Split (3)

train · 25k rows

text stringlengths 1.55k 332k	label int64 0 8
prior to providing a detailed description of the various exemplary embodiments of the methods and systems for endoscopic microscopy according to the present invention , some introductory concepts and terminology are provided below . as used herein , the term “ endoscopic probe ” can be used to describe one or more portions of an exemplary embodiment of an endoscopic system , which can be inserted into a human or animal body in order to obtain an image of tissue within the body . prior to describing the exemplary embodiments of the systems and / or probes for spectrally encoded endoscopy according to the present invention , certain exemplary concepts and terminology are provided herein . for example , the term “ endoscopic probe ” may be used to describe a portion of an endoscopic system , which can be inserted into a human body in order to obtain an image of tissue within the human body . the term “ monolithic ” may be used to describe a structure formed as a single piece , which can have more than one optical function . the term “ hybrid ” may be used to describe a structure formed as a plurality of pieces , e . g ., each piece having one optical function . the exemplary embodiments of the system , apparatus , probe and method described herein can apply to any wavelength of light or electro - magnetic radiation , including but not limited to visible light and near infrared light . fig2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a see imaging system / probe 200 ( e . g ., endoscopic probe having a single mode fiber that deliver light from a light source to the tip of the fiber ) which can include an optical fiber 210 , an expansion region 220 , a focusing region 230 , an angled region 240 and a dispersing element 250 ( e . g ., grating ). the exemplary system / probe 200 can generate a spectrally encoded imaging signal , e . g ., a line 260 on the imaged surface with the longer wavelengths 280 deviated further from the probe axis than the shorter wavelengths 270 . the optical fiber 210 can be a single - mode fiber and / or a multi - mode fiber ( e . g ., preferably single mode for preserving the phase relation of the source light and the light remitted by the sample ). by facilitation a light delivery through the optical fiber 210 , see capabilities can be provided in a catheter or endoscope . thus , a high - resolution microscopy of surfaces of the body accessible by endoscope can be facilitated by the exemplary embodiment of the system / probe 200 . a multiple of ( e . g ., four ) distinct regions with specific optical properties can be used to determine the system / probe functionality . for example , the expansion region can be used to facilitate the beam that is confined in the fiber core to expand and fill an aperture . the expansion region can be composed of optical glass ( e . g ., a piece of coreless fiber spliced to the main fiber and then cleaved to a predetermined length ), optical epoxy , air , or transparent fluid . index matching with the fiber core may be desirable for reducing the back reflection from the interface between the fiber and the expansion region . other techniques and / or arrangements for reducing the back reflection , e . g ., anti - reflection coating or angle cleaving , can be employed in case of air or other non - matching media used as an expansion region . in the focusing region , the diverging beam can be transformed to a converging one . for example , a gradient index (“ grin ”) lens or spherical micro lens can be used as shall be described in more detail below with reference to other exemplary embodiments . for example , the grin lens can be made by splicing a piece of grin fiber and cleaving it to a predetermined length . the spherical lens can be formed on the coreless fiber tip by melting it , by polishing , or by applying a small measured amount of optical epoxy . the angled region can be used to support the dispersing element and / or provide an incidence tilt for the output direction and / or the desired regime ( litrow ) in certain cases ( e . g ., a diffraction grating ). as with the expansion region , different media can be used , and different techniques and / or arrangements for obtaining the desired tilt can be employed . for example , some of such exemplary techniques can include angle cleaving , polishing , molding of the optical epoxy etc . the dispersing element can tilt different parts of the incident spectrum at different angles , thus producing the desired spatial spread of the incident light . it can be a prism made of high dispersion material or a high efficiency diffracting grating . it is possible to also produce a grating at the fiber tip . for example , transmitting or reflecting gratings can be used in different regimes depending on the application . other numerous combinations and permutations of the above - mentioned regions can provide a functional system / probe , certain exemplary embodiments of which shall be described in further detail below . for example , two general types of dispersing elements can be used : prism or diffracting grating . the holographic optical element that combines the dispersing power of the grating and the focusing power of a lens can also be used as shown in fig7 . prism made of dispersing material can be used when the light source has a very broad spectrum , e . g ., a femto - second laser source with microstructured fiber for super - continuum generation . in such exemplary source , the spectrum can span in visible and near infrared . fig3 shows another exemplary embodiment of the see system / probe 300 which can include a single mode optical fiber 310 spliced to a coreless fiber 320 ( e . g ., the expansion region ). further , a short piece of gradient refracting index ( grin ) fiber 330 can be spliced to the coreless fiber ( e . g ., the focusing region ). in addition , another short piece of coreless fiber 340 can be spliced to the focusing region 330 . the output surface 350 may be angle polished / cleaved , thus forming a refracting boundary between the fiber 340 and the external medium 355 ( e . g ., air , water or other liquid ). in fig3 , an exemplary use of the prism 340 is illustrated as a dispersive element . with an anti - reflecting coating on the output surface 350 , this exemplary configuration can provide a high transmission efficiency . it may be desirable for the angled region to be made of a highly dispersive material . in the case of a normal dispersion , longer wavelength parts of the original spectrum 370 may deviate less than the shorter wavelengths 380 , thus forming the imaging line 360 . diffracting gratings can be preferable in the case of narrow band source because of the higher dispersing power that can be achieved with such gratings . for example , the transmission and reflection diffracting gratings can be used . fig5 shows a schematic diagram of a further exemplary embodiment of the see imaging system / probe 500 , which has a micro spherical lens 530 with a grating 550 provided before the lens 530 use of the reflection diffracting grating . in other exemplary configuration , the use of reflection diffracting grating utilizes a housing that can enlarge the system / probe . the additional details of the exemplary embodiment of the see system / probe 500 shall be described in further detail below . the selected dispersing element can be a transmission diffracting grating . it is also possible to use other grating , e . g ., a volume holographic grating or a surface phase grating . the volume holographic gratings can exhibit a higher efficiency , but are less common , and some of the materials used therefore generally require sealing from the humidity , as well as more expensive and difficult to replicate . the surface phase gratings may be less efficient , but are easy to replicate and mass - produce when a master grating is made . for both of these exemplary elements , the grating can be a thin film (˜ 5 - 10 μm ) that is applied to the angled region . fig4 shows another exemplary embodiment of the see system / probe 400 which can include a single mode optical fiber 410 spliced to a coreless fiber 420 . in this exemplary embodiment , the tip of the expansion region 420 can be melted to form a small spherical surface 425 , and then a low refractive index epoxy 430 may be used to attach the grating 440 at an angle to the system / probe 400 . in this exemplary system / probe 400 , the focusing region can be the surface that separates the expansion region and the angled region . the longer wavelengths 460 of the original spectrum may deviate more than the shorter wavelengths 470 , thus possibly forming the imaging line 450 . fig5 shows the exemplary see probe 500 described above , which can include a single mode optical fiber 510 spliced to a coreless fiber 520 . the tip of the expansion region 520 can be melted to form a ball 530 . the ball may be polished at an angle ( littrow ) and on the flat surface 540 that can result from this exemplary procedure , a reflecting grating 550 may be deposited . the light beam can expand in the expansion section after exiting an end 510 of the core of the optical fiber 510 , and may then be dispersed by the grating 550 . different monochromatic beams that can result may then be focused by the near spherical surface of the glass ball to form the imaging line 560 . the dispersing element may be provided before the focusing element . the longer wavelengths 580 of the original spectrum may deviate more than the shorter wavelengths 570 . fig6 shows another exemplary embodiment of the see system / probe 600 which may include a single mode optical fiber 610 spliced to a short piece of coreless fiber 620 that may be angle cleaved or polished at an angle ( which can be the littrow angle for the grating 630 ) and the grating 630 may be deposited on the tip of the expansion region 620 . a drop of an optical epoxy 640 can be cured at the tip of the fiber 610 to protect the transmission grating 630 and form the focusing surface 650 . the dispersing element 630 can be provided before the focusing element 650 , and the expansion region 620 and the angled region 620 may coincide . the longer wavelengths 670 of the original spectrum may deviate more than the shorter wavelengths 680 to form the imaging line 660 . fig7 shows yet another exemplary embodiment of the see system / probe 700 , which can include a single mode optical fiber 710 . a holographic optical element (“ hoe ”) 730 written in a drop of photosensitive polymer 720 can incorporate the optical functionality of the expansion , focusing and dispersing elements . the longer wavelengths 750 of the original spectrum can deviate more than the shorter wavelengths 760 to form the imaging line 740 . fig8 shows still another exemplary embodiment of the see system / probe 800 which can include a static monolithic core 810 and a spinning flexible thin wall teflon tubing 820 with the angled region 850 attached to its end . an optical fiber 830 , an expansion region 835 , and a focusing region 840 may be attached / glued / spliced together to form the core 810 . a dispersing element / grating 857 can be deposited on the tilted output surface of the angled region 850 . the glass - to - air interfaces of the focusing region 840 845 and the angled region 850 853 may be anti - reflection coated . changing the gap between such elements by advancing the core 810 can effectively change the distance 880 of the imaging line 860 to the output surface of the system / probe 800 ( e . g ., the grating 875 ). exemplary non - monolithic configurations similar to those shown in the exemplary embodiment of fig8 can allow for additional functionality such as zooming and / or focusing to be provided in the distal probe end . multi - lens configurations may also be implemented . the use of a prism - grating combination ( grism ) may facilitate a control of the angle of incidence and the probe output direction . exemplary arrangement which implements such configurations are shown in fig9 a and fig9 b . in particular , fig9 a shows a further exemplary embodiment of the see imaging system / probe 900 which can include a static sheath 905 with a transparent window 908 and a monolithic optical core 910 that can be scanned . the core can include an optical fiber 915 , an expansion region 917 , a focusing element ( e . g ., a grin lens ) 920 , and a prism 925 with the grating 930 deposited on its output surface . the optical elements may be maintained together with a micro mechanical housing 940 . this exemplary configuration may represent a side looking imaging system / probe . fig9 b shows still another exemplary embodiment of the see imaging system / probe 950 which can include a static sheath 955 with a transparent window 958 and a monolithic optical core 960 that can be scanned . the core can include an optical fiber 965 , an expansion region 967 , and a focusing element ( grin lens ) 970 . a grating 980 may be sandwiched between prisms 975 and 977 . the optical elements may be maintained together with a micro mechanical housing 990 . this exemplary configuration can represent a forward - looking imaging system / probe . it may be beneficial for this exemplary application to utilize a grating in littrow regime when the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of diffraction ( e . g ., for the central wavelength ). in this exemplary configuration , the shape of the beam may not change after the grating , and thus provide an effective regime . fig1 a - 10c illustrate exemplary embodiments of the substrate that can provide a littrow regime for the grating . for example , fig1 a shows an exemplary embodiment of a diffracting grating substrate 1000 which can include a cylindrical body 1005 with one side 1020 polished at the littrow &# 39 ; s angle 1015 . fig1 b shows another exemplary embodiment of the diffracting grating substrate 1025 which includes a prismatic body 1030 with one side 1045 polished at the littrow &# 39 ; s angle 1040 . fig1 c shows still another exemplary embodiment of the diffracting grating substrate 1050 which can include a cylindrical body 1055 with one side 1057 polished at the complimentary to littrow &# 39 ; s angle 1058 and a mirror 1087 deposited . another flat surface 1065 may be polished parallel to the cylinder axis where the grating is to be deposited . fig1 d shows yet another exemplary embodiment of the diffracting grating substrate 1075 which can include a prismatic body 1080 with one side 1087 polished at the complimentary to littrow &# 39 ; s angle 1085 and a mirror 1087 deposited . the grating is intended to be deposited on the side 1095 . it should be understood that the illustrated sizes are merely exemplary , and other sizes are possible and are within the scope of the present invention . in certain exemplary applications , the system / probe can be small enough to be introduced through a small opening , and big enough to be able to image at big distances in a cavity . these conflicting preferences can be met by using an inflating balloon with added optical functionality . two such exemplary configurations are shown in fig1 a and 11b . in particular , fig1 a shows another exemplary embodiment of the see system / probe 1100 which can include a single mode optical fiber 1110 . a holographic optical element (“ hoe ”) 1125 written on the surface of the inflating balloon 1120 can incorporate the optical functionality of the focusing and dispersing elements . the dispersed light may be focused into the imaging line 1130 . when the exemplary system / probe 1100 is spun , the image of the area 1135 may be obtained . this exemplary configuration may be further defined by the material availability for infrared applications and the possible difficulties associated with the holographic process . fig1 b shows still another exemplary embodiment of the see system / probe 1150 which can include a single mode optical fiber 1160 . a holographic optical element (“ hoe ”) 1165 written in a drop of photosensitive polymer 1067 deposited on the tip of the fiber 1060 can incorporate the optical functionality of the expansion , and dispersing elements . further , the balloon catheter 1170 may be filled with a high refractive index biocompatible liquid , thus forming a near spherical refracting focusing surface 1175 . this exemplary configuration may be further defined by the material availability for infrared applications and the possible difficulties associated with the holographic process . one exemplary advantage of the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be the relative simple configurations and designs of the exemplary embodiments of the systems / probes . according to one exemplary embodiment , e . g ., the system / probe can include an optical fiber with a modified tip . ( see fig2 - 7 ). for example , the system / probe can illuminate a line at the object and acquire one line of image at a time . in order to acquire an image with this exemplary system / probe , it may be preferable that the imaging line is scanned in transverse direction across the object . this can be a repetitive or a single scan . in such cases , an image or the surface that the line scans can be acquired and displayed . the information obtained from the back - scattered light can be interpreted in various manners to represent different tissue types , different states of the same tissue , various types of dysphasia , tissue damage etc . as well as motion of body liquids and cells . certain exemplary arrangements which can be used for placing the probe and scanning the tissue may be as follows . where catheters are used in medicine , a very thin wall sealed ptfe tube can be used as a protective transparent sheath for the probe that can be delivered through the lumen of a guide catheter to the area of interest ( as shown in fig1 ). when in place , the fiber inside the thin tube can be scanned by rotating or by pulling in order to obtain an image . a short distal part of the catheter can be of a small diameter . the proximal end can be of a bigger diameter with added additional springs / shafts to protect the fiber and convey the motion . for example , fig1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a catheter of the see system / probe 1200 which can include an optical core 1230 . the exemplary system / probe 1200 can be protected by a transparent sheath 1220 that can allow the transmission of the imaging light 1240 into the region of interest . the imaging catheter 1220 can be placed trough a guide catheter 1210 . for needle biopsies that are traditionally performed under ct , mri , or ultrasound guidance , the fiber optic probe may be inserted into the biopsy needle ( as shown in fig1 ). in this exemplary configuration , the fiber optic probe may be embedded within the needle biopsy device or inserted through the lumen of the needle . the image can be acquired during the insertion of the needle or by rotating of the probe inside the needle and , e . g ., only looking at a limited angle fig1 shows another exemplary embodiment of a catheter of the see system / probe 1300 which can include an optical core 1330 . the exemplary system / probe 1300 can be delivered to the region being imaged through the lumen of a biopsy needle 1320 that may be delivered through an endoscope or guide catheter 1310 . for example , the exemplary system / probe may be incorporated into an electrocautery device , scalpel , or be an independent hand - held device . one exemplary parameter for comparing different miniature endoscope technologies may be the number of resolvable points . this exemplary parameter can be the limiting factor that may render a technology more or less useful for the particular application . the total number of resolvable points provided by the exemplary embodiments of the see system / probe ( n ) for the first diffraction order can be defined by : exemplary determinations can indicate that for a source with a center wavelength , λ 0 , source bandwidth , δλ , of 250 nm , a grating input angle , θ i , of 49 ° and a grating groove density , λ , of 1800 lines per mm , a 250 μm diameter see probe may facilitate imaging with , e . g ., 40 , 000 resolvable points . in comparison , a commercially available 300 μm diameter fiber - optic image bundle ( holl meditronics , 30 - 0084 - 00 ) contains only 1 , 600 resolvable points . fig1 shows a flow diagram of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for making the exemplary embodiment of the see system / probe shown in fig2 . in particular , the end of smf - 28 optical fiber 210 or any other optical fiber can be stripped ( step 1410 ). in step 1420 , the spacer can be polished to a predetermined length . the grin lens can be polished to a predetermined length in step 1430 . further , in step 1440 , the grating 250 can be polished to a predetermined length and angle . the results of step 1410 are provided to step 1450 , in which the end of the optical fiber is cleaved . the results of steps 1420 and 1430 are provided to step 1460 , in which the spacer and grin lens are glued together . the results of step 1440 are provided to step 1470 , in which the grating 250 is deposited on the grating substrate . the results of steps 1450 and 1460 are provided to step 1475 , in which the spacer - grin lens assembly is glued to the optical fiber using an optical epoxy and the spacing is varied to achieve the desired focal properties . the results of steps 1475 and 1470 are provided to step 1485 in which the grating 250 bearing the grating substrate is glued to the grin lens . in step 1480 , flexible , optically clear , bio - and device - compatible sheath can be provided for housing the imaging core . the results of steps 1480 and 1485 are forwarded to step 1490 , in which the exemplary system / probe is assembled , e . g ., by inserting the core into the sheath and sealing and sterilizing the resultant assembly . fig1 shows an illustration of procedural steps of an exemplary embodiment of a process for mounting grating substrates which can be facilitated for an exemplary grating fabrication process . it should be understood that dimensions and materials provided in fig1 are exemplary , and numerous other dimensions and materials can be utilized in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention . for example , several glass rods 1500 , 1510 with different diameters can be stacked and mounted together inside a particular mount 1520 into a particular location 1525 . the rods can be separated by a thin lead foil 1530 ( e . g ., 127 μm thick ). the rod stack can then be polished at an angle while inside the mount 1520 . after polishing , the polished face can be cleaned , and a grating 1540 may be fabricated , e . g ., without disassembling the pieces . when grating fabrication is completed , the pieces can be disassembled . the individual pieces may then be polished from the other side 1550 . the completed grating 1560 can then be assembled into the fiber or lens . the stack of fibers and the lead foil 1530 is shown in fig1 as a small square 1525 in the middle of the particular mount 1520 ( e . g ., a holder ). in a top projection indicated in fig1 , the same stack is shown as a parallelogram in the middle . this stack is further enlarged in the top right drawing of fig1 , labeled “ top view ”. the final exemplary product ( e . g ., a completed piece 1560 ) can be obtained from one of the rods 1500 by shortening and / or polishing the non - grating - carrying end to obtain the desired length . the foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention . various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein . indeed , the arrangements , systems and methods according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be used with and / or implement any oct system , ofdi system , sd - oct system or other imaging systems , and for example with those described in international patent application pct / us2004 / 029148 , filed sep . 8 , 2004 , u . s . patent application ser . no . 11 / 266 , 779 , filed nov . 2 , 2005 , and u . s . patent application ser . no . 10 / 501 , 276 , filed jul . 9 , 2004 , the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties . it will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems , arrangements and methods which , although not explicitly shown or described herein , embody the principles of the invention and are thus within the spirit and scope of the present invention . in addition , to the extent that the prior art knowledge has not been explicitly incorporated by reference herein above , it is explicitly being incorporated herein in its entirety . all publications referenced herein above are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties .	6
a problem frequently experienced by individuals who use powder to dry their skin and reduce chafing is an inability to deliver the powder or powder composition to specific areas of the body , to target those areas , and to avoid leaving a perceptible powdery mess on the surrounding ground or floor . the present invention overcomes these problems with the use of an aerosol spray and a container which may be operated in an upright or inverted orientation . a powder blend is carried in a rapid - drying vehicle , and delivered as an aerosol spray . the spray deposits a long - lasting powder coating to the skin , providing drying , lubricating and anti - chafing benefits , while substantially reducing the dusting produced by conventional body powders . where a range of values is provided , it is understood that each intervening value , to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit ( unless the context clearly dictates otherwise ), between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the invention . the upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention , subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range . where the stated range includes one or both of the limits , ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention . 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 methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may possibly be used in the practice or testing of the present invention , the preferred methods and materials are now described . it is also noted that as used herein and in the appended claims , the singular forms of “ a ,” “ and ”, and “ the ”, include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise . also , as defined herein , the term “ mitigate ” is used to mean to prevent irritation in a subject , reduce the amount of irritation in a subject , or the rate of spread of irritation . the inventive composition comprises zinc oxide in an amount of about 0 . 1 - 5 %, more preferred from about 0 . 1 - 1 %, and most preferred from about 0 . 1 - 0 . 5 %. 1 . a volatile carrier , comprised of a lower alcohol , such as ethanol or isopropanol , alone or in combination with a volatile silicone , such as hexamethyldisiloxane , cyclomethicone , or other volatile material , such as isododecane . the carrier is present in a range from about 5 - 20 %, more preferred from about 10 - 15 %, and most preferred from about 10 - 12 %. the volatile silicone may represent 100 % of the carrier . more preferred is about a 20 / 80 - 80 / 20 blend of volatile silicone with an alcohol . most preferred is about a 55 / 45 - 65 / 35 blend of hexamethyldisiloxane with alcohol . 2 . an absorbent powder blend . absorbent powders are modified to produce a very large surface area and , therefore , are capable of absorbing more moisture and / or oil than conventional absorbent powders . this is achieved through a finer particle size , or through modifications which increase the porosity of the material . for example , aluminum starch octenylsuccinate is more porous , and has more surface area than ordinary cornstarch , and can therefore absorb more moisture and / or oil . the blend may be comprised of talc , aluminum starch octenylsuccinate , sodium starch octenylsuccinate , cornstarch , tapioca starch , bentonite , kaolin , zeolite , calcium silicate , and other absorbent powders known to the art . the powder blend is present in a range from about 4 - 40 %, more preferred from about 4 - 15 %. most preferred is a blend of talc and aluminum starch octenylsuccinate in a range of about 4 . 75 - 12 %. 3 . an aerosol propellant . suitable propellants include , but are not limited to : hydrocarbons , such as n - butane , isobutane , propane ; hydrofluorocarbons , such as dymel 152a and dymel 134a ; dimethyl ether ; blends of any of the above . the propellant may be present in a range from about 30 - 90 %, or more preferred from about 40 - 80 %. most preferred is n - butane in a range from about 70 - 80 %. the preferred delivery system for the inventive product is in the form of an aerosol . most preferred is an aerosol canister fitted with a 180 or 360 degree powder spray valve system , which enables the product to be dispensed in both an upright or upside - down canister orientation . when the mixture is applied to the target area , it prevents or mitigates chafing by absorbing moisture on the skin and adhering to the skin . other ingredients in the mixture provide a cooling sensation to the skin . the aerosol propellants and the mixture carriers evaporate shortly after exposure to the air , leaving a fine layer of talc and zinc oxide on the skin . the inventive delivery system overcomes a limitation of shaken powder , by suspending the talc in a medium which can be propelled laterally or vertically ( with or against gravity ) by way of an aerosol spray . moreover , the suspension medium is far less affected by air currents and causes the talc to adhere to the skin for a longer lasting effect than common powder or common corn starch . the examples set forth herein disclose various specific embodiments of the spray composition disclosed herein as well as methods of production of the spray composition . ingredient % zinc oxide 0 . 225 menthol 0 . 100 sda40b200 ( alcohol ) 4 . 425 hexamethyldisiloxane 5 . 500 isopropyl myrsitate ( ipm ) 3 . 750 talc 4 . 750 aluminum starch 4 . 750 octenylsuccinate magnesium stearate 0 . 750 silica 0 . 500 fragrance 0 . 250 a - 17 ( n - butane ) 75 . 000 100 . 00 the following procedure is used to obtain the sprays set forth in examples 1 and 2 . alcohol , hexamethyldisiloxane and isopropyl myristate are added to the mixing tank . zinc oxide is added and mixing proceeds for approximately 5 minutes , or until homogeneous . talc is slowly added and further mixing occurs for approximately 10 minutes , or until homogeneous . aluminum starch octenylsuccinate is slowly added and mixed for a minimum of 30 minutes . magnesium stearate and silica is added and mixed approximately 5 minutes until homogeneous . fragrance and menthol are added ( where indicated ), and mixing is continued for 30 minutes , or until homogeneous . product is filled into aerosol canisters and charged with propellant , so that the product is capable of spraying with the canister upright or upside - down , and of providing a cooling sensation , increasing comfort and preventing chafing , particularly in the groin area , buttocks and feet . although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments , the details thereof are not to be construed as limiting . further , various equivalents , changes and modifications that would be obvious to one skilled in the art are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims . moreover , each of the references cited throughout this specification is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety .	0
fig1 - 4 illustrate a kit spatula applicator 12 , a brush applicator 14 and a nozzle 16 selectively engageable with the spatula applicator and the brush applicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure , and a container 18 of viscous fluid having a spout 20 engageable with the nozzle for dispensing the viscous fluid from the container . the viscous fluid may be any type of sealant or the like , including epoxy , caulk , adhesive , etc . the illustrated container 18 may be in the form of any commercially - available container of sealant or the like or may have any other suitable construction . similarly , the spout 20 of the container 18 may be in the form of any commercially - available spout or may have any other suitable construction . the spatula applicator 12 includes an applicator body 30 that terminates in a working area 32 configured as a spatula . the applicator body 30 is generally cup shaped and is substantially flat . the leading edge 34 of the working area 32 is beveled , and extends linearly to facilitate smooth application of the viscous fluid . the spatula applicator 12 also includes nozzle engaging structure in the form of a rim 40 that protrudes from the side 42 of the applicator body 30 . the rim 40 extends arcuately and continuously from the side 42 , extending outward from the side and curving back to the side . the rim 40 defines an opening 44 for receiving the nozzle 16 and also defines a slot 50 on the inner surface 52 of the rim at or near the center of the rim . the opening 44 defined by the rim 40 is bell shaped . the slot 50 has a generally rectangular or square cross section and extends along the entire width of the rim 40 . the spatula applicator 12 , including the nozzle engaging structure , may have any other suitable construction in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure . the brush applicator 14 includes an applicator body 60 that terminates in a working area 62 in the form of a brush . the applicator body 60 is generally cup shaped , but curved along its width . the brush applicator 14 also includes a pair of reinforcing ribs 64 extending at an angle from the side edges of the applicator body 60 and protruding from the applicator body . the reinforcing ribs 64 define a channel 66 for receiving the nozzle 16 when the nozzle is engaged with the brush applicator 14 . the working area 62 of the brush applicator 14 defines a plurality of slits 70 forming bristles 72 to form the brush and to facilitate brushing application of the viscous fluid . the leading edges of the bristles are beveled for application purposes . additionally , the leading edge 78 of the working area 62 of the brush applicator 14 is arcuate along its expanse . the brush applicator 14 also includes nozzle engaging structure in the form of a rim 80 that protrudes from the side 82 of the applicator body 60 . the rim 80 extends arcuately and continuously from the side 82 of the applicator body 60 , extending outward from the body and curving back to the side of the applicator body . the rim 80 defines an opening 84 for receiving the nozzle 16 and also defines a slot 88 on the inner surface 90 of the rim 80 at or near the center of the rim . the opening 84 defined by the rim 80 is generally bell shaped . the slot 88 has a generally square or rectangular cross section and extends along the entire width of the rim 80 . the nozzle engaging structure of the brush applicator also includes the pair of reinforcing ribs 64 defining the channel 66 . the brush applicator 14 , including the nozzle engaging structure , may have any other suitable construction in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure . the nozzle 16 includes a dispensing portion 100 , a cylindrical portion 102 and a flange 104 disposed about the end of the cylindrical portion opposite the dispensing portion . the dispensing portion 100 terminates in an elliptic opening 110 and the cross section of the dispensing portion transitions from the cylindrical portion 102 to the elliptic opening 110 . the center of the elliptic opening 110 is offset from the center longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion 102 . the nozzle 16 includes an inner wall 120 defining a channel 122 for dispensing the viscous fluid . the inner wall 120 includes a screw thread for mating with a complementary screw thread 132 on the container 18 . the inner wall 120 also includes a pair of diametrically - opposed stops 134 to engage a pair of diametrically opposed stops 136 on the spout 20 of the container 18 for engaging the nozzle 16 with the spout 20 of the container 18 . the nozzle 16 includes applicator engaging structure comprising the outer surface 140 of the cylindrical portion 102 and a rib 144 formed on the outer surface . the rib 144 has a generally square or rectangular cross section and extends from the flange 104 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion 102 . to engage the nozzle 16 and either the spatula applicator 12 or the brush applicator 14 , the cylindrical portion 102 of the nozzle 16 slides into and fits snugly within the opening 44 of the spatula applicator or the opening 84 , the brush applicator 14 , with the rib 144 sliding into and fitting snugly within the slot 50 of the spatula applicator 12 or the slot 88 of the brush applicator 14 . when the nozzle 16 is engaged with the brush applicator 14 , the dispensing portion 100 is also received by the channel 66 defined by the reinforcing ribs 64 of the brush applicator . thus , in engaging the brush applicator 14 , the applicator engaging structure of the nozzle also includes the outer surface 150 of the dispensing portion 100 . the nozzle 16 , including the nozzle engaging structure , can have any other suitable construction in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure . accordingly , in the illustrated embodiment , the nozzle engaging structures of the spatula applicator 12 and the brush applicator 14 are substantially identical to each other except that the brush applicator 14 further includes the pair of reinforcing ribs 64 defining the channel 66 . the applicator engaging structure of the nozzle 16 is configured to engage either the nozzle engaging structure of the spatula applicator 12 or the nozzle engaging structure of the brush applicator 14 . thus , the nozzle 16 is selectively engageable with either the spatula applicator 12 or the brush applicator 14 . as a result , the dispensed viscous fluid can be readily applied with either the spatula applicator 12 or the brush applicator 14 and , further , either applicator 12 or 14 can be readily replaced with the other applicator 12 or 14 depending upon the needs . any other suitable applicator for applying viscous fluid dispensed from the container 18 can be used instead of or in addition to the spatula applicator 12 and instead of or in addition to the brush applicator 14 . further , such other applicators for applying viscous fluid can have any other suitable construction and can include any other suitable working areas in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure . the spatula applicator 12 , brush applicator 14 and the nozzle 16 in accordance with the present disclosure provide several advantages . for example , the applicators 12 and 14 and nozzle 16 can be readily carried to the location where the viscous fluid is to be applied . further , once at the location , the different applicators 12 and 14 provide different and readily - available options to apply the viscous fluid . such advantages can be especially valuable where , as often is the case , the location where viscous fluid is to be applied may be difficult to reach , such as , for example , a roof , or such other location that is difficult to reach because of its physical location or because of obstructions , and the type of applicators needed cannot be determined until the location is reached . while embodiments have been illustrated and described in the drawings and foregoing description , such illustrations and descriptions are considered to be exemplary and not restrictive in character , it being understood that only illustrative embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected . the description and figures are intended as illustrations of embodiments of the disclosure , and are not intended to be construed as having or implying limitation of the disclosure to those embodiments . there are a plurality of advantages of the present disclosure arising from various features set forth in the description . it will be noted that alternative embodiments of the disclosure may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features . those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations of the disclosure and associated methods , without undue experimentation , that incorporate one or more of the features of the disclosure and fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims .	1
this invention provides a device , system and method for performing continuous and non - invasive monitoring of fetal heart rate and maternal contractions . this works through a system designed to be affixed to a pregnant woman &# 39 ; s abdomen and the acquired signal and / or analyzed data is transmitted to a central unit where the medical staff can quickly respond to fetal distress . in the following description , various aspects of the present invention will be described . for purposes of explanation , specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of a preferred embodiment of the present invention . however , it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details presented herein . furthermore , well - known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention . reference is now made to fig1 which illustrates the device and system and its components according to a preferred embodiment of the invention . fig1 illustrates a fetal monitoring device . in this one embodiment of the device , three identically - equipped patches each with 2 unique sensors ( labeled 1 and 2 ), are placed on the laboring mother &# 39 ; s abdomen to detect heart rate and uterine contractions . these sensors output signals wirelessly to a post - processing hub at the mother &# 39 ; s bedside that incorporates the familiar user interface of current fetal monitoring devices . signals can be displayed on a screen , saved to a database , and printed on thermal paper . the bedside computer is linked to a central computer at the nurses &# 39 ; station to accommodate the monitoring of multiple laboring mothers in different rooms in a preferred embodiment of the present invention , the device and system is typically comprised of 3 patches that each contain two unique sensors , 1 and 2 . it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a plurality of sensors may be used either independently or in a variety of combinations in the device and system of the invention in order to accurately acquire the fetal heart rate . these sensors may refer to any element suitable for sensing the presence of heart rate ( maternal and fetal ) and maternal uterine contractions . examples of ways that this device might use to detect heart rate include , but are not limited to : electrocardiography , auscultation , doppler , visual , angiogram , echocardiography , functional magnetic imaging , fluoroscopy , arterial line , pulse oximetry , palpation of pulse , etc . examples of ways that this device might use to detect uterine contractions include , but are not limited to : strain , electomyogram , ultrasound , accelerometer , rigidity , tension , gyroscope , sound , vibration , visual , pressure , etc . in an embodiment of the present invention , the device comprises three disposable adhesive patches placed on the expectant mother &# 39 ; s upper and lower abdomen . thin - film technologies are employed to embed miniature auscultation devices ( microphones ), piezoelectric sensing crystals , and associated electronic systems into a hypoallergenic , breathable dermal adhesive . each patch can be equipped with identical components that allow for the monitoring of fetal and maternal heart rate ( thin - film auscultation apparatus ) and uterine contractions ( thin - film piezoelectric apparatus ). examples of surface materials that may be used in the present embodiment may include but are not limited to : quartz , gallium , orthophosphate , langosite , polyvinyl , fluoride . in an alternative embodiment , the adhesive patches would be disposable , while the sensors would be reusable . in this design , each of the patches will have an integrated docking site including electrical connections for electronic sensors 1 and 2 , along with a transmitter to send received data to a bedside unit . these sensors attach to the disposable patch through a reversible docking station . alternatively , the entire sensing device including the adhesive patches and the sensors may be disposable . additionally , the bedside unit would display continuous data plotted for easy viewing and interpretation . this unit could contain the processor for interpreting the data displayed and then transmitting to a central area for monitoring multiple laboring patients . alternatively , this bedside unit could simply act as a relay station sending its data to a central processor that would analyze multiple signals from multiple laboring patients . from the central processor , the bedside unit would receive its processed data for display at the bedside . in one incarnation of the invention , three patches containing sensor - type 1 are placed in a standard fashion shown in fig1 . the signal received from the separate patches could be transmitted for processing where it would be identified , filtered and amplified to obtain an isolated fetal heart rate . using multiple sensors would also allow for the multilateration of the heart rate signal location . this would also allow for a position independent method for obtaining the fetal heart rate . the processing could either be at the bedside unit or at the central monitoring unit as described above . examples of possible techniques that this device may use to detect heart rate may include , but are not limited to the following : electrocardiography , auscultation , doppler , visual , angiogram , echocardiography , functional magnetic imaging , fluoroscopy , arterial line , pulse oximetry , palpation of pulse , etc . the heart rates could be displayed at the bedside unit in parallel with uterine contractions . the bedside unit could then communicate with the central monitoring station . the monitoring unit could have alarms to alert the medical staff of fetal distress to optimize early intervention . in one incarnation of the invention , patches containing sensor 2 would be placed in an distribution shown in fig1 . the auscultatory sounds received simultaneously from the separate patches are detected and transmitted for processing where the signals would be combined to identify uterine contractions and show their temporal relation to the fetal heart rate . given that the location to detect maximal effect of contraction varies , using multiple sensors would allow for summation of the signals and position - independent contraction monitoring . examples of ways that this device might use to detect uterine contractions include , but are not limited to : strain , electomyogram , ultrasound , accelerometer , rigidity , tension , gyroscope , sound , vibration , visual , pressure , and the like . one embodiment of the invention would use a mechanical - electrical transducer to sense contractions . these sensors would pick up subtle changes in tension which would provide information about the duration of contractions and its timing with fetal heart rate . this would be displayed in parallel with the fetal heart rate on the bedside unit . another variation would be to combine a patient input button that would allow the machine to be trained early in the process , before an epidural is placed . when the patient feels a contraction coming on , she presses a button . when the patient perceives the contraction has ended , she again presses the same button . this allows the machine to cross reference its signal processing with real patient input . the transducer that most closely correlates with the patients contraction input is then selected as the primary detector . the remaining transducers can then add to the primary detectors signal recording , when it detects a signal . alternatively , the other two sensors can be silenced to conserve power . other methods to acquire this signal using mechanical - electric transducers include , but not limited to : constant recording using all three detectors , only detecting uterine contractions when the fetal heart tracing is outside normal variation , constant patient input regarding perceived contractions , etc . in one incarnation of the invention , patches containing both or either sensor 1 and 2 would be placed on the laboring patient &# 39 ; s abdomen . the signals received from the sensors could be processed as outlined in fig2 , which is a flowchart showing signal processing for separation of the three outputs : fetal heart rate , maternal heart rate and uterine contractions . signal conditioning may include , but is not limited to , filtering , amplification , upsampling , downsampling , and other operations . types of filters that may be incorporated include , but are not limited to , band pass filters , time of flight cancellation , blind source separation , and the like . processing of sensor signals may include , but is not limited to , fourier transformation , wavelets , principal components analysis , singular value decomposition , hidden markov models , other statistical analysis techniques , and the like . one incarnation of this invention &# 39 ; s signal transmission is a wireless signal from each patch to the bedside unit and from the bedside unit to the central monitoring station . this would allow the patient to ambulate while being monitored and facilitate procedures such as epidurals . the invention would allow for continuous monitoring during transportation and throughout delivery process ( vaginal or cesarean section ). the methods for wireless transmission include , but are not limited to : wifi , bluetooth , infrared , radio frequency , acoustic , optical , laser , morse code , etc . the device could also be connected using wires from the patch to the bedside unit and wireless from the bedside unit to the central monitoring station . alternatively , it could be wireless from the patch to the bedside unit and wired from the bedside unit to the central monitoring station . finally , the device could be connected completely using wires . in the preferred incarnation of the invention , the patch would contain bluetooth wireless technology to transmit a signal to the bedside unit , which would then transmit the processed signal to the central monitoring station via wifi or hospital internet . one embodiment of the current invention &# 39 ; s display includes , but is not limited to an interactive screen that allows the user to touch - navigate the menu of options . when not touched the display would show post - processing tracings of both the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions . this same information would be transmitted to the central processing station where an identical view can be seen . the bedside unit would also allow for printing of either segments of concerning rhythms or a complete record of tracings for medical records . the menu options would include , but would not be limited to all necessary display adjustments , print options , help menu , setup instructions , alarms , etc . a possible display option may include a three dimensional representation of signals received , giving the user visual feedback on the sounds relative location . an alternative embodiment employs the use of a non - interactive display screen ( including , but not limited to , lcd , tft , plasma , crt , etc .) with user input buttons and / or dials to the side . the power source for the above described invention will vary based on the component needing power . in general the power can be supplied by a number of suitable power sources . for example , but not be limited to the following : one or more batteries , rechargeable batteries , high density chemical batteries , high efficiency micro - batteries , removable batteries , electrochemical cells , fuel cells , solar - powered cells , or any other suitable electrical power source . one incarnation of the current invention &# 39 ; s patch power source would have a single use battery that is appropriately sized and of sufficient power to obtain and transmit its wireless signal . they would also allow for continuous monitoring . alternatively , the patch can have rechargeable batteries that can be easily switched with batteries being charged at the bedside unit . the patch would become active when contact is made with the patient &# 39 ; s skin . alternatively the patch could have a switch or button to turn on the wireless technology . another alternative embodiment is to have the patches activated by the base unit . one incarnation of the present invention &# 39 ; s bedside unit power source is to use a rechargeable battery that can be charged by plugging the unit to an alternating current outlet . the battery pack can also be swapped for those that are charged in a separate location . during transportation , the unit can be unplugged while continuing to receive and process signals . the unit would have a button , switch or any other mechanical way of quickly powering on and off the unit . the bedside unit could also charge the batteries which may be used interchangeable in the patches . another embodiment of the bedside unit power supply would be completely powered by an alternating current outlet . in a preferred embodiment of the present invention , the device and system described above is intended to be integrated into the care of laboring women monitored in the hospital . the decision tree to use this technology would be identical to that for current external fetal monitoring and up to the discretion of the medical staff . once the decision is made to monitor the patient , the bedside unit and patches are brought in to the room with the patient . the bedside unit is powered on and immediately asks for the patients name and medical record . subsequently , the unit instructs the staff on the correct sequence for setting up the device . the bedside unit receives the signal from the separate patches and immediately starts processing the data . the processed signals are displayed on the bedside unit and sent to the central station . while the current form of the device is intended for a hospital setting , future generations of the device could extend it to antepartum clinic or home use , leveraging existing technology platforms to make fetal monitoring widely accessible to pregnant mothers via personal computers or handheld devices . various embodiments of the invention have been described . these and other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims .	0
referring now to the drawings , the details of specific example embodiments are schematically illustrated . like elements in the drawings will be represented by like numbers , and similar elements will be represented by like numbers with a different lower case letter suffix . referring to fig1 , depicted is a schematic block diagram of an input - output ( i / o ) node having an i / o keeper cell in an integrated circuit device , according to a specific example embodiment of this disclosure . an integrated circuit device 102 , e . g ., microprocessor , microcontroller , digital signal processor ( dsp ), programmable logic array ( pla ), application specific integrated circuit ( asic ), etc ., may comprise a configurable input - output ( i / o ) node 104 , a low power mode register 134 and a plurality of logic circuits 132 , some of which may be coupled to the configurable i / o node 104 and / or the low power mode register 134 . the configurable i / o node 104 may comprise a driver 108 , a receiver 110 , and an i / o keeper cell 106 . an i / o configuration and data states signal line 130 may be used for configuring the configurable i / o node 104 as an input and / or an output node by asserting a desired configuration through the i / o keeper cell 106 and configuration control signal lines 128 and 126 . the i / o configuration and data states signal line 130 may also be used to configure the driver 108 as open collector , active pull - up , active pull - down , or tri - state having active logic high and active logic low with a high impedance third state . selection of the pull - up or pull - down resistance value , slew rate , drive capabilities , etc ., for the driver 108 may also be configured . these configurations may be performed by firmware in the integrated circuit device 102 and / or external program software having access to and configuration permission for the integrated circuit device 102 . when the configurable i / o node 104 is configured as an output node , a data - out signal line 118 may be used to convey data from the plurality of logic circuits 132 of the integrated circuit device 102 , through the i / o keeper cell 106 , over the data signal line 122 to the driver 108 . the output of the driver 108 is coupled to the external i / o connection 112 of the integrated circuit package ( not shown ) containing the integrated circuit device 102 . when the configurable i / o node 104 is configured as an input node , a data - in signal line 120 may be used to convey data to the plurality of circuits 132 of the integrated circuit device 102 , from the i / o keeper cell 106 , over the data signal line 124 from the receiver 110 . the input of the receiver 110 is coupled to the external i / o connection 112 of the integrated circuit package ( not shown ) containing the integrated circuit device 102 . when the configurable i / o node 104 is configured as an input - output node , the data - in signal line 120 and the data - out signal line 118 function as described hereinabove . the driver 108 may remain active at all times wherein the receiver 110 will monitor the output state of the driver 108 , and / or the driver 108 may be placed in an inactive state , e . g ., unasserted open collector or tri - state in high impedance , whenever an external data signal is expected to be received on the external i / o connection 112 . when the integrated circuit device 102 goes into a low power mode , a signal on the enter low power mode signal line 114 will tell the i / o keeper cell 106 to latch - in ( store , retain , etc .) the i / o configuration of the configurable i / o node 104 and the present data - in and / or data - out logic level on the data - in signal line 120 or data - out signal line 118 , respectively . this latched - in ( stored , retained , etc .) i / o configuration and data logic level ( s ) may be retained during and after the integrated circuit device 102 goes into and comes out of the low power mode . the configurable i / o node 104 and low power mode register 134 remain operational with sustained power from a maintained power supply , v dd / v ss . as the integrated circuit device 102 comes out of the low power mode , the plurality of logic circuits 132 will perform a systematic , well - defined sequence for waking up and for establishing proper logic levels on all internal signal paths of the integrated circuit device 102 . only after all internal logic levels have been properly re - established may a wake - up and restore signal be sent on the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 , wherein the i / o keeper cell 106 will cease to latch - in ( store , retain , etc .) the last i / o configuration and data logic level ( s ), and will become transparent again between circuits in the configurable i / o node 104 ( e . g ., driver 108 and / or receiver 110 ), and the data - out signal line 118 and / or data - in signal line 120 and the i / o configuration and data states signal line 130 . a bit from the low power mode register 134 may be used as the wake - up and restore signal sent over the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 . it is contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure that the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 may be activated by software and / or firmware after the i / o configuration and data logic level ( s ), retained by the i / o keeper cell 106 , have been read by the software and / or firmware . thus , software control of the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 may insure that the same i / o configuration and logic level ( s ) are retained , thereby not disturbing any external devices in the electronic system ( not shown ). the enter low power mode signal line 114 may also be activated by software and / or firmware before the integrated circuit device 102 goes into a low power mode . it is also contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure that signal lines 114 and 116 may be combined into one signal line with a first logic level thereon indicating “ enter low power mode ” and a transition to a second logic level thereon indicating “ wake - up and restore from low power mode .” since the low power mode register 134 may be powered along with the configurable i / o node 104 from v dd / v ss , the single signal line “ enter low power mode / wake - up and restore from low power mode ” may be maintained in either the first logic level or second logic level when going into the low power mode or coming out of the low power mode , respectively , e . g ., the transition from first logic level to second logic level , or visa - versa , would cause the change in operation of the configurable i / o node 104 from “ enter low power mode ” to “ wake - up and restore from low power mode .” referring to fig2 , depicted is a schematic block diagram of an output node having an output keeper cell in an integrated circuit device , according to another specific example embodiment of this disclosure . an integrated circuit device 102 , e . g ., microprocessor , microcontroller , digital signal processor ( dsp ), programmable logic array ( pla ), application specific integrated circuit ( asic ), etc ., may comprise an output node 204 , a low power mode register 134 and a plurality of logic circuits 132 , some of which may be coupled to the output node 204 and / or the low power mode register 134 . the output node 204 may comprise a driver 208 and an output keeper cell 206 . an output configuration and data states signal line 230 may be used for configuring the output node 204 by asserting a desired configuration through the output keeper cell 206 and configuration control signal line 226 . the output configuration and data states signal line 230 may also be used to configure the driver 208 as open collector , active pull - up , active pull - down , or tri - state having active logic high and active logic low with a high impedance third state . selection of the pull - up or pull - down resistance value , slew rate , drive capabilities , etc ., for the driver 208 may also be configured . these configurations may be performed by firmware in the integrated circuit device 102 and / or external program software having access to and configuration permission for the integrated circuit device 102 . a data - out signal line 118 may be used to convey data from the internal logic circuits 132 of the integrated circuit device 102 , through the output keeper cell 206 , over the signal line 222 and to the driver 208 . the output of the driver 208 is coupled to the external output connection 212 of the integrated circuit package ( not shown ) containing the integrated circuit device 102 . when the integrated circuit device 102 goes into a low power mode , a signal on the enter low power mode signal line 114 will tell the output keeper cell 206 to latch - in ( store , retain , etc .) the present data - out logic level on the data - out signal line 118 . this latched - in ( stored , retained , etc .) data logic level may be retained during and after the integrated circuit device 102 goes into and comes out of the low power mode . the output node 204 and low power mode register 134 remain operational with sustained power from a maintained power supply , v dd / v ss . as the integrated circuit device 102 comes out of the low power mode , the plurality of logic circuits 132 will perform a systematic , well - defined sequence for waking up and for establishing proper logic levels on all internal signal paths of the integrated circuit device 102 . only after all internal logic levels have been properly re - established will a wake - up and restore signal be sent on the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 , wherein the output keeper cell 206 will cease to latch - in ( store , retain , etc .) the last output configuration and / or data logic level , and will become transparent again between circuits in the output node 204 ( e . g ., driver 208 ), and the data - out signal line 118 and the output configuration and data states signal line 230 . a bit from the low power mode register 134 may be used as the wake - up and restore signal sent over the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 . it is contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure that the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 may be activated by software and / or firmware after the output configuration and data logic level , retained by the output keeper cell 206 , have been read by the software and / or firmware . thus , software control of the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 may insure that the same output configuration and output logic level are retained , thereby not disturbing any external devices in the electronic system ( not shown ). the enter low power mode signal line 114 may also be activated by software and / or firmware before the integrated circuit device 102 goes into a low power mode . it is also contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure that signal lines 114 and 116 may be combined into one signal line with a first logic level thereon indicating “ enter low power mode ” and a transition to a second logic level thereon indicating “ wake - up and restore from low power mode .” since the low power mode register 134 may be powered along with the output node 204 from v dd / v ss , the single signal line “ enter low power mode / wake - up and restore from low power mode ” may be maintained in either the first logic level or second logic level when going into the low power mode or coming out of the low power mode , respectively , e . g ., the transition from first logic level to second logic level , or visa - versa , would cause the change in operation of the output node 204 from “ enter low power mode ” to “ wake - up and restore from low power mode .” referring to fig3 , depicted is a schematic block diagram of an input node having an input keeper cell in an integrated circuit device , according to yet another specific example embodiment of this disclosure . an integrated circuit device 102 , e . g ., microprocessor , microcontroller , digital signal processor ( dsp ), programmable logic array ( pla ), application specific integrated circuit ( asic ), etc ., may comprise an input node 304 , a low power mode register 134 and a plurality of logic circuits 132 , some of which may be coupled to the input node 304 and / or the low power mode register 134 . the input node 304 may comprise a receiver 310 and an input keeper cell 306 . an input configuration and data states signal line 330 may be used for configuring the input node 304 by asserting a desired configuration through the input keeper cell 306 and configuration control signal line 328 . the input configuration and data states signal line 330 may also be used to configure the receiver 310 for input impedance , speed , slew rate , power consumption , etc . these configurations may be performed by firmware in the integrated circuit device 102 and / or external program software having access to and configuration permission for the integrated circuit device 102 . a data - in signal line 120 may be used to convey data to the plurality of logic circuits 132 of the integrated circuit device 102 , from the input keeper cell 306 , over the signal line 324 from the receiver 310 . the input of the receiver 310 is coupled to the external input connection 312 of the integrated circuit package ( not shown ) containing the integrated circuit device 102 . when the integrated circuit device 102 goes into a low power mode , a signal on the enter low power state signal line 114 will tell the input keeper cell 306 to latch - in ( store , retain , etc .) the present data - in logic level on the data - in signal line 120 . this latched - in ( stored , retained , etc .) data logic level may be retained during and after the integrated circuit device 102 goes into and comes out of the low power mode . the input node 304 and low power mode register 134 remain operational with sustained power from a maintained power supply , v dd / v ss . as the integrated circuit device 102 comes out of the low power mode , the plurality of logic circuits 132 will perform a systematic , well - defined sequence for waking up and for establishing proper logic levels on all internal signal paths of the integrated circuit device 102 . only after all internal logic levels have been properly re - established may a wake - up and restore signal be sent on the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 , wherein the input keeper cell 306 will cease to latch - in ( stored , retained , etc .) the last input configuration and / or data logic level , and will become transparent again between circuits in the input node 304 ( e . g ., receiver 310 ), and the data - in signal line 120 and the input configuration and data states signal line 330 . a bit from the low power mode register 134 may be used as the wake - up and restore signal sent over the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 . it is contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure that the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 may be activated by software and / or firmware after the input configuration and data logic level , retained by the input keeper cell 306 , have been read by the software and / or firmware . thus , software control of the wake - up and restore from the low power mode signal line 116 may insure that the same input configuration and input logic level are retained , thereby not disturbing any external devices in the electronic system ( not shown ). the enter low power mode signal line 114 may also be activated by software and / or firmware before the integrated circuit device 102 goes into a low power mode . it is also contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure that signal lines 114 and 116 may be combined into one signal line with a first logic level thereon indicating “ enter low power mode ” and a transition to a second logic level thereon indicating “ wake - up and restore from low power mode .” since the low power mode register 134 may be powered along with the input node 304 from v dd / v ss , the single signal line “ enter low power mode / wake - up and restore from low power mode ” may be maintained in either the first logic level or second logic level when going into the low power mode or coming out of the low power mode , respectively , e . g ., the transition from first logic level to second logic level , or visa - versa , would cause the change in operation of the input node 304 from “ enter low power mode ” to “ wake - up and restore from low power mode ”. referring to fig4 , depicted is a schematic operational flow diagram of an integrated circuit device entering into and returning from a low power mode , retention of data states and i / o configurations of an input - output ( i / o ) node of the integrated circuit device , according to a specific example embodiment of this disclosure . in step 402 , an integrated circuit device enters into a low power mode . in step 404 , the input and / or output data state ( s ) and i / o configuration are retained in a keeper cell . in step 406 , the i / o configuration and data state ( s ) are controlled by the retained information in the keeper cell irrespective of the logic states from the plurality of logic circuits of the integrated circuit device . in step 408 , the plurality of logic circuits of the integrated circuit device wake - up from the low power mode and their logic circuit states are woken - up and restored after coming out of the low power mode . once the logic circuit states of the plurality of logic circuits have been properly restored to a fully operational condition , an exit from low power mode will be asserted in step 410 , and then in step 412 control of the i / o configuration and data state ( s ) will be returned back to the now fully operational plurality of logic circuits . referring to fig5 , depicted is a schematic operational flow diagram of an integrated circuit device entering into and returning from a low power mode under software control and retention of data states and i / o configurations of an input - output ( i / o ) node of the integrated circuit device , according to another specific example embodiment of this disclosure . step 500 determines when an enter low power mode command is made from a software and / or firmware program . when the enter low power mode command is determined in step 500 , an integrated circuit device will enter into a low power mode in step 502 . in step 504 , the input and / or output data state ( s ) and i / o configuration are retained in a keeper cell . in step 506 , the i / o configuration and data state ( s ) are controlled by the retained information in the keeper cell irrespective of the logic states from the plurality of logic circuits of the integrated circuit device . in step 508 , the plurality of logic circuits of the integrated circuit device wake - up from the low power mode and their logic circuit states are woken - up and restored after coming out of the low power mode . step 509 determines when a wake - up and restore from low power mode command is made from a software and / or firmware program . when the wake - up and restore from low power mode command is determined in step 509 , the integrated circuit device will exit from the low power mode in step 510 . then in step 512 , control of the i / o configuration and data state ( s ) will be returned back to the now fully operational plurality of logic circuits . while embodiments of this disclosure have been depicted , described , and are defined by reference to example embodiments of the disclosure , such references do not imply a limitation on the disclosure , and no such limitation is to be inferred . the subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modification , alteration , and equivalents in form and function , as will occur to those ordinarily skilled in the pertinent art and having the benefit of this disclosure . the depicted and described embodiments of this disclosure are examples only , and are not exhaustive of the scope of the disclosure .	6
