belt 212 and is conveyed in the direction indicated by arrow 211 . during periods when an image is not being transferred , the common contact 223 of the changeover switch 222 is connected with the individual contact 225 . accordingly , the voltage of the ac power supply 227 is applied to the dielectric layer 216 of the belt 212 . therefore , the surface potential of the dielectric layer 216 becomes zero . hence , the toner which possesses a negative electric charge is not deposited on the surface of the dielectric layer 216 , and if some of the toner is deposited , it can be easily wiped off by the wipe - off member 217 . additionally , the light 205 is not emitted from the processing circuit 229 to the exposure region 204 of the photoreceptor 201 and no electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoreceptor 201 . when the toner image to be transferred is not present in the transfer region 207 , the timing of the change of the switching mode of the common contact 223 of the changeover switch 222 is adjusted so that the region of the belt 212 present in the transfer region 207 is uncharged . fig8 is a simplified sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the invention . this embodiment is similar to the one shown in fig5 but rather than using one dc power supply 226 and one ac power supply 227 , two dc power supplies 226 and 232 are used . the dc power supply 232 applies a dc voltage to individual contact 225 which has a polarity which is opposite that applied by the dc power supply 226 to the individual contact 225 of the changeover switch 222 . the remaining structure and operation of this fourth embodiment are same as those in the foregoing embodiments . fig9 is a simplified sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the invention . a right cylindrical photoreceptor 316 is driven in a rotational direction indicated by arrow 317 , charged by a corona discharger 318 , and irradiated and exposed in an exposure region 320 with a light 319 corresponding to an original image to thereby form an electrostatic latent image . the toner image on the photoreceptor 316 is transferred onto a recording paper 325 which has been guided by a guiding member 324 in the direction indicated by arrow 323 to a transfer region 322 . the recording paper is then led into a fixing apparatus in the direction indicated by arrow 326 . an endless belt 327 is trained and stretched about a pair of conductive rollers 328 , 329 . this belt 327 is formed with a dielectric layer on the outer circumference of a dielectric layer which contacts the rollers 328 , 329 . one roller 328 contacts a brush 330 which has a voltage applied thereto by a dc power supply 331 . a center line 334 linking a horizontal rotational axis 332 of the photoreceptor 316 and a horizontal rotational axis 333 of the roller 328 is located upstream in the conveying direction 323 ( to the right in fig9 ) from a line 335 which run through the rotational axis 332 of the photoreceptor 316 and a position 337 at which paper will separate from the photoreceptor 316 . the recording paper 325 is held between the photoreceptor 316 and a lower stretched portion 327a of the belt 327 , moves from the position indicated by reference number 336 on the center line 334 , and contacts the outer circumference of the photoreceptor 316 over a range θ1 until it reaches the position 337 where the recording paper 325 is separated from the outer circumference of the photoreceptor 316 , so that the toner image can be transferred onto the recording paper 325 . the peripheral speed of the photoreceptor 316 and the peripheral speed of the belt 327 are identical . since the recording paper 325 is moved in a curved manner in tight contact with the outer circumference of the photoreceptor 316 through the range of the angle θ1 between positions 336 and 337 where the recording paper 325 is separated from the outer circumference of the photoreceptor 316 , an elastic force is created in the direction indicated by arrow 338 and acts against the tip 325a of the recording paper 325 . do to this elastic force , the tip 325a is thrust upward , as shown in fig9 . therefore , after separation from the outer circumference of the photoreceptor 316 at the position 337 , the recording paper 325 is thrust toward the side of the lower stretched portion 327a of the belt 327 . the paper is maintained tightly against the belt 327 by the electrostatic force of the belt 327 . thus , the recording paper 325 is maintained in contact with the lower stretched portion 327a of the belt 327 as it is conveyed in the direction indicated by the arrow 326 , such that the recording paper 325 does not separate from the lower stretched portion 327a and droop down during conveyance . fig1 is a simplified sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the invention . this embodiment is similar to the one shown in fig9 and the corresponding parts are identified with the same reference numbers . in this embodiment , however , the lower stretched portion 327a of the paper 325 ( or the belt 327 if no paper is present ) contacts the photoreceptor 316 through an angle θ2 between positions 339 and 340 of the photoreceptor 316 . the line 341 linking the rotational axis 332 of the photoreceptor 316 and the position 339 is upstream in the conveying direction 323 of the center line 332 linking the rotational axis 332 of the photoreceptor 316 and the rotational axis 333 of the roller 328 . also in this embodiment , the recording paper 325 after being separated from the outer circumference of the photoreceptor 316 at the position 340 is thrust against the underside of the lower stretched portion 327a of the belt 327 by the resiliency of the recording paper 325 itself . as a result , after transfer of an image onto the recording paper 325 , the paper 325 tightly contacts the lower stretched portion 327a of the belt 327 . the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof . the present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive , and the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description . furthermore , all changes and modifications which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein . | 1 |
in fig1 , an expansion head according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a closed state ( fig1 a ), and in an open state or expansion state ( fig1 b to fig1 d ). the expansion head 1 according to the invention comprises a set of six expandable jaws 4 and a union nut 2 , wherein the expandable jaws 4 are guided through the opening of the union nut 2 . in a closed state , the parts of the expandable jaws 4 protruding from the union nut 2 form an approximately cylinder - shaped expansion area . in a closed state , the outer wall 7 of the expandable jaws 4 has an approximately cylindrical lateral surface , the “ expansion area ” referred to herein is the area of the expansion head 1 , in which the hollow workpiece to be expanded is located during the expansion process . this rests thereby on the exterior side of the expandable jaws 4 . together , the set of sector - shaped expandable jaws 4 in a closed state of the expansion head 1 has a closed form with an essentially cylindrical shape in the expansion area of the expansion head 1 . on the side facing away from the union cap 2 , the expandable jaws 4 are each provided with a tapering 9 or a chamfer , which preferably is formed as a rounded edge area . by means of such a tapering 9 or chamfer a smooth transition between the expanded and the not expanded portion of the hollow workpiece can be achieved after the expansion process . each expandable jaw 4 is thereby of sector - shaped design , and on the outer wall 7 is provided with a recess 8 extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the expandable jaws 4 . the recess 8 is thereby centrally formed in the outer surface 7 of the expandable jaw 4 , and is provided with a semi - circular cross section . in other embodiments of the present invention , as an alternative , other cross sections , for example , oval , triangular , rectangular , square cross sections , and combinations of the listed cross - sectional shapes are possible . overall , in a closed state of the expansion head 1 , the recesses 8 of the expandable jaws 4 extend across about 30 % of the surface of the envelope of the outer walls 7 of the set of expandable jaws . at their deepest point , he recesses 8 have a depth that corresponds to about 15 % of the diameter of the cylinder formed by the expandable jaws 4 . the expansion head 1 illustrated in fig1 a is shown in an open state . the expandable jaws 4 are each arranged offset radially outwards so that they are now arranged spaced apart from one another . as the cross - sectional view of the expansion head 1 in fig1 c shows , the union cap 2 is provided with a guide flange 3 directed radially upward , and with a set of sector - shaped expandable jaws 4 , each of the sector - shaped expandable jaws 4 is individually guided in a radially movable manner by an inner flange sector 5 , which overlaps the guide flange 3 , in a radial groove 6 in the union cap 2 . on their outer sides , the inner flange sectors 5 are provided with groove sectors , which in the total circumference of the expansion head 1 become a circumferential groove on the outside of the inner flange sectors 5 , in which an annular return means 10 for returning the expandable jaws 4 from the open to the closed state of the expansion head 1 is accommodated . preferable , the return means 10 is thereby selected such that its restoring force for returning the expandable jaws 4 from the open to the closed state is sufficient . in the illustrated embodiment , the return means 10 is an elastic o - ring . as an alternative , an annular tension spring can also be used in a beneficial way . in each of the inner flange sectors 5 , there is a bore , in each of which an end of a guide pin is received . in the guide flange 3 , radial guide grooves 11 ( fig1 a ) for the accommodation and movement of guide pins are arranged . the number of the guide grooves 11 corresponds thereby to the number of guide pins , and thus the number of expandable jaws 4 of the expansion head 1 . the guide pins can be fixedly connected to the inner flange sectors , by way of a press fit in the associated bore in the inner flange sectors . in alternative embodiments of the expansion head 1 according to the invention , one end of the guide pins can be screwed into a screw thread , or can be pin - connected to the inner flange sector 5 . furthermore , the guide pins 8 can also be integrally molded to the respective inner flange sector . also , a guide need not be used at all . for axially fixing the expandable jaws 4 in the union cap 2 , a fastening means is used . in the embodiment of the expansion head according to the invention as illustrated in fig1 c , a fastening disk 12 pressed into the union cap 2 is used as a fastening means for the expandable jaws 4 . in alternative embodiments , a securing ring , a disk having a securing ring , or a threaded disk that is installed in a screw thread on the inner side of the union cap 2 , can be used as a fastening means . on their inner sides , the expandable jaws 4 are delimited by conical segment surfaces , which in a closed state of the expansion head 1 come together to form a conical surface . the opening angle of the conical segment surfaces correspond thereby to the conical angle of the expansion mandrel of the expansion tool . hence , the conical surface of the expansion mandrel interacts with the conical segment surfaces of the expandable jaws 4 during the expansion process . by driving the expansion mandrel into the expansion head , the conical surface of the expansion mandrel pushes the conical segment surfaces of the expandable jaws radially outward . if a hollow workpiece , for example , a plastic pipe , is guided over the outer surfaces of the expansion head 1 , the outer surfaces of the expansion head 1 initially rest on the inner side of the pipe . with increasing penetration depth of the expansion mandrel , the outer surfaces of the expandable jaws 4 are moved radially outward , by way of which the pipe end , which is guided over the expandable jaws 4 , is expanded . in order to reduce the risk of forming longitudinal ridges in the expanded workpiece , the outer edges in longitudinal direction of the expandable jaws 4 can be rounded or chamfered . a top view of the set of expandable jaws of the expansion head according to the invention with a pipe end 13 seated thereupon after such an expansion process is illustrated in fig1 d . in the region of the recesses 8 of each expandable jaw 4 , in which the respective expandable jaw 4 does not rest on the inner side of the pipe end 13 prior to the first expansion process , the expanded pipe end is provided with a significant deformation 14 . thus , the expenditure of force during the first expansion process compared to a first expansion process with a traditional expansion head without recesses 8 on the outer side 7 of the expandable jaws 4 is reduced . in contrast , a repetition of the expansion process after a rotation of the expansion tool by about 30 ° relative to the pipe end 13 requires a correspondingly higher expenditure of force compared to a second expansion process with a traditional expansion head without recesses 8 on the outer surface 7 of the expandable jaws 4 . in the following , the present invention is explained in conjunction with further embodiments . in order to avoid repetitions , the differences are described , and further details of the embodiments shown in fig1 a to fig1 d are also true for the further embodiments . reference numerals refer to the same objects . fig2 shows the set of six expandable jaws 4 of an expansion head 1 according to a further embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view , again each provided with a tapering 9 at one end . on the outer wall 7 of each of the sector - shaped expandable jaws 4 , two each recesses 8 are arranged extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the expandable jaws 4 . the recesses 8 are configured approximately symmetrical to the center of the outer surface 7 , and again have a semi - circular cross section , wherein other cross - sectional shapes can be used as an alternative . the recesses 8 take up about 50 % of the surface of the envelope of the outer walls 7 of the set of expandable jaws in a closed state of the expansion head 1 . at the deepest point , the depth of the recess corresponds to about 20 % of the diameter of the cylinder formed by the expandable jaws 4 . during the execution of an expansion process at a pipe end 13 , deformations 14 are respectively formed on the recesses 8 , in this case , two deformations 14 each per expandable jaw 4 . during the execution of the first expansion process , the expenditure of force again is reduced compared to a first expansion process using a traditional expansion head without recesses 8 on the outer surface 7 of the expandable jaws 4 . in contrast , a repetition of the expansion process after a rotation of the expansion tool by about 30 ° relative to the pipe end 13 requires a correspondingly increased expenditure of force as compared to the second expansion process with a traditional expansion head without recesses 8 on the outer surface 7 of the expandable jaws 4 . an additional set of six expandable jaws 4 of an expansion head 1 according to a further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in fig3 in a perspective view . again , on the outer wall 7 of each of the sector - shaped expandable jaws 4 , two each recesses 8 are disposed to extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the expandable jaws 4 . in this embodiment of the present invention , the recesses 8 are arranged at the lateral edge of the expandable jaws 4 . the recesses 8 are each configured as bevels so that two recesses 8 of each adjacent expandable jaw form a triangular recess . as an alternative , other cross - sectional forms can also be used . together , the recesses 8 correspond to about 30 % of the surface of the envelope of the outer walls 7 of the set of expandable jaws in a closed state of the expansion head 1 . at the deepest point , the depth of the recess corresponds to about 35 % of the diameter of the cylinder formed by the expandable jaws 4 . during the executing of an expansion process on a pipe end 13 , a deformation of the pipe end 13 is formed at the apertures formed by the recesses 8 . during the execution of the first expansion process , the expenditure of force is also reduced for this embodiment compared to a first expansion process using a traditional expansion head without recesses 8 on the outer surface 7 of the expandable jaws 4 . a repetition of the expansion process after a rotation of the expansion tool by about 30 ° requires , however , a correspondingly increased expenditure of force compared to the second expansion process with a traditional expansion head without recesses 8 on the outer surface 7 of the expandable jaws 4 . a perspective view of the set of six expandable jaws 4 of an expansion head 1 according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown in fig4 . in this embodiment , recesses 8 are also arranged at the lateral edge of the sector - shaped . expandable jaws 4 each extending in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the expandable jaws 4 . however , these are provided with a right - angled cross - section , so that the recesses 8 of adjacent expandable jaws also form a right - angled aperture . alternatively , other cross - sectional shapes can be used here . the recesses 8 take up about 25 % of the surface of the envelope of the outer walls 7 of the expandable jaws in a closed state of the expansion head 1 . the depth of the recess corresponds to about 10 % of the diameter of the cylinder formed by the expandable jaws 4 . during the execution of an expansion process at a pipe end 13 , a deformation of the pipe end 13 is respectively formed at the apertures formed by the recesses 8 . during the execution of the first expansion process , the expenditure of force is also reduced for this embodiment compared to a first expansion process with a traditional expansion head without recesses 8 on the outer surface 7 of the expandable jaws 4 . in contrast , a repetition of the expansion process after a rotation of the expansion tool by about 30 ° relative to the pipe end 13 requires a correspondingly increased expenditure of force compared to the second expansion process using a traditional expansion head without recesses 8 on the outer surface 7 of the expandable jaws 4 . in fig5 , a further set of six expandable jaws 4 of an expansion head 1 according to a further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in a perspective view . on the outer wall 7 of each of the section - shaped expandable jaws 4 , two each recesses 8 are disposed to extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the expandable jaws 4 . in this embodiment of the present invention , the recesses 8 are again located at the lateral edge of the expansion jaws 4 , and are each configured as bevels . in this way , two recesses 8 of each adjacent expandable , jaws together form a triangular aperture extending to the center axis of the cylinder formed by the expandable jaws 4 , as an alternative , other cross - sectional forms can also be used here . together , the recesses 8 correspond to about 35 % of the surface of the envelope of the outer walls 7 of the set of expandable jaws in a closed state of the expansion head 1 . at its deepest point , the depth of the recess corresponds to about 40 % of the diameter of the cylinder formed by the expandable jaws 4 . during the execution of an expansion process at a pipe end 13 , a deformation of the pipe end 13 is respectively formed at the apertures formed by the recesses 8 . during the execution of the first expansion process , the expenditure of force is also reduced for this embodiment compared to a first expansion process using a traditional expansion head without recesses 8 on the outer surface 7 of the expandable jaws 4 . in contrast , a repetition of the expansion process after a rotation of the expansion tool by about 30 ° relative to the pipe end 13 requires a correspondingly increased expenditure of force compared to the second expansion process using a traditional expansion head without recesses 8 on the outer surface 7 of the expandable jaws 4 . fig6 shows an additional set of six expandable jaws 4 of an expansion head 1 according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention in a perspective illustration . in this embodiment , there are also two recesses 8 on the outer wall 7 of each of the sector - shaped expandable jaws 4 , extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the expandable jaws 4 . in this embodiment of the present invention , the recesses 8 are arranged at the lateral edge of the expandable jaws 4 . the recesses 8 are each configured as bevels , which extend across the entire thickness of the expandable jaws 4 , wherein opposing side surfaces of the expandable jaws are arranged parallel to one another . in this way , two each recesses 8 of adjacent expandable jaws together form a rectangular aperture extending to the center axis of the cylinder formed by the expandable jaws 4 . as an alternative , other cross - sectional forms can be . used here as well . together , the recesses 8 correspond to about 40 % of the surface of the envelope of the outer walls 7 of the set of expandable jaws in a closed state of the expansion head 1 . during the execution of an expansion process at a pipe end 13 , a deformation of the pipe end 13 , is respectively formed on the apertures formed by the recesses 8 . during the execution of the first expansion process , the expenditure of force is also reduced for this embodiment compared to a first expansion process using a traditional expansion head without recesses 8 on the outer surface 7 of the expandable jaws 4 . in contrast , a repetition of the expansion process after a rotation of the expansion tool by about 30 ° relative to the pipe end 13 requires a correspondingly increased expenditure of force compared to the second expansion process using a traditional expansion head without recesses 8 on the outer surface 7 of the expandable jaws 4 . the invention was described in detail above , with reference to preferred embodiments , wherein these exemplary embodiments are not to be viewed as limiting . | 1 |
referring now to the drawings , it is seen that the holding device attachable to a vehicle of the present invention , generally denoted by reference numeral 10 , is comprised of a first receptacle 12 and a second receptacle 14 , located rearwardly from and attached to the first receptacle 12 . as seen , the first receptacle 12 is a generally rectangular storage member that has opposing sidewalls 16 and a bottom wall 18 . an optional protective face portion ( not illustrated ) may be provided and held by the sidewalls 16 and the bottom wall 18 , which face portion is transparent and made from an appropriate material such as clear plastic . the first receptacle 12 also has an open top 20 and a closed bottom 22 with a lip 24 on the bottom if desired . a first pair of slots 26 are located within the first receptacle 12 and extend downwardly along the sidewalls 16 from the open top while a second pair of slots 28 are also located within the first receptacle 12 along the sidewalls and also extend downwardly from the open top 20 and are coextensive with one another and with the first pair of slots 26 . the first pair of slots 26 along with the bottom wall 18 define a first tag reception area while the second pair of slots 28 along with the bottom wall 18 define a second tag reception area . the bottom wall 18 may have slots and join the respective first slots 26 and the second slots 28 . the first tag reception area of the first receptacle 12 is dimensioned so as to be able to receive a standard sized license tag t used within the jurisdiction within which the device 10 is to be used such that the tag t is capable of being able to be slid into the first receptacle 12 so as to be received within the first pair of slots 26 and held by the bottom wall 18 . once received within the first tag reception area of the first receptacle 12 , the tag t substantially fills the first tag reception area so that either side of the tag t is located proximate the sides of the sidewalls 16 and the top of the tag t is located proximate the open top 20 of the first receptacle 12 . the depth of the first slots 26 is such that the tag t rests securely within the first pair of slots 26 without undue lean ( the depth of the first slots 26 accommodates the typical license plate t rail r found on many such tags t ). when the tag t is properly in place within the first receptacle 12 , the functional viewable area of the tag t must be properly visible through the transparent face portion if used , or just the open space that would be occupied by the face portion . similarly , the second tag reception area of the first receptacle 12 is dimensioned so as to be able to receive an advertisement plate a desired by the dealership such that the plate a is capable of being able to be slid into the first receptacle 12 so as to be received within the second pair of slots 28 and held by the bottom wall 18 . once received within the second tag reception area of the first receptacle 12 , the plate a substantially fills the second tag reception area so that either side of the plate a is located proximate the sides of the sidewalls 16 and the top of the plate a is located proximate the open top 20 of the first receptacle 12 . the depth of the second slots 28 is such that the plate a rests securely within the second pair of slots 28 without undue lean . when the plate a is properly in place within the first receptacle 12 , the functional viewable area of the plate a must be properly visible through the transparent face portion or just the open space that would be occupied by the face portion if no tag t is present within the first tag reception area . as seen , the second receptacle 14 defines a disc dispensing device that has an internal chamber 30 with an access door 32 with a lock 34 thereon for gaining access to the internal chamber 30 therethrough and a dispensing slot 36 located on a side thereof . one or more discs d , which may be cds , dvds , etc ., are stored within the internal chamber 30 with an actuator 38 also being disposed within the internal chamber 30 , the actuator 38 ( which may be a typical solenoid ) having a dispensing arm 40 . a power source 42 , which may be one or more standard batteries , is electrically coupled to the actuator 38 as is an actuator switch 44 for controlling the actuator 38 . a time delay circuit 46 is electrically connected to the switch 44 and to the actuator 38 . also located within the internal chamber 30 is a lamp 48 that is electrically connected to the power source 42 . a depression switch 50 is located at the bottom wall 18 of the first tag reception area and is electrically connected to the lamp 48 as is a photoelectric sensor 52 . a pair of posts 54 extends rearwardly from the second receptacle 14 and each post 54 has an ear 56 with an opening 58 thereon , each ear 56 facing either inwardly or outwardly as desired . a stabilizer bar 60 also extends rearwardly from the second receptacle 14 and has a non - scuff pad 62 thereon the sidewalls 16 of the first receptacle 12 , the second receptacle 14 , the posts 54 , and the stabilizer bar 60 are each made from an appropriate sturdy material , such as a metal or a hard plastic or a combination thereof . in order to use the holding device attachable to a vehicle 10 of the present invention , the device 10 is attached to the license plate holding area of a typical vehicle v via appropriate attachment screws 64 in similar fashion to the attachment of a typical license plate t to the vehicle v . the openings 58 on the posts 54 are dimensioned to correspond to the screw bosses on the vehicle v at the license plate attachment area of the vehicle v . the posts 54 give the second receptacle 14 , as well as the first receptacle 12 , clearance beyond the inset found on many modern vehicles v at the license plate holding area . the second receptacle 14 is filled with appropriate promotional discs d and batteries 42 are installed into the device 10 . a desired advertisement plate a is placed into the second tag reception area of the first receptacle 12 . the advertisement plate a is visible through the face portion or open area of the device 10 and serves as an advertisement display for the dealership . a customer that happens upon the vehicle v whenever no salesperson is present , depresses the actuator switch 44 which causes the actuator 38 to activate and extend its dispensing arm 40 which pushes one of the discs d out through the dispensing slot 36 in order to provide the would - be buyer with an informative disc on the vehicle under examination . an appropriate spring loading mechanism , as is well known in the art , positions the next disc d into dispensing position . in order to prevent unnecessary disc d dispensing , the time delay circuit 46 prevents the actuator 38 from again activating , irrespective on of the number of times the switch 44 is depressed , until the expiration of a time delay , which may be set within the device 10 by the dealer or may be factory present . when the vehicle v to which the device 10 is installed is to be test driven , a license plate t is inserted into the first tag reception area . the incoming tag t rests upon and depresses the depression switch 50 in order to complete the electrical circuit to the lamp 48 in order to turn the lamp 48 on for safe night driving . this is necessary due to the fact that the device 10 is offset from the normal tag holding area of the vehicle v by the posts 54 due to the need to have clearance for disc d dispensing and tag t and a insertion and removal . such clearance places the license tag t outside of the range of the typical vehicle tag light . however , in order to preserve battery 42 life , the photoelectric sensor 52 turns the light off 48 during daylight conditions . as the vehicle is being test driven , the stabilizer bar 60 , which rests against the vehicle v , helps keep the device 10 stable against the vehicle v with the non - scuff pad 62 preventing damage to the vehicle v . upon completion of the test drive , the license tag t is removed from the first receptacle 12 , which causes the depression switch 50 to become undepressed , which turns the lamp 48 off , if not already turned off by the photoelectric override . the advertisement tag a is once again visible and provides advertisement for the dealership . as seen in fig7 - 9 , in an alternate embodiment of the holding device attachable to a vehicle 110 , the device 110 simply comprise a first receptacle 112 , having its sidewalls 116 , bottom wall 118 , open top 120 , closed bottom 122 ( lip not shown ) and first pair of slots 126 for defining a first tag reception area and second slots 128 for defining a second tag reception area . this embodiment also has posts 154 extending rearwardly from the first receptacle 112 , with each post 154 having an ear 156 with an opening 158 . this embodiment 110 , which is attached to the vehicle v in similar fashion to the previous embodiment , may not necessarily have a stabilizer post due to its decreased weight relative to the previous embodiment . insertion and removal of license plates t and advertisement plates a is substantially similar to the previous embodiment . as seen in fig1 , in a second alternate embodiment of the holding device attachable to a vehicle 210 , the device 210 also simply comprises a first receptacle 212 , having its sidewalls 216 , bottom wall portion 218 , open top 220 , closed bottom 222 ( lip not shown ) and just a first pair of slots 226 for defining a first tag reception area . this embodiment also has posts 254 extending rearwardly from the first receptacle 212 , with each post 254 having an ear 256 with an opening 258 . this embodiment 210 , which is attached to the vehicle v in similar fashion to the previous embodiment , may not necessarily have a stabilizer post due to its decreased weight relative to a previous embodiment . insertion and removal of license plates t and advertisement plates a is substantially similar to the previous embodiments . as seen in fig1 and 12 in a third alternate embodiment of the holding device attachable to a vehicle 310 , the device 310 comprises a first receptacle 312 , having its sidewalls 316 , bottom wall portion 318 , open top 320 , closed bottom 322 ( lip not shown ) and first pair of slots 326 for defining a first tag reception area and second slots 328 for defining a second tag reception area and a second receptacle 314 . the second receptacle 314 , has an internal chamber 330 with a lid 364 hingedly attached to the receptacle 314 via an appropriate spring - loaded hinge 366 . a spring - loaded latch 368 holds the lid 364 in a normally closed position . a drain opening 370 is located at the bottom of the second receptacle 314 for draining any moisture that may enter this receptacle 314 . either discs d or appropriate brochures b may be placed within the second receptacle 314 such that a potential vehicle buyer gains access to the internal chamber 330 of the second receptacle 314 by using the latch 368 to gain such access . once the brochure b or other marketing device is removed from the second receptacle 314 by the would - be buyer , the lid 364 is placed back into the closed position and held thereat by the latch 368 . a sealing member 372 helps prevent moisture intrusion into the second receptacle 314 . this embodiment 310 also has posts 354 extending rearwardly from the second receptacle 314 , with each post 354 having an ear 356 with an opening 358 as well as a stabilizer bar 360 with a non - scuff pad 362 . this embodiment 310 is attached to the vehicle v in similar fashion to the previous embodiments . as seen in fig1 and 14 , a device holding rack 74 can be mounted to a wall w by passing appropriate screws 76 through openings 78 on the rack . the rack 74 has a plurality of receiving arms 80 , each with a pair of spaced apart slots 82 thereon with an rounded opening 84 extending downwardly from each slot 82 . the slots 82 each hold a respective one ear 156 of the device 110 with the opening 84 providing clearance for the posts 154 of the device 110 . while the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof , it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . | 1 |
the artificial blood vessel of the present invention has been developed taking notice of different organization steps inside and outside the vessel and on the basis of the findings that , when specified biopolymers having different functions are used , inside the vessel adhesion of blood components such as platelets leukocytes and the like to the inner surface of the vessel can be inhibited effectively , patency of the vessel can therefore be improved and biodegradation inside the vessel can be effected at an appropriate rate , whereas outside the vessel adhesiveness of cells such as fibroblasts , capillary endothelial cells and the like to the biopolymer , biodegradation of the biopolymer at an appropriate rate and migratory function of these cells can be improved effectively on the outer surface of the vessel , as well as improved biocompatibility and substitution of the biopolymer by the above - mentioned cells , hence rendering possible organization of the vessel . basic design concept of the artificial blood vessel of the present invention is to make up the inner surface of the artificial blood vessel by a cell non - adhesive ecm layer insolubilized by gelation through photodimerization of photoreactive groups , and the outer surface of the vessel by a cell adhesive ecm layer insolubilized by the same photogelation . various known photoreactive groups and ecms can be used within the range of the above design concept of the present invention . more illustratively , the inner layer of the artificial blood vessel of the present invention is composed basically of photogelled cinnamic acid - modified chondroitin sulfate ( photogelled c - cs ), and the outer layer of the vessel is composed of photogelled coumarin - modified gelatin ( photogelled c - gt ). in this instance , each layer may be optionally contained with other chemical substances , biological cells and the like than the photogelled ecm , provided that they do not spoil the object of the present invention . chondroitin sulfate ( cs ) as the main skeleton of the cinnamic acid - modified chondroitin sulfate ( c - cs ) can endow the inner layer of the artificial blood vessel with cellular non - adhesiveness because of its high hydrophilic nature and can show heparin - like anticoagulant activity , while gelatin ( gt ) as the main skeleton of the outer layer coumarin - modified gelatin ( c - gt ) is a cell adhesive protein . both of these compounds are major extracellular matrices ( ecm ) which constitute blood vessel walls . c - cs is a compound obtained by introducing a photocrosslinking group ( photoreactive group ), namely a photodimerizable cinnamoyl group ( cin group ), into cs , and c - gt is a compound obtained by introducing a photodimerizable coumaryloxymethylcarbonyl group ( cou group ) into gt . that is , in the artificial blood vessel of the present invention , each layer composed of c - cs or c - gt is irradiated with light to effect dimerization of the cin groups or cou groups , and the water insoluble gel layers thus formed are intended to use as artificial extracellular matrices . the following describes function of the artificial blood vessel of the present invention by reference to fig1 . fig1 schematically illustrates periodical changes in sections of the artificial blood vessel of the present invention after its implantation into the living body . as shown in ( a ), the artificial blood vessel 1 of the present invention at an early stage of the implantation is composed of a support 2 , a photogelled c - cs layer 3 and a photogelled c - gt layer 4 , and the surface of the photogelled c - cs layer 3 contacts with blood to maintain anti - thrombogenic property by preventing adhesion of platelets and the like 5 , while the photogelled c - gt layer 4 contacts with biological tissues and adheres fibroblasts and the like , at the same time effecting migration of cells from the tissue side toward the arrowhead direction thereby allowing tissues to proliferate inward . after a lapse of time as shown in ( b ), the photogelled c - cs layer 3 is biologically decomposed while maintaining its anti - thrombogenic property , the inner surface of the artificial blood vessel is partly covered with endothelial cells 6 which are supplied from capillary vessels or anastomotic moieties ( not shown in the drawing ) penetrated from the outside after biodegradation of the photogelled c - gt layer 4 that is simultaneously substituted by connective tissues 7 . after a further lapse of time as shown in ( c ), the photogelled c - cs layer 3 is substituted by connective tissues 7 and entire area of the inner surface is covered with endothelial cells 6 , thus showing complete biodegradation of the photogelled c - cs layer 3 and the photogelled c - gt layer 4 of the present invention and complete reconstruction of original blood vessel tissues except for the support 2 , namely organization of the artificial blood vessel . the c - cs to be used in the present invention can be synthesized in accordance with known method such as a process disclosed in ep - a 2 - 0554898 or in jinko zoki ( artificial organs ), 22 ( 2 ), 376 - 379 ( 1993 ). for example , c - cs can be synthesized by allowing tri - n - butylamine salt of cs to react with cinnamoyl chloride in n , n - dimethylformamide to form ester bonding between the hydroxyl group of cs and cinnamoyl group . the cs to be used in the present invention is not particularly limited and examples thereof include those which have been extracted and purified from connective tissues such as cartilage , trachea , aorta , dermis , tendon , umbilical cord , notochord and the like of animals belonging to mammalia , pisces and cephalopoda and commercially available products ( manufactured for instance by seikagaku corporation ). preferred as the cs are those derived from cartilage , skin or notochord of shark , sturgeon , whale , bovine , squid or the like . the molecular weight of the cs can be selected depending on the object . in general , the molecular weight of the cs may be within the range from 2 , 000 to 100 , 000 , preferably from 10 , 000 to 80 , 000 . specific examples thereof include chondroitin sulfate a , chondroitin sulfate b ( dermatan sulfate ), chondroitin sulfate d and chondroitin sulfate e . the c - gt having cou group can be obtained by allowing amino group of gt and carboxyl group of 7 - coumaryloxyacetic acid to react with a water soluble carbodiimide ( for example , 1 - ethyl - 3 -( 3 - dimethylaminopropyl ) carbodiimide hydrochloride ) in an aqueous medium , thereby forming an amide bonding . the gt to be used in the present invention is not particularly limited and its examples include those which have been extracted and purified from bones , sinews , dermis and the like of mammals such as bovine , swine and the like and commercially available products ( manufactured for instance by wako pure chemical industries , ltd . or nitta gelatine co ., ltd .). according to the present invention , the number of photodimerizable groups introduced into c - cs or c - gt can be selected depending on the object . in general , c - cs may contain introduced cin groups within the range of from 0 . 01 to 3 . 0 groups , preferably from 0 . 5 to 3 . 0 groups , per constitutive disaccharide repeat unit , and c - gt may contain introduced cou groups within the range of from 5 to 50 groups , preferably from 15 to 45 groups , per molecule . according to the present invention , the photogelled c - cs is synthesized through dimerization reaction of cin groups by irradiating c - cs with light , preferably ultraviolet light , more preferably ultraviolet light from which beams having wave lengths of not more than 270 nm are removed , for a required period of time , generally from 5 to 30 minutes . by selecting the irradiation time and the number of cin groups to be introduced , crosslinking ratio and gelling ratio , or cellular adhesiveness and rigidity can be controlled . in the same manner , the photogelled c - gt is synthesized through dimerization reaction of cou groups by irradiating c - gt with light , preferably ultraviolet light , more preferably ultraviolet light from which beams having wave lengths of not more than 310 nm are removed , for a required period of time , generally from 5 to 30 minutes . by selecting the irradiation time and the number of cou groups to be introduced , crosslinking ratio , gelling ratio , cellular adhesiveness and rigidity can be controlled . in other words , swelling ratio of each of these photogelled matrices which exerts influences upon rigidity can be controlled by properly selecting introducing ratio of the photocrosslinking groups ( photoreactive groups ) and ultraviolet light irradiation time . the ultraviolet irradiation can be carried out preferably by the use of the apparatus shown in fig3 . this apparatus can be easily prepared from quartz by reference to fig3 . fig2 conceptually illustrates synthesis of c - cs and c - gt and photocrosslinking ( photodimerization ) reactions thereof . that is , photodimerizable cin ( a ) or cou ( b ) group 11 is introduced into cs or gt molecule 10 to effect synthesis of c - cs or c - gt molecule 12 which is then irradiated with ultraviolet light ( uv ) to form a photodimerized product 13 of cin ( c ) or con ( d ) groups , thereby effecting synthesis of photogelled c - cs or c - gt 14 . the support to be used in the artificial blood vessel of the present invention is not particularly limited and any material known in the art may be used , provided that it is a porous material which does not prevent organization of the vessel as shown in fig1 and satisfies certain requirements such as no toxicity , no antigenicity , durability and the like . its illustrative examples include porous materials composed of polyester such as dacron ( trade name ) manufactured by golaski , polyamide such as nylon and the like , polyvinyl such as ivalon ( poly ( vinyl formal )) and the like , polyhalogenated olefins such as polytetrafluoroethylene , teflon ( trade name ), gore - tex ( trade name ) and the like , polyurethane and silicone rubber . these materials may be used in the form of porous film , woven fabric , non - woven fabric , knitted fabric and the like . according to the process for producing the artificial blood vessel of the present invention , the vessel may have at least a basic construction in which the photogelled c - cs layer is arranged inside , and the photogelled c - gt layer outside , and c - cs and c - gt may be present as a mixture in the interface area of the c - cs layer and c - gt layer via the support . in order to carry out efficient photocrosslinking reaction , it is preferable to use a two step irradiation process in which first irradiation of light is carried out after arrangement of either the outside c - gt layer or the inside c - cs layer and then second irradiation of light is carried out after arrangement of the remaining layer . though not particularly limited , arrangement of each of the aforementioned layers may be effected generally by coating the surface of the support with a solution of c - cs or c - gt dissolved in water or an organic solvent and then fixing the layer to the support by drying to an appropriate level . with regard to the coating method , any usually used method in the art may be used , such as dipping under reduced or normal pressure , centrifugation or the like . upon coating , a solution of c - cs or c - gt is adjusted to give a concentration ranging from 1 to 20 wt %. examples of the present invention are given below by way of illustration and not by way of limitation . a 30 ml portion of dry pyridine was added to 15 ml of dmf in which 247 mg of chondroitin sulfate ( molecular weight , 60 , 000 ; purified from shark cartilage ; manufactured by seikagaku corporation ) tri - n - butylamine salt had been dissolved , and the mixture was stirred vigorously while adding 59 . 3 mg of cinnamic acid chloride at room temperature . after 2 hours of reaction at 75 ° c ., ethanol saturated with sodium acetate was added to the reaction solution , and the precipitate thus formed was collected , washed thoroughly with ethanol and then dried under a reduced pressure to obtain 180 mg of c - cs . the c - cs contained 19 . 0 % by weight of cinnamic acid linked thereto , having about 1 . 0 cin group per disaccharide repeat unit . a 2 . 13 g portion of 7 - coumaryloxyacetic acid which had been synthesized in accordance with the procedure disclosed in jp - a - 3 - 48674 was dissolved in 20 ml of 1n sodium hydroxide solution . the resulting solution was adjusted to ph 6 with hydrochloric acid and then to a final volume of 30 ml . the 7 - coumaryloxyacetic acid solution thus prepared was cooled in an ice bath for 30 minutes and then mixed with two molar quantity ( 3 . 71 g ) of 1 - ethyl - 3 -( 3 - dimethylaminopropyl ) carbodiimide hydrochloride as a condensing agent . the mixture solution thus prepared was stirred for 1 hour in an ice bath , mixed with 20 ml of phosphate buffer containing 0 . 5 g of bovine bone gelatin and then stirred overnight ( about 24 hours ) in an ice bath to synthesize c - gt . thereafter , the reaction mixture was dialyzed against water for 3 days and lyophilized to recover 0 . 49 g of c - gt . a total of 27 . 2 cou groups were introduced into one molecule of the c - gt . the c - cs obtained in synthesis example 1 ( about 1 . 0 cin group per disaccharide repeat unit ) or c - gt obtained in synthesis example 2 ( 27 . 2 cou groups per one molecule ) was made into a membrane on a poly ( ethylene terephthalate ) ( pet ) film of 14 mm in diameter and irradiated with ultraviolet light through a filter to cut off wave lengths of equal to and lower than 270 nm ( for c - cs ) or 310 nm ( for c - gt ). films having the thus photogelled c - cs membrane or c - gt membrane were put onto the bottom of wells of a tissue culture dish as well as a control pet film . platelet rich plasma adjusted to 5 × 10 8 platelets per well was added to each of the photogelled membranes and incubated at 37 ° c . for 1 hour . each of the resulting films was washed with phosphate buffer and then subjected to fixation with 1 . 5 % glutaraldehyde , conducting staining with 1 % osmium , alcohol dehydration , critical point drying and silver - palladium vapor deposition . thereafter , thus treated films were observed under a scanning electron microscope ( s - 4000 , manufactured by hitachi , ltd .) to evaluate the number of adhered platelets and their morphological changes on the film . a large number of platelets were adhered to the pet film used as a control and the photogelled c - gt membrane , and significant pseudopodium formation and morphological changes were found in the adhered platelets . on the contrary , the number of platelets adhered to the photogelled c - cs membrane was small and their pseudopodium formation and morphological changes were slight . the same films having the photogelled c - cs or c - gt membrane prepared in test example 1 were put onto the bottom of wells of a tissue culture dish as well as a control pet film . endothelial cells collected from bovine thoracic aorta were suspended in dulbecco &# 39 ; s modified eagle &# 39 ; s medium ( dmem ) supplemented with 15 % fetal calf serum , dispensed into the culture dish to a cell density of 4 × 10 4 cells per well and then cultured at 37 ° c . for 4 hours in an atmosphere of 5 % co 2 . after completion of the culture , the resulting films were treated in the same manner as described in test example 1 and then observed under a scanning electron microscope ( s - 4000 , manufactured by hitachi , ltd .) to evaluate the number of adhered endothelial cells and their morphological changes on the film . similar to the case of platelets , endothelial cells were significantly adhered to and developed on the control pet film and the photogelled c - gt membrane and their adhesion and development were inhibited on the photogelled c - cs membrane . an artificial blood vessel made of dacron ( micro knit , manufactured by golaski ; porosity , 4 , 000 ml / cm 2 / min ) having an inside diameter of 5 mm and a length of 5 cm was used as a support , and the c - cs and c - gt used in test example 1 were used . as a first step , the support was fixed to a stainless steel holder and soaked in 10 % by weight c - gt aqueous solution under a reduced pressure to effect coating of the compound in interfibrous gaps and on the outer surface of the support . after air - drying , the coated support was irradiated with ultraviolet light ( λ & gt ; 310 nm ). as a second step , 12 . 5 % by weight c - cs aqueous solution was injected into the resulting support which was subsequently rotated at 600 rpm with its long axis as the center to effect coating of the compound on the inner surface of the support . after air - drying , an optical quartz probe 21 of an ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 20 shown in fig3 was inserted into thus treated support to carry out irradiation of ultraviolet light ( λ & gt ; 270 nm ). this ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 20 is designed in such a manner that ultraviolet light is scattered in radial directions as shown by arrows from the optical quartz probe 21 against optical axis of a mercury - xenon lamp 23 which is cooled by cooling water 22 , hence rendering possible irradiation of light inside the support . the artificial blood vessel of the present invention was obtained by repeating this second step several times . implantation and enucleation of artificial blood vessel into and from the living body under general anesthesia , abdominal aorta under the renal artery of an adult mongrel dog weighing 10 to 13 kg was denuded and the artificial blood vessel of 5 cm in length obtained in example 1 was transplanted . anastomosis was effected by continuous suture of 6 - 0 polypropylene thread . anticoagulant therapy was not employed except for the use of 100 u / kg of heparin during the operation . separately , the same support used in the present invention was pre - clotted with autoblood to form fibrin coat layer and used as a control . each artificial blood vessel was enucleated after completion of the predetermined implantation periods ( 6 hours , 3 days and 7 days ). after 4 hours of dipping fixation in 1 % glutaraldehyde , each artificial blood vessel was divided at its central position into a sample for use in optical microscope observation and another sample for scanning electron microscope observation use . the sample for use in optical microscopic observation was fixed by dipping it in 10 % neutral - buffered formalin aqueous solution , and its sections were subjected to hematoxylin - eosin staining . the sample for use in scanning electron microscopic observation was treated in accordance with the procedure described in the aforementioned test examples . the artificial blood vessel of the present invention maintained its patency in all cases with no hematoma formation on its peripheral areas . adhesion of fibrin and blood cell components on the photogelled c - cs membrane inside the vessel were hardly recognizable under the electron microscope after 6 hours , 3 days or 7 days of the implantation , but appearance of the inner surface was changed with the lapse of time due to biodegradation of the photogelled c - cs membrane . when observed under an optical microscope , the photogelled c - cs membrane on the support showed uniformly membrane - like appearance . after 3 days of the implantation , the photogelled c - gt membrane still remained on the outside of the artificial blood vessel of the present invention and a great number of leukocytes were found on its peripheral areas . however , after 7 days of the implantation , the photogelled c - gt membrane disappeared , leukocytes decreased in number and , in stead , fibroblast - like cells appeared on the periphery of the support fibers and penetrated into interfibrous gaps of the support . on the other hand , the control artificial blood vessel also maintained its patency in all cases with no hematoma formation on its periphery , but its inner surface was covered by thrombi consisting of numerous platelets , fibrin and leukocytes when observed after 6 hours of the implantation . the inner surface was covered by fibrin net containing erythrocytes and leukocytes after 3 days of the implantation , and the fibrin net was dense and blood cell components were reduced when observed after 7 days of the implantation . on the outer surface of the control artificial blood vessel , thrombi formed due to the pre - clotting treatment still remained after 3 days of the implantation , with leukocytes gathering around the surface . after 7 days of the implantation , the remaining thrombi disappeared , but leukocytes were still present around the outer surface and partly penetrated into intercellular spaces . thus , the artificial blood vessel of the present invention , which has been produced based on the different inside and outside designs , showed expected behavior at the acute stage following the concept shown in fig1 . optimization of various characteristics which render possible organization of the artificial blood vessel of the present invention can be attained by specifying physical properties and structures of c - cs and c - gt and photogelled products thereof to be used . in addition , the artificial blood vessel of the present invention is useful as a basic material of other artificial blood vessels such as a hybrid type artificial blood vessel and the like . while the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof , it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof . | 0 |
referring to fig1 and 2 , the combustor 1 of the present invention generally comprises a first combustion zone or section 2 which is connected to a neck or throat section or zone 3 which , in turn , is connected to a second combustion zone or section 4 . first combustion zone 2 can be of a conventional lean combustor design utilizing a single , preferably axisymmetric fuel nozzle 5 . the second combustion zone 4 is supplied with fuel from a plurality of fuel nozzles 6 . in fig1 and 2 , four radial nozzles located symmetrically on the combustor circumference are shown but any number of nozzles can be used as desired . air from the gas turbine compressor ( not shown ) is introduced into the combustor at elevated pressure , typically from about 10 - 30 atomspheres . for example , the air can be introduced through one or more air entry ports 7 . ports 7 located in first combustion zone 2 are preferably positioned so as to cause a flow recirculation which results in a stable burning over a wide operating range . provisions is made for the rapid cooling of the combustion products in zone 4 with a suitable heat exchange fluid . for example , quenching air can be admitted to zone 4 through a plurality of apertures 8 . the amount of heat exchange fluid employed is that sufficient to cool the combustion products so as to reduce the fluid temperature to the desired gas turbine firing temperature . zones 2 , 3 and 4 are preferably of circular cross - section but any desired configuration can be employed . the material of construction can be metal or ceramic and the zones can be surface cooled by a variety of techniques including water - cooling , closed system cooling , steam film cooling and conventional air film cooling . by way of example only , a useful arrangement of annular rows of schematically spaced louvers along the zone walls to provide air film cooling is described in dibelius and schiefer u . s . pat . no . 3 , 777 , 484 , and a useful arrangement of slot cooling is described in corrigan and plemmons u . s . pat . no . 3 , 728 , 039 . it will be appreciated that neck of throat 3 acts as an aerodynamic separator or isolator between the first combustion zone 2 and the second combustion zone 4 . in order to adequately serve this function , neck 3 must have an adequately reduced diameter relative to first zone 2 and second zone 4 . in general , a ratio of the smaller of the first combustion zone 2 or second combustion zone 4 diameter to neck zone 3 diameter of at least 1 . 2 : 1 , and preferably at least about 1 . 5 : 1 , is employed . to facilitate a smooth transition between first combustion zone 2 and neck 3 , the downstream most portion 2a of zone 2 is of uniformly decreasing diameter , i . e ., has a conical cross - section . the longitudinal length of neck 3 is not critical and any distance which will accomplish the separation function and throttling function of neck 3 can be employed . in general , the longitudinal length of the first combustion zone 2 is at least about three times that of neck 3 , and preferably at least about five times that of neck 3 . second combustion zone 4 has the same general configuration as first zone 2 except , of course , that the transitional cone - shaped portion is in the upstream most portion 4a of zone 4 meeting neck 3 . a second and preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in fig2 in which the same reference numerals have been used to designate like parts in fig1 . the arrangement shown in fig2 differs from that shown in fig1 in the following respects . first , the diameter of throat 3 has been reduced in order to increase the average air velocity through the zone , which design is more effective in preventing flashback . the height ( i . e . longitudinal length ) of convergent conical section 2a has also been increased . in this embodiment , fuel nozzles 6 have been moved from throat 3 to the divergent conical section 4a of second zone 4 and have been set back in mini combustion chambers or swirler cups 9 where the operation of secondary fuel nozzles 6 is more stable and it is less likely to experience blowout during the fuel switching procedures described below . fig3 shows by way of example three joined combustors of the present invention . the first combustion zone 2 of each combustor 1 is interconnected with the first combustion zone 2 of the adjacent combustors 1 by means of a crossfire tube 10 in the conventional manner . additionally in the present invention , second combustion zone 4 of each combustor 1 is interconnected to the second combustion zone 4 of each adjacent combustor 1 through a crossfire tube 11 . as will be described below , at the design high load conditions of operation of the present combustors , burning is effected only in second zone 4 and no burning occurs in first zone 2 . if for some reason one chamber blows out under such high load conditions , crossfiring cannot occur in conventional arrangements since the standard crossfiring tubes 10 are located upstream of the reaction zone 4 and neck 3 serves to prevent flashback . in the embodiment shown in fig3 the second set of crossfire tubes 11 act as a high load ignition system . although it is preferred to provide the dual set of crossfire tubes ( i . e ., tubes 10 and 11 ), any high load relight system can be incorporated into the combustor system if desired . the operation of the combustors of the present invention is shown graphically in fig4 . combustion begins by igniting a mixture of a hydrocarbon fuel and air in first combustion zone 2 . this is accomplished in a conventional manner by means of a spark plug 12 which is located near fuel nozzle 5 in first combustion zone 2 . in typical conventional installations , ten combustors are arranged in a ring and usually only two of the combustors are provided with spark plugs 12 while the remaining eight combustors are ignited by crossfiring through crossfire tubes 10 . during ignition and crossfiring , and also during low load operation of the combustor , only the primary fuel nozzle 5 delivers fuel to combustor 1 . up to this point , combustion is a single - stage heterogeneous , turbulent diffusion flame burning characteristic of conventional combustors . at some mid - range load condition , the exact timing of which is related to stability limits and the pollutant emission characteristic of each mode and the fuel split between stages , the secondary fuel nozzles 6 are activated . passage of the ignited fuel from first zone 2 into second zone 4 causes ignition in second zone 4 . the combustor is now operating in a two - stage heterogeneous mode which continues until the desired base load is achieved . after allowing a short period for stabilization and warm - up , the operation is converted from a two - stage heterogeneous combustion to a single - stage homogeneous combustion . this procedure begins by simultaneously increasing the amount of fuel to the secondary nozzles 6 and decreasing the amount to the primary nozzle 5 while the total fuel flow remains constant . the relative rates of fuel flow to nozzles 5 and 6 can be controlled by a fuel flow controller 13 which is interconnected to nozzle 5 and nozzles 6 . the change in fuel distribution continues until the flame goes out in the first combustion zone 2 which , in most instances , is when all of the fuel flow has been transferred to secondary nozzles 6 . fuel flow to nozzle 5 is then reinitiated or increased and flow to nozzles 6 decreased while maintaining the total fuel flow substantially constant . combustor 1 is designed not to flashback under normal operation by making first zone 2 long enough so that the flow cross - section is similar to that of a fully developed turbulent pipe flow and the throat 3 narrow enough so that the velocity is increased to a level above which the flame speed cannot be overcome . as a result , the majority of the fuel and air premix in the first stage ( i . e . first zone 2 ) and combust homogeneously in the second stage , i . e . second zone 4 . the switch of fuel distribution from secondary nozzles 6 to primary nozzle 5 continues until the desired low pollutant emission levels are met . the desired levels are achieved when the majority of fuel flow is through nozzle 5 and in most instances , at least 60 % of such flow is through nozzle 5 . it should be appreciated that an important feature of the combustor of the present invention is that if flashback should occur , it is not a hardward catastrophe as in typical premixed designs . however , a significant no x penalty would result and control steps must be taken to go through the switching procedure again and resume operation in the homogeneous mode . during shutdown of the gas turbine , steps are taken to relight first zone 2 because there is only a small turndown ratio in the homogeneous mode . relighting the first stage means that there is a return to the heterogeneous two - stage combustion where the system has a wide turndown ratio allowing the turbine to be brought down slowly to alleviate undesirable thermal stresses . in order to demonstrate the reduction in no x emissions achieved by the present invention , a combustor constructed in accordance with the present invention was compared to a conventional commercially available combustor using ms 7001e equipment . the combustor of this invention had the configuration shown in fig1 and utilized a single air atomized ms 7001e nozzle as the primary nozzle 5 and four smaller pressure atomized secondary nozzles 6 . data was collected at about 2080 ° f ., laboratory equivelent to base load , ( corrected for radiation losses from thermocouples ). under these conditions , the standard conventional combustor exhibited an no x emission in the laboratory of 120 ppmv while a combustor constructed in accordance with the present invention emitted only 56 ppmv . this test was run using a vitiated air supply , which means that the products of combustion from a direct heater ( such as a propane heater ), used to increase air temperature to proper inlet levels , is utilized as the oxidant for combustion during the tests . therefore , the no x emissions are lower than would be obtained with non - vitiated air . based on these laboratory results it is expected that operation of the combustor of the present invention under field conditions ( i . e ., actual turbine use with non - vitiated air ) with homogeneous operation would exhibit a comparable reduction in no x emissions . therefore , it is estimated that combustors constructed in accordance with the present invention will meet low no x emission requirements . a second test of the dual stage / dual mode combustion system of the present invention was conducted during which a vitiated air supply was utilized and during which the firing temperature remained constant at approximately 2070 ° f . at a point during the increase of fuel flow in the secondary fuel nozzles 6 when the amount of fuel flow through primary nozzle 5 was 20 % and there was combustion in both combustion zone 2 and combustion zone 4 , the no x emission was about 95 ppmv . after switching from the two - stage heterogeneous combustion mode to the homogeneous combustion mode , at a point where approximately 14 percent of the fuel was flowing through the primary nozzle ( of the first stage ), the no x emissions were 93 . 5 ppmv . the amount of fuel flowing to the primary nozzle 5 was then increased from 14 % to a point at which approximately 70 % of the total fuel flow was through the primary nozzle and the no x emission continued to decrease from 93 . 5 ppmv to about 49 ppmv . a third test was carried out in a manner similar to the first test decribed above but using a non - vitiated air supply , i . e ., indirectly preheated air with no combustion products . at a firing temperature of about 2060 ° f ., the conventional combustor emitted about 260 ppmv of no x while the combustor of the present invention operating in a homogeneous mode emitted about 65 ppmv . the fuel use in each of the above tests was no . 2 distillate . from the foregoing laboratory test data and in particular that of the third test utilizing a non - vitiated air supply , those skilled in the art can appreciate the significant reduction ( a factor of four ) in no x emissions achieved by the combustor contructed in accordance with the present invention . by utilizing such combustors , no x emission levels will be substantially reduced and will meet most no x emission requirements . having thus described two embodiments of the present invention and their modes of operation , those skilled in the art can better understand how the invention is distinguishable from the aforementioned prior art patents . specifically , u . s . pat . no . 3 , 946 , 533 to roberts et al appear to discribe a combustor with two stages and multiple fuel nozzles for emission control . however , the fuel and air are mixed outside the combustion liner wall which is distinguishable from the invention described here . also , in accordance with the combustor of the present invention , there are some conditions where the reaction occurs in an unpremixed heterogeneous mode ( i . e ., during startup , part load and transient periods of base load ), a mode of operation not possible in the combustor of the roberts et al patent . the modes of operation of the present invention facilitate a large turndown ratio , easy ignition and crossfiring , and flame stability , essential characteristics of a practical design . also , switching from the heterogeneous to the homogeneous mode of operation is achieved in accordance with the present invention by varying the fuel split between the first and second stage fuel nozzles , a characteristic not disclosed by roberts et al . u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 958 , 413 to cornelius et al and 3 , 958 , 416 to hammond , jr . et al relate to two - stage combustors with the stages separated by a converging - diverging throat section . also , the first stage of both of these patents is used at some times during the cycle as a section where combustion occurs and at other times in the cycle where premixing occurs . therefore , flashback does not cause a hardware catastrophe , as would be the situation in the roberts et al patent . the cornelius et al and hammond , jr . et al patents also appear to describe a variable air inlt geometry for changing the air scheduling between stages to accomplish the transition from heterogeneous combustion in the first stage or in the first and second stages to homogeneous combustion in the second stage only . in contradistinction , the present invention utilizes fuel scheduling between stages , utilizing multiple fuel nozzles ( rather than variable geometry ) and varying the fuel split rather than the air split . in summary , a duel - stage dual - mode combustor is described which will operate reliably over the entire gas turbine cycle at flame temperatures which will substantially reduce no x emission levels . various changes and modifications can be made in the combustor and process of this invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof . the various embodiments which have been described herein were set forth in order to illustrate the invention but were not intended to limit it . | 5 |
[ 0048 ] fig1 shows a fan - type grinding wheel 1 that consists of a tool carrier 7 and ( lamellar ) grinding elements 5 arranged thereon in a fan - like fashion . the tool carrier 7 also has a circular shape , wherein only a small segment of the outer edge of the tool carrier 7 is visible in this figure . an opening 3 is arranged in the center of the circular tool carrier 7 in order to connect the fan - type grinding wheel 1 to a rotary drive . the tool carrier 7 is manufactured from a hemp / polypropylene granulate . the natural fibers 31 are schematically illustrated in fig1 . the tool carrier 7 has a tool receptacle surface 9 on which a series of grinding elements 5 are arranged in a fan - like fashion . however , the grinding elements 5 were omitted in a small segment in this figure . [ 0049 ] fig2 shows a so - called mop wheel 11 that contains a cylindrical tool carrier 15 with radially arranged ( lamellar ) grinding elements 17 . in the embodiment shown , an axle 19 is centrally inserted into the tool carrier 15 in order to connect the mop wheel 11 to a drive . the tool receptacle surface 21 consists of the surface area of the cylinder in this embodiment , wherein the grinding elements 17 are arranged on the surface area and radially protrude from the tool carrier 15 . the tool carrier 15 is also manufactured from a natural fiber / binder granulate . the grinding elements 17 were omitted in a segment of the circular cylinder in order to illustrate the tool receptacle surface 21 . part of this figure is also illustrated in a sectioned fashion , and the natural fibers 31 are schematically indicated . [ 0050 ] fig3 shows a tool carrier 23 of cylindrical design , wherein an endless grinding or polishing belt rolls on the tool receptacle surface 25 of the tool carrier while the tool is used . the tool carrier 23 contains an axial opening 29 for producing the connection with a ( not - shown ) rotary drive . part of the tool carrier 23 which is manufactured from a natural fiber / binder granulate is also illustrated in a sectioned fashion in fig3 and the natural fibers 31 are schematically indicated . in contrast to the embodiments shown in fig1 and 2 , the grinding element , i . e ., the endless grinding belt 27 , is received by the tool receptacle surface 25 in the form of a non - positive connection in this embodiment . the lamellar grinding elements 5 , 17 shown in fig1 and 2 consist of a woven fabric of natural fibers , for example , hemp , sisal or flax , wherein the working side of the woven fabric contains abrasive grain . the woven grinding fabric is conventionally impregnated , for example , with phenol resins , and sprayed , e . g ., with urea , such that a superior adhesion of the abrasive grain is achieved . the grinding belt 27 in the embodiment according to fig3 analogously consists of a woven fabric of natural fibers that contains abrasive grain . in the embodiment according to fig4 and 5 , the grinding tool contains a disk - shaped tool carrier 10 , a separate woven fabric carrier 26 that can be separably attached to the tool carrier 10 and radially aligned lamellar grinding elements 16 arranged thereon . the raw material for the tool carrier 10 , the woven fabric carrier 26 and the lamellar grinding elements 16 respectively consists of natural fibers that are , depending on the intended use , processed and adapted differently . the end face of the tool carrier 10 is provided with microscopic hooks 12 that are also referred to as velcro - type hooks and cooperate with a section 30 consisting of loose threads so as to form a so - called velcro fastener . consequently , the woven fabric carrier 26 can be easily attached to and detached from the tool carrier . on the side of the woven fabric carrier 26 which is situated opposite the section 30 , the natural fibers are impregnated such that the adhesive connection with the lamellar grinding elements 16 is improved . the woven fabric carrier 26 that is equipped with the lamellar grinding elements 16 consequently represents an object that , after the lamellar grinding elements 16 are worn out , is discarded and replaced with a new woven fabric carrier containing unused lamellar grinding elements 16 . however , the tool carrier 10 can be reused in order to preserve resources . [ 0056 ] fig5 shows one phase of the method for manufacturing disk - shaped tools 60 . a plate - shaped basic element 61 is produced from a pulp consisting of natural fibers and a binder , as well as abrasive grain that is homogeneously distributed therein . this basic element is subsequently compressed under increased pressure and elevated temperature , wherein the blanks 62 of tools are shaped and compressed adjacent to one another . the blanks 62 already have the shape and stability of the final product . the blanks 62 are punched out in a subsequent punching process . due to the embedded abrasive grain , these tools may , for example , be used as cutting - off wheels . tools manufactured in this fashion may be additionally or alternatively provided with abrasive grain on their end face after the punching process such that they can be used for grinding , rough - grinding or polishing surfaces . tool carriers according to fig1 and 4 may be manufactured analogous to fig6 . [ 0059 ] fig7 shows a method for manufacturing a tool carrier , a grinding or polishing tool or a blank , wherein several — in this case three — layers 10 a , 10 b , 10 c consisting of fiber mats are bonded together in a sandwich - like fashion such that a basic element 10 is formed . the individual layers 10 a , 10 b , 10 c may be bonded to one another in the non - compressed state and then compressed and punched out collectively . alternatively , already compressed and punched out layers may be subsequently bonded to one another . depending on the intended use , the individual layers 10 a , 10 b , 10 c may be manufactured from different fiber materials . abrasive grain may be arranged between the individual layers . | 1 |
the mounting method and use of the flexible clamps is illustrated in fig5 a , 5 b , 5 c , and 5 d . in fig5 a and 5b the flexible c - clamp 100 is shown mounted on the panel 90 outside edges and the flexible folded clamp 200 is shown between two said panels . because of the available space on the outside edges of said panels there is sufficient space for the c - clamps to be used for clamping . said c - clamps have a relatively stiff arched wall 120 to provide sufficient clamping force to hold said panels in place . the available space between the panels is smaller and therefore a different configuration of clamp is required . in this case the panels are clamped with said flexible folded clamps since they have a smaller width profile . said folded clamps have a thinner folded wall 220 to allow sufficient flexibility for mounting said panels . there is less strength necessary in the folded wall because said panel edges react against the forces exerted by the mounting bolt 70 . the details of this flexible c - clamp are illustrated in fig6 a , 6 b , and 6 c . the bottom or base 110 of the clamp is flat and mounts directly to the strut mounting base 80 that also supports the panel . the curved wall 120 provides the flexing portion of the clamp . in the embodiment shown said curve wall is typically a thin metal that is 1 to 3 mm thick . the thicker clamping section 130 is used to clamp down against the top of said panel . the mounting hole 40 is used to bolt the clamp with the panel under the clamping section to the strut . the panel stop 50 is used to prevent the clamp from slipping too far onto one of the panels . other embodiments may be either thinner or thicker depending on the gripping height required to match the particular solar panel . thicker walls may be required for taller clamps and thinner walls required for shorter clamps . the wall thickness is further dependent on the material used . aluminum flexes more easily and allows use of a thicker wall than steel . plastic and composites may also be used for this particular embodiment dependent on the forces required . the arched shape allows the c - clamp to lean toward the panel insuring positive engagement . other asymmetric shapes also provide the same function including rectangular c shapes and other polygonal c shapes . as the clamp leans toward the panel while tightening , the mechanical stop 50 provides positive positioning of the c - clamp . serrations 60 in the gripping portion of the clamp minimize the possibility of slippage between the panel and the clamp . fig5 shows the clamp bolted to the mounting base 80 supported by the arched wall 120 on the outside and supported by the panel edge on the other side thereby clamping the panel against the mounting support . when the bolt is tightened the clamp pivots from the heel of its base 110 , through its arched wall and imparts a downward force on the panel and a horizontal force towards the panel causing a compressive horizontal force against the panel thereby preventing slip . the curved wall thickness is designed to impart the force necessary for the item that must be clamped . this particular force is dependent on the weight of the items being clamped in place , wind loads , and other static and dynamic loads that may be applied to the panel . a second embodiment of clamp is illustrated in fig7 . in this particular embodiment the clamp is constructed in a folded form that allows it to fit between two adjacent panels and still maintain its flexibility . this particular embodiment is shown in the form of an e or s . the folded surfaces that are in the vertical position are the mechanical stops 250 that position the panels relative to the clamp as well as to each other . bolt hole 240 passes directly through the top clamping surface 230 , folded surfaces 220 , and base 210 into the structural support . other folded or undulating profiles are also possible for said mechanical stops as long as they maintain sufficient flexibility . the combinations are mainly dependent on the wall thickness , flexible section length , and materials used . in this embodiment there are two relatively thicker clamping surfaces 230 that clamp directly on top of the adjacent panel edge horizontal surfaces . said clamping surfaces generally create a grip height to the bottom base 210 that is slightly taller than the panel so that the panel can easily slide under said clamping surfaces . the asymmetric connection from said clamping surfaces to the folded flex section 220 provides the functionality needed for sequential clamping of two adjacent panels . fig5 shows the assembly with the flexible e or s shaped clamp mounted to the support and clamped to the panels . fig8 a , 8 b , and 8 c illustrate the sequence of assembly for solar panels on an incline . the normal sequence consists of first positioning the clamp so that 220 to 230 joint is farthest away from the first panel to be clamped . the bolt 70 is then tightened which initially draws the open clamping section 230 against and towards the first panel , temporarily holding the first panel in position . the flanged face is tightened down against this first panel with the second clamping section face still raised to accept the second panel . the second adjacent panel is then slid under the second clamping section . the bolt connecting the flexible clamping section to the panel surface is then tightened causing the clamp to deflect downward onto the second panel surface . the clamp is then tightened to the required torque for securing both panels into position . for both of the embodiments described above the clamping mechanism utilizes an anchor nut that is mounted in the support structure or strut . this anchor nut is generally prevented from rotating therefore allowing the bolt to tighten into this restrained nut allowing the clamp to be forced against the support or strut . this anchor nut or strut nut typically slides in a slot within the strut or support where the panel is supported . thus the reader will see that the flexible clamp provides a highly reliable , labor saving , yet economical device that has a wide range of usage . while my above description contains many specificities these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention , but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof . many other variations are possible . the clamping plate and flex section may be two separate components that are fitted together to function as a flexible clamp . for example the c shaped section can be a formed spring steel component that is fitted to the clamping flange . this allows more flexibility so that the same clamp can be used for clamping a wider variety of panel thicknesses . a further embodiment would incorporate the anchor nut that is typically mounted into the support strut as part of the clamp . this anchor nut can either be forged or extruded with the clamp or be subsequently attached after fabrication . in this particular case the clamp is slid into the strut with the nut sliding inside the strut housing . accordingly , the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated , but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents . | 5 |
referring initially to fig1 , a prior art method 2 for product category management is shown that is dependent on access to sales per store history at the retail level . as explained , access to such sensitive information is often problematic and there is a natural reluctance to share detailed sales information by market and product line . while the subject methodologies , both prior art and the invention , find general application in a wide range of product categories , for the purpose of a detailed description , the tire product category shall be used . tire lines are particularly suitable for exemplary use since tires are manufactured in various sizes to accommodate vehicle variation . in addition , competing lines of tires are commonly sold by the same retail outlet , making a system that is not dependent on access to sensitive store sales information particularly valuable . finally , tire product lines are particularly in need of category management given the high cost of inventorying tires at both the retail and the manufacturing level . accordingly , specific application of the inventive methodology will be in tire category management but management of other product lines will also find the use of the inventive method beneficial . the prior art approach 2 begins by conducting a category review 4 to define strategy and tactics . the category review 4 defines segments to serve , uncover missed opportunities and areas to reinforce . brand strategy may further be established and metrics may be proposed . after the category review is complete , data is collected 6 using sales history by store . information on sales is collected such as sku &# 39 ; s , units , and revenue . a line review 8 is then conducted in which a comparison of existing and proposed tire lines &# 39 ; profitability , rotation and return on investment . tire lines may be added , maintained , or reduced based on respective line performance . a profiling of stores 10 is also conducted , in which trade areas are calculated and a determination is made as to vehicle population and tire size potentials in the trade areas . such information regarding vehicle population is readily available from public sources such as vehicle registration databases . the vehicle population and age of that population is further used as explained below to estimate market potential for tires . a store stocking solution 12 is then configured , providing stocking recommendations for each store using metrics , capacity , frequency of restocking and delivery , potential market and sales history . the recommendations are reviewed and modified as necessary . the stocking recommendation is implemented 14 . as a result , sku &# 39 ; s may be discontinued , stocking levels at individual stores may be adjusted , and / or new tire sku &# 39 ; s may be added to the product offering of a store . the entire process 2 is monitored and the results fed back 16 into further line review 8 on a continuous basis . the information and data required in step 6 are , as discussed previously , often not available from retail operators reluctant to share sensitive sales history by product line , sku , units , and revenue . consequently , conventional category management , without sales history , is ill equipped to provide a reliable stocking recommendation . in order to overcome the reliance on sales history in traditional category management , the subject invention method 18 illustrated in fig2 does not use sales history by store in devising an effective category management stocking recommendation . the method 18 uses a preliminary category review 20 and then proceeds to set a product screen 22 , positioning existing and proposed tire lines . tire information such as sku , brand , line , size , performance characteristics , application may be placed into a table for evaluation . as discussed above , store profiling 24 is conducted in which trade areas are calculated and vehicle population and tire size potential is determined . store stocking solutions are generated 26 , preferably although not necessarily , by an interactive process using the internet web . the product screen is optimized in the process . the store stocking solutions are implemented 28 and a particular store &# 39 ; s stocking plan is adjusted according to results and the store &# 39 ; s own experience . feedback 30 is provided by which to adjust the product screen 22 . the product screen 22 in the subject method is facilitated by a product screen optimizing tool that is preferably , but not necessarily , web - based . the interactive tool helps advise new or existing dealers or retailers on what tire lines to carry ; what sizes and what quantities to stock based on a dealer &# 39 ; s store location and trade area . if web based as recommended , the tool is accessible from anywhere . the output from the tool for each dealer &# 39 ; s trade area may be constructed to provide : stocking recommendation ; top tire sizes ; top original equipment fitments for a particular trade area ; top tire sizes . demographics may also be outputted for a dealer &# 39 ; s trade area , providing such information as population , average income , income ranges , etc . the product screen optimizing tool operates in a series of steps . the customer and store address is first identified ; a trade area is established based on an area radius . tire storage capacity of the store and any applicable store - determined allocation limitations are identified . next a vehicle distribution grid is analyzed , such as the grid shown in fig3 and a decision is made as to which segment ( s ) to focus on . the dealer chooses brands that will be used for a stocking recommendation and tire lines within each brand that will be used for the recommendation are identified . a stocking recommendation report is generated and any adjustments from recommended quantities ; or decisions to add / replace / delete tire lines are made . the decisions made in the above process may be imputed into storage for future reference and / or modification . fig3 shows a grid in which the current market value for vehicles are along the left column 32 and vehicles by intended use along the top 34 . the tire market segmentation is shown in the 16 box grid . as a vehicle ages , it is known that the vehicle becomes more likely to have its tires replaced . it is also known that from vehicle to vehicle intended use category , the aging rules vary and an adjustment is necessary according to aging rules to ascertain the likelihood a vehicle will be replacing its tires . the aging rules are indicated in the grid by arrows and vehicle age . for example , a vehicle with a greater than $ 30 , 000 current market value will have an aged value of a mid range ($ 20 - 30 , 000 ) vehicle . it is the aged value of the vehicle that is used to determine whether the vehicle will be a candidate for tire replacement in the product screen analysis . fig4 shows a summary of the subject invention . a product screen 36 is developed that incorporates brand offerings into tire line positioning in a 16 block grid . the left column identifies vehicle by value type and along the horizontal top row are the four commonly used intended uses : performance , passenger ; suv , and light trucks . the grid is filled in to identify how many of each vehicle type / intended use are in a given market area . the dealer stores each provide an input 38 , identifying the store by address . each store will have a market area in which the vehicle population , tire sized , and market segmentation is determined . an example is given in the percentages in each block of grid 40 of fig4 . as shown by example , 35 . 76 % of the vehicle population will be passenger cars in the value category . 1 . 94 % of passenger vehicles in the market area will be in the mid - value range . based on a combined consideration of the product screen 36 and the dealer store profile 38 , using the web based tool 42 , a store stocking recommendation is constructed . sku &# 39 ; s and recommended quantities per store and the tire brand / sku that will satisfy the recommendation are identified . the decision on stocking is , therefore , made without any reference to historical sales data of a given store . rather , the decision is made on the basis of combining a product screen with a store profile in order to create a store stocking recommendation . to assist in the accuracy of the vehicle percentages in each dealer store profile 38 , an adjusted age of each vehicle may be determined and it is the adjusted age , rather than the actual age of the vehicle , that determines which block of the 16 in grid 38 that vehicle will fall . variations in the present invention are possible in light of the description of it provided herein . while certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustrating the subject invention , it will be apparent to those skilled in this art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the subject invention . it is , therefore , to be understood that changes can be made in the particular embodiments described which will be within the full intended scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims . | 6 |
fig1 presents the temperature dependent resistivity and magnetization for single crystals of bi 2 . 2 sr 2 ca 0 . 8 cu 2 o 8 . resistivity was measured in the a - b plane on a single crystal in the van der pauw - price configuration which geometrically averages anisotropy in the plane . the room temperature resistivity is 130μω - cm , and decreases linearly with temperature as in the other two classes of copper oxide based superconducting materials . the resistivity is substantially lower than for ba 2 ycu 3 o 7 . the current density used for the measurement was approximately 200 acm - 2 . the transition from the superconducting to normal state begins at 84k and is roughly 90 % complete a 90k . the gradual curvature above 90k is tentatively ascribed to fluctuation conductivity . the dc magnetization , measured on a single crystal in a squid magnetometer ( s . h . e . 905 ), is shown in the inset to the figure . the samples were slowly cooled in a field of 18 oe applied parallel to the planes with the data taken during warm - up . the signal corresponds to 70 % of the value expected for a full meissner effect , thus confirming bulk superconductivity with a t c of 84k . the unit cell of the above material was determined to be orthorhombic with lattice parameters of 5 . 414 × 5 . 418 × 30 . 89 å and pseudosymmetry immm . scans with resolution of 0 . 04 å - 1 fwhm along each of the principal directions of the crystal shown in fig2 indicate a prominent superlattice along [ oko ] giving five - fold increase of the unit cell in that direction . the absence of extra peaks along [ hoo ] shows that there is little ( a , b ) twinning associated with the superlattice . the superlattice peaks are instrumentally narrow along [ oko ] with an intensity that is generally less than 10 % of the subcell peak intensity . the structure ( without the superlattice ) is illustrated in fig3 wherein symbol 10 indicates an oxygen atom , 11 a bi atom , 12 a cu atom , 13 a sr atom , and 14 a ca atom . the structure as shown has an ideal formula of bi 2 sr 2 cacu 2 o 8 and is closely related to the aurivillius phases . each of the cations in the idealized cell is on a distinct crystallographic site . however , it is clear that there is greater electron density on the ca site . the most striking feature of the structure is the presence of infinite [ cuo 2 ]∞ planes separated by ca , reminiscent of the same way that the planes of ba 2 ycu 3 o 7 are separated by y . a unique feature distinguishes the observed bi layers from those in the aurivillius phases ; in this phase they form a double layer of edge - shared octahedra rather than infinite [ bi 2 o 2 ] 2 + layers . the edge shared bismuth layers may be thought of as arising by occupation by bi of some of the ti sites in the aurivillius type bi 4 ti 3 o 12 structure . the bi bonding and total geometry is highly unusual . the bi coordination is basically octahedral , with 6 nearly equal distances to oxygen , at 2 . 4 å . additionally , an oxygen layer is vacant allowing collapse of the [ bi 2 o 2 ] layers . the ideal formula from he crystallographic subcell of bi 2 casr 2 cu 2 o 8 requires cu 2 + and bi 3 + for the formal valence of the variable oxidation state ions . however , based on the observed metallic conductivity and superconductivity we postulate that either bi : sr : ca is variable or that the superlattice is responsible for the oxidation . the composition determined by microanalysis is typically slightly different from the ideal , and we have observed some variations in composition from grain to grain in ceramic preparations . however , formal oxidation of the sample requires either an increased alkaline earth to bi ratio or increased oxygen content . we have noted only very weak oxygen stoichiometry variations on heating polycrystalline material to 800 ° c . in oxygen gas by thermogravimetry , with little effect on t c . the oxygen stoichiometry measured by h 2 reduction on a single phase ceramic sample gave bi 2 . 2 sr 1 . 7 ca 1 . 1 cu 2 o 8 . 2 , formally giving cu 2 . 1 +. the atomic arrangement of the superlattice is not yet known in detail , but there is clear indication that additional electron density is present on the ca site and possibly at the vacant oxygen sites in that layer . thus the superlattice is likely to be due to the presence and ordering of sr or bi on the ca site with oxygen incorporation to complete its coordination sphere . the electron density at the ca site is approximately 34 electrons which corresponds to a ≈ 4 : 1 ratio of ca to bi and correlates with the superlattice along b . the superlattice observed in the exemplary sample is close to a 5 × superlattice , but is clearly different . extensive edge sharing as found in the bismuth layer causes considerable strain and is generally relieved by buckling . the super cell may be caused by such strain . the anisotropic temperature parameter of bi shows an anonymously large component along b indicating possible distortions . the copper - oxygen coordination polyhedron is a square pyramid of similar geometry to that found in ba 2 ycu 3 o 7 but with an important difference in the bond length of cu to the apical oxygen . the inplane cu - o distances in bi 2 sr 2 cacu 2 o 8 are 1 . 875 å , and the apical oxygen is at 2 . 05 å , considerably shorter than that for either ba 2 ycu 3 o 7 ( 2 . 3 å ) or ( la sr ) 2 cuo 4 ( 2 . 4 å ). this can be expected to considerably influence the charge distribution in the cu - o planes , the shorter bond distance likely being due to weakly electropositive character of bi when compared to the the rare earth or alkaline earth atoms which share the apical oxygen with cu in the 40k and 90k structure types . the bi coordination geometry is highly unusual . although small displacive distortions may well be present ( awaiting determination of the full supercell structure ), the bi coordination is basically octahedral , with 6 nearly equal distances to oxygen , at 2 . 4 å . this coordination is distinctly different from that of the aurivelius phases , where the influence of a lone - pair is apparent . the total geometry is that of a highly covalently bonded bi - o layer , evidenced by the extensive edge sharing . the bi - o double layer is related to but different from that of the aurivelius phases . substitution of bi with lead in the 84k phase have yielded considerable improvement in t c . fig4 shows magnetization data for a multiphase lead substituted sample that shows a ≈ 10 % meissner effect with a t c of 107k . we have found that the structure of the 80k compound can be modified , in accordance with the general nominal formula x 2 + x m . sub . ( n - x ) cu . sub . ( n - 1 ) o 2 + 2n + x / 2 ± δ . the modifications result in added layers of m and cu between the bi - o double layers and are expected to result in one or more phases of stable high t c superconductive material . all of the inventive phases have layered perovskite - like crystal structure , and the existence of relatively weak bonding between at least some layers may be the cause of the observed relatively high ductility of the inventive materials . it will be appreciated that by &# 34 ; perovskite - like &# 34 ; we mean not only the prototypical , truly cubic structure , but very significantly distortions therefrom . material specification in accordance with the invention depends upon the nature of the intended use . for power transmission , or any other currentcarrying application , it is required that there be a continuous superconducting path . for detector and other device use ( e . g ., josephson junction devices ) in which tunneling might be permitted or even required , it is necessary only that there be sufficient superconducting phase to satisfy such use . for many purposes , it is an advantage of the invention that fabrication of superconducting elements may utilize standard ceramic processing . appropriate starting materials are mixtures of metallic oxides , hydroxides , carbonates , hydrates , oxalates or other reactive precursors in the appropriate ratio to obtain the desired final composition . starting material may be produced by wet or dry mixing , by co - precipitation of materials from solution , or by any other method which results in intimate mixture of reactive particles . mixtures of starting materials can be fired in air , oxygen or other non - reducing ambient at temperatures sufficient to facilitate chemical reaction between constituents and to begin formation of the desired phase . firing temperatures as noted are composition - dependent so that choice of temperature may radically affect t c for certain compositions . typically , temperatures are between approximately 700 ° and 950 ° c . for times of between a few hours and several days until the desired phase is either fully or partially produced . the &# 34 ; calcined &# 34 ; material is then formed into the ceramic body of desired shape by standard ceramic processing techniques such as hot or cold pressing , extrusion , slipcasting , or other such technique appropriate to the geometry of the desired ( green body ) object . the material in final form is fired at a temperature sufficiently high to complete chemical reaction of components (&# 34 ; reactive sintering &# 34 ;) if not accomplished previously and for densification . this &# 34 ; sintering &# 34 ; is conducted so as to reduce voids to the point where the density of the ceramic body is sufficient to allow obtaining favorable electrical and mechanical properties . material fired in air may have acceptable superconducting properties . while the description above is important for many purposes , material preparation may take other forms . an alternative is preparation of thin films for josephson junction and other devices . workers in the field know of many filmforming procedures , e . g ., magnetron sputtering , diode sputtering , reactive ion sputtering , ion - beam sputtering and other thin film deposition techniques including evaporation . &# 34 ; conductor &# 34 ; structures may take on the form of continuous strands , however produced . initial formation may utilize techniques as applied to other brittle glass - like material . in this approach , the structure reverts to one that is crystalline before attainment of superconductivity . one technique which has been applied to other brittle superconductors entails extrusion within a protective sheathing of copper or other ductile material . since the material is oxidic another approach may entail formation of any alloy of the designated metals followed by oxidation . materials according to the invention are expected to be useful in most applications suitable for prior art superconductors and , due to their relatively high ductility and other advantageous properties , also in some applications for which the prior art high t c superconductors are not well suited . exemplary of likely applications are fig5 - 10 . in fig5 the structure shown is described in g . bogner , &# 34 ; large scale applications of superconductivity &# 34 ;, in superconductor application : squids and machines , b . b . schwartz and s . foner , eds . ( plenum press , new york , 1977 . briefly , the structure depicted consists of an outer sheathing 31 , thermal insulation layers 32a and 32b , evacuated annular regions 33a and 33b , spacers 34 , nitrogen - filled annular region 35 , heat shield 36 , and coolant regions 37a and 37b ( it is a feature of the inventive structure that coolant may consist of liquid nitrogen in contradistinction with the liquid helium or hydrogen required of earlier structures ). element 38 is a superconductor material in accordance with the invention . fig6 shows an annular cryostat 41 filled with liquid nitrogen and containing turns 42 of a material herein . terminal leads 43 and 44 are shown emerging from the coil . magnetic test structure of fig7 is described in r . a . hein and d . u . gubser , &# 34 ; applications in the united states &# 34 ;, in superconductor materials science : metallurgy , fabrication , and applications , s . foner and b . b . schwartz , eds ., ( plenum press , new york , 1981 ). the superconducting element shown as windings 51 are made of a material herein . the structure is considered exemplary of those expected to find broad - scale use for containment of fusion reaction . fig8 schematically depicts a josephson junction device . the structure consists of two superconducting layers 61 and 62 separated by a tunneling barrier 63 . use of material of the invention ( not necessarily identical ) for 61 and 64 permit usual josephson action at higher temperatures than previously permitted . josephson junction devices are described in m . r . beasley and c . j . kircher &# 34 ; josephson junction electronics : materials issues and fabrication techniques &# 34 ;, ibid . fig9 is a perspective view of a section of superconducting stripline . structures of the type depicted usefully serve as interconnections ( rather than many - kilometer long distance transmission ). it is structures of this type that are expected to permit operation at significantly increased speed of present commercial apparatus . the structure which is depicted in j . appl . phys , vol . 49 , no . 1 , page 308 , jan . 1978 , consists of superconducting strip 80 insulated from superconducting groundplane 81 by dielectric layer 82 . considerations entailed in dimensioning the structure depend upon intended use and are generally described in the j . appl . phys . reference . fig1 schematically depicts a superconductive magnet 100 comprising clad superconductive wire according to the invention 101 wound on mandrel 102 . commercially obtained powders of bi 2 o 3 , sr ( no 3 ) 2 , ca ( no 3 ) 2 · 4h 2 o , and cuo were mixed in molar ratio 1 . 1 : 2 : 0 . 8 : 2 , the resulting mixture was heated in air in an alumina crucible to 500 ° c ., then slowly to 840 ° c ., and maintained at that temperature for about 12 hours . the thus calcined material was cooled in air , ground by conventional means , pressed into pellet form ( also by conventional means ), and the pellets heated in air to 860 ° c ., maintained at that temperature for 5 hours , and cooled to room temperature in air . the thus produced sintered material had t c ( r = 0 ) of 84k and 70 % relative diamagnetism at 4 . 2k ( compared to pb ). the material had nominal composition bi 2 . 2 sr 2 ca 0 . 8 cu 2 o 8 ± δ , and crystallites of the material showed a superlattice , with repeat distance of about 4 . 76 . material is prepared substantially as in example 1 , except that the molar ratio was 1 . 1 : 3 . 8 : 1 : 3 . the resulting material has nominal composition corresponding to n = 4 in the general formula . a single crystal of nominal composition as described in example 1 ( grown from molten na - cl flux at 850 ° c .) had a t c of 84k and a superlattice spacing of 4 . 76b . a single crystal , prepared as described in example 3 , showed a few % superconductivity above 100k , with the remainder superconductivity at 84k . this crystal showed a 6 . 25b supercell , in addition to the 4 . 76b superlattice . we believe that the higher t c portion of the sample is associated with the longer superlattice , and believe that the association between higher t c and longer superlattice spacing is a general one . | 8 |
a cross - section through a basic structure of a typical oled 1 is shown in fig1 a . a glass or plastic substrate 2 supports a transparent anode layer 4 comprising , for example , indium tin oxide ( ito ) on which is deposited a hole injection layer 6 , a light emitting layer 8 and a cathode 10 . the light emitting layer 8 comprises a blend of the present invention . the hole injection layer 6 , which helps match the hole energy levels of the anode layer 4 and the light emitting layer 8 , comprises a conductive transparent polymer . cathode 10 comprises a bilayer of silver and aluminium and includes an additional layer of sodium fluoride for improved electron energy level matching . contact wires 14 and 16 to the anode and the cathode respectively provide a connection to a power source 18 . in so - called “ bottom emitter ” devices , the multi - layer sandwich is deposited on the front surface of a planar glass substrate , with the reflecting electrode layer , usually the cathode , furthest away from the substrate , whereby light generated internally in the light emitting layer is coupled out of the device through the substrate . an example of a bottom emitter 1 a is shown in fig1 a , where light 20 is emitted through transparent anode 4 and substrate 2 and the cathode 10 is reflective . conversely , in a so - called “ top emitter ”, the multi - layer sandwich is disposed on the back surface of the substrate 2 , and the light generated internally in the light emitting layer 8 is coupled externally through a transparent electrode layer 10 without passing through the substrate 2 . an example of a top emitter is shown in fig1 b . usually the transparent electrode layer 10 is the cathode , although devices which emit through the anode may also be constructed . the cathode layer 10 can be made substantially transparent by keeping the thickness of cathode layer less than around 50 - 100 nm , for example . the anode is indium tin oxide ( ito ). the ito was thermally deposited on the above substrate . alternative substrates comprising ito may be obtained from , e . g . praezisions glas & amp ; optik gmbh . the hole injection layer ( hil ) is plexcore © oc aq - 1200 , available from plextronics inc . the cathode is naf — al — ag . these were prepared by sequential thermal evaporation or sputtering of the materials listed . interlayer 1 comprises monomers ( pi ), ( ui ) and ( xi ). interlayer 1 was polymerised by suzuki polymerisation as described in wo0053656 interlayer 2 comprises monomers ( rii ), ( riii ), ( ui ) and ( riv ). interlayer 2 was polymerised by suzuki polymerisation as described in wo0053656 . the blend comprises an electron transporting polymer ( etp ), a green iridium emitter ( pgia2 ) and a compound of formula ( i ). the electron transporting polymer was prepared by polymerisation as described in wo00 / 53656 . it comprises repeating units shown below in the ratio ( pi 1 - pii 5 - qiii 10 )- b -( pi 22 - pii 22 - ri 39 - siv 1 ) wherein b indicates block in a block copolymer . the green iridium emitter has the formula shown below . it may be synthesised according to procedures known in the art , e . g . from wo2002 / 066552 or us2011 / 272686 . an alternative blend of the present invention comprises a polymer which additionally incorporates a light emitting monomer . the polymer was prepared by polymerisation as described in gb2435194 . it comprises repeating units shown below in the ratio ( pi 1 - pii 5 - qiii 10 )- b -( pi 22 - pii 22 - ri 38 - tiii 2 ) the blend was prepared by charging pi , pii , qiii , ri and tiii in the required relative amounts to a reaction vessel , followed by replacing the atmosphere in the reaction vessel with nitrogen gas . to this mixture was added thf ( which was previously deoxygenated by purging with argon ) followed by bis -( 1 , 5 - cyclooctadiene ) nickel ( 0 ) ( ni ( cod ) 2 ). the reaction mixture was agitated under a nitrogen atmosphere at room temperature for 30 minutes , then at 60 ° c . for 3 . 3 hours . the reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature and poured into a 25 wt % solution of ammonium chloride or hydroxide in 1 : 1 meoh : h 2 o . precipitation was induced by agitation over 2 hours , and the precipitate collected by filtration and dried under reduced pressure . the precipitate was then redissolved in toluene , filtered to remove insoluble impurities , and the solution passed through an alumina column followed by washing with 1n hcl , 2 . 5 wt % aqueous ammonium chloride or hydroxide then water . the purified solution was then poured into methanol to precipitate the polymer , which was collected by filtration and dried under reduced pressure . the compounds of formulae ( ie ), ( if ) and ( ig ) of the formula shown hereinbefore were synthesised according to the scheme shown below . n - buli ( 89 ml , 0 . 22 mol , 2 . 5m ) was added dropwise to a solution of 1 , 4 - dibromobenzene ( 50 g , 0 . 21 mol ) in anhydrous diethyl ether ( 500 ml ) at − 78 ° c . under nitrogen . after stirring for 30 min , the reaction mixture was warmed to − 10 ° c . and sicl 4 ( 9 . 0 g , 0 . 05 mol ) was added dropwise . after a further 15 min , the reaction mixture was quenched with hcl ( 250 ml , 1 . 5m ) and ethyl acetate ( 500 ml ) was added . the organic phase was separated , washed with nacl ( 750 ml ), dried over sodium sulphate , filtered and concentrated . the crude oil was purified by column chromatography ( silca - gel 230 - 400 mesh , hexane ) and recrystallization ( etoac ) to give silane ( 2 ) as a while solid ( 24 g , 17 % yield ). 1 h - nmr 400 mhz , cdcl 3 : δ 7 . 36 ( d , j = 8 . 2 hz , 8h ), 7 . 56 ( d , j = 8 . 2 hz , 8h ). 13 c nmr 75 mhz , cdcl 3 : 125 . 38 , 131 . 37 , 131 . 41 , 137 . 54 . a solution of 4 ′- n - octyl - 4 - aminobiphenyl ( 3 ) ( 100 g , 0 . 36 mol ), 4 ′- n - octyl - 4 - bromobiphenyl ( 4 ) ( 147 g , 0 . 43 mol ), tbuona ( 102 g , 1 . 07 mol ) in toluene ( 3 l ), was purged with nitrogen for 30 min . pd 2 ( dba ) 3 ( 13 g , 0 . 01 mol ) and t bu 3 p + hbf 4 − ( 6 . 1 g , 0 . 02 mol ) were added and the reaction mixture heated at 90 ° c . for 5 h . the resulting dark brown mixture was filtered through celite at 80 ° c . and washed with ethyl acetate ( 2 l ). the filtrate was washed with water ( 2 l ), nacl ( 2 l ), dried over sodium sulphate , filtered and concentrated . the crude material was triturated with diethyl ether ( 2 l ) to give bis - 4 -( 4 ′- n - octyl ) biphenylamine ( 5 ) as a yellow solid ( 92 g , 47 % yield ). 1 h nmr 300 mhz , cdcl 3 : δ 0 . 83 ( t , j = 6 . 4 hz , 6h ), 1 . 25 - 1 . 45 ( m , 20h ), 1 . 55 - 1 . 68 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 62 - 2 . 73 ( m , 4h ), 7 . 05 - 715 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 24 ( d , j = 8 . 0 hz , 8h ), 7 . 44 - 7 . 62 ( m , 8h ). a solution of tetrakis -( 4 - bromophenyl )- silane ( 2 ) ( 25 g , 0 . 04 mol ), bis - 4 -( 4 ′- n - octyl ) biphenylamine ( 5 ) ( 93 . 3 g , 0 . 17 mol ), tbuona ( 21 . 9 g , 0 . 23 mol ) in toluene ( 2 . 25 l ) was degassed by purging with nitrogen for 30 min . pd2 ( dba ) 3 ( 1 . 8 g , 0 . 002 mol ) and t bu 3 p + hbf 4 − ( 0 . 8 g , 0 . 003 mol ) were added and the reaction mixture was heated at 90 ° c . 16 h . the resulting dark mixture was filtered through celite and washed with methyl tbutyl ether ( 2 l ). the filtrate was washed with water ( 2 l ), nacl ( 2 l ), dried over sodium sulphate , filtered and concentrated . the crude material was purified by column chromatography ( silca 230 - 400 mesh , 1 % etoac : hexane ) and recrystallization ( etoac , 850 ml ) to give ( 1e ) as a white solid ( 38 g , 40 % yield ). 1 h nmr 400 mhz , cdcl 3 : δ 0 . 89 ( t , j = 6 . 6 hz , 24h ), 1 . 25 - 1 . 45 ( m , 80h ), 1 . 62 - 1 . 68 ( m , 16h ), 2 . 64 ( t , j = 7 . 6 hz , 16h ), 7 . 17 ( d , j = 8 . 4 hz , 8h ), 7 . 21 - 7 . 25 ( m , 32h ), 7 . 49 - 7 . 53 ( m , 40h ). 13 c nmr 100 mhz , cdcl 3 : 14 . 10 , 22 . 67 , 29 . 27 , 29 . 39 , 29 . 49 , 31 . 48 , 31 . 89 , 35 . 61 , 122 . 23 , 125 . 02 , 126 . 55 , 127 . 71 , 128 . 80 , 135 . 96 , 137 . 32 , 137 . 92 , 141 . 73 , 146 . 37 , 148 . 68 derivatives if , g and h can be synthesized in an analogous fashion using a similar approach to that described for 1e . the blends for the light emitting layer were prepared by weighing out appropriate amounts of each of electron transporting ( host ) polymer , compound of formula ( i ) and light emitting compound . these materials were then combined in a vial , solvent was added and the vial placed on a roller overnight to dissolve the solids . prior to device fabrication , the combined solution is filtered through ptfe syringe filters with 0 . 45 micron pore size . a device having the structure shown in fig2 was prepared . the preparative process used is set in the flow diagram in fig3 . the ito anode was deposited on a glass substrate by thermal deposition . the ito anode was then cleaned in a uv - ozone generator ( 15 minutes in a ushio uv ozone generator ). the thickness of the anode is 45 nm . the hil was deposited by spin - coating plexcore © oc aq - 1200 , available from plextronics , inc ., from water in air , to a thickness of 35 nm . the hil was thermally annealed at 170 ° c . for 15 minutes in air . the il was deposited by spin - coating interlayer 1 or interlayer 2 , from a 0 . 6 wt % concentration solution in o - xylene . interlayer 1 is present in the devices of example 1 , table 1a ; example 2 , table 2a ; example 3 , table 3a ; and example 4 . interlayer 2 is present in the devices of example 1 , table 1b ; example 2 , table 2b ; and example 3 , table 3b . the il was thermally cross - linked at 180 ° c . for 60 minutes in a glove box . the final il has a thickness of 22 nm . the light emitting layer comprising electron transporting polymer , pgia2 emitter and compound of the invention was deposited by spin - coating from a o - xylene solution in a glove box as shown below . comparative devices wherein the compound of the invention is absent were also deposited by spin - coating from a o - xylene solution in a glove box . the precise conditions used for different light emitting layers are shown below . the light emitting layer was dried at 130 ° c . for 1e and at 100 ° c . for if and ig for 10 minutes in a glove box . the light emitting layer has a thickness of 100 nm . the cathode was formed by formation of a layer of naf by thermal evaporation to a thickness of 2 nm , followed by evaporation of a layer of al to a thickness of 200 nm and a layer of silver to a thickness of 100 nm . current , voltage , and luminance drive characteristics are collected for device performance screening using characterised silicon photodiodes and device spectral output characteristics collected using a calibrated spectrometer system and collection optics . the device is typically swept through a voltage range , and ivl data curves are collected , the condition , timings and parameters under which measurements are made are controlled . refined drive characteristics are collected using traceably calibrated , industry standard , photometry , colour measurement systems , power supplies and meters . life time is screened using photodiode based measuring systems , these monitor the device luminance and applied voltage , while it being driven by calibrated power supplies under specified conditions ( constant current ). the environmental conditions under which tests are carried out are stringently controlled . modelling of homo levels was carried out using am1 semiempirical quantum chemical program implemented in the hyperchem software . the luminance vs . voltage characteristic of oleds containing varying amounts of compound ( ie ), ( if ) or ( ig ) in each of their light emitting layers was measured . control devices containing no compound of the invention were also fabricated and their luminance vs . voltage characteristic measured . the results are illustrated in fig4 a - 4c and tables 1a and 1b . it can be seen that adding the compound ( ie ) to the light emitting layer lowers the drive voltage required in devices with low concentrations of pgia2 emitter . for example , compositions 3 and 4 both contain 10 wt % pgia2 emitter ; composition 4 , with 35 wt % compound ( ie ), has a median drive voltage which is 0 . 7 v lower at 1000 cd / m 2 than composition 3 , in which no such compound is present . additionally composition 1 comprising 40 wt % pgia2 and composition 4 comprising a total of 45 wt % of pgia2 and compound ( ie ) can be compared . composition 4 has a drive voltage that is 0 . 9 v lower at 1000 cd / m 2 . this corresponds to a significant improvement in device performance , in addition to offering a significant reduction in cost of compound ( ie ) in comparison to pgia2 . again it can be seen that adding the compound ( if ) or ( ig ) to the light emitting layer lowers the drive voltage required in devices with low concentrations of pgia2 emitter . it can therefore be concluded that adding a compound of the invention results in lower drive voltages in devices that have a low concentration of iridium emitter in their light emitting layer . the current density vs . voltage profiles of devices containing varying amounts of compound of the invention and control devices , with no such compound , were measured . the results are shown in fig5 a - c and tables 2a and 2b . it can be seen that reducing the concentration of pgia2 in the host polymer results in a small increase in current density . adding 35 - 50 wt % compound ( ie ) results in a substantial increase in current density , suggesting that compound ( ie ) improves hole supply when low quantities of pgia2 emitter are present . again it can be seen that increasing the concentration of compound of the invention results in an increase in current density . it can therefore be concluded that adding a compound of the invention improves hole supply and results in higher current densities in devices with a low concentration of iridium emitter . the external quantum efficiency ( eqe ) vs . voltage plots of devices containing varying amounts of compound of the invention , and control devices with no compound but varying amounts of pgia2 emitter , were measured . the results are shown in fig6 a - 6c and tables 3a and 3b . it can be seen from compositions 1 , 2 and 3 that reducing the concentration of pgia2 from 40 to 10 wt % results in a sharp drop of eqe from 21 . 0 to 14 . 0 % @ 1000 cd / m 2 . compositions 4 - 7 all contain only 10 wt % pgia2 , but from 35 - 50 wt % of compound ( ie ). there is a clear upwards trend in eqe as the concentration of compound ( ie ) is increased , with compositions 6 and 7 having comparable eqe to devices containing three times as much pgia2 emitter ( composition 2 ). composition 7 , with 50 wt % compound ( ie ) and 10 wt % pgia2 , has 98 % of the eqe of composition 2 , which contains 30 wt % pgia2 . thus it is demonstrated that the addition of compound ( ie ) increases the eqe of devices containing low concentrations of pgia2 emitter in the light emitting layer . a similar upwards trend in eqe is also observed with increasing concentration of compound ( if ) and ( ig ). it can therefore be concluded that adding a compound of the invention improves hole supply and enables high eqes to be achieved in combination with low concentrations of the iridium pgia2 emitter . the stability of devices was tested by measuring their luminance as a function of time . the device of the invention and the comparative devices were fabricated by the same process but having light emitting layers as described below : device of invention comprised electron transportingpolymer , pgia2 and compound ( ie ) ( 56 . 5 : 4 . 4 : 39 . 1 wt % ratio ) comparative device a solely comprised electron transportingpolymer and pgia2 in its light emitting layer ( 95 : 5 wt % ratio ) comparative device b comprised electron transportingpolymer , pgia2 and a dendrimer ( 50 . 2 : 3 . 9 : 45 . 9 wt % ratio ) as shown below which is representative of dendrimers disclosed in the prior art . the results can be seen in fig7 . it can be seen that the device containing the dendrimer p shown above has a markedly decreased lifetime , with the luminance dropping sharply and reaching 0 after around 10 hours . in contrast , the device containing the compound of the invention has a comparable luminance vs . time plot as the device which contains no such compound , illustrating that the presence of the compound of the invention does not significantly contribute to device degradation over time in devices with low concentrations of pgia2 emitter . the geometries of compound ( ie ) and of the dendrimer p were calculated using the semiempirical am1 method , followed by modelling of the spatial characteristics of the homo levels . the results highlighted a significant difference ( see fig8 ). fig8 a shows the spatial arrangement of the homo level of compound ( ie ), and shows that the homo is predominantly localised in the core of the dendrons , where it is relatively inaccessible . in contrast , the spatial characteristics of the homo level of dendrimer p is such that the homo extends to the terminal phenyl units of the dendrons , and hence the “ surface ” of the dendrimer . without wishing to be bound by theory it is hypothesised that this difference in homo spatial arrangement is at least partly why device degradation with compound ie occurs at a much slower rate than with dendrimer p . we suggest the following explanation : during hole transport by ie or dendrimer p , the localisation of the positive charge is similar to the spatial characteristics of the respective homo level . in the case of compound ie , the positive charge will therefore be predominantly localised in the core of the dendrons , and therefore be sterically shielded from interaction with negatively charged locations on the electron transporting host polymer during device operation . in contrast , the positive charge on dendrimer p has a non - negligible probability of residing on the “ surface ” of the dendrimer , and can therefore easily interact with negative charges on the electron transporting host polymer . thus without wishing to be bound by theory , we hypothesise that interactions between positive charges on hole transporting materials and negative charges on the host polymer during device operation may result in changes that contribute to device degradation . | 2 |
two servers are interconnected across a network . the first server is in communication with one file system , and the second server is in communication with a second file system . each of the file systems is organized into a data structure in a hierarchical manner . the file systems may be replicated and from one server to the other server across the network in a manner that preserves ordering of tables within the data structure . the following description of the present invention is presented by using flow charts to describe either the structure or processing of presently preferred embodiments to implement the systems and methods of the present invention . using the diagrams in this manner to present the invention should not be construed as limiting of its scope . there are two methods disclosed herein for replicating a file system across a network . there are two parts to this method , with the first part having two segments . fig4 a is a flow chart ( 200 ) illustrating a first segment of the first part of a first replication method that scans the source file system organized in tree order reporting directories in the tree before reporting the objects pointed to by the directories . the root directory is assigned to the a variable , name , ( 202 ), and a bitmap used for the replication process is cleared ( 204 ). a function for copying the name index , niscan , is called ( 206 ). this function has one parameter , name . fig4 b is a flow chart ( 220 ) illustrating a second segment of the first part of the first replication method . in this segment , the niscan function is illustrated in detail . the bit for use in the bitmap is set to the variable name in the source file system ( 222 ). thereafter , a first test determines if the name argument to the copy function is a directory in the source file system ( 224 ). a positive response to the test at step ( 224 ) results in creation of an empty directory , name , in the target file system at the same index as it has in the source file system ( 226 ). the function for copying the directory , niscan , is recursively called ( 228 ) to copy all elements , e , in the directory name , i . e . niscan ( name / e ). each invocation of niscan sets the bit for one file , including the subfiles of each directory . the setting of the bit in the bitmap serves as an indicator that a particular inode — that is , a particular file and / or directory has been replicated in the target file system . if the response to the test at step ( 224 ) is negative , the file , i . e . name , is copied to the target file system from the source file system at the same index in the target file system as it has in the source file system ( 230 ). when all of the contents of the directory from the source file system have been copied to the target file system , the name index copy function is complete . if an interrupt should occur before the replication is complete , the consistency of the replicated target file system directories remain intact because every file and directory in the replicated portions has been created with a name . following replication of the directory and its entries in the target file system , a second function is invoked to report any objects in the source file system that do not have a directory entry . fig5 is a flow chart ( 250 ) illustrating this second function . an index variable is set to one ( 252 ). thereafter , a test is conducted to determine if the index variable is bigger than the source inode table ( 254 ). if the response to the test at step ( 254 ) is positive , the copy process for the source inode table is complete ( 256 ) as this is an indication that the index is larger than the source inode table and all inodes in the source file system have been scanned . however , if the response to the test at step ( 254 ) is negative , a test is conducted to determine if there is a file at the index in the source file system inode table ( 258 ). a positive response to the test at step ( 258 ) is an indication that a file in the index may need to be replicated in the target file system . however , a negative response to the test at step ( 258 ) results in an increment of the index variable ( 260 ). thereafter , the process returns to step ( 254 ). a positive response to the test at step ( 258 ) results in a subsequent test to determine if the file at the set index in the inode table has been replicated in the target file system ( 262 ). in one embodiment , a bit would be set in a bitmap , which bitmap has been a temporary structure all along , in the source file system corresponding to this file if it has been replicated . a positive response to the test at step ( 262 ) returns to step ( 260 ) where the index variable is incremented . similarly , a negative response to the test at step ( 224 ) results in replication of the file at the index in the inode table from the source file system to the target file system at that index ( 264 ), followed by a return to step ( 260 ) for increment of the index variable . the sweep process continues until a positive response is returned from the test at step ( 254 ) indicating that the end of the table has been reached . accordingly , as shown herein , an object is replicated from the source file system to the target file system with the same node indexes as in the source file system . the process illustrated above in fig4 and 5 is a recursive method for replicating a file system by scanning the source files system in tree order while preserving the elements being copied . in another embodiment , tables form the source file system may be replicated to the target file system while preserving the inode indices of the elements being copied without invoking a recursive function . there are three primary routines involved in this replication process . fig6 is a flow chart ( 300 ) illustrating a first routine in a single pass non - recursive method for replicating a file system in node order . prior to initiating the first routine , an empty table of mappings is created in the target file system ( 302 ). this empty table is a temporary structure . following step ( 302 ), an index variable is set to one ( 304 ). thereafter , a test is conducted to determine if the index variable is beyond the end of the source table being scanned ( 306 ). in one embodiment , the table being replicated in the target file system is a source file system inode table . if the response to the test at step ( 306 ) is positive , the first routine has completed and the second routine is initiated at step ( 402 ). however , if the response to the test at step ( 306 ) is negative , a test is conducted to determine if there is an object at the set index in the source table being replicated ( 308 ). a positive response to the test at step ( 308 ) will follow with a subsequent test to determine if the object in the source file system is a directory ( 310 ). a negative response to the test at step ( 310 ) will result in adding an entry to the target table that is blank , thereby creating a table entry for space to be used at a later point in time ( 312 ). similarly , a positive response to the test at step ( 310 ) will result in adding an entry to the temporary target table with delimiters and node numbers for each entry in the directory of the source file system table directory ( 314 ). following completion of either step ( 312 ) or ( 314 ), or following a negative response to the test at step ( 308 ), the index variable is incremented ( 316 ), followed by a return to step ( 306 ). the routine illustrated in steps ( 306 ) through ( 316 ) illustrates a process for scanning a source file system table and for creating a temporary replicated table . fig7 is a block diagram ( 350 ) showing a temporary table in the target file system based on the sample inode table of a source file system shown in fig2 as shown , there are four entries . each of the entries represent indices one , four , six , and seven in the source inode table , and each entry has two delimiters each represented by the “;” character . as shown , there are no entries at representing indices two , three , and five , as these are empty indices . each entry of the temporary table contains several fields with optional values : an optional integer x before the first delimiter ; an optional string y between the two delimiters ; and an optional pairlist following the second delimiter . a pairlist is a sequence of pairs , each of an integer called tix followed by a name . following completion of the process of scanning and replicating the source file system table , the second routine is initiated to sort the temporary table created in fig6 . in one embodiment , the sort routine includes two separate algorithms . fig8 is a flow chart ( 400 ) illustrating the first algorithm for sorting the temporary table created in fig6 . at an initial step an index to the temporary table , p , is assigned the integer of one ( 402 ). thereafter , a test is conducted to determine if the index to the temporary table is larger than the size of the temporary target table ( 404 ). a positive response to the test at step ( 404 ) will result in completion of the first algorithm of the temporary table , and will proceed with initiation of the second algorithm in fig1 . however , a negative response to the test at step ( 404 ) will result in pulling the fields out of the temporary table entry for the variable p ( 406 ), assigning the index to the temporary table with the variable ix ( 408 ), and assigning the list of objects extracted from the field pairlist ( 410 ) e . g . ( ix →;; pairlist ). for each element in the list pairlist , the value assigned to ix in the table entry for that element ix is added in the temporary table entry for the temporary table field of that element , tix ( 412 ). that is , the tix field value is used to choose an entry to update , and the ix value is inserted in the x field of the entry . similarly , the name that had been paired with that tix value in the pairlist is inserted in the y field of the entry being modified . following step ( 412 ), the variable p , i . e . the index to the temporary table , is incremented ( 414 ), and the routine returns to step ( 404 ). accordingly , the first sorting routine shown in steps ( 402 )-( 414 ) continues until a positive response is received for the test at step ( 404 ). fig9 is a block diagram ( 450 ) showing a temporary table at a second stage in the replication process based on the temporary table shown in fig7 and following completion of the first algorithm for sorting the temporary table created in fig6 . as shown , there are four entries . each of the entries represent indices one , four , six , and seven in the source inode table , and entries associated with indices four , six , and seven have been modified in accordance with completion of the algorithm illustrated in fig8 . fig1 is a flow chart illustrating the second algorithm for sorting the temporary table ( 500 ) that is initiated following the positive response to the test at step ( 404 ) in fig8 . the variable p , representing the index to the temporary table , is assigned the integer one ( 502 ). thereafter , a test is conducted to determine if p is larger than the size of the temporary table ( 504 ). a positive response to the test at step ( 504 ) will result in completion of the second algorithm for sorting the temporary table . however , a negative response to the test at step ( 504 ) will result in updating the temporary table line by line by assigning ix and pairlist to the table entry of the variable p ( 506 ). following the assignment at step ( 506 ), a test is conducted to determine if the assigned list , pairlist , from step ( 506 ) is empty ( 508 ). a positive response to the test at step ( 508 ) will result in an increment of the variable p at step ( 510 ), and a return to step ( 504 ). however , a negative response to the test at step ( 508 ) will result in computing the minimum value in the temporary table index fields ( tix ) of all elements in the extracted list , pairlist , and assigning this minimum value to the variable b ( 512 ). thereafter , a test is conducted to determine if the variable b is less than the index to the temporary target table , ix ( 514 ). a positive response to the test at step ( 514 ) will result in an increment of the variable p ( 510 ), and a return to step ( 504 ). similarly , a negative response to the test at step ( 514 ) follows with removal of the table entry for ix from the temporary table ( 516 ) and inserting the table entry for ix before all entries that are associated with each of the tix variables in the entries of the extracted list , pairlist ( 518 ). the removal and insertion at steps ( 516 ) and ( 518 ), respectively , supports changing the ordering in the temporary table , i . e . an update of the data structure . following the insertion at step ( 518 ), the process returns to step ( 510 ) for the increment of the variable p . accordingly , the second algorithm for sorting the temporary table performs a re - ordering of the temporary table . fig1 is a block diagram ( 550 ) showing a temporary table based on the sample temporary table of a source file system shown in fig9 and following reordering of the table based upon completion of the second algorithm for sorting the temporary table created in fig6 . as shown , there are four entries . each of the entries represent indices one , four , six , and seven in the source inode table . as shown , the ordering of the indices in the temporary table have been modified in accordance with completion of the execution of the algorithm illustrated in fig1 . following completion of the second sort routine as shown in fig1 , the final routine is initiated for replicating the table from the source file system . fig1 a and 12 b are a flow chart ( 600 ) illustrating the final routine for replicating the table from the source file system to the target file system . the index to the temporary table , p , is assigned the integer one ( 602 ). thereafter , a test is conducted to determine if the index to the temporary table , p , is greater than the size of the temporary table reorganized in the second sort algorithm shown in fig1 ( 604 ). a positive response to the test at step ( 604 ) will result in completion of replication of the file system ( 606 ). however , a negative response to the test at step ( 604 ) will result in pulling the fields out of the temporary table entry for the variable p ( 608 ), assigning the index to the temporary table with the variable ix ( 610 ), assigning the integer before the first delimiter to the variable x ( 612 ), assigning the string between the delimiters to the variable y ( 614 ), and assigning the list of objects extracted from the field pairlist ( 616 ), e . g . ( ix → x ; y ; pairlist ). following the assignment at step ( 616 ), a test is conducted to determine if the object in the source index corresponding to the variable ix is a directory ( 618 ). a negative response to the test at step ( 618 ), will result in creating an object at the index ix in the temporary table ( 620 ), creating an object in a directory at index ix , if there is one , and giving it the name y ( 622 ), and copying the file contents from the source index ix to the target index ix ( 624 ). similarly , a positive response to the test at step ( 618 ) results in creating an empty directory at the index ix in the target file system or as a subdirectory of the directory located at index x , if the temporary target table has an index x then create the subdirectory with the name y ( 626 ). if the temporary table has an entry for the variable x , then an empty directory is created as a subdirectory of the directory at the index x with the name y . following completion of steps ( 624 ) and ( 626 ), the variable p is incremented ( 628 ), and the process returns to step ( 604 ). accordingly , the completion of the copy routine provides a duplication of the source table in the target file system . the present invention contemplates both methods and systems for replication of hieratically structured data . the invention can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment , an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment containing both hardware and software elements . fig1 is a block diagram ( 700 ) illustrating the manager in a hardware environment that is configured to invoke a recursive process for copying all contents from a directory in the source file system to a corresponding directory in the target file system . as shown , a source file server ( 720 ) includes a processor ( 726 ), memory ( 728 ), and a network adapter ( 732 ). similarly , the target file server ( 740 ) includes a processor ( 746 ), memory ( 748 ), and a network adapter ( 752 ). the source and target file servers ( 720 ) and ( 740 ), respectively , are linked via a network ( 730 ) through network connections ( 722 ) and ( 742 ) that can comprise a local or wide area network . the source file server also includes a manager ( 760 ), which includes a table locator ( 762 ), a tool to create each directory of the located table of the source file system in the target file system ( 764 ), and a director ( 766 ) to recursively copy contents in a directory of a source table to a corresponding directory in the target file system . in one embodiment , the manager ( 760 ) with its table locator ( 762 ), tool ( 764 ), and director ( 766 ) may be embedded within the target file server ( 740 ), or in an alternate processing unit with a processor , memory , and a network adapter . in a preferred embodiment , the invention is implemented in software , which includes but is not limited to firmware , resident software , microcode , etc . with respect to software elements , both the source file system and the target file system may each have a manager that resides within memory of a file system server in the respective file system . the source file system manager may include instructions and / or program code for invoking the algorithms outlined and discussed above . similarly , in a hardware environment , the source and target file system managers may reside external to the memory of the file system servers in the respective file system . furthermore , the invention can take the form of a computer program product accessible from a computer - usable or computer - readable medium providing program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system . for the purposes of this description , a computer - usable or computer readable medium can be any apparatus that can contain , store , communicate , propagate , or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system , apparatus , or device . embodiments within the scope of the present invention also include articles of manufacture comprising program storage means having encoded therein program code . such program storage means can be any available media which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer . by way of example , and not limitation , such program storage means can include ram , rom , eeprom , cd - rom , or other optical disk storage , magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices , or any other medium which can be used to store the desired program code means and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer . combinations of the above should also be included in the scope of the program storage means . the medium can be an electronic , magnetic , optical , electromagnetic , infrared , or semiconductor system ( or apparatus or device ) or a propagation medium . examples of a computer - readable medium include a semiconductor or solid state memory , magnetic tape , a removable computer diskette , random access memory ( ram ), read - only memory ( rom ), a rigid magnetic disk , and an optical disk . current examples of optical disks include compact disk b read only ( cd - rom ), compact disk b read / write ( cd - r / w ) and dvd . a data processing system suitable for storing and / or executing program code will include at least one processor coupled directly or indirectly to memory elements through a system bus . the memory elements can include local memory employed during actual execution of the program code , bulk storage , and cache memories which provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times code must be retrieved from bulk storage during execution . input / output or i / o devices ( including but not limited to keyboards , displays , pointing devices , etc .) can be coupled to the system either directly or through intervening i / o controllers . network adapters may also be coupled to the system to enable the data processing system to become coupled to other data processing systems or remote printers or storage devices through intervening private or public networks . modems , wireless and ethernet adapters are just a few of the currently available types of network adapters . it will be appreciated that , although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration , various modifications may be made a without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . in particular , the invention should not be limited to replication of an inode table from a source file system to a target file system . rather , the algorithms shown herein may be expanded to include replication of any data structure and associated tables . accordingly , the scope of protection of this invention is limited only by the following claims and their equivalents . | 6 |
the invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawing fig1 of which shows a flow chart an embodiment of a method according to the invention and of fig2 is a sectional view of a fiber obtained by this embodiment of the method . an optical fiber which after drawing from the preform has been provided with a primary coating of a synthetic resin , for example consisting of a uv - cured acrylate resin in a thickness of 60 μm , is guided from a storage reel through a bath t consisting of a solution of 1 g of tannin per liter of deionized water . however , the quantity of tannin may be chosen between the limits 0 . 001 to 10 g per liter . the optical fiber is then rinsed in bath h 1 consisting of deionized water . as a result of the action of tannin on the synthetic resin surface , a better bonding to the metal layers to be provided is obtained . the pretreatment may also be carried out by the exposure of the synthetic resin surface to a corona discharge , optionally succeeded by the treatment with tannin . the synthetic resin surface treated in this manner is then treated with a tin chloride solution by guiding the fiber through bath s which consists of a solution of 0 . 1 g of sncl 2 . 2aq + 0 . 1 ml hcl ( 37 %) per liter of water . in this bath s the synthetic resin surface is provided with sn 2 + nuclei . such a layer may also be obtained by spraying with the said solution . in bath h 2 , consisting of deionized water , excessive sncl 2 solution is rinsed off . the surface of the optical fibre is then provided in the conventional manner with a silver layer , preferably according to the aerosol ( atomisation ) process , in which an aqueous silver salt solution , for example a solution of agno 3 and nh 4 oh in water , and an aqueous reduction agent solution , for example a solution of formalin and , if desired , sodium gluconate in water , are atomized simultaneously on the surface ( bath a ). this process , as well as the metallisation solutions and reduction agent solutions used , are described , for example , in &# 34 ; the technology of aerosol plating &# 34 ;, donald j . levy , technical proceedings 51st annual convention american electroplaters &# 39 ; society 14 - 18 june , st . louis 1964 , pp . 139 - 149 . various metallisation chemicals are marketed , for example , by ermax and london laboratories ltd . or merck . the contact time is at most 1 minute . a silver layer in a thickness of 0 . 1 μm to 1 μm is deposited on the fiber in this manner . the fiber is then guided through a rinsing bath h 3 in which liquid dragged along from bath a is rinsed off . a nickel layer in a thickness of 2 μm is then electroplated on the silver - plated optical fibre in bath n . this bath consists of a solution of nickel sulphamate in water which contains 80 g per liter of nickel , the ph of the bath is brought at 4 . 5 by means of boric acid . a nickel anode is present in the bath . the silver layer on the fibre forms the cathode . dependent on the dimensions of the space in which the electroplating is carried out , the fiber may be passed through the bath n one or several times until the desired thickness of the nickel layer has been obtained . after the desired thickness of the nickel layer has been obtained the fiber is guided through a rinsing bath h 4 in which the liquid dragged along from bath n is rinsed off with deionized water . a lead - tin alloy having the composition 40 pb remainder sn is then electroplated on the nickel layer in bath p . this bath consists of a solution of sn ( bf 4 ) and pb ( bf 4 ) 2 in water . the solution is brought at a ph ≦ 1 by means of boric acid . the bath comprises approximately 100 g / l of sn and 50 g / l of pb in water . the fibre is passed through the bath p until a layer of lead - tin alloy of a sufficient thickness has been deposited . the fibre with metal layers is then rinsed with water in bath h 5 and guided through the drying space d in which the fibre is dried by means of warm air . the fibre is then reeled on a storage reel . the fibre is preferably passed through bath n for at least two times and the current density between the two steps is increased by a factor 2 . fig2 is a cross - sectional view of the finished fiber which consists of a core 1 having a diameter of 50 μm of geo 2 - doped quartz glass , the doping being distributed in the core in such manner that the refractive index increases from the circumference of the core to the axis according to a parabolic curve . the cladding 2 of the fiber consists of undoped quartz glass in a thickness of 37 . 5 μm . the composition and build - up of the fiber in itself is of no significance for the method according to the invention . it may equally well be carried out with monomode fibers and graded index fibers and fibers of different dimensions and of different types of glass or synthetic resins . a synthetic resin coating 3 in a thickness of 60 μm is provided on the fiber after drawing from the preform . synthetic resins suitable for this purpose which can also be metallized suitably are , for example , uv or e . b . cured acrylate resins , for example , based on polyurethane , acrylates , epoxy acrylates or polyester acrylates . thermally cured silicone rubbers or epoxy resins may also be used . a layer 4 of silver in a thickness of 0 . 2 μm , a layer 5 of nickel in a thickness of 2 μm , and a layer 6 of a lead - tin alloy ( 40 pb remainder sn ) are successively provided on the synthetic resin coating 3 . the overall metal layer thickness is approximately 10 - 20 μm . it has been described in the embodiment how an optical glass fiber according to the invention can be coated with a metal layer . optical fibres which consist entirely of a synthetic resin can be provided with a metal layer in a similar manner . a fiber coated with a metal layer by means of the method according to the invention can withstand water and water vapour . the metal - coated fibres cannot take up any static charge , so that the processibility is promoted . the dimensional stability of fibers consisting entirely of a synthetic resin is increased . | 2 |
with reference to the drawings , and initially to fig1 a plasma process arrangement 10 , e . g ., for etching a silicon wafer or other workpiece , has an rf power generator 12 , which produces rf power at a prescribed frequency , e . g ., 13 . 56 mhz at a predetermined power level , such as one kilowatt . the generator 12 supplies rf power along a conduit 14 to a matching network 16 . the output of the matching network 16 is coupled by a power conduit 18 to an input of a plasma chamber 20 . a probe voltage and current pickup device 22 picks up a voltage sample v v that represents the rf voltage v rf and also picks up a current sample voltage v i that represents the rf current i rf of the applied rf power as it enters the input to the chamber 20 . the chamber 20 has a vacuum conduit associated with a not - shown vacuum pump and a gas inlet through which a noble gas , e . g ., argon , is introduced into the chamber . the voltage and current samples v v and v i are fed to a voltage and current ( v - i ) baseband probe arrangement 24 which measures the magnitudes or amplitudes of the applied voltage and current , and also computes the phase angle φ between the applied voltage and current waveforms . these three values can be computed with high accuracy , and can in turn be used to calculate other parameters . in this arrangement , there is a digital controller that is programmable , e . g ., by means of an external computer 28 configured with a modular p . d . s . encoding system . the controller 26 can be configured to control the rf generator 12 , the phase and magnitude factors for the impedance match net 16 , and other additional elements , such as a pressure controller 30 for the gas pressure supplied to the chamber 20 . there can be additional sensors connected between the controller 26 and elements such as the chamber 20 and the rf generator 12 . this configuration is discussed at length in copending u . s . patent application ser . no . 08 / 954 , 387 ( now u . s . pat . no . 5 , 971 , 591 ) filed oct . 20 , 1997 , by daniel f . vona , et al . having a common assignee herewith . the baseband voltage - current sensor permits accurate determination of voltage amplitude | v |, current amplitude | i |, and phase φ between voltage and current for an rf ( radio frequency ) signal . this can be in the range of 0 . 200 mhz to 67 . 8 mhz , permitting the user to analyze a plasma with greater precision than has been possible with more conventional analog techniques . the same concept can be applied beyond these frequencies to other ranges . end results of this improved capability include improved process repeatability , improved process endpoint determination , higher yields , and more consistent yields . the v - i sensor , when employed in connection with the rf path in an rf plasma system , allows the user to achieve a higher degree of control , and to achieve control using parameters beyond simply peak voltage and current values of the rf wave . with the baseband v - i sensor arrangement the user can control the plasma process based on power delivered to the plasma , whether at the rf frequency of the generator or at any other frequency , impedance of the plasma , either at the frequency of the rf waveform or at any frequency within the bandwidth of the arrangement . for example , harmonic analysis can be used for a more accurately determination of completion for an etching step in an integrated circuit ( ic ) wafer . it should be appreciated that with this probe arrangement , the above parameters are obtained with an improvement in smaller size , lower cost , lower drift , higher accuracy ( especially at high phase angles ) and with greater flexibility of integration than with existing probe systems or techniques . moreover , unlike conventional , diode based systems , the arrangement of permits harmonic analysis and permits plasma power and impedance measurements at user - selected frequencies . also , this probe arrangement permits the data to be easily exported , and facilitates remote user operation and monitoring . the phase measurement taken in this manner is highly accurate , i . e ., to within one - fifth degree , i . e ., 0 . 2 °. this cannot be achieved with other techniques , such as zero - crossing detectors . of course , this probe can be used over a wide range of frequencies , including other process rf frequencies such as 27 . 12 mhz , 40 . 68 mhz , etc . a problem of achieving precision in measuring the voltage , current , and phase arises from the fact that the voltage and current sensors have to be of finite size in order to pick up a detectable signal . therefore , this invention addresses the problem of creating a super - high matching directivity voltage and current sensor and allowing for the calibration of the non - zero length of each . an ideal voltage and current sensor should produce pickup signals vv and vi that represent a zero - length insertion point . this is unrealistic , however , because the sensor has to be of finite size in order to sense the voltage and current . the voltage and current sensor produces a low - level signal which has a well - defined relationship between itself and the high level signal being detected and measured . accordingly , the achievement of this invention is to create a voltage and current sensor with super - high matching directivity , and to generate a calibration algorithm to account for , and compensate for the non - zero length of the sensor elements . details of the hardware for the sensor 22 can be appreciated from fig2 a and 2b , which represent the v / i sensor 22 as a length of coaxial cable . the sensor 22 is created to behave as a length of coaxial transmission line , with a center conductor a , a cylindrical insulator layer b of dielectric material such as air , teflon , ceramics , or other suitable material , and an outer conductor c that is coaxial with the center conductor a and the insulator b . the remaining structure of the sensor as shown in fig3 , 5 , 4 a to 4 d , and 5 a to 5 d , serves to detect the voltage v rf appearing on the center conductor a and the current i rf that flows through it . as shown in fig3 the outer conductor c is formed as a generally rectangular aluminum housing 30 , with an axial bore 32 in which the insulator b and center conductor a are positioned . the housing 30 also has a recess 34 on one side ( here , the top ) in which a voltage sense circuit board is fitted , and another recess 36 opposite the first recess in which a current sense circuit board is fitted . various plates and attachments fit on this , but are not shown here . the recesses 34 and 36 extend radially inward and meet with , that is , open onto , the center bore 32 . this structure maintains the electrical characteristics of a coaxial line , but allows for the electric signals to be sensed . the housing 30 here has a square outside and a cylindrical hole 32 on the inside . due to the fact that the rf current does not completely penetrate an electrical conductor , i . e ., due to “ skin effect ,” the current travels through the housing near the central bore 32 , and not through the square portion beyond it . consequently , the measurement of the rf current and voltage requires introducing the current and voltage measurement elements into the structure shown in fig2 at or close to the cylindrical surface defined by the bore 32 . the printed circuit board 20 has a capacitive plate 52 formed thereon , as shown in section in fig4 shown also in fig4 a . the conductive plate has a length l and is positioned facing the center conductor a and parallel with it . this is placed on an insulator layer 43 ( fig4 b ) on which is mounted a ground completion conductive layer 44 ( fig4 c ), which also has a portion surrounding the margin of the insulator layer 43 . a printed circuit board 45 is positioned on the side radially away from the capacitive plate 42 ( fig4 d ). there are feed - throughs 46 and 47 disposed at transverse positions on the plate 42 and on a line midway beween its ends . the feed - throughs pass through the layers 43 , 44 , and 45 to connect to circuit elements 48 on the pcb 45 . as shown here , the elements 48 should be distributed symmetrically on the board , both axially and transversely . the printed circuit board 50 with an inductive wire 52 formed ( i . e ., printed ) thereon is shown in section in fig5 shown also in fig5 a . the inductive wire has a length l and is positioned facing the center conductor a and parallel with it . this wire 52 is placed on an insulator layer 53 ( fig5 b ) on which is mounted a ground completion conductive layer 54 ( fig5 c ), which also has a portion surrounding the margin of the insulator layer 53 . a printed circuit board 55 is positioned on the side radially away from the inductive wire 52 ( fig5 d ). there are feed - throughs 56 and 57 disposed at the ends of the inductive wire 52 and passing through the layers 53 , 54 , and 55 to connect to circuit elements 58 on the pcb 55 . as shown here , the elements 58 should be distributed symmetrically on the board , both axially and transversely . also , the voltage and current sensor elements should be the same length . in this embodiment , the voltage and current sensing elements are placed on opposite sides of the center conductor in order to minimize crosstalk between the two circuit boards 40 and 50 . in each case the ground completion layer 44 , 54 serves as the ground plane layer c for the outer conductor , and also completes the return path for current in the main coaxial line section with minimal disruption . due to the laws of ac field and wave electromagnetics , the voltage present on the center conductor of the coaxial transmission line ( fig2 ) induces a voltage in the metallic plate 42 , ( similar in operation to a capacitor ). these same laws of electromagnetics cause the current traveling through the center conductor of the coaxial transmission line to induce a current in the metallic wire 52 ( similar in operation to a transformer ). the design of the coaxial line section ( including printed circuit board lengths ) is constrained by the factors of : ( a ) breakdown voltage ; ( b ) current carrying capacity ; ( c ) characteristic impedance ; and ( d ) voltage and current pickup sensitivity . breakdown voltage is determined by the distance between the center and outer conductors and the breakdown voltage of the insulating material between them . the greater the distance , the larger the breakdown voltage . current carrying capacity is determined by the size of each of the two conductors ; with the size of the inner conductor being the main factor because of its smaller diameter . the larger the diameter , the larger the current carrying capacity . characteristic impedance is determined by the diameters of the inner and outer conductors and the dielectric constant of the insulating material between them . finally , pickup sensitivity is determined by the length of each pickup and the distance between each pickup and the inner conductor . the net effect is that increasing the length of the capacitive plate 42 , or the metallic wire 52 or moving either closer to the center conductor of the coaxial transmission line will increase the amount of voltage or current , respectively , that is induced in each . a proper balance between all four of these factors is necessary for optimal operation of the v / i sensor . symmetry of each pcb 40 , 50 about the center conductor of the coaxial line section ( in both the long and short directions ) is the key to achieving identical sensitivity to the forward and reverse traveling voltage and current waves present in the coaxial line section . identical sensitivity produces a balanced system with a balanced ground system . this sensitivity is referred to as “ matching directivity ”. accuracy of the sensor over wide impedance ranges demands an almost perfect sensitivity ( or a super high matching directivity .) with the coaxial voltage sensing structure outlined above , additional design goals where placed upon the circuit which would be present on the outer layer 45 or 55 ( circuit construction ) for each sensing pcb . one of these design goals is to produce a voltage signal that was a linear representation ( in both phase and magnitude ) of the voltage on the main line section . the second design goal is to produce a voltage signal that is a linear representation ( in both phase and magnitude ) of the current signal on the main line section . with these constraints satisfied , the magnitudes of the voltage and current signal as well as the phase angle between these signals can easily be calculated according to the equations below : laboratory experimentation reveals that the original design objective of linear in phase and magnitude is not possible with conventional circuitry . the equations presented in ( 1 ), ( 2 ), and ( 3 ) above caused significant computational errors when the v / i sensor was connected to low and high impedance loads ; with the error increasing with frequency . another aspect of this invention involves an analysis of the equations in ( 1 ), ( 2 ), and ( 3 ) to demonstrate that they not valid . next , the invention involves finding the equations that actually describe sensor behavior . finally , the invention involves how to properly calibrate for the hardware described hereinabove in such a way as to allow the new equations to be valid over a maximum frequency range and impedance range . since the v / i sensor was created as a coaxial line segment , the best place to start is to take a look at transmission line theory . transmission line theory states that the voltage and current values produced at different positions on a transmission line are a function of this position . this is shown graphically in fig6 in which v g and z g are applied rf voltage and impedance of the rf generator , respectively . equations ( 4 ) and ( 5 ) below define the rules that govern the transmission line system shown in fig2 a and 2 b . v ( x )= i l ( z l * cos h ( γ * x )+ z 0 * sin h ( γ * x )) ( 4 ) i ( x )=( i l / z 0 )*( z l * sin h ( γ * x )+ z 0 * cos h ( γ * x )) ( 5 ) x : position on the line away from z l ( with z l being x = 0 ) in a lossless transmission line , the two constants z 0 and γ are defined as : equation ( 4 ) clearly shows that the voltage produced on a transmission line as a function of position is only constant for the situation when z l = z 0 . for all other values of z l , the voltage must be computed with equation ( 4 ). as stated previously , the voltage sensor is created by placing the metal capacitive plate 42 of length l a fixed distance from the center conductor of a coaxial transmission line . this geometry creates a capacitance between the center conductor and the metal plate , allowing for a small portion of the energy in the line to be tapped . it is this capacitance and the additional frequency shaping circuitry that functions as a voltage sensor . fig7 shows a rough sketch of the voltage sensor , where : l : length of parallel voltage sensor plate along transmission line center conductor v p : voltage at center of pickup ( capacitive plate 42 ) c l : load capacitance for frequency smoothing of magnitude response r l : load resistance for frequency smoothing of magnitude response . in practice , the above electromagnetic geometry is constructed into a printed circuit board allowing easy construction , maintenance , repeatability , and reliability . when a load is attached to a transmission line , the forward and reverse traveling ac waves combine to create a standing wave pattern originating from the load . if the impedance of load exactly matches the characteristic impedance of the transmission line , the standing wave pattern is constant in magnitude for the entire length of the transmission line . since a perfect match between the impedance of the load and the impedance of the line is possible only in theory , a standing wave will always exist and the voltage will not be a constant value across the length of the metal plate of the voltage sensor . hence , equation ( 4 ) must be utilized to properly calculate the voltage at point v p . the challenge is to create an equation that can be calculated in a digital signal processor ( dsp ), micro - processor , etc . to produce an accurate result . to solve this , we graphically combine equation ( 4 ) with fig7 to produce the circuit shown in fig8 . here , as series of n capacitor elements represent the capacitance formed between the metal plate 42 on the voltage pickup and the inner conductor a of the transmission line . in this case , l : length of voltage sensor plate parallel to the transmission line conductor a v 1 , v 2 , . . . v n : voltages calculated from equation ( 4 ) at n different values of x i 1 , i 2 , . . . i n : currents produced due to voltages v 1 , v 2 , . . . v n δc : partial capacitance of voltage sensor created by capacitance divided into n parts i p : sum of currents i 1 , i 2 , . . . i n ; total current leaving point v p v p : voltage at center of pickup plate 42 c l : load capacitance for frequency smoothing of magnitude response r l : load resistance for frequency smoothing of magnitude response proper circuit analysis of fig8 involves implementation of kirchoff &# 39 ; s current law ( kcl ). doing this we get : i p = ∑ k = 1 n i k ( 8 ) i k =( v n − v p )/( δ z c ) ( 12 ) where c is the capacitance formed by voltage sensor parallel plate 42 . combining equations ( 10 ) and ( 13 ) yields : combining equations ( 14 ) and ( 11 ) yields : δ z c = 1 / ( j * ω * c * δ x / l ) = l / ( j * ω * c * δ x ) ( 15 ) combining equations ( 15 ) and ( 12 ) yields : i k = ( v n - v p ) / l / ( j * ω * c * δ x ) = j * ω * c * ( v n - v p ) * δ x / l ( 16 ) the summation notation in equation ( 8 ) is an approximation only , and hence , not exact . an exact solution requires increasing n to ∞, which is easily done with an integral . rewriting equation ( 8 ) in integral notation yields : i p = ∫ 0 l 1 l ( 17 ) substituting equation ( 18 ) into ( 17 ) and working with the result yields : i p = ∫ 0 l j · ω · c · ( v ( x ) - v p ) l x = j · ω · c l · ∫ 0 l ( v ( x ) - v p ) x i p j · ω · c = 1 l · ∫ 0 l ( v ( x ) - v p ) x = 1 l · ( ∫ 0 l v ( x ) x - v p · l ) i p j · ω · c = - v p + 1 l · ∫ 0 l v ( x ) x ( 19 ) combining equations ( 19 ), ( 9 ), and ( 4 ) yields : v p ( z p ) · ( j · ω · c ) = - v p + 1 l · ∫ 0 l [ i l · ( z l · cosh ( γ · x ) + z 0 · sinh ( γ · x ) ) ] x ( 20 ) solving equation ( 20 ) for v p ( the voltage at the pickup plate 42 ) yields : v p · [ 1 + 1 ( z p ) · ( j · ω · c ) ] = 1 l · ∫ 0 l [ i l · ( z l · cosh ( γ · x ) + z 0 · sinh ( γ · x ) ) ] x = [ 1 l · ∫ 0 l [ i l · ( z l · cosh ( γ · x ) ) ] x ] + [ 1 l · ∫ 0 l i l · [ z 0 · ( sinh ( γ · x ) ) ] x ] = ( i l · z l l · ∫ 0 l cosh ( γ · x ) x ) + ( i l · z 0 l · ∫ 0 l sinh ( γ · h ) x ) = i l · z l l · γ · ( sinh ( γ · x ) ) 0 … l + i l · z 0 l · γ · ( cosh ( γ · x ) ) 0 … l = i l · z l l · γ · sinh ( γ · l ) + i l · z 0 l · γ · ( cosh ( γ · l ) - 1 ) = i l · z l · sinh ( γ · l ) l · γ + i l · z 0 · ( cosh ( γ · l ) - 1 l · γ ) ( 21 ) since l is a constant always and γ is a constant at a given frequency ( the v / i sensor is calibrated at separate frequencies ), we can re - write the above as : v p · [ 1 + 1 ( z p ) · ( j · ω · c ) ] = i l · z l · a + i l · z 0 · b also , since z p and j * ω * c will be constant at a given frequency , the above equation can be written as : the expression in equation ( 22 ) has three constants . this equation is very important to the second part of this invention and will be simplified later . equation ( 5 ) clearly shows that the current produced on a transmission line , as a function of position , is only constant for the situation when z l = z 0 . for all other values of z l , the current can be calculated with equation ( 5 ). as stated previously , the current sensor is created by placing a conductive wire of length l a fixed distance from the center conductor a of a coaxial transmission line . this geometry creates a mutual inductance between the center conductor and the wire , and allows for a small portion of the energy in the line to be tapped . it is this mutual inductance and the additional frequency shaping circuitry that functions as a current sensor . fig9 below shows a rough schematic of the current sensor . here , l is the length of the parallel current sensor wire 52 along the transmission line conductor , in practice , the above electromagnetic geometry is constructed into a printed circuit board for easy construction , maintenance , repeatability , and reliability . when a load is attached to a transmission line , the forward and reverse traveling waves combine to create a standing wave pattern originating from the load . if the impedance of load exactly matches the characteristic impedance of the transmission line , the standing wave pattern is constant in magnitude for the entire length of the transmission line . since a perfect match between the impedance of the load and the impedance of the line is possible only in theory , a standing wave will always exist and the current will not be a constant value across the length of the metal wire of the current sensor . hence , equation ( 5 ) must be utilized to properly calculate the voltage across impedance z i produced by the current i i . the challenge , again , is to create an equation that can be calculated in a dsp , microprocessor , etc . to produce an accurate result . to solve this , we graphically combine equation ( 5 ) and fig9 to produce fig1 , where the transformer pairs represent the mutual inductance between the inner conductor of the transmission line and the current pickup wire of the current sensor geometry , where : l : length of current sensor wire parallel to the transmission line conductor a i 1 , i 2 , . . . i n : currents calculated from equation ( 5 ) at n different values of x z i : load impedance for frequency smoothing of magnitude response v i : voltage produced across load z i due to currents i 1 , i 2 , . . . i n δl 1 : partial primary transformer inductance created by primary inductance , divided into n parts δl 2 : partial secondary transformer inductance created by secondary inductance , divided into n parts . the next step is to conduct circuit analysis on the circuit in fig1 . when analyzing a circuit with mutual inductance elements , it is usually most efficient to replace each mutual inductor with its “ t ” inductor equivalent circuit . this conversion is shown pictorially in fig1 . fig1 is a simplified version of fig1 , but is still too complicated for easy circuit analysis . hence , the next step is to simplify fig1 . the best place to start the simplification is to replace each portion of the circuit ( e . g ., with the dashed box around it ) with its thevenin equivalent circuit . a thevenin circuit utilizes the thevenin theorem ( which states that any excited , fixed circuit network can be replaced with an equivalent ideal voltage source and series impedance ) to complete the transformation . the thevenin theorem is shown pictorially in fig1 . the circuit for thevenin conversion is shown in fig1 . the thevenin impedance ( z th ) is found by replacing the current source with an open circuit ( representation of infinite impedance ) and calculate the remaining impedance seen when “ looking ” between the terminals marked a and b : z th = j ω * ( δ l 2 - δ m + δ m ) = jω * δ l 2 ( 23 ) the thevenin voltage is found by computing v ab with an open circuit between the terminals marked a and b : fig1 represents the circuit of fig1 , simplified with the thevenin equivalent circuits in place , where v th1 : equivalent thevenin voltage from sub circuit containing i 1 z th1 : equivalent thevenin impedance from sub circuit containing i 1 v th2 : equivalent thevenin voltage from sub circuit containing i 2 z th2 : equivalent thevenin impedance from sub circuit containing i 2 v thn : equivalent thevenin voltage from sub circuit containing i n z thn : equivalent thevenin impedance from sub circuit containing i n the voltage of interest in the complete circuit analysis is voltage v i formed across impedance z i by current i i ( not shown in fig1 ) hence , it becomes necessary to solve for current i i . this is done by proper use of kirchoff &# 39 ; s voltage law ( kvl ): v thn − . . . − v th2 − v th1 + i i *( z thn + . . . + z th2 + z th1 )= 0 ( 25 ) converting equation ( 25 ) to summation notation yields : i i · ( ∑ k = 1 n z thk + z i ) = ∑ k = 1 n v thk ( 26 ) combining equations ( 23 ), ( 24 ), and ( 26 ) yields : i l * ( ∑ k = 1 n j · ωδ l 2 + z l ) = ∑ k = 1 n l k · j · ω · δ m ( 27 ) i l * ( j · ω · l 2 + z l ) = ∑ k = 1 n l k · j · ω · δ m next , the mathematical definition of δm ( partial mutual inductance ) needs to be established : combining equations ( 30 ) and ( 27 ) yields : i l * ( j · ω · l 2 + z l ) = ∑ k = 1 n l k · j · ω · m · δ x l ( 32 ) the summation notation in equation ( 32 ) is an approximation only , and hence , not exact . an exact solution requires increasing n to ∞, which is easily done with an integral . rewriting equation ( 32 ) in integral notation yields : i l * ( j · ω · l 2 + z l ) = ∫ 0 l i ( x ) · j · ω · m l x ( 33 ) combining equations ( 33 ) and ( 5 ) yields : i l * ( j · ω · l 2 + z l ) = j · ω · m l · ∫ 0 l [ i l z o · ( z l · sinh ( γ · x ) + z o · cosh ( γ · x ) ) ] x i l * ( j · ω · l 2 + z l ) = j · ω · m l · [ i l · z l z o · ( cosh ( γ · l ) - 1 γ ) + i l · sinh ( γ · l ) γ ] i l * ( j · ω · l 2 + z l ) = j · ω · m · [ i l · z l z o · ( cosh ( γ · l ) - 1 γ · l ) + i l · sihn ( γ · l ) γ · l ] i l * ( j · ω · l 2 + z l ) = j · ω · m · ( i l · z l z o · b + i l · a ) i l = ( j · ω · m j · ω · l 2 + z l ) · ( i l · z l z o · b + i l · a ) i l = ( j · ω · m j · ω · l 2 + z l ) · ( b z o · v l + a · i l ) ( 34 ) since the voltage across the current circuit load impedance z i is i i * z i , equation ( 34 ) can be simplified as : v l = e · ( b z o · v l + a · i l ) ( 35 ) this completes the derivation of the voltage and current pickup circuits . in summary , the two equations the define the output of the voltage ( equation ( 22 )) and current ( equation ( 35 )) circuits in the v / i sensor . these two equations are restated below for clarity before continuing with derivations : v v = i l · z l · a + i l · z o · b d ( 22 ) v l = e · ( b z o · v l + a · i l ) ( 35 ) these equations are a good first step , but the end goal of this derivation is to create a set of equations to allow a computer ( i . e . dsp ) to compensate ( calibrate ) for the non - ideal effect of the pickup head ( as summarized in the above equations .) a cursory glance at the above two equations will show that there are five constants ( a , b , d , e , and z 0 ). five constants means that there are five unknowns in the calibration . five unknowns means that five different measurement standards need to be maintained ( either equipment or impedance standards ) for each frequency . five points at each frequency are too many . the purpose of the remainder of this derivation section will be to reduce the number of constants needed . starting with this goal , the above two equations can be rewritten as : equations ( 36 ) and ( 37 ) now contain only four constants each . since v v and v i will be known voltages ( i . e . voltages measured by the analysis section ), equations ( 36 ) and ( 37 ) need to be solved for v l and i l ( the load voltage and current respectively ). treating equations ( 36 ) and ( 37 ) as a system of equations and solving the system yields : with v l and i l solved for , z l can easily be calculated by : z l = v l / i l = ( j * v v − g * v i )/( f * v i − h * v v ) ( 40 ) equations ( 38 ), ( 39 ), and ( 40 ) represent how to calculate the load values , but four constants are still too many ( four constants means maintaining four unknowns during calibration .) continuing on , if we remember that : equation ( 42 ) still has four unknowns , but it allows z l ( load impedance ) to be computed directly from z v ( impedance measured by analysis board .) two of the four unknowns can be calculated from a short circuit and open circuit . these will work well because an open circuit and short circuit are easy to maintain . working equation ( 42 ) with a short circuit at the load ( z l = 0 ) yields : if a constant z vs is created to mean the impedance “ seen ” by the analysis section when z l is a short circuit , a new constant is created and equation ( 43 ) becomes : z vs = g / j ( 44 ) equation ( 44 ) is a very important result - this will be shown later . working with equation ( 42 ) with an open circuit at the load ( z l =∞) yields : if a constant z vo is created to mean the impedance “ seen ” by the analysis section then z l is an open circuit , a new constant is created and equation ( 45 ) becomes : z vo = f / h ( 46 ) again , equation ( 46 ) is an important result . combining equations ( 42 ), ( 44 ), and ( 46 ) yields : z l = ( j * z v - g ) / ( f - h * z v ) = ( z v - g / j ) / ( ( 1 / j ) * ( f - h * z v ) = ( j / h ) * ( z v - g / j ) / ( f / h - z v ) z l = ( j / h ) * ( z v - z vs ) / ( z vo - z v ) ( 47 ) another impedance standard that is easy to maintain is a stable 50 ohm load . if a constant z lx is created to mean the impedance “ seen ” by the analysis section when z l is the stable 50 ohm load , a new constant is created and equation ( 47 ) becomes : z l = z lx * ( z v - z vs ) / ( z vo - z v ) ( 48 ) four calibration standards are still needed , but each is easily maintainable . in summary , the four standards are : items ( 1 )-( 3 ) from the list above were addressed earlier , item ( 4 ) will be addressed now . at the moment , accurate rf voltage measurement equipment is easier to obtain than accurate rf current measurement equipment . with this in mind , the equations for calculating v l and i l ( the load voltage and current ) are easily created by working with equations ( 38 ) and ( 39 ) respectively : v l = ( j * v v - g * v l ) / ( f * j - g * h ) = ( v v - ( g / j ) * v l ) / ( f - ( g / j ) * h ) = ( v v - z vs * v l ) / ( f - z vs * h ) v l = v l * ( z v - z vs ) / v c ( 49 ) i l = v l / z l ( 50 ) where v c is a voltage calibration coefficient created from voltage measurement standard . this derivation can be understood by an explanation of the calibration and measurement cycle that will be utilized by the analysis section : ( 1 ) it is established that calibration will only be completed for specified frequencies in the bandwidth of the v / i sensor ( otherwise , an infinitely long calibration table would result ). ( 2 ) it is established that the v / i sensor will be calibrated at a certain number of frequencies per decade . the remaining gaps in the spectrum can be filled by simple linear interpolation between adjacent , calibrated frequency points . ( 3 ) the 50ω load standard is measured ( both impedance and phase ) at each of the frequencies established in step ( 2 ). this load information is made available to the dsp in the analysis section . ( 4 ) a short circuit is connected to the v / i sensor and sufficient power is run though the v / i sensor into the short circuit to create signals strong enough to be measured by the analysis section . the dsp in the analysis section computes the value z v by dividing the voltage signal v v by the current signal v i . this z v value is then stored as the z vs calibration constant for the frequency measured . this is repeated for all frequencies chosen in step ( 2 ). ( 5 ) an open circuit is connected to the v / i sensor and sufficient power is run through the v / i sensor into the open circuit to create signals strong enough to be measured by the analysis section . the dsp in the analysis section computes the value z v . this z v value is then stored as the z vo calibration constant for the frequency measured . this is repeated for all frequencies chosen in step ( 2 ). ( 6 ) the 50ω load standard is connected to the v / i sensor and sufficient power is run through the v / i sensor into the 50ω load to create signals strong enough to be measured by the analysis section . the dsp in the analysis section computes the value z v . this z v value with the data taken in steps ( 3 ) to ( 5 ) is used to compute the calibration constant z lx which is stored for the frequency measured . this is repeated for all frequencies chosen in step ( 2 ). ( 7 ) a load of any impedance is connected to the v / i sensor for the voltage measurement standard and sufficient power is run through the v / i sensor and voltage measurement standard to create signals strong enough to be measured by each . the dsp in the analysis section computes the value z v . this z v value in addition to the data from the voltage measurement standard is used to compute the calibration constant v c which is stored for the frequency measured . this is repeated for all frequencies chosen in step ( 2 ). now , when data are requested from the v / i sensor , the dsp simply needs to calculate z v , extract the stored calibration constants z vs , z vo , z lx , and v c and use them to calculate z l , v l , and i l using equations ( 48 ), ( 49 ), and ( 50 ) respectively . with these three calculations complete , the dsp has all the necessary data ( i . e . | v |, | i |, | z |, and ∠ z ) to compute all other items requested by the operator . one unique point about this calibration method is that its accuracy is based solely upon how accurately the stable 50ω load can be measured and how accurate is the voltage standard . to improve accuracy of the calibration all that needs to be done is a more accurate measurement of the 50ω load and a more accurate voltage standard . while the invention has been described in detail with reference to a preferred embodiment , the invention is certainly not limited only to that embodiment , but may be applied in a wide range of environments . rather , many modifications and variations will present themselves to persons of skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention , as defined in the appended claims . | 7 |
referring to fig1 - 2 , there is illustrated a portion of a wafer 10 . fig1 and 2 show an upper portion of the wafer 10 , which is built on a supporting substrate 70 . the substrate 70 may have electronic devices or regions fabricated therein . the wafer 10 has a first dielectric layer 18 , upon which is located a hard mask layer 14 . positioned atop the hard mask layer 14 is a second dielectric layer 12 . conductive plugs 20 formed of a conductive material fills openings 19 in the first dielectric layer 18 . the conductive plugs 20 may connect with an active region or another conductor within the substrate 70 . vias 16 extend from a top surface of the second dielectric layer 12 to a bottom surface of the hard mask layer 14 . conductive material fills each via 16 and contacts a corresponding conductive material plug 20 . the dielectric layers 12 , 18 may be formed of any suitable dielectric material , such as , for example , borophosphosilicate glass ( bpsg ), tetra ethyl orthosilane ( teos ) or plasmas enhanced teos ( peteos ). the conductive material 20 may be formed of a suitably conductive material , such as a metal . suitable metals include copper , aluminum , gold , silver , titanium and the like . the hard mask layer 14 is formed of a material resistant to certain etchants . preferably , the hard mask layer 14 is formed of silicon nitride . the wafer - in - process is chemical mechanical polished to prepare the surface for further processing . a conventional process has been illustrated in fig1 and 2 . fig3 - 5 illustrate the formation of the wafer 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention . fig3 illustrates a photolithographic device 30 , such as a semiconductor mask or reticle , which includes a transparent substrate 32 and radiant energy inhibiting portions 34 . the transparent substrate 32 is formed of quartz , glass , or any other material transparent to radiant energy . the inhibiting portions 34 are formed of a material which will prevent passage of radiant energy , such as chromium or other like opaque materials . alternatively , a translucent or semi - opaque material may be used to inhibit the passage of radiant energy . [ 0022 ] fig4 shows the fig2 structure at the point where a photoresist layer 22 has been applied to the dielectric layer 12 which has the vias 16 formed therein . as shown in fig4 a radiant energy source 50 projects radiant energy toward the photolithographic device 30 , which for simplicity &# 39 ; s sake will hereinafter be called a reticle 30 . a portion 40 of the radiant energy is inhibited by the inhibiting portions 34 from projecting onto and exposing portions of the photoresist material 22 while another portion 42 of the radiant energy extends through the reticle 30 . the reticle 30 is registered to the wafer - in - process such that each inhibiting portion 34 obstructs the radiant energy portion 40 from direct transmission to the photoresist material 22 overlaying , and positioned in , a corresponding via 16 . by inhibiting direct projection of radiant energy to portions of the photoresist material 22 within or above the vias 16 , a lower portion 26 of the photoresist material 22 remains unexposed , while an upper portion 24 of the photoresist material 22 still becomes exposed and may then be removed ( fig5 ). the lower portions 26 of the photoresist layer 22 protect the hard mask layer 14 and the conductive plugs 20 during a subsequent processing step performed on the wafer 10 ( described in detail below ). strategic placement of the inhibiting portions 34 on the reticle 30 prevents the depth of focus ( dof ) of the radiant energy from extending beyond the depth of the vias 16 , allowing the lower photoresist portions 26 to remain in a lower quadrant of the vias 16 . preferably , the unexposed lower photoresist portions 26 should protect at least the conductive plugs 20 , and more preferably also protect the hard mask layer 14 . thus , more preferably the unexposed lower photoresist portions 26 should extend from the conductive plugs 20 beyond the hard mask layer 14 . with reference to fig4 by directing radiant energy through a properly registered reticle 30 , an exposure pattern emerges on the wafer - in process in which the photoresist material 22 directly above the vias 16 has a reduced exposure relative to other portions of the photoresist material 22 . specifically , in the photoresist material 22 surrounding the vias 16 , the normalized intensity ( exposure / time ) is about 0 . 90 to about 1 . 00 . however , because of the inhibiting or opaque portions 34 directly blocking radiant energy from the vias 16 , the normalized intensity at the photoresist material 22 overlaying the vias 16 is about 0 . 58 to about 0 . 34 . fig6 - 7 illustrate a method of fabricating the wafer 10 in accordance with the present invention . step 100 ( fig6 a , 7 ) is an etch of the first dielectric layer 18 . radiant energy projects through a transparent substrate 31 of a photolithographic device 29 onto a photoresist layer 52 on the first dielectric layer 18 . opaque or inhibiting portions 33 prevent radiant energy from extending to some parts of the photoresist layer 52 . the radiant energy may be any suitable form capable of developing the photoresist layer 52 , as is well known in the art . the radiant energy extending through the transparent substrate 31 forms openings in the photoresist layer 52 . these openings in the photoresist layer 52 are in turn used in the etching of the first dielectric layer 18 to form the openings 19 therein ( fig6 b ). after formation of the openings 19 in the first dielectric layer 18 , conductive material 21 is deposited within the openings 19 and over the first dielectric layer 18 at step 105 ( fig6 c ). conductive plugs 20 are then formed at step 110 ( fig6 d ). preferably , a chemical mechanical polish ( cmp ) is performed on the conductive material 21 overlaying the first dielectric layer 18 to ablate that portion of the material 21 , leaving behind the conductive plugs 20 . the hard mask layer 14 is then deposited over the first dielectric layer 18 and the conductive plugs 20 at step 115 ( fig6 e ). the second dielectric layer 12 is then deposited on the hard mask layer 14 at step 120 ( fig6 f ). the vias 16 are formed in the second dielectric layer 12 and the hard mask layer 14 at step 125 ( fig6 f , 6g ). specifically , radiant energy is projected through transparent portions 231 of a photolithographic device 229 onto a photoresist layer 54 to expose portions of it . the layer 54 is then developed and openings therein are used to etch the second dielectric layer 12 and the hard mask 24 to form the vias 16 . radiant energy is inhibited from projecting through part of the device 229 to the wafer - in - process due to the positioning of opaque or inhibiting portions 233 . the device 229 is registered to the wafer - in - process so as to position the openings in the photoresist layer 54 to form each via 16 to contact a corresponding conductive plug 20 . the vias 16 are filled with the photoresist material 22 , which extends over a top surface of the second dielectric layer 12 , at step 130 ( fig6 h ). as noted above , the photoresist material 22 includes a shallow portion 24 and a deep portion 26 . at step 135 , a portion of the photoresist material 22 is exposed ( fig6 h , 61 ). specifically , the radiant energy 42 projects through the transparent portions 32 of a photolithographic device 30 . the device 30 includes the inhibiting or opaque portions 34 which inhibit the radiant energy 42 from directly extending through the device 230 to the wafer - in - process . the device 30 differs from the device 229 in that the opaque portions 34 are positioned to inhibit radiant energy from directly reaching the vias 16 , while the opaque portions 233 are positioned out of a direct line with the vias 16 and the radiant energy . in other words , the device 30 is the inverse of the device 229 . the exposed portions of the photoresist 22 are removed , leaving an open space 60 and some remaining unexposed deep portions 26 of the photoresist 22 in the vias 16 . after removing the exposed portions of the photoresist 22 , the wafer - in - process is etched at step 140 ( fig6 j ). specifically , the top surface of the second dielectric layer 12 is etched to increase the surface area of the open space 60 . after such processing , the remaining deep portions 26 of the photoresist material 22 are removed at step 145 . the vias 16 and the open space 60 are then filled at step 150 with the conductive material 62 ( fig6 k ). a portion of the conductive material 62 is ablated through chemical mechanical polishing at step 155 ( fig6 l ) to prepare the surface for further processing . the described embodiments provide protection for the conductive plugs 20 and the hard mask layer 14 during etching of the open space 60 by the simple expedient of leaving some photoresist 22 at the bottom of the vias 16 when photoresist patterning the area for etching the second dielectric layer 12 to produce the open space 60 . while the invention has been described in detail in connection with the preferred embodiments known at the time , it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments . rather , the invention can be modified to incorporated any number of variations , alterations , substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described , but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention . for example , while portions 33 , 34 , and 233 are described as opaque , translucent , semi - opaque or like materials capable of keeping the radiant energy dof less than the depth of the vias 16 may be used . accordingly , the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description , but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims . | 8 |
in order that the invention may be more fully understood , it will now be described , by way of example , with reference to the accompanying drawings in which fig1 through 5 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein an apparatus for golf putting practice is disclosed and fig3 a and 3b disclose alternate embodiments . turning to fig1 therein is shown a prior art heating and ventilation air conditioning ( hvac ) vent register 12 having a housing 14 containing a plurality of movable vanes 16 and a vane control means 18 as would be provided in the standard manner by one skilled in the art . it should be noted that the vent register 12 has a flange 20 for contacting a floor surface of a room ( not shown ) along with a lower extended wall 22 of the housing 14 which connects in the standard manner to an under floor outlet ( not shown ) of a hvac system of a building in which the hvac system is installed . turning to fig2 therein is shown the apparatus for golf putting practice 10 which is complementarily sized and shaped as vent register 12 as shown in fig1 . the apparatus for golf putting practice 10 has an upper surface 24 which is sized to conform to or mate to the floor level of the room ( not shown ) in which the hvac system is installed and is typically 290 mm long by 140 mm wide . the apparatus for golf putting practice 10 also has therein at least one golf cup 26 which is regulation sized as specified by the united states golf association ( usga ) depending approximately 38 mm from the upper surface 24 . the apparatus for golf putting practice 10 also has a lower wall 28 , also depending from the upper surface 24 roughly 38 mm which supports the bottom of the golf cup 30 , and which connects in the standard manner to an under floor outlet ( not shown ) of an hvac system . the apparatus for golf putting practice 10 also has on the upper surface 24 a simulated hazard 36 formed by an irregularly shaped opening in upper surface 24 adjacent to the golf cup 26 with a plurality of stationary vanes 40 running beneath the opening of the simulated hazard 36 transverse to the long axis of the upper surface 24 between the lower walls 28 . the apparatus for golf putting practice 10 also has on upper surface 24 a flag mounting boss 42 in which a plastic pin and flag 38 may be inserted . turning to fig3 therein is shown the apparatus for golf putting practice 10 along with the elements previously disclosed and in addition thereto , disclosing the bottom of the golf cup 30 with a plurality of apertures 32 and the simulated hazard 36 through which air from the hvac system may flow . turning to fig4 therein is shown the apparatus for golf putting practice 10 along with the bottom of the golf cup 30 and lower wall 28 and other elements previously disclosed . turning to fig5 therein is shown the apparatus for golf putting practice 10 along with a plurality of stationary vanes 40 attached perpendicularly between the lower walls 28 transverse to the long axis of the apparatus for golf practice 10 running beneath the simulated hazard 36 . also the cup wall 34 is shown which extends from the upper surface 24 to the bottom of the cup 30 at both ends of the cup 26 and from one side of lower wall 28 to the other side of lower wall 28 on circular arc with a radius of approximately 57 mm . the bottom of the cup 30 is shown having approximately a diameter of 114 mm with either side truncated at the cord created by the intersection of the diameter of the bottom of the cup 30 and the lower walls 28 . the lower wall 28 which slips into the hvac outlet ( not shown ) is sized to fit into a standard hvac outlet and the corners are chamfered to reduce interferences with damaged hvac outlets corners . also the plurality of apertures 32 in the bottom of the cup 30 which allow air to flow through the apparatus for golf putting practice 10 and other elements previously disclosed are illustrated . in fig3 a , therein is shown an alternative embodiment as in fig3 except with the addition of a second golf cup 44 disposed adjacent to golf cup 26 in place of the simulated hazard 36 and the pin and flag 38 and the pin and flag mounting boss 42 are eliminated . in fig3 b , therein is shown another alternate embodiment as in fig3 except the opening in upper surface 24 for golf cup 26 is centered in the upper surface and the simulated hazard 36 and the pin and flag 38 and pin and flag mounting boss 42 are eliminated . in the preferred embodiment of the apparatus for golf putting practice 10 , the upper surface 24 , the simulated hazard 36 , a plurality of stationary vanes 40 , the lower wall 28 , the flag mounting boss 42 , and the golf cup 26 are all molded in one integral shot of an injection grade thermoplastic material such as acetal . however the assembly could be molded of any plastic material that is injection grade , can withstand the fluctuating temperatures of a standard home heating and air conditioning duct , and that can be green in color to simulate a grass surface such as polypropylene , abs ( acrylonitrilebutadienestyrene ) or nylon . the upper surface 24 may also be textured to simulate putting green grass . the apparatus for golf putting practice may also be made of stamped and drawn metal as would be done in the standard manner by someone skilled in the art and the upper surface 24 may be coated in such a manner as to simulate a putting green surface . the manner of using the apparatus for golf putting practice 10 is to remove one of the floor mounted vent registers 12 in an office or home and replace it with the apparatus for golf putting practice 10 , inserting the apparatus for golf putting practice 10 deep enough into the hvac outlet opening ( not shown ) such that the top surface 24 is parallel with the top of the floor covering carpet ( not shown ). this assures a smooth transition between the carpet and the upper surface 24 , allowing a putted golf ball to roll unimpeded toward the golf cup 26 . as in a regular putting contest , golfers wanting to practice their putting may stand at varying distance from the apparatus for golf putting practice and strike regulation golf balls ( not shown ) with a regular golf putter ( not shown ) in the direction of the golf cup 26 , suspended below the upper surface 24 . the apparatus for golf putting practice may be removed and stored easily and the original vent register 12 reinstalled when the practice activity is completed . however , this is not necessary as the apparatus for golf putting practice 10 is unobtrusive and contains sufficient openings for air flow as to not disrupt the heating or cooling of the room in which it is installed . the two golf cup embodiment as shown in fig3 a and the single cup embodiment as shown in fig3 b are utilized in the same manner as the preferred embodiment just described . the second golf cup 44 shown in fig3 a being disposed adjacent to the first golf cup 26 can be used either by a second golfer or to give the single golfer two different golf cups to putt towards on slightly different lines . accordingly , the reader will see that the apparatus for golf putting practice provides : ( a ) an apparatus for golf putting practice that is small , compact , and unobtrusive when installed in an office or home ; ( b ) an apparatus for golf putting practice in which the golf cup is sized to meet united states golf association ( usga ) regulations ; ( c ) an apparatus for golf putting practice that disposes the golf cup below floor level ; ( d ) an apparatus for golf putting practice which duplicates the unfettered nature of an actual putt ; ( e ) an apparatus for golf putting practice that replicates the sound and feel of making a putt in a usga regulation golf cup ; and ( f ) an apparatus for golf putting practice that utilizes the existing floor covering as the putting surface with no additional mats or tracks . while i have explained my invention in detail with the aid of exemplary embodiment thereof , it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific constructional details shown and described by way of example , which may be departed from without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention . | 0 |
fig1 a show the vertical layers of a structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and from which all the device structures associated with the optoelectronic technology can be made . a first semiconductor layer 151 and a second semiconductor layer 152 are deposited in pairs upon a semiinsulating gallium arsenide substrate 150 in sequence to form a dielectric distributed bragg reflector ( dbr ) mirror . in the preferred embodiment the alas layers will be subsequently subjected to high temperature steam oxidation to produce the compound al x o y so that a mirror will be formed at the designed center wavelength . therefore the gaas and the alas layer thicknesses in the mirror are chosen so that the final optical thickness of gaas and al x o y are ¼ wavelength . deposited upon the mirror is the active device structure which begins with layer 170 of heavily doped gaas of about 2000 å thickness to enable the formation of ohmic contacts . in fig1 a this layer is doped p + type which results in superior performance of the hfet due to an optimized collector contact . in fig1 a , layer 171 of p + type al x1 ga 1 - x1 as ( typical thickness of 500 - 3000 å ) is deposited upon the contact layer and this forms part of the lower cladding for the optical devices ( an al percentage of x1 = 0 . 7 − 0 . 8 and a doping level of × 10 18 cm − 3 are typical ). layer 156 of p type al x1 ga 1 - x1 as with a doping of 10 17 - 10 18 cm − 3 and a thickness of 1000 - 3000 å is deposited next . electrically , this layer forms the collector ( the p side of the pn junction ) for the transistor and it provides carrier confinement for the laser , amplifier and modulator structures . the combination of al x1 ga 1 - x1 as layers 156 and 171 provide the optical cladding function for the lower waveguide for all laser , amplifier and modulator structures . next layer 157 of al x2 ga 1 - x2as is deposited in which x2 is 0 . 15 - 0 . 2 , the thickness is about 500 - 1000 å and the p doping is the background doping of about 10 16 cm − 3 which is found in typical epitaxial reactors . this layer forms the lower separate confinement heterostructure ( scm ) layer for the laser , amplifier and modulator devices . next , layer 158 of undoped gaas is deposited having a thickness of 100 - 300 å to form a spacer layer and then quantum wells consisting of undoped well layers 160 ( typical thickness of 60 - 100 å ) and undoped barrier layers 159 ( typical thickness of 100 å ). in the illustrated embodiment 3 quantum wells of strained ingaas are used but unstrained wells are also possible . above the quantum wells , an undoped spacer layer 161 of gaas with a thickness of 20 - 40 å is deposited . this layer allows the adjustment of the epitaxial growth temperature from 530 ° c . as required for the growth of strained ingaas layers to a temperature of 620 ° c . as desired for optical quality al x2 ga 1 - x2 as layers . next , a spacer layer 162 of undoped al x2 ga 1 - x2 as is deposited of thickness 20 - 30 å to perform as a setback layer for the modulation doping . on top of layer 162 there is deposited the modulation doped layer 163 which is also of alloy composition al x2 ga 1 - x2 as the doping of layer 163 is in the range from 10 18 to 10 19 cm − 3 and the thickness is in the range of 30 - 100 å . in the illustrated embodiment the doping is 3 . 5 × 10 18 cm − 3 and the thickness is 80 å . this layer is constantly depleted in all useful modes of operation of the devices . the modulation doped layer is followed by the undoped layer 164 of composition al x2 ga 1 - x2 as . this layer serves as the input field effect capacitor layer for all the electronic devices such as the field - effect and bipolar devices . this layer is often referred to as the gate spacer layer in the context of field - effect devices . this layer should be very thin to enable very high frequency operation . in the illustrated embodiment , for a transistor cutoff frequency of 40 ghz , a thickness of 300 å would be used and for 90 ghz a thickness of 200 å would be more appropriate . it is noted that the sequence of layers from 157 to 164 inclusive , form the structure referred to as the phemt transistor structure . for the optoelectronic device operation , layer 164 is the upper sch region . deposited upon layer 164 is a very thin ( delta - doped ) layer of p + type al x2 ga 1 - x2 as which is layer 165 . typical thickness and doping values are 60 å and 10 19 cm − 3 . the doping species for this layer is preferably carbon ( c ) to ensure diffusive stability . in contrast to layer 163 , layer 165 should never be totally depleted in operation . layers 165 and 163 form the two plates of a parallel plate capacitor which forms the field - effect input to all devices . this planar carbon doped layer represents the bottom p type charge sheet that is being added to the phemt structure and is essential to the invention layer 166 is deposited on layer 165 and is the upper waveguide cladding layer for the laser , amplifier and modulator devices . this layer has the composition of al x1 ga 1 - x1 as with a p type doping level of 10 17 cm − 3 and a thickness typically of 600 - 1000 å layer 167 is the final layer in the epitaxial growth and is a very thin layer of gaas of p ++ type doping which is doped with the impurity c to extremely high levels to facilitate the formation of a low resistance ohmic contact . typical values of thickness and doping are 100 å and 10 20 cm − 3 respectively . this planar doped carbon layer represents the top p type charge sheet that is being added to the phemt structure and is also essential to the invention . the band diagram of the fig1 a structure is shown in fig1 b . to form resonant cavity devices , a dielectric mirror is deposited on this structure during the fabrication process . the distance between the mirrors is the thickness of all layers from 153 to 167 inclusive . in designing this structure , this thickness should represent an integral number of ½ wavelengths at the designated wavelength and the thickness of layer 166 is adjusted to enable this condition . the structure of fig1 can be made , for example , using known molecular beam epitaxy techniques . using the structure as set forth , optoelectronic devices and transistors can be made in accordance with the sequence of steps shown in fig2 a - h . device fabrication begins with the formation of ( horizontal ) alignment marks 199 by wet or dry etching . a dielectric layer 201 ( e . g ., of si3n4 or al2o3 ) is deposited over the entire surface . then the fet depletion threshold voltages and the current steering functions in the optoelectronic devices are defined by the n type implant 200 in fig2 b which penetrates the dielectric ( si3n4 ). this implant is both horizontally and vertically placed to optically confine the vertically propagating mode which it does in two ways . the first function of this implant is to guide electrical p type carriers from the refractory gate contact 202 into the section of active channel of layers 160 , 159 that are positioned between the implants 200 and this is indicated by the arrows in fig2 g which show the conduction path . the arrows indicate a two dimensional conduction path for positive carriers . the major portion of implant 200 lies in the regions 166 , 158 , 157 which are the wide bandgap cladding layers . for gate to source voltages less than the built - in voltage ( typically 2v ) of these layers , there will be no conduction into regions 200 but instead the carriers will be funneled into the active layer along the current steering path as defined by the arrows . therefore the implants allow the metal contact to be displaced away from the optical aperture , so that in the case of the laser for example , photons can only be produced in the quantum well section between the implants . second , the implanted sections are slightly lower in index so that optical propagation in the cavity is guided into the region between the implants . then in the next step , the optical apertures of the lasers , detectors and modulators are defined with photoresist and nitride layer 201 is etched and refractory metal 202 ( such as tungsten ) is lifted off into the openings to form the gate metal pattern . alternatively , if the nitride dielectric is sufficiently thick to block a source - drain implant , then lift - off of the refractory metal may be avoided by using a direct patterning procedure for the gate ( emitter ) metal . fig2 c shows the wafer at this step . this opening is made somewhat larger than the implant separation to minimize the effects of optical scattering at the metal edges . the next photomask defines the gate metal feature by protecting the metal with photoresist where a feature is desired and etching the refractory metal . this metal feature 202 is a multifunctional electrode since it serves as the p type contact for the bipolar type transistors , for the fet type transistors , for the laterally injected laser , and for the laterally connected detector , amplifier or modulator . these electrodes have been labeled in fig2 g . where there is no optical opening , a field - effect transistor is obtained and where there is an opening an optoelectronic device is formed . the photoresist may protect regions of w or of si 3 n 4 which are shown in fig2 c . with the photoresist still in place , n type ions are implanted to create regions labeled 203 thereby forming low resistance contacts which are self - aligned ( horizontally ) to the inversion channel by the nature of the construction . the impurity type of the implant is n + in order to supply i electrons to the channel since the modulation doped layer 163 is also n type . fig2 d and e show that where the w is patterned a gate feature results and where the si 3 n 4 was patterned it remains as a protective coating . these si 3 n 4 regions which are shown on either side of the channel contact regions in fig2 e are used to make contacts to the collector regions . after removal of photoresist , the wafer is then subjected to a rapid thermal annealing procedure which typically consists of a temperature of 950 ° c . for a time of 10 sec . this anneal has two functions which are to activate all ion implants and to perform disorder of selected areas in the formation of waveguides . to achieve selective disorder , we replace sections of the nitride ( si 3 n 4 ) with oxide ( sio2 ) and this is described later in the discussion of waveguide fabrication . the next step is to pattern the wafer to protect all active devices to enable a deep etch . then etching is performed down to the semi - insulating gaas substrate and the sample is oxidized in a steam ambient to convert the mirror layers 152 of alas to mirror layers 152 of al x o y . during this step there is also lateral oxidation of al x2 layers to create oxide regions 205 which provides passivation of sidewall layers . however the collector contact regions remain unoxidized . following the oxidation , holes are etched to the collector layers . this cross - section is shown in fig2 f . all of the n type regions are then contacted with n type alloy metals ( e . g ., auge / ni / au ) 207 and all of the p type regions are contacted with p type alloy metals ( e . g ., auzn / cr / au ) 208 . it is noted that the n type implant 203 atop which metal 207 sits should extend up to or above the quantum well layers 159 , 160 , while metal 208 should sit on a p or p + type layer ( e . g ., any of layers 170 , 171 , 156 or 157 ) located below the quantum well layers . both the n type and p type alloy metals may be deposited by lift - off techniques . in this metalization technique , openings are patterned in photoresist and the au metal is deposited on the resist and in the openings . however other types of metal patterning which do not require lift - off ( e . g ., metallization followed by photoresist deposition , and etching ) are also possible and preferred to enhance yield in a manufacturing process . then polyimide dielectric isolation is applied , contact holes are formed and lift - off of gold interconnect patterns is performed which also defines bonding pads . the final step is the deposition of the upper dielectric , preferably in the form of a mirror comprised of alternating layers 211 and 212 as shown in fig2 g , fig2 h , and fig2 i . these layers would be formed with a low refractive index material such as sio 2 for layer 211 and a high refractive index material such as gaas ( or si ) for layer 212 . holes would then be etched through these layers to make contact to the bonding pads . at this stage several different types of devices have been created and these are shown by the final cross - sections in fig2 g - i . fig2 g shows the cross - section of the hfet laser , the hfet detector , the hfet optical amplifier and the hfet modulator . it is to be emphasized that the identical structure performs as all of these devices depending upon the biases applied to the terminal nodes . one important device is the laterally injected vertical cavity surface emitting laser ( vcsel ). in the operation of the laser , there is a strong forward bias ( e . g ., preferably & gt ; 2v ) applied between the gate ( 202 ) and the source ( 207 ) terminals so that the electrons from the source populate the channel simultaneously with holes injected from the gate and lasing takes place either as a vertical cavity device or as an edge emitter . for the vertical cavity operation , the cavity is formed by the top and bottom dbr mirrors as already described whereas for the edge emitting operation , the cavity is formed by cleaved facets . however , if the reflectivity of the device as an edge emitter is made very small ( e . g ., & lt ; 0 . 1 %), then the operation of an optical amplifier is obtained . on the other hand if a moderate forward bias is applied ( e . g ., preferably & lt ; 1 . 8v and preferably & gt ; 0v ) only electrons populate the channel and then the device performs as a modulator with a high on / off ratio . the optical amplifier also can be considered to perform as a modulator in which there is internal gain to compensate for the insertion and absorptive losses of the device . if the source ( 207 ) and gate ( 202 ) terminals are reverse biased then electron and holes in the channel are separated to the source and drain respectively and the device is a detector with either resonant cavity features or waveguide features . what has been accomplished is to adapt the electrode potentials of the source ( 207 ), gate ( 202 ) and collector ( 208 ) terminals so that when light is admitted through the top dbr mirror and the optical aperture formed by the ion implant 200 or through the bottom dbr mirror , then resonant absorption may take place in the quantum well inversion channel resulting in the production of electron - hole pairs such that the electrons are conducted to the source contacts ( 207 ), and the holes are conducted to the gate contact ( 202 ) or the collector contact ( 208 ) depending upon the relative potentials of the collector and the gate . with this operation we obtain the function of the resonantly enhanced optical detector since the absorption in a single quantum well is greatly increased by the cavity resonance . in this case only , the metal gate and collector can be contacted as one electrode and and source / drain contacts as a second electrode . in this situation the trench etch ( dimension z in fig2 g ) can be made as narrow as possible to reduce the area ( dimension w ) allocated for the source and drain contacts . the advantages are reduced capacitive loading of these two junctions and the ability to oxidize the al 0 . 7 regions under a substantial portion of the implanted junction to further reduce the diode capacitance . in fig2 h and fig2 , the cross - section for the fet device is shown ; for the enhancement device of fig2 h , without the implant 200 , and for the depletion device of fig2 with the implant 200 . the hfet is the fundamental device produced by this technology and is unique because it employs an ohmic gate contact with a modulation doped structure . the source , drain and gate contacts are used conventionally and the collector is connected as a back gate similar to the substrate contact in a si mosfet transistor . in this case , the collector contact , the source and drain contacts and the gate contact are required . the drain dimension is minimized by the trench etch to reduce capacitance . if the source and gate potentials are maintained less than about approximately 1 . 8v which is the cut - in voltage of the thermionic conduction from the emitter to the collector then the operation is limited to that of the field effect transistor . this structure also functions as a bipolar transistor by using the “ gate ” metal electrode ( 202 ) as an emitter terminal , the two “ source ” electrodes ( 207 ) on either side of the channel as the control terminal ( this is the base in a conventional bipolar transistor ), and the collector electrode ( 208 ) as the traditional collector terminal in a bipolar transistor . when the emitter to collector voltage is increased above the threshold for thermionic emission over the modulation doped barrier , then bipolar transistor action is obtained whereby the injection of current into the control terminal modulates the thermionic current between the emitter and the collector . this bipolar device eliminates the conventional neutral base region and replaces it with an inversion channel . the advantages are the elimination of recombination and scattering in the base region and the base transit time . the same fabrication procedure produces waveguides as shown in fig3 a - d . fig3 a shows the cross - section after the lift - off of refractory metal 202 ( symbol w for tungsten is used here ) but before etching it . the implants 200 used in the active devices and shown in fig . 2b are also used here to provide optical confinement in the waveguide core . the spacing between the implants ( 206 ) will be slightly larger than the final waveguide pattern . in fig3 b , the waveguide area has been defined by etching the nitride region 201 and sio 2 layer 210 has been deposited to cover the waveguide core region x and the regions external to the waveguide y where the w was etched away . however , it is important to note that y is larger than the final waveguide dimension . the final waveguide dimension wg will be placed inside this region such that x & lt ; wg , y . the other function for this mask is to define the waveguide transition region within the active waveguide switching device which functions as the directional coupler . this coupler is the active device which controls the evanescent coupling between two adjacent waveguides . the two waveguides within the coupler are separated by this pattern . the next step is the rapid thermal anneal during which the regions covered with sio 2 experience impurity free vacancy disordering ( ifvd ) which increases the bandgap locally to eliminate absorption in the guided region and the regions covered with si 3 n 4 ( 201 ) show essentially no effects of ifvd . fig3 c shows the waveguide after the trench etch and the oxidation which shows the outer extremities of the guide which are formed by the air interface . however the main guiding action is achieved by the presence of the oxidized al x o y sections produced by lateral oxidation during the oxidation procedure and by the implanted regions 200 or 203 as discussed above . at this stage , the sio 2 and the si 3 n 4 are removed and the p + surface layer 167 is etched away . then the final waveguide pattern is used and the material outside the waveguide core is etched down to the p + charge sheet layer 165 . therefore the etch is stopped a distance of 300 - 400 å above the quantum wells in which the maximum optical intensity resides . after this , the dielectric dbr dielectric layers 211 an 212 are applied in the form of a stack as a final waveguide cladding layer . note that the polyimide layer is not to be used in the waveguide structure . thus the final waveguide is a double ridge structure in which a shallow rib of the order of 1000 å defines the internal core dimension and a much larger rib of depth about 2 μm defines the outer extremities of the guide . by design very little of the optical energy will penetrate to the external boundaries . there has been described and illustrated herein a layer structure and methods for fabricating an integrated circuit device which allows for one or more of fet and bipolar transistors , optical emitters , optical detectors , optical modulators , optical amplifiers and other opto - electronic devices utilizing an inversion channel created by modulation doping . while particular embodiments of the invention have been described , it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto , as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise . thus , while particular layers have been described with particular thicknesses and with particular types and strengths of dopings , it will be appreciated that certain transition layers could be removed and / or additional layers and / or sublayers could be utilized , and further that the layers could have different thicknesses and be differently doped . also , while particular layers have been described with reference to their percentage content of certain constituents , it will be appreciated that the layers could utilize the same constituents with different percentages , or other constituents . in particular , any combination of iii - v materials is possible in which a quantum well with a narrow band gap may be grown epitaxially with surrounding layers of larger band gap all lattice matched to a starting substrate . for example if the quantum wells are gaas ( and the barriers are algaas ) then the wavelength is around 850 nm whereas if the quantum wells are grown as ingaas layers with compressive strain and the barriers are gaas , then the wavelength may be varied from 920 nm to 1 . 1 microns ( 980 nm being typically used as the pump source for erbium doped fiber amplifiers ) depending upon the percentage of in incorporated in the growth . as the in content is increased , the maximum or critical thickness of the quantum well layer to avoid relaxation decreases . at the same time the energy gap of the layer decreases and the emission wavelength increases . another possibility for lattice matched material is obtained by incorporating some percentage of nitrogen ( n ) into the ingaas layer to produce a layer of ingaasn . it has been recently demonstrated that small amounts of n of the order of 2 - 5 % may be incorporated to replace a similar fraction of the as atoms and thereby result in a reduction of the energy gap and thus an increase in the emission wavelength . lasers with a wavelength of 1300 nm have been demonstrated and it is predicted that wavelengths up to 1600 nm are possible with the right combination of in ( reduction of ga ) and n ( reduction of as ) and the appropriate degree of strain . the strain may be either compressive which tends to increase the wavelength or tensile which tends to decrease the wavelength . these combinations allow the implementation of the optoelectronic device family described above with emission and detection at the commercially important wavelength of 1500 nm . thus it enables the formation of modulators , switches , detectors , amplifiers and lasers together with fet electronics all at the wavelength of 1500 nm . another example of an important material system in which this device family could be realized is gan . ideally one could start with a gan substrate to set the proper lattice parameter . however , because of cost and difficulty , various alternatives have been developed including sapphire and sic substrates . assuming that the substrate is reasonably well matched , it is then possible to grow double heterostructures consisting of algan for the cladding layers , gan for the sch layers and ingan for the quantum well layers . various other combinations can be considered . additionally , while particular formation and metalization techniques have been described , it will be appreciated that the described structures can be formed in other manners , and other metals used to form terminals . further , while particular arrangements of bipolar and fet transistors , optical emitters , detectors , modulators , amplifiers , etc . formed from the described semiconductor structure have been described , it will be appreciated that other devices may be formed from the provided structure and components . moreover , while the invention was described as providing a monolithic layer structure from which different semiconductor elements can be implemented together , it will be appreciated that the invention pertains to utilizing the layer structure regardless of whether a chip utilizing the structure utilizes only a single technology ( e . g ., fets ), or whether multiple technologies ( e . g ., lasers , detectors , optical amplifiers , modulators , fets , and bipolar transistors ) are utilized together on the chip . at the same time , while the drawings only show a single element , it will be appreciated that chips utilizing the invention may include millions of horizontally laid - out elements , including one or more of the listed technologies . it will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that yet other modifications could be made to the provided invention without deviating from its spirit and scope as claimed . | 7 |
this invention shown in fig1 and 2 will be described in the following by referring to an embodiment of this invention . in the paper feeding device 20 , a paper feeding belt conveyor 21 is driven by a speed change gear 22 and clutch brake 23 . a stack of paper sheets 24 is mounted on the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 , and the paper is made to pass one sheet at a time through a gap at a lower end of a shutter 25 . the shutter 25 abuts the front end of the paper stack to feed the paper sheets continuously . each paper sheet that passes the shutter 25 is urged against the belt by rollers 26 , . . . 26 . a drawing belt conveyor 27 receives the paper sheets 24 fed from the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 , and transfers the sheets by sandwiching the paper sheets vertically between the upper and lower belts of the conveyor 27 . the transfer speed of the drawing belt conveyor 27 is faster than the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 . therefore , the interval between the paper sheets fed continuously from the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 is increased . the paper sheet 24 fed from the drawing belt conveyor 27 is mounted on a guide 29 of a timing correcting conveyor 28 . the paper sheet 24 is pushed with a pawl 31 mounted on a chain 30 whereby the paper sheet is shifted or moved . the transfer speed of the timing correcting conveyor 28 is equal to that of the drawing belt conveyor 27 . also , the feeding of the paper is set to coincide with the timing of the next ( downstream ) process . a paper detector 32 comprises a light source and a light sensor . the light detector 32 is disposed at an outlet portion of the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 . when the front end leading edge of the paper sheet 24 passes the shutter 25 , the sheet 24 is detected by the dectector 32 . a pawl detector 33 comprises a proximity switch to detect the rotation of a sprocket 34 that spans the chain 30 of the timing correcting conveyor 28 . when the pawl 31 advances by an interval equal to one pawl length , the sprocket 34 makes one turn , whereby the detector 33 outputs one pulse . furthermore , a control device ( not shown in the drawing ) is provided , and receives the output of the paper detector 32 and the pawl detector 33 . the control device operates the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 in an allowable range that has been previously set at a predetermined quantity phase difference between an output pulse of the pawl detector 33 and an output of the paper detector 32 . when the output of the paper detector 32 is out of the allowable range , the control device operates the clutch brake 23 to stop the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 . the control device starts the operation of the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 again when the phase difference is within the next allowable range . a pulse generator 35 is mounted on the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 . the generator 35 transmits a row of pulses according to the rate of advancement of the belt in the feed direction . furthermore , a speedometer ( not shown in the drawing ) receives outputs of the pulse generator 35 and the pawl detector 33 . the speedometer displays the advanced distance of the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 in the feeding direction per advancement of an interval of one pawl of the timing correcting conveyor 28 . the distance is measured by counting the output pulses of the pulse generator 35 and the output pulses of the pawl detector 33 . the paper feeding device 20 operates as follows . first , an allowable range of the control device is set in which the paper sheets are feed at a rate to be placed in between the pawls 31 positively without riding up onto the pawls 31 of the timing correcting conveyor 28 . namely , the paper is fed at a rate to produce an output of the paper detector 32 at the begininning of the allowable range as the paper advances . that is , an output will occur when the front end leading edge of the paper is located at a position just behind the pawl 31 . this marks the beginning of the allowable range . the end of the allowable range occurs when the rear end of the paper sheet is located at a position just before the next pawl 31 . the paper detector 32 detects the front end of the paper 24 , so that once the begininning of the allowable range is set , a succeeding adjustment is not needed . however , the end of the allowable range must be reset according to the length of paper used in the device . the position at which the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 is restarted is set at approximately the middle of the allowable range . next , the operator watches the speedometer and adjusts the speed of the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 using the speed change gear 22 to make the display to be equal or slightly larger than an entire length of the paper 24 used . when this adjustment is made , the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 feeds the paper 24 continuously and one sheet of the paper is fed at each one pawl interval by the timing correcting conveyor 28 so that the feeding quantities per time of both the conveyors are equal or the feeding quantity of the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 is slightly greater . when the device is operated in the foregoing manner , the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 feeds the paper 24 continuously , and the drawing belt conveyor 27 increases the interval between the feeding sheets of the paper and placing the paper 24 between the pawls 31 of the timing correcting conveyor 28 . the timing correcting conveyor 28 pushes the paper with the pawl 31 , and the paper is fed to the next downstream process at the proper timing . if the front end of the paper fed from the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 should tide upon the pawl 31 , then the output of the paper detector 32 which detected the paper produces a deviation in the beginning of the allowable range so that the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 is stopped temporarily by the control device so that the feeding of the paper is stopped . when the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 is restarted , the paper is placed positively between the pawls 31 . also , when the rear edge of the paper fed from the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 rises over the pawl 31 , the output of the paper detector 32 having detected the paper produces a deviation at the rear part or end of the allowable range so that the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 is stopped temporarily by the control device . when the paper is positively placed between the pawls 31 , the conveyor 21 is started again . however , in this case , a pawl of the timing correcting conveyor 28 makes one idle feeding or feed traverse . accordingly , in order to avoid the idle feeding or feed traverse , as described in the foregoing , the paper feeding belt conveyor 21 is operated at a slightly faster rate than conveyor 28 . in this embodiment , although the adjustment operation needed when the size of paper is changed is simplified by providing the speedometer , it is also possible to adjust the speed of the paper feeding belt conveyor by watching the stopping frequency of the paper feeding belt conveyor thereby eliminating the speedometer . the foregoing embodiment is for a continuous feeding paper feeding device whereas the conventional device intermittently feeds paper one sheet at a time by a paper feeding belt conveyor . the operation of the present embodiment is stable , and when the paper feeding device is repeatedly stopped and started by the control device , there is no slippage . once the paper passes the shutter , it is controlled by the control device so that the invention operates positively . for this reason , the operational defects of the paper riding over the pawl seldom occurs . also , it is easy to operate the device at high speed without increasing the operational defects . furthermore , the adjustment of the control device for a change in the size of the paper can easily be made by merely resetting the end of the allowable range according to the overall length of the paper sheet , and particularly , when a numerical value of the length of the paper is displayed on the setting operation unit , its operation becomes much easier . also , the adjustment of the speed of the paper feeding belt conveyor may be carried out by either watching the speedometer when the speedometer is provided or watching the stopping frequency of the paper feeding belt conveyor if the speedometer is not used . moreover , this adjustment never causes the operational defects so that it can be done simply . the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof , but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention . | 1 |
fig1 shows an overview of a generating set in an embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig1 , the generating set comprises an engine 10 coupled to a generator ( alternator ) 12 . in this embodiment the engine 10 is a gas engine , although any type of internal combustion engine such as a petrol or diesel engine may be used instead . in this embodiment the generator 12 is a synchronous generator , although any other type of electrical generator may be used instead . the engine 10 and generator 12 are both mounted on a bed frame 14 . a coupling 16 is used to connect the engine flywheel to the shaft of the generator . an adaptor 18 surrounds the coupling , and is used to connect the engine to the generator housing . the adaptor 18 helps to prevent relative movement between the engine and the generator , thus ensuring greater stability during operation of the generating set . in the embodiment of fig1 , the coupling 16 is a flexible coupling . flexible couplings are typically used in high power generating sets . for example , high horse power continuous purpose gas generating sets may require a flexible coupling , in particular where a variety of gases such as low btu natural gas to pipeline gas are used . the flexible coupling can dampen vibratory torque in the system and acts as fuse in the drive line . flexible couplings typically include an elastomeric material . the elastomeric material may degrade over time , particularly when subject to high stresses . as a consequence , the life time of a flexible coupling varies depending on its application . in some cases the flexible coupling may fail before the end of its target life . in this case servicing of the coupling may be required outside of a scheduled overhaul of the generator set . in existing generator set designs , the adaptor is formed from a single piece of cast metal . windows may be provided in the adaptor , to allow an operator to connect the coupling once the generator and engine have been aligned . however this does not allow replacement or servicing of the coupling . in order to service the coupling in existing generator set designs , the generator set is first shut down . all harnesses and other connections are disconnected , and the generator with adaptor is pulled back from the engine . following replacement or servicing of the coupling , it is necessary for all parts to be reconnected , and the generator to be re - aligned with the engine . as a consequence , replacement or servicing of the coupling is a complex and time consuming process , typically taking 14 to 15 hours depending on the installation . this results in high shutdown costs , both in terms of the servicing required and the lost generating capacity . embodiments of the present invention relate to a new adaptor design and a new flexible coupling which can facilitate servicing without requiring the generator to be moved . fig2 shows an adaptor 18 in an embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig2 , the adaptor 18 is generally cylindrical , and comprises a first flange 22 for connection to the generator and a second flange 24 for connection to the engine . the first flange and second flange each comprise a number of bolt holes . bolts 26 pass through the bolt holes in the first flange in order to connect the adaptor to the generator , while bolts 28 pass through the bolt holes in the second flange in order to connect the adaptor to the engine . in this embodiment cross braces 23 are provided on the outside surface of the adaptor , to help provide structural rigidity . windows 25 are provided in the adaptor , to allow an operator to lock the coupling on generator shaft once the engine , generator and adaptor are in place . in the arrangement of fig2 , the adaptor 18 is divided into a top part 30 and a bottom part 32 . in this embodiment the division occurs in a plane within which the axis of symmetry of the adaptor lies . thus , in this embodiment the two halves are semi - cylindrical . however the division may occur in different places and the two parts are not necessarily equal . still referring to fig2 , flanges 34 , 36 are provided at the interfaces between the top part and the bottom part . each of the flanges has a number of bolt holes 38 . bolts 40 pass through the bolt holes to connect the two parts together . two additional centering pins 42 are provided on each side of the adaptor . the centering pins 42 help to ensure alignment between the two parts of the adaptor . in addition , centering pins 44 are provided in the second flange 24 in the top part 30 . the centering pins 44 help to ensure alignment of the top part 30 with the engine , in particular following removal of the top part in the way described below . the adaptor 18 of fig2 may be made from a cast metal , such as spheroidal graphite cast iron . the adaptor may be machined following casting to provide the appropriate interface surfaces and / or bolt holes . fig3 shows part of the generating set with the adaptor 18 in place . referring to fig3 , the two parts 30 , 32 of the adaptor 18 are held together by bolts 40 . the adaptor is bolted to the engine 10 with bolts 26 , and to the generator 12 with bolts 28 . fig4 is an exploded view of a coupling for use in an embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig4 , the coupling comprises a hub 50 , two elastomeric components 52 , 54 , a coupling flange 56 , and a locking assembly 58 . the hub 50 is arranged to be connected to the generator shaft , while the coupling flange 56 is arranged to be connected to the engine fly wheel . in the arrangement of fig4 , each of the elastomeric components 52 , 54 is disc - shaped . the elastomeric components may be made from any suitable material having the required degree of flexibility , such as rubber . a sleeve 53 , 55 is provided on the inside of each of the elastomeric components 52 , 54 . the sleeves are made from a rigid material such as a metal or a high density plastic . each of the sleeves 53 , 55 includes bolt holes 57 , 59 for connecting the elastomeric components 52 , 54 to the hub 50 . the hub 50 includes a hub flange 60 with bolt holes 62 . hub bolts 64 pass through the bolt holes 62 and the bolt holes 57 , 59 in the sleeves 53 , 55 , in order to bolt the hub 50 to the elastomeric components 52 , 54 . when connected , part of the hub 50 passes through the inside of the second elastomeric component 54 , while the end of the hub 50 engages with the sleeve 53 in the first elastomeric component 52 . the outside circumferences of the elastomeric components include castellations 66 . the coupling flange 56 is generally cylindrical , and fits around the elastomeric components 52 , 54 . the inside surface of the coupling flange includes castellations 68 , which engage with the castellations 66 on the outside of the elastomeric components 52 , 54 . the coupling flange 56 includes a flange 70 with bolt holes 72 . flange bolts 74 are used to bolt the coupling flange to the engine fly wheel through the bolt holes 72 . the external locking assembly 58 comprises bolts 76 which are used to hold the coupling together . the coupling shown in fig4 provides a torsionally soft connection between the engine and the generator . a flexible torque transmission characteristic is achieved by means of the elastomeric components 52 , 54 between the hub 50 and the coupling flange 56 . this can allow the absorption of torsional vibrations and may help to compensate for misalignments . in use the elastomeric components 52 , 54 shown in fig4 may degrade and require replacement . fig5 to 13 illustrate a process for replacement of the elastomeric components 52 , 54 without requiring removal of the generator 12 . referring to fig5 , in step 1 the adaptor bolts 26 connecting the top part of the adaptor 30 to the engine 10 , and the adaptor bolts 28 connecting the top part of the adaptor 30 to the generator 12 , are undone . in addition , the bolts 40 connecting the two parts of the adaptor together are undone . referring to fig6 , in step 2 the top part 30 of the adaptor is removed from the generator set in a radial direction . removal of the top part of the adaptor exposes the coupling 16 . referring to fig7 , in step 3 the bolts 76 of the external locking assembly 58 are undone . the locking assembly 58 is then slid axially along the shaft towards the generator 12 . this exposes the hub bolts 64 . referring to fig8 , in step 4 the hub bolts 64 are undone and removed . this disconnects the elastomeric components 52 , 54 from the hub 50 . referring to fig9 , in step 5 the coupling flange bolts 74 are undone and removed . this disconnects the coupling flange 56 from the engine 10 . referring to fig1 , in step 6 the coupling flange 56 is slid axially along the shaft towards the generator 12 . this reveals the first elastomeric component 52 and part of the second elastomeric component 54 . in this position the coupling flange 56 is held in place , for example , with a lifting device ( not shown ). referring to fig1 , in step 7 the first elastomeric component 52 is then removed in a radial direction . removal of the elastomeric component 52 is possible due to the fact that the hub bolts 64 have been removed and the coupling flange 56 has been pulled back . referring to fig1 , in step 8 the second elastomeric component 54 is then slid axially along the hub 50 in the direction of the engine 10 . this releases the elastomeric component 54 from the hub . referring to fig1 , in step 9 the second elastomeric component 54 is then removed in a radial direction . the elastomeric components 52 , 54 can then be replaced . steps 1 to 9 are then repeated in reverse , in order to reassemble the coupling with the new elastomeric components . some of the advantages which may be provided by the techniques described above are as follows : no need to move the generator back when servicing the coupling fewer steps for disassembly / assembly servicing time reduced by 80 % compared to previous techniques less facility space required no need to disassemble other subsystems of the generator set , such as wires from the generator lower cost of ownership to the end user . in the above , embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example only , and variations in the design are possible . for example , the division between the two parts of the adaptor may be in different places and the two parts are not necessarily equal . it is not necessary for the adaptor to be divided along the whole of its length , and the removable part may extend along only part of the length of the adaptor . if desired , castellations may be provided on the interfaces between the two parts of the adaptor . furthermore , if desired , the adaptor may comprise three or more parts , the only requirement being that at least one part of the adaptor is separable from the or each other part . many other variations in detail will be apparent to the skilled person within the scope of the appended claims . although embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to a generator set , the present invention may be used with any type of power generation system where an adaptor is used to connect a prime mover to a generator . | 5 |
referring now to fig1 , a schematic diagram illustrating the interconnection of winch system 10 is shown . winch system 100 comprises winch 120 , control panel 140 , local operator station 160 , base unit 180 , and remote control 190 . winch 120 is an electric motor operated drum 122 mounted in frame 124 . wire 126 is reeled on drum 122 and extends from the bottom of frame 124 . mechanical braking system 128 is mounted to drum 122 . control panel 140 is supplied by power cable 130 and includes the electronics required to operate winch 120 . these electronics may include programmable logic controllers with a control system , a frequency drive , a power distribution system , resistors , and electric relays and barriers . control panel 140 supplies control signals and power to winch 120 along connection 132 . local operator station 160 is connected to control panel 140 via connection 134 , which transmits control signals for winch 120 to control panel 140 . local operator station 140 may include a full set of control switches including activators for emergency functions such as stop and lowering . local operator station 160 is fixably mounted to the facility in a desired location . several local operator stations 160 may be connected to a single control panel 140 and be equipped with interlocks to prevent the use of more than one operator station at a time . similarly , one local operator station 160 may selectively communicate with several control panels 140 to control a selected winch 120 . base unit 180 and remote control 190 operate together to provide remote , mobile operation of winch 120 . base unit 180 comprises a radio communication unit that can be housed in a safe area and is connected to and communicates with control panel 140 via connection 182 . remote control 190 includes operator controls 192 and a radio transmitter to transmit signals 194 to base unit 180 . in some embodiments , remote control 190 may be connected to base unit 180 by a cable . a cross - sectional view of winch 120 is shown in fig2 . winch 120 includes frame 124 , drum 122 , and braking system 128 . winch 120 is preferably built for overhead installation , with wire running downwards in order to reduce wire wear and eliminate slack wire and spooling problems like backlash . winch 120 is preferably built as an inside out permanent magnet motor where drum 122 rotates about shaft 206 . the motor is frequency controlled , giving full control over motor speed and torque . drum 122 surrounds and is fixably attached to rotor 202 that includes permanent magnets . rotor 202 is disposed about stator 204 that is fixably connected to shaft 206 and is formed from coiled windings . shaft 206 and stator 204 are stationarily connected to frame 124 such that when a current is applied to stator 204 , drum 122 , supported by bearings 208 , rotates about shaft 206 . drum 122 is preferably made with right hand winded grooves spooling of one layer of 10 mm wire . the speed of the drum is monitored by an external digital encoder . braking system 128 may include three different braking systems , namely an electric motor brake , an external fail safe brake , and a motor magnet brake . the electric motor operates as an electric motor brake by reducing the speed and torque of the rotor by reducing the electrical current supplied to the coiled windings . the speed and torque can be monitored by the control system , and the motor speed controlled to reduce and stop the drum according to the operator signals . an external fail safe brake 210 is energized and disengages when the winch is started . brake 210 controls pinion 212 that engages gear 214 that is connected to drum 122 . brake 210 will stay disengaged until winch 120 is turned off or an emergency switch is pressed . brake 210 will also engage in case of power failure and can be manually disengaged by actuating lever 216 . in case of power failure to the motor and a failure of brake 210 , the motor will start acting as a dynamo . in this mode drum 122 will rotate and pay out wire a constant slow rate according to the loading in the wire . high speed emergency lowering will be impossible . winch 120 may also be equipped with an arrangement for manual release of the brake . this manual release may be actuated directly at winch 120 or actuated from drill floor via a pneumatic system . a manual pneumatic valve on the drill floor supplies air to a pneumatic cylinder on the winch activating brake lever 216 . when the air is shut off , the brake is applied . the winch speed will still be limited by the resistor arrangement . to ensure correct wire spooling , winch 120 is preferably made for only one layer of wire on drum 122 . in addition to this , the drum is fitted with grooves 218 . the wire is guided onto the drum using spooling device 220 that directs the wire into the grooves . the power system that operates winch 120 may also comprise a frequency converter including braking chopper for running the winch motor clockwise and counterclockwise . a braking resistor may be used for dissipating regenerated energy when braking with the electrical motor . a contactor / resistor arrangement may be supplied to short circuit the motor windings for braking in case of loss of frequency converter and for protection against motor over - voltage . the winch control system can be equipped with a separate potential free contactor that can be connected to other drill floor machines emergency shut down circuits , disabling other connected machinery when the winch is in operation . on drilling rigs with advanced drilling control and monitoring system , the winch can easily be incorporated into the rig &# 39 ; s anti collision system . the winch may also be fitted with a heave compensating system , making it possible to work on fixed well equipment on a floating vessel . one embodiment of remote control 190 is shown in fig3 . remote control 190 includes on / off switch 300 , joystick 302 , start / stop switch 304 , walk button 306 , climb button 308 , display 310 , display controls 312 and 314 , warning lights 316 and 318 , and emergency stop button 320 . once remote control 190 is activated by on / off switch 300 , pushing the start / stop switch 304 will send a pulse signal to control panel 140 to initiate a start sequence during which , the motor will be powered up , the brake resistor arrangement disabled and the brake released . pushing the start / stop switch 204 again will initiate a stop sequence during which , motor speed is set to zero , the mechanical brake is applied , and the brake resistor arrangement is enabled . when the shut down sequence is confirmed , the motor is powered down . to operate the winch upwards or downwards , joystick 302 is utilized . joystick 302 is preferably fitted with a dead man &# 39 ; s grip , i . e . a separate activation switch in the joystick handle . the activation switch must be pressed with joystick 202 in the zero position in order to start operations . if the activation switch is released during operation with joystick 202 out of the zero position , the winch will continue running but a new start from the zero position requires depressing of the activation switch . when receiving the hoist signal from joystick 202 , the frequency converter will change the motor speed according to joystick position . the maximum hoisting speed and acceleration is limited by the control system . when lowering the load in normal operation , the frequency converter / braking chopper will measure the dc - bus voltage and start operating ( dissipating regenerated energy in the braking resistor ) when exceeding the preset limit . max tension in the wire will be controlled by the frequency converter . in case of excessive external force , the tension will not exceed a programmable hard - coded value . the winch will be equipped with a sensor for upper and lower position stops such that a signal from this sensor will cause the winch to stop at downwards position independently of other control signals . the joystick can be operated in “ left ” position , in this position the winch is in creep speed mode , giving maximum 10 % of normal speed . winch 120 may be equipped with a climb function 308 that can be selected / deselected at the remote control panel . when selected , the rider can adjust his position by applying additional force in downwards or relieving tension in an upward direction . maximum speed limits in both directions are 0 . 15 m / s when this function is activated . the operator can at all time take control of the movement by using the joystick , which deactivates the climb function . winch 120 may also be equipped with a walk function 306 that can be selected / deselected at the remote control panel . when activated , winch 120 will keep a constant low tension in the wire , preventing a slack wire situation . the rider can move around with a small pull in the wire . the function can only be activated when the load is below 15 % of max load . in case of a person falling from an elevated position with this function activated , the person will be lowered with a preset speed of 0 . 15 m / s . the operator can at all time take control of the operation of the winch , either by activating the joystick , which deactivates the walk function . when the control system detects “ slack wire ”, a red indicator lamp 216 will illuminate on the console . the slack wire function will stop downwards movement if the wire tension drops below 2 % of max tension . referring back to fig1 , winch 120 is equipped with three emergency stops located at remote control console 190 , at local operator station 160 and at winch 120 . these are hard wired emergency stop buttons 220 ( see fig3 ) that will engage the mechanical brake , engage the magnetic brake and disconnect power from the motor . pressing the emergency stop switch 220 will immediately stop winch 120 and apply the parking brake . the power to the motor will also be shut down but control system 140 will still be monitoring winch 120 . any detection of internal failures , including overspeed , overpull , power problems , and communication problems , will also produce an emergency shutdown . to be able to lower the load in case of equipment failure or loss of power , winch 120 is equipped with an emergency lowering circuit . this arrangement will lower the load in a controlled manner in case of loss of power from the frequency converter . if the mechanical brake is engaged and the plc / remote control is working , the brake can be released by operating an emergency release switch at local operator station 160 . the control power to the emergency brake release circuit comes from the rig ups system . a diode bridge will allow for dual brake release signal , both for the plc ( in normal operation ) and for the emergency lowering circuit . overspeed detection will still be operating , and if overspeed is detected , the brake will engage . in case of failure in the plc / remote control system , but with ups power available , the load can be lowered by activating the emergency lowering switch at local operator station 160 . in case of no ups power available , the mechanical brake can be disengaged manually by a hand operated lever 216 ( see fig2 ) on the brake . in this mode , the winch speed will still be limited by the resistor arrangement and all control system safety features are disabled . emergency lowering speed is always limited by the motor braking resistance ( dynamo effect ) and the load being lowered . free fall will never be possible except for wire breakage or complete mechanical failure of the winch . winch 120 can also be equipped with an arrangement for manual release of the brake from drill floor . a manual pneumatic valve on the drill floor can supply air to a pneumatic cylinder on the winch activating brake lever 216 ( see fig2 ). when the air is shut off , the brake is applied . the winch speed will still be limited by the resistor arrangement . an emergency hoisting feature can also be included , wherein a crank handle can be inserted onto the drum , and the winch wire may be manually spooled in at a gear ratio of 1 : 8 . at loss of main power to the frequency converter , the mechanical brake will engage and the contactor / emergency lowering resistor arrangement will make sure that the motor does not generate overvoltage at the motor terminals . in case of loss of power to the plc , the mechanical brake will engage and the contactor / emergency lowering resistor arrangement will make sure that the motor does not generate overvoltage at the motor terminals . plc failure will cause the mechanical brake to engage and the emergency lowering contactor will short - circuit the motor windings over the emergency lowering resistor arrangement . if the plc detects a failure in remote control system 190 , winch 120 will be shut down in a safe sequence . all special functions will be shut off . speed will be set to zero , and the mechanical brake will be applied . remote control failure will cause the mechanical brake to engage and the emergency lowering contactor will short - circuit the motor windings over the emergency lowering resistor arrangement . failure on the remote control system 190 will not affect operation from local operator station 160 , which always can be activated . frequency converter failure will cause the mechanical brake to engage and the contactor / emergency lowering resistor arrangement will make sure that the motor does not generate overvoltage at the motor terminals . at all times , the plc will monitor and regulate the speed of the winch drum by use of two independent sensors . in case of speed exceeding the preset limit , the plc will engage the mechanical brake . the detection has the same priority in the emergency stop loop as the emergency stop push button . at all times , the plc will monitor the wire tension through the motor torque . in case of tension exceeding the preset limit , the winch will pay out wire unless the speed exceeds the overspeed limit . as a backup torque measurement , the input current to the frequency converter is monitored . if the current exceeds a preset limit , the winch will be stopped and shut down . the plc may be equipped with a system monitoring and diagnosing software . this software monitors the plc , frequency converter and remote radio control status , and also the communication links and instrumentation on the winch . any fault detected will generate an alarm . alarms generate a message that will be displayed on the lcd - screen 310 on the remote radio console 190 ( see fig3 ). the remote radio console 190 may be equipped with a system monitoring and diagnosing software . internal errors related to the remote radio console 190 will be displayed on the lcd - screen 310 on the console . the frequency converter is equipped with a system monitoring and diagnosing software . internal errors related to the frequency converter will be displayed on an lcd - screen on the frequency converter . the unique features of this winch are derived from the electrical motor that is used . this is a slow rotating permanent magnet motor integrated into the drum that provides very good torque control , which can be used for various new functions . also , this motor will produce torque even at loss of power , so normal free falling is impossible . while preferred embodiments of this invention have been shown and described , modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teaching of this invention . the embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting . many variations and modifications of the system and apparatus are possible and are within the scope of the invention . for example , the relative dimensions of various parts , the materials from which the various parts are made , and other parameters can be varied , so long as the winch apparatus retain the advantages discussed herein . accordingly , the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described herein , but is only limited by the claims that follow , the scope of which shall include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims . | 1 |
the connector , as illustrated in fig1 to 6 , comprises , as shown , above all , in fig2 a to 6a , a first connector part 1 , or fixed part , and a second connector part 2 , or movable part , the two parts 1 and 2 being intended to be coupled . the first connector part 1 comprises a housing 3 of essentially cylindrical shape , in which ( at least ) one female contact 4 is held by means of an insulator 5 shown as being formed from two parts . in as much as the execution of the contact 4 and insulator 5 does not come within the scope of the present invention , these elements are illustrated highly diagrammatically in fig2 to 6 and are not illustrated at all in fig1 . correspondingly , the second connector part 2 comprises a housing 6 of essentially cylindrical shape , in which ( at least ) one male contact 7 is held by means of an insulator 8 shown diagrammatically as being formed from two parts . the housings 3 and 6 of the two connector parts 1 and 2 comprise front fitting sections 9 , 10 respectively , of general cylindrical shape , the fitting section 9 of the housing 3 being intended to fit into the fitting section 10 of the housing 6 during the coupling of the connector . the fitting section 9 of the housing 3 carries externally three axial polarizing keys 11 offset by 120 ° relative to one another , each key 11 having a front flank and a rear flank which are oblique , in such a way that the key 11 has as a whole a trapezoidal shape . moreover , three groove segments 12 are provided in the outer surface of the fitting section 9 , each groove segment 12 being located angularly between two keys 11 . the fitting section 10 of the housing 6 has internally three axial slots 13 distributed angularly at 120 ° to one another , these slots 13 being intended for receiving the keys 11 of the section 9 of the housing 3 for polarizing purposes . each slot 13 , which starts at the front end of the fitting section 10 , opens into a t - shaped recess 14 which passes through the wall of the section 10 in such a way that the slot 13 is in alignment with the axial bar 14a of the t . as emerges , above all , from fig1 the axial bar 14a of the recess 14 is widened , before opening onto the outer surface of the section 10 , in order thereby to form , on each side , a step 15 which is delimted in the direction of the front end of the section 10 , at the location of the transverse bar 14b of the t - shaped recess 14 , by a rim 16 . as shown in fig1 the rim 16 has a plane rear flank 17 perpendicular to the axis of the section 10 and a rounded front flank 18 . the fitting section 10 comprises , moreover , in intermediate angular positions each time between two recesses 14 , a lug 19 extending so to protrude , in the thickness of the section 10 , in the direction of the front end of the latter , so as to be capable of bending elastically radially inwards and outwards . at its free end , the lug 19 comprises a head 20 , the radial dimension of which is greater than the ( radial ) thickness of the section 10 . the head 20 thus forms an inner stud 21 which projects inwards on the inner surface of the section 10 and an outer stud 22 which projects from the outer surface of the section 10 . on its outer surface , the lug 19 comprises a ramp 23 which terminates in a shoulder 24 on the side facing the head 20 . finally , as emerges from fig1 the fitting section 10 of the housing 6 is equipped externally , in its rear zone , with an annular part 25 of increased outside diameter , which is interrupted , at three locations offset by 120 ° relative to one another , by parts 26 which are each located at the rear of one of the recesses 14 and which extend over a circumferencial width decreasing from the rear end of the axial bar 14a of the t - shaped recess 14 towards the rear of the housing 6 , in order to terminate , at the location of the shoulder 27 forming the rear end of the section 10 , in an isthmus 28 , the circumferencial width of which corresponds to the circumferencial width of the axial bar 14a of the recess 14 at the point level with the steps 15 . the fitting section 10 of the housing 6 of the connector part 2 receives externally a locking ring 29 which has internally three groove segments 30 distributed at 120 ° to one another and three tabs 31 extending so as to protrude in the direction of the front end of the ring 29 , the said tabs being inclined towards the inside of the ring . each tab 31 has a circumferencial width slightly smaller than the circumferencial width of the axial bar 14a of the recess 14 at the point level with the steps 15 ( and therefore slightly smaller than the circumferencial width of the isthmus 28 ) and comprises , in the middle of its width , an inner boss 32 which emerges particularly from fig2 b to 6b . at its rear edge , each groove segment 30 comprises an inner bead segment 33 . for the coupling kinematics of the connector , as described above , reference will be made to fig2 a through 6b , which are axial sections in a plane passing level with one of the steps 15 and through one of the rims 16 of the housing 6 , hence on one side of the axial bar 14a of the recess 14 and of a key 11 and on one side of the middle boss 32 of a tab 31 of the locking ring 29 , whilst fig2 b to 6b are corresponding partial sections in a plane passing through the middle of the axial bar 14a of a recess 14 of the housing 6 , hence through the middle boss 32 of a tab 31 of the locking ring 29 and through one of the keys 11 of the housing 3 . the locking ring 29 is mounted on the fitting section 10 of the housing 6 , in such a way that an axial web 34 projecting towards the inside of the ring 29 at the rear of a tab 31 comes into place in an isthmus 28 and that the corresponding tab 31 snaps into the steps 15 behind the rim 16 of the corresponding recess 14 . this emerges clearly from fig2 a . in order to couple the connector part 1 to the connector part 2 , the locking ring 29 of which is , in this position , snap - fastened in , the section 9 of the connector part 1 is fitted into the section 10 of the connector part 2 , the keys 11 ensuring polarization in combination with the slots 13 . as soon as the front end of the section 9 reaches the heads 20 of the lugs 19 , the latter bend outwards , their outer studs 22 penetrating into the groove segments 30 of the ring 29 ( see fig3 a and 3b ). this causes the locking ring 29 to be blocked on the section 10 of the housing 6 . when the fitting movement is continued , each key 11 , reaching the boss 32 of a tab 31 , pushes the latter outwards ( fig4 b ), thus eliminating the retaining effect of the ring 9 by the tabs 31 and the rims 16 ( see fig4 a ). when the sections 9 and 10 of the two housings 3 and 6 are fitted one into the other as far as they will go , the inner studs 21 of the lugs 19 are in line with the groove segments 12 and expand elastically into the latter , thus causing the section 10 to be snap - fastened onto the section 9 . in this position , as shown in fig5 b , the tabs 31 of the locking ring 29 still remain pushed outwards under the action of the keys 11 . in order to lock the connector in this fitting position , the locking ring 29 is pushed ( to the left in fig5 a and 5b ) in the direction of the connector part 1 , so that the bead segments 33 of the ring 29 climb on the ramps 23 of the lugs 19 until they engage behind the shoulders 24 . at the same time , the bosses 32 of the tabs 31 of the ring 29 pass over the keys 11 , thus allowing the tabs 31 to expand elastically inwards , the bosses 32 coming into place behind the keys 11 ( see fig6 a and 6b ). the locking ring 29 is thus held in this axial position and locks the fitting sections 9 and 10 of the two housings 3 and 6 of the connector parts 1 and 2 in the snap - fastened position , that is to say the coupling position . the connector , as illustrated in fig7 to 11 , differs from the connector according to fig1 to 6 mainly in a separation of the various functions , so that each component part may be designed optimally to perform the functions assigned to it . in this particular case , these are , above all , the functions of blocking the locking ring and of snap - fastening together the two housings , the said functions being performed by members which form part not of the housing of one of the connector parts , but of an additional element attached to this housing . the first connector part or female part 101 and the second connector part or male part 102 have one a housing 103 , in which at least one female contact 104 is mounted by means of an insulator 105 , and the other a housing 106 , in which at least one male contact 107 is mounted by means of an insulator 108 . the housing 103 of the connector part 101 comprises a front fitting section 109 and the housing 106 of the connector part 102 comprises a front fitting section 110 intended to fit onto the section 109 . according to fig7 the fitting section 109 of the housing 103 has a single axial polarizing key 111 and three groove segments 112 offset by 120 ° relative to one another . the fitting section 110 of the housing 106 has internally an axial slot 113 co - operating with the key 111 for the purpose of polarization . six quadrangular passage holes 114a , 114b distributed at 60 ° relative to one another pass radially through the fitting section 110 which has , in the plane of the said passage holes , an outer circular groove 114c . at the rear of this groove , there is once again , on the fitting section 110 , an annular part 125 of increased outside diameter , which is interrupted at three locations offset by 120 °, behind each hole 114a , by a part 126 which decreases in circumferencial width rearwards and which terminates , level with an end shoulder 127 , in an isthmus 128 . moreover , an outer groove 115 is provided in the fitting section 110 , between the groove 114c and the front end of this section 110 . a collar 116 , that is to say a split hoop , comprising twice three studs 117 and 118 offset at 60 ° to one another , is attached in the groove 114c . the studs 117 , which alternate with the studs 118 , project inwards on the collar 116 , whilst the studs 118 project both inwards and outwards on the collar 116 . the locking ring 129 comprises internally a groove 130 , three tabs 131 offset at 120 ° relative to one another and extending so as to protrude in the direction of the front end , at the same time being inclined inwards , a bead 133 delimiting the groove 130 rearwards , and a web 134 projecting inwards at the rear of each tab 131 . the collar 116 is mounted in the groove 114c , in such a way that a stud 117 projecting only inwards on the collar 116 is in each hole 114a located in front of an interruption zone 126 of the part 125 and that a stud 118 is in each hole 114b . the locking ring 129 is subsequently mounted on the fitting section 110 of the housing 106 already equipped with the collar 116 , in such a way that a tab 131 comes into place level with a stud 117 and snaps in when the locking ring 129 is in the fully retracted position , the webs 134 being located in the isthmuses 128 , behind the front flank of the groove 114c , above a stud 117 . as shown in fig8 this ensures that the locking ring 129 is retained in the inactive retracted position on the housing 106 . since the collar 116 is mounted under pre - stress in the groove 114c , it is constricted by elasticity and drives the studs 117 , 118 as far as they will go into the holes 114a , 114b . when the two sections 109 , 110 of the housings 103 and 106 are being fitted together , the front end of the section 109 , when reaching the studs 117 and 118 , pushes these outwards , the result of this being , as shown in fig9 that the studs 117 cause the tabs 131 of the ring 129 to bend outwards , thus releasing them from the groove 114c . simultaneously , the studs 118 are pushed outwards into the groove 130 of the ring 129 and thereby block the ring 129 on the housing 106 . when the fitting movement is continued , the studs 118 finally reach the groove segments 112 of the fitting section 109 of the housing 103 and engage elastically inwards into these segments 112 , with the effect of snap - fastening the two sections 109 and 110 one on the other , as shown in fig1 . at the same time , the blocking of the locking ring 129 in the rear position on the housing 106 is eliminated . it is then possible to push the locking ring 129 in the direction of the housing 103 ( to the left in the drawing ), as a result of which , the studs 118 are kept driven into the groove segments 112 by the ring 129 and the tabs 131 engage elastically into the groove 115 of the section 110 of the housing 106 . the ring 129 is thus held in the position locking the two housings 103 , 106 relative to one another and can be retracted only by intentional rearward action ( to the right in the drawing ). in the two embodiments shown and described , all the parts of the connector which are relevant to the present invention ( the housings of the two connector parts , the locking ring and , where appropriate , the attached collar ) may be produced by moulding from plastic , without the need for any re - machining . if the connector is to be a metal - clad connector , it is possible to metallize the plastic component parts , without thereby in any way affecting their primary function . in the advanced ( locking ) position of the locking ring 29 , 129 , it is possible to rotate the latter , for example over about ten degrees , thus making it possible to ensure that locking has taken place correctly . such rotation is possible only in an advanced position due to the circumferencial width of the interruption zones 26 , 126 of the part 25 , 125 of the housings 6 , 106 , whilst the said rotation is prevented , in the retracted position of the ring , owing to the webs 34 , 134 which are then immobilized angularly in the isthmuses 28 , 128 of the interruption zones 26 , 126 . in the two embodiments shown and described , a seal 35 , 135 , arranged inside the fitting section 10 , 110 of the housing 6 , 106 of the second connector part 2 , 102 and compressed by the front end of the fitting section 9 , 109 of the housing 3 , 103 of the first connector part 1 , 101 , ensures , at the end of the fitting together of the two connector parts ( locking ), both leaktightness of the connector and , by virtue of its elastic return effect , compensation of play and the absence of any possibility of vibrations . finally , of the two connector parts 1 and 2 , instead of the first comprising at least one female contact and the second at least one male contact , the first could likewise comprise at least one male contact and the second at least one female contact or both could comprise contacts of the two types . in all cases , the locking ring is mounted on the housing of a connector part which is movable , the other part being capable of being fixed . | 7 |