the present invention provides methods of transitioning a filter function of a two - port lattice - form planar waveguide optical delay line circuit filter in a manner that obviates or mitigates problems associated with previously known methods . the present invention also provides methods of transitioning a filter function of a two - port lattice - form planar waveguide optical delay line circuit filter that enables a controlled transition of the filter function between a start filter function and a target filter function . the present invention further provides methods of transitioning the filter coefficients of a two - port lattice - form planar waveguide optical delay line circuit filter to a new set of filter coefficients where the filter function is kept constant within a predefined range . according to an embodiment of the invention , there is provided a method of transitioning a filter function of an optical delay line circuit filter from a start filter function to a target filter function , characterized in that it comprises the steps of : a ) determining start filter coefficients defining the start filter function for said optical delay line circuit filter ; b ) interpolating the differences in values of said start filter function and said target filter function over a spectral range of said optical filter to establish m − 1 intermediate filter functions , where m is an integer and m ≧ 2 ; c ) determining best fit filter coefficients for a first intermediate filter function by performing an optimization process on filter coefficients using the start filter function coefficients to obtain the best fit solution to said first intermediate filter function filter coefficients ; and d ) iteratively repeating step c ) to obtain best fit filter coefficients for the successive intermediate filter functions if any and , advantageously , for the target filter function , utilizing in each iteration the best fit filter coefficients obtained from the preceding optimization step thereby resulting in a best fit solution to the filter coefficients of the target filter function of the optical filter . advantageously , the differences between said start filter function and said target filter function to establish respective m − 1 intermediate filter functions are interpolated linearly . advantageously , the optimization process of step c ) comprises , utilizing a non - linear least squares estimation function to determine a best fit solution . the optimization process may comprise a gauss - newton or levenberg - marquardt algorithm . advantageously , the method includes a step of maintaining optimized filter coefficients within their respective physical boundaries which may comprise adding a penalty function to the non - linear least squares estimation function . alternatively , or in addition , the method of maintaining optimized filter coefficients within their respective physical boundaries comprise a slide back process to place the value of a filter coefficient at the value of a boundary or at a value within the boundaries of the physical range of that that filter coefficient has crossed . advantageously , the slide back process is applied to only delay line filter coefficients . the filter function of the optical delay line circuit filter is characterized by its wavelength dependent attenuation and chromatic dispersion . depending on the design and the application of the filter , either the attenuation , the chromatic dispersion or both describe the filter function as used in this document . according to a second example embodiment of the invention , there is provided a method of transitioning a filter function of a dynamic gain equalizer having an optical delay line circuit from a start filter function to a target filter function , characterized in that it comprises the steps of : a ) determining start filter coefficients defining the start filter function for said optical delay line circuit of said equalizer , b ) interpolating differences in values of said start filter function and said target filter function over a spectral range of said dynamic gain equalizer to establish m − 1 intermediate filter functions , where m is an integer and m ≧ 2 ; c ) determining best fit filter coefficients for a first intermediate filter function by performing an optimization process on filter coefficients using the start filter function coefficients to obtain the best fit solution to said first intermediate filter function ; and d ) iteratively repeating step c ) to obtain best fit filter coefficients for any successive intermediate filter function and , advantageously , the target filter function , utilizing in each iteration the best fit filter coefficients obtained from the preceding optimization step thereby resulting in a best fit solution to the filter coefficients of the target filter function of the gain equalizer . referring to fig4 , the present invention provides an optical signal processing system 30 incorporating an optical delay line circuit filter 10 as taught by jinguji and the &# 39 ; 611 patent and as illustrated by fig1 and 2 . in an advantageous arrangement of the embodiment of the invention as illustrated by fig4 , the processing system 30 comprises a dynamic gain equalizer 31 . however , the processing system 30 of the present invention could equally well comprise other optical processing systems such as a wavelength dispersion filter or the like . the embodiment of the invention as depicted by fig4 uses like numerals as employed in fig1 and 2 for like parts . the filter function of a dynamic gain equalizer 31 is specified by its attenuation at each wavelength of its operating spectrum . the filter coefficients ( sets of parameters θ & amp ; φ ) to define a desired filter function for the optical delay line circuit filter 10 can be calculated in accordance with jinguji and the &# 39 ; 611 patent . these parameters are stored in a memory table 33 of a control processor 32 of the gain equalizer 31 and are employed in the control of the phase shift controllers 19 , 21 of the optical delay line circuit filter 10 to implement said filter function . however , there is no unique solution to the recurrent equations taught by jinguji and the &# 39 ; 611 patent . in fact , there are 2 n solutions for a desired filter function . consequently , any one of the 2 n solutions can be selected to implement the filter function . also , the 2 n solutions for a desired filter function calculated in accordance with jinguji and the &# 39 ; 611 patent are for an ideal model of the optical delay line circuit filter 10 . in jinguji and the &# 39 ; 611 patent , certain assumptions are made to the effect that all mach - zehnder interferometers ( delay lines ) have the same optical path length difference δ l , that the amplification / attenuation in both waveguides of a delay line are equal and that the directional couplers are wavelength independent . in a real device , fabrication anomalies etc . will result in an optical delay circuit where all of these assumptions do not hold true . as a result , the filter coefficients calculated in accordance with jinguji and the &# 39 ; 611 patent will not actually define the desired filter function ( target filter function ) in a real optical delay line circuit filter 10 but define what can be considered as a start filter function . this will be apparent from a resultant , measured gain attenuation profile for the dynamic gain equalizer 31 when the transfer coefficients calculated in accordance with jinguji and the &# 39 ; 611 patent are implemented as an optional initialization step ( step 40 , fig5 ) of the method according to the invention . it will then be necessary to transition the measured ( start ) filter function to the desired ( target ) filter function . as an alternative optional initialization step 40 of initializing the dynamic gain equalizer 31 , a set of arbitrary filter coefficients are implemented which define an arbitrary , start filter function . similarly to the above , this arbitrary , start filter function will then have to be transitioned to a desired ( target ) filter function . during operation , the gain profile of an optical amplifier changes with time . consequently , it is desirable to change an attenuation profile of a gain equalizer to compensate for changes in the amplifier &# 39 ; s gain profile by transitioning its currently implemented filter function to a desired ( target ) filter function that better compensates the changed gain profile of the amplifier . in the following description of a method in accordance with the invention , reference will be made to a start filter function and a target filter function . the start filter function comprises the filter function being implemented by the dynamic gain equalizer 31 whether that filter function is one resulting from the ideal filter coefficients being calculated in accordance with jinguji and the &# 39 ; 611 patent for a desired filter function , selection of an initial arbitrary start filter function or a currently implemented filter function . the target filter function comprises the filter function to which it is desired to transition the start filter function . as aforesaid , the filter function of a dynamic gain equalizer is specified by its attenuation at each wavelength of its operating spectrum . beginning with a start filter function which is already known or can be determined by measuring the current attenuation profile of the dynamic gain equalizer 31 or modeled from the parameters stored in the control processor table 33 and wishing to transition it to a target filter function , the method of the invention comprises as a first step ( step 42 , fig5 ) of dividing the transition of the filter function of the gain equalizer 31 into m small steps . as illustrated by the gain equalizer attenuation profile graph of fig6 , the m small steps comprise m − 1 intermediate filter functions 51 ( a . . . i ) being interpolated between the start filter function ( denoted by broken line 50 in fig6 ) and the target filter function ( denoted by broken line 52 in fig6 ), where m is an integer and is greater or equal to 2 . in the example illustrated by fig6 , m = 10 resulting in nine intermediate interpolated filter functions 51 ( a . . . i ) between the start filter function 50 and the target filter function 52 . at any given wavelength in the gain equalizer &# 39 ; s operating spectrum , the intermediate interpolated filter functions 51 are determined by a step - wise interpolation between respective attenuations of the start and target filter functions 50 , 52 . as a second step ( step 44 , fig5 ), the filter coefficients of the first intermediate interpolated filter function 51 a are optimized by employing the filter coefficients of the start filter function 50 as ‘ guess ’ parameters . in such a process , the filter coefficients of the start filter function and the attenuation values of the first intermediate filter function 51 a are inputs and the filter coefficients of the best fit first intermediate filter function is an output . the optimization process cormprises a non - linear minimization of an error function defined as the sum over squared differences between the attenuation values of the first intermediate interpolated filter function 51 a and the filter function obtained with the filter coefficients that are to be optimized . the levenberg - marquardt algorithm is one example of a suitable non - linear least squares estimation process for use in the optimization step 44 to determine the best fit values for the filter coefficients of the first intermediate interpolated filter function 51 a . in the third ( step 46 , fig5 ) and subsequent steps , the best fit values for the filter coefficients of the next intermediate interpolated filter function 51 ( b . . . i ) are determined using the previously obtained best fit filter coefficients as ‘ guess ’ parameters and the pre - determined attenuation values of the next intermediate interpolated filter function for that optimization step 46 . this iterative process yields a series of m sets of best fit filter coefficients . these are applied to the filter circuit in a step - wise manner to transition it from its start filter function 50 to its target filter function 52 . the m steps have to be chosen small enough such that differences between subsequent intermediate filter functions are small . for instance , if the optical filter is configured as a dynamic gain equalizer , the number of steps m may be chosen such that the difference in attenuation of subsequent intermediate filter functions is smaller than 1 db at all relevant wavelengths . if the steps m are chosen to be sufficiently small , then it is possible to achieve a controlled change of the filter coefficients of the start filter function 50 to the target filter function 52 in a stepwise continuous fashion without encountering undesirable transition phenomena ( 48 , fig5 ). in each step of the transition of the start filter function 50 to the target filter function 52 , the optimization process must find filter coefficients that lie within the physical boundaries of the optical delay line circuit filter 10 . such boundaries are limited , for example , by the maximum power that can be applied to a resistive ( cr ) heater 19 , 21 that controls a phase shift controller 19 , 21 and thus a phase of a delay line 17 or a coupling strength of a directional coupler 18 . a known method to accommodate such constraints is to introduce a penalty function as discussed in the publication entitled “ practical methods of optimization ”, 2 nd edition authored by r . fletcher and published by john wiley & amp ; sons , 1987 . the method to constrain the optimized filter coefficients to lie within their physical boundaries using a penalty function comprises choosing a penalty function to be equal to zero or a constant for values falling within their physical boundaries and to increase them by some value when outside of their boundaries . the increase imposed by the penalty function may be chosen to be quadratic in the distance of the filter coefficient that is outside of its boundary from its respective boundary . the penalty function increases are added to the least square error function as part of the optimization steps 44 and 46 . with this approach , solutions with filter coefficients outside their physical boundaries pay a penalty , although they are not completely avoided . an enhancement to the use of a penalty function to constrain filter coefficients within their physical boundaries is to define upper and lower boundaries lying within ( on the inner sides of ) the physical boundary ranges for said coefficients and to utilise these inner boundaries as the trigger values for imposition of the penalty function . in this way , solutions pay an increasing penalty when their filter coefficients approach their physical boundaries from an inner side of their physical boundary ranges and not only when they have crossed the boundaries . by carefully selecting the upper and lower inner boundary values and the strength of the penalty function as it is applied outside of the inner boundaries , it is possible to maintain optimised filter coefficients within their physical boundaries through the whole of the filter function transfer process . since the filter functions are periodic in each filter coefficient , it is sufficient to realize an optical filter with a tuning range for each filter coefficient that spans at least one period . for example , the physical boundaries of a filter coefficient that is implemented as electrical power applied to a resistive heater on one side of a mach zehnder interferometer are given by the phase difference of the mach zehnder interferometer at zero power applied to the heater ( lower physical boundary ) and the phase difference of the mach zehnder interferometer at maximum allowed power ( upper physical boundary ). the phase difference between upper and lower physical boundary has to be ( 1 + q ) 2π , where 2π is the period of the filter coefficient and q & gt ; 0 . ideally , the inner boundaries within which the penaltiy function is chosen to be zero or constant span a range which is larger than or equal to 2π . the penalty function is chosen to increase in the ranges between the lower physical boundary and the lower inner boundary , as well as in the range between the upper inner boundary and the upper physical boundary , which together span a range that is smaller than or equal to 2πq . fig7 is a graph illustrating the calculated gain equalizer attenuation profiles 51 using the filter coefficients resulting from the stepwise fitting of the intermediate interpolated filter curves of fig6 in accordance with the method illustrated by the flow diagram of fig5 employing a penalty function for filter coefficients extending beyond set back inner physical boundaries of the filter coefficients . in this illustration , the upper inner boundaries of the filter coefficients are placed 0 . 2π inside of the physical boundaries with the exception of the lower inner boundaries of the directional couplers which are not set back , i . e . the set back = zero for this exception . fig8 is a graph illustrating the filter coefficients calculated by the stepwise fitting of the intermediate interpolated filter curves of fig6 using the before described method . in fig8 , the horizontal axis describes the transition step , where 0 stands for the start filter function 50 , 1 . . . 9 for the intermediate filter functions 51 ( a . . . i ), and 10 for the target filter function 52 . the vertical axis labels the values of the filter coefficients for the coupler strength of couplers 1 . . . 8 ( upper chart ) and the phases of delay lines 1 . . . 7 ( lower chart ). as an additional means to keep the filter coefficients within their physical boundaries , in each optimization step of an intermediate interpolated filter function 51 , out of boundary coefficients are set back at the value of the crossed boundary . if no or only a small penalty function is employed in the optimization process , some filter coefficients may ‘ stick ’ to the boundary , which leads to a poor optimization of the intermediate interpolated filter function 51 . in such cases , an auxiliary method step is introduced as described below . because any given filter function of a gain equalizer 31 can be realized with many different sets of filter coefficients , the filter system is over - determined . this provides a degree of freedom to choose one of the 2n + 1 delay line and directional coupler coefficients at will , and adapt the remaining 2n coefficients during the optimization process . this auxiliary step comprises sliding back filter coefficients into their respective physical ranges when they cross or ‘ stick ’ to a respective physical boundary . it has been found that this process provides better results when the filter coefficient to be slid back comprises a delay line phase coefficient . in the case of directional coupler coefficient , since these are naturally limited to a range between 0 and +/− 1 , out of boundary values can be prevented by circuit design constraints in contrast with the periodic delay line phases which are not similarly limited . the auxiliary method step comprises a check at each optimization process step of whether filter coefficients are still within their boundary ranges or the inner boundaries where such are employed . if not , then a sequence of optimization steps is effected which slides the affected filter coefficient back into its range . in each of these steps , the constrained optimization is performed for 2n free filter coefficients and one fixed filter coefficient . this process leads to a series of filter coefficient sets corresponding to the same filter function . a subsequent setting of the filter coefficients through these values leads to a sliding back of the affected filter coefficient within its physical range . a total sliding distance of π was found to be effective to detach a stuck filter coefficient from its boundary . fig9 is a graph illustrating the calculated gain equalizer 31 attenuation profiles using the filter coefficients resulting from the stepwise fitting of the intermediate interpolated filter curves 51 of fig6 in accordance with the method illustrated by the flow diagram of fig5 and employing a filter coefficient sliding process without the use of a penalty function . in this example , the sliding process was employed between the second and third optimization steps 44 , 46 . fig1 is a graph illustrating the filter coefficients calculated by the stepwise fitting of the intermediate interpolated filter curves of fig6 in accordance with the method illustrated by the flow diagram of fig5 and employing a filter coefficient sliding process without the use of a penalty function . in this example , a fourth delay line 18 has its phase slid back by an amount of + π during the third to seventh optimization steps . the present invention provides a method of controlling the transition of a filter function of a two - port optical delay line circuit filter from a start filter function to a target filter function using a stepwise iterative interpolation process in concert with a non - linear least squares optimization process . the method may also include the use of a penalty function or a slide back process in association with said optimization process to constrain calculated filter coefficients to their physically possible ranges .	6
in view of the state of the art and the unexpected discoveries disclosed herein , it is the purpose of this invention to provide peptide - containing compositions for use in treatment of chronic disease conditions such as neuropsychiatric disorders and psoriasis . it is another object of the invention to provide methods for treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders by administration of peptides as thymoleptic agents . it is a further object of the invention to provide methods for treatment of psoriasis not associated with hiv infection . studies were initiated in human subjects to evaluate the efficacy of peptides of pert in treatment of aids patients for purposes of obtaining fda approval . among the human subjects tested were individuals suffering from psoriasis . in many patients the psoriasis was aids - related . however , some patients were suffering from psoriasis which was not aids related . these patients were among subjects used as controls . these subjects were found to respond very favorably to treatment with compositions of the invention . several of the control subjects also suffered from neuropsychiatric disorders which were not aids related . while these peptides were under evaluation for use in treating aids , it was found that patients who tested negative for antibodies to hiv , but who suffered from dementias and / or prior mood disorders showed significant improvement while receiving peptide therapy . while it had previously been known that aids patients &# 39 ; general sense of well - being improved during treatment with these peptides , it is now known that these peptides possess thymoleptic properties which are not associated with blocking infectivity of hiv . the class of compounds for use in the practice of the invention contain peptides of the formula wherein r a represents an amino terminal residue which is ala -, d - ala , or cys - ala , r b represents a carboxy terminal thr -, thr - amide , thr - cys or thr - cys - amide , and derivatives thereof , such as esters and amides or a peptide formula : r 1 is an amino terminal residue which is x - r &# 39 ; or r &# 39 ; when r &# 39 ; is thr -, ser -, asn -, leu -, ile -, arg - or glu - and x is cys ; r 3 is thr , ser , asn , arg , gln , lys or trp ; r 5 is a carboxy terminal amino which is r &# 34 ; x or r &# 34 ; wherein r &# 34 ; may be any amino acid ( thr , arg or gly being preferred ) or a peptide of the formula ( iii ): r 1 &# 39 ; is an amino terminal residue ala - r &# 39 ; d - ala - r &# 39 ; or x - ala - r &# 39 ; r 5 &# 39 ; is a carboxy terminal residue thr , thr amide or thr - cys ; and derivatives thereof ( preferably the amindes and esters of the acids ) or the physiologically acceptable salts thereof . ______________________________________amino acid three letter code one letter code______________________________________arginine arg rasparagine asn naspartic acid asp dcysteine cys cglycine gly gserine ser sthreonine thr ttyrosine tyr y______________________________________ and their analogues with d - thr as the amino terminal residue and / or an amide derivate at the carboxy terminal . the compounds of the invention may be beneficially modified by methods known to enhance passage of molecules across the blood - brain barrier . acetylation has proven to be especially useful for enhancing binding activity of the peptide . the terminal amino and carboxy sites are particularly preferred sites for modification . these peptides may also be modified in a constraining conformation to provide improved stability and oral availability . the peptides were custom synthesized by peninsula laboratories under a confidentiality agreement between the inventors and the manufacturer . the merrifield method of solid phase peptide synthesis was used . ( see u . s . pat . no . 3 , 531 , 258 which is incorporated herein by reference .) the synthesized peptides are especially preferred . while peptide t and the pentapeptide which is a portion thereof could be isolated from the virus , the peptides prepared in accord with merrifield are free of viral and cellular debris . hence , untoward reactions to contaminants does not occur when the synthesized peptides are used . the peptides of the invention may be produced by any conventional method of peptide synthesis . both solid phase and liquid phase methods may be used . we have found the solid phase method of merrifield to be particularly convenient . in this process the peptide is synthesized in a stepwise manner while the carboxy end of the chain is covalently attached to the insoluble support . during the intermediate synthetic stages the peptide remains in the solid phase and therefore can be conveniently manipulated . the solid support was a chloromethylated styrene - divinylbenzene copolymer . an n - protected form of the carboxy terminal amino acid , e . g ., a t - butoxycarbonyl protected ( boc -) amino acid , is reacted with the chloromethyl residue of the chloromethylated styrene divinylbenzene copolymer resin to produce a protected amino acyl derivative of the resin , where the amino acid is coupled to the resin as a benzyl ester . this is deprotected and reacted with a protected from of the next required amino acid thus producing a protected dipeptide attached to the resin . the amino acid will generally be used in activated form , e . g ., by use of a carbodiimide or active ester . this sequence is repeated and the peptide chain grows one residue at a time by condensation at the amino end with the required n - protected amino acids until the required peptide has been assembled on the resin . the peptide - resin is then treated with anhydrous hydrofluoric acid to cleave the ester linking the assembled peptide to the resin , in order to liberate the required peptide . side chain functional groups of amino acids which must be blocked during the synthetic procedure , using conventional methods , may also be simultaneously removed . synthesis of a peptide with an amide group on its carboxy terminal can be carried out in any conventional manner , using a 4 - methylbenzhydrylamine resin . pharmaceutical compositions comprising a peptide compound of the invention in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient are appropriate for administration as thymoleptic agents or for use in treatment of psoriasis . such compositions may be presented for use in any conventional manner in admixture with one or more physiologically acceptable carriers or excipients . thus , the peptides according to the invention may be formulated for oral , buccal , parenteral , topical , or rectal administration . peptides may also be formulated for injection or for infusion and may be presented in unit dose form in ampoules or in multidose containers with an added preservative . the compositions may take such forms as suspensions , solutions , or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles , and may contain formulatory agents such as suspending , stabilizing and / or dispersing agents . alternatively , the active ingredient may be in powder form for constitution with a suitable vehicle , e . g ., sterile , pyrogen - free water , before use . the pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention may also contain other active ingredients such as antimicrobial agents , or preservatives . a preferred route for use in practice of the inventive method is nasal inhalation (&# 34 ; snorting &# 34 ;). however , any means which provides ready bio - availability without injection would be advantageous , for example , buccal or sublingual administration . buccal preparations prepared according to the method of pitha ( u . s . pat . no . 4 , 727 , 064 which is incorporated herein by reference ) would be appropriate . however , since it appears these small peptides are not destroyed in the intestinal tract , the means of administration of such peptides for the inventive method is not confined to the preferred means recited . particularly preferred compositions of the invention are compositions for intranasal administration . the peptides may be presented as lyophylized powders prepared with or without filler . formulations were prepared which contained manmitol . other preparations lacked such additives . the lyophilized powders were prepared in vials containing appropriate dosage . when the vial was broken open the patient would &# 34 ; snort &# 34 ; the contents of the vial . the compositions of the present invention can also be administered as a cyclodextrin inclusion complex . summary of clinical results from nimh peptide t testing in volunteer subjects 1 . 6 male research subjects with histories of substance abuse , childhood dyslexia , and depression , have received peptide t intravenously in doses ranging from 0 . 033 mg / kg to 0 . 133 mg / kg per day for seven days . unexpected clinical effects observed in these research volunteers while on peptide t include : a . incremental scores on memory and attention components of standard neuropsychologic tests ( e . g ., halstead - reitan trials b , paced auditory serial addition test , jcomplex figure test , wechsler memory test , california verbal learning test ) which remitted after peptide t was discontinued . b . improved mood scores on depression scales in the two research volunteers who had prior histories of depression . this effect maintained for one month of follow - up . c . all subjects reported decreased fatigue , increased energy and vigor . this effect abated off drug . d . all subjects were observed to demonstrate increases in physical activity while on drug , which did not continue after drug discontinuance . e . these cns manifestations of peptide t were independent of any immunologically mediated effects on lymphocyte subset count , mitogen stimulation , or natural killer activity . 2 . a 43 y . o . wm hiv seronegative normal volunteer received peptide t both intranasally and sublingually at 12 . 5 mg bid for one week coincidentally reported improvement in multiple red , scaling pruritic areas located in scalp and lower neck areas . this individual has a history of mild psoriasis which , by personal choice , has been treated with only topical treatments including hydrocortisone , coal tar derivatives , and calamine lotion . during a one month period follow - up subsequent to testing , the lesions in question did not return , nor did new lesions appear . 3 . no evidence of either cns or immunologic toxicity associated with drug administration was aobserved in any of these patients in any of these normal volunteers . the activity of these peptides on neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms is illustrated in table 1 . __________________________________________________________________________clinical effects ofpeptide t in normal volunteer subjects clin . peptide trails wechslerpat # history dosage b pasat mem cvlt beck spielberger poms__________________________________________________________________________1 alcohol 0 . 033 - + + + + + + + abuse 0 . 133 mg / kg2 poly - 0 . 033 - + + + + + + + drug 0 . 133 abuse mg / kg3 dys - 0 . 033 - + + + + - - + lexia 0 . 133 mg / kg4 depres - 0 . 033 - - - + + - - + sion 0 . 133 mg / kg5 depres - 0 . 033 - + + + - + - + + sion 0 . 133 mg / kg6 no np 0 . 033 - + - - - - - + 0 . 133 mg / kg__________________________________________________________________________ 1 . trails b : a test of attention and cognitive flexibility . trails b , a part of the halstead - reitan neuropsychological battery , is a sensitive measure of general brain functions , and requires the subject to connect randomly placed letters and numbers in correct alternate sequence ( e . g ., 1 - a - 2 - b - 3 - c , etc .). alternate versions of trails b were used . this test involves recognition of the symbolic significance of letters and numbers , visual scanning , psychomotor speed , and complex cognitive sequencing or double conceptual tracking . 2 . pasat ( paced auditory serial addition test ): an assessment of an individual &# 39 ; s ability for attention , for shifting cognitive set , and for mathematical abilities . it requires basic educational skills to test mathematical ability . the pasat requires that the subject add 60 pairs of randomized digits so that each is added to the one immediately preceding it . the digits are presented via audiotape and are organized into 4 blocks which vary in rate of digit presentation : block 1 , 2 . 4 sec rate ; block 2 , 2 . 0 sec rate ; block 3 , 1 . 6 sec rate ; block 4 , 1 . 2 sec rate . this test is an extremely sensitive measure of deficits in information processing ability since it requires complex sustained attention and perseverance of attention and speed . it has been found to be a sensitive measure of recovery in post - concussion patients . 3 . wechsler memory : an assessment of modality - specific memory deficits , the test has both a logical and a visual component . the improved scores on the subjects were in the logical or memory scores based on ability to recall detail of a story that has two versions , thus allowing a pre - and post - drug testing assessment . improvement is judged by changes in scores of one standard deviation compared to age appropriate norms . 4 . cvlt ( california verbal learning test ): the cvlt provides a brief , sensitive assessment of the amount of impairment in memory and learning as well as specifying the strategies and processes involved in different forms of memory failure . it has been used in the diagnosis and treatment of memory impairments secondary to neurological disorders and psychiatric problems . the cvlt evaluates an individual &# 39 ; s ability to learn a list of words over five trials , to learn a second interference list , free and cued recall of the first list over a short - and long - delay , and recognition . quantitative measures of eleven different areas of memory and learning are provided , along with normative data for each . scores that differ one or more standard deviations from the age appropriate average are considered significant . there are two versions of this test allowing assessments both at baseline and at post - test . subjects showed an increased ability on long delay recall on this test . 5 . beck depression scale : clinical measure of depression , has accepted cut - off scores for clinically significant depression . the control subjects were the patients described as having prior histories of depression . they had elevated , but not clinically significant , scores on depression which improved on drug . 6 . spielberger trait state anxiety : a test of state anxiety measures both the individual &# 39 ; s current anxiety state as well as general predisposition to anxiety ( trait ). 7 . poms ( profile of mood state ): a six subscale self - report instrument of fatigue , vigor , depression , anxiety , anger , and confusion . the cases reported here show subjects with decreased fatigue and increased vigor scores . there was elevation of depression scores consistent with the beck in three subjects . otherwise , the range of scores on other scales was within the normal range . the test reports t scores where the baseline is 50 and variations are measured in standard deviations around that . clinical significance reported here are changes in scores of one standard deviation or more . as indicated in the table , symptoms of substance abuse , childhood dyslexia and depression were ameliorated . the peptide having the formula : was given at dosage of 0 . 033 mg / kg / da to 0 . 133 mg / kg / da for seven days . as indicated in the table , the unexpected effects observed in these volunteers who tested negative for hiv antibodies were the following : 1 . incremental scores on memory and attention components of standard neuropsychologic tests ( e . g ., halstead - reitan trails b , paced auditory serial addition test , compex figure test , wechsler memory test , california verbal learning test ) which remitted after peptide t was discontinued . 2 . improved mood scores on depression scales in the two research volunteers who had prior histories of depression . this effect maintained for one month of follow - up . all subjects reported decreased fatigue and increased energy and vigor . this effect abated off drug . all subjects were observed to demonstrate increases in physical activity while on drug , which did not continue after drug discontinuance . these cns manifestations of peptide t were independent of any immunologically mediated effects on lymphocyte subet count , mitogen stimulation , or natural killer activity . it was postulated that affinity constants similar to those for morphine would be operative . on this basis , dosage of 0 . 0003 mg / kg / da to 0 . 00 mg / kg / da was chosen . the daily dosage may preferably be given in one to four increments . a . a mixture containing 1200 ml 2 . 5 % mannitol and 3 . 56 grams of a peptide preparation containing 91 . 7 % peptide of formula a was mixed well . the mixture was adjusted to ph 6 . 15 . the solution was filtered through a 0 . 22 micron durapor ® filter and the sterilized solution was delivered by a peristalic pump in 2 ml aliquates into sterile 5 ml serum vials . the vials were stoppered and transferred to the freeze drier . after drying was accomplished , the vials were sealed . vials could be stored under freezing conditions for several months . b . distilled water ( 768 ml ) was added to 9 . 9 grams of a peptide preparation supplied by peninsula which contained 97 % peptide of formula a . the powdered peptide product was very light and very static . the solution was covered and sonicated until dissolved ( 4 - 6 hours ). the solution was then transferred to a silo filtering apparatus and filtered through a 0 . 22 micron durapore ® filter membrane into a sterile receptacle . the sterile solution was dispensed into vials and dried in the manner previously described . for administration by injection or infusion , the daily dosage employed for treatment of an adult human of approximately 70 kg body weight will range from 0 . 2 mg to 10 mg , preferably 0 . 5 to 5 mg , which may be administered in 1 to 4 doses , for example , depending on the route of administration and the condition of the patient . for administration nasally or sublingually somewhat higher dosage will be needed . for the human adult of about 70 kg , 5 - 50 mgm may be given one to four times a day .	8
in the following , embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings . fig1 is a circuit diagram of a power circuit 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention . the power circuit 10 includes a reference voltage vref , an error amplifying circuit 11 , a temperature detector 12 , a current detector 13 , an “ and ” circuit 14 , a power transistor m 1 , a pmos transistor m 2 , resistors r 1 and r 2 , an output terminal vo , and an external terminal so . further , a load 20 is connected to the output terminal vo . the power transistor m 1 is a pmos transistor where a drain is connected to a power source vdd , a source is connected to the output terminal vo , and the source is further connected to ground potential ( another power source ) gnd through the resistors r 1 and r 2 that are connected in series . the reference voltage vref is connected to an inverting input of the error amplifying circuit 11 , and a voltage vfb that is a divided voltage of the output voltage vo divided by the resistors r 1 and r 2 is connected to a non - inverting input of the error amplifying circuit 11 . further , an output of the error amplifying circuit 11 is connected to a gate of the power transistor m 1 . a drain of the pmos transistor m 2 is connected to the power source vdd , and a source of the pmos transistor m 2 is connected to the gate of the power transistor m 1 . further , an output t 2 of the temperature detector 12 and an output io 2 of the current detector 13 are connected to a gate of the pmos transistor m 2 . another output t 1 of the temperature detector 12 is connected to one of input terminals of the “ and ” circuit 14 . another output io 1 of the current detector 13 is connected to the other input terminal of the “ and ” circuit 14 , and an input ii is connected to the gate of the power transistor m 1 . fig2 shows details of the temperature detector 12 . the temperature detector 12 includes two comparators 15 and 16 , a diode d 1 for temperature detection , a current source i 1 , and resistors r 3 through r 5 . the current source i 1 and the diode d 1 are connected in series between the power source vdd and ground potential gnd . further , the resistors r 1 through r 3 are connected in series , and the reference voltage vref is applied to the serial connection . an anode voltage vt of the diode d 1 is provided to an inverting input of the comparator 15 , and to a non - inverting input of the comparator 16 . a voltage vt 1 at a point where the resistors r 3 and r 4 are connected is applied to a non - inverting input of the comparator 15 . a voltage vt 2 at a point where the resistors r 4 and r 5 are connected is applied to an inverting input of the comparator 16 . an output t 1 of the comparator 15 serves as the output t 1 of the temperature detector 12 , and an output t 2 of the comparator 16 serves as the output t 2 of the temperature detector 12 . fig3 shows details of the current detector 13 . the current detector 13 includes an operational amplifying circuit 17 , a comparator 18 , a pmos transistor m 3 , and resistors r 6 through r 9 . the pmos transistor m 3 and the resistor r 6 are connected in series between the power source vdd and the ground voltage gnd . further , the resistors r 7 through r 9 are connected in series , and the reference voltage vref is applied to the serial connection . since the gate of the pmos transistor m 3 is connected to the gate of the power transistor m 1 , a drain current of the pmos transistor m 3 is equal to a drain current of the power transistor m 1 , wherein the drain current is proportional to a load current . the voltage vi at a junction of the pmos transistor m 3 and the resistor r 6 is applied to an inverting input of the operational amplifying circuit 17 and a non - inverting input of the comparator 18 . the voltage vi 2 at the junction of the resistors r 7 and r 8 is applied to a non - inverting input of the operational amplifying circuit 17 . the voltage vi 1 at the junction of the resistors r 8 and r 9 is applied to an inverting input of the comparator 18 . an output of the operational amplifying circuit 17 serves as the output io 2 of the current detector 13 . an output of the comparator 18 serves as the output io 1 of the current detector 13 . fig4 is a graph for explaining operations of the temperature detector 12 , and fig5 is for explaining operations of the current detector 13 . hereafter , the operations of the circuits shown by fig1 through 3 are explained with reference to fig4 and fig5 . where the temperature is low , a voltage drop of the diode d 1 ( fig2 ) for temperature detection is great . accordingly , the voltage vt is greater than the voltage vt 1 that is the divided voltage of the reference voltage vref . as a result , the output of the comparator 15 is a low level ( low ), and the output of the comparator 16 is high - level ( high ). accordingly , the output t 1 of the temperature detector 12 is low , and the output t 2 is high . consequently , if the output of the current detector 13 is disregarded , the pmos transistor m 2 is turned off ( off ), and the output of the “ and ” circuit 14 , ( i . e ., the output to the external terminal so ) is low . as the temperature rises , a forward voltage of the diode d 1 decreases . if the temperature exceeds the temperature t 1 ( fig4 ), the voltage vt becomes less than the voltage vt 1 , and the output of the comparator 15 becomes high . however , the output of the comparator 16 stays high . that is , the output t 1 of the temperature detector 12 is high , and the output t 2 is high . consequently , although the pmos transistor m 2 is still off , since one input of the “ and ” circuit 14 becomes high , the level of the output of the “ and ” circuit 14 ( i . e ., the terminal so ) is determined by the level of the output io 1 of the current detector 13 . if the temperature further rises and exceeds the temperature t 2 ( fig4 ), the voltage vt becomes less than the voltage vt 2 . as a result , the output of the comparator 15 is high and the output of the comparator 16 becomes low . consequently , the output t 1 of the temperature detector 12 becomes high , and the output t 2 becomes low . consequently , the pmos transistor m 2 is turned on ( on ), the gate electric voltage of the power transistor m 1 is pulled up , the power transistor m 1 is turned off ( off ), and supply of the load current is stopped . in addition , one input of the “ and ” circuit 14 is still high , so that the output of the “ and ” circuit ( i . e ., the external terminal so ) is determined by the level of the output io 1 of the current detector 13 . when the load current is small , a voltage drop across the resistor r 6 is small given that the drain current of the pmos transistor m 2 is proportional to the load current . the voltage drop across the resistor r 6 is less than the voltage vi 1 that is the divided voltage of the reference voltage vref . as a result , the output of the comparator 18 is low , the output of the operational amplifying circuit 17 is high , the output io 1 of the current detector 13 is low , and the output io 2 is high . consequently , if the output of the temperature detector 12 is disregarded , the pmos transistor m 2 is off , and the output of the “ and ” circuit 14 at the external terminal so is low . if the load current increases and exceeds the load current i 1 ( fig5 ), the voltage drop vi of the resistor r 6 becomes greater than the voltage vi 1 . then , the output of the comparator 18 becomes high . in addition , the output of the operational amplifying circuit 17 is still high . that is , the output io 1 of the current detector 13 is high and the output io 2 is high . consequently , although the pmos transistor m 2 is still off , since the input io 1 provided to the “ and ” circuit 14 becomes high , the output level of the “ and ” circuit 14 at the external terminal so is determined by the output t 1 of the temperature detector 12 . if the load current further increases and exceeds the load current i 2 ( fig5 ), the voltage drop vi of the resistor r 6 exceeds the voltage vi 2 . then , although the output io 1 of the comparator 18 is still high , since the output io 2 of the operational amplifying circuit 17 is decreased , the gate voltage of the pmos transistor m 2 is decreased , the impedance of the pmos transistor m 2 is decreased , and the gate voltage of the power transistor m 1 is pulled up , the output voltage vo is decreased and the over - current protection takes place as shown in fig5 . as described above , although the temperature detector 12 and the current detector 13 independently protect the power circuit 10 , before either starts the protection function , the inputs provided to the “ and ” circuit 14 are high . that is , with the temperature rise , if the output of the “ and ” circuit 14 becomes high , although the protection function is not started . the output of the “ and ” circuit 14 is provided to a controlling unit , such as a cpu , prepared outside of the semiconductor device through the external terminal so . if the external terminal so becomes high , the controlling unit is arranged to take suitable measures before the protection function of the power circuit 10 is triggered so that other circuits may not be affected even if the load currently supplied from the power circuit 10 is reduced , and the output voltage of the power circuit 10 is decreased or turned off by the protection function . where the semiconductor device includes two or more power circuits 10 , the controlling circuit identifies a power circuit 10 that is likely to pose a problem by monitoring the signal level at the external terminal so of each power circuit 10 . in this way , suitable measures can be taken in advance of the problem occurring . further , since the semiconductor chip is small , the temperature detector 12 is affected by heat from power transistors other than the target power transistor . therefore , the alarm signal is provided through the external terminal so only when the load current of the target power transistor is greater than a predetermined current value . in this way , the power circuit that is likely to pose a problem is reliably identified . further , an electrical apparatus , such as a cellular phone , where the power circuit is appropriately protected is realized by building the semiconductor device into the electrical apparatus . in addition , although the embodiment describes a semiconductor device that includes the power circuit , the present invention can be generally applied to other cases . for example , a part of a circuit that may pose a problem can be identified by detecting a temperature and a current of more than one part with one or more temperature detectors and current detectors of the semiconductor device ; then , measures can be taken in advance , and a great current flowing through the identified part of the circuit can be stopped . further , the present invention is not limited to these embodiments , but variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention . the present application is based on japanese priority application no . 2006 - 070907 filed on mar . 15 , 2006 with the japanese patent office , the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference .	7
portable devices use hardware and software that are designed for portability . a portable device is one that can be moved easily and can fall into multiple categories such as notebook , ultralight and handheld . the portable device can have batteries or another portable power source and can have hardware such as processors and displays that use less power than a non - portable counterpart to prolong the battery life of the portable device before requiring a recharge . portable devices can have applications that can be downloaded or purchased . the applications such as games , productivity , and media applications can be used on the portable device , but cannot be easily accessed by a computing device such as a desktop computer . a user may not want to purchase different software to run on a desktop computer if the software that they want to access is on their portable device . if a portable device advertised itself to a computing device , then the computing device could display a list of applications that are on the portable device . for example if the portable device and the computing device were on the same 802 . 11 ( wi - fi ) network the portable device can advertise to the computing device that it is there . the computing device can determine a list of applications that are on the portable device and present an application in a graphical user interface ( gui ) such as a menu or folder . the user can then access an application from the gui which can cause the computing device to execute the application from the portable device using a hardware virtualizer that emulates the hardware of the portable device . by executing the application on the computing device from the portable device the user may have available a larger screen , more processing speed , more memory or other capabilities than are not on the portable device . in one embodiment , a computing device includes a transceiver to establish a connection to a portable device . the computing device includes a controller that can receive an advertisement from the portable device through the transceiver if the portable device is connected . the controller also can request a list from the portable device . the computing device can include a memory to store a list , received from the portable device through the transceiver , of an application formatted for the hardware of the portable device . a graphical user interface can present the list of the application to the user of the computing device . a hardware virtualizer on the computing device can execute the application on the computing device . one embodiment is a method of automatically presenting an application including a portable device that advertises itself . the portable device can be discovered with a computing device paired with the portable device . a computing device can establish a connection with the portable device . the computing device can determine an application that is available on the portable device . the computing device can present the application on the portable device in a list with a native computing device application . with reference to the figures , fig1 is a block diagram of a device according to an example embodiment of the invention . a computing device 100 can include a transceiver 120 to establish a connection to a portable device . the computing device 100 can be for example a desktop computer , a notebook computer , a tablet computer or another computing device . the transceiver 120 can be for example a wireless transceiver such as bluetooth or wlan such as 802 . 11 . the transceiver may also be a wired connection such as usb , ieee 1392 , esata or another connection . if the transceiver 120 is a wireless transceiver then the computing device 100 may be paired with the portable device . pairing can be the creation of a persistent link between the computing device and the portable device , which may involve the exchange of a passkey between two devices . pairing may occur once so future connections between the devices are authenticated automatically . the computing device 100 can include a controller 105 to receive an advertisement from the portable device through the transceiver 120 if the portable device is connected through a wired connection or paired with the computing device 100 . the advertisement may be done by a service discovery protocol such as zeroconf , that locates devices such as other computers , and the services that those devices offer on a local network using multicast domain name system service records . the controller 105 may be a network controller , a central processing unit or another circuit to process instructions or data . the controller 105 can send a request to the transceiver 120 . if the transceiver is connected to a portable device then the request can cause the portable device to send a list that includes at least one application or service that are stored on the portable device . the list of that application or service can be stored in a memory 145 . the memory may be a volatile or non - volatile memory , for example the memory may be random access memory ( ram ), flash memory , a hard disk drive , an optical storage or another type of memory . the application may be interpreted or static . a static application is translated into machine code before execution . for example applications written in c or c ++ are static and html are interpreted . if the application from the portable device is static the machine code may not be executed properly on the computing device hardware and the hardware virtualizer 115 is used to execute the machine code of the static application . if the application is interpreted then it may be executed with a dynamic translator 130 such as a just - in - time ( jit ) compiler on the computing device 100 . the jit compiler can translate the application to machine readable code continuously . the list of that application received from the portable device through the transceiver 120 can be of an application formatted for the hardware of the portable device and stored on the portable device . the computing device may include a controller for example that uses a first instruction set such as x86 while the application may be formatted to execute on a controller that uses a second instruction set such as arm . a hardware virtualizer 115 may be used to create a virtual controller with the second instruction set that executes on the controller with the first instruction set . the hardware virtualizer may be hardware or software . a graphical user interface ( gui ) 135 can present the list of the application . the list may be presented to a user on a display . for example the list may include links , icons , menu items and may be presented in a folder , a task bar , on the desktop of a gui or in other forms . if the user activates displayed presentation of the application on the list the computing device can receive the application 110 from the portable device through the transceiver 120 . the application can then be executed by the hardware virtualizer 115 or the dynamic translator 130 . the user may then see the application on the gui 135 of the computing device 100 . fig2 is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment of the invention . the system 201 includes a computing device 200 and a portable device 250 . the portable device 250 can be a device that can be moved easily and can fall into multiple categories such as notebook , ultralight and handheld . the portable device 250 can have batteries and can have hardware such as processors or displays that use less power than a non - portable counterpart to prolong the battery life of the portable device before requiring a recharge . the portable device 250 can include an application 210 stored on the portable device 250 . the application can be formatted to execute on the hardware of the portable device 250 . the hardware may be different than the hardware of the computing device 200 . the computing device 200 may have a native application 211 that is designed to execute on the hardware of the computing device 200 . for example the computing device may have an operating system designed to execute on the computing device 200 . the native application 211 may also be for example a word processor , spreadsheet or web browser or another application . the hardware virtualizer 215 may be run by the operating system if the application that is trying to be executed is not a native app to the hardware or operating system of the computing device 200 and is not an application that can be interpreted by a dynamic translator 230 . the portable device 250 may include a transceiver 265 to communicate data to the transceiver 220 of the computing device 200 . the transceiver 265 can send an advertisement from the advertise system 270 of the portable device to the computing device 200 . the advertisement can be received and / or discovered by the computing device 200 and processed by the controller 205 . the computing device 200 and the portable device 250 may automatically create a connection that allows data to be sent between the computing device 200 and the portable device 250 . the automatic creation of the connection can be by a service discovery protocol . the connection can allow the computing device 250 to request from the portable device values 275 . the values 275 may be for example the name , description or an icon of an application on the portable device . the values may be stored in the memory 245 of the computing device . the controller 265 can access the values 275 from the memory and display the values on the graphical user interface ( gui ) 235 . the gui may present in a menu that the values from the portable device 250 . the values may be links that if activated cause the application 210 to be retrieved from the portable device 250 and executed on the hardware virtualizer 215 of the computing device 200 . in one embodiment a menu presented by the graphical user interface may include a value for the application 210 and a link or value for a second application that is a native application 211 to the computing device . the menu may be presented as a folder that includes many values . fig3 is a flow diagram of a method according to an example embodiment of the invention . the method can be for automatically presenting an application . the method can begin at 305 by receiving an advertisement from a portable device . advertising can be by a service discovery protocol . a portable device that is connected by a wire or paired with the computing device can discover at 310 the portable device from the advertisement . the computing device can establish a connection with the portable device at 315 . the connection can be established automatically and allow the transfer of data between the computing device and the portable device . the computing device can determine an application that is available on the portable device at 320 . the determination may be from a request sent to the portable device from the computing device and the computing device may then receive from the portable device a list or values of an application that is available on the portable device . the value may be for example a name , description or an icon that is associated with the application on the portable device . the computing device may present the application on the portable device in a list at 325 . the list may include a native computing device application . the presentation can be done in a graphical user interface ( gui ) such as a menu , folder , window or another gui . fig4 is a flow diagram of a method according to an example embodiment of the invention . the method can be for automatically presenting an application . the method can begin at 302 by pairing a portable device and computing device . if a portable device is paired with a computing device they can connect to each other automatically when they are on the same network or in range . for example if the portable device and the computing device are paired by bluetooth they will automatically connect when they are in range of each other or if they are paired by wlan then they may connect via an adhoc network if they are in range of each other or through an access point if they are both in range of an access point on the network . if the portable device and the computing device are paired then the portable device can advertise to the computing device . advertising can be by a service discovery protocol . a portable device that is connected by a wire or paired with the computing device can discover at 310 the portable device from the advertisement . the computing device can establish a connection with the portable device at 315 . the connection can be established automatically and allow the transfer of data between the computing device and the portable device . the computing device can determine an application that is available on the portable device at 320 . the determination may be from a request sent to the portable device from the computing device and the computing device may then receive from the portable device a list or values of an application that is available on the portable device . the value may be for example a name , description or an icon that is associated with the application on the portable device . the computing device may present the application on the portable device in a list at 325 . the list may include a native computing device application . the presentation can be done in a graphical user interface ( gui ) such as a menu , folder , window or another gui . the computing device can execute the application in a hardware virtualizer on the computing device . any of pairing at 302 , advertising at 305 , discovering at 310 , establishing 315 , determining at 320 , present at 325 or executing at 330 can be performed automatically , for example without user input , if the computer device discovers the portable device . in one embodiment the connection between the portable device and the computing device is a secure connection . the secure connection prevents tampering with the applications and prevents access to information on the portable device from devices except the computing device . in one embodiment the portable device authenticates a user profile and the computing device authenticates a user profile to make the connection . the authentication of the user profile may be used to create the secure connection . fig5 is a block diagram of a device according to an example embodiment of the invention . the device 500 can include a processor 505 , a controller hub 510 connected to the processor . the controller hub 510 may be in the same package as the processor 505 , may be on the same substrate as the processor 505 or in a separate package from the processor 505 . the controller hub 510 can connect to a graphic controller 520 . a display 530 can be connected to the graphics controller 520 . the display 430 can display a graphical user interface . the graphic controller 520 can generate the signals that are received by the display and generate the graphics on the display . the controller hub 510 may connect to input devices . for example a keyboard 535 or a mouse 540 can be connected to the controller hub 510 . the controller hub may be connected to a computer readable media 515 or 516 . the computer readable media 515 or 516 can include code that if executed may cause the processor 505 of a computing device 500 to discover a portable device paired with the computing device . the code may cause computing device 500 to automatically authenticate the portable device . the code may cause computing device 500 to establish a secure connection to the portable device . the code may cause computing device 500 to determine an application available on the portable device . the code may cause computing device 500 to execute the application in a hardware virtualizer on the computing device . the code may generate a list that is presented on the display 530 by the graphics controller 520 or may authenticate the portable device using a user profile on the computing device and the portable device . the techniques described above may be embodied in a computer - readable medium for configuring a computing device to execute the method . the computer readable media may include , for example and without limitation , any number of the following : magnetic storage media including disk and tape storage media ; optical storage media such as compact disk media ( e . g ., cd - rom , cd - r , etc .) and digital video disk storage media ; holographic memory ; nonvolatile memory storage media including semiconductor - based memory units such as flash memory , eeprom , eprom , rom ; ferromagnetic digital memories ; volatile storage media including registers , buffers or caches , main memory , ram , etc . ; and the internet , just to name a few . other new and various types of computer - readable media may be used to store and / or transmit the software modules discussed herein . computing devices may be found in many forms including but not limited to mainframes , minicomputers , servers , workstations , personal computers , notepads , personal digital assistants , various wireless devices and embedded systems , just to name a few . in the foregoing description , numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present invention . however , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details . while the invention has been disclosed with respect to a limited number of embodiments , those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous modifications and variations therefrom . it is intended that the appended claims cover such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention .	6