fig1 shows a sequence of bytes , shown as 8 - bit bytes for purposes of illustration , presumed to be received at some node n at the successive times t 1 , t 2 , t 3 , etc ., wherein the ellipsis is meant to represent a continuing sequence of such bytes . the invention relates to the formation of such a byte sequence into multiple - byte words , as well as the special case of forming sequences of bits into multiple - bit bytes ( i . e ., s / p conversion ), in an apparatus so constructed . the term “ concatenation ” is used herein to describe any such process . a first step in the concatenation process is shown in fig2 wherein a first byte b 1 has had appended at the start thereof the position bit ( pb ) “ 0 ,” and the second byte b 2 has had appended at the start thereof the pb “ 1 .” it is these pb that identify each particular byte so that it may be transmitted to a desired register , and it must be stressed that these pb are not initially associated with particular bytes , but are instead generated as a consequence of the sequence in which the bytes are received . one means by which such pb may be appended is shown in fig3 . specifically , a first step in adding a position bit ( pb i ) to a byte b i lies in transmitting byte b i into both a buffer 1 and an or gate 2 as shown in fig3 . of course , b i must contain at least one non - zero bit , so that or gate 2 will yield an output pulse that is transmitted therefrom to the input of a toggle flip - flop ( tff ) 3 . that pulse serves to “ trigger ” the resultant operations , and serves in lieu of a clock signal as could be used instead in an analogous synchronous system . the pulsed output of or gate 2 in the case that sequences of words w i are to be formed by just two bytes each , during any time sequence in which successive bytes b 1 , b 2 , etc ., pass into or gate 3 , will thus yield at the “ q ” output of tff 3 correspondingly successive bits “ 0 - 1 - 0 - 1 . . . ” or alternatively successive bits “ 1 - 0 - 1 - 0 . . . ,” depending upon the initial value that is taken to pre - exist at the output of tff 3 . ( for example , the gate or collector of a “ normally off ” transistor would have the high level “ 1 ” bit thereon , while the gate or collector of a “ normally on ” transistor would have the low value “ 0 ” bit thereon , but in either case the output from tff 3 is such that each bit after the first one will have an opposite value from the preceding bit .) it is thus the function of tff 3 to provide alternating outputs commencing with the first arrival of a byte to or gate 2 . those successive bits constitute the position bits ( pbs ) and are shown in the left - most position of buffer 1 of fig3 as having the value “ x ” in general . operation of the apparatus of fig3 on successive bytes b 1 and b 2 thus yields the same bytes b 1 and b 2 but with appended pb values ( i . e ., 9 - bit bytes ) as were shown in fig2 . fig4 shows a more general circuit , designated as a “ data enumerator ,” and again using 8 - bit bytes as an example wherein the designation “ b 1 ” again refers to a byte that arrives at node n at time t 1 , “ b 2 ” refers to a byte that arrives at node n at time t 2 , and so on . specifically , fig4 shows a sequence of bytes b 1 , b 2 , etc ., that are connected both to an n - bit ( in this example n = 8 ) right - most portion of a buffer 4 and an or gate 5 , such that successive inputs of bytes having at least one “ 1 ” bit therein will yield a corresponding succession of “ 1 ” outputs , i . e ., the or gate 5 output effectively acts to “ announce ” the arrival of each byte . or gate output 5 should have a fairly rapid rc time constant and rapid decay , and / or similarly the following circuit should have a high response threshold , so as to convert each newly formed “ 1 ” level effectively into a trigger pulse . by such means , the device is enabled to act asynchronously , i . e ., or gate 5 provides a “ trigger pulse ” in the manner of a clock trigger in a synchronous operation as was previously described with respect to fig3 . however , the output of or gate 5 is connected to a cyclical counter 6 that in this example is shown below as counting through four values , so that in concatenating four 8 bit - bytes into a word , counter 6 would yield a two - bit “ position byte ” ( pb ′) having successive values “ 00 - 01 - 10 - 11 .” counter 6 is preferably a synchronous counter , in this case meaning not that it is operated from an external clock but rather , as is well known in the art , that the input thereto goes to a series of flip - flops therein simultaneously rather than sequentially as would be the case in a ripple counter , thereby to keep position bytes pb ′ “ in time ” with the incoming pulses from or gate 5 . those values are represented generally in fig4 as “ y ” in the left - most positions of buffer 4 , and as in fig3 that pb ′ is appended to the corresponding byte ( now in fig4 on a two - conductor line ). it is apparent that 3 -, 4 - bit or larger position bytes ( pbs ) could similarly be generated by counter 6 and employed to concatenate yet larger words out of 8 - bit bytes , or on the other hand smaller bytes of two or three bits , etc ., or even single bits , could constitute the input instead of 8 - bit bytes , and the desired word size could likewise be selected . as is also well known in the art , counter 6 need not be made to count to some power of 2 , e . g ., 4 , 8 , 16 , etc ., but can provide a very wide range of choices for subsequent formatting purposes , i . e ., it could be constructed ( using “ wider ” pb ′ lines ) so as to yield a word size of any arbitrary number of bytes , e . g ., 7 , 9 , 15 , etc . an alternative manner of describing the operation of the data enumerator of fig4 may be to refer to it as simply a “ numbering ” process , i . e ., the circuit adds to each byte a number that expresses the order in which the successive bytes were received . the numbers so added are referred to above as “ position bytes ” because , as will now be described , their values determines the sequential locations of each particular byte within the larger word that is being constructed . for illustration , the manner in which the routing of successive bits or bytes would be carried out to yield composite bytes or words of any selected size is shown in fig5 in terms of the generation of four - byte words from 8 - bit bytes , but the principles of operation so described are easily transferable to the generation by such concatenation of either smaller or larger words than those in these examples . transmission of bytes “ b 1 , “ b 2 ,”. . . , “ b i ” to input node n of a concatenator 10 , to be described below , is intended to cause the creation of a word w 0 = b 1 + b 2 + b 3 + b 4 , wherein b 1 , . . . , b 4 are concatenated in the relative dispositions shown in the lower portion of fig5 . the ellipses shown are intended to indicate a continuing sequence of input bytes ( following after b 4 ) and a correspondingly continuing sequence of output words w 1 , w 2 , etc ., which are additional words after word w 0 . the same operation may of course be carried out bit - by - bit , in which case concatenator 10 would act as an s / p converter , hence all discussion relative to bytes may be taken to include reference as well to the serial bit - to - parallel byte conversion process . the manner in which the routing of two or more bytes into a single word is accomplished is shown in fig6 wherein it is assumed that successive 8 - bit bytes b i together with position bytes pb i respectively appended thereto ( i . e ., after having passed through a circuit such as that of fig4 ) are transmitted into concatenator 10 in sequence , and thence outwardly from concatenator 10 in parallel ( with appended pg i bytes removed ) to an array of byte channels c j , wherein j = 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , etc ., and the maximum value of j corresponds to the total number of such channels , which in the example of fig6 is just four . the array of four mutually adjacent 8 - bit bytes b i will of course constitute a 32 - bit word w 0 . the “ y ” lines on which are to appear each pb i associated with each byte b i as described with reference to fig4 are also connected as one input to respective xnor gates 12 , a second input thereto being provided by a particular reference byte rb i held respectively within corresponding reference memories rm i . in brief , a byte b i will pass through that one byte channel c j for which pb i = rb j . more specifically , fig6 shows eight - bit bytes b i by way of illustration , and which have ( in this case ) a two - bit pb i designated generally as “ y ” appended thereto . bits b i with appended pb i are assumed to be sequentially imposed onto node n of fig6 from the circuitry of fig4 . the respective reference bytes rb j , wherein j = 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 in the example of fig6 have the values shown in table 1 : a byte b i will thus have associated therewith a position byte pb i that will correspond to one and only one of reference bytes rb j . the output of each xnor gate 12 connects to a particular switch sw 14 , and each byte channel c j connects as input and output of a specific one of switches sw 14 . xnor gates 12 thus serve to determine which channel c j each particular byte b i shall pass entirely through , i . e ., by way of transmittal through the particular switch sw 14 within that channel c j . for example , if pb 3 = 10 then since rb 3 = 10 , imposition of pb 3 = 10 onto all of the rb j shown in fig6 will bring about a “ 1 ” output only from that xnor 12 that connects to rb 3 , and since that particular xnor 12 is connected to switch ( sw ) 14 in the third channel , i . e ., c 3 , that “ 1 ” bit constitutes an enable bit ( eb ) that permits transmission of data through that channel c i with which that sw 14 is connected , i . e ., in this case c 3 or the c channel . as counter 6 of fig4 proceeds in its sequence 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , counter 6 of course being a cyclical counter having a maximum value corresponding to the number of bytes ( in this case , 4 ) that one wishes to concatenate into a single word , successive bytes b 1 , b 2 , b 3 , b 4 , b 5 , b 6 , etc ., will be routed into channels c 1 , c 2 , c 3 , c 4 , c 1 , c 2 , etc ., thus to generate from a sequence of n 8 - bit bytes a corresponding sequence of n / 4 32 - bit words . if necessary in particular applications , it may be useful to utilize concatenator 10 in conjunction with an or gate to signal the arrival of the fourth 8 - bit byte b 4 whereby the desired 32 - bit word w 0 will have been completely formed . as shown in fig7 such an or gate 16 is shown as having the output of channel c 4 ( the “ d ” channel ) connected thereto , with the output of or gate 16 being used as an enable bit connected to sw 18 to permit transmission therethrough of word w 0 , shown as going to a bus . a fourth byte ( of course having at least one “ 1 ” bit therein ) arriving over the “ d ” channel will create an output from or gate 16 in the same manner as described earlier with respect to or gates 2 and 5 , and will similarly “ announce ” to sw 18 that ( in this case ) a word w i has been completely formed , hence sw 18 will thus pass word w i on to the bus . as now shown in fig8 a concatenator 20 having the same basic circuitry as does concatenator 10 but with the capacity to receive 32 - bit words can be used to concatenate two or more of such words into 64 - bit “ double words ” ( dw ), and of course larger words may be formed by the use of any desired combination of concatenators 10 or 20 or the like . the sequential words w 0 and w 1 are directed into an input node of concatenator 20 as was the case with concatenator 10 , and the double word dw is then produced at the output of concatenator 20 . it will be evident that the same system may be applied to the concatenation of bytes or words of arbitrary size , the only restriction in the circuitry as shown being that any word deriving from a concatenator having an input capacity of n bits per byte or word must have a size that is some integral multiple m of the original n - bit capacity , i . e ., the word size w = n × m , such as 3 × 3 = 9 . of course , if m & gt ; 4 , then counter 6 of fig4 which appends a position byte pb ′ into the corresponding “ y ” positions of the resultant position labeled bytes or words must have a higher upper count of j than 4 , and hence the “ y ” position and interconnecting line must have a capacity greater than 2 bits . it is also evident that within the maximum width of the data channels of a particular computer system , both the initial byte size ( from one bit on up ) and the highest value of j can be pre - selected as required in the fabrication of a particular embodiment of this aspect of the invention for a particular application . one such application might be in the transmission to a computer of numerical data to be processed . if the inherent nature of the data to be collected had a precision such that the value thereof would in any event be fully expressible , say , in no more than an 8 - bit byte , it would be wasteful of both transmission time and cpu usage to operate on 18 - bit data , if such were the form of the incoming data ( as established earlier , say , by a laboratory instrument ). one might then strip such incoming data of their eight least significant bits and transmit only the eight most significant bits , i . e ., the total amount of data to be processed would have been halved without the use of any computer time . insertion into such a “ stripped ” data input line ( i . e ., comprising a sequence of 8 - bit bytes interspersed by periods of “ silence ” of corresponding length ) of an embodiment of concatenator 10 that was functioning as just described would thus further multiply the efficiency of the computer operation by the ratio of p / n , where p is the bit size of the bus line and n is the byte size , i . e ., concatenating 8 - bit bytes into 32 - bit words multiplies the throughput efficiency by a factor of four . inasmuch as the invention operates asynchronously and depends for its operation upon the arrival thereto of non - zero bytes , the fact that such incoming data had been “ stripped ” as just described would have no effect on the normal operation of concatenator 10 , except insofar as one might notice it to be operating in evenly timed “ bursts .” when any such concatenation process is used , either the programming that subsequently operates upon the data so provided must parse those 32 - bit words back into 8 - bit bytes or the different a , b , c , d channels must route to different , distinguishable addresses and hence appear in their original form as four 8 - bit bytes , the function of the concatenation not being to create a 32 -= bit word for its own sake but rather simply to utilize the data channel more efficiently . other arrangements and dispositions of the aforesaid or like components , the descriptions of which are intended to be illustrative only and not limiting , may also be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention , which must be identified and determined only from the following claims and equivalents thereof . | 7 |
referring now to fig1 there is shown a system including a first part 1 which is adapted to be connected to and collect output from , say , a face mining machine , a shovel and crusher combination , or other device , and deliver such output to a second part 2 for delivery eventually to the discharge end of the conveyor to , say , a stacker . the parts 1 and 2 are of suitable design and need not be described in great detail beyond saying that they may conveniently form a unit , as shown in fig1 mounted on crawler tracks , skids , or the like with a suitable chute means 7 spanning the belts 10a , 10b . the present invention is mainly directed to the area of connection 3 , between parts 1 and 2 and the following description , therefore , will be largely limited to that area . in the area 3 , as clearly shown in fig4 there are two pairs of belt bending rollers , pulleys or drums , an upper pair 4 , comprising top roller 5 and bottom roller 6 , and a lower pair 7 , comprising top roller 8 and bottom roller 9 , the upper pair 4 guiding the product - carrying run of conveyor belt 10 and the lower pair 7 guiding the return run of the conveyor . the rollers 6 and 9 are carried by the part 2 , which is referred to herein as the &# 34 ; static &# 34 ; part , and the rollers 5 and 8 are carried by the part 1 , which is swingable laterally relative to part 2 . each of the product - carrying run and return run of the belt has a first stretch 10a on part 1 and a second stretch 10b on part 2 and these , of course , move laterally relative to one another as part 1 is swung laterally relative to part 2 about pivot 11 in order to follow the face mining machine . it should be noted that the location of pivot 11 in plan view is the tangency point of the roller pair 5 and 6 and pair 8 and 9 when such rollers are in their normal or non - compensated positions , as with pivot point &# 34 ; p &# 34 ; in fig6 . in this regard the part 1 may be dragged through its swing by the mining machine to which it may be attached , or it may be driven , so as to swing about part 2 and follow the mining machine ( see fig2 ), by suitable motors ( not shown ) on part 2 , driving through gearing 31 ( fig4 ). this means that rollers 5 and 8 also swing laterally ( since they are mounted on part 1 ) relative to rollers 6 and 9 on &# 34 ; static &# 34 ; part 2 . which would have deleterious stressing and training and alignment effects upon the belt in passing from one roller to another in each pair without provision of the compensation provided by the present invention . such compensation is provided , in the illustrated embodiment , by sensors 12 detecting sidewise slippage of the belt and feeding signals to adjustment mechanisms , such as that shown at 13 in fig2 which moves at least the top roller in each pair longitudinally of the belt to achieve a safe condition once again . alternatively , of course , the bottom roller could be moved longitudinally , or both rollers could be moved longitudinally , ideally , by equal amounts by manually or automatically operating the adjustment mechanism for each roller of each pair ( 5 , 6 ) ( 8 , 9 ) to move rollers 5 , 6 and 8 , 9 through equal distances towards and away from each other . the roller movement results in a variation in the distance alternatively termed the geometrical relation , between external belt engaging roller surfaces of the rollers of each pair longitudinally of the direction of movement of the belt . fig5 and 6 illustrate the changes which occur in achieving such safe condition in which the belt is safeguarded against excessive side slippage and excessive tensioning and in which belt alignment and training are accomplished . only the forces relating to roller 6 are shown , as those relating to roller 5 are mirror images of the same . in these figures the rollers 5 and 6 are so located that , in plan view , the centers of their surface projections normally coincide with pivot point &# 34 ; p &# 34 ; about which part 1 pivots . when part 1 with roller 5 swings about point &# 34 ; p &# 34 ;, the longitudinal fiber or element of the belt between roller 5 and 6 coinciding with point &# 34 ; p &# 34 ; is the only one that is vertical . all other longitudinal fibers or elements of the belt are inclined at some angle to vertical and where the rollers of regular cylindrical form , the length of the fibers , and the tension therein , would increase with distance along the length of the rollers from point &# 34 ; p &# 34 ;. however the crowning of the rollers offsets this condition . indeed , the degree of crowning of the rollers can be such as to concentrate the tension forces near the center of the belt and reduce them near the belt extremities . ideally the crowning profile of the belt rollers will be selected to optimize the path length of individual longitudinal elements in the belt taking into account the variable roller diameter at each element , the vertical spacing of the bend roller pairs , the angle of bend and the equilibrium roller adjustment positions longitudinally of the direction of movement of the belt in compensating for relative swinging movement of the rollers in each bend roller pair . in a practical situation , one would impose a design constraint of , for example , depending upon the construction of the belting , not greater than 5 percent difference in path length from the longest to the shortest belt fiber or element . the resulting profile will usually be convex , but may in fact be a simple radius , parabolic , conical or the like depending upon the desired effect . the belt will stay in the centered position on the rollers if the sum of all horizontal ( transverse ) components of tension forces within the belt at each pulley remains equal to zero . ## equ1 ## ( sum of all horizontal tension force components l i between points &# 34 ; p &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; c &# 34 ; equals to sum of all horizontal tension force components r i between points &# 34 ; p &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; a &# 34 ;) if the forces on the left side prevail , the belt will move to the right : ## equ2 ## and vice versa : ## equ3 ## as shown in fig5 and 6 , moving rollers 5 and 6 towards each other will increase tension on the left side and decrease tension on the right side of point &# 34 ; p &# 34 ;. moving rollers apart will achieve the opposite effect . thus , there is a point where the sum of all horizontal ( transverse ) tension force components within the belt at both rollers equals zero . that is an equilibrium point or point of operation of the present invention . at this point alignment of the belt and the correct training of the belt through the rollers is accomplished . it has been found in tests , that a segmented pulley such as that shown in fig6 a gives good results and provides for a swing of part 1 of about 50 ° either side of the center line or part 2 . each segment 5a of the pulley 5 , 6 , 8 or 9 of fig6 a has its own bearing 5b mounting on a common shaft 5c and by making the pulley ( or roller , or drum ) 5 , 6 , 8 or 9 or , say , 6 &# 34 ; small diameter ( dimension c in fig6 a ) and , say 18 &# 34 ; large diameter ( dimension b in fig6 a ), and with a longitudinal dimension of between say 6feet to 71 / 2 feet ( dimension a in fig6 a ) a good vertical spacing between rollers 5 and 6 and 8 and 9 can be achieved and this has beneficial results on the angle of swing of rollers 5 and 8 . it is anticipated that in low coal seams with restricted headroom the roller pairs may have to be moved vertically closer together than would be normally considered optimum ( a center spacing of about two roller maximum diameters ) and the angle of swing of part 2 may be then restricted somewhat , but an angle of 40 °- 45 ° either side of center is expected in most conditions and more in ideal conditions . the segmented pulleys of fig6 a have low friction with the flexible belts passing thereover and once the sensors 12 have caused the pulley pairs to be moved together or away from each other , to achieve equilibrium for a given condition , the controls become largely inactive . in the embodiment of the invention as described with respect to fig1 to 4 the distance or geometrical relation between the external belt engaging roller surfaces is varied by adjusting the positions of the roller centers longitudinally of the direction of movement of the belt . in fig7 to 10 an alternative embodiment is shown . in this embodiment pairs of conical rollers 100 , 100a ( fig9 ) are employed in place of rollers 5 , 6 ; 8 , 9 and in place of a mounting means capable of longitudinally moving the roller centers , means is provided for producing variable conicity of the rollers to vary the distance or geometrical relation between external roller surfaces . rollers 100 , 100a are ( as best seen in fig7 and 10 ) made up of a series of elements 110 extending longitudinally of the rollers . these elements 110 are pivotally mounted on spider 102 and connected to laterally slidable sleeve 104 by linkage 103 . actuator 105 mounted to collar 106 is arranged to move sleeve 104 either to the right or to the left such as to tilt all drum surface elements 110 equally and simultaneously , thus achieving conicity of the drum surface ( see fig7 and 10 ). the principle effect of coning each roller of a roller pair is to increase its circumferential dimension , say , at the left side with a corresponding decrease at the right side , generating proportionally variable tensions in the belt fibres . as in the previous embodiments the actuator 105 would control conicity only to vary the distance between external roller surfaces of the rollers of each pair to provide balancing horizontal ( transverse ) tension components within the belt at the drum , or roller . actuator 105 could , if desired , be arranged to respond to sensors 12 ( fig . 3 ). a further alternative is seen in fig1 which is a view similar to fig7 and which shows the roller 5 or 6 ; or 8 or 9 , preferably having an external contour as seen in fig3 and 4 arranged so that instead of being mounted with roller centers adjustable longitudinally of the direction of movement of the belt , as in fig1 to 4 , a linkage arrangement is provided to move the roller elements 110 outwardly or inwardly to increase or decrease the roller outside diameter and in this fashion vary the distance or geometrical relation between the external roller surfaces of the rollers of each pair . preferably , rollers 5 , 6 , 8 and 9 are all similarly provided and preferbly also , means is provided to respond to signals from the sensors 12 to automatically alter roller diameters . fig1 , 13 and 14 show schematically the invention utilized in different systems operating behind a face mining machine or the like . the invention is equally applicable to convey products from , say , an in - pit semi - mobile crusher , in which the conveyor ramps out of the pit on a convenient segmental spiral pattern as shown in fig1 . as can be seen in fig1 it is obvious that by consecutive application of the principles of the invention , any angle up to 360 ° and beyond can be turned . it will be equally obvious that serpentine angles to either side can be turned within one conveyor flight . it will be clear that the invention is also applicable to conditions in which the static and swingable frames 2 , 1 are mounted at a fixed angle for relatively long periods of time . in some applications , where headroom is severely restricted , for example low seam underground conveying , the upper and lower pairs of rollers 5 , 6 and 8 , 9 may be displaced longitudinally ( see fig1 ) with respect to one another and to pivot about their individual pivot axes for bend roller pairs ( shown as center lines ) and their mountings modified to accommodate for the repositioning . fig1 shows an embodiment in which conveying is effected in the reverse direction to that of fig1 and fig1 shows an embodiment in which material is conveyed in both directions simultaneously . fig1 and 20 illustrate a mobile belt bending machine for up to 90 ° angles in which two swingable portions 2a and 2b are mounted to the central fixed frame 1 which is mobile by means of tracks 20 . all other details including compensation means for roller pairs are as previously described . in fig2 , a belt bending arrangement comprising a frame 200 mounted for movement on endless tracks 202 carries a swingable frame 201 mounted for swinging in the horizontal plane with respect to the frame 200 . two pairs of belt bending rollers 205 , 206 and 208 , 209 are provided to bend the conveyor belt 210 through an angle of up to , say , 45 ° ( see fig2 ). the frame 201 pivots about its pivot center line 212 and carries the pulley 205 of the pulley pair 205 , 206 and the pulley 208 of the pulley pair 208 , 209 so that pulleys pivot with respect to their pair 206 and 209 . as in all preceding configurations means is provided to vary the distance between the external roller surfaces of the pair 205 , 206 and of the pair 208 , 209 , longitudinally of the direction of movement of the belt 210 to compensate for the relative swinging movement of the rollers 205 , 208 relative to the other half of their pairs 206 , 209 . this can conveniently be done by moving at least one or the other of each pair longitudinally of the direction of movement of the belt by a suitable arrangement on either one or both of the frames 200 , 201 . the swingable frame 201 overhangs in cantilever fashion behind the frame 200 and carries the chute 212 of a hopper arrangement 214 . additionally the swinging frame 201 carries conveyed material transfer pulley system 220 , 221 , 222 over which the incoming material carrying belt run 224 of the belt 210 passes . material coming from the right hand side of the figure on the belt 210 arrives at the belt bending arrangement and the incoming run 224 passes over the first 220 of the pulleys of the transfer system and discharges the conveyed material into the chute 212 of the hopper 214 . the run 224 having passed around the pulley 222 then enters the belt bending arrangement and passes over the bending pulleys 205 , 206 to provide an outgoing run 226 which is a continuation of the incoming belt run 224 . the hopper 214 feeds the material transferred into its chute 212 back onto the outgoing run 226 of the belt 210 which then proceeds to the left for discharge . the return run 230 of the belt 210 passes through frame 200 over rollers 232 , 234 from where a run 226 proceeds to a conventional tail pulley remote from the belt bending arrangement . the run 227 returns from the tail pulley passes over a pulley 228 on the frame 200 and then over the bending roller pair 209 , 208 where it returns along run 229 to a second remote tail pulley mounted for longitudinal and / or transverse motions suitable to the application . it will be clear from this description that the belt bending arrangement of fig2 and 22 may readily be inserted into an existing conveyor belt system to enable bending of that system conveniently at horizontal angles of up to 45 °. referring now to fig2 through 26 , fig2 and 24 show schematically an alternative arrangement to that shown in fig1 and 20 and suitable for use in situations where head room is limited and where horizontal bend angles of up to 90 ° will be required . a frame 300 is movably mounted on endless tracks 302 and has a swingable second frame 301 mounted thereon for swinging movement in a horizontal plane thereto . the second frame 301 , in its turn has a further frame 302 mounted thereon for swinging thereabout in a horizontal plane ( see fig2 ). the frame 302 carries roller 305 of roller pair 305 , 306 and roller 308 of roller pair 308 , 309 so that the rollers 305 , 308 may rotate relative to the other half of their pairs 306 , 309 respectively . the frame 301 carries the rollers 309 , 306 and additionally carries the roller 306 &# 39 ; of the roller pair 305 &# 39 ;, 306 &# 39 ; and the roller 309 &# 39 ; of the roller pair 309 &# 39 ;, 308 &# 39 ; so that rollers 306 &# 39 ;, 309 &# 39 ; may rotate relatively to the other halves of their roller pairs 305 &# 39 ;, 308 &# 39 ;. 305 &# 39 ; and 308 &# 39 ; are carried on frame 300 . as before it is to be understood that means is provided to vary the distance between the external roller surfaces of the rollers of each of the pairs in the system , longitudinally of the direction of movement of the belt to compensate for relative swinging movement of the rollers of each pair . conveniently this may be accomplished by providing means for adjusting movement longitudinally of the direction of belt movement of at least one or the other of each of said pairs . to this end suitable mountings may be provided on one or both of frames 300 , 301 or one or both of frames 301 , 302 . the center line of pivot of the rollers 305 , 306 ; 308 , 309 ; 305 &# 39 ;, 306 &# 39 ; and 308 &# 39 ;, 309 &# 39 ; are shown as such . it is understood that one skilled in the art could design other structural frame arrangements than frames 300 , 301 and 302 which would still satisfy the geometrical relationships of the bending roller pairs and the incoming and outgoing runs of belting . in operation conveyed material moving from right to left as seen in fig2 provides an incoming carrying belt run 324 which enters a conveyed material transfer pulley system 320 , 321 , 322 , the material being discharged from the belt run 324 close to the pulley 320 into a hopper 314 . the belt run 324 has a substantially flat section near the transfer pulley 320 and this section is suitable to mount belt cleaning scrapers or cleaners . a spiral self - cleaning roller could be provided at the bend position to further clean the belt . this cleaning is important where wet or sticky materials are being handled and serves to clean the belt before entering the bending rollers 305 , 306 . the belt passes around roller 322 , and then over the bending rollers 305 , 306 where it is bent through an angle of , say up to 45 ° about the pivot axis . the belt then passes over the roller 306 &# 39 ; and over the roller 305 &# 39 ; and is bent through a further , say 45 ° about the pivot axis of the pulley 306 &# 39 ;, 305 &# 39 ;. after that the belt passes over pulleys 350 , 351 , 352 , and 353 to provide an outgoing belt run 326 which is of course a continuation of the incoming belt 324 . material from the hopper 314 is deposited on outgoing belt run 326 which proceeds from right to left clear of the frame 300 and on to a remote discharge point . the return belt run 330 enters the frame 300 and passes over rollers 356 , 357 and out to the right ( as seen in fig2 ) to a conventional tail section where it is reversed and returned to the belt bending arrangement . the belt passes over the rollers 358 and 359 to the belt bending roller pairs 308 &# 39 ; and 309 &# 39 ; where it undergoes an up to 45 ° bend about the pivot axis of the rollers 308 &# 39 ;, 309 &# 39 ; and after proceeding through rollers 309 , 308 it experiences a further bend of up to 45 ° about the pivot axis of rollers 308 , 309 . from thence it passes to the right ( as seen in fig2 ) to a second remote tail pulley . in fig2 it will be seen that the belt 310 passes through a full 90 ° turn from where it enters the belt bender arrangement from the bottom of the page as seen in fig2 out to the left . it is clear that the belting runs to the conventional tail pulley are enabled by the pulley combinaton 356 , 357 and 358 , 359 which deflect the return run 330 under the belt bending machine to the remote tail pulley location and receive it back into the belt bending machine again prior to entering the first belt bending roller 308 , for the return run . in some applications , it will be advantageous to omit pulleys 356 , 357 and 358 , 359 providing only such deflection pulleys as will be required to enable belting run 330 to enter the first belt bending roller 308 &# 39 ; directly from the left side of the figure . in such a case , the ground loop and conventional tail pulley do not exist ; only the remote auxiliary tail pulley associated with the loading point of belting run 324 will be used . in fig2 and 26 there is shown an arrangement where the embodiment according to fig2 and 24 may be used with an existing group loop system to provide for an additional input to the system along the line of the original conveyor . a trip car 400 mounted on wheels 401 provides for material conveyed on the belt 410 to be carried through a material transfer run 424 which passes over a transfer pulley system 420 , 421 and 422 to discharge material into the hopper 314 adjacent the roller 320 . thereafter material from both the belt 410 and the belt 310 , before it turns through the right angle to the left as seen in fig2 is conveyed on the belt 310 for discharge . the belt 410 after passing through the pulleys 420 , 421 and 422 moves from right to left and thereafter enters pulleys 358 and 359 of the belt bending machine as shown in fig2 . the novelty of the arrangement of fig2 and 26 is seen particularly in that on one continuous conveyor flight there is provided independent means to load output from , for example , two mining machines for combined ore transportation to the discharge point , at least one of such mining machines operating in a remote location in a horizontal sense from the centre line of the conveyor system . | 1 |
aspects of the invention are disclosed in the accompanying description with reference to the attached figures . one embodiment of the present invention is shown in fig1 . in fig1 , a reed switch assembly 101 is shown prior to mounting of the reed switch assembly in the main housing . a secondary reed switch cover 102 fits over a reed switch base 104 . the secondary reed switch cover 102 fastens together with the reed switch base 104 in a snap together manner , with interlocking tabs 107 and 108 snapping into slots 109 and 111 respectively . those skilled in the art will realize that other fastening mechanisms can be used to fasten the components together . in fig1 represents an opening through the secondary reed switch cover 102 through which a fastener can be inserted through the opening and connecting the secondary reed switch cover 102 to a main housing 210 that is shown in fig2 . a hole 105 in the secondary reed switch cover 102 allows a protrusion 106 to pass through so that the electrical connectors connecting with the reed switch may be routed through this protrusion as it passes through the secondary reed switch cover 102 . in this embodiment , the reed switch is considered to include the reed switch 206 , the circuit board , the electrical connectors and the protrusion 106 that the connectors to the reed switch pass through . this protrusion 106 is part of the reed switch 206 and is shown in fig2 . the reed switch itself cannot be seen in fig1 . however , the specific location and orientation of the reed switch 206 is shown in fig2 and 4 . the secondary reed switch cover 102 and the reed switch base 104 can be made from any materials that possess good vibration dampening and isolation capabilities . another consideration is the compressibility of the material selected , because it is this material characteristic that will help to secure and seat the reed switch . upon the installation of the reed switch 206 between the secondary reed switch cover 102 and the reed switch base 104 , the material that makes up the secondary reed switch cover 102 and the reed switch base 104 compresses around the reed switch 206 to secure the switch and provide vibration damping characteristics . one exemplary embodiment of the present invention can use rubber as this vibration dampening material . any type of aerospace grade rubbers can be used to form the secondary reed switch cover 102 and the reed switch base 104 . specific examples of appropriate materials are viton ® and fluorosilicone ®. materials with a higher durometer rating are especially well suited for implementing the present invention . favorable results have been achieved with materials and rubbers yielding durometer value ( d ) ranges from a high value of about 75d average to a low value of about 55d average . the specific design application and anticipated operational environment , such as vibration levels , are factors to consider when selecting an appropriate durometer rating for a material used to enclose a reed switch operating under the vibration levels encountered during a given operational scenario . the switch assembly shown in fig1 is fastened with a main housing 210 shown in fig2 and comprises the modular reed switch assembly . in fig2 , the reed switch 206 is shown in relation to the reed switch base 104 and a primary reed switch cover 208 . the reed switch base 104 has a recess 113 where the reed switch 206 is set into . the primary reed switch cover 208 has a recess 117 that surrounds and encloses the top of the reed switch 206 . incidentally , magnetically actuated reed switches are well known to those skilled in the art and therefore a detailed description of the reed switch itself and its construction will not be provided . the primary reed switch cover 208 also has a hole 209 in the top to allow the protrusion 106 to pass through it to provide an opening for the electrical connectors of the reed switch 206 to pass through and provide connectivity and access to the interior of the switch assembly . the reed switch base 104 then fits into a recess 212 in the main housing 210 . there should be no gap between the reed switch base 104 and the main housing 210 that requires shimming . however , if the tolerances between the surfaces are such that a gap does exist , then a shim ( s ) can be used to maintain a maximum force margin between the reed switch base 104 and the main housing 210 . the secondary reed switch cover 102 fits over the protrusion 106 and is then fastened down onto the main housing 210 using fasteners 202 , 203 , and washers 204 and 205 . the fasteners fasten into the holes 214 and 216 shown in the main housing 210 . in fig3 , a sectional view of the modular reed switch assembly is shown . the reed switch 206 is located between the primary reed switch cover 208 and the reed switch base 104 . the switch assembly 101 fits into a recess 212 located in the main housing 210 . fasteners 202 and 203 fasten together the switch assembly with the main housing 210 . electrical connectors 302 of the reed switch 206 are shown passing through the protrusion 106 . as mentioned earlier ; this protrusion provides the electrical connection means between the switch and an external device connected to the switch enclosed in the modular reed switch assembly . in fig4 , another sectional view of the modular reed switch assembly is shown . the reed switch 206 is enclosed between the primary reed switch cover 208 and the reed switch base 104 . this portion of the switch assembly 101 fits into a recess 212 located in the main housing 210 . fasteners 202 , and 203 , and washers 204 and 205 fasten together the switch assembly with the main housing 210 . these fasteners fasten into two holes 214 and 216 located on the main housing 210 . electrical connectors 302 of the reed switch 206 are shown passing through the protrusion 106 . again , this protrusion ( the protrusion 106 is actually a protective sleeving , the conductors , 302 , provide the electrical connection ) provides the electrical connection means between the switch and an external device connected to the switch encased in the modular reed switch assembly . those skilled in the art will realize that there are various combinations of materials that may be used to construct the modular reed switch assembly . factors such as the vibration environment , reed surfaces and performance history should all be considered when evaluating a design . according to another embodiment of the present invention , a method of making the aforementioned modular reed switch assembly is also described . fig5 depicts a flow diagram showing a method for making the reed switch assembly . in step 502 a compliant material is selected to enclose a reed switch . in step 504 , the reed switch is enclosed in the compliant material that was selected in step 502 . in step 506 , the product that resulted from step 504 ( a reed switch enclosed in a compliant material ) is further enclosed into a modular assembly . more particularly , a reed switch 206 is mounted between a primary reed switch cover 208 and a reed switch base 104 . both the primary reed switch cover 208 and the reed switch base 104 have recesses that have been hollowed out to accommodate and enclose the reed switch 206 . the material selected for the cover and the base should be compressible and compliant . this forms a secure mount for the enclosed reed switch . this switch assembly 101 is then seated in a recess of a main housing 210 and covered by a secondary reed switch cover 102 . both the primary reed switch cover 208 and secondary reed switch cover 102 provide access for connecting an external device to the electrical connectors 302 of the reed switch 206 . the secondary reed switch cover 102 and the reed switch base 104 snap together around the reed switch 206 . the mating surfaces of the secondary reed switch cover 102 and the reed switch base 104 snap together and form an integrated whole surrounding the reed switch 206 . the present invention can be used with or without shims to provide optimum compression of the compliant material . an optimum compression is one that best achieves a desired objective given a set of operational , environmental and design constraints . the material used to enclose the reed switch is compressed upon installation around the reed switch . the material used to enclose the reed switch is a compliant material and has a durometer rating . the material used to enclose the reed switch can be an aerospace grade material . | 7 |
in a schematic illustration , fig1 shows an inventive examination and / or treatment device 1 having an ultrasound image acquisition device 2 as well as a control and processing device 3 that controls the operation of the ultrasound image acquisition device 2 and also undertakes the processing , editing and analysis of the image data . a set of 2d ultrasound images of an examination region — the heart of a patient 4 in this case — that are forwarded to the control and processing device 3 , are acquired with the ultrasound device 2 . in the illustrated example , the acquisition of the image data representing 2d ultrasound images ensues with triggering by an ecg 6 that is recorded in parallel , since the examination region 15 is a rhythmically moving organ , namely the heart . the ecg data are likewise forwarded to the control and processing device 3 . a position sensor 8 with which the spatial position of the ultrasound acquisition device 2 , and thus the respective spatial position of each acquired 2d ultrasound image can be identified , is also provided at the ultrasound acquisition device 2 . a suitable position detection system 16 is used for this purpose . the position data are likewise stored together with the 2d ultrasound images 5 . a preoperatively acquired 3d image dataset 7 of the examination region 15 is also present in the control and processing device 3 . this can be a computed tomography dataset , a magnetic resonance dataset or a 3d angiography image dataset . since this dataset was acquired preoperatively , i . e . at an arbitrary time before the current treatment , there is the possibility that it does not show the examination region in conformity with the current anatomical conditions . in order nonetheless to be able to employ this high - resolution 3d image dataset for producing a 3d reconstruction image in the context of a subsequent examination or treatment , it is necessary that it be updated , i . e . to adapt it to the current anatomical conditions . the updating of the 3d image dataset can ensue in two ways . a first way is to directly employ the 2d ultrasound images 5 , that are registered with a known spatial position with respect to the coordinate system of the 3d ultrasound image dataset . as an alternative , a 3d ultrasound image dataset 9 can be generated on the basis of the 2d ultrasound images 5 and utilized for the updating . this shall be discussed with reference to fig2 and 3 . a number of steps in accordance with the invention are schematically indicated as blocks in the control and processing device 3 . after the 3d image dataset has been updated in step 10 , the production of a 3d reconstruction image ensues in step 11 . as illustrated by step 12 ( only shown with broken lines ), there is also the possibility of mixing an instrument introduced into the examination region 3 into this 3d reconstruction image . this can ensue using the 2d ultrasound images that may possibly show this instrument . its position is detected ; as a result of the registration of the 2d ultrasound images 5 relative to the 3d image dataset , and the detected position and orientation are mixed into the 3d volume image with accurate position and orientation . of course , there is also the possibility of employing other two - dimensional images , for example x - ray fluoroscopic images , that show the instrument in the examination volume instead of the 2d ultrasound images . the 3d reconstruction image is subsequently presented at a monitor 13 with a representation of the instrument . fig2 shows the updating using a 3d ultrasound image dataset . this 3d ultrasound image dataset 9 — like the 3d image dataset 7 — is presented in the form of a volume . the respective volumes are subdivided into a number of small partial volumes , referred to as voxels . four voxels 7 a , 7 b , 7 c and 7 d are shown in the 3d image dataset 7 ; four corresponding voxels 9 a , 9 b , 9 c and 9 d are shown in the 3d ultrasound image dataset 9 . for the deformation and updating of the 3d image dataset 7 , the individual voxels are compared to one another and a determination is made as to whether the voxels of the 3d image dataset 7 agree with the corresponding voxels of the 3d ultrasound image dataset 9 . in the illustrated example , the voxels 7 a , 7 b , 7 c and the voxels 9 a , 9 b , 9 c coincide , i . e . there is an image data match . the voxel 7 d , which has been selected merely as an example , cannot be mapped onto the voxel 9 d with exact orientation and position . for the updating , a rigid registration of this voxel and of course of every other unmatched voxel , now ensues by translation and / or rotation of the respective voxel until it fits with the respective comparison voxel in the 3d ultrasound image dataset . the voxel 7 d is translationally or rotationally modified until it can be mapped congruently onto the voxel 9 d . a determination of the deformation of updating parameters ensues from this modification . when the corresponding deformation parameters have been identified for every non - matching voxel , then the actual updating of the 3d image dataset 7 ensues , i . e . it is modified dependent on the acquired updating requirements . the acquisition of differences , if any , within the voxels ensues by an analysis of the respective grayscale values . fig3 shows the updating using a 2d ultrasound image a schematic illustration . the 3d image dataset 7 also is shown in fig3 in the form of a three - dimensional cube . a 2d ultrasound image 5 is then mixed into this 3d image dataset 7 with exact position and orientation . as described , the exact spatial position of the 2d ultrasound image 5 in the 3d volume is known because of the acquisition of the spatial lay of a 2d ultrasound image 5 using the position sensor 5 and due to the registration of the 2d ultrasound image 5 with the coordinate system of the 3d image dataset 7 , so that this mixing can ensue . a check is also made , for example via a grayscale analysis , as to how the examination region that is shown in the tomogram plane of the 3d image dataset 7 and the examination region as shown in the 2d ultrasound image 5 coincide relative to one another . the tomogram plane from the 3d image dataset 7 is shown at the left in the illustrated example , the 2d ultrasound image 5 shown next to it , being mixed in over it or into it . the examination region is shown idealized as a circle in the 3d tomogram plane ( at the left ), whereas it is oval in the 2d ultrasound image that indicates the current anatomical conditions . the determination of the deformation or updating parameters now ensues such , for example via a suitable grayscale analysis or an edge detection algorithm , which describe how the presentation of the examination region shown in the 3d plane of section image 14 is to be shifted or deformed until it coincides with the presentation shown in the 2d ultrasound image 5 . this mixing and determination of the deformation parameters ensues until an updating of the complete 3d image dataset 7 is possible . although modifications and changes may be suggested by those skilled in the art , it is the intention of the inventors to embody within the patent warranted hereon all changes and modifications as reasonably and properly come within the scope of their contribution to the art . | 0 |
as used herein and in the claims , “ comprising ” means including the following elements but not excluding others . fluent drop formation refers to the relatively constant drop velocity of the ink from the nozzle while the drop shape is ideally tear - shaped sphere without tail . the drop flows along the co - axial of the nozzle without tilting . the present invention provides a facile method to synthesis metal nanoparticles that can be dispersed in aqueous solvents : 1 . dissolve polyvinvylpyrrolidone ( pvp ) in ethylene glycol ( eg ) or diethylene glycol ( deg ) by heating up to 90 - 160 ° c . with mechanical agitation . 2 . add reducing agent to the above pvp solution if it is required . the need of reducing agent and its concentration will depends on the metal salt used . 5 . separate metal nanoparticles from solution by centrifugation after the reactions are completed . 6 . purify the nanoparticles by washing with acetone / alchol solvents and separate by centrifugation . the images of the metal nanoparticles are captured by tem or sem . the size of the metal nanoparticles is in the range of 20 nm - 30 nm . the present invention provides a method to prepare ink formulation comprising at least one metal nanoparticles : 1 . the as - washed metallic nanoparticles and solvent are mixed thoroughly by a mild energy mixer such as planetary ultrasonic mixer until well combined , to form wet slurry . 2 . a pre - mixed stable solvent is also formulated by mixing proper weight part of dispersant , solvent etc ., through a general mechanical agitator or ultrasonic mixer . 3 . the metal nanoparticles slurry and pre - mixed solvent are weighed according to suitable weight ratio , and then they are mixed and formulated into ink through dispersion process that combines medium / high energy mixer and mechanical agitation . 4 . the resulted ink is filtered through a 0 . 45 micron filter , such as those manufactured by millipore , usa . it is loaded into a piezo - electrical inkjet printer cartridge and serial printing parameters are adjusted , until stable formation and jetting of ink drop . the ink formulation is further filtered and loaded into a printer . the desired patterns can be obtained by proper programming the printing parameters . the ink formulation should contain at least one metal nanoparticle contributing to the conductivity of the ink formulation . the ink formulation can contain a dispersant functionalized with specific groups having affinity to nanoparticles , in order to facilitate nanoparticles dispersion and prevent agglomeration for stable jetting . one or more viscosity modifying solvent can be added in the ink to adust the viscosity of the ink formulation to a range for smooth printing . the surface tension can be tuned until fluent drop formation from the printer to improve jetting performance and wetting property of the ink formulation . 36 . 4 g of polyvinvylpyrrolidone ( mw : 10000 ) was dissolved into 75 ml of ethylene glycol with magnetic stirring while heated to 120 ° c . 5 . 8 g of silver nitrate was dissolved into 25 ml of ethylene glycol . the silver nitrate solution was added into pvp solution and the reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour before cooling down to room temperature . after completion of the reaction , the mixture was centrifuged out at 10000 rpm and washed with ethanol and acetone . the purified silver nanoparticles were not dried , but kept in ethanol environment for subsequent ink formulation . please refer to fig1 for the tem image of ag nanoparticles as synthesized . 37 g pvp ( mw : 40000 ) and 1 . 1 g sodium hypophosphate ( nah2po2 ) was dissolved into 100 ml of diethylene glycol ( deg ) with magnetic stirring while heated to 140 ° c . 1 . 6 g copper sulfate ( cuso4 ) was dissolved into 10 ml di water or eg . the copper sulfate solution was injected into the pvp solution with a controlled speed of 10 ml / min and the reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour . after completion of the reaction , the mixture was centrifuged out at 10000 rpm and washed with ethanol and acetone . the purified copper nanoparticles were not dried , but kept in ethanol environment for subsequent ink formulation . please refer to fig2 for the sem image of cu nanoparticles as synthesized . mix 5 ml of h2o , 2 . 5 ml of eg , 2 ml of ipa , 0 . 5 ml of glycerol and 0 . 1 g of disperbyk - 190 into a 20 - ml glass vial and mix the solutions with vortex . add 3 . 1 g of silver nanoparticle from example 1 into the solution mixture . disperse the nanoparticles through mechanical stirring in an ultrasonic bath for & gt ; 3 hours . 10 ml of ink with solid loading of ˜ 3 g / 10 ml can be obtained at the end . the resultant ink formulation can be stable for at least 3 - 6 months . the jetting performance and wetting property thereof have been improved . the ink can drop at a relatively constant velocity from the nozzle while the drop shape is tear - shaped sphere without tail . the drop flows along the co - axial of the nozzle without tilting . mix 5 ml of h2o , 2 . 5 ml of eg , 2 ml of ipa , 0 . 5 ml of glycerol and 0 . 1 g of disperbyk - 190 into a 20 - ml glass vial and mix the solutions with vortex . add 1 . 5 g of copper nanoparticle from example 2 into the solution mixture . disperse the nanoparticles through mechanical stirring in an ultrasonic bath for & gt ; 3 hours . 10 ml of ink with solid loading of ˜ 1 . 5 g / 10 ml can be obtained at the end . the resultant ink formulation can be stable for at least 3 - 6 months . the jetting performance and wetting property thereof have been improved . the ink can drop at a relatively constant velocity from the nozzle while the drop shape is tear - shaped sphere without tail . the drop flows along the co - axial of the nozzle without tilting . mix 5 ml of h2o , 2 . 5 ml of eg , 2 ml of ipa , 0 . 5 ml of glycerol and 0 . 1 g of disperbyk - 190 into a 20 - ml glass vial and mix the solutions with vortex . add 1 . 5 g of copper nanoparticle and 1 g of silver nanoparticle into the solution mixture . disperse the nanoparticles through mechanical stirring in an ultrasonic bath for & gt ; 3 hours . 10 ml of ink with solid loading of ˜ 2 . 5 g / 10 ml can be obtained at the end . the resultant ink formulation can be stable for at least 3 - 6 months . the jetting performance and wetting property thereof have been improved . the ink can drop at a relatively constant velocity from the nozzle while the drop shape is tear - shaped sphere without tail . the drop flows along the co - axial of the nozzle without tilting . the ink formulation is filtered and loaded into a printer . the desired patterns can be obtained by proper programming the printing parameters . the printed patterns can be electrically conductive shortly after sintered . apattern with size of 3 mm × 5 mm with film thickness of 900 nm has been printed with the ink from example 1 by inkjet printer . after thermal annealing at 150 ° c . for 30 min , a specific resistivity of & lt ; 12 μω · cm has been achieved . referring now to fig3 , it can be seen from the sem image that the grain size has been significantly increased ( fig3 b ) after annealing at 150 ° c . for 30 min compared with that in the deposited film ( fi . 3 ( a )), which indicates the formation of patterns with high conductivity . for instance , the grain size can reach to 0 . 5 μm - 1 . 0 μm after sintering at 150 ° c . the thickness of the resultant film is in the range of 0 . 75 μm - 1 . 0 μm while the resistance ranges from 0 . 1 - 0 . 3 ohm / sq . the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are thus fully described . although the description 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 metal nanoparticles , contributing to the conductivity of the ink , may include , but not limited to gold , silver , copper , nickel , cobalt , zinc and other metals being electrically conductive . more than one type of metallic nanoparticles can be introduced into the ink . in the above embodiment of the present invention , the metal nanoparticles are silver nanoparticles , copper nanoparticles or combined copper and silver nanoparticles . the dispersant may include , but not limited to byk - 108 , byk - 110 , byk - 180 , byk - 190 , byk - 333 , provided by byk additives & amp ; instruments , germany . in one embodiment , the dispersant is byk - 190 , an aqueous solution containing high molecular weight block copolymer . the viscosity modifying solvent may include , but not limited to glycol - based compound such as ethylene glycol , diethylene glycol , triethylene glycol , glycerol , propylene glycol , polyethylene glycol , dipropylene glycol , triethylene glycol butyl ether and triethylene glycol methyl ether etc . in one embodiment of the invention , ethylene glycol and glycerol together are used to adjust the ink viscosity . the surface tension adjusting solvent may include , but not limited to a hydrophilic solvent , such as water , methanol , ethanol , propanol , isopropanol , ethylene glycol , diethylene glycol , 1 - butanol , 2 - butanol , 2 - methoxyethanol etc . the surface tension of the ink formulation should be adjusted between 30 and 40 dyen / cm . the surface tension adjusting solvent is in the range of 30 %- 80 % by weight percentage of the ink formulation , preferably in the range of 35 %- 60 % or 55 %- 80 %, or 70 %- 80 %; the viscosity modifying solvent is in the range of 15 %- 50 % by weight percentage of the ink formulation , preferably in the range of 15 %- 25 % or 18 %- 33 %, or 23 %- 28 %; the dispersant is in the range of 0 . 5 %- 5 % by weight percentage of the ink formulation , preferably 2 . 5 %; the metal nanoparticle is in the range of 10 %- 40 % by weight - volume percentage of the ink formulation , preferably 30 %. the metal precursor may include but not limited to metal chloride , metal nitrate , metal sulfate and metal acetate . the controlled speed for adding metal solution into pvp solution depends on the characteristics of the metal precursors and the concentration thereof . it may be instantaneous , which means that the metal solution is poured in all together , or in the range of 1 - 10 ml / min , or 1 - 3 ml / min . the reducing agent may include but not limited to sodium hypophosphate , ascorbic acid , sodium borohydride and hydrazine . the sintering can be performed through a thermal oven or high energy flashing lamp . the printer in the present invention can be a piezo - electrical inkjet or office - format printer . the printed substrate may include , but not limited to standard office paper , photo paper , flexible thermoplastics , such as polyethylene terephthalate ( pet ), polybutylene terephthalate ( pbt ), polyethylene naphthalate ( pen ), polypolyimide ( pi ) etc , and rigid substrate like glass slide . unless defined otherwise , all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs . although the description 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 . the practice of the invention is exemplified in the non - limiting examples . the scope of the invention is defined solely by the appended claims , which are in no way limited by the content or scope of the examples . | 2 |
in order to make objects , technical details and advantages of the embodiments of the invention apparent , the technical solutions of the embodiment will be described in a clearly and fully understandable way in connection with the drawings related to the embodiments of the invention . it is obvious that the described embodiments are just a part but not all of the embodiments of the invention . based on the described embodiments herein , those skilled in the art can obtain other embodiment ( s ), without any inventive work , which should be within the scope of the invention . an antistatic lgp provided by the embodiment of the invention is electro - conductive . an electro - conductive film made of an electro - conductive organic macromolecular compound is disposed on one or more surfaces of the antistatic lgp provided by the embodiment . in the embodiment , the electro - conductive organic macromolecular compound is polyaniline or polythiophene . for example , to make the antistatic lgp release the electrostatic charges in a better way , an electro - conductive adhesive tape 3 is disposed on a side surface 2 of the antistatic lgp 1 , as illustrated in fig1 and 2 . the side adhesive tape 3 comprises an electro - conductive layer 4 and a reflective layer 5 , and the reflective layer 5 is attached to the side surface 2 of the antistatic lgp 1 as illustrated in fig3 . herein , the electro - conductive layer 4 is used to release the electrostatic charges generated on surfaces of the lgp ; the reflective layer 5 is mainly used to reflect light exiting the side surface of the lgp back to the interior of the lgp . generally , most of the electrostatic charges generated on the lgp are distributed on its edges , thus , the electrostatic charges on the surfaces of the lgp are released into the environment via the electro - conductive tape . therefore , the side adhesive tape comprising the dual layer structure acts as a conductor . furthermore , in other embodiments of the invention , the side adhesive tape 3 may also be disposed on the remaining side surfaces of the lgp 1 of fig1 , except for the side surface having a backlight ; for example , the side adhesive tape 3 is disposed on at least one side surface , which can achieve the above effect in the same way . as illustrated in fig4 , a method for fabricating the antistatic lgp provided by the embodiment comprises the following steps : s 1 : preparing an electro - conductive solution ; the electro - conductive solution is obtained by dissolving an electro - conductive organic macromolecular compound and ink in an acidic solution , or by dissolving an electro - conductive organic macromolecular compound in an acidic solution ; s 2 : cleansing and then soaking a regular lgp in the electro - conductive solution and making one or more surfaces of the regular lgp adsorb the electro - conductive solution uniformly ; s 3 : drying the lgp adsorbing the electro - conductive solution to form an electro - conductive film on the one or more surfaces of the lgp , thereby obtaining an antistatic lgp . for example , as illustrated in fig1 and 2 , the method further comprises the following step : s 4 : attaching an electro - conductive adhesive tape 3 to a side surface 2 of the antistatic lgp 1 . in the embodiment , the electro - conductive organic macromolecular compound in step s 1 is polyaniline or polythiophene . when being used , by contacting a locating post ( not shown ) of the antistatic lgp with an electro - conductive back cover ( not shown ), the electrostatic charges on the antistatic lgp can be released , preventing the electrostatic charges from adsorbing foreign objects . an antistatic lgp provided by the embodiment is electro - conductive . an electro - conductive film made of an electro - conductive organic macromolecular compound is disposed on one or more surfaces of the antistatic lgp provided by the embodiment . in the embodiment , the electro - conductive organic macromolecular compound is polyaniline or polythiophene . for example , to make the antistatic lgp release the electrostatic charges in a better way , an electro - conductive adhesive tape 3 is disposed on a side surface 2 of the antistatic lgp 1 , as illustrated in fig1 and 2 . the side adhesive tape 3 comprises an electro - conductive layer 4 and a reflective layer 5 , and the reflective layer 5 is directly attached to the side surface 2 of the antistatic lgp 1 as illustrated in fig3 . as illustrated in fig5 , a method for fabricating the antistatic lgp provided by the embodiment comprises the following steps : s 10 : preparing an electro - conductive solution ; the electro - conductive solution is obtained by dissolving an electro - conductive organic macromolecular compound and ink in an acidic solution ; wherein the ink is added to make the electro - conductive organic macromolecular compound in the electro - conductive solution adsorb onto the surfaces of the lgp more easily ; s 20 : spraying the electro - conductive solution onto one or more surfaces of a cleansed regular lgp and making the surface of the regular lgp adsorb the electro - conductive solution uniformly ; s 30 : drying the lgp adsorbing the electro - conductive solution to form an electro - conductive film on the one or more surfaces of the lgp , thereby obtaining an antistatic lgp . for example , as illustrated in fig1 and 2 , the method further comprises the following step : s 40 : attaching an electro - conductive adhesive tape 3 to a side surface 2 of the antistatic lgp 1 . in the embodiment , the electro - conductive organic macromolecular compound in step s 10 is polyaniline or polythiophene . when being used , by contacting a locating post ( not shown ) of the antistatic lgp with an electro - conductive back cover ( not shown ), the electrostatic charges on the antistatic lgp can be released , preventing the electrostatic charges from adsorbing foreign objects . an antistatic lgp provided by the embodiment is electro - conductive . a material of the antistatic lgp provided by the embodiment is an electro - conductive organic macromolecular compound , or its material comprises an electro - conductive organic macromolecular compound , making the antistatic lgp electro - conductive . in the embodiment , the electro - conductive organic macromolecular compound is at least one of polyaniline and polythiophene . the color of polyaniline in solid state is green , and the color of polythiophene in solid state is red . the light - transmittance of both polyaniline and polythiophene is close to that of polymethylmethacrylate ( pmma ). if polyaniline , or a mixture of polyaniline and pmma is used as the raw material , the fabricated antistatic lgp appears as green . if polythiophene , or a mixture of polythiophene and pmma is used as the raw material , the fabricated antistatic lgp appears as red . if a mixture of polyaniline , polythiophene and pmma is used as the raw material , the fabricated antistatic lgp has a hybrid color of red and green . when white light passes through a green antistatic lgp , the green antistatic lgp turns the light from white to green . when white light passes through a red antistatic lgp , the red antistatic lgp turns the light from white to red . when white light passes through a hybrid green - red antistatic lgp , the hybrid green - red antistatic lgp turns the light from white to hybrid green - red . to prevent white light passing through the antistatic lgp from changing its color , a fluorescent powder layer is coated on one or more surfaces of the antistatic lgp . the fluorescent powder layer transform the green , red or hybrid green - red light back to white again . for example , to make the antistatic lgp release the electrostatic charges in a better way , an electro - conductive adhesive tape 3 is disposed on a side surface 2 of the antistatic lgp 1 , as illustrated in fig1 and 2 . the side adhesive tape 3 comprises an electro - conductive layer 4 and a reflective layer 5 , and the reflective layer 5 is directly attached to the side surface 2 of the antistatic lgp 1 as illustrated in fig3 . as illustrated in fig6 , a method for fabricating the antistatic lgp provided by the embodiment comprises the following steps : s 100 : providing an electro - conductive organic macromolecular compound or a mixture of an electro - conductive organic macromolecular compound and pmma as a raw material and plasticizing the raw material ; s 400 : cooling the pressure - held mold to obtain an antistatic lgp . in the embodiment , the electro - conductive organic macromolecular compound in step s 100 is polyaniline or polythiophene . s 500 : coating a fluorescent powder layer on the one or more surfaces of the lop . for example , as illustrated in fig1 and 2 , the method further comprises the following step : s 600 : attaching an electro - conductive adhesive tape 3 to a side surface 2 of the antistatic lgp 1 . when being used , by contacting a locating post ( not shown ) of the antistatic lgp with an electro - conductive back cover ( not shown ), the electrostatic charges on the antistatic lgp can be released , preventing the electrostatic charges from adsorbing foreign objects . in summary , an electro - conductive film is disposed on one or more surfaces of the antistatic lgp in at least one embodiment of the invention ; alternatively , the antistatic lgp is made of an electro - conductive organic macromolecular compound , or made of the material comprising an electro - conductive organic macromolecular compound , making the antistatic lgp electro - conductive , therefore the electrostatic charges can be effectively released . by attaching an electro - conductive adhesive tape on a side surface of the antistatic lgp , the antistatic lgp can release the electrostatic charges in a better way . what are described above is related to the illustrative embodiments of the disclosure only and not limitative to the scope of the disclosure ; the scopes of the disclosure are defined by the accompanying claims . | 2 |
in the drawings , fig1 and 2 illustrate generally at 10 a portable infusion pump according to a preferred embodiment of the invention . infusion pump 10 provides an ambulatory system which enables health care professionals to infuse patients directly from single dose container bags which are pre - filled with iv solutions . infusion pump 10 of the invention is suitable for use in homes , hospitals or clinics . it is also readily adapted for operation in any position , such as resting on a table with the patient in bed , or it could be carried by the patient . infusion pump 10 is comprised of a box - shaped housing 12 having a lid 14 which pivots open and closed about a hinge 16 . the interior of the housing is divided into an upper compartment 18 and lower compartment 20 by a horizontal flat plate 22 . the upper compartment is sized and shaped commensurate with the size and shape of a standard large ( 115 cc ) iv bag 24 , and the compartment can also contain a standard small ( 50 cc ) iv bag . an inflatable bladder 26 is mounted across the upper surface of plate 22 within the upper compartment . the opposite walls of the bladder are hermetically sealed together about their periphery to provide a closed internal volume for containing a fluid under pressure . in the present embodiment , the fluid is a gas , preferably air , although liquid fluids could also be employed , such as a low viscosity , non - toxic oil . lower compartment 20 of the housing mounts an air pump 28 , a two - position solenoid valve 30 , a battery compartment 32 and a printed circuit board , not shown , which contains components of the electric control circuit 34 shown schematically in fig5 . a pressure sensor 36 is mounted from plate 22 and depends downwardly into the lower compartment . the pressure sensor includes a moveable pressure pad 38 which extends upwardly through a central opening 40 in plate 22 into juxtaposed relationship with the lower wall of bladder 26 . expansion and contraction of the bladder as its internal fluid pressure increases and decreases correspondingly causes up and down movement of the pressure pad . the pressure sensor generates an electric pressure signal responsive to movement of the pressure pad , and this signal is directed through line 42 into control circuit 34 . the control circuit is powered by suitable dry cells , not shown , mounted in the battery compartment . control circuit 34 is also connected through line 44 to operate the air pump . the pump inlet draws atmospheric air through inlet tube 46 and filter 48 , with pressurized air being directed out through tube 50 into the solenoid valve 30 . this valve has a normally closed inlet 52 connected with air pump 28 , and a normally open outlet 54 is connected via tube 56 through filter 48 and tube 58 to atmosphere . an outlet 60 leads through tube 62 to the bladder . in the normally open position of the valve , the inner volume of the bladder is opened through outlet 54 to atmospheric air so that the iv bag cannot be pressurized . at the same time , inlet 52 blocks out pressurized air from the pump . when the control circuit sends a signal through the line 42 to the valve , inlet 52 is opened so that the valve directs pressurized air from the pump into the bladder while outlet 54 is closed . with lid 14 in its open position shown in fig1 iv bag 24 is inserted so that it lies flat across the upper wall of the bladder . in this solution - dispensing position of the bag , the bag &# 39 ; s dispensing port 64 and filling port 66 extend toward the right of the compartment , as viewed in fig1 and 2 . fig4 illustrates dispensing spike 68 in accordance with the invention which provides means for releasably interconnecting the iv tubing with the iv bag . dispensing spike 68 is comprised of a tubular body 70 having a proximal end adapted for receiving the end of iv tubing 72 . the distal end of the tubular body is formed into a piercing spike 74 which is adapted to pierce through the closed end of dispensing port 64 . this opens the inner channel of the spike to solution within the bag . the dispensing spike thereby interconnects the end of the iv tubing in fluid communication with the solution in the bag . dispensing spike 68 includes an annulus 76 formed about the tubular body . the annulus has a diameter which is sufficiently large to enable the hand of the user to apply a force along the longitudinal axis of the body for inserting and removing the spike into and from the dispensing port . a diameter in the range of 0 . 6 &# 34 ; to 1 . 0 &# 34 ;, and preferably 0 . 8 &# 34 ;, is suitable for this purpose . it is another important feature of the invention that annulus 76 , in cooperation with housing end wall 78 and lid 14 , is releasably captured and securely held in place when the bag is in its proper solution - dispensing position . toward this objective , a notch 79 ( fig3 ) is formed along the upper side of housing end wall 78 . a u - shaped groove 80 is formed in the notch at a position for seating about the lower portion of tubular body , as best shown in fig4 . in this position , annulus 76 fits within the upper compartment with its outer surface seated against the housing end wall . outward forces on the tubular body , such as when the iv tubing is pulled , are resisted by the annulus which thereby holds the spike against displacement from the iv bag as long as the lid is closed . the corresponding end of the lid is formed with a downwardly projecting ridge 82 which matches the shape of the notch . u - shaped groove 84 ( fig1 ) is formed in the lower side of the ridge , and this groove seats against the upper portion of tubular body 70 when the lid is closed . lid 14 is releasably held in its closed position by means of a plurality , shown as three , of latches 86 which are mounted at spaced positions on a slidebar 88 . the slidebar is mounted for back and forth movement across the upper edge of housing front wall 90 . a spring 92 is mounted at one end of the slidebar to urge it toward the right , as viewed in fig1 . with the slidebar urged to the right , the latches engage lid notches 94 ( fig3 ) to hold the lid down . a manually operated latch release button 96 carried on the slidebar projects through an opening in the front of the housing to permit the user to move the slidebar to the left so that the latches release from the lid . another important feature of the invention is the provision of an on - off switch 98 which , in combination with dispensing spike annulus 76 , generates a bag - in - place signal when the bag is in its proper solution - dispensing position . the bag - in - place signal is directed through line 100 into the control circuit for controlling the infusion procedure . the end of horizontal plate 22 is formed with a slot 102 ( fig3 ) through which spike annulus 76 projects downwardly into the lower compartment . switch 98 is provided with an actuating arm 104 , and the switch is positioned in the lower compartment so that the arm projects into an interference relationship with the portion of annulus which extends downwardly through slot 102 . when the dispensing spike is out of the position shown in fig1 such as when the iv bag is either out of the compartment or improperly positioned , then annulus 76 cannot fit fully down through the slot . this permits the actuating arm to move upwardly so that switch 98 is operated to a position in which the bag - in - place signal is disabled . while an air filter 48 is shown for filtering air from the atmosphere into pump 28 , the invention contemplates that the filter could be eliminated with the pump drawing inlet air directly from the atmosphere , and with exhaust air from the bladder being sent through outlet 54 directly to atmosphere . the invention also contemplates an arrangement in which the outlet from pump 28 directs air through a line leading directly into bladder 26 . in such an arrangement , the solenoid valve 30 would have one inlet connected with the bladder and one outlet which directs air to the atmosphere either directly or through an air filter . the valve would be operated by a control circuit of the type shown in fig5 between one position in which the valve inlet is closed while the pump fills the bladder with pressurized air , and in another position in which the valve inlet is opened so that pressurized air from the bladder is discharged through the valve to atmosphere . housing 12 includes a control panel 106 having a power - on pushbutton 108 , an infuse pushbutton 112 . the pushbutton 112 . the panel also includes a light 114 providing a battery low condition signal , and a light 116 providing a check status signal . pushbutton 108 is provided with a light 118 for indicating a power - on condition , pushbutton 110 is provided with a light 120 indicating an infuse condition , and pushbutton 112 is provided with a light 122 for indicating a stop condition . the flow chart comprised of fig6 a and 6b illustrates the steps in the method of operation of diffusion pump 10 . with air pump 28 turned off , the iv bag is placed into its solution - dispensing position within the upper compartment of the housing at step 124 . the lid is then closed at step 126 , which is followed by the patient , or health care professional , pushing the power button at step 128 . this turns on the power light at step 130 , and the control circuit runs its system checks at step 132 . if the spike annulus properly actuates switch 98 at light step 134 , a &# 34 ; yes &# 34 ; indication is directed into the &# 34 ; system okay &# 34 ; logic step 136 . if not , the check status light is turned on and an automatic alarm sounds at step 139 . if the &# 34 ; system okay &# 34 ; condition exists , the infuse button is pushed at step 138 . if the lid is accidentally opened prior to completion of infusion , switch 98 is deactivated at step 140 . the control circuit responds and turns the air pump off at step 142 , valve 30 is deactivated at step 144 so that air is exhausted from the bladder through the filter to atmosphere , the check status light is turned on at step 146 , and the infuse light is turned off at step 148 . the signal generated from the infuse button being turned on is directed into line 150 which : turns on pressure sensor 36 at step 152 , turns the air pump on at step 154 , activates valve 30 at step 156 which directs pressurized air from the pump into the bladder , and turns the infuse light on at step 158 . next , the logic checks whether the pressure sensor senses a bladder pressure of a greater than a predetermined level , for example greater than 6 . 5 psi , at step 160 . if that level or above is not sensed , then the air pump remains on at step 162 . when the bladder pressure reaches or exceeds that level , then the air pump is turned off at step 164 . the circuit logic next determines at step 166 whether the bladder pressure is below a lower predetermined level , for example 5 . 5 psi . if it is below that level , then the air pump is turned on at step 168 . if not , then the logic at step 170 determines if the time elapsed since the pump was on is greater than 5 minutes . if so , then the air pump remains off at step 172 . next , the infuse light is turned off at step 174 , valve 30 is deactivated to exhaust air from the bladder at step 176 , the check status light is on and the alarm sounds at step 178 . the method then proceeds to step 180 where the patient or health care professional checks the status of infusion . if the infusion is complete , the power button is turned off at step 182 . this turns all systems off at step 184 so that the patient can open the lid at step 186 , and remove the iv bag at step 188 . if the infusion is not complete , then the patient can correct the problem at step 190 and press the infuse button at step 192 . this turns the check status light off at step 194 , and the logic proceeds through line 196 to repeat the infusion process . if at any time during the infusion process the patient presses the stop button at step 198 , then the infuse light is turned off at step 200 , the stop light is turned on at step 202 , the solenoid valve is deactivated at step 204 and the air pump is turned off at step 206 . the logic then determines at step 208 if infusion is complete . if so , the logic proceeds to step 182 so that the power button can be turned off . if the infusion is not complete , then the patient can correct the problem at step 210 and then press the infuse button at step 212 which turns the stop light 122 off at step 214 . the logic then proceeds through line 216 to repeat the infusion procedure . fig7 illustrates another embodiment providing a modified dispensing spike 218 for releasably holding the spike in a pump housing 220 when a lid 222 is closed . dispensing spike 218 is formed about its proximal end with an annular groove 224 . the annular recess portion within the groove releasably fits on its lower side into a matching u - shaped seat 226 which is formed on the upper edge of the housing end wall . the lid has a downward protecting portion 227 at its front end which is formed with a similar u - shaped seat 228 which moves into register with and fits into the top side of the spike groove when the lid is closed . the sharpened end 230 of the spike penetrates into the iv bag dispensing port 232 . a tubular body 234 of the spike is formed with an internal bore 236 which receives the end of the iv tubing , not shown . an annulus 238 formed about the body provides a push surface against which force can be applied by the user &# 39 ; s hand to insert and remove the spike into and from the dispensing port . with the lid closed , the upper and lower seats 226 and 228 fit about the spike groove so that the spike is locked against unintended removal from the housing during the infusion process . while the foregoing embodiments are presently considered to be preferred , it is understood that numerous variations and modifications may be made therein by those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such variations and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention . | 0 |
stated simply , the present invention in its broadest terms resides in linking calcium carbonate to a polyester through a reagent having two functional linking substituents , the calcium carbonate first being bonded to the reagent through one of the two functional substituents at an initial step in the synthesis ; and at a later stage in the synthesis the polyester is then bonded to the second of the two functional linking substituents . in its broadest terms , the instant invention contemplates use of any innocuous chemical reagent containing two linking substituents which will accomplish the desired linking of the calcium carbonate to the polyester . however , in the present state of the r & amp ; d project , it is to be expressly understood that to date only acid groups , e . g . carboxy (— cooh ) or phosphono (( ho ) 2 po —) substituents for linking the calcium carbonate to the reagent ; and hydroxyl substituents for linking the polyester to the reagent have actually been employed . as examples of useful bi - functional reagents of this description , mention may be made of the following : preferably , the calcium carbonate particles have a mean particle size no greater than about 2 . 50 microns . however , in one application of the invention , the calcium carbonate particles should have a mean particle size no greater than about 0 . 40 micron . they may initially possess that particle size distribution ; or , optionally , as seen in the appended illustrative examples , the particle size to achieve this distribution may be obtained in situ by milling the calcium carbonate particles simultaneously with the surface modification in which the bi - functional reagent is chemically bonded to the surface of the calcium carbonate particles . the following examples illustrate by example and not by limitation the practice of this invention : 188 . 5 gms . of ethylene glycol were added into an attritor mill containing 660 . 0 gms . of a050 glass beads . 4 . 7 gms of the bi - functional reagent , gluconic acid were then added to the ethylene glycol . 16 . 8 gms of a polyacrylate dispersant , colloid 286n with 50 % activity ( from vinning industries ) were then added . finally , 140 gms . of albafil dp6095 ( precipitated calcium carbonate from specialty mills ) were introduced into the mill . the calcium carbonate was then simultaneously surface treated and ground . after about 15 minutes , the mean particle size of the calcium carbonate had been reduced from about 0 . 92μ to about 0 . 5μ . 30 , 45 , 60 , and 150 minutes of further grinding produced the surface - treated calcium carbonate with medium particle sizes of 0 . 42 , 0 . 39 , 0 . 36 and 0 . 33μ , respectively . the resulting surface - treated calcium carbonate of this example may then be directly used in conventional manner in polyester synthesis . [ if the water content of the slurry is found to be too high , it can first be subjected to a dewatering step .] example 1 was repeated , substituting 177 . 8 gms . of ethylene glycol ; 157 . 5 gms . of albafil ; 5 . 25 gms of gluconic acid ; and 9 . 45 gms . of colloid 286n for the amounts of the respective ingredients in example 1 . milling for 60 minutes reduced the mean particle size of the calcium carbonate from 1 . 25μ to 0 . 35μ ; viscosity : 63 . 5 cps . separation through a silk screen afforded 280 gms . of product . 179 . 52 gms . of ethylene glycol were introduced into an attritor mill containing 660 . 0 gms . of a050 glass beads . 1 . 99 gms . of malic acid ( 99 %) were then added , followed by 10 .. 99 gms . of colloid 21100 polyacrylate dispersant . finally , 157 . 5 gms . of albafil 6095 precipitated calcium carbonate . as in example . 1 , the albafil was then simultaneously surface treated and ground . after milling for 60 minutes at 1600 rpm , the mean particle size was reduced from 1 . 26μ to 0 . 36μ ; viscosity : 68 cps . the particles were separated through a silk screen to yield 281 gms . of product . 181 . 06 gms . of ethylene glycol were introduced into an attritor mill containing 660 . 0 gms of glass beads . 1 . 99 gms of malic acid ( 99 %) were then added , followed by 9 . 45 gms . of colloid 286n and then 157 . 5 gms of the albafil dp6095 calcium carbonate . after milling for 60 minutes at 1600 rpm , the mean particle size of the calcium carbonate was reduced from 1 . 24μ to 0 . 36μ ; viscosity : 68 cps . filtering through a silk screen yielded 283 . 5 gms . of product . in the manner of the previous examples , 660 . 0 gms . of glass beads , 1 . 97 gms . of tartaric acid , 9 . 45 gms . of colloid 286n , and 157 . 5 gms . of albafil dp6095 were added in an attritor mill to 181 . 08 gms . of ethylene glycol . after milling for about 60 minutes at 1600 rpm , the albafil calcium carbonate particles were reduced in size from a mean particle size of 1 . 26μ to 0 . 33μ viscosity 75 cps . the particles were separated through a silk screen to yield 278 gms . of product . repeating example 5 gave calcium carbonate particles having a mean particle size reduced from 1 . 24μ to 0 . 35μ . separation through a silk screen yielded 293 . 5 gms of product . as was mentioned previously , the present invention is particularly directed to improvements in the synthesis of polyesters contemplated for the manufacture of fibers , films and various moldings . the novel modified calcium carbonates of this invention may be utilized in the synthesis of polyesters in per se known manner for prior syntheses employing the addition of calcium carbonate in the polyester manufacture . accordingly , other than the substitution of the modified calcium carbonate of this invention , patentable novelty cannot be asserted in its usage in the polyester synthesis . in other words , the polyester synthesis will be within the expected judgment of the skilled worker . in the following illustrative example of polyester synthesis , it is pointed out that since applicant &# 39 ; s employer , nyacol nano technologies , inc ., the assignee of the present invention , does not have in its r & amp ; d facilities adequate equipment for such polymer syntheses , the example has not yet been physically performed and is accordingly properly written in the present tense . the example is derived from application example 2 in the paragraph bridging cols . 19 - 20 of the aforementioned u . s . pat . no . 5 , 000 , 871 . 100 parts by weight ( pbw ) of dimethyl phthalate and 70 pbw of ethylene glycol are subjected to ester exchange reaction in a usual manner with 0 . 035 pbw of tetrahydrate of manganese acetate catalyst . to the resulting ethylene glycol dispersion a modified calcium carbonate dispersion of this invention ( e . g ., as prepared in any of the foregoing illustrative examples ) can be added with stirring until the desired calcium carbonate concentration in the polymer is obtained , e . g . 5000 ppm . then polycondensation may be performed in a usual manner in vacuo at an elevated temperature to form polyethylene terephthalate . the polyester may then be employed in film manufacture by melting , extruding and stretching a plurality of times both longitudinally and laterally . in the patent example , it is stretched 3 . 5 times longitudinally at 90 ° c . and 3 . 5 times laterally at 130 ° c . when a slurry of the novel calcium carbonate dispersant of this invention is used in polyester polymerizations such as illustrated in the above example , the calcium carbonate will couple with the polymer , as previously explained , which coupling will increase the molecular weight of the final product and / or achieve a desired viscosity in a shorter time . the polyester so obtained will have better properties in the slideness during film orientation , as manifested by less separation of the polymer from the calcium carbonate due to the coupling of the calcium carbonate to the polyester , as previously explained . in the foregoing description , including the illustrative examples , a calcium carbonate dispersion in ethylene glycol was utilized . however , the invention is not limited thereto . for example , other dispersants are also contemplated . moreover , the calcium carbonate particles may be added “ dry ”, in which the dispersion is then formed in the bi - functional reagent , e . g . gluconic acid . since certain changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention , it is intended that all matter disclosed in the foregoing description and in the illustrative examples be intended as being illustrative and not in a limiting sense . | 2 |
the invention herein provides a multi - layer prosthesis which may be used as a graft to replace a portion of a bodily passageway ( e . g ., vascular graft ), or within a bodily passageway to maintain patency thereof , such as an endovascular stent - graft . in addition , the prosthesis can be used in other bodily applications , such as the esophagus , trachea , colon , biliary tract , urinary tract , prostate , and the brain . the prosthesis is composed of multiple layers , including coaxially disposed eptfe tubes . to illustrate the invention , reference will be made to the use of two eptfe tubes , although any number may be utilized consistent with the principles disclosed herein . with reference to fig1 , an eptfe tube 10 is shown which extends along a longitudinal axis 12 . the eptfe tube 10 is preferably formed by extrusion , thus having its fibrils generally parallel to the extrusion direction of the tube , which coincides with the longitudinal axis 12 . the eptfe tube 10 includes a wall 14 ( which is seamless if extruded ), that extends about a lumen 16 . the wall 14 includes an inner luminal surface 18 facing the lumen 16 , and an outer , abluminal surface 20 . the eptfe tube may be formed of any length and of various dimensions , although it is preferred that the dimensions be generally constant throughout the length thereof . in describing first and second tubes of the invention , like reference numerals will be used to describe like elements , but with the extensions “ a ” and “ b ” for differentiation . elements associated with a first tube will have the extension “ a ”, while elements associated with a second tube will have the extension “ b ”. referring to fig2 a , a first eptfe tube 10 a is shown disposed along a longitudinal axis 12 a . the first tube 10 a is twisted about its longitudinal axis 12 a in a first rotational direction , such as clockwise , as shown in fig2 a . the tube 10 a may be twisted over any given range of degrees , although it is preferred that the tube be twisted at least 10 degrees . accordingly , as represented by the hypothetical reference axis 22 a , the first tube 10 a is helically wound in the first rotational direction . as a result and as shown in fig2 b , fibrils 24 a are generally parallel to the reference axis 22 a , with the fibrils 24 a being angularly offset an angle a from the longitudinal axis 12 a , and , thus , being also angularly offset the angle a from the original extrusion direction of the first tube 10 a . nodes 26 a are generally perpendicular to the fibrils 24 a . with the fibrils 24 a , and the nodes 26 a , being obliquely disposed relative to the longitudinal axis 12 a , failure along the longitudinal axis 12 a may be reduced . referring to fig3 a and 3b , a second eptfe tube 10 b is shown being twisted in a second rotational direction different than the first rotational direction of the first tube 10 a . as shown in fig3 a , the second eptfe tube is twisted in a counterclockwise direction . the particular rotational direction of twisting may be switched for the first and second tubes 10 a and 10 b . as with the first tube 10 a , the amount of twisting of the second tube 10 b maybe varied , although it is preferred that at least a 10 degree displacement be provided . the helically wound distortion of the second tube 10 b is represented by the hypothetical reference axis 22 b . as shown in fig3 b , fibrils 24 b are generally parallel to the reference axis 22 b and are angularly offset an angle p from the longitudinal axis 12 b ( and , thus , the extrusion direction ). nodes 26 b are generally perpendicular to the fibrils 26 a . the oblique disposition of the fibrils 24 b and the nodes 26 b resists failure along the longitudinal axis 12 b . fig4 a shows a prosthesis 100 including the first tube 10 a , in its twisted helical state being coaxially disposed within , and fixed to , the second tube 10 b , in its twisted helical state . it is preferred that the tubes 10 a and 10 b be generally coextensive , although the ends of the tubes need not be coterminous . because of the different rotational orientations of the node and fibril structures of the tubes 10 a and 10 b , the node and fibril structures are angularly offset from each other . in particular , as shown schematically in fig4 b , because of the coaxial arrangement of the tubes 10 a , 10 b , the longitudinal axes 12 a and 12 b are generally colinear . also , the fibrils 24 a of the first tube 10 a are angularly offset from the fibrils 24 b of the second tube 10 b by an angle γ . the angular offset of the fibrils 24 a and 24 b provides the prosthesis 100 with resistance against failure not provided by either tube 10 a , 10 b alone . in a preferred embodiment , with the angles α and β being each at least 10 degrees , the angle γ will be at least 20 degrees . preferably , the node and fibrils of each of the tubes 10 a , 10 b are generally - equally angularly offset throughout the respective tube 10 a , 10 b . because the first tube 10 a is disposed within the second tube 10 b , the second tube 10 b is formed dimensionally slightly larger to accommodate the first tube 10 a within its lumen 16 b . as an alternative , only one of the tubes 10 a , 10 b may be twisted . the node and fibrils of the two tubes 10 a , 10 b would , nevertheless , be angularly offset . in a preferred manner of preparing the prosthesis 100 , the first tube 10 a is provided and mounted onto a mandrel where it is twisted into its desired helical configuration . the twisted configuration of the first tube 10 a is maintained . the second tube 10 b is provided and twisted as desired , and in its twisted state telescoped over the first tube 10 a . the first and second tubes 10 a and 10 b are fixed together using any technique known to those skilled in the art , preferably sintering . adhesive may also be used to bond the tubes , such as a thermoplastic fluoropolymer adhesive ( e . g ., fep ). once fixed , the prosthesis 100 is prepared . although reference has been made herein to extruded eptfe tubes , tubes formed by other techniques may also be used , such as with rolling a sheet , or wrapping a tape . generally , with these non - extrusion techniques , the fibrils of the eptfe will not initially be oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube , but rather transverse thereto . these non - extruded tubes may replace one or more of the tubes 10 a , 10 b in a non - twisted state or in a twisted state . as shown in fig5 , the prosthesis 100 may also include a radially expandable support member 28 , which may be disposed interiorly of the first tube 10 a , exteriorly of the second tube 10 b , or interposed between the two tubes 10 a , 10 b . additionally , multiple support members located at the aforementioned locations may be provided . the radially expandable support member 28 may be fixed to the tubes 10 a , 10 b using any technique known to those skilled in the art , such as bonding . additionally , with the radially expandable support member 28 being interposed between the tubes 10 a , 10 b , the tubes 10 a , 10 b may be fixed together through any interstices formed in the radially expandable support member 28 . the radially expandable support member 28 may be of any construction known in the prior art which can maintain patency of the prosthesis 100 . for example , as shown in fig5 , the radially - expandable support member 28 may be a stent . the particular stent 28 shown in fig5 is fully described in commonly assigned u . s . pat . no . 5 , 693 , 085 to buirge et al ., and the disclosure of u . s . pat . no . 5 , 693 , 085 is incorporated by reference herein . the stent may be an intraluminally implantable stent formed of a metal such as stainless steel or tantalum , a temperature - sensitive material such as nitinol , or alternatively formed of a superelastic alloy or suitable polymer . although a particular stent construction is shown with reference to the present invention , various stent types and stent constructions may be employed for the use anticipated herein . among the various useful radially - expandable support members 28 include , without limitation , self - expanding stents and balloon expandable stents . the stents may be capable of radially contracting as well . self - expanding stents include those that have a spring - like action which causes the stent to radially expand or stents which expand due to the memory properties of the stent material for a particular configuration at a certain temperature . other materials are of course contemplated , such as stainless steel , platinum , gold , titanium , tantalum , niobium , and other biocompatible materials , as well as polymeric stents . the configuration of the radially - expandable support member 28 may also be chosen from a host of geometries . for example , wire stents can be fastened in a continuous helical pattern , with or without wave - like forms or zig - zags in the wire , to form a radially deformable stent . individual rings or circular members can be linked together such as by struts , sutures , or interlacing or locking of the rings to form a tubular stent . furthermore , the prosthesis 100 may be used with additional layers which may be formed of polymeric material and / or fabric . furthermore , any layer or portion of the prosthesis 100 , including the tubes 10 a , 10 b , may be impregnated with one or more therapeutic and pharmacological substances prior to implantation of the prosthesis 100 for controlled release over an extended duration . it is anticipated that the prosthesis 100 can be partially or wholly coated with hydrophilic or drug delivery - type coatings which facilitate long - term healing of diseased vessels . such a coating is preferably bioabsorbable , and is preferably a therapeutic agent or drug , including , but not limited to , anti - thrombogenic agents ( such as heparin , heparin derivatives , urokinase , and ppack ( dextrophenylalanine proline arginine chloromethylketone ); anti - proliferative agents ( such as enoxaprin , angiopeptin , or monoclonal antibodies capable of blocking smooth muscle cell proliferation , hirudin , and acetylsalicylic acid ); anti - inflammatory agents ( such as dexamethasone , prednisolone , corticosterone , budesonide , estrogen , sulfasalazine , and mesalamine ); antineoplastic / antiproliferative / anti - miotic agents ( such as paclitaxel , 5 - fluorouracil , cisplatin , vinblastine , vincristine , epothilones , endostatin , angiostatin and thymidine kinase inhibitors ); anesthetic agents ( such as lidocaine , bupivacaine , and ropivacaine ); anti - coagulants ( such as d - phe - pro - arg chloromethyl keton , an rgd peptide - containing compound , heparin , antithrombin compounds , platelet receptor antagonists , anti - thrombin antibodies , anti - platelet receptor antibodies , aspirin , prostaglandin inhibitors , platelet inhibitors and tick antiplatelet peptides ); vascular cell growth promotors ( such as growth factor inhibitors , growth factor receptor antagonists , transcriptional activators , and translational promotors ); vascular cell growth inhibitors ( such as growth factor inhibitors , growth factor receptor antagonists , transcriptional repressors , translational repressors , replication inhibitors , inhibitory antibodies , antibodies directed against growth factors , bifunctional molecules consisting of a growth factor and a cytotoxin , bifunctional molecules consisting of an antibody and a cytotoxin ); cholesterol - lowering agents ; vasodilating agents ; and agents which interfere with endogenous vascoactive mechanisms . various changes and modifications can be made in the present invention . it is intended that all such changes and modifications come within the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims . | 8 |
as required , detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein ; however , it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms . the figures are not necessarily to scale ; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components . therefore , specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting , but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention . referring now to fig1 , the invention has a case 10 that contains a case barrel 12 that is used to wrap the balloon around and a case handle 14 which the user holds . the case 10 has a case opening 18 that allows the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly 24 to retract and extend . the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly 24 has a friendly shaped trigger 26 which the user can actuate the assembly and an internal mechanism hook slot 28 which the end of the balloon can be inserted . referring now to fig2 , the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly 24 which includes the internal mechanism trigger 26 and the internal mechanism hook slot 28 is shown on the retracted position indicated by the direction of the arrow . fig3 shows a center line section from fig1 along the axis 3 - 3 . the case 10 includes the case barrel 12 , a handle 14 , the case trigger slot 16 , and the case opening 18 . the case trigger slot 16 allows the internal mechanism trigger 26 to slide back and forth . the end of case 10 has a case opening stop ring 20 that prevent the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly 24 from sliding out of the case 10 . this is due to the internal mechanism stop ring 30 being located on the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly 24 by being larger than the case opening 18 . inside case 10 includes a case spring press surface 22 that allows a friendly surface area for the spring 32 to compress against . the spring 32 is located between the internal mechanism spring press surface 42 located on the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly 24 and the case spring press surface 22 which is included within the case 10 . the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly 24 has an internal mechanism spring press surface 42 that will compress the spring 32 against the case spring press surface 22 as the internal mechanism trigger 26 is pulled . referring now to fig4 , this section shows a center line section from fig2 along the axis 4 - 4 . the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly 24 which includes the internal mechanism trigger 26 and the internal mechanism hook slot 28 is shown on the retracted position indicated by the direction of the arrow . by pulling on the internal mechanism trigger 26 , the internal mechanism spring press surface 42 pushes against the spring 32 compressing it against the case spring press surface 22 . when the internal mechanism trigger 26 is released by the user , the spring 32 will expand back to its resting position as shown in fig3 . referring now to fig5 , the invention is showing an example of the potential construction and components in an exploded view . the two halves of case 10 would contain the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly 24 and the spring 32 . the two halves of case 10 could be secured using snaps , separate fasteners , or a combination of both . fig6 through fig1 shows an example of the process used to tie a knot in a balloon using this invention . referring now to fig6 , the user will hold a balloon against the case barrel 12 which is included in case 10 putting pressure against the balloon as indicated . the user will grip the exemplary balloon neck 38 of exemplary balloon 34 and pull in the direction indicated by the arrow . referring now to fig7 , the user continues to pull on the exemplary balloon neck 38 wrapping it around the case barrel 12 and then under the exemplary balloon 34 . meanwhile , the user is still applying pressure to the exemplary balloon 34 as indicated . referring now to fig8 , the user will tuck the exemplary balloon opening 36 or the end of the balloon into the internal mechanism hook slot 28 which is included in the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly 24 . referring now to fig9 , the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly 24 is actuated by the user pulling the internal mechanism trigger 26 . this will retract the internal mechanism hook slot 28 indicated by the direction of the arrows . this action will pull the exemplary balloon opening 36 and exemplary balloon neck 38 tucked into the internal mechanism hook slot 28 into the case barrel 12 which created the wrapped balloon loop . not shown is the spring 32 inside the case 10 is now in a compressed state . referring now to fig1 , the exemplary balloon 34 is slid off the case barrel 12 . the exemplary balloon opening 36 and exemplary balloon neck 38 are still secured by the actuated internal mechanism hook slot 28 which is included in the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly 24 . referring now to fig1 , the exemplary balloon 34 is pulled tight for form a knot 40 . the exemplary balloon opening 36 and exemplary balloon neck 38 are still secured by the actuated internal mechanism hook slot 28 which is included in the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly 24 . referring now to fig1 , the user releases the internal mechanism trigger 26 which is included in the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly 24 . the spring 32 , not shown , will push the internal mechanism hook and trigger assembly 24 back to its original position within case 10 as indicated by the direction of the arrows . referring now to fig1 , the exemplary balloon neck 38 is removed from the internal mechanism hook slot 28 which includes the balloon knot 40 . fig1 shows the final exemplary balloon 34 including the knot 40 tied in the balloon neck 38 which prevents air or water , in the case of water balloons , from exiting the exemplary balloon opening 36 . | 0 |
referring now to the drawings , wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views , in fig1 and 2 the irradiation device comprises an internal dielectric tube 1 , for example a glass or quartz tube 1 , which is provided in the interior with a metal layer 2 , preferably an aluminum layer . said layer 2 forms the internal electrode of the radiator . the internal tube 1 is surrounded concentrically by , and at a distance from , a middle dielectric tube 3 which consists of a uv - transparent material , for example quartz . the space between the two tubes 1 and 3 forms the discharge chamber 4 of the radiator . the discharge chamber 4 is bounded towards the outside by an external tube 5 made from dielectric material , for example glass or quartz . the space between the tube 3 and the tube 5 forms the treatment chamber 6 of the irradiation device . a second metal layer 7 , preferably made from aluminum , is applied to the external surface of the tube 6 and forms the external electrode of the radiator . whereas the two ends of the middle tube 3 are connected gastight to the internal tube 1 , for example are fused together , the external tube 5 is held together with the coating 7 on both sides in a sealing washer 8 . the latter consists of an elastomeric material or of another insulating material , for example ptfe ( polytetrafluoroethylene ), which separates the treatment chamber 6 gastight from the external chamber 9 . given the use of a less elastic material , gaskets ( not illustrated ) are then between . two sockets 10 are provided in the external tube 5 for the supply and discharge of the medium to be treated . the supply and discharge can also be performed through the sealing washers 8 instead of via sockets 10 in the external tube 5 . this results in a simplified design of the external tube 5 . this variant is illustrated in fig1 by sockets 10a , drawn in with dashes , in the two sealing washers 8 . the design described enables the treatment chamber 6 to be separated simply from the discharge chamber 4 in order , for example , to carry out cleaning work or the like . it can be advantageous when handling highly toxic gases to limit the number of seals to the absolute minimum . this is realized in fig3 and 4 , for example , in that instead of the sealing washers 8 of the embodiment in accordance with fig1 and 2 respectively the ends 11 of the external tube 5 are drawn inwards and are connected gastight to the middle tube 3 , for example are fused together . in such a design of the irradiation device , only sealing problems that are easy to grasp occur . otherwise , the design corresponds to that of fig1 and 2 , as demonstrated by the same reference numerals for the same parts . in both embodiments of the irradiation device , a cooling medium can be led through the interior of the internal tube 1 . by contrast , it can be advantageous for the destruction of certain gaseous components not to ( force -) cool the radiator , and this is eminently possible by means of the quartz apparatus in accordance with fig3 . the feeding of the discharge in the discharge chamber 4 is performed by an ac source 12 of adjustable frequency and amplitude , which is connected to the two electrodes 2 and 7 . the ac source 12 basically corresponds to those such as are used to feed ozone generators . typically , it delivers an adjustable ac voltage of the order of magnitude of several 100 volts to 20 , 000 volts at frequencies in the range of industrial alternating current up to a few mhz -- depending on the electrode geometry , pressure in the discharge chamber and composition of the filling gas . the discharge chamber 4 between the tubes 1 and 3 is filled with a filling gas which emits radiation under discharge conditions and is , for example , mercury , noble gas , a mixture of noble gas and metal vapor or a mixture of noble gas and halogen , if necessary with the use of an additional further noble gas , preferably ar , he , ne , xe as buffer gas . depending on the desired spectral composition of the radiation , a substance / mixture of substances in accordance with the following table can be used in this regard : ______________________________________filling gas radiation______________________________________helium 60 - 100 nmneon 80 - 90 nmargon 107 - 165 nmargon + fluorine 180 - 200 nmargon + chlorine 165 - 190 nmargon + krypton + chlorine 165 - 190 nm , 200 - 240 nmxenon 120 - 190 nmnitrogen 337 - 415 nmkrypton 124 nm , 140 - 160 nmkrypton + fluorine 240 - 255 nmkrypton + sf . sub . 6 + ar 240 nm - 255 nmkrypton + chlorine 200 - 240 nmmercury 185 nm , 254 nm , 295 - 315nm , 365 nm , 366 nmselenium 196 , 204 , 206 nmdeuterium 150 - 250 nmxenon + fluorine 340 - 360 nm , 400 - 550 nmxenon + chlorine 300 - 320 nm______________________________________ in addition , a whole series of further filling gases come into consideration : a noble gas ( ar , he , kr , ne , xe ) or hg with a gas or vapor of f 2 , i 2 , br 2 , cl 2 or a compound which splits off one or more atoms of f , i , br or cl in the discharge ; a noble gas ( ar , he , kr , nr , xe ) or hg with o 2 or a compound which splits off one or more o atoms in the discharge ; when a voltage is applied between electrodes 2 and 7 , a multiplicity of discharges 13 ( illustrated only in fig2 and 4 ) is formed in the discharge chamber 4 . the electron energy distribution in said discharge zone can be optimally adjusted by the thickness of the dielectric tube 1 or 3 , the spacing of the tubes , pressure and / or temperature . the discharges radiate the uv light , which then penetrates through the uv - transparent tube 3 into the immediately adjoining treatment chamber 6 . the substance to be irradiated is led through the treatment chamber 6 . said substance can be gaseous or liquid . it is important in the case of liquid substances that they have a sufficiently high dielectric constant to be able to couple the energy from the external electrode 7 through the treatment chamber 6 into the discharge chamber 4 . since the invention is preferably provided for irradiating watery substances , said condition is fulfilled in any case : as a consequence of its high dielectric constant only low electric field strengths prevail in water ( or watery substances ), so that the greatest part of the voltage applied between electrodes 2 and 7 occurs at the discharge chamber 4 , that is to say between the dielectric tubes 1 and 3 , and drives the discharge . the two electrodes 2 and 7 serve at the same time as a reflector for the uv radiation , because , as is known , aluminum layers reflect uv radiation effectively . instead of water or watery substances , it is also possible , of course , for any other liquid , emulsion or even a gas which fulfills the abovementioned preconditions to be irradiated . if a gas is used , it must merely be ensured that the ignition voltage in the discharge chamber 5 is smaller than that in the gas of the treatment chamber . this can always be achieved by appropriate selection of pressure and gap width , in particular in the discharge chamber : in the non - ignited state , the described arrangement behaves like a capacitive voltage divider . the individual component voltages at the dielectrics and the gas gaps can be calculated using the capacitance formulae for cylindrical capacitors . it is to be borne in mind in this regard that quartz has a dielectric constant of ε = 3 . 7 , while ε = 1 can be assumed with adequate accuracy for all gases . the preponderant component of the voltage is located at the gas sections , approximately equal electric field strengths being produced for the discharge chamber and the treatment chamber . assuming , for example , air at a pressure of 1 bar in the treatment chamber of width 2 mm , an ignition field strength of just 40 kv / cm is produced in accordance with the known breakdown curves for air . if a xenon - excimer radiator is selected as uv source having a filling pressure below 0 . 3 bar and a discharge gap of width 5 mm , an ignition field strength of approximately 9 kv / cm is produced in the xenon . it is thus easy to find voltage ranges in which the gas discharge burns in the xenon without ignition of the air gap to be irradiated . on the other hand , in the irradiation of gases or gas mixtures quiet electric discharges can be forced in the treatment chamber 6 by increasing the ac voltage applied at the electrodes 2 and 7 . thus , the gas to be treated is additionally subjected to the action of high - energy electrons , ions and excited atoms or molecules . this combined effect of hard uv radiation and an electric discharge is suitable , in particular , for decomposing relatively poorly fissionable substances . a range of modifications are possible without leaving the framework fixed by the invention : instead of tubes 1 or 5 made from dielectric material and coated with metal layers 2 , 7 , it is also possible to use metal tubes which are provided with a dielectric layer -- outside in the case of the internal tube 1 and inside in the case of the external tube 5 . in the case of the external tube 5 this layer must extend completely over the entire surface facing the treatment chamber 6 , in order to ensure the &# 34 ; freedom from metal &# 34 ; of the treatment chamber 6 . the above discussions are related essentially exclusively to radiators having cylindrical geometries . the invention is not , of course , limited to such radiators . the teaching on which the invention is based can also be applied without any problem to configurations having plane dielectrics , preferably quartz plates . obviously , numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings . it is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims , the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein . | 7 |
in fig1 is shown in perspective a wrapped bearing bush 1 with a deformation according to a first embodiment . the bearing bush 1 has at its butt ends 3 , 4 substantially straight peripheral portions 5 , 6 which meet at the joint 7 . the peripheral portions 5 , 6 form the earlier described &# 34 ; v &# 34 ; roof - shape , which is so elevated by the suitable deformation that the butt ends 3 , 4 project outwardly relative to the circular shape 2 . in fig2 is shown a wrapped bearing bush 100 according to a second embodiment . the bush 100 has in cross - section a polygonal shape comprising three polygon points 160 , 161 and 162 which project outwardly relative to the circular shape 2 ( fig8 ). the polygon points 160 , 161 , 162 are so situated that the polygon point 160 lies in the region of the butt ends 103 , 104 . as is apparent from fig1 and 2 , the deformation extends always over the whole length of the bushes 1 , 100 , so that all cross - sections through the bushes are identical . in fig3 is shown the bearing bush 1 in the embodiment according to fig1 used in a connection which is shown in an exploded view in fig5 . this journal or shaft connection comprises a first hinge part 40 , attached by a hinge plate 41 to a wall 44 , a second hinge part 50 and a pin 30 . into a housing bore 45 in a round hinge body 42 is inserted the bush 1 provided with the deformation . the butt ends 3 , 4 , which project outwardly relative to the circular shape 2 , are [ thereby ] brought back radially inwardly to the circular shape which is defined by the housing bore 45 . because the circumference is greater than the housing bore , this results in an interference fit , which causes that the bearing bush 1 bears with its outer surface 10 with an area contact onto the surface of the housing bore 45 whereby an outer bearing surface 13 is formed . this outer bearing surface 13 extends over half of the whole periphery of the bearing bush 1 . the bearing bush 1 bears with its butt ends 3 , 4 onto the surface of the housing bore 45 , whereby [ outer ] bearing surfaces 11 and 12 are formed . because , on insertion of the bearing bush 1 into the housing bore 45 , the substantially straight peripheral portions 5 and 6 remain largely uninfluenced , outer spaces 14 and 15 are formed between the bearing bush 1 and the surface of the housing bore 45 . as a consequence the pin 30 situated in the bearing bush 1 bears with its surface onto the inner surface 20 of the bearing bush in the regions of the straight peripheral portions 5 and 6 ( inner bearing surfaces 21 , 22 ). at the same time the pin bears onto the inner surface 20 of the bearing bush 1 ( inner bearing surface 23 ) also in the region which forms the outer bearing surface 13 . the outer bearing surface 13 and the inner bearing surface 23 , which form in this arrangement the main bearing surfaces , are positioned opposite the joint 7 . with the inner bearing surfaces 21 , 22 , 23 alternate inner clearance spaces 24 , 25 , 26 . the connection shown in the fig3 , 5 could be , for instance , the hinge connection of a car door . in this case the pin 30 would be non - rotatably connected to the upper and lower carrier arms 51 , 52 of the second hinge part 50 which are attached to the car door . fig3 would represent the position of the pin connection when the car door is closed . in fig4 the second hinge part 50 is turned through 90 . sup .° relative to the position shown in fig3 . if the hinge were used for a car door , this position would represent an open door . in this case radial forces f act in the direction of the main bearing surfaces 23 and 13 . the region of the inner spaces 25 and 26 , and also the outer spaces 14 and 15 , where the bearing bush is not in contact with the pin 30 or the surface of the housing bore 45 , are therefore largely unloaded . in fig6 is illustrated the cross - section through the connection shown in fig3 along the line vi -- vi . the bush comprises a flange 8 by means of which the bearing bush 1 bears onto the hinge body 42 . the inner spaces 25 and 26 are shown exaggerated . in reality the spacing between the housing bore 45 and the pin 30 is in the region of about 1 / 100 mm . in fig7 is illustrated the section through the connection shown in fig3 along the line vii -- vii , which extends through the joint 7 of the bearing bush 1 . the hinge body 42 has in the region of the joint 7 a recess in the form of a notch 43 into which engages the bent end 9 of the flange 8 as means preventing rotation . in fig8 and 9 is illustrated a bearing bush 100 according to a the second embodiment . the bearing bush 100 , which is shown in fig9 in an installed state , has a polygonal shape with three polygon points 160 , 161 and 162 . the peripheral portions between the polygon points 160 , 161 , 162 are flattened but still curved . between the bearing bush 100 and the hinge body 142 are outer spaces 114 , 115 and 116 . the bearing bush 100 bears with its outer surface 110 onto the surface of the housing bore 145 whereby outer bearing surfaces 111 , 112 , 113 are formed . the pin 130 contacts the bearing bush at the inner bearing surfaces 121 , 122 , 123 which are situated between the polygon points 160 , 161 and 162 and therefore alternate with the outer bearing surfaces 111 , 112 , 113 . | 4 |
suitable polyols useful in accordance with the present invention include those known and used in polyurethane industry , provided that their hydroxyl equivalent ranges from 800 to 10 , 000 . suitable polyols include polyether polyols , polyester polyols , polymer / polyols and combinations thereof . suitable polyether polyols include random or block alkylene oxide adducts of alcohols , amines or ammonia . suitable alcohols to be useful in the preparation of the polyether polyols include dihydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol , propylene glycol and 1 , 6 - hexane diol ; trihydric alcohols such as glycerin and trimethylol propane ; tetrahydric alcohols such as pentaerythritol and methyl glycoside ; and octahydric alcohols such as sucrose . suitable amines useful in the preparation of the polyether polyols include monoamines such as methyl amine , ethyl amine and aniline ; alkanolamines such as monoethanol amine , diethanol amine , triethanol amine and isopropanol amine ; and diamines such as ethylene diamine and hexamethylene diamine . suitable alkylene oxides useful in the preparation of the polyether polyols include ethylene oxide , propylene oxide , 1 , 2 -, 1 , 4 - or 2 , 3 - butylene oxide and combinations thereof . among these , ethylene oxide , propylene oxide and combinations thereof are preferred . in addition , alkylene oxide adducts of monohydric alcohols such as methanol , butanol and secondary monoamines , ( e . g ., dimethylamine and diethylamine ) may be added in small amounts ( up to 10 parts by weight ) together with polyether polyols to obtain softer polyurethane foams at a slight sacrifice in set properties . suitable polyester polyols include polyester polyols obtained by condensation reaction of the above mentioned di - or trihydric alcohols with polycarboxylic acids such as adipic acid , maleic acid , phthalic acid and trimellitic acid ; polylactone polyols obtained by ring - opening polymerization of lactones such as ε - caprolactone ; and polyester polyols recovered by glycolysis of polyester ( usually aromatic polyester ) molded products waste . suitable polymer / polyols include polymer / polyols obtained by the in situ polymerization of vinyl monomers such as acrylonitrile , styrene and vinylidene chloride and the above mentioned polyether polyols in the presence of radical initiators . the content of the vinyl polymers in the polymer / polyols is usually 20 to 50 % by weight . among the above polyols , polyether polyols , polymer / polyols and combinations thereof are preferred . ethylene oxide - capped polyether polyols are particularly preferred . polyols according to the present invention suitably have a hydroxyl equivalent of from 800 to 10 , 000 , preferably from 1 , 500 to 3 , 000 . polyurethane foams which are rigid and stiff and decreased in resilience and elongation properties are obtained if the hydroxyl equivalent is below 800 . polyurethane foams with density of 45 kg / m 3 or below are difficult to manufacture when the hydroxyl equivalent exceeds 10 , 000 . the polyol or polyol mixture according to the present invention usually has , on an average , of from 2 . 5 to 5 , preferably from 3 to 4 , hydroxyl groups . polyurethane foams are increased in compression set and wet compression set properties when the average number of hydroxyl groups is below 2 . 5 and decreased in resilience and elongation properties when the average number of hydroxyl groups exceeds 5 . suitably , the first glycerin derivative is of the formula : ## str3 ## where n and m are zero or an integer such that the sum of n and m is of from 1 to 8 , preferably from 2 to 4 . suitable first glycerin derivatives include those known as comonomers of polyacetal resins such as described in u . s . pat . no . 3 , 457 , 228 and gb 1 , 171 , 107 and prepared according to yukagaku , vol . 26 , pp . 179 - 181 ( published in japan ). these first glycerin derivatives can also be prepared by hydrolysis of the reaction products obtained from reaction of 1 , 2 - diacetin with ethylene oxide or α - halogeno - ω - hydroxy mono or polyoxyalkylene ether . suitable first glycerin derivatives include 3 - hydroxy ethoxy propylene glycol , 3 -( hydroxydiethoxy ) propylene glycol , 3 -( hydroxytriethoxy ) propylene glycol , 3 -( hydroxytetraethoxy ) propylene glycol , 1 , 3 - bis -( hydroxyethoxy ) isopropanol , 1 , 3 - bis -( hydroxydiethoxy ) isopropanol , 1 , 3 - bis -( hydroxytriethoxy ) isopropanol , 1 , 3 - bis -( hydroxytetraethoxy ) isopropanol , 1 - hydroxyethoxy - 3 - hydroxydiethoxy isopropanol , 1 - hydroxyethoxy - 3 - hydroxydiethoxy isopropanol and combination thereof . the average molar ratio of ethylene oxide to glycerin is of from 1 : 1 to 8 : 1 . polyurethane foams obtained are decreased in resilience when below this average molar ratio is below 1 : 1 and too soft when the average mole ratio exceeds 8 : 1 . alternatively , the first glycerin derivative may be mixed with a second glycerin derivative , in which ethylene oxide is added to the 2 - hydroxyl group of glycerin , of the formula : ## str4 ## where p and r are zero or an integer , q is an integer of 1 or more such that the sum of p , q and r is of from 1 to 8 , preferably of from 2 to 4 . the second glycerin derivative may be present in a proportion such that the number of secondary hydroxyl groups , namely the number of hydroxy groups at position 2 of glycerin , is at least 6 %, preferably of not less than 10 %, based on total number of hydroxyl groups in the mixture of the first and second derivatives . polyurethane foams with closed - cell structure are obtained , because of causing rapid polymerization reaction with polyisocyanates , when the mixture with content of number of secondary hydroxyl group of below 6 %, in particular when low mole ethylene oxide adducts are used , and those with lowered firmness values are obtained when the mixture comprising higher mole ethylene oxide adducts with the same content level is used . the mixture with content of secondary hydroxyl group of at least 6 % is also advantageous from standpoint of economy and reactivity with polyisocyanates and provide flexible polyurethane foams with open - cell structure and increased firmness and decreased wet compression set properties . the content of the second glycerin derivative in the mixture can be determined by measuring intensity ratio of characteristic peak based on the primary and secondary hydroxyl groups by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis . polyisocyanates according to the present invention are conventionally available and are used in preparation of polyurethane resins . suitable polyisocyanates include c 6 - 28 aromatic polyisocyanates ( where the carbon atom in the isocyanate group is not counted ) such as 2 , 4 - or 2 , 6 - tolylene diisocyanate ( tdi ), crude tdi , 2 , 4 - or 2 , 6 - diphenyl methane diisocyanate ( mdi , 1 , 3 - or 1 , 4 - phenylene diisocyanate , crude mdi , polyarylene polyisocyanates ; c 2 - 18 aliphatic polyisocyanates ( where the carbon atom in the isocyanate group is not counted ) such as hexamethylene diisocyanate , lysine diisocyanate ; c 4 - 15 alicyclic polyisocyanates ( where the carbon atom in the isocyanate group is not counted ) such as isophorone diisocyanate , cyclohexylene diisocyante , dicyclohexyl diisocyanate ; modified polyisocyanates thereof such as polyisocyanates having carbamate , carbodiimide , allophanate , urea , urethodione , biuret , urethoimine , isocyanurate or oxazolidone groups ; polyisocyanates disclosed in jp 76517 / 198 , for example , xylylene diisocyante ; and combinations thereof . among them , tdi and mixtures of tdi and mdi with tdi content of at least 70 % by weight from standpoint of compression set , wet compression set , resilience and elongation properties are preferred , with tdi particularly preferred . suitable catalyst or catalysts according to the present invention may be one known and used in preparation of polyurethane resins . suitable catalysts include metal carboxylates such as sodium acetate , lead octoate , cobalt naphthenate and tin octoate ; alkali or alkaline metal alkoxides or phenoxides such as sodium methoxide and sodium phenoxide ; tertiary amines such as triethyl amine , triethylene diamine , n - methylmorpholine , dimethylaminomethyl phenol and pyridines ; quaternary ammonium salts such as tetraethyl ammonium hydroxide ; imidazoles such as imidazole and 2 - ethyl - 4 - methyl imidazole ; and organo - tin or antimony compounds such as tetraphenyl tin and tributyl antimony oxide . among them , tertiary amines , metal carboxylates and organo - tin or antimony compounds are preferred . the first glycerin derivative is suitably present in 1 to 5 parts by weight ( pbw ), preferably 2 to 4 pbw , based on 100 pbw of polyols . mixtures of the first and second glycerin derivative are suitably present in 1 . 5 to 7 pbw , preferably 2 to 5 pbw , based on 100 pbw of polyols . when the first glycerin derivative is used in amount of below 1 pbw or the mixtures are used in amount of below 1 . 5 pbw per 100 pbw of polyols , the polyurethane foams obtained have increased compression set and wet compression set properties . when the first glycerin derivative is used in amount of above 5 pbw or the mixtures are used in amount of above 7 pbw , per 100 pbw of polyols , the polyurethane foams obtained have decreased resilience property or unstable cell structure . water suitably is present in 2 . 5 to 8 pbw , preferably 3 to 5 pbw , based on 100 pbw of polyols . when water is used in amount of below 2 . 5 pbw per 100 pbw of polyols , the polyurethane foams obtained have density of above 45 kg / m 3 or decreased foaming magnification . when water is used in amount of above 8 pbw , the polyurethane foams obtained are too brittle to be of practical use . polyisocyanates may be used in amount ranging from isocyanate index ( nco index ) of from 70 to 130 , preferably from 85 to 115 . when the index is below 70 , the polyurethane foams obtained have increased compression set and wet compression set properties , and low productivity because of requirement of long curing time . when the index is above 130 , the polyurethane foams obtained are too brittle to be of practical use . the catalyst or catalysts are suitably present in 0 . 01 to 5 pbw , preferably 0 . 05 to 3 pbw , based on 100 pbw of polyols . the composition of the present invention can be processed by blending the polyols , the first glycerin derivative or mixtures of the first and second glycerin derivative , catalysts , water and optionally , chain extenders ( or cross - linking agents ) and / or foam stabilizers , and then mixing by known means and reacting the preblends with polyisocyanates . the processes of the invention are applicable for known system such as slab stock , hot - cure and cold - cure moldings systems . chain extenders or cross - linkers to be used if needed may be one known and used in preparation of polyurethane resins . suitable chain extenders or crosslinkers include ethylene glycol , diethanol amine , triethanol amine , glycerin , trimethylol propane and d - sorbitol . chain extenders or crosslinkers comprise up to 5 pbw based on 100 pbw of polyols . foam stabilizers to be used if needed may be one known and used in preparation of polyurethane resins . suitable foam stabilizers include those of dimethyl siloxanes type which are available from nippon unicar company in japan as trademarks of sz - 1306 , l - 520 , l - 540 , l - 5309 and l - 5366 and from toray silicone company in japan as trademarks of sh - 190 , sh - 193 and srx - 274c . foam stabilizers comprise up to 10 pbw , preferably 1 to 5 pbw , based on 100 pbw of polyols . having generally described the present invention , a further understanding can be obtained by reference to certain specific examples which are provided herein for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified . a - 1 : an adduct of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide to glycerin which is capped with 19 % by weight of ethylene oxide and has a hydroxyl equivalent of 1 , 600 . a - 2 : a polymer polyol , which contains 40 % by weight of the following vinyl polymer , prepared by polymerizing acrylonitrile and styrene in weight ratio of 1 : 1 in the presence of an adduct of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide to pentaerythritol which is capped with 12 % by weight of ethylene oxide and has a hydroxyl equivalent of 1 , 600 . a - 3 : a polymer polyol , which contains 40 % by weight of the following vinyl polymer , prepared by polymerizing a mixed monomer of acrylonitrile , styrene and vinylidene chloride in weight ratio of 38 : 50 : 12 respectively in the presence of an adduct of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide to glycerin which is capped with 19 % by weight of ethylene oxide and has a hydroxyl equivalent of 1 , 800 . b - 1 : a compound made by reacting 2 moles of ethylene oxide with 1 mole of glycerin which contains 50 mole % of glycerin derivatives holding secondary hydroxyl group of glycerin and contains the number of secondary hydroxyl group of 14 . 6 % ( measured ) [ 16 . 7 % ( theoretical )], provided that the theoretical value is calculated on the assumption that reactivity of each hydroxyl group in glycerin molecule with ethylene oxide is same . b - 2 : a compound made by reacting 3 moles of ethylene oxide with 1 mole of glycerin which contains 40 mole % of glycerin derivatives holding secondary hydroxyl group of glycerin and contains the number of secondary hydroxyl group of 13 . 3 % ( measured ) [ 12 . 9 % ( theoretical )], provided that the above assumption is applied . c - 1 : an adduct of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide to glycerin which is capped with 12 % by weight of ethylene oxide and has a hydroxyl equivalent of 500 . c - 3 : a compound made by reacting 10 moles of ethylene oxide with 1 mole of glycerin which contains 17 mole % of glycerin derivatives holding secondary hydroxyl group of glycerin and contains the number of secondary hydroxyl group of 4 % ( measured ) [ 5 . 6 % ( theoretical )], provided that the above assumption is applied . c - 4 : a compound made by reacting 20 moles of ethylene oxide with 1 mole of glycerin which contains 9 mole % of glycerin derivatives holding secondary hydroxyl group of glycerin and contains the number of secondary hydroxyl group of 2 % ( measured ) [ 3 % ( theoretical )], provided that the above assumption is applied . c - 5 : an adduct made by reacting 2 moles of ethylene oxide with 1 mole of trimethylol propane ( content of secondary hydroxyl group is none ). c - 6 : an adduct made by reacting 6 moles of ethylene oxide with 1 mole of pentaerythritol ( content of secondary hydroxyl group is none ). d - 1 : &# 34 ; collonate t - 80 ( tdi , nco content = 48 . 3 %, available from nippon polyurethane industries company in japan ). d - 2 : a mixture of tdi and crude mdi ( nco content = 44 . 7 %, available from the above company ). d - 3 : a mixture of tdi , crude mdi and modified mdi containing carbamate group ( s ) in weight ratio of 75 : 15 : 10 ( nco content = 43 . 0 %). e - 1 : &# 34 ; minicol l - 1020 &# 34 ; ( 33 % triethylene diamine solution in propylene glycol , available from nihon nyukazai company in japan ). e - 2 : &# 34 ; toyocat et &# 34 ; ( 70 % bis - n , n - dimethylaminoethyl ether solution in propylene glycol , available from toso company in japan ). g - 1 : &# 34 ; l - 5309 &# 34 ; ( dimethyl siloxane type , available from nippon unicar company in japan ). g - 2 : &# 34 ; y - 10515 &# 34 ; ( dimethyl siloxane type , available from nippon unicar company in japan ). a preblend is prepared by mixing and preconditioning at 25 °± 1 ° c . high molecular weight polyols ( a ), glycerin derivatives ( b ), other polyols ( c ), catalysts ( e ), chain extenders or cross - linking agents ( f ) and foam stabilizers ( g ). the preblend is hand - mixed with polyisocyanates ( d ) preconditioned at 25 °± 1 ° c . for 6 seconds at mixing speed of 5 , 000 r . p . m and then a resulting foam formulation is poured into a cast aluminum mold having dimensions of 400 mm × 400 mm × 100 mm preconditioned at 62 °± 2 ° c . density , firmness ( 25 % indentation load deflection ), resiliency , compression set and wet compression set of foam products are measured according to japanese industry standard k6401 and their elongation property measured according to the same standard k6301 . a foam formulation was prepared from the ingredients listed in tables 1 to 3 below . a polyurethane foam was made according to the above foaming process . the foam was allowed to stand for one overnight after it was demolded . the molded foam product is tested for the items set out in tables 4 and 5 . table 1__________________________________________________________________________ parts by weight examplecomponents 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8__________________________________________________________________________a - 1 80 80 80 80 70 70 20 30a - 2 20 20 20 20a - 3 30 30 80 70b - 1 3 4 4b - 2 3 4 4 3b - 3 2 . 5water 4 4 4 4 4 4 . 5 3 3e - 1 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2e - 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2f - 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1g - 1 1 . 5 1 . 5 1 . 5 1 . 5 1 . 5 1 . 5 1 . 5 1 . 5d - 1 49 . 7 50 . 5 51 . 9 49 . 6 50 . 5 55 . 3 40 . 7 40 . 5nco index 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 105__________________________________________________________________________ table 2______________________________________ parts by weight examplecomponents 9 10 11 12 13 14______________________________________a - 1 70 70 80 20 30 20a - 2 30 80a - 3 30 20 70 80b - 1 5 3 3 4b - 2 4 4 0water 4 . 5 4 . 5 4 . 5 3 3 3e - 1 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2e - 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2g - 1 1 . 0 1 . 0 1 . 0 1 . 0 1 . 0 1 . 0g - 2 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5d - 2 57 . 2 57 . 1 60 . 1 40 . 0 42 . 0d - 3 42 . 9nco index 100 100 100 100 105 100______________________________________ table 3______________________________________ parts by weight comparative examplecomponents 1 2 3 4 5______________________________________a - 1 80 80 80 80a - 2 30 20 20 20 20b - 2 4c - 1 70c - 2 0 . 5 2c - 3 2 4c - 4c - 5c - 6c - 7water 4 4 4 4 4e - 1 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2e - 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2f - 1 1 1 1 1 1g - 1 1 . 5 1 . 5 1 . 5 1 . 5 1 . 5d - 1 60 . 1 47 . 5 51 . 8 47 . 1 48 . 1nco index 100 100 100 100 100______________________________________ parts by weight comparative examplecomponents 6 7 8 9______________________________________a - 1 80 80 80 80a - 2 20 20 20 20c - 3c - 4 4c - 5 4c - 6 4c - 7 2 . 5water 4 4 4 4e - 1 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2e - 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2f - 1 1 1 1 1g - 1 1 . 5 1 . 5 1 . 5 1 . 5d - 1 47 . 2 50 . 8 49 . 6 49 . 7nco index 100 100 100 100______________________________________ table 4______________________________________ examplefoam properties 1 2 3 4 5______________________________________density kg / m . sup . 3 30 . 2 30 . 2 30 . 3 29 . 9 30 . 1firmness , kgf / 314 cm . sup . 2 7 . 3 6 . 9 7 . 2 7 . 2 7 . 3resiliency , % 56 56 55 56 55compression set , % 4 . 1 4 . 1 4 . 1 4 . 2 4 . 2wet compression set , 18 . 0 19 . 5 18 . 2 19 . 0 18 . 1elongation , % 120 122 124 121 120______________________________________ examplefoam properties 6 7 8 9 10______________________________________density kg / m . sup . 3 29 . 9 40 . 2 40 . 1 30 . 2 30 . 0firmness , kgf / 314 cm . sup . 2 7 . 2 15 . 0 15 . 9 8 . 1 7 . 9resiliency , % 56 62 63 56 56compression set , % 4 . 3 4 . 8 4 . 7 4 . 3 4 . 3wet compression set , 19 . 5 14 . 9 14 . 7 19 . 5 19 . 7elongation , % 120 109 108 113 112______________________________________ examplefoam properties 11 12 13 14______________________________________density kg / m . sup . 3 30 . 2 40 . 2 40 . 0 40 . 1firmness , kgf / 314 cm . sup . 2 7 . 8 15 . 2 16 . 3 15 . 5resiliency , % 55 62 63 62compression set , % 4 . 2 4 . 5 4 . 2 4 . 1wet compression set , 18 . 5 14 . 7 14 . 0 14 . 9elongation , % 110 105 103 105______________________________________ table 5______________________________________ examplefoam properties 1 2 3 4 5______________________________________density kg / m . sup . 3 30 . 2 30 . 5 30 . 1 29 . 9 30 . 2firmness , kgf / 314 cm . sup . 2 12 . 5 6 . 2 6 . 3 5 . 2 5 . 0resiliency , % 33 52 53 56 55compression set , % 5 . 8 6 . 5 6 . 0 4 . 3 4 . 2wet compression set , % 33 . 0 29 . 4 27 . 8 19 . 5 18 . 2elongation , % 75 108 107 126 122______________________________________ examplefoam properties 6 7 8 9______________________________________density kg / m . sup . 3 30 . 4 30 . 1 30 . 1 30 . 2firmness , kgf / 314 cm . sup . 2 5 . 0 6 . 8 6 . 9 6 . 8resiliency , % 54 56 56 53compression set , % 4 . 2 5 . 8 4 . 3 6 . 2wet compression set , % 19 . 0 32 . 5 19 . 8 26 . 2elongation , % 121 125 99 110______________________________________ | 2 |
hereinafter , a description is given of detailed embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings . fig1 is a elevational section view showing overall a game apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention ; fig2 is a plan view of the game apparatus shown in fig1 ; fig3 is an enlarged view showing a ride apparatus ; and fig4 is a lateral view taken along the arrow i direction in fig3 . as shown in fig1 and 2 , a game apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a partitioning member 2 that sections and forms a fetch - play area 3 , an holding section 6 , which is disposed in the fetch - play area 3 , for accommodating and holding a plurality of grab articles 7 , a running rail 4 , one end of which is positioned in the fetch - play area 3 , posts 5 , 5 that support both ends of the running rail 4 , a ride apparatus 10 that is hung from the running rail 4 and is composed so as to be movable in the lengthwise direction thereof , and a fetching device 25 attached to the ride apparatus 10 . as shown in fig3 and fig4 the ride apparatus 10 is provided with a carriage device 21 that is engaged in and shifted along the running rail 4 , and a rider vehicle 11 that is hung from the carriage device 21 and supported via a supporting rod 20 , a rotating device 19 , a supporting rod 18 , a lateral frame 16 , and frames 15 . the running rail 4 is made of a steel material whose cross section is i - shaped . the carriage device 21 is composed of two pairs of wheels 22 , which are provided at an appropriate interval in the lengthwise direction of the i - shaped steel material at both sides of the vertical portion between the upper and lower ridges of the running rail 4 , connection rods 23 that connect respective pairs of wheels 22 , and a connection frame 24 that connects the pairs of connection rods 23 . at least one of the wheels 22 is internally provided with a drive motor , wherein the drive motor drives and rotates the wheel 22 , and the carriage device 21 moves along the lengthwise direction of the running rail 4 as described above . also , the embodiment is such that the drive motor is incorporated in the wheel 22 . however , the embodiment may be constructed so that a drive motor is provided outside , and the drive and rotation force is transmitted to the wheels 22 via gears and chains . the supporting rods 20 and 18 are rotatably connected to each other via a rotating device 19 , and the upper end of the supporting rod 20 is fixed on the lower end face of the connection frame 24 . the rotating device 19 internally incorporates a drive motor , which causes the supporting rod 18 to rotate centering around the center axis thereof . the lateral frame 16 then is fixed at the lower end of the supporting rod 18 , and the channel - shaped frames 15 are respectively fixed at either end thereof . the rider vehicle 11 is made of a hollow structure whose appearance is roughly elliptical and spherical , wherein a floor member 12 is disposed therein , and a seat 13 on which a player y sits is fixed on the floor member 12 . also , on its exterior the rider vehicle 11 is provided with a door 14 , through which the player y enters and leaves . further , the upper part of the rider vehicle 11 is made open in order to eliminate a coped - up feeling for a player y boarded therein . further , the end parts of connection members 17 extending at both side edges of the floor member 12 are fixed at the lower ends of the frames 15 , wherein the corresponding floor member 12 is supported by the frames 15 . it is necessary that the rider vehicle 11 has a transparent window at its front side . it is further preferable to make the front window at the feet of the player y transparent . here , the rider vehicle may be made completely open on its front end . thus , the ride apparatus 10 moves in the direction of the arrow along the running rail 4 by operations of the carriage device 21 , and reciprocates between the inside of the fetch - play area 3 and outside thereof , and the rider vehicle 11 et al . swivels and moves centering around the center of the supporting rod 18 by operations of the rotating device 19 . further , such motions may be carried out by the player y operating an operation lever 30 . for example , if the operation lever 30 is swung over frontward , the rider vehicle 11 is caused to move forward , and if the operation lever 30 is pulled toward the player y , the rider vehicle 11 is caused to move backward . also , by turning the operation lever 30 rightward centering around the axis , the rider vehicle 11 is caused to swivel in the same direction while , by turning it leftward , the rider vehicle 11 is caused to turn in the same direction . one end of the fetching device 25 is supported by a bearing 29 disposed on the floor member 12 , which includes a rocking arm 26 that is rockable in the arrow direction , an air cylinder 27 hung from the other end of the rocking arm 26 , a grasping hand 28 fixed at the tip end of a piston rod 27 a of the air cylinder 27 , and a ( not - illustrated ) drive motor that causes the rocking arm 26 to rock and move . the rocking arm 26 is provided so as to protrude outward from a slit - like opening 11 a that is formed on the rider vehicle 11 , and is caused to rock along the vertical direction along the opening 11 a . also , the grasping hand 28 is provided with one pair of grasping claws 28 a that are brought near or parted away from each other to open and close , and the grasping hand 28 is caused to ascend and descend by operations of the air cylinder 27 . a rocking motion of the rocking arm 26 is carried out by the player y operating the operation lever 31 . for example , by shifting the operation lever 31 down and forward , the rocking arm 26 is caused to rock downward ; by pulling the operation lever 31 toward the player y , the rocking arm 26 is caused to rock upward . in addition , the grasping hand 28 can be elevated and lowered by a player y operating an operation lever 32 , wherein for example , if the operation lever 32 is dropped down forward , the grasping hand 28 is lowered , and if the operation lever 32 is pulled to this side , the grasping hand 28 is elevated . further , it is possible to open and close the grasping hand 28 by pressing an operation button ( not illustrated ) attached to the operation lever 32 , wherein if the operation button ( not illustrated ) is pressed once , the grasping hand 28 is closed , and if the operation button is pressed again , the grasping hand 28 is opened . the partitioning member 2 may be made of any material as long as it can section and form the area 3 . however , it is further preferable that the partitioning member be composed of a transparent material such as an acrylic resin plate , since play in the fetch - play area 3 can be observed from the outside . also , an opening portion 2 a through which a ride apparatus 10 is let in and out is formed in the partitioning member 2 in a position that crosses the travelling path of the ride apparatus 10 , and when the ride apparatus 10 enters the fetch - play area 3 , the opening portion 2 a is closed by the door 2 b , and when the ride apparatus 10 comes out of the fetch - play area 3 , the door 2 b may be opened by its action . also , if the holding section 6 is made of a transparent material , although it may be composed of any material , it is most preferable that grab articles 7 accommodated therein can be observed from without . in addition , the holding section 6 is devised so as to horizontally rotate centering around the center axis thereof by means of an appropriate driving means ( not illustrated ). further , the grab articles 7 may be composed of various types of character goods housed in transparent capsulate spherical containers . also , a discharge duct 8 consisting of a duct - like member , which causes the inside of the fetch - play area 3 to communicate with the outside of the fetch - play area 3 via the interior of the duct , is provided at the partitioning member 2 . also , when the ride apparatus 10 is outside the fetch - play area 3 ( that is , the home position ), a steps 9 by which a player y is able to board the ride apparatus 10 are provided in the vicinity of the home position . as conditioned by the game apparatus 1 , according to the present embodiment furnished with the above - described configuration , the player y is able to enjoy playing a game of acquiring an grab article 7 as described below . here , the ride apparatus 10 is at the home position , and the position thereof in its horizontal swivel direction , and the positions of the rocking arm 26 and grasping hand 28 are determined as shown in fig1 ( the situation is referred to as an original position ), wherein the grasping hand 28 is opened . first , a player y climbs up the steps 9 to board the rider vehicle 11 , and sits down on the seat 13 . next , the player y makes the ride apparatus 10 advance forward by operating the operation lever 30 and further advance into the fetch - play area 3 . also , the holding section 6 is horizontally rotating in the fetch - play area 3 at an appropriate speed . next , the player y makes the ride apparatus 10 advance , retreat or swivel horizontally by operating the operation lever 30 , and makes the rocking arm 26 rock vertically by operating the operation lever 31 . then , the player y moves the grasping hand 28 at a position where it is judged that a capsule in which an appointed grab article 7 , that is , desired character goods are accommodated can be grasped . after that , the player lowers the grasping hand 28 to a desired position by operating the operation lever 32 . and , in order to pick up a target capsule , the player y presses the operation button ( not illustrated ) and closes the grasping hand 28 while watching the timing of the capsule swiveling in line with the rotating of the holding section 6 . subsequently , when the player picks up a capsule with the grasping hand 28 as hoped , the player y moves the grasping hand 28 appropriately upward of the discharge duct 8 by operating the operation levers 30 , 31 and 32 . after that , he opens the grasping hand 28 to input the grasped capsule into the discharge duct 8 , thereby discharging the object outside the fetch - play area 3 . on the other hand , where the capsule could not be picked up by the grasping hand 28 or where he failed in inputting the capsule into the discharge duct 8 , game continuation will not be permitted in this example , wherein the player y returns the ride apparatus 10 , rocking arm 26 and grasping hand 28 to their original positions after he opens the grasping hand 28 , and next returns the ride apparatus 10 to the home position . thereafter , he gets off from the ride apparatus 10 . thus , according to the game apparatus 1 of the present embodiment , since a player y is able to pick up desired character goods , by operating the fetching device 25 composed of the rocking arm 26 , air cylinder 27 grasping hand 28 and other mechanisms , the players y satisfy his or curiosity regarding mechanical manipulations , and can enjoy a game brimming with appeal . also , since the player y can play the game shifting or horizontally swiveling in the fetch - play area 3 while onboard the ride apparatus 10 , the players y themselves bodily sense a feeling of reality and lively motion attendant on the shifting and swiveling , such that curiosity regarding mechanical manipulations may be further satisfied , enabling the players y to enjoy a game that is filled with interest . further , if the grab articles 7 preferably are made character goods in which the players y are keenly interested , recreational and material cravings the players y have for being able to get these can be satisfied , whereby further interest and curiosity with respect to a given game may be aroused in the players y . also , rotating the holding section 6 makes it difficult for the player y to pick up a desired grab article 7 , resulting in stimulated desire to play the game . in addition , if projections and dents are provided on the travelling path of the carriage device 21 , the ride apparatus 10 is given vibrations when it travels on these projections and dents , and the vibrations are transmitted to the fetching device 25 , the degree of difficulty will be further increased with respect to the fetching or grasping operation , and the degree of difficulty of the entire game will be increased , wherein the grab article 7 grasped once may fall from the grasping hand 28 due to vibrations , and the player y will be further interested in a given game . as means for providing such vibrations , such structures in that the fetching device 25 is supported by resilient members , and the fetching device 25 is composed so as to vibrate readily may be employed in addition thereto . also , in this embodiment , since the number of times of operation to pick up an grab article 7 is limited to one , the player y can excitedly enjoy a game . however , it is optional that playing a game can be repeatedly tried within a fixed duration of time . if decorations 33 such as media and literature characters are attached onto the exterior of the rider vehicle 11 to hide the carriage device 21 , etc ., the effect of the decorations can be increased . in addition , although the embodiment is constructed so that the grab article 7 grasped by the grasping hand 28 is discharged outside the fetch - play area 3 via the discharge duct 8 , a collection portion 34 having a collection port may be provided at the front of the rider vehicle 11 as shown in fig3 and the picked up grab article 7 may be collected into the rider vehicle 11 through the collection portion 34 . further , the collection portion 34 may be constructed so that the collection port is opened and closed . also , the collection portion 34 is not limited to the structure shown in the drawing . the collection portion may be any optional type if it is able to receive the grab article 7 grasped by the grasping hand 28 , wherein , for example , such a structure may be employed in which a so - called fetching net that is provided so as to reciprocate between the inside of the ride apparatus 10 and the outside thereof , or a structure similar thereto may be disposed , and the grab article 7 is collected by the fetching net , etc . in addition , the discharge duct 8 , collection portion 34 or fetching net , etc ., are provided so as to move forward and backward or leftward and rightward at random or at a fixed cycle , or the collection port of the collection portion 34 is opened and closed at random or at a fixed cycle , it will become difficult for the grab article 7 to be discharged outside the playing area 3 , or to be collected into the ride apparatus 10 , wherein the degree of difficulty of playing a game is increased , and interest in such a game will be deepened . in the foregoing , a description was given of one embodiment of the invention . needless to say , however , specific modes of the invention are not limited to the above - described embodiment . for example , modes that are shown in fig5 through fig1 may be employed . a game apparatus 40 according to a mode shown in fig5 corresponds to a structure in which four sets of the game apparatus 1 consisting of the rider vehicle wherein four travelling rails 4 are disposed in the form of a cross in its plan view , a partitioning member 2 and an holding section 6 that horizontally rotates are disposed at the center of the cross , and rider vehicles 10 each provided with the fetching device 25 is hang from respective travelling rails 4 . a steps 9 and a discharge duct 8 are provided so as to correspond to the respective rider vehicles 10 . according to the game apparatus 40 , since a plurality of players y are caused to play games in parallel at the same time , a competitive spirit is produced among the players y , and they are able to play the game with still further interest . a game apparatus 50 according to a mode shown in fig6 is provided with a structure roughly equivalent to the apparatus 40 , in which four travelling rails 4 are disposed in the form of a cross in its plan view , and the center thereof is supported by a post 51 secured that is rotatably supported at the axial center , an holding section 6 is disposed coaxially with the post 51 , and rider vehicles 10 equipped with a fetching device 25 is hang from respective travelling rails 4 . further , a steps 9 are disposed so as to correspond to the respective rider vehicles 10 . according to the game apparatus 50 , since the post 51 is driven and rotated , the travelling rails 4 and rider vehicles 10 swivels and moves centering around the post 51 . thus , a game similar to that carried out by the game apparatus 10 is carried out in a state where the rider vehicles 10 swivel and move . thus , according to the game apparatus 50 , as in the game apparatus 40 , since a plurality of players y are caused to play in parallel at the same time , a competitive spirit is produced among the players y , by which the game is made more interesting . also , since a fetching game is carried out in a state where the ride apparatus 10 swivels and moves , the players y can further physically feels a sense of reality and motions , and enjoy the game with still further interest . also , needless to say , in the game apparatuses 40 and 50 , four sets of rider vehicles 10 , etc ., are provided . however , naturally , the number of sets is not limited to the four . in addition , a game apparatus 60 according to a mode shown in fig7 is provided with an holding section 61 that is formed like a casing and is provided with a number of grab articles 7 therein , a ride apparatus 62 in which a player y boards , a cover member 64 secured on the holding section 61 , and a fetching device 63 for picking an grab article 7 in the holding section 61 . the holding section 61 is provided with a frame 61 a that is formed as a framework . the bottom of a space that is formed by the frame 61 a is enclosed by a metallic plate , and the side is enclosed by a glass plate . similarly , the cover 64 is also provided with a frame 64 a that is formed as a framework , which is placed and fixed on the frame 61 a of the holding section 61 , wherein the side of a space that is formed by the frame 64 a is enclosed by a glass plate . also , the upper side of a space that is formed by the frame 61 a and the upper side of a space that is formed by the frame 64 a are , respectively , made open . a ride apparatus 62 comprises guide rails 62 b that are , respectively , disposed inside a pair of parallel upper sides , each of which is opposed to each other on the frames 61 a , sliders 62 c that are , respectively , engaged with the two guide rails 62 b and move in the lengthwise directions , a cross beam 62 d bridging over the two sliders 62 c , a guide rail 62 e secured at the cross beam 62 d , a slider 62 f that is engaged with the guide rail 62 e and moves in the lengthwise direction thereof , a base rack ( not illustrated ) fixed on the slider 62 f , a carriage 62 a that is placed and fixed on the base rack ( not illustrated ) and is provided with a seat ( not illustrated ) on which players y sit , and a driving means ( not illustrated ) by which the sliders 62 c and 62 f are moved . the driving means ( not illustrated ) is operated by a movement operating switch attached to the carriage 62 a , wherein the carriage 62 a is caused to move in the arrow a direction and the arrow b direction . the carriage 62 a may be embodied in various modes . for example , those shown in fig8 and fig9 are employed in addition to the mode shown in fig7 . the fetching device 63 comprises a winding drum 63 a , a chain 63 b wound on the winding drum 63 a , and a grasping hand 28 attached to the lower end part of the 63 b and hang therefrom . the grasping hand 28 is devised so as to operate by compressed air that is supplied through a feeding pipe ( not illustrated ), and the supply of compressed air is controlled by a hand operation switch ( not illustrated ) secured on the carriage 62 a . further , the winding drum 63 a is rotated by operations made by the players y , wherein the chain 63 b is wound and unwound in order to elevate and lower the grasping hand 28 . according to the game apparatus 60 , the players y board the carriage 62 a and operate the above - described movement operating switch ( not illustrated ), wherein the carriages 62 a are caused to move in the arrow a direction and arrow b direction simultaneously or individually . and , when the carriage 62 a has been moved to a desired position , the players y close the grasping hand 28 by operating the hand operation switch ( not illustrated ) after the grasping hand 28 that is opened is lowered by operating the winding drum 63 a . at this time , if the relative position between the grasping hand 28 and the grab article 7 is appropriate , the grab article 7 can be grasped and picked up by the grasping hand 28 while if the position therebetween is not appropriate , the grab article 7 is not grasped or picked up by the grasping hand 28 . subsequently , by the players y operating the winding drum 63 a , the grasping hand 28 is elevated by winding the chain 63 b , wherein if an grab article 7 is grasped by the grasping hand 28 , the players y can pick it up . in addition , the winding drum 63 a may be composed so that it is driven by an electric motor . also , a disk - shaped fetching means 65 shown in fig8 and a bucket - shaped fetching means 66 shown in fig9 may be employed instead of the grasping hand 28 . further , as shown in fig1 , a discharge duct 67 that causes the inside of the holding section 61 , that is , the inside of the fetch - play area to communicate with the exterior thereof is provided in the glass plate of the holding section 61 . and , the grab article 7 that is grasped by the grasping hand 28 may be provided so that the grab article 7 can be taken out through the discharge duct 67 . also , it is preferable that an openable and closable covering member 67 a is provided at the open port at the take - out side of the discharge duct 67 . in addition , a game apparatus 70 shown in fig1 comprises an holding section 71 that is formed like a casing and accommodates a number of grab articles 7 therein , a ride apparatus 72 that is disposed in the holding section 71 and on which players y board , and a fetching means 73 for picking up an grab article 7 in the holding section 71 . the holding section 71 is provided with a frame 71 a that is formed as a framework . the bottom of a space that is formed by the frame 71 a is closed by the floor surface or a metallic plate , and the side thereof is closed by a glass plate . also , the upper side of space that is formed by the frame 71 a is made open . the ride apparatus 72 comprises a supporting post 72 c that is erected roughly at the center position in the holding section 71 , a rotary axis 72 d that is rotatably supported in the supporting post 72 c , a supporting arm 72 b , one end of which is supported at the rotary axis 72 d , and a carriage 72 a that is supported at the other end of the supporting arm 72 b . the rotary axis 72 d is devised so as to turn by a rotation driving means ( not illustrated ) such as an electric motor . also , the players y are able to board the carriage 72 a using steps 74 secured at the surrounding of the holding section 71 . the fetching means 73 comprises , as shown in fig1 , a rod - like member 73 a , a supporting post 73 e that supports the rod - like member 73 a via a linkage 73 d , a winding drum 73 b that is rotatably attached to the rod - like member 73 a , a ring 73 i secured at one end of the rod - like member 73 a , a line 73 g that is wound in the winding drum 73 b via the ring 73 i , an annular operating member 73 f secured at the other end of the rod - like member 73 a , and a hooking member 73 h that is provided at the tip end of the line 73 g . the linkage 73 d causes the rod - like member 73 a and supporting post 73 e to rotate relatively and move relative to each other , for example , centering around the vertical axis and horizontal axis , wherein the players y are able to move the end portion at the ring 73 i side of the rod - like member 73 a to any optional position in a three - dimensional space by moving the operation member 73 f . in addition , the winding drum 73 b is provided with a handle 73 c , wherein the players y operate the handle 73 c to turn the winding drum 73 b , thereby causing the line 73 g to be wound in the winding drum 73 b or contrarily causing the line 73 g to be unwound from the winding drum 73 b . grab articles 7 are , respectively , packed in a sack , the opening of which is sealed by using a band 7 a having a ring 7 b . further , the hooking member 73 h consists of a three - pronged and hook - like member , wherein each hook is engageable with the rings 7 b of the grab articles 7 . also , a roof 76 supported by the supporting posts 75 are provided upward of the accommodation part 71 . according to the game apparatus 70 , the rotary axis 72 d is driven to rotate by a rotation driving member ( not illustrated ) after players y board the carriage 72 a , whereby the carriage 72 a rotates and moves on the horizontal plane centering around the rotary axis 72 d . in this state , the players y operate the handle 73 c that is secured at the winding drum 73 b and delivers the line 73 g from the winding drum 73 b to lower the hooking member 73 h . thereby , the hooking member 73 h swivels and moves together with the carriage 72 a while being brought into contact with an grab article 7 accommodated in the holding section 71 . and , a player y controls the position of the hooking member 73 h moving in such a state by moving the rod - like member 73 a , and moves the hook of the hooking member 73 h so that it is engaged with the ring 7 b of an grab article 7 . by doing so , after the hook of the hooking member 73 h is engaged with the ring 7 b of the grab article 7 , the player y winds the line 73 g by operating the winding drum 73 b , wherein the hooking member 73 h is elevated and the player y picks up the grab article 7 caught by the hooking member 73 h . also , the winding drum 73 a may be constructed so that it is driven by an electric motor . further , instead of the hooking member 73 h , a grasping hand 28 shown in fig7 a disk - like fetching means 65 shown in fig8 and a bucket - like fetching means 66 shown in fig9 may be used . in addition , the basic construction of the game apparatus 70 shown in fig1 may be applicable to a game apparatus 80 shown in fig1 . the game apparatus 80 shown in fig1 is constructed so that the holding section 71 is formed to be annular , a circular stage 81 is provided inside the holding section 71 , and a plurality of ride apparatuses 72 and fetching means 73 are provided on the stage 81 . the stage 81 horizontally turns in the arrow direction , and players y can enjoy playing the above - described game on the ride apparatuses 72 that rotate along with the stage 81 . a game apparatus 90 , according to a mode that is shown in fig1 , comprises a travelling rail 91 that is a track , which is formed like a loop , a plurality of sections of holding sections 92 , which are formed around the travelling rail 91 , and a plurality of ride vehicles 93 ( three vehicles in the embodiment shown herein ) that travel on and along the travelling rail 91 . the travelling rail 91 consists of two parallel rails that are used like a track of a train , and the ride vehicle 93 may have a structure similar to that of a truck , and a plurality of trucks are linearly coupled to each other by linkage rods 94 , wherein at least the top truck is provided with a drive device and the trucks are auto - driven to run . in addition , the travelling rails 91 may be composed of a single rail , and the ride vehicle 93 may be composed of a vehicle having a structure just like a monorail car . further , respective ride vehicles 93 are provided with a fetching means similar to the above - described fetching device 25 . also , the holding sections 92 that are sectioned in a plurality are provided with objects . however , where the same objects are provided , it is not necessary to section the holding sections in a plurality as in the present embodiment . a platform 95 facilitates players y getting on or off ride vehicles 93 . according to the game apparatus 90 of the present embodiment , since players y board ride vehicles 93 and enjoy picking up objects while moving thereon , effects similar to those of the above - described game apparatus 1 can be brought about . also , the embodiment shows an example in which a plurality of ride vehicles 93 are coupled to each other . however , respective ride vehicles 93 are not coupled to each other , and they may be constructed so that they run independently . further , a game apparatus 100 shown in fig1 is a modification of the above - described game apparatus 90 , wherein a waterway 101 is formed instead of travelling rails 91 , and boats 102 are provided for the ride vehicles 93 , and they are constructed so that they are self - driven and advance in the waterway 101 or they advance by streams of the waterway 101 . also , the respective boats 102 are provided with a fetching means that is similar to the above - described fetching device 25 . according to the game apparatus 100 of the embodiment , players y board the boats 102 and enjoy picking up an object while moving , effects similar to those of the game apparatus 1 can be brought about . in addition , the boats 102 may be constructed so that they are linearly coupled to each other . a game apparatus 110 according to the embodiment shown in fig1 comprises an holding section 111 that is formed to be c - shaped in its plan view , and a self - driven ride vehicle 112 which is provided with the above - described fetching device 25 . the ride vehicle 112 may be of any type that can freely travel , for example , a vehicle like an automobile that can move by means of wheels , a vehicle like a civil engineering machine that moves by means of caterpillars . according to the game apparatus 110 , a player y boards a ride vehicle 112 and steers to drive a ride vehicle 112 , wherein the player y drives the ride vehicle 112 to advance through the cut - open section 113 of the holding section 111 into the inside area and enjoys picking up an object as described above . thus , according to the game apparatus 110 , since the player y boards a ride vehicle that freely travels and enjoys the above - described fetching game , the player y can physically feels a sense of reality and motions , and satisfy himself in regard to curiosity pertaining to operations of the fetching device 25 , wherein the players y enjoy a game that is filled with interests . also , in this case , the ride vehicles 112 may be provided so as to freely rotate around the vertical axis . in addition , the holding section 111 may be constructed so that it is formed to be circular in its plan view as shown in fig1 and the ride vehicles 112 travel around the holding section 111 . still further , in the example that is shown in fig1 and fig1 , such a construction may be employed , in which the ride vehicles 112 are disposed and fixed around the holding section 111 , and are provided so as to rotate around the vertical axis , and the fetching device 25 is provided so as to move above the holding section 111 . further , if the ride vehicles 112 are supported by a swivel arm and the swivel arm is turned , the ride vehicles 112 may be movable above the holding section 111 . also , in this case , the ride vehicles 112 may be of such a type that cannot be auto - driven . still further , the fetching device 25 , 63 and 73 that are shown in fig1 through fig1 are not limited to the above - described configurations . they may be constructed so that they are provided with a so - called magic hand , rake - like hand , a mechanism for holding an object in a bucket as in a shovel mechanism used for a civil engineering machine such as a hydraulic power shovel , bulldozer , etc ., a mechanism for adsorbing an object by a suction device , etc . the above - described holding sections 6 , 61 , 71 , 92 and 111 are constructed like a vessel having an appointed accommodation capacity . however , instead of the holding sections , such a structure may be employed as an holding section 115 , in which , as shown in fig1 , a plurality of supporting bars 117 are provided so as to protrude from the side of the supporting body 116 , and grab articles 7 are hung from respective supporting bars 117 via engagement hooks 118 , and as shown in fig1 , such a structure may be also employed as an holding section 120 , in which grab articles 7 are hung from a supporting member 121 supported on the ceiling , etc ., via engagement hooks 118 . where such an holding section 115 or 120 is used , the above - described fetching device 25 is composed of a mechanism having a hook 119 , the hook 119 is engaged with the engagement hook 118 , and the grab article 7 is taken out and picked up a supporting bar 117 , and the fetching device 25 is composed of a mechanism having a magic hand , wherein the grab article 7 is grasped by the magic hand , taken out and picked up from the supporting member 121 . as described above , various types of structures may be employed for the above - described holding sections 6 , 61 , 71 , 92 and 111 , and the fetching device 25 . therefore , these various types of holding sections are disposed in a fetch - play area , and various types of fetching means are provided in a ride apparatus , wherein the fetching means may be separately used on the basis of the types of holding sections . also , grab articles 7 of different patterns may be , respectively , accommodated in the above - described holding sections 92 and 111 that are sectioned in a plurality , and the patterns of accommodation may be made different from each other . for example , as regards the patterns of objects , there are various types , for example , a type in which premiums such as character goods , medals , coins , lottery tickets , cards , etc ., are accommodated in a capsule , balloon , and bag - like container , a type in which they are not accommodated such as a container , and a type in which the shapes of containers are made different from each other and are provided in a mixed state . further , in connection to the accommodation patterns in the holding sections , there are various modes , for example , a mode in which objects are accommodated as they are , a mode in which objects accommodated in an holding section are caused to flow due to air streams , a mode in which the holding sections 92 and 111 are filled with water , on or in which objects are floated or sunk , and in this case , the objects may be living things such as marine animals . also , components in the respective embodiments may be appropriately combined in these embodiments . for example , the discharge duct 8 that is shown in fig1 fig2 and fig5 and the discharge duct 67 that is shown in fig1 may be provided in the holding sections 6 , 61 , 71 , 92 and 111 in other embodiments . similarly , the collection portion 34 that is shown in fig3 may be provided in ride apparatuses 10 , 62 , 72 , 93 102 , and 112 in other embodiments . in addition , the roof 76 that is shown in fig1 and fig1 may be provided in other embodiments , and the entire space in which the above - described fetch - play area may be constructed so that it is enclosed by a transparent covering member . as described above , a game apparatus according to the present invention is suitable for a game apparatus with which a player himself can physically feel a sense of reality and motion , satisfy himself in regard to curiosity pertaining to mechanical operations , and enjoy himself in a game which is filled with interest . | 0 |
a simplified drawing of a high energy ultraviolet light source is shown in fig1 . the major components are a plasma pinch unit 2 , a high energy photon collector 4 and a hollow light pipe 6 . the plasma pinch source comprises a coaxial electrode 8 powered by a low inductance pulse power circuit 10 . the pulse power circuit in this preferred embodiment is a high voltage , energy efficient circuit capable of providing about 5 micro seconds pulses in the range of 1 kv to 2 kv to coaxial electrode 8 at a rate of 1 , 000 hz . a small amount of working gas , such as a mixture of helium and lithium vapor , is present near the base of the electrode 8 as shown in fig1 . at each high voltage pulse , avalanche breakdown occurs between the inner and outer electrodes of coaxial electrode 8 either due to preionization or self breakdown . the avalanche process occurring in the buffer gas ionizes the gas and creates a conducting plasma between the electrodes at the base of the electrodes . once a conducting plasma exists , current flows between the inner and outer electrodes . in this preferred embodiment , the inner electrode is at high positive voltage and outer electrode is at ground potential . current will flow from the inner electrode to the outer electrode and thus electrons will flow toward the center and positive ions will flow away from the center . this current flow generates a magnetic field which acts upon the moving charge carriers accelerating them away from the base of the coaxial electrode 8 . when the plasma reaches the end of the center electrode , the electrical and magnetic forces on the plasma , pinch the plasma to a “ focus ” around a point 10 along the centerline of and a short distance from the end of the central electrode and the pressure and temperature of the plasma rise rapidly reaching extremely high temperatures , in come cases much higher than the temperature at the surface of the sun ! the dimensions of the electrodes and the total electrical energy in the circuit are preferably optimized to produce the desired black body temperature in the plasma . for the production of radiation in the 13 nm range a black body temperature of over 20 - 100 ev is required . in general , for a particular coaxial configuration , temperature will increase with increasing voltage of the electrical pulse . the shape of the radiation spot is somewhat irregular in the axial direction and roughly gausian in the radial direction . the typical radial dimension of the source is 300 microns and its length is approximately 4 mm . in most prior art plasma pinch units described in the technical literature , the radiation spot emits radiation in all directions with a spectrum closely approximating a black body . the purpose of the lithium in the working gas is to narrow the spectrum of the radiation from the radiation spot . doubly ionized lithium exhibits an electronic transition at 13 . 5 nm and serves as the radiation source atom in the buffer of helium . doubly ionized lithium is an excellent choice for two reasons . the first is the low melting point and high vapor pressure of lithium . the lithium ejected from the radiation spot can be kept from plating out onto the chamber walls and collection optics by simply heating these surfaces above 180 ° c . the vapor phase lithium can then be pumped from the chamber along with the helium buffer gas using standard turbo - molecular pumping technology . and the lithium can be easily separated from the helium merely by cooling the two gases . coating materials are available for providing good reflection at 13 . 5 nm . fig8 shows the lithium emission peak in relation to the published mosi reflectivity . a third advantage of using lithium as the source atom is that non - ionized lithium has a low absorption cross section for 13 . 5 nm radiation . furthermore , any ionized lithium ejected from the radiation spot can be easily swept away with a moderate electric field . the remaining non - ionized lithium is substantially transparent to 13 . 5 nm radiation . the currently most popular proposed source in the range of 13 nm makes use of a laser ablated frozen jet of xenon . such a system must capture virtually all of the ejected xenon before the next pulse because the absorption cross section for xenon at 13 nm is large . the radiation produced at the radiation spot is emitted uniformly into a full 4 π steradians . some type of collection optics is needed to capture this radiation and direct it toward the lithography tool . previously proposed 13 nm light sources suggested collection optics based on the use of multi - layer dielectric coated mirrors . the use of multi - layer dielectric mirrors is used to achieve high collection efficiency over a large angular range . any radiation source which produced debris would coat these dielectric mirrors and degrade their reflectivity , and thus reduce the collected output from the source . this preferred system will suffer from electrode erosion and thus would , over time , degrade any dielectric mirror placed in proximity to the radiation spot . several materials are available with high reflectivity at small grazing incident angles for 13 . 5 nm uv light . graphs for some of these are shown in fig1 . good choices include molybdenum , rhodium and tungsten . the collector may be fabricated from these materials , but preferably they are applied as a coating on a substrate structural material such as nickel . this conic section can be prepared by electroplating nickel on a removable mandrel . to produce a collector capable of accepting a large cone angle , several conical sections can be nested inside each other . each conical section may employ more than one reflection of the radiation to redirect its section of the radiation cone in the desired direction . designing the collection for operation nearest to grazing incidence will produce a collector most tolerant to deposition of eroded electrode material . the grazing incidence reflectivity of mirrors such as this depends strongly on the mirror &# 39 ; s surface roughness . the dependence on surface roughness decreases as the incident angle approaches grazing incidence . we estimate that we can collect and direct the 13 nm radiation being emitted over a solid angle of least 25 degrees . preferred collectors for directing radiation into light pipes are shown in fig1 and 3 . a preferred method for choosing the material for the external reflection collector is that the coating material on the collector be the same as the electrode material . tungsten is a promising candidate since it has demonstrated performance as an electrode and the real part of its refractive index at 13 nm is 0 . 945 . using the same material for the electrode and the mirror coating minimizes the degradation of mirror reflectivity as the eroded electrode material plates out onto the collection mirrors . silver is also an excellent choice for the electrodes and the coatings because it also has a low refractive index at 13 nm and has high thermal conductivity allowing higher repetition rate operation . in another preferred embodiment the collector - director is protected from surface contamination with vaporized electrode material by a debris collector which collects all of the tungsten vapor before it can reach the collector director 5 . fig9 shows a conical nested debris collector 5 for collecting debris resulting from the plasma pinch . debris collector 5 is comprised of nested conical sections having surfaces aligned with light rays extending out from the center of the pinch site and directed toward the collector - director 4 . the debris collected includes vaporized tungsten from the tungsten electrodes and vaporized lithium . the debris collector is attached to or is a part of radiation collector - director 4 . both collectors are comprised of nickel plated substrates . the radiation collector - director portion 4 is coated with molybdenum or rhodium for very high reflectivity . preferably both collectors are heated to about 400 ° c . which is substantially above the melting point of lithium and substantially below the melting point of tungsten . the vapors of both lithium and tungsten will collect on the surfaces of the debris collector 5 but lithium will vaporize off and to the extent the lithium collects on collector - director 4 , it will soon thereafter also vaporize off . the tungsten once collected on debris collector 5 will remain there permanently . [ 0066 ] fig7 shows the optical features of a collector designed by applicants . the collector is comprised of five nested grazing incident parabolic reflectors , but only three of the five reflections are shown in the drawing . the two inner reflectors are not shown . in this design the collection angle is about 0 . 4 steradians . as discussed below the collector surface is coated and is heated to prevent deposition of lithium . this design produces a parallel beam . other preferred designs such as that shown in fig1 and 10 would focus the beam . the collector should be coated with a material possessing high glazing incidence reflectivity in the 13 . 5 nm wavelength range . two such materials are palladium and ruthenium . it is important to keep deposition materials away from the illumination optics of the lithography tool . therefore , a light pipe 6 is preferred to further assure this separation . the lightpipe 6 is a hollow lightpipe which also employs substantially total external reflection on its inside surfaces . the primary collection optic can be designed to reduce the cone angle of the collected radiation to match the acceptance angle of the hollow lightpipe . this concept is shown in fig1 . the dielectric mirrors of the lithography tool would then be very well protected from any electrode debris since a tungsten , silver or lithium atom would have to diffuse upstream against a flow of buffer gas down the hollow lightpipe as shown in fig1 . the preferred pulse power unit 10 is a solid state high frequency , high voltage pulse power unit utilizing a solid state trigger and a magnetic switch circuit such as the pulse power units described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 142 , 166 . these units are extremely reliable and can operate continuously without substantial maintenance for many months and billions of pulses . the teachings of u . s . pat . no . 5 , 142 , 166 are incorporated herein by reference . [ 0070 ] fig4 shows a simplified electrical circuit providing pulse power . a preferred embodiment includes dc power supply 40 which is a command resonant charging supply of the type used in excimer lasers . c o which is a bank of off the shelf capacitors having a combined capacitance of 65 μf , a peaking capacitor c l which is also a bank of off the shelf capacitors having a combined capacitance of 65 ° f . saturable inductor 42 has a saturated drive inductance of about 1 . 5 nh . trigger 44 is an igbt . diode 46 and inductor 48 creates an energy recovery circuit similar to that described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 729 , 562 permitting reflected electrical energy from one pulse to be stored on c o prior to the next pulse . thus , as shown in fig1 in a first preferred embodiment , a working gas mixture of helium and lithium vapor is discharged into coaxial electrode 8 . electrical pulses from pulse power unit 10 create a dense plasma focus at 11 at sufficiently high temperatures and pressures to doubly ionize the lithium atoms in the working gas generating ultraviolet radiation at about 13 . 5 nm wavelength . this light is collected in total external reflection - collector 4 and directed into hollow light pipe 6 where the light is further directed to a lithography tool ( not shown ). discharge chamber 1 is maintained at a vacuum of about 4 torr with turbo suction pump 12 . some of the helium in the working gas is separated in helium separator 14 and used to purge the lightpipe as shown in fig1 at 16 . the pressure of helium in the light pipe is preferably matched to the pressure requirements of the lithography tool which typically is maintained at a low pressure or vacuum . the temperature of the working gas is maintained at the desired temperature with heat exchanger 20 and the gas is cleaned with electrostatic filter 22 . the gas is discharged into the coaxial electrode space as shown in fig1 . a drawing of a prototype plasma pinch unit built and tested by applicant and his fellow workers is shown in fig5 . principal elements are c l capacitor decks , c o capacitor decks 1 gbt switches , saturable inductor 42 , vacuum vessel 3 , and coaxial electrode 8 . [ 0074 ] fig6 shows a typical pulse shape measured by applicant with the unit shown in fig5 . applicants have recorded c l voltage , c l current and intensity at 13 . 5 nm over an 8 microsecond period . the integrated energy in this typical pulse is about 0 . 8 j . the pulse width ( at fwhm ) is about 280 ns . the c l voltage prior to breakdown is a little less than 1 kv . this prototype embodiment can be operated at a pulse rate up to 200 hz . the measured average in - band 13 . 5 nm radiation at 200 hz is 152 w in 4π steradians . energy stability at 1 sigma is about 6 %. applicants estimate that 3 . 2 percent of the energy can be directed into a useful 13 . 5 nm beam with the collector 4 shown in fig1 . a second preferred plasma pinch unit is shown in fig2 . this unit is similar to the plasma pinch device described in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 042 , 848 . this unit comprises two outer disk shaped electrodes 30 and 32 and an inner disk shaped electrode 36 . the pinch is created from three directions as described in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 042 , 848 and as indicated in fig2 . the pinch starts near the circumference of the electrodes and proceeds toward the center and the radiation spot is developed along the axis of symmetry and at the center of the inner electrode as shown in fig2 at 34 . radiation can be collected and directed as described with respect to the fig1 embodiment . however , it is possible to capture radiation in two directions coming out of both sides of the unit as shown in fig2 . also , by locating a dielectric mirror at 38 , a substantial percentage of the radiation initially reflected to the left could be reflected back through the radiation spot . this should stimulate radiation toward the right side . a third preferred embodiment can be described by reference to fig3 . this embodiment is similar to the first preferred embodiment . in this embodiment , however , the buffer gas is argon . helium has the desirable property that it is relatively transparent to 13 nm radiation , but it has the undesired property that it has a small atomic mass . the low atomic mass forces us to operate the system at a background pressure of 2 - 4 torr . an additional drawback of the small atomic mass of he is the length of electrode required to match the acceleration distance with the timing of the electrical drive circuit . because he is light , the electrode must be longer than desired so that the he falls off the end of the electrode simultaneous with the peak of current flow through the drive circuit . a heavier atom such as ar will have a lower transmission than he for a given pressure , but because of its higher mass can produce a stable pinch at a lower pressure . the lower operating pressure of ar more than offsets the increased absorption properties of ar . additionally , the length of the electrode required is reduced due to the higher atomic mass . a shorter electrode is advantageous for two reasons . the first is a resulting reduction in circuit inductance when using a shorter electrode . a lower inductance makes the drive circuit more efficient and thus reduces the required electrical pump energy . the second advantage of a shorter electrode is a reduction in the thermal conduction path length from the tip of the electrode to the base . the majority of the thermal energy imparted to the electrode occurs at the tip and the conductive cooling of the electrode occurs mainly at the base ( radiative cooling also occurs ). a shorter electrode leads to a smaller temperature drop down its length from the hot tip to the cool base . both the smaller pump energy per pulse and the improved cooling path allow the system to operate at a higher repetition rate . increasing the repetition rate directly increases the average optical output power of the system . scaling the output power by increasing repetition rate , as opposed to increasing the energy per pulse , is the most desired method for the average output power of lithography light sources . in this preferred embodiment the lithium is not injected into the chamber in gaseous form as in the first and second embodiments . instead solid lithium is placed in a hole in the center of the central electrode as shown in fig3 . the heat from the electrode then brings the lithium up to its evaporation temperature . by adjusting the height of the lithium relative to the hot tip of the electrode one can control the partial pressure of lithium near the tip of the electrode . one preferred method of doing this is shown in fig3 . a mechanism is provided for adjusting the tip of the solid lithium rod relative to the tip of the electrode . preferably the system is arranged vertically so that the open side of coaxial electrodes 8 is the top so that any melted lithium will merely puddle near the top of the center electrode . the beam will exit straight up in a vertical direction as indicated in fig5 a . ( an alternative approach is to heat the electrode to a temperature in excess of the lithium melting point so that the lithium is added as a liquid .) extremely low flow pumps are available for pumping the liquid at rates needed for any specified repetition rates . a tungsten wick can be used to wick the liquid lithium to region of the central electrode tip . the hole down the center of the electrode provides another important advantage . since the plasma pinch forms near the center of the tip of the central electrode , much of the energy is dissipated in this region . electrode material near this point will be ablated and eventually end up of other surfaces inside the pressure vessel . employing an electrode with a central hole greatly reduces the available erosion material . in addition , applicant &# 39 ; s experiments have shown that the existence of lithium vapor in this region further reduces the erosion rate of electrode material . a bellows or other appropriate sealing method should be used to maintain a good seal where the electrode equipment enters the chamber . replacement electrodes filly loaded with the solid lithium can be easily and cheaply manufactured and easily replaced in the chamber . the pinch produces a very large amount of viable light which needs to be separated from the euv light . also , a window is desirable to provide additional assurance that lithography optics are not contaminated with lithium or tungsten . the extreme ultraviolet beam produced by the present invention is highly absorbed in solid matter . therefore providing a window for the beam is a challenge . applicants preferred window solution is to utilize an extremely thin foil which will transmit euv and reflect visible . applicants preferred window is a foil ( about 0 . 2 to 0 . 5 micron ) of beryllium tilted at an incident angle of about 10 ° with the axis of the incoming beam . with this arrangement , almost all of the visible light is reflected and about 50 to 80 percent of the euv is transmitted . such a thin window , of course , is not very strong . therefore , applicants use a very small diameter window and the beam is focused through the small window . preferably the diameter of the thin beryllium window is about 10 mm . heating of the little window must be considered , and for high repetition rates special cooling of the window will be needed . in some designs this element can be designed merely as a beam splitter which will simplify the design since there will be no pressure differential across the thin optical element . [ 0082 ] fig1 shows a preferred embodiment in which radiation collector 4 is extended by collector extension 4 a to focus the beam 9 through 0 . 5 micron thick 1 mm diameter beryllium window 7 . applicants &# 39 ; experiments have shown that good results can be obtained without preionization but performance is improved with preionization . the prototype unit shown in fig5 comprises dc driven spark gap preionizers to preionize the gas between the electrodes . applicants will be able to greatly improve these energy stability values and improve other performance parameters with improved preionization techniques . preionization is a well developed technique used by applicants and others to improve performance in excimer lasers . preferred preionization techniques include : 1 ) dc drive spark gap 2 ) rf driven spark gap 3 ) rf driven surface discharge 4 ) corona discharge 5 ) spiker circuit in combination with preionization these techniques are well described in scientific literature relating to excimer lasers and are well known . [ 0085 ] fig5 b shows the location of two of a total of eight spark plugs 138 providing preionization in a preferred embodiment . this figure also shows the cathode 111 and the anode 123 comprised of a stainless steel outer part and a tungsten inner part . insulator shroud encircles the lower portion of anode 123 and a 5 mill thick film insulator 125 completes the isolation of the anode from the cathode . fig5 b 1 - 6 show the progression of a typical pulse leading to a pinch which is fully developed in fig5 b 5 at about 1 . 2 is after the initiation of the discharge . during the discharge plasma is accelerated toward the tip of the anode by the lorence forces acting on the ions and electrons created by the current flow through the plasma . upon reaching the tip of the electrode shown at 121 in fig5 b force vectors directed radially compress and heat the plasma to high temperatures . once the plasma is compressed , the existing axially directed forces acting on the plasma tend to elongate the plasma column as shown especially in fig5 b 6 . it is this elongation that leads to instabilities . once the plasma column has grown along the axis beyond a certain point , the voltage drop across the region of compressed plasma becomes too large to be sustained by the low pressure gas in the region around and near the tip of the anode . arc - over occurs and much or all of the current flows through the shorter , lower density region of gas near the tip of the anode as shown by the dashed line in fig5 b 6 . this arc - over is detrimental because it produces instabilities in the pulse and causes relatively rapid electrode erosion . a solution to this problem is to provide a physical barrier to motion of the plasma column in the axial direction . such a barrier is shown as element number 143 in fig . sc and is called by applicants a blast shield because it acts like a shield against the plasma exhaust of the pdf device . the blast shield must be made of an electrically insulating material with robust mechanical and thermal properties . in addition , the chemical compatibility of the blast shield material must be considered when operating with highly reactive elements such as lithium . lithium is a proposed emission element for this euv source due to its intense emission at 13 . 5 nm . an excellent candidate is single crystal aluminum oxide , sapphire or an amorphous sapphire such as the trademarked material lucalux manufactured by general electric . the optimum shape of the blast shield has been found to be a dome centered on the anode with a radius equal to the diameter of the anode as shown in fig5 c . such a shape closely matches the naturally occurring plasma current lines when the plasma is under maximum compression . if the blast shield is placed further from the anode tip , then the plasma column will be too long leading to insufficient plasma heating and the risk of arc - over . if the blast shield is placed too close to the anode tip then current flow from the central axis out and down toward the cathode is restricted , again leading to insufficient plasma heating . the hole in the top side of blast shield 143 at 144 is required to allow euv radiation to escape and be collected for use . this hole must be made as small as possible due to the tendency of the plasma to leak out through this hole and form a long narrow column above the blast shield . a bevel cut into this hole as shown at 144 allows for greater off - axis collection of the euv radiation produced by the plasma pinch device . fig5 c 1 - 6 show how the blast shield contains the plasma pinch and prevents arc - over . it is understood that the above described embodiments are illustrative of only a few of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principals of the present invention . for example , instead of recirculating the working gas it may be preferable to merely trap the lithium and discharge the helium . use of other electrode — coating combinations other than tungsten and silver are also possible . for example copper or platinum electrodes and coatings would be workable . other techniques for generating the plasma pinch can be substituted for the specific embodiment described . some of these other techniques are described in the patents referenced in the background section of this specification , and those descriptions are all incorporated by reference herein . many methods of generating high frequency high voltage electrical pulses are available and can be utilized . an alternative would be to keep the lightpipe at room temperature and thus freeze out both the lithium and the tungsten as it attempts to travel down the length of the lightpipe . this freeze - out concept would further reduce the amount of debris which reached the optical components used in the lithography tool since the atoms would be permanently attached to the lightpipe walls upon impact . deposition of electrode material onto the lithography tool optics can be prevented by designing the collector optic to re - image the radiation spot through a small orifice in the primary discharge chamber and use a differential pumping arrangement . helium or argon can be supplied from the second chamber through the orifice into the first chamber . this scheme has been shown to be effective in preventing material deposition on the output windows of copper vapor lasers . lithium hydride may be used in the place of lithium . the unit may also be operated as a static - fill system without the working gas flowing through the electrodes . of course , a very wide range of repetition rates are possible from single pulses to about 5 pulses per second to several hundred or thousands of pulses per second . if desired , the adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the solid lithium could be modified so that the position of the tip of the central electrode is also adjustable to account for erosion of the tip . many other electrode arrangements are possible other than the ones described above . for example , the outside electrode could be cone shaped rather than cylindrical as shown with the larger diameter toward the pinch . also , performance in some embodiments could be improved by allowing the inside electrode to pertrude beyond the end of the outside electrode . this could be done with spark plugs or other preionizers well known in the art . another preferred alternative is to utilize for the outer electrode an array of rods arranged to form a generally cylindrical or conical shape . this approach helps maintain a symmetrical pinch centered along the electrode axis because of the resulting inductive ballasting . accordingly , the reader is requested to determine the scope of the invention by the appended claims and their legal equivalents , and not by the examples which have been given . | 7 |
fig1 shows the sheet stacking and discharge apparatus of the present invention in its initial startup position with the lead sheet 10 of a stream of incoming sheets 11 positioned in a stacking station 12 with its lead edge in engagement with a vertical backstop 13 . the stacking station 12 includes a vertically movable stack support surface 14 which , in the preferred embodiment , comprises the conveying surface of an belt conveyor 14 . the incoming stream of sheets 11 is delivered to the stacking station 12 on an infeed belt conveyor 15 carrying the sheets at a first speed in closely spaced relation . the sheets 11 may comprise unitary flat sheets of solid fiber or corrugated paperboard . the sheets may also comprised folded and glued paperboard cartons comprising two face - to - face layers flattened and joined by glued overlapping edge portions . in either case , stacks of a desired number of sheets are formed and discharged from the system for immediate downstream processing or for banding and shipment . the infeed conveyor 15 delivers the sheets at high speed and it is important to slow the sheets prior to engagement with the backstop 13 to prevent sheet edge damage or sheet buckling . in accordance with the present invention , a shingling nip 16 is positioned in the stacking station 12 just upstream of the backstop 13 . the shingling nip is created by a backstop nip roll 17 resting on the outfeed conveyor 14 ( for receipt of the initial sheet ) or the top sheet of the stack 18 being formed in the stacking station . the incoming lead sheet 10 , traveling at the initial speed of the infeed conveyor 15 , is captured in the shingling nip 16 immediately after the tail edge leaves the conveyor . preferably , an infeed nip roll 21 is positioned above the downstream end of the infeed conveyor 15 to provide a supplemental normal control force on the sheet until the sheet is captured by the shingling device . the backstop nip roll 17 is driven at a substantially lower speed than the infeed conveyor 15 and slows the lead sheet 10 to carry the leading edge 22 into contact with the backstop 13 at a speed which precludes sheet damage . as soon as the leading edge of the lead sheet is captured in the shingling nip and slowed to the speed of the nip , the next following sheet 11 , still traveling at the higher infeed conveyor speed , will overlap the lead sheet and form a shingle therewith . the backstop nip roll 17 is positioned with respect to the backstop 13 and the respective speeds of the backstop nip roll and infeed conveyor are controlled so that the leading edge 22 of the next following sheet is nipped in the shingling nip 16 just as the leading edge of the lead sheet reaches the backstop 13 . in this manner , there is no opportunity for the driven backstop nip roll 17 to turn on the top surface of a stationary sheet in contact with the backstop . therefore , possible marring or other damage to the sheet by the nip roll is obviated . to assist in sheet control and shingling , a vacuum shingler 23 is positioned just downstream from the end of the infeed conveyor 15 and upstream of the stacking station 12 as defined by the outfeed conveyor 14 in its uppermost position ( shown in fig1 ). the vacuum shingler includes a vacuum chamber 24 which has a slotted open upper surface through which the upper peripheral surface of a driven vacuum shingling roll 25 protrudes . the vacuum shingling roll is mounted for rotation inside the vacuum chamber 23 and is driven at the same peripheral speed as the backstop nip roll 17 . as the trailing edge 20 of a sheet leaves the nip created by the infeed nip roll 21 and infeed conveyor 15 , it drops onto the vacuum shingler 23 to assist in slowing the sheet and permitting the leading edge of the next following sheet to overlap and create the shingling effect . the entrance to the shingling nip 16 may be defined by a deflector plate 26 which helps to funnel the leading edge of the sheet into the nip . the outfeed conveyor 14 is mounted for reciprocal vertical movement and its downward movement is controlled so that the stack 18 of sheets being continuously formed thereon is lowered at the rate of stack formation . in this manner , the shingling nip 16 remains in a substantially constant vertical position . however , some accommodation must be made for slight variations between the incoming sheet rate ( stack height formation rate ) and the rate at which the stack support surface provided by the outfeed conveyor moves downwardly . referring also to fig2 a , the backstop nip roll 17 is mounted on one end of a pivot arm 27 and the other end of the pivot arm is mounted to rotate about a horizontal pivot axis 28 . the backstop nip roll bears on the surfaces of each of the incoming sheets 11 to provide a normal nipping force , but may float up or down within limits , via pivotal movement of the arm 27 , to accommodate stack formation and outfeed conveyor descent rate variations . a pair of photoeyes 30 , or other suitable limit detection mechanisms , are utilized to generate signals representing the maximum limits of upward and downward pivot arm movement and , by use of a suitable feedback control routine , the photoeye signals are utilized to control the speed of downward movement of the outfeed conveyor and thereby maintain the top of the continuously forming stack within the desired limits . referring also to fig3 - 5 , the apparatus of the present invention also includes means for separating the continuously forming stack of sheets into a lower stack portion 31 comprising a selected number of sheets to be discharged as a unit and a partially completed upper stack portion 32 which continuously builds to completion while the lower stack portion 31 is being discharged from the system . to facilitate stack separation and intermediate support , a stack separating and supporting fork 33 is mounted below the infeed conveyor 15 for horizontal supporting movement into the continuously forming stack 18 and vertical reciprocal movement at varying speeds in response to vertical movement of the outfeed conveyor 14 and stack portions thereon . the control system for the apparatus of the present invention includes means to count the incoming sheets 11 as they are stacked on the stack support surface of the outfeed conveyor 14 . when the number of sheets in a lower stack portion 31 of a desired size has been reached , a vertically reciprocable false backstop 34 , mounted for sliding movement along the face of the backstop 13 , is fired to move downwardly into the path of the incoming sheets ( see fig3 and 3a ). the next few incoming sheets engage the false backstop 34 and create an upstream offset 35 in the stack of the sheets being formed . the offset is defined by the trailing edges of the next few incoming sheets which protrude from the upstream face 36 of the stack . the free upstream ends 37 of the tines 38 of the supporting fork 33 are located closely adjacent the upstream stack face 36 . however , the fork ends 37 lie directly in the path of the downwardly moving offset 35 and , as the continuously forming stack descends , the offset eventually engages the ends of the fork tines 38 , resulting in a slight upward opening in the stack to allow the fork to be inserted therein by horizontal movement . the false backstop 34 is retained in its active lower position for only a time sufficient to be engaged by a few sheets , after which it is retracted upwardly and out of the path of the next incoming sheets ( see fig4 a ). once the stack separating and supporting fork 33 has been inserted into the stack to separate the same into upper and lower stack portions 32 and 31 , respectively , the rates of downward movement of the conveyor 14 and the fork 33 are separately controlled to allow the lower stack portion 31 to be independently discharged and the outfeed conveyor 14 returned to its stack supporting position for the next lower stack portion . a detailed description of the method of operation is as follows . referring now sequentially to the drawing figures beginning with fig4 after the false backstop 34 is retracted by upward movement out of the path of the incoming sheets , the stack 18 continues to form and the stepped offset 35 likewise continues to move downwardly until it engages the fork ends 37 . at this point , and referring to fig5 the fork extends horizontally at a rapid rate and , immediately upon entry into the space under the offset 35 , the system control operates to cause the fork to begin downward movement at the stack formation rate . an offset squaring device or spanker 40 , is positioned to surround the tines 38 of the fork in a manner allowing the tines to move horizontally independently of the spanker and the spanker , in turn , to move horizontally a small distance sufficient to move the sheets defining the offset 35 horizontally back into alignment with the rest of the sheets in the stack . simultaneously with horizontal movement of the fork into the stack , the spanker 40 is fired to eliminate the offset 35 . also simultaneously with extension of the fork 33 and firing of the spanker 40 , the rate of descent of the outfeed conveyor 14 and the lower stack portion 31 thereon is increased to a rate substantially greater than the rate of stack formation and descent of the supporting fork 33 . thus , as shown in fig6 a gap is formed between the lower and upper stack portions 31 and 32 until the outfeed conveyor 14 reaches its lowermost position in horizontal alignment with a takeoff conveyor 41 . at this point , the outfeed conveyor 14 is operated to transfer the stack portion 31 onto the takeoff conveyor 41 and out of the system , as shown in fig7 . the supporting fork 33 continues to drop with the stack at the stack formation rate . as soon as the lower stack portion 31 has cleared the outfeed conveyor 14 , it is raised rapidly upward to a point closely spaced below the descending fork 33 and , after a short pause to permit the fork to reach the upper surface of the outfeed conveyor , the two descend together at the stack formation rate while the fork withdraws horizontally completely from beneath the stack 18 ( see fig1 ). when the following stack portion 32 reaches the desired number of sheets , the false backstop 34 is again fired to move downwardly into its operative position . the fork 33 is raised rapidly upward to its ready position for engagement by the next stack offset 35 , while the stack support surface on the outfeed conveyor 14 continues to drop at the stack formation rate , as may be seen in fig1 . in fig1 ( which is similar to fig4 ), the false backstop has been retracted upwardly , the next upper stack portion 32 begins to form above the offset 35 which , in turn , drops at the bundle formation rate until it engages the ends 37 of the fork . this signals the repeat of the previously described cycle so that , in fig1 , as previously described with respect to fig5 the fork again extends horizontally to separate and support the upper stack portion 32 , the spanker 40 fires to realign the offset with the main upstream face 36 of the stack , and the forks simultaneously move downwardly at the stack formation rate . as shown and previously described with respect to fig6 an immediate increase in the rate of descent of the outfeed conveyor 14 creates the gap between the stack portions 31 and 32 for discharge of the former , as previously described . | 1 |
fig2 is a block diagram illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention , an improved digital phase locked loop circuit ( dpll ) 11 . dpll 11 includes a phase detector circuit 12 that receives two signals , a reference clock signal clkr and an internal clock signal clki and compares their phases . reference clock signal clkr may be , for example , generated by a crystal oscillator on a system board and have a frequency of about 50 mhz . this invention , however , is not limited to this frequency , but may span a range of frequencies . internal clock signal clki comes from internal circuitry of dpll 11 that will now be described . the output of phase detector circuit 12 is connected to a course / fine select circuit 16 . course / fine select circuit 16 is connected to a course adjust circuit 20 , a fine adjust circuit 22 , and an auto recovery circuit 18 . further , auto recovery circuit 18 is connected to coarse adjust circuitry 20 and fine adjust circuitry 22 . fine adjust circuitry 22 returns internal clock signal clki to phase detector circuit 12 which will be explained in greater detail later . dpll 11 provides improved performance over prior art pll 10 through the addition of fine adjust circuitry 22 , auto recovery circuitry 18 , and coarse / fine select circuitry 16 . fine adjust circuitry 22 provides a unique method of providing extremely small duration delay steps thus greatly improving phase jitter performance . auto recovery circuitry 18 and coarse / fine select circuitry 16 provide locking failure identification and control thus providing increased circuit reliability . fig3 is a block diagram illustrating auto recovery circuit 18 of fig2 . auto recovery circuit 18 monitors coarse adjust circuit 20 and fine adjust circuit 22 for potential locking failures and communicates the failure status to coarse / fine select circuit 16 . auto recovery circuit 18 is composed of coarse fault circuitry 18a and fine fault circuitry 18b . coarse fault circuitry receives inputs from coarse adjust circuit 20 ( signals dc0 and dfn ), signal rl from coarse / fine select circuitry 16 , and cclk signal from coarse / fine select circuitry 16 . fine fault circuitry 18breceives inputs from fine adjust circuitry 22 ( signals df0 and dfn ), signal rl , and fclk signal from coarse / fine select circuitry 16 . coarse fault circuitry 18a outputs a system reset signal faultzc which resets or &# 34 ; initializes &# 34 ;, state 2 ( s2 ) of fig8 dpll 11 when asserted . fine fault circuitry 18b outputs a fault signal faultzf which returns dpll 11 back to coarse adjust mode ( state 3 ( s3 ) or state 6 ( s6 ) of fig8 dependent upon signal rl which indicates whether delay is being added or deleted ) when asserted which will be described later in detail . fig4 is a schematic diagram illustrating in detail an embodiment of auto recovery circuitry 18 . auto recovery circuitry 18 takes as inputs delay status signals ( dc0 , dcn , df0 , and dfn ) from coarse adjust circuitry 20 and fine adjust circuitry 22 and delay indication signal rl from phase detector 12 and outputs fault signals to coarse / fine select circuitry 16 . as coarse fault circuitry 18a and fine fault circuitry 18b are similarly constructed , only circuit 18a will be described . rl signal is input to both a nor gate 30a and an and gate 32a . delay signal dc0 is input to nor gate 30a while delay signal dcn is input to and gate 32a . the output of nor gate 30a and and gate 32a are fed into an or gate 34a which feeds a &# 34 ; d &# 34 ; input to d - type flip flop 36a . the qz output of flip flop 36a forms the faultzc signal and provides feedback through a delay element 40a which feeds an and gate 38a . a clear signal clrz also inputs and gate 38a . the output of and gate 38a feeds the &# 34 ; clear &# 34 ; input of flip flop 36a . fig5 is a schematic diagram illustrating in detail an embodiment of coarse / fine select circuitry 16 . coarse / fine select circuitry 16 takes as inputs the output signals from auto recovery circuitry 18 , phase detector 12 , clock signal clks ( which is clkr divided by four ), and a system reset signal clrz and outputs signals to coarse adjust circuitry 20 and fine adjust circuitry 22 . also present is an output signal lock that may be optionally coupled to a system processor that is asserted if dpll 11 suffers a locking failure ( that is , if reference clock clkr and internal clock clki do not become synchronized ). lock is a signal which may be monitored by the system to determine whether the dpll has the phase locked ( as an interrupt for a cpu for example ). the system processor can shut down operation until dpll 11 does obtain locking at which time the lock signal may be reset thus allowing the system processor to resume its operations . this lock signal is optional and may be utilized at the discretion of the designer . coarse / fine select circuitry 16 has a clrz signal and faultzf signal that form inputs to an and gate 42 . signal faultzc and the output of and gate 42 form inputs to and gate 44 . the output of and gate 44 forms a &# 34 ; clear &# 34 ; input to three d - type flip flops 48 , 50 , and 52 . rl signal from phase detector circuit 12 forms an input to an inverter 46 and a clk input to flip flop 48 . the output of inverter 46 feeds a clk input of flip flop 52 . the q output of flip flop 52 forms the &# 34 ; d &# 34 ; inputs to flip flops 48 and 50 . a clks signal forms a clk input to flip flop 50 and inputs to and gates 54 and 56 . the q output of flip flop 50 forms the second input to and gate 54 while the qz output of flip flop 50 forms the second input to flip flop 56 . fig6 is a combined block / logic diagram illustrating the unique fine adjust circuitry 22 of fig2 . fine adjust circuitry 22 consists of a buffer 24 connected to a variable capacitive load 26 . variable capacitive load 26 may vary its capacitance in either discrete values or in a continuous fashion . variable capacitive load 26 is connected to a fine adjust control circuit 28 . the input in of buffer 24 is internal clock signal clki that has already been delayed by coarse adjust circuitry 20 and the output out of buffer 24 is clki delayed by fine adjust circuitry 22 . an additional buffer may be placed on out to restore signal integrity . fine adjust control circuitry 28 is connected to coarse / fine select circuitry 16 of fig2 and controls variable capacitive load 26 which loads buffer 24 and provides a signal propagation delay between in and out . using variable capacitive load 26 to vary loading on buffer 24 uniquely allows fine adjust circuitry 22 to provide step delay increments of approximately 30 ps which differentiates dpll 11 from prior art pll 10 which exhibits phase jitter resolution an order of magnitude larger . fig7 is a schematic diagram illustrating in greater detail fine adjust circuitry 22 illustrated in fig6 . specifically , it shows variable capacitive load 26 consisting of a plurality of pass gates 25a - 25n coupled to a plurality of loads 27a - 27n . loads 27a - 27n may , for example , be inverters or any element that provides a capacitive load such as a gate capacitance of one or a plurality of mos transistors also , fine adjust control circuitry 28 shown in fig6 is illustrated as a digital right / left shift register 28 . shift register 28 takes as inputs enable signal fclk , directional shift signal rl , and reset signal clrzf and outputs delay signal df0 , delay signal dfn , and a plurality of binary bits in parallel . a first output of the plurality of parallel binary bits is connected to a first enable input to pass gate 25a while a second output is connected to a second enable input to pass gate 25a . the plurality of outputs of shift register 28 are connected to the other pass gates 25b - 25n and form first and second enable inputs respectively . each pass gate 25a - 25n has an input that is tied to the output out of buffer 24 . each pass gate 25a - 25n also has an output connected to an input of a plurality of loads 27a - 27n such that the output of pass gate 25a is connected to the input of load 27a and so on . the outputs of loads 27a - 27n are connected together . a brief discussion of fig8 , 9a , and 9b relating to the overall operation of dpll 11 is now provided . a more detailed discussion of the circuit &# 39 ; s operation follow later herein . fig8 is a state diagram illustrating the possible states of dpll 11 . state 1 consists of a power up state ( s1 ) and state 2 consists of an initialization state ( s2 ) which sets all adjust circuitry to predetermined delays . state 3 consists of a coarse right state ( s3 ) which represents changing delays in course adjust circuit 20 . state 4 consists of a fine adjust state ( s4 ) which represents changing delays in fine adjust circuit 22 . state 5 consists of a lock state ( s5 ) which represents a phase lock condition , and state 6 consists of a coarse left state ( s6 ) which represents changing delays in coarse adjust circuit 20 . the difference between s6 and s3 is that the delay changes in s6 consist of decreasing the delay of internal clock clki while the delay changes in s3 consist of increasing the delay of internal clock clki . the arrows connected between the different states represent the potential state sequencing dependent upon the status of various control signals in dpll 11 . a system clear ( signal clrz ) at any state resets dpll 11 to state s2 . fig9 is a timing diagram illustrating reference clock clkr and internal clock clki out of phase ( or unsynchronized ) and with dpll 11 in coarse adjust mode ( s3 ). this is a system condition occurrence before dpll 11 synchronizes the two clocks . fig9 a is a timing diagram illustrating reference clock clkr and internal clock clki in fine adjust mode ( s4 ). fine adjust mode ( s4 ) is initiated once internal clock clki enters the &# 34 ; lock window &# 34 ;. fig9 b is a timing diagram illustrating reference clock clkr and internal clock clki in phase lock mode ( s5 ). the following is a detailed functional description of the invention with referenced to the state diagram of fig8 . at initialization ( s2 ) dpll 11 of fig2 is reset which sets coarse adjust circuitry 20 at its minimum delay setting and fine adjust circuitry 22 at its mid - delay setting . rl , a signal originating from phase detector circuit 12 , is a signal that indicates to coarse adjust circuitry 20 and fine adjust circuitry 22 whether to shift fight ( increase delay ) or shift left ( decrease delay ). rl signal is initialized high so that when dpll 11 is reset coarse / fine select circuitry 16 will always begin increasing delay . at initialization ( s2 ), a reset enable signal , clrz , is asserted . this situation is best shown in the timing diagram of fig9 . fig9 illustrates the reference clock clkr and the internal clock clki unsynchronized . dpll 11 begins making coarse adjustments to clki ( to the fight ) by increasing the delay in clki . in fig9 when coarse delay adjustments are made , coarse / fine select circuitry 16 enables coarse adjust circuitry 20 with a signal cclk . coarse adjust circuitry 20 is described in detail in coassigned , pending application ser . no . 07 / 898 , 981 ( docket no . ti - 17062 ) and is hereby incorporated by reference . coarse adjust circuitry 20 begins adding incremental delays onto internal clock clki . each coarse delay increment is approximately 760 picoseconds ( ps ). coarse adjust circuitry 20 continues adding incremental delay steps until the leading edge of internal clock clki passes the leading edge of reference clock clkr and enters the &# 34 ; lock window &# 34 ; described in referenced application 07 / 898 , 981 ( ti - 17062 ) and illustrated in fig9 . the period of coarse adjustment where delay is being added to internal clock clki corresponds to state three ( s3 ) in the state diagram of fig8 . when clki enters the &# 34 ; lock window &# 34 ; , rl signal goes low which indicates to coarse / fine select circuitry 16 that internal clock clki has entered the &# 34 ; lock window &# 34 ; . coarse / fine select circuitry 16 then disables coarse adjust circuitry 20 by disasserting cclk and enables fine adjust circuitry 22 by asserting enable signal clkf . fine adjust circuitry 22 begins incrementally decreasing delay in internal clock clki . fine adjust circuitry 22 advantageously provides incremental delay steps of approximately 30 picoseconds ( ps ) which provides resolution improvement of over an order of magnitude over prior art digital phase locked loop 10 of fig1 . fine adjust circuitry 22 will be explained in greater detail later . the period of fine adjustment corresponds to state four ( s4 ) in the state diagram of fig8 . fig9 a also illustrates the appropriate timing diagrams of reference clock clkr and internal clock clki during this period of time . fine adjust circuitry 22 continues decreasing delay in approximately 30ps increments until the leading edge of internal clock clki crosses the leading edge of reference clock clkr and exits the &# 34 ; lock window &# 34 ; . rl signal will then be reasserted which then indicates that a &# 34 ; lock &# 34 ; has occurred . a &# 34 ; lock &# 34 ; indicates that the relative phases are within one fine step of one another . once locked , clki will jitter about clkr by one fine delay step . the lock signal output of coarse / fine select circuitry 20 will become asserted at this time . this signal may be connected to a system processor that would allow the system to know precisely when a lock has occurred . in this state internal clock clki will have incremental delays added and removed from it as clki &# 34 ; jitters &# 34 ; around the leading edge of reference clock clkr . since the incremental resolution of fine adjust circuitry 22 is approximately 30ps the jitter resolution of circuit 11 is approximately 30ps . this can be easily seen in the timing diagram of clkr and clki in fig9 b . dpll 11 of fig2 advantageously provides fault detection and fault recovery features . a fault is encountered when either coarse adjust circuitry 20 or fine adjust circuitry 22 are instructed to add further delay when either circuit has reached its maximum delay . a fault is also encountered when either circuit is instructed to decrease delay when either circuit has reached its minimum delay . when any of the above conditions exist dpll 11 detects the fault , flags it , and takes appropriate corrective action as described below . after initialization ( s2 ), if reference clock clkr and internal clock clki are , by random occurrence , nearly synchronized and if dpll 11 is experiencing significant clock drift , internal clock clki may be moved to the right of the &# 34 ; lock window &# 34 ; . since coarse adjust circuitry 20 will continue adding delay until the leading edge of internal clock clki enters the &# 34 ; lock window &# 34 ; coarse adjust circuitry 20 will reach its maximum delay without entering the &# 34 ; lock window &# 34 ;. when coarse adjust circuitry 20 reaches its maximum delay and dpll 11 request additional delay a fault occurs . coarse adjust circuitry 20 relays this fault condition to auto recovery circuit 18 which sends a reset signal faultzc to coarse / free select circuitry 16 which resets dpll 1 . 1 . this corresponds to the faultzc loop in the state diagram of fig8 . a second fault condition may occur during the fine adjust mode ( s4 ). this condition occurs when internal clock clki has entered the &# 34 ; lock window &# 34 ; and has begun removing delay in small increments . delay will continue to be removed until the leading edge of internal clock clki again crosses the leading edge of reference clock clkr and exits the &# 34 ; lock window &# 34 ;. if , however , fine adjust circuitry 22 reaches its minimum delay before internal clock clki exits the &# 34 ; lock window &# 34 ; a fault signal faultzf will be asserted and coarse / fine select circuitry 16 will enable coarse adjust circuitry 20 to remove delay which corresponds to the coarse left adjust mode ( s6 ) in the state diagram of fig8 . dpll 11 has been designed with sufficient delay to disallow this fault from occurring . however , due to unusual process or system conditions , clock drift may create unforeseen problems . this fault recovery function anticipates this problem . another similar fault condition may occur during the lock mode ( s5 ). if , during lock , clock drift disallows fine adjust increments to lock internal clock clki and fine adjust circuitry 22 is at its minimum or maximum delay the fault signal faultzf is asserted and dpll 11 is returned to coarse adjust circuitry 20 where it removes delay ( s6 ) or adds delay ( s3 ) as determined by the logic level of the rl signal . the effect of rl &# 39 ; s logic level is illustrated in the state diagram of fig8 . lastly , a fault may occur in the coarse left adjust mode ( s6 ). if a fault occurs during either the fine adjust mode ( s4 ) or lock mode ( s5 ) requiring coarse adjust circuitry 20 to remove delay and coarse adjust circuitry 20 is already at its minimum delay a fault signal faultzc is asserted which causes dpll 11 to reset itself which corresponds to initialization ( s2 ) in the state diagram of fig8 . dpll 11 advantageously provides improved phase jitter resolution of approximately 30ps because of novel fine adjust circuitry 22 shown in fig6 and 7 . fine adjust circuitry 22 provides small , incremental delays between input ( in ) and output ( out ) by varying the capacitive loading on output ( out ) by manipulating variable capacitive load 26 . variable capacitive load 26 varies in capacitance dependant upon fine adjust control circuitry 28 . when coarse / fine select circuitry 16 indicates a fine adjust mode ( s4 ), fine adjust control circuitry 28 is enabled . fine adjust control circuitry 28 then begins decreasing the delay between input ( in ) and output ( out ) of fine adjust circuitry 22 by decreasing the capacitance of variable capacitive load 26 . the decreased capacitance of variable capacitive load 26 decreases the signal propagation delay between in and out due to the change in the rc time constant of the circuit 22 . fine adjust control circuitry 28 continues decreasing the capacitance of variable capacitive load 26 until the leading edge of internal clock clki exits the &# 34 ; lock window &# 34 ;. rl signal ( which controls whether fine adjust control circuitry 28 increases or decreases the capacitance of variable capacitive load 26 ) then transitions from low - to - high and fine adjust control circuitry begins adding delay between input ( in ) and output ( out ) until the leading edge of internal clock clki again enters the &# 34 ; lock window &# 34 ;. fine adjust control circuitry 28 then continues to add and decrease delay so that the leading edge of internal clock clki &# 34 ; jitters &# 34 ; around the leading edge of reference clock clkr as shown in fig9 b . this corresponds to the lock mode ( s5 ) as shown in the state diagram of fig8 . because fine adjust control circuitry 28 can make small adjustments of capacitance in variable capacitive load 26 the incremental change in delay caused by fine adjust circuitry 22 is approximately 30ps . this is known as the &# 34 ; jitter resolution &# 34 ; of dpll 11 . the &# 34 ; jitter resolution &# 34 ; of dpll 11 is approximately an order of magnitude improvement over prior art solutions . turning now to fig7 shift register 28 takes as inputs fclk and rl and outputs df0 and dfn in addition to a parallel string of binary values to variable capacitive load 26 . fclk is an enable signal from coarse / fine select circuitry 16 while rl , from phase detector circuit 12 , indicates whether to increase or decrease delay . df0 and dfn indicate the delay status of shift register 28 to auto recovery circuitry 18 . df0 , when low , indicates that shift register 28 has forced variable capacitive load 26 to its lowest value and therefore its minimum delay . dfn , when high , indicates that shift register 28 has forced variable capacitive load 26 to its highest value and therefore its maximum delay . if df0 and rl are low then fine adjust circuitry 22 is at its minimum delay and coarse / fine select circuitry 16 is requesting additional delay to be removed and auto recovery circuitry 18 will register a fault . if dfn and rl are both high then fine adjust circuitry 22 is at its maximum delay and coarse / fine select circuitry 16 is requesting additional delay to be added and auto recovery circuitry 18 also registers a fault . shift register 28 of fig7 manipulates variable capacitive load 26 in the following manner . at initialization , s2 on the state diagram of fig8 fine adjust circuitry 22 is set at middelay . this represents a specific value of the binary string formed by the parallel outputs of shift register 28 . an appropriate binary sequence or value will enable a pass gate 25a thus placing the capacitive load of load 27a on output out of buffer 24 . the binary value at initialization , s2 , corresponds to a mid - level capacitive loading on output out of buffer 24 . when shift register is enabled by clkf shift register 28 will shift depending upon the value of rl . if rl is low , a low binary value &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; will be shifted rightwardly from the left , thus disabling a pass gate and decreasing the net capacitive loading on out . this results in a decreased delay between in and out of circuit 22 . if rl is high , a high binary value &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; will be shifted leftwardly from the right thus enabling another pass gate and increasing the net capacitive loading on out . this results in an increased delay between in and out of circuit 22 . the incremental delay between in and out from a single pass gate being enabled is approximately 30ps which corresponds to the jitter resolution of dpll 11 . dpll 11 provides improved performance over prior art pll 10 through the addition of fine adjust circuitry 22 , auto recovery circuits 18 , and coarse / fine select circuitry 16 . fine adjust circuitry 22 provides a unique method of providing extremely small duration delay steps thus greatly improving phase jitter performance . auto recovery circuitry 18 and coarse / fine select circuitry 16 provide locking failure identification and control thus providing increased circuit reliability . although the invention has been described with reference to the embodiments herein , this description is not to be construed in a limiting sense . various modifications of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent to persons skilled in the an upon reference to the description of the invention . it is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments as fall within the true scope of the invention . | 7 |
referring to the sole figure , a power supply 10 utilizes a primary - side chopping means 11 , such as a half - bridge configuration of series - connected power switching devices ( e . g . fets ) 11a and 11b , with a node 11c therebetween , and a pair of storage elements ( e . g . capacitors ) 11d and 11e , with a node 11f therebetween . the chopping means operates from a relatively high amplitude d . c . potential + v a ( which can be obtained in known manner by rectification and filtering of a line ac voltage ) and provides a signal to drive a primary winding 12a , connected between nodes 11c and 11f , of a high frequency transformer means 12 . the primary winding driving waveform may have a frequency of up to about 1 mhz . and may have a waveform which can be substantially sinusoidal , for a resonant inverter power supply , or can be substantially rectangular with variable duty cycle , for a pulse - width - modulated ( pwm ) power supply . the transformer secondary winding 12b is connected to first and second input terminals 14a and 14b of an ac - to - dc conversion means 14 , for providing an output voltage v out of a desired substantially constant magnitude at an output 14c , with respect to a secondary side common connection 14d . means 14 preferably also provides a second voltage ( e . g . an operating potential v x ) at a second output 14e , with respect to common potential 14d , for connection to an operating potential input 16a of a secondary - side integrated circuit means 16 . integrated circuit means 16 has a terminal 16b for connection of the secondary side common potential and has an input terminal 16c for connection of the v out potential , for comparison in a summing means 21 against a reference voltage v ref ( provided by unshown , but well known , means ). the difference , or error , signal v error voltage is provided to the input 23a of a pwm generator / undervoltage lockout means 23 . means 23 , itself well known in the art , provides a signal of pulsating nature at an output 23b , if the chip power supply voltage at 16a is greater than the lockout amplitude . the pulse output signal is a binary - level signal , having a frequency and / or pulse width set responsive to the magnitude and polarity of the error voltage signal present at means input 23a . the signal of output 23b is supplied to the gate of a field - effect transistor ( fet ) switching device 25 , to control the signal between the primary terminals 17a - 1 and 17a - 2 ( respectively connected to other terminals 16d and 16e , respectively , of integrated circuit means 16 ) of an isolation means 17 . means 17 provides for signal transfer , in ohmically - isolated fashion , to a primary side hvic 19 having data signal inputs 19a and 19b connected to the isolation means secondary terminal 17b - 1 , with respect to terminal 17b - 2 . isolation means 17 can be an optoisolator , in which a light - emitting diode is operatively connected between primary terminal 17a - 1 and 17a - 2 , with the controlled - current - conduction circuit of a phototransistor and the like connected between secondary terminal 17b - 1 and 17b - 2 , or can be ( among other isolation devices ) a small pulse transformer , as shown . the pulse transformer has a primary winding 17a connected between primary side terminals 17a - 1 and 17a - 2 , and has a secondary winding 17b connected between secondary terminal 17b - 1 and 17b - 2 . the isolation means 17 primary terminals 17a - 1 and 17a - 2 are connected between a potential (+ v x ) source , at terminal 16e and the controlled conduction circuit of fet 25 ; responsive to each pulse of current caused to flow through primary winding 17a , a signal voltage appears between secondary terminals 17b - 1 and 17b - 2 and therefore between hvic input terminals 19a and 19b . in accordance with one principle of the present invention , connected to input terminals 19a and 19b is a pulse edge detection circuit means 27 for detecting the digital data signal edge transitions which appear at the ohmic isolation means secondary terminal 17b - 1 and 17b - 2 , even if the remainder of each data pulse causes isolation means 17 to become saturated . thus , even if isolation means 17 saturates immediately after transmitting &# 34 ; turn - off &# 34 ; or &# 34 ; turn - on &# 34 ; edge signals across the isolation barrier between primary and secondary side of the supply , pulse detector circuit 27 will still recognize the positive - going and negative - going edge , or impulse , voltage present immediately prior to saturation ; this recognition results in the signal at an output 27a being provided at that one of binary signal conditions related to the state of the last edge transition detected . therefore , because only the pulse edges are utilized , the pulse transformer ( or other isolation means selected ) does not have to be capable of remaining unsaturated for the longest pulsewidth generated by the secondary side electronics and can be relatively small . the binary pulse - level condition signal at pulse edge , or transition , detector output 27a is , when present , applied to an input of a start - run means 29 , which changes supply operation from a &# 34 ; soft - start &# 34 ; mode ( controlled by means , described hereinbelow , on the primary side ) to a &# 34 ; full - run &# 34 ; mode ( controlled by the secondary side ) only if detector 27 output pulses are present . thus , before the error - data pulses commence , at the start of supply operation , or when the pulses stop for any reason , means 29 will be reset to again cause the primary side electronics to be in control , to again soft - start the supply . the limit of the signal frequency at an output 31a of a voltage - controlled oscillator ( vco ) means 31 is set by a set capacitance c f connected to a hvic terminal 19m , but the instantaneous frequency is set by the potential at a frequency - control input 31b and is responsive to a slow - start ramp means 32 ( comprised of an active device 32a , a shunt capacitance 32b and a series resistive 32c , coupled to terminals 19h , 19i and 19j of the hvic ). in accordance with another principle of the invention , the variable - frequency vco output signal is applied to one selectable input 33a of a multiplexing ( mux ) means 33 , while the pulse detector output signal is applied to the other selectable input 33b . a selection control input 33c receives the output of the start - run means 29 so that the mux means output 33d signal is either the vco means 31 output signal ( generated on the primary side for start - up operation ) or is the detector 27 output ( from the secondary - side error output for control of the power supply output regulation ) in normal &# 34 ; run &# 34 ; operation . the selection of primary side control or secondary side control is thus respectively responsive to the respective absence or presence of detected pulses at detector output 27a . the selected signal is applied to one input of a two - input combiner and gate means 34 , having its output connected to a clock c input of a one - shot multivibrator ( osm ) means 35 . the remaining input of gate 34 is provided at the output of a current - limit - sensing means 36 , so that the gate 34 output signal is locked in a no - action logic zero condition if the current sensed by an element ( not shown ) between hvic terminals 19k and 19l is sufficient to drive the sensing means output to a low , or limit - sensed , condition . the output of gate 34 is also provided to a delay means 37 , in which a time delay t d is caused to occur to each binary level transition of the gate output signal , prior to the delayed signal being introduced to a pwm control input 39a of a pulse logic control portion 39 . a second pulse logic control portion input 39b receives the q output of osm means 35 ; this output is at a low logic zero level , preventing action thereon , for some time interval ( set by the resistance r t and capacitance c t values of the respective timing elements connected to hvic terminals 19h , 19m and 19n ) after each positive - going edge at the gate 34 output . the timing establishes a &# 34 ; dead &# 34 ; time , during which neither of devices 11a and 11b are conducting , to prevent both devices simultaneously conducting at any time . a third pulse control portion input 39c receives a signal pwadjin at the output of a pulse width adjustment means 41 , responsive to a signal pwa provided at a first output 39d of the pulse logic control portion . responsive to the inputs at terminals 39a , 39b , 39c and to the absence of a &# 34 ; not - reset &# 34 ; rst signal at a fourth input 39e , the pulse logic control portion 39 provides respective first driver &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; control signals at respective outputs 39f and 39g , and respective second driver on and off signals at outputs 39h and 39i , respectively . buffer - inverter means 43 apply the first device condition signals directly to the respective inputs 45a and 45b of a lower device drive means 45 , which receives an operating potential + v b . the lower device means outputs 45c and 45d are respectively connected to hvic terminals 19d and 19e for driving at least a portion ( e . g . the lower fet 11a ) of the primary side electronics means 11 . unlike the lower device drive means , which operates at the lower v b operating potential ( e . g . 15 volts ), the upper device drive means operates at the full v a unipolar high voltage potential ( e . g . 380 volts and the like with respect to the primary side common potential at terminal 19e ) so that the upper device drive means 47 must have each of its first input 47a and second input 47b controlled through an associated one of controlled - current source means 46 , each operated by the associated one of the buffer - inverter means 43 output signals . the upper device drive means first output 47c provides a second drive signal ( for another portion , e . g . the upper fet 11b , of the primary - side drive electronic means 11 ) to a hvic terminal 19f ( with respect to the upper device drive common terminal connected to hvic terminal 19g ). a slow - start control means 48 senses the initial application of operating potential to the hvic , and provides a reset rst signal at hvic terminal 19 i for controlling the external ramping means 32 to provide the turn - on slow - start ramp signal at input 19j , responsive to the presence of v b operating potential at terminal 19h . this ramp signal is coupled to vco means control input 31b ( to decrease the frequency thereof to the normal operating frequency set by the control capacitance c f connected to terminal 19m ). the operating voltage v b is provided by a regulator means 49 , receiving the primary - side potential v a at a terminal 19c . in accordance with the invention , pulse edge detector means 27 comprises : means 51 ( including a voltage divider formed of resistances 51a and 51b , connected between the v b source and common potential ) for biasing a node 52 to a predetermined resting potential ; means ( including catching diodes 53a and 53b ) for preventing the node 52 voltage from being either greater than the operating potential ( diode 53a ) or less than the common potential ( diode 53b ), responsive to at least pulse edge transitions introduced to node 52 by the isolation means 17 output signal ; first and second comparator means 54 and 55 respectively for detecting if the node 52 signal is less than or greater than predetermined levels , to determine if a pulse falling edge or a pulse rising edge is being encountered ; a network 56 ( using a voltage divider formed of resistance 56a , 56b and 56c ) series connected between v b source and conversion potential for providing the predetermined levels ( e . g . high level v h and low level v l , respectively greater than and less than the node 52 resting voltage ) against which the comparator means 54 / 55 compare the biased isolation means output signal ; and latch means 57 ( using a pair of cross - coupled two - input nand gates 57a and 57b and a pair of input pull - up resistances 57c and 57d ) for holding the last detected - edge condition until the next detected edge condition is present with opposite polarity at the input node 52 . an additional resistance 58 couples the reset - not ( rst ) signal to the normally - pulled - high input of gate 57a . the rst signal is at a low logic level only for a short time interval immediately after the initial application of operating potentials v a and v b , as at commencement of operation of power supply 10 . this low signal level at operation commencement serves to pull the first comparator output 54c / gate 57a input connection ( to which pull - up resistor 57d and pull - down resistor 58 are also connected ) to a low level at start - up , so that the output of gate 57a is at a high logic level , and latch means 57 is reset . thus , the pulse edge detector output 27a is initially forced to a low logic level , so that the first positive - going transition of the signal at the isolation means output will cause comparator output 55c to change state and provide a positive - going transition at detector output 27a . as soon as the start - up ramp is complete and the low - level rst signal is removed from the r input of start - run means 29 , the next detected negative - going pulse edge transition will set the means 29 q output to a high logic level , replacing the start - up vco means signal at mux output 33d with the run pwm signal from the edge detected output 27a and allowing the feedback error data to control the chopper means 11 and , therefore , the voltage amplitude at output 14c . while our present invention has been described with respect to one presently preferred embodiment thereof , many variations and modifications will now become apparent to those skilled in the art . it is our intent , therefore , to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims , and not by way of details and instrumentalities presented by way of description of one embodiment herein . | 7 |
the present invention provides simple and efficient methods for incorporating the f - 18 radionuclide into peptide - containing targeting vectors , such as proteins , antibodies , antibody fragments and receptor - targeted peptides . for convenience , the term “ peptide ” is used below and in the claims to refer to proteins , antibodies , antibody fragments and receptor - targeted peptides . the methods of the present invention makes such targeting vectors available for routine clinical positron emission tomography . of all nucleophiles present on peptides , only the free thiol group can be rapidly alkylated at neutral ph and moderate temperature . the present invention takes advantage of this unique property of free thiol groups , and provides methods for labelling thiol - containing peptides with f - 18 . in accordance with one embodiment , the method of the present invention comprises the following reaction : wherein n is 0 , 1 or 2 , m is 0 , 1 or 2 , and n + m is 0 , 1 , or 2 , and x is a substitutable leaving group such as iodide , bromide , chloride , azide , tosylate , mesylate , nosylate , triflate and the like . alternatively , x is maleimide or a substituted maleimide , substituted , for example with one or two alkyl groups or a sulfonate group . examples of suitable substituted maleimides include 3 - methylmaleimide , 3 , 4 - dimethylmaleimide and 3 - sulfo - maleimide . r 1 and r 2 can be the same or different and , as discussed in more detail below , are chosen for the desirable physical properties they bring to the reagent . in general , r 1 and r 2 can be selected from the same groups as x , and can be the same as or different from x . alternatively , r 1 and r 2 each independently can be hydrogen , a substituted or unsubstituted linear or branched alkyl group , or a carbonyl function such as an ester , amide or ketone , for example , — coor ′, — conr ′ 2 , or cor ′, where r ′ is a c 1 - c 6 alkyl or phenyl . examples of suitable r 1 and r 2 groups or substituents thereon also include groups which impart aqueous solubility , such as — conh 2 , carboxyl , hydroxyl , sulfonic acid and tertiary amine or quaternary ammonium . in accordance with another embodiment of the invention , the peptide is labeled with an f - 18 fluorinated alkene , wherein at least one of the two double - bonded carbon atoms bears at least one leaving group selected from the group consisting of iodide , bromide , chloride , azide , tosylate , mesylate , nosylate and triflate . examples of suitable fluorinated alkenes include 18 f — ch ═ ci 2 , 18 f — ci ═ ch 2 , or 18 f — ci ═ ci 2 . the labeling reaction is analogous to the one described above . the methods of present invention can be used to label any thiol - containing peptide . of particular interest are peptides useful as targeting vectors . examples of such targeting vectors include antibodies , f ( ab ′) 2 , f ( ab ) 2 , fab ′ and fab fragments , single - chain sub - fragments such as sfvs , divalent constructs such as dsfvs , and polypeptides containing one or more free thiol groups . see choi et al ., cancer res ., 55 : 5323 - 29 ( 1995 ). further examples include antibody constructs such as antibodies comprising igg 3 or igg 3 - f ( ab ′) 2 frameworks . igg 3 &# 39 ; s have multiple hinge - region disulfide groups which can be reduced to generate multiple free thiol groups . peptides that originally do not comprise a free thiol group can be labelled in accordance with the present invention by first modifying the peptide to add a free thiol group by methods known to those skilled in the art . for example , the peptide can be thiolated with reagents such as 2 - iminothiolane , or intrinsic disulfide bonds such as cystine residues can be reduced . a combination of both modifications also can be performed , such as the acylation of lysine residues with n - succinimidyl - 3 -( 2 - pyridylthio )- propionate ( spdp ) followed by the controlled reduction of the appended disulfide bond . in one embodiment of the present invention , the peptide is a fab or fab ′ fragment . these peptides have free thiol groups in their hinge - region , a site which is both specific and remote from the antigen - targeting sites . to optimize the reaction with the thiol - containing peptides , the labelling reagent preferably has the following physical and chemical properties : ( 2 ) the reagent has adequate aqueous solubility in the neutral ( 4 - 8 ) ph range . by “ adequate aqueous solubility ” is meant that the reagent readily dissolves at up to a concentration comparable to a stoichiometric amount of the thiol - containing peptide used . if , for example , an antibody is being labeled , a typical antibody concentration is about 50 mg / ml , which corresponds to a molar concentration of about 3 × 10 − 4 m . in this example , the reagent should be soluble at a concentration of about 3 × 10 − 4 m . with lower molecular weight peptide species , more peptide will dissolve without precipitation , and more reagent can be used . because f - 18 is carrier - free , lower concentrations of fluorination agents also might be effective . ( 3 ) the active halides of the reagent are not immediately hydrolyzed by water at neutral ph ( ph 4 - 8 ). thus , the halides should react more readily with sh or s − than with h 2 o . as long as the reagent is not immediately hydrolyzed by water ( or by neutral buffer solutions ), the selectivity and reactivity of the thiol group ensures an efficient peptide labeling reaction . ( 4 ) the leaving group x can be displaced rapidly , specifically , and near - quantitatively by free thiol moieties . a carbo - cationic center can be developed at the carbon atom which is attacked by the nucleophile , for example , r 1 and r 2 can be electron - withdrawing groups . the presence of electron - withdrawing groups alpha to the — c — x functional group also facilitates fast displacement of the x moiety . examples of useful electron - withdrawing groups include — cor ′, — conr ′, — co 2 r ′, — cooh , — conh 2 , and — so 3 h , where r ′ is a c 1 - c 6 alkyl or phenyl . in addition , the presence of more than one leaving group in the labelling reagent can be advantageous . multiple leaving groups , such as iodo groups , attached to the same carbon atom produce steric strain . when a reaction comprises the departure of a single leaving group , this steric strain is relieved , imparting faster reaction kinetics to the thiol displacement of the x group . thus , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention , the labeling reagent comprises at least two leaving groups , such as two iodo groups . in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention , the peptide is labeled with a labelling reagent of the general formula 18 f —( ch 2 ) m — cr 1 r 2 —( ch 2 ) n — x , wherein n is 0 , 1 or 2 , m is 0 , 1 or 2 , and n + m is 0 , 1 , or 2 , and x is a substitutable leaving group such as iodide , bromide , chloride , azide , tosylate , mesylate , nosylate , triflate , and the like . alternatively , x is maleimide or a substituted maleimide , substituted , for example with one or two alkyl groups . examples of suitable substituted maleimides include 3 - methylmaleimide , 3 , 4 - dimethylmaleimide and 3 - sulfo - maleimide . r 1 and r 2 can be the same or different and , as discussed above , are chosen for the desirable physical properties they bring to the reagent . in general , r 1 and r 2 can be selected from the same groups as x , and can be the same as or different from x . alternatively , r 1 and r 2 each independently can be hydrogen , a substituted or unsubstituted linear or branched alkyl group , or a carbonyl function such as an ester , amide or ketone , for example , — coor ′, — conr ′ 2 , or cor ′, where r ′ is a c 1 - c 6 alkyl or phenyl . examples of suitable r 1 and r 2 groups or substituents thereon also include those which impart aqueous solubility , such as — conh 2 , carboxyl , hydroxyl , sulfonic acid and tertiary amine or quaternary ammonium . examples of suitable labelling reagents include 18 f - ci 3 ; 18 f - chi 2 ; 18 f - ci 2 cooh ; 18 f - ci 2 cooch 3 ; 18 f - ci 2 ch 2 oh ; 18 f - chich 2 oh ; 18 f - chicooch 3 ; 18 f - ci 2 ch 2 cooh ; 18 f - ci 2 ch 2 n + ( ch 3 ) 3 ; 18 f - ci 2 ch 2 - maleimide ; 18 f - ci 2 - conh 2 ; 18 f - ci 2 - co 2 ch 3 ; 18 f - chbr 2 ; 18 f - cbr 2 ch 2 ch 2 - so 3 h ; 18 f - ch 2 ci 2 cooh ; 18 f - ch 2 ci 2 conh 2 ; 18 f - chico 2 ch 3 ; 18 f - ci 2 conh 2 ; 18 f - chiconh 2 ; 18 f - cbr 2 ch 2 oh ; ch 3 cocbr 2 - 18 f ; cbrf 2 - 18 f ; 18 f - cbr ( conh 2 ) 2 , and c 6 h 5 - cocbr 2 - 18 f . other suitable labeling reagents will be apparent to those skilled in the art . the labeling reagent can be made by the f - 18 fluorination of a corresponding compound . the following are examples of compounds which can be fluorinated to make the labeling reagents set forth above : ci 4 ; chi 3 ; chi 2 cooch 3 ; ci 3 cooh ; ci 3 cooch 3 ; ci 3 ch 2 oh ; chi 2 ch 2 oh ; ci 3 ch 2 cooh ; ci 3 ch 2 n + ( ch 3 ) 3 ; ci 3 ch 2 - maleimide ; ci 3 - conh 2 ; ci 3 - co 2 ch 3 ; chibr 2 ; clbr 2 ch 2 ch 2 - so 3 h ; ch 2 ci 3 cooh ; ch 2 ci 3 conh 2 ; chi 2 co 2 ch 3 ; ci 3 conh 2 ; chi 2 conh 2 ; cbr 3 ch 2 oh ; cf 3 coci 3 ; ch 3 cocbr 3 ; br 2 chcn ; ci 3 chcn ; cbr 2 f 2 ; cbr 2 ( conh 2 ) 2 and c 6 h 5 - cocbr 3 . other suitable compounds will be apparent to those skilled in the art . in accordance with another embodiment of the invention , the labeling reagent is an f - 18 fluorinated alkene , wherein at least one of the two double - bonded carbon atoms bears at least one leaving group selected from the group consisting of iodide , bromide , chloride , azide , tosylate , mesylate , nosylate and triflate . examples of suitable fluorinated alkenes include 18 f - ch ═ ci 2 , 18 f - ci ═ ch 2 , and 18 f - ci ═ ci 2 . these labeling reagents can be made by the f - 18 fluorination of corresponding compounds , such as ich ═ ci 2 ; ci 2 ═ ch 2 ; ci 2 ═ ci 2 . other fluorinated alkenes useful in accordance with the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art . f - 18 can be obtained from cyclotrons after bombardment of o - 18 - enriched water with protons . the enriched water containing h - 18 f can be neutralized with a base having a counter - ion that is any alkali metal ( m ), such as potassium or another monovalent ion , and the water can be evaporated off to give a residue of m - 18 f , which can be taken up in an organic solvent for further use . in general , the counter - ion is selected to enable the fluoride ion to react rapidly in an organic phase with a halogen . potassium is generally used as a counter - ion because it is cheaper than cesium . however , with carrier - free f - 18 , trivial amounts of counter - ion are required , and counter - ion cost largely can be ignored . although potassium is useful as a counter - ion in accordance with the present invention , cesium is preferred to potassium because cesium is a larger ion with a more diffuse charge . accordingly , cesium has looser ionic interactions with the small fluoride atom , and therefore does not interfere with the nucleophilic properties of the fluoride ion . for similar reasons , potassium is preferred to sodium , and , in general , the suitability of a la metal as a counter - ion in accordance with the present invention increases as you go down the periodic table . group ib reagents , such as silver , also are useful as counter - ions in accordance with the present invention . further , organic phase transfer - type ions , such as tetraalkylammonium salts , also can be used as counter - ions . because fluoride is the most electronegative element , it has a tendency to become hydrated and lose its nucleophilic character . to minimize this , the labeling reaction is preferably performed under anhydrous conditions . for example , fluoride ( as potassium fluoride or as a complex with any of the other counter - ions discussed above ) can be placed in organic solvents , such as acetonitrile or thf . with the help of agents which bind to the counter - ion , such as kryptofix 2 . 2 . 2 ( 4 , 7 , 13 , 16 , 21 , 24 - hexaoxa - 1 , 10 - diazabicyclo [ 8 . 8 . 8 ]- hexacosane ), the fluoride ion is very nucleophilic in these solvents . as discussed above , the labeling reagent is used to label targeting vectors comprising a thiol - containing peptide with f - 18 according to the following reaction : alternatively , the labeling reagent is a f - 18 fluorinated alkene , wherein at least one of the two double - bonded carbon atoms bears at least one leaving group selected from the group consisting of iodide , bromide , chloride , azide , tosylate , mesylate , nosylate and triflate . this f - 18 fluorinated alkene labels targeting vectors in an analogous manner to the reaction set forth above . directing the reaction of the fluorinated labeling reagent towards free thiol groups on the targeting vector allows near - quantitative incorporation of f - 18 into the targeting vector within a short time period . generally , the reaction will be completed within a few minutes at room temperature , and complicated purification steps will not be necessary . given the very short half - life of f - 18 , the speed of the reaction is very important . moreover , because free f - 18 exchanges readily with hydroxyl ions in hydroxyapatite crystals in bone , and , therefore , is a bone - seeking agent , the reduced amount of free fluoride remaining in the final product also is an important advantage of the present invention . the embodiments of the invention are further illustrated through examples which show aspects of the invention in detail . these examples illustrate specific elements of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope thereof . 100 mci of f - 18 fluoride ( obtained from bombardment of o - 18 - enriched water ) in dry tetrahydrofuran containing kryptofix 2 . 2 . 2 ( 4 , 7 , 13 , 16 , 21 , 24 - hexaoxa - 1 , 10 - diazabicyclo [ 8 . 8 . 8 ] hexacosane ) and a slurry of potassium carbonate is treated with triiodoacetic acid . after a 30 minute reaction at room temperature , the desired labelling reagent , 18 f - ci 2 cooh , is obtained and purified by reverse - phase column chromatography . this labelling reagent is then used to label a variety of thiol - containing targeting vectors , or is shipped to clinical sites for the same usage . a 1 mg vial of lyophilized fab ′- sh - np4 ( an anti - cacinoembryonic antigen antibody fragment ) is reconstituted with 1 ml of a solution of 18 f - ci 2 cooh in 0 . 1 m sodium acetate buffer at ph 6 . the reaction is allowed to proceed for 30 minutes at room temperature . an aliquot of the mixture is removed for analysis by hplc using a size - exclusion sizing column and by itlc ( instant thin - layer chromatography ) using silica gel - impregnated glass - fiber strips ( gelman sciences ). this analysis reveals that the antibody fragment &# 39 ; s hinge - region thiol groups effect nucleophilic displacement of both iodine atoms of 18 f - ci 2 cooh , and that this reaction proceeds in near - quantitative yield . the f - 18 - labeled fab ′ fragment is therefore ready for injection . a sample of 100 mci of f - 18 fluoride ( obtained from bombardment of o - 8 - enriched water ) in dry acetonitrile containing kryptofix 222 and a slurry of potassium carbonate is treated with triiodomethane . after a 30 minute reaction at room temperature the labelling reagent 18 f - chi 2 is obtained and purified by reverse - phase column chromatography . the labeling reagent is then used to label a variety of thiol - containing targeting vectors , or is shipped to clinical sites for the same usage . a 1 mg vial of lyophilized , reduced octreotide ( d - phe - cys - phe - d - trp - lys - thr - cys - thr - ol ) is reconstituted with 1 ml of a solution of 18 f - chi 2 ( made up first in dmso ) in 0 . 1 m sodium acetate buffer at ph 6 , containing 20 % dmso . the reaction is allowed to proceed for 30 minutes at room temperature . alternatively , can be effected at elevated temperatures , and in non - aqueous solvents , e . g ., dmso , and later cooled and / or diluted for injection . an aliquot of the labeling mixture is removed for analysis by hplc using a size - exclusion sizing column and itlc ( instant thin - layer chromatography ) using silica gel - impregnated glass - fiber strips ( gelman sciences ). this analysis reveals that the two cysteinyl thiol groups of octreotide effect the nucleophilic displacement of both iodo atoms of 18 f - chi 2 and that this reaction proceeds in near - quantitative yield . the f - 18 - labeled , recyclized ( linkage : — s — ch — 18 f — s —) octreotide peptide is therefore ready for injection . fluorodiiodoacetamide ( 18 f - ci 2 conh 2 ) 100 mci of f - 18 fluoride ( obtained from bombardment of o - 18 - enriched water ) in dry tetrahydrofuran containing kryptofix 2 . 2 . 2 ( 4 , 7 , 13 , 16 , 21 , 24 - hexaoxa - 1 , 10 - diazabicyclo [ 8 . 8 . 8 ] hexacosane ) and a slurry of potassium carbonate is treated with triiodoacetamide . after a 30 minute reaction at room temperature , the desired labelling reagent , 18 f - ci 2 conh 2 , is obtained and purified by reverse - phase column chromatography . this labelling reagent is then used to label a variety of thiol - containing targeting vectors , or is shipped to clinical sites for the same usage . a 1 mg vial of lyophilized cys - lhrh ( lhrh whose amine terminus bears an appended cysteine , in reduced , thiol , form ) reconstituted with 1 ml of a solution of 18 f - chiconh 2 in 0 . 1 m sodium acetate buffer at ph 6 . the reaction is allowed to proceed for 2 hours at 50 ° c . the antibody modified peptide &# 39 ; s thiol group effects nucleophilic displacement of the iodo atom of 18 f - cihconh 2 , and the reaction proceeds in near - quantitative yield . the f - 18 - labeled peptide is ready for injection . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to this invention . thus , it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the claims and their equivalents . | 0 |
the preferred embodiment of the apparatus is set forth herein , for illustrative purposes , in connection with the construction of a concrete veil or outside wall of a natural draft chimney having a diameter of from about 5 to 30 feet . in this construction , the round concrete wall may decrease in diameter as it rises toward the top . as illustrated in fig1 the tower wall 10 has an outer surface 12 and an inner surface 14 . also , a wall may have an inner refractory lining 15 adjoining and attached to the inner surface 14 of the wall . during the initial construction of a chimney and after the ground foundation has been laid , a plurality of spaced - apart , vertical jacking beams 20 , as shown in fig1 and 3 are anchored in the foundation . in the preferred embodiment the beams 20 are constructed of extruded aluminium , generally with a cross section as shown in fig3 . as shown in fig2 and 3 , each beam has a plurality of flat bars 22 configured to be attached to the inside surface 21 of the jacking beam 20 . in order to form multi - level vertical supports , individual beams 20 are attached at their ends by a flat plate 24 and flat head screw 26 . as shown in fig4 prior to pouring concrete , the jacking beam 20 is connected to reinforcing steel 28 for wall 10 by means of jacking beams fasteners comprising j - bolts 30 , insert cones 32 , hex head embedment screws 36 and flat head embedment screws 37 . when the concrete is poured , the j - bolts 30 remain embedded in the concrete wall 10 . as illustrated in fig1 , each jacking beam 20 is separated from similar beams around the inside surface 14 of the wall 10 so that the jacking beams 20 are located at spaced intervals completely along the inner wall surface 14 . as the concrete is poured , and the wall 10 increases in height , the lowest jacking beam 20 is separated from the beam 20 below it by removing screw 26 and is detached from the side of the wall by removing the screws 36 and screws 37 , leaving the j - bolts 30 and insert cones 32 in the wall . the insert cones 32 are subsequently removed for re - use . the lowest jacking beam 20 is then similarly attached as the top jacking beam 20 . lower jacking beams 20 are connected to sections of the wall 10 that have cured sufficiently to support the jacking beams 20 and other structures mounted on them . mounted on each jacking beam 20 is a vertical jacking frame 40 as shown on fig5 . each jacking frame consists of back - to - back channel members 42 , structural tube 44 , top work deck bracket 45 , top hand rail post 78 , top work deck 121 , top knee brace 79 , bottom work deck support bracket 46 , bottom hand rail post 70 , bottom work deck lug 66 , lower scaffold boards 121 , bottom knee brace 52 , inner braces 50 , upper jack frame support 60 , lower jack frame support 54 , jack bracket 56 , hydraulic cylinder 58 , and splice plates 48 . attached to the vertical jacking frame 40 is an outer concrete shaping form 100 and an inner concrete shaping form 102 . as shown in fig5 and fig6 the outer concrete shaping form 100 is suspended from jacking frame cross piece 116 by cables 114 and is composed of a plurality of outer form sheets 200 . the outer form sheets 200 in the preferred embodiment are approximately 10 . 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide . holes 202 are predrilled in the outer form sheets 200 for the purpose of attaching adjoining outer form sheets 200 . as shown in fig7 and 8 , outer form sheets 200 are attached to adjoining form sheets 200 by outer form splice angle brackets 206 to form a continuous ring around the circumference of the wall to be poured . additional holes may be drilled into one or more outer form sheets 200 , designated as outer form lap sheets ( not shown ), in order to accommodate changes in circumference . each outer form lap sheet is connected to adjoining outer form sheets 200 by an outer form splice tee 210 as shown in fig9 and 10 . as shown in fig5 outside work frame 250 is attached to the outer concrete shaping form 100 . the outside work frame 250 consists of an outside work deck 252 , outside work deck beams 254 , outside work deck hangers 256 , and outside work deck knee brackets 258 . the inner concrete shaping form 102 , as shown in fig1 , consists of a plurality of inner form sheets 104 which span between adjacent jacking beams 20 . as shown in fig3 the outer flange of jacking beam 20 and the inner form sheets 104 overlap to provide a continuous surface against which plastic concrete is poured . each inner form sheet 104 is connected to the jacking frame 40 by the lateral support system 57 , 59 shown on fig1 . a plurality of vertical support beams 106 are attached to each inner form sheet 104 . attached to both ends of the vertical support beam 106 are horizontal threaded connectors , a top connector 107 and a bottom connector 105 . as shown in fig1 the jacking frame 40 also supports a refractory wall shaping form 160 . the refractory wall shaping form consists of refractory wall sheets 162 which are similar to the inner form sheets 104 shown in fig1 . the refractory wall shaping form 160 is supported by tension connectors 161 from the jacking frame 40 . stability is also provided by stabilizers 163 . the refractory wall shaping assembly 160 is analogous to the inner form assembly 102 as shown in fig1 , with the exception that the jacking beam 20 may be replaced by a wide flange beam of standard design . in an alternative embodiment , the inner concrete shaping form is constructed of precast panels of a material suitable for providing a refractory lining . these panels are anchored in place as an inner lining wall after the outer wall has been poured . in the preferred embodiment , the inner form sheets 104 and outer form sheets 200 and sheets in the refractory wall shaping form are flexible sheets which are constructed of sheets of two materials bonded together . a plastic laminated material is placed on the side of the form against which the concrete is poured . the plastic sheet is then bonded to a mild steel sheet to form the flexible sheet . in the preferred embodiment ring 64 , 64 &# 39 ; as shown in fig1 , is constructed from a structural angle , an angle with an l - shaped cross - section . the center stiffener ring 64 , 64 &# 39 ; has predrilled vertical holes 63 and horizontal holes 65 for connection to other members . lateral loads on the jacking frame 40 are carried by the lateral support system 57 , 59 . as shown in fig1 the lateral support system has two levels , a top level 57 and a bottom level 59 . fig1 shows a schematic of the lateral support system which comprises both the top level or bottom level lateral support system 57 , 59 . fig1 shows a central stiffener ring 64 , 64 &# 39 ; threaded radial bars 62 , 62 &# 39 ; radius adjustment brackets 61 , 61 &# 39 ;, work deck support members 45 , 46 , work deck 121 , 121 &# 39 ; work deck clips 120 , 120 &# 39 ; and threaded adjusting bars 122 , 122 &# 39 ;. as shown in detail in fig1 and 14 , the top lateral support system 57 includes a center stiffener ring 64 , threaded radial bars 62 and a radius adjustment bracket 61 , comprising a forward radius adjustment plate 72 , rear radius adjustment plate 74 and hex nut 76 . as shown in fig1 , 16 and 17 , the bottom lateral support system includes a center stiffener ring 64 , threaded radial bars 62 &# 39 ;, and a radius adjustment bracket 61 &# 39 ; including bottom work deck lugs 66 , and hex nuts 68 . as shown in fig1 the top and bottom center stiffener rings 64 are connected by vertical supports 65 . lateral loads on the refractory wall shaping form 160 are carried by a two - level support system similar to that shown in fig1 . as shown in fig1 the top refractory wall shaping form 160 includes refractory wall sheets 162 , knee braces 174 , and stabilizers 163 . tension is placed on the outer concrete shaping assembly 100 by means of belly bands 209 . as shown in fig5 belly bands 209 are supported by belly band support brackets 212 which are attached to the outer form splice angles 206 and outer form splice tee 210 . additional support for belly bands 209 is provided by bracket 214 in the outer form splice tee 210 as shown in fig1 . tension is adjusted by means of standard devices well known in the art . lateral loads produced by pouring concrete into the mold formed by the inner and outer concrete shaping forms 102 , 100 are transferred to the center stiffener rings 64 &# 39 ; by the lateral support system 57 , 59 . lateral loads originate from the surfaces in contact with the plastic concrete . as shown in fig3 those surfaces are the outer surface of the flange of jacking beam 20 and the outer surface of inner concrete form sheets 104 . on the bottom level 59 , lateral loads from the jacking beam 20 are transferred from the jacking beam 20 to splice plate 48 to the bottom deck support member 46 and bottom hand rail posts 70 , as shown in fig5 and 16 . lateral loads on the hand rail post 70 are transferred to the front plate 67 of the work deck lug 66 , the threaded radial bars 62 &# 39 ; and the center stiffener ring 64 &# 39 ;. lateral loads are transferred from the jacking beam 20 to the center stiffener ring 64 on the top level by a similar method . as shown in fig5 and 14 , lateral loads are transferred by the top work deck bracket 47 to the upper hand rail post 78 . as shown in fig1 and 14 , lateral loads on the top hand rail posts 78 are transferred to the rear radius adjustment plate 74 , hex nut 76 , front adjustment plate 72 , threaded radial bars 62 and central stiffener ring 64 . lateral loads originating between the jacking beams 20 on the inner concrete shaping form 102 , are transferred by a different path . as shown schematically in fig1 , lateral loads on the bottom level are transferred to a center stiffener ring 64 &# 39 ; by lower horizontal connectors 105 , threaded adjusting bars 122 &# 39 ;, lower work deck clips 120 &# 39 ;, and work deck 121 &# 39 ;. as shown in fig1 and 16 , the inner edge 119 of work deck 121 &# 39 ; bears against the work deck lug 66 which transfers that load to the forward plate 67 of the work deck lug 66 and from there to a threaded radial bar 62 &# 39 ; and center stiffener ring 64 &# 39 ;. lateral loads originating between the jacking beams 20 are transferred to a center stiffener ring 64 on the top level in a similar manner . as shown schematically in fig1 , top horizontal connectors 107 are connected to threaded radial adjusting bars 122 , work deck clips 120 , and work deck 121 . as shown in fig1 and 14 , the inner edge 119 of scaffold 121 bears directly against upper hand rail post 78 which transfers lateral loads through the front plate 74 , hex nut 76 and rear plate 72 to threaded radial bars 62 . as shown in fig1 , the threaded radial bars are connected to central stiffener ring 64 . as shown in fig1 and 19 , a threaded radial bar 62 is connected to vertical holes 63 in a center stiffener ring 64 by a yoke and pin connection 80 . an alternative embodiment of a top or bottom lateral support system is shown in fig2 . instead of transferring lateral loads on the inner concrete form sheets 104 from the work deck 121 to the center stiffener ring 64 by means of threaded radial bars 62 as shown in fig1 , such loads are transferred to the center stiffener ring 64 by a connection between the ring 64 and the work deck 121 . in this embodiment , the top work deck support bracket 47 and bottom deck support bracket 46 can be retained and radial bars 62 and 62 &# 39 ; can be deleted . this embodiment can also be used to support lateral loads on the refractory wall shaping form 160 . the jacking frame 40 is connected to the jacking beam 28 by a plurality of jacking wheels 84 . jacking wheels 84 run axially inside jacking beam 20 as shown in fig2 . as shown in fig2 and 23 , jacking wheels 84 are attached to splice plates 48 by dowels 86 mounted on dowel frames 87 and run inside jacking beam 20 . as shown in fig2 , lower jack frame support 54 has jacking wheels 84 which run inside jacking beam 20 . attached to the jacking wheels 84 in the upper and lower jack frame supports 54 and 60 are jacking lugs 94 and tension springs 98 . the upper jack frame support 60 has jacking wheels 84 which run inside jacking beam 20 in a manner analogous to that in the lower jack frame 54 . as shown in fig4 the jacking frame 40 travels upwards by means of the thrust provided by the hydraulic jack 58 as it expands against the upper jack frame support 60 by means of hydraulic pressure supplied to the jack 58 through a flexible hose ( not shown ). the upper jack frame support 60 and jacking lugs 94 remain in place as the cylinder 58 begins to expand . however , the lower jack frame support 54 , as shown in fig5 disengages and travels upward along with the jacking frame 40 . inner brace 50 then positions lower jack frame support 54 so that jacking lugs 94 &# 39 ; may engage a higher bar 22 on jacking beam 20 in a manner analogous to the engagement action in the upper jack frame support 60 . as shown in fig4 the jacking lugs 94 are forced into place and retained there by tension spring 98 . in casting the initial courses of the wall , an ordinary general crane ( not shown ) is used to raise the plastic concrete from the ground to the forms around the periphery of the wall 10 . as shown in fig1 when the height of the structure exceeds the reach of the crane , a cathead crane 180 is attached to the top of the frame to provide the means to transport plastic concrete and other materials to the work area . thus , the necessity for using a large tower crane is avoided and the work can progress much more quickly . in addition , the support for the crane provides additional lateral support for jacking beams and jacking frames . as shown in fig1 the cathead crane 180 is composed of a beam 182 which is bolted to a top block 184 supported by four legs 186 beams 187 . on the upper side of the beam 182 , two sheaves 188 are attached . a commercial hoisting engine ( not shown ) is placed on the ground so that a load line 190 originating with the hoisting engine on one side of the wall 10 is supported over the wall on the sheaves 188 so that materials can be hoisted from the ground to the top of the column . while the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise construction therein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims . | 4 |