in accordance with the principles herein , a recursive dft based estimator is achieved that provides both good performance and low complexity . thus , as illustrated in fig1 , for each frequency f at time n an alternate quantity { tilde over ( λ )}( f , n ) 2 to the absolute value of the periodogram can be derived responsive to an input signal 110 with a system , shown generally at 100 that achieves a peak value at the same frequency as the classical optimum estimator . the input signal 110 for a frequency estimation algorithm is given as t z ( n )= t i ( n )+ jt q ( n )=√{ square root over ( p s )} exp ( j 2π f 0 n + jφ )+ n ( n ). in accordance with the principles herein , it is assumed that n ( n ) is an additive white gaussian noise . for a system 100 wherein n ( n ) is additive white gaussian noise , the maximum likelihood frequency estimator is given as f ^ ml = arg ⁢ ⁢ max f ∈ [ - 0 . 5 , 0 . 5 ] ⁢  ∑ n = 1 n ⁢ ⁢ t z ⁡ ( n ) ⁢ exp ⁡ [ - j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ fn ]  = arg ⁢ ⁢ ⁢ max f ∈ [ - 0 . 5 , 0 . 5 ] ⁢ λ ⁡ ( f , n ) . two metrics need to be recursively computed from an input signal to implement the ml estimator , such as , for example , λ ⁡ ( f , n ) ⁢ ⁢ and ⁢ ⁢ γ ⁡ ( f , n ) = ∑ n = 1 n ⁢ ⁢ t z ⁡ ( n ) ⁢ exp ⁡ [ - j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ fn ] . γ ⁡ ( f , n ) = ∑ n = 1 n ⁢ ⁢ t z ⁡ ( n ) ⁢ exp ⁡ [ - j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ fn ] = γ ⁡ ( f , n - 1 ) + t z ⁡ ( n ) ⁢ exp ⁡ [ - j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ fn ] . represents phase noise of the signal , and is stored in a memory device 120 provided in or operatively connected to the system 100 . without loss of optimality , the ml metric can be λ ( f , n ) 2 , and a similar recursion for λ ⁡ ( f , n ) 2 = ⁢  ∑ n = 1 n ⁢ ⁢ t z ⁡ ( n ) ⁢ exp ⁡ [ - j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ fn ]  2 = ⁢  γ ⁡ ( f , n - 1 ) + t z ⁡ ( n ) ⁢ exp ⁡ [ - j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ fn ]  2 = ⁢  γ ⁡ ( f , n - 1 )  2 +  t z ⁡ ( n )  2 + ⁢ 2 ⁢ re ⁡ [ γ ⁡ ( f , n - 1 ) ⁢ ( t z ⁡ ( n ) ) * ⁢ exp ⁡ [ j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ fn ] ] = ⁢ λ ⁡ ( f , n - 1 ) 2 +  t z ⁡ ( n )  2 + ⁢ 2 ⁢ re ⁡ [ γ ⁡ ( f , n - 1 ) ⁢ ( t z ⁡ ( n ) ) * ⁢ exp ⁡ [ j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ fn ] ] . as \| t z ( n )\| 2 and constants are not frequency dependant quantities , these terms can be ignored in the computation of the ml estimator , i . e ., { tilde over ( λ )}( f , n ) 2 ={ tilde over ( λ )}( f , n − 1 ) 2 + re └ γ ( f , n − 1 )( t z ( n ))* exp [ j 2π fn ]┘. as a result , the ml estimator uses all data to estimate the frequency offset . further , if phase noise is present in the system , it is important to place too much weight on the earlier data in the offset calculation . over reliance on the phase noise is easily avoided in the system , employing a recursive algorithm , constructed in accordance with the principles herein . to this end , an exponentially weighting factor is applied in the update of γ ( f , n ), i . e ., γ ( f , n )= γγ ( f , n − 1 )+ t z ( n ) exp [− j 2π fn ]. the structure of the estimator is useful for digital implementation as the accuracy of the frequency estimation is determined by the number of discrete frequency points that are considered and the updates for each of these different frequency points can either computed serially or in parallel ( or some combination ) depending on the update rate that needs to be maintained . the memory device 120 can include , for example , any suitable data storage mechanism or device , such as , for example , a server , rom , ram , or other suitable digital device adapted and constructed to perform operations in accordance with the principles herein or incorporated into other digital devices . an alternate quantity { tilde over ( λ )}( f , n ) 2 , is then computed and stored either in the memory device 120 via a control 130 or in a separate , suitable memory device , such as device 140 shown in fig1 , depending on the requirements of the system 100 . the alternate quantity can be computed recursively using the relationship between the alternate quantity and γ ( f , n ) in the calculation of the frequency estimator . for each signal received , a system constructed in accordance with the principles herein advantageously simplifies the update to the estimator based on the recursive nature of the estimator , and the inherent parallelism of modern digital signal processing can be advantageously applied as well . as a result , each frequency can be processed in parallel , serially , or both serially and in parallel , in accordance with the principles herein . further , each calculation of the estimator can be updated using { tilde over ( λ )}( f , n ) 2 and , γ ( f , n ), which removes phase noise , for each signal sample . as a result , the frequency estimate is the value of f that produces a maximum value for { tilde over ( λ )}( f , n ) 2 . the system 100 eliminates the need and cost for a complex system to compute and update the frequency offset between a locally generated clock of the system 100 and a received clock . after the offset frequency is determined , the signal can be locked and the data demodulated . if there is an offset frequency , then the system 100 makes a best estimate of the difference between the locally generated clock and the received clock . in accordance with the principles herein , a simple way to make the frequency offset estimate recursive is achieved . in accordance with these principles , the estimator is updated with a limited number of computations n + 1 , whereas the known systems use all of the data over . thus , the system 100 herein only calculates γ to have a simple way to find a maximum for λ , as for each new signal sample λ { tilde over ( )}( f , n ) 2 can be derived from γ ( f , n ), which removes phase noise , and the frequency offset can be updated based on the offset so generated . in other words , the system 100 provides a frequency estimate based on the value of the frequency f that produces the maximum value of λ { tilde over ( )}( f , n ) 2 . the estimator of the system 100 constructed in accordance with the principles herein uses all data to calculate the frequency offset . by applying an exponentially weighting factor to the update , avoids undue reliance on a phase noise aspect in the frequency offset estimate is avoided , given the assumption that n ( n ) is an additive white gaussian noise . a system and method constructed in accordance with the principles herein is suitable for use in systems wherein unmodulated signal are received , such as , for example , antennas , automotive electronics , avionics , communications systems , electronics , energy systems , lasers , materials , mems , military , photonics , satellite communications , semiconductors , sensors , space , superconductors , medical equipment , musical instruments , and associated devices , and other systems adapted to receive unmodulated input signals . further , the simple recursive architecture of a system constructed in accordance with the principles herein is optimized for implementation in digital integrated circuits , and in systems implementing or in operative communication with digital integrated circuits . thus , in accordance with the principles herein , near optimum estimation performance is achieved in a simple recursive architecture that is optimized for implementation in digital integrated circuits , and in systems implementing or in operative communication with digital integrated circuits . the embodiment ( s ) set forth herein include principles achieved via a system and method adapted and constructed to operatively facilitate demodulation of communication data packets between transmitting and receiving devices . as such , each exemplary system or method herein contemplates the operative connection of signals to a communication , wireless , or other network over which data is capable of being transmitted between devices . the embodiments herein have been described and shown for purposes of illustration only , and are not to be construed as constituting any limitations of the present principles . modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art , and all modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the principles herein are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims . those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based , may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures , methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present principles . therefore , the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles herein . further , since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art , it is not desired to limit the principles 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 principles described herein .	7
fig1 shows a corona discharge apparatus 2 used in the present invention . the apparatus 2 has a discharge electrode 4 facing a roller electrode 6 . the roller electrode 6 acts as a ground electrode for the corona discharge apparatus 2 . the apparatus 2 also has an input roller 8 for feeding a plastic film 10 onto the roller electrode 6 and an output roller 12 for guiding the plastic film 10 off the roller electrode 6 . the discharge electrode 4 is directed towards an external surface 14 of the roller electrode 6 , so that in use , a first side 16 of the plastic film 10 is treated by the discharge electrode 4 and a second side 18 of the plastic film is supported by part of the external surface 14 . the discharge electrode 4 extends along one side of the roller electrode 6 . in this embodiment , the discharge electrode 4 extends along most of the length of the roller electrode 6 . the particular sizes of the discharge electrode 4 and roller electrode 6 may be selected depending on the plastic film 10 size and requirements . the external surface 14 of the roller electrode 6 is conductive and patterned with the word “ void ”. of course , the pattern on the external surface 14 of the roller electrode 6 may be formed from any other letters , words and / or symbols . the pattern of the words may be created by protrusions 20 in the shape of letters protruding from a surface of the roller electrode 6 ( as seen in fig1 a ) or created by recesses 22 in a surface of the roller electrode 6 ( as seen in fig1 b ). fig1 a shows a first embodiment of the roller electrode 6 . the roller electrode has an aluminium roller base 24 . the roller base could be made from other any other conductive material . the ground electrode of the present invention may be non - cylindrical , e . g . flat . however , for the processing of a continuous sheet of plastic film 10 , a cylindrical roller is preferred . vinyl polymer letters 26 are adhered to an external surface of the aluminium roller base 24 . the letters 26 forms the protrusions 20 from the surface of the roller base . the vinyl letters 26 are roughly 0 . 5 mm in height with respect to the roller base 24 . the height of the letters shouldn &# 39 ; t be particularly limited so long as the letters 26 are at least 0 . 1 mm in height with respect to the aluminium base 24 . the letters 26 can be any size and shape in use , the protruding letters 26 support the plastic film 10 and the areas of the plastic film 10 that are adjacent to and supported by the letters 26 are treated by the corona discharge electrode 4 . for the areas of the plastic film 10 that rest over recessed aluminium roller base 24 , an air gap is created between the film 10 and the roller base 24 ( roughly equivalent to the height of the letters 26 ). as a result , coronas form in the air gap between the film 10 and the roller base 24 rather than on the first side of the plastic film 10 . in this manner , areas of the first side of the plastic film 10 are not treated . as a result , a plastic film is produced that has a first side 16 with treated areas in the pattern of the word “ void ”. the treated areas ( in the shape of the letters ) are surrounded by untreated areas . fig1 b shows a second embodiment of the roller electrode . the roller electrode 6 has an aluminium roller base 24 covered with a high - carbon content conductive rubber sleeve 28 . the sleeve 28 is engraved with recesses 22 that form the letters 26 of the word “ void ”. the recesses 22 can be formed by any method , such as engraving , etching or chiselling . however , engraving , and in particular laser engraving , is preferred . the recesses 22 are around 1 . 5 mm deep . the depth of the recesses 22 can be varied so long as the recesses 22 are at least 0 . 1 mm deep . the recesses 22 do not penetrate the complete thickness of the conductive rubber sleeve 28 so that the external cylindrical surface of the roller base 24 is covered . however , the recesses 22 could extend completely through the rubber sleeve 28 to expose parts of the external cylindrical surface of the roller base 24 . the area on the external cylindrical surface around the recesses 22 forms a raised conductive surface 30 . in use , the plastic film 10 is supported by the raised conductive surface 30 surrounding the recesses 22 . when the film 10 is treated with the corona discharge electrode 4 , the first side of the film 10 is treated in these supported areas . where the plastic film 10 lies over the recesses 22 , an air gap between the film 10 and the roller electrode 6 is formed within the recesses 22 . when the film 10 is treated with the corona discharge roller , corona form within the recesses rather than on the first side 16 of the film 10 and as a result , the first side 16 of the film 10 is not treated . in this manner , the first side 16 of the plastic film 10 is patterned . the untreated areas of the film 10 are in the shape of the words “ void ” and the area surrounding the words are treated . the plastic film 10 used is usually high density polyethylene ( hdpe ), low density polyethylene ( ldpe ), a blend of hdpe and ldpe or a polyester . however other plastic materials may be used for the film 10 , such as polypropylene , polyvinyl acetate , vinyl polymers , any density of polyethylene or blends thereof . in operation , a hdpe security film 10 is fed into the apparatus 2 via the input roller 8 . the film 10 may have been subjected to any number of pre - treatments , but there is no need to apply a masking agent to the film 10 . the hdpe security film 10 is fed onto the roller electrode 6 and comes into contact with the conductive surface 14 . the roller electrode 6 carries the hdpe security film 10 under the discharge electrode 4 , which is charged to a standard voltage potential of corona discharge equipment for treatment of hdpe plastic films . the treated security film 32 is guided off the roller electrode 6 by an output roller 12 . the resulting film 32 has a first side 16 with corona discharge - treated areas 34 and corona discharge untreated areas 36 . fig2 shows a schematic diagram of the resulting security film 32 . the security film 32 is patterned on the first side 16 with the word “ void ”, although this pattern is not visible with the naked eye . in this embodiment , the security film 32 is produced using the grounded roller electrode 6 of fig1 a so that the areas in the shape of the letters of void are the treated areas 34 . the areas surrounding the letters form untreated areas 36 . it will be clear that if the alternative roller electrode 6 of fig1 b is used , the resulting security film 32 would be similar to the security film 32 of fig2 but the areas in the shape of the letters would form untreated areas and the areas surrounding the letters would form treated areas . the resulting security film 32 is then processed to add an ink 38 to the first side 16 of the security film 32 . in this embodiment , a polyamide - based ink 38 is painted with a roller onto the first side 16 of the security film 32 to form a security tape laminate 40 . other inks may be applied and other methods of applying the ink to the first side 16 of the security film 32 may be used . fig3 a shows a cross - section of such a security tape laminate 40 . the first side of the plastic film 10 has been treated to produce a security film 32 with treated 34 and untreated 36 areas . a layer of polyamide ink 38 is printed onto this first side 16 of the security film 32 . once the ink 38 has been applied to the security film 32 , the appearance of the ink 38 is uniform across the ink surfaces of the security laminate 40 . in other words , it is difficult or impossible to distinguish by eye between the treated 34 and untreated 36 areas of the first side 16 of the security film 32 . the resulting roll of treated and inked hdpe security film laminate 40 may be supplied to customers as a roll of laminate 40 to be processed later into tamper evident tape 42 . alternatively , the laminate 40 may be processed further in the same production line to make the tamper evident tape 42 . processing security film 32 into tamper evident tape 42 is known . typically , the roll of laminate 40 is cut into strips and an adhesive layer 44 applied to the ink 38 layer . fig3 b shows a cross - section of the security laminate of fig3 a with an adhesive layer 44 applied to the ink layer . the adhesive layer 44 must then be protected by , for example , a protective film 46 or applied to a substrate 48 , such as a tamper - evident bag before the adhesive 44 becomes ineffective . fig3 c shows a cross - section of the security laminate of fig3 b with a protective layer 46 applied to the adhesive layer 44 to form tamper - evident tape 42 . commonly , the security tape laminate 40 is partially adhered to a substrate 48 , such as a bag , and partially protected with a protective film 46 . in this way , the tamper - evident tape 42 forms part of the bag and may be used to seal the bag at a time selected by the user .	6
fig1 a is a schematic diagram showing an electrowetting - on - dielectric ( ewod ) device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure . a drop of aqueous solution 101 (˜ 0 . 5 μl ) immersed in silicon oil 103 ( 1 cst ) ( sigma - aldrich , mo ) or hexadecane ( 3 . 34 cst ) ( sigma - aldrich , mo ) was sandwiched by a top indium tin oxide ( ito , kaivo optoelectronic ) glass 110 and a bottom glass 120 with a 0 . 25 mm spacer 170 . electrodes 130 ( 1 mm × 1 mm ) patterned on the bottom glass 120 are separated from each other with a 0 . 01 mm gap . a dielectric layer of ta 2 o 5 140 ( 250 / 50 nm ) was coated on the electrodes followed by a layer of parylene c 150 ( 480 nm ) ( galxyl ) and then a layer of teflon 160 ( 100 nm ) ( dupont ). silane a 174 ( momentive performance materials ) was utilized to improve the bonding between the ta 2 o 5 and parylene c layer . the top ito glass 110 ( kaivo , ito - p001 ) was coated with a layer of 100 nm teflon 160 . fig1 b is a schematic diagram showing an electronic module for real - time droplet position sensing and driving in digital microfluidic ( dmf ) system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure . the dmf system comprises ( fig2 ): ( i ) the control electronics 210 ( discrete components on printed circuit board , pcb ), ( ii ) the field programmable gate array ( fpga ) 220 , and ( iii ) the computer - based software engine 230 . the control electronics 210 connects to the ewod device 100 and provides an actuation pulse to the electrodes , where the control electronics 210 generates a capacitance - derived frequency signal . the fpga 220 connects to the control electronics 210 and collects the capacitance - derived frequency signal . the computer 230 connects to the fpga 220 , the computer 230 uses a frequency of the capacitance - derived frequency signal to calculate a precise droplet position and generates a duration voltage signal . the control electronics 210 implements natural discharge after pulse ( ndap )/ cooperative electrodes ( ce ) under the guide of the fpga 220 . the pcb comprises a high - voltage ( hv ) switches ic chip array 211 , a blocking capacitance array 212 , a ring oscillator 213 , and an analog switches ic chip array 214 . the hv switches ic chip array 211 is for connecting / disconnecting the actuation pulse to the electrodes . the ring oscillator 213 is for generating the capacitance - derived frequency signal . the analog switches ic chip array 214 is for connecting / disconnecting the electrodes to the ring oscillator 213 . the blocking capacitance array 212 is for connecting electrodes to the analog switches array 214 , and for blocking a hv signal from the actuation pulse to the analog switches array 214 . dc ( direct current ) and ac ( alternating current ) are the common voltage waveforms for electrode driving in ewod - based dmf devices . present disclosure provides a new control - engaged electrode - driving technique , ndap , for better v droplet and electrode lifetime of a ewod device . fig2 is a profile showing an electrode - driving signal for a droplet moving across two electrodes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure . as shown in fig2 , the initial high - level excitation is a t ′ α - width dc with a peak value of u α , offering the initial ewod device force to rapidly accelerate v droplet from still . before the low - level excitation begins , we allow the high - level excitation to drop to a lower value first , by the operation of the designed circuit described later . when a droplet - in - run starts to move , the high - level excitation will be stopped by disconnecting the electrode from the power source . during the discharge period , the residual charge on the electrode is still adequate for real - time sensing of the dynamic position of the droplet . the corresponding voltage of the residual charge on the electrode ( u res ) is given by where u β is the discharge period initial voltage , t is the elapsed time , and τ is the rc ( resistance - capacitance ) time constant , which is defined as during the natural discharge , a number of short ( 1 ms , t α ) recharging pulse is applied to the electrode to sustain v droplet over a longer period t β , which can be managed by the control unit that guides the droplet movement till completion . the rms voltage ( v rms , discharge ) of discharge period is given by , v rms , discharge = 1 t β ⁢ ∫ 0 t β ⁢ u res 2 ⁢ ⁢ d ⁢ ⁢ t ( 3 ) v rms , discharge = u β ⁢ τ 2 ⁢ ⁢ t β ⁢ ( 1 - e - 2 ⁢ ⁢ t β / τ ) ( 4 ) which is obviously lower than that during charging . in our case , rms voltage of the whole excitation is up to 26 . 7 % lower than dc . the ndap can also be applied to other dmf systems even there is with no position sensing . the transportation of a droplet from one electrode to another is not linear . the drop transportation between electrodes in three phases : phase i ( only the leading edge moves while the trailing edge is still pinned ), phase ii ( both the leading and trailing edges move with great different velocities ), and phase iii ( both edge move in a similar velocity ). fig3 a shows the droplet movement from 0 to 230 ms , where the first row focuses on the very beginning of charging and the second row shows the rest . as soon as the driving signal was applied , phase i started instantly , resulting a deformation of the droplet shape where the front edge became thinner while the trailing edge stayed pinned . phase ii began at around 10 ms when the trailing edge depinned and started to catch up the leading edge . the present disclosure provides a convenient method to decide the boundary of the three phases from the instantaneous velocity of a droplet , as shown in fig3 b . the instantaneous velocity was calculated based on the movement of the droplet centroid , and thus the conformation change of the droplet would be reflected on the velocity . as shown in fig3 b , there is a sudden velocity change from 0 to 3 mm / s at the moment when the power is applied . this is due to the deformation of the droplet in phase i ( frame a in fig3 a and point a in fig3 b ). for the same reason , when the trailing edge started to move , there would be another steep change in the droplet conformation , which would cause a drop in the calculated velocity . point b at ˜ 10 ms in fig3 b marks the beginning of phase ii which is consistent with that obtained from fig3 a . when the trailing edge catches up the front edge and keeps the conformation of droplet stable , phase iii starts and the instantaneous velocity would increase smoothly with the continuous driving signal application . point c in fig3 b marks the start of phase iii at around 30 ms . note that after 130 ms , point d , the droplet velocity starts to decline . by investigating the video we found that this was the time when the centroid of the droplet reached the lower edge of the target electrode as shown in fig3 a . the ewod force was applied at the contact line . when the centroid of the droplet passed the edge , the ewod force on the rear part would be a dragging force instead of a driving force which causes the droplet to slow down . there is another sudden velocity change close to the end of the transportation , it happened when the leading edge of the droplet reached the rim of the second electrode and stopped moving forward . again , the sudden conformation change would be reflected on the velocity . after that , the velocity drops quickly . hence , by studying the instantaneous velocity of a droplet , we can obtain the dynamics of the droplet transportation , which is crucial in optimizing our ndap signal as analyzed as follows . in general , increasing the rms value of the control signal is an effective way to enhance v droplet on the ewod device . nevertheless ewod device aging and breakdown problems arise while a control voltage with a high rms voltage is applied . in order to maintain v droplet while lowering the rms voltage , the efficiency of the control voltage would have to be enhanced . the present disclosure uses a ndap signal with a scope of reducing the rms voltage while improving v droplet . to assess the performance of ndap , we for the first time compared v droplet of di water driven by ndap with that driven by dc , for a droplet to move over to the next electrode immersed in silicon oil . the charging time of dc was empirically fixed at 300 ms to complete the transportation . ndap was executed by the feedback - control unit . the natural discharge can be multi - cycled to complete the overall transportation . fig4 a is a diagram showing the average velocities of a droplet driven by ndap signals with different t ′ α according to one embodiment of the present disclosure . as illustrated in fig4 a , a dc signal with a 15 v rms gives an average velocity of 3 . 73 mm / s . this velocity is slightly dependent on the size of the droplet . with the ndap signal , the average velocity increased dramatically from 2 . 74 mm / s with a t ′ α of 1 ms , to 4 . 18 mm / s with a t ′ α of 13 ms . the rms value of 13 ms ndap was only 10 . 87 v , 73 % of that of dc . however , the average velocity under this condition was even higher than that of the dc driving signal . considering the droplet dynamics during the transportation , we expected that when the first pulse duration is less than that needed to overcome phase i , the driving force would be inadequate to move the droplet at a high speed , though the natural discharge in ndap may still pull the droplet forward . the average transporting efficiency would remain low . however , if the first pulse in ndap makes the droplet move into phase ii or iii , the whole droplet starts to move in a stretching conformation . the retreat of the force would cause the droplet to relax and back to a round shape as much as possible . this rounded shape would maximize the driving force efficiency , which as a consequence enhance the droplet transportation by ndap even faster than dc due to its high driving efficiency . fig4 b is a diagram showing the average velocity of droplet transportation with t ′ α from 1 to 300 ms . as shown in fig4 b , when t ′ α is less than 10 ms , which is the boundary of the phase i and phase ii , the average velocity is less than that driven by dc . this range is labeled as zone i , where the transporting efficiency remains low . however , when t ′ α is between 10 ms and 130 ms ( zone ii ), the average velocity reaches ˜ 3 . 5 mm / s , which is 20 . 6 % higher than that of dc ( 2 . 9 mm / s ). a further increase of t ′ α does not add more benefits . when t ′ α is larger than 130 ms ( zone iii ), the velocity returns back to that of dc . as we have discussed , 130 ms is the time when the centroid of the droplet gets onto the second electrode . under this condition , ndap shows no more effect because its high driving efficiency works on both the front and trailing edges , which is actually a dragging force . balancing the velocity and electrode lifetime , we conclude that using α t ′ α just into the boundary of phase ii would be the optimized ndap signal . the beginning of phase ii may vary with different chemical or biological systems , which would require a calibration for each case . we tested the start point of phase ii with different driving voltages , different immerse oils and different sample components to investigate the variation . as shown in table 1 , raising u α from 15 to 25 v shortened the phase i period from 10 to 7 . 5 ms for a di water droplet in silicon oil ( 1 cst ). further increase in driving voltage does not affect the phase behavior of the droplet . we also studied the profile for a water droplet dispersed with stabilized 8 μm polysterin particles ( nano micro . ltd ) to mimic the biological samples with cells in the droplet . the phase behavior stays similar to that of pure deionized water . the beginning of phase ii takes place 2 . 5 ms earlier with a higher voltage than a just adequate driving voltage . for some biological applications which need heating up the samples , such as pcr , the high evaporation rate of the silicon oil ( 1 cst ) makes it inappropriate as an immerse oil . replacing it with thermal stable but more viscous oil is inevitable . we investigated the phase behavior of a water droplet in hexadecane ( 3 . 34 cst ) when u α is equal to 20 v to see if that would cause a necessary recalibration of the system . as shown in table 1 , the phase ii starts at 12 . 5 ms , which is about 50 % later than that in the silicon oil . however , the zone i to zone iii for di water droplet in hexadecane ( fig4 c ) is still consistent with the phenomenon that of in silicon oil , matching its beginning of phase ii ( boundary of zone i and ii ) and centroid time ( boundary of zone ii and iii ), which further confirmed our hypothesis . we admit that the phase behavior of a droplet varies in the range of 4 ms in different immerse oil . however , compared with the range of zone ii which is up to 130 ms in silicon oil or 250 ms in hexdecane , the off - optimization of this 4 ms is negligible . conservatively , one can use the optimized t ′ α at a low voltage for all ndap signals on aqueous droplets . as such , recalibration of the system for different applications is likely unnecessary . the above comparisons of performance are all between ndap and dc actuation signals as ndap is dc - based . in order to further test the performance of our new techniques , we modified our signal generating system and rerun the experiment for the velocity of droplet transportation and electrode lifetime of a ewod device . in the experiments of velocity determination , a droplet of di water ( 0 . 5 ul ) was transported from one electrode to the next under different actuation signals . the same electrodes were used for alternatively running dc , ac or ndap . the peak - values of all three signals were fixed at 15 v . in ndap signal , 15 ms t ′ α was used for the best driving performance . the charging of ac or dc was sustained till the movement was completed . therefore , the rms voltages of ac , dc and ndap were 15 v , 15 v and 11 . 27 v , respectively . the frequency of the ac signal was set at 1 khz . fig5 a is a diagram showing velocity comparisons of three different actuation signals according to one embodiment of the present disclosure . as shown in fig5 a , the droplet actuated by the ndap signal reached the target electrode in the shortest time (˜ 250 ms ), while dc signal took a longer time (˜ 300 ms ) and ac signal takes the longest time (˜ 400 ms ) to complete the droplet transportation . a droplet running across an 8 - electrode straight array was monitored to obtain the average velocity driven by dc , ac or ndap . the charging duration of dc and ac was empirically optimized at 300 ms and 400 ms , respectively , to complete a movement from one electrode to the next . the average velocity was calculated in the droplet movement disregarding whether the actuation signal stopped or not . fig5 b is a diagram showing average velocity of a droplet moving across an eight - electrode straight array according to fig5 a . as shown in fig5 b , ndap reached a velocity of 4 . 4 mm / s while dc gave 3 . 4 mm / s and ac only reached 2 . 9 mm / s . ndap enhanced the velocity by 26 . 8 % and 49 . 5 % when compared to dc and ac , respectively . according to the dielectric dispersion , the dielectric permittivity decreases as a function of frequency of the applied electric field . consequently , the ewod force induced by the dc electric field can be higher than that of ac , as well as the actuation velocity . generally , the dc - based actuation signal would give higher transportation efficiency . since ndap has low rms voltage we expected that the electrode lifetime with ndap would be longer than both dc and ac . to test this hypothesis we shuttled a droplet between two adjacent electrodes driven by dc , ac and ndap . the charging duration of dc and ac was set empirically at 250 ms and 400 ms . the electrode lifetime was determined when an electrode breakdown was monitored ( fig6 a ), although the droplet could still move in some cases . the dielectric layer was normally 250 nm in the experiments in this paper . as shown in fig6 b , the electrode did not show any sign of breakdown after 10 , 000 shuttles for all the three actuation signals at normal dielectric coating conditions . in order to touch the limit of electrode lifetime , we coated a batch of ewod device with critical thickness of 50 nm of dielectric layer which are prone to breakdown . as shown in fig6 b , ndap had an electrode lifetime about 3 times longer than that of dc with a value of 200 and 63 shuttles , respectively . this would be due to the lower rms value of ndap . but unexpectedly , ewod device actuated by ac were still robust even under those critical coating conditions . we suspect this may be attributed to the defects or impurities in the thin layer of dielectric material . for dielectric layer as thin as 50 nm , the number of defects and impurities dramatically increase , which causes charge trapping . according to poole - frenkel emission conduction mechanism , the trapped electrons can escape by thermal emission , and form current due to electrons ‘ jumping ’ from trap to trap . it was found that the charge trapping related leakage current is more obvious for dc - based signal than ac , resulting in a field stress in dc and ndap and the lowering of the electrode lifetime . however , in the dmf system , prior arts always coat a ewod device with thick enough dielectric layer for a robust performance . therefore , the lifetime of all the three actuation signals is same good in real usage . nevertheless , under some circumstances when the droplet contained charged materials such as protein or dna , dc based signals with the same polarity of charge as the sample would be desired , in order to eliminate the adhesion of those materials to the electrodes . in those cases , ndap would be preferable in the view of both velocity and electrode lifetime . another electrode - driving technique of present disclosure is cooperative electrodes ( ce ). ce is inspired by the fact that when a droplet is transported over a sequence of electrodes , the droplet suffers from deformation and local vibration , lowering the average v droplet , between the gap of the electrodes . in fact , the next target electrode can be early - charged before discharging the current one to regulate v droplet over a sequence of electrodes transportation . guided by the real - time droplet position feedback , the electrodes overlap charging time can be optimally calculated by the software engine , with no extra cost . also , ce is independent of the actuation waveform . fig7 a and 7b illustrate the cases of ndap and ndap + ce , whereas fig7 c and 7d depict the cases of simple dc and dc + ce , respectively . two crucial timing t ths and t thc are defined as : the leading edge of the droplet to reach the next electrode , and the droplet &# 39 ; s center to overlap with that of the target electrode , respectively . for ndap + ce , the charging is specialized to pulse the second electrode after t ths . for dc + ce , the charging of the two adjacent electrodes was overlapped . ce should be started right on time , requiring a feedback to track the droplet position in real time and perform self - optimization . the ce is triggered when the monitored position reaches the predefined thresholds t ths and t thc as shown in fig7 e . conventionally , when a droplet is transported over a row of electrodes , only one individual electrode is charged . it had been observed that v droplet decelerated significantly when the center of a droplet approached that of the electrode , being a main factor limiting the average v droplet . when we cooperatively charged two adjacent electrodes ( ce ), the deceleration phenomenon was greatly inhibited . fig8 shows the velocity of ndap ( 13 ms , t ′ α ) and dc enhanced by ce . obviously , at ˜ 0 . 95 mm , the minimum v droplet under ce was higher than that without enhancement . the same improvement can be seen on the dc case as well . as shown above ndap + ce had dramatically improved the transportation characteristics of a droplet between two adjacent electrodes compared with that driven by dc . a droplet moving across 12 electrodes arranged by a 2 × 6 matrix driven by either ndap + ce or dc only was monitored and studied . the traces of the centroids of the moving droplet are shown in fig9 a and 9b . it shows that when more electrodes were involved with the same running conditions , the enhancement was indeed more obvious . the dc signal charging time was fixed empirically at 260 ms ( just adequate to transport the droplet to the next electrode ) and t ′ α of ndap was 13 ms . the whole running time was set at 3 s such that the droplet driven by ndap + ce could complete a whole travel and return to the origin . however , during the same charging period , the droplet driven by dc only completed 10 electrodes . the average time for the droplet to move across single electrode for ndap + ce and dc signals were 223 and 260 ms , with average velocities of 4 . 48 and 3 . 84 mm / s , respectively . fig9 c is a diagram showing instantaneous velocity of droplet moving across the electrodes according to fig9 a - 9b . it can be seen that ndap + ce dramatically and reliably reduced the decrease of velocity between two adjacent electrodes . the velocity of ndap + ce at electrode no . 6 was smaller than that of dc . moreover , the total time of getting through the corner ( no . 6 , 7 and 8 ) was much shorter ( 620 ms ) than that of dc ( 780 ms ). the direction change toward electrode no . 7 of ndap + ce was also earlier than dc . this curved movement could be very useful in terms of quickly mixing / circulating of droplets on ewod device . as shown in fig9 c , when a droplet moves along an electrode , the velocity is not constant . it vibrates across each electrode . we analyzed the velocities in groups as maximum , minimum and in average to find out which part ndap + ce significantly enhanced to improve its overall transportation efficiency . fig9 d is a diagram showing average velocities of minimum / maximum instantaneous velocities and mean velocities across each electrode . as shown in fig9 d , the minimum velocities were greatly enhanced by 2 . 5 times by ndap + ce while the maximum velocities are comparable between ndap + ce and dc . this causes an overall increase in the average velocity of 16 . 6 % by ndap + ce . the significance of the data had been tested ( p & lt ; 0 . 01 ). raising the dc voltage could greatly improve the droplet transportation velocity . as a dc based manageable pulse actuation , ndap can be used at any voltage . in another word , no matter what dc voltage is used to improve the droplet transportation , switching to ndap + ce would gain another 15 % over the enhancement . especially for a high dc voltage , ndap + ce would be more preferred for its low rms value has less possibility in shortening the lifetime of the electrode due to dielectric breakdown . in summary , present disclosure has introduced two electrode - driving techniques , natural discharge after pulse ( ndap ) and cooperative electrodes ( ce ), with a real time feedback control in dmf system and speeded up the droplet movement beyond those achieved by conventional actuation signal via matching the droplet dynamics with the strength and duration of the applied electric field . the entire scheme involves only low - cost electronics and software programming . that gives the feasibility to be upgraded for further researches , customized to other applications , and easily repeated by others . although the present disclosure has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof , other embodiments are possible . therefore , the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention . in view of the foregoing , it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of this invention provided they fall within the scope of the following claims .	1
referring initially to fig1 a memory system 10 is shown for providing reliable memory access within a computer system 12 . the general computer architecture of the computer system 12 shown in fig1 is in common use . computer system 12 includes a processor 14 that is coupled through a bus 16 to the memory system 10 . processor 14 fetches computer instructions from the memory system 10 through bus 16 and executes the fetched computer instructions . processor 14 also reads data from and writes data to memory system 10 and a mass memory unit 18 , which is also coupled to bus 16 . the computer system 12 can be a personal computer made by international business machines corporation ( ibm ) of armonk , n . y . other digital processors , however , may be used , such as a laptop computer , mainframe computer , palmtop computer , personal assistant , or any other suitable processing apparatus . computer system 12 also includes one or more user input devices 20 , which can include without limitation a keyboard and an electronic pointing device such as a mouse , trackball , light pen , digitizing tablet , and / or touch - sensitive pad . a user manipulates input devices 20 to generate command signals through bus 16 to processor 14 which takes appropriate action in response thereto according to computer instructions fetched from memory system 10 . in response to computer instructions from memory system 10 , and sometimes in response to user generated command signals received from user input devices 20 , processor 14 transmits data and control signals to one or more output devices 22 for display to a user . output devices 22 can include without limitation printers and computer display devices such as cathode - ray tubes , light emitting diode displays and liquid crystal displays in any case , the processor 14 of the computer 12 accesses the memory device 10 to undertake the logic of the present invention , which may be executed by a processor as a series of computer - executable instructions . the instructions may be contained on a data storage device with a computer readable medium , such as a computer diskette 29 shown in fig2 having a computer usable medium 31 with code elements a , b , c and d stored thereon . or , the instructions may be stored on random access memory ( ram ) of the computer 12 , on a dasd array , or on magnetic tape , conventional hard disk drive , electronic read - only memory , optical storage device , or other appropriate data storage device . in an illustrative embodiment of the invention , the computer - executable instructions may be lines of c ++ code . indeed , the pseudocode listings shown herein illustrate the structure of the logic of the present invention as embodied in computer program software . those skilled in the art will appreciate that the pseudocode listings illustrate the structures of computer program code elements including logic circuits on an integrated circuit , that function according to this invention . manifestly , the invention is practiced in its essential embodiment by a machine component that renders the program code elements in a form that instructs a digital processing apparatus ( that is , a computer ) to perform a sequence of function steps corresponding to those shown . u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 295 , 218 and 3 , 542 , 756 , incorporated herein by reference , describe error correcting schemes that can use the cod one type of parity check code is referred to as low - density parity check codes ( ldpc ). ldpc codes can perform very close to the shannon capacity limit when their associated tanner graphs possess certain desirable properties . a ldpc code can be described by specifying its parity check matrix h , which is an m × n binary matrix . the name “ low density ” refers to the fact that the matrix h is very sparse . the “ length ” of the ldpc code is n and its “ rate ” is ( n − m )/ n . given a parity check matrix h , we can define its associated tanner graph g ( h )=( v , e ) as a bipartite graph with m + n vertices v ={ 1 , 2 , . . . , m , m + 1 , . . . m + n }. the first m vertices correspond to m parity check equations , and are referred to as the check nodes . the last n vertices are referred to as the bit nodes . for 1 ≦ i ≦ m and 1 ≦ j ≦ n , there is an edge ( i , m + j ) in e if and only if h i , j = 1 . this is illustrated in fig6 a and 6b , where we have a parity - check matrix and its corresponding tanner graph . fig6 c illustrates the concept of a cycle . in that figure there is a path from bit node 5 through several other nodes and back to bit node five . more specifically the path is b5 - c2 - b6 - c1 - b7 - c3 - b5 . the length of a path is given by the number of edges traversed . in this example , the length of the path is 6 . since the path begins and ends at the same node , the path is called a cycle . the length of the smallest cycle in a graph is known as its girth . this concept is illustrated in fig6 d . the importance of large girth stems from the fact that when decoding ldpc codes using the sum - product - decoding algorithm , the number of independent iterations of the algorithm is proportional to the girth of the tanner graph corresponding to the code . the present invention is concerned with the following design problem . given positive integers { a }=( a 1 , a 2 , . . . , a n ), { b }=( b 1 , b 2 , . . . , b m ), n , and m ; construct a m × n parity check matrix h with the largest possible girth such that h has exactly a j ones in each column j = 1 , 2 , . . . , n , at most b r ones in row r = 1 , 2 , . . . , m . the present invention utilizes a heuristic “ bit - filling ” algorithm for the above problem . this algorithm has a computational complexity of o ( bm 3 ), where b = 1 m  ∑ r = 1 m  b r . alternatively , a simpler version can be implemented using o ( bm 2 ) operations . the techniques of the present invention contrasts with the various ad - hoc , random constructions commonly used , which often have exponential time complexity , and hence , can be made to work only for small column weights and for small values of g ( for example , g = 6 ). as a benchmark , the algorithm of the invention finds better or comparable rates to some of the highest rate codes disclosed by d . j . c . mackay in “ encyclopedia of sparse graph codes ,” 1999 . the algorithm of the present invention can be easily adapted to the following important cases ( as well as others ): 1 ) “ fixed rate , high girth ”, which is defined as follows : given the number of check nodes m , the number of bit nodes , the check - degree distribution { b }, and bit - degree distribution { a } ( s   u   c   h   t   h   a   t   ∑ j = 1 n  a j = ∑ r = 1 m  b r ) , maximize the girth g ; and 2 ) “ fixed girth , fixed length , high rate ”, which is defined as follows : given the length of the code n , the bit - degree distribution { a }, and the girth g , minimize the number of check nodes , m , that is maximize the rate . in brief , the general idea of the bit filling algorithm used in the present invention is to first consider that a matrix h with n columns , ( n ≧ 0 ) is already constructed which already satisfies all the constraints , that is , the weight of the j th column is exactly a j , j = 1 , 2 , . . . , n , row r has weight at most b r , r = 1 , 2 , . . . , m , and the associated tanner graph g ≡ g ( h ) has girth at least g & gt ; g . the techniques of the present invention include processes for adding ( n + 1 ) th column to h . the new column to be added is considered to be a set u 1 which has size as most a n + 1 and is initially empty . the set u 1 is a set of check nodes and hence is a subset of m ≡{ 1 , 2 , . . . , m }. further , assume that i check nodes , 0 ≦ i & lt ; a n + 1 , have been already added to u 1 . the following procedure attempts to add ( i + 1 ) th check node to u 1 . it may fail , in which case the whole procedure stops . fig3 shows a pseudocode representation of the bit filling procedure outlined above in accordance with one embodiment of the invention . each iteration of the outer “ do . . . while ” loop in lines 3 - 17 attempts to add a column to the parity check matrix . if an iteration succeeds , then , in the beginning of the next iteration , line 4 updates the matrix . each iteration of the inner “ do . . . while ” loop in lines 6 - 15 attempts to add a check node to the set u 1 . to better understand the procedure it is helpful to think of the tanner graph g ; g has m check nodes and n bit nodes . the process of adding the ( n + 1 ) th column of h is like adding the ( n + 1 ) th bit node to g . in this context , u 1 can be thought of as the set of check nodes that have been already connected to the ( n + 1 ) th bit node that is being added . the process of adding a check node c * is like adding an edge from the ( n + 1 ) th bit to the c * th check node . this new edge must not create any cycles of length ( g − 2 ) or smaller . the following discussion describes a test to enforce this constraint . for a check node 1 ≦ c ≦ m , let n c denote the set of all check nodes that share a bit node with it . in other words , n c is the set of all check nodes that are exactly two distinct edges away from c . for j ≧ 2 , define u j as shown in equation ( 1 ) in fig4 . intuitively , there is a path of length 2 from every check node in u 2 to some check node in u 1 . now adding a check node c * to u 1 will create a path of length 2 from c * to every check node in u 1 . so if c * is in u 2 , then we are guaranteed a 4 - cycle . hence , to avoid 4 - cycles , we should avoid the check nodes in u 2 . continuing in this fashion , there is a path of length 2 from every check node in u j to some check node in u j − 1 , and hence there is a path of length at most 2j − 2 from every check node in u j to some check node in u 1 . thus , adding a check node in u j to u 1 will create a cycle of length 2j or smaller . hence , to satisfy the girth constraint , we should avoid adding check nodes in the set u , as defined in equation ( 2 ) in fig4 to u 1 . denote the set of check nodes that are connected to fewer than the maximum allowed number of bit nodes . then , the set of feasible check nodes that can be added to u 1 without violating the girth or the check - degree constraint is if f 0 is empty , the current girth is decreased , if g falls below g the procedure terminates . before discussing the issue of how to select a check node from f 0 , an efficient implementation of equation ( 2 ) will be discussed . it can be observed that , as check nodes are added to u 1 , it is computationally more efficient to incrementally update u in line 11 ( fig3 ) than recomputing it afresh using equations ( 1 )-( 2 ). specifically , if we have added a check node c to u 1 , then we set u 1 ( c )={ c } and for 2 ≦ j ≦( g / 2 )− 1 , compute u j ( c ) as shown in equation ( 3 ) in fig4 . then compute v ( g / 2 )− 1 ( c ) as shown in equation ( 4 ) in fig4 . finally , update u using u = u ∪ v ( g / 2 )− 1 ( c ). the main heuristic in accordance with the bit - filling algorithm will now be discussed . an important step of the bit filling algorithm is the choice of the check node c * εf 0 in line 9 of fig5 . while any choice of c * from f 0 is valid , judicious selection of c * is crucial to achieving high performance codes . technically , using back - tracking and recursion , every possible choice can be tried , and then “ conditioned ” on that choice try every future choice , etc ., thus searching through an extremely large tree of possibilities . unfortunately , while optimal , such exhaustive search is computationally infeasible . also , a large number of choices actually lead to isomorphic graphs and are thus equivalent from our perspective . the role of heuristics is to pick one seemingly effective and yet computationally feasible , path through this huge tree of possibilities . in accordance with one embodiment of the invention , we let the choice of c * in line 9 of fig3 be guided by the simple principle of keeping the tanner graph as homogeneous as possible , that is , from the set of all feasible check nodes , pick the check node that has the smallest weight , w ( c ). the weight function w ( c ) plays a fundamental role in determining the choice of check nodes to put in u 1 . different choices of the weight function will lead to different results . in our preferred embodiment , the weight function will be the degree of the check node . another example of a good weight function is the sum of the degrees of the bit nodes that are connected to the check node . choosing to use the degree of the check node as the weight function amounts to keeping all parts of the graph equally dense . also , from the perspective of the ( n + 1 ) th bit node that is being added , this choice connects it to the check node that is least used . the next discussion explains how to make the choice more precise . initially , as a first try , a subset of f 0 is examined , namely f 1 , which is defined by equation ( 5 ) in fig4 . f 1 is the set of check nodes in f 0 that have the smallest weight . as a first order heuristic , we may simply choose c to be any element of f 1 . these heuristics will be referred to as “ 1 − h ”, meaning first - order homogeneity . it can be shown that this first - order heuristic already yields quite competitive codes ( when using the 1 − h , it might be preferable to use the sum of the degrees of the bits connected to the check node as the weight function ). typically while f 1 is smaller than f 0 , it does not uniquely determine a check node . to further narrow available choices , we look once more to homogeneity . the idea is to look at the degrees of check nodes that are two edges away from the check nodes in f 1 . f 2 can be written as shown in no . eq . 6 in fig4 where v 2 (.) is as in equation ( 4 ). now we may try selecting a check node from f 2 . h further narrow the set of choices , we may look at the degrees of check nodes that are four edges away from the check nodes in f 1 , and can continue in this fashion . the basic idea can be described in the pseudocode listing shown in fig5 . the idea is to progressively look at larger and larger neighborhoods of the feasible check nodes in order to distinguish them . this heuristic is referred to as “ c - h ” for “ complete homogeneity ”. the “ while . . . endwhile ” loop in line 9 c - 9 i in fig5 terminates when the set of choices reduces to a set of cardinality one , or until the set of choices does not further reduce cardinality . the set e j in line 9 h contains all check nodes in f j such that their neighborhood can be further enlarged . the loop terminates if e j ≠ f j , since in this case , the check nodes in e j are guaranteed to be less homogeneous than the check nodes in f j \ e j . furthermore , since , using homogeneity as our guide , we cannot further distinguish between the elements of f j \ e j , we simply make some choice from this set . specifically , we select the lexicographically smallest check node from this set . the bit - filling technique of the present invention offers more flexibility in the code design parameters than conventional techniques . for example , one may choose to trade - off the bit error rate performance against the code rate . furthermore , while the above discussion addressed the task of maximizing the girth given constraints on the number of check nodes , the number of bit nodes , the check - degree distribution , and the bit - degree distribution , the present invention can be used for cases where it is desirable to maximize the rate r given the number of check nodes m , and the bit - degree distribution { a }. the present invention can be adapted to this case as follows . simply apply the algorithm with given parameters m , { a }, { b }, g , and some initial girth . set n = infinity , and run the algorithm until g falls below g . the number of bit nodes allocated at that point is the maximum number of bit nodes achievable by the bit - filling algorithm . furthermore , the present invention can be used to maximize the rate given a fixed girth g and fixed length n , and fixed column weight distribution { a }. this is done by trying different values of m where g , n , and { a } are fixed . this may be done in a binary search mode by selecting the smallest m that achieves the desired length . the method described above can be used for any bit - degree distribution { a } regardless of the ordering of the elements , a k , in the sequence . however , the performance of the resulting ldpc codes depends on the order chosen . in our preferred embodiment , we order the bit degrees so that a 1 a 2 . . . a n . this ordering of the bit degrees during the construction process prevents the appearance of short cycles containing only bits with small degree in the resulting ldpc parity check matrix . consider fig6 . let us define the graph gn to be the graph associated to the parity check matrix after n bits have been allocated . then the resulting sequence of graphs has the property that girth ( g 1 )≧ girth ( g 2 )≧ . . . ≧ girth ( g n ). also , let g ( d ) be the subgraph of graph g obtained be retaining only the nodes that have degree at most d . let g be the graph corresponding to the final ldpc parity - check matrix output by the present bit - filling algorithm . if the bit degrees used for the bit - filling algorithm are ordered from smallest to largest as explained above in our preferred embodiment , i . e ., a 1 ≦ a 2 ≦ . . . ≦ a n , then it follows that girth ( g ( 1 ))≧ girth ( g ( 2 ))≧ . . . ≧ d is the largest degree in g . that is , the graph g corresponding to the code that is generated by the bit - filling algorithm has the property that the subgraphs of g containing only bit nodes of small degree have large girth . more precisely , the graph g corresponding to the code that is generated by the bit - filling algorithm has the property that girth ( g ( 1 ))≧ girth ( g ( 2 ))≧ . . . ≧ girth ( g ( d )), where d is the largest degree in g . moreover , in one non - limiting preferred embodiment the bit - filling starts with a large girth constraint , e . g ., g = g ′≧ m / 2 + 1 to guarantee that no cycles are formed until it is impossible to add a bit without forming a cycle . that is , the graph starts out as a tree . while the particular system and method for generating low density parity check codes using bit - filling as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the above - described objects of the invention , it is to be understood that it is the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention and is thus representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention , that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art , and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims , in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “ one and only one ” unless explicitly so stated , but rather “ one or more ”. all structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above - described preferred embodiment that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims . moreover , it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention , for it to be encompassed by the present claims . furthermore , no element , component , or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element , component , or method step is explicitly recited in the claims . no claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 u . s . c . § 112 , sixth paragraph , unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “ means for ” or “ steps for ”.	7
fig1 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention where a motor 9 provides power for the actuator . motor power is transmitted through a worm 8 and a worm wheel 81 to a screw shaft 5 . rotary movement of the screw shaft 5 is further transformed to linear movement by screw nut 4 . when driving tube 3 , engaged to screw nut 4 , reaches the shortening limit position , screw nut 4 will press the trigger button of shortening limit switch 61 and disconnect the current of the motor 9 , which will stop the driving tube 3 . at this shortening limit position , driving tube 3 can only be driven outwards . as shown in fig1 the trigger button of shortening and extending limit switches 61 , 62 are both pressed at this shortening limit position . when driving tube 3 moving outwards , and reaches its extending limit position , as shown in fig2 screw nut 4 will push against an end cap 22 of external tube 2 and force this external tube 2 to move along . a spring clip 21 , which fixed on a groove of external tube 2 , will press on a compressing spring 7 located in the chamber of the actuator housing 1 . the external tube will keep moving outwards until its right end leaves the trigger button of extending limit switch 62 and disconnects the current of motor 9 to stop the driving tube . at this extending limit position , the driving tube can only be driven inwards . as shown in fig2 limit switches 61 and 62 are deactivated . when the actuator is operated in shortening mode , compressing spring 7 will push external tube 2 backwards so that the right end of the external tube contacts again with limit switch 62 . this will cause the driving tube again in a position where it can be operated either in outwards or inwards directions . during this circumstance , extending limit switch 62 is activated , and shortening limit switch 61 is deactivated . to implement the above stated travel limit function , the control logic of limit switches is particularly designed in such a way that : when shortening limit switch 61 is not activated by screw nut 4 and extending limit switch 62 is activated by the right end of external tube 2 , driving tube 3 is able to move outwards or inwards . when shortening limit switch 61 is triggered by screw nut 4 and extending limit switch 62 is activated by external tube 2 , driving tube 3 is only able to move outwards . when both the limit switches are not triggered , driving tube 3 is only able to move inwards . when shortening limit switch 61 is triggered by screw nut 4 and extending limit switch 62 is not activated by external tube 2 , the entire mechanism of actuator might fail , for instance , the compressing spring 7 lost its elasticity . in this case , driving tube 3 will not be driven by motor 9 to avoid further damage caused to actuator . in this preferred embodiment , as shown in fig3 both limit switches 61 and 62 are mounted on circuit board 6 . between limit switch 61 and circuit board 6 is a spacer 6 , so that the position of limit switch 61 is slightly higher than the position of limit switch 62 . this is to ensure that the trigger of limit switch 61 by screw nut 4 does not interfere the trigger of limit switch 62 by the external tube . to simplify the assembly task of circuit board 6 into actuator housing 1 , the housing of actuator is specially designed to have insert slots 12 , 13 and a protrusion pad 11 , which help to position the circuit board and guide the limit switches during assembly . when circuit board 6 is inserted into slots 12 and 13 , protrusion pad 11 will separate limit switches 61 and 62 , but still remains contact with circuit board 6 . this structure ensures that the trigger of limit switches by screw nut 4 and external tube 2 will not remove circuit board 6 from its original position , so that the travel limit function could be secured and guaranteed . trigger buttons of the limit switches on circuit board 6 are purposely arranged in a straight line , as shown in fig4 which is parallel to the axis of the external tube . with this particular arrangement , the activities of these limit switches , if compared to existing solutions , are less sensitive to vertical deformation of the external tube as well as to the assembly tolerance between the limit switches , the screw nut and the external tube . in this preferred embodiment , limit switches are used to implement travel limit function . this overcomes drawback of motor over - current approach in which travel limit function is not reliable . since the two limit switches and its control circuit are positioned outside the external tube , dimension of the external tube and the actuator can be drastically reduced . the housing is designed to have two insert slots and a protrusion pad so that limit switches module can be easily inserted into the housing , which reduces assembly cost and time . when the travel limit positions are changed , only dimension of the screw shaft and external tube should be altered , the limit switches , and its control circuit need not be modified as what stated in the prior art . having described the preferred embodiment of this invention with reference to the attached drawings , it is understood that this invention is not only limited to the mentioned embodiments , and various changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims .	8
referring to fig1 a , a schematic block diagram representing a first embodiment of a locomotive turbocharger system 100 is shown and includes a turbocharger re - circulation valve 102 having a valve actuation device 103 , an air filter box 104 , a turbocharger compressor portion 106 , a main intercooler device 108 and a locomotive engine 110 , wherein locomotive engine 110 includes an intake manifold 112 and an exhaust manifold 114 . air filter box 104 includes an air inlet 116 and an air outlet 118 , turbocharger compressor portion 106 includes a turbocharger compressor inlet 120 , a turbocharger compressor outlet 122 , a turbocharger turbine exhaust inlet 124 and a turbocharger turbine exhaust outlet 126 . main intercooler device 108 includes a main intercooler inlet 128 and a main intercooler outlet 130 . intake manifold 112 includes an intake inlet 132 and an intake outlet 134 and exhaust manifold 114 includes an exhaust inlet 136 and an exhaust outlet 138 . in this embodiment , the main intercooler outlet 130 is in flow communication with the turbocharger re - circulation valve 102 to direct a cooled compressed air back into air filter box 104 . referring to fig1 b , a schematic block diagram representing a second embodiment of a locomotive turbocharger system 100 is shown and includes a turbocharger re - circulation valve 102 having a valve actuation device 103 , an air filter box 104 , a turbocharger compressor portion 106 , a main intercooler device 108 and a locomotive engine 110 , wherein locomotive engine 110 includes an intake manifold 112 and an exhaust manifold 114 . air filter box 104 includes an air inlet 116 and an air outlet 118 , turbocharger compressor portion 106 includes a turbocharger compressor inlet 120 , a turbocharger compressor outlet 122 , a turbocharger turbine exhaust inlet 124 and a turbocharger turbine exhaust outlet 126 . main intercooler device 108 includes a main intercooler inlet 128 and a main intercooler outlet 130 . intake manifold 112 includes an intake inlet 132 and an intake outlet 134 and exhaust manifold 114 includes an exhaust inlet 136 and an exhaust outlet 138 . in contrast to fig1 a , in this embodiment , the turbocharger compressor outlet 122 is in flow communication with the turbocharger re - circulation valve 102 to direct a compressed air back into air filter box 104 . it should be appreciated that , as shown in fig2 , an additional embodiment of locomotive turbocharger system 100 is shown and includes an optional intercooler device 140 having an optional intercooler inlet 142 and an optional intercooler outlet 144 may be included , as required . this may be utilized to satisfy new emission standards that require the air temperature of the air stream going into the intake manifold to be approximately equal to 100 ° fahrenheit . it should also be appreciated that one or both of main intercooler device 108 and / or optional intercooler device 140 may be any type of intercooler device suitable to the desired end purpose , such as a water based intercooler device and / or an air to air intercooler device , and / or any combination thereof . referring back to fig1 a , locomotive turbocharger system 100 operates as follows . as the locomotive turbocharger system 100 is operated , ambient air is drawn into air filter box 104 via air inlet 116 , as represented by arrow 146 . air filter box 104 filters this air and discharges the filtered air out of air outlet 118 and into turbocharger compressor portion 106 via turbocharger compressor inlet 120 , as represented by arrow 148 . turbocharger compressor portion 106 compresses the filtered air and discharges the compressed air out of turbocharger compressor outlet 122 and into main intercooler device 108 via main intercooler inlet 128 , as represented by arrow 150 . prior to being introduced into main intercooler device 108 , the compressed air typically reaches temperatures of approximately 400 ° fahrenheit . this air is cooled by main intercooler device 108 and discharged via main intercooler outlet 130 . at this point , the temperature of the air stream coming out of main intercooler outlet 130 is approximately 200 ° fahrenheit . as can be seen , one portion of this discharged air stream is directed toward the locomotive engine 110 and the remaining portion of the discharged air stream is directed toward valve actuation device 103 . the portion of this air stream directed toward engine 110 is directed into intake manifold 112 via intake inlet 132 , as represented by arrow 152 , and out of intake manifold 112 and into locomotive engine 110 . as the locomotive engine 110 operates , this air stream is used to help create combustion after which the resultant is exhausted out of locomotive engine 110 and into exhaust manifold 114 via exhaust inlet 136 . exhaust manifold 114 then discharges this exhaust out of exhaust outlet 138 and into turbocharger turbine exhaust inlet 124 , as represented by arrow 154 . turbocharger turbine portion 107 then discharges this exhaust via turbocharger turbine exhaust outlet 126 , as represented by arrow 158 . the portion of the air stream discharged from main intercooler device 108 directed toward valve actuation device 103 is directed into the air flow of the ambient air being drawn into air filter box 104 via air inlet 116 , as represented by arrow 156 . this causes the cold ambient air and the redirected warmer air represented by arrow 156 to be combined , thus acting to warm the air stream flow being drawn into air filter box 104 . thus , the warmer air acts to prevent the build up of snow and / or ice that may block air inlet 116 . moreover , the opened valve acts to hold the intake manifold pressure so as to not exceed the rated cylinder pressure . for example , referring to fig3 , consider an operating environment at higher altitudes where the ambient air temperature is very low . during the initial operation of the locomotive in this environment ( i . e . higher altitude and cold ambient air temperature ), the initial gross horse power ( ghp ) is typically at a de - rated value and the manifold air temperature ( mat ) may be high . unfortunately , these conditions are favorable for driving the operating characteristics of the locomotive close to or beyond the recommended operating parameters of the locomotive , represented in fig3 as the surge line 202 , possibly causing damage to the locomotive turbocharger compressor portion 106 . this is because as the locomotive begins to operate in this environment , the cold ambient air is being drawn into the air inlet 116 of the air filter box 104 . the air filter box 104 filters this air and discharges the filtered air out of the air outlet 118 and into the turbocharger compressor portion 106 via the turbocharger compressor inlet 120 . the turbocharger compressor portion 106 compresses the filtered air and discharges the compressed air out of the turbocharger compressor outlet 122 , wherein the compressed air being discharged out of the turbocharger compressor outlet 122 typically reaches temperatures of approximately 400 ° fahrenheit . as such , there is a considerable temperature differential between the inlet airflow and the outlet airflow which is a result of a compressor outlet pressure , p out , that is considerably larger than the compressor inlet pressure , p in . plotting the ratio of the compressor outlet pressure , p out , to the compressor inlet pressure , p in , versus the corrected airflow through the turbocharger gives a graphical representation of the corrected operating characteristics of the turbocharger relative to the surge line 202 , as shown in fig3 . ideally , the locomotive should be operating well within the operating range identified as element 210 . however , as can be seen , in the environment stated above , the turbocharger may be operating at or exceeding the design parameters of the turbocharger system 100 . to counter this , a recirculation valve is used to re - circulate a portion of at least one of the compressed air and the cooled compressed air ( cooled via the intercooler device 108 , although at a much higher temperature than the ambient air ) back into at least one of the compressor inlet 120 and the airflow inlet 116 which increases the temperature of at least one of the airflow into the airflow inlet 116 and the airflow into the compressor inlet 120 . although increasing the temperature of the airflow into at least one of the compressor inlet 120 and the airflow inlet 116 translates into a slightly richer fuel / air mixture by introducing a slightly smaller number of air molecules into the compressor , the change in airflow through the compressor from this is relatively insignificant and does not significantly affect the turbine speed . opening the recirculation valve 102 results in a decrease in boost pressure and turbo speed , the main cause being that by opening the recirculation valve 102 the turbocharger backpressure is reduced and the engine appears to the turbocharger system 100 to be a much larger engine . as such , the compressor outlet pressure , p out , is reduced while the compressor inlet pressure , p in , remains relatively the same , translating to a lower ratio between the compressor outlet pressure , p out , and the compressor inlet pressure , p in . again , referring to fig3 , graphically this has the affect of ‘ moving ’ the initial operating point 200 away from the surge line 202 of the turbocharger 100 by shifting the initial operating point 200 down and to the left to an intermediate operating point 204 for the locomotive having a de - rated ghp . as the locomotive engine 110 continues to operate , the intermediate operating point 204 shifts to a final operating point 206 , as represented by arrow 162 , which represents the locomotive engine operating at a full ghp , but well within the surge margin operating range 210 . as shown by fig4 and 5 , these ideal operational characteristics were verified via multiple tests at both sea level ( fig4 ) and at a higher altitude ( fig5 ). referring to fig4 , as the locomotive engine 110 was operated , the locomotive engine 110 was operating at an initial operating point 301 close to the baseline surge margin 302 . as the compressed air was re - circulated back into the ambient air flow via the re - circulation valve 102 the operating characteristics shifted down and to the right of the surge margin 302 to an intermediate operating point 304 . as the locomotive engine 110 continued to operate and adjust to the re - circulated flow the operating characteristics of the locomotive engine 110 began to operate at a greater efficiency as represented by the final operating point 306 , well within the surge margin operating range 310 . referring to fig6 , a block diagram illustrating a method 600 for controlling the operating point of a locomotive engine 110 operating at high altitude and in low ambient temperatures is shown and includes operating the locomotive engine 110 to generate an ambient air stream flow into the locomotive engine such that a hot , compressed air stream is generated , as shown in block 602 . the hot , compressed air stream is then injected into a main intercooler device 108 to generate an intercooler air stream , as shown in block 604 . a portion of the intercooler air stream is then diverted toward a controllable re - circulation valve , such as turbocharger re - circulation valve 102 , as shown in block 606 , and the controllable re - circulation valve is operated to generate a combined air stream flow , as shown in block 608 . this is accomplished by injecting the intercooler air stream into the ambient air stream flow such that the intercooler air stream and the ambient air stream combine together to create a combined air stream flow . at this point , the combined air stream flow is injected into the locomotive engine , as shown in block 610 . valve actuation device 103 functions in a manner responsive to the ambient air conditions ( such as temperature , etc . ), the altitude of the locomotive and a higher horse power . it should also be appreciated that valve actuation device 103 may be controlled manually and / or via any device and / or method suitable to the desired end purpose , such as computer controlled , pneumatically controlled , mechanically controlled , electrically controlled or any combination thereof . it should be appreciated that , as shown in fig2 , an optional intercooler device 140 having an optional intercooler inlet 142 and an optional intercooler outlet 144 may be included , as required . this may be utilized to satisfy new emission standards that require the air temperature of the air stream going into the intake manifold to be approximately equal to 100 ° fahrenheit . it should also be appreciated that one or both of main intercooler device 108 and / or optional intercooler device 140 may be any type of intercooler device suitable to the desired end purpose , such as a water based intercooler device and / or an air to air intercooler device , and / or any combination thereof . in addition to improvements in cold ambient fuel consumption , re - circulating the air back into the air filter box also warms the baggie filters and acts to reduce ice build - up , eliminates the need to control cylinder pressure by de - rating ghp on cold days and improves surge margin under conditions of cold ambient and high mat . while the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes , omissions and / or additions may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . in addition , many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope thereof . therefore , it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention , but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims . moreover , unless specifically stated any use of the terms first , second , etc . do not denote any order or importance , but rather the terms first , second , etc . are used to distinguish one element from another .	5