referring first to fig1 there is shown a typical radio frequency repeater incorporating prior art drfm architecture . a rf signal in analog form with a carrier wave such as a radar signal , is received at the antenna 11 , amplified by amplifier 5 and mixed by a mixer 3 with a signal from the local oscillator ( lo ) to provide a down converted analog signal output . this output is converted to digital information by an a / d converter 7 . the received and down converted digitized signal is demultiplexed by demultiplexer 9 and sent along several parallel paths to memory banks ( 1 - n ). as indicated in fig1 the multiplexer 13 assembles a high speed output data stream by interleaving data which is output from the memory banks . thus the output data stream from the multiplexer 13 is a delayed replica of the input data stream . the demultiplexer 9 and a multiplexer 13 enable a relatively slow memory to operate at a relatively high sampling rate . the output from the multiplexer 13 is converted to an analog signal by a d / a converter 17 . the converted analog signal is then sent to a mixer 21 wherein it is mixed with a local oscillator signal and retransmitted therefrom via an antenna 23 . an example of such prior art structure is also discussed in an article of b . k . gilbert et al ., &# 34 ; design and fabrication of a digital rf memory using custom designed gaas integrated circuits ,&# 34 ; government micro circuits applications conference , 1984 digest of papers , nov . 8 , 1984 , las vegas nev . the system described in the gilbert et al article is extremely complex , requiring an eight layer wrap board with more than 1000 ecl chips and a twelve layer rf printed wiring board for the gaas components and complex timing distribution schemes . a solution to the problem of maintaining critical timing relationships between various chips in a system is set forth in fig2 in accordance with the present invention . in this approach , clock signals are routed through a series of synchronous logic chips 99 so that both clock signals and data signals which are operated upon in the logic circuitry contained in a particular chip 99 have equal delays from a point a on a first chip to a point b on an adjacent chip in the cascade , provided the transmission lines between adjoining chips are of equal length . the clock signal at the input to each chip will therefore arrive at the identical time or before a corresponding data signal is input to the same chip . the requirement for off - chip clock distribution is eliminated and the system provides only a single clock line from the clock pulse generator ( not shown ) to the first chip in a cascaded chain 103 . the concept is useful for all control signals that feed multiple chips , including non - time - critical signals since off - chip circuitry and interconnects are simplified . referring to fig3 a drfm system 201 receives an rf signal through a device such as a radar set after being received and amplified by an antenna . this signal is processed through an amplifier 5 and is down converted by a mixer 3 as per fig1 . next , the signal is digitized by an a / d converter 7 . according to one embodiment of the present invention , a four bit output from the a / d converter 7 is applied to a programmable delay line element ( pdle ) memory 29 . a partial schematic of an exemplary four bit distributed pdle memory 29 comprising 4n pdle chips 31 is illustrated in fig4 . a feature of the pdle memory 29 is that under the control of a computer it can simultaneously load and provide output data . furthermore , the delay between the time data is stored in the pdle memory 29 and the time the same data is output from the pdle memory 29 may be varied according to instructions from the controlling computer 105 . in the embodiment of fig3 which forms an rf repeater , a radar signal may be received and then retransmitted after a programmed delay in order to distort the location of the repeater system . the output of the pdle memory 29 is applied to a four bit d to a converter 17 which converts the digital output from the pdle memory 29 into an analog signal for up converting by a mixer 21 . the signal is then transmitted via amplifier and antenna 27 to complete the circuit for the radio frequency repeater system 201 . it should be noted that this system operates in the gigahertz frequency range . using the distributed control concept of fig2 and 4 , the input demultiplexer , output multiplexer and address generation circuitry can be distributed among the pdle memory chips 31 . each chip 31 contains a static ram for data storage . thus a very simple rf memory architecture is possible with the pdle memory 29 . during data acquisition each input bit from the analog to digital converter passes through a serial string of n pdle chips 31 . a given stream of data passing through a string of chips 31 is demultiplexed by the n chips and each datum is stored in a chip . during playback or transmit , the pdle chips 31 reassemble ( multiplex ) the original data stream and shift it out to the digital to analog converter 17 . the pdle chips 31 internally buffer all five control signals ( the clock signals fs and fs / n ( where n is the number of chips in the string ) control data signal , shift signal and load signal ) to avoid the need for external buffers and to maintain time alignment between signals . a simple gaas control sequencer 33 generates the control signals in response to an input clock signal from a clock generator and an input microprocessor bus . for an application involving 1 ghz analog to digital converters and digital to analog converters if each pdle chip 31 contains 1 k - bit of ram , the total memory length of this design is n microseconds , where n is the number of pdle chips 31 in each string 35 shown in fig5 . fig5 to which reference should now be made , is a block diagram of the pdle chip 31 . data bus 43 ( see also fig4 ) provides control and timing signals to the pdle chip 31 . these include a control data signal , a shift signal , a load signal , and clock signals fs , and fs / n ( where n is the number of pdle chips that are in each string 35 of fig4 ). received rf digital data enters the chip 81 along transmission path 41 , is passed through buffer amplifier 12 and applied to a single input dual output serial to parallel converter 26 where the received data is placed in parallel form for application to the random access memory 38 which in the embodiment of fig5 is a 1 kilobit random access memory . depending on the timing of the fs / n clock signal , the received data is both loaded into the ram 38 and passed through to an output buffer amplifier 20 to an output data transmission line 43 for application to the next pdle element in the string 35 . similarly the rf data that has been stored on preceding chips 31 and which is being assimilated with a programmable delay enters the subsequent chip 31 along transmission line 37 where it is provided to an input buffer amplifier 14 . if the pdle chip 31 is in the first position in the string 35 , then the transmission line 37 is connected to ground as shown in fig4 . data being assimilated flows through subsequent chips 31 along line 37 and is input to one port of a parallel to serial converter 28 . as further illustrated in fig5 the parallel to serial converter 28 also receives data from the ram 38 at the frequency fs / n and assimilates this data with the data entering the chip 31 along line 37 at the frequency fs / n . the remainder of the circuit elements of the pdle chip 31 are used to control this operation . fig5 schematically illustrates shift register 34 and decode logic 36 generating on chip various timing signals , based on fs and fs / n , for operation of the numerous circuit components , e . g ., converters 26 , 28 and 46 , counters and memory 38 . the fs and fs / n clock signals are buffered by output buffer amplifiers 22 and 32 and then passed along the string 35 to the d / a converter 17 . a counter 24 receives an output from the shift register 34 and decode logic 36 . the counter state is stored within an internal latch . the counter 24 generates the write address and the latch maintains this address at a stable condition for application to the ram 38 via a multiplexer 50 . the write address is also provided to the subtractor and latch combination . the read address is applied to the ram 38 by the multiplexer 50 and the subtractor and latch combination 48 . the subtractor and latch combination 48 in the embodiment of fig5 is a 10 bit ripple carry adder which performs a subtraction by complementing the write address stored in the latch of the counter 24 , adding the complemented write address to the delay word that is provided by the serial to parallel converter 46 and complementing the results . the latched output provides a stable signal to the multiplexer 50 while the subtractor generates the next read address . thus when a programmable delay word is applied to the subtractor latch combination 48 via the serial to parallel converter 46 the word is subtracted from the write address to obtain the address of the word that is to be read and transmitted via the parallel to serial converter 28 and output buffer 30 . the control data , shift and load signals are the mode control signals . these signals are applied via buffers 40 , 42 and 44 to the serial to parallel converter 46 which in the embodiment of fig5 is a 12 bit shift register with latched output . the shift signal shifts the serial to parallel converter 46 while the load signal latches the shift outputs after a 12 bit transfer has been completed thus freeing the serial to parallel converter 46 to accept the next 12 bit transfer . the 12 bit data that is stored within the 12 bit serial to parallel converter 46 contains 10 bit delaying information for application to the subtractor latch 48 and 2 bits of mode information that is applied to a decode circuit 52 . the decode circuits decode the mode of information which includes four stales : reset , received only , transmit only , and simultaneously receive and transmit data with a programmable delay . the control data , shift , and load signals are passed on to the next pdle chip 31 via the output buffers 58 , 56 , and 54 , respectively . fig6 is a block diagram of the sequencer 33 of fig4 . the data control buffer latch 50 receives data and write commands from the controlling computer 105 ( see also fig3 ). it converts the received data into serial control , i . e ., mode and delay information which is provided to the input buffer 40 of each string 35 of the pdle memory 29 . a decoder 51 processes shift and load signals from the controlling computer 105 under the control of the write commands . the data control and buffer latch also provides the receive ready signal back to the controlling computer 105 indicating that the data has been received . according to the embodiment of fig3 and 6 , clock source 52 generates a 1 gigahertz signal , denoted fs , which is provided to n divider 53 which generates the signal fs / n . with these commands and the decode logic of fig5 each pdle chip can shift among mode states to receive data , store the received data , pass on the received data ; and transmit stored data or pass on stored data to provide a programmable delay line element . it can be seen that there has been provided a chip which is readily cascadable and wherein clock signals provided to the first chip of the chain are serially transmitted to other chips downstream to generate other time and control signals on individual chips . this eliminates the need for tree circuit clock signal connections to each chip along with the associated circuitry required to ensure that the signals arrive at a predetermined time . though the invention has been described with respect to a specific preferred embodiment thereof , many variations and modifications will immediately become apparent to those skilled in the art . it is therefore the intention that the appended claims be interpreted as broadly as possible in view of the prior art to include all such variations and modifications . | 6 |
fig7 a illustrates a generic grip 2 exemplary of the type used to pull cable , including electrical wire , such as the segment of cable 4 shown in fig8 a and 8b . grips of this type may be referred to as a multi - weave style . they are available from numerous providers including brenco , inc . of harrison ohio usa . in the view of fig7 a the grip 2 is positioned to extend longitudinally along a straight axis a . the grip has at a first end an integrally formed eye loop 3 into which a hook may be placed to pull the grip when the cable is attached to the grip . as more fully described herein , the portion of the grip extending from the eye loop to the opposing end is tubular . the exemplary segment of cable 4 is a straight length as shown in fig8 a which extends longitudinally along the straight axis a for insertion into the grip 2 . the segment of cable has a substantially circular profile in cross section with radius r as indicated in fig8 b . as is well known , grips of this type comprise a number of individual cables or wires 8 which are interlaced with one another to fit around the cable segment . by interlaced it is meant that the wires 8 of the grip are crossed , passing over or under one another , or woven together , e . g ., braided , or otherwise intertwined . the wires 8 may each be formed of a series of smaller gauge wires which are wound together in , for example , a spiral configuration . as shown in the view of fig7 b , taken along a direction perpendicular to the axis a , the grip is essentially a tubular shaped sheath defining an interior bore , b , into which the cable 4 may be slid . generally , the interlacing arrangement of the wires 8 to form the grip 2 provides an adjustable assembly that can be configured to provide a variable radial dimension to the bore b with a corresponding variable outside diameter od 2 to the grip 2 . for example , as shown in fig9 a and 9b , the grip 2 may be adjusted to have a first length l 1 , as measured along the longitudinal axis a , for which length the bore b has a more or less circular shape extending a radial distance b 1 from the axis a . referring next to fig1 a and 10b , the grip 2 may be contracted to a second , shorter length l 2 , also measured along the axis a , for which length the bore b again has a more or less circular shape . when the grip length is reduced to l 2 the bore expands from the radial dimension b 1 to a larger radial distance b 2 from the axis a . compare fig9 b and 10b . generally , so long as l 1 is greater than l 2 , the radial dimension b 2 is greater than the radial dimension b 1 . for a cable radius r , on the order of the radial dimension b 1 , when the grip bore is adjusted to the larger radial dimension b 2 , the cable 4 can be inserted into the bore . when the grip length is extended to reduce the bore size to the radial dimension b 1 , the interlaced wires can press against the inserted cable to firmly attach the grip to the cable as the grip is pulled with a force directed along the longitudinal axis a . according to an example embodiment of the invention , a partial and simplified view of an adjustment tool 10 for insertion of cable into a grip is shown in fig1 . the tool 10 comprises a pair of tubular sections 14 and 16 . the wall 18 of the section 14 has a cylindrically shaped inner surface 22 , within which the section 16 can be slid to extend and contract the tool 10 in a telescoping manner . thus the length of the tool 10 is adjustable as measured along an axis 20 which is more or less central to the two sections 14 and 16 . the first tubular section 14 includes first and second opposing ends 26 and 28 , and the second tubular section includes first and second opposing ends 32 and 34 . the first end 26 of the section 14 has an opening 30 , the size of which may be defined by the inner wall surface 22 or which may be reduced relative to the diameter of the cylindrical shaped surface 22 . in the illustrated embodiments the opening 30 is sized such that when the bore b of the grip 2 is expanded to the larger radial dimension b 2 , the opening 30 is large enough to permit the grip 2 to pass through the opening 30 . according to one feature of the invention , the size of the effective opening , permitting entry of the grip 2 into or out of the section 14 through the end 26 , can be reduced . for example , a second opening , of reduced size relative to the opening 30 , can be formed at or about the end 26 of the section 14 by placement of a cap over the end 26 . the cap includes an opening of such reduced size as to permit insertion of the cable 4 through the cap and into the grip bore . the cap also confines movement of the grip after the grip is placed within the tool 10 . in the following example , the opening in the cap is smaller than the outside dimension b 1 of the grip 2 . accordingly , when the bore b of the grip 2 is configured to the radial dimension b 1 , which is smaller than the dimension b 2 , the cap opening is of such reduced size relative to the opening 30 that the grip cannot pass through the cap . for the illustrated embodiments the sections 14 and 16 are cylindrically shaped lengths of pipe , e . g ., comprising galvanized steel , aluminum or plastic . the section 16 has an outside diameter od 16 smaller than the inside diameter id 14 of the wall 18 of the tubular section 14 . with this arrangement the section 16 can slide along the inner wall surface 22 of the section 14 . see , also , the view in cross section of fig2 which illustrates this nested arrangement along a direction transverse to the axis 20 . the section 16 may have , for example , an outside diameter od 16 of approximately 3 . 5 inches ( 8 . 8 cm ) and an inside diameter id 16 of approximately 3 . 25 inches ( 8 . 3 cm ). the section 14 may have , for example , an outside diameter od 14 of approximately 4 inches ( 10 . 2 cm ) and an inside diameter id 14 of approximately 3 . 75 inches ( 9 . 5 cm ). as per the example embodiments illustrated in fig3 , 4 a - 4 c and 5 a - 5 e , the tool 10 includes a first stop 40 mounted at or near the first end 26 of the section 14 and a second stop 46 positioned along the second section 16 at or near the second end 34 . the first stop 40 can be placed at a variety of positions near the end 26 of the section 14 and the second stop can be placed at a variety of positions near the end 34 of the section 16 . the tool 10 is shown in fig1 with the first end 32 of the second section 16 extending through the second end 28 and partly into the first section 14 . when the section 16 is further displaced toward the first end 26 , the second stop 46 is also displaced toward the first end 26 thereby reducing the distance between the first stop 40 and the second stop 46 . the second stop 46 may be a plate 48 covering the opening 47 of the pipe section 16 at the second end 34 . when the section 16 is formed of steel pipe , the plate 48 forming the stop can be welded to close off the end 34 . see , for example , the perspective view of the section 16 shown in fig3 , which illustrates a plate 48 mounted to partially or completely close off the opening 47 at the end 34 of the section 16 . in other embodiments the plate 48 may be attached to the end of the section 16 with removable fasteners or may be a threaded end cap . more generally , the stop 46 is positioned to prevent the grip 2 from passing through the second end 34 of the section 16 . for example , with the grip 2 expanded to the length l 2 and inserted into the tool through the opening 30 , when the section 16 is displaced toward the first end 26 of the first section 14 , the second stop 46 can transfer forces along the direction of the axis 20 from the section 16 to the grip as the second stop 46 moves toward the first end 26 . with the sections 14 and 16 each formed in accord with cylindrical pipe geometries , the first stop 40 may be a threaded end cap 50 such as shown in the cross sectional view of fig4 a , taken along the axis 20 . the exemplary cap 50 has an inside diameter id 50 slightly larger than the outside diameter od 14 of the section 14 and includes threads 52 along an interior surface 54 thereof so that the cap can be threaded over mating threads 56 formed on the exterior surface 60 of the section 14 along the end 26 . the cap 50 includes an aperture 66 of reduced size relative to the opening 30 . see , also , the cross sectional view of fig4 b taken along a direction perpendicular to the axis 20 and along the aperture 66 . with the cap 50 threaded on the section end 26 , as shown in the perspective view of fig4 c , and with the grip 2 positioned within the tool 10 ( not shown ), the aperture 66 provides an effective opening size which permits insertion of the cable 4 into the grip bore while at the same time confining movement of the grip within the tool 10 . with the cap 50 removed from the end 26 of the section 14 , the grip can be moved in or out of the tool 10 through the larger opening 30 at the end 26 of the section 14 . in this example , the aperture 66 is circular in shape with a diameter d 66 larger than the outside dimension , 2 r , of the cable 4 , but is smaller than the inside diameter id 14 of the tubular section 14 . for the illustrated embodiments , the aperture diameter d 66 is also smaller than the outside radial dimension of the grip 2 ( measured from the axis a in a plane perpendicular to the axis a ) when the grip bore extends the radial distance b 2 from the axis a , i . e ., when the grip is reduced to the shorter length l 2 . also for the illustrated embodiments , when the grip bore is configured to extend only to the smaller radial distance b 1 , the cap aperture 66 is then also too small to permit the grip to pass through the cap . according to an alternate embodiment of the first stop 40 , fig5 a - 5e illustrate a two piece end cap 70 attached to the end 26 of the section 14 . the cap 70 comprises a ring - like structure formed in two ring halves 72 and 74 which are each hinged to a first collar 78 . the collar 78 is of cylindrical shape having an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter , od 14 , of the tool section 14 so that the collar 78 can be mounted on the exterior surface 60 of the section 14 along the end 26 . by way of example , with the section 14 and the collar 78 each fabricated from segments of cylindrically - shaped steel pipe having different diameters , the collar can be welded to the section 14 or may be attached to the section 14 with fasteners . each of the ring halves 72 and 74 is also of cylindrical shape ( e . g ., in the shape of a half cylinder ), and can also be fabricated from a section 82 of pipe having the same inside diameter as the collar 78 . each section 82 may be cut from the cylindrically - shaped pipe to provide a half cylinder shape as shown in fig5 . a flat plate 84 having the contour of a half of a ring , e . g ., the shape of a letter “ c ”, is welded to an end of each section 82 . as now described , with the cap installed along the end 26 of the section 14 , and with a section 82 and a plate 84 forming each of the ring halves 72 , 74 , the ring halves are brought together by means of hinge mechanisms , and the plates provide the first stop 40 . an aperture 86 is formed in the first stop through which the cable 4 can be inserted into the tool section 14 . each of two hinges 80 connects one of the two ring halves 72 , 74 to the collar 78 . see the perspective view of fig5 a and the elevation view of fig5 b , taken along the axis 20 . the ring halves 72 , 74 are shown in a closed configuration wherein the plates 84 have reduced the effective opening to the end 26 of the section 14 . in the closed configuration of fig5 a and 5b , the ring halves have come together to form the complete ring cap 70 with the reduced effective opening . when the cap 70 is closed the pair of plates 84 meet to form a complete , but segmented ring having a circular cap aperture 86 with a diameter d 86 larger than the outside dimension , 2 r , of the cable 4 . the diameter d 86 is smaller than the inside diameter id 14 of the tubular section 14 and smaller than the largest outside radial dimension of the grip 2 ( again measured from the axis a in a plane perpendicular to the axis a ) when the grip is reduced to the shorter length l 2 . preferably , when the grip bore , b , is configured to the smaller radial dimension b 1 , the cap aperture 86 formed by the two piece end cap 70 is also too small to permit the grip 2 to pass through the cap 70 . the ring halves 72 , 74 can be secured in the closed configuration by inserting a pair of locking pins 90 through each ring half and into the wall 18 of the section 14 . in the example shown in the figures , a pair of ring apertures 92 are formed in each of the ring halves . see fig5 c which provides an end view of the two ring halves 72 , 74 in the closed configuration of fig5 a and 5b mounted on the tool section 14 . the view of fig5 c is taken through a portion of the axis 20 within the section 14 without showing the section wall 18 . each hinge 80 is mounted about a point of symmetry 88 along each half cylinder shape of a section 82 . each section 82 , being in the shape of a half cylinder , is an arc extending from the point of symmetry 88 some ninety degrees about the axis 20 in each direction with respect to the point of symmetry 88 . the ring apertures 92 of each section are formed about 80 degrees from the point of symmetry 88 , near an end of the arc of the half cylinder shape . in other embodiments the cylindrically shaped sections need not be identical and the cap 70 need not have symmetrically formed components . the locking pins 90 can each be reversibly placed through one of the ring apertures 92 formed in the sections 82 and further into wall apertures 94 ( shown in fig5 d ) formed in the wall 18 along the end 26 of the section 14 . the wall apertures 94 are each formed in the tool section 14 along the end 26 . the wall apertures are positioned in the section 14 for alignment with the corresponding ring apertures 92 formed in the sections 82 when the two ring halves 72 , 74 are in the closed configuration of fig5 a and 5b . a pair of the ring apertures 92 and a pair of the wall apertures 94 are shown in the perspective view of fig5 d which illustrates the ring halves 72 , 74 in an open configuration . in this open configuration the ring halves 70 , 72 have been swung outward and away from the larger opening 30 of the section 14 so that the grip 2 can be moved in or out of the tool 10 through the opening 30 . in this example , with the cap aperture 86 being circular in shape , the aperture 86 has a diameter d 86 which is larger than the outside dimension of the cable 4 but smaller than the inside diameter id 14 of the tubular section 14 and smaller than the outside dimension of the grip 2 when the grip is reduced to the shorter length l 2 . preferably , even when the grip bore is configured to the smaller radial dimension b 1 , the cap aperture 86 is too small to permit the grip to pass through the cap . generally , for both of the disclosed embodiments of the stop 40 ( i . e ., see fig4 a - c and 5 a - e ), with the grip 2 having an approximately circular shape about the bore and a length l 2 , the aperture 66 of the cap 50 and the aperture 86 of the cap 70 are , preferably , sized such that the outside diameter od 2 of the grip is too large to fit through the cap apertures . when the two piece end cap 70 is swung from the open configuration of fig5 d to the fully closed position shown in fig5 a and 5b , the first and second ring halves 72 , 74 of the end cap 70 are securely positioned about the opening 30 by placement of the locking pins 90 through the ring apertures 92 and into the wall apertures 94 . the locking pins 90 may , as illustrated in fig5 e , be formed in pairs as opposing ends 96 , 98 of a segment of stiff coiled wire 100 providing spring resilience . the gauge of the coiled wire and the size of the apertures are selected so that the wire ends 96 , 98 are insertable within the ring apertures and the wall apertures to provide a snug fit . the segments of coiled wire 100 can be tethered to the first collar 78 with a clamping cable assembly that is fastened to both the collar and the coiled wire 100 . in the configuration of fig5 a , 5 b and 5 c , the “ c ” shaped flat plates 84 have come together to form a complete ring - shaped cover which reduces the effective opening at the section end 26 to the diameter d 86 of the aperture 86 . generally , when the first and second ring halves 72 , 74 of the end cap 70 are in the closed position over the opening 30 , the flat plates 84 are positioned to extend inward from the surface 20 of the wall 18 of the tubular section 14 to provide an opening at or near the first end 26 which is smaller in diameter than id 14 . next , referring to fig6 , the tool 10 is shown to also include tackle comprising rigging cord and pulleys to effect movement of the tubular section 16 with respect to the tubular section 14 . fig6 , a longitudinal view of the tool 10 along the axis 20 , illustrates a first pair of pulley blocks 102 , 104 positioned along the end 26 of the section 14 and a second pair of pulley blocks 106 , 108 positioned along the end 34 of the section 16 . noting that the second section 16 can be rotated about the axis 20 with respect to the first section 14 , the pulley block 102 of the first pair is rotationally aligned with the pulley block 106 of the second pair for movement of a first cord segment 114 . similarly , the pulley block 104 of the first pair is rotationally aligned with the pulley block 108 of the second pair for movement of a second cord segment 116 . along the second end 28 of the section 14 a second collar 118 is formed over the outside surface 22 of the section 14 . the second collar 118 , like the first collar 78 , is of cylindrical shape having an inside diameter approximately equal to the outside diameter , od 14 , of the section 14 . the collar 118 is mounted on the exterior surface 60 of the section 14 along the end 28 of the section 14 . by way of example , with the section 14 and the second collar 118 each fabricated from segments of steel cylindrically - shaped pipe having different diameters , the second collar 118 can be welded to the section 14 or may be attached to the section 14 with fasteners . on the mounted second collar 118 there are positioned a pair of eyelets 120 , 122 . the eyelet 120 is rotationally aligned about the axis 20 with the pulley blocks 102 , 106 so that the cord segment 114 can be extended in a more or less straight path from the eyelet 120 , the cord segment 114 passing through the pulley block 106 and then through the pulley block 102 . similarly , the eyelet 122 is aligned about the axis 20 with the pulley blocks 104 , 108 so that the cord segment 116 can be extended in a more or less straight path from the eyelet 122 , the cord segment 116 passing through the pulley block 108 and then through the pulley block 104 . the cord segment 114 may be tied to the eyelet 120 . similarly , the cord segment 116 may be tied to the eyelet 122 . in an alternate design , the cord segments 114 and 116 may be part of one continuous cord length with each cord segment passing through one of the eyelets , then around a portion of the second collar 118 to the other cord segment . the cord segment 114 extends from the eyelet 120 , through the pulley block 106 , through the pulley block 102 and to a tie point 124 . similarly , the cord segment 116 extends from the eyelet 122 , through the pulley block 108 , through the pulley block 104 and to the tie point 124 . at the tie point 124 the two cord segments 114 and 116 may be braided together to form one pull segment . in an alternate arrangement as shown in fig6 , the two cord segments 114 and 116 may be tied to a ring 128 at the tie point 124 . a first end of a pull cord 130 is also tied to the ring 128 to provide a single pull line that can be used to exert a force against the eyelets 120 and 122 and against the second end 128 , which force causes movement of the tool section 16 toward the first stop 40 , e . g ., the cap 70 . during use of the tool 10 the pull cord 130 extends from the tie ring 128 along both of the sections 114 and 116 toward and beyond the end 34 of the second section 16 . a grip handle 136 is attached to a second end of the pull cord opposite the first end which is tied to the ring 128 . with this arrangement , when the pull cord 130 is tensioned by applying a force to the grip handle 136 in the direction of the tool axis 20 , the tie point 124 and the ring 128 are centrally located along the tool section 14 between the pairs of pulley blocks 102 , 104 and 106 , 108 . an exemplary tool 10 has been described for adjusting a grip of the type used to firmly hold a cable for purposes of pulling or tensioning the cable . according to one embodiment , a method for adjusting the grip begins with adjusting the tool to extend the section 16 outward from the section 14 so that the length of the tool 10 , as measured between the first stop 40 / 56 and the second stop 46 is at least as long as the grip 2 when the grip is in a relaxed state . the end 26 of the tool section 14 is opened to a dimension which permits entry of the grip 2 into the tool . in accord with the embodiment shown in fig4 a - 4c , for which the first stop 40 is a threaded cap 50 , the cap is removed from the tool 10 to expose the opening 30 and make the effective diameter for entry of the grip equal to the inside diameter id 14 of the section 14 . in accord with the second embodiment shown in fig5 , for which the first stop is the two piece end cap 70 attached to the end 26 of the section 14 , the ring halves 72 and 74 are positioned in an open configuration to expose the opening 30 and make the effective diameter for entry of the grip equal to the inside diameter id 14 of the section 14 . the grip 2 is then slid through the opening 30 and into the tool sections 14 and 16 until it reaches the second stop 46 . next , in the method for adjusting the grip , the end 26 of the tool is closed , e . g ., partially blocked , with the first stop 40 , either by threading the cap 50 on to the end 26 of the section 14 or by closing the two piece end cap 70 by configuring the two ring halves 72 and 74 in a closed configuration . in accord with the embodiments comprising a two piece end cap , ring halves are secured in the closed configuration by inserting the locking pins 90 through each ring half and into the wall 18 of the section 14 so that the ring halves cannot rotate about the hinges 80 . with the stop 40 so secured at the end 26 of the tool section 10 , the end of the grip 2 opposite the eye loop 3 may be manually spread to a larger radial dimension . this can assure that the outside dimension of the portion of the grip positioned against the first stop 40 is larger than the aperture 66 or 86 , i . e ., so that the grip is positioned against the cap and does not pass through the aperture . to effect contraction of the grip when placed between the stops 40 and 48 , the pull cord 130 is tensioned , thereby tensioning the cord segments 114 and 116 . consequently a pulling force is exerted against the eyelets 120 , 122 . with both the eyelets 120 , 122 and the pulley blocks 102 , 104 fixed to the tool section 14 , as the pulling force increases , forces exerted via the cord segments 114 , 116 against the pulley blocks 106 , 108 displace the tool section 16 toward the end 26 of the tool section 14 . in the process of so displacing the tool section 16 the distance between the stops 40 and 46 decreases , thereby transferring a compressive force along the longitudinal axis of the grip 2 . as the length of the tool 10 contracts , the grip is forced into a contracted state and the radial dimension of the grip bore , b , increases . the process of contracting the grip continues until the diameter of the grip bore increases beyond the outside dimension , e . g ., diameter , of the cable 4 . once the grip bore dimension is larger than the outside dimension of the cable 4 , the cable is inserted through the aperture 66 or 86 of the first stop and into the grip bore . as is typical , the cable may be inserted substantially or entirely into the full length of the bore to assure that sufficient surface area of the grip wire mesh is in contact with the outside surface of the cable . once the cable is inserted the tension imposed via the pull cord 130 is released and the cable is secured by the grip . in other embodiments of the invention a tool 100 may consist of a single major tubular section 114 with a first end 126 having a first stop 40 , e . g ., such as described for the tool 10 where a cap 50 or 70 is attached thereto . fig1 a is a view in cross section taken along a longitudinal axis 120 of such an exemplary tool 100 having the combination of the cap 70 and collar 78 . the tubular section may be a steel pipe but other materials ( e . g ., aluminum ) and shapes are contemplated . in lieu of the tool 100 comprising a second tubular section extendable in and out of the first section in a telescoping manner , the first section 114 includes a displaceable stop 146 , generally of a circular shape , near the second end 134 of the first section . in one embodiment , movement of the second stop 146 may be controlled through use of tackle similar to arrangements described for the tool 10 . the second stop 146 may be displaced along the longitudinal axis 120 of the tool 100 with the aid of one or more tracks in the form of slots 150 formed in the single tubular section . the slots 150 may be positioned at ninety degree intervals about the axis 120 , in which case the second stop 134 includes four tabs 152 a , 152 b , 152 c and 152 d which extend from the circular shape for insertion into the slots 150 . see fig1 b and 11c . fig1 b is a plan view of the tool 100 , taken along the longitudinal axis 120 and fig1 c is a view taken along a major surface of the stop 146 , illustrating the four tabs 152 a - 152 d . when positioned in the tube 114 the tabs extend through the slots 150 formed in the tubular section 114 . cord segments of the rigging may be attached to portions of the tabs that extend through the slots . attachment of the cord segments may be fixed or may be via pulley blocks attached to tabs of the second stop along the outside of the single tubular section 114 . generally , the slots 152 a - 152 d are of a sufficient length , l , to provide a predetermined distance through which the stop 134 can be displaced in order to adjust a grip 3 which has been inserted within the tubular section 114 . the slots terminate at the second end 134 of the section 114 . a fixed or removable third end stop 160 is positioned at the second end 134 to terminate the slots . numerous other arrangements will be apparent to those skilled in the art to form the first , second and third stops 50 , 146 and 160 for operation of a tool according to the invention . in still other embodiments of tools according to the invention , operation may be effected with powered assistance such as electric or pneumatic devices which displace one of the stops in the direction of the other stop . for example , the tool 10 may be driven with an actuator coupled to one of the sections 14 or 16 to expand the bore of the grip 2 . in other example embodiments of powered operation , the tool may consist of a single major tubular section as shown in fig1 with a first end 126 having a first stop 40 wherein the displaceable stop 146 is actuator driven . with reference to fig1 a tool 200 is shown in cross section along a longitudinal axis 220 . the tool 200 comprises numerous components as described for the tool 100 , wherein like components are described with like reference numbers . for the tool 200 the displaceable stop 146 may be a piston or , as shown , may be coupled to a piston 170 which is positioned within the tubular section 114 to apply a force against a grip 2 positioned between the stops 40 and 146 to reduce the grip length . movement of the actuator piston may be controlled to limit the extent to which the actuator driven stop 146 is displaced toward the first stop 40 . the piston 170 is displaced with the force of a conventional pneumatic or hydraulic actuator 174 . in other designs the piston may be coupled to an electric actuator or other type of powered device . with such arrangements the tool 200 can be adjusted with powered assistance to reliably control the radial dimension of the grip bore to accommodate grips and cables of varied sizes . numerous embodiments of a tool have been described which can controllably modify the length of a grip in order to place a cable therein for pulling or tensioning . the tool is useful in a wide variety of applications where is desirable to use a grip to pull or tension cables for a variety of applications . the invention may be advantageously used in applications where grips are attached to large diameter cable , e . g ., on the order of about two inches or larger . those skilled in the art will recognize that use of the tool can at times also be advantageous when attaching smaller grips to cable . the examples used to describe operation of the invention have described cable having a circular shape , a grip having a circular shaped bore and pipes having cylindrical shapes . the invention is not so limited . numerous additional modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art . accordingly the scope of the invention is only limited by the claims which now follow . | 5 |
for the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention , reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same . it will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended , such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device , and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates . referring more particularly to the drawing , there is illustrated an implantable device for administering a measured amount of insulin . the entire device 10 is implanted subcutaneously and permits the patient to administer a measured amount of insulin by depressing the pump 11 . the pump 11 is positioned over the sternum 9 of the patient . the device further includes an access port or means 12 for percutaneously filling the container . as suggested by the showing of the hypodermic needle syringe 15 , the access port 12 can be used on perhaps a once a week basis to inject a substantial portion of insulin into the sack or container 16 . the sack or container 16 is connected to the access port 12 by a flexible tubing section 17 . with the exception of certain portions of the access port 12 , all parts of the specific illustrated embodiment are constructed of inert plastic such as the compositions in physical character comparable to milled and compounded rubber prior to vulcanization but containing organo - silicon polymers , such as the composition sold under the trademark &# 34 ; silastic &# 34 ;. the access port 12 , however , includes a needle stop disc and also a housing 21 as well as a grid 22 . the access port 12 includes a silastic housing 25 which is compressed within the stainless steel housing 21 . the grid 22 is then mounted on the metal housing 21 so as to retain the silastic 25 within the housing and to hold it in a compressed condition so that when the needle 26 is inserted through the grid the silastic yields to permit passage of the needle yet when the needle is withdrawn the silastic comes together and closes off the needle produced puncture . it can be seen from fig3 the disk 20 functions as a stop to prevent the needle 26 from puncturing all the way through the container 25 . the stop 20 also notifies the hypodermic needle operator that the tip of the needle is properly positioned . fig3 also illustrates that the tubing 17 couples the hollow interior 27 of the access port 12 to the upper end 30 of the sack 16 . the tubing 17 is attached to the silastic housing 25 and the sack 16 by suitable adhesive . when the insulin administrating device of the invention is implanted in the body , the access port 12 is located in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen . the sack 16 is implanted in the properitoneal fat so that it is subjected to peritoneal pressure . the tubing 17 from the access port opens in the upper part of the sack 16 while the outlet tubing 31 has its inlet end 32 in the center of the lower part of the sack 16 . the tubing 31 is so arranged because the device is normally operated when the patient is in the erect or semi - erect position so that gravity will tend to pull the liquid toward the lower end of the sack 16 . the flexible tubing 31 leads into an auxiliary pump 35 . the auxiliary pump 35 has a pair of cup shaped members 36 and 37 joined together at their outer peripheries . each of the cup shaped members has a concave side 40 and a convex side 41 . the construction of the pump 11 is generally the same as the construction of the pump 35 . the pump 11 forms the primary pumping means for the device while the pump 35 forms an auxiliary pumping means . the pump 11 differs in construction from the pump 35 in that the flexible tubing sections 42 and 45 leading into and out of the pump 11 are secured to the sides of the pump 11 to generally retain the configuration and arrangement of the parts when the insulin administering device is implanted in the body . a further section 46 of tubing leads from the auxiliary pump 35 into the check valve 47 . still another check valve 50 is provided and is connected to the section of tubing 45 and also to a further section of tubing 51 . the section of tubing 51 is closed at its end 52 and has a series of openings 55 in its wall at its distal end . the openings 55 are arranged to be positioned within the peritoneum so that the discharge location of the insulin is in the peritoneum . the check valves 47 and 50 are arranged so as to only permit flow of fluid in the direction of the arrows 56 and 57 . the detail of construction of a representative one of the check valves 47 is shown in fig4 . the tube 46 has an external cylindrical surface 60 and a closed end 61 . the tube 46 also has a passageway 62 which opens through the external cylindrical surface 60 . a housing 65 surrounds the closed end and the passageway . the housing 65 is closed except for the discharge passageway 66 which connects to the section 42 of tubing . a short length 67 of flexible stretchable expandable tubular material is fixed to the tube 46 and covers the passageway 62 . the length of material 67 is adapted to stretch and expand to permit flow of fluid to occur from the tube through the passageway 62 into the housing and out the discharge passageway 66 . the flexible member on the other hand also is adapted to contract around the tube 46 and the passageway 62 to block flow from the housing into the passageway and tube when the pressure in the housing is greater than the pressure in the first passageway . as suggested in fig2 the fingers of the patient are used to compress the pump 11 and the pump 35 by pressing against the skin 68 . pump 11 is the primary pumping means of the device . as long as the pump 11 is used at every meal , it will function reliably . it is possible that after being left idle for several days , the inlet valve 47 may stick and fail to function . for this reason the auxiliary pump 35 has been provided and may be used to force the inlet valve 47 open is the proximal tubing 31 is compressed to avoid a backward motion of the fluid . the patient &# 39 ; s finger 72 is shown in position compressing the tubing 31 to prevent such backward motion . the finger 71 is shown in position to squeeze the pump 35 while the finger 72 compresses the tubing 31 . as mentioned , the pump 35 is only a failsafe device and normally will not be needed to be used . in normal operation at every meal the patient will compress the pump 11 by pressing the pump against the sternum 9 as suggested for the finger 70 . this will cause the fluid within the pump to be expelled through the tubing section 45 and the check valve 50 . then when the pressure is released upon the pump causing the two cup shaped sides of the pump to move apart further fluid will flow into the pump through the check valve 47 . the upper end 30 of teh sack and also the lower end 80 are made from cellular plastic material so as to give the upper and lower ends of the sack a relatively rigid construction . also , two suture holes 81 are located at the upper end 30 and the lower end 80 of the sack for securing the sack in place . each of the sections of flexible tubing 31 , 46 , 42 , 45 and 51 is secured to the components which it couples by appropriate adhesive . thus the tubing 31 is connected to sack 16 and pump 35 by appropriate adhesive as is tubing 46 to check valve 47 and pump 35 , as well as tubing 42 to pump 11 and check valve 47 , as well as tubing 45 to pump 11 and check valve 50 and tubing 51 to check valve 50 . it will be evident from the above description that the insulin administering device of the present invention does provide freedom from multiple daily injections of insulin . it has been found that such a device need only be filled approximately once a week in order to provide sufficient insulin . the concentration of the insulin solution can be adjusted so that only a few pressures on the subcutaneous pump delivers the precise needed amount of protection at meal time . it will also be evident from the above description that the present invention provides a reliable mechanical operation which does not involve electrical or electronic components . the present device is of simple construction and low cost and permits accurate control of the amount of insulin administered by a properly instructed patient . it should be mentioned that during one week a small amount of evaporation will occur in the system . it is therefore suggested that the water vapor probably in amount of 3 - 6 cc be aspirated along with any remaining old insulin before the weekly replenishment is accomplished . while the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description , the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character , it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected . | 8 |
fig1 shows a rod - shaped component , for example , the shaft 3 of a valve ( not shown ) which performs axial displacements . on the valve shaft 3 and fixedly connected thereto sits a magnet casing m which generates a magnetic field 4 made visible through the field lines 4 a . the field lines 4 a are lines of equal vector potential . a field sensor 5 , which determines the magnetic field 4 a prevailing around it , is arranged in the magnetic field 4 . along the shaft axis z , the shaft performs z linear displacements , where it can also rotate about the shaft axis z . the magnet casing m has a length l . the external diameter of the magnet casing is given as d . r 0 is the distance of field sensor 5 from the shaft axis z . the magnetization direction of the magnet casing lies in the axial direction marked z . the field sensors 5 and analysis electronics ( not shown in fig1 ) together form a position sensor . the angle to be measured is φ mes . this is the angle of a magnetic field strength h in relation to the z - axis . the field sensor 5 emits field strength signals to analysis electronics ( not shown ), from which it determines the field angle which in turn corresponds ideally to the displacement path . fig2 a shows in a solid - line curve 6 the measured field angle on the displacement path . the broken line 6 a below it is the ideal line . it should be noted that the curve is essentially rectilinear as a function of the displacement path in the selected range z mes which corresponds to around 80 % of the magnet length . fig2 b shows the measurement error in percent on the path with reference to a curve 7 showing that the measurement error in the range z mes is very low from around − 0 . 4 to + 0 . 4 ( approx . 80 % of the magnet length ). this diagram shows the percentage measurement error δφ mes on the displacement path z / l . fig2 a and 2 b show the situation in which no screening is required and present when the arrangement has been carefully selected . the magnet casing consists of an axially homogeneous material . in practice , it is often not possible to work without a screening , in particular when several measurement devices are operated in the immediate vicinity . here the working results deteriorate . this deterioration can be compensated with an axially structured magnet casing m described with reference to fig3 . fig3 shows a magnet casing m comprising three ring bodies m 1 , m 2 and m 3 joined together . the structure is symmetrical i . e . the axial lengths l 1 , l 2 and l 3 are equal . here , different dimensions may of course also be selected . there are various possibilities of structuring the ring bodies m 1 , m 2 , m 3 . one possibility is to make them of a fully magnetized material of different remanence . another possibility would be to make the individual ring bodies m 1 , m 2 , m 3 of the same material and to magnetize them to different intensities . another , preferable possibility is to use a magnet casing m of a uniform material and magnetize it to different intensities along the shaft axis z , using a suitable device . further variants are also possible . fewer than three ring bodies or more than three ring bodies are possible . to achieve a casing length which is favorable with regard to measurement accuracy and achievable minimum field strength , the magnet casing , either consisting of a homogeneous material with axially modified magnetization or assembled from ring discs ( m 1 , m 2 , m 3 ) has a ratio of diameter to length ranging from 2 / 3 to 3 / 2 , preferably in the proximity of 1 , so as to form a minimum field strength . fig4 shows how the measurement device can be screened from external fields . fig4 shows the shaft 3 with shaft axis z . if a magnet casing m of an axially homogeneous material ( version in which the broken separating lines m 4 must be ignored ) sits on shaft 3 , then the broken - line measurement error curve shown in fig5 applies , which although representative , is not desirable . if , however , an axially structured magnet casing m of the three different ring bodies m 1 , m 2 , m 3 as shown in fig3 sits on shaft 3 , the measurement error can be compensated so that the solid - line error curve shown in fig5 is obtained which particularly complies with the requirements . a screening plate 26 of a ferromagnetic material extends around the arrangement . the shaft 3 consists of a non - ferromagnetic or only a weakly ferromagnetic material . the whole position sensor with analysis electronics 11 on which the field sensor 5 is situated , is arranged on the inner side 26 a of the screening plate 26 . a connecting cable 8 transfers the position signals to a control device ( not shown ). the screening prevents interference fields from adjacent sensors or adjacent parts causing field distortions in the sensor area . in contrast to fig4 the shaft 3 may also have the structure shown in fig6 with the magnet casing m let into the shaft 3 . it is evident from the construction that the shaft 3 is freely rotatable in relation to the sensor without causing measurement value changes . fig5 shows the diagram already indicated for percentage measurement errors . in the unscreened measurement device of fig1 the broken - line error curve 9 is obtained . in the screened measurement device of fig4 in which three magnetic ring bodies m 1 , m 2 , m 3 or an axially variable magnetization distribution are used , the solid - line error curve 10 is obtained . in the diagram , the percentage measurement error δφ mes shown on the displacement path z / l , where the path is marked z mes . in the configurations with an axially variable material or an axially variable magnetization , the measurement inaccuracy is reduced clearly quite considerably as compared with that shown in fig2 a . fig6 shows another structure of the device in a longitudinal section . fig7 is a cross - section of the device shown in fig6 taken on the line vii — vii . the magnet casing m is let into a ring - shaped magnet recess 12 of the rod - shaped component 3 , for example , the valve shaft 3 . in this case , the magnet casing m may also consist of an axially homogeneous material , which is preferably structured axially magnetically , or it may consist of magnetic ring discs m 1 , m 2 , m 3 , where the number of three ring discs is merely an example . similarly as in the other embodiments , only two or more than three ring discs may be used . the possible division into magnetic ring discs is indicated in fig6 . the inlet magnet casing m is surrounded by a non - ferromagnetic shaft casing 13 of greater length . this shaft casing 13 is inserted on the magnet casing m into a cover recess 14 overlaying its magnet recess 12 . the outer wall 15 of the shaft casing 13 is preferably flush with the outer wall 16 of the valve shaft 3 . a linear guide casing 17 surrounds the valve shaft 3 shown in fig6 which is freely displaceable and rotatable in the casing opening 18 . the linear guide casing 17 consists of a non - ferromagnetic material . the linear guide casing 17 is surrounded by a casing - shaped screen 19 on which the analysis electronics 11 of the field sensor 5 are arranged . the screen 19 has an opening 21 extended as a blind hole 22 into the linear guide casing 17 . arranged on the analysis electronics 11 is a carrier 23 which retains the field sensor 5 in the blind hole 22 of the linear guide casing 17 . the valve shaft 3 within the shaft casing 13 has a central pin arrangement 24 which consists of a central pin 24 a and a central recess 24 b in which pin 24 a engages . if the valve shaft 3 is extended , the magnet casing or casings m and the shaft casing 13 can easily be pushed on . in all cases the field sensors 5 may be structured in known manner . it is possible to use paired magnetoresistive sensors , hall effect sensors or field coils . fig7 is a section taken on the line vi — vi in the device of fig6 . the valve shaft 3 in the center of non - ferromagnetic or weakly ferromagnetic material is surrounded by the magnet casing or casings m , the shaft casing 13 and the linear guide casing 17 . the linear guide casing 17 is surrounded by the screen 19 . the analysis electronics 11 carry the field sensor 5 by means of carrier 21 . the distance of the displacement axis z to the sensor 5 is given as r 0 . di is the internal diameter of magnet casing m . d is the external diameter of the magnet casing . ds is the internal diameter of the screen 19 . l is the axial length of the magnet casing . l 1 , l 2 , l 3 are the lengths of the individual ring magnets m 1 , m 2 , m 3 which together form the total axial length of the magnet casing m . as an example of the device shown in fig6 and 7 , the following dimensions can be given by way of example : the magnetization of ring magnets m 1 and m 3 should be about 10 % higher than the magnetization of m 2 . | 8 |
with reference to the schematic view of fig1 there is shown a selectably inflatable compressed air canister 10 which is in the nature of a resilient polymeric plastic bottle such as the type of a two or three liter soda bottle . in one embodiment of the invention , the canister 10 will have a capacity of about 2 . 5 liters with the range thereof preferably between 2 and 3 liters . the canister 10 , the geometry of which follows the aerodynamics of the toy vehicle that it is to power , is filled through a one - way check valve 12 , which includes a proximal ball 14 situated within channel 16 of intake manifold 18 . the check valve will optionally include a distal ball 20 which communicates with a proximal ball 14 through valve spring 22 . the air canister 10 is filled with pressurized air by pumping through check valve 12 which in turn causes distal ball 20 of the check valve 12 to compress along the axis of spring 22 in the direction of the proximal ball 14 . spring 22 will compress sufficiently to permit passage of air through air aperture 26 of a distal part of channel 16 and therefrom into a channel 24 from which the air enters the air canister 10 for eventual usage with the pneumatic engine in the manner set forth below . except during pumping , distal ball 20 will seal against the aperture 26 of the intake manifold 18 thereby providing a tight fluid seal of the compressed air in canister 10 . the intake manifold 18 also extends to the right to form a portion of a canister cap 18a , which portion is secured to a canister neck 29 of canister 10 by means of a retaining cap bracket 28 . provided between the canister neck 29 and the cap 18a of intake manifold 18 is a circumferential elastomeric gasket 30 . it is noted that retaining cap bracket 28 and neck 29 of the canister 10 are both secured within an engine bracket 32 which is also secured to a proximal cylinder housing 34 through the use of a mounting screw 36 . further , the engine assembly is attached to air canister 10 by means of the intake manifold 18 and retaining cap 28 . it is very important that the alignment of shaft 38 stay stationary , especially in that large forces impacting into , and perpendicular to , the centering of the shaft axis are common during normal usage . to eliminate any movement or excessive forces on intake manifold 18 the bracket 32 is attached to upper cylinder 34 with screw 36 and on an opposite end of bracket radial ring 32a , that is , to part of engine bracket 32 . radial ring 32 is held between vertical wall 10a or air canister 10 and retaining cap 28 . the attachment of this engine bracket 32 is crucial in eliminating vibration and impact forces during normal usage of the vehicle . a main engine shaft 38 is , through bearings 40 and 42 , secured to a cam 44 . ( see also fig2 a to 2c ). further , through said bearings 40 and 42 , the main shaft 38 is rotationally secured to the proximal cylinder housing 34 . accordingly , shaft 38 rotates within the left hand part of proximal cylinder housing 34 and cam 44 rotates thereupon . the cam 44 is provided with a cam shaft 46 , the operation of which is more fully described below . to the left of bearing 40 is shown a propeller adapter 48 which is journalled upon main shaft 38 . thereon is mounted a nose cone adapter 50 over which the propeller of a model aircraft may be secured . the position of cam shaft 46 relative to the proximal cylinder housing 34 which is shown in fig1 is herein referred to as the zero degree position of the cam . at this rotational position of the cam 44 and cam shaft 46 , connecting rod 52 and piston 54 are at their lowest , that is , distal - most position relative to the main shaft 38 of the system . the operation of cam 44 and connecting rod 52 relative to piston 54 may be more fully appreciated with reference to the sequential views of fig2 a , 2b and 2c . these figures comprise radial cross - sectional views taken in the direction of line 2b -- 2b of fig1 . the position of the engine of fig1 shown in fig2 b , is the point of greatest extension of connecting rod 52 and piston 54 relative to the main engine shaft 38 upon which cam 44 rotates . in fig2 a is shown a position of the connecting rod 52 relative to the zero position of fig2 b which is 15 degrees before the zero position . as such , the same would comprise the so - called 345 degree position , that is , a downstroke position of the engine , while the position of the connecting rod 52 and cam 44 shown in fig2 c would constitute the 15 degree , that is , an upstroke position of the engine . the significance of these rotational cam positions is further set forth below . with further reference to fig2 a through 2c , it is noted that the bottom of connecting rod 52 is provided with a substantially spherical bottom surface 58 which fits against a female spherical radius 60 of piston 54 . therein , connecting rod 52 is not attached to the piston 54 but rather simply mates against it through a low friction engagement which exists between spherical surface 58 of connecting rod 52 and female spherical radius 60 of piston 54 . it is noted that each rotation of cam 44 , caused by rotation of main shaft 38 , will cause connecting rod 52 , mounted upon said cam shaft 46 , to effect a net vertical linear , that is , up - and - down motion of piston 52 relative to main shaft 38 of 0 . 32 inches , i . e ., approximately 8 . 5 millimeters . accordingly , the power stroke of the instant engine , effected by the low frictionless action between the cam 44 and cam shaft 46 , on the one hand , and male spherical surface 58 of connecting rod 52 and female spherical surface 60 of piston 54 , on the other hand , is that of about 8 . 5 millimeters . in further regard the schematic view of fig1 it is noted that the engine cylinder housing includes said proximal housing 34 and a lower or distal housing 56 . it is the distal housing 56 of the cylinder housing and a cylinder inlet 62 ( see fig3 ) which is in fluid communication with the inlet 16 of the intake manifold 18 . the distal cylinder housing 56 is seated upon a sealing o - ring 64 which thereby sits upon the intake manifold 18 . by virtue of a piston seal 66 , and a circumferential integral skirt 67 piston 54 is slidably mounted along a longitudinal axis of the distal cylinder housing 56 and assures a substantially fluid tight relationship between the piston and the internal circumferential walls of said distal housing 56 . see fig3 . the piston 54 includes an axial member 68 which projects distally toward said cylinder housing inlet 62 and is proportioned in diameter for insertion thereunto . mounted about said axial member 68 is a piston spring 70 having an outside diameter which is barely sufficient to clear the cylinder housing inlet 62 and having a length sufficient to effect selectable contact with the proximal ball 14 of the one - way check valve within the intake manifold 18 . spring 70 plays a special role in the function of the present pneumatic engine by which there is provided to the engine much of its power . more particularly , as piston 54 moves downward within distal cylinder housing 56 , the spring 70 will , as is shown in fig3 contact proximal ball 14 which , prior to such contact , is held against a generally conical surface 72 at the entrance of the cylinder housing inlet 62 . prior to such spring contact , proximal ball 14 is held against conical surface 72 by reason of the air pressure against the distal side 56a of the ball 14 from the air canister 10 passing through channels 24 and 16 of the intake manifold 18 . this is the condition which is shown in the views of fig4 through 7 , more fully described below . accordingly , only in the condition shown in fig1 b , 3 and 8 , that is , in which the cam is at a zero degree position , that is , a maximum piston rod stroke extension , will the spring force of piston spring 68 , less the spring force of check valve spring 22 , be sufficient to overcome the air pressure against distal side 56a of ball 14 . this force is calculated by multiplying the air pressure from the air canister 10 , that is , approximately 100 pounds per square inch , times the area of the housing inlet 62 , which has a diameter of about 1 . 7 millimeters . thereby , the force necessary to accomplish closure of ball 14 against conical surface 72 and inlet 62 is 0 . 332 pounds . that is about 151 grams of force . such opening of ball 14 can only be accomplished at the lowest point of the cam stroke , that is , the zero degree position shown in fig1 b , 3 and 8 . further , since spring 70 is only about one millimeter longer than the minimum distance required to open ball 14 , only the downward - most position of piston 54 and , with it , of axial member 68 will effect an opening of the ball 14 relative to conical surface 72 of only one millimeter ( in vertical linear terms ), thereby allowing air to pass about the sides of ball 14 and into the distal cylinder housing 56 . this process will enable air to pass about the spring 70 through inlet 62 as is indicated by arrows 76 in fig3 . as this occurs , air pressure will quickly equalize around ball 14 creating high pressure within the lowermost part of the cylinder housing 56 , thus initiating the upward stroke of the piston 54 and connecting rod 52 , causing skirt 67 of piston seal to expand radially against walls of said housing 56 . it is noted that an important function of spring 70 , accomplished by careful selection of the spring rate thereof , is that the expansion of spring 70 against ball 14 , prior to air pressure equalization about the ball permits a longer interval of compressed air from the air canister to enter the lowest part of the cylinder , than that existent in prior art compressed air engines . this results in a more powerful engine stroke . further , by selection of a suitable spring constant , spring 70 will expand powerfully against ball 14 upon the initiation of the pressure stroke . the same is represented by the transition in piston positions shown between the zero degree cam position of fig3 and the 20 degree cam position of fig4 in which skirt 67 remains flush with the walls of housing 56 , thereby assuring high pressure within said housing during the fig4 phase of the engine stroke . it is , accordingly , to be appreciated that the view of fig3 represents both completion of a downward stroke and the initiation of an upward stroke in which the downward stroke is completed when the spring force against ball 14 exceeds 151 grams . the beginning of the upward motion of piston 54 is shown in fig4 this corresponding to the twenty - degree position of the cam . therein , high pressure within distal cylinder housing 56 piston moves the cylinder 54 upward and , with it , connecting rod 52 , thus furthering the rotation of cam 44 and , with it , main shaft 38 . during this entire period , ball 14 is closed while check valve spring 22 , which connects balls 14 and 20 , remains in an expanded state . therein , piston spring 70 completes its push off from proximal ball 14 of the check valve 16 . shown in fig5 is the point of maximum height , that is , the top of the 8 . 5 millimeter stroke of the engine which corresponds to the point of lowest air pressure within distal cylinder housing 56 . at that point , piston seal 66 will pass exhaust apertures 78 permitting escape of air from cylinder housing 56 thereby creating a relative vacuum therewith . this escaping air is shown by arrows 80 . after the maximum stroke height of fig5 is accomplished , the angular inertia from the aircraft propeller , is transmitted , through shaft 38 , to cam 44 , to connecting rod 52 and to piston 54 . this will , as is shown in the transition from fig5 to fig6 cause downward motion of the rod and piston . as this occurs , air pressure within distal cylinder housing 56 will increase as will potential energy within spring 70 . this process continues causing spring 70 to contact ball 14 at about 350 degrees . in the view of fig7 which corresponds to a cam position of 355 degrees , a point of near maximum pressure within distal housing 56 is accomplished . the 360 degrees or zero degrees position is shown in the view of fig8 . at that point , as above described with reference to fig3 the spring force of spring 70 will overcome the 151 grams of force applied by the compressed air input from canister 10 against the distal surface 56a of ball 14 . summarizing this action , the power of the downstroke of the piston derives from the angular inertia of the propeller which , during a period of low cylinder pressure , is transmitted through the power shaft to the piston 54 and to the piston spring 70 during which potential energy is imparted to both said spring and to compressed air within distal cylinder housing 56 . conversely , power for the upward stroke of the piston derives from a combination of the mass and energy of the compressed air input and the release of potential energy within piston spring 70 as it pushes off of ball 14 at the beginning of the expansion process which is shown in fig4 . therein , the one way check valve , as actuated by piston spring 70 , keeps the supply of air from the air canister 10 closed for all but a brief interval during which the spring force of piston spring 70 , less the spring force of one way check valve spring 22 , overcomes the air pressure against surface 56a of ball 14 of the check valve . the spring force and spring rate of piston spring 70 , as well as the narrow clearance of less than a millimeter between the outside diameter of the spring and the cylinder inlet 20 , taken with the conical geometry 72 of housing inlet 62 , all co - act to provide a reiterating high pressure air inlet of suitable duration , thereby initiating a process of engine expansion and compression respectively using the potential energy stored within the air canister 10 and spring 70 . fig9 is a schematic view showing the location of the entire engine assembly , as above described , and air canister 10 , relative to fuselage 76 , main wing 78 and propeller 80 of a model airplane equipped with the present inventive pneumatic engine . while there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the instant invention it is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and that , within said embodiment , certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention , as claimed herein . | 0 |
the mechanical part of the detector is illustrated in fig1 which shows a round disk 1 having a shallow radial slot 2 of uniform width from the bottom thereof to the periphery of disk 1 . the side edges of slot 2 are slightly bent , edge 3a being bent upward and edge 3b downward . edges 3a and 3b are also shown on a larger scale in fig2 . disk 1 will be fitted on the arbor of a gear in the gear train . for this purpose , it is blanked with a center hole 4 , although it will be understood that any other type of fitting might equally well be used . the disk 1 illustrated in fig1 is a thin plate , which may be of metal . it would also be possible to provide , for example , a somewhat thicker plate having the edges of slot 2 cut at an angle . the speed of rotation of disk 1 is not a critical characteristic of the device being described . this means that , as the case may be , disk 1 could be mounted , for instance , on the fourth wheel , on the center wheel , or on an intermediate wheel between the fourth wheel and the center wheel . furthermore , although the drawing shows a disk 1 having only one radial slot 2 , it should be understood that a disk provided with a number of slots 2 regularly distributed along its periphery , as shown in dot - dash lines in fig1 can likewise operate under exactly the same conditions as are to be described below . the mechanical components of the detector further include a metal detecting blade 5 , of beryllium bronze , for example , capable of bending resiliently . blade 5 will be fixed to a frame element of the watch movement , e . g ., to a stud 6 , from which it extends radially toward the axis of hole 4 . in the embodiment illustrated schemetically in fig1 blade 5 is fixed to stud 6 by means of a screw 7 , although any other more elaborate type of fastening may be found suitable as well . it will be seen that the length of blade 5 is such that the free end thereof , situated nearest disk 1 , extends slightly over the edge of this disk . a piezoelectric strip 8 , e . g ., a thin strip of quartz , is fixed , by cementing , for instance , to one of the faces of blade 5 . blade 5 itself is electrically connected to the frame of the movement by means not shown in fig1 . the upper face of strip 8 is connected by a wire 9 to a circuit for processing detection signals , to be described below . it will be understood that if blade 5 bends relative to its rest position , e . g ., upward , a voltage of a certain polarity , e . g ., positive , will appear in wire 9 ; whereas if blade 5 bends downward , the voltage appearing in wire 9 will be of the opposite polarity , e . g ., negative . at the time of assembly , blade 5 will be oriented and positioned in such a way as to be situated exactly in the plane of disk 1 , so that when the end of blade 5 rests on the upper surface of disk 1 , as in fig1 piezoelectric strip 8 is arched slightly upward . as a result , a slight voltage , e . g ., positive , appears in connection 9 and is maintained as long as blade 5 remains in the position relative to disk 1 shown in fig1 . fig2 shows how the end of blade 5 cooperates with disk 1 , and particularly with bent edges 3a and 3b , when disk 1 rotates . assuming rotation in the direction of arrow 10 , appearing in both fig1 and fig2 all points along the periphery of disk 1 successively pass beneath the end of blade 5 . when disk 1 has almost effected a complete revolution , raised edge 3a reaches the end of blade 5 , which is thus pushed up into the position designated as a in fig2 . disk 1 continues rotating in the direction of arrow 10 , so that raised edge 3a passes under the end of blade 5 and reaches a position in which blade 5 is released into slot 2 . owing to its resiliency , blade 5 then drops and tends to assume a median position which it reaches after several vibrations . if disk 1 continues to rotate in the same direction , blade 5 resumes contact with disk 1 , but this time with the upper surface of bent edge 3b . when disk 1 has completed its revolution , blade 5 is once more in the position designated as b in fig2 which is the same as the position of blade 5 in fig1 . supposing now that disk 1 rotates in the opposite direction , i . e ., as indicated by arrow 11 in fig1 and 2 , the end of blade 5 , starting from position b , slides along the upper surface of disk 1 and particularly of downwardly - bent edge 3b . it reaches the median position shown in solid lines in fig2 then comes in contact with the underside of edge 3a . finally , it reaches the relative position designated as d in fig2 . thereafter , if disk 1 continues to rotate in the direction of arrow 11 , the end of blade 5 follows the periphery of disk 1 along the underside thereof and finally reaches the position designated as c in fig2 where it is pushed downward by bent edge 3b . as soon as blade 5 is aligned with slot 2 , it is abruptly released and vibrates until it is again in its median position . it will be realized that each time quartz strip 8 is bent , a voltage is produced in wire 9 . the curve of voltages thus produced in each of the directions of rotation just described is shown in fig3 . the upper curve of fig3 corresponds to the displacement b - a - b of blade 5 relative to the different portions of disk 1 , while the lower curve corresponds to the displacement d - c - d , i . e ., when blade 5 has passed under disk 1 . on the upper curve , there is first a positive voltage peak followed by a negative voltage peak , whereas on the lower curve , there is first a negative voltage peak followed by a positive voltage peak . it is this difference between the two signals transmitted which makes it possible to detect not only the passage of blade 5 through slot 2 , but also the direction of rotation of disk 1 . a means is thus provided of generating signals which can be processed and transmitted to a counter . fig4 is a diagram showing how a detection and counting circuit suitable for carrying out these functions can be produced . included in this diagram are quartz strip 8 , wire 9 , and a conductor 110 which connects the underside of strip 8 to the frame and symbolizes the fastening of quartz strip 8 to resilient blade 5 . wire 9 is connected to the mid - point between two resistors 111 and 112 placed in series between a voltage source v and the frame . this mid - point is connected to an input of an amplifier 113 , the output of which includes an upper branch 114 and a lower branch 114 &# 39 ;. the positive voltage peaks will be selected and shaped in a discriminator circuit 115 , and the negative voltage peaks in a discriminator circuit 116 . the outputs of circuits 115 and 116 yield calibrated rectangular pulses whenever a positive or negative voltage peak is registered . circuits 115 and 116 may be flip - flops . circuit 117 is a detector which determines whether the pulses coming from circuits 115 and 116 should be counted positively or negatively and which directs these pulses to a counter 118 having one input connected to detector 117 and another input connected via a gate 119 to the outputs of circuits 115 and 116 . counter 118 algebraically counts the pulses received and consequently ascertains the number of revolutions effected by disk 1 by counting positively when this disk rotates in one direction and negatively when it rotates in the other direction . thus , a device is provided that includes only one detecting element and simultaneously ascertains both the amplitude and the direction of rotation . moreover , this detector includes no material contact . the braking torque it exerts on disk 1 is minimal since a very small bending stress suffices to produce a detectable voltage between the terminals of strip 8 . furthermore , the device obviates the difficulties and drawbacks associated with the use of electro - optical devices . it will also be noted that the number of slots 2 at the periphery of disk 1 need not necessarily be limited to one . always using a single detecting blade 5 , a counter wheel having a number of regularly spaced slots 2 along its periphery may be provided , thus making it possible to ascertain the angle through which disk 1 has rotated with far greater precision than the 360 ° represented by the presence of a single slot 2 . in particular , the use of a single detecting blade allows much finer angular detection than the use of several contacts or several photosensitive diodes disposed along the periphery of the disk . the device described above may be used in a system for setting the watch , for example . if the watch is found to be slow , pulses must be supplied to the motor in order to cause it to rotate rapidly in the positive direction until the seconds - hand is on 60 , for example . conversely , if the watch is fast , it may be advantageous to turn the seconds - hand rapidly backward to the 60 position so that , in both cases , the watch stops with its seconds - hand in the starting position and can be restarted instantly simultaneously with the &# 34 ; beep &# 34 ; of a time signal . all that is needed for doing this is to have a motor capable of rotating in either direction as a function of the polarity of the pulses received by its coil and to control this rotation in one direction or the other according to the correction to be made . a detector such as that described above may also be used in a watch having an hour - hand that can change position by jumps of one hour , a half - hour , or a quarter of an hour in order to be adjusted to a new time zone . still other functions may be performed by means of such a device as well . | 6 |
[ 0027 ] fig4 a is a block diagram showing an rf transmitter used in the transmitting end of the digital communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention . the rf transmitter comprises digital modulators 41 a and 41 b , local oscillator 43 a and 43 b , digital mixers 45 a and 45 b , switches 47 a and 47 b , band - pass filters 49 a and 49 b , an adder 42 , and a power amplifier 44 . the modulator 41 a receives the digital base - band signal dbs 1 from an i channel with a bandwidth baseband frequency f bb , for example lower than 10 mhz , and modulates it into a modulated digital base - band signal mdbs 1 . the modulator 41 a may comprise a noise - shaping quantization circuit or over - sampling circuit disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 068 , 661 , which provides a substantial improvement in s / n ratio , implements bit compression resulting in a digital signal having a high resolution converted to a digital signal having much lower resolution and reduced quantization noise level . similarly , the modulator 41 b receives the digital base - band signal dbs 2 from a q channel with a bandwidth baseband frequency f bb , for example lower than 10 mhz , and modulates it into a modulated digital base - band signal mdbs 2 . the modulator 41 b may also comprise a noise - shaping quantization circuit or over - sampling circuit disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 068 , 661 . there is a phase difference of 90 ° between the signals from the i and q channel . the local oscillator 43 a generates a digital carrier signal dcs 1 with a local oscillator frequency f lo , for example 2 . 4 ghz or 5 ghz . similarly , the local oscillator 43 b generates a digital carrier signal dcs 2 with a local oscillator frequency f lo . the mixer 45 a receives the modulated digital base - band signal mdbs 1 and the digital carrier signal dcs 1 , and then implements multiplication of the digital bits thereof . this causes a frequency shift of the signal mdbs 1 in frequency domain and produces a semi - transmission signal sts 1 . similarly , the mixer 45 b receives the modulated digital base - band signal mdbs 2 and the digital carrier signal dcs 2 , and then implements multiplication of the digital bits thereof . this also causes a frequency shift of the signal mdbs 2 in frequency domain and produces a semi - transmission signal sts 2 . the semi - transmission signals sts 1 and sts 2 are sent to the switches 47 a and 47 b , and then filtered by the band - pass filters 49 a and 49 b , respectively . the filtered semi - transmission signals ts 1 and ts 2 are added by the digital adder 42 . the adder 42 generates a summation signal ss sent to the power amplifier 44 . the summation signal ss is amplified by the power amplifier 44 and then transmitted by an antenna . [ 0028 ] fig4 b is a block diagram showing an rf transmitter used in the transmitting end of the digital communication system according to another embodiment of the present invention . the same elements in fig4 a and 4 b refer to the same symbols for clarity . it is noted that , in the rf digital transmitter shown in fig4 b , there is only one local oscillator 43 c . the oscillator 43 c generates the two digital carrier signals dcs 1 and dcs 2 with a phase difference of 90 ° respectively for i and q channel . [ 0029 ] fig7 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the modulator 41 a or 41 b of the present invention . in this embodiment , the modulator 41 a or 41 b is a sigma - delta modulator , the sigma - delta modulator includes an adder 72 , an accumulator 73 and a quantizer 74 . the n - bit signal dbs 1 or dbs 2 into a one - bit signal with a frequency n × f s is input to the adder 72 , wherein f s is the baseband sampling frequency of the signal dbs 10 r dbs 2 . thus the frequency of output signal mdbs 1 or mdbs 2 is also n × f s . the circuit of the quantizer 74 can be an and gate circuit wherein a high logic level is output when the voltage output from the accumulator 73 to the gate is lower than 0v and a low logic level is output when the voltage output from the accumulator 73 to the gate is higher than 0v . [ 0030 ] fig8 a is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the mixer 45 a or 45 b of the present invention . the mixer 45 a or 45 b may be an and gate receiving bits a and b respectively from the signals mbds 1 or mdbs 2 , and dcs 1 or dcs 2 . the output of the and gate is a multiplication of a and b , as shown in the truth table of fig8 b . [ 0031 ] fig5 a - 5 d are diagrams showing the relation between the signals mdbs 1 / mdbs 2 dcs 1 / dcs 2 , sts 1 / sts 2 and ts 1 / ts 2 in frequency domain respectively . the signal mdbs 1 / mdbs 2 has a bandwidth bw ( lower than 10 mhz ) and a central frequency 0 . additionally , the signal mdbs 1 / mdbs 2 also has signal components at higher frequencies . the signal dcs 1 / dcs 2 has a frequency rf ( 2 . 4 ghz or 5 ghz ). after being mixed by the mixer 45 a / 45 b , the signals mdbs 1 / mdbs 2 and dcs 1 / dcs 2 are integrated into the signal sts 1 / sts 2 with the central frequency rf and bandwidth bw . the band - pass filter 49 a / 49 b filters the signal sts 1 / sts 2 and eliminates the signal components at the higher frequencies . thus , the digital base - band signal dbs 1 / dbs 2 is carried on the digital carrier signal dcs 1 / dcs 2 and can be transmitted over a long distance . [ 0032 ] fig6 is a flowchart of a method for rf transmission according to one embodiment of the invention . in step s 1 , n - bit digital base - band signals from the i and q channel with a frequency f s are received and modulated , and accordingly two 1 - bit modulated digital base - band signals with a frequency n × f s are respectively generated . the modulation of the n - bit digital base - band signals may be sigma - delta modulation . in step s 2 , digital carrier signals for the signals from the i and q channel are generated . in step s 3 , the 1 - bit modulated digital base - band signals and digital carrier signals are received , and multiplication of the two received signals for each channel is implemented to respectively generate two semi - transmission signals . in step s 4 , the semi - transmission signals are band - pass filtered . in step s 5 , the two semi - transmission signals from the i and q channel are added to generate a summation signal . finally , in step s 6 , the summation signal is amplified and transmitted through an antenna . in conclusion , the present invention provides a two - channel digital rf transmitter . the digital rf transmitter is easier for circuit designers to work on . a mixer in the digital rf transmitter simply implements multiplication of digital bits from signals and does not cause nonlinear transformation . while the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of the preferred embodiments , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments . on the contrary , it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements as would be apparent to those skilled in the art . therefore , the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements . | 7 |
referring now to the drawings , and more particularly to fig1 a block diagram is shown of a laser beam delivery and eye tracking system referenced generally by the numeral 5 . the laser beam delivery portion of system 5 includes treatment laser source 500 , projection optics 510 , x - y translation mirror optics 520 , beam translation controller 530 , dichroic beamsplitter 200 , and beam angle adjustment mirror optics 300 . by way of example , it will be assumed that treatment laser 500 is a 193 nanometer wavelength excimer laser used in an ophthalmic prk ( or ptk ) procedure performed on a movable workpiece . e . g ., eye 10 . however , it is to be understood that the method and system of the present invention will apply equally as well to movable workpieces other than an eye , and further to other wavelength surface treatment or surface eroding lasers . the laser pulses are distributed as shots over the area to be ablated or eroded , preferably in a distributed sequence . a single laser pulse of sufficient power to cause ablation creates a micro cloud of ablated particles which interferes with the next laser pulse if located in the same or immediate point . to avoid this interference , the next laser pulse is spatially distributed to a next point of erosion or ablation that is located a sufficient distance so as to avoid the cloud of ablated particles . once the cloud is dissipated , another laser pulse is made adjacent the area prior eroded so that after the pattern of shots is completed the cumulative shots fill in and complete said pattern so that the desired shape of the object or cornea is achieved . in operation of the beam delivery portion of system 5 , laser source 500 produces laser beam 502 which is incident upon projection optics 510 . projection optics 510 adjusts the diameter and distance to focus of beam 502 depending on the requirements of the particular procedure being performed . for the illustrative example of an excimer laser used in the prk or ptk procedure , projection optics 510 includes planar concave lens 512 , and fixed focus lenses 514 and 516 as shown in the sectional view of fig2 . lenses 512 and 514 act together to form an afocal telescope that expands the diameter of beam 502 . fixed focus lens 516 focuses the expanded beam 502 at the workpiece , i . e ., eye 10 , and provides sufficient depth , indicated by arrow 518 , in the plane of focus of lens 516 . this provides flexibility in the placement of projection optics 510 relative to the surface of the workpiece . an alternative implementation is to eliminate lens 514 when less flexibility can be tolerated . after exiting projection optics 510 , beam 502 impinges on x - y translation mirror optics 520 where beam 502 is translated or shifted independently along each of two orthogonal translation axes as governed by beam translation controller 530 . controller 530 is typically a processor programmed with a predetermined set of two - dimensional translations or shifts of beam 502 depending on the particular ophthalmic procedure being performed . for the illustrative example of the excimer laser used in a prk or ptk procedure , controller 530 may be programmed in accordance with the aforementioned copending patent application entitled “ laser sculpting system and method ”. the programmed shifts of beam 502 are implemented by x - y translation mirror optics 520 . each x and y axis of translation is independently controlled by a translating mirror . as shown diagrammatically in fig3 the y - translation operation of x - y translation mirror optics 520 is implemented using translating mirror 522 . translating mirror 522 is movable between the position shown and the position indicated by dotted line 526 . movement of translating mirror 522 is such that the angle of the output beam with respect to the input beam remains constant . such movement is brought about by translation mirror motor and control 525 driven by inputs received from beam translation controller 530 . by way of example , motor and control 525 can be realized with a motor from trilogy systems corporation ( e . g ., model t050 ) and a control board from delta tau systems ( e . g ., model 400 - 602276 pmac ). with translating mirror 522 positioned as shown , beam 502 travels the path traced by solid line 528 a . with translating mirror 522 positioned along dotted line 526 , beam 502 travels the path traced by dotted line 528 b . a similar translating mirror ( not shown ) would be used for the x - translation operation . the x - translation operation is accomplished in the same fashion but is orthogonal to the y - translation . the x - translation may be implemented prior or subsequent to the y - translation operation . the eye tracking portion of system 5 includes eye movement sensor 100 , dichroic beamsplitter 200 and beam angle adjustment mirror optics 300 . sensor 100 determines the amount of eye movement and uses same to adjust mirrors 310 and 320 to track along with such eye movement . to do this , sensor 100 first transmits light energy 101 - t which has been selected to transmit through dichroic beamsplitter 200 . at the same time , after undergoing beam translation in accordance with the particular treatment procedure , beam 502 impinges on dichroic beamsplitter 200 which has been selected to reflect beam 502 ( e . g ., 193 nanometer wavelength laser beam ) to beam angle adjustment mirror optics 300 . light energy 101 - t is aligned such that it is parallel to beam 502 as it impinges on beam angle adjustment mirror optics 300 . it is to be understood that the term “ parallel ” as used herein includes the possibility that light energy 101 - t and beam 502 can be coincident or collinear . both light energy 101 - t and beam 502 are adjusted in correspondence with one another by optics 300 . accordingly , light energy 101 - t and beam 502 retain their parallel relationship when they are incident on eye 10 . since x - y translation mirror optics 520 shifts the position of beam 502 in translation independently of optics 300 , the parallel relationship between beam 502 and light energy 101 - t is maintained throughout the particular ophthalmic procedure . beam angle adjustment mirror optics consists of independently rotating mirrors 310 and 320 . mirror 310 is rotatable about axis 312 as indicated by arrow 314 while mirror 320 is rotatable about axis 322 as indicated by arrow 324 . axes 312 and 322 are orthogonal to one another . in this way , mirror 310 is capable of sweeping light energy 101 - t and beam 502 in a first plane ( e . g ., elevation ) while mirror 320 is capable of independently sweeping light energy 101 - t and beam 502 in a second plane ( e . g ., azimuth ) that is perpendicular to the first plane . upon exiting beam angle adjustment mirror optics 300 , light energy 101 - t and beam 502 impinge on eye 10 . movement of mirrors 310 and 320 is typically accomplished with servo controller / motor drivers 316 and 326 , respectively . fig4 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment servo controller / motor driver 316 used for the illustrative prk / ptk treatment example . ( the same structure is used for servo controller / motor driver 326 .) in general , drivers 316 and 326 must be able to react quickly when the measured error from eye movement sensor 100 is large , and further must provide very high gain from low frequencies ( dc ) to about 100 radians per second to virtually eliminate both steady state and transient error . more specifically , eye movement sensor 100 provides a measure of the error between the center of the pupil ( or an offset from the center of the pupil that the doctor selected ) and the location where mirror 310 is pointed . position sensor 3166 is provided to directly measure the position of the drive shaft ( not shown ) of galvanometer motor 3164 . the output of position sensor 3166 is differentiated at differentiator 3168 to provide the velocity of the drive shaft of motor 3164 . this velocity is summed with the error from eye movement sensor 100 . the sum is integrated at integrator 3160 and input to current amplifier 3162 to drive galvanometer motor 3164 . as the drive shaft of motor 3164 rotates mirror 310 , the error that eye movement sensor 100 measures decreases to a negligible amount . the velocity feedback via position sensor 3166 and differentiator 3168 provides servo controller / motor driver 316 with the ability to react quickly when the measured sensor error is large . light energy reflected from eye 10 , as designated by reference numeral 101 - r , travels back through optics 300 and beamsplitter 200 for detection at sensor 100 . sensor 100 determines the amount of eye movement based on the changes in reflection energy 101 - r . error control signals indicative of the amount of eye movement are fed back by sensor 100 to beam angle adjustment mirror optics 300 . the error control signals govern the movement or realignment of mirrors 310 and 320 in an effort to drive the error control signals to zero . in doing this , light energy 101 - t and beam 502 are moved in correspondence with eye movement while the actual position of beam 502 relative to the center of the pupil is controlled by x - y translation mirror optics 520 . in order to take advantage of the properties of beamsplitter 200 , light energy 101 - t must be of a different wavelength than that of treatment laser beam 502 . the light energy should preferably lie outside the visible spectrum so as not to interfere or obstruct a surgeon &# 39 ; s view of eye 10 . further , if the present invention is to be used in ophthalmic surgical procedures , light energy 101 - t must be “ eye safe ” as defined by the american national standards institute ( ansi ). while a variety of light wavelengths satisfy the above requirements , by way of example , light energy 101 - t is infrared light energy in the 900 nanometer wavelength region . light in this region meets the above noted criteria and is further produced by readily available , economically affordable light sources . one such light source is a high pulse repetition rate gaas 905 nanometer laser operating at 4 khz which produces an ansi defined eye safe pulse of 10 nanojoules in a 50 nanosecond pulse . a preferred embodiment method for determining the amount of eye movement , as well as eye movement sensor 100 for carrying out such a method , are described in detail in the aforementioned copending patent application . however , for purpose of a complete description , sensor 100 will be described briefly with the aid of the block diagram shown in fig5 . sensor 100 may be broken down into a delivery portion and a receiving portion . essentially , the delivery portion projects light energy 101 - t in the form of light spots 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 onto a boundary ( e . g ., iris / pupil boundary 14 ) on the surface of eye 10 . the receiving portion monitors light energy 101 - r in the form of reflections caused by light spots 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 . in delivery , spots 21 and 23 are focused and positioned on axis 25 while spots 22 and 24 are focused and positioned on axis 26 as shown . axes 25 and 26 are orthogonal to one another . spots 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 are focused to be incident on and evenly spaced about iris / pupil boundary 14 . the four spots 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 are of equal energy and are spaced evenly about and on iris / pupil boundary 14 . this placement provides for two - axis motion sensing in the following manner . each light spot 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 causes a certain amount of reflection at its position on iris / pupil boundary 14 . since boundary 14 moves in coincidence with eye movement , the amount of reflection from light spots 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 changes in accordance with eye movement . by spacing the four spots evenly about the circular boundary geometry , horizontal or vertical eye movement is detected by changes in the amount of reflection from adjacent pairs of spots . for example , horizontal eye movement is monitored by comparing the combined reflection from light spots 21 and 24 with the combined reflection from light spots 22 and 23 . in a similar fashion , vertical eye movement is monitored by comparing the combined reflection from light spots 21 and 22 with the combined reflection from light spots 23 and 24 . more specifically , the delivery portion includes a 905 nanometer pulsed diode laser 102 transmitting light through optical fiber 104 to an optical fiber assembly 105 that splits and delays each pulse from laser 102 into preferably four equal energy pulses . assembly 105 includes one - to - four optical splitter 106 that outputs four pulses of equal energy into optical fibers 108 , 110 , 112 , 114 . in order to use a single processor to process the reflections caused by each pulse transmitted by fibers 108 , 110 , 112 and 114 , each pulse is uniquely delayed by a respective fiber optic delay line 109 , 111 , 113 and 115 . for example , delay line 109 causes a delay of zero , i . e ., delay = 0x where x is the delay increment ; delay line 111 causes a delay of x , i . e ., delay = 1x ; etc . the pulse repetition frequency and delay increment x are chosen so that the data rate of sensor 100 is greater than the speed of the movement of interest . in terms of saccadic eye movement , the data rate of sensor 100 must be on the order of at least several hundred hertz . for example , a sensor data rate of approximately 4 khz is achieved by 1 ) selecting a small but sufficient value for x to allow processor 160 to handle the data ( e . g ., 160 nanoseconds ), and 2 ) selecting the time between pulses from laser 102 to be 250 microseconds ( i . e ., laser 102 is pulsed at a 4 khz rate ). the four equal energy pulses exit assembly 105 via optical fibers 116 , 118 , 120 and 122 which are configured as a fiber optic bundle 123 . bundle 123 arranges the optical fibers such that the center of each fiber forms the corner of a square . light from assembly 105 is passed through an optical polarizer 124 that outputs horizontally polarized light beams as indicated by arrow 126 . horizontally polarized light beams 126 pass to focusing optics 130 where spacing between beams 126 is adjusted based on the boundary of interest . additionally , a zoom capability ( not shown ) can be provided to allow for adjustment of the size of the pattern formed by spots 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 . this capability allows sensor 100 to adapt to different patients , boundaries , etc . a polarizing beam splitting cube 140 receives horizontally polarized light beams 126 from focusing optics 130 . cube 140 is configured to transmit horizontal polarization and reflect vertical polarization . accordingly , cube 140 transmits only horizontally polarized light beams 126 as indicated by arrow 142 . thus , it is only horizontally polarized light that is incident on eye 10 as spots 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 . upon reflection from eye 10 , the light energy is depolarized ( i . e ., it has both horizontal and vertical polarization components ) as indicated by crossed arrows 150 . the receiving portion first directs the vertical component of the reflected light as indicated by arrow 152 . thus , cube 140 serves to separate the transmitted light energy from the reflected light energy for accurate measurement . the vertically polarized portion of the reflection from spots 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 , is passed through focusing lens 154 for imaging onto an infrared detector 156 . detector 156 passes its signal to a multiplexing peak detecting circuit 158 which is essentially a plurality of peak sample and hold circuits , a variety of which are well known in the art . circuit 158 is configured to sample ( and hold the peak value from ) detector 156 in accordance with the pulse repetition frequency of laser 102 and the delay x . for example , if the pulse repetition frequency of laser 102 is 4 khz , circuit 158 gathers reflections from spots 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 every 250 microseconds . the values associated with the reflected energy for each group of four spots ( i . e ., each pulse of laser 102 ) are passed to a processor 160 where horizontal and vertical components of eye movement are determined . for example let r 21 , r 22 , r 23 and r 24 represent the detected amount of reflection from one group of spots 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 , respectively . a quantitative amount of horizontal movement is determined directly from the normalized relationship . ( r 21 + r 24 ) - ( r 22 + r 23 ) r 21 + r 22 + r 23 + r 24 ( 1 ) while a quantitative amount of vertical movement is determined directly from the normalized relationship . ( r 21 + r 22 ) - ( r 23 + r 24 ) r 21 + r 22 + r 23 + r 24 ( 2 ) note that normalizing ( i . e ., dividing by r 21 + r 22 + r 23 + r 24 ) reduces the effects of variations in signal strength . once determined , the measured amounts of eye movement are sent to beam angle adjustment mirror optics 300 . the advantages of the present invention are numerous . eye movement is measured quantitatively and used to automatically redirect both the laser delivery and eye tracking portions of the system independent of the laser positioning mechanism . the system operates without interfering with the particular treatment laser or the surgeon performing the eye treatment procedure . although the invention has been described relative to a specific embodiment thereof , there are numerous variations and modifications that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the above teachings . it is therefore to be understood that , within the scope of the appended claims , the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described . | 0 |
in order to describe the complete relationship of the invention , it is essential that some description be given to the manner and practice of functional utility and description of a step and lift refuse liner removal system 10 . the best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment , herein depicted within the fig1 through 10 . referring now to fig1 a step and lift refuse liner removal system 11 is shown , according to the present invention , comprises a main housing 20 . it is envisioned that the main housing 20 is of a vertically elongated , upstanding rectangular configuration , having an open top 30 and a closed bottom 40 , and generally impervious side walls 50 , an anterior wall 60 and a posterior wall 70 , attached to the bottom along their common edges to form a receptacle for receiving a refuse liner 15 that holds trash or debris therein . the main housing 20 is made of a plastic material , however , it should be noted that other conventional material may be used for making the same . it should further be noted that the size of the main housing 20 may be varied to accommodate the use thereof in different applications , i . e ., in commercial and residential application . it is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the main housing 20 can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention , and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope . referring now to fig1 and 2 , it is envisioned that located on the exterior surface of the main housing 20 are a plurality of foot pads 80 . each foot pad 80 is of generally horizontally elongated , rectangular configuration , extending outward laterally and horizontally from the bottom of the main housing 20 , as an extension of the bottom , so as to facilitate the placement of a foot to secure the main housing 20 to the floor 85 during removal of the refuse liner 15 . a refuse volume 90 is formed from the bottom , side walls 50 , anterior wall 60 and posterior wall 70 , and is generally rectangular in configuration , with the opening of the refuse volume 90 being the open top 30 . located inside of the refuse volume 90 , near the bottom 40 of the main housing 20 , is a support plate 100 . the support plate 100 is a generally horizontally elongated member , of generally rectangular configuration , with vertical thickness sufficient to support a refuse liner 15 filled with garbage . the support plate 100 acts as an artificial bottom , supporting the refuse liner 15 above the bottom 40 of the main housing 20 . it is envisioned that in order to facilitate assembly , removal , maintenance , and cleaning , the support plate 100 would be removably affixed within said refuse orifice 90 such that the plate 100 can be alternately detached and attached within the volume 90 , thereby allowing full and free access to the bottom 40 of the main housing 20 . the cross sectional area of the support plate 100 is less than that of the bottom 40 of the main housing 20 , such that the support plate 100 can slidable engage the interior surface of the side walls 50 , anterior wall 60 and posterior wall 70 , as the support plate 100 rises and lowers vertically during use . located along each outside edges of the support plate 100 , on the upper surface of the support plate 100 , are a linear series of equally spaced , vacuum holes 110 . the radial center of each vacuum holes 110 is perpendicular to the plane formed by the support plate 100 . each vacuum hole 110 penetrates through the entire vertical thickness of the support plate 100 . the diameter of each vacuum hole 110 is such , such that in combination , the vacuum holes 110 permit passage of air through the vacuum holes 110 to release the vacuum created between the refuse liner 15 and the interior surfaces of main housing 20 during removal of the refuse liner 15 . referring now to fig3 located on both the interior surface of the anterior wall 60 and the posterior wall 70 of the main housing 20 , near the lateral sides of the anterior wall 60 and posterior wall 70 , are a set of support plate stands 120 . each support plate stand 120 is a horizontally elongated member of generally rectangular configuration , extending inward from the anterior wall 60 and the posterior wall 70 . the support plate stands 120 are in horizontal planar alignment , and operate to support and stabilize the support plate 100 in its resting position . located on the anterior and posterior portions of the lower surface of the support plate 100 is a support plate guide 130 . the support plate guides 130 are generally rectangular in configuration , and extend vertically , downward from the center edge of the anterior and posterior edges of the support plate 100 , so as to be in the same plane as the anterior and posterior edges of the support plate 100 . as such , the support plate guides 130 slidably engage the interior surfaces of the anterior wall 60 and posterior wall 70 of the main housing 20 respectively , and prevent the support plate 100 edge from binding or rotating against the interior surface of the anterior wall 60 and posterior wall 70 while the support plate 100 is being raised and lowered . the support plate guides 130 are positioned so as to not create mechanical interference with the support plate stands 120 . referring now to fig4 located on the lower surface of the support plate 100 , near the side walls 50 , are a set of lifting slots 140 . the lifting slots 140 are positioned parallel to the lateral edges of the support plate 100 , parallel to each other , and parallel to the side walls 50 . each lifting slot 140 is generally cylindrical in configuration and horizontally elongated , extending almost the entire length of the support plate 100 , terminating prior to reaching either the anterior or posterior edges of the support plate 100 . each lifting slot 140 is designed to permit a cylindrical object to slidably engage the lifting slot 140 while maintaining its position within the lifting slot 140 . lifting force is provided by a lifting assembly 150 . the lifting assembly 150 is comprised of a first internal arm 200 pivotally intersecting with a second internal arm 205 in a scissor - like manner . a fulcrum point 160 located in the approximate center of the internal arms 150 . each internal arm member is constructed of a strong , lightweight material , such as metal . referring now to fig5 the fulcrum point on each lifting assembly 150 is creating by connecting the external arm 220 to the first internal arm 200 via a fulcrum protrusion 170 . the fulcrum protrusion 170 is of generally cylindrical configuration , extending inward from the lower anterior interior surface of each side wall 50 . the two fulcrum protrusions 170 are in horizontal linear alignment . located at the fulcrum point 160 on each lifting assembly 150 is a fulcrum hole 165 , with radial center perpendicular to the plane created by the pivoting arm member 150 . the cross sectional area of the fulcrum hole 165 is slightly greater than that of the fulcrum protrusion 170 , such that the fulcrum protrusion 170 slidably engages the fulcrum hole 165 . referring now to fig4 and 5 , each pivoting arm member 150 has an internal arm 200 , located inside the refuse volume 90 . the external arm 220 extends from the fulcrum point 160 toward the posterior wall 70 of the main housing 20 , such that when the support plate 100 is in its resting position , the internal arm 200 terminates near the lower posterior edge of the support plate 100 . connected to the end of each external arm 220 , opposite the fulcrum point 160 , is a foot bar 240 . the foot bar 240 is of a horizontally elongated , linear configuration , extending laterally , parallel to the anterior wall 60 of the main housing 20 , with two ends , each connecting to the end of an external arm 220 , so as to form a horizontal surface area for a foot to press down upon . the foot bar 240 is constructed of a strong , lightweight material , such as metal or molded plastic . located on the lower surface of each end of the foot bar 240 is an external arm receiving orifice 250 . each external arm receiving orifice 250 is of a configuration similar to the end of the external arm 220 of the pivoting arm member 150 , such that the end of each external arm 220 slidably engages the respective external arm receiving orifice 250 and rests inside of the external arm receiving orifice 250 . the external arm 220 is connected to the foot bar 240 through any of several traditional means of connection . the preferred embodiment discloses foot bar holes 260 , located near the lateral ends of the foot bar 240 . a foot bar retention means 270 , such as a bolt , passes through the foot bar 240 and is threaded into the threaded hole 230 located on the end of each external arm 220 . located on the upper surface of the foot bar 240 is a traction generating material 280 , such as a series of parallel ribs extending from the upper surface . the traction generating material 280 is constructed of a strong , lightweight material , such as molded plastic . referring now to fig4 and 6 , the foot bar 240 , lifting assembly 150 and lifting slot 140 on the support plate 100 are designed such that when a foot presses down on the foot bar 240 , the head portion 210 of the internal arm 200 slidably engages the lifting slot 140 , sliding toward the anterior wall 60 of the main housing 20 , thereby applying a vertical , upward force against the support plate 100 , thereby raising the support plate 100 , and assisting the operator to remove the refuse liner 15 from the main housing 20 . referring now to fig7 located along the lower portion of the posterior wall 70 of the main housing 20 is a horizontally elongated removable tray orifice 290 of generally rectangular configuration . the removable tray orifice 290 extends laterally almost the entire lateral distance of the posterior wall 70 , and is positioned below the resting position of the support plate 100 . referring now to fig8 to use the present invention , first , the operator places a refuse liner 15 inside the main housing 20 , as with conventional refuse containers . second , when the refuse liner 15 is full , the operator places his or her foot on the corresponding foot pad 80 , thus holding the main housing 20 against the ground . third , the operator places his or her other foot on the foot bar 240 and presses down with his or her foot . this action causes the pivoting arm member 150 to pivot about the fulcrum point 160 , with the head portion 210 placing upward vertical force on the lifting slot 140 of the support plate 100 . the head portion 210 slidably engages the lifting slot 140 , moving toward the anterior wall 60 of the main housing 20 , with the resulting action lifting the support plate 100 and the refuse liner 15 located on the support plate 100 . vacuum created between the refuse liner 15 and the interior surfaces of the side walls 50 , anterior walls 60 and posterior walls 70 is eliminated by air passing through the vacuum holes 110 located on the support plate 100 . fourth , the operator lifts the refuse liner 15 out of the main housing 20 , ties the refuse liner 15 closed , and places another refuse liner 15 in the main housing 20 in the traditional manner . the foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention . the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims . | 8 |
the method proposed is based on detection of the activity of the alpha - amylase enzyme released into the culture medium , as a way of determining the viability of any plant tissue . in general terms , the method is based on the ability of the alpha - amylase enzyme for degrading the starch present in the culture medium of the detection device where the plant sample is grown , the degradation is evidenced by the lack of color on the surface of the culture medium of the device , upon being revealed with an iodine - based solution . the alpha - amylase enzyme is mainly present in plant tissues , whereby the method has a level of selection toward the growth of other organisms , without prejudice to the foregoing . preferably , the method is developed under conventional aseptic conditions of the state of the art . the alpha - amylase enzyme is present in all plant tissues and cells , and although it exhibits a different degree of presence and activity in the different tissues and stages of development of a plant , they are perfectly detectable through the proposed method . the method disclosed allows to determine viability in plant samples from different species of gymnosperm or angiosperm , monocotyledonous or dicotyledonous plants , from plants grown in vivo or cultured in vitro . on the other side , the present method allows to determine viability at different stages of development of the plant , for example , and not limited to organogenesis , callogenesis , somatic embryogenesis , differentiated tissues and sex tissues . the method for determining viability allows to determine viability in plant tissues from different parts of the plant , not limited to leaves , stems , petioles , calluses , embryos , protocorms , rhizomes or roots , in addition to polen and seeds . the method for determining viability as designed may be applied to any plant culture process which requires a viability detection step either with commercial , scientific research or other purposes , for example , and not limited to , micropropagation technology , viability in polen grains , viability of in vitro and ex vitro tissues submitted to biotic and abiotic stress , viability of tissues from genetically engineered plants , viability of ovaries , detection of the viability of any plant tissue and culturing in bioreactors . the culture medium is chosen from the state of the art according to the nutritional requirements typical of the plant tissue to be analyzed . the culture medium may be supplemented with compounds normally used in processes such as : culturing plant tissues ; selecting transformed tissues ; avoiding contamination of the medium with other prokaryotic or eukaryotic organisms ; stimulating the morphogenic response of the tissues ; ensuring the development and growth of the cells or tissues in the physiologic state in which the present viability detection method is developed , among others . the compounds with which the culture medium may be supplemented comprise , for example : inorganic salts , organic salts , minerals , vitamins , aminoacids , natural or synthetic growth regulators , agar or any other polymer used to solidify culture media , bactericides , fungicides ; organic acids and inorganic acids and water . the culture medium is additionally supplemented with starch . preferably , the starch concentration of the culture medium is between 0 . 5 and 5 . 0 gl − 1 , preferably between 1 . 0 and 3 . 0 gl − 1 , more preferably between 1 . 0 and 2 . 0 gl − 1 . the revealing composition is based on iodine with a 10 % iodine solution , the revealing composition may further contain preservatives , such as organic acids , antibiotics and fungicides . the device is manufactured under regular sterility and asepsis conditions described in the state of the art . the plant sample is treated considering the normal aseptic conditions described in the state of the art . in the method for determining viability , the plant samples are placed on the surface of the culture medium of the device and are incubated for a period of time and in temperature conditions suitable for each plant species . preferably , the culturing of plant tissues is carried out in dark conditions since a greater starch uptake by the plant tissue is obtained . in step c ) the tissue sample is removed from the culture medium . the analyzed plant sample may be subsequently subcultured in culture medium without starch or used according to the purposes deemed convenient by the user . in step d ) for revealing the viability detection device , an iodine solution is poured onto the surface of the culture medium which is incubated for a period of time at room temperature . preferably , this incubation lasts between 3 and 5 minutes and is conducted between 20 and 25 ° c . subsequently , the iodine solution is removed from the surface and , as a positive viability result , a colorless halo is observed in the location where the plant sample was grown . this halo reflects the degradation of the starch present in the culture medium . degradation of the starch by the enzymes of the plant is evidenced visually , thus detecting the viability of the assessed sample . if the tissue is alive , a colorless halo is observed underneath the place where the tissue was located . the halo may be of a variable size , depending on the type of tissue and the plant species , however , clear differences are observed between the color of the culture medium and the halo formed in the zone where the explant was cultured , when the tissue is viable . if the tissue is dead , the surface underneath the evaluated explant is stained with blue similar to the rest of the culture medium . to define the starch composition of the test culture medium to be used in the following experiments , tests were conducted with basic culture medium supplemented with different starch concentrations . in this experiment ( fig1 ), nodal segments of tobacco ( nicotiana tabacum ) were used as a model . the culture medium was prepared with ms basal medium ( murashige and skoog , 1962 ) and agar - agar ( 7 gl − 1 ), supplemented with sucrose ( 30 gl − 1 ) and different amounts of starch ( 0 . 5 gl − 1 , 1 . 0 gl − 1 , 1 . 5 gl − 1 , 2 . 0 gl − 1 ). the ph of the culture medium was adjusted to 5 . 6 - 5 . 7 , before sterilizing . sterilization of the culture medium was performed by pressurized steam in an autoclave at a temperature of 121 ° c ., a pressure of 1 kgcm − 2 and for 30 minutes . once sterile , the culture media were dispensed into viability detection devices such as petri plates in aseptic conditions . the explants were taken from aseptic nodal segments of tobacco grown in vitro . the explants were prepared in segments of 0 . 5 cm in length and 0 . 5 cm in length . once prepared , the explants were placed in the viability detection devices , trying to keep sufficient distance therebetween to avoid interferences in the signs of viability , preferably 5 explants per device . the explants were cultured for 1 , 2 , 3 and 5 days , at 25 ° c . and in dark conditions . after this incubation period , the explants were removed from the plates and the latter were revealed with an iodine solution as indicated in the following paragraph . revealing of the plates was performed using an iodine solution diluted to 10 %. the iodine solution diluted to 10 % was prepared in two steps : firstly , a colorless solution of potassium iodide ( ki ) at 300 gl − 1 was prepared . subsequently , the ki solution was used to prepare the iodinated solution by adding 233 . 1 ml of ki solution and 56 g of iodine crystals to 500 ml of distilled water . the solution was stirred for 1 hour or until the crystals were completely dissolved and the solution was homogenized , and was left to stand for 24 hours . finally , the volume of the solution was adjusted by adding 3 . 5 liters of distilled water . to visualize the signs of viability in the detection plates , a film of iodine solution diluted to 10 % was applied for 3 minutes on the surface of the plates until staining was observed in the culture medium . subsequently , the iodine solution was removed from the surface of the plates by runoff . fig1 shows the results of the standardization of the culture medium in viability detection experiments on nodal segments of tobacco , in plates b , c and d , a colorless halo is observed on the surface where the implants were cultured , demonstrating the viability of the grown tissues . it was determined to use 1 . 5 gl − 1 of starch in the culture medium as the preferred concentration for cell viability detection in this experimental model . viability detection in different explants from strawberry ( fragaria chiloensis ), tobacco ( nicotiana tabacum ), blueberries ( vaccinum corymbosun ) and andean papaya ( carica vasconcellea ) viability tests were conducted on explants obtained from different plant species and different tissues thereof , using our viability detection device . the experimental steps for detecting the viability of the different tissues are described below : ms basal medium ( murashige and skoog , 1962 ) was used , supplemented with 1 . 5 gl − 1 of starch , 30 gl − 1 of sucrose , 7 gl − 1 of agar - agar and growth regulators according to the type of explant and the species , as indicated in table 1 . this working concentration was chosen according to the type of explant , the plant species and the morphogenic process in which the viability detection is performed . the basal salts and the vitamins of the ms medium were added according to the concentrations suggested for the preparation of this culture medium , without any modification ( murashige and skoog , 1962 ). the ph of the culture medium was adjusted to 5 . 6 - 5 . 7 , before sterilizing . sterilization of the culture medium was performed by pressurized steam in an autoclave at a temperature of 121 ° c ., a pressure of 1 kgcm − 2 and for 30 minutes . once sterile , the culture media were dispensed into petri plates in aseptic conditions . the plates may be sealed and kept in the dark and at room temperature for up to 30 days before being used . all explants were taken from plants grown under in vitro conditions . the explants were prepared in segments of 0 . 5 cm in length and 0 . 5 cm in length in the case of the leaves ; 0 . 5 cm in diameter for the calluses ; 0 . 5 cm in length for the nodal segments and petioles . c ) culturing of the explants in the culture plates and viability assay . once prepared , the explants were placed in the viability detection plate , trying to keep sufficient distance therebetween to avoid interferences in the signs of viability . in this case , not more than 6 explants were placed in plates of 10 cm in diameter , without prejudice to other densities in the species and tissues that might permit them . all the explants were placed on the culture medium as if they were to be manipulated for generating morphogenic responses according to the indications of the protocols for each species . the explants were cultured in the viability detection plates from 24 hours to 5 days and were cultured at 25 ° c . and in dark conditions . the explants were removed from the viability detection medium for the subsequent revealing of the plates . the explants were subcultured in a culture medium recommended for each species to induce the desired morphogenic response . in this case , the basal culture medium described in table 1 was used , but without the addition of starch . fig6 shows that the culturing period in the viability detection medium did not affect the morphogenic response . revealing of the viability detection plates was performed using an iodine solution diluted to 10 %. this solution was prepared according to the protocol for the preparation of the iodine solution described in example 1 . to visualize the signs of viability in the detection plates , a film of iodine solution diluted to 10 % was applied for 3 minutes on the surface of the plates until staining was observed in the culture medium . subsequently , the iodine solution was removed from the surface of the plates by runoff . as a way of control , viability tests were carried out with samples of living and dead tissues . to this end , rhizomes of the terrestrial orchid chloraea crispa cultured in vitro were used . the dead tissue samples were obtained by sterilizing them in an autoclave at 121 ° c . and 1 kgcm − 2 for 40 minutes . fig2 shows the results of the experiment , demonstrating that the detection system allows to clearly determine the viability of the tissue under study , since a colorless halo can be clearly observed on the surface of the plate where the living tissues were cultured ( fig2 a ), due to the degradation of the starch in this sector of the plate . the halos are not observed in the plates with dead tissues ( fig2 b ). fig3 , 4 and 5 show the results of the viability tests performed for some of the types of tissues described in table 1 . in these photographs , it can be confirmed that the system proposed allows to detect the activity of living tissues of different origins , both at the level of species and of tissue type , independent of the basal culture medium used . it should be mentioned that the tissues used in these tests are those commonly used in the in vitro multiplication protocols of most plant species . to determine the possible effect of starch on the normal growth and morphogenic response of the tissues submitted to the viability detection test , nodal segments of tobacco were cultured for 15 days in basal propagation medium ( ms medium ) supplemented with different carbon sources . the culture media were prepared according to the protocol described in the preceding examples . three different culture media were prepared , which were : without carbon source ( fig6 a ), culture medium supplemented with sucrose at 30 gl − 1 as an energy source , and starch at 1 . 5 gl − 1 ( fig6 b ) and culture medium supplemented only with starch at 1 . 5 gl − 1 ( fig6 c ). fig6 shows the effect of the different types of culture media on nodal segments of tobacco . in the photographs of fig6 a and 6c , scarce growth of the plants is observed , showing that starch does not replace the carbon source for these cultures . on the other side , in fig6 b it can be appreciated that starch did not affect the growth of the cultured plant , and the growth and morphogenic response produced were normal for the plant . | 0 |
turning now in detail to the drawings , fig1 a shows the standard circuit implementation for an if limiting amplifier of the prior art . the feedback loop of the circuit stabilizes the circuit and allows large gain for small input signals and controlled limiting for larger input signals . due to the low frequency feedback loop , all nodes of the circuit are biased at ( v cc - 0 . 5 i tail r c ). at very high frequencies , the dc loop is open and the full gain of all differential amplifier stages will be multiplied . in this mode , the gain of each stage is given approximately by : ## equ1 ## as the signal builds up , the last amplifier stage limits first when all of its tail current is diverted to one side , thereby making the maximum differential swing at its output equal to ( r c i tail ). fig1 b shows a single stage of the prior art limiting amplifier shown in fig1 a . each stage contains a first differential pair of transistors q 1 and q 2 . the emitter of q 1 is coupled to the emitter of q 2 and both are coupled to a current source i tail . the collector of q 1 is connected to a voltage source ( v cc ) through a resistor r c1 . the collector of q 2 is connected to the voltage source ( v cc ) through resistor r c2 . the base of each of the transistors q 1 and q 2 receive the positive or negative portion of the input signal . fig2 shows the new limiting if amplifier circuit according to the invention . the new circuit utilizes localized positive feedback by including a second differential pair of transistors , q 3 and q 4 , and resistors r e1 and r e2 coupled to the emitter outputs of q 3 and q 4 , respectively . as shown , q 3 and q 4 have their collectors cross coupled to achieve the localized positive feedback . the base of q 3 and the collector of q 4 are connected to the collector of q 1 . the base of q 4 and the collector of q 3 are connected to the collector of q 2 . resistor r e1 is connected at one end to the emitter output of q 3 and at the other end to a current source i t2 . resistor r e2 is connected at one end to the emitter output of q 4 and at the other end to resistor r e1 and current source i t2 . the incorporation of positive feedback into the if amplifier / limiter of the prior art significantly increases the small signal gain over that of a standard differential pair , without requiring any increase in current consumption . the small signal gain is defined as : ## equ2 ## the localized positive feedback allows fewer stages of the fig2 circuit implementation over the fig1 b implementation to achieve the same overall circuit gain . this reduction in the number of stages needed to obtain a desired signal significantly reduces the current ( power ) consumption of the overall circuit . in some instances , the power consumption can be reduced up to 50 %. the amount of localized feedback introduced into the gain block of the first differential pair is controlled by the value of resistors r c1 and r c2 . fig3 shows a second embodiment of the if amplifier / limiter with localized positive feedback . this implementation uses resistors r p1 and r p2 connected with the base of transistors q 3 and q 4 , respectively , as an alternative way of controlling the amount of localized feedback introduced into the gain block of the first differential pair . in this configuration , resistors r c1 and r p1 are coupled in series to each other with the opposite end of r p1 being connected to the collector of q 1 , and the opposite end of r c1 connected to v cc . resistors r c2 and r p2 are connected in series with each other with the opposite end of r p2 being connected to the collector of q 2 and the opposite end of r c2 connected to v cc . transistors q 3 and q 4 are connected in the same configuration as described in fig2 . the resistors r p1 and r p2 are used to adjust the amount of positive feedback introduced in the first differential pair . adjusting the ratio of values for resistors r p1 and r p2 allows the gain to increase and can even change its polarity . thus , with this circuit , it is possible to theoretically achieve infinite small signal gain for a very small signal range . to further increase the small signal linear range , additional resistors can be added to the collectors of q 1 and q 2 ( see fig4 ) to make the signal inputs into the positive feedback circuit smaller . the circuit of fig4 shows a universal if amplifier / limiter building block with local positive feedback . as shown , the resistors r e1 , r e2 , r p1 and r p2 are shown as described in fig2 and 3 . additional resistors r g1 and r g2 have been added to the circuit . resistor r g1 is connected at one end to the collector of q 1 and connected in at the other end to resistor r p1 and the base of q 3 . resistor r g2 is connected at one end to the collector of q 2 and connected in at the other end to resistor r p3 and the base of q 4 . in this configuration , the values of resistors r g1 , r g2 , r e1 and r e2 can be used to adjust the range of linearity of the extra small signal gain , while the values of resistors r c1 , r c2 , r p1 and r p2 adjust the amount of positive feedback introduced into the gain block of the first differential pair , thereby affecting the small signal gain . in order to have the same large signal gain ( limiting ) as a standard limiter ( fig1 b ), while having the same current consumption , the following conditions should apply : the circuits of fig5 a - 5e have been generated with spice ™ circuit simulation software to show the performance of the if amplifier / limiter of the invention , as compared with the if amplifier / limiter of the prior art . fig5 a is a standard if limiting amplifier of the prior art , fig5 b is a modified circuit of the first embodiment of the invention shown in fig2 and fig5 c is a modified circuit of the second embodiment of the invention . the circuit of fig5 b shows a different configuration of the transistors q 14 and q 15 of the second differential pair introduced into the circuit . the base of q 14 is coupled with the collector of q 15 and the collector of q 6 , and the base of q 15 is coupled with the collector of q 14 and the collector of q 7 . fig5 d and 5e represent the input sources for the circuits of fig5 a - 5c during simulation . for purposes of the simulation , specific values have been assigned to the respective circuit elements to provide the examples of operation . fig6 and 7 show a graphical representation of the dc transfer functions of the circuits shown in fig5 a - 5c . fig6 shows the dc transfer function for a larger range of signals . as shown , the dc transfer function of the prior art circuit of fig5 a is represented by vc ( q 2 )- vc ( q 3 ) and is shown graphically by the open square legend . the dc transfer function of the circuit of fig5 b is represented by vc ( q 6 )- vc ( q - 7 ), and is shown graphically by the solid square legend . the dc transfer function of the circuit of fig5 c is represented by vc ( q 12 )- vc ( q 13 ), and is shown graphically by the open diamond legend . it should be noted that all three circuits have the same full limiting gain , and exactly the same current consumption , but the circuit of fig5 b has more small signal gain and the circuit of fig5 c has the biggest small signal gain . fig7 shows the dc transfer functions with a smaller range on the x - axis of - 50 mv to + 50 mv . the dc transfer function of the circuit of fig5 b shows the effect of the emitter degeneration on the signal gain , while the dc transfer signal of the circuit of fig5 c shows a substantially vertical slope at the omv intersection , which indicates an almost infinite small signal gain . fig8 a shows another example of the circuit of fig5 c with different values assigned to the respective electrical components . fig8 b and 8c represent the input signals for the circuit of fig8 a for purposes of the simulation . fig9 shows a graphical representation of the dc transfer function of the circuit of fig8 a . the dc transfer function is represented by vc ( q 1 )- vc ( q 2 ). this simulation shows that by changing the value of the resistors r1 - r4 in the circuit of fig8 a , it is possible to increase the positive feedback to the extent that a change in the polarity of the dc transfer function occurs . fig1 a shows an example of a modified version of the circuit of fig5 c . specifically , the addition of resistors r26 and r30 coupled to the emitters of transistors q 23 and q 2 , respectively . the circuit of fig1 b and 10c represent the input signals used for the simulation . fig1 shows a graphical representation of the dc transfer function of the circuit of fig1 a . the very steep slope of the curve at the 0mv range indicates a very high gain for small input signals . while several embodiments of the present invention has been shown and described , it is to be understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims . | 7 |