as can be seen in fig1 , an interactive billboard - type garment is shown capable of indoor and outdoor day and night display and capable of transmitting or receiving audio or visual content either directly applied to the garment or through visual recognition communication cloud connected devices which may include mediated or augmented reality head - mounted eyepiece components . the equipment may be equipped with video cameras , microphones , speakers , satellite transceiver equipment , gps ( global positioning system ) equipment , incoming and outgoing wireless communication devices , chroma - key technology components and radio transmission equipment . in some embodiments , the ipops ™ content may be distributed remotely through cloud based transmissions or on - site through hard - wired electronic devices . an ipops ™ video display surface is a radiant , full - color or black and white video screen , which is visible both at day and at night and is capable of displaying both still and motion picture imagery or a combination of both . in a preferred embodiment , the video screen is implemented by covering an ipops ™ video display with black and white pixels to millions of red , green , and blue light - emitting diodes ( or a combination thereof ), which are computer controlled . in certain embodiments , the billboard - type garment may provide stereoscopic 2d to multi - dimensional ( 3d , 4d . . . etc ) images to viewers who may be wearing head - mounted stereoscopic liquid crystal or multi - dimensional augmented reality ( ar ) glasses or utilizing handheld mobile devices to access additional content as are known in the art . in some cases , ipops ™ radio transmission equipment may be used to provide the necessary synchronization signal to such head - mounted liquid crystal or mediated or augmented reality eyepiece connected to wireless mobile device ( s ) to access additional content displayed through the head - mounted eyepiece or a combination thereof as are known in the art . under certain circumstances , an ipops ™ may provide audio as well as video . audio programming may be delivered to viewers by an ipops ™ in a number of ways . for example , audio may be delivered via an ipops ™&# 39 ; s on - garment speaker system . as another example , an ipops ™ may use its radio transmission equipment to transmit analog or digital audio information from the ipops ™ audio system to a non - garment wearing consumer &# 39 ; s mobile device through wireless transmission communication . such transmitted audio information may be received , for example , by portable receiver units , mobile devices ( such as mobile phones or tablets ) and / or wearable head - mounted mediated or augmented reality eyepiece hardware connected to a wireless device ( s ) possessed by a billboard - type garment wearer or any combination of these components . audio / video programming for an ipops ™ may be provided in a number of ways . for example , content may be stored on mass storage situated on a local site or through a cloud based computer system . alternately , content may be transmitted wirelessly to an ipops ™ via satellite and / or conventional radio frequency and / or wireless transmission signals or any combination thereof . the programming may originate from a studio where artists and / or other individuals generate and coordinate the imagery or audio content that is shown or heard on an ipops ™. the studio is ideally equipped with powerful graphical workstations running advanced creative software such as maya , final cut pro , avid , montage , adobe photoshop or any other audio or video production software as known in the art . in some embodiments , the artists and / or other individuals may blend into the content images and sounds received via an ipops ™ embedded garment camera ( s ). under certain circumstances , advertisements may be placed upon an ipops ™ by the studio . in other embodiments , multiple locations may broadcast the same live or pre - recorded audio and / or video content simultaneously creating a simulcast event which may include employee training videos , concerts , instant replays or any other content or indicia that may be broadcasted . the website and / or mobile application ( app ), depending on the embodiment , may play a number of roles in the operation of an ipops ™. as noted above , the website and / or mobile application ( app ) may be used for the submission of artwork to be incorporated into an ipops ™&# 39 ; s content . software for creating such submissions may be downloadable from the website and / or mobile application ( app ). the website and / or mobile application ( app ) may also be used to provide web or app users with real - time views captured by an ipops ™&# 39 ; s camera ( s ) and / or with the content currently being delivered by an ipops ™. for example , when an ipops ™ is in a retail outlet , web and / or mobile application ( app ) users may see live views in the retail location and hear live sounds captured by an ipops ™&# 39 ; s cameras and built - in microphones . the web and / or mobile application ( app ) users might also be able to choose to hear and see the audio and video being delivered from the ipops ™ to the people in the retail location , concert , sporting event or any other indoor or outdoor environments which includes live or pre - recorded audio and / or video simulcast event broadcasting . an operational day for an ipops ™ billboard - type garment is now given by way of example . in the morning , an employee shows up to work and retrieves his / her fully charged ipops ™ billboard - type garment from an electronic garment charging system that holds a freshly cleaned and pressed ipops ™ garment provided by a ipops ™ licensed or designated industrial laundry service provider . simultaneously , the ipops ™ interactive video display panel ™, rfid tag , atom chip sound system , data and mobile device communication system , eyepiece , earpiece , gaming transmitter , near field communication device , smell disseminator , gps location system and holographic projector and wearable eyepiece with wireless sound device and microphone are activated by the ipops ™ control team , either located on - site or from a remote location , which maintains constant communication with the ipops ™ billboard - type garment ( s ). the control team , computers and communication equipment monitor each of ipops ™&# 39 ; s users . the ipops ™&# 39 ; s billboard - type garment user could travel throughout a retail store displaying content . at some point , the ipops ™ can change the content on the ivdp ™ as the electronic transmitters are communicating with the ivdp ™ to change its video content based on pre - determined transmitters located throughout the retailer or may display simulcasted broadcasts from the ipops ™ control team &# 39 ; s cloud based or other computer network or through wearable head - mounted augmented reality eyepiece hardware connected to wireless handheld devices possessed by viewers , or a combination of these components . consumers can interact with the ipops ™ by using a mobile wireless device ( including but not limited to a head mounted eyepiece ) that can be activated by qr codes ( mobile action codes ) that are displayed on the ivdp allowing consumers to receive text messages , coupons , internet website links , entry into contests or any other electronic proposition the ipops ™ system may deliver . the ipops ™ will collect critical consumer data via the ipops ™ electronic data collection transfer to later use to engage with ipops ™ customers or third party vendors utilizing their hard - wired or wireless devices at its discretion . the ipops ™ will also include an opt - in signature from the consumer allowing the ipops ™ network to engage with the consumer at a time in the future as is standard in the industry . as the employee travels throughout the store , the smell disseminator may release the “ bread in the oven ” smell as the employee travels near the bakery section or a “ fresh irish spring soap ” scent may be disseminated as the employee travels through the men &# 39 ; s health and beauty aisle of the store , enticing consumers to purchase products that are in the vicinity of the scents . as a consumer approaches an employee wearing an ipops ™ garment and / or eyepiece , and the on - garment or eyepiece microphone picks up a question asked by the consumer and the data communication system relays the question back to the ipops ™ network and relays the answer back to the employee who then tells the consumer the answer to their question which all happens in a matter of seconds . the employee may see the answer to the consumer via the eyepiece heads up display ( hud ) and may also give gps mapping directions to a specific product location in the store . in addition , the employee may look at a barcode ( data matrix code or multi dimensional code or tag ) and the eyepiece code ( or tag ) reader can display product information , pricing or access the data communication system to access additional specifics about the item being viewed by the eyepiece . as the consumer walks by the employee they wave their mobile device near the employee and instantly receive customer loyalty points , are entered into a contest or receive coupons delivered straight to their wireless device that relate to the advertisement being displayed on the ipops ™ interactive video display panel ™ or for a product that was discussed with the employee that was answered through the ipops ™ data communication system . store security has no problems identifying their employees from consumers due to the gps locator device installed in the ipops ™ garment and it is easy to track their movements and break periods throughout the day while they are on - premise . consumers may also be invited to play a game for rewards such as a scavenger hunt while they are in - store based on different propositions that may appear on the ipops ™ interactive video display panel ™. as an employee walks down an aisle , the atom chip installed in the ipops ™ garment can identify from one to many consumers by age , race and nationality and the ipops ™ interactive video display panel ™ can instantly switch an advertisement to meet the exact demographics of the consumers who are looking at the ipops ™ interactive video display panel ™. the data communication may collect the generalized data and process the number of consumers , the captured data ( age , gender and nationality ), time of viewing , what content was viewed and generate real - time dashboard vitalytics ™ reports via the ipops ™ network and charge advertisers based on the content provided . a consumer may walk down an aisle and see an employee wearing an ipops ™ garment displaying a multi - dimensional holographic image within close proximity of the employee which could ask and answer questions from a consumer or play a full - motion advertisement or video content with audio being broadcast by the embedded speakers in the employee ipops ™ garment or wirelessly transmitted to a consumer &# 39 ; s wireless device , earpiece or eyepiece capable of receiving audio and / or video content . it can be seen that there is disclosed an interactive point of purchase billboard - type garment system . the invention comprises the addition of interactive mobile action code technology ( mac ), to the billboard - type garment that includes and is not limited to : wireless delivery of electronic transmission of smartcodes or one to many dimensional coded images inclusive and not limited to data matrix , qr - quick response , eyelevel interactive ™ codes “ ei ™ codes ”, cloudtag ™ technology codes , aztec codes or any version of a mobile action code ( mac ) or multi dimensional code or tag , or visual search results utilizing pictures to identify objects . response including but not limited to electronic data , images , video or any other electronic information to a wireless device ( handheld , head - mounted eyepiece , affixed to a body or embedded into a garment or garment panel , or human being flesh that is delivered by capturing a dimensional image code or visual search code that initiates communication with a wireless communication device whether delivered by a one or many dimensional image placed on a garment or re - moveable or interchangeable garment panel and / or a removable interactive video display panel ( ivdp ™). addition of an interactive video display panel ™ system ( ivdp ™), which includes and is not limited to : a removable ivdp ™ that is affixed to the garment utilizing the billboard - type garment / ipops ™ panel system . ivdp ™ is powered by a mobile power source that is embedded into the billboard - type garment and / or the ivdp ™ panel . source power includes but is not limited to re - chargeable lithium cell or hydrogen fuel cell batteries . ivdp ™ surface may display black and white , or radiant full color video on the screen displaying both still and / or motion picture imagery . in a preferred embodiment , the video screen is implemented by covering the panel portion of the garment and has millions of light - emitting diodes ( led ), full - color organic light emitting diode ( oled ) video display , electronic paper ( e - paper ) or a combination of the aforementioned display technology and / or any other video display mechanism that are computer controlled . in certain embodiments , the ivdp ™ may provide stereoscopic 3d or multi - dimensional images to viewers that are wearing liquid crystal glasses or through wearable head - mounted augmented reality eyepiece hardware connected to wireless devices possessed by viewers , or a combination of these components such as are known in the art . in some cases , a ipops ™ radio transmission equipment may be used to provide the necessary audio synchronization signal to such liquid crystal glasses or head - mounted augmented reality eyepiece hardware connected to wireless devices possessed by viewers , or a combination of these components . under certain circumstances , an ivdp ™ system may provide audio as well as video . audio programming may be delivered to viewers by a ipops ™&# 39 ; s garment embedded speakers , headphones , ear buds or audio source built in to head - mounted eyepiece hardware . addition of interactive embedded radio frequency identification ( rfid ) tag , which includes but is not limited to : embedded radio frequency identification ( rfid ) tag within garment or a removable or interchangeable garment panel and / or a removable interactive video display panel ™ ( ivdp ™); which allows a company to track the location and location history of its personnel within a pre - determined geographical radius that is monitored by a wireless tracking system . the rfid may also help identify an employee from a consumer / civilian . rfid tag may also be used in symphony with the ivdp ™ for the purpose of being able to remotely switch the content via a wireless network feed . for example , while a person is wearing garment with a combination of a billboard - type garment with ivdp ™ and a programmed rfid tag , the content of transmitted wireless electronic data , images , video to the ivdp ™ can be electronically switched based on strategic placement of live or pre - programmed rfid transmitting devices . this may also include simulcast broadcasting as known in the art . addition of atom chip ( ac ), which includes but is not limited to : embedded interactive atom chip , which communicates in tandem with the ipops ™ and identifies specific viewer information such as the age , gender , and nationality of one , or a multitude of viewers , and is programmed to determine the specific electronic content to be delivered to the viewer ( s ) audience . the ac may also be used in symphony with the ivdp ™ and rfid tags for the purpose of being able to remotely switch the content via a wireless network feed . for example , while a person is wearing a billboard - type garment in conjunction with an ivdp ™, a programmed rfid ™ tag and an atom chip , the content of transmitted wireless electronic data , images , video or any other electronic information to a ivdp ™ can be automatically switched based on the age , gender , and nationality of one , or a multitude of viewers . ipops ™ ac technology also allows for transmission of sensitive and relevant consumer data to be stored , retrieved , accessed and displayed on an ipops ™ vitalytics ™ dashboard . ipops ™ ac technology can automatically collect the time or viewing , and number of viewers , creating an advertising matrix for charging on a pay - per - view platform . addition of interactive near or far frequency communication ( nfc or ffc ) transmitter ( s ), which includes but is not limited to : creating a connection between two chips ; one chip installed in a wireless communication device ( for example , a smartphone ) and a second chip embedded in a garment that together utilize high - frequency transmissions through the air ( wireless ) to communicate to each other allowing data , images , sound , wireless transactional data or any other information that may be developed for distribution between the two communication devices . for example , with frequency communication transmitters built into the wireless communication devices and the garment ( the ivdp ™ system ), consumers can waive their mobile phones at a frequency communication transmitter ( fct tag ) and obtain context - sensitive information such as product information , wireless coupons , customer loyalty points , discounts or opportunities for consumers to be instantly entered into a contest or utilized as a check out point in the store to pay for purchases directly through the ipops ™ garment network . another example of frequency communication transmitter is a wireless communication device user (“ user ”) utilizing near frequency communication (“ nfc ”) passes by a person that has a near frequency communication transmitter embedded in their garment ( pants , shirt , hat , shoes or any other wearable garment including human flesh ) that allows the user to receive context - sensitive information that will allow the user to instantly collect information that allows the user to view , research and / or purchase , the garment or other proposed purchase through the transmission ( with the embedded transmitter ) on demand , in real - time . addition of frictionless processing that includes but is not limited to : frictionless processing of waving a mobile hand held wireless device in front of an electronic communication transmission link creating a transfer of data , sound , purchasing or any other context - sensitive information , including and not limited to the process of wireless , frictionless financial transactions between a mobile hand held device and a garment or garment panel . an example of frictionless processing is ; instead of picking up a product and taking it to a checkout location and swiping a credit card for purchase , simply wave your mobile wireless device with a frequency communication transmitter installed ( that you are already holding ) within close proximity of a garment or garment panel and the frequency communication transmitter tag will deliver the purchase directly to the mobile wireless device for your approval and will instantly process the transaction for in - store or direct to home or office delivery . another example is while attending a sporting event , the person delivering beverages , ice cream , snacks , food , beer , etc ., to spectators , is wearing an ipops ™ garment with an advertisement of a product that may or may not be available at the event ( or the spectator does not want to carry the purchase out of the event ). by utilizing frictionless processing , the spectator may simply wave their mobile wireless device with a frequency communication transmitter installed ( that they are already holding ) within close proximity of an ipops ™ garment and the frequency communication transmitter tag will deliver the purchase directly to the mobile wireless device for their approval and will instantly process the transaction for on - site or home delivery . another example of frictionless processing is a wireless mobile handheld device user (“ user ”) utilizing near frequency communication (“ nfc ”) and who passes by a person that has a near frequency communication transmitter embedded in their garment ( pants , shirt , hat , shoes or any other wearable garment ) that allows the user to receive context information - sensitive data that will allow the user to instantly collect information that allows the user to view , research and purchase products or the like utilize , the garment ( with the embedded transmitter ). addition of voice activated frictionless processing that includes but is not limited to : multi - lingual voice activated frictionless processing by communicating to a wireless device through voice activation transmission through an electronic communication transmission link embedded in a garment or garment panel creating a transfer of data , sound , wearable eyepiece with a hud display or any other context information - sensitive information , including and not limited to the process of wireless , frictionless financial transactions between a wireless mobile device and a garment or garment panel . addition of human flesh or embedded frequency communication transmitter ( s ), which includes but is not limited to : a computer chip embedded into the human flesh that interacts with a wireless device that delivers similar attributes or the same attributes as the ipops ™ system . addition of visual recognition communication ( vrc ) technology processing that includes but is not limited to : visual recognition communication that transmits a signal between a wireless mobile device and a garment and may or may not include communication with a wearable head - mounted mediated or augmented reality eyepiece hardware . visual recognition communication will rely on visual clues and patterns to identify specific objects and match them with internet content . visual recognition communication allows a user to scan an object or picture through a camera on your mobile hand held device and your device will recognize the object and provide additional information without the assistance of barcodes or mobile action codes (“ tags ”). visual recognition communication technology does not require the manufacturing of any type of tag . an example of vrc technology would be to scan an image off of a garment or garment panel at a retail outlet and obtain information , video content , coupon or to be directed to make an instant purchase of the item contained in the image directed to the user by the ipops ™ system provider . addition of interactive audio speakers , which includes but is not limited to : surface mounted or embedded speakers that work either independently or in symphony with the content being electronically delivered to the ivdp . speakers may be mounted on the front , back or sides or a combination of front , back and sides of ipops ™ garment . speakers may also be used for an audio transmission to a wireless device to be used for listening . addition of interactive holographic image projection ( ihip ) of images , which includes but is not limited to : surface mounted or embedded holographic projector that may be installed into the front , rear or side , or a combination of or front , rear and side of the ipops ™ garment . a example of interactive holographic image projection images is a retail worker wearing an ipos system garment walking down a store aisle projecting a holographic image within a designated proximity of the retail worker displaying a multi - dimensional image that the store customer can interact with by having a virtual conversation or by interacting with a wireless device which may include augmented reality scenarios . addition of mobile power supply ( battery pack ), which includes but is not limited to : a mobile battery pack that can be charged and provide power to many sources built into the ipops ™ garment or the ivdp ™ ( or both ) to power a digital panel ( s ), audio speaker ( s ), rfid transmitter ( s ), atom chip ( s ), frictionless transmitter ( s ), visual recognition processor ( s ), holographic projector ( s ), smell disseminator ( s ), data communication device ( s ), wearable eyepiece , rfid transmitters , gps device ( s ), microphone ( s ), earpiece ( headphones ), wireless device ( s ) ( such as a smartphone or tablet ) frequency communication transmitter ( s ) or any other electronic device that works in unison with the ipops ™ system , individually and / or in unison . addition of virtual point or monetary collection and processing system ( a virtual bank ) which includes but is not limited to : interactivity through a wireless mobile device and garment or garment panel that allows a user to receive electronic information to their wireless communication device from a garment or garment panel that includes a point or monetary reward that is collected by the user when interacting with a garment that uses the ipop &# 39 ; s ™ system ( or any portion thereof ). upon electronic collection of the points or monetary reward issued to the user , the points or monetary reward is deposited into a virtual electronic collection bank specifically set up for the user that will keep a running account of the points or monetary rewards they receive upon each successful transmission ( s ) interaction ( s ) between the wireless mobile device and the garment wearer . at the option of the user , their collection of points and / or monetary rewards may be embedded in their social media related website like facebook ™, myspace ™, twitter , or any other social networking or page that is connected to the internet , cloud based network or any other network , including and not limited to a website , blog , application ( app ) or any other form of electronic information placement as known in the art . points or monetary rewards may be redeemed through the ipop ™ system for tangible or intangible goods or services or monetary rewards . addition of points or monetary reward system which includes but is not limited to : interactivity with a garment or removable or interchangeable garment panel and a wireless communication device where the user receives virtual points , customer loyalty and / or monetary rewards that are redeemable for goods or services provided through the ipops ™ system or an ipops ™ system provider . addition of interactive logo placed on or within a garment or removable or interchangeable garment panel which includes but is not limited to : interactivity with a logo or branding on a garment or garment panel that has embedded mobile action codes , tags , frictionless communication or any wireless transmitter that communicates with a mobile wireless device and connects to the internet , cloud based , satellite , microwave , or any other wireless electronic information communication delivery system . addition of interactive gaming system ( ei ™ games ) which includes but is not limited to : addition of an electronic game that combines the use a wireless communication device and a garment , by utilizing a one or many dimensional image ( code ) placed on a garment or removable or interchangeable garment panel and / or a removable interactive electronic video display panel ( ivdp ™). the gaming may included the user collecting points and / or a monetary reward through a electronic accumulation system ( virtual bank ) where the user receives points that may be redeemed for products , services , discounts , coupons or any other reward through accumulation of electronic points received . an example of the interactive gaming system ( ei ™ games ) is where a user utilizes their wireless device ( for example a smartphone or tablet ) and scans an image of a mobile access code ( mac ). the user may then be sent an electronic communication that can give them a point reward for the image scan and may also deliver the user a coupon , customer loyalty incentives , enter them into a contest , play a game or any other interactive proposition or giveaway . the user may repeat this process at many other locations that have participating subscribers of the ei ™ games system allowing them to collect many points from one or many subscribing companies . the user at any point may redeem the points collected to receive a benefit reward from interactive gaming or an ei ™ games provider . addition of gps locator : tracks employees and allows security personnel to track current and past locations of an employee , view their breaks and can differentiate an employee from a consumer or civilian . may also allow users to locate family members while on premise in case family members get lost or separated from one another . also works as an amber alert system helping in assisting the recovery of a lost or stolen child , linking employees with wireless mobile consumers / civilian together in one network . addition of wireless mobile device for access to database for aisle assistance or live customer service link . plugs into garment audio source . this system allows employees to be connected directly to a live or pre - programmed data communication source that can relay any pertinent information that an employee or consumer / civilian may need to know at anytime . for example , this may be related to product information , navigation through the store or product location within a store . may also be used to call internally to other branches of related stores or to distribution warehouses to locate inventory . addition of microphone for communication with virtual service attendant ( questions about products ) or live customer service or question and answer dialogue with consumer / civilian . this system allows employees to be connected directly to a live or pre - programmed data communication source that can relay any pertinent information that an employee or consumer / civilian may need to know at any time . for example , this may be related to product information , navigation through the store or product location within a store . may also be used to call internally to other branches of related stores or to distribution warehouses to locate inventory . charger connector to work with electronic garment charging system . electronic leads that are embedded into the ipops ™ garment that allows for charging and re - charging of the ipops ™ garment battery electronic devices and or portable embedded battery power supply packs . addition of data communication transmitter and receiver system . works in symphony with or independently of a wireless mobile device . this component is the heart of the distribution of data and communication between the ipops ™ network data center and the ipops ™ garment wearer . it collects and delivers all data and communication from all components including but not limited to ivdp ™, digital panel ( s ), audio speaker ( s ), rfid transmitter ( s ), atom chip ( s ), frictionless transmitter ( s ), visual recognition processor ( s ), holographic projector ( s ), smell disseminator ( s ), data communication device ( s ), wearable eyepiece , rfid transmitters , gps device ( s ), microphone ( s ), earpiece ( headphones ), wireless device ( s ) ( such as a smartphone or tablet ) frequency communication transmitter ( s ) or any other electronic device that works in unison with the ipops ™ system , individually and / or in unison . a key component includes the live or pre - recorded communication between the ipops ™ garment wearer and the ipops ™ network database . ( see [ 0072 ] & amp ; [ 0073 ]). addition of scent / odor disseminator . the odor disseminator is an electronic device that operates in conjunction with the gps locator and / or the rfid chip . it has the ability to identify the location of the ipops ™ garment in the store or event and emit an odor that is programmed into the disseminator device that relates to a product , location or an event that recognizes pre - programmed sensory olfactory scents based on an advertisers or customers desires at any given time or location . an example may be ; as an employee travels throughout the store , the smell disseminator may release the “ bread in the oven ” smell as the employee travels near the bakery section or a “ fresh irish spring soap ” scent may be disseminated as the employee travels through the men &# 39 ; s health and beauty aisle of the store , based on an advertisers sponsorship , enticing consumers to purchase their branded products that are in the vicinity of the scents that relates specifically to the scent or their product . addition of connectivity to wearable eyepiece hardware . the addition of the eyepiece to the ipops ™ garment allows a hands free element to the employees . by wearing a heads up display ( hud ) eyepiece , it allows the employees to communicate with the data communication network and ask and retrieve data in near real - time receiving answers from live or pre - recorded sources that can either give an audio response through the earpiece , headphones or display information within the confines or the eyepiece . for example , as a consumer approaches an employee wearing an ipops ™ eyepiece , and the on - garment or eyepiece microphone picks up a question asked by the consumer and the data communication system relays the question back to the ipops ™ network and relays the answer back to the employee who then tells the consumer the answer to their question ; all communication happens in a matter of seconds . the employee may see the answer to the consumer via the eyepiece heads up display ( hud ) and may also give gps mapping directions to a specific product location in the store . in addition , the employee may look at a barcode ( data matrix code or multi dimensional code or tag ) and the eyepiece code ( or tag ) reader can display product information , pricing or access the data communication system to access additional specifics about the item being viewed by the eyepiece . the ipops ™ eyepiece may contain elements of visual recognition communication which includes and is not limited to mediated or augmented reality components connected to wireless device ( s ) possessed by ipops ™ garment wearer or the consumer / civilian . addition of chroma - key panel . the ipops ™ may also include chroma - key technology to project indicia on the garment that may be viewable from a interactive wearable head - mounted eyepiece with an integrated processor for handling content for display and an integrated image source for introducing the content to an optical assembly through which the user views a surrounding environment and garment indicia through the displayed content in the eyepiece . the addition of chroma - key technology to the ipops ™ garment allows for multiple wearers of head - mounted eyepieces with an integrated processor for handling content for display to view completely different indicia on the garment while looking at the garment simultaneously . for example , a consumer in a retail store may have a store branded customer loyalty card stored electronically on his wireless device that connects to the in - store ipops ™ network which may pull a consumers shopping list off of their wireless device and display an advertisement of a product listed on his / her wireless device that they have purchased in the past or are intending to purchase that day and will directly relate to that product while in the aisle or vicinity of that product in the store . at the same time , any number of consumers may be looking at the same ivdp ™ with chroma - key displayed and see the product displayed on the ipops ™ wearer ( employee ) that is on their mobile shopping list or is scheduled to purchase in the very near future based on the information the retailer has stored within their mobile customer loyalty shopping card , due to their specific buying habits and patterns . the invention herein contemplates the addition of earphone jack or wireless audio transmitter for use with a plug - in or wireless device to distribute audio through the ipops ™ garment , headphones ( earbuds ) or eyepiece with built - in audio earpiece . the ipops ™ may also include a microphone plug - in jack or wireless transmitter for real - time listening , bluetooth technology or any open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances ( using short wavelength radio transmissions in the ism band ), earphone plug - in jack for live interaction or recorded communication from a database ( that may or may not be connected or used in conjunction with the wearable head - mounted eyepiece ), a wireless communication device ( such as a mobile phone ) that may or may not be connected to the ipops ™ interactive video display panel ™ and certain embodiments may access a virtual attendant that can provide “ real - time ” answers to consumer or garment wearer questions ; either live or accessed through a computer based network , cloud based database source , video camera and / or video or atom chip technology and may include a gps tracking identification device . the invention contemplates the addition of battery pack with rechargeable system ( attached to charger connector ). ipops ™ garment built - in or embedded connector leads power the cell battery removable and re - chargeable battery pack that powers the ipops ™ on - garment electronic components that need power assistance . referring to fig1 to 7 , a removable billboard panel 8 is shown on a garment 100 as disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 7 , 51 , 495 . suitable indicia and interactive video is displayed on panel 8 in accordance with the teachings of the invention . a battery power supply 10 may be provided along with a wireless near field communication transmitter 9 . one or more mobile action codes 7 may also be provided on panel 8 at suitable locations . audio speakers 5 may be provided on the shoulder of the garment on opposite sides of the collar . a cell phone 1 may be disposed in a pocket ( not visible ) of the garment . glasses 2 may be worn by the user having suitable hardware and electronic components therein for carrying out the teachings of the invention . a built - in microphone 14 may be provided at the neck portion along with an earpiece plug in jack and wireless transmitter 13 . a wireless transmitter 104 may be embedded in panel 8 . fig2 is similar to fig1 and like numerals refer to like parts of fig1 . here , instead of large panel 8 there is a smaller removable panel 8 . sup . 1 . it can be seen in fig2 how the flaps or tabs 101 cover one of the mating fastening means 102 which mate with the fastening means 103 on the panel 8 . sup . 1 . a data delivery processor and / or transmitter and communication system 3 may be provided on panel 8 . sup . 1 along with a gps locator device and / or rfid transmitter 4 . an atom chip transmitter 11 may also be provided on panel 8 . sup . 1 along with a holographic projector and / or video camera 6 . a connector 12 is provided on panel 8 . sup . 1 adapted to electronically connect to power source 10 on garment 100 . a vest 103 . sup . 1 is shown in fig3 . again , like numerals refer to like parts of fig1 and 2 . the speakers 5 . sup . 1 are on the vest 103 . sup . 1 . the system 3 . sup . 1 and transmitter 4 . sup . 1 on panel 8 . sup . 1 in fig2 may be placed on vest 103 at top ( data delivery processor / transmitter and communications system 3 . sup . 1 and gps locator and / or rfid transmitter 4 . sup . 1 ). speakers 5 . sup . 1 are identical to speakers 5 of fig1 . fig4 is a rear view of the garment of fig1 having a similar removable panel 8 . that is , panel 8 may be disposed on either the front of a garment , as in fig1 , or on the rear , as in fig4 . speakers 5 . sup . 11 may be disposed on the rear as shown ( identical to speakers 5 in fig1 ) along with transmitter 9 and battery power supply 10 . a microchip 15 may be embedded in the arm of the wearer of the garment 100 which would interact with a wireless device to deliver information similar to the system disclosed herein . alternative locations for the various components are illustrated in fig5 . here ; again like numerals refer to like numerals of fig1 to 4 . thus , devices 300 , 60 , 110 , 40 , 90 and 120 are located on panel 8 and identical to aforementioned devices 3 , 6 , 11 , 4 , 9 and 12 respectively . the garment in fig6 is similar to that of fig1 , so again like numerals refer to like parts of fig1 to 5 . not all of the various components are shown in fig6 . a wireless transmitter 104 may be provided on the collar of garment 100 and a similar wireless transmitter 104 is mounted in glasses 2 . the wearer thus can communicate with the retail establishment 17 , a mobile environment 18 or a restaurant environment 19 . the user and the 3 environments 17 to 19 are thus connected to the internet 105 which is connected to various offsite or remote users 24 , a home 22 , a power center 23 , etc . the signals from the internet 105 may be picked up at the retail environment 17 by a user 28 , a mobile phone 27 , a base station 25 , etc . in the mobile environment , the internet signals from the internet 105 may be picked up by a mobile base station 26 , a user 28 , a mobile phone 27 , etc . finally , the signals from the internet 105 may be picked up by the user 28 , by the mobile phone 27 , and the base station 25 in the restaurant environment 19 . the user 28 illustrated herein is wearing billboard panel 8 with its interactive video display in communication with the various environments in accordance with the teachings of the invention . the user 28 in fig6 is shown in fig7 in a suggested internet set up 20 . the user 28 is in wireless communication with a wireless network router 106 connected to the internet 21 which is in wireless communication with a server 23 . the router 106 is in wireless communication with a content distribution center 29 and one or more computer base stations 30 , 31 , 33 may be in wireless communication with router 106 for carrying out the teachings of the invention . although a number of devices are illustrated in fig1 to 7 located on the panel or garment , not all may be present on all embodiments . also , the various devices may be provided at differing locations and visible or not visible , as desired . although removable panels are disclosed , obviously the devices may be provided on the garment at any suitable location . although a specific embodiment of the invention is disclosed , variations thereof may occur to an artisan and the scope of the invention should only be limited by the scope of the appended claims . the present invention , as well as features and aspects thereof , is directed towards providing in the description and claims of the present application , each of the verbs , “ comprise ”, “ include ” and “ have ”, and conjugates thereof , are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members , components , elements , or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb . in this application the words “ unit ” and “ module ” are used interchangeably . anything designated as a unit or module may be a stand - alone unit or a specialized module . a unit or a module may be modular or have modular aspects allowing it to be easily removed and replaced with another similar unit or module . each unit or module may be any one of , or any combination of , software , hardware , and / or firmware . the present invention has been described using detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention . the described embodiments comprise different features , not all of which are required in all embodiments of the invention . some embodiments of the present invention utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features . variations of embodiments of the present invention that are described and embodiments of the present invention comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to persons of the art . it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above . rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims that follow .	7
fig1 shows a front view of one embodiment of a device ( 102 ) according to the present invention , which surrounds a smart phone ( 104 , iphone as shown ). the device comprises a camera mount ( 106 ) attached to a proximal frame ( 108 ), and a distal frame ( 110 ). camera mount 106 typically includes three prong - like protrusions ( 112 ), each including a through - hole ( 114 ). the camera mount 106 is typically molded as a single piece with proximal frame 108 , although in certain cases it may be detachable . proximal frame 108 further comprises a front ( 116 ), a back ( 118 ) and two sides ( 120 ). front side 116 includes an edge ( 122 ) that wraps around smart phone 104 , covering a small portion of the smart phone &# 39 ; s face . edge 122 is typically less than 7 mm in width and oftentimes less than 6 mm or 5 mm in width . proximal frame 108 is made to connect with distal frame 110 such that a single seam ( 124 ) appears around the outside portion of the device . the connection may be of any suitable type known to those of ordinary skill in the art . distal frame 110 comprises a front ( 126 ), a back ( 128 ) and two sides ( 130 ). front side 126 includes an edge ( 132 ) that wraps around smart phone 104 , covering a small portion of the smart phone &# 39 ; s face . edge 132 is typically less than 7 mm in width and oftentimes less than 6 mm or 5 mm in width , but is of the same width as edge 122 . fig2 shows a back ( 112 ) of one embodiment of a device ( 102 ) according to the present invention , which surrounds a smart phone ( 104 , not shown ). camera mount 106 , including protrusions 112 and through - holes 114 , is attached to proximal frame 108 , which is connected to distal frame 110 . proximal frame 108 optionally includes a cutout portion for a camera lens ( 134 ) and connects to distal frame 110 , as noted above . single seam 124 appears between proximal frame 108 and distal frame 110 . fig3 shows a bottom view of one embodiment of the device 102 surrounding smartphone 104 . the figure shows an optional cut - out ( 134 ) from the bottom of distal frame 110 . through cut - out 134 is shown the charging receptacle ( 136 ) for the smart phone . fig4 shows a top view of one embodiment of the device 102 surrounding smartphone 104 . the figure shows camera mount 106 , including protrusions 112 . optional cut - out 138 is shown from the top of proximal frame 108 . through cut - out 138 is shown the on / off button ( 142 ) for the smart phone . fig5 shows a front view of camera ( 146 ) attached to mount 106 of device 102 by passage of a pin into through - holes 114 of protrusions 112 . fig6 shows a front view of a second embodiment of a device ( 602 ) according to the present invention , which surrounds a smart phone ( 604 , iphone as shown ). the device comprises a camera mount ( 606 ) attached to a unitary frame ( 608 ). camera mount 606 typically includes three prong - like protrusions ( 610 ), each including a through - hole ( 612 ). the camera mount 606 is typically molded as a single piece with frame 608 , although in certain cases it may be detachable . frame 608 further comprises a front ( 614 ), a back ( 616 ) and two sides ( 618 ). front side 614 includes an edge ( 620 ) that wraps around smart phone 604 , covering a small portion of the smart phone &# 39 ; s face . edge 620 is typically less than 7 mm in width and oftentimes less than 6 mm or 5 mm in width . fig7 shows a back ( 616 ) of the second embodiment of device 602 , which surrounds a smart phone ( 604 , not shown ). camera mount 606 , including protrusions 610 and through - holes 612 , is attached to frame 608 . frame 608 optionally includes a cutout portion for a camera lens ( 622 ). fig8 shows a bottom view of the second embodiment of the device 602 surrounding smartphone 604 . the figure shows an optional cut - out ( 624 ) from the bottom of frame 608 . through cut - out 624 is shown the charging receptacle ( 626 ) for the smart phone . fig9 shows a top view of the second embodiment of the device 602 surrounding smartphone 604 . the figure shows camera mount 606 , including protrusions 610 . optional cut - out 628 is shown from the top of frame 608 . through cut - out 628 is shown the on / off button ( 632 ) for the smart phone . fig1 shows a front view of camera ( 636 ) attached to mount 606 of device 602 by passage of a pin into through - holes 612 of protrusions 610 . fig1 shows a front view of a third embodiment of a device ( 1102 ) according to the present invention , which surrounds a smart phone ( 1104 , iphone as shown ). the device comprises a camera mount ( 1106 ) attached to a frame ( 1108 ). camera mount 1106 typically includes three prong - like protrusions ( 1110 ), each including a through - hole ( 1112 ). the camera mount 1106 is typically molded as a single piece with frame 1108 , although in certain cases it may be detachable . frame 1108 further comprises at least one handle ( 1114 ), a front ( 1116 ), a back ( 1118 ) and two sides ( 1120 ). at least one handle 1114 may be of any suitable configuration . as shown it is molded in a single piece along with frame 1108 . front side 1116 includes an edge ( 1122 ) that wraps around smart phone 1104 , covering a small portion of the smart phone &# 39 ; s face . edge 1122 is typically less than 7 mm in width and oftentimes less than 6 mm or 5 mm in width . fig1 shows a back 1118 of the third embodiment of device 1102 , which surrounds smart phone 1104 ( not shown ). camera mount 1106 , including protrusions 1110 and through - holes 1112 , is connected to frame 1108 , as well as handles 1114 . frame 1108 optionally includes a cutout portion for camera lens ( 1124 ). fig1 shows a bottom view of the third embodiment of the device 1102 surrounding smartphone 1104 . the figure shows at least one handle 1114 and an optional cut - out ( 1126 ) from the bottom of frame 1108 . through cut - out 1126 is shown the charging receptacle ( 1128 ) for the smart phone . fig1 shows a top view of the third embodiment of the device 1102 surrounding smartphone 1104 . the figure shows camera mount 1106 , including protrusions 1110 . optional cut - out 1130 is shown from the top of frame 1108 . through cut - out 1130 is shown the on / off button ( 1134 ) for the smart phone . fig1 shows a front view of camera ( 1138 ) attached to mount 1106 of device 1102 by passage of a pin into through - holes 1112 of protrusions 1110 . fig1 shows a back view of device 102 , surrounding smart phone 104 ( not shown ), where a support member ( 1602 ) has been added along the back of the device . the support member strengthens the device to augment the ability of the device to retain its shape after a camera is attached to the device . it is typically made of a relatively strong material , such as metal , that is usually less than 10 mm in width . oftentimes , it is less than 9 mm , 8 mm , 6 mm or 5 mm in width . in certain aspects , the device of the present invention completely surrounds the smart phone . fig1 is such a device related to the one shown in fig1 , where side 1702 extends from edges 122 to 132 . fig1 is such a device related to the one shown in fig6 , where side 1802 extends from and to edges 620 . fig1 is such a device related to the one shown in fig1 , where side 1902 extends from and to edges 1122 . the side of the various figures — e . g ., 1702 , 1802 , 1902 — may be transparent or opaque . in one case , the device according to the present invention is made of , or substantially made of , polycarbonate or polyurethane . in another case , the device according to the present invention is made of , or substantially made of , rubber or wood . any suitable method may be used for construction of the device .	7
fig1 shows an exemplary , simplified illustration of the design of an integrated charge pump voltage converter based on the invention . the voltage converter has an integrated oscillator 1 whose output 2 is connected to the input of a circuit for time control 3 . the charge pump voltage converter also comprises a charge transfer capacitor tc which can be charged via an input 4 on the voltage converter and can be discharged via an output 5 on the voltage converter . for this , it is possible to connect a first electrode 6 on the charge transfer capacitor tc to the input 4 via a switch s 1 and to the output 5 via a switch s 2 . the second electrode 7 of the charge transfer capacitance tc may likewise be connected to the input 4 of the voltage converter via a switch s 2 ′. in addition , the second electrode 7 can be earthed via a switch s 1 ′ and thereby discharged . the input 4 of the voltage converter is optionally connected to earth via a capacitance c 1 . at the output 5 , a capacitance c 2 is connected to earth . the switches ( transistors ) s 1 , s 2 , s 1 ′, s 2 ′ are controlled by the time control circuit 3 via an output 8 . it will be pointed out that a multiplicity of different options in relation to the time control circuit and to the arrangement and design of the switches s 1 , s 2 , s 1 ′, s 2 ′ are known which can also be taken as a basis for implementing the inventive circuit . the line 9 indicates that the oscillator 1 , the control circuit 3 , the switches s 1 , s 2 , s 1 ′, s 2 ′ and the charge transfer capacitance tc are integrated on one chip . the capacitances c 1 and c 2 may likewise be produced on the chip . the known way in which a charge pump voltage converter works is described below to provide a better understanding of the invention : in a first operating phase , the switches s 1 and s 1 ′ are on and the switches s 2 and s 2 ′ are off . in this phase , the charge transfer capacitance tc is being charged by the input voltage . when the charging operation is complete ( or else earlier than this ), the switches s 1 and s 1 ′ are turned off and the switches s 2 and s 2 ′ are turned on . this raises the second electrode 7 of the charge transfer capacitance tc to the potential of the input voltage . consequently , a voltage which is given by the sum of the input voltage and of the charging voltage of the charge transfer capacitance tc — i . e . no more than twice the input voltage — appears at the output 5 of the voltage converter . the charge transfer capacitor tc is now discharged at the output . this cycle is performed in constant repetition . the output voltage v out of the voltage converter is given by the following equation : v out = v in · ( 1 + c c + c par ) - ( 1 f s · c + 2 · r sw ) · i out . ( 1 ) in this case , v in denotes the input voltage of the voltage converter , c denotes the value of the charge transfer capacitance tc , c par denotes a parasitic capacitance , f s denotes the switching frequency generated by the oscillator 1 , r sw denotes the resistance of a switch s 1 , s 2 , s 1 ′, s 2 ′ and i out denotes the output current . forgetting the parasitic capacitance c par and the resistance r sw of the switches , the following simple relation is obtained : v out = 2 · v in - ( 1 f s · c ) · i out . ( 2 ) equation ( 2 ) shows that the output voltage is dependent on four parameters v in , f s , c , i out . v in can fluctuate greatly particularly for battery - operated systems . similarly , fluctuations in the output current i out may arise over a certain operating range . in the text below , fluctuations in the parameters c ( value of the charge transfer capacitance ) and f s ( switching frequency ) are considered . these parameters may vary both as a result of manufacturing tolerances and as a result of changes in temperature . this means that the dynamic resistance 1 /( f s · c ) of the charge transfer capacitance tc increases when the capacitance value c decreases at constant switching frequency f s . integrated capacitances have a wide range of fluctuation in relation to their absolute value . consequently , an excessively large capacitance value c may lower the output voltage v out to such an extent that the demands made at the load can no longer be met . in addition , inexpensive oscillators in which the switching frequency is prescribed by a capacitance frequently have a switching frequency f s with a significant temperature dependence . this applies particularly to ring oscillators , which are a simple and inexpensive form of implementation for frequency generation in the voltage converter . the oscillator or switching frequency f s is dependent on the temperature , the supply voltage and manufacturing parameters . a ring oscillator comprises a series circuit containing inverters 10 , the output of the inverter 10 which is last in the signal path being fed back to the input . a ring oscillator executes a self - starting oscillation having the period 2 ( 2n + 1 ) τ d , where n denotes the number of inverters and τ d denotes the gate transit time of the inverter . the gate transit time τ d of the inverters and hence also the frequency of the ring oscillator are directly dependent on the value of the capacitance which needs to be charged or discharged upon each inversion . in a conventional ring oscillator which can be used in principle for the invention , this is the gate capacitance of the input fet ( field effect transistor ) of the next inverter 10 . this gate capacitance then needs to be of the same type ( e . g . mosfet ) as the charge transfer capacitance tc . preferably , the ring oscillator has a capacitance 11 connected to earth at the output of each inverter 10 , see fig2 . this capacitance 11 is of the same capacitance type as the charge transfer capacitance tc and therefore has the same temperature response as the charge transfer capacitance tc . the result of this is that a reduction in the size of the value c of the charge transfer capacitance tc as a result of fluctuations in the manufacturing process increases the frequency of the ring oscillator on account of the smaller capacitance value c of the capacitances 11 . if c assumes a large value as a result of manufacture , the switching frequency f s generated by the ring oscillator is reduced . if the capacitance 11 is chosen such that it dominates the total capacitance brought about by the capacitance 11 and the gate capacitance of the subsequent inverter 10 , the ring oscillator has a frequency which is inversely proportional to the value of the capacitance 11 . in this case , the factor 1 /( f s · c ) in equation ( 2 ) remains almost constant under varying manufacturing circumstances . the effect of this is that the dynamic resistance of the charge transfer capacitance tc and hence the output resistance of the charge pump voltage converter likewise remain largely constant i . e . are insensitive towards fluctuations in the manufacturing conditions . fig3 illustrates a circuit for compensating the temperature dependence of the ring oscillator . the operating current for the ring oscillator is controlled using a current mirror with the transistors q 1 and q 2 . the mean operating current of the ring oscillator is in this case directly proportional to a current i bias which flows through the transistor diode q 1 in the first path of the current mirror . in the second path of the current mirror , the operating currents flowing through all of the inverters 10 in the ring oscillator converge at the node p , flow through the transistor q 2 and are controlled and smoothed by the latter . controlling the operating current for the ring oscillator allows the frequency of the ring oscillator to be altered . increasing i bias shortens the gate transit time τ d for each inverter 10 , which increases the switching frequency f s , and vice versa . to compensate for the temperature effect , it is necessary to set an operating current which rises as temperature rises ( in order to counteract the ring oscillator &# 39 ; s frequency reduction brought about as a result of a rise in temperature ). the current source 12 shown in fig3 has this characteristic . fig4 shows a detail a from the circuit shown in fig3 for producing a temperature - compensating operating current for the ring oscillator . an input 14 is used to supply the circuit section a with a temperature - stable reference current i ref which is provided by a reference current source 13 . the input 14 of the circuit section a is connected to earth firstly via a diode d 4 and the transistor diode q 1 in the first path of the current mirror and secondly via a second transistor diode q 3 which is connected in parallel with the first path of the current mirror . consequently , the reference current i ref is split into the current i bias and the current i q3 flowing through the transistor diode q 3 . the text below explains the way in which the circuit for producing the operating current for the ring oscillator works . the drain / source current i ds in a mos transistor follows the relation i ds = 1 2 · μ n · c ox · ( w l ) · ( v gs - v t ) 2 , ( 3 ) where μ n denotes the mobility of the charge carriers , c ox denotes the capacitance of the gate oxide per unit area , w denotes the width and l denotes the length of the channel , v gs denotes the gate / source voltage and v t denotes the threshold voltage . at constant gate / source voltage v gs , the drain / source current i ds changes on account of a temperature increase for two reasons : the mobility μ n decreases , which reduces the current i ds ; the threshold voltage v t decreases , which increases the current i ds . for mos transistors with a long channel , the effect brought about by the change in mobility is dominant , since the gate overvoltage is always high and hence insensitive towards fluctuations in v t , whereas for mos transistors with a short channel length , the effect caused by the change in v t is dominant , since the gate overvoltage is low . the transistors q 3 and q 1 connected up as diodes are designed such that w 1 / l 1 & gt ;& gt ; w 3 / l 3 applies . in addition , provision is made for a voltage difference to appear between the gates of the transistors q 1 and q 3 ( as explained in more detail later , the voltage difference is brought about by the diode d 4 ). in this case the mos transistor q 1 operates at a lower gate / source voltage than the transistor q 3 . the effect of this is that the ratio of i bias to i q3 is increased when there is an increase in temperature . consequently , the ring oscillator &# 39 ; s operating current flowing through the transistor q 2 increases when there is an increase in temperature . preferably , a forward - biased diode d 4 is used as voltage source in order to produce the voltage difference between the gates of the mos transistors q 1 and q 3 . the reason for this is two - fold . first , a forward - biased diode produces a voltage of approximately 650 mv , which is practically independent of fluctuations in the manufacturing conditions , while the influence of such fluctuations on the threshold voltage v t of a mos transistor is very pronounced . when the diode d 4 is used , the effects brought about by a change in the threshold voltage v t compensate for one another , however . changes in the voltage v t which are brought about by manufacturing fluctuations arise in the circuit section a only on the transistors q 3 and q 1 . since the process conditions for manufacturing these transistors are the same , the same fluctuations v t arise in the transistors q 3 and q 1 and compensate for one another . if instead of the diode d 4 a mos transistor were used to produce the voltage difference between the gates of q 3 and q 1 , one path of the circuit section a would contain a transistor ( q 3 ) and the other path would contain two transistors ( q 1 and the additional transistor ). the circuit would be asymmetrical with respect to fluctuations in the threshold voltage v t and would therefore no longer reproduce the desired temperature response with sufficient accuracy for large fluctuations in v t . the second reason for using a diode d 4 to produce the voltage difference is that it has a temperature coefficient of approximately − 2 mv / k . this means that the voltage difference between the mos transistors q 1 and q 3 becomes smaller as temperature rises . the effect of this is likewise that a larger current flows through the path d 4 - q 1 of the circuit section a when there is an increase in temperature . the most important advantage of the inventive solutions for compensating for the effects brought about by component tolerances and changes in temperature is that it is possible to save chip area , since the large proportioning of the charge transfer capacitance tc required in conventional circuits , which ensures that the demanded tolerance range is observed for the dynamic output resistance of the circuit , is no longer needed on account of the inventive measures . fig5 shows a schematic illustration of a usb interface . the usb interface has two data lines d + and d − , in known fashion , which are used to transfer the data transmitted and received by a transmitter / receiver 15 . the pull - up resistor 16 prescribed for usb interfaces connects a regulated input voltage source 17 to the data line d + . the regulated input voltage is also supplied to the transmitter / receiver 15 and to a charge pump voltage converter 18 based on the invention . the output 5 of the inventive charge pump voltage converter 18 provides a voltage v bus which is required by a usb interface ( not shown ) on a battery - operated appliance ( not shown ) at the opposite end . as fig5 shows , the charge pump voltage converter 18 , the transmitter / receiver 15 , the regulated input voltage source 17 and also the pull - up resistor 16 ( and further circuits ) can be produced on the integrated circuit .	7
referring specifically to the drawings wherein like numerals indicate like parts , there is seen in fig1 a gabion basket lift apparatus in which a plurality of fork lift tines 11a through 11d are shown attached to the bottom terminal portions of vertical frame elements 10a through 10d . the frame elements are also connected together by crossbeam 16 at the lower end thereof and extend upwardly to a second crossmember 18 which comprises a boxbeam extending across the full length of the apparatus . each vertical frame member 10a through 10d is securely welded to boxbeam 18 and to crossmember 16 to form a rigid lifting apparatus . fork tines 11a through 11d are chosen in length to accomodate the width of a gabion basket . the gabion basket such as that shown in fig2 comprises a wire mesh basket which is filled with stones of varying diameters in the range of a minimum of about 2 inches to a maximum of 12 to 15 inches with the normal run being 6 to 10 inches in diameter . hold - down arms 14a through 14d are adapted to rotate into contact with the upper surface and one edge of the gabion basket . the terminal end of arm 14 is bent downwardly to prevent the gabion basket from slipping off the end of the fork tines when the apparatus is inclined . the inboard end of arms 14a through 14d are respectively pivotally mounted at arm pivot bearings 42a through 42d on rear frame members 10a through 10d respectively . in the embodiment shown , hold - down arms 14a and 14b pivot as a unit within arm pivot bearings 42a and 42b whereas the hold - down arms 14c and 14d pivot as a unit in arm pivot bearings 42c and 42d . arms 14a through 14d are actuated by a linkage mechanism operated by the main lift cable 28 . this mechanism has a counterbalance in the form of springs 46a and 46b which act to hold the hold - down arms 14a through 14d in the open position as shown in fig1 and 4 . the main lift line 28 engages a pair of straddle cables 22a and 22b which in turn are connected to lift beam 20 which acts to hold the straddled cables 22a and 22b in the position shown in fig1 . the lift beam 20 is connected by means of a pair of clevis elements 25 and 26 to lever arms 30a and 30b . lever arms 30a and 30b constitute levers of the third class having a fulcrum at pivot 34a and 34b respectively , lift effort at the joint between lift beam 20 and lever arms 30a and 30 b and a load or weight at the ends 35a and 35b respectively . a pair of links 38a and 39a are pivotally attached to the end 35a of lever arm 30a . the links 38a and 39a are in turn pivotally attached to the end of crank arms 50a and 51a with pin 52 . crank arms 50a and 51a are mounted on arm pivot beam 40a and upon application of force from lever arm 30a causes rotation of arm pivot beam 40a about arm pivot bearings 42a and 42b . in turn , arm pivot beam 40a causes hold - down arms 14a and 14b to pivot downwardly since they are rigidly attached to arm pivot beam 40a . also attached to arm pivot beam 40a is a spring shackle means 44a onto which is mounted a tension spring 46a which extends from spring shackle 44a to lower spring shackle 48a mounted on crossbeam 16 . spring 46a urges arm pivot beam 40a in a clockwise direction when viewed from the near side of the apparatus shown in fig1 thus causing hold - down arms 14a and 14b to assume the position shown in fig1 . spring 46a is of such strength as to prevent the rotation downwardly of arms 14a and 14b when the apparatus is raised without a gabion basket resting on fork tines 11 , but readily permits the hold - down arms 14a and 14b to rotate downwardly when the apparatus is lifted with a gabion basket resting on the fork tines 11a through 11d . in their travel up and down , lever arms 30a and 30b are restrained from side - to - side movement by guide members 36a and 36b comprising a pair of spaced apart , substantially vertical members attached at their lower end to crossbeam 16 and held in position at their upper end by braces 37a and 37b . similarly , lever arm 30b is guided by guide means 36b which also is held in position by attachment to crossbeam 16 at its lower end and braced by braces 37c and 37d at its upper end . arms 14c and 14d are operated by a linkage identical to that described above for arms 14a and 14b . thus , two independently operated sets of hold - down arms are described , each being independently rotatable by lifting forces applied to lift cable 28 . the angle at which the loaded gabion basket lifting apparatus assumes may be adjusted by movement of the clevis 25 from the position shown to any of the other positions shown generally by numeral 32 along the length of lever arm 30 . this adjustment also provides for different weights and sizes of gabion baskets so that the proper angle will be assumed upon lifting . in fig3 a device carrying a gabion basket is shown in which the approximate center of gravity 80 is shown directly below the main lift line 28 . thus by positioning clevis 25a and 25b at the proper lift position , the angle assumed can be controlled . the apparatus of this invention is equipped with a secondary lift position comprising a secondary lift ring 62 connected to straddle beams 64a and 64b which in turn engage the vertical frame members 10b and 10c at secondary lift pivots 66a and 66b . usage of this lift location , being positioned relatively rearwardly on the apparatus , permits tilting of the apparatus and removal from beneath the gabion basket such as shown in fig4 . fork tines 11 are removed from contact with the gabion basket 85 . the approximate center of gravity of the apparatus when unloaded is shown at 82 causing the equipment to assume the position shown in fig4 . in operation , the gabion baskets as shown in fig2 are first placed on a support surface 86 having a pallet or other means for elevating the gabion basket above the support surface 86 . the pallet 87 has passages therethrough which permit insertion of fork tines 11 underneath the gabion basket without engaging pallet 87 . rocks or other aggregate are then placed in the gabion basket 85 until the basket is as full as desired . the top of the gabion basket is then wired shut and the entire assembly moved to a position adjacent the stream bed into which the gabions are being placed . the gabion basket lifting and emplacement apparatus is then inserted underneath the gabion basket 85 so that tines 11 are in engagement with the underside of gabion basket 85 . the apparatus may be conveniently slid underneath the gabion baskets since the center of gravity of the apparatus as is shown in fig2 is at the location marked 82 directly beneath the main lifting line 28 . thus the apparatus hangs suspended from line 28 with fork tines 11 positioned substantially horizontally . when the gabion basket is located upon the tines 11 , tension is applied to main lifting cable 28 and the combined wieght of the apparatus and the gabion basket overcomes the counterbalancing effect of spring 46 and hold - down arms 14a through 14d are rotated downwardly into position above the upper surface and in engagement with the outer surface of a gabion basket 85 whereby the gabion basket 85 cannot slide off tines 11 . further lifting by cable 28 rotates the apparatus and gabion basket into the position shown in fig3 whereby the center of gravity 80 is positioned substantially directly below lift cable 28 and the angle of the tines with respect to the horizontal approximates the slope angle a shown in fig3 of the stream bed prepared to receive the gabion baskets . the loaded apparatus is then swung into the position such as shown in fig3 wherein gabion basket 85 is nestled adjacent another gabion basket 88 and dropped into position against gabion 88 . when cable 28 becomes slack , spring 46 causes hold - down arms 14a through 14d to rotate upwardly out of engagement with gabion basket 85 so that the apparatus may be removed from basket 85 . at that time , secondary lift cable 60 is hooked into secondary lift ring 62 and tension applied thereto so that the apparatus is lifted away from the gabion basket as shown in fig4 . secondary lift cable 60 is then slackened and released from secondary lift ring 62 so that the primary lift cable 28 may again be utilized to lift and transport the apparatus back to the remaining gabion baskets awaiting emplacement . while the inventor has described his gabion basket emplacement apparatus and method in detail with specific reference to his preferred embodiment , it is apparent that many modifications and substitutions well within the abilities of one skilled in the art may be made to this invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof . the apparatus may assume variant forms such as , for example , including an adjustability feature so that arm pivot bearings 42a through 42d may be positioned at various locations vertically with respect to fork tines 11a through 11d whereby gabion baskets of various vertical dimensions may be accommodated . similarly , the lengths of the fork tines 11a through 11d and the hold - down arms 14a through 14d may be varied similarly to accommodate various lengths and widths of gabion baskets . it is apparent also that simple adjustability means may be provided for varying the point of attachment of clevis 25a and 25b at any location along lever 30a and 30b respectively so that precise adjustment of the carrying attitude of the apparatus may be achieved . other changes and modifications will become apparent to one skilled in the art .	1
the above procedure is intended primarily as a demonstration of the fabrication method of this invention . one skilled in the art might vary the time duration of the equilibrium cycles as well as the number of repetitions . likewise , the method of this invention may be applied to any doped semiconductor material that may be precipitated out of solution , including the currently most familiar commercial thermoelectric , based on bismuth telluride . to increase diffusion rates of the ions the solution temperatures can be increased to a range of 50 - 90 c . in the most promising embodiments , anions may be of those provided by sulfides , selenides , tellurides , arsenides , or antimonides , even hydroxides ( under simple basic conditions ), or any combination of more than one of those depending on the end product desired . in the case of sulfide , one skilled in the art might utilize precursors such as thiosulfates , thiourea , thioacetamide , or any other reagent that would generate a sulfide equivalent in solution , including hydrosulfide or even dissolved hydrogen sulfide itself . likewise , parallel reagents incorporating selenium and tellurium exist , selenosulfate , tellurosulfate , etc . cations may be any combination any of the transitional metals in groups 3 - 11 of the periodic table together any of the poor metals in groups 12 - 15 , which exhibit thermoelectric properties as covalent mixed compounds , with individual elements acting either as the primary component , a minor component or a dopant . the cation mix in the sample procedure happens to be similar to known p - type materials as metal only alloys . other potential formulations necessarily would include copper with combinations of zinc , antimony , tin , nickel and indium as materials for the primary cation mix , one example of which might be copper / zinc / nickel in the proportions 10 / 6 / 6 . it is also possible by the method of this invention to deposit successive layers of semiconductor material of different composition , for example an outer zns shell for confinement of electron and hole wave functions . it has been theorized that atomic level disorder is an indicator for reduced heat conductivity . given that bismuth is such a prominent component of known high performance thermoelectrics , the various known low - melting bismuth alloys with various combinations of lead , tin , cadmium , indium and antimony , which form polyphase multi - component eutectics on their own , but which have never been specifically tested for thermoelectric potential as their covalent semiconducting mixed compounds with the anions mentioned here , deserve scrutiny as a basis for the cation mix of this invention , including the formulations in table 1 . while the base aerogel precursor material in the case of the sample procedure is pure silica , it might include as components oxides of titanium , aluminum or zirconium in particular , or just about any other metal or metalloid oxide . or any of them might be used as the sole , main or a minor component , as one skilled in the current state of the art can now create aerogels from any of them . any other aerogel of suitable low thermal and low electrical conductivity might be employed . the rate at which the thin film layer of thermoelectric semiconductor material is deposited can be varied by the molar concentration of the ion reactants , as well as by complexing counter anions for the cations , which can also act to deposit a more smooth film if that is desired . the suggested molar concentration of reactant ions in the sample procedure can be taken as a mid range number , and can be varied by an order of magnitude or so either up or down depending on reagent choices . however , with sodium sulfide , for example , care must be taken in that higher concentrations can attack the backbone of a silica gel . in another embodiment a partially silica or non - silica aerogel precursor can be used that is more resistant . in the sample procedure , there is natural surface complexing as each alternate ion layer is laid down , which tends to keep the layer in place while the alternate ions are diffusing in during the next equilibration stage . in addition , the added triethanolamine complexes and stabilizes the metal ions . but one skilled in the art might choose to add in the alternative hydrazine , ethylenediamine , chloride , cyanide , ammonia , citrate , oxalate , tartrate , edta , or any other similar acting complexing anion for this purpose , while maintaining an awareness of the solubility of all side products , or to have no complexing anions present at all . so while the instant application may include specific compounding suggestions , the key to the fundamental novelty of this invention is not the particular selection of reagent components , but rather the construction of a continuous thin film layer of thermoelectric semiconductor material overlaid on an aerogel foundation evenly throughout its interior , and at least one particular practical method for achieving that structure . in the case of a pure silica aerogel precursor , alternate procedures would also include base catalyzation of a silica solution , or teos / ethanol and tmos / methanol systems to produce their respective precursor gels . as demonstrated by the alcohol systems ( alcogels ) just mentioned , neither is the method of this invention limited to aqueous only reaction conditions . for example , thioacetamide as the sulfide source can operate at room temperature also in pure ethanol with the appropriate choice of soluble metal salts , for example chlorides , for the cation sources . one skilled in the art might choose any solvent or combination of solvents that will dissolve the relatively low molar concentration of reactants required for this method , and still keep the side products in solution . in one embodiment , the method of this invention exploits the fact that a freshly formed wet gel has very many existing exposed hydroxy functional groups , estimated at 5 per square nm of surface area , to coordinate with , and ultimately to anchor , the first layer of cations . by contrast , in a standard silar procedure the starting material hard substrate must be aggressively chemically and / or mechanically cleaned to facilitate this . a standard silar procedure specifies short immersion times on the order of 1 minute , whereas the method of this invention depends on long equilibration times to achieve even diffusion . because of its immense internal surface area , a hydrogel or alcogel will draw in ions from the surrounding solution as needed even from a dilute solution . another option would be to equilibrate in a more concentrated solution , and then to reverse equilibrate in pure solvent before the next corresponding ion equilibration . in this manner the gel only retains the quantity of ions it can fully surface coordinate . one nice feature of the chalcogenides ( the o , s , se , and te compounds ) and other constituents of the end product compounds suggested is that many of them , besides being insoluble in water , exist as stable individual natural minerals , which bodes well for their endurance in a thermoelectric module application . as long as they are protected from extreme ph conditions , even the ones with poisonous elemental constituents are relatively non - toxic once formulated . it is also fortunate that antimonide in particular is already showing promise in thermoelectric bulk compounds , as the tellurium mostly used now is exceptionally rare on earth , on a par with gold or platinum , which might otherwise limit widespread deployment of this new thermoelectric technology . while aerogels will support large weights compared to their own , they can be friable ( subject to being shattered on a nanoscale ), but the additional thermoelectric overlay tends to strengthen the whole . the melting point of silica aerogel is about 1 , 200 c , generally much higher than the thermoelectric layer , so with patience one may anneal the final thin film component to improve the smoothness of the layer for altering performance . one must be careful not to create capillary forces which might collapse the aerogel backbone . an inert atmosphere like nitrogen or argon , but which might be the same as the carbon dioxide retained in the aerogel at the conclusion of the supercritical drying step , helps to prevent decomposition during annealing . such a process may be accomplished with induction or microwave heating to penetrate the interior of the aerogel . there are some desirable dopants in some thermoelectric materials , for example elements like chlorine or potassium , which will not precipitate as insoluble materials from solution , or which would cause premature precipitation as in the case of a cation mix including lead or silver . in another embodiment these elements can be diffused into the thin film layer of semiconductor material during the annealling process , for example by including a corresponding halide gas in the annealing atmosphere , allowing it to equilibrate slowly , and then triggering and controlling the diffusion process with induction or microwave heating as already suggested . the thickness of the thermoelectric layer may range from an atom or two thick , approaching a monolayer of about 0 . 2 nm , to about 10 nm , with a median of about 1 - 2 nm based on a presumed pore size distribution in the gel in the 8 nm range , but can vary proportionally to pore size based on the parameters of the gel preparation . by the method of this invention , each cycle of ion equilibrations deposits about 1 monolayer if the concentrations are kept low or back equilibrated , otherwise potentially more , with a rougher resulting surface . for the final supercritical drying step another option is to supercritically dry directly from the ethanol , for which the critical point is 240 . 75 c and 60 . 6 atmospheres . methanol or any other solvent with like properties might be used , but care must be taken that these elevated temperature and solvent conditions do not deteriorate the thermoelectric material in question . depending on the thickness of the thermoelectric layer and the additional structural strength and hydrophobicity provided by that feature , the material may even be air dried under ambient conditions , optionally with the application of moderate heat and / or vacuum , with acceptable shrinkage levels , and trimmed to precise size with a diamond covered mini - saw . lastly , this applicant will close with a suggestion for a further modified and improved atomic layer deposition method which might have made the edwards approach more feasible , which is this : one problem with attempting to apply ald to an aerogel is managing heat distribution in such a thermally insulating material . this applicant proposes to use gentle induction or microwave heating to maintain the internal temperature of the aerogel at a moderately higher temperature than the incoming gases . fine control could be achieved by combining infrared temperature sensing with a microprocessor control circuit . this might make other materials accessible like thin films of nitrides , carbides and silicides , which also have thermoelectric potential . those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described . it will be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope .	7
one embodiment of the present invention will be described in the following based on the drawings . fig1 is a structural drawing of an information processing device of the present invention . as shown in fig1 , this information processing device 10 includes a main processor 12 and a plurality of sub - processors 24 - 1 to 24 - n , and is constructed as an asymmetric multi - core processor . the main processor 12 and the plurality of sub - processors 24 - 1 to 24 - n are all connected to a bus 22 , and data can be mutually sent and received among the processors via this bus 22 . a main memory 14 is connected to the bus 22 via a memory interface 16 , and an nic 20 as an i / o device is connected to the bus 22 via an input output interface 18 . the main processor 12 is program execution means for executing programs , such as an operating system and performing task allocation to the sub - processors 24 - 1 to 24 - n , and contains a memory management unit 12 a and a cache memory 12 b . the memory management unit 12 a is hardware for executing processing for translating a logical address , that is generated by the main processor 12 or received externally , into a physical address of the main memory 14 and carries out this translation processing in accordance with an address translation table stored in the main memory 14 . the address translation table is a table which associates logical addresses with physical addresses , and is made up of page groups of a specified size such as 4 kb . therefore , the memory management section 12 a is provided with a memory for storing the necessary pages , of these pages , and when a logical address generated by the main processor 12 does not exist in a page stored in the memory , another page is read out from the main memory 14 and the memory contents updated . also , the cache memory 12 b is a memory for temporarily storing commands and data to be processed by the main processor 12 . the sub - processors 24 ( 24 - 1 to 24 - n ) are ancillary program execution means containing local memory 24 a , a memory management section 24 b and a dmac ( direct memory access controller ). the local memory 24 a , as shown in fig2 ( a ) is used to store a program 24 a ′ executed by the sub processor 24 , and temporarily stored data that is the object of processing . the memory control section 24 b also provides the same functions as the memory management section 12 a . more specifically , the memory management unit 24 b is hardware for executing processing for translating a logical address , that is generated by the sub processor 24 or received externally , into a physical address of the main memory 14 and carries out this translation processing in accordance with an address translation table stored in the main memory 14 . the memory management section 24 b is provided with a memory for storing the necessary pages of the address translation table , and when a logical address that requires translation does not exist in a page stored in the memory , another page is read out from the main memory 14 and the memory contents updated . the dmac 24 c is also a control unit for direct access to the main memory 14 , without going via the main processor 12 . with this embodiment , in particular , of the sub - processors 24 - 1 to 24 - n , a transfer task for transferring transfer data stored in the main memory 14 to the nic 20 is allocated to the sub - processor 24 - 1 , and in this way it is possible to execute high speed data transfer without imposing a processing load on the main processor 12 . therefore , processing to transfer the transfer data stored in the main memory 14 to the nic 20 is implemented by storing a data transfer program in the local memory 24 a - 1 as a sub - processor program 24 a ′, and having the sub - processor 24 - 1 execute this data transfer program . also , at the time of this transfer task , as shown in fig2 ( a ), data to be transferred to the nic 20 that is stored in the main memory 14 , that is , transfer data 24 a ″, is temporarily stored in the local memory 24 a - 1 of the sib - processor 24 - 1 ( described in detail later ). as shown in fig2 ( b ), a system program 14 a , such as an os ( operating system ) executed by the main processor 12 , a user program 14 b executed by the main processor 12 , and an address translation table 14 c are stored in the main memory 14 . the address translation table 14 c is updated by the main processor system program 14 a , and when the table has been updated this fact is also notified to the sub - processors 24 - 1 to 24 - n , and the latest address translation table 14 c is shared by the main processor 12 and the sub - processors 24 - 1 to 24 - n . data generated by the main processor 12 and the sub - processors 24 - 1 to 24 - n that is to be transferred to the nic 20 , namely transfer data 14 d , is also stored in the main memory 14 . as has been described above , this transfer data 14 d is temporarily transferred to the sub - processor 24 - 1 at the time of transfer to the nic 20 , and is stored in the local memory 24 a - 1 . the nic 20 is an interface for connecting this information processing device 10 to a data communication network such as a lan ( local area network ), and contains a dmac 20 a and a buffer memory 20 b . the dmac 20 a is a control unit for direct access to the main memory 14 and the local memory 24 a of each sub - processor 24 , and stores received data in the buffer memory 20 b . the buffer memory 2 b is a fifo ( first in first out ) buffer , and data stored in the buffer memory 20 b are sequentially sent to the network . here , data transfer processing of the information processing device 10 will be described . fig3 is a sequence diagram for data transfer processing when data transfer to the sub - processor 24 - 1 , which is a processor for data transfer , is carried out after transfer data 14 d has been stored in the main memory 14 by a sub - processor n . as shown in fig3 , if a data transfer request designating of logical address ( here made “ a ”) of transfer data 14 d is transmitted by the sub - processor 24 - n via the bus 22 to the sub - processor 24 - 1 ( s 101 ), the sub - processor 24 - 1 receives this data transfer request . the memory management section 24 b - 1 of the sub - processor 24 - 1 translates the logical address “ a ” designated in the data transfer request to a physical address “ a ” based on some pages of the address translation table 14 c stored in the internal memory ( s 102 ). this physical address “ a ” is then transmitted to the memory interface 16 ( s 103 ), and transfer data 14 d stored at the physical address “ a ” of the main memory 14 is received ( s 104 ). next , the sub - processor 24 - 1 stores the received transfer data 14 d in the local memory 24 a - 1 ( s 105 ). then , a data transfer instruction designating a physical address ( here made “ b ”) for a storage destination is transmitted via the bus 22 to the nic 20 ( s 106 ). the nic 20 transits the physical address “ b ” to the sub - processor 24 - 1 in response to this instruction ( s 107 ), and receives transfer data 24 a ″ ( namely transfer data 14 d ) returned from the sub - processor 24 - 1 ( s 108 ). the thus received transfer data 24 a ″ is then stored in the buffer memory 20 b and used in communication processing ( s 109 ). according to the above described information processing device 10 , since a single sub - processor 24 - 1 constituting a multi - core processor is allocated solely to data transfer , it is possible to implement data transfer at high speed and with low latency regardless of the operating state of the main processor 12 . also , since data transfer is implemented using an address translation table 14 c that is shared between the main processor 12 and the sub - processor 24 due to the hardware architecture of the information processing device 10 , it is possible to carry out data transfer immediately as the need arises . incidentally , the present invention is not limited to the above described embodiment , and various modifications are possible . for example , with the above described embodiment an nic 20 has been adopted as the i / o device , but it is also possible to have another i / o device such as a hard disk storage device . also , with the above described embodiment transfer data 14 d stored in the main memory is stored as it is in the local memory 24 a - 1 of the sub - processor 24 - 1 , but it is also possible , for example , to perform various translation processes such as encryption in the sub - processor 24 - 1 , and after that store as transfer data 24 a ″, and transfer this translated data 24 a ″ to the nic 20 .	6
preferred embodiments of the invention will herein be described with reference to the drawings . it will be understood that the drawings and descriptions set out herein are provided for illustration only and do not limit the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto and any and all their equivalents . for example , the terms “ first ” and “ second ” or “ left ” and “ right ” are used for the sake of clarity and not as terms of limitation . referring to fig1 and 2 of the drawings , numeral 10 generally indicates a conventional roller drive chain for a bicycle or any similar chain - driven device . the drive chain 10 generally includes outer chain links 12 and inner chain links 14 which are pivotally mounted on and connected to the outer chain links by pins 16 , 18 . the outer chain links 12 are alternatingly interleaved with the inner chain links 14 . the outer chain links 12 have paired outer link plates 20 and the inner chain links have paired inner link plates 22 . typically , rollers 24 are arranged around the pins 16 , 18 . the plates 20 , 22 are provided with holes 30 at their ends 32 . the pins 16 , 18 typically extend through and project out of the holes 30 , although no projection at all is considered to be optimal . the pins 16 , 18 are externally riveted at their ends 34 , 36 during the assembly of the roller chain 10 . while the pin 16 may be made of round stock , pin 18 may be made of tube stock , as in the roller chain 10 in fig2 . a narrow middle part 38 , which helps to determine the positioning of the roller chain 10 extends between the two circular ends 32 of each of the outer link plates 20 and the inner link plates 22 . as seen best in fig1 , and as viewed from above ( or below ) the chain , the interleaving of the outer links 12 and inner links 14 creates corresponding alternating outer link spaces 40 and inner links spaces 42 . generally , the outer link spaces 40 are openings defined by the outer link plates 20 and rollers 24 . generally , the inner link spaces 42 are openings defined by the inner link plates 22 and rollers 24 . the inner link spaces 42 are generally rectangular with the long axis of the rectangle aligned with the long axis ( a ) of the chain 10 ( as viewed as in fig1 ). the axial length of the inner link spaces 42 is determined by the distance between the rollers 24 , while the distance between the inner link plates 22 determines the transverse spacing of the inner link spaces . as seen in fig1 , the outer link spaces 40 are generally in the shape of a “ cross ” or in other words , a “ plus .” the axial length of the outer link spaces 40 is determined by the distance between the rollers 24 , while the distance between the outer link plates 20 determines the transverse spacing of the outer link spaces . it can be seen that the transverse spacing between the outer link plates 20 is greater than the spacing between the inner link plates 22 . thus , because the transverse width of the rollers 24 determines the spacing of the inner link plates 22 , the rollers dictate the transverse spacing d 1 of the inner link spaces 42 . similarly , since the outer link plates 20 are positioned on the pins 16 ( or 18 ) on the outboard sides of the inner link plates 22 , the transverse spacing d 2 of the outer link spaces 40 is dictated by the sum of the transverse width of the rollers 24 and the thickness of two inner link plates . referring to fig3 , a chainring 50 according to the invention is used with a conventional chain 10 . chainrings typically have a large plurality of teeth compared to cassettes , for example , having about 20 or more teeth . a crank or crank arm 48 is in a typical position and attached to the chain ring 50 in a well - known manner . the crank side of the chainring 50 is shown in fig3 , which is the outboard side 54 of the chainring . the outboard side also faces away from the vehicle to which it is attached . the opposite of the outboard side 54 of the chainring 50 is the inboard side 56 . the inboard side 56 faces toward the vehicle . generally , force applied to the crank arm 48 ( typically in a downward direction , for example ) causes rotation of the chainring 50 in a like direction ( clockwise ). rotation of the chainring 50 causes the chain 10 to be drawn over and advanced about the chainring . the chainring 50 has a plurality of teeth 52 formed about the periphery 51 of the chainring , with the total number of the plurality of teeth consisting of an even number . the plurality of teeth 52 include a first group of teeth 58 and a second group of teeth 60 arranged in an alternating fashion and wherein the first group of teeth is equal in number to the second group of teeth . in a most general form , the invention provides the first group of teeth 58 , that is configured to be received by and fitted into the outer link spaces 40 , and a second group of teeth 60 that is configured to be received by and fitted into the inner link spaces 42 . the overall shape of the chainring periphery 51 may be generally circular or non - circular , that is elliptical , oval , polygon , or parabolic , for example . all of the examples of chainrings provided herein are shown with a circular periphery 51 . each of the first group of teeth 58 is configured to engage with the chain 10 via an outer link space 40 . each of the second group of teeth 60 is configured to engage with the chain 10 via an inner link space 42 . turning to fig1 , each of the second group of teeth 60 has a shape which in a cross sectional view is generally rectangular , particularly at or near the base or root of the tooth . the cross sectional view is taken through a plane parallel to the top land 80 of the tooth and passing through the base circle position of the tooth , i . e ., about halfway between the root circle and the outside circle . the rectangular cross section and overall width wo 1 of each of the second group of teeth 60 should closely match the configuration of each of the inner link spaces 42 ( fig1 ). the cross section shown of each of the second group of teeth shows that the outboard side 54 is generally planar and the inboard side 56 is also generally planar . each of the second group of teeth 60 may fill over about 75 % of the axial distance d 1 of a corresponding space in the chain 10 . preferably , each of the second group of teeth 60 may fill over about 80 % of d 1 of a corresponding space in the chain 10 . more preferably , each of the second group of teeth 60 may fill over about 85 % of d 1 of a corresponding space in the chain 10 . turning to fig1 - 15 , each of the alternative versions of teeth 58 a , 58 b , 58 c of the first group of teeth 58 ( see fig3 ) has a shape which in a cross sectional view , taken through the tooth as in fig1 , has the same longitudinal length l t as that of the second group of teeth 60 ( fig1 ). each of the first group of teeth 58 may fill over about 75 % of the distance d 2 of a corresponding space in the chain 10 . preferably , each of the first group of teeth 58 may fill over about 80 % of d 2 of a corresponding space in the chain 10 . more preferably , each of the first group of teeth 58 may fill over about 85 % of d 2 of a corresponding space in the chain 10 . each of the first group of teeth 58 has the additional feature of an outboard or first protrusion 62 on the outboard side 54 of each alternative teeth 58 a , 58 b , and 58 c . fig1 also demonstrates that the inboard side 56 of tooth 58 a can be the same ( i . e ., without a protrusion ) as the inboard side 56 of each of the second group of teeth 60 . the first protrusion 62 is configured to fit into the corresponding part of outer link spaces 40 of chain 10 ( fig1 ) and has a width w 1 . the protrusion 62 functions to help maintain the chain 10 on the chainring 50 ( fig3 ). the protrusion 62 causes an overall width wo 2 of each of teeth 58 a to be greater than the overall width wo 1 of each of teeth 60 by the extent of protrusion 62 . fig1 is another embodiment of a tooth 58 b of the first group of teeth 58 . in particular , tooth 58 b is similar to those of fig1 , with the additional feature of an inboard or second protrusion 64 on the inboard side 56 of the tooth . the protrusion 64 has a width w 2 that is less than the width w 1 of the protrusion 62 of tooth 58 a , or alternatively , greater than w 1 . the protrusions 62 , 64 cause an overall width wo 3 of each of teeth 58 b to be greater than the overall width wo 1 of each of teeth 60 by the extent of protrusions 62 , 64 . furthermore , wo 3 is greater than wo 2 . fig1 is yet another embodiment of a tooth 58 c of the first group of teeth 58 . in particular , tooth 58 c is similar to that of fig1 , with an inboard or second protrusion 66 on the inboard side 56 of the tooth . the protrusion 66 has a width w 1 that is equal to the width w 1 of the protrusion 62 of tooth 58 a . the protrusions 62 , 66 cause an overall width wo 4 of each of teeth 58 c to be greater than the overall width wo 1 of each of teeth 60 by the extent of protrusions 62 , 66 . furthermore , wo 4 is greater than wo 3 . it will be understood that the various configurations of the teeth 58 include protrusions that are positioned along the side or sides of each tooth in a position where they effectively function to assist in positioning the chain on the chainring 50 , including positions that are adjacent or at the base of each tooth or higher on each tooth 58 . fig4 and fig6 is an outboard side 54 of chainring 50 and the driving direction dd . the first group of teeth 58 is alternatingly arranged with the second group of teeth 60 . the configuration of the second group of teeth 60 may be defined , with respect to the outboard and inboard sides 54 , 56 of each of the teeth 60 , by forming an inner link receiving recess 72 in the chainring 50 that represents material removed from the sides of the teeth 60 . the inner link receiving recess 72 also serves to define the cross - sectional shape of each of the group of teeth 58 . the inner link receiving recess 72 defines the outboard and inboard sides 54 , 56 of each tooth and extends from the front flank 68 of one of the group of teeth 58 to a rear flank 70 of an adjacent one of the group of teeth 58 in the drive direction dd . each inner link receiving recess 72 is configured to receive the length l p an inner link plate 22 of the chain ( fig6 ). each recess 72 has a base surface 72 a that extends in an axial direction and a wall 72 b ( fig7 ) that extends radially . the base surface 72 a may describe a smoothly curving contour , and may be generally in the shape of a “ u ”. fig5 is the profile of each tooth of the teeth 58 , 60 in more detail . the inner link receiving recess 72 is formed in the chainring 50 and can be seen extending along the side of each of the second group tooth 60 and extending from the load side , front or leading flank 68 of one of the group of teeth 58 to a rear flank 70 of an adjacent one of the group of teeth 58 in the drive direction dd . the recess 72 is configured to receive the length l p ( fig6 ) of an inner link plate 22 . each tooth may have a top land 80 . the base surface 72 a may extend to the top land 80 of each of the teeth 58 . the front flank 68 of each tooth includes a contact zone 74 , where a roller 24 ( fig1 ) contacts the tooth . above the contact zone 74 is an optional tip portion 76 . the roller 24 does not contact the tip portion 76 under normal driving conditions . the tip portion 76 may protrude forwardly from a line drawn along the contact zone 74 a distance t . the protruding tip portion 76 functions to engage a chain link earlier than a chain lacking the tip portion and provides better guiding of the chain . an optional hook feature 78 is a feature that may be formed on the rear flank 70 of each of teeth 58 , 60 . the hook feature 78 is positioned along the rear flank 70 and may cooperate with the tip portion 76 to provide better guiding of the chain . the hook feature 78 may include a portion of the rear flank 70 being aligned in the radial direction r . turning to fig7 the first group of teeth 58 and the second group of teeth 60 of the chainring 50 are arranged in an alternating fashion . an optional feature of each of the first group of teeth 58 and second group of teeth 60 is a respective outer chamfer 82 a , 82 b . each of the first group of teeth 58 has an outer chamfer 82 a , which may be an arcuate face formed on the outboard side 54 or shoulder of each tooth . each of the second group of teeth 60 has an outer chamfer 82 b , which may be an arcuate face formed on the outboard side 54 or shoulder of each tooth . the outer chamfer of 82 b of each tooth 60 may have an extent c 1 that is greater relative to the extent c 2 of the outer chamfer 82 a of each tooth 58 . turning to fig8 and 9 the chainring 50 includes chain 10 positioned and engaged thereon . outer chain links 12 are positioned on the first group of teeth 58 . inner chain links 14 are positioned on the second group of teeth 60 . fig1 and 11 respectively is a front view of the chainring 50 without a chain 10 and with a chain . an optional feature of all of the teeth 58 , 60 of the chainring 50 is an offset os of the center of the tooth tip or top land 80 from the center line cl in a direction toward the inboard side 56 of the chainring . this offset feature provides better guiding of the chain to one side of the chainring . turning to fig1 , a chainring 50 includes a number of teeth 58 , 60 . link 1 of a chain engaged on the chainring 50 is represented by line l 1 , and link 2 and link 3 are represented by lines l 2 , l 3 respectively . the line of each of l 1 - 3 is drawn between the centers of the axis of each of the chain rollers 24 . the hook feature 78 is shown on the rear flank 70 of each of teeth 58 , 60 . the hook feature 78 is positioned along the rear flank 70 and may cooperate with the tip portion 76 of the front flank 68 to provide better guiding of the chain . the hook feature 78 may include a portion of the rear flank 70 being aligned in the radial direction r . the hook feature 78 has a radially outermost extent 78 a where the hook feature and the link centerlines l 1 - 3 intersect . alternately , the outermost extent 78 a may be higher than the centerlines l 1 - 3 providing more room for the roller to engage the teeth in the driving direction . the curved line 90 is the path of the roller 24 when it disengages the tooth . in use , the chain 10 is installed with each of the outer chain links 12 on one of the first group of teeth 58 and each of the inner chain links 14 on one of the second group of teeth 60 . as the chainring 50 is rotated by the crank 48 , the chain 10 is drawn about the chainring , and the outer chain links 12 and the inner chain links 14 are sequentially engaged with respective first and second ones of the groups of teeth 58 , 60 . as detailed above , the various features of the chainring 50 function to guide and maintain the chain 10 thereon . while this invention has been described by reference to particular embodiments , it should be understood that numerous changes could be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described . accordingly , it is intended that the invention not be limited to the disclosed embodiments , but that it have the full scope permitted by the language of the following claims .	1
referring to the drawing in detail in which conventional elements not forming part of the invention , have been indicated in phantom , a fixed support bracket 10 is illustrated as consisting of a rectangular plate having rounded ends , and being offset near the center of its length . the form of the plate , however , is as indicated , merely for esthetic and rigidity of construction reasons , and is not to be considered as being restrictive to any degree . a tubular member 11 depends from the underside of the bracket 10 at one end thereof , and an aperture 12 , complementary to , and in alignment with the inner diameter of the tubular member is provided in the end of the bracket 10 , as can most clearly be seen on fig2 . a pivot pin 13 is adapted to be contained within the tubular member 11 . this pin is provided with a concentric collar or flange 14 which acts as a stop whereby the position of the pin , at assembly is fixed . in its assembled position , the pin 13 is free to rotate within the tubular member 14 , and can be removed therefrom simply by lifting it out . the upper end of the horizontal pivot pin 13 , the term horizontal being used to define the plane of the pivotal action rather than the actual alignment of the pin itself , is adapted to have pivotally mounted thereon a rod - support cradle 15 . this support cradle consists of a member of arcuate , transverse cross sectional form , having its concave side facing upwardly , and being provided with a depending member 16 , of relatively short length , as can be seen on fig2 . a pin 17 , completes the aforesaid pivotal mounting . with further reference to fig2 it will be noted that , with the cradle 15 in a horizontal position as indicated , no further rotation in a clockwise direction is possible . rotation in the opposite direction , however , can be effected because , at the lower end thereof , the member 16 has been split for a portion of its length , and has been formed in a u - shaped section 18 , as shown on fig3 . this arrangement permits the pin 13 and the cradle 15 to assume positions of angular relationship from that indicated on fig2 up to and slightly beyond that indicated on fig5 . the limit of rotation in the counterclockwise direction is established by the beveled upper end 19 , of the pin 13 . a stop bracket 20 , of similar form to that of bracket 10 , is pivotally attached thereby by any suitable means such as the screw and wing nut 21 , as indicated . this arrangement enables the brackets to be locked together in any desired angular relationship within the limits of the swing of the bracket 20 . this is clearly illustrated in fig4 . extending upwardly from the free end of bracket 20 , is a stop pin 22 , adapted to limit horizontal rotation of the rod in direction determined by the alignment of the brackets 20 and 10 . the pin 22 is preferably furnished with an outer sleeve 23 , of rubber or other suitable material , to prevent marring of the surface of the rod where it comes into contact with the stop . in use , the holder is anchored in place at the water &# 39 ; s edge , by means of any suitable stake attached thereto , such as the angle s indicated in phantom on fig2 or as previously stated , it can be attached to the side of a boat by any suitable means . a rod r is than secured in place in cradle 15 by clamps c as indicated . the position of the rod in the cradle should be selected such that a normal balance will allow the rod to automatically assume a position similar to that as indicated on fig5 than if there is any current running , the stop pin is placed on the downstream side of the rod . any surf action affecting the line , and which would otherwise cause slack in the line , will be corrected by vertical oscillations of the balanced rod . also , if the holder is mounted on a boat , the effect of rocking of the boat , on the rod , will be minimized by the inertia of the rod which will virtually float on the pin 17 . it should be obvious from the foregoing that all conditions normally encountered in angling activities , of the type using such equipment , have been provided for . it should again be noted that the rod can be immediately removed from the holder when necessary , the attached parts , as indicated on fig5 causing no inconvenience to the further activities of the angler . in addition to the above described embodiment , the objectives of the fishing rod holder as outlined previously in the brief summary of the invention , may be accomplished by alternate embodiments without departing from the novel conceptual scope of this invention . for example , the embodiment shown in fig6 and 8 , provides a highly efficient and more compact unit for enabling the freely pivotly vertical movement within defined limits as described for the previous embodiment . referring to fig6 and 7 , a fishing rod illustrated in part in phantom and designated by the reference letter r is shown supported on and clamped to a cradle member 25 by conventional clamps c , also shown in phantom . the cradle member 25 has a depending neck 26 of relatively short length which is connected to a pivot unit 27 by a pivot pin 28 . the construction and arrangement of the cradle member 25 and pivot unit 26 is such that the cradle member 25 is freely pivotal within a limited range such that the support surface 29 of the cradle member and hence the attached rod is pivotal from the substantially vertical position shown in dash line in fig6 and 7 , here ten degrees from a true vertical , to the horizontal position primarily illustrated . this is accomplished by a hollowed - out portion 30 of the depending neck 26 of the cradle member 25 into which is inserted a projecting head portion 31 of the pivot unit 27 . on one side of the depending neck 26 is a u - shaped slot 32 , which allows passage for the head portion 31 of the pivot unit 27 during pivot to a position approaching a vertical position . the slot 32 is short of the depth of the hollowed out portion such that a lip 33 at the base of the slot provides a contact stop for the top of the head portion 31 in the horizontal position and a contact stop for the lower side of the head portion in the near vertical position . on the opposite side of the depending neck 26 is a window aperture 34 allowing passage of the top of the head portion when the cradle member is pivoted from the near vertical position to the substantially horizontal position . a cross portion 35 at the bottom of the aperture 34 and depending neck 26 provides a contact stop for the lower side of the head portion when the cradle member is in the substantially horizontal position and a contact stop for the upper side of the head portion when the cradle member is in the substantially vertical position . in this manner , when the cradle member is forcefully tipped to the horizontal position , for example from the surge of a hooked fish or forcefully tipped to the near vertical position , for example in setting a hook , no stresses of any substance are placed on the pivot pin because of the diametrically opposite stops on the cradle member . preferably for maintenance of good operating tolerances after long use , the head portion 31 of the pivot unit 27 is square in cross section as shown in fig8 . this forms a flat contact surface against the contact stops of the depending neck portion of the cradle member . as mentioned hereinbefore , the depending neck 26 of the cradle member is of relatively short length . in this manner , a balance of the rod on the cradle , biased somewhat toward the near vertical position , is easily obtained . were the length excessive , the point of pivot would be to far displaced from the center of gravity of a coupled rod and cradle member . the pivotal connection would thereby lack stability and result in improper operation for the manner of use contemplated . the cradle member 25 and pin coupled pivot unit 27 are slidably engageable in a bearing plate 36 attached to a tubular extension member 37 . the pivot unit 27 includes a small tab plate 38 projecting horizontally from the juncture of the head portion 31 and a depending journal pin portion 39 . the tab plate 38 rests on the bearing plate 36 , thereby providing support for the pivot unit and cradle member . the journal pin portion is insertable into a bearing sleeve or aperture 40 in the bearing plate 36 for generally free rotation therein . rotation is restricted by a pin 41 on the bearing plate 36 which is insertable through a hole 42 in the tab plate 38 to inhibit rotation of the cradle member and pivot unit with respect to the bearing plate as shown in fig8 or to provide limited rotation of the cradle member and pivot unit when the tab plate 36 is oriented away from the pin 41 as shown in dash line in fig8 . in this manner , the pin functions , respectively , either as a locking pin or a stop pin depending on the action desired . for example , if the fishing conditions are such that a fixed orientation of the rod with regard to rotation in the horizontal plane is desired , as in surf casing , the tubular extension and attached bearing plate can be oriented such that the pin engages the hole , eliminating the horizontal rotation action . if the conditions are such that a limited rotation is preferred as in anchored boat fishing with a transverse current , the tubular extension and bearing plate can be oriented such that the pin is arranged to contact the side of the tab plate within a desired range allowing a limited free rotation to occure to compensate for such movements as the boat drifting around the anchor point . in either position , the cradle member and pivot unit are quickly removable from the bearing plate and extension member . this is necessary to allow the rod to be snatched from its support when hooking a fish or securing a hooked fish and reeling it in . the tubular extension member may be employed to mount the attached components in a variety of manners . the extension may be simply driven into the ground for surf fishing or may be telescopically connected to a ground driven member ( not shown ) or may be supported by a bracket 43 with a sleeve section 44 , as shown in fig1 . the extension member is slidably insertable into the sleeve section and secured in the desired position by a locking screw 45 . the bracket 43 includes mounting holes 46 for attaching the bracket with conventional fasteners ( not shown ) to a structure such as a boat gunwale ( not shown ). referring to fig9 and 10 , a simple structure is shown which accomplishes the primary conceptual feature of this invention without the collateral features of the preferred embodiments described above . essentially , a cradle member 47 having a cradle portion 48 attachable to a rod ( not shown ) includes also a depending tab 49 with wing tabs 50 ( one shown in fig9 and 10 ) projecting normally from the depending tab 49 . the depending tab 49 is slidably insertable into a slot 51 in a flat head portion 52 of extension member 53 , the flat head portion comprising the pivot member receiving the pivotal cradle member . the projecting wing tabs , which run from the cradle portion 48 , a relatively short length , to a point short of the distal end of the depending tab 49 , insert into a keyway 60 in the flat head portion 52 of the extension member 53 . the keyway 60 is designed to limit the rotation movement of the cradle member 47 by stop surfaces 54 and 55 for substantially horizontal positioning of the cradle member 47 with respect to the extension member 53 and stop surfaces 56 and 57 for positioning of the cradle member to a position approaching the vertical , as shown in dash line in fig1 . between these limits defined by the stop surfaces , the cradle member 47 is freely pivotal in the vertical plane . while the pivotal action is directed at the sliding interface of the ends 58 of the wing tabs 50 against the curved base 59 of the keyway , the action is similar to that of a pin having a central axis at the center of the imaginary axis about which the cradle member 47 is rotatable . the extension member 53 shown fragmented in fig9 and 10 extends for a desired length and preferably has a transition from the flat head portion 52 to a tubular section ( not shown ) which may be mounted as described above for the previous embodiment . while in the foregoing specification embodiments of the invention have been set forth in considerable detail for purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and principles of the invention .	8
in the following description specific details are set forth , such as device types , configurations , protocols , applications , etc ., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention . however , persons having ordinary skill in the relevant arts will appreciate that these specific details may not be needed to practice the present invention fig1 illustrates the business card dispenser 10 . the dispenser 10 is in a general rectangular shape , with dimensions generally proportional to a standard business card . due to the rectangular shape of the dispenser , multiple dispensers may be easily stacked or lined up against one another , without the need for excessive wasted space . the height of the dispenser can be made large enough to hold over one hundred cards . this is particularly useful in advertising situations , where it may be necessary to distribute a large number of cards . the dispenser 10 has a front panel 20 , further illustrated in fig2 and a shell 40 , further illustrated in fig4 . fig2 illustrates the component parts of the front panel 20 of the dispenser 10 . the front panel 20 is comprised of a front cover 22 , made up of two panels 22 a and 22 b . the panels 22 a and 22 b join together to create a vertical opening . the vertical opening is large enough to house a single business card 21 . the front panel 22 a of the front cover 22 is made up of a transparent or translucent material , so that the written contents of the business card 21 are clearly visible on the outside of the dispenser 10 . the front panel 20 has an ejector slot 23 large enough to dispense a single business card from within the dispenser . a single business card will appear far enough out of the ejector slot 23 so that a person may easily take the single business card . the ejector slot 23 is very thin , so that it will not allow multiple cards to be improperly dispensed out at the same time . the front panel 20 has screw holes 24 a for two screws 24 b . the screws 24 b are used to lock the front panel 20 to the dispenser 10 . this prevents other people from easily opening the front panel and removing the stack of business cards from within the dispenser . however , it gives the owner the ability to unscrew the front panel 20 and replenish the business cards when necessary . the screws 24 can attach to the cradle 30 at the cradle attachment points 37 , depicted in fig3 . the front panel 20 has a place for a removable label 25 . the label 25 can be used to give instructions to a user of the dispenser . for example , the label 25 may state “ push here — take card .” the label 25 can be used to give any message to potential users of the dispenser . fig3 illustrates a cradle 30 . the cradle 30 is housed inside the shell 40 . the cradle 30 comprises a bottom plate 35 . business cards are placed on the bottom plate 35 . the dimensions of the bottom plate 35 are just large enough to hold a business card . the bottom plate 35 is not large enough to allow business cards to move in the x and y direction within the cradle 30 . the business cards are held in place in the z direction by a pressure plate 31 . the pressure plate has a hinge 34 that attaches to the body of the cradle 30 at the cradle hinge 34 . the hinges 34 allow the pressure plate 31 to always stay in contact with the top of the business card stack . as the stack gets smaller , the pressure plate 31 rotates downward . the pressure plate 31 maintains enough pressure on the top of the stack to keep the business cards tightly packed in the cradle 30 . this helps to ensure that only a single card is dispensed through the ejector slot 23 of the front panel 20 . also , the pressure plate 31 ensures that the business cards are properly aligned with the ejector slot 23 . the pressure plate 31 has fingers 36 that allow it to extend through the openings 33 at the back of the cradle 30 . the fingers 36 extend the length of the pressure plate 31 , so that a large stack of business cards may be used in the dispenser . as the pressure plate 31 rotates down , the fingers 36 fit through the openings 33 to allow the plate 31 to stay in contact with the stack of business cards . the hinges 34 are also used to attach the top of the front panel 20 to the top of the cradle 30 . flapper springs 38 are positioned at the front end of the pressure plate 31 . the flapper springs 38 prevent the cards at the top of the stack 61 from rotating upwards due to the force of the pressure plate 31 at the back of the cards . the cradle 30 locks into the proper position with the shell 40 by use of the tabs 32 . the tabs 32 are on the left and right side of the cradle . the tabs 32 should be aligned with the elongated slots 43 depicted in fig4 . the slots 43 lock the cradle 30 to its proper sliding position and motion . fig4 illustrates a shell 40 . the shell 40 is used to house the cradle 30 . the shell has a pair of stakes 42 , which hold compression springs 41 in place . the compression springs 41 are uncompressed in their normal position and rest on the stakes 42 against the back wall of the shell 40 . an ordinary person should be able to overcome the force of the springs 41 . the springs 41 should require enough force so that a business card is only dispensed based on a deliberate action by a person . the shell 40 has tracks 43 , which help to guide the motion of the cradle . fig5 illustrates how the front panel 20 , the cradle 30 and the shell 40 fit together . the front panel 20 attaches to the cradle 30 at the hinges 34 . the front panel 20 is also screwed into the cradle at the screw positions 24 and 37 . the cradle 30 sits inside the shell 40 . the back of the cradle 30 and back of shell 40 are separated by the compression springs 41 , which sit on the stakes 42 . the length of the springs 41 are long enough to allow the pressure plate 31 to rotate downward through the openings 34 . fig6 illustrates a cross section view of the dispenser 10 at a resting position . the stack of cards 61 is in the cradle . the pressure plate 31 is depicted in fig6 as being rotated by the hinge to be in an upward position . however , the stack 61 may be pressed downward by the pressure plate 31 . the pressure plate 31 can be rotated by the hinge 34 so that it is directly in contact with the stack 61 . the flapper spring 38 is positioned at the front end of the pressure plate 31 . when the pressure plate 31 is rotated downward towards the stack 61 , the springs 38 come in contact with the front end of the stack . this keeps the front of the stack from angling upwards due to the pressure from the pressure plate 31 . the compression spring 41 is in its normal , uncompressed position . the bottom of the stack 61 is directly aligned with the ejector slot 23 . also aligned with the stack 61 is a plunger 62 , more clearly depicted in fig6 a . the plunger 62 is stationary and is attached at the shell 40 . the plunger 62 is similar in length and height of a standard business card . the cradle 30 has a slot similar in size to the ejector slot 23 , aligned with the plunger 62 . the depth of the plunger 62 is similar to the length of the compression spring 41 and is sized so that the leading edge is captured in the back slot of the cradle 30 . the plunger is aligned with the bottom of the stack 61 and fits in the slot of the cradle 30 , and does not come in contact with the stack 61 while the dispenser 10 is in its normal position . the leading edge of the plunger 62 can be beveled . a person may push the front panel 20 in the direction 63 of the shell , thus compressing the springs 41 . fig7 illustrates the dispenser 10 once it has been compressed . ( note : there are no business cards visible in this depiction .) the spring 41 is compressed against the stake 42 . the ejector slot 23 remains aligned to the bottom of the cradle 30 . because the spring 41 has been compressed , the cradle 30 is closer in position to the shell 40 . however , the plunger 62 remains in its locked position , stationary relative to the shell 40 . therefore , the front end of the plunger is now inside the cradle 30 , through the slot at the back of the cradle . the small bevel at the leading edge of the plunger 62 helps prevent the penultimate card from interfering with the plunger 62 when the dispenser 10 is compressed . this motion of the cradle 30 coming towards the shell 40 allows the plunger 62 to push the bottommost card . the business card is pushed and ejected through the ejector slot 23 . the card is extended out of the front panel 20 so that it may be taken and picked up by a person . once pressure on the front panel 10 is released , the spring 41 uncompresses , the cradle 30 slides to its normal position and the plunger 62 is no longer in direct contact with a business card . due to gravity and the pressure plate 35 , the stack 61 is forced downward to the bottom plate 35 . the dispenser resumes the position depicted in fig6 . fig8 depicts the dispenser 10 in the open position . the front panel 20 is lifted upwards about the hinge 32 . this allows for easy access to the stack 61 , for replenishment or replacement .	1