preferred embodiments of methods , systems , and apparatus according to the invention are described through reference to the figures . fig1 - 3 are perspective views showing installation of advertising panels on a portable or moveable structure according to the invention . portable structure 10 shown in fig1 - 6 is a portable toilet of a type that is now commonly available commercially , fabricated of pluralities of formed plastic panels 16 joined by fasteners 18 which may for example include rivets , sealants , adhesives , etc . raised portions 12 of panels 16 are provided during manufacture , as for example by molding or stamping , in order to provide sufficient structural stiffness in panels 16 and to accommodate mounting of related structures such as sinks , handles , urinals , and paper dispensers , and result in the creation of multi - planar surfaces including outermost surfaces 11 . vents 19 and other features are often provided for ventilation and other purposes . advertising panels 26 attached to structure 10 comprise images adapted for the presentation of desired advertising messages , e . g ., “ rent me for your next event ,” etc ., which may for example be selected in order to target desired audiences such as consumers or other users of the portable structure 10 , in view of a location in which the structure is to be placed and events anticipated to take place at that location during the time in which the structure is provided there . panels 26 may be provided from any materials suitable for the purposes to which the advertising is to be put , including for example wood or plastics . factors that may be considered in the selection of materials to be used in the fabrication of panels 26 include , for example , characteristics of the structure 10 to which the panels 26 are to be attached , the nature of the adhesives to be used in attaching the panels 26 to the structure 10 , and weather and other conditions , including cleaning , to which the structure 10 and panels 26 will be exposed or subjected . for example , for fabricating panels to be used on waste bins and portable toilets , which are often subjected to extremes of weather and to highly vigorous cleaning processes , such as for example pressure washing using strong water currents , detergents and other solvents , it has been found that styrene sheets are suitable . for example , styrene sheets of 0 . 020 - 0 . 030 inches thickness have been found to serve satisfactorily . in many applications , including for example those in which styrene sheets are used for providing panels 26 , advertising messages may be satisfactorily provided on panels 26 through various printing and / or transfer processes . for example , a wide variety of suitable inks may be employed in printing , silk screening , etc ., including , for example , inks cured by exposure to ultraviolet ( uv ) radiation . the selection of suitable inks and methods for providing advertising messages on panels 26 will not trouble those skilled in the relevant arts , once they have been made familiar with this disclosure . as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant arts , a wide variety of other processes for providing advertising images on panels is now available and will doubtless hereafter be developed . in installing panels 26 , adhesives may be applied to one or more of raised portions 12 of panels 16 , as shown in fig1 . for example , strips 22 of tape coated on both sides with adhesives may be applied to one or more of raised portions 12 . alternatively , as will be understood by those skilled in the relevant arts , glues or other adhesives may be applied by spraying , brushing , or in other ways . one or more of panels 26 may then be placed in a desired position and adhered to the tape or other adhesive , and thereby attached to panel ( s ) 16 , as shown in fig2 . a wide variety of tapes and other adhesives suitable for use in implementing the invention are available commercially , and others will doubtless hereafter be developed . it has been found that some tape / adhesive combinations provide superior performance in various conditions . for example , it has been found that 3m 4408 double - sided vinyl foam tape provides satisfactory performance in applications where warm temperatures are anticipated . it has been found , for example , that weather resistant double - sided mounting tape , such as scotch 3m 4011 , provide useful lives of approximately two years under typical service conditions in which the structure 10 and panel ( s ) 26 are exposed to weather and repeated high - pressure washing processes in northern continental climates such as are encountered , for example , in south central canada . as will be understood by those skilled in the relevant arts , the use of other tapes and / or adhesives may be advantageous in other conditions , as for example in hot , humid conditions such as are encountered in the tropics , in the southern united states , and in the mediterranean regions . panels 26 may be provided in pre - cut or otherwise pre - sized form , and applied to adhesive 22 without further processing , or they may be trimmed to fit . it has been found , for example , that in attaching panels 26 to structures 10 built to relatively loose tolerances , such as is sometimes the case with portable toilets and other portable structures , it can be advantageous to provide panels 26 in a suitable approximate size and to trim the panels 26 at the installation site to fit the particular panels 16 to which they are to be attached , including for example doors , ventilators , and other openings . as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant arts , once they have been made familiar with this disclosure , walls and other surfaces of portable structures having doors or other opening and closing features can be used effectively by adhering suitably - trimmed advertisements to the outer surfaces of the door and any surrounding walls , so that the door or other opening can be opened and closed without hindering use of the structure . see , for example , fig6 and 6 . in some instances , it can be advantageous to trim adjoining corners or other edge portions of panels 26 using tape or pre - manufactured or specially - made corner or trim pieces , as shown in fig3 . it has been observed that many portable structures 10 , such as the structure shown in fig3 , comprise overlapping seams at mating edges of panels 16 , and that in some circumstances it can be convenient and effective to tuck one or more edges of panel ( s ) 26 behind such overlapping seam portions . as shown in fig4 - 6 , individual panels 26 may be provided with single advertising images that extend over single or continuously over multiple panels , or groups of related or unrelated images . for example , each panel 16 of a structure 10 , or various portions thereof , may be devoted to advertising related to different products or services , or one or more of panels 26 may be devoted to the presentation of a single , continuous , ‘ wrapped - around ’ image as will be understood by those familiar with the advertising arts , it may be advantageous for all of a structure 10 to be provided with advertising images , as shown in fig4 - 6 , or for advertising to be provided on some smaller portion , as for example on a single panel or a portion thereof . it may further be advantageous for various features of the structure 10 , such the roof and / or one or more vents 19 , door handles 25 , or other features to be left uncovered by panel ( s ) 26 , so as to allow the vents or other features to function more effectively . as will be further understood by those familiar with the advertising arts , advertising images and / or panels 26 may be provided on one or more interior or exterior surfaces of a structure 10 . in the example shown in fig1 - 6 , panels 26 are substantially flat , and are adapted for attachment to multiple raised portions 12 of panels 16 of a structure 10 . in other embodiments of the invention , panels 26 may be formed , as for example by suitable molding or forming , to conform to the surface contour ( s ) of one or more panels 16 . such formed panels 26 may be attached to panels 16 using tapes or other adhesives as described above . for example , in one such process molds are made of the exterior surfaces of panels 16 of the structure 10 . advertising images are printed on styrene ( 0 . 020 or 0 . 030 inches thick ) and the panels 16 are thermal / vacuum formed ( stamped ), creating an ad with contours that match those of the exterior walls of the portable restroom . the ad printing process involves the use of plastic - based uv cured inks . such panels 26 may be installed atop of the exterior walls of the portable restroom using the same kinds of adhesives used when adhering flat styrene panels 26 as described above . it has been found , for example , that panels fabricated and installed in such fashion can provide service lives of two or more years in northern continental climates . as will be understood by those skilled in the relevant arts , one advantage offered by the use of adhesives , including for example double - sided tapes , glues , etc ., as disclosed herein , as opposed to permanent fasteners such as rivets , is that advertising panels 26 may be changed easily , without damage to the supporting panels 16 of structure 10 . in this way it is possible to renew advertising campaigns , as for example when panels 26 become damaged , worn , or weathered , and to change advertisements altogether , as for example when a first advertising campaign ends and is replaced by a second . in other aspects , the invention provides apparatus for the display of advertising material on one or more exterior surfaces of a temporary or portable structure such as a portable toilet , waste bin , trailer , or other portable accommodation , wherein the apparatus comprises a flexible wrap , such as a vinyl wrap , having one or more advertising images printed or otherwise provided on one side , affixed to one or more exterior surfaces of the temporary or portable structure using an adhesive provided on the structure or on a side of the wrap opposite the printed advertising image ( s ). such wraps may be applied using cold or hot adhesion processes , and may be adapted for flat attachment to one or more raised portions of the exterior surface , or may be fitted to fit the contours of the surface , as for example by the use of heat shrinking processes . for example , advertising images according to the invention may be provided using calendar transit vinyl to physically wrap a portable restroom or other portable or temporary structure 10 . such processes bear some similarity to processes used to provide advertising on automobiles , trucks , and transit vehicles . advertisements may be printed on vinyl material and adhered to the portable structure 10 , the adhesives being provided on the wrap . such calendar transit vinyls may be applied to one or more flat outside surfaces , including for example raised portion ( s ) 12 , of panels 16 of the portable structure 10 . in such cases the wrap can adhere to the raised portion ( s ) 12 of the panels 16 . such wraps may be applied using cold application processes using adhesives already applied to the back side of the vinyl . it is also found that commonly - available 2 sided tapes such as those described above can be used to supplement the adhesives provided on the calendar transit vinyl material . as in some circumstances advertisements provided using calendar transit vinyl in accordance with the invention have been observed to offer somewhat shorter useful lives than other some embodiments disclosed herein , while they may be very efficiently produced and installed , it has been determined that advertising materials according to such embodiments may be especially well suited to use in connection with festivals , sporting events , and other temporary or special events . as another example , advertising images according to the invention may be provided using cast transit vinyl to physically wrap a portable restroom or other portable or temporary structure 10 . such processes bear some similarity to processes used to provide advertising on automobiles , trucks , and transit vehicles . advertisements may be printed on vinyl material and adhered to the portable structure 10 , the adhesives being provided on the wrap . such cast transit vinyls may be applied to one or more outside flat surfaces of a structure 10 , using a heat gun or other source of heat to stretch the vinyl and adhere the cast transit vinyl to all contours of the panels 16 of the portable structure 10 . as in some circumstances advertisements provided using cast transit vinyl in accordance with the invention have been observed to offer somewhat shorter useful lives than other embodiments disclosed herein , while they may be very efficiently produced and installed , it has been determined that advertising materials according to these embodiments may be especially well suited to use in connection with festivals , sporting events , and other temporary or special events . as described in connection with other embodiments of the invention , calendar and cast transit wraps according to the invention may be provided with one or more continuous , related , or unrelated advertising images . as will be understood by those familiar with the advertising arts , it may be advantageous for all or any portion of a structure 10 to be provided with advertising images , as shown in fig4 - 6 . it may further be advantageous for various features of the structure 10 , such as the roof and / or one or more vents 19 , door handles 25 , or other features to be left uncovered by panel ( s ) 26 , so as to allow the vents or other features to function more effectively . as will be understood by those skilled in the relevant arts , one advantage offered by the use of adhesive wraps , including for example calendar and cast transit vinyl wraps , as disclosed herein , as opposed to panels affixed using permanent fasteners such as rivets , is that advertising displays may be changed easily , without damage to the supporting panels 16 of structure 10 . in this way it is possible to renew advertising campaigns , as for example when image - bearing wraps become damaged , worn , or weathered , and to change advertisements altogether , as for example when a first advertising campaign ends and is replaced by a second . to effect such changes the old wrap may , for example , be removed and replaced or a new wrap may be installed atop the previous wrap . in both panel - and wrap - embodiments of the invention , the display of multiple - surface advertisements may also be enhanced by placing multiple moveable advertising units , such as for example portable toilets or waste bins , beside each other such that , for example , their back or side walls form substantially contiguous surfaces suitable for the attachment and support of advertising images larger than could be supported by a single unit or on a single wall of unit . for example , as shown in fig7 and 8 , a row of portable structures may be placed side by side such that their front walls form a substantially continuous surface suitable for the attachment of a single advertisement . in fig7 , a row of several portable structures 10 have been placed side by side such that their front ( and rear ) faces 71 form a substantially continuous wall to which a single advertisement 80 can be attached , as shown in fig8 . as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant arts , once they have been made familiar with this disclosure , advertisement 80 may be formed from one or more panels or wraps covering a plurality of faces 71 , or from a plurality of panels or wraps , each wrap or panel covering a single face 71 . in other aspects , the invention provides methods of attaching such advertising materials to the temporary or portable structures , and methods of producing or otherwise providing such advertising materials . while the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity and understanding , it will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant arts , once they have been made familiar with this disclosure , that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the true scope of the invention in the appended claims . the invention is therefore not to be limited to the exact components or details of methodology or construction set forth above . except to the extent necessary or inherent in the processes themselves , no particular order to steps or stages of methods or processes described in this disclosure , including the figures , is intended or implied . in many cases the order of process steps may be varied without changing the purpose , effect , or import of the methods described . | 6 |
fig1 is a vertical cross section of an assembled melt spinning pack incorporating the invention . in particular , fig1 shows an improved replaceable pack for filtering pressurized high viscosity molten polymer and extruding the filtered polymer into shaped articles such as filaments and films , which pack comprises a housing ( 9 ) having an inlet port ( 19 ) and an outlet port ( 20 ), a lid ( 15 ) having an inlet port ( 11 ) and an exit port ( 21 ) and the lid being rigidly connected via a first gasket ( 7 ) to the housing around the lid &# 39 ; s exit port and around the housing &# 39 ; s inlet port , an extrusion die ( 2 ) rigidly connected via a second gasket ( 3 ) around the housing &# 39 ; s outlet port , an internal lip ( 5 ) within the housing between the extrusion die and the inlet port of the housing , means for filtering the fluid immediately upstream of the lip , which filtering means comprises inert granular material ( 16 ) immediately upstream of a supporting rimmed fine mesh screen ( 6 ) whose annular rim contacts the housing &# 39 ; s internal lip ( 5 ), wherein the improvement comprises : said screen &# 39 ; s rim is swaged into said housing , whereby there is a reduced chance of some of said fluid and said granular material by - passing said screen . likewise , fig1 also illustrates an improved replaceable filtration unit for high viscosity fluids , which filter unit comprises a housing ( 9 ) having an inlet port ( 19 ) and an exit port ( 20 ), a rimmed fine mesh screen ( 6 ) between the ports for filtering the fluid , wherein the improvement comprises : said screen &# 39 ; s rim is swaged into said housing . fig6 is an enlargement of zone &# 34 ; a &# 34 ; prior to swaging of the rim of screen ( 6 ) into both the housing ( 9 ) and a grooved bridge plate ( 5 ). the screen is in the shape of a top hat and at least partly annular . it is preferred that the total radial interference fit imposed upon the rim of the screen be between 0 . 005 and 0 . 015 inches . thus , in fig6 the dimension a 2 is greater than dimension a 1 , by an amount within the range of about 0 . 005 to 0 . 015 inches . also , the dimension b 2 is preferably greater than the dimension b 1 by an amount up to 0 . 002 inches . it will , of course , be appreciated by one skilled in the art , that swaging of the unswaged rim of the screen as shown in fig6 ( and having the relative dimensions of a , a 2 , b 1 and b 2 as defined above ) into the swaged rim as shown in fig1 zone a , must inherently result in the rim being outwardly swaged and toggle jointed into the housing . webster &# 39 ; s new collegiate dictionary ( 1961 ) defines toggle joint as &# 34 ;( a ) device consisting of two bars jointed together end to end but not in line , so that when a force is applied to the knee tending to straighten the arrangement , the parts abutting . . . the ends of the bars will experience an endways pressure .&# 34 ; fig7 is an enlargement of zone b of fig1 and shows the seal between the pack housing and lid . it shows a first gasket ( 7 ) in the form of a metal sleeve having a length , l , outer diameter , d , and wall thickness , t ; and the housing &# 39 ; s inlet port ( 19 ) has a square step around its inner face . the square step has a radial depth of about t and a height h . the value of h must be less than the value of l . it is preferred that the value of l / t be in the range 2 to 10 , and most preferably in the range 4 to 7 . it is preferred that t be in the range from 0 . 025 to 0 . 100 inches . the metal sleeve is preferably aluminum , copper , mild steel or stainless steel . it is preferred that the inside face of the lid has a counter bore of diameter d and depth d , and the value of the sum of h and d is equal to l in the assembled state and less than l in the unassembled state . it is preferred that the third and remaining seal with the pack , the seal between the extrusion die ( 2 ) and the housing &# 39 ; s outlet port ( 20 ) be obtained conventionally as shown in fig1 which shows the housing ( 9 ) having a second lip around its exit port ( 20 ) that is rigidly connected to the extrusion die via a second gasket ( 3 ) by means of the pressure of the pressurized fluid within the pack . while the foregoing , in combination with the drawings , illustrates the broadest and most preferred embodiments of the invention , it will of course be appreciated that other embodiments of the invention come within the scope of the broadest claims . | 3 |
the invention relates to processes for producing dilute ethylene , and using the dilute ethylene to produce ethylbenzene . dilute ethylene streams from cracking processes typically contain from about 60 mol % to about 85 % ethylene with the remainder being mostly ethane with minor amounts of methane and / or hydrogen . while individual processes for producing ethylene , and ethylbenzene are known , the present invention combines the processes in a manner which is designed to improve overall efficiency and , consequently , reduce the total costs - associated with the production of ethylbenzene . generally , preferred processes of the invention comprise diverting a dilute ethylene stream from an ethylene plant at a point subsequent to acetylene removal . the ethylene plant includes the cracking of a hydrocarbon feed such as ethane , propane , butane , naphtha , gas oil , hydrocracked vacuum gas oil and combinations thereof . in one embodiment the method of the present invention provides dilute ethylene for the production of ethylbenzene wherein a dilute ethylene stream containing ethylene and ethane is withdrawn from the ethylene plant at a point downstream of acetylene removal and upstream of final ethylene product fractionation . the ethylene - content of the dilute ethylene feed is at least about 60 mol %. by withdrawing dilute ethylene from the effluent of the actetylene remover and before the final fractionation step , significant capital and energy saving can be achieved in the ethylene plant because the ethylene / ethane mixture sent to the ethylbenzene plant does not need to be fractionated , thereby saving the fractionation energy . dilute ethylene can be supplied by subjecting the entire effluent of the acetylene remover to a cooling process in which part of the effluent is condensed to a liquid , or fully condensing only a portion of the effluent . partial condensing produces a slightly more dilute feed to the ethylbenzene plant and enriches the remaining stream sent as feed to the ethylene fractionator . fully condensing only a portion of the effluent has the advantage of producing the richest ethylbenzene feed ( about 83 % for a typical naphtha cracker ). savings are achieved by reducing the ethylene / ethane processed in the ethylene fractionator . in the case of partial condensation , some savings in reflux are also achieved due to feed enrichment . these two cases are detailed below . in another embodiment the dilute ethylene stream is withdrawn from the ethylene plant as a side draw from the ethylene fractionation column . by withdrawing dilute ethylene as a side - draw from the final fractionation step , significant capital and energy savings can be achieved in the ethylene plant because the ethylene / ethane mixture sent to the ethylbenzene plant does not need to be fully fractionated , thereby saving the fractionation energy . side - draw can be taken as a liquid or vapor from either the stripping or rectification section . if taken from the rectification section , dilute ethylene of at least 83 % purity can be readily produced , thereby eliminating any energy penalty in the ethylbenzene plant . these cases are summarized below . the dilute ethylene streams are then sent to an alkylator for alkylation with benzene to produce ethyl benzene . various processes for the production of ethylbenzene from the alkylation of ethylene and benzene are known . suitable processes for the alkylation of dilute ethylene streams are set forth in commonly assigned copending patent applications ser . no . 10 / 372 , 449 filed feb . 25 , 2003 and ser . no . 10 / 376 , 683 filed feb . 28 , 2003 , both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety . referring now to fig1 , a process 10 for the production of ethylbenzene from a dilute ethylene stream is shown . more particularly , the deethanizer 11 of a conventional ethylene plant provides a c 2 vapor stream 12 containing ethylene , ethane and acetylene , which is then sent to an acetylene removal unit 13 for the removal of acetylene preferably by partial hydrogenation in a catalytic reactor to form more ethylene . optionally , unit 13 can alternatively be an acetylene recovery unit which separates out acetylene rather than converting it . the resulting effluent stream 14 , containing at least about 60 mol % ethylene is then divided into a dilute ethylene stream 14 a and a remainder 14 c of the ethylene - containing steam which is directed to the ethylene fractionator 17 as a feed . the ethylene fractionator 17 separates the ethylene - containing stream 14 c into a high purity ethylene fraction 18 ( at least about 99 . 95 mol % pure ethylene ) and an ethane fraction 19 . the ethane is preferably recycled to the cracking units . the dilute ethylene stream 14 a containing at least about 60 mol % ethylene is sent to a condenser 15 wherein stream 14 a is totally condensed to liquid stream 14 b , which is then sent to a conventional ethylbenzene process 16 . the amount of dilute ethylene stream 14 a drawn off from the acetylene reactor effluent 14 depends upon the ethylene requirements for the ethylbenzene process . in this case the ethylene content of the dilute ethylene stream 14 b is the same as the ethylene content of the ethylene fractionator feed 14 c . the high purity ethylene stream 18 from the ethylene fractionator 17 can be used for polymerization processes , alkylation processes , or any process where high purity ethylene is required , as well as those in which dilute ethylene can be employed . referring to fig2 an alternative embodiment 20 of the method of the present invention is illustrated wherein a c 2 vapor stream 22 from deethanizer 21 is sent to an acetylene removal unit 23 for the removal of acetylene by partial hydrogenation or acetylene recovery . the entire resulting effluent stream 24 is sent to a cooler 25 wherein a part of the ethylene - containing stream is condensed to a liquid dilute ethylene stream 24 a which is then sent to a conventional ethylbenzene process 26 . the remaining cooled but uncondensed portion 24 b of the ethylene - containing effluent stream is sent as a vapor to ethylene fractionator 27 for separation into an overhead high purity ethylene stream 28 and bottom ethane stream 29 . in this case the uncondensed portion 24 b of the ethylene - containing stream is richer in ethylene content than the dilute ethylene stream 24 a . referring now to fig3 , yet another embodiment 30 of the present invention is illustrated wherein a c 2 vapor stream 32 from a deethanizer 31 is sent to an acetylene removal unit 33 for the removal of acetylene by partial hydrogenation or acetylene recovery . the resulting effluent stream 34 is sent to ethylene fractionator 37 for separation into an overhead high purity ethylene stream 38 and an ethane bottoms 39 . a liquid or vapor stream 35 of dilute ethylene is drawn from the side of the stripping portion ethylene fractionator at point 37 a , and is then sent to the ethylbenzene process 36 . the point 37 a at which the dilute ethylene is withdrawn from the ethylene fractionator may be the feed tray or one or two trays below the feed tray such that the ethylene content of the sidedraw is at least about 60 mol %. the actual location will vary depending on the ethylene fractionator feed composition . the amount of liquid or vapor drawn off depends upon the ethylene requirements of the ethylbenzene process . referring to fig4 , yet another embodiment 40 of the invention is shown wherein a c 2 vapor stream 42 from a deethanizer 41 is sent to an acetylene removal unit 43 for the removal of acetylene by partial hydrogenation or acetylene recovery . the resulting effluent stream 44 is then sent to ethylene fractionator 47 for separation into an overhead high purity ethylene stream 48 and an ethane bottoms 49 . a liquid or vapor stream 45 of dilute ethylene is drawn from the side of the ethylene fractionator rectification section at point 47 a and is then sent to the ethylbenzene process 46 . the point 47 a at which the dilute ethylene is withdrawn from the ethylene fractionator may be ten to fifteen trays above the feed tray such that the ethylene content of the sidedraw is at least about 82 mol %. the actual location will vary depending on the ethylene fractionator feed composition . the amount of liquid or vapor drawn off depends upon the ethylene content of the stream 45 and the ethylene requirements of the ethylbenzene process . referring now to fig5 a process for producing ethylbenzene by the alkylation of benzene with ethylene is illustrated in a schematic diagram wherein ethylbenzene process 100 receives a dilute ethylene feed e such as that provided from the process described above ( e . g ., streams 14 b , 24 a , 35 , and 45 in fig1 to 4 ), which is fed into alkylator 110 along with benzene feed b . the overhead from the alkylator 110 is sent to fractionator 130 from which a benzene overhead 131 is recycled back to the alkylator 110 and transalkylator 120 . the bottoms 132 from fractionator 130 is sent to fractionator 140 . the overhead 141 from fractionator 140 is an ethylbenzene product p . the bottom stream 142 from fractionator 140 are sent to fractionator 150 . the overhead 151 from fractionator 150 contains polyethylbenzene which is recycled back to the transalkylator 120 for conversion to ethylbenzene . the bottom stream 152 includes a heavy end fraction . the product ethylbenzene p can be sent to further processing for conversion to styrene monomer . the heavy ends 152 can be used as fuel . various aspects of the invention are illustrated by the examples given below . in a system such as that illustrated in fig1 , a portion of the effluent 14 is drawn off as dilute ethylene stream 14 a which is totally condensed to produce a liquid equivalent to the amount of ethylene required for ethylbenzene production and is sent to ethylbenzene plant 16 as a liquid stream 14 b . the remaining stream 14 c is sent to the ethylene fractionator 14 as a vapor . this case reduces the feed to the ethylene fractionator 17 . energy is saved in the ethylene fractionator 17 but partly lost in the form of lower recuperation from ethane recycle and in the form of higher reflux requirements in the deethanizer 11 to reduce the propylene content of the deethanizer overhead ( dilute ethylene ). propylene content of the dilute ethylene must be sufficiently low to prevent the excessive formation of cumene in the ethylbenzene unit . cumene , if formed , will be present as an impurity in the ethylbenzene product and is typically limited to 500 ppm or less . the purity of the ethylene feed 14 b in this case is about 80 mol % to about 83 mol %. the operating cost savings for a 950 , 000 kta ethylene plant combined with a 550 , 00 kta ethylbenzene plant are estimated to be about $ 560 , 000 per annum at current energy price levels . in a system such as that illustrated in fig2 , the effluent 24 is sent to condenser 25 where it is partially condensed . the liquid equivalent to the amount of ethylene required for ethylbenzene production is sent to the ethylbenzene plant 26 via line 24 a . the chilled but uncondensed portion of the effluent 24 is sent to the ethylene fractionator as a vapor via line . 24 b . in this case the feed to the ethylene fractionator is both reduced as well as enriched . energy is saved in the ethylene fractionator but is partly lost in the form of lower recuperation from ethane recycle and in the form of higher reflux requirements in the deethanizer 21 to reduce the propylene content of the deethanizer overhead ( dilute ethylene ). the purity of the ethylene feed 24 a to the ethylbenzene plant 16 in this case is about 72 mol % to about 78 mol %. the purity level is expected to cause reduced steam production in the ethylbenzene plant . however , without considering the impact in the ethylbenzene plant the savings in operating costs for a 950 , 000 kta ethylene - plant combined with a 550 , 000 kta ethylbenzene plant are estimated to be about $ 580 , 000 per annum at current energy price levels . in a system such as that illustrated in fig3 , the entire effluent 34 from the acetylene converter 33 is sent to the ethylene fractionator 37 and the dilute ethylene feed to the ethylbenzene plant 36 is drawn off via stream 35 as a vapor from the stripping portion of the ethylene fractionator 37 . energy is saved in the ethylene fractionator 37 but is partly lost in the form of lower recuperation from ethane recycle and in the form of a higher reflux requirements in the deethanizer 31 to reduce the propylene content of the deethanizer overhead ( dilute ethylene ). the purity of the dilute ethylene stream 35 is about 60 mol % to about 65 mol %. the purity level is expected to cause reduced steam production in the ethylbenzene plant . however , without considering the impact in the ethylbenzene plant the savings in operating cost for a 950 , 000 kta ethylene plant combined with a 550 , 000 kta ethylbenzene plant are estimated to be about $ 850 , 000 per annum at current energy price levels . in system such as that illustrated in fig4 , the entire effluent 44 from the acetylene converter 43 is sent to the ethylene fractionator 47 and the dilute ethylene feed to the ethylbenzene plant 46 is drawn off via stream 45 as a liquid from the rectification portion of the ethylene fractionator 47 . energy is saved in the ethylene fractionator 47 but is partly lost in the form of lower recuperation from ethane recycle . a higher reflux requirement in the deethanizer is not needed for this case since the side - draw is taken above the feed where propylene concentration is already sufficiently low . the purity of the dilute ethylene stream 45 is about 82 mole % to about 85 mol %. this case produces the highest purity of dilute ethylene feed and has no significant impact in the ethylbenzene plant . the savings in operating cost for a 950 , 000 kta ethylene plant combined with a 550 , 000 kta ethylbenzene plant are estimated to be about $ 780 . 000 per annum at current energy price levels . while the above description contains many specifics , these specifics should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention , but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof . those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto . | 2 |
as used in this specification , the term free radical generator is intended to include a free radical generating agent per se and / or a combination of two or more chemicals which generates free radicals such as a peroxide and a reducing agent . if two more chemicals are used in the free radical generator the amount of agent specified refers to the total addition of all agents . c 8 - 12 vinyl aromatic monomers which may be unsubstituted or substituted by a c 1 - 4 alkyl or alkanol radical or a chlorine or bromine atom ; amide derivatives of c 3 - 9 ethylenically unsaturated acids which may be unsubstituted or further substituted at the nitrogen atom by a c 1 - 4 alkyl , alkanol , or alkylol radical ; c 1 - 8 alkyl or alkanol esters of c 3 - 9 ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids in which the alkyl or alkanol radical may be branched or straight chained ; c 2 - 8 alkenyl or alkenol esters of c 1 - 9 saturated carboxylic acids , in which the alkenyl or alkenol radical may be branched or straight chained ; c 2 - 8 ethylenically unsaturated nitriles ; and vinyl or vinylidene chloride . the process of the present invention is suitable with a wide range of homopolymers or copolymers . the process may be used to treat emulsion of polyvinyl chloride , vinyl esters of c 1 - 9 saturated carboxylic acids such as vinyl acetate , and olefin terpolymers thereof such as ethylene vinyl acetate , polystyrene , butadiene styrene polymers , butadiene styrene polymers which contain at least one further functional monomer , and polymers containing acrylonitrile . the process is particularly useful in situations where one or more monomers are soluble in the resulting polymer . in these cases , the treatment is continued until the residual content of the monomer soluble in the polymer is not more than 0 . 05 weight percent based on the emulsion . preferably the process is used with emulsions of a polymer formed by polymerizing a monomeric mixture comprising : 30 - 100 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from c 8 - 12 vinyl aromatic monomer , c 2 - 8 ethylenically unsaturated nitrile or a mixture thereof ; 0 - 10 weight percent of one or more monomers selected from the group comprising c 3 - 9 ethylenically unsaturated acid , c 3 - 9 ethylenically unsaturated aldehydes , amide derivatives of said c 3 - 9 ethylenically unsaturated acids , and c 1 - 8 alkyl or alkanol derivatives of c 3 - 9 ethylenically unsaturated acids . the preferred vinyl aromatic monomers include styrene , α - methyl styrene , p - methyl styrene , chlorostyrene , bromostyrene , and divinyl benzene . the preferred nitrile is acrylonitrile . preferably these monomers are initially present in an amount from 30 to 100 weight percent of the total monomer composition . the preferred dienes are isoprene and butadiene . these monomers may be present in an amount up to about 60 weight percent of the total monomer mixture . the initial monomer mixture may optionally contain up to 10 weight percent of a functional monomer . functional monomers include ethylenically unsaturated acids , ethylenically unsaturated aldehydes , ethylenically unsaturated amides which may be unsubstituted or substituted by c 1 - 4 alkyl or alkanol radicals and c 1 - 8 alkyl or alkanol esters of a c 3 - 9 ethylenically unsaturated acids . suitable functional monomers include acrylic acid , methacrylic acid , fumaric acid , itaconic acid , acrolein , methacrolein , cinnamaldehyde , acrylamide , methacrylamide , n - methylolacrylamide , n - methylol - methacrylamide , methylacrylate , methyl methacrylate , ethylacrylate , ethyl - methacrylate , hydroxyethyl acrylate , hydroxyethyl methacrylate , ethylhexyl acrylate , and ethylhexyl methacrylate . the process of the present invention is particularly useful with monomer compositions of styrene , α - methyl styrene , p - methyl styrene , butadiene or isoprene together with one or more of the above functional monomers . the process of the present invention is carried out under temperature and pressure conditions to avoid significantly degrading or destabilizing the latex . at 100 ° c . the vapour pressure of water is 760 mm of mercury . in the process of the present invention suitable temperatures and pressures range from 50 ° to 100 ° c . at pressures from 92 to 760 mm of mercury . preferred temperature / pressure conditions are from about 50 ° c . to about 92 mm of mercury to about 80 ° c . at about 355 mm of mercury . the most preferred temperature / pressure conditions are from about 50 ° c . at about 92 mm of mercury to about 70 ° c . at about 283 mm of hg . it is important that the heat history during the process be such that no significant destabilization or degradation of the latex occur . one having the ordinary skill in the art may easily test a small sample of the latex to see if it is significantly degraded or destabilized on being exposed to a specific temperature and pressure conditions over a given period of time . in accordance with the present invention at least about 0 . 01 parts by weight of a free radical generator are added to the latex per 100 parts by weight of the polymer in the latex . the free radical generator may consist of a chemical or a chemical combination which decomposes at the temperature of the treatment to generate free radicals such as hydrogen peroxide or an organic azo or diazo compound containing up to about 12 carbon atoms . care should be taken to select a peroxide or azo or diazo material which will decompose under the conditions of use in a controlled manner . suitable free radical generators may comprise redox systems comprising an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide or an organic peroxide or hydroperoxide containing up to about 12 carbon atoms mixed with a reducing agent . suitable reducing agents include reducing sugars and their acid derivatives , reducing sulphur compounds such as an alkali metabisulphite , or a transition metal compound . suitable peroxides and hydroperoxides include hydrogen peroxide , benzoyl peroxide and t - butyl hydroperoxide . suitable reducing agents include iron or cobalt complexes , or reducing sugars or their derivatives such as mannitol or gluconates . the reducing agent may be a sulphur containing compound such as an alkali or alkaline earth sulphate or bisulphite . a preferred reducing agent is sodium metabisulphite . a particularly useful free radical generator system for use with styrene - butadiene type latices is t - butyl hydroperoxide and sodium metabisulphite . preferably , the total free radical generator is present in an amount of about 0 . 08 parts by weight per 100 parts of polymer in the latex , consisting of about equal parts of peroxide and metabisulphite . the free radical generating system is added to the latex in an amount of at least about 0 . 01 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polymer solids in the latex . the only limit on the upper amount of free radical generator is economics . a useful upper limit of free radical generator is about 0 . 20 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polymer in the latex . the free radical generator may be used in amounts from about 0 . 01 to about 0 . 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polymer in the latex . a suitable weight range for the free radical generator is from about 0 . 04 to about 0 . 08 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polymer solids . the process of the present invention is not intended to relate to the initial polymerization of the monomer system . the process is generally applicable in a steam stripper subsequent to devolatilization of the latex . the process of the present invention may also be applied to the latex , prior to devolatilization , in the reactor after about 80 percent of the monomer has been converted to polymer . the following example is intended to illustrate the invention and not to limit it . four 4 liter samples of a styrene - butadiene latex which was produced in the plant and which had been devolatilized were treated in accordance with different aspects of the present invention or the prior art . the sample was placed in a 12 liter flask immersed in a constant temperature bath . the flask was connected to a vacuum to control the vapour pressure above the sample . in this manner , it was possible to subject the sample to conditions ranging from no - boiling , boiling , reflux and steam injection . a free radical generator comprising t - butylhydroperoxide and sodium metabisulphite was added to the system . in one experiment , the free radical generator was added in &# 34 ; one shot &# 34 ; in an amount of about 0 . 05 parts per 100 parts of monomer . the &# 34 ; one shot &# 34 ; addition was tested under reflux and under steam injection . the free radical generator was added incrementally in an amount of about 0 . 5 parts per hour under boiling , reflux and steam injection . samples of the latex were tested periodically for residual styrene . a graph was then plotted of percentage residual styrene ( on a logarithmic scale ) against time in hours ( linear scales ). the plot of this data is given in fig1 . on the graph , the theoretical steam usage has also been plotted . these graphs show that the process of the present invention is about twice as efficient as conventional steam stripping in the absence of a free radical generator . this improvement reduces energy consumption and significantly reduces the time required for the stripping of a latex . an increase in yield is also obtained . | 2 |
the present invention provides microparticles of a pharmacologically active substance , i . e . a drug , and a method for making them . the invention also provides a drug delivery vehicle for administering a pharmacologically active substance , and methods for making it , wherein the delivery vehicle includes at least one pharmaceutical carrier particle bearing microparticles of the drug , which microparticles are made according to the present invention . microparticles of the present invention are formed as described hereinbelow and generally have mean dimensions on the order of about 100 nm , up to about 10 μm . microparticles according to the present invention can have a regular shape , e . g . essentially spherical , or they can have an irregular shape . the material of which microparticles are comprised can be crystalline or it can be at least partly amorphous . preferably the material is at least partly amorphous . as used herein in connection with a measured quantity , the term about refers to the normal variation in that measured quantity that would be expected by the skilled artisan making the measurement and exercising a level of care commensurate with the objective of the measurement and the precision of the measuring equipment used . any pharmagologically active substance ( drug ) can be used in the practice of the present invention . however , drugs having poor water solubility ( poorly water soluble drugs ), and hence relatively lower bioavailability , are preferred and the advantages of the present invention are more fully realized with poorly water - soluble drugs . for purposes of the present invention , a drug is considered to be poorly water soluble if it has a solubility of less than about 20 mg / per milliliter of water . examples of drugs having poor water solubility include fenofibrate , itraconazole , bromocriptine , carbamazepine , diazepam , paclitaxel , etoposide , camptothecin , danazole , progesterone , nitrofurantoin , estradiol , estrone , oxfendazole , proquazone , ketoprofen , nifedipine , verapamil , and glyburide , to mention just a few . the skilled artisan knows other drugs having poor water solubility . pharmaceutical carrier particles useful for making the delivery vehicle of the present invention are made of comestible substances and are well known in the art . examples of useful pharmaceutical carrier particles include particles , that can be non - pariel pellets , typically between about 0 . 1 mm . and about 2 mm . in diameter , and made of , for example , starch , particles of microcrystalline cellulose , lactose particles or , particularly , sugar particles . suitable sugar particles ( pellets , e . g . non - pariel 103 , nu - core , nu - pariel ) are commercially available in sizes from 35 to 40 mesh to 18 to 14 mesh . particles of microcrystalline cellulose are preferred pharmaceutical carrier particles . the skilled artisan knows other pellets or spheres useful as pharmaceutical carrier particles . the microparticles of the drug or pharmacologically active substance of the present invention are obtained by removing a sublimable carrier from a solid solution of the drug in the sublimable carrier . the drug or pharamaceutically active substance can be present with the sublimable carrier in the solid solution as discrete molecules , or it can be present in aggregates of a few hundred , a few thousand , or more molecules . the drug need only be dispersed on a sufficiently small scale so that sufficiently small , discrete microparticles are ultimately obtained . preferably , the drug or pharmagolocigally active substance in the solid solution is dissolved in the sublimable carrier . sublimable carriers useful in the practice of the present invention form solid solutions with the drug at an easily accessible temperature and can be removed from the solid solution without heating the solid solution to a temperature above the melting point of the solid solution , for example by sublimation . sublimable carriers have a measurable vapor pressure below their melting point . preferred sublimable carriers have a vapor pressure of at least about 10 pascal , more preferably at least about 50 pascal at about 10 ° or more below their normal melting points . preferably , the sublimable carrier has a melting point between about − 10 ° c . and about 200 ° c ., more preferably between about 20 ° c . and about 60 ° c ., most preferably between about 40 ° c . and about 50 ° c . preferably , the sublimable carrier is a substance that is classified by the united states food and drug administration as generally recognized as safe ( i . e ., gras ). examples of suitable sublimable carriers include menthol , thymol , camphor , t - butanol , trichloro - t - butanol , imidazole , coumarin , acetic acid ( glacial ), dimethylsulfone , urea , vanillin , camphene , salicylamide , and 2 - aminopyridine . menthol is a particularly preferred sublimable carrier . the solid solutions of the present invention can exist as a true homogeneous crystalline phase of the interstitial or substitutional type , composed of distinct chemical species occupying the lattice points at random , or they can be a dispersion of discrete molecules or aggregates of molecules in the sublimable carrier . the solid solutions can be made by combining a drug with molten sublimable carrier , then cooling the combination to below the melting point of the solid solution . the solid solutions can also be formed by combining drug and sublimable carrier in an organic solvent and evaporating the organic solvent to obtain a solid solution of drug in sublimable carrier . ethanol is an example of a preferred organic solvent that can be used in the practice of the present invention . the solid solution can also include a compound or polymer that forms a dispersion with the drug . in a preferred embodiment , the solid solution is formed on the surface of at least one pharmaceutical carrier particle and preferably a plurality of pharmaceutical carrier particles . for example , a molten combination of drug and carrier can be applied to the surface of a pharmaceutical carrier particle where it is allowed to cool to form the solid solution on the surface of the pharmaceutical carrier particle . a solid solution can also be formed at the surface of a pharmaceutical carrier particle by applying a combination of solvent , drug , and sublimable carrier to at least one , and preferably a plurality of , pharmaceutical carrier particle ( s ) and evaporating the organic solvent to obtain the solid solution on the surface of the pharmaceutical carrier particle . application to the pharmaceutical carrier particles can be by any particle coating technique known in the art , for example using fluidized bed equipment or a spray coater . when used , organic solvent is removed after application by exposing the coated carrier particles to vacuum or a stream of heated or non - heated air using particle handling equipment well known in the art . when no solvent is used , application is at a temperature above the melting point of the sublimable carrier . when drug and sublimable carrier are combined with solvent , application is at a temperature such that drug and sublimable carrier remain in solution in the solvent . the microparticles of the present invention are formed by removal of sublimable carrier from a solid solution , made as described above , at a temperature below the melting point of the solid solution . the solid solution must be kept at a temperature below its melting point to preserve the solid solution during the process of removing the sublimable carrier . the sublimable carrier can be removed from the solid solution by , for example , treating the solid solution , deposited on a pharmaceutical carrier particle where applicable , in a stream of air , preferably heated air , in , for example , a fluidized bed drier . in those embodiments in which the solid solution is coated on the surface of a pharmaceutical carrier particle , the sublimable carrier can be removed by exposing the coated particles to heat , vacuum , heat and vacuum , or to a stream of heated or non - heated air , for example in a fluidized bed dryer . exposing coated pharmaceutical carrier particles to a stream of air ( heated or not ) in a fluidized bed dryer is a preferred means of removing sublimable carrier from solid solution coated on pharmaceutical carrier particles in order to form the microparticles of the present invention on the surface of the carrier particles . removal of sublimable carrier from the solid solution , whether coated on a pharmaceutical carrier particle or not , results in formation of the microparticles of the present invention . in another embodiment of the present invention , the microparticles of drug or the pharmaceutical carrier particles bearing microparticles of a drug are formulated into pharmaceutical compositions that can be made into dosage forms , in particular oral solid dosage forms such as capsules and compressed tablets , as are well known in the art . compressed tablets are formulated from pharmaceutical compositions containing the microparticles of the pharmacologically active substance or drug , or using pharmaceutical carrier particles bearing such microparticles , and pharmacologically inert ( pharmaceutically acceptable ) additives or excipients . for making a tablet , it will typically be desirable to include one or more benign pharmaceutical excipients in the pharmaceutical composition . the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may contain one or more diluents added to make the tablet larger and , hence , easier for the patient and caregiver to handle . common diluents are microcrystalline cellulose ( e . g . avicel ®), microfine cellulose , lactose , starch , pregelitinized starch , calcium carbonate , calcium sulfate , sugar , dextrates , dextrin , dextrose , dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate , tribasic calcium phosphate , kaolin , magnesium carbonate , magnesium oxide , maltodextrin , mannitol , polymethacrylates ( e . g . eudragit ®), potassium chloride , powdered cellulose , sodium chloride , sorbitol and talc . binders also may be included in tablet formulations to help hold the tablet together after compression . some typical binders are acacia , alginic acid , carbomer ( e . g . carbopol ), carboxymethylcellulose sodium , dextrin , ethyl cellulose , gelatin , guar gum , hydrogenated vegetable oil , hydroxyethyl cellulose , hydroxypropyl cellulose ( e . g . klucel ®), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose ( e . g . methocel ®), liquid glucose , magnesium aluminum silicate , maltodextrin , methylcellulose , polymethacrylates , povidone ( e . g . kollidon ®, plasdone ®), pregelatinized starch , sodium alginate and starch . the tablet may further include a disintegrant to accelerate disintegration of the tablet in the patient &# 39 ; s stomach . disintegrants include alginic acid , carboxymethyl cellulose calcium , carboxymethylcellulose sodium , colloidal silicon dioxide , croscarmellose sodium ( e . g . ac - di - sol ®, primellose ®), crospovidone ( e . g . kollidon ®, polyplasdone ®), guar gum , magnesium aluminum silicate , methyl cellulose , microcrystalline cellulose , polacrilin potassium , powdered cellulose , pregelatinized starch , sodium alginate , sodium starch glycolate ( e . g . explotab ®) and starch . a pharmaceutical composition for making compressed tablets may further include glidants , lubricants , flavorings , colorants and other commonly used excipients . pharmaceutical carrier particles bearing microparticles of a drug made in accordance with the present invention have excellent bulk flow properties and can be used directly , alone or in combination with carrier particles that do not carry a drug , to make capsule dosage forms . if necessary , diluents such as lactose , mannitol , calcium carbonate , and magnesium carbonate , to mention just a few , can be formulated with the microparticle - bearing pharmaceutical carrier particles when making capsules liquid oral pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise microparticles or microparticle - bearing pharmaceutical carrier particles and a liquid carrier such as water , vegetable oil , alcohol , polyethylene glycol , propylene glycol or glycerin , most preferably water . liquid oral pharmaceutical compositions may contain emulsifying agents to disperse uniformly throughout the composition the active ingredient , drug delivery vehicle , or excipient having low solubility in the liquid carrier . emulsifying agents that may be useful in liquid compositions of the present invention include , for example , gelatin , egg yolk , casein , cholesterol , acacia , tragacanth , chondrus , pectin , methyl cellulose , carbomer , cetostearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol . liquid oral pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may also contain a viscosity enhancing agent to improve the mouth - feel of the product and / or coat the lining of the gastrointestinal tract . such agents include acacia , alginic acid bentonite , carbomer , carboxymethylcellulose calcium or sodium , cetostearyl alcohol , methyl cellulose , ethylcellulose , gelatin guar gum , hydroxyethyl cellulose , hydroxypropyl cellulose , hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose , maltodextrin , polyvinyl alcohol , povidone , propylene carbonate , propylene glycol alginate , sodium alginate , sodium starch glycolate , starch tragacanth and xanthan gum . the liquid oral pharmaceutical composition also may contain sweetening agents , such as sorbitol , saccharin , sodium saccharin , sucrose , aspartame , fructose , mannitol and invert sugar ; preservatives and chelating agents such as alcohol , sodium benzoate , butylated hydroxy toluene , butylated hydroxyanisole and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid ; and buffers such as guconic acid , lactic acid , citric acid or acetic acid , sodium gluconate , sodium lactate , sodium citrate or sodium acetate . the present invention is further illustarted with the followin non - limiting examples . the following general procedure was repeated with several drugs with menthol carrier . menthol ( 10 grams ) was melted on a stirring hot plate with magnetic stirring , then heated to the desired temperature indicated in table 1 . the desired drug was added in small increments ( 0 . 1 grams ) and stirred to obtain a clear solution . the desired drug was added in increments until no more drug dissolved in the menthol . the weight of material added to the menthol melt that still gave a clear solution was taken as the solubility of the active drug at the indicated temperature . the results are given in table 1 . menthol ( 50 grams ) was heated in a jacketed reactor to 60 ° c . after melting , the melt was stirred at 100 rpm . fenofibrate ( 25 grams ) was added and the mixture stirred at 100 rpm and 60 ° c . until full dissolution was achieved . microcrystalline cellulose ( avicel ph 102 , 55 grams ) was added to the melt and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes . the heat source was then removed and the mass allowed to cool to room temperature with the stirring continued at 100 rpm for a further 30 minutes . the obtained mass was milled through a 6 . 35 mm screen in a quadro comil mill at 1300 rpm . the milled product was allowed to cool to 25 ° c . and milled again through 1 . 4 mm screen to obtain a powder in which the fenofibrate is dissolved in menthol and coated on the microcrystalline cellulose . the powder was transferred to a fluid bed dryer ( aeromatic model strea1 ) where the menthol was removed by drying for three hours at 30 - 32 ° c . with the fan at 7 - 8 nm 3 / hr . a powder , 62 grams , was obtained . this powder was an essentially “ micronized ” fenofibrate deposited on microcrystalline cellulose . a sample of this powder containing 100 mg of the fenofibrate was tested for dissolution in a usp apparatus ii dissolution tester in 900 ml 0 . 5 % sodium lauryl sulfate ( sls ) in water at 37 ° c . and 100 rpm . the fenofibrate in the dissolution medium was determined by hplc on an hypersil ® ods column with uv detection at 286 nm . the results are shown in table 2 . fenofibrate “ micronized ” by the menthol method gave 100 % dissolution in two hours . an equivalent simple combination of fenofibrate ( control , not deposited from menthol ) with microcrystalline cellulose gave 40 . 2 % dissolution in 3 hours , while a mechanically micronized fenofibrate raw material mixed with microcrystalline cellulose gave 72 . 1 % dissolution in 3 hours . menthol ( 80 grams ) was melted and oxybutynin chloride ( 8 grams ) and microcrystalline cellulose ( 89 . 5 grams ) were added and treated as in example 2 to give a powder of “ micronized ” oxybutynin chloride on microcrystalline cellulose . the dissolution of oxybutynin chloride from this powder ( a sample of powder containing 100 mg of the active drug ) was tested in a usp apparatus ii dissolution tester in 100 ml of 50 mm phosphate buffer ph = 6 . 8 at 37 ° c . and 50 rpm . the oxybutynin content of the dissolution sample was measured by spectrophotometer at 225 nm . the results are given in table 3 . the dissolution reached 79 . 2 % at three hours . an equivalent simple combination of the oxybutynin chloride raw material with microcrystalline cellulose that was not treated with the “ menthol micronization ” method gave only 22 . 1 % dissolution in three hours . menthol ( 50 grams ) was melted and risperidone ( 4 . 5 grams ) and microcrystalline cellulose ( 62 . 5 grams ) were added and treated according to the procedure in example 2 . a sample of the resulting powder ( containing 50 mg of risperidone ) was tested in a usp apparatus ii dissolution tester using 900 ml of water at 37 ° c . and 100 rpm . the concentration of risperidone in the dissolution samples was measured using a spectrophotometer at 240 nm . the results of the dissolution of the “ menthol micronized ” powder and of the control simple combination of risperidone and microcrystalline cellulose ( not treated with menthol ) are shown in table 4 . the menthol deposited risperidone gave 100 % dissolution in 30 minutes , whereas the control mixture gave 31 . 9 % in thirty minutes and 63 . 7 % in three hours . menthol ( 80 grams ) was melted and cyclosporin ( 20 grams ) and microcrystalline cellulose ( 100 grams ) were added and treated as in example 2 . a sample of this powder ( containing 10 mg of “ menthol micronized ” cyclosporin ) was tested for dissolution in 900 ml water in a usp apparatus ii dissolution unit at 37 ° c . and 100 rpm . the cyclosporin content of the dissolution samples was determined spectrophotometrically at 215 nm . the dissolution of the menthol deposited material and of a control mixture of cyclosporin and microcrystalline cellulose ( not deposited from menthol ) are presented in table 5 . the cyclosporin dissolution from the powder having cyclosporin deposited from menthol was about twice that of the control ( simple combination ), and the maximum dissolution was achieved in shorter time . menthol ( 92 grams ) was melted as in example 2 . itraconazole ( 3 . 6 grams ) was added and mixed well in the melt . a solution was not formed because itraconazole has a solubility of only 1 % in menthol at 60 ° c . ( see table 1 ). to the suspension of itraconazole in menthol was added microcrystalline cellulose ( 90 grams ) and the mixture treated as in example 2 . the dissolution of the itraconazole was measured from a powder sample containing 100 mg of the drug in 900 ml of 0 . 1n hcl in a usp apparatus ii dissolution tester at 37 ° c . and 100 rpm . the dissolved itraconazole was measured spectrophotometrically at 251 nm . the results of the dissolution are shown in table 6 . the dissolution was about 8 % at 30 minutes and the same at three hours . a control simple mixture of itraconazole and microcrystalline cellulose ( not deposited from menthol ) gave essentially the same results ( 7 . 8 % in three hours ). | 0 |
the simulation of varied military weapons and munitions is necessary for the proper training of troops . these simulated weapons must be realistic in providing a loud bang or report that would normally accompany their discharge , and also an accompanying smoke and / or dust cloud . at the same time the devices must be safe , not just in use , but when stored and transported by untrained recruits . for safety reasons , the devices described in this disclosure are powered by compressed gas , supplied in tanks or cartridges of various sizes . it is to be understood however , that the invention is not limited to this means of power , and the devices could be adapted to be powered by combustible materials and be within the ambit of the invention . although this invention is directed at producing simulated military devices , some preferred embodiments of the invention can be used for entertainment , in place of pyrotechnics . other preferred embodiments of the invention can also be used to project materials , such as confetti , where an accompanying loud sonic report is required . it should also be appreciated that although the preferred embodiments produce a loud sonic report and the transport of a payload , some preferred embodiments may do only one or the other . the invention and its many embodiments describe a method of separating the sonic report from the transport of payload . in this patent , payload can refer to any material that is transported out of the device , and can include particulate matter such as aggregate , baby powder , talc , or paper such as confetti or a liquid , aerosol , or gas . as described above , the creation of the sonic report is due mainly to propagation of a shock wave caused by the bursting of a burst disk . the use of a burst disk is the most practical and inexpensive method of ensuring a rapid release of compressed gas that is substantially instantaneous , that collides with the ambient air , thus creating a loud bang . to create a loud report , the escaping gas need only travel a short distance , but do so at high velocity . the requirement that it be at the highest possible velocity , means that it must be unencumbered by foreign material , such as parts of the payload . that is , it must not have been slowed down by entraining foreign materials , and accelerating them . the resonant frequency of the gas volume that powers the sonic stroke , immediately after the bursting of the burst disk is of importance , as the energy should be compressed into a relatively short pulse . also of importance is that the sonic report propagates in all directions , and that which returns back into the device , must be redirected back out of the barrel . as mentioned above , the transport of the payload requires a completely different energy regime . transport of the payload requires a long duration , steady flow of gas out of the device , and for this reason , the invention separate these two regimes . the invention can best be described by referring to the drawings that accompany this patent . fig1 incorporates many aspects of the invention . the device illustrated on fig1 can take many shapes and guises , and can for example have rocket fins and nosecones attached . the device illustrated in fig1 is comprised of a chamber or barrel 7 that contains the payload , in this case particular matter 3 , such as baby powder . the bottom portion of the device , referred to as the igniter , and identified as 1 a on fig1 , projects a vented lance 9 a , that either opens a valve 6 b attached to a compressed gas cartridge 6 , or pierces a seal that allows the compressed gas to exit the tank at relatively high volume . fig1 illustrates the igniter that is about to pierce the seal . the igniter in this embodiment of the invention includes a piston 10 that travels up and down , a cylinder 9 in response to a force 11 b that acts on the bottom of the piston 10 . this force 11 b can be supplied by a simple mechanical rod or be in the form of a gas or liquid volume , traveling up and down the tube 11 a , in the base 11 . fig1 illustrates the force 11 b acting in an upward direction that forces the piston 10 and the attached vented lance 9 a . fig1 also illustrates an optional spring 10 c , which compresses and resets the device upon recovery , after the upward force 11 b is relaxed . to prevent the escape of gas , “ o ” rings are employed at certain connections , where gas might otherwise escape and two such “ o ” rings are illustrated 10 a , 10 b . fig1 illustrates a gas relief valve 10 d , which allows the piston to travel up the cylinder , without compressing the gas above . the vented lance 9 a , that is suitable for piercing seal type gas cartridges 6 , is illustrated in more detail on fig4 . the vented lance 9 a has attached a rim 9 c that deflects the escaping gas into the waiting port and passage 8 a on fig1 . this rim 9 c prevents condensate , caused from the cool escaping gas , to enter between the piston 10 and cylinder 9 , which might otherwise seize them . the vented lance 9 a pierces the seal 6 a and allows the compressed gas to escape through the lance vents 9 b and exits as a stream 2 e . the compressed gas is then directed by rim 9 c to ports and passages 8 a in gas distributor 8 . fig1 shows two such ports 8 a , but many preferred embodiments can have any number of such means of transporting the gas . to prevent the fouling of the passages , an “ o ” ring 8 b is placed around the gas distributor in such a manner that when the gas is passing through the passage 8 a with sufficient force , it will radially expand the otherwise sealing “ o ” ring 8 b and unseat it allowing for the passage of gas around it , and into the chamber or barrel 7 . when the gas drops below a certain pressure , the “ o ” ring 8 b will reseal the passage and thereby prevent any particulate matter remaining in the chamber 7 from back flowing into the passage 8 a and beyond . some preferred embodiments include a retaining rim or pegs 8 c or other such restraining means , to ensure that the “ o ” ring 8 b does not roll up or down the gas distributor 8 , with it is in its expanded state . the gas passing out of the passage 8 will rapidly fluidize the material that has been placed in the canister 7 . the fluidizing of this material will greatly assist in later projecting it out of the gas projector 1 . the preferred embodiment illustrated in fig1 includes a gas cartridge 6 that is contained within a holder 5 , but can of course be secured by many other convenient means . fig1 has attached to it or incorporated into it a dish shaped platform sa that is a sound and pressure reflector and that is referred to herein as a sonic energy concentrator . this dish or horn shaped form sa is meant to be illustrative of a large class of forms that focus or reflect sonic energy , including horns , bells to name just a few . other preferred embodiments may however utilize forms that are flat or convex ; to disperse the sound and make it more omni directional as it exits the chamber . the other purpose of the sonic energy concentrator sa is to establish a secondary resonant cavity between the said sonic energy concentrator and the burst disk 2 a it faces . since the gas pulse that gives rise to the shock front need only be short in length and duration , but high in velocity , it is advantageous to have a relatively short resonant cavity . it is to be understood that fig1 is only illustrative of one aspect of the invention , and that the size , shape and location , relative to the bottom surface of the burst disk 2 a will vary depending upon many factors , such as the size of the primary resonant cavity , the distance beneath the sonic energy concentrator sa , the pressures at which the system operates and the gas that is used as an energy source , to name a few . at the top of the cavity is located a burst hat 2 , that includes a burst disk 2 a , which is snapped into place over a small ledge sd , as illustrated on fig1 , or by other convenient means well known to the art . the burst hat 2 is shaped to seal with burst hat seal 4 , when the pressure in cavity 7 increases above the pressure outside the cavity . while fig1 illustrates a hat shaped burst disk , this is merely illustrative of a class of burst disks that can for example be simple wafer like disks sealed at their perimeters , by means well known to the art . the purpose of the burst disk is to contain the increasing pressure within the chamber as the compressed gas cartridge empties ; and then at some predetermined pressure , to fail suddenly , allowing the gas to escape out through the orifice 4 a . this burst disk serves as an inexpensive high speed valve , which of course some preferred embodiments might substitute . as described above , when the burst disk 2 a or substituted high speed valve opens , the high pressure gas accelerates quickly in the preferred embodiment , as there is no payload to impede it . this acceleration is aided by the tapered burst hat 2 that forms a venturi and the sonic energy concentrator with relatively short pulse resonance . a shock front is created when this high velocity gas meats the relatively slow moving ambient air , immediately adjacent to the boundary of the disk , when it breaks . the result is a shock front , shock wave and resulting sonic report . fig5 illustrates the system at the point that the piston 10 has moved up the cylinder 9 in response to upward force 11 b , causing the gas to escape from the breached seal 6 a , and the gas to pass into the chamber 7 , as above described . fig5 illustrates the burst seal having burst 2 c , the payload material 3 a starting to exit the chamber 7 . also illustrated between the sonic energy concentrator 5 a and the just burst disk , is the secondary resonant cavity , that quickly upon the bursting of the burst disk 2 a , assumes the role of a sound bell or horn , directing the sound of the shock wave produced , outward , away from the chamber 7 and accelerating the shock front formation . just after the burst disk 2 a fails 2 c and generally following the sonic report , the payload , in this example , particulate matter , having been already fluidized , is entrained by the large volume of slower moving , lower pressure gas , that then exits the chamber 7 , through the orifice 4 a . while the preferred embodiment illustrated in fig1 and fig5 illustrate a conic - cylindrical hat 2 that incorporates the burst disk 2 a , the hat can also contain part or the entire payload . while the preferred embodiment of the invention , has the escaping gas acting on the burst disk first , to create a loud report , as described above ; there may be circumstances where one may wish to project the material with higher or in a more clustered form , in which case it may be advantageous to fill the burst hat 2 with such material and contain it with a cover to form a burst hat container 2 j , such as a peal top 2 b , well known to the art . in such preferred embodiments , some or all of the other features of the invention may be utilized and therefore still be within the ambit of the invention . one embodiment of the invention is to convert the burst hat 2 into a burst hat container 2 j for the material 3 to be projected by the gas projector 1 by adding a peal top 2 b or other top that can be removed or pierced . in most cases the burst hat container 2 j is filled with the precise amount that will give a particular effect , for a particular device . these burst containers 2 j , can then be provided already packed in handy portions , and in most cases the user will simply empty the ideal portion into the chamber 7 , and then place the empty burst hat container 2 in the burst hat seal , as illustrated in fig1 . fig8 illustrates the packaging of the material in a way consistent with one of the preferred embodiments that is to ensure that the initial gas pulse that bursts the disk is unimpeded with payload . the burst hat container 2 j illustrated in fig8 has a partly or wholly vacant channel 2 h running from the peal top 2 b to the burst disk 2 a . the channel can be created by inserting a tube preferably made of material that will maintain its integrity only briefly to allow the initial pulse of gas to break the burst disk 2 a and create the shock front . the tube or member of other suitable shape can for example be made of paper or friable material such as ceramic or may simply be formed by pressing or adding a binder to the particular matter that forms the payload . for example , if the payload is talc , a tube might be pressed into the talk , after it is poured into the burst hat container 2 j , and then the surface of the tube so formed could be sprayed or imparted into it by other well know means , a binder , that would stabilize the tube , and yet , after providing a channel for the initial pulse of gas , collapse or partly collapse , so the material might better be transported out of the orifice in a uniform spray . the hole adjacent to the peal top 2 i shown in fig8 can extend through the top or can be broken open by simply pushing the inverted burst hat onto the shock tube 5 b . some embodiments of the invention include a shock tube 5 b as shown on fig6 , most of which include some means , such as a port 5 c for the gas to enter the lumen of the shock tube 5 b and gain access to the bottom of the shock disk 2 a . in the example illustrated on fig6 , this point of entry is a hole 5 c just above the sonic shock concentrator 5 a . other embodiments of the invention have no shock tube and rely instead on the channel 2 h as shown of fig8 , and simply have a whole 2 i precut or that can be easily removed prior to insertion . other embodiments have points of weakness around the hole that allow the cover of the hole 2 i to fail when the pressure begins to rise in the chamber . other embodiments utilize other methods well known to the art of packaging . as mentioned above , some embodiments of the invention rely on a high volume valve to control the emptying of the compressed gas cartridge 6 , rather than a pierce disk , as illustrated on fig1 . fig9 illustrates the system with such a valve 6 b , in this example connected directly to the said compressed gas cartridge 6 . fig9 includes an extension 6 c which is acted upon by the lance 9 a to open the flow of gas to the gas distributor , and in this example channel 8 a . the high volume valves are generally used for larger gas cartridges and the pierce disks for the smaller ones . fig9 also illustrates another embodiment of one aspect of the invention , being the sonic energy concentrator 5 a . in this embodiment , the device has a base which fits over the compressed gas cartridge 6 . these ease of installation means that various shaped sonic energy concentrators 5 a can be used to address particular performance requirements , such as the shape and intensity of the sound field generated by the device . for example , for some applications , a very narrowly focused , high intensity field will be required , necessitating a sonic energy concentrator with a deeper dish at the top of the unit . other applications would require a flatter or even convex surface to vary the shape and intensity of the sonic field . the design specifications of all these embodiments of the invention will depend upon the particular circumstances of the device dimensions , gas pressures used , type of energy inputs , to name just a few . fig1 is view of the principal components of a typical gas projection system . they are : the igniter unit , 1 a ; the gas delivery system , including the gas distributor , 1 b ; and the pressure release unit , 1 c . fig1 illustrates the typical igniter unit 1 a . in this example , illustrated in fig1 , the piston 10 movement is controlled by a fluid or gas entering the channel 11 a , via a tube or conduit 12 b . the controller 12 controls the delivery of this controlling gas or fluid and its design is well known to the art of fluid and gas controllers . in some embodiments , this controller can in turn be controlled by a more remote wireless , or wired device 12 a . although this example of the embodiment illustrated on fig1 utilizes a gas or fluid media to push up the piston 10 , other embodiments would utilize other means well known to the art to control the motion of the lance 9 a , and these might be wholly electric or such other means well known to the art . fig1 is meant to illustrate one embodiment of the invention that includes a redirecting means for the sonic energy and subsequently the matter that is ejected out of the chamber 7 of the gas projector 1 . in this example an auxiliary cap 13 is screwed onto the top of the pressure release unit , in this case the burst hat seal 4 , with treaded top . the flow of compressed gas 2 e passes the burst disk 2 c and then is redirected at 90 degrees , in approximately a 180 degree field by an approximately inverted conic section 13 b , and thence through ports of various sizes and locations , 13 a . fig1 also illustrates the use of a sonic energy concentrator 5 a of the type illustrated in fig9 , that fits over the compressed gas cartridge 6 . this example illustrates the many shapes the basic gas projector 1 can assume . in this case the base 11 is shaped like the head of an artillery shell . this preferred embodiment might be used to simulate a road - side bomb made from an artillery shell . this unit might be used to train soldiers on how to locate , avoid and disarm such devices . in this example , the embodiment illustrated includes a remote control device 12 and 12 a for igniting the unit , as earlier described . it is important to note that this example of a preferred embodiment of the invention uses the same burst hat 2 as in fig1 , and is retained by the same snap in ledge 5 d . fig1 illustrates an auxiliary cap 13 that has a more focused redirector . in this case a redirecting member 13 b turns the gas flow 2 e , at approximately right angles and redirects the flow out a port 13 a . fig1 illustrates another embodiment of the invention that allows for redirection of the gas flow 2 e and various means of attaching the burst disk . in this embodiment of the invention the standard gas projector 1 is fitted with a high volume valve 6 c , with remote controller 12 and 12 a , with a base 11 shaped like an artillery shell . the burst hat seal 4 can accommodate a burst hat 2 , being retained by ledge 5 d ; or the wafer burst disk 2 g can alternatively clamped in by retainer ring 4 c . fig1 also illustrates a sonic energy concentrator that is meant to work most efficiently in the mode where the wafer like burst disk 2 g is located at the retention ring 4 c . for this preferred embodiment the sonic energy concentrator 5 a creates a very efficient secondary resonant cavity , and also acts as a broadcast horn to project the sound in the desired direction . fig1 also includes a redirecting member 13 b , which is in this case blended into the sonic energy concentrator . as can be readily appreciated , from the forgoing examples , the sonic energy concentrator can take many forms , but still be within the ambit of the invention . if the burst hat 2 is located in the burst hat seal 4 ; burst disk 4 c , is not normally used . however , for some applications a staged burst sequence might for certain applications be desired , especially where very high energy sonic booms are required . for these applications the secondary resonant chamber might be pumped by utilizing an intermittent pulse created by first pulsing the valve 6 c , and then using a high speed valve in place of the burst disk 2 a or alternatively , the burst disk 2 a might be of the split type , well known to the art , and disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 2 , 831 , 475 by richard i . daniel , that would permit intermittent opening and closing of the seal as the pressure in vessel 7 increased and then was relived by the temporary opening of the split seal , and as the pressure dropped with its release , the split seal would reseal , and the pressure would rebuild for another cycle . if a high speed electronically controlled valve is used in place of the burst disk 2 at the burst hat seal 4 and a electronically controlled high speed valve is used at 6 c , and perhaps a high speed valve is used in place of the burst disk 2 g , and the opening and closing of the valves are coordinated , to maximize resonance in the secondary resonant chamber , pumped by harmonic resonance in the primary resonant chamber 7 , then very intense sonic pulses can be created . the pulse finally exiting the orifice at 4 c , can also be transformed into a vortex , by attaching a vortex generator ring 4 b , described below . fig1 illustrates how a vortex ring might be attached or incorporated into the pressure release unit , in this case the burst hat seal 4 , with standard orifice 4 a , which has added a thin ring 4 b that is designed to slow the periphery of the gas flow 2 e as it exits the unit . as it does so , the centre of the gas flow speeds up relative to the flow on the periphery . if the flow of the gas 2 e , takes the form of short pulses , vortexes will be formed at each pulse . a vortex is very stable and can entrain particulate matter and carry it for distances far greater than a simple stream of gas , which quickly diffuses . this feature allows the invention to produce much more realistic mushroom clouds that occur with conventional explosions . the vortex also will impart a percussive impact which can be felt by a person its path . it is a feature of this invention that makes the device much more realistic in safely simulating the sounds , smoke and with this feature the percussive impact of an exploding device . the actual dimensions of the rings , to create such an effect for the many conditions that will arise for the various embodiments of the invention are well known to the art of vortex generation . suffice it to say , that these various implementations are all within the ambit of this invention . in fig1 a simple arrangement might be to have a burst hat 2 at burst hat seal 4 , and a vortex ring generator located at ring retainer 4 c . this arrangement would deliver a pulse to the vortex ring generator , with sonic concentration and horn amplification by the sonic energy concentrator 5 a . if a split type of burse disk is substituted for the burst seal 2 a in the burst hat 2 , and is located in burst hat seal 4 , the controller can direct the valve 6 c to release an intermittent pulse , which results in a series of reports . if a vortex generator is added at 4 c , these pulses can be converted in vortexes . fig1 illustrates how an auxiliary redirector 13 can incorporate vortex ring generators as well as simple ports . in this example the inside edges of the port are as thin as possible , and a tube 13 c is formed around the port , having an inside diameter somewhat larger than the diameter of the port 13 a . as mentioned above these relative sizes will vary depending upon the conditions that prevail , and these design parameters are well known to the engineering art of fluid dynamics and mechanical engineering . a nosecone 14 has been attached to the embodiment illustrated on fig1 . while only one vortex 4 b generator is shown on fig1 , any number can be utilized . fig1 illustrates another embodiment of the invention . this is a simple , modular system in which the compressed gas cartridge 6 is pushed by a piston 10 , in response to an input at 11 a of force 11 b , which moves the piston 10 forward and the compressed gas cartridge 6 , into a vented lance 9 a , well known to the art . this embodiment used a gas cartridge with a seal type valve , but it is apparent that other embodiments could just as easily use another type of valve , well known to the art , including a high volume valve instead . fig1 includes an optional spring 10 c to reset the tank and piston at the completion of the desired release of gas from the tank . in this example the spring is a belleville washer 10 c , but a coil spring , or other spring might just as easily be used . the preferred embodiment illustrated in fig1 also includes a simple valve 8 d , which could be a flapper valve or other type well known to the art to prevent particulate matter from back flowing into the lance 9 a and cartridge 6 or piston 10 . fig1 includes a sonic energy concentrator 5 a , which is suspended from the walls forming the chamber 7 , by one or more supports , around which the gas flow 2 e is free to pass . this embodiment of the invention can accommodate a burst hat 2 as illustrated , or a wafer burst disk at 4 c , or both . fig1 illustrates the pressure release unit including a burst hat 2 and a vortex generator 4 b which can screw into or be attached by other means to a gas projector 1 , such as that illustrated on fig1 . although the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig1 shows only one retainer ring 4 c , that accommodates a simple burst disk , it should be noted that any number of retainer rings 4 c , could be stacked on top of each other , with appropriate connecting threads , or other means , to produce the desired effects . for example , a simple wafer type burst disk 2 g might be in the bottom retainer rings 4 c , and an additional retainer ring , immediately above it , might retain a vortex ring generator 4 b . fig2 illustrates a side - firing pressure release unit with redirecting vane 13 b that provides redirecting means to the top of the gas projector 1 , illustrated on fig1 . this particular accessory is side firing , with deflector vane 13 b redirecting the flow 2 e at 90 degrees , through port 13 a . it should be noted that these preferred embodiments are meant to be only illustrative of the principal of redirecting the flow , and other embodiments of the invention can project the flow in various directions , and be within the ambit of the invention . fig2 illustrates a further way in which the air projector illustrated on fig1 can be modified to project the sonic report and payload , if any , in any particular direction . in the example illustrated in fig2 , this is 90 degrees , but other embodiments could direct them in any particular direction and be within the ambit of the invention . the embodiment illustrated in fig2 is similar to that illustrated in fig1 , and has a similar redirection vane 13 b and sonic energy concentrator 5 a . in this example of the invention , the burst disk 2 a has burst 2 c , sending a pulse of gas 2 e past the vortex ring generator 4 b , to produce a vortex 2 f . fig2 , and fig2 illustrate how the gas projectors can be daisy - chained together to ignite at approximately the same time . in these examples of the preferred embodiment a number of gas projectors 1 are placed in a vest that is meant to simulate a suicide vest , for training security personnel . in this example of the preferred embodiment , the gas projectors 1 are secured to a belt 15 , which is cinched around part of a person &# 39 ; s body . the canister 16 , containing a fluid or gas can be motivated by the operator to travel down the tube 12 b and cause the gas to be released from gas cartridge 6 , by such means as described in the forgoing examples . fig2 illustrates gas projectors 1 , that are similar to those illustrated on fig1 , but any gas projectors can be used and come within the ambit of the invention . the tubes 12 b can be connected to the gas projectors at ha and cause all the pistons 10 to move in direction 11 b all at approximately the same time . this will result in the gas being released at approximately the same time , and then a loud report and projection of the payload , in a manner described above . fig2 illustrates how the gas projectors can be individually connected to controlling means similar to that described in fig1 . in this example the controlling means direct the fluid or gas down tubes 12 b individually , so that the gas projectors 1 can be made to ignite in any sequence desired . the controller might be equipped with a wired or wireless remote control to control part or all of the functions of the controller itself . as mentioned above , the invention can take many forms . the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated on fig2 a , 25 b and 25 c is in the form of a mortar . it however has the principal elements of the invention , as will be appreciated in its detailed description . the mortar tube 19 is simply a tube with a closed end at one end , the base , and an open end at the other . the gas projector 1 is similar to that illustrated in fig1 , but with the addition of a tail fin 18 , a streamlined cartridge holder 5 and burst hat seal 4 , as well as a payload tube 7 a , nosecone 17 ( the mortar projectile ) and additional gas ports 8 d . fig2 a illustrates the mortar round ( the gas projector 1 ) being dropped 11 c into the mortar tube 19 , at that point just before the rod 19 a makes contact with piston 10 . at this point the compressed gas cartridge 6 is not discharging any gas . fig2 b illustrates the mortar round ( the gas projector 1 ) being dropped 11 c into the mortar tube 19 , at that point just as the rod 19 a has made contact with piston 10 and moved it and the abutting gas cartridge 6 in direction 11 b ; causing the lance 9 a to break the seal in said gas cartridge 6 . the released gas 2 e then moves through passage 8 a into the bottom of the payload tube 7 a . simultaneously the released gas 2 e passes around and up the space between the payload tube 7 a and the walls of the barrel or chamber 7 , through ports 8 d , ( the ports 8 d being the only passage available to the top of the nosecone ) and into the space between nose cone or plug 17 and the burst disk 2 a . at this point the nosecone 17 does not move vertically , as the gas pressure is the same at the bottom as the top ; and also the nosecone 17 may be restrained by some of its upper surface coming into contact with the bottom of the burst disk 2 . the “ o ” rings 10 e maintain a sliding , gas tight seal , between the nosecone 17 and the payload tube 7 a . as the gas pressure in the barrel 7 rises , the burst disk bulges , as illustrated on fig2 b . at some point the gas pressure in the barrel 7 rises to the point that the burst disk 2 a bursts 2 c . fig2 c , illustrates what happens at after this point . after the burst disk fails 2 c , the gas pressure at the top of the nosecone suddenly drops relative to the gas pressure at the bottom of the nosecone . this causes the nosecone to move up the tube thereby covering the ports 8 a and cutting off further movement of gas through these ports 8 a . all the gas that continues to be released 2 e then acts just on the bottom surface of the nosecone 17 , projecting it upward 17 a . in the preferred embodiment of the invention , the nosecone contains a sonic energy concentrator 5 a . this can be in any shape , as mentioned earlier , however , in most applications it will be a concave shape in the top of the nosecone , which creates a secondary resonant chamber , concentrating and promoting the sonic shock front , and also acting as a bell or horn , projecting the sound forward . it is important to note that this embodiment of the invention is consistent with the separation of the gas , that drives the shock front and causes the report , from the gas the later projects the payload . that is , the gas that drives the shock front is unencumbered by payload . in fig2 a , 25 b and 25 c , the payload is the nosecone 17 and the particulate matter 3 and 3 a . note also that when the gas enters port 8 a , the gas fluidizes the particulate matter as the nosecone is elevated on member 7 b , creating a space above the particulate matter 3 and bellow the bottom of the nosecone 17 . fig2 a and 26 b illustrates a further embodiment of the invention that incorporates the principal features that comprise the invention in a form that resembles a foot depression mine . as one can readily appreciate , the embodiment illustrated in fig2 a , 26 b , 27 a and 27 b all resemble the gas projector illustrated in fig1 and fig5 , except that in the former group of embodiments , the piston 10 pushes the compressed gas cartridge 6 into the lance 9 a , rather than the other way around . also the piston 10 and gas cartridge 6 are separated by the burst disk 2 a , which is somewhat flexible and allows sufficient movement of both , without bursting . the preferred embodiment illustrated in fig2 a and 26 b include a sonic energy concentrator 5 a that can take many shapes , but most are in the form of a concave surface that creates a secondary resonant chamber that , as mentioned above , enhances the force of the shock front and the consequent volume of the report , while also acting like a bell or horn , projecting the sound forward and away from the device . after the piston 10 is depressed , sliding through a bushing 20 , located in the burst hat seal 4 , as illustrated in fig2 b , the gas is released from the compressed gas cartridge 6 and advances 2 e up the chamber 7 , thence around the sonic energy concentrator 5 a . when the pressure is sufficiently high to burst the burst disk 2 c , it advances through ports 4 a and beyond . it is important to note that in this embodiment , the sonic energy concentrator , provides some further means of separating the first blast of air that breaks the burst disk 2 , 2 c from the payload 3 , in this example , particulate matter 3 , even when the air blast , floats the material somewhat , readying it for transport , as the pressure drops and the air begins to stream 2 e entraining the payload . fig2 a , 26 b , 27 a and 27 b all have “ o ” rings 8 b and restraining means 8 c that prevent any particulate matter or other debris from back flowing into the valve . this novel use of an “ o ” ring that transforms it into a valve by radial expansion and compression is an important feature of the invention , and is found on many implementations of the invention . fig2 a and 27 b illustrate a tripwire type of mine and is identical to the compression mine , illustrated in fig2 a and 26 b , except that the spring 10 c is preloaded by pulling the piston 10 up and temporarily latching it in that position . for example , fig2 a and 27 b illustrate a cotter pin 21 that has been inserted into a hole 21 a , in the piston 10 , while the spring has been put into compression . in fig2 a and 27 b , a tripwire 22 has been connected to the pin . when the tripwire is pulled , the spring 10 c recovers , drawing the piston down into the chamber 7 , and pressing the compressed gas cartridge 6 into the lance 9 a , causing the chamber 7 to pressurize , and the burst disk 2 to burst 2 c . the tripwire mine illustrated on 27 a and 27 b both have sonic energy concentrators 5 a and “ o ” rings , which serve the same purposes as they do on the other embodiments of the invention herein . it should be noted that while the reference has been made herein to gas cartridges , it should be understood that the any gas supply would suffice , whether inside the device or partly or completely outside it . it should also be noted that there are many methods of controlling the flow of the gas , will known to the art , including electronic , electrical , pneumatic , hydraulic types , to name just a few example . it should be understood that embodiments that contain any of these methods , which are well known to the art , are within the ambit of this invention . it should also be understood that the invention is not limited to the examples given in this disclosure , but are examples of a larger class of sound and material projection devices , or both . while the burst hat 2 and the burst hat seal have a complementary conic - cylindrical shape , it is to be understood that they may be any shape , provided they present the seal disk 2 a to the air flow or pressure 2 e to effect the purpose of causing the seal disk 2 a to burst 2 c . while the embodiments of the invention are described mostly in the context of using a burst disk to cause a sudden venting of the compressed gas flow , sufficient to cause a loud report , as herein described , it is to be understood that this is only an example of high - speed methods of tuning on the flow of gas , and can utilize other high speed valves , of whatever types . while the preferred embodiment of the invention locates the sonic shock concentrator inside the exit port of the gas projector , the exit port being the last orifice on the device , in the gas stream 2 e , it is to understood that some embodiments of the invention , can locate the sonic shock concentrator 5 a outside the said exit port , in the exiting gas stream 2 e . while the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrates various means of actuating the valve 6 c or breaking the seal 6 a of the compressed gas cartridge , it should be understood that these are merely illustrative of many means well known to the art . for example the gas projector could be made in the form of a gun and the lance 9 a could just as easily be actuated by a finger trigger that would cause the lance 9 a to move forward , releasing the compressed gas , whether in a canister or supplied externally to the device . while many features of the invention have been illustrated in forms that resemble explosive devices and munitions , it is to be understood that the gas projectors can take many forms , such as firecrackers , confetti guns , to name just a few . it should also be noted that certain embodiment can have any combination of features that comprise the embodiments of the invention and still be within the ambit of the invention herein disclosed . while the present invention has been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments , it is to be understood that modifications and variations may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the 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 inventions and appended claims . | 5 |
embodiments of the present invention are employed in a cmos imaging device generally illustrated in fig1 by reference numeral 10 . the imaging device includes an array of pixels arranged in rows and columns with each pixel having a pixel circuit 100 , each pixel being associated with a column line to which all pixels of that column are connected , the pixels being selected row - by - row . the pixel circuit 100 provides a reset signal v rst and a pixel image signal v sig as outputs during a reset and integration period , respectively , which are captured by a sample and hold circuit 200 associated with that column in response to sampling signals shs ( for the image signal ) and shr ( for the reset signal ), respectively . the sample and hold circuit 200 passes the reset signal v rst and image signal v sig of a pixel circuit 100 to an amplifier 40 which in turn provides a signal representing the difference between the reset signal and pixel image signal ( v rst − v sig ) as an output . this difference signal is provided to an analog to digital converter 60 and , from there , to an image processor 80 which receives digitized pixel signals from all pixel circuits 100 of the pixel array and provides an image output . an active pixel circuit 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in greater detail in fig1 a . pixel circuit 100 includes a transfer transistor 116 , an output transistor 120 , a row select transistor 124 , a photodiode 108 , and a feed - through capacitor 117 . also provided are a row select signal line 131 receiving a row select signal rd , a reset signal line 121 receiving a reset signal rst and a feed through pulse line 119 receiving a feed through pulse signal ftp . a voltage supply line 123 is also provided which supplies a voltage vaapix to the pixel circuit 100 . the transfer transistor 116 has a gate threshold voltage of v t and is operated either in a shut - off voltage operating mode or a sub - threshold voltage operating mode , as described in greater detail below . the feed through capacitor 117 is located between the horizontal feed through pulse ( ftp ) signal line 119 and a signal integration node 104 . one source / drain region of the transistor 116 is connected to the row reset ( rst ) signal line 121 , while the gate of transistor 116 is connected to the power supply line vaapix 123 , and the other source / drain region of transistor 116 is connected to integration node vpix 104 . the photodiode 108 is connected to the integration node 104 and ground . one source / drain region of an output transistor 120 is connected to the supply line vaapix 123 while the gate of transistor 120 is connected to the integration node 104 . the gate of row select transistor 124 is connected to the row select signal line which receives the row select signal rd , while the source / drain regions of the transistor 124 are respectively coupled to output transistor 120 and column line 126 . when connected to the column line 126 through the row select transistor 124 as described above , the output transistor 120 operates as a source follower transistor and provides a gain to the charge signal received from node 104 . as noted , transistor 116 has two operating modes . one operating mode is a shut - off operating mode in which the transistor 116 imparts a linear output to an accumulated pixel image signal v sig at node 104 during a charge integration period , while the other operating mode is a sub - threshold operating mode which imparts a logarithmic output to the pixel image signal v sig accumulated at node 104 . the shs and shr pulses correspond to when the signal and reset voltages , respectively , are sampled . as with the control lines ftp , rd , and rst discussed below , the shr and shs pulses are produced by the signal controller 70 . the operation of the pixel circuit 100 will now be explained with reference to the timing diagram of fig2 which shows a typical frame cycle during operation of the pixel circuit 100 under a low illumination condition . at time t 1 , the sample and hold signal shs pulse ( not shown ) initiates a pixel image sampling signal to be applied to a sample and hold circuit which causes the pixel image signal v sig to be sampled and held . the read out signal rd at time t 1 is also high , signifying that charge accumulated at a node 104 is being read out . this charge is accumulated at node 104 prior to the time t 1 . at time t 2 , the rst line and the feed - through pulse line ( ftp ) go low ( shown as v ftp — l for the feed - through pulse ). this causes v pix , the voltage at node 104 , to be set to the rst line 121 low voltage . at time t 3 , the rst line 121 goes high , which begins the process of resetting the pixel . this causes v pix , the voltage at node 104 , to begin increasing . the voltage v pix may be expressed in terms of equation ( 1 ), shown below : v pix ( t ) = 1 β ln [ kt + exp ( β × v pix ( t 3 ) ) ] where k = β i 0 c pix exp [ β ( vaapix - vt 0 ) ] ( 1 ) where β represents an exponential coefficient of the subthreshold current of transistor 116 , i 0 represents the subthreshold current of transistor 116 , vt 0 represents the subthreshold voltage , and c pix represents the total capacitance at the node 104 . after the resetting operation is initiated , charge from the reset node is subtracted from any prior signal levels , thus significantly reducing or even eliminating offset variation in the pixel . at time t 4 , ftp pulse goes high , causing vpix to reach the level shown in equation ( 2 ) below : v pix ( t 4 ) = 1 β ln [ kt rst ] + c ftp c pix ( v ftp_h - v ftp_l ) ( 2 ) where t rst represents the overflow reset time ( t 4 - t 3 ). the second term of equation ( 2 ) represents feed - through charge injected by the ftp pulse , where c ftp represents the capacitance of capacitor 117 , c pix represents the total capacitance at the node 104 , and v ftp — h and v ftp — l are the high and low levels of the ftp pulse illustrated in fig2 . it should be noted that c pix consists of c ftp and also includes the capacitance of the photodiode 108 and the sum of parasitic capacitances of the circuit 100 such as the gate capacitance of the transistor 120 , and the junction capacitance of the source node of the transistor 116 . prior to a reset operation , a substantial amount of charge is injected into the pixel capacitor c ftp and its potential is then pinned at the ‘ low ’ level of the rst line as shown between the time period t 2 - t 3 of fig2 . because of this pinning action , the primary integrated signal is fully discharged from c pix , so that the reset operation completely resets the circuit 100 , and excess charge from previous imaging cycles of the circuit 100 does not ‘ lag ’ into following imaging cycles . at time t 5 , the rd line goes low , ending the first readout process , thus beginning a charge accumulation ( integration ) period . during the period from t 5 to t 6 , the transfer transistor 116 operates in an shut - off mode and a linear accumulated charge signal is processed at the node 104 . at the point t 6 , the ftp signal drops to a medium level ( v ftp — m ), which interrupts the integration period . a signal charge , represented by i ph × tac1 , is accumulated at the pixel node v pix 104 , where i ph represents the photocurrent present at the node , and tac1 represents the first integration period ( t 6 - t 5 ). when the ftp pulse drops to v ftp — m at t 6 , v pix reaches the level shown in equation ( 3 ) below : v pix ( t 6 ) = v pix ( t 4 ) - i p h × tac1 c pix - c ftp c pix ( v ftp_h - v ftp_m ) ( 3 ) if the accumulated charge at the pixel node 104 is sufficiently small , the bias transistor mcm 116 will not turn on , and the accumulated charge will remain at node 104 . thus the ftp pulse does not influence the signal charge , and v pix returns back to its initial voltage level at t 7 , when the ftp pulse goes back to v ftp — h , as shown in fig2 . once the ftp pulse reaches v ftp — h at t 7 , the integration period resumes , where the voltage v pix becomes : v pix ( t 7 ) = v pix ( t 4 ) - i p h × tac1 c pix ( 4 ) at the time t 1 ′ the charge accumulation ( integration ) period ends and the accumulated pixel voltage v pix is read out by the transistors 120 , 124 as the pixel image signal v sig , and a new frame cycle begins . after the end of the second integration period , a charge of i ph × tac2 is additionally integrated , where i ph , represents the photocurrent at node 104 , and tac2 represents the second integration time period signified by t 1 ′- t 7 . the voltage v pix at time t 1 ′ may be expressed as : v pix ( t 1 ′ ) = v pix ( t 4 ) - i p h × tac1 c pix - i p h × tac2 c pix ( 5 ) the photo response of pixel circuit 100 can thus be expressed as : sig = g sf × ( i p h × tac1 c pix + i p h × tac2 c pix ) = g sf × i p h c pix × ( t 1 ′ - t 5 ) ( 6 ) turning to fig3 a portion of the circuit of fig1 a is illustrated as an embodiment fabricated on a semiconductor substrate , for example , a silicon substrate . reset line 121 is shown being connected to reset electrode region 302 , which is adjacent to transfer transistor mcm 116 . transistor mcm 116 is further coupled to the vaapix line 123 as shown in fig3 . the ftp 119 line is connected to capacitor c ftp 100 , which connects further to the photodiode region 303 , and to the gate of readout transistor 120 . one source / drain terminal of readout transistor 120 is coupled to the vaapix line , while the other source / drain terminal of transistor 120 is connected to a source / drain terminal of transistor 124 . the gate of transistor 131 is connected to the row select line 131 , and the other source / drain terminal is connected to the output pixout , and to an external load 301 , which has been illustrated as a current source in fig3 . [ 0058 ] fig3 a - 3g illustrate an exemplary potential distribution diagram for the circuit of fig3 under a low - illumination condition , where the potential charge , or electrons 310 between regions 302 and 303 are illustrated . the barrier between the reset region 302 and the photodiode region 303 electrically isolates the photodiode region from the transfer transistor 116 during the integration period . thus , any photo - generated charge 311 produced by photodiode 303 is initially stored in the right well region . the left - well region associated with reset node 302 is directly connected to reset line rst 121 , and stores the charge received from the reset rst 121 line . turning to fig3 a , the exemplary potential distribution diagram illustrates the potential charge 310 present during the low illumination signal level readout at time t 1 , wherein the photodiode region accumulates photo - generated charge 311 after a previous integration period . since the sum of the potential charge 310 and photo - generated charge potential 311 does not exceed the barrier potential , the potential is held in the diode region 303 . at time t 2 , both the rst pulse and the ftp pulse go low ( see fig2 ), at which time all regions are filled with electrons 310 , via a bias charge , as shown in fig3 b . turning to fig3 c , when the rst pulse goes high at time t 3 ( see fig2 ), a bias charge overflow occurs in the reset region 302 , and the excess bias charge is swept away from the reset region 302 . if the reset region 302 potential exceeds the barrier potential , the photodiode region 303 potential is pinned at the potential of the reset region by an electrical channel ( not shown ) formed at the barrier region . since transistor 116 is operating in the subthreshold region , the overflow current ( i mcm ) can be expressed as : where i 0 represents the sub - threshold current of transfer transistor 116 , and vt 0 represents the sub - threshold voltage across transfer transistor 116 . at time t 4 , illustrated in fig3 d , the feed - through pulse ftp goes high ( see fig2 ), and the reset level is read out and subtracted from the prior readout signal level so that offset variation of the pixel can be eliminated . after the first integration period , when t = t 6 ( see fig2 ), additional photo - generated charge 311 is accumulated at the photodiode region as shown in fig3 e . however , since the potential is not great enough under low illumination to overcome the barrier , the charge is held in the photodiode region 303 . in fig3 f , the additional charge 311 is integrated after t 7 ( see fig2 ), wherein the integration period ends at t = t 1 ′ ( fig3 g ), and a voltage readout occurs where the voltage from the photodiode region is read by source followed transistor 120 and row select transistor 124 onto the pixout line 126 . turning to fig4 the exemplary timing diagram shows a typical frame cycle during operation of the pixel circuit 100 under a medium illumination condition . for times t 1 to t 5 , the timing operation is substantially identical to the corresponding times illustrated in the low illumination timing diagram of fig2 . after time t 5 , pixel circuit undergoes an integration period ( tac1 ) under medium illumination . during the integration period under a medium illumination condition , the voltage v pix can be expressed as : v pix ( t 4 ) - i p h × tac1 c pix ( 8 ) where i ph is the photodiode current , and c pix is the total capacitance at the integration node 104 . when the ftp pulse transitions from v ftp — h to v ftp — m at time t 6 , v pix drops to a lower level ( represented by equation ( 3 ) above ), causing transfer transistor mcm 116 to turn on . once transistor 116 turns on , the accumulated photo - charge is drained through transistor 116 , and the vpix voltage at time t 7 is : v pix ( t 7 ) = 1 β ln [ k ( t 7 - t 6 ) ] + c ftp c pix ( v ftp_h - v ftp_m ) ( 9 ) and if the time period between t 7 and t 6 is set at the same length of the reset time t rst ( t 4 - t 3 ), equation ( 9 ) becomes : v pix ( t 7 ) = v pix ( t 4 ) - c ftp c pix ( v ftp_m - v ftp_l ) ( 10 ) the difference between the circuit 100 operation under low illumination operation versus medium illumination operation can be defined by equation ( 11 ) shown below : i p h × tac1 c pix = c ftp c pix ( v ftp_m - v ftp_l ) ( 11 ) where , if photodiode current i ph is larger than the photodiode transition point , excess charge overflows through transistor mcm 166 and a medium illumination condition begins . the photodiode transition point can be expressed as : i p h ( transition ) = c ftp tac1 ( v ftp_m - v ftp_l ) ( 12 ) after t 7 , ftp pulse goes back high , and pixel circuit 100 resumes charge accumulation under a second accumulation period ( t 1 ′- t 7 = tac2 ). if the second accumulation period ( tac2 ) is shorter than the first accumulation period ( tac1 ), signal i ph × tac2 is added to the integration node 104 . when the reset pulse rd ends the accumulation period at t1 ′, vpix may be expressed as : v pix ( t 1 ′ ) = v pix ( t 4 ) - c ftp c pix ( v ftp_ m - v ftp_l ) - i p h × tac2 c pix ( 13 ) by subtracting the offset from the signal , the photo response of pixel circuit 100 can be expressed as : sig = g sf c pix × [ c ftp × ( v ftp_m - v ftp_l ) + i p h × tac2 ] ( 14 ) turning to fig5 a portion of the circuit of fig1 a is illustrated as an embodiment fabricated on a semiconductor substrate . the circuit of fig5 is substantially identical to the circuit of fig3 which was discussed above . fig5 a - g illustrate exemplary potential distribution diagrams for the circuit of fig5 under a medium - illumination condition , where the potential charge , or electrons 310 between regions 302 and 303 are illustrated . turning to fig5 a , the exemplary potential distribution diagram illustrates the potential charge 310 present during the medium illumination signal level readout at time t 1 , wherein the photodiode region accumulates photo - generated charge 311 after a previous integration period . at time t 2 , both the rst pulse and the ftp pulse go low ( see fig4 ), at which time all regions are filled with electrons 310 , via a bias charge as shown in fig5 b . turning to fig5 c , when the rst pulse goes high at time t 3 ( see fig4 ), a bias charge overflow occurs in the reset region 302 , and the excess bias charge is swept away from the reset region 302 . transistor 116 is operating in the subthreshold region , thus producing the overflow current ( i mcm ) expressed as equation ( 7 ), discussed above . at time t 4 , illustrated in fig5 d , the feed - through pulse ftp goes high ( see fig4 ), and the reset level is read out and subtracted from the prior readout signal level so that offset variation of the pixel can be eliminated . after the first integration period , when t = t 6 ( see fig4 ), bias transistor mcm 116 turns on , allowing excess photo - generated charge 311 accumulated at the photodiode region 303 to drain through transistor mcm 116 to the reset region 302 as shown in fig5 e . turning to fig5 f , the second integration period is illustrated , where additional photo - generated charge 311 is accumulated at the photodiode region 303 . in fig5 f , the additional charge 311 is integrated after t 7 ( see fig2 ), wherein the integration period ends at t = t 1 ′ ( fig5 g ), and a voltage readout occurs where the voltage from the photodiode region is read by source followed transistor 120 and row select transistor 124 onto the pixout line 126 . [ 0075 ] fig6 shows an exemplary timing diagram of a typical frame cycle during operation of the pixel circuit 100 under a high illumination condition . the timing operation of the fig6 embodiment is substantially identical to the corresponding times illustrated in the medium illumination timing diagram of fig4 except that v pix reaches a saturation ( overflow ) point 601 during the first integration period ( tac1 ), as well as during the second integration period ( tac2 ), illustrated by the dotted line 600 in fig6 . the photo response of pixel circuit 100 is further illustrated in fig7 wherein the photo conversion characteristic has knee points ( 700 , 701 ) between regions i and ii , and between regions ii and iii . each of the regions may be expressed by the following equations : iph & lt ; c ftp tac1 ( v ftp_m - v ftp_l ) ( 15 ) sig = g sf × i p h c pix × ( tac1 + tac2 ) ( 16 ) c ftp tac1 ( v ftp_m - v ftp_l ) & lt ; iph & lt ; c ftp tac2 ( v ftp_h - v ftp_m ) ( 17 ) sig = g sf c pix × [ c ftp × ( v ftp_m - v ftp_l ) + i p h × tac2 ] ( 18 ) c ftp tac2 ( v ftp_h - v ftp_m ) & lt ; iph ( 19 ) sig = g sf c pix × c ftp × ( v ftp_h - v ftp_l ) = saturation ( 20 ) by controlling the integration periods tac1 and tac2 , the sensitivity of each region can be controlled . additionally , the output range in each region is controlled by the levels of ftp pulses . if tac1 should become shorter in relation to tac2 , the sensitivity in region ii would become lower than that of region i . accordingly , the dynamic range of i ph would increase , while the overall output dynamic range remained the same . since the photoconversion of each region is linear , the image processing required for colored images becomes simplified . also , the controlled photo response is independent of temperature , so that a more stable performance characteristic can be achieved , and that greater uniformity between pixel outputs can be achieved . [ 0081 ] fig8 and 9 are an exemplary timing diagram and a photo conversion graph which illustrate how the circuit of fig1 a can be operated to achieve multiple knee points ( 900 - 902 ) through a simple modification in the ftp pulse . it should be understood that the number of “ knee ,” or transition points may be increased further by increasing the number of overflow pulses , and is not limited to the three - transition embodiment discussed herein . the timing diagram in fig8 illustrates three integration periods : tac1 ( t 6 - t 5 ), tac2 ( t 8 - t 7 ) and tac3 ( t 1 ′- t 9 ), where two different medium - level voltages ( v ftp — m1 and v ftp — m2 ) are applied to the ftp pulses during the first ( t 7 - t 6 ) and second ( t 9 - t 8 ) overflow time periods . under the exemplary embodiment of fig8 the operation of the circuit is such that tac1 & gt ; tac2 & gt ; tac3 . the transition points of each “ knee ” are dependent upon the photodiode current i ph that is produced after an integration period . thus , each i ph transition point ( 900 - 902 ) can be expressed as : i p h ( transition1 ) = c ftp tac1 ( v ftp_m1 - v ftp_l ) ( 21 ) i p h ( transition2 ) = c ftp tac2 ( v ftp_m2 - v ftp_m1 ) ( 22 ) i p h ( transition3 ) = c ftp tac3 ( v ftp_h - v ftp_m2 ) ( 23 ) under a low illumination condition , if i ph does not reach the level expressed in equation ( 21 ), no overflow current will subsequently flow in the 1st and 2nd overflow periods . in such a case , the pixel response may be expressed as : v pix ( t1 ′ ) = v pix ( t 4 ) - i p h × ( tac1 + tac2 + tac3 ) c pix ( 24 ) however , when i ph exceeds the transition expressed in equation ( 21 ) after the first integration period , overflow current begins to flow during the first overflow period ( t 7 - t 6 ), and the resulting vpix voltage is pinned by the overflow operation at t 7 : v pix ( t 7 ) = v pix ( t 4 ) - c ftp c pix ( v ftp_m1 - v ftp_l ) ( 23 ) after the first overflow period , the pixel continues accumulation of charge during the second ( tac2 ) and third ( tac3 ) integration periods . the resulting v pix signal being read out at time t 1 ′ can be expressed as : v pix ( t 1 ′ ) = v pix ( t 4 ) - c ftp c pix ( v ftp_m1 - v ftp_l ) - i p h × ( tac2 + tac3 ) c pix ( 24 ) as i ph increases further and exceeds the second transition point , overflow current will flow in the second overflow period , pinning the v pix voltage at time t 9 : v pix ( t 9 ) = v pix ( t 4 ) - c ftp c pix ( v ftp_m2 - v ftp_m1 ) ( 25 ) v pix ( t 1 ′ ) = v pix ( t 4 ) - c ftp c pix ( v ftp_m2 - v ftp_l ) - i p h × tac3 c pix ( 26 ) if i ph becomes sufficiently large and v pix reaches an overflow level after the third integration period , the photo conversion operation becomes saturated . turning to fig9 the illustrated graph shows an exemplary photo conversion response of pixel circuit 100 operating under the timing shown in fig8 . the graph in fig9 shows three different photo conversion gain responses ( 903 - 905 ), where each transition “ knee ” ( 900 - 902 ) results in the formation of regions i - iv . each of the regions may be expressed by the following equations : i ph & lt ; i ph ( transition 1 ) ( 27 ) sig = g sf × i p h c pix × ( tac1 + tac2 + tac3 ) ( 28 ) i ph ( transition1 )& lt ; i ph & lt ; i ph ( transition2 ) ( 29 ) sig = g sf c pix × [ c ftp × ( v ftp_m1 - v ftp_l ) + i p h × ( tac2 + tac3 ) ] . ( 30 ) i ph ( transition2 )& lt ; i ph & lt ; i ph ( transition3 ) ( 31 ) sig = g sf c pix × c ftp × ( v ftp_m2 - v ftp_l ) + i p h × tac3 ( 32 ) i ph & gt ; i ph ( saturation ) ( 33 ) sig = g sf c pix × c ftp × ( v ftp_h - v ftp_l ) = saturation ( 34 ) each of the photo response conversion gains 903 - 905 shown in fig9 are determined by the integration periods tac1 - tac3 , where gain1 = 1 tac1 + tac2 + tac3 , gain2 = 1 tac2 + tac3 , and gain3 = 1 tac3 . the ranges of the photo responses ( 906 - 908 ) between transition points ( 900 - 902 ) are a function of the ftp voltage , and may be expressed as range1 =( v ftp — m1 − v ftp — l ); range2 =( v ftp — m2 − v ftp — m1 ) and range3 =( v ftp — h − v ftp — m2 ). thus it can be seen that the range and gain of each region can be controlled by a predetermined pulse height and overflow timing of the ftp pulse , thus providing flexibility in optimizing photo conversion characteristics through the application of different ftp pulses . turning to fig1 , the block diagram illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an imager 1010 using the knee response pixel described above . the imager 1010 consists of a pixel array 1000 , having n × m pixels , having a timing control block 1008 , which provides driving and control pulses , along with sync signals to external circuits . the row address block 1006 generates row address pulses from address signals received from the timing controller 1008 , and transmits the pulses to the level mix block 1007 . level mix block 1007 generates row pulses , including rd , rst and ftp , for each of the rows ( not shown ) in the pixel array 1000 . the analog process block 1001 comprises of an amplifier array , a correlated double sampling ( cds ) array and an analog memory array ( which have been omitted for purposes of simplicity ), where pixel outputs from pixel array 1000 are brought up to a required gain level , and where fixed pattern noise caused by variations in the pixel offset are suppressed by the cds operation and stored in the analog memory array . the column address block 1002 receives column address signals from timing control block 1008 , and generates column address pulses that are transmitted to the analog process block 1001 , so that stored signals in the analog memory array may be read out . the signal readout from the analog memory is transmitted to the analog - to - digital converter ( adc ) block 1003 , where the signal is digitally converted and transmitted to the digital process block 1004 for processing ( e . g ., white balance , color interpolation , gamma correction , etc .). once processed , the signal is then outputted from the output block 1005 . [ 0098 ] fig1 illustrates an exemplary timing diagram for one frame cycle having a single “ knee ” point of the imager of fig1 . signals rd , rst and ftp are output by the level mix block 1007 and are illustrated for each row line ( 1 − m ). the shs and shr pulses for cdr operation have been omitted for the purpose of clarity . the frame cycle for each row line in the embodiment of fig1 begins when a respective row &# 39 ; s rd pulses goes high , and ending when the rd pulse goes high again after two integration periods ( tac1 , tac2 ). turning to row line 1 of fig1 , the row address block 1006 outputs a rows select rd ( 1 ) pulse at the beginning of the frame cycle , and subsequently outputs a reset pulse rst ( 1 ) to reset the pixels in the first row . after the ftp ( 1 ) pulse is outputted , the first integration period tac1 is initiated , and continues until level mix block 1007 generates a short rd ( 1 ) pulse , ending the first integration period ( tac1 ), and producing an overflow pulse ftp ( 1 ) during the horizontal blanking period of row line m − 2 . a row cycle is illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of fig1 between the rising edges of each row select pulses ( rd ( m − 2 ), rd ( m − 1 )) of adjacent row lines ( row line m − 2 and row line m − 1 ), where each row cycle is comprised of a horizontal blanking period , followed by a data scanning period . data stored in the analog memory array in the analog processing circuit 1001 are scanned and read out during the data scanning period , so that , for example , the overflow operation initiated for the first row does not affect data readout for the m − 2 row . once a row &# 39 ; s frame cycle is complete ( e . g ., row line 1 ), the operation moves sequentially to the next row ( row line 2 ) to begin a new cycle , until all rows are read , reset and submitted to an overflow operation . once the last row ( row line m ) is reached , one frame period will have been completed . in the exemplary embodiment of fig1 , signal integration periods tac1 and tac2 are held constant through each row , so that the same photo conversion characteristics and knee responses can be obtained in the entire pixel array region . it should be understood that , while a single “ knee ” point was described in the embodiment , that multiple knee points can be obtained by providing additional overflow pulses described in the embodiments above . [ 0102 ] fig1 illustrates an exemplary processing system 2000 which utilizes a pixel circuit such as that described in connection with fig1 - 11 . the processing system 2000 includes one or more processors 2001 coupled to a local bus 2004 . a memory controller 2002 and a primary bus bridge 2003 are also coupled the local bus 2004 . the processing system 2000 may include multiple memory controllers 2002 and / or multiple primary bus bridges 2003 . the memory controller 2002 and the primary bus bridge 2003 may be integrated as a single device 2006 . the memory controller 2002 is also coupled to one or more memory buses 2007 . each memory bus accepts memory components 2008 . the memory components 2008 may be a memory card or a memory module . the memory components 2008 may include one or more additional devices 2009 . for example , in a simm or dimm , the additional device 2009 might be a configuration memory , such as a serial presence detect ( spd ) memory . the memory controller 2002 may also be coupled to a cache memory 2005 . the cache memory 2005 may be the only cache memory in the processing system . alternatively , other devices , for example , processors 2001 may also include cache memories , which may form a cache hierarchy with cache memory 2005 . if the processing system 2000 include peripherals or controllers which are bus masters or which support direct memory access ( dma ), the memory controller 2002 may implement a cache coherency protocol . if the memory controller 2002 is coupled to a plurality of memory buses 2007 , each memory bus 2007 may be operated in parallel , or different address ranges may be mapped to different memory buses 2007 . the primary bus bridge 2003 is coupled to at least one peripheral bus 2010 . various devices , such as peripherals or additional bus bridges may be coupled to the peripheral bus 2010 . these devices may include a storage controller 2011 , a miscellaneous i / o device 2014 , a secondary bus bridge 2015 , a multimedia processor 2018 , and a legacy device interface 2020 . the primary bus bridge 2003 may also be coupled to one or more special purpose high speed ports 2022 . in a personal computer , for example , the special purpose port might be the accelerated graphics port ( agp ), used to couple a high performance video card to the processing system 2000 . the storage controller 2011 couples one or more storage devices 2013 , via a storage bus 2020 , to the peripheral bus 2010 . for example , the storage controller 2011 may be a scsi controller and storage devices 2013 may be scsi discs . the i / o device 2014 may be any sort of peripheral . for example , the i / o device 2014 may be an local area network interface , such as an ethernet card . the secondary bus bridge may be used to interface additional devices via another bus to the processing system . for example , the secondary bus bridge may be an universal serial port ( usb ) controller used to couple usb devices 2017 via to the processing system 2000 . the multimedia processor 2018 may be a sound card , a video capture card , or any other type of media interface , which may also be coupled to one additional device such as speakers 2019 . the legacy device interface 2020 is used to couple legacy devices , for example , older styled keyboards and mice , to the processing system 2000 . the processing system 2000 illustrated in fig8 is only an exemplary processing system with which the invention may be used . while fig8 illustrates a processing architecture especially suitable for a general purpose computer , such as a personal computer or a workstation , it should be recognized that well known modifications can be made to configure the processing system 2000 to become more suitable for use in a variety of applications . for example , many electronic devices which require processing may be implemented using a simpler architecture which relies on a cpu 2001 coupled to memory components 2008 and / or memory devices 2009 . the modifications may include , for example , elimination of unnecessary components , addition of specialized devices or circuits , and / or integration of a plurality of devices . while the invention has been described in detail in connection with preferred embodiments known at the time , it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments . rather , the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations , alterations , substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described , but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention . accordingly , the invention is not limited by the foregoing description or drawings , but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims . | 7 |
referring to fig1 and 2 , a transducer 10 is shown of the general type disclosed in the lover u . s . pat . no . 2 , 896 , 491 noted above . the transducer 10 includes a base plate 12 of brass or similar rigid , non - magnetic material , suitable for mouhting purposes . the base plate 12 includes a mounting foot 12a at each of its two ends , used to mount the transducer onto a stringed musical instrument ( not shown ) such as a guitar . the strings of that musical instrument are shown schematically in fig1 by the dashed lines designated 14 . a permanent magnet 16 , having one longitudinal edge portion constituting a magnetic north pole and an opposed longitudinal edge portion constituting a maqnetic south pole ( as designated in fig2 ) is positioned upon the base plate 12 . the permanent magnet 16 , which may be an alnico 5 bar magnet , is generally about as long as the length of the base plate 12 . the permanent magnet 16 is positioned between two metallic strips 18 and 20 which bear against the permanent magnet 16 . the metallic strips 18 and 20 are of appropriate magnetizable material , and the length of each is approximately the same as that of the permanent magnet 16 . thus the strip 18 constitutes a magnetic north pole and the strip 20 constitutes a magnetic south pole . the strips 18 and 20 are apertured so that threaded pole pieces 2 may pass therethrough . the pole pieces 22 , of metallic and magnetizable material , are conveniently threaded into corresponding holes in the base plate 12 . the threaded pole pieces 22 are positioned beneath the strings 14 of the musical instrument , and may be individually adjusted ( by being threaded more or less into the base plate 12 ) to vary the spacing between those pole pieces and the strings 14 of the musical instrument . the pole pieces 22 pass through bobbins 24 and 26 of suitable non - electrically conductive and non - magnetic and non - magnetizable material . coil 28 is wound about bobbin 24 , and coil 30 is wound about bobbin 26 . the transducer construction , as thus far described , is conventional , and is generally as disclosed in the lover patent cited above . however , there is an important difference , namely , the diameters of the wires constituting the coils 28 and 30 are different . in particular , the wire size in one coil is appreciably different from that of the other coil . both coils 28 and 30 , however , are wound substantially with the same number of turns . as an example , one of the coils 28 and 30 may be wound with 5 , 400 turns of 42 gauge wire , while the other coil may be wound with the same number of turns of 44 gauge wire ( american gauge standard ). the gauges of the wires and the number of turns constituting the coils 28 and 30 may be varied , to emphasize different frequencies . by making the number of turns in each coil approximately the same , objectionable hum is avoided . however , the particular number of turns and the gauge sizes selected will depend upon the frequency response desired . thus low frequency cancellation may be emphasized ( the cancellation of signals utilizing the same number of turns in the coils ), creating more effective elimination of 60 cycle hum and other undesirable low frequency response , without necessarily affecting the upper harmonics generated in the 60 cycle range . at this time , it is believed that the wire gauge size may vary between 38 gauge and 52 gauge ( american gauge standard ), corresponding to a variation in wire diameter between about 0 . 00400 inch and 0 . 00078 inch . in the example given above , of gauge sizes 42 and 44 , the wire diameters correspond to 0 . 00249 inch and 0 . 00198 inch . thus the two coils 28 and 30 are normally wired in a circuit as shown in fig3 a and 3b . in fig3 a the coils are connected in series in fig3 b the coils are connected in parallel . in either arrangement employed , the coil winding direction should be such as to provide for cancellation of low frequency hum signals . it should be noted that the use of separate coils , positioned side - by - side as in fig1 and 2 , lend themselves to the selective use of those coils individually , as desired to achieve unique frequency emphasis in the reproduction of sound . thus , rather than permanently wire the two coils 28 and 30 either in series or in parallel , as in fig3 a and 3b , the coils could be individually connected to a switching network ( not shown ) so that one or the other of the coils alone could be employed for pickup , as desired . additionally , the switching network could provide for series and parallel connections of coils to emphasize hum , rather than eliminate it , if desired for special effects . it will be noted that the invention described above of separate coils wound with substantially equal numbers of turns but with differing wire gauges may provide enhanced frequency response and , because of the use of individual coils , a great deal of variation in the frequency response characteristics of the sound amplifying system . it should be apparent that the presently preferred embodiment of the invention , as described above , is susceptible of modification . accordingly , the invention should be taken to be defined by the following claims . | 6 |
with reference to fig1 and 2 , a utility knife assembly 2 of the invention includes a housing 4 , a gripping cover 5 and a quick release latch 6 . generally , the housing 4 is configured to serve as a handle and secure a cutting blade in a cutting position extending into and from the housing 4 at a cutting portion 8 of the housing 4 . the housing 4 has two corresponding housing sections with complementing structures . when joined by the latch 6 , the two sections form the knife assembly 2 . the housing sections include a mount side 10 and a release side 12 . these housing sections are joined by interlocking structures at the cutting portion 8 of the housing 4 and by the quick release latch 6 at a latching portion 14 . the housing 2 is preferably made of a die - cast metal , such as zinc or aluminum or other moldable metal alloy , to form a hard , durable handle for the utility knife assembly 2 . the gripping cover 5 is made from a soft molded elastomer such as santoprene . the latch 6 is a preferably firm resilient engineering plastic with some limited flexibility , e . g ., celcon acetal resin , lexan polycarbonate or nylon . the quick release latch 6 provides a means for releasably engaging the housing sections at the latching portion 14 . fig4 a , 4 b and 4 c depict one embodiment of the latch 6 in detail . the latch 6 is molded to complement related structural features of the housing sections . the latch 6 includes locking tabs 16 extending from the latch base 22 for fixing the latch 6 to the mount side 10 of the housing 4 . the latch 6 includes a latching tongue 18 to releasably engage with the release side 12 of the housing 2 . the latching tongue 18 is adjacent to a finger tab 20 . the latching tongue 18 has a beveled side 18 b opposite a latching side 18 l . the finger tab 20 is incorporated to the latch base 22 by a flexing support 24 . the finger tab 20 extends from the flexing support 24 to form a lever such that when a pushing force is applied to the finger tab 20 when the latch base is fixed to the housing 4 , the flexing support 24 bends elastically in a lateral direction . with such bending , the latch 6 can release the engagement of the two sections as the latching tongue 18 moves . similarly , the beveled side 18 b serves to convert a closing force into a lateral bending force on the flexing support 24 of the latch 6 as a housing section is forced against the bevel when the assembly 2 is manipulated from its open position to its closed position . since the latch 6 is made from a firm material with limited flexibility , after bending of the flexing support 24 , it will return to its original molded unbent configuration to securely engage the housing sections when the assembly is in the closed position . as previously noted , the housing 4 includes a mount side 10 . the mount side 10 is generally depicted in fig3 , 5 - 13 with the cover 5 molded thereon and in fig2 - 32 before molding the cover thereon . the mount side 10 includes blade ledges 26 and a blade positioning tab 28 to align a cutting blade 30 in a non - retractable position at the cutting portion 8 . the mount side 10 of the housing 4 also has a mounting aperture 32 and mounting studs 34 at the latching portion 14 . the mounting aperture 32 is sized to lock on the locking tabs 16 of the latch 6 such that ridges of the locking tabs 16 engage the external surface edges 33 of the mounting aperture 32 when the locking tabs 16 are inserted therein . the mounting studs 34 are positioned and sized to reside in corresponding holes in the latch base 22 . the mount side 10 preferably includes a blade store cavity 36 to retain spare blades 38 . at the cutting portion 8 , the mount side 10 includes opposing grooves 40 . the grooves 40 serve to interlock the mount side 10 to the release side 12 when these housing sections are joined . the cutting blade 30 passes through the grooves 40 when installed in a non - retractable cutting position in the assembly 2 . the mount side 10 has several features designed to mechanically secure a portion of the gripping cover 5 to the housing 4 at the mount side 10 . at a portion of the internal edges of the mount side 10 are half channels 42 with several cover holding tabs 44 . the half channels 42 serve as a mold to receive the part of the gripping cover 5 attached to the mount side . since the half channels 42 surround the holding tabs 44 , the gripping cover 5 is retained by the cover holding tabs 44 . the mount side 10 also includes rivet ports 46 to receive molded rivets 48 that are integrally formed with the gripping cover 5 . the molded rivets 48 are formed within the housing 4 so that the head portion of each rivet within the housing 4 is larger than the rivet ports 46 and resides next to each rivet port . this serves to keep the molded rivets 48 from moving or passing out through the rivet ports 46 to thereby assist with holding the gripping cover 5 on the housing 2 . the release side 12 of the housing 4 is depicted in fig1 - 23 with the cover 5 and in fig3 - 42 prior to the molding of the cover 5 thereon . the release side 12 has a structure to interlock with the grooves 40 of the mount side 10 and a structure to releasably engage with the latch 6 at the latching tongue 18 . at a cutting portion 8 the release side 12 has mating tongues 50 arranged to reside within the grooves 40 and interlock therewith . the release side 12 further has a latch aperture 52 to receive the finger tab 20 . a latching tongue indent 54 lies adjacent to the latch aperture 52 . the external surface of this latching tongue indent 54 engages with the latching tongue 18 at the latching side 18 l to releasably engage the housing sections when the housing sections are aligned and interlocked with the mating tongues 50 in the groves 40 and when the latch 6 is in the latch aperture 52 . this configuration corresponds with the assembly 2 being in its closed position . the release side 12 of the housing 4 also includes a half channel 42 along a portion of its edges as well as several rivet ports 46 . the channels also include several cover holding tabs 44 to mechanically hold the portion of the gripping cover 5 on the release side 12 of the housing 4 in a similar fashion as that of the portion of the gripping cover 5 on the mount side 10 of the housing 4 . preferably , the half channels 42 from each housing section are aligned at internal edges so that they reside between the housing sections when the assembly 2 is in its closed position . additionally , opposing cover holding tabs 44 on the opposing housing sections may also be aligned with each other . these alignments provide for an additional mechanical hold on the gripping cover 5 by holding the edges of the gripping cover 5 between the closed housing 4 and inhibiting the gripping cover from being pulled over the cover holding tabs 44 within each half channel 42 as the opposing cover holding tabs 44 contact or otherwise reside near each other when the housing 4 is closed . as an integral part of the portion of the gripping cover 5 on the release side 12 , flexible posts 56 protrude beyond the cavity of the release side , extending well into the blade store cavity 36 of the mount side 10 of the housing 2 . these flexible posts 56 provide a means to prevent movement of the spare blades 38 . when the assembly 2 is in its closed position with spare blades 38 enclosed in the blade store cavity 36 , the flexible posts 56 press against one or more spare blades 38 . since they are flexible , the protruding posts will bend but still apply pressure against the spare blades 38 . as the stack reduces in height , the flexible posts 56 straighten to accommodate a varying number of spare blades . with this device , the spare blades 38 within the housing will not rattle regardless of the number of spare blades . this also serves to prevent the spare blades 38 from becoming dull as a result of being jostled against the internal structures of the housing 2 during use . to enable the flexible posts 56 to also serve a function of holding the gripping cover 5 to the housing 4 , at their base the flexible posts 56 include molded rivets 48 to impede the flexible posts 56 from passing out through the rivet ports 46 . thus , these flexible molded rivets 48 secure the outer soft gripping cover 5 to the cast housing 4 on the release side 12 . conversely , since the gripping cover 5 is formed integrally with the flexible posts 56 , the gripping cover 5 through one or more rivet ports 46 serves to secure the flexible posts 56 to the release side 12 . as shown in fig1 and 17 , a flexible blade clamp 58 is another integral feature of the gripping cover 5 that extends within the release side 12 of the housing 4 . in conjunction with the blade positioning tab 28 and the blade ledges 26 , the flexible blade clamp 58 assists in securing the cutting blade 30 in a cutting position in the assembly 2 . more specifically , the blade clamp 58 provides for lateral support of the cutting blade between the housing sections . in the preferred embodiment of the blade clamp 58 , three protrusions extend toward the blade a sufficient distance to flexibly apply pressure or squeeze against the cutting blade 30 when the assembly 2 is in its closed position to limit lateral movement of the cutting blade . the flexible nature of these protrusions permits blades of varying sizes to be held firmly . moreover , since the blade clamp 58 is integrally formed with the gripping cover 5 through one of the rivet ports 46 of the release side 12 , its location inside the housing 4 serves the further purpose of providing an additional mechanical hold on the gripping cover 5 to keep the gripping cover 5 fixed to the housing 4 . an additional hold down pin 59 formed as an integral part of the flexible blade clamp 58 resides in a pin port 60 in the release side 12 of the housing 4 . in use the assembly 2 provides a safe , sturdy and functional utility knife . from its closed position , the assembly 2 may be opened by pressing the user &# 39 ; s finger against the finger tab 20 , to force the latching tongue 18 away from its contact at the latching side 18 l with the latching tongue indent 54 of the release side 12 of the housing 2 . upon release , the release side 12 may be separated from the mount side 10 by withdrawing the mating tongues 50 of the release side 12 from the grooves 40 of the mount side 10 at the cutting portion 8 of the housing 4 . a spare blade 38 can be removed from the blade store cavity 36 . the blade can then be placed on the blade ledges 26 on the blade positioning tab 28 under the grooves 40 at the cutting portion 8 of the mount side 10 of the housing 4 . to close the assembly 2 , the mating tongues 50 of the release side 12 are inserted into the grooves 40 of the mount side 10 . the release side 12 may then be aligned so that the latch aperture 52 of the release side 12 moves over the finger tab 20 of the latch . as the release side 12 and mount side 10 are pressed together , the latching tongue 18 moves away from the latching tongue indent 54 as the release side traverses the surface of the beveled side 18 b of the latching tongue 18 on the latch 6 . simultaneously , the flexible posts 56 from the release side 12 are forced to bend against any remaining spare blade 38 in the blade store cavity 36 of the mount side 10 of the housing 4 . similarly , the flexible blade clamp 58 is forced against the cutting blade 30 . when the latching tongue indent 54 passes the latching side 18 l of the latching tongue 18 , the latching tongue will return to its unbent position to contact the surface of the latching tongue indent 54 , thereby engaging the release side 12 and the mount side 10 of the housing 4 . once locked closed , the assembly 2 may be used for cutting by grasping the assembly at the gripping cover 2 . since the gripping cover 2 is mechanically attached to the housing 4 by ( a ) the flexible blade clamp 58 , ( b ) the molded rivets 48 , ( c ) edge portions of the cover residing in the interior aligned half channels 42 and looped around or otherwise surrounding the cover holding tabs 44 , the gripping cover 2 provides a firmly retained , non - slip outer skin for ergonomic comfort . despite the intricacies of the combined features of the assembly , a unique manufacturing process may be followed to reduce assembly of the various features during manufacture of the invention . to this end , while the gripping cover 5 , the blade clamp 58 , the flexible posts 56 and the molded rivets 48 may be manufactured as separate components and combined in a final assembly with all or some of the components , it is preferred to have some or all of these features applied to the housing sections of the housing 4 in a common process . thus , the invention includes a methodology in which the internal and external soft structural features of the gripping cover 2 are manufactured onto either housing section in a single injection molding process . the steps to accomplishing the method include the preparation of corresponding housing sections in a mold or molds . the molds include the reverse shapes of the separate housing sections of the utility knife particularly with the structural features for fastening or retaining the gripping cover 5 on exterior portions of the housing 4 . thus , a mold is optionally made to include half channels 42 , cover holding tabs 44 , and / or rivet ports 46 . those skilled in the art would understand the steps of creating such a mold . with one or more of such molds , the housing sections are cast in a first metal casting process by pressure casting molten metal into the mold . similarly , one or more molds are made to receive each cast metal housing section . the molds have reverse shapes to correspond with the surface of the gripping cover 2 and its integrated parts such as the interior retaining portions that hold the gripping cover 5 to the housing 4 . thus , the preferred release side 12 mold would include structures for forming internal features including barriers for the portion of the gripping cover 5 in the half channels 42 , the interior portions of the blade clamp 58 , the interior portions of the flexible posts 56 and the interior portions of the molded rivets 48 . the preferred mount side 10 mold would include barriers for the portion of the gripping cover 5 in the half channels 42 and the interior portions of the molded rivets 48 . of course , due to the structures of the mount side 10 and the release side 12 which will be included in the molding process , these housing sections themselves serve as an important part of the structure of the mold . in the secondary elastomer molding process , the gripping cover 5 with its incorporated features is cast by injecting an elastomer as a hot liquid into each mold with a corresponding housing section contained therein . the liquid elastomer then moves over an exterior cover portion of the housing section , through the various rivet ports 46 and into the half channels 42 of the housing section to form the gripping cover 5 with its integrated features . the latch 6 formed from another mold may then be installed in the cooled housing sections by attaching one to a mount side 10 and a release side 12 . basically , the tool ends up being an extremely simple and safe two - piece knife with a soft and comfortable grip . it is safe as the user &# 39 ; s hand does not slip . it is convenient as the cutting blade can be changed readily without the use of a screwdriver or other tool . it is accurate since the blade is clamped during use and cuts straight . it is strong since the blade will not move during cutting . its razor sharp spare blades do not shake or dull during use or transport , thereby promoting safety . a sharp blade is a safe blade . in its preferred form , it is the only two - piece non - retractable utility knife without loose or moving parts . although the invention is described in terms of a particular embodiment , it is to be understood that the embodiment is merely illustrative of an application of the principles of the invention . numerous modifications may be made and other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims . for example , although a latch is the preferred means for releasably engaging the other housing sections , alternatives might be used for example , a screw . | 1 |
fig2 is a schematic view of an optical projection device of an embodiment of the invention . the optical projection device 200 comprises a lens 21 , a first wave plate 22 and a laser engine 23 . the laser engine 23 generates light 24 to pass through the first wave plate 22 and the lens 21 , forming into an image on a screen 20 . the first wave plate 22 moves up and down by a motor ( not shown ) during operation to equalize the laser energy and prevent interference speckles on the screen 20 . referring to fig3 , the laser engine 23 comprises an x - prism 231 , a first polarized light generator 232 , a second polarized light generator 233 , a third polarized light generator 234 and a second wave plate 235 . the elements of the optical projection device 200 are described as follows . the first polarized light generator 232 comprises a green laser source 2321 to generate a green laser l g to pass through a first polarized spectroscope 2322 to generate a p polarized light p 5 reflected by a first reflecting panel 2323 to generate an s polarized light s 7 . the s polarized light s 7 is reflected by the first polarized spectroscope 2322 to generate a p polarized light p 4 . the p polarized light p 4 is transmitted from the first polarized light generator 232 to the second wave plate 235 , and then passes through the second wave plate 235 to transform into a p polarized light p 4 and then enter the x - prism 231 . the second polarized light generator 233 comprises a blue laser source 2331 to generate a blue laser l b to pass through a second polarized spectroscope 2332 to generate a p polarized light p 6 reflected by a second reflecting panel 2333 to generate an s polarized light s 8 . the s polarized light s 8 is reflected by the second polarized spectroscope 2332 to generate an s polarized light s 5 . the s polarized light s 5 is transmitted from the second polarized light generator 233 to the x - prism 231 , and enters the x - prism 231 . the third polarized light generator 234 comprises a red laser source 2341 to generate a red laser l r to pass through a third polarized spectroscope 2342 to generate a p polarized light p 7 reflected by a third reflecting panel 2343 to generate an s polarized light s 9 . the s polarized light s 9 is reflected by the third polarized spectroscope 2342 to generate an s polarized light s 6 . the s polarized light s 6 is transmitted from the third polarized light generator 234 to the x - prism 231 , and enters the x - prism 231 . the x - prism 231 integrates the p polarized light p 4 generated by the first polarized light generator 232 , the s polarized light s 5 generated by the second polarized light generator 233 and the s polarized light s 6 generated by the third polarized light generator 234 into light to radiate . light 24 comprises a p polarized light p 1 , an s polarized light s 1 , and an s polarized light s 2 . after light 24 radiated by the laser engine 23 passes through the first wave plate 22 , the p polarized light p 1 is transformed to an s polarized light s 3 , the s polarized light s 1 is transformed to a p polarized light p 2 , and the s polarized light s 2 is transformed to a p polarized light p 3 . finally , light 24 is focused on the screen 20 by the lens 21 . during operation , the optical projection device 200 utilizes the first wave plate 22 to quickly move to change the angle between the light 24 and the axle of the first wave plate 22 , to change the direction of the electric field when light 24 moves . thus , laser energy is equalized following variations of the interference position . further , the interference speckle on the screen 20 is eliminated . moreover , providing the laser source can reduce the quantity of the optical elements and the volume of the projector . cost is decreased and the efficiency of production and assembly is increased . fig4 is a schematic view of an optical projection device of another embodiment of the invention . the optical projection device 400 comprises a lens 21 , a first wave plate 42 and a laser engine 23 . the laser engine 23 generates light 24 to pass through the first wave plate 42 and the lens 21 , forming into an image on a screen 20 . the first wave plate 42 rotates around an axle parallel to a projecting direction of light 24 by a motor ( not shown ) to equalize the laser energy and delete the interference speckle on the screen 20 . referring to fig5 , the laser engine 23 comprises an x - prism 231 , a first polarized light generator 232 , a second polarized light generator 233 , a third polarized light generator 234 and a second wave plate 235 . the elements of the laser engine 23 are described as follows . the first polarized light generator 232 comprises a green laser source 2321 to generate a green laser l g to pass through a first polarized spectroscope 2322 to generate a p polarized light p 5 reflected by a first reflecting panel 2323 to generate an s polarized light s 7 . the s polarized light s 7 is reflected by the first polarized spectroscope 2322 to generate a p polarized light p 4 . the p polarized light p 4 is transmitted from the first polarized light generator 232 to the second wave plate 235 , and then passes through the second wave plate 235 to transform into a p polarized light p 4 and then enter the x - prism 231 . the second polarized light generator 233 comprises a blue laser source 2331 to generate a blue laser l b to pass through a second polarized spectroscope 2332 to generate a p polarized light p 6 reflected by a second reflecting panel 2333 to generate an s polarized light s 8 . the s polarized light s 8 is reflected by the second polarized spectroscope 2332 to generate an s polarized light s 5 . the s polarized light s 5 is transmitted from the second polarized light generator 233 to the x - prism 231 , and enters the x - prism 231 . the third polarized light generator 234 comprises a red laser source 2341 to generate a red laser l r to pass through a third polarized spectroscope 2342 to generate a p polarized light p 7 reflected by a third reflecting panel 2343 to generate an s polarized light s 9 . the s polarized light s 9 is reflected by the third polarized spectroscope 2342 to generate an s polarized light s 6 . the s polarized light s 6 is transmitted from the third polarized light generator 234 to the x - prism 231 , and enters the x - prism 231 . the x - prism 231 integrates the p polarized light p 4 generated by the first polarized light generator 232 , the s polarized light s 5 generated by the second polarized light generator 233 and the s polarized light s 6 generated by the third polarized light generator 234 into light to radiate . light 24 comprises a p polarized light p 1 , an s polarized light s 1 , and an s polarized light s 2 . after light 24 radiated by the laser engine 23 passes through the first wave plate 22 , the p polarized light p 1 is transformed to an s polarized light s 3 , the s polarized light s 1 is transformed to a p polarized light p 2 , and the s polarized light s 2 is transformed to a p polarized light p 3 . finally , light 24 is focused on the screen 20 by the lens 21 . during operation , the optical projection device 400 utilizes the first wave plate 42 to quickly move to change the angle between the light 24 and the axle of the first wave plate 42 , to change the direction of the electric field when light 24 moves . thus , laser energy is equalized following variations of the interference position . further , the interference speckle on the screen 20 is eliminated . moreover , providing the laser source can reduce the quantity of the optical elements and the volume of the projector . cost is decreased and the efficiency of production and assembly is increased . fig6 is a schematic view of an optical projection device of another embodiment of the invention . the optical projection device 600 comprises a lens 21 , a first wave plate 62 and a laser engine 23 . the laser engine 23 generates light 24 to pass through the first wave plate 62 and the lens 21 , forming into an image on a screen 20 . the first wave plate 62 moves up and down by a motor ( not shown ) during operation to equalize the laser energy and prevent interference speckles on the screen 20 . referring to fig7 , the laser engine 23 comprises an x - prism 231 , a first polarized light generator 232 , a second polarized light generator 233 , a third polarized light generator 234 and a second wave plate 235 . the elements of the laser engine 23 are described as follows . the first polarized light generator 232 comprises a green laser source 2321 to generate a green laser l g to pass through a first polarized spectroscope 2322 to generate a p polarized light p 5 reflected by a first reflecting panel 2323 to generate an s polarized light s 7 . the s polarized light s 7 is reflected by the first polarized spectroscope 2322 to generate a p polarized light p 4 . the p polarized light p 4 is transmitted from the first polarized light generator 232 to the second wave plate 235 , and then passes through the second wave plate 235 to transform into a p polarized light p 4 and then enter the x - prism 231 . the second polarized light generator 233 comprises a blue laser source 2331 to generate a blue laser l b to pass through a second polarized spectroscope 2332 to generate a p polarized light p 6 reflected by a second reflecting panel 2333 to generate an s polarized light s 8 . the s polarized light s 8 is reflected by the second polarized spectroscope 2332 to generate an s polarized light s 5 . the s polarized light s 5 is transmitted from the second polarized light generator 233 to the x - prism 231 , and enters the x - prism 231 . the third polarized light generator 234 comprises a red laser source 2341 to generate a red laser l r to pass through a third polarized spectroscope 2342 to generate a p polarized light p 7 reflected by a third reflecting panel 2343 to generate an s polarized light s 9 . the s polarized light s 9 is reflected by the third polarized spectroscope 2342 to generate an s polarized light s 6 . the s polarized light s 6 is transmitted from the third polarized light generator 234 to the x - prism 231 , and enters the x - prism 231 . the x - prism 231 integrates the p polarized light p 4 generated by the first polarized light generator 232 , the s polarized light s 5 generated by the second polarized light generator 233 and the s polarized light s 6 generated by the third polarized light generator 234 into light to radiate . light 24 comprises a p polarized light p 1 , an s polarized light s 1 , and an s polarized light s 2 . after light 24 radiated by the laser engine 23 passes through the lens 21 for focus , light 24 passes through the first wave plate 62 to transform the p polarized light p 1 to an s polarized light s 3 , the s polarized light s 1 to a p polarized light p 2 , and the s polarized light s 2 to a p polarized light p 3 . finally , an image is formed on the screen 20 . during operation , the optical projection device 600 utilizes the first wave plate 62 to quickly move to change the angle between the light 24 and the axle of the first wave plate 62 , to change the direction of the electric field when light 24 moves . thus , laser energy is equalized following variations of the interference position . further , the interference speckle on the screen 20 is eliminated . moreover , providing the laser source can reduce the quantity of the optical elements and the volume of the projector . cost is decreased and the efficiency of production and assembly is increased . fig8 is a schematic view of an optical projection device of another embodiment of the invention . the optical projection device 800 comprises a lens 21 , a first wave plate 82 and a laser engine 23 . the laser engine 23 generates light 24 to pass through the lens 21 and the first wave plate 82 , forming into an image on a screen 20 . the first wave plate 82 rotates around an axle parallel to a projecting direction of light 24 by a motor ( not shown ) to equalize the laser energy and delete the interference speckle on the screen 20 . referring to fig9 , the laser engine 23 comprises an x - prism 231 , a first polarized light generator 232 , a second polarized light generator 233 , a third polarized light generator 234 and a second wave plate 235 . the elements of the laser engine 23 are described as follows . the first polarized light generator 232 comprises a green laser source 2321 to generate a green laser l g to pass through a first polarized spectroscope 2322 to generate a p polarized light p 5 reflected by a first reflecting panel 2323 to generate an s polarized light s 7 . the s polarized light s 7 is reflected by the first polarized spectroscope 2322 to generate a p polarized light p 4 . the p polarized light p 4 is transmitted from the first polarized light generator 232 to the second wave plate 235 , and then passes through the second wave plate 235 to transform into a p polarized light p 4 and then enter the x - prism 231 . the second polarized light generator 233 comprises a blue laser source 2331 to generate a blue laser l b to pass through a second polarized spectroscope 2332 to generate a p polarized light p 6 reflected by a second reflecting panel 2333 to generate an s polarized light s 8 . the s polarized light s 8 is reflected by the second polarized spectroscope 2332 to generate an s polarized light s 5 . the s polarized light s 5 is transmitted from the second polarized light generator 233 to the x - prism 231 , and enters the x - prism 231 . the third polarized light generator 234 comprises a red laser source 2341 to generate a red laser l r to pass through a third polarized spectroscope 2342 to generate a p polarized light p 7 reflected by a third reflecting panel 2343 to generate an s polarized light s 9 . the s polarized light s 9 is reflected by the third polarized spectroscope 2342 to generate an s polarized light s 6 . the s polarized light s 6 is transmitted from the third polarized light generator 234 to the x - prism 231 , and enters the x - prism 231 . the x - prism 231 integrates the p polarized light p 4 generated by the first polarized light generator 232 , the s polarized light s 5 generated by the second polarized light generator 233 and the s polarized light s 6 generated by the third polarized light generator 234 into light to radiate . light 24 comprises a p polarized light p 1 , an s polarized light s 1 , and an s polarized light s 2 . after light 24 radiated by the laser engine 23 passes through the lens 21 for focus , light 24 passes through the first wave plate 62 to transform the p polarized light p 1 to an s polarized light s 3 , the s polarized light s 1 to a p polarized light p 2 , and the s polarized light s 2 to a p polarized light p 3 . finally , an image is formed on the screen 20 . during operation , the optical projection device 800 utilizes the first wave plate 82 to quickly move to change the angle between the light 24 and the axle of the first wave plate 82 , to change the direction of the electric field when light 24 moves . thus , laser energy is equalized following variations of the interference position . further , the interference speckle on the screen 20 is eliminated . moreover , providing the laser source can reduce the quantity of the optical elements and the volume of the projector . cost is decreased and the efficiency of production and assembly is increased . while the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of the preferred embodiments , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments . to the contrary , it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements ( as would be apparent to those skilled in the art ). therefore , the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements . | 6 |
next , a detailed description will be given of an oscillator circuit , a semiconductor device and a semiconductor memory device provided with the oscillator circuit , and a control method of the oscillator circuit according to first to ninth embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings . fig1 is a first principle diagram of an oscillator circuit 100 of the present invention . a controller section 4 and an oscillator section 5 are controlled by an oscillation permitting signal ( en ). by the oscillation permitting signal ( en ), the oscillator section 5 is set to the oscillating operation enable state , and the controller section 4 starts its operation . the controller section 4 that has started the operation changes an oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ) to a signal value corresponding to a predetermined oscillation frequency . the oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ) is entered into the oscillator section 5 to set an oscillation frequency , and also entered into a detector section 1 to detect the signal value . a detection signal ( mon ) by the detector section 1 has been entered into the oscillator section 5 . the oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ) output from the controller section 4 needs a predetermined time to reach the signal value corresponding to the predetermined frequency after it is started by the oscillation permitting signal ( en ). accordingly , the signal value of the oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ) is compared with a predetermined signal value by the detector section 1 , and the detection signal ( mon ) is output to the oscillator section 5 after detecting that the oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ) reached the predetermined signal is detected . the oscillator section 5 is in the oscillation enable state by the oscillation permitting signal ( en ), and is controlled to output an oscillation signal at a point of time when the detection signal ( mon ) is entered . thus , it becomes possible to detect a transient period when the oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ) after the starting of the controller section 4 is in a transient state , thereby preventing outputting of an unstable oscillation signal from the oscillator section 5 caused by setting of a transient oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ). fig2 is a second principle diagram of an oscillator circuit 100 of the present invention . in addition to the components of the first principle diagram , a clamp section 2 is provided for clamping an oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ) to a predetermined value . the clamp section 2 is controlled by an oscillation permitting signal ( en ). in view of the current consumption , a detector section 1 only needs to be activated after starting of a controller section 4 by the oscillation permitting signal ( en ) and , in an oscillation inhibiting state where no oscillation permitting signal ( en ) is output , it is preferably set in an inactive state . accordingly , by providing the clamp section 2 controlled by the oscillation permitting signal ( en ), the oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ) is maintained at a predetermined clamp value in the oscillation inhibiting state . by setting this clamp value to an inactive signal value in an input stage of the detector section 1 , a detecting operation at the detector section 1 can be maintained in an inoperative state . in the oscillation inhibiting state , unnecessary current consumption does not occur at the detector section 1 , thus contributing to lower current consumption . as another method of maintaining the detector section 1 in the inactive state , an arrangement can be made where the detector section 1 itself can be controlled by the oscillation permitting signal ( en ). by making a circuit operation of the detector section 1 inactive in the oscillation inhibiting state , the operation of the detector section 1 can be halted irrespective of a signal value of the oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ). fig3 is a third principle diagram of an oscillator circuit 100 of the present invention . a delay section 3 is provided in place of the detector section 1 of the first principle diagram . an oscillation permitting signal ( en ) is entered into the delay section 3 , which outputs a delay signal ( d ) where a predetermined delay time is added to en to an oscillator section 5 . the predetermined delay time is set in accordance with a transient period when an oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ) changes after a controller section 4 is started by the oscillation permitting signal ( en ). at the delay section 3 , a predetermined time more than the transient period until the oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ) reaches a predetermined signal is timed , and the delay signal ( d ) is output to the oscillator section 5 . the oscillator section 5 is in an oscillation enable state by the oscillation permitting signal ( en ), and controlled to output an oscillation signal at a point of time when the delay signal ( d ) is entered . accordingly , it is possible to operate the oscillator section 5 after a point of time when the oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ) goes beyond the transient state , and reaches a stable signal value , thereby preventing outputting of an unstable oscillation signal from the oscillator section 5 caused by setting of a transient oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ). fig4 is a fourth principle diagram of an oscillator circuit 100 of the present invention . a controller section 4 and an oscillator section 5 are connected to each other through a control line ( vr ), and both are controlled by an oscillation permitting signal ( en ). by the oscillation permitting signal ( en ), the oscillator section 5 is set in an oscillating operation enable state , and the controller section 4 starts its control operation . the controller section 4 that has started the control operation outputs an oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ) set corresponding to a predetermined oscillation frequency through the control line ( vr ) to the oscillator section 5 . a signal generator section 7 provided outside the oscillator section 100 is connected through a switch section 6 to the control line ( vr ). the switch section 6 is controlled by the oscillation permitting signal ( en ). the controller section 4 is started by the oscillation permitting signal ( en ) to start its control operation . however , a request for low current consumption or the like may limit a driving capability small . in the limited driving capability , a long time may be necessary for the control line ( vr ) to reach the set oscillation frequency control signal ( vr ). accordingly , by making the switch section 6 conductive in an inactive state of the oscillation permitting signal ( en ), a predetermined signal from the signal generator section 7 is supplied to the control line ( vr ) beforehand . here , the signal generator section 7 is a unit provided beforehand outside the oscillator circuit 100 , which supplies a predetermined signal to other than the oscillator circuit 100 . in the fourth principle of the invention , this predetermined signal is used . in fig4 a pre - set section a 1 is configured with the external signal generator section 7 and the switch section 6 . since the predetermined signal is supplied to the control line ( vr ) when the oscillation permitting signal ( en ) is in an inactive state , and when the oscillation permitting signal ( en ) is changed to an active state , the control line ( vr ) can be set to a predetermined oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ) in a short time even if the controller section 4 has a limited driving capability . thus , it can prevent the output of an unstable oscillation signal from the oscillator section 5 caused by a transient control line ( vr ) signal . fig5 is a fifth principle diagram of an oscillator circuit 100 of the present invention . a first controller section 4 is provided in place of the controller section 4 of the fourth principle diagram , and a second control section 8 is further provided in place of the signal generator section 7 . also , a pulse generator section 9 is provided in addition to the fourth principle diagram . the pulse generator section 9 outputs a pulse signal to a switch section 6 and a the second controller section 8 when an oscillation permitting signal ( en ) is entered . the pulse signal is output according to an activation transition of the oscillation permitting signal ( en ). by the entry of the pulse signal , the switch section 6 is made conductive , and a predetermined signal output by activation of the second control section 8 is supplied to the control line ( vr ). in the fifth principle of the present invention , in order to compensate for a limited driving capability of the first controller section 4 , the second controller section 8 is driven in addition to the first controller section 4 for a predetermined period from the activation transition of the oscillation permitting signal ( en ), thereby increasing a driving capability until the control line ( vr ) reaches a set oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ). it is possible to set the control line ( vr ) to a set oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ) set within a short time with respect to the activation of the oscillation permitting signal ( en ) while limiting the driving capability of the first controller section 4 and maintaining a low current consumption operation , thereby preventing outputting of an unstable oscillation signal from the oscillator section 5 caused by a transient control line ( vr ) signal . next , a description is given of the detector section 1 and the delay section 3 indicated by dotted lines in the fourth and fifth principle diagrams of the present invention . these components 1 and 3 are not essential in the fourth and fifth principle diagrams . either one or both may be provided to further assure the elimination of the unstable operation period during activation of the oscillation permitting signal ( en ). the detector section 1 detects whether the signal of the control line ( vr ) has been entered and reached a signal equivalent to the set oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ) or not . a result of the detection is entered as a detection signal ( mon ) to the oscillator section 5 , and oscillating operation is controlled . by the detection signal ( mon ) indicating that the signal of the control line ( vr ) has reached the signal equivalent to the set oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ), the oscillator section 5 is controlled to start oscillating operation or output an oscillation signal together with the oscillation permitting signal ( en ). the delay section 3 adds a predetermined delay time to the oscillation permitting signal ( en ), and outputs it to the oscillator section 5 . the predetermined delay time is set in accordance with the transient period when the signal of the control line ( vr ) is changed to a signal equivalent to the set oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ) by the activation of the oscillation permitting signal ( en ). control is performed such that oscillating operation of the oscillator section 5 can be started or an oscillation signal can be output after the signal of the control line ( vr ) reaches the signal equivalent to the oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ). thus , it is possible to prevent outputting of an unstable oscillation signal from the oscillator section 5 caused by setting of the transient oscillation - frequency control signal ( vr ). as another method of maintaining the detector section 1 in the inactive state , an arrangement can be made where the detector section 1 is controlled by the oscillation permitting signal ( en ). by making circuit operation of the detector section 1 inactive in the inactive state , it is possible to maintain the operation of the detector section 1 stopped irrespective of the signal of the control line ( vr ). the oscillator circuits 101 and 102 shown in fig6 to 9 are oscillator circuits of first and second embodiments of the first principle diagram ( fig1 ). fig6 shows the oscillator circuit 101 of the first embodiment . a controller section 41 comprises a pmos transistor tp 1 in place of the switch element s 100 provided in the controller section 410 of the first specified example of the first prior art . an oscillator section 51 is constructed such that an oscillation signal vosc is output from the oscillation section 54 of the second specific example of the first prior art through a pmos transistor tp 4 as a switch element . a gate terminal of the pmos transistor tp 4 is controlled by a detection signal ( mon ) output from a detector section 11 described later . for the detector section 11 , an oscillation - frequency control signal vr is entered into a gate terminal of an nmos transistor tn 1 . a source terminal of the nmos transistor tn 1 is connected to a ground voltage vss . a drain terminal is connected to a drain terminal of a pmos transistor tp 2 having a power source voltage vdd connected to the source terminal and a ground voltage connected to the gate terminal , and a logic inversion gate using this connection point as an output terminal is configured . a logic inversion threshold voltage of the logic inversion gate is set based on balance between conductance of the pmos transistor tp 2 and conductance of the nmos transistor tn 1 , in such a way as to be logically inverted with respect to a voltage value of an oscillation - frequency control signal vr when the oscillator section 51 carries out its oscillating operation at a predetermined oscillation frequency . a voltage value which can detect reaching of the oscillation - frequency control signal vr to a predetermined voltage value is set as a threshold value beforehand , and the detection signal mon is activated in a state where the oscillation - frequency control signal vr outputs a stable voltage value . following starting of the controller section 41 , the oscillation - frequency control signal vr is increased from a ground voltage vss to a predetermined voltage value indicating a predetermined oscillation frequency . accordingly , by setting a given voltage value as a threshold value until a predetermined voltage value is reached , a logical inversion is securely carried out to activate the detection signal mon . an output of a logic inversion gate of an initial stage is output as a detection signal mon to the oscillator section 51 after it is subjected to waveform shaping , driving capability securing , logic matching and the like by inverter elements inv 1 and inv 2 of a second stage . the oscillator section 51 includes a nor element nor 1 in place of the final stage inverter element of the ring oscillator , wherein the nor 1 is controlled by an enable signal ( en ) which is an oscillation permitting signal . in an oscillation enable state where the enable signal en becomes a low logic level , the nor element nor 1 functions as a logic inversion gate to configure a ring oscillator . accordingly , oscillating operation is carried out in the oscillator section 51 . on the other hand , an output of the nor element nor 1 is output as an oscillation signal vosc through the pmos transistor tp 4 . pmos transistor tp 4 is controlled by the detection signal mon . the detection signal mon becomes a low logic level at a stage where the enable signal en is activated to start the controller section 41 , and the oscillation frequency control signal vr reaches a predetermined voltage value , and the pmos transistor tp 4 is made conductive to output the oscillation signal vosc . the ring oscillator is configured in the oscillator section 51 to start the oscillating operation with the activation of the enable signal en , and then the oscillation signal vosc as an output signal is output at a point of time when the oscillation frequency reaches the predetermined frequency . the oscillating operation is carried out in these two stages . thus , a signal of a stable predetermined oscillation frequency is output as an oscillation signal vosc . fig7 shows an oscillation operational waveform . when the enables signal en is changed to a low logic level , the controller section 41 is started , and the ring oscillator is configured in the oscillation section 51 to start oscillating operation . with the starting of the controller section 41 , the oscillation - frequency control signal vr is gradually increased from the ground voltage vss to the predetermined voltage value . however , since its voltage is lower than the predetermined voltage value in this transient period ( x 1 . in fig7 ), a control current ic to the ring oscillator becomes larger compared with that in the stable state . thus , the ring oscillator is oscillated at a high frequency ( node n 1 ). however , since the detection signal mon is inactive , and the pmos transistor tp 4 is in a nonconductive state , no high - frequency oscillation signals are output to the oscillation signal vosc . then , the detector section 11 detects that the oscillation - frequency control signal vr has reached the predetermined voltage value , and the detection signal mon is inverted . at this point , the pmos transistor tp 4 is made conductive , and an oscillation signal of the ring oscillator which oscillates stably at a predetermined oscillation frequency is output as an oscillation signal vosc . fig8 shows the oscillator circuit 102 of the second embodiment . in place of the controller section 41 of the first embodiment , a controller section 42 is provided , which comprises an nmos transistor tn 2 in place of the switch element s 102 provided in the controller section 420 of the third specific example of the first prior art . furthermore , the pmos transistor tp 4 in the oscillator section 51 of the first embodiment is removed , and an oscillation starting signal on is entered into a nor element nor 1 through a nor element nor 2 and an inverter element inv 3 , to which an enable signal en and the detection signal mon are entered . an oscillation signal vosc is configured to be output from the nor element nor 1 . a detector section 12 is constructed in such a manner that the inverter element inv 2 in the detector section 11 of the first embodiment is removed , and a low - active detection signal mon is output . at an initial stage of the detector section 12 , a logic inversion gate similar to that of the initial stage of the detector section 11 is provided . following the starting of the controller section 42 , an oscillation - frequency control signal vr is reduced from a high voltage level to a predetermined voltage value indicating a predetermined oscillation frequency . accordingly , by setting a predetermined voltage value as a threshold value until the predetermined voltage value is reached , a logic inversion is surely carried out to activate the detection signal mon . since the controller section 42 is operated having a polarity reverse to that of the controller section 41 of the first embodiment . accordingly , the detector section 12 comprises inverter elements one stage less than the detector section 11 of the first embodiment . fig9 shows an oscillation operational waveform . when the enable signal en is changed to a low logic level , the controller section 42 is started , and oscillation - frequency control signal vr is gradually reduced from a high voltage level ( vdd - vthp ) which is lowered from a power source voltage vdd by a threshold voltage vthp of the pmos transistor to the predetermined voltage value . however , since its voltage is higher than the predetermined voltage value in this transient period ( x 2 in fig9 ), a control current ic to the ring oscillator is smaller compared with that in the stable state . as the detector section initial stage is not inverted at this time , the detection signal mon maintains its high logic level , and the oscillation signal vosc is fixed at a low level through the nor element nor 2 . that is , the oscillating operation of the ring oscillator is stopped , while the oscillation signal vosc is fixed at a low level . then , the detector section 12 detects that the oscillation - frequency control signal vr has reached the predetermined voltage value , and the detection signal mon is inverted to a low logic level . at a point of this time , an input signal of the nor element nor 2 also becomes low in logic level , an output is inverted to a high logic level , and the nor element nor 1 functions as a logic inversion gate to start oscillation operation of the ring oscillator . a this time , since the oscillation - frequency control signal vr has reached the predetermined voltage value , the oscillating operation is carried out stably at a predetermined oscillation frequency , and a stable oscillation output is output as an oscillation signal vosc . as described above , according to the first and second embodiments , it , is possible to perform oscillating operation at a desired oscillation frequency set by the oscillation - frequency control signal vr according to the detection signal mon which is a detection result of each of the detector sections 11 and 12 . even in the transient period ( x 1 in fig7 or x 2 in fig9 ) when the oscillation - frequency control signal vr from each of the controller sections 41 and 42 which start operation by the enable signal en as the oscillation permitting signal is unstable , it is possible to perform oscillation at a stable oscillation frequency without any instability in the oscillation operation . in the initial stage circuits of the detector sections 11 and 12 , by comparing the signal value of the oscillation - frequency control signal vr with that of the predetermined frequency , it is possible to set the oscillation frequencies at the oscillator sections 51 and 52 as predetermined frequencies . the oscillation - frequency control signal vr which is an analog voltage value can be detected by the logic inversion gate of the initial stage circuit of each of the detector sections 11 and 12 having the signal value corresponding to the predetermined oscillation frequency set as a threshold voltage . the detection signal mon can be taken out as a digital signal . processing such as oscillation starting in the later stage oscillator sections 51 and 52 can be carried out by the digital signal . thus , high - speed processing can be carried out in a small circuit by low current consuming operation . as the nor element nor 1 of the oscillator section 51 , and the nor element nor 2 of the oscillator section 52 as signal composing sections , the enable signal en which is the oscillation permitting signal is logically composed with the detection signal mon and is output . thus , upon detection that both signals are at low logic levels , it is possible to control the nor element nor 1 constituting the final stage of the ring oscillator as operation control unit . fig1 to 12 show third to fifth embodiments corresponding to the second principle diagram ( fig2 ). a clamp section 21 is shown in the third embodiment of fig1 . an nmos transistor tn 3 is provided between an oscillation - frequency control signal vr entered into a detector section 11 or 12 , and a predetermined voltage v , which is controlled by an enable signal en . here , a case of a low active enable signal en is exemplified . that is , when the enable signal en becomes a low logic level to be set in an oscillation enable state , the nmos transistor tn 3 is made nonconductive , and the oscillation - frequency control signal vr generated by a controller section 4 is entered into the detector section 11 or 12 to conduct a detecting operation . when the enable signal en becomes a high logic level to be set in an oscillation inhibiting state , the nmos transistor tn 3 is made conductive , and the oscillation - frequency control signal vr is clamped at a predetermined voltage v . here , since the predetermined voltage v is set to a voltage before logic inversion in an initial stage circuit of the detector section 11 or 12 , no detection signal mon is output . specifically , in the first embodiment where the oscillation - frequency control signal vr becomes a ground voltage vss in the oscillation inhibiting state , a predetermined voltage v may be set for the ground voltage vss . in the second embodiment where the oscillation - frequency control signal vr becomes a high voltage ( vdd - vthp ) in the oscillation inhibiting state , a predetermined voltage ( vdd - vthp ) or a higher voltage may be set . a clamp section 22 is shown in the fourth embodiment of fig1 . in addition to the clamp section 21 of the third embodiment , a transfer gate t 1 is provided for shutting off an input terminal of a detector section 11 or 12 , and an output terminal of a controller section 4 for outputting an oscillation - frequency control signal vr . a low active enable signal en is entered into a gate terminal of a pmos transistor of the transfer gate t 1 , and the enable signal en is inverted by an inverter element inv 4 and entered into a gate terminal of the nmos transistor . when the enable signal en becomes a low logic level to be set in an oscillation enable state , the nmos transistor tn 3 is made nonconductive , and the transfer gate t 1 is made conductive to enter the oscillation - frequency control signal vr into the detector section 11 or 12 , thereby starting detecting operation . when the enable signal en becomes a high logic level to be set in an oscillation inhibiting state , the nmos transistor tn 3 is made conductive , and the transfer gate t 1 is made nonconductive to clamp the input terminal of the detector section 11 or 12 at a predetermined voltage v . a detector section 13 is shown in the fifth embodiment of fig1 . the detector section 13 has circuitry where activation and inactivation are switched according to an enable signal en . an nmos transistor tn 4 is added to the initial stage circuit of the detector section 11 of the first embodiment . the nmos transistor tn 4 is connected between an nmos transistor tn 1 and an output terminal of the initial stage circuit , and the enable signal en is inverted by an inverter element inv 5 and entered into a gate terminal . when the enable signal en becomes a low logic level to be set in an oscillation enable state , the nmos transistor tn 4 is made conductive , and the initial stage circuit is activated , thereby executing detecting operation . when the enable signal en becomes a high logic level to be set in an oscillation inhibiting state , the nmos transistor tn 4 is made nonconductive , and an output terminal of the initial stage circuit is fixed at a power source voltage vdd , thereby preventing detecting operation from being executed . in the detector section 13 of the fifth embodiment , the circuitry corresponding to the detector section 11 was exemplified . however , circuitry corresponding to the detector section 12 of the second embodiment can be employed . in this case , in place of the nmos transistor tn 4 of the detector section 13 , a pmos transistor may be inserted between the pmos transistor tp 2 and the output terminal of the initial stage circuit , and the enable signal en may be entered into the gate terminal . when the enable signal en becomes a low logic level to be set in an oscillation enable state , the newly connected pmos transistor is made conductive to carry out detecting operation . when the enable signal en becomes a high logic level to be set in an oscillation inhibiting state , the newly connected pmos transistor is made nonconductive , and the output terminal of the initial stage circuit is fixed at a ground voltage vss , and no detecting operation is carried out . as described above , according to the third and fourth embodiments , it is possible to maintain the oscillation - frequency control signal vr at a signal value other than a signal value corresponding to a predetermined oscillation frequency , stop the detecting operation at the detector section 11 or 12 , and keep oscillation outputting stopped . also , in this case , if a predetermined clamp value is set to a ground voltage vss in the constitution of the first embodiment , and to a higher voltage level such as a power source voltage ( vdd - vthp ) in the constitution of the second embodiment , it is possible to surely stop the detecting operation at the detector section 11 or 12 , and keep oscillation outputting stopped . according to the fifth embodiment , since the circuit operation of the detector section 13 itself can be made inactive by the enable signal en , it is possible to reduce unnecessary current consumption in the oscillation inhibiting state . fig1 shows an oscillator circuit 103 corresponding to a sixth embodiment of the third principle diagram ( fig3 ). a delay section 31 is provided in place of the detector section 12 in the oscillator circuit 102 of the second embodiment . at an oscillator section 53 , a 3 - input nor element nor 3 is provided in place of the 2 - input nor element nor 2 at the oscillator section 52 . an enable signal en is directly entered into each input terminal of the nor element nor 3 , and delay signals from first delay section d 1 and second delay section d 2 of the delay section 31 each are also entered . the first delay section d 1 comprises inverter elements of even stages ( 4 - stage in fig1 ) connected in series . the second delay section d 2 constitutes a delay circuit for timing a predetermined delay time after the enable signal en is changed to a low level . the enable signal en is inverted by the inverter element , and entered into one input terminal of a nand element na 1 . a signal delayed for a predetermined delay time is entered into the other input terminal through a delay unit τ comprised of an inverter element or a cr delay element . here , a logic level between an input and an output of the delay unit τ is inverted . accordingly , at the output terminal logic - inverted by the inverter element from the output of the nand element a 1 , a high - level pulse signal having a pulse width of a predetermined delay time set by the delay unit τ with respect to the transition of the enable signal en to the low level is obtained as a delay signal d . since there is a delay time on the circuit between the low level transition of the enable signal en to the high level transition of the delay signal d , there is a possibility that low - level hazard may occur from the inverter element inv 3 . the first delay section d 1 is provided to deal with this hazard . that is , by the delay signal of the first delay section d 1 , a high - level signal is entered into at least one input terminal of the nor element nor 3 during the delay time on the circuit from the low level transition of the enable signal en , making it possible to prevent the hazard . fig1 shows an operational waveform at the start of oscillating operation . when the enable signal en is changed to a low level , the controller section 42 is started , and an oscillation - frequency control signal vr is gradually reduced from a high voltage level ( vdd - vthp ) to a predetermined voltage value . however , since the oscillation - frequency control signal vr is higher than the predetermined voltage value in this transient period ( x 2 in fig1 ), control current ic to the ring oscillator is smaller compared with that in a stable state . accordingly , to keep oscillating operation stopped in this period , a high - level delay signal d is output by the second delay section d 2 following the delay time of the first delay section d 1 at the delay section 31 . thus , at least one input terminal of the nor element nor 3 of the oscillator section 53 is maintained at a high level , and an oscillation starting signal on at a high level . therefore , the ring oscillator of the oscillator section 53 is not operated . this period is continued by maintaining the delay signal d at a high level during the predetermined delay time set by the delay unit τ of the second delay section d 2 . when the delay signal d is inverted to a low level after the predetermined delay time , since signals having been entered into the other input terminals of the nor element nor 3 are also at low level , the oscillation starting signal on is inverted to a low level to start oscillating operation at the oscillator section 53 , thereby outputting an oscillation signal vosc . by setting the predetermined delay time after a point of time when the oscillation - frequency control signal vr reaches the predetermined voltage , the oscillating operation is carried out at a stable predetermined oscillation frequency , and an oscillation signal vosc is output as a stable oscillation output . as described above , according to the sixth embodiment , it is possible to set a time when a signal value of the oscillation frequency control signal vr from the controller section 42 which starts operation by the enable signal en as an oscillation permitting signal is stabilized as a predetermined delay time in the second delay section d 2 of the delay section 31 , and obtain a stable oscillation signal vosc after the point of time when the oscillation - frequency control signal vr is stabilized and reaches the signal value corresponding to the predetermined oscillation frequency . also , here , the cr delay circuit or the like constituting the delay unit at the second delay section d 2 is set corresponding to a time constant of the cr delay circuitry comprising a resistance component such as a current path of the control current ic at the controller section 42 , and capacitive components such as gate capacitors of the pmos transistors tp 1 and tp 3 . accordingly , time equivalent to the time for which the oscillation - frequency control signal vr reaches a stable state can be timed by the delay section 31 . thus , it is possible to time a predetermined delay time by an optimal timing at the delay section 31 . according to the first , second and sixth embodiments described above , the outputting of the oscillation signals vosc from the oscillator sections 51 to 53 can be controlled by any one of the unit , i . e ., actuation / stoppage of the oscillating operation of the ring oscillator by the nor element nor 1 as the operation control unit , and output / stoppage of the oscillation signal vosc by the pmos transistor tp 4 as the output control unit , or control can be made by using both of these two unit . if as in the case of the oscillator section 51 of the first embodiment , a two - stage arrangement is made where the enable signal en activates the nor element nor 1 to start oscillating operation , and then the detection signal mon activates the pmos transistor tp 4 to output an oscillation signal vosc , the oscillating operation of the ring oscillator by the enable signal en can be started before the oscillation signal vosc is output by the detection signal mon , and the oscillating operation at the oscillator section 51 can be stabilized when the oscillation signal vosc is output . moreover , this two - stage arrangement can be similarly applied to the oscillator section 52 of the second embodiment and the oscillation section 53 of the sixth embodiment . by providing the foregoing oscillator circuit in place of the oscillator circuit 100 in the semiconductor device 1000 ( fig2 ) or the semiconductor memory device 2000 ( fig2 ), the semiconductor device 1000 or the semiconductor memory device 2000 can stably generate a voltage corresponding to the oscillation signal vosc output from the oscillator circuit 100 at the boosting / negative power source circuit 200 or a voltage generator circuit . at the refresh control circuit 300 , control can be made in a stable refresh cycle according to the oscillation signal vosc output from the oscillator circuit 100 . thus , in the transient period when the oscillation - frequency control signal vr from each of the controller sections 41 and 42 which start operation by the enable signal en is not stable , it is possible to perform stable circuit operation without outputting any unstable oscillation signals vosc to the boosting / negative power source circuit 200 or the refresh control circuit 300 . specifically , it is possible to prevent large current consumption caused by the output of an unstable high - frequency oscillation signal vosc , erroneous operations caused by the following reduction in power source voltage , a reliability problem in the semiconductor device 1000 or the semiconductor memory device 2000 caused by excessive voltage generation , or the like . further , on the contrary , it is possible to prevent fluctuation in transistor characteristics caused by the output of a unstable low - frequency oscillation signal vosc , the following deterioration of a noise resistance , or a loss of stored data or the like in the semiconductor memory device 2000 . here , the fluctuation in the transistor characteristic or the deterioration of the noise resistance may specifically include fluctuations in a backgate bias voltage or the like in the mos transistor . at each of the detector sections 11 , 12 and 13 , the oscillation - frequency control signal vr as an analog voltage value can be detected by the logic gate element where the signal value corresponding to the predetermined oscillation frequency has been adjusted as the threshold voltage , and a digital signal can be obtained as a result of the detection . processing of the later stage can be executed by the digital signal , and thus it is possible to carry out high - speed processing by the operation of low current consumption at a small circuit . at the detector section 13 , since activation / inactivation of the detector section 13 can be controlled by the enable signal en , it is possible to reduce unnecessary current consumption by making the detector section 13 inactive in the oscillation inhibiting state . in addition , if , as a predetermined delay time timed by the delay section , in place of the delay unit τ in the delay section 31 of the sixth embodiment , a circuit for timing the predetermined delay time is constructed by circuitry equivalent to that for generating the oscillation - frequency control signal vr at the controller section 42 according to the enable signal en , then the predetermined delay time can be set by an optimal timing . further , by making an arrangement where the enable signal en , and the detection signal mon or the delay signal d are composed at the signal composing section , and output as an output signal , it is possible to control the operation control unit or the output control unit at the oscillator section after detecting that both signals are in predetermined states . fig1 shows an oscillator circuit 104 corresponding to a seventh embodiment of the fourth principle diagram ( fig4 ). a controller section 43 comprises a pmos transistor tp 5 and an nmos transistor tn 5 in place of the switch element s 100 provided in the controller section 410 of the first specific example of the first prior art . a low active enable signal en is entered into an enable terminal ( e ) to directly control a gate terminal of the pmos transistor tp 5 and , and a gate terminal of the nmos transistor tn 5 through an inverter element inv 6 . at the controller section 43 , generally , a bias current ic is set to a small current value limited by a request for low current consuming operation . for example , if a resistance value of a resistance element r 100 is set to 1mω , the bias current ic is set to about several microamperes . an oscillator section 54 is constructed similarly to the oscillator section 54 in the second specific example of the first prior art . an enable signal en is entered through the enable terminal ( e ) to one input terminal of a nor element nor 4 constituting a ring oscillator . a switch section 61 includes a so - called transfer gate sw 1 for connecting source terminals and drain terminals of the pmos transistor and the nmos transistor . to be made conductive at a high - level time when a low - active enable signal en is inactivated , the enable signal en is directly entered into a gate terminal of the nmos transistor , and it is logic - inverted through an inverter element inv 7 and entered into a gate terminal of the pmos transistor . the switch element 61 makes a control line vr and a potential generator circuit 71 provided outside the oscillator circuit 104 conductive to each other . the switch section 61 and the potential generator circuit 71 constitute a pre - set circuit a 11 of the control line vr . fig1 shows an operational waveform . when the enable signal en is at a low level , a pmos transistor tp 5 and an nmos transistor tn 5 of the controller section 43 are both made conductive to supply a bias current ic . this bias current ic flows to a diode - connected pmos transistor tp 600 to be converted into a voltage value , and then output as a set oscillation - frequency control signal vr to the control line vr . the set oscillation - frequency control signal vr that has been output to the control line vr is entered into a gate terminal of a pmos transistor tp 7 of the oscillator section 54 , and the bias current ic is supplied to each inverter element constituting the ring oscillator and a power source terminal of a nor element nor 4 . here , it was described that assuming that the pmos transistors tp 600 and tp 7 are equal in size , bias current flowing to both was the same bias current ic . however , by properly changing the sizes of both transistors , and setting a difference in driving capabilities , needless to say , it is possible to set a bias current ratio according to the difference in driving capability . at this time , a low - level enable signal en is entered into the enable terminal ( e ) of the oscillator section 54 , and the nor element nor 4 functions as a logic inversion element . thus , at the oscillation section 54 , a loop of the ring oscillator is constructed , and an oscillation signal vosc of a predetermined frequency is output by each element driven by the bias current ic . an oscillation frequency of the oscillation signal vosc is decided by the bias current ic . this bias current ic is decided by the set oscillation - frequency control signal vr generated at the controller section 43 . that is , the set oscillation - frequency control signal vr is decided by the bias current ic flowing through the pmos transistor tp 600 having a diode - connected predetermined driving capability , and supplied to the gate terminal of the pmos transistor tp 7 having the predetermined driving capability . accordingly , a predetermined bias current ic is decided as a power source current of each element constituting the ring oscillator . a propagation delay time by a charging / discharging time of an input capacitor of each stage is decided by the bias current ic , and a time obtained by adding this propagation delay time for one round of the ring oscillator is set as an oscillation cycle t 0 in a static state . at this time , since the switch section 61 is in an off state , the control line vr and disconnected voltage of the potential generator circuit 71 are disconnected from each other . then , assuming that the enable signal en is changed to a high level to be set in an inactive state , then the controller section 43 , the pmos transistor tp 5 and the nmos transistor tn 5 are both set in the off state , a current path of the bias current ic is shut off , and an output to the control line vr is set in a floating state . simultaneously , at the oscillator section 54 , an output signal of the nor element nor 4 is fixed at a low level to shut off the loop of the ring oscillator , and the oscillation signal vosc is fixed at a low level to stop the oscillating operation . at this time , the switch section 61 is made conductive ( on ) and , in place of the controller section 43 set in the floating state , a voltage level of the control line vr is set to a predetermined level by the potential generator circuit 71 . here , preferably , a predetermined voltage vr 2 is set to a voltage level equivalent to the set oscillation - frequency control signal vr . when the enable signal en is changed again to the low level to be set in an active state , the switch section 61 is made inactive ( off ) to disconnect the potential generator circuit 71 from the control line vr , and the controller section 43 and the oscillator section 54 are both activated . as described above in detail , according to the seventh embodiment , when the driving capability of the controller section 43 is limited to a small value by the request for a low current consuming operation or the like , by the pre - set section a 11 comprised of the switch section 61 and the potential generator circuit 71 , a voltage level of the control line vr can be maintained at a predetermined voltage vr 2 of a voltage level equivalent to the set oscillation - frequency control signal vr in an inactive period by the enable signal en . thus , it is possible to return to a static state within a short return time x 01 . the short return time enables a transient generation period of an oscillation frequency to be short . moreover , because of the equivalency of the predetermined voltage vr 2 to the set oscillation - frequency control signal vr in the inactive period reduces a difference in bias current ic , and a transient oscillation cycle ts 1 in the return period can be set near an oscillation cycle t 0 in the static state . in this case , preferably , the controller section 43 and the potential generator circuit 71 have equivalent circuitry comprising equivalent circuitry components . accordingly , the difference in element parameters caused by the manufacturing process or the like affects equivalently , and equivalent bias conditions are maintained for the difference in element parameters . specifically , if the potential generator section 71 is provided with circuitry equivalent to that of the controller section 43 , equivalent element difference is applied . thus , a voltage level of the set oscillation - frequency control signal vr output from the controller section 43 , and the predetermined voltage vr 2 output from the potential generator circuit 71 are always set to have a fixed correlation , advantageously . when the enable signal en as the oscillation permitting signal becomes a high level to be set inactive , and the controller section 43 is set in an inactive state , the predetermined voltage vr 2 as a predetermined signal can be supplied to the control line vr . thus , when the controller section 43 is activated by the activation of the enable signal en set to a low level , it is possible to shorten a time delay until the voltage level of the control line vr is charged to the set oscillation - frequency control signal vr , thereby shortening the unstable period of the oscillation frequency in the active period . it is possible to suppress oscillation frequency fluctuation in the unstable period , an increase in current consumption or voltage fluctuation following the oscillation frequency fluctuation , and erroneous operation caused thereby . thus , it is suitable for power conservation use represented by the portable device field where the operation state is switched between a normal use state and a stand - by state in which current consumption is kept low in a power down mode or the like . fig1 shows an oscillator circuit 105 according to an eighth embodiment corresponding to the fifth principle diagram ( fig5 ). a first controller section 41 is provided in place of the controller section 43 in the oscillator circuit 104 of the seventh embodiment . further , in addition to the components of the oscillator circuit 104 of the seventh embodiment , a pulse generator section 91 , a second controller section 81 are provided therein . the potential generator circuit 71 used in the seventh embodiment is not used here . a switch section 61 , the pulse generator section 91 , and the second control section 81 constitute a pre - set section a 21 . the first controller section 41 comprises a pmos transistor tp 1 in place of the switch element s 100 provided at the controller section 410 of the first specific example of the first prior art . a low active enable signal en is entered into an enable terminal ( e ) to directly control a gate terminal of the pmos transistor tp 1 . in addition , in place of the pmos transistor tp 100 and the resistance element r 100 , a pmos transistor tp 8 and a resistance element r 11 are provided . here , a gate width and a gate length of the pmos transistor tp 8 are denoted by w 1 and l 1 . a bias current ic 1 is set based on a ratio of the gate width and the gate length ( gate width / gate length = w 1 / l 1 ) of the pmos transistor tp 8 , and a resistance value of the resistance element r 11 . as in the case of the controller section 43 of the seventh embodiment , the bias current ic 1 is generally set to a small current value limited by a request for low current consuming operation . for example , if a resistance value of the resistance element r 11 is set to 1mω , the bias current ic 1 is set to about several microamperes . the pulse generator section 91 comprises a nor element nor 5 , and a delay circuit for timing a delay time of tx 02 , which is composed of serially connected inverter elements of odd stages ( 3 - stage is exemplified in fig1 ). one input terminal of the nor element nor 5 and an input terminal of the delay circuit are connected to the enable signal en . the other input terminal of the nor element nor 5 is connected to an output terminal of the delay circuit . at the pulse generator section 91 , a high - level pulse signal set is output with a low level transition of the enable signal en as a trigger signal . in this case , a pulse width becomes tx 02 . the output pulse signal set is entered into the switch section 61 , inverted by an inverter element inv 7 of the switch section 61 , and then entered into the enable terminal ( e ) of the second controller section 81 . the second controller section 81 is similar in constitution to the first controller section 41 . in place of the respective components , i . e ., the pmos transistors tp 1 and tp 8 , and the resistance element r 11 , of the first controller section 41 , pmos transistors tp 9 and tp 10 , and a resistance element r 12 are provided . a pulse signal set is inverted at the switch section 61 , and then entered into the enable terminal ( e ) to directly control gate terminal of the pmos transistor tp 9 . a gate width and a gate length of the pmos transistor tp 10 are denoted by w 2 and l 2 . a bias current ic 2 flowing through a current path is set based on a ratio of a gate width and a gate length ( gate width / gate length = w 2 / l 2 ) of the pmos transistor tp 10 , and a resistance value of the resistance element r 12 . the bias current ic 2 of the second controller section 81 is set to be a large current value compared with the bias current ic 1 . in this case , according to a increase of a current value , w 2 / l 2 is set larger than w 1 / l 1 , and a resistance value of the resistance element r 12 is smaller than a resistance value of the resistance element r 11 , so that a bias condition of the second controller section 81 is similar to that of the first controller section 41 . thus , an output from the second controller section 81 made by flowing of the bias current ic 2 to the diode - connected pmos transistor tp 10 is set to a voltage level equivalent to a voltage level of an oscillation - frequency control signal vr changed more steeply and set compared with an output from the first controller 41 . an output terminal of the second controller section 81 is connected through the switch section 61 to a control line vr in the output period of the pulse signal set , and is rapidly charged / discharged to a voltage level equivalent to that of the oscillation - frequency control signal vr where the control line vr is set . fig1 shows an operational waveform . when the enable signal en is at a low level , an output of the pulse generator section 91 is maintained at a low level , and the switch section 61 is in a nonconductive state . oscillating operation is similar to that of the operational waveform of the seventh embodiment ( fig1 ), and thus the description thereof is omitted . if the enable signal en is changed to a high level to be set in an inactive state , when the pmos transistor tp 1 is turned off at the first controller section 41 , a current path of the bias current ic 1 is shut off , and an output terminal to the control line vr is connected through the resistance element r 11 to a ground voltage vss . an output of the pulse generator section 91 at this time is maintained at a low level , and the switch section 61 is in a nonconductive state . thus , a voltage of the control line vr is reduced substantially equivalent to the ground voltage vss . simultaneously , an output signal of the nor element nor 4 of the oscillator section 54 is fixed at a low level to shut off the loop of the ring oscillator , and an oscillation signal vosc is fixed at a low level to stop the oscillating operation . when the enable signal en is changed to the low level again , the first controller section 41 is activated to supply the bias current ic 1 . simultaneously , a pulse signal set is output from the pulse generator section 91 . the pulse signal set makes the switch section 61 conductive to connect the output terminal of the second controller section 81 to the control line vr , and also activate the second controller section 81 . the second controller section 81 charges the control line vr to a voltage level equivalent to that of the set oscillation - frequency control signal vr through the switch section 61 . as described above , according to the eighth embodiment , by setting a driving capability of the second controller section 81 sufficiently larger compared with the first controller section 41 having a driving capability limited small by the request for a low current consuming operation or the like , a voltage level of the control line vr can be charged to a voltage level equivalent to that of the set oscillation - frequency control signal vr in the output period of the pulse signal set . in this case , preferably , by adjusting a current value of the bias current ic 2 and the output period of the pulse signal set , a pulse period tx 02 is set to a time equivalent to or more than that for charging the voltage level of the control line vr equivalent to that of the set oscillation - frequency control signal vr . in this case , preferably , the second controller section 81 and the first controller section 41 have equivalent circuitry comprising equivalent circuit components . accordingly , the difference in element parameters caused by manufacturing difference or the like affects equivalently both of the controller sections 81 and 41 . in the controller sections 81 and 41 which are equivalent in circuitry , equivalent bias conditions are maintained for the difference in element parameters , and equivalent actions / effects can be maintained . further , if the pulse generator section 91 and the switch section 61 have equivalent circuitry components , with respect to difference in element parameters caused by manufacturing difference or the like , both controller sections 81 and 41 , the pulse generator section 91 and the switch section 61 can be set to be varied by having a predetermined correlation , and equivalent actions / effects can be maintained with respect to the difference in element parameters . specifically , a voltage level of the set oscillation - frequency control signal vr output from the first controller section 41 , and a predetermined voltage output from the second controller section 81 are always set to have a fixed correlation . also , a pulse period tx 02 of the pulse signal set output from the pulse generator section 91 , and the bias current ic 2 of the second controller section 81 both have correlations with the pmos transistor driving capability . the correlations mean in this case that when a driving capability is small , a delay time tx 02 in the delay section of the pulse generator section 91 is longer , and the bias current ic 2 is smaller , and that when the bias current ic 2 is small , the pulse period tx 02 becomes longer and , when the bias current ic 2 is large , the pulse period tx 02 becomes shorter . irrespective of the difference in element parameters , the control line vr can be charged during the output period of the pulse signal set . by the pre - set section a 21 , in the pulse period tx 02 when the enable signal en is changed to a low level to be set in an active state , the voltage level of the control line vr can be quickly charged to a voltage level equivalent to that of the set oscillation - frequency control signal vr by the second controller section 81 . thus , it is possible to return to the static state within a short return time x 02 . because of the short return time , in addition to a short generation period of a transient oscillation frequency , by the quick charging to the voltage level of the set oscillation - frequency control signal vr , a transient oscillation cycle ts 2 in the return period can be set near the oscillation cycle t 0 in the static state . when the enable signal en becomes a low level to be changed to an active state , by the pulse signal set of the predetermined period tx 02 , the predetermined signal of a voltage level equivalent to that of the set oscillation frequency control signal vr can be supplied from the second controller section 81 to the control line vr . accordingly , when the first controller section 41 is activated by the activation of the enable signal en , it is possible to shorten the delay time until the voltage level of the control line vr is charged to the voltage level equivalent to that of the set oscillation - frequency control signal vr , and thus shorten the unstable period of an oscillation frequency during activation . it is possible to suppress oscillation frequency fluctuation in the unstable period , an increase in current consumption or voltage fluctuation following the oscillation frequency fluctuation , and erroneous operations , and the like caused thereby . the embodiment is suited for power conservation use represented by the portable device field , where an operational state is switched between a normal use state and a stand - by use state in which current consumption is kept low in a power down mode or the like . here , in the seventh or eighth embodiment , detector sections 11 , 12 and 13 ( fig6 and 12 ) or a delay section 31 ( fig1 ) can be provided . thus , it becomes possible to further assure the elimination of the unstable oscillating operation immediately after starting by detecting that the voltage level of the control line vr has reached a predetermined voltage level , or timing the time when it reaches the predetermined voltage level . specifically , in the configuration having the detector sections 11 , 12 and 13 , the voltage level of the control line vr is detected beforehand and , when a signal corresponding to a predetermined oscillation frequency is reached , oscillating operation can be started or an oscillation signal can be output by controlling the oscillator section 54 . when the controller section 43 or the first controller section 41 are activated by the activation of the enable signal en , by detecting a case where the voltage level of the control line vr has not reached to the voltage level equivalent to that of the oscillation - frequency control signal vr , it is possible to prevent the output of the unstable oscillation frequency in the active state . in the configuration having the delay section 31 , the time required for stabilizing the oscillation - frequency control signal vr output from the controller section 43 or the first controller section 41 at a set value can be added as a predetermined delay time . thus , it is possible to obtain a stable oscillation signal after a point of time when the voltage level of the control line vr is stabilized . also , here , if a cr delay circuit or the like constituting a delay unit τ in the second delay section d 2 of the delay section 31 is set corresponding to a time constant of cr delay circuitry comprised of a resistance component of a current path or the like of the bias current ic , ic 1 , or ic 2 in the controller section 43 , the first controller section 41 or the second controller section 81 , and a capacitive component such as the pmos / nmos transistor , the resistance element , or a wiring capacitor , a time equivalent to the time until the voltage level of the control line vr reaches the stable state can be timed by the delay section 31 . further , by configuring the delay unit τ of circuitry equivalent to that of the controller section 43 , the first controller section 41 or the second controller section 81 , a time equivalent to the time until the voltage level of the control line vr reaches the stable state can be timed . thus , it is possible to time a predetermined delay time by an optimal timing at the delay section 31 . a ninth embodiment shown in fig1 is directed to a so - called voltage control type oscillator circuit 106 for setting an oscillation frequency by controlling a drive power source voltage of an oscillator section 55 . a controller section 44 comprises a row of resistance elements , and a buffer circuit . a voltage in a predetermined position of the row of resistance elements are supplied as a drive power source voltage of the oscillator section 55 after the driving capability at the buffer circuit is added . in the row of resistance elements and the buffer circuit of the controller section 44 , nmos transistors tn 6 and tn 7 are each provided in current paths of the row of resistance elements and the buffer circuit , and controlled by a signal , which is obtained by inverting an enable signal en at an inverter element . in an inactive state where the enable signal en becomes a high level , the current path is shut off to stop power supplying to the oscillator section 55 , thus stopping oscillating operation . in an active state where the enable signal en becomes a low level , the current path is made conductive to supply power to the oscillator section 55 , thus executing oscillating operation . also at the oscillator section 106 , by providing a pre - set section a 1 or a 2 , actions / effects equivalent to those of the seventh or eighth embodiment can be obtained . further , detector sections 11 , 12 and 13 ( fig6 and 12 ) or a delay section 31 ( fig1 ) can also be provided . fig2 and 21 show modified examples of a control form of the set oscillation - frequency control signal vr . the seventh or eighth embodiment is the oscillator circuit 104 or 105 which is a current control type , where the oscillation frequency is controlled using the bias current ic as a drive power source current at the oscillator section 54 . the oscillator circuit 104 or 105 is an example of circuitry , where as the set oscillation - frequency control signal vr , the bias current ic or ic 1 is converted into a voltage value , and propagated to the control line vr by the controller section 43 or the first controller section 41 , and reconverted into a drive power source current for control at the oscillator section 54 . in the first modified example of fig2 , a controller section 45 and an oscillator section 56 are provided . the controller section 45 has circuitry , where the pmos transistor tp 7 in the oscillator section 54 of the seventh or eighth embodiment is incorporated in the controller section 43 or the first controller section 41 , and an output of a bias current ic from a current mirror circuit comprising a pmos transistor is supplied to a control line vr . the oscillator circuit 56 has circuitry , where the pmos transistor tp 7 is removed from the oscillator section 54 , and a bias current supplied from the control line vr is directly used as a drive power source current . thus , since an interface between the controller section 45 and the oscillator section 56 is a bias current ic , a high voltage noise tolerance with respect to the control line vr is excellent . in the second modified example of fig2 , an oscillator section 57 is provided in place of the oscillator section 56 of the first modified example ( fig2 ). the oscillator section 57 has a circuit form to be controlled by a drive power source current . a bias current ic propagated through a control line vr is converted into a voltage signal by a resistance element r . the converted voltage signal is supplied as a drive power source voltage through a buffer circuit . this is a circuit form suitable for providing the oscillator section 57 where an oscillation frequency is controlled by the drive power source current , and for securing a voltage noise tolerance with respect to the control line vr . also in the first or second modified example , by providing a pre - set section a 1 or a 2 , actions / effects similar to the seventh or eighth embodiment can be obtained . further , detector sections 11 , 12 and 13 ( fig6 and 12 ) or a delay section 31 ( fig3 ) can be provided . the ninth embodiment is an example of circuitry , different from the voltage control type oscillator circuit where an oscillation frequency is controlled by a drive power source current , as the set oscillation - frequency control signal vr , the drive power source voltage is controlled by the controller section 44 . by providing the above - described oscillator circuits in the semiconductor device 1000 ( fig2 ) or the semiconductor memory device 2000 ( fig2 ), in the semiconductor device 1000 or the semiconductor memory device 2000 , a voltage corresponding to an oscillation signal vosc output from the oscillator circuit 100 can be stably generated quickly after activation by an activation signal act at the boosting / negative power source circuit 200 as the voltage generator circuit . at the refresh control circuit 300 , a refresh cycle corresponding to the oscillation signal vosc output from the oscillator circuit 100 can be stably controlled quickly after the activation of the activation signal act . thus , by limiting the output period of the unstable oscillation signal vosc when the operation is started by the activation signal act to a minimum , and shortening the unstable operation period of the boosting / negative power source circuit 200 or the refresh control circuit 300 , it is possible to perform stable circuit operation immediately after activation . specifically , it is possible to prevent large current consumption caused by outputting of an unstable high - frequency oscillation signal vosc , and erroneous operations caused by the following reduction in power source voltage , a reliability problem in the semiconductor device 1000 or the semiconductor memory device 2000 caused by excessive voltage generation , or the like . further , on the contrary , it is possible to prevent fluctuation in a transistor characteristic caused by outputting of an unstable low - frequency oscillation signal vosc , the following deterioration of a noise resistance or a loss of stored data or the like in the semiconductor memory device 2000 . here , the fluctuation in the transistor characteristic or the deterioration of the noise resistance may be fluctuation in a backgate bias voltage or the like in the mos transistor . needless to say , the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments , and various improvements , changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention . for example , each of the embodiments was directed to the current driving type oscillator circuit . however , the present invention is not limited to this , and it can be similarly applied to a voltage driving type oscillator circuit . in both systems of the current and voltage driving types , a drive current or a drive voltage to be controlled can be provided either at a high power source voltage side , or a low power source voltage side . further , it can be provided at both sides of the high and low power source voltage . in this case , needless to say , the circuitry of the controller section is properly changed depending on an inserting position of a drive current or a drive voltage . further , regarding control signals of the control line vr for controlling an oscillation frequency , it can be configured for each of the current and voltage signals . drive current and drive voltage , and control current and control voltage can be properly combined . in this case , needless to say , the circuitry of the controller section , the detector section or the like is properly changed depending on the inserting position of the drive current or the drive voltage . others , such as a logic level of the enable signal en , and a voltage level of the control line can be changed appropriately . needless to say , this case can be dealt with by properly changing the logic level of the controller section , the detector section or the like . for the actuation / stoppage of the oscillating operation at the oscillator section , the first embodiment showed the constitution , where the operation control of the ring oscillator was carried out by the enable signal en , and the output control of the oscillation signal vosc was carried out by the detection signal mon . the second and sixth embodiments showed the example , where the operation control of the ring oscillator was carried out by the oscillation starting signal on generated by logical composition of the enable signal en with the detection signal mon or the delay signal d . however , the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and , for the combination of the control signal with the actuation / stoppage unit of the oscillating operation , an optional combination other than those described can be employed . in the foregoing description , the oscillation frequency set by the oscillation - frequency control signal vr was fixed . however , by varying the resistance element at the controller section , a voltage level of the oscillation - frequency control signal vr can be varied according to a resistance value , thereby varying the oscillation frequency . in this case , as variable resistance , in addition to the switching of the resistance element , on resistance of the mos transistor can be used by varying a bias to the gate terminal . the oscillator section was described by way of the case where it was constructed by the ring oscillator . however , the present invention is not limited to this , any one of the bistable multi - vibrator , the system of repeating charging / discharging to the capacitor component and the like can be used as long as it has circuitry for carrying out oscillating operation . moreover , in the case of providing the detector section in the eighth embodiment , an arrangement can be made , where a signal output vr of the first controller section is compared with a signal output vr 2 of the second controller section , and a detection signal from the detector section can switch and control the switch section . the present invention can provide the oscillator circuit , where in the transient unstable period of the oscillation frequency at the start of oscillation of the oscillator circuit which is capable of controlling actuation / stoppage , by stopping the oscillating operation or preventing outputting of any oscillation signals , or by shortening the transient unstable period of the oscillation frequency at the start of oscillation of the oscillator circuit which is capable of controlling actuation / stoppage , an oscillation circuit which can stabilize an oscillation frequency of an oscillation signal output thereafter , the semiconductor device and the semiconductor memory device provided with the oscillator circuit , and the control method of the oscillator circuit . | 7 |
referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first , particularly to fig1 thereof , there is shown an apparatus for washing and smoothing items of clothing 2 of all kinds , such as items in the form of shirts or pants , has a cuboidal or cabinet - like housing 1 , which serves for receiving the items of clothing 2 to be smoothed . disposed within the housing 1 on two mutually opposite inside walls there is , respectively , a closed transporting belt 3 mounted in a circulating manner , one of the transporting belts 3 being illustrated in plan view in fig1 . the two transporting belts 3 may be driven in the same direction and with the same circulating speed in the clockwise sense . disposed between the transporting belts 3 are non - illustrated connecting struts , fastened to which are suspending devices 4 on which the items of clothing 2 to be smoothed are suspended . the suspending devices 4 have substantially the form of a clothes hanger . as a result , in particular , items of outer clothing of all kinds can be suspended thereon . the transporting belts 3 are disposed in the upper region of the housing 1 and have the form of a rectangle . as a result , the items of clothing 2 can be moved upward on the left side , to the right at the top , downward on the right side and to the left at the bottom . at the bottom of the left - hand side wall of the housing 1 , two oppositely disposed compressed air nozzles 7 are disposed such that the items of clothing can be moved by the transporting belts 3 upward through the intermediate space between the compressed air nozzles 7 . above the compressed air nozzles 7 , hot air nozzles 6 are disposed one above the other on the left - hand side wall , the hot air nozzles 6 only being disposed however on the outer side of the path of movement of the items of clothing 2 . as a result , the items of clothing can only be acted on by the hot air nozzles from one side . the compressed air nozzles 7 and the hot air nozzles 6 are connected to a generator 5 , which has a blower and can generate air jets of different temperatures and with different pressures . the generator 5 has an air inlet inside the housing 1 and an air inlet 17 outside the housing 1 , with which fresh air can be drawn in . disposed on the right - hand side wall are liquid nozzles 8 for spraying washing liquid and rinsing liquid . the liquid nozzles 8 are , likewise , connected to the generator 5 , which furthermore has a pump for delivering liquids . the generator 5 has , for the feeding of liquid , a non - illustrated fresh water feed , which can be connected to a fresh water source or a water connection in a household , and is connected , furthermore , to a sump 18 within the housing 1 . the sump 18 is formed in a false floor 25 , which is disposed at the bottom within the housing 1 and is shaped such that all the liquid from the upper part of the housing 1 collects at the bottom in the sump 18 . the false floor 25 also has the function of dividing off a dry space , in which the generator 5 is accommodated . also disposed in the dry space is an outflow pump 12 , the inlet of which opens into the sump 18 and the outlet 13 of which leads to the outside and can be connected to a wastewater connection , in particular , of a household . the generator 5 is set up such that the liquid nozzles 8 can be supplied with liquid either that the generator 5 has drawn in from the sump 18 or that originates from the fresh water feed . furthermore , the generator 5 has a heating device for the liquid pumped to the liquid nozzles 8 . represented in section in fig2 , by way of example , is a suspending device 4 , which has a hollow connecting portion 23 and a hanger portion 24 , which is connected to the latter at the bottom , extends perpendicularly to the plane of the drawing , and has a length corresponding substantially to the width of an item of clothing 2 . the hanger portion 24 is hollow and has openings distributed around its periphery . the suspending devices 4 are connected to the generator 5 by devices not represented , such that the interior space of the connecting portion 23 and of the hanger portion 24 can be supplied with hot air in the same way as the hot air nozzles 6 . with the apparatus according to the invention represented in fig1 , items of clothing 2 can be first washed , dried , and , finally , smoothed , without it being necessary for the items of clothing 2 to be taken out of the apparatus . firstly , the items of clothing 2 are suspended on the suspending devices 4 . for such a purpose , the suspending devices 4 may be removed from the housing 1 , the items of clothing 2 hung on the suspending devices 4 and the latter subsequently suspended again in the housing 1 on the connecting struts between the transporting belts 3 . after the housing 1 has been closed , the washing operation is initiated . for such a purpose , the transporting belts 3 are set in motion to move the items of clothing 2 clockwise through the housing , and the generator 5 is activated by a non - illustrated controller such that it passes fresh water from the fresh water feed to the liquid nozzles 8 . in this case , the water is passed through a non - illustrated flushing - in device , into which detergent in either powdered and / or liquid form can be filled . the detergent is , in this case , flushed into the housing 1 . as soon as a set level of liquid is reached in the housing 1 or a specific predetermined amount of liquid has been fed in , the generator 5 stops the feed of fresh water and begins to remove water from the sump 18 and pass it to the liquid nozzles 8 , the water being heated up to a set temperature . the water , now mixed with the detergent , is made to circulate as washing liquid and may , additionally , also be sprayed onto the items of clothing 2 from inside through the suspending devices 4 . in such an operation , dirt is flushed out of the items of clothing 2 . subsequently , in a rinsing phase , the washing liquid is pumped out into a wastewater connection by the outflow pump 12 . subsequently , the items of clothing 2 are rinsed , in order to remove the washing liquid from them . for this purpose , fresh water is pumped to the liquid nozzles 8 in a number of rinsing cycles and the water together with the rinsed - out washing liquid is pumped away by the outflow pump 12 . the rinsing effect can be intensified if , at the end of each rinsing cycle , the liquid feed to the liquid nozzles 8 is interrupted and the compressed air nozzles 7 are supplied with compressed air . when the items of clothing 2 are moved between the compressed air nozzles 7 , they are pressed together by the compressed air jets , whereby the rinsing liquid is squeezed out of them . as such , scarcely any residues of the washing liquid or contaminants remain after the rinsing cycle . as a result , a smaller number of rinsing cycles or less rinsing liquid is required . the air passed to the compressed air nozzles 7 may also be heated in the process , whereby the liquid drawn up from the items of clothing 2 flows out more easily and , consequently , the water removal by compressed air at the end of the rinsing cycles can be intensified . the rinsing is followed by a drying and smoothing step . firstly , the items of clothing 2 are dried to a defined moisture content . for such a purpose , heated air is passed to the hot air nozzles 6 . at the same time , the housing rear wall 15 is cooled with fresh water from the fresh water connection . as such , the moisture extracted from the items of clothing 2 condenses on the rear wall 15 and runs into the sump 18 , from which it can be pumped away together with the cooling water for the rear wall 15 by the outflow pump 12 . in such a case , the air inside the housing 1 is made to circulate , for which purpose the generator 5 draws in the air inside the housing 1 . furthermore , there is the possibility of removing moisture from the items of clothing 2 to the desired moisture content based upon the exhaust air principle , in that , air is constantly blown out from the interior of the housing 1 by a blower or fan 14 . in this way , the moisture extracted from the items of clothing 2 is discharged , the generator 5 having to draw in air from the outside . however , this method requires the apparatus to be set up in an adequately ventilated room in order to carry away the discharged moisture . the two possibilities , either of condensing the moisture in the apparatus and pumping it away or of discharging it , allow the operator to decide between the two variants in accordance with the respective conditions . the condensing of the moisture in the apparatus has the advantage that the room in which it is set up does not have to be ventilated . as an advantageous result , there is no loss of energy for heating the room in which it is set up , for example , in winter . in summer , on the other hand , the exhaust air variant may be chosen , which does not require any fresh water for cooling the rear wall 15 and less energy for heating the dry air . when the desired moisture content has been reached , the smoothing operation can be commenced . for such a purpose , the items of clothing 2 are subjected to hot compressed air with the aid of the compressed air nozzles 7 , whereby they are fully dried . in the moist state , the fabric of the items of clothing 2 is still relaxed . as a result , it can be smoothed much better . the smoothing takes place by the force exerted by the compressed air jets from the compressed air nozzles 7 on the items of clothing . this force can be set to a desired effect by setting the pressure of the air passed to the compressed air nozzles 7 . in particular , the force is set such that the items of clothing 2 do not flutter , but , instead , the portion of an item of clothing 2 respectively located between the compressed air nozzles 7 is stretched tight . for example , the two compressed air nozzles 7 may exert differently distributed surface forces on the items of clothing . as a result , the forces acting on a specific part of an item of clothing 2 from both sides do not cancel one another out . the surface force profiles of the forces exerted by the two compressed air nozzles 7 are , advantageously , complementary to one another . as a result , for example , in the areas in which a high surface force is generated by the left - hand compressed air nozzle 7 , a low surface force is generated by the right - hand compressed air nozzle 7 , and vice - versa . in this respect , the forces are configured such that the items of clothing are held approximately midway between the two compressed air nozzles 7 . as such , stretching forces that stretch the individual fabric portions of the item of clothing 2 , and , thereby , smooth them , can be exerted on an item of clothing 2 by compressed air . this operation is repeated every time a specific item of clothing 2 is passed between the two compressed air nozzles 7 . during this operation , furthermore , heated hot air can be directed onto the items of clothing by the hot air nozzles 6 . in this respect , it should be ensured that hot air is expelled only with little pressure , in order not to lead to fluttering or crumpling of the items of clothing 2 . the items of clothing 2 are , further , dried during this smoothing operation , the extracted moisture , as described above , either condensing on the cooled rear wall 15 and being pumped away by the outflow pump 12 or collected in the appliance and returned to the next washing process , or blown out by the blower 14 . as soon as the items of clothing 2 are fully dried , they are moved further in the housing 1 , though now only cold air is blown in through the hot air nozzles 6 and / or the compressed air nozzles 7 . this achieves the effect that the smoothed items of clothing 2 are cooled down and are less sensitive to creasing because the fabric crumples more easily in the hot state . furthermore , an operator is prevented from burning on hot parts inside the housing 1 . after the items of clothing 2 and the apparatus have cooled down , the items of clothing 2 can be removed . to smooth the items of clothing 2 without a prior washing cycle , the items of clothing may be moistened with a little fresh water from the liquid nozzles 8 . as a result , the fabric of the items of clothing 2 is made to relax . after that , the items of clothing 2 can be smoothed and dried as described above . represented in fig3 is an apparatus for washing and smoothing items of clothing 2 according to a second embodiment . in this embodiment , a device for the preliminary mechanical removal of moisture from the items of clothing 2 is additionally provided , by which liquid can be removed mechanically from the items of clothing at the beginning of the drying phase . as a result , less energy has to be expended for the drying . furthermore , separate nozzles are provided for the various treatment liquids or gases . in the same way as in the first embodiment , the apparatus has a housing 1 , two transporting belts 3 , suspending devices 4 for items of clothing 2 , and an outflow pump 12 with an outlet 13 . also disposed in the housing 1 there is , likewise , a false floor 25 , in which a sump 18 with a lint filter 16 is formed and which divides off a dry space at the bottom in the housing 1 . however , in this embodiment , the generator 5 is set up only for generating compressed air , which is heated if need be and is passed to the compressed air nozzles 7 . also disposed in the dry space underneath the false floor 25 is a washing device 19 , which is connected to the sump 18 and a non - illustrated fresh water feed and has a liquid pump and a heating device . the washing device 19 is set up such that it can remove liquid either from the fresh water feed or from the sump 18 and pass it on to various nozzles , it being possible for the liquid to be heated and , in particular , for liquid removed from the fresh water feed to be vaporized . also provided in the washing device is a flushing - in device , with which detergent can be flushed into the housing 1 . connected to the washing device 19 are wetting nozzles 9 , washing nozzles 10 , rinsing nozzles 11 , and hot steam nozzles 6 , which are disposed on the right - hand side of the housing 1 . the wetting nozzles 9 are supplied with fresh water and serve for wetting dry items of clothing 2 . the washing nozzles 10 are supplied with washing liquid , in particular , heated washing liquid , which is made to circulate , in particular , through the sump 18 , and serve for washing the items of clothing 2 . the rinsing nozzles 11 are supplied with cold fresh water and serve for rinsing out the washing liquid from the items of clothing 2 . the hot steam nozzles 6 are supplied with heated water vapor , which is obtained from fresh water , and serve for steaming the items of clothing 2 . as in the case of the previous exemplary embodiment , disposed at the bottom of the left - hand inside wall of the housing 1 are two mutually opposite compressed air nozzles 7 , which are connected to the generator 5 . disposed over the compressed air nozzles 7 is a moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 , which is mounted near the inside wall by two deflecting rollers such that it can be driven like a conveyor belt and , thereby , moves parallel to the path of movement of the items of clothing 2 . the moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 is of a highly absorbent material and is driven at the same speed as the items of clothing 2 . as a result , the portion respectively lying on the inside is moved upward together with the items of clothing 2 . disposed on the side of the transporting belt 3 opposite from the moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 is a pressing roller 21 , which is provided with a compliant coating . the distance between the pressing roller 21 and the moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 can be changed . as a result , it is possible either to press the items of clothing 2 between the pressing roller 21 and the moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 as they are moved through or to move the items of clothing 2 through without them being touched by the moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 . provided at the lower deflecting roller of the moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 is a squeezing roller 22 , which is disposed at such a small distance from the lower deflecting roller that the moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 is strongly pressed together between the lower deflecting roller and the squeezing roller 22 , and , in this way , liquid contained in the moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 is squeezed out . for washing and smoothing the items of clothing 2 , they are suspended in the housing 1 as described above by the suspending devices 4 . in the second exemplary embodiment , too , the transporting belts are moved clockwise . firstly , the items of clothing 2 are wetted with fresh water by the wetting nozzles 9 . subsequently , the items of clothing 2 are moved further to the washing nozzles 10 , by which they are sprayed with washing liquid that is generated in the washing device 19 by flushing in detergent in fresh water . the washing liquid is pumped out of the sump 18 by the washing device 19 in circulation , heated and sprayed onto the items of clothing 2 so that contaminants are flushed out . after the washing , the washing liquid is pumped away by the outflow pump 12 and the items of clothing 2 are rinsed so as to rinse out the washing liquid and residues of the contaminants . for such a purpose , fresh water is sprayed onto the items of clothing 2 by the rinsing nozzles 11 and pumped away in a number of rinsing cycles . the rinsing operation may take the same form as in the previous exemplary embodiment . after the rinsing , moisture is further removed mechanically from the items of clothing 2 by the moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 . for such a purpose , the distance between the moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 and the pressing roller 21 is reduced to such an extent that the item of clothing 2 moved through is pressed by the pressing roller 21 against the moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 . as this happens , the highly absorbent material of the moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 extracts further moisture from the item of clothing 2 . the moisture taken up by the moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 is squeezed out again between the lower deflecting roller and the squeezing roller 22 . as a result , the part of the moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 that is actually in contact with the item of clothing 2 always contains as little moisture as possible to be able to extract as much moisture as possible from the item of clothing 2 . this purely mechanical type of moisture removal requires no heat , for the generation of which considerable energy is required disadvantageously . as a result , with the aid of the moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 , the moisture content of the items of clothing 2 can be reduced with particularly little expenditure of energy . in addition , with this type of moisture removal based upon the absorbent effect of the moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 , considerable moisture can be extracted from the items of clothing 2 just with a small pressing pressure . as a result , the items of clothing 2 are not crumpled and , nevertheless , the moisture is largely removed from them . the pressing pressure may be adjustable by changing the distance between the pressing roller 21 and the moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 , in particular , in dependence on the fabric and the thickness of the items of clothing 2 . after the preliminary removal of moisture by the moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 , the items of clothing 2 are further dried with hot air . this takes place in the same way as in the previous exemplary embodiment . the smoothing operation is commenced as soon as the items of clothing have the suitable moisture content . if moisture has already been adequately removed from the items of clothing by the moisture - absorbing nonwoven 20 , the items of clothing 2 can be smoothed immediately after the preliminary mechanical removal of moisture . if the preliminary mechanical removal of moisture was not adequate , the items of clothing 2 are dried with warm or hot air from the compressed air nozzles 7 to the suitable moisture content . the smoothing is performed by subjecting the items of clothing to hot steam from the hot steam nozzles 6 , whereby the fabric of the items of clothing 2 is heated and made to relax . subsequently , the items of clothing 2 are passed through between the two compressed air nozzles 7 . the compressed air emerging from the compressed air nozzles 7 has the effect that the fabric of the items of clothing 2 is stretched and smoothed , the smoothing operation and the compressed air jets used corresponding to the previous exemplary embodiment . the hot steam nozzles 6 make it possible in the case of the second embodiment to smooth the items of clothing 2 without prior soaking . for such a purpose , for example , already washed and dried items of clothing 2 can be steamed in the apparatus and , then , smoothed and dried as described above . after a specific time , the hot steam discharge of the hot steam nozzles 6 is stopped . the items of clothing are , then , just subjected to hot compressed air from the compressed air nozzles 7 to dry them fully during the smoothing . as soon as the desired moisture content is reached , the items of clothing are just subjected to cold air to cool them down as in the previous exemplary embodiment . after that , the items of clothing 2 can be removed from the housing 1 . | 3 |
referring now to fig1 a magnetic head drum 1 according to the present invention comprises a stationary spindle 11 , cylindrical lower and upper stationary drums 10 and 30 and a cylindrical intermediate member 20 interposed between the stationary drums 10 and 30 . the lower stationary drum 10 has a disk - like bottom wall 10a and a cylindrical side wall uprightly extending from an outer periphery of the bottom wall 10a along the stationary spindle 11 . the bottom wall has a cylindrical central opening 10b into which an end 11a of the stationary spindle 11 is press - fitted . the cylindrical side wall has on an outer circumferential face 10d thereof a helical guide shoulder 10c for helically guiding a magnetic tape ( not shown ) thereon . a pair of annular ball bearings 22 , 22 are mounted on the stationary spindle 11 in spaced relationship with each other . a coil spring 29 is mounted on a mid - portion 11b between the ball brearings 22 , 22 , in order to prevent the ball bearings 22 , 22 from dislocating on the stationary spindle 11 . a flanged sleeve 23 is secured on the ball bearings 22 , 22 so that the sleeve 23 is rotatably disposed on the stationary spindle 11 through the ball bearings 22 , 22 . the intermediate member 20 is of a thickened disk shape and has a central opening 20c concentrically formed with the central opening 10b of the lower stationary drum 10 . the sleeve 23 rotatably disposed on the stationary spindle 11 is inserted into the central opening 20c of the intermediate member 20 such that the intermediate member 20 is also rotatably supported on the mid - portion 11b of the stationary spindle 11 . the intermediate member 20 has a lower face on which a magnetic head - mounting base 25 is fastened by a bolt 24 . the base 25 is provided with a magnetic head 21 by such a conventional manner as soldering . the lower face of the intermediate member 20 is formed with a recess 20b in which the magnetic head 21 is received . the intermediate member 20 has a through - hole vertically extending to the recess 20b , into which a screw 26 is fitted . by tightening or untightening the screw 26 , a vertical position of the base 25 is adjustable relative to the lower face of the intermediate member 20 . the intermediate member 20 may be of a thin disk shape . the upper stationary drum 30 has a disk - like top wall provided with a central protrudent portion 30a extending outwardly from the top wall along the stationary spindle 11 , and a cylindrical side wall extending downwardly from an outer periphery of the top wall in an opposite direction of the protrudent portion 30a . the top wall has a recess 30c formed concentrically with the central opening 20c of the intermediate member 20 . the protrudent portion 30a has a central opening 30b formed concentrically with the recess 30c of the top wall . one end 11c of the stationary spindle 11 is press - fitted into the central opening 30b until a top end face of an annular collar 14 mounted on the stationary spindle 11 abuts against a bottom end face 30f of the recess 30c . the upper stationary drum 30 is secured to the collar 14 by screwing a bolt 31 into holes 30g and 14a formed on the protrudent portion 30a and collar 14 , respectively . thus , the collar 14 provides a means for securing the upper stationary drum 30 to the end 11c of the stationary spindle 11 with high accuracy . the collar 14 may be integrally formed with the stationary spindle 11 . upon assembly , an outer circumferential face 30d of the cylindrical side wall of the upper stationary drum 30 is flush with outer circumferential faces 20a and 10d of the intermediate member 20 and lower stationary drum 10 . as a result , dislocation at the outer circumferential face 30d with respect to the outer circumferential faces 10d and 20a is restrained within a narrow range below 1 micron meter . the magnetic tape is helically guided while being contacted with the respective outer circumferential faces 10d , 20a and 30d . the magnetic head drum 1 further comprises a motor 40 for rotating the intermediate member 20 , which includes a flanged annular disk - like rotor 41 and an annular disk - like stator 45 . the rotor 41 is secured on an upper face of the intermediate member 20 by a bolt 44 and provided with an annular magnet 42 fixed on an upper face thereof in such a manner that an outer periphery of the magnet abuts against the flanged portion of the rotor 41 . a back yoke retainer 47 made of a damping material such as polyester elastomer , rubber or the like is disposed on an inner periphery of the upper face of the rotor 41 while being securely fitted onto an upper end of the sleeve 23 . a back yoke 43 is supported on a top end face of the back yoke retainer 47 such that a lower face of the back yoke 43 is opposed to an upper face of the stator 45 . accordingly , the back yoke 43 rotates together with the rotor 41 . the back yoke 43 is made of a laminated plate including steel films and a resin layer interposed therebetween and serves for damping vibration caused due to the rotation , in cooperation with the back yoke retainer 47 . the stator 45 has an outer circumferential edge 45a where the stator 45 is secured by an adhesive to a stepped portion 30e which is formed on an inner circumferential face of the cylindrical side wall of the upper stationary drum 30 . the stator 45 is provided , on its lower face , with a coil 46 spaced at a predetermined distance from the magnet 42 on the rotor 41 . between the lower stationary drum 10 and the intermediate member 20 is disposed a transformer unit 50 comprising a transformer 51 for the rotor 41 and a transformer 52 for the stator 45 . the transformer 52 is mounted on an upper face of the bottom wall 10a . a flexible circuit board 13 for the transformer unit 50 is secured on an lower face of the bottom wall 10a through a terminal plate 12 by a plurality of pins ( not shown ). on the other hand , the transformer 51 is attached by an adhesive to a lower face of the flanged portion of the sleeve 23 so as to be spaced at a predetermined distance from the transformer 52 . the transformer 51 is provided , on its upper face , with a terminal plate 27 having an elastic deformable contact 28 through which the transformer 51 are electrically connected to the magnetic head 21 . a lead wire , such as a harness , for the motor 40 is derived outside from a hole or notch ( not shown ) formed in the protrudent portion 30a of the upper stationary drum 30 . upon assembly , firstly the back yoke retainer 47 mounting the back yoke 43 is placed in the upper stationary drum 30 which is in an upset state with its protrudent side facing downward . subsequently , the outer circumferential edge 45a of the stator 45 is attached to the stepped portion 30e of the upper stationary drum 30 . thus , an upper unit - like structure including the upper stationary drum 30 , the back yoke 43 , the back yoke retainer 47 and the stator 45 is preliminarily assembled . second , the intermediate member 20 mounting the rotor 41 and the magnetic head 21 , and then the upper stationary drum 30 are in turn mounted on the stationary spindle 11 which is fitted to the lower stationary drum 10 . the magnetic head drum 1 according to the present invention contributes to damping the vibration of the stator 45 caused due to rotation of the rotor 41 . accordingly , a noise resulting from the vibration of the stator 45 is considerably restrained as indicated in a graph of fig2 in which a noise generated by the magnetic head drum of the present invention is indicated by line b while that generated by a conventional magnetic head drum is indicated by line a . referring to fig2 it is noted that , over the range where revolutions per minute of the motor 40 changes from 2 , 700 to 9 , 000 , the noise in the magnetic head drum of the present invention is maintained lower by approximately 5 db than that in the conventional magnetic head drum . another preferred embodiment of a magnetic head drum according to the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to fig3 in which like numerals indicate like parts of the magnetic head drum of the aforementioned first embodiment , and therefore detailed explanations thereof are omitted . referring to fig3 a magnetic head drum 1 &# 39 ; includes a cylindrical intermediate member 20 &# 39 ; having a bottom wall and a cylindrical upper stationary drum 30 &# 39 ; having a top wall . the intermediate member 20 &# 39 ; also has a cylindrical side wall extending uprightly from an outer periphery of the bottom wall so as to be substantially flush with a top end face of a magnet 42 on a rotor 41 . the upper stationary drum 30 &# 39 ; also has a cylindrical side wall extending from an outer periphery of the top wall so as to be opposed to a top end of the cylindrical side wall of the intermediate member 20 &# 39 ;. the upper stationary drum 30 &# 39 ; is formed with a stepped portion 30e to which an outer circumferential edge 45a of a stator 45 is fitted , near a bottom end of the cylindrical side wall of the upper stationary drum 30 &# 39 ;. a magnetic tape is helically guided while being contacted with outer circumferential faces 10d and 20a of a lower stationary drum 10 and the intermediate member 20 &# 39 ;. as is similar to the magnetic head drum of the first embodiment , a noise generated by vibration of the stator 45 used in the magnetic head drum 1 &# 39 ; is restrained . | 6 |
adjustment of a scaling factor sf of a scheduler in accordance with the invention will now be described , initially with reference to fig4 and the conventional network processor 10 of fig1 - 3 . it will be understood that the present invention may be employed with any suitable conventional network processor . [ 0046 ] fig4 is a flow chart that illustrates a process provided in accordance with the invention for increasing the value of a scaling factor sf in response to overrunning the range r of the scheduling queue 42 ( fig2 ). in the particular example of the scheduling queue 42 described above , the range r of the scheduling queue 42 corresponds to the number of slots 48 , i . e . r = 512 . other ranges may be employed . in accordance with the inventive process of fig4 and as described further below , the schedulers 34 and / or 38 may be provided with a counter c 0 as shown in fig7 a . the counter c 0 may comprise any conventional counter , whether hardware or software based . initially in fig4 is block 50 , at which a flow is attached to the scheduling queue 42 using the current value of the scaling factor sf . that is , the enqueuement distance d is calculated according to the conventional formula d =(( wf × fs )/ sf ). enqueuement can occur in one of two ways . the first way is a “ new attach ” situation , in which , for a flow having no frames corresponding to it , a new frame arrives , and the flow is attached to the scheduling queue 42 in response to arrival of the new frame . the second way is a “ reattach ” situation , in which a flow is already enqueued in the scheduling queue 42 and is picked as a winner ( because it is closest to the head of the queue and no higher priority service intervenes ), a frame is dispatched with respect to the flow , and the flow is rescheduled on the scheduling queue 42 because there is at least one more frame to be dispatched from the flow . following block 50 is decision block 52 . in decision block 52 it is determined whether the enqueuement distance d exceeded ( overran ) the range r of the scheduling queue 42 . if not , the procedure of fig4 simply returns ( block 54 ) so that the scheduling queue 42 may perform conventional queue operations ( not described ). however , if it is determined at decision block 52 that the enqueuement distance d overran the range r of the scheduling queue 42 , then block 56 follows decision block 52 . at block 56 , a value of the counter c 0 ( fig7 a ) is incremented . any suitable counter may be employed ( e . g ., a hardware or software based counter ). following block 56 is decision block 58 . at decision block 58 , it is determined whether the incremented counter value exceeds a predetermined threshold . this threshold ( and other thresholds discussed below ) can be set in a variety of ways . for example , the threshold can be determined by software if the software has information concerning the flows / frames to be handled . if so , the scaling factor sf can be set accurately based on the flows / frames that are expected . the software would then set the threshold to handle flows that misbehave . for example , if it is not desired to tolerate an occasional frame that causes the enqueuement distance d to exceed the range r , then the threshold may be set to zero . if system requirements allow some misbehaving flows to be tolerated , then the threshold may be set higher . if the software has no information concerning the flows / frames that to be handled , then an arbitrary value for the initial value of the scaling factor sf can be chosen , and the threshold can be set so that the scaling factor sf is increased rapidly if the range r of the scheduling queue 42 is exceeded . ( a threshold for decreasing the scaling factor sf , to be discussed below , may be set so that the scaling factor sf is decreased slowly if the flows are all being scheduled in the lower part of the scheduling queue 42 .) these threshold values would allow the system to quickly adapt to unknown input . if a positive determination is made at decision block 58 , the procedure returns ( block 54 ). however , if it is determined at decision block 58 that the predetermined threshold is exceeded by the incremented counter value , then block 60 follows decision block 58 . at block 60 the value of the scaling factor sf is increased . this may be done in a number of ways . for example , if the scaling factor sf is expressed as an integral power of 2 ( i . e ., 2 n ), then the scaling factor sf may be doubled by incrementing the value of n ( e . g ., via a left shifting operation as previously described , such as left shifting a register ( not shown ) in which the scaling factor is stored ). it is contemplated , alternatively , to increase sf by a factor other than two . following block 60 is block 62 at which the counter c 0 is reset . the procedure of fig4 then returns ( block 54 ) so that the scheduling queue 42 may perform conventional queue operations ( not described ). it will be appreciated that the procedure of fig4 operates so that when the range of the scheduling queue 42 is overrun a certain number of times ( e . g ., as set by the predetermined threshold ), the value of the scaling factor sf is increased , to reduce the likelihood of overrunning the range of the scheduling queue 42 in the future . thus the initial value of the scaling factor sf can be set at a low value , and the scheduler 34 ( fig2 ) can be allowed , in operation , to increase the value of the scaling factor sf to adapt to the actual characteristics of the data traffic , so that , after an initial period , overrunning of the range of the scheduling queue 42 does not occur . [ 0056 ] fig5 is a flow chart that represents a procedure provided in accordance with the invention for decreasing the value of the scaling factor sf of the scheduler 34 of fig2 in response to underutilization of the range of the scheduling queue 42 . as with the procedure of fig4 the procedure of fig5 may be employed with other schedulers and / or scheduling queues , and employs the counter c 0 ( fig7 a ). the procedure of fig5 begins with block 70 which is like block 50 of fig4 ( e . g ., a flow is attached to the scheduling queue 42 using the current value of the scaling factor sf during calculation of the enqueuement distance d ). following block 70 is a decision block 72 . at decision block 72 it is determined whether the enqueuement distance d calculated in block 70 is less than one - half the range r of the scheduling queue 42 . if the enqueuement distance d is found to be less than one - half the range r of the scheduling queue 42 , then block 74 follows decision block 72 . ( if the scaling factor sf is decreased by a factor other than two , then the enqueuement distance d is advantageously to be compared to something other than one - half of the range r . for example , if the scaling factor sf is to be decreased by a factor of 4 , then the enqueuement distance d may be compared to one - fourth of the range r .) at block 74 a value of the counter c 0 is incremented . following block 74 is decision block 76 at which it is determined whether the incremented counter value is greater than a predetermined threshold . if not , the procedure of fig5 returns ( block 78 ). however , if it is found at decision block 76 that the incremented counter value exceeds the predetermined threshold , then block 80 follows decision block 76 . at block 80 the value of the scaling factor sf is decreased . the decreasing of the value of the scaling factor sf may occur in a number of ways . for example , if the scaling factor sf is expressed as a power of 2 ( i . e ., 2 n ) then the scaling factor sf may be halved by decrementing n ( e . g ., by right shifting a register ( not shown ) in which the scaling factor is stored ). it is contemplated , alternatively , to decrease the scaling factor sf by a factor other than two . following block 80 is block 82 , at which the counter c 0 is reset . the procedure of fig5 then returns ( block 78 ). considering again decision block 72 , if it is determined at that decision block that the enqueuement distance d is not less than one - half the range r of the scheduling queue 42 , then block 84 follows decision block 72 . at block 84 the counter c 0 is reset , and the procedure of fig5 then returns ( block 78 ). the counter c 0 is reset because , if the upper part of the scheduling queue 42 is ever used , then the scaling factor sf will not be too large . with the procedure of fig5 the value of the scaling factor sf can be set to a high value , in anticipation of a wide range of enqueuement distances that may be encountered during processing of data frames . in the event that the high value of the scaling factor leads to underutilization of the range of the scheduling queue , the procedure of fig5 will adaptively decrease the value of the scaling factor to a value that is well suited to the actual characteristics of the data that is being processed . [ 0063 ] fig6 a and 6b together form a flow chart that illustrates a procedure provided in accordance with the invention and by which the value of the scaling factor sf of the scheduler 42 of fig2 can be either increased or decreased to adapt to characteristics of the data handled by the network processor 10 . in accordance with the inventive process of fig6 a and 6b , and as described further below , the schedulers 34 and / or 38 may be provided with a first counter c 1 and a second counter c 2 as shown in fig7 b . the counters c 1 and c 2 may comprise any conventional counters , whether hardware or software based . initially in the procedure of fig6 a and 6b is a block 90 , which entails the same activity as block 50 of fig4 ( e . g ., a flow is attached to the scheduling queue 42 using the current value of the scaling factor sf during calculation of the enqueuement distance d ). following block 90 is a decision block 92 at which it is determined whether the enqueuement distance d is greater than the range r of the scheduling queue 42 . if it is determined at decision block 92 that the enqueuement distance d exceeded the range r of the scheduling queue 42 , then a value of the first counter c 1 ( fig7 b ) is incremented ( block 94 ). following block 94 is a decision block 96 . at decision block 96 it is determined whether the value of the first counter c 1 is greater than a first threshold . if not , then the procedure returns ( block 98 ). however , if it is determined at decision block 96 that the value of the first counter c 1 exceeds the first threshold , then the value of the scaling factor sf is increased ( block 100 ). this may be done , for example , by incrementing the value of n , where sf is expressed as 2 n , or by any other technique . following block 100 is block 102 . at block 102 the first counter c 1 is reset . the second counter c 2 ( fig7 b ) also is reset . ( as will be seen , the second counter c 2 is involved with determining whether to decrease the value of the scaling factor sf in response to underutilization of the range r of the scheduling queue 42 .) following block 102 the procedure of fig6 a and 6b returns ( block 98 ). considering again decision block 92 , if it is determined at decision block 92 that the enqueuement distance d is not greater than the range r of the scheduling queue 42 , then decision block 104 ( fig6 b ) follows decision block 92 . at decision block 104 it is determined whether the enqueuement distance d is less than one - half of the range r of the scheduling queue 42 . if the enqueuement distance d is less than one - half the range r , then block 106 follows decision block 104 . at block 106 , the value of the second counter c 2 is incremented . following block 106 is decision block 108 , at which it is determined whether the value of the second counter c 2 is greater than a second threshold . if not , the procedure returns ( block 98 ). however , if it is determined at decision block 108 that the value of the second counter c 2 is greater than the second threshold , then block 110 follows decision block 108 . at decision block 110 the value of the scaling factor sf is decreased . this may be done , for example , by decrementing n where sf is expressed as 2 n , or by any other technique . following block 110 is block 112 . at block 112 the first and second counters c 1 , c 2 are reset . the procedure then returns ( block 98 ). considering again decision block 104 , if it is determined at decision block 104 that the enqueuement distance d is not less than one - half the range r of the scheduling queue 42 , then block 114 follows decision block 104 . at block 114 the second counter c 2 is reset . the procedure of fig6 a and 6b then returns ( block 98 ). in one embodiment of the procedure of fig6 a and 6b , the scaling factor sf may initially be set at 2 7 ( i . e ., 128 ). the first threshold may be set to be 0 ( i . e ., the scaling factor sf is increased each time the range r is overrun ), and the second threshold may be set to be 8 ( i . e . 9 consecutive enqueuements in the lower half of the scheduling queue 42 result in decreasing the scaling factor sf ). in the procedure of fig6 a and 6b , the scaling factor sf may be set at an intermediate value or an arbitrary value , and the scheduler 34 ( when configured in accordance with the present invention ) then operates to adapt the scaling factor sf , by either increasing or decreasing the value of the scaling factor sf , as required in response to characteristics of the data being processed . this aspect of the invention also makes it unnecessary to attempt to predict the characteristics of the data to be processed upon initially setting the value of the scaling factor . a scheduler configured in accordance with the present invention can also adapt to changes in a stream of data by increasing or decreasing the scaling factor sf as the situation requires . thus the scheduler may , for example , increase the scaling factor sf during an initial period of operation , then may decrease the scaling factor sf in response to a change in the pattern of data traffic , and further may increase the scaling factor sf again in response to another change in the pattern of data traffic . noting again that plural scheduling queues ( e . g ., 64 ) may be maintained in the inventive scheduler , it should be understood that respective scaling factors sf of the scheduling queues are advantageously to be adjusted independently of one another . consequently , in a typical situation in accordance with the invention , different values of scaling factors are applicable to different scheduling queues at any given time . the processes of fig4 - 6 b may be implemented in hardware , software or a combination thereof . in at least one embodiment of the invention , the processes of fig4 - 6 b are implemented in hardware employing a suitable combination of conventional logic circuitry such as adders , comparators , selectors , etc . such hardware may be located , for example , within the scheduler 34 and / or the scheduler 38 ( fig2 ). a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop logic circuitry capable of performing the inventive processes described with reference to fig4 - 6 b . in a software embodiment of the invention , the processes of fig4 - 6 b may comprise one or more computer program products . each inventive computer program product may be carried by a medium readable by a computer ( e . g ., a carrier wave signal , a floppy disk , a hard drive , a random access memory , etc .). the foregoing description discloses only exemplary embodiments of the invention ; modifications of the above disclosed apparatus and methods which fall within the scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art . according to one alternative embodiment , a scheduling queue may have plural subqueues of different ranges and resolutions , according to an invention disclosed in co - pending patent application ser . no . ______ , filed ______ ( attorney docket no . roc920010199us1 ). this co - pending patent application is incorporated herein by reference . moreover , in the above description , the invention has been implemented in a separate scheduler chip associated with a network processor . however , it is also contemplated to implement the invention in a scheduler circuit that is implemented as part of a data flow chip or as part of a processor chip . furthermore , in accordance with above - disclosed embodiments of the invention , reduction of the scaling factor sf has been triggered by underutilization of the range of the scheduling queue , where underutilization has been effectively defined as attaching flows repeatedly in the lower half of the scheduling queue . it is alternatively contemplated , however , to define underutilization of the range of the scheduling queue in other ways . for example , underutilization may be deemed to have occurred upon repeated attachment of flows in the lower third or lower quarter of the scheduling queue . accordingly , while the present invention has been disclosed in connection with exemplary embodiments thereof , it should be understood that other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention , as defined by the following claims . | 7 |