fig1 shows a view of a medical device 100 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention . the medical retrieval device 100 includes a sheath 102 , an end - effector 104 ( in this case , a basket - type retrieval device ), disposed at a distal end 112 of the sheath 102 , and a handle 106 , disposed at a proximal end 114 of the sheath 102 . the handle 106 includes a bladder 108 , which is connected through the handle 106 to the sheath 102 so that it is in fluid communication with the sheath 102 . the bladder 108 and the sheath 102 are filled with a fluid , such as air , water , a saline solution , or other liquids , gels , or gasses . the end - effector 104 is connected to an inner hub 110 , which is disposed within the sheath 102 in a manner that permits it to slide between a proximal stop 118 and a distal stop 116 . preferably , a substantially effective seal is created between the inner hub 110 and the sheath 102 , inhibiting the escape of fluid from sheath the 102 past the inner hub 110 . pressure applied to the bladder 108 forces fluid out of the bladder 108 , and into the sheath 102 , causing positive fluid or air pressure in the sheath 102 , and pushing the inner hub 110 towards the distal end 112 of the sheath 102 . this extends the end - effector 104 , which is connected to the inner hub 110 , into an “ open ” position , thereby deploying the end - effector 104 . the movement of the inner hub 110 is limited by the distal stop 116 , which prevents the inner hub 110 from sliding distally any farther than the distal stop 116 . releasing pressure from the bladder 108 , fluid in the sheath 102 draws back into the bladder 108 , causing negative fluid pressure in the sheath 102 . this negative pressure pulls the inner hub 110 and the end - effector 104 towards the proximal end 114 of the sheath 102 , retracting the end - effector 104 into a “ closed ” position within the sheath 102 . the proximal movement of the inner hub 110 is limited by the proximal stop 118 , which prevents the inner hub 110 from sliding proximally farther than the proximal stop 118 . in fig1 , the medical device is shown with the end - effector 104 fully extended , and the inner hub 110 abutting the distal stop 116 . this is the configuration that the medical device would have if sufficient pressure were applied to the bladder 108 to completely extend the end - effector 104 . the sheath 102 , the end - effector 104 , the handle 106 , the bladder 108 , the inner hub 110 , the proximal stop 118 , and the distal stop 116 as illustrated in fig1 are not necessarily shown in their correct size or proportion to each other . preferably , the sheath 102 is dimensioned to fit the requirements of its application in the body . for example , for urological applications , the outside diameter of the sheath 102 is typically between 1 . 7 and 8 . 0 french , though some applications may call for larger or smaller sizes . the handle 106 is preferably sized to fit easily in an operator &# 39 ; s hand , and the bladder 108 is preferably sized and placed on the handle 106 in a position that permits an operator to use his or her thumb to depress the bladder 108 . in preferred embodiments of the invention , the handle 106 and the bladder 108 are ergonomically sized and placed , providing a medical device that is comfortable and easy to use . however , other sizes and shapes for the handle 106 are within the scope of the invention . additionally , excluding the handle 106 from the device entirely , so that the bladder 108 is directly connected to the sheath 102 is within the scope of the invention . similarly , alternative placements of the bladder 108 , including separating the bladder 108 from the handle 106 are also within the scope of the invention . advantageously , since the end - effector 104 of the medical device 100 is operated using fluid pressure , there is no need for a pull wire to be used to operate the end - effector 104 . since there is no pull wire , the flexibility of the medical device 100 is increased . additionally , fewer mechanical components are needed to construct the medical device 100 , potentially decreasing the manufacturing cost and likelihood of failure of the medical device 100 . a high degree of control is achieved by use of an operator - controlled fluid source , such as the bladder 108 . for example , in some embodiments , by compressing the bladder 108 to varying degrees , an operator may determine the degree to which the end - effector 104 extends from the distal end of the sheath 102 . in some embodiments , by releasing pressure from the bladder 108 , the operator may retract the end - effector 104 into the sheath 102 . in various embodiments , an operator - controlled fluid source , such as the bladder 108 , can control the rate or speed of deployment , the degree of deployment , the position , or other operational aspects of the medical device 100 and end - effector 104 . fig2 a and 2b show an embodiment of the invention in a closed and an open position , respectively . in fig2 a , the end - effector 104 is in the closed position , collapsed within the sheath 102 . as can be seen , the inner hub 110 is positioned near the proximal stop 118 . as shown in fig2 b , applying positive fluid pressure within the sheath 102 pushes the inner hub 110 into a position adjacent to the distal stop 116 , and pushes the end - effector 104 out of the end of the sheath 102 , into an open position . in the illustrative embodiment shown in fig2 a and 2b , the end - effector is a basket - type retrieval device , which expands into the form shown in fig2 b when extended out of the distal end of the sheath 102 . fig3 a and 3b illustrate the operation of an embodiment of the medical device of the invention . in fig3 a , an operator applies no pressure to the bladder 108 , so the end - effector ( not shown ) remains in the closed position , collapsed within the sheath 102 . in fig3 b . the operator depresses the bladder 108 , forcing fluid from the bladder 108 into the sheath 102 , causing positive fluid pressure in the sheath 102 . this positive pressure pushes the end - effector out of the distal end of the sheath 102 , into its open position . the operator may return the end - effector to the closed position by ceasing the application of pressure on the bladder 108 . this causes negative fluid pressure in the sheath 102 , which pulls the end - effector back into the closed position . the operator can extend the end - effector out of the distal end of the sheath 102 to varying degrees by varying the amount of pressure applied to the bladder 108 . referring now to fig4 a - 4b , another embodiment of the medical device of the invention is shown . in fig4 a , a medical device 400 , of which only a distal portion is shown , is in its closed position . as in previous embodiments , an end - effector 402 ( a basket - type retrieval device , in this embodiment ) connects to an internal hub 404 . the internal hub 404 slides within a sheath 406 , and preferably forms a seal with the sheath 406 . a proximal stop 408 and a distal stop 410 limit the range of movement of the internal hub 404 . as in previously discussed embodiments , application of positive fluid pressure pushes the internal hub 404 and the end - effector 402 in a distal direction , extending the end - effector 402 into its open position . the medical device 400 includes an elastic member , such as a spring 412 , which provides a positive closure mechanism for the medical device 400 . when the medical device 400 is in the closed position , with the end - effector 402 collapsed within the sheath 406 , and the internal hub 404 adjacent to the proximal stop 408 , the spring 412 is in an equilibrium position , and does not exert force on the internal hub 406 . as shown in fig4 b , when sufficient fluid pressure pushes the inner hub 404 towards the distal stop 410 , the end - effector 402 extends from the sheath 406 , into its open position . in the open position , the spring 412 is compressed , and exerts a force on the internal hub 404 to push the internal hub 404 towards the proximal stop 408 . the force exerted by the spring 412 assists in placing the medical device 400 into the closed position when the fluid pressure is released or becomes insufficient to compress the spring 412 . other elastic members , such as elastic materials may be used in place of the spring 412 . additionally , instead of compressing the elastic member , in some embodiments , extending the end - effector stretches the elastic member . when the elastic member is stretched in this manner , it exerts a force to assist in retracting the end - effector . as mentioned above , numerous types of end - effectors may be used in conjunction with the fluid pressure - actuated medical device of the present invention . for example , instead of using a basket - type retrieval device as the end - effector , a grasper retrieval device , cutting device or any other device previously deployed using a pull wire may be used . fig5 shows a biopsy device end - effector for use with an embodiment of a medical device in accordance with the principles of the invention . a biopsy device 500 includes a hub 502 , to which a stylet 504 is rigidly attached . an elastic member , such as a spring 506 surrounds a proximal portion of the stylet 504 , and connects at its proximal end to the hub 502 , and at its distal end to a cannula 508 . a latch 510 , which is preferably connected to a sheath 512 , holds the cannula 508 in place . the latch 510 holds the cannula 508 at a fixed position within the sheath 512 , while permitting the hub 502 and the stylet 504 to be pushed forward by fluid pressure . as the fluid pressure pushes the hub 502 forward , the stylet 504 extends out of the distal end of the sheath 512 , and the cannula 508 remains stationary , causing the spring 506 to compress . when the stylet 504 fully extends , the hub 502 causes the latch 510 to release , propelling the cannula 508 forward , to enclose the stylet 504 . the cannula 508 includes a sharp edge 514 , that cuts tissue when propelled forward , capturing a sample of the tissue within a notch formed in the stylet 504 . the biopsy device 500 fits within the sheath 512 . preferably , the hub 502 forms a substantially effective seal with the sheath 512 so that it can be propelled forward by positive fluid or air pressure in the sheath 512 . in the embodiment shown in fig5 , the latch 510 acts as a stop , preventing the hub 502 from being propelled past the latch 510 . in other embodiments , stops ( not shown ), such as the proximal and distal stops shown in previously embodiments may be used . fig6 a - 6c show the operation of the biopsy device 500 . in fig6 a , the biopsy device 500 is within the sheath 512 , with the spring 506 in an equilibrium position , and the cannula 508 held in place by the latch 510 . in fig6 b , an operator has started to apply pressure to a fluid filled bladder ( not shown ) in fluid communication with the sheath 512 , causing positive fluid pressure within the sheath 512 to propel the hub 502 towards the distal end of the sheath 512 , thereby extending the stylet 504 . because the hub 502 is being pushed towards the distal end of the sheath 512 , and the cannula 508 is being held in place , the spring 506 compresses . in fig6 b , the hub 502 has not yet caused the latch 510 to release the cannula 508 . in fig6 c , the latch 510 has been released , causing the spring 506 , which was compressed , to propel the cannula 508 forward over the stylet 504 . when the cannula 508 is propelled forward , it cuts tissue , capturing a tissue sample 602 within a slot formed in the stylet 504 . fig7 shows another embodiment of a biopsy device for use as an end - effector in a medical device according to the invention . in the embodiment shown in fig7 , no spring is needed to propel the cannula forward to cut tissue , as in the previous embodiment . instead , fluid pressure is used to propel both the stylet and the cannula . in fig7 , a biopsy device 700 is shown in a fully extended position , with a stylet 702 and a cannula 704 fully extended from the distal end of a sheath 706 . the stylet 702 attaches to a stylet hub 708 , and the cannula 704 attaches to a cannula hub 710 . preferably , the stylet hub 708 and the cannula hub 710 form seals with the sheath 706 . a stylet stop 712 limits the distal movement of the stylet hub 708 ( and , therefore , of the stylet 702 ). the stylet stop 712 prevents the stylet hub 708 from advancing in a distal direction past the stylet stop 712 . note that the stylet stop 712 may also prevent the cannula hub 710 from moving in a proximal direction past the stylet stop 712 . optionally , an additional proximal stop ( not shown ) may be included to limit the proximal movement of the stylet hub 708 . a cannula stop 714 limits the distal movement of the cannula hub 710 ( and the cannula 704 ). the cannula stop 714 , which may be integrated into a distal tip of the sheath 706 , prevents the cannula hub 710 from advancing in a distal direction past the cannula stop 714 . as noted above , the stylet stop 712 may limit the proximal movement of the cannula hub 710 . the stylet hub 708 includes a small hole 718 which permits a limited amount of fluid to pass through the stylet hub 708 into the area between the stylet hub 708 and the cannula hub 710 . in operation , positive fluid pressure first pushes the stylet hub 708 in a distal direction , extending the stylet 702 from the distal end of the sheath 706 . when the stylet 702 is fully extended , the stylet stop 708 prevents further distal movement of the stylet hub 708 . at this point , fluid forced through the hole 718 in the stylet hub 708 causes positive fluid pressure to push the cannula hub 710 ( and the cannula 704 ) in a distal direction , extending the cannula 704 out of the distal end of the sheath 706 . as the cannula 704 extends over the stylet 702 , a sharp edge 716 of the cannula 704 cuts tissue , capturing a tissue sample within a notch formed in the stylet 702 . when the cannula 704 is fully extended , the cannula stop 714 prevents further distal movement of the cannula hub 710 . fig8 a - b illustrate this process . in fig8 a , positive fluid pressure has propelled the stylet 702 out of the distal end of the sheath 706 . the stylet stop 712 is preventing the stylet hub 708 from further movement in a distal direction . the cannula hub 714 has not yet been pushed in a distal direction by a substantial amount , and the cannula 704 is still within the sheath 706 . in fig8 b , when the stylet hub 708 is prevented from further distal movement by the stylet stop 712 , fluid forced through the hole 718 in the stylet hub 708 propels the cannula 704 out of the distal end of the sheath 706 . in fig8 b , the cannula 704 is fully extended , and further distal movement of the cannula hub 710 is prevented by the cannula stop 714 . in some embodiments , the biopsy end - effectors described with reference to fig5 - 8 may be retracted by application of negative fluid pressure . in other embodiments , the end - effectors of fig5 - 8 may not require retraction . in addition , such biopsy devices may be operated through application of short bursts of fluid pressure , rather than through substantially continuous application of pressure to a fluid filled bladder in fluid communication with a sheath . other embodiments incorporating the concepts disclosed herein are within the spirit and scope of the invention . the described embodiments are illustrative of the invention and not restrictive .	0
referring first to fig1 and 2 , a polymer - membrane 10 is shown overlying a roof 20 . the roof 20 may have a surrounding parapet 22 . in addition , a protrusion 30 may extend from the roof 20 . an opening 12 in the membrane 10 preferably allows the sides 32 , 34 of the protrusion 30 to extend through the membrane 10 . after the membrane 10 is in place on the roof 20 , a preferred embodiment of a fitment 40 may be installed to substantially prevent moisture from entering the roof 20 at a corner of the protrusion 30 . in one type of adjustable roof membrane system , fitments 40 may be joined by spanning strips 50 as shown in fig1 . each spanning strip 50 preferably has an upper portion 52 and a bottom portion 54 . the bottom portion 54 may be dielectrically welded , hot air bonded or otherwise sealed along its length to the membrane 10 , and the fitments 40 may be dielectrically welded , hot air bonded or otherwise sealed to the membrane 10 and the spanning strips 50 as shown at 60 , 62 , and 70 . although not shown in the figures , it should also be recognized that the fitments 40 may be positioned at the corners of a vertical protrusion such that they are overlapped by the spanning strips 50 . a fitment 40 preferably has a top membrane portion 80 and a base membrane portion 90 . as illustrated in fig4 , the top membrane portion 80 is preferably substantially rectangular and may be comprised of quadrants 81 , 82 , 83 , and 84 . the top membrane portion 80 has a cutout 86 . the cutout 86 preferably divides quadrant 83 from quadrant 84 , and it preferably extends from about the middle of side 85 to about the center portion 89 of the top membrane portion 80 . as shown in fig4 , the cutout 86 may have substantially parallel sides 87 , 88 . for one example of the cutout 86 , the sides 87 , 88 may be separated by about one - half inch . however , the cutout 86 may increase in width as the cutout 86 extends from the center portion 89 towards the side 85 . in addition to the embodiment shown in fig4 , the top membrane portion 80 may take the form of many different shapes . the shape of the top membrane portion 80 may vary depending on the application . for example , the top membrane portion 80 may have a different number of sides , it may have curved sides , or it may have sides of different lengths . for another example , the cutout 86 may extend from a portion of a side other than the middle , it may extend at an angle which is not perpendicular , or it may have a different shape , length , or width . referring back to fig1 , quadrants 81 , 82 of the top membrane portions 80 and upper portions 52 of the spanning strips 50 may be secured by an adhesive or other suitable means to the sides 32 , 34 of the protrusion 30 . a band 100 may be used to join the top edges of quadrants 81 , 82 and upper portions 52 . in addition , an adhesive , a bead of mastic , a bead of sealant , or any similar material may be used to form a tight seal between the band 100 and the sides 32 , 34 of the protrusion 30 . referring to fig3 a , the base membrane portion 90 is preferably comprised of a first generally triangular portion 91 , a second generally triangular portion 94 , and a tab 97 which has a hole 98 . sides 92 , 93 of the first generally triangular portion 91 are preferably joined at a radiused corner . in addition , sides 92 , 93 extend at an angle a which is greater than about 90 degrees . on the other hand , sides 95 , 96 of the second generally triangular portion 94 are connected by the tab 97 . the sides 95 , 96 extend at an angle b which is greater than about 90 degrees . by making the angles a , b greater than about 90 degrees , the fitment 40 is preferably adjustable . in other words , the angles a , b preferably help to substantially eliminate the need to fold or bunch the fitment 40 when the corner is not a right angle , when the protrusion 30 is not at a right angle to the roof 20 , or when there is some other irregularity in the protrusion 30 . however , the base membrane portion 90 is not limited to the configuration as described above . the base membrane portion 90 may have any other shape that is suitable and may have side tabs 99 a , which may have a hole 99 b , on the corner between side 92 and side 95 and / or the corner between side 93 and side 96 . referring now to fig3 b - 3d , in another embodiment the base membrane portion 90 ′ may be comprised of two separate triangular shaped portions 120 , 124 . the first triangular shaped portion 120 may preferably be comprised of three sides 95 ′, 92 ′, 122 , a tab 97 which may have a hole 98 , and a side tab 99 a which may have a hole 99 b . side 95 ′ and side 122 are preferably connected by a tab 97 , while side 95 ′ and side 92 ′ are preferably connected by a side tab 99 a . the second triangular shaped portion 124 may preferably be comprised of three sides 96 ′, 93 ′, 126 , a tab 97 which may have a hole 98 , and a side tab 99 a which may have a hole 99 b . side 96 ′ and side 126 are preferably connected by a tab 97 , while side 96 ′ and side 93 ′ are preferably connected by a side tab 99 a . in an exemplary embodiment , the first triangular shaped portion 120 and the second triangular shaped portion 124 are arranged to form a base membrane portion 90 ′. the base membrane portion 90 ′ may be substantially similar to base membrane portion 90 . however , base membrane portion 90 ′ has a middle adjustment feature 130 which allows the fitment 40 to be adjusted when sides 95 ′ and 96 ′ are sealed to the top membrane portion 80 . the middle adjustment feature 130 is preferably formed by the overlapping of side 122 on the first triangular shaped portion 120 and side 126 on the second triangular shaped portion 124 . fig5 a and 5b show examples of fitments 40 prior to installation . in an exemplary embodiment , preferably only one of the sides 95 , 96 may be completely sealed to the top membrane portion 80 prior to installation on the roof 20 . preferably , only a portion , if any at all , of the other side 95 , 96 may be sealed to the top membrane portion 80 prior to installation . this preferably enables the fitment 40 to be adjusted in the field to a corner that is not a right angle , a protrusion 30 that is not at a right angle to a roof 20 , and / or an irregularly - shaped protrusion 30 . in a fitment 40 that has a middle adjustment feature 130 , both sides 95 ′ and 96 ′ may be sealed to the top membrane portion 80 prior to installation . however , the middle adjustment feature 130 is not sealed prior to installation and enables the fitment 40 to be adjusted in the field to the corner or protrusion 30 on the roof 20 . it should be noted that after sealing , the base membrane portion 90 remains substantially flat . although it may be advantageous to leave one of the sides 95 or 96 unsealed or provide an adjustment feature 130 , these are not required . exemplary fitments may lack an adjustment feature 130 and may be completely sealed on both sides 95 and 96 . an exemplary device for making the fitments disclosed herein would be capable of manufacturing each type of sealing arrangements for the various fitments . during installation , after the fitment 40 is adjusted to the roof 20 and to the protrusion 30 in the field to substantially eliminate any folding or bunching , if there is an unsealed side , the unsealed side 95 and / or 96 may be sealed along its entire length to the top membrane portion 80 or the middle adjustment feature 130 may be sealed . fig6 shows an exemplary device 100 for making the various fitments described herein . an exemplary device may be comprised of a ram 103 , bolster plate 101 , and heating element 102 . fig7 provides another view of the bolster plate 101 and heating element 102 . the bolster plate 101 contains one or more securing mechanisms 111 along with one or more suction devices 110 ; both elements may be used to hold the top membrane portion 80 in position during the fabrication process . alternatively , only securing mechanisms or only suction devices may be used to secure the top membrane portion . the bolster plate 101 has three main surface areas . first area 183 accepts quadrant 83 of the top membrane portion 80 . second area 184 accepts quadrant 84 of the top membrane portion 80 . third area 180 accepts quadrants 82 and 81 of the top membrane portion 80 . fig8 provides a detailed view of the bottom surface of the ram 103 , which contains a first die 104 and a second die 105 . the first die 104 is actuated by the main ram actuator assembly 200 ( see fig1 b ) and the second die 105 is actuated by an auxiliary actuator assembly 201 ( see fig1 b ). the ram 103 may contain one or more suction devices 112 and pins 198 and 199 for securing the bottom membrane portion 90 during fabrication of the fitment . in alternative embodiments , only suction devices or only pins may be used . hole 98 in the bottom membrane portion corresponds to pin 198 in the ram while holes 99 b in the bottom membrane portion correspond with pins 199 in the ram . the first die 104 is utilized to create a seal along edge 95 and at least a portion of 96 . edge feature 109 is contained within the first die 104 and is used to create a seal along edge 95 . a portion of the first die 104 may comprise an insert 106 , so that the same die may be used to create both fitments where the entire edge 96 is sealed and also where only a portion of the edge 96 is sealed . by changing out the insert 106 , the points of contact between the first die 104 and the bolster plate 101 may be changed without having the change the entire die or use an entirely different machine . the second die 105 contains an edge feature 107 to further seal at least a portion of edge 96 . the second die 105 also contains a concave feature 108 which interfaces with third area 180 of the bolster plate 101 . the concave feature 108 is used to form the seal around radius 134 to create pucker 140 . fig9 is another view of the bottom surface of the ram 103 . suction devices 112 are again shown along with insert 106 . also shown is the second die 105 which contains the concave feature 108 and pin 198 . fig1 a and 10b show two embodiments for the heating element 102 . these embodiments may be utilized when hot air bonding is the chosen method for creating the seals between the base 90 and top 80 membrane portions . for the embodiment shown in fig1 a , air exhausts are located along edges 195 and 196 a , along with radius 234 . for the embodiment shown in fig1 b , air exhausts are located along edges 195 and 196 b , along with radius 234 . as can be observed , edge 196 b does not run the length of the heating element , where 196 a from fig1 a does . thus , the embodiment shown in fig1 b would be utilized when the entirety of edge 96 between the membranes is not required to be sealed . both embodiments may force hot air over the overlapping areas of edges 96 , 95 , and radius 134 . as shown below , the heating element 102 is sandwiched between the base 90 and top 80 membrane portions prior to contacting the portions with one another . thus , an exemplary device would force hot air in both the upward and downward directions in order to heat the overlapping edges of both the base 90 and top 80 portions simultaneously . an exemplary method for making a fitment may begin by placing the top membrane portion 80 on the bolster plate 101 and placing the base membrane portion 90 on the bottom surface of the ram 103 . the top membrane portion 80 may be secured in place by using one or more securing mechanisms 111 along with one or more suction devices 110 . the base membrane portion 90 may be secured in place by using one or more suction devices 112 and pins 198 and 199 . when securing the top membrane portion 80 to the bolster plate 101 , the quadrants of the membrane and bolster plate should preferably be aligned as described above . first area 183 accepts quadrant 83 of the top membrane portion 80 . second area 184 accepts quadrant 84 of the top membrane portion 80 . third area 180 accepts quadrants 82 and 81 of the top membrane portion 80 . third area 180 is a concave surface and when aligning the top membrane portion 80 , the quadrants 82 and 81 should follow the surface without substantial wrinkles or buckles . the edges 87 and 88 of the top membrane portion 80 should be aligned so that when the ram 103 lowers , these edges overlap edges 95 and 96 of the base membrane portion 90 . once the membrane portions are properly placed and secured , fig1 a shows what may be the next step in an exemplary process . the ram 103 is lowered so that the two membrane portions are in relatively close proximity to one another . the heating element 102 is placed between the two membrane portions and forces hot air along the seams which are to be sealed . preferably , the heating element forces hot air along the seam areas of both the top and base membrane portions 80 and 90 respectively . as noted above , a plurality of different heating elements 102 may be interchangeable with an exemplary device so that a single device is capable of making a plurality of different fitments . once the membrane portions are adequately heated , fig1 b shows what may be the next step in an exemplary process . the heating element 102 is removed and the ram 103 is further lowered so that the membrane portions are adjacent to one another . for sealing the desired edges , the ram 103 lowers the first 104 and second dies 105 so that pressure is created along the desired edges which were previously heated by the heating element 102 . in an exemplary embodiment , the pressure is created through two actuations . the first die 104 is actuated first by the main ram actuator assembly 200 and then the second die 105 is actuated by an auxiliary actuator assembly 201 . however , one continuous actuation may be used . in a preferred embodiment , the first die 104 is used to create the seal along edges 95 and 96 , while the second die 105 is used to create the seal near the radius 134 and possibly a portion of edges 95 or 96 . as noted above , the second die 105 contains a concave feature 108 which interfaces with third area 180 of the bolster plate 101 . the concave feature 108 is used to form the seal around radius 134 to create pucker 140 . as noted above , an insert 106 may be used so that a plurality of edge - seal orientations may be accomplished through the same machine . thus , both edges 95 and 96 may be sealed , only a portion of each edge may be sealed , edge 95 may be sealed while only a portion of edge 96 is sealed , edge 96 may be sealed while only a portion of edge 95 is sealed , or any other combination . thus , inserts may be used more places and with different geometry than the insert shown in fig8 and 9 . in exemplary embodiments , the fitment 40 may be made from thermoplastic olefin ( tpo ), polyvinyl chloride ( pvc ) and any other suitable material . tpo material is much less expensive than other roof membrane material , but has not been used in the roofing industry in the past because tpo is non - conductive material and therefore , cannot be dielectrically welded . material such as polyvinyl chloride ( pvc ) has been commonly used in the roofing industry since it can be easily dielectrically welded . however , pvc is much more expensive than tpo . tpo material may be used because it may be easily and efficiently hot air bonded to form a seal , as described above . additionally , using tpo material greatly reduces the cost associated with the adjustable fitments and roof membrane system . pvc material may be because it may easily be dielectrically welded or hot air bonded . accordingly , pvc and any other suitable material may be used in the method ( s ) of forming a fitment 40 that use dielectric welding or hot air bonding , while tpo and any other suitable material may be used in the method ( s ) of forming a fitment 40 that use hot air bonding . pvc , tpo and other suitable material may be used when the assembly of the component portions of the fitment 40 uses a mode for attachment other than hot air bonding and dielectric welding , such as caulking or adhesives . the preferred embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention . the preferred embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention . having shown and described preferred embodiments , those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to affect the described invention . many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention . it is the intention , therefore , to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims .	4
a preferred embodiment of the fiber optic switch uses rotary motion to switch the connection between one pair of optical fibers and a selected pair of other optical fibers . this particular embodiment of the invention provides for connecting one computer terminal to either of two host computers . of course , more than two host computers could be accommodated and devices other than computers could be selectively interconnected using the invention . a clear understanding of the present invention is best achieved by careful consideration of the partial cross - sectional top view of the rotary optical switch illustrated in fig1 . the switch mechanism is enclosed in a plastic housing 25 which holds a front panel 4 and a rear panel 7 by means of grooves in the housing . all attachments are made to the bottom half of the housing so that the top half may be easily removed . the heart of this embodiment of the invention is the rotary optical switch itself . it is comprised principally of two pieces , the stator 5 , and the rotor 6 . stator 5 is mounted on the rear panel 7 which can be seen at the right side of fig1 . detailed views of stator 5 are shown in fig4 a , 4b and 4c . it can be seen that stator 5 contains four holes 44 through which four optical fibers coming from the two host computers ( not shown ) will pass . as can be seen in fig4 a , the four holes 44 are arranged in two pairs with each pair including two diametrically opposed holes . it can also be seen that lines joining each pair of holes 44 are spaced 60 apart . fig5 a and 5b show that rotor 6 includes two diametrically opposed holes 47 which can be rotated 30 ° clockwise or counter - clockwise from a center position so that the pair of holes 47 can be brought selectively into alignment with one or the other pair of holes 44 on stator 5 . four optical fibers ( not shown ) from the host computers enter stator 5 from the rear of the optical switch through four fiber optic couplings and pass through the four holes 44 in stator 5 and terminate flush with the mating surface in circular recess 41 in stator 5 . the circular recess 41 in stator 5 is shaped to receive rotor 6 which includes the two holes 47 through which two flexible optic fibers 26 , fig1 coming from the terminal ( not shown ) can pass . the two holes 47 in rotor 6 which accommodate these two fibers 26 are shown in fig5 a . it should be clear that rotor 6 can be rotated between two positions so that the pair of optical fibers 26 from the terminal are aligned with either one of the pairs of optical fibers from the host computers . in the preferred embodiment of the invention testing has shown that the sk series 1 . 0 mm fiber produced by mitsubishi corporation works best . one feature of the invention is the inclusion of coupling fluid in the coupling cavity 28 between the opposing faces of rotor 6 and stator 5 . this coupling fluid has optical properties substantially the same as that in the optical fibers so that a low loss optical connection is made between the opposing optical fibers . in the preferred embodiment of the invention , testing has shown that the best optical fluid for this fiber is formula code 5610 catalog no . 20130 , of r . p . cargille laboratories in new jersey . to assure that only authorized persons are able to utilize the fiber optic switch , the rotation of rotor 6 is controlled by a key operated lock tumbler in tumbler body 23 , fig1 . when the key is rotated to a 30 ° clockwise or counter - clockwise detent position , its rotation is transmitted through shaft 69 to rotor 6 and the desired optic fiber alignment is achieved . in order to indicate on front panel 4 which host computer is currently connected via the optical switch to the terminal , the rotation position of shaft 69 is shown by indicator wheels 3 , fig1 which show through viewing ports 9 on the front panel 4 . the rotation of shaft 69 causes the indicator wheels 3 to be turned by means of indicator levers 12 , fig1 . levers 12 are rotatably mounted in fulcrum plates 11 . when shaft 69 is rotated , its motion is communicated to levers 12 by means of radial slots 29 in index wheel 1 in which the rearward ends 60 of levers 12 ride . the forward ends 61 of levers 12 ride in radial slots 34 in indicator wheels 3 . when index wheel 1 turns with shaft 69 it pushes ends 60 of levers 12 . the ends 61 of levers 12 then push indicator wheels 3 to cause them to rotate . each indicator wheel 3 is colored red and black , so that when the key is rotated to its 30 . clockwise detent position , the right hand viewing port 9 shows red and the left hand viewing port 9 shows black . when the key is rotated to its 30 counter - clockwise detent position , the left hand port shows green and the right hand port shows black . as another safety feature , in addition to requiring a key to operate the optical switch , an electric switch 70 , fig1 and 7 , is arranged to temporarily remove power from the terminal whenever the key is in its center or off position . a more detailed description of the preferred embodiment will now be given . the stator 5 is secured to the rear panel by means of four externally threaded fiber optic couplings 24 , two of which can be seen in fig1 which fit through holes 49 , in the rear panel 7 , fig6 a , and screw into internally threaded holes 44 , fig4 in the back of the stator . the couplings 24 serve several purposes . they provide convenient terminations for the optical fibers at the rear of the switch , they secure the stator to the rear panel , and they compress the elastomer seal around the portion of optical fiber entrapped in the stator thus preventing the coupling fluid located in the coupling cavity 28 , fig1 from escaping by this path . the coupling fluid is further contained by the &# 34 ; o &# 34 ; rings 16 , 18 and 20 , fig1 . the &# 34 ; o &# 34 ; rings on the front face of the rotor are compressed by means of the rotor &# 34 ; o &# 34 ; ring compression plate 15 fig1 fig1 b , and fig1 c . the &# 34 ; o &# 34 ; ring in the rotor is contained within its own groove 48 , fig5 . the index mechanism shaft 69 passes through hole 67 , fig1 b , and the optical fibers pass through holes 68 . after the rotary optical switch is assembled , the coupling fluid is introduced into the threaded filling hole 43 , fig4 a and fig4 b , where it flows through the orifice 38 into the coupling cavity 28 . the fluid is then sealed in the coupling cavity by installing the sealing screw in the filling hole . the portion of optical fiber which is entrapped in the stator extends from the center of the optical fiber coupling through the hole in the stator where it terminates flush with the surface of the coupling cavity 28 . accurate alignment is maintained by the stator bushing 13 , fig1 . the outside diameter 63 , of the stator bushing , fig9 c and 9d , fits snugly into the cavity 40 , in stator 5 , fig4 and the inside diameter 64 , fig9 d , fits snugly over the index mechanism shaft 69 , fig1 of the three positions , 30 ° step , rotary switch index mechanism 19 , fig1 . studs are inserted into the mounting holes 39 , fig4 and attach the index mechanism stand - offs 14 , fig1 a , by means of the threaded holes 65 , fig1 a . the index plate 8 , fig1 is attached to the other ends of the four index mechanism stand - offs by means of screws through holes 51 , fig6 b . the plate supports the three position , 30 ° step , rotary switch index mechanism 19 , fig1 by a threaded shaft bushing in hole 53 , fig6 b . proper alignment of the index mechanism is assured by attaching the index mechanism to the plate with screws through holes 52 , fig6 b . the alignment of the index plate with the stator is established by the index mechanism stand offs . precision alignment is achieved by the adjustment lock 10 , fig1 . the hub 54 , fig8 a and fig8 b , of the lock is attached to the shaft of the index mechanism by a roll pin through hole 56 , fig8 b , and a corresponding hole through the shaft . the locking screw is inserted through slot 55 , fig8 a , hole 66 , fig1 b , into threaded hole 45 , fig5 a . it serves two purposes : it fixes the angular relationship of the index mechanism shaft 69 with the rotor , and it compresses &# 34 ; o &# 34 ; rings 16 and 20 , fig1 . the index mechanism is actuated by a key operated lock tumbler . the tumbler body 23 , fig1 and tumbler body bezel 22 are secured to the front panel by means of the tumbler body retaining nut 21 . rotation of the tumbler body within the front panel is prevented by the truncated circular hole 37 , fig3 c . the lock wheel 2 , fig1 is attached directly to the rear surface of the tumbler by screws through holes 33 , fig2 c . the tumbler is not directly attached to the index mechanism but rotary motion is transmitted through the rotary coupling screws which loosely engage the slots 32 , fig2 of the lock wheel . the rotary coupling screws are threaded through holes 30 , fig2 a , and fig2 b in the index wheel 1 , fig1 . the index wheel is secured to the shaft of the index mechanism by a set screw threaded into hole 31 , fig2 b , and tightened against a flat spot on the shaft 69 . the position of the fiber optic switch is displayed by means of a pair of indicator levers 12 and a pair of rotating wheels 3 . the indicator levers 12 , fig1 are mounted for rotation in fulcrum plates 11 . the indicator levers 12 , fig1 engage , in the region 61 , fig1 and fig9 a , the index wheel via loosely fitting slots 29 , fig2 a , and fig2 b . the fulcrum plates 11 , fig1 are attached to the bottom sides of the housing by screws which penetrate through holes 59 , fig8 c . the bottom corners of the plates are radiuses 58 , fig8 e , to fit against the inside of the housing and the indicator levers are loosely captured in the region 62 , fig9 a , by the full radius grooves 57 , fig8 d and fig8 e . the other ends of the levers in the region 60 , fig9 a , engage loosely fitting slots 34 , fig1 fig3 a , and fig3 b on the indicator wheels 3 , fig1 . the indicator wheels are attached to the front panel with screws which penetrate through holes 36 , fig3 c , and clearance holes 35 , fig3 a . the screws are terminated with self locking nuts which allow the indicator wheels to rotate freely . fluorescent colored markings located at appropriate places on the front surface of the indicator wheels provide an indication of the angular position of the wheels when observed through the indicator viewing ports 9 in front panel 4 , fig1 and 3c . the levers 12 maintain the angular relationship between the rotor and the indicator wheels . the fluorescent colors are arranged so that both parts show black whenever the key is in the center detent position . the center detent position represents the off position and none of the optical fibers are aligned in this position . it is also the only position where the key may be inserted or removed from the tumbler . whenever the key is rotated 30 to the clockwise detent position , the right hand port shows red and left hand port shows black . in this position the fibers in the rotor are aligned with one pair of fibers in the stator . whenever the key is rotated 30 ° to the counterclockwise detent position the left hand port shows green and the right hand port shows black . in this position the fibers in the rotor are aligned with the other pair of fibers in the stator . the transmit and receive optical fibers from one host computer are attached to a pair of diagonally opposed fiber optic couplers which connect the stator to the rear panel . the transmit and receive optical fibers from the second host computer are attached to the corresponding positions of the other pair of diagonally opposed fiber optic couplers which connect the stator to the rear panel . the transmit and receive optical fibers from the terminal connect to the fiber optic couplers which are installed in holes 50 in the rear panel , fig1 and fig6 a . the signals are carried to and from the rotor via flexible optical fibers 26 , fig1 and terminate at the fiber optic couplers on the rear panel with strain relief connectors 27 . an electrical switch 70 , fig1 and fig7 is installed so that its operating cam rides against the shaft 69 of the detent mechanism . it is de - activated whenever the key is in the center or off position . this is used to activate the timing circuit 71 , fig1 a and fig1 b , which removes power from the terminal for a period of time long enough to ensure that all volatile memory in the terminal is completely erased . a schematic diagram of the timing circuit 71 is shown in fig7 . although the circuit shown in the diagram is functional it is not in and of itself novel . any commercially available timer circuit may be used in this application . although the present invention has been described in the form of a particular specific embodiment , it will be appreciated by those skilled in the are that various alterations and rearrangements may be made in the design without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention . it is intended that the appended claims be interpreted to cover all such modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of this invention .	6
the high elongation , high strength pitch - type carbon fiber and the method of manufacturing the fiber according to the present invention will be more fully understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment . in this specification , the characteristics of the carbon fiber were measured by the following methods . the orientation angle ( φ ), the stack height ( lc ) and the interlayer spacing ( d 002 ) are parameters which can be measured by x - ray diffraction methods and which shows the fine crystalline structure of the carbon fiber . the orientation angle ( φ ) shows the selective orientation of the crystallite with respect to the axis of the fiber . the more the angular degree becomes small , the more better the orientation becomes . the stack height ( lc ) shows the thickness of the apparent height of the stack of the ( 002 ) plane of the carbon fine crystallite . in general , the more the stack height ( lc ) becomes large , the more better the crystallinity becomes . the interlayer spacing ( d 002 ) shows the distance between layers of the ( 002 ) plane of the fine crystallite . it is considered that smaller value of the interlayer spacing ( d 002 ) suggests a higher degree of crystallinity . the measurement of the orientation angle ( φ ) can be performed by using a fiber sample holder in such a manner that diffraction angle 2θ ( about 26 °) is previously obtained at which the strength of the ( 002 ) diffraction ring becomes its maximum magnitude by scanning with a counter tube with the fiber bundle made positioned perpendicular to the surface scanned by the counter tube . then , the fiber sample holder is rotated by 360 ° with the position of the counter tube maintained so that the distribution of the strength of the ( 002 ) diffraction ring is measured . thus , let the half - width at the point at which the maximum strength becomes halved be the orientation angle ( φ ). the stack height ( lc ) and the interlayer spacing ( d 002 ) are measured and analyzed by pulverizing the fiber in a mortar in conformity with gakushinho &# 34 ; method of measuring the lattice constant of artificial graphite and the size of crystallite &# 34 ;, legistated in the 117th committee of the japan society for the promotion of science , from the following formulae : β : half - width of the ( 002 ) diffraction line obtained from a correction measurement of the surface oxygen content ( o 1s / c 1s ) by x - ray photoelectron spectrometry it is measured by using xsam - 800 manufactured by kratos . the fiber to be measured is cut into pieces so as to arrange them on a sample supporting metal holder before the pressure in the sample chamber is maintained at 1 × 10 - 8 torr or lower . as the x - ray source , mgkaα 1 , 2 is used . the surface oxygen content is obtained from the ratio between the peak area of o 1s at kinetic energy of 722 ev and the peak area of c 1s at kinetic energy of 970 ev . the term &# 34 ; surface of the fiber &# 34 ; used in this specification means an extremely thin layer of about 0 . 01 μm or less from the surface of the fiber to the central portion thereof . carbonaceous pitch containing an optically anisotropic phase ( ap ) by about 50 % was used as precursor pitch , which was then drawn out through an ap discharge port at a centrifugal force of 10000g in a cylindrical continuous centrifugal separator having a rotor the internal effective capacity of which was 200 ml with the temperature of the rotor maintained at 350 ° c . the obtained pitch contained the optically anisotropic phase by 98 % and the softening point of which was 276 ° c . the thus obtained optically anisotropic pitch was spun by a melt spinning apparatus having a nozzle the diameter of which was 0 . 3 mm . the spinning apparatus and the spinneret used in the spinning are illustrated in fig1 to 3 . the spinning apparatus 10 comprised a heating cylinder 12 into which molten pitch 11 was injected from a pitch pipe , a plunger 13 for applying pressure to the pitch injected into the heating cylinder 12 and a spinneret 14 fastened to the bottom of the heating cylinder 12 . the spinneret 14 had a spinning nozzle 15 bored therein and was detachably fastened to the lower surface of the heating cylinder 12 by bolts 17 and spinneret retainers 21 . the thus spun pitch fiber was wound to a winding bobbing 20 after it had passed through a spinning cylinder 19 . according to this example , the spinning nozzle 15 formed in the spinneret 14 comprised a nozzle introduction portion 15a having a relatively large diameter and a nozzle portion 15b having a relatively small diameter and formed so as to be connected to the nozzle introduction portion 15a . furthermore , a nozzle transition portion 15c in the form of a circular truncated cone was formed between the large - diameter nozzle introduction portion 15a and the small - diameter nozzle portion 15b . the spinneret 14 was made of stainless steel ( sus304 ). the thickness ( t ) of the spinning nozzle 15 was arranged to be 5 mm . furthermore , the length ( t 1 ) of the large - diameter nozzle introduction portion 15a and the length ( t 2 ) of the small - diameter nozzle portion 15b were arranged to be 4 mm and 0 . 65 mm , respectively . the length ( t 3 ) of the transition portion 15c of the spinning nozzle 15 was 0 . 35 mm . the diameter ( d 1 ) of the large - diameter nozzle introduction portion 15a and the diameter ( d 2 ) of the small - diameter nozzle portion 15b were arranged to be 1 mm and 0 . 3 mm , respectively . furthermore , an insertion member 16 having a thermal conductivity which was larger than that of the spinneret 14 and made of , according to this example , copper was provided for the large - diameter nozzle introduction portion 15a of the spinning nozzle 15 . the insertion member 16 was arranged to be in the form of an elongated rod shape having an end portion 16a which was proximated to the inlet of the small - diameter nozzle portion 15b and another end portion 16b which extended outwards from the inlet of the large - diameter nozzle introduction portion 15a . the overall length ( l ) of the insertion member 16 was arranged to be 20 mm and the diameter ( d ) of the same was arranged to be a diameter with which a gap between the large - diameter nozzle introduction portion 15a and the insertion member 16 became 1 / 100 to 5 / 100 mm so that the insertion member 16 was able to be smoothly inserted into the large - diameter nozzle introduction portion 15a and thereby held by the same . in order to introduce the molten pitch into the nozzle portion 15b , four grooves 18 having a circular - arc cross - section the radius ( r ) of each of which was 0 . 15 mm were formed in the surface of the insertion member 16 in the axial direction thereof . when the molten pitch was spun by the thus - structured spinning apparatus , the temperature drop of the molten pitch , which was taken place at the time when the molten pitch passed the spinning nozzle , was maintained below 3 ° c . the pitch fiber thus obtained was heated in an atmosphere of oxygen rich gas containing 60 % of oxygen from 180 ° c ., which is the starting temperature , to 310 ° c . at a temperature rise rate of 13 ° c ./ minute so that it was infusibilized in 10 minutes . after it had been infusibilized , the fiber was heated from 400 ° c . to 550 ° c . at a temperature rise rate of 50 ° c ./ minute in an atmosphere of nitrogen gas and then the same was further heated from 550 ° c . to 1100 ° c . at a temperature rise rate of 250 ° c ./ minute so that the fiber was carbonized . in this case , the time in which the temperature of 1100 ° c . was maintained was zero . the total carbonizing time was 5 . 2 minutes . in order to improve the angle of the orientation of crystallite of the fiber , a tension of 0 . 017 g was applied to each of the filaments at the above - described carbonization process . the thus carbonized carbon fiber was further maintained at 700 ° c . and was passed through an atmosphere of oxygen rich gas ( o 2 / n 2 = 60 / 40 ) in which the content of oxygen in nitrogen gas phase was 60 % for 30 seconds . the above - described carbon fiber was subjected to x - ray diffraction measurements , resulting that the orientation angle ( φ ) was 32 ° the stack height ( lc ) was 19 . 4 å and the interlayer spacing ( d 002 ) was 3 . 484 å . the diameter of filament of the fiber was 9 . 9 μm , the tensile strength was 2 . 8 gpa ( 280 kg / mm 2 ), the tensile elastic modulus was 110 gpa ( 11 ton / mm 2 ) and the elongation was 2 . 5 %. as is shown from these results , the fiber had high elongation and flexibility . the fiber thus manufactured was subjected to the x - ray photoelectron spectrometry so as to measure the oxygen content of the surface of the fiber , resulting that the atomic ratio ( o / c ) of oxygen to carbon on the surface of the fiber was 0 . 151 . the total oxygen content in the whole fiber obtained by elemental analysis was 0 . 1 wt . %. the interlayer shearing strength ( ilss ) of the thus obtained fiber was measured . as a result , satisfactory strength of 0 . 132 gpa ( 13 . 2 kg / mm 2 ) was obtained . the carbon fiber thus obtained was heated up to 2500 ° c . so that a graphite fiber was obtained . as a result , the graphite fiber showed satisfactory physical properties such that the diameter of a filament was 9 . 8 μm , the tensile strength was 4 . 1 gpa ( 410 kg / mm 2 ) and the tensile elastic modulus was 700 gpa ( 70 ton / mm 2 ). the infusibilized fiber and the carbon fiber were prepared by using the same method and the same material as those in example 1 . however , the oxidation of the carbon fiber was not conducted unlike example 1 . as a result of the x - ray diffraction measurements , the orientation angle ( φ ) was 32 °, the stack height ( lc ) was 19 . 5 å and the interlayer spacing ( d 002 ) was 3 . 485 å . the diameter of filament of the fiber was 10 μm , the tensile strength was 2 . 5 gpa ( 250 kg / mm 2 ), the tensile elastic modulus was 110 gpa ( 11 . 0 ton / mm 2 ) and the elongation was 2 . 3 %. the fiber thus manufactured was subjected to the x - ray photoelectron spectrometry so as to measure the oxygen content of the surface of the fiber , resulting that the atomic ratio ( o / c ) of oxygen to carbon on the surface of the fiber was 0 . 03 . the total oxygen content in the filament obtained by elemental analysis was 0 . 01 wt . % or less . the carbon fiber thus obtained was heated up to 2500 ° c . so that a graphite fiber was obtained . as a result , the graphite fiber showed satisfactory physical properties such that the diameter of a filament was 9 . 8 μm , the tensile strength was 3 . 5 gpa ( 350 kg / mm 2 ) and the tensile elastic modulus was 700 gpa ( 70 ton / mm 2 ). the infusibilized fiber was prepared by using the same method and the same material as those in example 1 . similarly to example 1 , the infusibilized fiber was carbonized so that the carbon fiber was manufactured except for the difference in that no tension was applied to the infusibilized fiber . the oxidation of the carbon fiber after the carbonization was not performed . as a result of the x - ray diffraction measurements of the thus obtained carbon fiber , the orientation angle ( φ ) was 41 °, the stack height ( lc ) was 19 . 5 å and the interlayer spacing ( d 002 ) was 3 . 497 å . the diameter of filament of the fiber was 10 μm , the tensile strength was 0 . 7 gpa ( 70 kg / mm 2 ), the tensile elastic modulus was 80 gpa ( 8 . 0 ton / mm 2 ) and the elongation was 0 . 9 %. the carbon fiber thus obtained was heated up to 2500 ° c . so that a graphite fiber was obtained . as a result , the graphite fiber showed that the filament diameter was 9 . 8 μm , the tensile strength was 2 . 8 gpa ( 280 kg / mm 2 ) and the tensile elastic modulus was 650 gpa ( 65 ton / mm 2 ). the infusibilized fiber was prepared by the same method and the same material as those in example 1 . similarly to example 1 , the infusibilized fiber was carbonized so that the carbon fiber was manufactured except for the difference in that a tension of 0 . 33 g per filament was applied to the infusibilized fiber . however , the oxidation of the carbon fiber after the carbonization was not performed . as a result of the x - ray diffraction measurements of the thus obtained carbon fiber , the orientation angle ( φ ) was 24 °, the stack height ( lc ) was 19 . 5 å and the interlayer spacing ( d 002 ) was 3 . 482 å . the diameter of filament of the fiber was 10 μm , the tensile strength was 1 . 3 gpa ( 130 kg / mm 2 ), the tensile elastic modulus was 140 gpa ( 14 ton / mm 2 ) and the elongation was 0 . 9 %. the carbon fiber thus obtained was heated up to 2500 ° c . so that a graphite fiber was obtained . as a result , the graphite fiber showed that the filament diameter was 9 . 8 μm , the tensile strength was 2 . 8 gpa ( 280 kg / mm 2 ) and the tensile elastic modulus was 750 gpa ( 75 ton / mm 2 ). the infusibilized fiber was prepared by using the same method and the same material as those in example 1 . similarly to example 1 , the infusibilized fiber was carbonized so that the carbon fiber was manufactured except for the difference in that the infusibilized fiber was heated from 400 ° c . to 1100 ° c . at a temperature rise rate of 5 ° c ./ minute in 140 minutes . however , the oxidation of the carbon fiber after the carbonization was not performed . as a result of the x - ray diffraction measurements of the thus obtained carbon fiber , the orientation angle ( φ ) was 41 °, the stack height ( lc ) was 19 . 6 å and the interlayer spacing ( d 002 ) was 3 . 495 å . the diameter of filament of the fiber was 10 μm , the tensile strength was 0 . 8 gpa ( 80 kg / mm 2 ), the tensile elastic modulus was 90 gpa ( 9 . 0 ton / mm 2 ) and the elongation was 0 . 9 %. the carbon fiber thus obtained was heated up to 2500 ° c . so that a graphite fiber was obtained . as a result , the graphite fiber showed that the diameter of filament was 9 . 8 μm , the tensile strength was 2 . 8 gpa ( 280 kg / mm 2 ) and the tensile elastic modulus was 650 gpa ( 65 ton / mm 2 ). the infusibilized fiber was prepared by the same method in which the same material was used . similarly to example 1 , the infusibilized fiber was carbonized so that the carbon fiber was manufactured except for the difference in that the infusibilized fiber was heated from 400 ° c . to 1100 ° c . at a temperature rise rate of 250 ° c ./ minute in about 3 minutes . in this case , a melting and adhesion took place in part at the time of the carbonization . as a result , no normal filament was obtained . the same pitch as that in example 1 was used so as to spin it at spinning temperature of 330 ° c . by using a spinneret having no insertion member . the thus obtained pitch fiber was heated from 180 ° c . up to 255 ° c . at a temperature rise rate of 0 . 3 ° c ./ minute in an atmosphere of air so that it was infusibilized . the thus obtained infusibilized fiber was heated from 400 ° c . to 1100 ° c . at a temperature rise rate of 5 ° c ./ minute in 140 minutes in an atmosphere of nitrogen gas without no tension so that it was carbonized . the maintaining time at 1100 ° c . was zero . the oxidation of the carbon fiber after the carbonization was not performed . as a result of the x - ray diffraction measurements o of the thus obtained carbon fiber , the orientation angle ( φ ) was 43 °, the stack height ( lc ) was 19 . 5 å and the interlayer spacing ( d 002 ) was 3 . 497 å . the diameter of filament of the fiber was 10 μm , the tensile strength was 0 . 6 gpa ( 60 kg / mm 2 ), the tensile elastic modulus was 75 gpa ( 7 . 5 ton / mm 2 ) and the elongation was 0 . 8 %. the carbon fiber thus obtained was heated up to 2500 ° c . so that a graphite fiber was obtained . as a result , the graphite fiber showed that the filament diameter was 9 . 9 μm , the tensile strength was 2 . 6 gpa ( 260 kg / mm 2 ) and the tensile elastic modulus was 650 gpa ( 65 ton / mm 2 ). the infusibilized fiber and the carbon fiber were prepared by using the same method and the same material as those in example 1 . the thus carbonized carbon fiber was further subjected to the oxidation process for 3 seconds in an atmosphere of oxygen rich gas ( o 2 / n 2 = 60 / 40 ) in which the content of oxygen was 60 % in nitrogen phase and the temperature of which was maintained at 700 ° c . the diameter of filament of the fiber was 9 . 9 μm , the tensile strength was 0 . 8 gpa , the tensile elastic modulus was 89 . 0 gpa and the elongation was 0 . 9 %. as is shown from these results , the tensile strength was excessively deteriorated . the fiber thus manufactured was subjected to the x - ray photoelectron spectrometry so as to measure the oxygen content of the surface of the fiber , resulting that the atomic ratio ( o / c ) of oxygen to carbon on the surface of the fiber was 0 . 42 . the total oxygen content in the whole fiber obtained by elemental analysis was 0 . 4 wt . %. the interlayer shearing strength ( ilss ) of the thus obtained fiber was measured , resulting 12 . 5 kg / mm 2 . the results of example 1 and comparative example 1 to 7 show that it is necessary for obtaining a carbon fiber according to the present invention having high elongation as well as satisfactory tensile strength and tensile elastic modulus to apply a predetermined tension to the infusibilized fiber at the time of the carbonizing process and further to quickly carbonize the fiber within a range in which the fiber is not melted and adhered . furthermore , the results show that the oxygen content of the surface of the fiber and the total oxygen content in the whole fiber must be limited to a predetermined range by quickly oxidizing the fiber at high temperature in an atmosphere of oxygen rich gas for a short time . in particular , the physical property of the fiber and the adhesive property of the fiber with the matrix resin can be improved and the interlayer shearing strength can be increased by quickly oxidizing the fiber at high temperature in the atmosphere of oxygen rich gas for a short time . as will be understood from the foregoing description , the pitch - type carbon fiber having a specific crystalline structure according to the present invention exhibits an excellent tensile strength and tensile elastic modulus as well as an excellent elongation exceeding 1 . 0 % or more . therefore , the knitting and weaving facility can be improved so that the carbon fiber can be significantly easily handled in the manufacturing process , causing the manufacturing efficiency thereof to be satisfactorily improved . consequently , the pitch - type carbon fiber according to the present invention can be extremely effectively used as reinforcing fibers for light - weight structural materials of various fields such as space development , automobile production and architecture and so forth . furthermore , a significantly high strength and high elastic modulus carbon fiber can be obtained by carbonizing the fiber by heating the fiber up to 2000 ° c . and further heating the same up to 3000 ° c . so as to graphitize it . moreover , the fiber according to the present invention exhibits an extremely excellent adhesive property with the matrix resin in the case where it is used as a reinforcing fiber for a composite material . as a result , an effect can be accomplished in that a superior carbon fiber reinforcing composite material can be obtained . although the invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularly , it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been changed in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be restored to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed .	3
the invention is embodied in a tdma network 100 of the type used in reader - transponder communications having an rf modulation / demodulation section 102 for modulating , demodulating and converting signals between an analog and digital format and a digital link controller 104 for decoding messages and providing a protocol structure to the reader - transponder communications as shown in fig1 . generally , a receive detector 106 and a transmit oscillator 108 of the rf modulation / demodulation section 102 cooperate with a protocol logic device 110 of the digital link controller 104 shown in fig2 to substantially simplify the process of identifying vehicles on a roadway and to eliminate restrictions on traffic flow . these advantages are achieved by obviating the requirement of a per - lane antenna which permits reducing network infrastructure . moreover , the protocol structure permits two - way communication between a reader 112 and a vehicle transponder 114 , eliminates destructive interference of simultaneous response signals , and exhibits improved flexibility for extending the message structure to additional applications . the invention includes a tdma radio network which enables two - way data communications between the reader 112 and at least one vehicle transponder 114 . as employed in the present invention , the reader 112 is usually a stationary transponder that can be positioned in any suitable location , for example , as part of the roadside infrastructure . however , the vehicle transponder 114 is usually mobile and passes within the range of the reader 112 to permit interrogation and identification of the vehicle transponder 114 . in the present invention , the term vehicle is intended to have wide application and can include , for example , a motorized unit such as an automobile , a truck , a ship or boat , a transported cargo container or the like . however , it is understood that many applications exist in which the reader 112 would be mobile and the transponder 114 would be stationary . an example of such an application is one in which the transponder 114 is housed in a container stored in a warehouse and the reader 112 is a mobile hand operated transponder . in this example , the interrogation and identification of the container and its contents is achieved by an individual carrying the reader 112 . in the instant application , it is presumed for convenience that the reader 112 is a stationary roadside transponder and the vehicle transponder 114 is housed within a mobile vehicle . in addition to the reader 112 and the vehicle transponder 114 , the tdma network includes a protocol that establishes the rules of communication . the protocol is designed for open road communication systems as opposed to single - lane communication systems . the advantage of open road communication systems is that a single roadside reader 112 can interrogate and identify vehicles in several traffic lanes without traffic restrictions , lane barriers , overhead structures and the like as has been the case in the past . therefore , the present invention is useful in many intelligent vehicle highway systems for applications such as electronic toll collection , route guidance ( display ), traveler information ( broadcast ), and commercial fleet tracking . a simplified block diagram of the tdma network 100 which discloses the reader 112 and the vehicle transponder 114 is shown in fig1 . the reader 112 and the vehicle transponder 114 each include a plurality of components which perform the same or similar functions . therefore , those components of the reader 112 and vehicle transponder 114 which perform the same or similar functions will be described only once with any distinguishing features observed . the vehicle transponder 114 includes an antenna 116 , the rf modulation / demodulation section 102 and the digital link controller 104 . an optional host computer 118 is also shown . the reader 112 includes an antenna 120 , an rf modulation / demodulation section 122 , a digital link controller 124 and host equipment 126 . the antenna 116 is integrally located within the transponder 114 and the antenna 120 is externally located to the reader 112 . further , each antenna 116 and 120 is utilized in a receive and transmit capacity . in the receive capacity , each antenna functions to receive and convert radiated energy to a first rf voltage signal . in the transmit capacity , each antenna serves to convert a second rf voltage signal to radiated energy . the rf modulation / demodulation sections 102 and 122 of the transponder 114 and the reader 112 , respectively , serve to demodulate the received ( e . g ., first ) rf voltage signal ( provided by the antennas 116 and 120 , respectively ) in the receive path as shown in fig1 . in the transmit path , the rf modulator / demodulator sections 102 and 122 serve to modulate the second rf voltage signal prior to being transmitted to the antennas 116 and 120 , respectively . the digital link controllers 104 and 124 , respectively , each include the protocol structure of the present invention and serve to execute the timing and decision making logic instructions . the optional host computer 118 of the vehicle transponder 114 serves several functions . the host computer 118 can provide computer support and / or digital memory storage capacity to the protocol logic device 110 as shown in fig2 . additionally , the host computer 118 can be employed to provide an interface to auxiliary devices ( not shown ) such as smart cards , digital displays or any data recording device . further , the computer 118 can function to communicate with other computer peripherals such as the host equipment 126 shown connected to the digital link controller 124 of the reader 112 in fig1 . in such an arrangement , the vehicle transponder 114 and the reader 112 serve as modems to complete the communication link . the operation of the vehicle transponder 114 will now be discussed with reference to fig2 . the radiated energy is received at the antenna 116 and converted to the first rf voltage signal . the first rf voltage signal is presented to a transmit / receive switch 130 located within the rf modulation / demodulation section 102 . in the receive mode , the switch 130 routes the first rf voltage signal to the receive detector 106 in the receive path 132 . the detector 106 demodulates the amplitude modulated carrier wave of the first rf voltage signal to provide a demodulated baseband ( manchester ) split - phase coded signal . the detector provides an analog - to - digital ( a / d ) conversion . if the magnitude of the first rf voltage signal exceeds a specified threshold , the output signal is a logical one . if the specified threshold is not exceeded , the output signal from the detector 106 is a logical zero . the detector 106 can be , for example , an envelope detector . the demodulated baseband coded signal is then directed to a receive decoder 134 which converts the baseband signal to binary data bits . further , the decoder 134 provides clock synchronization to the protocol logic device 110 . the binary data bits , which form a message received from the reader 112 , are then directed to the protocol logic device 110 . the protocol logic device 110 decodes the binary data bits and executes the protocol structure which controls the timing and decision making logic instructions of the digital link controller 104 . examples of the decision making logic instructions include timing , message slot selection , memory input / output and transmit / receive control . a detailed discussion of the protocol structure of the present invention appears below in conjunction with fig4 - 6 . the protocol logic device 110 is shown in two - way communication with the host computer 118 in fig2 . the host computer provides computer support and / or memory storage capacity to the protocol logic device 110 and serves as an interface to computer peripheral equipment . the protocol logic device 110 is also connected to a plurality of indicators 136 mounted on the vehicle transponder 114 . the purpose of the indicators 136 is to signal the operator of the vehicle transponder 114 to perform some function , for example , to direct the vehicle to the roadway weigh station . the physical embodiment of the indicators 136 can include light emitting diodes , audio tones and the like . also shown connected in two - way communication with the protocol logic device 110 is a memory 138 . the memory 138 is connected at the end of the receive path 132 within the digital link controller 104 . the memory 138 provides long term storage of standard data for identifying the vehicle transponder 114 upon interrogation of the reader 112 . examples of the data stored in the memory 138 can include the vehicle type , registration number , vehicle identification number , operator identification and license number , vehicle weight , maximum load weight capacity , cargo information such as the bill of lading , ports of entry and the like . in response to the message or interrogation from the reader 112 , data provided by the host computer 118 or the memory 138 is formatted in the protocol logic device 110 . the formatting procedure is in accordance with the protocol structure of the present invention . the protocol formatted digital data is then directed to the transmit oscillator 108 in the transmit path 140 . the formatted digital data is utilized to modulate a transmit oscillator carrier wave to convert the data from a digital - to - analog ( d / a ) format . the output signal of the transmit oscillator 108 is the second ( amplitude modulated ) rf voltage signal . the second rf voltage signal is then directed to a transmit power amplifier 142 which boosts the signal level thereof . the second rf voltage signal is then transmitted to the transmit / receive switch 130 . the transmit / receive switch 130 , which is controlled by the protocol structure , routes the second rf voltage signal to the antenna 116 . the antenna 116 then converts the second rf voltage signal to radiated energy which is thereafter transmitted to the reader 112 . the structural combination and operation of the reader 112 is very similar to that of the vehicle transponder 114 shown in fig2 . only a few minor variations exist between the reader 112 and the transponder 114 . those variations include the absence of the indicators 136 and the memory 138 in the reader 112 . the indicators 136 are not necessary since the reader 112 is not attended by an operator . further , since the reader 112 performs the interrogation function on the vehicle transponder 114 , a need for a depository of identification information in the reader 112 does not exist . the reader 112 is the functional equivalent to the vehicle transponder 114 except that the corresponding element for the protocol logic device 110 in the reader 112 executes the portion of the protocol structure associated with the reader 112 . in lieu of responding to interrogation as in the vehicle transponder 114 , the protocol structure of the reader 112 is directed to the interrogation and control functions . examples of the protocol structure of the reader 112 include generation of a reader control message each frame and assignment of message slots as will be discussed hereinbelow . the protocol structure associated with the protocol logic device 110 shown in fig2 will now be discussed . the network protocol employs a time division multiple access ( tdma ) scheme in which various users are assigned specific time intervals in which to communicate . by taking turns , many users can share a single frequency channel . the present invention eliminates the need to isolate users , either physically or by using separate frequency assignments , to keep their respective communications from interfering with one another . the protocol structure of the present invention is illustrated in fig3 - 6 . utilization of the tdma network schemes of the past has proved unsatisfactory . the pure slotted aloha scheme based upon random selection becomes undesirable when the traffic density increases . likewise , the fixed slot assignment scheme is very inefficient when slots are reserved for a large number of potentially infrequent users . a novel approach lies in the unique combination of slotted aloha and fixed slot protocols . the slotted aloha protocol provides random slots which are used as a means for vehicle transponders 114 to enter the tdma communication network 100 . the slotted aloha random slots are not used for communication of data . once an identification message from the vehicle transponder 114 is received and identified , the transponder 114 is assigned specific and unique time slots . thereafter , data communication occurs between the reader 112 and the vehicle transponder 114 in the assigned time slots . entry of a vehicle transponder 114 to the tdma network 100 is not permitted during the assigned time slots . this protocol rule eliminates interference between response signals of different vehicle transponders 114 and ensures a very high data communication success rate between the reader 112 and the transponders 114 . further , an increased number of transponders 114 can be accommodated by the tdma network 100 since message repeat time is minimized . this combination of time slots provides the best results for the following reasons . the random time slot selection is convenient for entry into the tdma network 100 but is a poor choice for uniquely communicating with a large number of vehicle transponders 114 . the assigned time slots are efficient for communicating among a known list of vehicle transponders 114 but entry into the tdma network 100 by vehicle transponders 114 is difficult . the protocol of the tdma network 100 is optimized for short range , high data rate burst communications . thus , the network 100 is optimized for non - continuous data communications within 100 &# 39 ; at a rate of , for example , 500 kbits / sec . time is divided into repetitive frames 150 with each frame 150 containing two types of slots used by all network participants ( e . g ., vehicle transponders 114 ) as shown in fig3 . a different method of assignment is used for each type of time slot and protocol discipline is maintained by the reader 112 . the first type of time slot is an activation slot 152 which is utilized by the vehicle transponders 114 to gain entry to the tdma network 100 . the vehicle transponders 114 select an activation time slot 152 at random and successfully contact the reader 112 if another vehicle transponder 114 does not select the same activation slot 152 . thereafter , the reader 112 assigns a message slot 154 to vehicle transponders 114 that have transmitted an identification message to the reader 112 and that identification message has been recognized . the message slots 154 are utilized for the transfer of data between the vehicle transponders 114 and the reader 112 . the protocol reserves the message slot time to the particular vehicle transponder 114 to which the message slot 154 was