these detergents are synthesized by first preparing an acetobromomaltose derivative as described in the literature ( p . rosevear , t . vanaken , j . baxter and s . ferguson - miller , biochem ., 19 , 4108 ( 1980 ) and t . vanaken , s . foxall - vanaken , s . castelman and s . ferguson - miller , meth . enzym ., 125 , 27 - 32 ( 1986 )). acetobromomaltose is reacted with an alcohol , such as cyclohexylmethanol , cyclohexyethanol , up to and including cyclohexylhexanol , in the presence of silver carbonate as the catalyst . these alcohols are commercially available except for cyclohexylpentanol and cyclohexylhexanol . a typical grignard reaction using cyclohexylpropanol and cyclohexylbutanol reacted with ethylene oxide is used to prepare cyclohexylpentanol and cyclohexyhexanol , respectively . after filtering and concentrating the reaction mixture by rotary evaporation , it is reacted with 0 . 01n h 2 so 4 to hydrolyze any ortho ester formed as a side product during the condensation reaction . the solution is neutralized by adding pyridine and concentrated to a syrup . a deacetylation is carried out by dissolving the syrup in methanol / triethylamine / water ( 2 : 1 : 1 ) and letting it stand overnight . the detergent is purified by chromatography on a dowex 1 ion exchange resin . the aliphatic bridging group is essential to obtain the unique properties of these detergents since cyclohexyl maltoside has been synthesized and has too high a critical micelle concentration to be useful either for extraction or crystallization of membrane proteins ( n . mitsuo , h . takeichi , and t . satoh , chem . pharm . bull ., 32 , 1183 - 1187 , ( 1984 )). in this particular series of detergents the chain lengths from cyclohexyl butyl to cyclohexyl hexyl have been found to be the most effective in extraction and crystallization of membrane proteins . other series with cyclopropyl , cyclobutyl , etc ring structures would possess different effectiveness for each member of the series . a 50 % weight / volume solution of acetobromomaltose in dichloromethane is added to a 5 liter 3 neck round bottom flask . the entire bottom of this flask is covered with aluminum foil . an additional 2 liters of dichloromethane along with 500 g of cyclohexylmethanol , 8 g of iodine , 100 g silver carbonate and 300 g drierite is also added . this solution is allowed to react for 20 hours , with constant stirring , at room temperature while in the dark . this mixture is filtered through a glass scintered funnel using celite 503 ( fisher scientific brand of diatomaceous earth ) as a filtering aid . the collected filtrate is concentrated to a thick consistency using a water aspirator . ten ml of concentrated sulfuric acid is added to 200 ml of deionized water ( d . i . h 2 o ) and then further diluted with acetone to a final volume of 2 l . this acidic solution is added to the concentrated filtrate prepared in part a and thoroughly mixed for 30 minutes at room temperature , followed by the addition of 80 ml pyridine . this solution is concentrated via a water aspirator to a thick consistency . a solution consisting of 0 . 5 l . d . i . h 2 o , 0 . 5 l triethylamine and 1 . 0 l methanol is added to the concentrate obtained in part b and allowed to react for 20 hours at room temperature with constant stirring . this solution is concentrated via a water aspirator to a final volume of about 2 . 0 l . when poured into a 2 l . separatory funnel , the liquid separated into two layers . the bottom aqueous layer was drained and saved . the top layer was washed three times with 500 ml of hot d . i . h 2 o , each time the aqueous layer is drained and saved . when combined , the entire volume of the aqueous phases is about 2 l . it was concentrated to about 500 ml by rotary evaporation . thin layer chromatography ( tlc ) is done on both the top and bottom layers to determine the location of the detergent , cyclohexylmethyl maltoside . tlc was done as described by rosevear et al ., in biochemistry , 19 , 4108 - 4115 ( 1980 ). when the location of the detergent is identified , the solution is applied to a dowex ion exchange resin column as described in part e . for cyclohexylmethyl - and cyclohexylpentyl maltosides the aqueous phase contained the detergent , while cyclohexylethyl , - propyl , - butyl , and - hexyl maltosides were found in the non - aqueous or organic phase . approximately 1 kg of dowex resin , dowex - 1 - chloride strongly basic , 200 - 400 dry mesh , catalog number 21 , 743 - 3 , lot # 06510 ev , was converted to the hydroxide form by allowing the resin to react with 2n naoh for one hour , then by filtering and washing with an additional 15 l of 2n naoh . the converted resin was washed further with 15 l of d . i . h 2 o followed by 3 l of methanol . a glass column measuring 10 cm × 90 cm was filled with this resin . after equilibrating the column in spectral grade methanol , 500 ml of concentrated combined aqueous phases is applied to the resin column . the flow rate is set at 26 ml / min . the eluant is collected in fractions of about 260 ml , and tlc is done as described in part d to determine the location of the detergent . the methanol in each fraction is removed by rotary evaporation with a rotating shaft evaporator connected to a water aspirator . the residue ( detergent ) is analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography ( hplc ) to determine alpha and beta anomer content . a silica hplc column ( econosil si 10u , catalog number 60090 alltech associates , inc .) measuring 250 × 4 . 6 mm is used to ascertain alpha and beta isomers of the detergent . the mobile phase is 92 % butyl acetate / 8 % methanol and the flow rate set at 0 . 8 ml / min . the detergents are detected by refractive index and the peaks integrated to determine the percent composition with respect to alpha and beta isomers . each fraction is also analyzed by hplc for the presence of starting alcohol ( cyclohexylmethanol ). a c 18 hplc column ( alltech associates , inc ., catalog number 60096 ) measuring 250 × 4 . 6 mm is used for this analysis . the mobile phase is 75 % acetonitrile / 25 % d . i . h 2 o with a flow rate of 1 . 2 ml / min . the alcohols are detected by refractive index . the amount of alcohol present is determined by comparing the results to a standard curve prepared by injecting various concentrations of the starting alcohol . fractions containing less than 2 % alpha anomers of cyclohexylmethyl maltoside and less than 0 . 005 % starting alcohol are pooled and lyophilized . fractions containing detergents with more than 2 % alpha isomers and more than 0 . 005 % alcohol are pooled and then purified by rechromatograping on the dowex resin column . a 50 % weight / volume solution of acetobromomaltose in dichloromethane is added to a 5 liter 3 neck round bottom flask that is covered with aluminum foil . two liters of dichloromethane along with 500 g of cyclohexylhexanol , 8 g of iodine , 100 g silver carbonate and 300 g drierite is also added . after reacting for 20 hours in the dark at room temperature and constant stirring the mixture is filtered through a glass scintered funnel using celite 503 as a filtering aid . the collected filtrate is concentrated to a syrup by rotary evaporation . ten ml of concentrated sulfuric acid is added to 200 ml of d . i . h 2 o and further diluted with acetone to a final volume of 2 l . this acidic solution is added to the concentrated filtrate prepared in part a and thoroughly mixed for 30 minutes at room temperature , followed by the addition of 80 ml pyridine . again , this solution is concentrated to a syrup via rotary evaporation . the concentrate of part b is added to a solution of 0 . 5 l d . i . h 2 o , 0 . 5 l triethylamine and 1 . 0 l methanol and allowed to react for 20 hours at room temperature with constant stirring . this solution is concentrated to a final volume of about 2 l by rotary evaporation . when poured into a 2 l separatory funnel , the liquid separated into two layers . the bottom aqueous layer was drained and saved . the top layer was washed three times with 500 ml hot d . i . h 2 o , each time the aqueous layer is drained and combined with the other aqueous phases . the combined solutions , about 2 l is concentrated to a final volume of 500 ml by rotary evaporation . analysis of both the top and bottom layers by tlc ( as described in part d of example number 1 ) is done to determine the location of cyclohexylhexyl maltoside . the detergent is found in the non - aqueous phase and is applied to a dowex ion exchange resin column as described in part e of example number 1 . the glass column which measures 90 × 10 cm is equilibrated with methanol and the flow rate set at 26 ml / min . the eluent is collected in fractions of about 260 ml , and tlc is done to determine the location of the detergent . unreacted alcohol elutes well before the cyclohexylhexyl maltoside and the alpha isomer of the detergent is found in the early fractions . the presence of both unreacted alcohol and alpha anomers is determined a hplc method described in part f of example number 1 . fractions containing less than 2 % alpha anomers of cyclohexylhexyl maltoside and less than 0 . 005 % starting alcohol were pooled and lyophilized . fractions containing more than this are pooled and purified again by rechromatographing on the dowex ion exchange column . the effectiveness of cyclohexylhexyl maltoside as a solubilizing agent for mitochondrial membranes is shown in fig1 . the optimal cyclohexylhexyl maltoside concentration for complete solubilization of rat liver mitochondria is 20 mm , at 20 mg protein / ml . the effectiveness of this new detergent is comparable to lauryl maltoside , which also requires 20 mm concentrations , in solubilizing rat liver mitochondrial cytochromes , see fig2 . the general procedure for the extraction of mitochondrial membranes , as described in rosevear et al ., biochemistry 19 , 4108 - 4115 ( 1980 ) is given . rat inner mitochondrial membranes are solubilized at varying concentrations of detergent in 0 . 66m sucrose , 0 . 5m kcl and 0 . 05m tris - hcl ph 8 . the presence of cytochromes in the 45000 g × 1 hour supernatant is determined by measuring the dithionite - reduced minus the ferricyanide - oxidized difference spectra from 500 to 650 nm with a cary 17 dual - beam scanning spectrophotometer . the concentrations are calculated from the millimolar extinction coefficients for cytochrome aa 3 at 605 minus 630 nm of 24 , cytochrome b at 560 minus 575 nm of 23 . 4 , and cytochrome c 1 at 553 minus 542 nm of 18 . 7 . no corrections were made for the contributions of the other cyctochromes at the specific wavelengths . | 2 |
an embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail hereinbelow with reference to the drawings . fig1 is a constitutional cross sectional view illustrating the whole part of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus to which the invention is applied . in the diagram , the surface of a drum 1 consists of a seamless photo sensitive material using a photoconductive material or a conductive material . the drum 1 is rotatably axially supported and starts rotating in the direction indicated by an arrow by a main motor 3 . the main motor 3 is made operative by depressing a copy start key . after completion of the prerotation and potential control processes ( preprocesses ) of the drum 1 , an original put on an original plate glass 34 is illuminated by an illumination lamp 40 which is constituted integrally with a first scan mirror 39 . the reflected lights pass through the first mirror 39 , a second mirror 36 , a third mirror 37 , a lens 35 , and a fourth mirror 38 and are formed as an image on the drum 1 . the drum 1 is corona - charged by a high voltage unit 2 . thereafter , the image illuminated by the exposing lamp 60 is slit - exposed , so that an electrostatic latent image is formed on the drum 1 by a well - known method . next , the latent image on the drum 1 is developed by a developing roller of a developing device 7 , so that a visible toner image is formed . this toner image is transferred by a transfer charging device 5 . a transfer paper in an upper cassette 13 or lower cassette 14 is fed into the main body of the copying apparatus by a paper feed roller 11 or 12 . the transfer paper is then sent toward the photo sensitive drum 1 by a resist roller 15 at an accurate timing until the edge of the latent image coincides with the edge of the transfer paper . thereafter , the toner image on the drum 1 is transferred onto the transfer paper when it passed through the space between the transfer charging device 5 and the drum 1 . after completion of the transfer of the toner image , the transfer paper is separated from the drum 1 by a separation charging device 8 and led to a fixing device 32 by a conveying belt 17 . the transfer paper is applied with a pressure and heated , so that it is fixed . subsequently , the fixed transfer paper is delivered out of the apparatus by paper output rollers 19 - 1 and 19 - 2 . the drum 1 after completion of the transfer is further rotated and the surface thereof is cleaned by a cleaning apparatus 6 consisting of a cleaning roller and an elastic blade . a pedestal 200 can be detached from a main body 100 and has a deck 54 capable of enclosing two thousand transfer papers and a middle tray 59 for use in the two - sided copy mode and in the overlay copy mode . a lifter 54l of the deck 54 rises in accordance with a quantity of transfer papers such that the transfer papers can always come into contact with a paper feed roller 50 . in the first side copy in the two - sided or overlay copy mode , a paper out flapper 33 of the main body 100 is lifted up to store the copied transfer paper to the middle tray 59 through a conveying path 57 of the pedestal 200 . in this case , an overlay flapper 52 is dropped in the two - sided copy mode , while the overlay flapper 52 is lifted up in the overlay copy mode . the middle tray 59 can store up to ninety - nine transfer papers . the enclosed transfer papers are depressed by a middle tray weight 53 . next , when the back side is copied or the second side in the overlay copy mode is copied , the transfer papers enclosed in the middle tray 59 are sequentially led to the resist roller 15 of the main body 100 through a path 58 one by one from the bottom by the actions of a paper feed roller 51 and the weight 53 . reference numeral 300 denotes a recirculating original feeding apparatus ( rdf ); 301 is a carrying tray to set the original ; and 302 and 303 original size sensors which are arranged at predetermined intervals in the direction perpendicular to the paper of the diagram . the width of original can be determined by checking whether the original has been detected by both sensors 302 and 303 or by only the sensor 303 ( it is assumed that the sensor 303 is located on the rear side of the paper ). by increasing the number of sensors , the width of original can be more accurately decided . on the other hand , the length of original can be determined by the time interval when the original is being detected by the sensor 303 ( 302 ). in the rdf 300 , the original carried from the carrying tray 301 to the exposing surface through a sheet path 304 is conveyed through a sheet path 305 , so that it can be again stacked onto the tray 301 . the operation of the rdf is disclosed in detail in japanese patent application no . 206619 / 1984 , which has been filed by the present inventors ; therefore , it is omitted in this specification . further , a sorter 400 sorts the copies which were discharged out of the main body . fig2 a and 2b are plan views showing the whole operating section of the main body 100 . a two - sided key 101 is pressed to obtain the two - sided copy from one - side of original , or the two - sided copy from two - sides of original , or the one - sided copy from two - sides of original . a sort key 102 is selected in the standard mode when the sorter 400 is connected . the sort key 102 is pressed to cancel the standard mode or to set the sort mode . a serial page copy key 103 is pressed to respectively copy the left and right pages of the original on separate papers . a zoom key 104 is pressed to designate an arbitrary magnification at a pitch of 1 % within a range of 64 to 142 %. an automatic magnification key 105 is pressed to automatically reduce or enlarge the original image in accordance with the size of the copy paper designated . a standard size magnification key 106 is pressed to designate the reduction or enlargement of the standard size . an equal magnification key 107 is pressed to copy at an equal magnification ( namely , the same original size ). an automatic paper selection key 108 is pressed to automatically select the optimum copy paper in accordance with the original size and the designated variable magnification . a cassette selection key 109 is pressed to select either one of the upper cassette , middle cassette , and lower paper deck . an ae key 110 is pressed to automatically control the copy concentration in accordance with the concentration of original or to cancel the ae mode and manually change over the copy concentration . a copy concentration key 111 is pressed to manually control the copy concentration . a ten - key 112 is pressed to set the number of copies and also used to set the * ( asterisk ) mode . an * ( asterisk ) mode setting 113 is pressed to set the overlay copy , group ( collation ), image shift , erasure of the original frame , or erasure of the sheet frame . a clear key 114 is pressed to cancel the set number of copies and also used to cancel the * ( asterisk ) mode . a stop key 115 is pressed to interrupt the continuous copy mode . after completion of the copy at the time of depression of the stop key 115 , the copying operation is stopped . an all reset key 116 is pressed to return the operating mode to the standard mode . a preheating key 118 is pressed to set the copying apparatus into the preheating state or to cancel the preheating state . the preheating key 118 is also pressed to return the operating mode to the standard mode from the automatic shut - off state . a two - sided copy indicator 119 is lit up when either the two - sided copy from two - sides of original or the two - sided copy from one - side of original was selected . a one - sided copy indicator 120 is lit up when the one - sided copy from two - sides of original was selected . a two - sided mode indicator 121 is lit up when the two - sided copy mode was selected . a toner collection indicator 122 is lit up when the collecting vessel was filled with the used toner . no copy key is accepted while the indicator 122 is lighting . a toner supply indicator 123 is lit up when the toner lacks . no copy key is accepted while the indicator 123 is lighting . an original left indicator 124 is lit up when the original was left on the original plate glass for a time interval greater than a predetermined time after the copy had been finished . a paper feed indicator 125 is lit up when a paper jam occurs . in fig2 b , a simulation monitor display 126 indicates the flow of paper in the main body . the content as shown in fig2 b is displayed in the ordinary state . when the paper jam occurs , a paper jam check indicator is lit up . a sort indicator 127 is lit up when the sort mode was selected and when the copying apparatus is in the sort mode . a serial page copy indicator ( pcc ) 128 is lit up when the serial page copy mode was selected . an automatic variable magnfication indicator ( avm ) 130 is lit up when the automatic variable magnification mode was selected . an equal magnfication indicator ( em ) 131 is lit up when the equal magnification copy mode was selected . a standard size reduction indicator 132 is lit up when the standard size reduction mode was selected . a standard size enlargement indicator 133 is lit up when the standard size enlargment mode was selected . an automatic paper selection indicator 134 is lit up when the automatic paper selection mode was selected . an original direction indicator 135 displays the ( longitudinal or lateral ) setting direction of the original . a paper supply indicator 136 is lit up when no paper is left in the selected cassette deck , or when the selected cassette is not set in the main body , or when the paper cover of the deck is open . a use cassette indicator 137 displays the selected one of the upper , middle , and lower cassettes and decks . an * ( asterisk ) mode indicator 138 is lit up when the * ( asterisk ) mode was set . a copy quantity indicator 139 displays the number of copies or the self diagnostic code . a wait indicator 140 is lit up when the main body is being warmed up . when . the wait indicator 140 is lit , copying cannot be performed . an ae indicator 141 is lit up when the ae ( automatic concentration control ) mode was selected . a preheating indicator 142 is lit up when the copying apparatus is preheated . the preheating indicator 142 flickers when the apparatus is in the automatic shut - off state . when the rdf is used , in the standard mode , the number of copy is one , the concentration ae mode is selected , the papers are automatically selected , the equal magnification is set , and the one - sided copy from one - side of original is set . on the contrary , when the rdf is not used , the number of copies is one , the concentration manual setting mode is selected , the equal magnification is set , and the one - sided copy from one - side of original is set . the difference between the rdf in the operative state and the rdf in the inoperative state is determined by checking whether the original has been set to the rdf or not . the control of the operation of the copying apparatus shown in fig1 according to the invention will now be described . fig3 is a circuit block diagram to execute the invention . in the diagram , a central processing unit ( cpu ) 501 is constituted by , for example , μcom 87ad manufactured by nippon electric co ., ltd . reference numeral 502 denotes an rom in which the control programs are stored . the cpu 501 controls the copying apparatus in accordance with the control programs . numeral 503 indicates an ram as a main storage device ; 504 is an interface to output control signals to loads such as the main motor and the like ; 505 an interface to receive input signals from a leading edge sensor and the like ; and 506 an interface to control the inputs and outputs of a key 507 and a display 508 . the display 508 corresponds to each of the indicators shown in fig2 a and 2b and uses a number of leds and lcds . the key 507 corresponds to each of the keys shown in fig2 a and 2b . which key was depressed can be detected by a well - known key matrix . an example of the operation of the foregoing copying apparatus will now be described . this apparatus has means for preliminarily inputting the data concerned with whether the number of originals is an odd number or an even number . the data is input by use of the ten - key 112 and asterisk mode setting key 113 of the operating section shown in fig2 a and 2b . namely , for example , by pressing the keys * 3 1 * , it is discriminated by the cpu and the mode is latched into the ram . in this case , * 3 0 * denotes the mode to designate that the number of originals is the even number . * 3 1 * represents the mode to designate that the number of originals is the odd number . when the even - number original mode was designated , the odd - number original mode is automatically cancelled . contrarily , when the odd - number original mode was designated , the even - number original mode is automatically cancelled . thus , in the mode to form the two - sided copy from one - side of original , the counting operation of the number of orginals using the rdf 300 can be omitted . in addition , by cancelling this mode , the counting operation of the number of originals can be also performed as necessary . in this case , this mode is cancelled by pressing the keys of * 3 1 c in the case of the odd - number original mode or * 3 0 c in the case of the even - number original mode . this mode can be also cancelled by pressing the all reset key 116 . it is also possible to obtain the two - sided copy from the originals of different sizes . fig4 is a control flowchart for the operation mentioned above . first , a check is made to see if the number of originals has been designated or not with respect to whether it is an odd number or an even number ( step 1 ). if yes , the counting operation of the number of originals is omitted and a check is made to see if the odd number has been designated or not ( step 2 ). if yes in step 2 , the last page of the original put on the carrying tray 301 is fed ( step 3 ). the size of original is detected by the sensor 302 ( 303 ) provided in the rdf 300 ( step 4 ). the cassette in which the optimum copy papers are enclosed is selected on the basis of the detected original size and the set copy magnification ( step 5 ). the optimum copy paper is fed ( step 6 ). only the one - sided copy is started ( step 7 ). after completion of the copy , the copied paper is output to the outside of the apparatus ( step 8 ). thus , only the last page is the one - sided copy and it is prevented that the first page is combined with the blank page . if the odd number or even number is not designated , the originals put on the carrying tray 301 are fed one by one from the bottom , the number of originals is counted , and the originals are again output so as to be put onto the carrying tray ( steps 9 to 11 ). these processes are repeated until all of the originals are fed ( step 12 ). after they were completely fed , a check is made to see if the counted number of originals is the odd number or not ( step 13 ). if yes , the processes of steps 3 to 18 are executed to obtain the one - sided copy of only the last page . if the number of originals is the even number , or if the even - number original mode is designated , the original is taken out of the carrying tray and fed , the size of original is detected to select the optimum cassette , the proper copy paper is fed , the first side is copied , and the copied paper is stored to the middle tray ( steps 14 to 19 ). the original to be copied onto the second side is fed , the size of original is detected , the optimum copy magnification is determined on the basis of the size of copy paper in which the first side was copied and the size of original , the lens is moved , the copy paper is taken out of the middle tray and fed , the second side is copied , and the copied paper is output to the outside of the apparatus ( steps 20 - 1 to 24 ). a check is then made to see if all of originals have completely been copied or not ( step 25 ). if no , the copy magnification is reset to that of the first side ( step 26 ) and the remaining originals are copied . in the above description , the automatic paper selecting function ( aps ) operates for the first side of the two - sided copy , while the automatic magnification selecting function ( ams ) operates for the second side . this mode is set by pressing the keys of * 3 2 * . since this mode can be set as necessary , when this mode is not set , the two - sided copy is executed on the basis of the magnification and cassette which have been first selected . the above method can be also applied to the overlay copy mode . the aps mode when the rdf is used will now be described . in this apparatus , the aps can effectively operate for both of the cases where the originals having different sizes were mixedly set and where the only originals having the same sizes were set . namely , when the originals of various sizes were mixedly set , the sizes of originals are detected one by one . however , when the sizes of originals are the same , the size of only the first original is detected . when the aps mode was merely designated , the apparatus is set to the latter mode . however , the mixed size mode can be set by pressing the keys * 3 3 * . fig5 is a control flowchart for the aps mode when the rdf is used . first , the copy start key is pressed and if the aps mode has been set , one original is fed ( step 30 ). when the original is detected by the sensor 302 , the size ( width , length ) of original is detected and this size is held until the next size is detected ( steps 31 and 32 ). after the original has completely been fed , the cassette in which the optimum copy papers were enclosed is selected on the basis of the copy magnification and original size , the proper copy paper is fed , and the copy is performed ( steps 33 to 36 ). a check is then made to see if all of the originals have completely been copied or not ( step 37 ). if some uncopied originals are still left on the carrying tray , a check is made to see if the mixed size mode has been set or not ( step 38 ). if yes , the processes are again repeated from step 30 . if no , the next one original is fed , the copy paper of the size previously held is fed , the original is fed and thereafter , the copy is performed ( steps 39 to 42 ). the processes are again repeated from step 37 . the above method can be also applied to the case in the ams mode . an explanation will now be made with respect to the multicopy in the case of using the middle tray 59 such as in the two - sided copy mode , overlay copy mode , and the like . for example , the maximum number of papers which can be enclosed to the middle tray 59 assumes ninty - nine . if fifty originals are set to the rdf in the two - sided copy mode from one - side of original and the number of copies is 120 , this number exceeds the maximum number of papers in the middle tray 59 by twenty - one since the number of copies is 120 . therefore , the first one of the originals put on the rdf is fed and the first side of each of the 99 papers is copied and the copied papers are stored to the middle tray 59 . next , the first original is output to the carrying tray 301 and the second original is fed . the copy papers are fed from the middle tray 59 and the second side of each of the 99 copy papers is copied . thereafter , the copied papers are output to the outside of the apparatus . next , the original is recirculated by the rdf 300 so that the first original can be fed . the first original is again fed and the first side of each of the remaining 21 copy papers is copied . then , the copied papers are stored to the middle tray 59 . the second original is fed and the second side of each of the 21 copy papers is copied . thus , 120 copies can be derived . with respect to the third and the subsequent originals , the processes similar to the above are also executed and the copying operation is finished . consequently , every 120 copy papers of twenty - five two - sided copies can be obtained . fig6 shows a control flowchart for the foregoing operation . first , three variables ( sho , amari , max ) are reset to 0 ( step 50 ). the set number of copies is compared with the maximum number of papers in the middle tray ( step 51 ). if the number of copies is larger , the quotient and remainder of [ number of copies ( nc )÷ maximum number of papers in the middle tray ( mn )] are calculated ( step 52 ). the quotient is substituted for the variable sho and the remainder is substituted for the variable amari ( step 53 ). one original is fed ( step 54 ). the maximum number of papers in the middle tray is substituted for the variable max ( step 55 ). the first side of paper is copied ( step 57 ). the value of the variable max is decreased by one ( step 58 ). a check is then made to see if the variable max is 0 , namely , if the papers of the number which is equal to the maximum number of papers in the middle tray have been copied or not ( step 59 ). if max ≠ 0 , the copy is repeated . if max = 0 , a check is made to see if the copy which has been performed now is the copy of the second side or not ( step 60 ). if no , the next original is fed and the processes are repeated from step 54 in order to copy the second side . if yes , the value of the variable sho is decreased by one ( step 61 ). a check is then made to see if the value of sho is 0 , namely , if the number of remaining copies is larger than the maximum number of papers in the middle tray or not ( step 62 ). if sho ≠ 0 , the original is recirculated by the rdf until the original from which the first side was coped can be fed ( step 63 ). the processes are again repeated from step 54 in order to copy the remaining papers . if sho32 0 , a check is made to see if the value of the variable amari is 0 , namely , if the remaining copies still exist or not ( step 64 ). if amari ≠ 0 , the origial is recirculated by the rdf until the original in which the first side was copied can be fed ( step 65 ). then , step 68 follows . if the number of copies is smaller than the maximum number of papers in the middle tray in step 51 , the number of copies is substituted for the variable amari ( step 66 ). one sheet of original is fed ( step 67 ). the copy is performed ( step 68 ). the variable amari is decreased by one ( step 69 ). a check is made to see if the value of the variable amari is 0 , namely , if the copies of the necessary number have been completed or not ( step 70 ). if amari ≠ 0 , the copy is repeated . if amari = 0 , a check is made to see if the copy which has been performed right now is the second side copy or not ( step 71 ). if the copy is not the second - side copy , the next original is fed and the processes are repeated from step 67 in order to copy the second side . if the copy is the second - side copy , a check is made to see if all of the originals have been copied or not ( step 72 ). if no , the processes are repeated from step 53 in order to make the two - sided copy of the next page . in this manner , the two - sided copies in excess of the number of papers which can be stored in the middle tray can be derived . in addition to the foregoing method , it is also possible to perform the two - sided copy with respect to all of the originals as many as the maximum number of papers in the middle tray and to subsequently execute again the two - sided copies of the remaining number with respect to all of the originals . the above method can be also applied to the case of the overlay copy . in addition , the invention can be also applied to a printer having the middle tray and the like as well as the copying apparatus . in this case , the output sequence of the images which are output from the image files and the like may be controlled . the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments but many modifications and variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the appended claims of the invention . | 6 |
fig2 a illustrates the simplified diagram of an analog encoder typically used to implement the well - known dolby sr noise reduction standard . fig2 b is a block - level illustration of a typical analog implementation of a dolby sr decoder . each of the three cascaded filter stages of the encoder in fig2 a corresponds to the high level structure disclosed in fig1 a . likewise , each of the three filter stages of the decoder fig2 b correspond to the high level representation of the analog decoding process depicted in fig1 b . the purpose of the encoder of fig2 a is to determine at any instant in time , the dominant spectral component of the audio signal to be encoded , and to boost the gain of the audio signal to be encoded at the frequencies other than at the dominant component . even the dominant spectral component will be boosted somewhat in gain , commensurate with its relative amplitude . this is a vast improvement over other standards , such as dolby a , which boosted the gain of a fixed number of spectral components ( i . e ., frequency bands ). thus , the encoder continuously adapts the overall transfer function between the input and the output of the encoder in response to the dominant spectral component of the decoded output signal at any instant in time . the signal path of the analog encoder includes three filter and control stages which produce the transfer function by which the incoming audio signal x 200 is encoded to produce encoded output y 208 . control circuits for each of the stages dictate the transfer function of each of the stages individually . the high frequency filter sections of the first and second stages are typically implemented as shown in fig4 a . variable resistors r4 400 and r2 410 are controlled by control circuits 250 . the low frequency filter sections of the first and second stage are typically implemented as shown in fig4 b . variable resistors 420 and 430 are controlled by control circuits 230 and 240 . a skewing filter 206 is typically employed under the dolby sr standard , which attenuates very low frequencies below 40 hz and very high frequencies above 10 khz to prevent these extreme frequencies from interfering with the operation of the encoder . fig3 illustrates what the overall transfer function 310 of the encoder of fig2 a would typically be when the incoming audio signal to be encoded has a spectral content 300 . it can be seen from fig3 that the encoder of fig2 a will gain up those spectral components on either side of the dominant spectral component to essentially decrease the dynamic range of the incoming signal at that instant in time . some gaining up of the dominant frequency may also occur . as previously discussed , digital implementation of an encoder capable of decoding audio signals that have been encoded in an analog fashion using noise reduction techniques such as dolby sr , although highly desirable , has been heretofore unsuccessful because direct conversion of analog decoders ( as illustrated in fig2 b ) are unstable due to the delay introduced by digital signal processing ( dsp ) techniques . the present invention successfully provides an emulation of the decoder of fig2 b through a novel and non - obvious approach which modifies the fundamental paradigm for decoding . each filter stage of the encoder of fig2 a can be represented by the high - level block diagram of fig5 a . block 500 represents an encoder having a transfer function represented by h ( z ). h ( z ) is a discrete - time transfer function which can be represented by the following equation : ## equ1 ## if we divide a ( z ) into b ( z ) using polynomial division , h ( z ) can be expressed as follows : ## equ2 ## the results of this process can be illustrated by the block diagram of fig5 b . the inverse of this transfer function can be realized using a feedback loop as illustrated in fig5 c . because h &# 39 ;( z ) is a proper rational function , there are no delay - free loops in this implementation . this high - level approach as illustrated in fig5 b and 5c can then be applied to each filter stage of the signal path of the analog encoder of fig2 a and the analog decoder of fig2 b . for each filter stage , the transfer function is given by the following : for the last stage , lf ( z ) equals 0 . the above equation can be rewritten as follows : where hf &# 39 ;( z ) and lf &# 39 ;( z ) are proper rational functions . each stage of the encoder of fig2 a can then be implemented as shown in fig5 d while each stage of the decoder of fig2 b can be implemented as illustrated in fig5 e . based on the above modification of the paradigm for analog encoding , the analog decoder can now be implemented digitally because there will no longer be any delay - free loops , as is the case for the decoder of fig2 b . fig6 is a block - level depiction of the preferred embodiment of the noise reduction decoder of the present invention . the decoder of the present invention can be viewed as divided into two sections , a signal pass section and a control section . the signal pass section employs three filter stages in cascade . each of the filter stages is implemented in accordance with the modified paradigm of fig5 e . each of the high frequency filter sections 606 and the low frequency filter sections 608 are implemented as second - order biquadratic filters to implement two - pole butterworth filters . the transfer functions for each of the filter sections 606 and 608 are determined by a set of four coefficients . the digital implementation of the filter sections 606 and 608 will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art from the matlab description of the present invention which is attached hereto as appendix a . the gains produced by gain sections 602 in the forward signal path are determined by two coefficients , one being a factored gain component from the high frequency component of the feedback transfer function ( i . e ., hf &# 39 ;) of the filter stage , and the other being a gain component factored from the low frequency component ( i . e ., lf &# 39 ;) of the feedback transfer function . for gain stage 604 , because the low frequency component of the transfer function is equal to 0 ( i . e ., hl &# 39 ;= 0 ), the value of the gain does not include a factor from a low frequency component . thus , the gain value produced by gain block 604 is only determined by one coefficient . the signal path section also includes an additional filter h skew - 1 ! 612 , which is simply the inverse transfer function of the skew filter 206 of fig2 a . put another way , it is a direct digital implementation of the inverse skew filter 214 of fig2 b . the control section takes as its input the output x n 611 . this signal represents the reconstructed or decoded audio signal with reduced noise prior to being de - skewed . the control section produces five high frequency coefficients , four of which are input to each of the high frequency filter sections 606 by which their transfer functions are determined , and one coefficient which provides the high frequency gain component for the gain sections 602 . the control circuit also provides five low frequency coefficients , four of which are input to the two low frequency filter sections 608 and one which is used to determine the low frequency contribution to the gain stages 602 . the low frequency control section includes a low frequency coefficient table 632 which contains a total of 1 , 056 entries , each of which contains five low frequency coefficients . each entry of five coefficients corresponds to 176 frequencies by six amplitudes . the six amplitudes are 0 db , - 10 db , - 20 db , - 30 db , - 40 db and - 60 db . the mapping used to generate the indexes for accessing the coefficients for the low frequency coefficients table 632 and the manner by which the maps are used to generate the coefficients is disclosed in the matlab description of the invention as attached as appendix a . the coefficients are selected based upon inputs 631 and 639 . signal 631 is generated by first running the decoded signal x n 611 through a low pass filter lp3 626 , the output of which is in turn rectified by fast attack / slow decay ( fasd ) circuit 628 , the output of which is in turn converted to db by block 630 . signal 631 represents the highest amplitude of the recovered audio signal at time t for frequencies below the cutoff frequency of filter 626 . signal 639 is generated by a sliding filter which determines the frequency of the dominant spectral component of the decoded signal at time t . signal 639 is determined by the ratio of the rectified output of two low pass filters 646 and 648 . the ratio value is also rectified by block 640 . the implementation of filters lp1 646 , lp2 648 , and lp3 626 , are disclosed in the matlab description of the preferred embodiment which is attached as appendix a . fig7 illustrates the transfer function of filter lp3 626 . fig9 illustrates the transfer functions 800 and 810 of the filters lp1 646 and lp2 648 , respectively . coefficients for the high frequency filter sections 606 and for the high frequency gain component for gain section 602 and 604 are supplied from high frequency coefficient table 618 . high frequency coefficient table 618 also has 1 , 056 entries for 176 frequencies by six amplitudes . the appropriate coefficients as dictated by the recovered signal x n 611 at time t is determined by inputs 621 and 661 . these signals are generated in much the same way as the low frequency table inputs . the only difference is the use of high pass filters hp3 624 , hp1 650 , and hp2 652 . the transfer function for high pass filter hp3 624 is illustrated in fig8 . the transfer functions 820 and 840 for high pass filters hp1 650 and hp2 652 , respectively , are illustrated in fig9 . it should be noted that the ratio outputs for producing signals 661 and 639 are log 2 scaled in order to provide higher resolution at lower frequencies . moreover , a linear interpolation of coefficient values is performed by blocks 616 and 634 . thus , if an amplitude input falls between , for example 0 db and - 10 db , the table index is rounded up or down and the fractional portion of the amplitude value is input to blocks 616 and 634 to produce coefficients based on linear interpolation . the use of scaling and interpolation saves space in the memory by reducing the requisite number of coefficients . finally , the coefficients are run through low pass filters 614 and 636 to prevent drastic changes in coefficient values over time to avoid distortion of the recovered signal x n 611 . a number of significant differences should be noted between the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in fig6 and the prior art analog decoder of fig2 b . aside from the obvious difference that the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a digital emulation of the transfer function provided by the analog decoder of fig2 b , a gain stage has been inserted into the forward signal path of each filter stage which provides a gain component factored out of the transfer functions of the filter sections which lie in the feedback path of each stage . this is the fundamental change in the decoding paradigm which permits the implementation of decoding using digital signal processing techniques . it should also be noted that there is only one control circuit for all of the stages of the signal path , which avoids a considerable amount of additional signal processing which is probably not possible to implement given the level of technology currently available with commercially available digital signal processors . as a result of these differences , the actual transfer functions of the high frequency and low frequency filter sections must necessarily be different than those of the analog decoder of fig2 b . nevertheless , the overall transfer function between the input and the output of the analog decoder of fig2 b has been successfully emulated by the overall transfer function between the input and output of the decoder of the present invention . fig1 illustrates a verification of the transfer function of the analog decoder of fig2 b . a signal generator was used to generate tones which were swept over the audio frequency range from 20 to 20 khz and at amplitudes ranging from 10 db to - 60 db . these signals were encoded using a standard dolby sr analog encoder as described in fig2 a . the analog encoded signal was then decoded using the decoder of the present invention . the result was then run through a signal analyzer and a comparison made between the two . as can be seen from the results of fig1 , there is a slight variation between the signals as originally encoded and those that have been decoded by the present invention . it should be noted that these differences are small enough not to be discernable to the human ear , and moreover , these differences can be virtually eliminated by simply optimizing the coefficients for more precise transfer functions . the coefficient values used in the current embodiment were determined by trial and error for a selected number of frequencies at selected amplitudes until the transfer functions of the present invention for those signals matched the transfer function of the analog encoder of fig2 a . additional coefficient values were then generated by relating coefficients to the variable resistors of the filters of fig4 a and 4b . an approximate relationship was extracted which was used to generate the majority of the coefficients . those of skill in the art will recognize that the generation of optimal coefficients can be accomplished in any number of ways . the manner in which coefficient values are generated for the preferred embodiment is included in the functional matlab description of the invention attached hereto as appendix a . it should be further noted that the decoder of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in fig6 could be simply flipped around to create an encoder which would be capable of producing any encoding standard desired by the user . this would , of course , include standards such as dolby sr . those of skill in the art will recognize that the preferred embodiment of the invention is implementable with a number of commercially available digital signal processors . such processors can be easily programmed in accordance with the foregoing detailed description and with reference to the matlab functional description which is attached hereto as appendix a . although the noise reduction system of this invention has been described in terms of a preferred embodiment , it will be appreciated that various modifications and alterations might be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . for example , the coefficient tables could be expanded by numbers of entries by increasing the number of frequencies and / or amplitudes represented . the greater the number of entries , the greater the accuracy of the transfer functions . the invention should therefore be measured in terms of the claims which follow . appendix a______________________________________ % create nrii coef . luts : inverse coef . structure h ( z ) = b0 + c ( z )/ a ( z ), wherec ( z ) = remainder b ( z )/ a ( z ) load nrlut len , wid ! = size ( nrluth ); luth = zeros ( len * 5 , 1 ); lutl = zeros ( len * 5 , 1 ); for i = 0 : len - 1 , b = nrluth ( i + 1 , 1 : 3 ); a = nrluth ( i + 1 , 4 : 6 ); b0 , c ! = decoflv ( b , a ); luth (( i * 5 )+ 1 :( i * 5 )+ 5 ) = b0 - c ( 3 ) - c ( 2 ) - a ( 3 ) - a ( 2 )! ; b = nrlutl ( i + 1 , 1 : 3 ); a = nrlutl ( i + 1 , 4 : 6 ); b0 , c ! = deconv ( b , a ); lutl (( i * 5 )+ 1 :( i * 5 )+ 5 ) = b0 - c ( 3 ) - c ( 2 ) - a ( 3 ) - a ( 2 )! ; end ; save nruth . dat luth / asciisave nrluti . dat lutl / asciifunction nrluth , nrlutl != maknrlut ()% function computes filter coef table for nrii % q = alf . lglf , lghf , ahf , hglf , hghf !% creates a 11 × 100 entry table of coefs for % amplitudes ranging from - 80 to + 20 db and freq . ratios from 1 to 4amp = - 60 : 10 : 0 ! ; % amp is output of fixed band filter in dbfr = 1 : 3 / 100 : 4 - 3 / 100 ; % fr is ratio of output of sliding filters blx , alx ! = fillba (. 9 , 1 . 52 , 0 ); bhx , abx ! = fillba (. 9 , 0 , 1 . 43 ); klow = . 05 ; khigh = . 05 ; load rmatsload log2tab hls , vls ! = loslide ; hhs , vhs ! = hislide ; hlf , vlf ! = lffixe ; hhf , vhf ! = hffixe ; for j = 1 : 176 , s2 = log2tab ( j ) + 1 ; for i = 1 : length ( amp ), s4 = amp ( i ); s2lo = min ( s2 , max ( hls )); r2lo , r4lo ! = rmap ( r2lomat , r4lomat , s2lo , s4 , hls , vls , hlf , vlf ); ql = varlf ( klow , r2lo , r4lo ); alf = ql ( 1 ); lglf = ql ( 2 ); lghf = ql ( 3 ); bv , av ! = fillba ( alf , lglf , lghf ); bl = conv ( blx , bv ); al = conv ( alx , av ); s2hi = min ( s2 , max ( hhs )); r2hi , r4hi ! = rmap ( r2himat , r4himat , s2hi , s4 , hhs , vhs , hhf , vhf ); qh = varhf ( khigh , r2hi , r4hi ); ahf = qh ( 1 ); hglf = qh ( 2 ); hghf = qh ( 3 ); bv , av ! = fillba ( ahf , hglf , hghf ); bh = conv ( bhx , bv ); ah = conv ( ahx , av ); nrlutl (( j - 1 )* length ( amp )+ i ,:) = bnl al ! ; nrluth (( j - 1 )* length ( amp )+ i ,:) = bh ah ! ; end ; end ; save nrlut nrluth nrlutlfunction b . a != fillba ( p , g1 , g2 )% cwb 7 / 24 / 95 % function computes transfer function of first order % filter with pole at z = p , gain = g1 at z = 1 ,% and gain of g2 at z =- 1 .% h = b / ab0 =. 5 *( g1 + g2 + p *( g2 - g1 )); b1 =. 5 *( g1 - g2 - p *( g1 + g2 )); a1 = 1 ; a2 =- p ; b = b0 , b1 !, a = a1 , a2 ! ; function h , f ! = loslide % cwb 8 / 25 / 95 9 / 14 / 95 % function generates sliding filter for lf modulefs = 44100 ; n = 2048 ; b80 , a80 ! butter ( 1 , 80 * 2 / fs ), h80 , f != freqz ( b80 , a80 , n , fs ); b200 , a200 != butter ( 1 , 200 * 2 / fs ); h200 , f ! = freqz ( b200 , a200 , n , fs ); h = abs ( h80 ./(. 4 * h200 )); h = h ( 2 : n ); f = f ( 2 : n ): function h , f != hislide % cwb 8 / 25 / 95 9 / 14 / 95 % function generates sliding filter for hf modulefs = 44100 , n = 2048 ; b10k , a10k != buitter ( 1 , 10000 * 2 / fs ,` high `); h10k , f != freqz ( b10k , a10k , n , fs ); b3k , a3k != butter ( 1 , 3000 * 2 / fs ,` high `); h3k , f != freqz ( b3k , a3k , n , fs ); h3k = h3k ( 2 : n ); h10k = h10k ( 2 : n ); h = abs ( h10k ./(. 2512957 * h3k )); f = f ( 2 : n ); function hmf !=- ffixe % cwb 9 / 13 / 95 % function computes gain % of lf fixed rand lowpass filterfs = 44100 ; fs2 = 2 / fs ; b81 , a81 != butter ( 1 , 675 * fs2 ); b16 , a16 != cheby2 ( 3 , 45 , 5000 * fs2 ); h81 , f != freqz ( b81 , a81 , 2048 , fs ); h16 , f != freqz ( b16 , a16 , 2048 , fs ); h = h81 . * h16 ; function h , f != hffixe % cwb 9 / 13 / 95 % function computes gain % of hf fixed band highpass filterfs = 44100 ; fs2 = 2 / fs ; b8 , a8 != butter ( 1 , 950 * fs2 ,` high `); b4 , a4 != cheby2 ( 3 , 45 , 110 * fs2 ,` high `); h8 , f != freqz ( b8 , a8 , 2048 , fs ); h4 . f !. freqz ( b4 , a4 , 2048 , fs ); h = h4 . * h8 ; function ( r2 , r4 )= rmap ( r2mat , r4mat , s2 , s4 , hs , vs , hf , vf )% cwb 8 / 21 / 95 8 / 25 / 95 9 / 14 / 95 9 / 15 / 95 ls 9 / 20 / 95 % function maps value of ( s2 , s4 )% to values of r2 and r4 % f . db != fback ( s2 , s4 , hs , vs , hf , vf ); r2 = rlut ( r2mat , f , db ); r4 = rlut ( r4mat , f , db ); function f , db != fback ( s2 , s4 , hs , vs , hf , vf )% cwb 9 / 14 / 95 ls 9 / 20 / 95 % function computes frequency % of input signal from % s2 output of sliding band filter % s4 output of fixed band filter in dblf = interpl ( log ( hs ), log ( vs ), log ( s2 )); f = exp ( lf ); q , n != min ( abs ( vf - f )); db = s4 - 20 * log10 ( abs ( hf ( n ))), function qh = varhf ( k , r2 , r4 )% cwb 7 / 28 / 95 % function computes filter parameters for % variable part of hf module % k = t /( 2cr1 ), where t = sample period % r2 = r2 / r1 % r4 = r4 / r3 % qh = ahf , hglf . hghf !% ahf = pole location in z - plane % hglf = gain at z = 1 % hghf = gain at ; z =- 1temp =( 1 + r2 )/ r2 ; ahf =( 1 - k * temp )/( 1 + k * temp ); hghf = 1 ; alpha = r4 /( 1 + r4 ); hglf =( alpha + r2 )/( 1 + r2 ); qh = ahf , hglf , hghf ! ; function ql = varlf ( k , r2 , r4 )% cwb 7 / 28 / 95 % function computes filter parameters for % variable part of lf module % k = t /( 2l / r1 ), where t = sample period % r2 = r2 / r1 % r4 = r4 / r3 % ql = alf lglf , lghf !% alf = pole location in z - plane % lglf gain at z = 1 ,% lghf = gain at z =- 1temp = r2 /( 1 + r2 ); alf =( 1 - k * temp )/(( 1 + k * temp ); lglf = 1 ; alpha = r4 /( 1 + r4 ); lghf = ( alpha + r2 )/( 1 + r2 ); ql = alf , lglf , lghf ! ; 1 . 0650000e - 0031 . 1250000e - 0031 . 1900000e - 0031 . 2550000e - 0031 . 3150000e - 0031 . 3750000e - 0031 . 4350001e - 0031 . 4950000e - 0031 . 5550000e - 0031 . 6150000e - 0031 . 6750000e - 0031 . 7400000e - 0031 . 8050000e - 0031 . 8650000e - 0031 . 9250000e - 0032 . 0150000e - 0032 . 1350003e - 0032 . 2550000e - 0032 . 3800000e - 0032 . 5050000e - 0032 . 6250000e - 0032 . 7450000e - 0032 . 8650000e - 0032 . 9900000e - 0033 . 1150000e - 0033 . 2350000e - 0033 . 3550000e - 0033 . 4800000e - 0033 . 6000000e - 0033 . 7250000e - 0033 . 8450000e - 0034 . 0300000e - 0034 . 2750000e - 0034 . 5150030e - 0034 . 7600000e - 0035 . 0050300e - 0035 . 2500000e - 0035 . 4950000e - 0035 . 7350000e - 0035 . 9830000e - 0036 . 2250000e - 0036 . 4700000e - 0036 . 7150000e - 0036 . 9600000e - 0037 . 2050000e - 0037 . 4450000e - 0037 . 6900000e - 0038 . 0600000e - 0038 . 5450000e - 0039 . 0300000e - 0039 . 5200000e - 0031 . 0010000e - 0021 . 0500000e - 0021 . 0990000e - 0021 . 1475000e - 0021 . 1960000e - 0021 . 2450000e - 0021 . 2940000e - 0021 . 3430000e - 0021 . 3920000e - 0021 . 4405000e - 0021 . 4890000e - 0021 . 5380000e - 0021 . 6115000e - 0021 . 7090000e - 0021 . 8065000e - 0021 . 9045000e - 0021 . 9770000e - 0022 . 1000000e - 0022 . 1950000e - 0022 . 2950000e - 0022 . 3950000e - 0022 . 4900000e - 0022 . 5850000e - 0022 . 6850000e - 0022 . 7850000e - 0022 . 8800000e - 0022 . 9750000e - 0023 . 0750000e - 0023 . 2250000e - 0023 . 4200000e - 0023 . 6150000e - 0023 . 8100000e - 0024 . 0950000e - 0024 . 2000000e - 0024 . 3950000e - 0024 . 5900000e - 0024 . 7850000e - 0024 . 9800000e - 0025 . 1750000e - 0025 . 3700000e - 0025 . 6500000e - 0025 . 7600000e - 0025 . 9550000e - 0026 . 1500000e - 0026 . 4450000e - 0026 . 8400000e - 0027 . 2300000e - 0027 . 6200000e - 0028 . 0100000e - 0028 . 4000000e - 0028 . 7900000e - 0029 . 1800000e - 0029 . 5700000e - 0029 . 9600000e - 0021 . 0350000e - 0011 . 0740000e - 0011 . 1130000e - 0011 . 1520000e - 0011 . 1910000e - 0011 . 2300000e - 0011 . 2890000e - 0011 . 3675000e - 0011 . 4455000e - 0011 . 5235000e - 0011 . 6015000e - 0011 . 6795000e - 0011 . 7575000e - 0011 . 8355000e - 0011 . 9140000e - 0011 . 9765000e - 0012 . 0700000e - 0012 . 1450000e - 0012 . 2250000e - 0012 . 3050000e - 0012 . 3850000e - 0012 . 4600000e - 0012 . 5750000e - 0012 . 7350000e - 0012 . 8900000e - 0013 . 0450000e - 0013 . 2050000e - 0013 . 3600000e - 0013 . 5150000e - 0013 . 6700000e - 0013 . 8250000e - 0013 . 9850000e - 0014 . 1400000e - 0014 . 2950000e - 0014 . 4550000e - 0014 . 6100000e - 0014 . 7650000e - 0014 . 9200000e - 0015 . 1550000e - 0015 . 4700000e - 0015 . 7800000e - 0016 . 0900000e - 0016 . 4050000e - 0016 . 7200000e - 0017 . 0300000e - 0017 . 3400000e - 0017 . 6550000e - 0017 . 9700000e - 0018 . 2800000e - 0018 . 5900000e - 0018 . 9050000e - 0019 . 2200000e - 0019 . 5300000e - 0019 . 8400000e - 0011 . 0310000e + 0001 . 0935000e + 0001 . 1560000e + 0001 . 2185000e + 0001 . 2810000e + 0001 . 3435000e + 0001 . 4060000e + 0001 . 4685000e + 0001 . 5310000e + 0001 . 5935000e + 0001 . 6560000e + 0001 . 7185000e + 0001 . 7810000e + 0001 . 8435000e + 0001 . 9060000e + 0001 . 9685000e + 0002 . 0000000e + 000______________________________________0db - 10 - 20 - 30 - 40 - 60______________________________________r2himat = 8 . 0000 10 . 0000 10 . 0000 10 . 0000 15 . 0000 15 . 0000 20 hz9 . 0000 10 . 0000 10 . 0000 10 . 0000 15 . 0000 15 . 0000 508 . 0000 10 . 0000 10 . 0000 10 . 0000 15 . 0000 15 . 0000 1002 . 0000 3 . 0000 5 . 0000 8 . 0000 15 . 0000 15 . 0000 2000 . 5000 0 . 6000 1 . 0000 2 . 0000 5 . 0000 15 . 0000 4000 . 2500 0 . 3500 0 . 5000 0 . 8000 2 . 0000 15 . 0000 6000 . 1800 0 . 2000 0 . 2500 0 . 4000 1 . 0000 15 . 0000 8000 . 0600 0 . 0700 0 . 0800 0 . 1200 0 . 1500 15 . 0000 16000 . 0250 0 . 0300 0 . 0300 0 . 0300 0 . 0300 15 . 0000 32000 . 0080 0 . 0080 0 . 0080 0 . 0080 0 . 0080 15 . 0000 64000 . 0020 0 . 0020 0 . 0020 0 . 0020 0 . 0020 15 . 0000 12800r4himat = 10 . 0000 10 . 0000 10 . 0000 10 . 0000 10 . 0000 25 . 000010 . 0000 10 . 0000 10 . 0000 10 . 0000 10 . 0000 25 . 000010 . 0000 10 . 0000 10 . 0000 10 . 0000 10 . 0000 25 . 00000 . 1200 0 . 1200 0 . 1200 3 . 1200 0 . 1200 25 . 00000 . 1200 0 . 1200 0 . 1200 0 . 1200 0 . 1200 25 . 00000 . 0800 0 . 2000 0 . 4200 0 . 5000 1 . 0000 25 . 00000 . 0400 0 . 3500 0 . 7500 0 . 8000 1 . 5000 25 . 00000 . 0550 0 . 2300 0 . 5500 0 . 8000 2 . 0000 23 . 00000 . 0500 0 . 2300 0 . 4300 0 . 8000 1 . 5000 20 . 00000 . 0600 0 . 1800 0 . 3700 0 . 6500 1 . 5000 15 . 00000 . 0600 0 . 1200 0 . 3000 0 . 6500 1 . 5000 15 . 0000r21omat = 0 . 0035 0 . 0040 0 . 0050 0 . 0050 0 . 0050 10 . 00000 . 0085 0 . 0100 0 . 0120 0 . 0130 0 . 0150 10 . 00000 . 0200 0 . 0250 0 . 0350 0 . 0400 0 . 1000 10 . 00000 . 0450 0 . 0600 0 . 0800 0 . 1000 0 . 1500 10 . 00000 . 1100 0 . 1400 0 . 1800 0 . 3000 0 . 5000 10 . 00000 . 1700 0 . 2600 0 . 4148 0 . 9500 2 . 0000 10 . 00000 . 2400 0 . 4000 0 . 7500 1 . 5000 3 . 0000 10 . 00000 . 8000 1 . 5000 2 . 0000 3 . 0000 3 . 0000 10 . 00003 . 0000 3 . 0000 3 . 0000 3 . 0000 3 . 0000 10 . 00003 . 0000 3 . 0000 3 . 0000 3 . 0000 3 . 0000 10 . 000010 . 0000 10 . 0000 10 . 0000 10 . 0000 10 . 0000 10 . 0000r41omat = 0 . 1000 0 . 2300 0 . 6000 2 . 0000 10 . 0000 25 . 00000 . 1000 0 . 2308 0 . 6000 1 . 6000 10 . 0000 25 . 00000 . 1000 0 . 2300 0 . 6000 1 . 5000 5 . 0000 25 . 00000 . 0800 0 . 2500 0 . 7000 1 . 6000 10 . 0000 25 . 00000 . 0300 0 . 3500 0 . 8500 1 . 6000 10 . 0000 25 . 00000 . 0400 0 . 2500 0 . 6500 0 . 7000 10 . 0000 25 . 00000 . 1000 0 . 1000 0 . 1000 0 . 1000 0 . 1000 25 . 00000 . 2000 0 . 2000 0 . 2000 0 . 2000 0 . 2000 23 . 00002 . 0000 2 . 0000 2 . 0000 2 . 0000 2 . 0000 20 . 00002 . 0000 2 . 0000 2 . 0000 2 . 0000 2 . 0000 20 . 00002 . 0000 2 . 0000 2 . 0000 2 . 0000 2 . 0000 20 . 0000______________________________________ | 6 |
describing now the drawings , the circuit 10 illustrated by way of example in fig1 is coupled with a probe or sensor 11 which , here for the sake of simplicity , has been illustrated as a plate capacitor having a grounded plate 12 and a plate 13 having a floating potential . the probe or sensor 11 is operatively associated for instance with a suction channel 14 of a not particularly illustrated textile machine , which may be for example a preparatory spinning machine or roving frame . in the channel 14 there are sucked - off in the direction of the arrow 15 &# 39 ;, for instance fiber flocks , lumps or yarn or thread rupture pieces , in other words such finite textile structures which are an indication of disturbances in the yarn travel at the textile machine , such as for instance rupture of the yarn or slubbing . since this finite textile structure has a dielectric constant differing from that of air , during its movement past the probe 11 there is produced a transient potential change at the plate 13 . also other conditions , such as for instance sucked - up dust , fiber fly or climatic changes in the room where there is housed the relevant textile machine , produce a potential change at the plate 13 . therefore , it is necessary to analyse the superimposed signals , so that there are only evaluated those signals which are predicated upon disturbances which should be detected . the plate 13 is coupled by means of a screened cable 15 and a protective resistor 16 with discriminator stages generally designated in their entirety by reference character 17 , and the purpose of which is to supress or eliminate potential changes which are not predicated upon operational disturbances and to process the remaining potential changes into a digital evaluatable form . these discriminator stages 17 will be seen to first of all comprise two anti - parallel diode chains 18 , 19 connected with ground and furthermore a high - ohm leakage resistor 20 ( approximately 100 megohms ) which , in turn , serve to prevent application of voltage peaks to a subsequently connected impedance converter 21 , i . e ., to prevent charging thereof . the impedance converter 21 is an operational amplifier in an electrometer circuit which converts the high - ohm voltage fluctuations into low - ohm current fluctuations without any appreciable voltage amplification . connected in circuit after the impedance converter 21 is a high - pass filter composed of a capactor 22 and a leakage resistor 23 . this high - pass filter 22 , 23 essentially surpresses frequencies below about 5 hz . such extremely low frequencies are for instance attributable to climatic fluctuations or variations . following the high - pass filter 22 , 23 is a coupling resistor 24 and a voltage amplifier 25 having a gain or amplification factor between 5 and 30 . the output 25a of the amplifier 25 is feedback coupled with its input 25b by means of a low - pass filter composed of the resistor 26 and the capacitor 27 . this low - pass filter 26 , 27 suppresses essentially all frequencies greater than about 1 khz so that the subsequently arranged coupling resistor 28 essentially can only further conduct signals in a frequency range between about 5 hz and 1000 hz . by means of a potentiometer 29 which is connected between a positive voltage source (+), for instance 12 volts and ground , there is impressed a reference or threshold voltage which can be adjusted between about 5 mv and 300 mv at the inverting input 33a of a comparator amplifier 33 . this reference or threshold voltage is applied at the input 33a of the amplifier 33 by means of the resistor 30 and diode 31 . the comparator amplifier 33 is structured such that at its output 33b there normally appears a negative rest or quiescent signal of constant potential and only then produces a positive signal of constant potential at such output 33b whenever and as long as there appears at the input 33c a signal which exceeds the reference or threshold voltage . hence , the comparator amplifier 33 serves to suppress a noise level of low amplitude which is still present in the remaining frequency band and at the same time to digitialize the signals which , as concerns their amplitude , exceed the noise level . the output 33b of the comparator amplifier 33 is feedback coupled by means of a resistor 34 at its non - inverting input 33c . consequently , there is imparted to the characteristic of the amplifier 33 a certain hysteresis in the sense that for producing a positive output signal the input signal must be slightly above the reference or threshold voltage , whereas , conversely , the return to the negative rest signal at the output 33b only then occurs when the input signal is somewhat below the reference or threshold voltage . connected after the output 33b of the comparator amplifier 33 is a diode 35 equipped with a leakage resistor or resistance 36 . this diode 35 suppresses the negative part of the output signal of the comparator amplifier 33 , so that there is thus available a digitilized signal composed of a sequence or train of pulses of constant amplitude but different duration and having between the pulses pulse pauses or intervals likewise of different duration . such pulse train which appears at the point a of the circuit of fig1 has been shown in the graph of fig2 at line a . here it is to be further remarked that each individual one of such pulses is attributable to a disturbance , i . e ., to a so - called &# 34 ; interesting event &# 34 ; occurring at the probe or sensor 11 . the thus produced digitalized signal is delivered by means of an inverter or inversion element 37 to a resettable counter 38 coupled with a pre - selection switch 39 . the counter 38 for instance can comprise two successively or series - connected binary counting decades . the resetting input 38a , marked &# 34 ; reset &# 34 ; of the counter 38 is connected by means of a delay element 40 with a clock generator 41 . this clock generator 41 determines the duration of the counting periods which , in the embodiment under discussion , amount to one second and produces for this purpose pulses of for instance 50 ms duration having a frequency of 1 hz , as shown in line b of fig2 . the delay or time delay element 40 can be , for instance , a monostable multivibrator responsive to the descending edge of the clock pulses and having a response time of 130 ns and a fixed flop - over or return time of for instance 2 μs . thus there appears at the output 40a of the delay element 40 whenever such is triggered by a pulse from the clock generator 41 , and with a delay of 130 ms after the termination of a clock pulse ( which is comparatively disappearingly small in relation to the counting period of one second ) a resetting pulse of 2 μs duration , as such has been illustrated in line d of fig2 . if in a counting period the count of the &# 34 ; interesting events &# 34 ; reaches or exceeds the value set at the preselection switch 39 , then at the moment of attainment of such count such produces a short pulse at its output designated by reference character f , this pulse being delivered to the switching or set - input s of a rs flip - flop 42 . such pulses have been illustrated at line f of fig2 namely at the third , fourth sixth , seventh and eighth counting periods from the left of the graph . the rs flip - flop 42 is a logical switching element which , upon arrival of a logic &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;- signal at its s - input flips over practically without any time delay at its output designated by reference character g from the switching state &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; to the switching state &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; and upon arrival of an inverse &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;- signal at its r - input ( reset input ) flops over at its output side back into the switching state &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ;. the r - input of the rs flip - flop 42 is coupled by means of an inversion element 43 with the delay element 40 . the corresponding delayed clock signals have been illustrated at line e of fig2 . from the foregoing it should be apparent that if there appears at all at the output g of the flip - flop 42 a logic &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; signal then such disappears at the start of the next following counting period . this is clearly apparent from the showing of line g of fig2 where each pulse at the line f causes a switching or flop over to the switching state &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; at line g and each pulse at the line e causes a switching back to the switching state &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; at line g , provided that the previous switching state was at the peak &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;. connected with rs flip - flop 42 is a bistable multivibrator or flip - flop 44 behaving like an and - gate having two inputs 44a and 44b . as will be explained more fully hereinafter this multivibrator can contain a number of series connected bistable multivibrators or flip - flops , each of which behaves like an and - gate , and a monostable multivibrator can follow such flip - flop , which monostable multivibrator , triggered by the short output pulses of the preceding flip - flop , can deliver an output pulse of sufficient duration , for instance of 1 . 5 seconds in order to thus trigger control functions . as best seen by referring to fig1 the one input 44a of the multivibrator 44 is directly connected with the output g of the preceding rs flip - flop 42 , whereas the other input 44b is connected directly , or , as illustrated by means of a differentiation element 45 with the clock generator 41 . the differential element 45 responds without any time - delay to the descending edge of the pulses received from the clock generator 41 . the pulses which are delivered by this differentiation element 45 owing to the clock pulses ( line b of fig2 ), have been shown in line c of fig2 and arrive in any event prior to termination of the signal produced in any case at the output g of the rs flip - flop 42 , so that there is accomplished a switching - through of the first stage of the flip - flop 44 then and only then when there simultaneously appears at both inputs 44a and 44b a signal which differs from null . it is possible to use this first switching - through operation in order to initiate the control functions , for instance switching of a relay contact 46 by means of a coil 67 , this contact for instance actuating the cut - off switch of the textile machine . however , it also can be desired not to employ each first , rather only each second switching - through operation for triggering the control functions . this will be explained more fully hereinafter in conjunction with fig4 . from fig1 it will be recognized that a display or indicator device 50 is connected with counter 38 , and which for instance can be constructed such there there is continuously displayed during the next following counting period the counter state reached by the counter 38 in one counting period . to this end the display or indicator device 50 can be controlled without any time - delay by means of the control line 51 , shown as a broken or phantom line , by the clock generator 41 , in order to display the counter state reached by the counter 38 shortly prior to resetting thereof . on the other hand , the display or indicator device 50 also can be constructed such -- and as the same has been indicated by the broken line 52 -- that it only indicates or displays that counter state which has produced a disturbance signal , i . e ., caused response of the rs flip - flop 42 . those skilled in the art will readily understand and therefore the same has not been further shown , that between a binary counter and a preferably decimal display unit there is required a binary - decimal code converter . continuing , it is here mentioned that a possible exemplary construction of a clock generator 41 which can be used with the circuit of fig1 has been shown in detail in fig3 . a frequency divider 48 having a dividing or scaling factor of 10 is connected with a rc - oscillator 47 which produces a square wave pulse having a duration of 50 ms and a frequency of 10 hz . the frequency divider 48 can then be , for instance , a binary decade counter delivering at its output 48a a signal after each tenth pulse of the oscillator 47 . the output 47a of the oscillator 47 and the output 48a of the frequency divider 48 are connected with a respective input 49a and 49b of a coincidence or and - gate 49 . at the output 49c of this gate there thus appears only each tenth pulse of the oscillator 47 , as illustrated at line b of fig2 . in fig4 there is shown a possible exemplary embodiment of the bistable multivibrator or flip - flop 44 . the output line or output g of the rs flip - flop 42 is connected with the one input 53a of a first d flip - flop 53 . the other input 53b of flip - flop 53 is connected by means of a line 54 with the output line c of the differentiation element 45 . this output line c is also directly connected by means of a further line or conductor 55 with one input 56a of the three inputs 56a , 56b , 56c of an and - gate 46 . the output 53c of the first d flip - flop 53 is connected by means of a line or conductor 58 at the second input 56b of the and - gate 56 and further by means of the line 57 at the input 59a of a second d flip - flop 59 , the other input 59b of which is connected by means of the line or conductor 60 with the output line c . the output 59c of this second d flip - flop is connected by means of a switch 61 with a positive voltage source 62 which , in turn , is connected by means of a line or conductor 63 with the third input 56c of the and - gate 56 . the output 56d of the and - gate 56 is connected with a monostable multivibrator or monoflop 64 , the return or flop - over time of which can be adjusted by means of a capacitor 65 and a resistor 66 to , for instance , 1 . 5 seconds . as soon as and as long as a signal is delivered by the and - gate 56 then the monostable multivibrator 64 delibers at its output 64a a signal , which , as shown , can serve to actuate the relay contact 46 by means of the coil or winding 67 . now if the switch 61 is opened , then there continuously appears at the third input of the and - gate 56 a logic &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;- signal which is delivered by the direct - current voltage source 62 . now if the first d flip - flop is switched - through then there appears at all three of the inputs 56a , 56b , and 56c of the and - gate 56 , a logic &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;- signal and the monostable multivibrator 64 is triggered . on the other hand , if the switch 61 is closed , then the current from the voltage source 62 flows low - ohmic to ground by means of the q - output of the second d flip - flop 59 , so that no signal appears at the third input 56c of the and - gate 56 . only upon switching - through of the first d flip - flop 53 will the second d flip - flop 59 also be switched - through , and thus there will be interrupted the connection of its q - output to ground and only thereafter can there be formed a signal at the third input 56c of the and - gate 56 . if at the immediately successive counting period , the d flip - flop 53 again switches - through then the monostable multivibrator 64 will be triggered . 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 . | 3 |
referring to fig1 of the drawing although the invention has utility when printing on any kind of web in any type of press , in this example , a web w is shown traveling through a printing press containing three printing stations s1 , s2 and s3 . the stations include print cylinders c1 , c2 and c3 which print lines or characters having a stroke width p ( fig3 ) in three different colors on web w . for example , the cylinders c1 to c3 may print the colors red , yellow and blue . for registration purposes , we will assume that the first cylinder printing red is the reference cylinder . turning now to fig2 in addition to printing the pattern on the web , each cylinder prints indicium in the form of a registration target 10 once each revolution of the cylinder on the web . although the indicium could be printed anywhere on the web , preferably it is placed on one or both selvages w &# 39 ; of the web . when all of the cylinders are in register , these three different colored targets 10 , superimposed as shown in that figure , are printed along one or both web selvages . referring now to fig3 each target 10 is in the form of a cross having one arm y extending along the web selvage w &# 39 ; in the direction of web advance and a second arm x extending perpendicular to arm y or transversely across the web selvage . furthermore , each arm is formed with one or more tabs which extends out perpendicular to that arm but only at one side thereof . thus arm x includes a pair of tabs x &# 39 ; which extend rearwardly or in the direction opposite the direction of web advance , while arm y has a pair of tabs y &# 39 ; which extend toward the right as viewed in fig3 . thus by observing the orientation of the target 10 , one can immediately tell which edge of the web was the right - hand edge when the web was proceeding through the printing press . this feature greatly facilitates registering the printing cylinders as will be described later . it is a feature of this invention that the widths of the arms and tabs equals the stroke width p of the lines and characters being printed by the various printing cylinders c1 to c3 , e . g ., 0 . 005 inch for example . also the length of each arm and of each tab x &# 39 ; and y &# 39 ; and the spacing of each tab along its arm is an integral multiple of that stroke width p . for example , each tab might be 0 . 015 inch long or three times the stroke width , each arm could be 0 . 120 inch long or twenty times that width and each tab might be positioned midway between the center of its arm and the end thereof , i . e . 0 . 030 inch or six stroke widths . when all three print cylinders c1 to c3 are in register , the red , yellow and blue targets 10 will be superimposed so that a single , essentially black target appears at each target location along the web selvage w &# 39 ; as shown in fig2 . however , when a print cylinder is out of register with the first or reference cylinder c1 , the uniquely colored target printed by that offending cylinder will be displaced relative to the red target printed by the reference cylinder . the direction of that displacement relative to the reference target indicates the direction of the registration error , while the relative positions between the arms and tabs on the errant target relative to those components of the reference target indicates the extent of the error in terms of multiples of the stroke width . for example and referring to fig3 if cylinder c2 which prints yellow leads the reference cylinder c1 , the yellow target printed by that cylinder is shifted rearwardly relative to the red target printed by the reference cylinder as clearly shown in fig3 . it is easily seen from the amount by which the ends x &# 34 ; of the yellow tabs extend rearwardly of the red tabs x &# 39 ; that the amount of the error in this example is substantially one stroke width or 0 . 005 inch . in other words , the rearwardly projecting portion x &# 34 ; of each yellow tab is obviously a square so that the error is obviously the same as the stroke width . observing the red and yellow tabs y &# 39 ; as being identical rectangles achieves the same result . therefore , correction is made by retarding the yellow print cylinder one stroke width . in the same fashion , one can easily see from fig3 that the blue print cylinder c3 is out of register to the left relative to the reference cylinder since the blue target is displaced to the left relative to the red target . by observing the segments y &# 34 ; of the blue tabs y &# 39 ; exposed to the left of the red arm y as being squares , one knows immediately that the blue printer is out of register to the left by two stroke widths or 0 . 010 inch . therefore , one can shift the blue print cylinder c3 to the right two stroke widths to correct the error . if one observes these segments y &# 34 ; as being twice as long as they are wide , then one immediately knows that there is a three stroke error in that same direction and can correct accordingly . registration errors of appreciably less than one stroke width are usually too small for the eye to resolve and may be ignored . even the amounts of gross errors can be determined by observing the relative positions of the arms or tabs of an errant target and those of the reference target . for example , if arm y of the blue target in fig3 is superimposed on the left tab x &# 39 ; of the red target which is six stroke widths away from the center of that target , the error is obviously six stroke widths to the left or 0 . 030 inch . in the same manner , the amounts of any registration errors to the right or in the forward direction can be determined quite accurately . also , numbers can be included adjacent the arms and tabs of the target indicating errors by stroke width numbers as indicated at 1 , 2 , 3 on arm y in fig3 to facilitate register correction . it is important to note that , even if the web segment w illustrated in fig2 becomes disoriented , the targets 10 on that segment can still be used to register the print cylinders . this is because the directions of the tabs x &# 39 ; and y &# 39 ; on target 10 will always indicate which edge of the web segment was the right - hand edge when that segment was passing through the printing press . therefore , there is no likelihood of registration corrections being made in the opposite or wrong directions on the basis of the targets printed on selvages w . the present registration target has particular utility when used in conjunction with a digital controller for positioning the printing cylinders . the cylinder positioners can be incremented in multiples of the stroke width so that if one sees from the registration targets that the blue target is ahead of the reference red target by one stroke width , the operator can actuate the digital controller once to advance the blue cylinder by one stroke width which will bring the two targets into superposition . likewise , when the operator observes the blue target displaced from the red target to the left three stroke widths , he can actuate the digital positioner for that cylinder thrice to shift the cylinder to the right three stroke widths . in this way , all of the cylinders in the press may be registered in a minimum amount of time . consequently , there is a minimum amount of web wastage due to out - of - register patterns printed on the web . it will thus be seen that the objects set forth above , among those made apparent from the preceding description , are efficiently attained . also , certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention . for example , tabs could extend out from both sides of each arm , the tabs on one side being longer than those on the other side to provide the aforementioned direction - indicating asymmetry . therefore , it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense . it is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described . | 1 |
as illustrated in fig1 and 2 , a plurality of strands 10 of plastic such as polypropylene in the raffia or filament form are supplied . the filaments may be supplied directly from an extruder or from unwinding rolls . as illustrated , the mechanism includes a heater although the filaments 10 may be supplied from another heater . the filaments thread in a serpentine fashion over a series of supply rolls 11 , 12 and 13 which may be driven at a variable velocity , but all the rolls of this series are driven at the same velocity . as the filaments pass over the heater , they move onto a series of additional tension rolls illustrated at 25 and 26 , and it will be understood that a substantial additional number of rolls may be provided . these rolls are driven at a variable velocity , but all the rolls of this series are driven at the same velocity , which is generally greater than that of the supply rolls 11 , 12 and 13 so as to create a speed differential between the two series and thus tension the filaments . the speed differential may be in the range of from 1 : 1 up to 1 : 12 according to the type of plastic material , sizes of the strands , quality requirements and so forth . a plurality of filaments may be supplied from separate spools having been wound from an extruder , with the filaments being substantially separated at the supply and in fan - shape converge together onto the supply rolls . the supply rolls are those shown at 11 , 12 and 13 while the tension rolls 25 and 26 apply a stretching force to the filaments or strands of 0 . 75 kg / cm 2 as an average , but greatly variable according to the kind of plastic filaments being processed . heat must be applied to the filaments to accommodate stretching , and this is accomplished by passing the filaments over a curved plate 14 which has an arcuate frictionless upper surface 15 . the plate preferably has a broad radius of curvature on the order of 7 , 500 millimeters . the length of the plate is approximately 1 , 200 millimeters . the operating temperature of the plate is normally at 120 ° c , but adjusting means are provided which permits , at the beginning of a run , variance of the temperature according to the kind of plastic material being treated ( 100 ° c - 150 ° c ). the upper surface of the plate is coated with a temperature resistant nonfriction material such as polyfluoroethylene ( teflon ). with this arrangement , the axial pull on the filaments is applied uniformly , and the material does not stretch unequally due to frictional resistance against the surface . by maintaining the tension on the filaments , good heat contact is maintained between the filaments and the surface so that the filaments are heated by conduction and by radiation . positioned above the plate opposing the filaments are a series of infrared heater elements 22 . these are supported in a bank on a head 23 which may be vertically adjustable . a temperature sensor 23a may be mounted above the surface for sensing the temperature of the air above the filaments . the sensor 23a transmits the data of the sensed temperature to a scr ( silicon controlled rectifier , not shown ) which in turn controls temperature of the heaters 22 by increasing or decreasing voltage feed to heaters 22 as a function of yarn speed , yarn diameter , kind of material of the filaments , their softening point , cross - sectional shape of the strands , velocity of passage , keeping the temperature at the strands so as not to soften the filaments . width of the plate 14 may be varied according to the number of filaments to be treated at the same time . the plate 14 is mounted on a pivotal support which is carried on a pivotal pin 18 on its trailing end . the pin supports a bed 16 which carries the plate , and the pin is mounted on dogs on a frame 17 . at the leading end of the bed is an adjustable support in the form of a cross - shaft 19a carrying a cam 19 which seats in a v - shaped support notch 20 . the cam 19 is centrally mounted on the shaft 19a , and the shaft is rotated by a handle 21 to raise and lower the lead end of the plate . the plate is shown uppermost in its solid line position , and at its lowermost location in the dotted line position . preferably , the plate is brought up to a position so that the strands smoothly feed onto the upper surface maintaining substantially uniform normal contact pressure with the plate surface over the entire length of their travel . flat strands are normally held in contact for a major proportion of the plate length , while round strands are kept tangential to the plate . in operation the rollers continue to apply tension to the strands , which are spaced close together for the entire length of the rollers across the width of the plate , and they are heated in sliding travel over the plate and continue to be stretched while they are heated and for their travel over the succeeding rollers . by control of the relative speed of the rollers , which is accomplished by separately controllable drives shown at d - 1 and d - 2 for the rollers 25 and 26 , the amount of axial force on the strands can be controlled . similar drives are provided for each of the rollers for the strands . as the filaments are subsequently subjected to stabilization for removing residual elasticity from them , in a subsequent stage ( not shown ) and in a plant with 24 hour operation , rollers 25 , 26 are heated by the hot filaments or have a temperature which is nearly the same as the filaments , it is necessary that the first roller 25 of the series of tensioning rollers is a cooled roller , for instance by means of a cooling water circulation system ( not shown ). | 3 |
events are a convenient way for people to connect in a meaningful way . some types of traditional events include , for example , gatherings , such as ceremony ( i . e . a marriage ), a competition ( i . e . a sports competition ), a convention ( meeting ), a happening ( i . e . a performance or situation meant to be considered as art ), a festival ( e . g . a musical event ), a media event ( e . g . a happening that attracts coverage by mass media ), a party , and a sporting event , among others . in the more recent computing age , events can also include events that occur using conference calls , video conferences , chat rooms , blogs , web site forums , and the like . people can be included in events in a variety of ways . for example , a person can be invited to an event , learn of an event and ask to be a participant , register or subscribe to be notified of upcoming events , register or subscribe to be automatically included in upcoming events , and the like . people can also be members of a group that is included in an event , such as alumni to a school , employees of a company , and the like . thus , a person can be a participant based on their individual characteristics or by virtue of the characteristics of a group in which they are a member . when scheduling an event , an organizer faces many challenges . for example , the organizer traditionally has to manage event information such as budgeting , establishing dates and alternate dates , selecting and reserving the event site , acquiring permits , and coordinating transportation and parking event planning can also include details such as developing a theme or motif for the event , arranging for speakers and alternate speakers , coordinating location support ( such as electricity and other utilities ), arranging decor , tables , chairs , tents , event support and security , catering , police , fire , portable toilets , parking , signage , emergency plans , health care professionals , and cleanup . for obvious reasons , communication is key when organizing and scheduling an event , particularly when finding a suitable time for an event such as meeting , conference , trip , etc . for example , event scheduling should take into account what impact particular dates of the event could have on the success of the event . when organizing a scientific conference , for example , organizers might take into account the knowledge in which periods classes are held at universities , since it is expected that many potential participants are university professors . they should also try to check that no other similar conferences are held at the same time , because overlapping would make a problem for those participants who are interesting in attending all conferences . when it is well known who is expected to attend the event ( e . g . in the case of a project meeting ), organizers usually try to synchronize the time of the event with planned schedules of all participants . this is a difficult task when there are many participants or when the participants are located at distant places . in such cases , the organizers should first define a set of suggested dates and address a query about suitable dates to potential participants . after response is obtained from all participants , the event time suitable for most of participants is selected . the challenge of coordinating children &# 39 ; s curricular and extracurricular activities , staying on top of requirements for each activity is no exception . as an example , a typical family of 2 children , say under the age of 16 , on an average typically have at least one school related event ( pta , field trip , projects etc ) per week , with , on an average extra school activities such as sports , karate , arts etc events is about 2 per kid , with a few require lot more coordination with other parents in terms of pick ups and drop offs . the problem is further complex when the parents are divorced . presently , the most prevalent way of coordinating such activities between organizers and parents are email based ( even though every parent has a cell phone ) simply because currently available calendaring solutions limit the scope to an email address . this procedure can be alleviated by internet tools . however , traditional event scheduling is done using each participant &# 39 ; s name or email address , as that was the only unique way to identify a participant for the purpose of scheduling . for example , existing calendaring systems allow a meeting organizer to invite participants using an email address that uniquely identifies participants in the email system that also serve as a scheduling system . for example , the microsoft exchange server limits scheduling of events and meetings to those users on its system . though a meeting organizer could invite a participant that is currently not a user in that system , such a participant &# 39 ; s schedule information will not be available to the organizer the disclosed embodiment relates to scheduling and organizing events and meetings using mobile phone numbers associate with participants . by utilizing the unique identifying characteristics of a participant &# 39 ; s mobile phone number to retrieve scheduling information , the disclosed embodiment enables the facilitation of meetings and events between any participants who can be uniquely identified using their mobile phone number . in essence , the disclosed embodiment extricates the tight association between email address and scheduling systems thereby making it more flexible . thus , the disclosed embodiment provides a novel method and an associated platform that by way of identifying participants by their respective phone numbers , allows scheduling of events and meetings between one or more participants . with the widespread use of mobile phones , the disclosed embodiment eliminates the need to uniquely identify a participant using an email address , and any participant with a mobile phone can thus be included in an event , regardless of whether each user has an email address or the like . the participants &# 39 ; phone numbers can be associated with any carrier , and by associating phone numbers with scheduling and organizing of events , there is no need for all participants to be on the same email server , etc . by associating phone numbers to calendaring / scheduling , the disclosed embodiment allows an organizer who can be associated / identified with a phone number to schedule events and meetings with one or more people who in turn can be identified / associated with a unique phone number . by including the telephone country calling code as part of the phone number , the disclosed embodiment can also be applied to events and meeting including global participants . by way of providing scheduling and organizing events across anyone with a mobile phone number , and through mining the data of its user base , the disclosed embodiment paves way for promotion of products and services between businesses and its user base , with an opportunity to deliver promotions directly , in addition to other mechanisms such as email promotions , to mobile and tablet devices . in addition , an organizer of a group event can create self - subscribing groups , such that people who want to be notified of scheduled activities for this group can follow the link sent by the group owner , and after providing the required information , join the group to receive notifications . fig1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system 100 of the disclosed embodiment . the system preferably includes a cloud server 110 which can communicate with smart phones 120 , web applications 130 , mobile phone 140 , and the like . each of these components will be described in more details below . cloud server 110 is a highly scalable , fully redundant system that is accessible over the internet . primary functions of cloud server 110 include allowing users to create and maintain user accounts , receive account information from users , such as account names , phone numbers to be associated with the account name , privacy settings , visibility of scheduling information to other users , unique phone device information , such as imei ( international mobile equipment identity ), type of device , etc ., and any additional information , such as postal and email addresses , etc . thus , to protect privacy , users on the system will be able to configure their profile / settings on whom else and how much can one see of one &# 39 ; s calendar . cloud server 110 is also capable of mining the demographic information of user data to offer product and services promotion . in addition , during operation , cloud server 110 can receive event information associated with an event and store the event information for future use . when scheduling an event , it is preferred that the organizing user , or organizer , have an account stored in a database 112 on cloud server 110 . if this is not the case , for example , if the organizer is a first - time user , the organizer may be provided with an option to create an account . whenever participant ( s ) involved in a scheduled meeting / event do not yet have an account on cloud server 110 , cloud server 110 would communicate with a computing device associated with the participant ( s ), for example , mobile phone 120 , via sms , to remind participant ( s ) of an upcoming event / meeting , with sms reminders going out as per organizer &# 39 ; s preference ( for example , a day before the event / meeting followed by a multiple , variable minutes reminders prior to scheduled event ), with an option for the recipient to cancel further reminders . the cloud server 110 can also be configured to offer an opportunity to anyone who does not want to receive sms notifications , with functionality similar to that of a do - not - call list . similarly , notifications to participants can be disabled , if needed . cloud server 110 , by mining events data of its subscriber base , is also capable of offering suggestions on upcoming events , products , promotions that a user might be interested in . in addition , it can also offer such promotions , with direct delivery to the end user device such as mobile phones and tablet devices as one of the several delivery mechanisms . in the event an acceptance of a promotion requires addition of a reminder for the user , for example , an offer and subsequent acceptance to test drive a new mini van , the system is preferably capable of doing so . cloud server 110 can further provide programming interfaces for external applications to manage , schedule events and meetings , etc . over the internet . external applications may include , for example , applications that can be run on smart phones , such as smart phone 120 , applications that can be run on tablets , such as tablet 140 , and applications , for example , web application 150 , that can be run using a web browser on any device having web access , such as computers , tablets , smart phones , and the like . stand - alone calendaring applications may also be used to manage events through cloud server 110 . cloud server 110 , either natively or by working with payment transaction providers , can also support payments between users in the system as needed . to facilitate simultaneous sending of event details to mobile devices via sms , etc . and email addresses , cloud server 110 further incorporates two gateway modules , an sms gateway 116 for messaging ( i . e . sms and mms ) transmissions and a smtp gateway 114 for email transmissions . as indicated above , the disclosed embodiment preferably includes the use of mobile device applications run on a smart phone 130 , a tablet 140 , and the like . by installing the mobile device application on their device , a user can create an account on the system . once an account is created the user on the system , the user can create and schedule events and meetings . while it is typically not required for a participant to have an account on the system , the organizer should have an account . the mobile device applications can be designed to run on various mobile and tablet platforms such as , but not limited , to apple ios platform , the android platform , blackberry platform , palm os , etc . these applications are capable of communicating with cloud server 110 to facilitate acceptance , rejection , and modifications associated with events and meetings . the mobile device applications preferably keep local calendars in sync with cloud server 110 , while handling reminders locally as needed . it should be noted that , to further ease the location and download of the mobile device applications from amongst several thousand applications available from sources such as an applications store , a link can be provided in any communication , such as an sms message , thereby directing the user to an appropriate source to download the mobile device application . any such link can also include an identifier that uniquely identifies a user on the system that triggered the communication that included the link , thereby facilitating a referral award , if desired . the application are also preferably gps aware ( assuming that the device has the feature supported and enabled ) and will take advantage of gps location in sounding reminders for an upcoming event . for example , gps can be used to dynamically and automatically adjust event notifications based on current location . for example , if an event was initially set for 12 : 00 pm est , and , if the participant is currently in chicago , usa , then the application on the device with gps capabilities will sound the alarm for the upcoming event at 11 : 00 am ( current local time ). in addition , the applications can dynamically change how far ahead an alert needs to occur in order for the attendee to make the meeting on time . for example , if the invitee is in acton , mass ., and if the meeting is in boston mass . at 11 : 00 am , then based on certain historical and current travel times , the system may alert the user of impending event that takes into account the necessary travel time . in this case as an example , if the best estimated travel time from acton , mass . to boston mass . is 45 minutes , then the system will alert the user of an 11 : 00 am est meeting at 10 : 15 am . the mobile device applications will also provide various usability features such as labeling , tagging , and classifying of events and notifications such that the user can get a single unified view of one or more similar events . for example , if an event involves initiating a call to a participant , and if so desired , the device application can cause a mobile phone to automatically initiate a call to the participant phone number , there by alleviating the manual dialing of number to start the call / conference . for example , if the reminder is about calling mom on sunday morning at 11 : 00 am , then if such an option is chosen , the device will automatically initiate a call , at users preferred telephone number , to mom , for example , at 10 : 59 am . the user of the device will also have the ability to record an audio and / or video message and send it to one or more groups . an exemplary situation where such an audio / video message would be useful is perhaps after a field trip the school teacher may want to broadcast to the parents updating them on the trip . the mobile device application is further capable of receiving event notifications asynchronously . optionally , the application can display details of a new event or changes to an existing event by taking partial or full control of the screen , as well as juxtaposition of event details over what the user is currently seeing on their screen . when a new event notification is displayed to the user , user is allowed to perform various actions , including but not limited to , snooze , ignore , remind again , cancel , etc . furthermore , when event notifications are received , the mobile device application allows users to classify the event ( as sports , school , match club , etc ). optionally , it can also be classified by a person &# 39 ; s name and color coded automatically . the application will further allow users of device to view local calendar activities in several different ways including but not limited to per activity class type , daily , weekly , per person , etc . in addition , if so desired , the mobile device applications can operate with cloud server 110 to facilitate payments between users . an exemplary situation would be an organizer of a group activity may chose to be paid or for the purpose of splitting a dinner tab after enjoying a sumptuous meal with a group of friends . the mobile device applications are also preferably capable of asynchronous reception of promotional messages and events with an option to accept or deny . if the user accepts the offer , the mobile device application can then guide the user to completion of purchase of product under the promotion . information regarding where a participant is going to be , who each participants is , and what the event is about provides opportunities to offer pertinent and timely promotions relating to participant &# 39 ; s areas of interest . using the interfaces provided by cloud server 110 , a user on cloud server 110 could log into the server from any device that supports a web browser , such as internet explorer , firefox , safari , google chrome , etc . using a web application interface , a user can initiate , manage events / calendars , update their profile , create and send event / meeting reminders even for large groups , compiled either from their contact address book or by manually entering or importing from a file , of participant phone numbers , and the like . the disclosed embodiment will further allow an account holder on the system to , from a single web page , initiate event related group messages destined for email addresses , sms message and message for those with either the web application or the mobile device applications installed on their respective devices . the web application also preferably facilitates finding the earliest available time for two or more people , help with automatic assignment of group activities to members of a group ( for example help with scheduling a group of parents sharing car pooling activity , parent volunteer scheduling ), etc . thus , the platform of the disclosed embodiment , by using phone numbers of the organizer and participant as a key into their respective calendars &# 39 ;, is capable of providing optional guidance on the next mutually best available time for scheduling an event / meeting . the organizing user can also make available multiple slots of time that are available to the group on a first come first served basis . the system will be able to display available slots . an application of this would be a teacher opening up 30 minute time slots for parents to meet with the teacher . in addition , if a user is identified as a business user , then the business can initiate a promotional event for a product or service targeting those based on the demographic information stored on cloud server 110 . using the components illustrated in fig1 and described above , the disclosed embodiment further provides a method 200 for organizing an event , which is illustrated in fig2 . in step 210 , event information associated with an event is processed . the event information can include information related to the scheduling of the event , the substantive content of the event , activities associated with the event , the location of the event , an organizing user of the event , reminders for the event , and the like . in addition , the event information can include information such as a specification of how many reminders per event and how far ahead should each reminder be . for example , a school may want to remind parents of an upcoming field trip a week ahead of scheduled trip , followed by the day before and the day of the trip . the event information can also specify one or more participating users . the event information can also include attachment , for example , an audio or video recording , which can be sent to all participants . the event information can come from a variety of sources including , for example , a smart phone 130 or tablet 140 via a mobile device application , a web browser via the web application 150 , and the like . in this regard , it is common for the event information to be received from an organizer computing device associated with a user organizing the event or meeting . in this regard , the organizer can enter the event information using an organizer user interface on an organizer computing device , which is configured to receive input from the organizing user . in addition , event information can be imported from a variety of sources , such as a different calendar application , from account settings , etc . furthermore , a group owner or originator of an event can modify an event after its creation directly from the device in which the application is installed , and group owners can initiate new events , add participants to the event from local phone contacts as well as by manually entering a phone number . in step 220 , the event information can be stored in cloud server 110 , or in any other suitable storage , such as a remote storage . in this regard , the event information can be associated with a user account for later use , if desired . in step 230 , participant information related to the event is transmitted to a participant computing device associated with a participating user . the participating computing device for at least one participating user is preferably a mobile computing device corresponding to a phone number associated with the participating user , such as a mobile phone or a smart phone . for at least this participating user , the participant information is preferably transmitted to the mobile computing device using the phone number associated with the participating user . thus , for at least this participating user , the unique identifier associated with the participating user is a phone number . in step 240 , response information can be received from participant computing devices associated with any number of participating users . the response information preferably includes , for example , personal information associated with the participating user , device information corresponding to the participant computing device , and the like . in this manner , the system can identify when the user has either changed their client device such as mobile phones , tablets etc , such that it can optionally push all of the future events and meetings to any applications installed on that device , or , if desired , populate past events . a participant user interface can also be provided to participant computing devices , which are configured to receive input from participating users . participating users can use this interface to enter their responses . in step 250 , attendee information can be transmitted back to the organizer computing device via cloud server 110 . this attendee information preferably includes , for example , information specifying whether the participating user will be participating in the event , any comments associated with the event , and the like . fig3 shows a diagram 300 illustrating how the exemplary method of fig2 can be preferably implemented . in fig3 , organizer computing device 310 includes a processor 312 and a memory 314 . memory 314 is preferably operatively coupled to processor 312 , and contains instructions that , when executed by processor 312 , cause processor 312 to carry out certain steps . similarly , cloud server 320 includes a processor 322 and a memory 324 . memory 324 is preferably operatively coupled to processor 322 , and contains instructions that , when executed by processor 322 , cause processor 322 to carry out certain steps . likewise , participant computing device 330 includes a processor 332 and a memory 334 . memory 334 is preferably operatively coupled to processor 332 , and contains instructions that , when executed by processor 332 , cause processor 332 to carry out certain steps . during exemplary operation , organizer computing device 310 , which is preferably associated with an organizing user , transmits event information associated with an event to cloud server 320 , which in turn processes and stores the event information . in step 355 , cloud server 320 transmits participant information related to the event to participant computing device 330 , which is associated with a participating user , which in turn receives the participant information . it is preferred that participant computing device 330 is a mobile computing device corresponding to a phone number associated with the participating user , and that the participant information is transmitted to the mobile computing device using the phone number associated with the participating user . the participant information may include a link associated with the web or mobile device applications . if the application is installed , any existing events can be pushed to the application on participant user device 330 . pushing or updating events can also occur when there is any change to the event by the organizer in step 360 , participant computing device 330 transmits response information to cloud server 320 , which in turn receives the response information . the response information preferably includes at least one of personal information associated with the participating user and device information corresponding to participant computing device 330 . finally , in step 365 , cloud server 320 transmits attendee information to organizer computing device 310 , which in turn receives the attendee information . the attendee information preferably includes information specifying whether the participating user associated with participant computing device 330 will be participating in the event . the embodiments described herein may be implemented with any suitable hardware and / or software configuration , including , for example , modules executed on computing devices such as computing device 410 of fig4 . embodiments may , for example , execute modules corresponding to steps shown in the methods described herein . of course , a single step may be performed by more than one module , a single module may perform more than one step , or any other logical division of steps of the methods described herein may be used to implement the processes as software executed on a computing device . computing device 410 has one or more processing device 411 designed to process instructions , for example computer readable instructions ( i . e ., code ) stored on a storage device 413 . by processing instructions , processing device 411 may perform the steps set forth in the methods described herein . storage device 413 may be any type of storage device ( e . g ., an optical storage device , a magnetic storage device , a solid state storage device , etc . ), for example a non - transitory storage device . alternatively , instructions may be stored in remote storage devices , for example storage devices accessed over a network or the internet . computing device 410 additionally has memory 412 , an input controller 416 , and an output controller 415 . a bus 414 operatively couples components of computing device 410 , including processor 411 , memory 412 , storage device 413 , input controller 416 , output controller 415 , and any other devices ( e . g ., network controllers , sound controllers , etc .). output controller 415 may be operatively coupled ( e . g ., via a wired or wireless connection ) to a display device 420 ( e . g ., a monitor , television , mobile device screen , touch - display , etc .) in such a fashion that output controller 415 can transform the display on display device 420 ( e . g ., in response to modules executed ). input controller 416 may be operatively coupled ( e . g ., via a wired or wireless connection ) to input device 430 ( e . g ., mouse , keyboard , touch - pad , scroll - ball , touch - display , etc .) in such a fashion that input can be received from a user ( e . g ., a user may input with an input device 430 a dig ticket ). of course , fig4 illustrates computing device 410 , display device 420 , and input device 430 as separate devices for ease of identification only . computing device 410 , display device 420 , and input device 430 may be separate devices ( e . g ., a personal computer connected by wires to a monitor and mouse ), may be integrated in a single device ( e . g ., a mobile device with a touch - display , such as a smart phone or a tablet ), or any combination of devices ( e . g ., a computing device operatively coupled to a touch - screen display device , a plurality of computing devices attached to a single display device and input device , etc .). computing device 410 may be one or more servers , for example a farm of networked servers , a clustered server environment , or a cloud network of computing devices . while systems and methods are described herein by way of example and embodiments , those skilled in the art recognize that the systems and methods for organizing events are not limited to the embodiments or drawings described . it should be understood that the drawings and description are not intended to be limiting to the particular form disclosed . rather , the intention is to cover all modifications , equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims . any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims . as used herein , the word “ may ” is used in a permissive sense ( i . e ., meaning having the potential to ), rather than the mandatory sense ( i . e ., meaning must ). similarly , the words “ include ”, “ including ”, and “ includes ” mean including , but not limited to . various embodiments of the disclosed embodiment have been disclosed herein . however , various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims and legal equivalents . | 6 |
in the prior art , tetramethoxymethylglycoluril has been prepared by a process having the essential sequential steps of : ( i ) methylolating glycoluril with formaldehyde to produce tetramethylolglycoluril , ( ii ) etherifying the tetramethylolglycoluril with excess methanol in a volatile solvent to give tetramethoxymethylglycoluril , and ( iii ) isolating the etherification product . the examples of prior art , have only a single etherification step , with the step of separating by distillation always carried out under basic conditions . in the examples of the prior art , the etherification step leads to a partially methylolated and partially etherified product even though the precursor is fully methylolated . because unetherified methylol groups demethylolate under the basic distillation conditions of the isolation step ( iii ), the methods of the prior art produce an incompletely methylolated , and an incompletely etherified product . the improved process of the invention overcomes the problems of incomplete etherification and demethylolation by adding between steps ( ii ) and ( iii ) of the prior art process the steps of : ( iia ) separating the volatiles from the partially etherified glycolurils by distilling at mildly acidic conditions to prevent demethylolation , and then the steps ( i ), ( ii ), and ( iii ) of the conventional process together with the improvements embodied in the additional steps ( iia ) and ( iib ) are more fully described below : in the improved process of the invention , the improvement comprises adding the sequential steps of : ( iia ) separating the volatiles by distilling at a ph in the range of from about 5 . 0 to about less than 7 , a temperature , pressure , and length of time sufficient to produce substantially fully methylolated , partially etherified , substantially monomeric tetramethoxymethylglycoluril , and ( iib ) etherifying further the partially etherified tetramethoxymethyl glycoluril with added methanol under acidic conditions to produce a substantially fully methylolated , substantially fully etherifield , substantially monomeric tetramethoxymethylglycoluril having a monomeric tetramethoxymethylglycoluril content in the range of from about 80 weight percent to 100 weight percent , a methoxy to methylene group ratio in the range from about 0 . 95 to about 1 . 00 , and a methylene to glycoluril ratio in the range of from about 3 . 7 to about 4 . 00 . the terms &# 34 ; partial etherification &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; partially etherified &# 34 ; herein mean that within the range of from about 60 percent to less than 95 percent of the methylol groups in the methylolated glycoluril have been transformed to the corresponding methoxymethyl groups . the term &# 34 ; substantially fully etherified &# 34 ; herein means that from 95 percent to 100 percent of the methylol groups in the methylolated glycoluril have been transformed to the corresponding methoxymethyl groups . the term &# 34 ; substantially fully methylolated &# 34 ; herein means that from about 95 percent to 100 percent of the n - h groups in glycoluril have been converted to n - methylol groups . the term &# 34 ; substantially monomeric &# 34 ; tetramethoxymethylglycoluril product herein means that about 80 weight percent to 100 weight percent of the product consists of the monomeric tetramethyloxymethylglycoluril represented by the formula : ## str1 ## the term &# 34 ; degree of etherification &# 34 ; herein has a meaning identical with &# 34 ; percent etherification .&# 34 ; a tetramethylolglycoluril having a degree of etherification of 100 percent is 100 percent etherified . the term &# 34 ; methoxy to methylene ratio &# 34 ; herein is the ratio of ch 3 to ch 2 groups , and in the case of tetramethoxymethylglycoluril represented by the formula above the ratio is 1 . the term &# 34 ; methylene to glycoluril ratio &# 34 ; is the ratio of the number of ch 2 group to each glycoluril moiety , and in the case of tetramethoxymethylglycoluril represented by the formula above the ratio is 4 . 00 . step ( i ) of the process is carried out by methylolating glycoluril with aqueous and / or methanolic formaldehyde . the mole ratio of formaldehyde to glycoluril is at least 4 : 1 , and preferably the mole ratio of the formaldehyde to glycoluril is from 4 . 5 : 1 to 6 : 1 . the methylolation step could be carried out under acidic or under basic conditions , and at near room temperature or higher temperatures . step ( ii ) of the process is the conventional etherification step and is carried out under acidic conditions , typically at a ph in the vicinity of one or two . the etherification is done in the presence of excess methanol . in the practice of the process of the invention , aqueous nitric acid and aqueous sodium hydroxide are the preferred reagents for adjusting the ph of the reaction mixtures . other acids such as sulfuric , hydrochloric , phosphoric , polyphosphoric , alkyl and aryl sulfonic acids may also be used satisfactorily in carrying out the process of the invention . similarly , bases other than sodium hydroxide may also be used . examples of bases usable in the process of the invention are bases such as potassium hydroxide , ammonium hydroxide , sodium or potassium carbonate , triethylamine , and the like . the ph range in step ( iia ), the step of separating the volatiles by distilling , is in the range of about 5 to less than 7 , and preferably of from 5 . 0 to 6 . 9 , and most preferably the ph is in the range of from 5 . 8 to 6 . 2 . the solvent in the process of the invention is preferably methanol which is also a reactant . other volatile solvents which are not reactive with formaldehyde may also be present but their presence is not particularly advantageous since they lead to dilution of the methanol reactant . the term &# 34 ; volatile solvent &# 34 ; herein refers to a solvent having a boiling point in the range of 40 ° c . to 180 ° c . the methanol may be substantially anhydrous or it may contain water . large quantities of water are to be avoided not only because it leads to dilution of the methanol reactant but also it favors hydrolysis of tetramethoxymethylglycoluril . the preferred solvent in the process of the invention is methanol comprising 0 . 01 weight percent to about 20 weight percent water . in step ( iia ), the step of separating the volatiles by distilling , the temperature , pressure , and time required to produce substantially fully methylolated , partially etherifield tetramethoxymethylglycoluril have the following ranges : 0 ° c . to about 150 ° c . temperature , 1 . 33 pascals to about 101000 pascals pressure , and 4 hours to about 24 hours time . it is preferable that the temperature is in the range of from about 40 ° c . to about 75 ° c ., the pressure is in the range of 2000 pascals to about 15000 pascals , and the time is in the range of 4 to about 14 hours . the weight ratio of the methanol to the total glycoluril - derived components in step ( iia ), the step of separating by distilling , is in the range of from about 0 . 5 : 1 to about 10 : 1 , and preferably the ratio is in the range of from about 1 : 1 to about 3 : 1 . step ( iib ), the novel step of further etherifying the partially etherified tetramethoxymethylglycoluril with added methanol , is carried out to a conversion in the range of from 95 to 100 percent under conventional etherification conditions . typical of the parameters relating to step ( iib ) are the following conditions : ______________________________________ph about 1temperature about 50 to 60 ° c . time about 1 to 2 hours______________________________________ step ( iii ) is the final step of isolating the product . the product isolation of this step may be carried out by one or a combination of known techniques such as distillation , precipitation , crystallization , or solvent extraction . separating volatile components of the reaction mixture by the technique of distillation in step iii gives a bottoms product which is the tetramethoxymethylglycoluril product of the invention . this step is typically operated under basic conditions . the temperature , pressure , and time parameters useful for performing the distillation to produce a step iii bottoms product of substantially fully methylolated , substantially fully etherified tetramethoxymethylglycoluril have the following ranges : 0 ° c . to about 150 ° c . temperature , 1 . 33 pascals to about 101000 pascals pressure , and 4 hours to about 24 hours time . it is preferable that the temperature is in the range of from about 40 ° c . to about 130 ° c ., the pressure is in the range of 2000 pasals to about 15000 pascals , and the time is in the range of 4 hours to about 14 hours . the steps ( i ), ( ii ), ( iia ), ( iib ) and ( iii ) of the process may be performed as a batch of continuous process using the same or separate vessels or equipment for accomplishing any or all of the steps . the process of the invention may be better understood by reference to the figures as follows : thus , in fig1 illustrating a conventional process , glycoluril is introduced via line ( 1 ) and formaldehyde is introduced via line ( 3 ) into a reaction zone ( 5 ) where the glycoluril is methylolated . methylolation is typically carried out at about ph 8 and is generally effected in less than 4 hours . the methylolated glycoluril reaction product from zone ( 5 ) is sent via line ( 7 ) to etherification zone ( 9 ) and methanol is introduced via line ( 11 ) together with acid to give a ph typically of less than 2 . the etherified glycoluril from reaction zone ( 9 ) is thereafter sent via line ( 13 ) to distillation zone ( 15 ) and base is introduced via line ( 17 ) to typically raise the ph to about 8 . distillation zone ( 15 ) is operated at elevated temperature and subatmospheric pressure to permit removal of volatiles such as water and unreacted methanol via line ( 19 ). a prior art tetramethoxymethylglycoluril product is removed via line ( 21 ). in the improved process of the invention tetramethoxymethylglycoluril is prepared by a process having two additional process steps used in combination with the essential sequential steps of the prior art ( viz , steps i , ii , & amp ; iii ) described in the preceding paragraphs of this section . these two additional process steps occur between steps ( ii ) and ( iii ) of the conventional process , that is , between the conventional etherification and distillation steps . the improved process of the invention is a five step process having the essential sequential steps of : ( i ) methylolating glycoluril with formaldehyde to produce tetramethylolglycolyuril , ( ii ) etherifying the tetramethylolglycoluril with excess methanol in a volatile solvent , ( iia ) separating the volatiles by distillation at a ph typically of from about 5 to 6 . 9 , ( iib ) further etherifying the step ( iia ) bottoms product ( where &# 34 ; bottoms product &# 34 ; is defined as the residue left behind after removal of volatiles as overhead ) of step ( iia ), and then ( iii ) separating the volatiles by distillation to isolate the tetramethoxymethylglycoluril as step ( iii ) bottoms product . fig2 illustrates the improved process of the invention using rectangles to symbolize conventional process steps and hexagons to symbolize the added steps ( iia ) and ( iib ) which constitute the improvement in the process of this invention . thus , in fig2 glycoluril introduced via line ( 101 ) and formaldehyde introduced via line ( 103 ) enter reaction zone ( 105 ) where the glycoluril is methylolated . methylolation is typically carried out at about ph 8 and is generally effected in less than 4 hours . the methylolated glycoluril reaction product from zone ( 105 ) is sent via line ( 107 ) to etherification zone ( 109 ) and methanol is introduced via line ( 111 ) together with acid to give a ph typically of less than 2 . the partially etherified glycoluril from reaction zone ( 109 ) is thereafter sent via line ( 113 ) to distillation zone ( 115 ) and base is introduced via line ( 117 ) to adjust the ph typically to a value between about 5 to 6 . 9 . distillation zone ( 115 ) is operated at elevated temperature and subatmospheric pressure to permit removal of volatiles such as unreacted water and methanol via line ( 131 ). the bottoms product of step ( iia ) from distillation zone ( 115 ) is sent via line ( 119 ) to the second etherification zone ( 121 ) and methanol introduced via line ( 123 ) together with acid to give a ph typically of less than 2 . the substantially fully etherified glycoluril from etherification reaction zone ( 121 ) is thereafter sent via line ( 125 ) to distillation zone ( 127 ) and base is introduced via line ( 129 ) to typically raise the ph to about 8 . distillation zone ( 127 ) is operated at elevated temperature to permit removal of volatiles such as unreacted water and methanol via line ( 131 ). an improved tetramethoxymethylglycoluril product of the invention is removed via line ( 133 ). the following examples illustrate the invention by comparing a process which is within the scope of the invention ( examples 1 and 2 ) with a process which is outside the scope of the invention ( example 3 ). a substantially fully methylolated , partially etherified , substantially monomeric tetramethoxymethylglycoluril solution was prepared as follows : glycoluril ( 142 . 0 g ) was methylolated with formaldehyde ( 179 . 85 g ) in methanol ( 114 . 45 g ) and water ( 32 . 7 g ) under basic conditions . after adding additional methanol ( 270 . 0 g ), the tetramethylolglycoluril was etherified under acidic conditions with 70 weight percent nitric acid at a ph of less than 1 for 1 to 2 hours . the ph was then adjusted to about 6 with a 25 weight percent aqueous sodium hydroxide solution . the volatiles from the partially etherifield solution at ph 6 prepared by the method described in part 1 of this example above were removed according to the improved process of the invention , by distilling the volatiles at an initial temperature of 40 ° c . to a final temperature of about 70 ° c . and a final pressure of 10000 pascals . the reaction mixture was held at about 70 ° c . for an additional 30 minutes . during this period ( about 10 . 5 hours ), about 250 g of volatiles distilled and were collected . the residue contained partially etherified tetramethoxymethylglycoluril . a large excess of anhydrous methanol was added to the residue prepared by the method described in part 2 of this example above . after cooling to about 55 ° c . the solution was acidified with 70 weight percent nitric acid to a ph less than 1 . after about 1 . 5 hours , etherification was complete . the reaction product of part 3 was basified to a ph of 7 to 8 with 20 % by wt . sodium hydroxide ( per workup procedure of u . s . pat . no . 4 , 118 , 437 and the volatiles were separated to give substantially fully methylolated , substantially fully etherified , substantially monomeric tetramethoxymethylglycoluril , an example of the crosslinker of the invention , having the following properties , as analyzed by high pressure size exclusion chromatography and high pressure liquid chromatography : ______________________________________crystallization temperature (° c .) 106 - 109tetramethoxymethylglycoluril monomer (%) 87 . 4trimethoxymethylglycoluril monomers (%) 5 . 9other monomers (%) 3 . 8etherfied oligomers (%) 2 . 9______________________________________ the procedure of example 1 was repeated up to the isolation stage as described in parts 1 , 2 , and 3 of example 1 . after the further etherification stage of part 3 , step ( iib ), but prior to the final basic distillation stage of part 4 , the reaction mixture was analyzed by high pressure size exclusion chromatography , high pressure liquid chromotography , and 400 mhz nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy . the product , after further etherification but prior to the final basic distillation , had the following properties : ______________________________________tetramethoxymethylglycoluril monomer (%) 87 . 3trimethoxymethylglycoluril monomers (%) 5 . 9other monomers (%) 3 . 9etherified oligomer (%) 3 . 0methoxy to methylene ratio 0 . 98methylene to glycoluril ratio 4 . 0tetramethoxymethylglycoluril monomer 85 . 0 ( mole percent ) ______________________________________ the product obtained by example 2 has a tetramethoxymethylglycoluril monomer level higher than 80 percent , therefore it is within the scope of the invention . the procedure of example 2 was repeated with the exception that step ( iia ), isolation by separation of volatiles by distilling step ( see part 2 of example 1 ), was carried out at a ph of 7 to 8 , ( as disclosed by u . s . pat . no . 4 , 118 , 437 ). the product , after further etherification but prior to the final basic distillation , had the following properties : ______________________________________tetramethoxymethylglycoluril monomer (%) 70 . 4trimethoxymethylglycoluril monomers (%) 19 . 5other monomers (%) presentetherified oligomer (%) 10methoxy to methylene ratio 0 . 99methylene to glycoluril ratio 3 . 9tetramethoxymethylglycoluril monomer 69 . 0 ( mole percent ) ______________________________________ the product prepared by the method of example 3 had monomeric tetramethoxymethylglycoluril less than 80 percent , therefore the product of example 3 is outside of the scope of this invention . although the present invention has been described with references to certain preferred embodiments , it is apparent that modifications and changes thereof may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims . | 2 |
referring to fig1 , a lighting device 10 is shown employing multiple light emitting diodes ( leds ) and multiple magnifier lenses according to one embodiment of the present invention . the lighting device 10 is shown as a headlamp flashlight ( e . g ., spotlight ) having an adjustable strap 16 adaptive to be worn on the head of a user . while the lighting device 10 is shown and described herein as a headlamp flashlight , it should be appreciated that the lighting device 10 may be employed in any of a number of lighting systems to provide light illumination to a target area . as shown in fig1 - 3 , the lighting device 10 generally includes a rear housing 14 connected to an adjustable strap ( headband ) 16 . the rear housing 14 provides a compartment for housing a plurality of energy storage batteries 52 ( e . g ., aa - type alkaline batteries ) which serve as the electrical power source . the lighting device 10 further includes a front housing assembly 12 containing the light source and light focusing components of the lighting device 10 . the front housing assembly 12 has a molded housing 18 forming the rear and side walls . located within the housing 18 is a printed circuit board 20 having a light control switch 22 and other electrical circuitry ( not shown ) for controlling energization of the lighting device 10 by controlling the application of electrical current from the power source to the light source . according to one embodiment , the control switch 22 is a manually - actuated , three - position switch having a first position in which all the leds are turned off , a second position to turn on two leds , and a third position to turn on a third led . the lighting device 10 includes , as the light source , a plurality of light emitting diodes ( leds ) that are shown connected to the printed circuit board 20 which , in turn , is connected to housing 18 . the leds include a first led 24 spaced from a second led 26 for generating first and second light beams , respectively . also shown disposed between first and second leds 24 and 26 is a third led 28 for emitting a third light beam . the leds 24 , 26 , and 28 used as the light source in the lighting device 10 of the present invention are commercially available from a variety of sources . one example of a commercially available white led is model no . nspw500bs available from nichia corporation . it should be appreciated that various kinds of leds are readily available from several commercial suppliers . the leds 24 , 26 , and 28 can be of any color , depending upon the choice of the users . according to one embodiment , the first and second leds . 24 and 26 are white leds made by nichia corporation , and the third led 28 is a red - colored led . the lighting device 10 also includes an inner cover 30 fastened to front housing 18 to provide a covering over the printed circuit board 20 . inner cover 30 has openings for allowing the first , second , and third leds 24 - 28 to extend therethrough forward of the inner cover 30 . assembled to the front of inner cover 30 is an outer cover and support member 32 that covers the front face of cover 30 forward of leds 24 , 26 , and 28 . outer cover and support member 32 supports the first and second magnifier lenses 34 and 36 and forms a cover on front housing 18 . the inner wall of outer cover and support member 32 is non - reflective , and thus does not reflect any substantial light rays . the first and second magnifier lenses 34 and 36 may be integrally formed within the outer cover and support member 32 or may otherwise be attached to outer cover and support member 32 . according to one embodiment , the outer cover and support member 32 is made of a polymeric material ( e . g ., plastic ) and the magnifier lenses 34 and 36 are integrally formed within the polymeric material . in a further embodiment , cover member 32 is made of a substantially transparent material that allows light rays to pass through . the magnifier lenses 34 and 36 are light transparent optics magnifiers that magnify light transmitted through the lens and direct the magnified light in a light beam . the magnifier lenses 34 and 36 may each be configured as a double convex magnifier lens as shown , according to one embodiment . according to another embodiment , the magnifier lenses 34 and 36 may each include a plano convex magnifier lens . the magnifier lenses 34 and 36 each have at least one convex surface to provide magnification to focus the light beam . the magnifier lenses 34 and 36 can be made of any transparent material , such as glass or polymer ( e . g ., polycarbonate ). the dimensions of the magnifier lenses 34 and 36 can vary depending upon the spotlight diameter desired by the user . the magnifier lenses 34 and 36 used in the present invention are commercially available from a variety of sources and may each include a polycarbonate double convex magnifier lens having model no . nt32 - 018 , commercially available from edmund industrial optics , having a diameter of nine millimeters ( 9 mm ) and a focal length of nine millimeters ( 9 mm ). electrical power lines 54 and 56 extend between the printed circuit board 20 within the front housing 18 and the energy storage batteries 52 located in rear housing 14 . the electrical power lines 54 and 56 supply electrical current ( e . g ., direct current ) from the batteries 52 to the leds 24 - 28 to power the leds 24 , 26 , and 28 which generate the corresponding light beams . according to one embodiment , the third led 28 may be illuminated separate from leds 24 and 26 to provide a light beam of a different color as compared to leds 24 and 26 . according to one embodiment , leds 24 and 26 provide a white light beam , while led 28 provides a red colored light beam . formed at the bottom of front housing assembly 12 , along the bottom edge of support member 32 , is a hinge assembly 58 that is connected to the rear housing 14 . hinge assembly 58 is rotatable about a horizontal axis to allow the front housing assembly 12 and corresponding led 24 - 28 and magnifier lenses 34 and 36 to rotate relative to the rear housing 14 . this enables a user to rotate front housing assembly 12 to adjust the height positioning of the illuminating light beams . the lighting systems arrangement of the leds 24 - 28 and magnifier lenses 34 and 36 is best illustrated in fig3 through 5 . first and second leds 24 and 26 are arranged relative to magnifier lenses 34 and 36 to produce first and second light beams 44 and 46 , respectively . the first led 24 illuminates the first magnifier lens 34 to generate a first light beam generally within a defined full angle field of view of about forty degrees ( 40 °). substantially all of the light generated by the first led 24 is illuminated onto the first magnifier lens 34 which magnifies and redirects the first light beam in a path shown in fig4 and 5 by dashed lines 44 . the second led 26 likewise illuminates the second magnifier lens 36 to generate a second light beam within a defined full angle field of view of about forty degrees ( 40 °). the light beam generated by the second led 26 is illuminated onto the second magnifier lens 36 which refocuses and directs the light beam in a second path shown by dashed lines 46 . light beams 44 and 46 are shown substantially overlapping and substantially cover a common target area 50 to form a single spotlight having excellent symmetry and uniform intensity . by employing the arrangement of the first and second leds 24 and 26 and magnifier lenses 34 and 36 , respectively , focused onto a single target area 50 , increased brightness illumination is achieved in target area 50 . the third led 28 is shown generating a light beam in a path shown by phantom lines 48 that extends substantially between an opening between magnifier lenses 34 and 36 . the light beam 48 generated by led 28 is emitted within a full angle wide field of view of about forty degrees ( 40 °). accordingly , a substantial portion of the light beam 48 generated by a third led 28 is not directed through a magnifier lens and , hence , is not magnified and focused onto the focal target area 50 . instead , the third led 28 illuminates a wider angle of coverage and , thus , operates more as a floodlight . each of the three leds 24 - 28 includes an electrically powered diode shown as diodes 24 a , 26 a , and 28 a , respectively . the diodes 24 a , 26 a , and 28 a generate light rays in response to the application of electrical current . each of the diodes 24 a , 26 a , and 28 a are shown enclosed within a transparent housing 24 b , 26 b , and 28 b , respectively . while lamp - type leds are shown and described herein , it should be appreciated that other leds may be employed in the lighting device 10 . the first and second leds 24 and 26 are spaced apart from each other by distance d which is measured from the center of the leds . in one embodiment , distance d is about 18 . 2 mm . the magnifier lenses 34 and 36 can be glass ( sf5 ) double convex magnifier lenses which , in one embodiment , are 9 mm in diameter with a 9 mm effective focal length . magnifier lens 34 is positioned orthogonal to first led 24 , while magnifier lens 36 is positioned orthogonal to second led 26 . the central focal axes of first and second leds 24 and 26 are parallel to each other . the surface of the magnifier lenses 34 and 36 can be placed from the tip of their respective leds at a distance l a and l b to allow for a back focal length of 7 . 9 mm , according to one embodiment . this is the distance l a and l b between the focal point within the first and second leds 24 and 26 and the surface of the corresponding lenses 34 and 36 , respectively . the spotlight beam produced from the first led 24 and magnifier lens 34 combination substantially overlaps with the spotlight beam produced from the second led 26 and magnifier 36 combination . the overlap may be less than a complete overlap of light beams 44 and 46 due to the offset arrangement of the perpendicular led 24 and 26 and magnifier lenses 34 and 36 combinations . however , the combination of leds 24 and 26 and magnifier lenses 34 and 36 can result up to a two hundred percent ( 200 %) increase in beam intensity , as compared to a single led alone . accordingly , the lighting device 10 of the present invention advantageously produces an enhanced intensity and uniform spot beam focused onto a target area 50 by employing multiple leds at a minimal cost . while light beams 44 and 46 do not completely overlap when offset magnifier lenses 34 and 36 are arranged orthogonal to leds 24 and 26 , the resultant light beams 44 and 46 do substantially overlap in target area 50 . the overlapping target area 50 could further be refined by tilting magnifier lenses 34 and 36 towards a common target area so as to focus beans 44 and 46 onto an overlapping target area . however , the tilting of magnifier lenses 34 and 36 may change the shape of the resultant light beams 44 anal 46 . the power source used in the light system of the present invention can be any conventional power source . ac and dc current can be used . conventional dry cell batteries , for example , zinc / mno 2 , carbon / zinc , nickel metal hydride , or lithium - based electrochemical cells can all be used . it will be understood by those who practice the invention and those skilled in the art , that various modifications and improvements may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit of the disclosed concept . the scope of protection afforded is to be determined by the claims and by the breadth of interpretation allowed by law . | 5 |
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