assigned . the reader 112 functions as a control unit and establishes the basic timing for the protocol . time is divided into ten millisecond ( 10 msec ) frames 150 which provides one - hundred frames per second . the protocol is represented by two adjacent frames 150 labeled n and n + 1 in fig3 . at the beginning of each frame 150 , the reader 112 transmits a reader control message 156 to the vehicle transponders 114 . the reader control message 156 shown in fig4 a contains information relating to the assignment of message time slots 154 to vehicle transponders 114 . the reader control message 156 also provides a timing reference from which all vehicle transponders 114 compute elapsed time . the remainder of the frame 150 is divided into the message slots 154 which are assigned to specific vehicle transponders 114 and activation slots 152 which can be employed by any vehicle transponder 114 attempting to gain entry to the tdma network 100 . in the preferred embodiment , there are four message slots 154 ( e . g ., 81 - 84 ) and sixteen activation slots 152 as shown in fig3 . each message slot 154 is bi - directional so that a message can be sent in either direction between the reader 112 and the vehicle transponder 114 . a small acknowledge message time slot 158 is located within each message slot 154 . the acknowledge message time slot 158 shown in fig4 d is utilized by the receiving transponder to signal the transmitting transponder of a successful reception of the message . therefore , link validation and positive acknowledgement of data transactions is provided . the two adjacent frames 150 labeled n and n + 1 in fig3 will now be utilized to describe the operation of the tdma protocol . a mobile vehicle transponder 114 comes within range ( e . g ., enters the field ) of the roadside reader 112 . the reader 112 transmits and the vehicle transponder 114 receives a 224 - bit reader control message 156 indicating the beginning of the frame 150 labeled n . at the end of the reader control message 156 in frame n , the vehicle transponder 114 waits a period of time equal to the time allocated to the four message slots 154 . thus , the frame 150 has advanced to the beginning of the activation time slots 152 . next , the vehicle transponder 114 randomly selects one of the sixteen activation time slots 152 and transmits a short transponder identification message 160 shown in fig4 b to the reader 112 . the transponder identification message 160 contains a unique identification number used to gain access to the tdma network 100 . the unique transponder identification number is stored in the memory 138 of the vehicle transponder shown in fig2 . the reader control message 156 of the next frame 150 labeled n + 1 is monitored by the vehicle transponder 114 . the purpose of the monitoring is to determine if the unique identification number of that transponder 114 appears among the identification numbers listed . if that unique identification number is listed in the reader control message 156 of frame n + 1 , then authorization is granted to use the corresponding message time slot 154 to transmit or receive a message . the vehicle transponder 114 is shown utilizing message slot 164 labeled 83 in fig3 . if the unique identification number of the vehicle transponder 114 is not listed in the next reader control message 156 , then the transponder 114 has not been assigned a message time slot 154 . examples of reasons why a message time slot 154 might not be assigned include the reader 112 did not receive the identification message 160 and identification number from the transponder 114 , another transponder user selected the same activation time slot 152 , a queue of more than four transponders 114 is awaiting the assignment of message slots 154 , or the reader control message 156 was not clearly received by the transponder 114 . under these conditions , the transponder 114 selects another random time slot in the next activation slot 152 , transmits another identification message 160 and repeats the procedure until a message slot 154 is assigned . when an assignment of a message slot 154 is received , an eight - bit command field 162 in the reader control message 156 shown in fig4 a indicates to the vehicle transponder 114 whether it will transmit or receive the message . either the reader 112 or the vehicle transponder 114 utilizes a slot tx / rx message 164 shown in fig4 c to communicate up to five - hundred twelve message bits of data . at the conclusion of the message shown in the slot tx / rx message 164 of fig4 c , the transponder receiving the message employs a positive acknowledge ( ack ) message 158 shown in fig4 d to signal a successful reception to the transmitting transponder . if the slot tx / rx message 164 is not received correctly , a negative acknowledge ( ack ) message is sent to the transmitting transponder . if the reader 112 does not receive an acknowledge message 158 following a transmission made to a vehicle transponder 114 , the reader 112 provides another opportunity to the transponder 114 . this is achieved by the reader 112 scheduling another message slot 154 for that transponder 114 . if a vehicle transponder 114 transmits a message to the reader 112 and fails to receive an acknowledge message 158 , the transponder 114 attempts to contact the reader 112 . initially , the transponder 114 seeks another message slot 154 to contact the reader 112 . if another message slot 154 is not available , the transponder 114 attempts to contact the reader 112 through the entry process by utilizing the activation slots 152 . message validity is provided by a cyclical redundancy code ( crc ) checksum known in the art which is part of each message type . the message types include the reader control message 156 , the transponder identification message 160 , the slot tx / rx / message 164 and the acknowledge message 158 . the checksum is computed using all the message fields except a header field 166 and a crc field 168 . in computing the checksum , a shift register with feedback taps ( not shown ) and an algorithm are used . an example of an algorithm suitable for use in data validity checks is a communications industry standard known as the crc - 16 algorithm . the last sixteen data bits clocked out of the shift register is the checksum . the checksum is then appended to the message by the transmitting transponder . the receiving transponder computes the checksum and compares it against the transmitted checksum . any bit errors will cause the checksums to disagree . this procedure provides a reliable means of detecting faulty messages . concern exists that message communications can be intercepted and copied and thereafter utilized after admission to the tdma network to avoid toll fares or to divert the automatic billing to another vehicle transponder 114 . therefore , integrity of the transmitted data in the slot tx / rx message 164 shown in fig4 c is enhanced by an anti - counterfeiting algorithm . a sixty - four bit seed field 170 is formed as part of the reader control message 156 shown in fig4 a . the reader 112 places a different value in the seed field 170 in each frame 150 . vehicle transponders 114 with slot assignments in that frame 150 will use the seed value in the seed field 170 as the starting point in the anti - counterfeiting algorithm . the algorithm is employed to compute a checksum using the message data . two examples of algorithms known in the art and suitable for use as the anti - counterfeiting algorithm include the data encryption standard ( des ) algorithm and the riest , shamir & amp ; adleman ( rsa ) algorithm . the checksum is included in a valid field 172 located in the slot tx / rx message 164 shown in fig4 c . the reader 112 can compute the checksum based upon the seed value in the seed field 170 and the received message data . the checksum computed by the reader 112 is then verified against the valid field 172 in the slot tx / rx message 164 . the crc algorithm utilized to verify error free transmission , does not offer anti - counterfeiting protection . since the value of the seed field 170 is changed each frame 150 , a message from a previous frame 150 will be detected and rejected by the anti - counterfeiting algorithm . this is the case since the seed value from a previous frame 150 will generate a different valid field 172 from that generated by the seed of the current frame 150 . additional message integrity schemes which disguise the actual message data through encryption are anticipated , particularly in the transmission of financial data . other bit fields shown in fig4 include a thirty - two bit identification field 161 which is illustrated in both the reader control message 156 of fig4 a and the transponder identification message 160 of fig4 b . the bit identification field 161 includes identification information transmitted from the vehicle transponder 114 to the reader 112 during interrogation of the transponder 114 . additionally , a four bit sleep field 163 and a four bit spare field 165 are each included as shown in fig4 a . an obvious application of the tdma network 100 of the present invention is electronic toll collection . however , the tdma protocol has been designed not to require new message types to support other applications beyond the specific example provided . at the beginning of every message is a type field 174 as shown in fig4 ( a - d ) and 5 . the type field 174 indicates both the reader type and the message type . referring to fig5 it is noted that the reader type and the message type each include four blocks . each slot is identified by a code letter . in identifying the reader type , each block includes either a &# 34 ; v &# 34 ; or an &# 34 ; r &# 34 ; code letter . if the numeral &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; appears in the &# 34 ; v &# 34 ; block , the protocol of the tdma network 100 is being utilized . the code letter &# 34 ; r &# 34 ; appearing in the remaining three bits are reserved for a numeral which indicates another reader type . in identifying the message type , two blocks include a &# 34 ; t &# 34 ; code letter and the two remaining blocks include &# 34 ; st &# 34 ; code letters . four binary combinations of &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; can appear in the two bits labeled &# 34 ; t &# 34 ;. the combination &# 34 ; 00 &# 34 ; indicates that the message is a transponder identification message 160 and the combination &# 34 ; 01 &# 34 ; indicates that the message is a slot tx / rx message 164 . the combination &# 34 ; 10 &# 34 ; indicates an acknowledge message 158 and the combination &# 34 ; 11 &# 34 ; indicates a reader control message 156 . the remaining two bits which have the code letters &# 34 ; st &# 34 ; indicate a message type subcode which uses one of four character combinations . when an acknowledge message 158 is indicated by the combination &# 34 ; 10 &# 34 ;, the message type subcode &# 34 ; 01 &# 34 ; indicates a positive acknowledge message or &# 34 ; ack &# 34 ; while the subcode &# 34 ; 00 &# 34 ; indicates a negative acknowledge message or &# 34 ; nack &# 34 ;. when a transponder identification message 160 is indicated by the combination &# 34 ; 00 &# 34 ; , the message type subcode &# 34 ; x0 &# 34 ; indicates low transponder battery power while the subcode &# 34 ; x1 &# 34 ; indicates that the transponder battery power is not of concern ( e . g ., the &# 34 ; x &# 34 ; indicates a &# 34 ; don &# 39 ; t care &# 34 ;). the tdma network 100 normally employs a roadside reader 112 , however , other types of readers can be implemented . restrictions are not placed upon the implementation of other protocols in order to enjoy the advantages of the tdma structure of the present invention . the reader control message 156 will indicate the specific protocol employed and the initiation of the time of the frame 150 . vehicle transponders 114 can identify the exact protocol variation and participate in the communication , if desired . thus , the present invention can be utilized to support a variety of specific intelligent vehicle highway system applications while employing a common set of equipment comprising vehicle transponders 114 and a reader 112 . as a further example of flexibility , the command field 162 in the reader control message 156 can be expanded as shown in fig6 . the command field 162 includes eight bits identified by code letters . the reader 112 can instruct the vehicle transponder 114 to transmit or receive a message . thus , a &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; located in the &# 34 ; t &# 34 ; bit instructs the transponder 114 to transmit a message to the reader 112 while a &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; in the &# 34 ; t &# 34 ; bit instructs the transponder 114 to receive a message from the reader 112 . further , the reader 112 can place the transponder 114 in a broadcast mode where the message is intended for all the vehicle transponders 114 . a &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; in the &# 34 ; b &# 34 ; bit of the command field 162 places all the transponders 114 in the broadcast receive mode where all four bits are used and an acknowledge message 158 is not required . a &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; in the &# 34 ; b &# 34 ; bit indicates that the broadcast receive mode is not activated . a message having too many characters to fit into a single message slot 154 shown in fig3 can be transmitted in multiple slots . the use of multiple slots for a single message can be indicated by placing a &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; in the &# 34 ; c &# 34 ; bit of the command field 162 as shown in fig6 . this code indicates that there is more message to follow . a specific vehicle transponder 114 can be assigned all four message slots 154 in a single frame 150 or be assigned message slots 154 in different frames . if a &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; is placed in the &# 34 ; c &# 34 ; bit , the indication is that this frame 150 is the last frame of the message , e . g ., the message is complete . finally , the message can be intended for internal use only , such as in reprogramming parameters in the vehicle transponder 114 . an internal memory message is indicated by placing a &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; in the &# 34 ; m &# 34 ; bit of the command field 162 . however , the message can also be intended for external use such as when a vehicle transponder 114 passes a message to a human operator or a display screen used in a vehicle navigation system . under these conditions , a &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; is placed in the &# 34 ; m &# 34 ; bit of the command field 162 . the remainder of the bits in the command field 162 shown in fig6 are labeled &# 34 ; r &# 34 ; which indicates that those bits are reserved for other uses . the data rate is currently 500 kbits / sec . since the data rate , message length and frame rate are interdependent , the tdma protocol can be operated at any desired data rate and frame rate . further , the tdma protocol is not radio frequency or modulation dependent . the present invention employs a protocol structure within a tdma network 100 which permits two - way communication of one or more five - hundred twelve bit packages in each direction between a reader 112 and at least one vehicle transponder 114 . the invention simplifies the process of identifying vehicles on a roadway and permits every vehicle on the roadway to be identified by eliminating destructive interference of simultaneous response signals . these advantages are achieved by obviating the requirement of a per - lane antenna which reduces network infrastructure . moreover , the protocol structure is designed to operate efficiently with vehicles traveling at one - hundred mph and spaced as closely as ten feet apart . by removing speed and lane restrictions , the invention reduces the impact to traffic flow and improves the reliability of the network under conditions of lane straddling . two vehicles in a lane , such as motorcycles , can be reliably detected . the invention also exhibits improved flexibility for extending the message structure and protocol to additional applications such as read - only , read - write and broadcast modes . these additional applications can be implemented using the protocol of the present invention . thus , a single vehicle transponder 114 can be used in a wide range of applications from toll collection ( read - only ) to commercial debit transactions ( read - write ) to highway advisory announcements ( broadcast ). thus , the present invention has been described herein with reference to a particular embodiment for a particular application . those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings will recognize additional modifications , applications and embodiments within the scope thereof . although the detailed description is directed to a stationary reader and a mobile transponder , the present invention is equally applicable to other embodiments in which the reader is mobile and the transponder is stationary as where a mobile reader is utilized to identify containers stored in a warehouse . it is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such modifications , applications and embodiments within the scope of the present invention .	7
one embodiment of the invention includes the synthesis of polyphosphazenes that are modified with pendant groups containing nitrogen heterocycles and their method of use for high temperature , non - hydrated pem fuel cells . fig4 details a generic chemical formula for these types of polymers . in one embodiment , the x - group represents a linker group which may be an aryl group or an alkoxy group . in another embodiment of the invention , the aryl group may be a phenyl , a fluorinated derivative thereof or an alkyl chain , such as but not limited to , a methyl or a fluorinated derivative thereof . in yet another embodiment of the invention , each of the r - groups may be defined as nitrogen containing heterocycles . examples of such nitrogen containing heterocycles include , but are not limited to , imidazoles , triazoles , and tetrazoles . in still another embodiment of the invention , the nitrogen containing heterocycles may be functionalized with various chemical moieties designated y at various positions such as , but not limited to , sulfonic acid groups . the r - groups may also be the same or different groups with differing functionalities along the length of the polymer chain . the n repeating unit of the polymer may be in the range from 1 to 2000 . in another embodiment of the invention , the polymer may be synthesized by varying substitutions of nitrogen heterocycles and sulfonic acid side groups along the length of the polymer chain . in one embodiment of the invention , each phosphorus atom of the polymer backbone may be substituted with two identical nitrogen heterocycles . in another embodiment of the invention , each phosphorus atom of the polymer backbone may be substituted with two different nitrogen heterocycles . in still yet another embodiment of the invention , each phosphorus atom of the polymer backbone may be substituted with a nitrogen heterocycle and a sulfonic acid group . these types of substitutions may result in either random copolymers or block copolymers . a general formula for these random copolymers and block copolymers are provided in fig5 . in this formula , a - e may be zero or a positive integer . in one embodiment of the invention , the s - group may represent a sulfonic acid group directly bound to the phosphorus atom of the polymer . in another embodiment of the invention , a linker x - group may be directly bound to the phosphorous atom of the polymer . in one embodiment of the invention , the linker x - group may be an aryl group such as , but not limited to , a phenyl or a fluorinated derivative thereof , or an alkoxy group . in another embodiment of the invention , the linker group may be an alkyl chain such as , but not limited to , a methyl derivative and a fluorinated derivative thereof . attached to the x - group is an r - group which may be defined as nitrogen containing heterocycles . examples of such nitrogen containing heterocycles include , but are not limited to , imidazoles , triazoles , and tetrazoles . the nitrogen containing heterocycles may be functionalized with various chemical moieties designated y at various positions such as , but not limited to , sulfonic acid groups . the r - groups may also be the same or different groups with differing functionalities along the length of the polymer chain . these polymers have been found to be thermally stable with decomposition temperatures up to 250 ° c . the following example illustrates the preparation of the n - heterocyclic functionalized polymers , in particular triazole functionalized polyphosphazenes , for use in pem fuel cells . unless otherwise indicated in the following examples and elsewhere in the specification and claims , all parts and percentages are by weight , and all temperatures are in degrees celsius . the starting material , 4 -( 1 , 2 , 4 - triazol - 1 - yl ) phenol ( 1 . 66 g , 10 . 30 mmol ) was added into a 150 - ml schlenk flask containing kh ( 0 . 41 g , 10 . 30 mmol ) and dry thf ( 70 ml ). the reaction mixture was stirred and heated to 50 ° c . under n 2 for 2 hours to give 4 -( 1 , 2 , 4 - triazol - 1 yl ) phenoxide salt . the solution containing ( npcl 2 ) n ( 0 . 50 g , 1 . 36 mmol of repeating unit ) and dry thf ( 30 ml ) was transferred into the flask containing 4 -( 1 , 2 , 4 - triazol - 1 yl ) phenoxide salt solution using a cannula transfer at room temperature . the mixture was stirred and refluxed under n 2 for at least for 120 hours . after filtration , the filtrate was evaporated to give brown powder . to remove salt , it was washed with deionized water . to further remove impurities including the starting material , it was then washed with hot dry thf and to yield poly [ bis ( 4 -( 1 , 2 , 4 - triazol - 1 - yl ) phenoxy ) polyphosphazene ] ( 1 . 13 g , 3 . 09 mmol , 71 %) as a dark brown powder . the general reaction for producing poly [ bis ( 4 -( 1 , 2 , 4 - triazol - 1 - yl ) phenoxy ) polyphosphazene ] is shown in fig6 . the starting material , 4 -( 1 , 2 , 4 - triazol - 1 - yl ) phenol ( 1 . 66 g , 10 . 30 mmol ) was added into a 150 - ml schlenk flask containing kh ( 0 . 41 g , 10 . 30 mmol ) and dry thf ( 70 ml ). the reaction mixture was stirred and heated to 50 ° c . under n 2 for 2 hours to give 4 -( 1 , 2 , 4 - triazol - 1 yl ) phenoxide salt . the solution containing ( npcl 2 ) n ( 0 . 50 g , 1 . 36 mmol of repeating unit ) and dry thf ( 30 ml ) was transferred into the flask containing 4 -( 1 , 2 , 4 - triazol - 1 yl ) phenoxide salt solution using a cannula transfer at room temperature . the mixture was stirred and refluxed under n 2 for at least for 120 hours . after filtration , the filtrate was evaporated to give brown powder . to remove salt , it was washed with deionized water . to further remove impurities including the starting material 1c , it was then washed with hot dry thf . the yield of the final product was 1 . 13 g , 3 . 09 mmol , 71 % as a dark brown powder . another embodiment of the invention includes the synthesis of phosphazenes trimers that are modified with pendant groups containing nitrogen heterocycles and their method of use for high temperature , non - hydrated pem fuel cells . these phosphazene trimers include n - heterocyclic functionalized phosphazene trimers . examples of such nitrogen containing heterocycles include , but are not limited to , imidazoles , triazoles , and tetrazoles . the following example illustrates the preparation of the n - heterocyclic functionalized polymers , in particular triazole functionalized polyphosphazene trimers , for use in pem fuel cells . unless otherwise indicated in the following examples and elsewhere in the specification and claims , all parts and percentages are by weight , and all temperatures are in degrees celsius . in a 150 - ml schlenk flask , ( npcl 2 ) 3 ( 1 . 20 g , 3 . 45 mmol ) was dissolved in 30 ml of dry thf . a solution of cnc 6 h 4 o − k + was prepared by adding 4 - cyanophenol ( 2 . 97 g , 24 . 93 mmol ) to a 150 - ml schlenk flask containing kh ( 1 . 00 g , 24 . 93 mmol ) and 70 ml of dry thf . the reaction mixture was heated to 50 ° c . for 2 hours . the solution of ( npcl 2 ) 3 was transferred into the flask containing cnc 6 h 4 o − k + solution using a cannula at room temperature . the mixture was stirred and then refluxed for 72 hours . filtration of the mixture yielded hexakis ( 4 - cyanophenoxy ) cyclotriphosphazene as a white precipitate . the white precipitate was washed with deionized water to remove salts and subsequently dried . yield : 2 . 1897 g , 2 . 59 mmol , 75 %. mp : & gt ; 230 ° c . in a 100 - ml schlenk flask , ( 4 - cyanophenoxy ) cyclotriphosphazene was dissolved in dmf ( 10 ml ) and nan 3 ( 0 . 51 g , 7 . 84 mmol ) and nh 4 cl ( 0 . 38 g , 7 . 10 mmol ) were added under n 2 . the mixture was heated at 120 ° c . for 48 hours . after cooling , the reaction mixture was acidified with 3n hcl . a white solid precipitate was filtered and then washed with deionized water and dried to give hexakis ( 4 - tetrazolylphenoxy ) cyclotriphosphazene ( 0 . 8331 g , 0 . 75 mmol , 64 %). mp : & gt ; 230 ° c . the starting material 4 -( 1 , 2 , 4 - triazol - 1 - yl ) phenol ( 1 . 50 g , 9 . 30 mmol ) was added into a 150 - ml schlenk flask containing kh ( 0 . 36 g , 9 . 30 mmol ) and dry thf ( 70 ml ). the reaction mixture was stirred and heated to 50 ° c . under n 2 for 2 hours to give potassium 4 -( 1 , 2 , 4 - triazol - 1 yl ) phenoxide salt . a solution containing ( npcl 2 ) 3 ( 0 . 45 g , 1 . 29 mmol ) in dry thf ( 30 ml ) was transferred into the flask containing the potassium 4 -( 1 , 2 , 4 - triazol - 1 yl ) phenoxide salt solution using a cannula at room temperature . the mixture was stirred and refluxed under n 2 for 72 hours . after filtration , the filtrate was evaporated to give an orange solid which was washed with deionized water . to further remove impurities including the starting material 1c , the material was washed with methanol and dried to give hexakis [ 4 -( 1 , 2 , 4 - triazol - 1 - yl ) phenoxy ] cyclotriphosphazene ( 1 . 14 g , 1 . 04 mmol , 74 %) as a light brown powder . mp : 229 ° c . a mixture of 4 -( imidazol - 1 - yl ) phenol ( id ) ( 1 . 00 g , 6 . 24 mmol ), kh ( 0 . 25 g , 6 . 24 mmol ) and dry thf ( 50 ml ) was stirred and heated to 50 ° c . under n 2 for 2 hours to give potassium 4 -( imidazol - 1 - yl ) phenoxide salt . a solution of ( npcl 2 ) 3 ( 0 . 30 g , 8 . 67 mmol ) in dry thf ( 20 ml ) was transferred by cannula into the flask containing potassium 4 -( imidazol - 1 - yl ) phenoxide salt . the mixture was then stirred and refluxed under n 2 for 72 hours . a brown precipitate was collected by filtration . the brown precipitate was washed with water to remove salts and dried to give the final product of hexakis [ 4 -( imidazol - 1 - yl ) phenoxy ] cyclotriphosphazene ( 0 . 64 g , 0 . 59 mmol , 67 %). mp : 225 ° c . a solution of cnc 6 h 4 o − k + was prepared by adding 1a ( 1 . 23 g , 10 . 32 mmol ) to a 150 - ml schlenk flask containing kh ( 0 . 415 g , 10 . 32 mmol ) and dry thf ( 50 ml ). the reaction mixture was heated to 50 ° c . for 2 hours . the solution containing ( npcl 2 ) n ( 0 . 5 g , 1 . 77 mmol of repeating unit ) and dry thf ( 30 ml ) was transferred into the 150 - ml schlenk flask containing cnc 6 h 4 o − k + solution using a cannular technique at room temperature . the mixture was stirred under n 2 and then refluxed for at least for 120 hours . evaporation of the reaction mixture gave a white solid . the white solid was then washed with thf again to remove all starting materials . to remove salts , the white solid was washed with deionized water and dried to give poly [ bis ( 4 - cyanophenoxy ) phosphazene ] as white powder . yield : 0 . 7308 g , 2 . 60 mmol , 60 %). the starting material 4 -( 1 , 2 , 4 - triazol - 1 - yl ) phenol ( 1 . 66 g , 10 . 30 mmol ) was added into a 150 - ml schlenk flask containing kh ( 0 . 41 g , 10 . 30 mmol ) and dry thf ( 70 ml ). the reaction mixture was stirred and heated to 50 ° c . under n 2 for 2 hours to give 4 -( 1 , 2 , 4 - triazol - 1 yl ) phenoxide salt . the solution containing ( npcl 2 ) n ( 0 . 50 g , 1 . 36 mmol of repeating unit ) and dry thf ( 30 ml ) was transferred into the flask containing 4 -( 1 , 2 , 4 - triazol - 1 yl ) phenoxide salt solution using a cannula transfer at room temperature . the mixture was stirred and refluxed under n 2 for at least for 120 hours . after filtration , the filtrate was evaporated to give brown powder . to remove salt , it was washed with deionized water . to further remove impurities including the starting material 1c , it was then washed with hot dry thf and to yield poly [ bis ( 4 -( 1 , 2 , 4 - triazol - 1 - yl ) phenoxy ) polyphosphazene ] ( 1 . 13 g , 3 . 09 mmol , 71 %) as a dark brown powder . 10 mmol of azole derivative was heated together with 10 mmol of 4 - hydroxybenzyl alcohol at 155 ° c . for 30 minutes . upon cooling the product was well crushed and washed with cold ethanol to remove unreacted starting materials . nah ( 0 . 2254 g ) was dissolved in 25 ml of dry thf and 4 -( 1h - 5 - methyltetrazol - 1 - ylmethyl ) phenol ( 1 . 000 g ) in 30 ml of thf was added . 0 . 2286 g of ( npcl 2 ) 3 dissolved in thf was also added . the reaction mixture was then refluxed for 3 . 5 days . upon cooling , and the reaction mixture was filtered and the solvent removed to afford a white colored product hexakis ( 4 -( 1h - 5 - methyltetrazol - 1 - ylmethyl ) phenoxy ) cyclo triphosphazene 4 -( 1h - 5 - methyltetrazol - 1 - ylmethyl ) phenol . synthesis of [ n 3 p 3 ( p - o — c 6 h 4 — ch 2 c 3 n 2 cl 2 ) 6 ] nah ( 0 . 08 g ) was dissolved in 25 ml of dry thf and in to it 4 , 5 - dichloroimidazolylphenol ( 0 . 5 g ) in 30 ml of thf was added . 0 . 0897 g of ( npcl 2 ) 3 dissolved in thf was also added . the reaction mixture was then refluxed for 3 . 5 days . upon cooling , it was filtered and the solvent removed to give a red colored product , n 3 p 3 ( p - o — c 6 h 4 — ch 2 c 3 n 2 cl 2 ) 6 . synthesis of [ n 3 p 3 ( p - o — c 6 h 4 — cho ) 6 ] nah ( 0 . 459 g ), me 4 n + br − ( 0 . 004 g ) and ( npcl 2 ) 3 ( 0 . 5 g ) were combined in a 3 - neck flask in that 50 ml of thf . 4 - hydroxybenzaldehyde dissolved in 12 . 5 ml of dry thf was then added . after 30 minutes , 1 ml of triethylamine was added in to the reaction mixture . the reaction was stirred at room temperature for additional 20 hours . after filtration , the filtrate was washed with thf ( 15 ml ). the volatiles were removed and 7 . 5 ml of water were added . the white solid formed by the addition of water was stirred for one more hour . the solid was filtered off and washed with 15 ml diethyl ether . synthesis of [ n 3 p 3 ( p - o — c 6 h 4 — ch 2 oh ) 6 ] n 3 p 3 ( p - o — c 6 h 4 — cho ) 6 ( 0 . 49 g ) was dissolved in 120 ml thf / meoh ( 1 : 1 ) mixture and nabh 4 ( 0 . 147 g ) was added and stirred for 20 hours at room temperature . the mixture was reduced to a small volume under reduced pressure . the white precipitate was treated with a small amount of water and stirred for one more hour . upon filtration the product , n 3 p 3 ( p - o — c 6 h 4 — ch 2 oh ) 6 , was washed with h 2 o and then with diethyl ether . synthesis of [ n 3 p 3 ( p - o — c 6 h 4 — ch 2 br ) 6 ] 1 . 75 ml of 48 % hbr and 0 . 5 ml of conc . h 2 so 4 were mixed together . the acid mixture was added to 0 . 5 g of n 3 p 3 ( p - o — c 6 h 4 — ch 2 oh ) 6 . the mixture was refluxed at 100 ° c . for 5 hours . after the filtration the precipitate was washed with a large amount of water to obtain the product n 3 p 3 ( p - o — c 6 h 4 — ch 2 br ) 6 . films for use as polymer electrolyte membrane materials may be prepared by imbedding the phenoxy - substituted polyphosphazenes functionalized with azoles and triazole functionalized phosphazene trimers along with either phenylphosphonic acid or phosphoric acid into a polyamide matrix . in one embodiment , a planetary centrifugal mixer may be employed to combine liquid polyamic acid and a triazole functionalized phosphazene trimer or polyphosphazene and acid into solution suitable for film casting . following casting , the material may be heated to produce the phosphazene imbedded polyimide film . in one embodiment , the polymer films are prepared through solution processing followed by melt processing . the solution is prepared filling a container that includes a solid media , which includes the polymer selected additives , mixed with a compatible organic solvent . the container containing the solution is then placed in a planetary centrifugal mixer which rotates the container about its symmetry axis while applying high gravitational forces on the container by applying rotation similar to an ultracentrifuge . an ultrasound assisted mixing device may also be used to assist in the deagglomeration of particles if they are present . after the polymer solution is prepared , it is then ready for casting . the casting of solutions is carried out using a commercial size casting apparatus . in one embodiment , the casting apparatus is about 33 ft long and solution is cast onto a carrier of choice using double doctor blade casting systems . the casting systems may include 3 , 6 , 12 , 24 ″ wide double doctor blade systems that facilitate the preparation of polymer films from narrow samples to very wide samples . this equipment is also equipped with an automatic solution delivery system , for example a 6 gallon capacity , to produce large quantities of films continuously . the solution is cast onto the carrier and transported into the heating chamber consisting of 4 separately controlled underbed heaters by a steel roll to roll device . in addition , the air above the film being carried may be simultaneously heated by hepa filtered preheated air from above . this facilitates controlled evaporation of the solvent to solidify the films at the end of the machine . the films produced include 60 % by wt . polyimide and 40 % secondary components with 6 : 1 doped phenylphosphonic acid to triazole functionalized phosphazene , 10 : 1 doped phenylphosphonic acid to triazole functionalized phosphazene , 6 : 1 doped phosphonic acid to triazole functionalized phosphazene and phosphonic acid doped triazole functionalized polyphosphazene . in one embodiment , the films may range from 40 to 80 microns in thickness . conductivity measurements were performed on phosphazene polymer electrolyte films produced by the methods described herein . as seen in fig7 , conductivity measurements were conducted on a triazole substituted phosphazene trimer , phenylphosphonic acid doped polyimide containing 60 % by weight polyimide , 40 % by weight of a secondary component ( 6 : 1 polyphosphazene : triazole trimer ) as a function of temperature and dry hydrogen gas at both the anode and cathode . as seen in fig8 , conductivity measurements were conducted on a triazole substituted phosphazene trimer , phenylphosphonic acid doped polyimide containing 60 % by weight polyimide , 40 % by weight of a secondary component ( 10 : 1 polyphosphazene : triazole trimer ) as a function of temperature and dry hydrogen gas at both the anode and cathode . as seen in fig9 , conductivity measurements were conducted on a 60 % polyimide , 40 % triazole trimer with phosphoric acid doped with one phosphoric acid per triazole as a function of temperature and dry hydrogen gas at both the anode and cathode . as seen in fig1 , conductivity measurements were conducted on a 60 - 70 % by weight polyimide , 30 - 40 % by weight triazole functionalized polyphosphazene doped with one phosphoric acid per triazole as a function of temperature and dry hydrogen gas at both the anode and cathode . the invention has been described with respect to several embodiments . this description is not intended as a limitation ; other modifications or variations in the specific form shown and described will be apparent to those skilled in the art and will fall within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the following claims .	2
as described above , senders , receivers , and communication means ( routers ) for routing communications between the senders and the receivers in a network utilize reservation protocols in order to set up the necessary network state and to support communications and associated services between the senders and receivers . one example for such a reservation protocol is the resource reservation protocol ( rsvp ). the following embodiments are set forth with respect to the rsvp , however the underlying principle is suitable to improve other network reservation protocols , e . g . st - ii . in order to improve service quality negotiations between servers and clients communicating via a network utilizing the rsvp , the signaling messages of the rsvp , namely the path - messages and the resv - messages , are extended / modified to include further information being indicative of the actual status of the network and its network domains , respectively . this information is collected from all parts of the network used for communication between a server and a client . in addition to the information collected for all respective network domains , it is contemplated that this information also includes information being indicative of the actual status of a server and its client ( s ). on the basis of the collected information , the server , the client ( s ) and routers of the network and / or network domains are enabled to check the actual status of the network and / or its domains , to control the distribution of services provided via the network , to control the provisioning of network services ( e . g . links to a proxy or gateway ), to perform service quality negotiations between the server and its client ( s ), and to pre - reserve / pre - allocate communication resources of the network . such a procedure can be applied to both single - client and multi - client applications , wherein for the latter case multicasting and / or an aggregation of the collected information is an additional option . referring to a path - message of the rsvp , the traffic specification ( tspec ) thereof defining the traffic characteristics of a server is extended by information characterizing the actual traffic characteristic of the network , and in particular of the network domains between the server and its client ( s ) and their routers , respectively . further , the tspec can be extended by traffic characteristics information of the client . it has to be emphasised , that the tspec itself is not modified . the traffic characteristics information of the network and the client can be provided as information directly identifying the respective traffic characteristics . as an alternative , the traffic characteristic information of the network and the client can represent variations of the actual traffic characteristics of the network and the client with respect to previous traffic characteristics thereof . such variations can be caused by a variation of communications resources of the network or the client , wherein such resource variations include an increased and a decreased resource availability . in particular , these variations can relate to previous traffic characteristics of same network components ( e . g . network domains , routers , servers , clients , gateways , etc .) and / or to traffic characteristics of previous network components , i . e . network components located more upstream with respect to the direction of data communication . in general , messages of the rsvp are generated by each network component ( server , client , router ) on the basis of a received message for forwarding the information thereof . therefore , path - messages extended as explained above can include either above type of traffic characteristics information of the network and the client ( s ) depending on the network component ( server , router , client ) forwarding the respective path - message . further , adspec - information of the path - message can be extended by other communication characteristics , such as security , reliability , and jitter information . comparable to the above traffic characteristics information , such further communication characteristics information are added to the adspec - information of the server by the routers and the client ( s ). again , the adspec - information itself is not changed . in order to access the actual communications state of the network and the client ( s ), the traffic characteristics information collected while forwarding the path - message are added to the resv - message returned from the client ( s ) to the server . in particular , the collected traffic characteristics information is added to the resv - message according to the rsvp to extend the tspec thereof . an improved communication quality negotiation between the server and its client ( s ) can be achieved by further extending the tspec of the resv - message with information being indicative of the resulting end - to - end communication characteristics . receiving such an extended resv - message , the server obtains substantial information of the actual communications status and is enabled to adapt its communications ( distribution ) correspondingly , e . g . by modifying the distribution of provided services . since the client ( s ) is ( are ) also provided with information being indicative of the actual communications status of the network and , in addition , of the server , the respective resv - message can be generated considering the received communications status information . if , for example , a client determines that the over - all communication quality ( quality of service ) is not acceptable , the resv - message will not be returned and thus no resource allocation for the respective communication path between the client and the server is performed . further , a service reject by the client can include information indicative of reasons for the service reject . in response , the server can use such information for e . g . traffic engineering and / or network planning purposes . moreover , as a further option , the rspec - information and / or the filterspec - information of the resv - message communicated to the server can be extended by further information being indicative of the communication ( quality ) characteristics in a manner comparable to the adspec - information of the path - message . traffic characteristics information collection for a network domain serving a single client for the purpose of simplicity , the embodiment shown in fig5 utilizes rsvp - messages only including respective tspec - information . as shown in fig5 a communication path between a server and a client is routed via routers r 1 and r 2 constituing the network domain serving the client . the server generates a path - message according to the rsvp and transmits the same to the router r 1 . in order to indicate the type of mechanism , which is used or which is to be used , the path - message can be extended accordingly . in response thereto , the router r 1 processes the received path - message according to the rsvp . assuming this processing results in a validity for the received path - message , the router r 1 generates a conventional path - message including , according to the rsvp , the traffic characteristics provided by the server and updated routing information . here it is pointed out , that this conventional path - message does not include any information representing the actual traffic characteristics of the network , so far . further , the router r 1 generates information which represent its actual traffic characteristics . such information can include the maximal / average peak rate of flow , the available bandwidth , the actual delay , the actual jitter , the actual security level for data communications , actual allocated resources , available buffer space , and the like . this traffic characteristics information of the router r 1 is added to its conventional path - message such said a message path ′ is obtained . the path ′- message is transmitted to the router r 2 which generates , in response thereto , a message path ″ in a manner comparable to the generation of the path ′- message . the path ″- message transmitted from the router r 2 is received by the client . in case , the processing of the path ″- message by the client is indicative of a communication / service quality being not acceptable for client , the client generates no resv - message . in case , the path ″- message is indicative of a communications / service quality being acceptable for the client , the client generates a resv ′- message . the resv ′- message comprises a conventional resv - message according to the rsvp and , further , the collected traffic characteristics information . in addition , the resv * - message can include information representing the end - to - end characteristics calculated for the communications between the server and the client performed so far . as a further option , it is possible that the resv ′- message received by the router r 2 is extended by its actual traffic characteristics information and transferred as a resv ′- message to the router r 1 . comparable , the resv ′- message is extended by the router r 1 and transferred as a message resv ″- message to the server . on the basis of the received resv ″- message , the server is enabled to access the actual communications status of the network domain serving the client . it is pointed out that this collection of traffic characteristics information can be performed when a communications / service is to be provided to the client , or can be just used to collect such information without providing communications / services . in order to inform the routers r 1 , r 2 and / or the client whether the collection of traffic characteristics information is performed prior to the provision of communications / services or just for an assessment of the actual network status , the server can transmit a respective information , e . g . an indicator . in order to provide communications / services between one or several servers and several clients , the above described multicasting is used for the message distribution . for the collection of traffic characteristics information , the path - messages from the server ( s ) and the routers of the ( respective ) network domain ( s ) are extended as set forth above for the single client case . therefore , the respective extended path - messages from the server to the clients 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 are not shown in fig6 . as explained above , the resv - message received by a server for a conventional rsvp multicasting comprises aggregated resv - messages from the respective clients . this aggregation serves to merge multiple reservations from several clients for a multicast stream . in order to obtain a resv - message ( i . e . a resv - message extended by traffic characteristics information ), an aggregation step is performed to provide the traffic characteristics information of the network domains serving the clients 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 and the resulting communications / service quality for each end - to - end ( server - client ) connection . assuming that the traffic characteristics of the connections ( networks ) between the router r 2 and the client 1 , and the router r 2 and the client 2 are the same , information being indicative of these traffic characteristics only need to be communicated to the server once . as a result , the resv * 1 , 2 ′- message communicated from the router r 2 to the router r 1 only contains traffic characteristics information of the client 1 provided by the resv * 1 - message , the traffic characteristics information of the client 2 provided by the resv 2 - message and , just once , traffic characteristics information related to the network domain comprising the router r 2 , and the clients 1 and 2 . in case the traffic characteristics of the networks between the router r 2 and the client 1 , and the router r 2 and the client 2 are not the same , or in case the clients 1 and 2 are not comprised by the same network domain , the router r 2 must determine the overlap of the respective traffic characteristics information and aggregate the traffic characteristics information accordingly . as an alternative , router r 2 can also just select e . g . the traffic characteristics which are received first . this aggregation step is accordingly performed with respect to the router r 3 and the router r 1 , respectively , wherein the transmitted resv ′ 3 , 4 - message and the resv ′ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - message are extended by the respective traffic characteristics information of the network domains including routers r 1 and r 3 . as a result , the resv ″ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - message received by the server can only comprise , beside the traffic characteristics information of the clients 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 and the routers r 1 , r 2 and r 3 , traffic characteristics information of three network domains . as an option compared to the above described network - wide aggregation for network domains , it is contemplated to perform a network domain related aggregation . here , aggregated traffic characteristic information per network domain is included in the messages transmitted in direction to the server . as a result , with reference to fig6 the server receives a message including the traffic characteristics information of the resv 1 - and resv * 2 messages , of the resv * 3 - and resv * 4 - messages , and the resv * 1 , 2 - and resv * 3 , 4 - messages . as explained above , rsvp resource reservations for a network or network domains are obtained by transmitting a respective adspec - information comprised by a path - message . the adspec - information is received by the network or the network domains , and especially the routers thereof , to determine the level of resource reservation required for a desired server - client communication / service quality . for allocating the reserved resources , the routers utilize a resv - message transmitted from the client to allocate the necessary resources . in particular , rsvp - routers along the upstream path ( i . e . in a communication direction towards a server ) receiving resv - message ( s ) utilize an admission control to authenticate respective resource request and allocate necessary resources . if a router can not provide the requested resources ( e . g . due to a lack of resources or authorization failures ), the router returns an error message back to the client . if the resource request ( s ) can be satisfied , the respective router sends the respective resv - message ( s ) upstream to the next router . for example in the case of a multicasting rsvp system , the following procedure of pre - reserving resources prevents unnecessary resource reservations downstream from the server to the client and that e . g . a router close to the server can not provide the required resources for allocation resulting in error messages sent to the client . a particular effect decreasing the communication / service quality ( e . g . communication transmission time ) of such error messages sent back to the client is the release of allocated resources previously allocated by routers arranged between the error message sending router and the client . further , correct and proper processing of such error messages generated by different clients is complicated . the pre - reservation mechanism shown in fig7 is enabled by the modification of the rsvp as described above . beside the extension of the rsvp - messages transmitted from the server and the client , as detailed above , the path - message of the server is extended by a pre - reservation request . in fig7 this extension is indicated by the index “°”. the pre - reservation request of the server specifies a resource type and the extend thereof to be reserved . comparable thereto , the client extends the extended resv * message generated as explained above by a allocation request . here , the index “°” is indicative of the allocation request . referring to the example shown in fig7 the server requests 12 units of the specified resource type . upon receiving the path °- message , the router r 1 determines whether he can satisfy this request . since the router r 1 is able to provide the requested resources , the router r 1 pre - reserves 12 units . the router r 1 generates a path °′- message extended by the above traffic characteristics information and the pre - reservation request . although router r 2 can only provide 8 units , which are reserved , the path °″- message of router r 2 is generated and transmitted to the router r 3 . in contrast thereto , according to a conventional rsvp system , an error message would be returned to a client in response to a resv - message thereof to indicate that a resource request can not be satisfied . the router r 3 is able to provide 4 units of the requested resource and reserved the same . again , no error message is returned to the server , but a path °″- message is communicated to the client . therefore , the client gets a communication / service resource request which is agreed and confirmed by all routers r 1 , r 2 and r 3 between the server and the client . upon confirmation of the received resource request , the client generates a resv °- message extended as the explained above and including an allocation request . since the received resource request indicates that 4 units of the requested resource type can be provided for the overall communications connection between the server and the client , the allocation request generated by the client indicates that four units of the requested resource type are needed and should be allocated by the routers r 1 , r 2 and r 3 . while transmitting the resv °′-, resv °″- and resv °′″- messages , which include the above explained extensions by the routers r 1 , r 2 and r 3 and the allocation request of the client , each of the routers r 1 , r 2 and r 3 allocate 4 units of the requested resource type and release the previously reserved units actually not needed . further , messages transmitted upstream from the client and routers r 1 , r 2 , and r 3 ( e . g . resv °′-, resv °″-, and resv °′″- messages ) can include information specifying that all pre - reserved and / or pre - allocated resources remain reserved and / or allocated , or that a maximum or minimum pre - reserved and / or pre - allocated resources remain reserved and / or allocated . this approach still results in an improved qos . the pre - reservation / pre - allocation mechanism can be used to ensure that clients and / or servers having a high ( er ) priority will be provided with required resources . additionally , it is contemplated that the server can extend his rsvp - message by information ( e . g . in form of an indicator ) representing an upper and / lower limit of resources to be re - reserved ( maximum / minimum resource reservation indicator ). since some of the pre - reserved resources in response to a path °- message may be released upon the reception of the respective resv °- message , such resources could be partly used by an allocation request having a higher priority . as set forth above , an indicator in each router is used to specify whether a resource reservation is an actual resource allocation in response to a resv - message or a pre - reservation in response to a path - message . to specify the amount of pre - reserved resources which can be used to satisfy a higher priority resource allocation , the above minimum resource reservation indicator can be used . the amount of resources above the limit defined by this indicator can be optionally used to fulfill a higher priority resource allocation request related to a different path - request . as a result , a communication connection related to the higher priority resource allocation request can be setup faster since these resources have already been reserved and no separate reservation is required . comparable to the maximum / minimum indicators of the path °- message , the resv °- message can specify a minimum and / or a maximum of resources ( types ) to be allocated . for example , the resv °- message specifies said all routers should provide the same minimum bandwidth , such that all bandwidth related resources of the routers unnecessarily reserved are released . especially the utilization of minimum resource indicators for the path °- and resv *°- messages guaranties said servers and / or clients having a higher priority are provided the required resources , since related higher priority resource requests can be fulfilled and are not blocked by a reservation of resources .	7
now a preferred embodiment of this invention will be described in detail by reference to the accompanying drawings . an airstream solid sorting apparatus according to this invention shown in fig1 and 2 is used for sorting slender objects from unslender objects resulting from the crushing of coils and electric wires in coils and other parts of such wastes as used household electric appliances and automobiles that are disassembled , crushed and sorted for recycling . the airstream solid sorting apparatus comprises an upwardly flaring sorting vessel 1 into which a mixture of slender and unslender objects to be sorted is supplied , a meshed screen 2 tilted in the bottom of the vessel 1 , and a slender objects collecting vessel 3 placed below the meshed screen 2 . the airstream sorting vessel 1 having an open top end and an upwardly flaring body decreases the flow speed of an airstream supplied from below the collecting vessel 3 and meshed screen 2 and ascending through the vessel 1 . the meshed screen 2 tilted in the bottom of the sorting vessel 1 may be made of a perforated plate or a framed grid of wire netting . the mesh size is large enough to pass the slender objects falling longitudinally in the direction in which gravity works and not large enough to pass other larger objects . a vibrator 4 to vibrate the meshed screen 2 to facilitate the motion of the unslender objects may be connected to the airstream sorting vessel 1 or meshed screen 2 . the slender objects collecting vessel 3 placed below the meshed screen 2 hold the slender objects sorted through the meshed screen 2 , whereas an airstream is supplied through the collecting vessel 3 and meshed screen 2 into the sorting vessel 1 . a recovery cylinder 6 having a space to temporarily hold the slender objects formed between two movable dampers 7 and 8 is connected to the lower end of the collecting vessel 3 through a flanged joint 5 . a slender objects discharge cylinder 10 is connected to the recovery cylinder 6 through a flanged joint 9 . the airstream sorting vessel 1 and slender objects collecting vessel 3 may be made of carbon steel , stainless steel , aluminum or other metal , plastics , or mixtures thereof . the slender objects collecting vessel 3 has a primary gas inlet 15 through which a primary gas supplied through a primary gas supply pipe 11 , a gas supply cylinder 12 and a branch cylinder 13 having a damper 14 is introduced . the damper 14 controls the volume of the primary gas supplied through the branch cylinder 13 . the slender objects collecting vessel 3 also has an inlet 18 at which a secondary gas supply pipe 16 ( see fig2 ) having a damper 17 opens . the supply pipe 16 intermittently supplies a secondary gas from a separately prepared blower through the inlet 18 by intermittently opening and closing the damper 17 be means of a drive unit 17a . the intermittently supplied gas forces the objects to be sorted to float and fall repeatedly . an unslender objects outlet 20 to discharge the sorted unslender objects from the airstream sorting vessel 1 opens at the lower end of the tilted meshed screen 2 in the airstream sorting vessel 1 to which the sorted unslender objects flow down . a discharge pipe 21 connects the outlet 20 to the gas supply cylinder 12 . the discharge pipe 21 has a compressed gas supply nozzle 22 to supply a laminar stream of compressed gas from a separately prepared compressor or other gas supply unit . the nozzle 22 is vertically slidable to adjust the amount of opening in the outlet 20 according to the size of the objects to be discharged from the airstream sorting vessel 1 . a vibrating feeder 23 which supplies a mixture of slender and unslender objects is disposed above the upper end of the meshed screen 2 tilted in the airstream sorting vessel 1 . the airstream sorting apparatus described here also has a unslender objects sorting apparatus 24 that is disposed alongside the airstream sorting vessel 1 and the slender objects collecting vessel 3 disposed therebelow . an accelerating cylinder 26 having a constricted interior is connected to above the point where the discharge pipe 21 is connected to the gas supply cylinder 12 through a flanged joint 25 . a cylinder 28 is disposed thereabove through a flanged joint 27 . the cylinder 28 has an integrally formed floating objects collecting cylinder 30 with a greater cross - sectional area that has a meshed screen 31 to cover the top thereof to prevent the scattering of floating objects and an annular channel 32 provided therearound to discharge the floating objects . a recovery cylinder 36 having a space to temporarily collect unslender objects formed between two vertically spaced movable dampers 37 and 38 is connected to below the joint between the gas supply cylinder 12 and gas supply pipe 11 through a flanged joint 35 . also , an unslender objects discharge cylinder 40 is connected to the recovery cylinder 36 through a flanged joint 39 . to perform sorting using the airstream sorting apparatus described above , a required amount of air is supplied from a separate blower to the primary gas supply pipe 11 , while a compressed gas supply nozzle 22 emits a laminar stream of compressed gas from the compressed gas supply unit to prevent the reversing of the primary gas into the discharge pipe 21 . the opening of the damper 14 is then adjusted to supply an appropriate amount of air for moving and sorting a mixture of slender and unslender objects in the airstream sorting vessel 1 from the gas supply cylinder 12 through the branch cylinder 13 and the slender objects collecting vessel 3 . at this time , the dampers 7 and 8 in the slender objects recovery cylinder 6 and the dampers 37 and 38 in the unslender objects recovery cylinder 36 are closed . in this state , the vibrating feeder 23 at the top of the airstream sorting vessel 1 supplies a mixture of slender and unslender objects to the higher end of the tilted meshed screen 2 . then , a turbulent air flow supplied from below the meshed screen 2 floats the mixture thereover in the airstream sorting vessel 1 . the volume of air supplied to the airstream sorting vessel 1 must be large enough to cause the mixture to repeat floating and stalling . although the mixture sometimes contains highly floatable objects , even such objects do not scatter away because the upwardly flaring airstream sorting vessel 1 greatly decreases the flow speed of the ascending airstream . the updraft floats the mixture of slender and unslender objects supplied to the higher end of the tilted meshed screen 2 on the left of the airstream sorting vessel 1 shown in fig1 . because the buoyancy of the updraft is relatively small , the objects stall and fall soon , and then float again , thus repeating the cycle . stalling slender objects have a tendency to fall longitudinally in the direction in which gravity works . slender objects falling in this way pass through the meshes of the meshed screen 2 into the slender objects collecting vessel 3 and collect on the damper 7 disposed therebelow . non - slender objects move downward ( to the right in fig1 ) over the tilted meshed screen 2 while repeating ascending and descending and finally reaches the unslender objects outlet 20 . the laminar stream of compressed air emitted from the compressed gas supply nozzle 22 carries the unslender objects to the gas supply cylinder 12 . if necessary , the airstream sorting vessel 1 or the meshed screen 2 may be vibrated to facilitate the travel of the unslender objects in the airstream sorting vessel 1 . the slender objects collecting on the damper 7 in the slender objects collecting vessel 3 are dropped onto the damper 8 by opening the damper 7 at appropriate intervals . after closing the damper 7 and opening the damper 8 , the slender objects are then discharged from the slender objects discharge cylinder 10 directly onto a discharge conveyor , feeder or hopper . thus , the slender objects are taken out without affecting the flow of the airstream in the slender objects collecting vessel 3 . when the unslender objects reach the gas supply cylinder 12 , less floatable objects stall and fall through the gas supply cylinder 12 onto the damper 37 , whereas more floatable objects are accelerated in the accelerating cylinder 26 and move up to the floating objects collecting cylinder 30 through the cylinder 28 . with the flow speed of the airstream greatly decreased in the cylinder 30 having a large cross - sectional area , the floating objects are discharged from the annular channel 32 . the floating objects thus discharged may be transferred directly onto a belt conveyor , feeder , hopper or chute . like the slender objects on the damper 7 , the less floatable objects collecting on the damper 37 are dropped onto the damper 38 by opening the damper 37 . by opening the damper 38 after closing the damper 37 , the less floatable objects may then be transferred directly onto a belt conveyor , feeder or hopper . the airstream sorting apparatus just described can intermittently supply a required amount of secondary gas by closing the damper 14 in the branch cylinder 13 , supplying a secondary gas from a separately prepared blower through the secondary gas supply pipe 16 , and intermittently opening the damper 17 . this intermittent supply of the secondary gas provides more efficient sorting by forcibly floating and dropping the objects to be sorted .	1
the clamp arrangement serves to secure a computer module in parallel spaced relationship with other such modules in a box . opposite edges of the modules fit into slots defined by opposed surfaces of opposite walls of the box which serve as cold walls to carry away heat from the modules . referring to the drawings , each module comprises a board 11 , first and second multiplicities of electronic components ( not illustrated ) carried by the board 11 at major surfaces 13a , 13b , respectively , thereof , and two housing 15a , 15b which with the board 11 respectively cover and protect the said multiplicities of components against environmental contamination . the board 11 has on one 13a of its major surfaces a heat conductive pattern , or heat ladder ( not shown ), for conducting heat away from electronic components to two major heat conductive segment of the pattern , being segments extending transversely of the associated major board surface 13a at opposite marginal board portions 17 . a clamp mechanism 19 is mounted connected to each marginal board portion 17 on the side of the board opposite to the aforesaid heat conductive segment . each clamp mechanism 19 is an assembly which comprises : an elongate element 21 composed of strip material such for example as spring steel possessing a high modulus of elasticity and having , transverse to its direction of length x -- x , corrugations 23 the crests of which are spaced apart by a certain pitch distance d ; and actuation means 25 having a rigid elongate main body part 27 and first and second sets , 29a , 29b , respectively , of rolling elements 31a , 31b , carried thereby . the rolling elements 31a , 31b , are distributed along the body part 27 and are respectively rotatable about individual axes , such as y -- y , extending transversely to the direction of length of the body part 27 , the rolling elements of each set being spaced apart along the body part 27 by the aforesaid pitch distance d . as shown , the body part 27 has a multiplicity of apertures 33 , ( six in the example ) therethrough at intervals spaced apart by the pitch distance d , and each pair of rolling elements 31a and 31b , is located at a respective one of the apertures 33 . the rolling elements 31a of the first set 29a project proud of one surface 35a , of the body part 27 and the elements 31b of the second set 29b project proud of the opposite surface 35b of the body part 27 . the several transverse axes y -- y are fixed with respect to the body part 27 , the rolling elements being provided with axially projecting first and second spigot portions 37a , 37b , respectively received within first and second passages 39a , 39b , piercing opposite side walls 41a , 41b , respectively , of the body part 27 at the sites of the apertures 33 . the body part 27 and the corrugated element 21 are coupled together so as to permit relative longitudinal movement , i . e . movement in the direction x -- x therebetween , within certain limits . for this purpose there is a pin and slot connection 43 between the coupled parts 21 , 27 , the part 27 being formed towards one end 45 with a slot 47 and the element 21 being provided with a two - part pin 49 , one part 51 of which has a head 53 of diameter greater than the width of the slot 47 and the other part 55 of which is a stud extending through an aperture formed through the element 21 at one end 57 and having a threaded or other connection with the part 51 . the marginal board portion 17 has an aperture 59 therethrough formed with an intermediate internal shoulder 61 , the head 63 of the stud 55 bearing against the internal shoulder 61 , and the lower surface of the part 51 bearing against the corrugated element 21 at the position of the aforesaid aperture 59 . the end 65 of the element 21 remote from the pin 49 is upset and the board 11 has an aperture 67 which receives the upset end 65 of the element 21 and , in so receiving , locates the element 21 against unwanted movement whilst accommodating sliding movement of the upset part 65 in the direction x -- x . the board 11 has formed at a corner thereof a nose portion 69 having an aperture 71 and adjacent to the nose portion a recess 73 . a lever 75 has towards one end thereof a dorsal flange portion 77 and a lever hinge pin 79 projecting laterally from the said flange portion 77 is received within the nose portion aperture 71 so as to permit pivotal movement of the lever 75 about the hinge axis defined by the pin 79 . the lever 75 is pivotally connected near an end 81 thereof to the body part 27 . a hinge pin 83 extends from an aperture 85 in the dorsal flange portion 77 of the lever 75 adjacent the end 81 thereof through an aperture through the body part 27 adjacent to the end 87 thereof . the dorsal flange portion 77 has , projecting from the side thereof opposite to the side adjacent to the position of connection between the body part 27 and the said lever portion 77 , a spigot 89 projecting laterally of the flange portion 77 at a position eccentric with respect to the axis of the hinge pin 83 . the board 11 ( with electronic components mounted thereon under the covers 15a , 15b ) and the clamp mechanism 19 are shown received with the lower marginal board portion 17 carrying a transversely extensive major heat conductive segment between two opposed flat and parallel surfaces as 91a , 91b , respectively , being surfaces of an adjacent cold wall 93 to which component heat is to be transferred from the said major heat conductive segment . an outer wall surface 91c of the cold wall 93 between surfaces 91a , 91b is provided with a transversely extensive recess 95 semi - cylindrical in shape save for a lead - in portion 97 ( fig9 ). to enable the board 11 and mechanism 19 to be received within the channel defined by the opposed cold wall surfaces 91a , 91b , the lever 75 must be away from the full line , depressed position illustrated , and in the lever position represented in broken line . with the lever 75 at the latter position the clamp mechanism is in the unexpanded state , the rollers 31b being displaced from the crests of the corrugations 23 of the element 21 . the lever end 81 is , as a result of lever displacement about the axis of pin 79 , inwardly displaced from the position illustrated , movement at the pin and slot connection 47 , 53 , of the rigid body part 27 permitting such lever displacement . with the board 11 and clamp mechanism 19 fully inserted between the wall surfaces 91a , 91b , a connector half 99 carried by the board 11 of the component module mates with a complementary connector half carried by a back plane ( not shown ). with the connector halves so mated counter - clockwise rotation of the lever 75 about the hinge pin 79 causes withdrawal of the body part 27 and the rollers 31b in the set 29 to roll in contact with the corrugations 23 of the element 21 until , with such withdrawal limited by contact between the pin 43 and the inner end of the slot 47 , the rollers 31b and the crests of the corrugations 23 are in contact . in the course of such action , the assembly expands , laterally , such expansion being limited by the spacing between the cold wall surfaces 91a , 91b . further withdrawal of the body part 27 results in a certain flattening compression ( as illustrated ) of the element 21 . with the rolling elements 31b respectively at the crests of the corrugations 23 and with the flattening of the element 21 therefore at a maximum , a high frictional resistance exists between the board 11 and the adjacent cold wall surface 91a substantially preventing movement of the board at the connection , and the rolling elements 31a , bear on the other cold wall surface 91b . with the lever in the ( full line ) depressed position the spigot 89 locates in the semi - cylindrical recess 95 in the adjacent outer surface 91c of the adjacent cold wall 93 . the spigot 89 so located provides a positive retention for the board 11 against withdrawal . to prevent accidental rotation of the lever 75 from the depressed position an integral catch portion 101 at the board edge is , during rotation to the depressed position , resiliently deflected by contact between an edge of an aperture 103 in the lever 75 and an inclined upper surface of a catch head 105 . in the final depressive movement of the lever 75 , the catch head 105 penetrates the aperture 103 to spring back to the undeflected state . in the latter state the catch head 105 constitutes a bar to rotation of the lever 75 away from the depressed position , manual deflection of the catch head 105 being required to free the lever 75 for such travel .	7
concrete examples of the alkyl group as r in the formula ( i ) of the present invention are linear chain alkyl groups such as methyl , ethyl , propyl , butyl , pentyl , hexyl , heptyl , octyl , nonyl and decyl , and branched chain alkyl groups such as isopropyl , 1 - methylpropyl , 2 - methylpropyl , 1 - methylbutyl , 2 - methylbutyl , 3 - methylbutyl , 1 - methylpentyl , 1 - ethylpentyl , 2 - methylpentyl , 1 - methylhexyl , 2 - ethylhexyl , 1 - methylheptyl , etc . concrete examples of alkyloxy group as r are methoxy , ethoxy , propoxy , butoxy , pentyloxy , hexyloxy , heptyloxy , octyloxy and nonyloxy . further , concrete examples of the alkoxy - substituted alkyl group as r are methoxymethyl , ethoxymethyl , propoxymethyl , etc . as the halogen atom , f or cl may be exemplified . as a typical preparation of the compound of the present invention , the following reaction scheme may be illustrated : ## str3 ## namely , an α - substituted - β - dimethylaminoacrolein ( iii ) and bromobenzamidine hydrochloride ( iv ) are subjected to cyclization reaction with a suitable base such as sodium methoxide , naoh , pyridine , etc . to obtain a pyrimidine compound ( v ), followed by converting the br group of ( v ) into cn group with cuprous cyanide and further hydrolyzing the cn group to obtain a pyrimidinylbenzoic acid ( vii ), which is then reacted with thionyl chloride to obtain an acid chloride ( viii ), which is then reacted with a 4 - cyano - 3 - halogenophenol ( ix ) obtained by converting a 2 - halogeno - 4 - hydroxybenzaldehyde ( x ) into an oxime ( xi ) with hydroxylamine and then dehydrating this oxime with e . g . acetic anhydride , to obtain the compound of the present invention i . e . a 4 &# 39 ;- cyano - 3 &# 39 ;- halogenophenyl 4 -( 5 - substituted - pyrimidine - 2 - yl ) benzoate ( i ). the liquid crystal compositions of the present invention preferably contain a compound of the present invention of the formula ( i ) at a level of 1 to 30 % by weight , preferably 3 to 20 % by weight . if the level of the compounds of the present invention is less than 1 % by weight , the contribution to the dielectric anisotropy is small , while if the level exceeds 30 % by weight , the viscosity of the composition may increase and thereby reduce the practical properties . examples of existing liquid crystal compounds with which the compounds of the present invention can be used to give the liquid crystal compositions of the present invention are expressed by the following general formulae ( i ) to ( xxxiii ): in these formulae , x represents ## str4 ## y represents -- cn , -- r &# 39 ;, halogeno , or -- coo -- x -- y &# 39 ;, y &# 39 ; represents -- cn , -- r &# 39 ; or -- or &# 39 ;; and r and r &# 39 ; each represent an alkyl group . furthermore , usable compounds also include those wherein one hydrogen atom in the benzene ring ( s ) of such compounds is substituted by a halogen atom such as f . ## str5 ## firstly , it has become possible to provide novel compounds which , when used as a component of liquid crystal compositions , has a good compatibility with other components . secondly the compounds of the present invention have a very large δε . for example , 4 &# 39 ;- cyano - 3 &# 39 ;- fluorophenyl 4 -( 5 - ethylpyrimidin - 2 - yl ) benzoate of the present invention has a δε as large as 69 . 2 which was obtained from the value of a mixture thereof with phenylcyclohexane liquid crystals according to extrapolation method . thus , the compounds are useful as a component of liquid crystal compositions , which , when added in a small quantity to other components , can raise the δε of the resulting liquid crystal composition , and also can reduce the driving voltage of liquid crystal display elements utilizing the liquid crystal composition . thirdly , the compounds of the present invention have a high nematic - isotropic liquid phase transition point ( hereinafter abbreviated to n - i point ) and also have a large δn . firstly it has become possible to provide liquid crystal compositions containing a novel compounds , which compositions has never been seen . fourthly , by utilizing the compositions of the present invention , it is possible to obtain a liquid crystal display element having a low driving voltage . the present invention will be described in more detail by way of examples . 4 -( 5 - ethylpyrimidin - 2 - yl ) benzoyl chloride ( 1 . 1 g , 0 . 004 mol ) and 4 - cyano - 3 - fluorophenol ( 0 . 6 g , 0 . 004 mol ) were dissolved in pyridine ( 5 ml ) and heated with stirring for one hour , followed by allowing the solution to stand overnight , adding toluene ( 50 ml ), pouring the mixture in water , washing the resulting toluene layer with 2n - hydrochloric acid , 2n - naoh aqueous solution and purified water in this order , drying the toluene layer and distilling off toluene under reduced pressure to obtain white crystals , which were then recrystallized from n - heptane to obtain the objective 4 &# 39 ;- cyano - 3 &# 39 ;- fluorophenyl 4 -( 5 - ethylpyrimidin - 2 - yl ) benzoate ( 0 . 8 g , 0 . 002 mol , yield 50 %). this product had a crystalline - smectic point ( c - s point ) of 140 . 8 ° c ., a smectic - nematic point ( s - n point ) of 142 . 0 ° c . and a n - i point of 231 . 3 ° c . the analytical values of c and h were c : 69 . 1 % and h : 4 . 2 % ( calculated values , c : 69 . 15 % and h : 4 . 06 %). a : 1 . 37 ppm 3h , b : 2 . 75 ppm 2h , c : 8 . 69 ppm 2h , d , e : 8 . 26 , 8 . 60 ppm 4h , f , g : 7 . 29 ppm 2h , h : 7 . 72 ppm 1h . 4 &# 39 ;- cyano - 3 &# 39 ;- fluorophenyl 4 -( 5 - butylpyrimidin - 2 - yl ) benzoate was obtained in the same manner as in example 1 . this product had a c - s point of 115 . 9 ° c ., a s - n point of 134 . 5 ° c . and a n - i point of 214 . 1 ° c . the analytical values of c and h were as follows : c : 70 . 4 % and h : 4 . 8 % ( calculated values , c : 70 . 39 % and h : 4 . 83 %). 4 &# 39 ; cyano - 3 &# 39 ;- fluorophenyl 4 -( 5 - propylpyrimidin - 2 - yl ) benzoate was obtained in the same manner as in example 1 . this product had a c - s point of 118 . 1 ° c ., a s - n point of 130 . 6 ° c . and a n - i point of 228 . 0 ° c . the analytical values of c and h were as follows : c : 69 . 8 % and h : 4 . 4 % ( calculated values , c : 69 . 79 % and h : 4 . 46 %). a liquid crystal composition ( a ) consisting of ## str7 ## has a n - i point of 52 . 1 ° c ., a δε of 11 . 2 and a δn of 0 . 119 . to this liquid crystal composition ( a ) ( 95 parts by weight ) was added 4 &# 39 ;- cyano - 3 &# 39 ;- fluorophenyl 4 -( 5 - ethylpyrimidin - 2 - yl ) benzoate of example 1 of the present invention ( 5 parts by weight ). the resulting liquid crystal composition had a n - i point raised to 58 . 2 ° c ., and also had a large increase of δε and δn to 14 . 1 and 0 . 124 , respectively . in the same manner as in example 4 , to the liquid crystal composition ( a ) ( 90 parts by weight ) was added 4 &# 39 ;- cyano - 3 &# 39 ;- fluorophenyl 4 -( 5 - butylpyrimidin - 2 - yl ) benzoate of example 2 of the present invention ( 10 parts by weight ). the resulting liquid crystal composition had a n - i point raised to 62 . 5 ° c . and also had a large increase of δε and δn to 15 . 8 and 0 . 130 , respectively . in the same manner as in example 4 , to the liquid crystal composition ( a ) ( 90 parts by weight ) was added 4 &# 39 ;- cyano - 3 &# 39 ;- fluorophenyl 4 -( 5 - propylpyrimidin - 2 - yl ) benzoate of example 3 of the present invention ( 10 parts by weight ). the resulting liquid crystal composition had a n - i point raised to 63 . 8 ° c . and also had a large increase of δε and δn to 15 . 6 and 0 . 134 , respectively .	2
fig1 illustrates an electronic plug - in control module to be attached to a top - hat rail ( not depicted ). to this end , a suitable recess 3 is formed on a rear mounting face 2 ( e . g ., a bottom face as shown ). a front face 4 ( e . g ., a top face as shown ) of the plug - in module housing 1 has an elongate configuration , with the longitudinal faces 4 a , 4 b representing the faces on which further plug - in modules can be arranged in a row . the space on the front face 4 for arranging plug regions 5 a , 5 b , 5 c is limited since both the insertion width b and also the insertion height h are limited in standardized plug - in modules . in order to be able to provide further plug regions 6 a , 6 b , undercuts 9 , are provided on faces 7 , 8 , which are faces adjoining the front face 4 , over the depth t of the plug - in module housing 1 . in the exemplary embodiment , the undercuts 9 , 10 each substantially have three surfaces , shown here as 9 a , 9 b , 9 c and 10 a , 10 b , 10 c , respectively . in principle , it is feasible to provide one or more plug regions on each of these surfaces . it is also possible to make the geometric shape of the undercut considerably more complex , so that a larger boundary surface of the undercut with further options for attaching plug regions is produced overall . however , in the present exemplary embodiment , a plug socket , for example an rj 45 plug socket in this case , is arranged only on the boundary surfaces 9 a , 10 a of the undercuts 9 and 10 , which are tilted to some extent toward the rear in relation to the front face 4 and which face the front face 4 . in order to be able to reach the respective plug regions 6 a , 6 b , a cable can be routed along the respective faces 7 , 8 . retaining lugs 11 a , 11 b are provided on the respective faces 7 , 8 of the housing in order to fix and relieve the strain on a corresponding cable . the retaining lugs 11 a , 11 b are positioned in an offset manner one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the respective faces 7 , 8 and , over the width b of faces 7 , 8 , are spaced apart from one another in such a way that an inserted cable has to assume a crossed - over course , as a result of which clamping is established . fig2 shows a view of an electronic plug - in control module housing 21 according to another embodiment of the present invention . in this example , the housing includes a front face 24 ( e . g ., a top face as shown ), having plug regions 25 a and 25 b arranged therein . a recess 23 is formed on a rear mounting face 22 ( e . g ., a bottom face as shown ) in a similar manner as shown and described in connection with fig1 . the face 28 adjoining the front face 24 of the housing includes two undercut portions 10 and 100 , each having a plurality of surfaces . a plug region 6 b is provided on a surface 10 a of undercut 10 and a plug region 26 b is provided on a surface 100 a of undercut 100 . similarly , the face 27 adjoining the front face 24 includes two undercut portions 9 and 90 , each having a plurality of surfaces , a plug region 6 a provided on a surface 9 a of undercut 9 and a plug region 26 b provided on a surface 90 a of undercut 90 . as shown , the undercuts 10 and 100 on face 28 are situated behind one another as seen from the front face 24 . this type of arrangement is also seen with respect to the undercuts 9 and 90 on face 27 .	7
referring to the sole drawing figure , several polymeric films and metallic foils are passed through a series of pull rolls and gathered together between a pair of press rolls to form a film / foil multi - laminate of the present invention . more specifically , film feed rolls 12 , 14 , 16 , and 18 feed respective first film 22 , second film 24 , third film 26 , and fourth film 28 toward press rolls 54 and 58 . these films have previously been corona treated at a conventional corona treating station ( not shown ) such that first film 22 and fourth film 28 have been corona treated on one interior surface thereof , while second film 24 and third film 26 have been corona treated on both surfaces thereof . by &# 34 ; interior surface &# 34 ; of first film 22 and fourth film 28 is meant that surface of the film which will subsequently come into bonding contact with a metallic foil as described more fully below . foil feed rolls 32 , 34 and 36 feed respectively first foil 42 , second foil 44 and third foil 46 toward press rolls 54 and 58 . the films and foils are gathered together by means of a pull roll array 50 comprising a series of rolls arranged so that , in cooperation with press rolls 54 and 58 , the films and foils are brought into communication with each other as shown in the diagram . the corona treated surfaces of the films come in contact with adjacent foils to help insure an adequate bond within the multi - laminate . heating means 52 employs a heating medium such as hot air to preheat the films and foils prior to pressing between press roll 54 and press roll 58 . conventional heating means can be used for this purpose . preferably , heating roll 56 and press roll 58 are also heated to optimize the bond strength between individual layers of the final multilaminate . conventional heating means can be used for this purpose . roll 60 conveys the final multi - laminate to a wind up roll ( not shown ). polymeric films useful in the present invention are typically thermoplastic and can themselves be of monolayer or multilayer construction , formed by conventional lamination , coextrusion , extrusion coating or other techniques well known in the art . compositionally , these films may be made up of polyolefinic or other polymeric materials , and may also include polyvinylidene chloride or vinylidene chloride copolymer materials commonly known as saran . polyethylene and copolymers of ethylene such as ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer , ethylene alpha - olefin copolymer ( linear low density polyethylene and very low density polyethylene ), and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer are particularly preferred materials for films 22 , 24 , 26 and 28 . the foils of the present invention are metallic foils and preferably aluminum . other materials such as steel can also be used . each of the films used in the present invention can be identical , or can differ in composition or construction . likewise , different metals can be used for the various foils used in producing the multi - laminate . one advantage of the present invention is that the process and apparatus is flexible enough to accommodate differing metallic foils and differing films . the invention may be further understood by reference to the following examples . a polymeric , multilayer film was prelaminated to an aluminum foil . this lamination was accomplished by corona treating one surface of the polymeric film , and using a metal nip roll at a temperature of about 160 ° f ., and a line speed of about 50 feet per minute , to bond the film to the foil . this procedure was repeated to produce two rolls of the prelaminated film / foil . these two rolls of prelaminated film / foil were positioned approximately as shown at rolls 32 and 36 in fig1 . a central feed roll of aluminum foil was positioned between the two rolls of prelaminated film / foil . the relative position of the feed roll of aluminum foil was that represented by feed roll 34 of fig1 . a feed roll of polymeric multilayer film was positioned respectively between the central aluminum feed roll layer and each prelaminated film / foil feed roll . thus , the two feed rolls of the polymeric multilayer film were positioned as represented by feed rolls 14 and 16 in fig1 . the film from the two film feed rolls was corona treated on both surfaces thereof . both of the prelaminated film / foil , the central aluminum foil , and the two multilayer films were drawn through a pull roll array and gathered at press rolls to produce a multi - laminate . a heating roll represented by roll 56 of fig1 was run at a temperature of about 160 ° f ., as was the press roll represented by roll 58 of fig1 . the polymeric film used in the prelaminated film / foil comprised a four layer construction having one outer layer of a linear low density polyethylene ( dowlex 2035 ) available from dow chemical ; a second layer of linear low density polyethylene ( dowlex 2045 ) available from dow ; a third layer of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer ( elvax pe - 3508 ) available from du pont ; and a fourth , bonding layer comprising a mixture of 80 % of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer ( alathon 3180 ) available from du pont , blended with 20 % antiblocking agent having 90 % low density polyethylene and 10 % colloidal silica , where the low density polyethylene is dow pe 722 and the colloidal silica is syloid 378 . the fourth , bonding layer was the layer which was corona treated and bonded to the aluminum foil to produce the prelaminate . the total thickness of each film was about one ( 1 ) mil . all of the foils used in example 1 were aluminum . each foil had a thickness of about 0 . 35 mil . the polymeric multilayer film fed from intermediate rolls represented by feed rolls 14 and 16 in fig1 comprised a five layer film having outer layers of a blend of 80 % of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer ( elvax 3182 ) available from du pont , blended with 20 % of the antiblock agent described above . the central layer of the five layer film was linear low density polyethylene ( dowlex 2045 ). the intermediate ( second and fourth ) layers of the multilayer polymeric film were ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer ( elvax pe - 3508 ). the total thickness of each multilayer film was about 0 . 65 mil . a film / foil multilaminate is produced having four discrete polymeric films , and three separate aluminum foil layers disposed between the films in alternating fashion . these polymeric films are corona treated on both sides in the case of films forming an interior layer of the final multilaminate , and on one side in the case of films forming an outer layer of the final multi - laminate , the corona treated side of these latter films being that side which will ultimately be bonded to an aluminum foil surface . these polymeric films and aluminum foils are drawn through a pull roll array , preheated , and pressed between respective press rolls which are heated . heating procedures are like those described in example 1 . a film / foil multi - laminate is produced substantially as described in example 1 , but having foils of differing metals . a film / foil multi - laminate is produced substantially as described in example 2 , but having foils comprising different metals . a film / foil laminate is produced substantially as described in examples 1 or 2 , but having a polymeric film as one of the outermost surfaces of the multi - laminate , and a metal foil as the other outermost surface of the multi - laminate . a film / foil laminate is produced substantially as described in examples 1 or 2 , but having metal foils as both outermost surfaces of the multi - laminate . a pouch is made from any one of the laminates of examples 1 through 6 . any of the pouches of example 7 is made into an insulating panel by placing an insulating material , such as a non - woven separating material or silica , inside the pouch ; evacuating the pouch ; and sealing the pouch . the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples , but one skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the claims which follow . for example , any number of polymeric films and metallic foils or sheets can be brought together to produce the film / foil laminate of the present invention . likewise , the choice of polymeric resins is to a great extent limited only by considerations of cost , desired end use , and the composition of the surface ( s ) to be corona treated . the surface composition should be such that an adequate bond to an adjacent metallic foil will result , following the method of the present invention . many metals are suitable for the metallic foil , especially aluminum and steel . the thicknesses of the various films and foils or sheets used in the present invention can differ within a single multi - laminate , and can also differ from one multi - laminate to the next . as an example , film gauges can be as low as 0 . 1 mil or as high as 10 mil . foil thicknesses can also range from 0 . 1 mil to 10 mil . films used in the present invention can optionally be crosslinked by e . g . irradiation or chemical cross - linking . irradiation can be done by the use of high energy electrons , ultra violet radiation , x - rays , gamma rays , beta particles , etc . many apparatus for irradiating films are known to those of skill in the art . irradiation is typically carried out at a dosage between about 1 mr and 20 mr .	1
referring to fig1 , the membrane module 4 , according to this embodiment , comprises an array or bundle of hollow fibre membranes 5 extending longitudinally between upper and lower potting heads 6 and 7 . a fine screen mesh 8 surrounds the array 5 and provides an initial screening of feed entering the module 4 while also serving to hold the fibres 9 in close proximity to each other and prevent excessive movement . the fibres 9 are open at the upper potting head 6 to allow for filtrate removal from their lumens and sealed at the lower potting head 7 . the lower potting head 7 has a number of holes 10 uniformly distributed therein to enable gas / air to be supplied therethrough from a feed line 12 and plenum chamber 17 located below the aeration holes 10 . the fibres are fixed uniformly within the potting heads 6 and 7 and the holes 10 are formed uniformly relative to each fibre 9 so as to provide , in use , a uniform distribution of gas bubbles between the fibres . in use , the module 4 is arranged vertically in a feed tank ( not shown ). during filtration the filtrate is withdrawn from the top potting head 6 and filtrate collection chamber 11 through suction applied to the open ends of the membrane lumens . the suction produces a pressure differential across the membrane walls resulting in feed liquid being drawn from the feed tank through the screen 8 and into contact with the hollow fibre membranes 9 . the screen 8 has apertures dimensioned to remove coarse contaminant matter within the feed liquid prior to its application to the membranes . fig6 illustrates an embodiment similar to that of fig1 , however plenum chamber 17 includes an aperture 50 formed beneath the feed line 12 . in the present example , the aperture extends generally horizontally . in this embodiment , feed enters the membrane module primarily through the screen 8 , and to a lesser extent through aperture 50 . this feed is then applied to the fibres 9 in the usual manner . concentrate and other solids / trash accumulated within the module 4 is able to egress via the aperture 50 either of its own accord under gravitational influence , or by virtue of gas bubble scouring , backwashing flows , drain down of the tank , or the like . to this end , it will be appreciated that the location of the aperture 50 does not substantively inhibit the ability to supply of gas / air through the feed line 12 for the purpose of bubble scouring . although this embodiment suffers some decrease in effectiveness due to the ingress of course contaminant matter through the aperture 50 ( which is not protected by screen 8 ), this is generally balanced from a performance / practical perspective by advantages stemming from the free flow of concentrate and waste ( including course contaminant matter ) outwardly through aperture 50 , typically during the backwash process . fig2 shows a further embodiment of the invention where the screen 8 is spaced from the periphery of the module 4 while extending the full length of the module 4 . the screen is attached to the lower potting head 7 but open at its upper end 18 adjacent the upper potting head 6 to define an opening 19 . in use , feed flows through the screen 8 into contact with the membranes 9 mounted in the module 4 . concentrate produced during filtration , gas bubble scouring and backwashing flows out through the opening 19 . fig3 shows a similar embodiment to that of fig2 , however , in this embodiment , the screen 8 does not extend fully to the upper potting head 6 and a gap or opening 20 is provided between the end 18 of the screen 8 and the upper potting head 6 . this opening 20 again allows concentrate to flow therethrough . alternatively , the gap or opening 20 may be formed in the screen itself but with a larger aperture size than the normal screen apertures to allow the concentrate to flow therethrough . fig4 and 4a show an embodiment where fibre membrane mats 21 are used in the module . in this arrangement each mat 21 is provided with co - extensive protection screens 22 and 23 which are provided on each side of each mat 21 and extend between the upper and lower potting heads 6 and 7 . as best shown in fig4 a , the screens 22 and 23 are open adjacent the edges 24 of the mats 21 to allow outward flow of concentrate . fig5 a and 5b show a further embodiment where a selectively operable screen 25 is provided across a feed entry port 26 . in this embodiment feed enters the membrane module through the port 26 and flows through screen 25 into the membrane module 4 where it is applied to the membranes 9 in the usual manner . when concentrate and other solids / trash accumulated within the module 4 is required to be removed , the screen 25 is opened as shown in fig5 b to allow free flow of concentrate and waste from the module 4 through port 26 . it will be appreciated a similar effect could be achieved by having an inflow path which is screened and an outflow path which is unscreened . similarly , other portions of the screen 8 could be provided with selectively operable openings to provide a similar advantageous operation . gas , typically air , is introduced into the bottom of the module 4 through holes 10 , producing gas bubbles between fibres to scrub solids accumulated on membrane surfaces . the gas bubbles also result in vibrating and scouring of the screen 8 to remove accumulated screening therefrom . when the feed tank is drained following a backwash , the screenings dislodged from the screen 8 are also removed . the gas bubble cleaning process and method may be used in conjunction with any standard backwashing regimes including liquid backwashing , pressurised gas backwashing , combinations of both , as well as with chemical cleaning and dosing arrangements . the gas bubble cleaning process would normally be used in conjunction with the backwash stage , however , it may also be used continually during the filtration and backwash stages . cleaning chemicals such as chlorine may be added to the gas providing the bubbles to further assist the cleaning process . solids removed in the cleaning process may be intermittently or continually removed . screen aperture dimensions are chosen to reject debris entering the membrane module , but allow gas to escape during the gas bubble cleaning process . for finer screens a gas vent can be provided instead of relying on the gas passing out through the screen . the screen can be formed of self - supported hard material or a flexible material that allows swaying of the screen during the gas - bubbling cleaning process . it will be appreciated that further embodiments and exemplifications of the invention are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention described .	2
fig1 illustrates a lead according to a preferred embodiment of the invention being utilized in an scs implementation . in accordance with known techniques , a tuohy needle 14 is positioned near the dura 12 of spine 10 . lead body 20 is inserted through the lumen of s tuohy needle 14 and positioned near the dura 12 . a proximal end ( not shown ) of lead body 20 is connected to a source device ( not shown ) which may be a pulse generator , in the case of electrical stimulation , or a drug pump in the case of drug therapy . although the invention will be described herein with reference to scs procedures and the embodiments described in relation to electrical therapy , it will be recognized that the invention finds utility in applications to other than scs procedures , including other applications such as peripheral nervous system ( pns ) stimulation , sacral root stimulation , cortical surface stimulation or intravecular cerebral stimulation . in addition , the invention finds applicability to scs procedures where the lead is placed in the intrathecal ( subdural ) space . the invention also finds utility to drug therapy where electrical components are replaced with conduits and catheters for conducting is drug material to the therapy site . in this case , especially , the lead may be placed in the intrathecal space . fig2 a thru 2 d illustrate a lead according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention . lead 20 is provided with a distal tip 30 that may be compacted for insertion 20 and unfolded after it has been positioned appropriately within the body . distal tip 30 includes a central portion 32 which has at least one span 34 depending therefrom . span 34 is comprised of a flexible , insulative material , such as polyurethane or silicone rubber . the term “ flexible ” as used herein refers to both resilient and non - resilient materials . central portion 32 may have a generally semi - circular cross - section as shown , or may be flat . a central passage 33 may run axially along the inside of lead 20 . a centering stylet 25 is provided through central passage 33 and extends in a distal direction through central portion 32 for engaging a part of the body , such as adhesions in the epidural space , to stabilize lead tip 30 as it is deployed . affixed to a surface of spans 34 and to the central portion 32 is a series of other therapy delivery elements in the form of electrodes 36 a - e . in accordance with the invention , lead 20 may be configured into a compact insertion position shown in fig2 a . as shown in fig2 b , spans 34 are coiled around central portion 32 such that the lateral extent of lead tip 30 is no larger than the lumen of tuohy needle 14 . once in position within the epidural space , lead tip 30 may be deployed out of the tuohy needle 14 , as shown in fig2 c . fig2 d shows the view from the side opposite the side illustrated in fig2 c . in the embodiment described in which the spans are flaccid or to semirigid , deployment of lead tip 30 may be implemented by rotating the lead body 20 in a counterclockwise direction once lead tip 30 is beyond the end of the tuohy needle in a desired position . as spans 34 encounter dura or dorsal bone of spinal canal , they can uncoil to assume a generally planar shape in which electrodes 36 a - e are disposed on one side of the lead facing the dura , as shown in fig2 e . as shown in phantom in fig2 d , electrodes 36 a - e communicate electrically with the source device ( not shown ) via conductor paths 39 and 41 . conductor paths 39 and 41 may be comprised of a flexible electrical conductor or thin wires which are embedded or molded within lead 20 . in the case of drug therapy , the electrodes 36 a - e illustrated in fig2 c - e would be replaced by ports which act as therapy delivery elements to convey drug to the body . similarly , conductor paths 39 and 41 would be replaced by conduits formed in the interior of lead 20 for conveying drug from the source device . stylet 25 may be left permanently in the epidural space or may be withdrawn from the lead 20 after the lead tip 30 is uncoiled . in the case of a drug delivery device , stylet 25 might remain as a catheter at some preferred distance . fig3 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in which lead 20 is provided with a pair of guide pins 40 which are affixed to a more proximal removable sheath 41 that surrounds lead body 20 . alternatively , guide pins may be formed integrally on tuohy needle ( not shown ). guide pins 40 act to guide spans 34 outward as the lead body 20 is rotated in a counterclockwise and to guide spans 34 to coil around central portion as lead body 20 is rotated in a clockwise direction . guide pins 40 may be comprised of a rigid , material and may be extended or retracted from sheath 41 or tuohy needle 14 . after spans 34 are deployed , sheath 41 may be removed . fig4 a illustrates another embodiment of the invention in which spans 34 are formed as resilient or elastic elements . the term “ resilient ” as used herein refers a tendency to return to an undeformed state once spans 34 are no longer compressed to lay beside central part 32 . in accordance with this embodiment of the invention , a retainer tube 50 is provided to retain lead tip 30 in its compacted position until deployment is desired . retainer tube 50 includes an inner passage which is sufficient to accommodate the diameter or lateral extent of lead body 20 and its compact shape - changing tip 30 . the outer diameter of retainer tube 50 is small enough that retainer tube 50 may also be inserted through the lumen of tuohy needle 14 ( fig1 ). alternatively , tube 50 may replace the tuohy needle . spans 34 are formed in such a manner that they have a tendency to undertake a position in which they are extended from central portion 32 . thus , in the compact insertion position illustrated in fig4 a , resilient forces are present in spans 34 to urge them outward into their extended , uncoiled position . the resiliency of spans 34 may derive from the polymeric material used to construct spans 34 or from resilient elements like wires ( not shown ) which are incorporated into the interior or onto the exterior surface of spans 34 . referring to fig4 b and 4c , in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the invention , a notch 60 is provided in a distal end 52 of retainer tube 50 to facilitate retraction of a deployed lead . preferably , one notch is provided for each span 34 provided on lead tip 30 . in operation , retainer tube 50 is inserted around a proximal end ( not shown ) of lead body 20 and pushed towards lead tip 30 a sufficient distance until retainer tube 50 encounters lead tip 30 . lead body 20 is then pulled in a proximal direction and simultaneously rotated , in a direction which may be clockwise or counterclockwise , until lower edges 37 of spans 34 slide into notches 60 . under continued rotation of lead tip 30 and lead , notches 60 function to guide spans 34 into their coiled , compacted position . once compacted , lead 20 may be retracted further into retainer tube 50 . compacted lead 20 and retainer tube 50 may then be repositioned to a higher or lower point along the spinal cord or may be removed from the body . fig5 a and 5b illustrate an expandable lead tip 130 according to another embodiment of the invention . referring to fig5 b , lead tip 130 is comprised of a series of electrodes 136 a - e which are fastened to a flexible insulative backing sheet or span 140 . the central portion of lead tip 130 is comprised of middle electrode 136 c . span 140 may be constructed of polyurethane or dacron - reinforced silicone rubber . electrodes 136 a - e are in electrical communication with source device ( not shown ) via a series of conductors 139 incorporated into or onto span 140 . electrodes 136 a - e are embedded in span 140 or fastened by adhesive or other known means . ends 142 of span 140 are provided with eyelets 144 for fastening to an expanding mechanism which will be described below . this aspect of the invention provides a lead tip 130 which may assume a compacted position , in which electrodes 136 a - e are stacked one on top of the other such that the thickness of lead tip 130 may be reduced to a dimension that is slightly larger than the collective thicknesses of electrodes 136 a - e . referring to fig5 a , lead tip 130 may be expanded with the use of an expansion mechanism 150 according to one aspect of the invention . expansion mechanism 150 comprises a series of struts 152 which are pivotally linked to one another such that points a and b may be caused to move towards and away from one another in order to compact or expand lead tip 130 , respectively . a first linkage 156 is pivotally connected to struts 152 a and 152 b . a second link 158 is pivotally connected to links 152 c and 152 d . first and second links 156 and 158 extend to a proximal end of lead body 20 where they can be individually actuated by a clinician . by moving first link 156 with respect to second link 158 , points a and b are caused to move toward or away from one another , thereby contracting or expanding lead tip 130 . by using rigid struts and linkages , sufficient forces can be applied so that a space may be created for the expanded size of lead tip 130 . introductory sheath 170 may be removed after lead tip 30 is expanded . or , as another embodiment , it might remain in the position shown , and a locking mechanism to keep links 156 & amp ; 158 at a constant position might be able to compress sheath 170 over the two links . a tether 188 sets a limit on the separation of points a and b , and guarantees that electrodes are evenly spaced when the length of tether 188 equals the length of span 140 . fig6 a and 6b illustrate another embodiment of the invention . fig6 a is a cross - section of a lead tip 230 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention which comprises a single span 234 incorporating a series of conductors 236 a - f therein . fig6 b illustrates a plan view of a mechanism 250 suitable for deploying lead tip 230 or a stack of electrodes as shown in fig5 b . mechanism 250 comprises a pair of links 252 a and 252 b pivotally connected to one another and each pivotally connected to a respective actuator link 258 a and 258 b . through relative movement of actuator links 258 a and 258 b , point a is caused to move toward or away from link 258 a , thereby causing contraction or expansion of lead tip 230 or 130 . one eyelet 144 on span 234 is attached to point a , and the other eyelet may slide on link 258 a . with this embodiment , since the lead tip is pulled in one direction , mechanism 250 in its initial , collapsed position should be positioned toward one side , for example , over the dorsal roots on one side of the spinal cord . in the expanded position , point a would advance to the opposite dorsal roots . once again , a way to lock point a at a certain expanded position is to have an anchor along sheath 170 that compresses and holds sheath 170 against links 258 a and 258 b . like mechanism 150 , by using rigid struts and linkages , a space can be created for lead tip 230 . fig7 illustrates an expansion mechanism according to another preferred embodiment of the invention . lead tip 130 may be expanded with the use of mechanism 350 , comprised of struts 311 , 310 , 321 , and 320 . linkage 330 is pivotally connected to the end of struts 320 , 321 . linkage 340 is pivotally connected to one end of struts 320 , 321 , which in turn have their respective other ends pivotally connected to the center of struts 320 , 321 . in the embodiment illustrated , strut 320 connects struts 310 and 340 as illustrated and strut 321 connects struts 311 and 321 as illustrated . as linkages 330 and 340 are moved relative to each other by a clinician , tips 360 will move together or apart . eyelets 144 of lead tip 130 ( fig5 b ) can be connected to tips 360 . moved relative to each other by a clinician , tips 360 will move together or apart . eyelets 144 of lead tip 130 ( fig5 ) can be connected to tips 360 . fig8 a and 8b illustrate an expandable lead according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention . the lead comprises a flexible outer coaxial accessory tube 802 which is mounted over the distal end of lead body 801 . a stop 806 is affixed to the distal end of lead body 801 to prevent movement of the upper end 830 of accessory tube 802 relative to lead body 801 . the lower end 832 of accessory tube 802 is adapted to slide with respect to lead body 801 . accessory tube 802 includes a central slot 805 forming two flexible leaf portions 820 and 822 . a recess 824 is provided in each leaf portion 820 to form a bending joint therein . the lower end 832 may be moved upward , thereby causing leaf portions 820 to bend and deploy outward from the lead body 801 . to actuate the mechanism an actuator 807 is slid over the axial tube 801 by the clinician . while holding onto the axial tube 801 , the clinician pushes the actuator 807 against the accessory tube which causes the slot 805 to separate and the lead to open as illustrated in fig8 b . a series of ratchet rings 811 . 812 and 813 are formed in lead body 801 to prevent downward movement of lower end 832 of accessory tube 802 to thereby retain the leaf portions 820 in their outward , deployed position . these ratchet rings will also allow and hold different amounts of lateral expansion to be chosen by the clinician . a rigid barrel electrode 803 is mounted on each leaf portion 820 of the accessory tube 802 . in the expanded position of accessory tube 802 , central electrodes 808 , 809 and 810 are exposed . central electrodes 808 , 809 and 810 and barrel electrodes 803 communicate electrically with the source device ( not shown ) through electrical conductors ( not shown ) within the lead body . fig8 c illustrates an expandable lead according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention . this embodiment is the same as that illustrated in fig8 a and 8b except that a screw actuator is provided for precise adjustment of the outward deployment of leaf portions 820 . the axial lead body 801 has a threaded portion 811 formed therein . a threaded drive nut 812 is mounted on the threaded portion of the lead body 811 . the drive nut has multiple indented holes 812 a to receive an actuation driver similar to 813 . the drive nut is interlocked by pins ( 813 a ) on an actuation driver 813 and rotated by the driver . this screw apparatus allows finer adjustment of the expansion and also adjustment of the expansion after implantation of the lead device . fig9 a and 9b illustrate another embodiment of the invention . mechanism 450 can have a central element 410 that may contain an electrode or catheter port 405 . it may house progressively smaller mobile telescoping parts 420 , 430 , 440 that can be pushed outward toward one or more directions . each mobile part is provided with a shoulder 422 to limit its outward movement and to recruit an adjacent mobile part . a tab 424 is provided to limit inward movements . for an expansion in one plane , element 410 may have inside it one or more mechanisms 150 ( fig5 a ), 250 ( fig6 b ) or 350 ( fig7 ). alternatively there might be single , curved linkage passing along lead 20 and attached to the final electrode or catheter port site 445 . as this linkage is moved by a clinician , site 445 will move outward or inward , and intermediated sites will follow if the movement of each site relative to the next site is limited . fig1 a and 10b illustrate another embodiment of the invention . in fig1 a , the lead 20 is in a compacted position , with elastic and resilient transverse spans 500 bent to remain inside the lumen of tuohy needle 14 . spans 500 are adapted to bend to a position substantially parallel to the axis of lead 20 in the compact position . once the lead is pushed beyond the needle , spans 500 will move by their resiliency to their natural position , as shown in fig1 b . those of ordinary skill will note that the grouping of central electrode or catheter port 510 and the two nearest side electrodes or ports 520 form a tripole / triport arrangement transverse to the longitudinal direction of the lead 20 . the clinician may have to place and manipulate a mechanism like 150 , 250 or 350 prior to placement of this lead to create a space . alternatively , a metal material like nitinol may be placed inside span 500 and treated so that its position after removal of the confinement of needle 14 will be perpendicular to the lead axis . fig1 a and 11b illustrate another embodiment of the invention . in fig1 a , the lead 20 is in a compacted position with elastic and resilient spans 600 bent to remain inside the lumen of tuohy needle 14 . there is a central electrode or catheter port 610 . the lateral electrodes / ports 620 are on members that will remain parallel to the lead axis due to pivot points 630 and equal length spans 600 above and below . in fig1 b , the lead tip is beyond the introducing needle . the spans 600 resume their normal , unstressed positions perpendicular to the lead body axis . lateral electrodes / ports 620 are on either side of central electrode / port 610 . removal may be accomplished by pulling on the lead body with sufficient force to bend the spans 600 back along the lead body , or by pushing another catheter or needle over lead 20 it is recommended that there be a thin , inert and flexible film ( not shown ) over the space between spans to help removal by preventing tissue in growth . one embodiment of the invention is to lock linkages as shown in fig5 - 7 into a fixed orientation by using a compressive sleeve to squeeze the lead body 20 inward against the linkages . this sleeve may be an anchor to superficial ( subcutaneous ) tissue . to make a change , minor surgery can be done to cut down to this anchor , loosen or remove it , adjust the positions of the linkages , replace the anchor / compressive sleeve , and resutured the wound . obviously , the clinician and patient need to believe that the benefits of such a procedure out weigh the discomfort and risks . fig1 a through 12d illustrate mechanisms that may be used to operate the linkages illustrated and described with respect to fig5 a , 6 b , 7 and 9 in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention . fig1 a illustrates an embodiment of the invention that allows chronic adjustment of the relative positions of two actuating members 710 and 720 . a rigid needle 775 with a sharp hexagonal tip 785 is passed through the skin and engages a hexagonal receptacle ( possibly via reduction gears ) 790 that is capable of turning a circular component 760 inside of a container 750 beneath the patient skin . on end of this container 750 attaches to the lead body 20 , which contains the two actuating members 710 and 720 and wires / catheters 730 that go to the distal tip of the lead 20 . another end of the container 750 connects to a lead 721 that conveys the wires / catheters 730 to a source device ( not shown ). actuating members 710 and 720 are connected to the rotating component 760 are connected to the rotating component 760 by pivot points 770 and 780 . as the needle 775 is rotated , the linkages 710 and 720 will move relative to each other . this device 750 should be large enough to be palpated under the skin , and the rotating component 760 should be large enough so that limited rotation of approximately 60 ° causes sufficient movement of the linkages . fig1 b illustrates another preferred embodiment of a linkage actuating mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the invention . this embodiment allows chronic adjustment of the position of one linkage 810 relative to the lead body 20 using a rack gear and pinion gear arrangement . this embodiment may be used with a two - actuating member configuration as described with respect to fig1 a , where one actuating member is fixed with respect to lead body 20 . as in the embodiment described above with respect to fig1 a , a rigid needle ( not shown ) with a hex - head sharp tip is passed through the patient &# 39 ; s skin and engages a hexagonal receptacle 865 that drives an internal gear 860 of subcutaneous container 850 . as gear 860 turns possibly with the aid of reducing gears , it will , move the actuating member 810 back or forth , which has gear teeth 840 formed on its proximal end . a stop 870 prevents excessive movement of actuating member 810 . a wire / catheter group 830 passes from lead 20 through the container to another lead 821 from the source device . alternatively , the source device could be on the back side of the container 850 . it will be recognized by those of ordinary skill that there could be a number of gears to inside container 850 to change the direction of movement of the actuating member 810 , for example , to a rotary direction . fig1 c illustrates another preferred embodiment of a linkage actuating mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the invention . this embodiment allows is chronic adjustment of the position of linkage 910 relative to the lead body 20 . again , this embodiment may be used with two linkage configurations where on linkage is fixed with respect to the lead body 20 . this embodiment utilizes a hydraulic cylinder arrangement to actuate linkage 910 . in this case a noncoring hypodermic syringe needle ( not shown ) is passed through the patient &# 39 ; s skin and through a compressed rubber septum 960 provided on the side of container 950 . fluid may be added or withdrawn from beneath the septum , which is connected to a syringe 940 . the moveable plug of this syringe 920 is connected to the moveable linkage 910 . again , the wires / catheters 930 from the proximal tip of lead 20 pass through container 950 and on to the source device . alternatively , the source device could be on the back side of container 950 , although , for drug delivery there would need to be another system on the front of container 950 for refilling the drug . fig1 d illustrates an actuating mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention that allows chronic adjustment of the degree of rotation of linkage 1010 relative to lead body 20 . a rigid needle with a hex - head sharp tip can be inserted into a hexagonal receptacle 1070 in container 1050 . rotation of this needle device rotates gear 1020 which causes rotation of gear 1040 attached to linkage 1010 . there may be restrictions on the movement of gear 1020 to prevent excessive rotation . the embodiments shown in fig1 a - d demonstrate devices to actuate linkages that pass to the distal tip of the lead and cause changes in one or more dimensions of the lead paddle . as described , these involve transmission of force or energy through the skin by means to of a needle that passes through the skin . the same effects can be achieved by having a small motor implanted into the container parts shown , or into the power source itself ( not shown ) which runs on an electrical battery or transmitted and received radio frequency signal , such as the motor provided in the totally implantable , programmable drug device called synchromed ®, manufactured by medtronic , inc . of minneapolis , minn . smaller motors may be acceptable , especially if a sequence of gears may be used to provide mechanical advantage . if such motors are used , there should be a mechanical circuit breaker to prevent excess motion of the linkages . very similar techniques would allow expansion of a lead in a direction parallel to the lead body . for example , telescoping elements with electrodes could move parallel to the axis of the lead body ( parallel to the spinal cord ), similar to the way a car antenna can be extended and retracted . by attaching electrodes and catheter ports to the axial linkages of fig5 through 8 , or attaching eyelets 144 of compacted groups of electrodes / ports such as items 130 or 230 , it is possible to extend or compact said groups of electrodes in an axial direction . this is a valuable feature if one wishes to match the axial spacing of electrodes / ports to important dimensions of the structure to be stimulated / affected . for example , holsheimer ( neurosurgery , vol . 40 , 1997 : pp 990 - 999 ) has shown that there may be preferred longitudinal spacing of electrodes based upon the recruitment factors in spinal cord tissue , and also critically dependent upon the width of the csf ( cerebrospinal fluid ) layer between the spinal cord dorsal surface and the dura mater . therefore , we wish to include the ability to increase or decrease the longitudinal spacing between electrodes / ports by these inventions , and to be able to make a change in said spacing after initial implant of a complete therapeutic system . those skilled in the art will recognize that the preferred embodiments may be altered or amended without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention , as defined in the accompanying claims .	0
dielectric measurements have been made on mammalian blood cells in artificial suspension media over several decades . the erythrocytes used have generally been washed ( i . e . separated from plasma centrifugation , re - suspended in buffered isotonic saline and re - centrifuged ) and finally re - suspended in buffered solutions with additives to prevent sedimentation . there appear to be no reports of dielectric measurements on whole blood samples from human patients with different disease states . dielectric measurements have been made with cells in contact with electrodes using ac bridge techniques , and more recently with time domain spectroscopy . as long ago as the 1930s it was established that there were two strong dielectric dispersions associated with blood and other biological tissue , the alpha and beta dispersions . alpha dispersion is associated with the tangential relaxation of ions adjacent to cell surfaces and the beta dispersion is due to membrane charging capacitance . the alpha dispersion ranges from a few hz to about 20 khz . the number of &# 34 ; close ions &# 34 ; ( that is the ions associated with membrane through electrostatic interactions ) will depend on the number ( more properly the concentration in a fixed volume ) of cells in suspension if the zeta potential is assumed to be constant . this may be a possible route to cell counting . the beta dispersion could be used to calculate factors such as cell membrane capacitance , width of the cell and cytoplasmic conductivity , the theory of beta dielectrics was used to support maxwell - wagner theories for the structure of mammalian cell membranes as lipid bilayers , and could be used to predict the thickness of the bilayer when appropriate values of dielectric constant expected in the three relevant regions ( inside and outside electrolytes , and the membrane ) were inserted into the relevant equations . it was also realised that the value of the relaxation time ( tau ) of the beta dispersion is a function of the volume of the cell . cells that depart from sphericity ( with ellipsoidal or oblate shapes ) display a beta dispersion in the same frequency range , but the frequency may be dependent upon the axial ratios . the present invention uses the beta dispersion for the mean cell volume ( mcv ) measurement . there also exist other dispersions with lesser strength than alpha and beta dispersions . such dispersions , reported recently for blood and biological materials have great significance for the present invention . macromelecular material within the cell may broaden the high frequency tail of the beta dispersion in the region of 20 mhz . this has been recognised as a dispersion in its own right , and has been variously named the beta - 1 or delta - 2 dispersion . this dispersion is of importance in haemoglobin ( hb ) measurement . furthermore , another dispersion , the delta - 1 ( or delta ) dispersion is another weak dispersion and extends from about 50 - 500 mhz . it is believed to be due to rotational and other motions of side arms of proteins and macromolecules , and is not exclusive to intracellular material . since it is a measure of total system protein content it is highly relevant to the success of the present invention for measurement of &# 34 ; instantaneous sedimentation rate &# 34 ; ( isr ) as herein defined . finally , rotation of smaller molecules and bound cytoplasmic water occurs at higher frequencies of 1 - 10 ghz before the system is said to be totally relaxed out . measurements made in accordance with the present invention depend upon the dispersions beta ( for mcv ), beta - 1 ( for hb ) and delta ( for isr ) and the precise positions of their absorption maxima ( characteristic frequency ). the dispersions are broad , and therefore tend to overlap . this means that , in effect , a variable dc level exists because the variable cell count will affect the alpha dispersion . in addition , plasma dc conductivity may also be of relevance to the precise dc magnitude of later dispersions . the precise positions of the characteristic relaxation frequencies in frequency space are unlikely to be affected . in simple terms , dispersions which are to be measured occur on an underlying background of varying dc level which affects the magnitude but not the frequency position of the signals . the techniques encompassed by the present invention are required to extract the quantitative information that depends upon the position of a characteristic frequency in frequency space for each measured parameter . clearly , measurement of magnitude at a single frequency to assess the different parameters will not be possible because of the varying dc component . however , the quantitative information is still assessable by ratioing values at a pair of frequencies , the results of the ratioing technique correlating with laboratory results . this mathematical relationship is described in detail later . it is this ratiometric measurement , in combination with the multifrequency interrogations of the sample which allows the apparatus in accordance with the invention to function . methods that are not dissimilar are used in chromatography to evaluate mounts of eluting materials against a varying background . the mcv measurement depends upon the characteristic frequency of the beta dispersion being proportional to the reciprocal of cell size . for a spherical cell with a radius of 3 microns , the appropriate frequency is 5 . 3 mhz . in good agreement , the long axis of the human erythrocyte , 7 microns , yields an experimental maximum dispersion at 2 mhz . in general , relaxation frequencies given by a full ellipsoidal formula are very close to those of spherical cells . human mcvs are generally in the range of 60 - 100 fl . the ratio of the maximum over the minimum volumes is 1 / 0 . 54 , which yields a ratio of radii of 1 / 0 . 83 . if the minimum characteristic beta frequency is 2 mhz , the maximum will be about 2 . 4 mhz by calculation . there is strong experimental evidence to support this , and the frequencies used in the apparatus in accordance with the invention may typically be 1 . 7 and 2 . 4 mhz . the hb measurement makes use of the beta - 1 dispersion , and the peak dielectric loss for free oxyhaemoglobin molecules in solution bas been shown to be at about 10 mhz . in this case two frequencies are positioned at 16 and 20 mhz , that is on the high frequency side of the maximum relaxation . the reason for this is that although the maximum relaxation frequency should not shift significantly , there is some experimental evidence that it can move to somewhat lower frequencies as hb concentrations increase . this shift forms the basis of the hb measurement . there also exists a theoretical model that predicts a similar behaviour in the case of a dispersed spherical component in a dielectric mixture . hb molecules could be considered as dispersed spherical molecules within the intracellular fluid . the isr measurement , i . e . the instant assessment of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( esr ) makes use of the hb measurement and the total protein content obtained from the delta ( or protein uhf dispersion ). the magnitude of the delta dispersion amounts to approximately 0 . 4 dielectric units per 1 g / dl of protein . subtraction of the hb concentration leaves a measure of the total protein in the sample mainly the plasma protein . of the plasma proteins , fibrinogen has a very large molecular weight , and also the greatest concentration variation ( together with the gamma globulin fraction ). the traditional esr value depends strongly upon changes in fibrinogen and gamma globulin fractions ; these proteins affect rouleaux formation of erythrocytes and plasma viscosity , hence the sedimentation rate . the fibrinogen and gamma globulin fractions will be expected to dominate the relative sample - by - sample loss changes . the isr measurement is a measurement of the concentrations of the proteins that affect esr , and a strong correlation between the two parameters is believed to exist . the mathematical basis establishing the validity of ratiometric measurement is as follows . according to debye for a situation where equilibrium is attained exponentially over time when a constant external field is imposed on a dielectric , the complex permittivity consists of a real and imaginary component ε &# 39 ; and ε &# 34 ;. in its simplest form the current technology actually measures a complex combination of both components ( however these are separable if phase sensitive detection is employed as mentioned above ). it is easiest to envisage the imaginary component ε &# 34 ;, which is given by where τ is the relaxation time in seconds and ω is the angular frequency 2 πf . it has been noted that for a single debye type relaxation process , the width of the ε &# 34 ; peak at the half - height value is 1 . 14 decades in frequency and the transition from low frequency to high frequency dielectric behaviour is approximately over the range of four decades in frequency . applying the above to a frequency range of 0 to 10 mhz with an amplitude normalised to unity at 2 mhz ( typical for mcv measurement ) allows the equation to be solved for α and τ . fig2 shows the distribution plotted on a linear scale simulating the method of measurement employed in the present invention . the other important point to be considered is the effect upon this distribution of the underlying equivalent d . c . level arising from the influence of other dispersions and the d . c . conductivity of the sample . dielectric absorption is a measure of the energy dissipated in the medium and therefore processes which are usually related to the d . c . conductivity can also contribute to the total dielectric absorption . in addition to this influence then amongst other parameters , the β dispersion of the measured component can be influenced by an equivalent &# 34 ; d . c .&# 34 ; level caused by the low frequency tail of higher frequency dispersions and by the high frequency tail of lower frequency dispersions arising from other components in the system . the total dielectric loss ε &# 39 ;. sub . τ at a frequency of f is given by it can be seen from this that the d . c . level can contribute significantly at low frequencies but becomes progressively less influential as frequencies increase . for blood , σ is of the order of 10 - 2 and ε o of the order of 10 3 . therefore , at a frequency of 2 . 0 mhz the loss due to d . c . conductivity is of the order of 10 - 11 and is therefore negligible . however , it is recognised that other influences ( e . g . tangential relaxation of the ions at the cell surfaces , i . e . the a relaxation ) can contribute to the d . c . level and it has been found empirically that the maximum point moves on the y - axis and rotates around this new maximum , i . e . relaxation frequency does not change . potentially , there is likely to be a widening of the curve for reductions in amplitude and a narrowing for increases as the area under the curve , representing the energy level , must stay constant . it has been shown experimentally that the contribution from d . c . conductivity is insignificant and therefore allowing a change of 0 . 1 on an amplitude maximum of 1 provides a scenario of significant impact in simulating a worst case scenario for the ratiometric method of measurement . applying the equation for total dielectric loss shown above to this scenario gives a value of 2 × 10 5 for the constant σ / 2 πε o applied to the reciprocal 1 / f . it has been suggested that the relaxation frequency is linearly proportional to 1 / r 3 and therefore the theory supports the observation that for varying values of the measured parameter , the distribution moves linearly along the x - axis . it has been established by the present inventor that the frequency pairs necessary to provide accurate measurement need to be on the same side of the peak frequency and close to the maximum amplitude . selecting frequencies 1 . 7 and 2 . 4 mhz meets these criteria and gives four y 2 : y 1 ratios . fig4 shows the linear regression on these ratios . this gives a maximum variance across the range of 2 . 33 %. this is well within the limits set for the accuracy of the measured parameter . in summary , the ratiometric method gives an almost perfect linear relationship to the measurement parameter under investigation even allowing for a significant shift in d . c . level and provided that one of the paired frequencies is close to the maximum and ideally the other is on the same side of the curve . in the case of mcv measurement the low frequency side of the curve is employed so as to minimise the influence of the hb dispersion , and in the case of hb measurement , the high frequency side is used to minimise the influence of the mcv dispersion . referring to fig5 in a two frequency measurement cell , circumferential transmit electrodes 10 and 11 , remote from the sample , are usually , although not exclusively , fabricated from thin brass shim on the outside of a former 15 . frequencies f 1 and f 2 are simultaneously passed into electrodes 10 and 11 , and are simultaneously recovered from two similar receiving electrodes 12 and 13 . a central grounded electrode 14 is provided to minimise stray signal leakage along the surface of former 15 . earthed ground - planes 16 , 17 minimise r . f . radiation from the cell . referring to fig6 the method of measuring voltage at the transmit electrode 18 is a crystal controlled oscillator or similar stable exciter . a 5 picofarad ( or thereabouts ) trimmer capacitor 19 , a resistor 20 , usually although not exclusively in the range 5 - 25 k ohms , and a signal diode 21 are connected as shown . this method has the advantage that detection is made at a relatively high r . f . voltage . capacitor 19 and resistor 20 adjust the effective impedance at the transmit electrode to a value which is easily influenced or changed by introduction of a sample tube containing blood or similar into the orifice 22 . this change occurs due to leakage of the signal to earth and the impedance at the transmit electrode being too high to sustain constant current flow . thus the voltage on this electrode will fall when a sample is introduced . terminals 23 are thence connected to an electronic voltmeter for interpretation . referring next to fig7 a method of signal recovery for kilohertz frequencies employs a kilohertz frequency generator 24 , typically though not exclusively , operating at 160 khz sine - wave and a receiving electrode 25 , whose self - capacitance 26 brings about high q resonance , with a ferrite cored inductor 27 in order to boost the recovered signal appearing for detection at 28 . reference to fig8 shows an alternative measurement cell and single frequency variable crystal oscillator ( vxo ) method used with this aspect of the present invention . coil 30 is wound around former 29 and is connected in series with crystal 31 to form the input tank circuit of vxo 32 . the output frequency and amplitude of vxo 32 will differ when former 29 is empty and when former 29 contains a sample in its own tube . they will also differ from sample to sample and will drift if any of the sample properties is temporally unstable . thus physical and chemical properties of sample may be related to amplitude and frequency of vxo 32 . this method is superior to those which have used a vco due to an inherently higher stability of a vxo , and is superior to those which have used a coil in a feedback circuit or crystal oscillators for simple on / off bang / bang control . fig9 shows a continuous wave voltage standing wave reflectometer ( vswr ) method where an inductor 33 with a low impedance tap point or a link resonates with a capacitor , either self capacitance of inductor and former or external additional parallel capacitance . power is fed into inductor 33 from exciter 35 via reflectometer or voltage standing wave meter 34 . meter 34 may or may not require d . c . amplification . when a sample tube is pushed into the orifice of the former 29 , the resonant frequency of the system alters slightly , causing an alteration in the amount of power absorbed by the inductor 33 and reflected back towards exciter 35 . the change in this reflection or vswr is sensed and measured by meter 34 . thus , the reading of meter 34 relates to physical and chemical properties of the sample , including temporal instability of a sample . fig1 shows an inductive variant of fig5 in which a two frequency four coil measurement cell is used . power is passed in at two frequencies f 1 and f 2 simultaneously by non - resonant link inductors 37 and 38 , respectively . these frequencies are recovered after passage through the former , sample tube and sample by resonant recovery at parallel tuned circuits 39 / 41 and 40 / 42 . any chosen degree of mathematical comparison , calculation or processing then follows on the voltages v 1 and v 2 depending on the precise application and sample type . fig1 shows how the cells and methods described previously with reference to fig5 and 10 may be employed to form a device to calculate , without direct contact , the erythrocyte mean cell volume ( mcv ) or haemoglobin concentration of a blood sample , preferably though not necessarily exclusively , within a citrated vacutainer . in the case of mcv measurement , the vacutainer is inserted into the orifice formed by the former 24 &# 39 ; which has four separate coils as described in relation to fig1 . in this case the specific frequencies chosen are f 1 = 2 . 45 mhz and for f 2 = 1 . 742 mhz , although the other pairs of frequencies in the range 100 khz - 4 mhz are not ruled out . narrow band band - pass filters 25 &# 39 ;, 26 &# 39 ; are centred on f 1 and f 2 respectively . detectors 13 &# 39 ; and 14 &# 39 ; feed a real time computational circuit 27 &# 39 ; which performs a division function , f 1 f 2 , and in turn drive an analogue or digital display module 28 &# 39 ;. the blood mcv value is outputted at this module . returning to the aspect of two frequencies , these are employed primarily in the case of blood mcv in order to eliminate d . c . conductivity effects which will be cancelled in the division function , as will tend also to be , all lower and higher frequency dispersions away from the one of interest , i . e . that closest f 1 and f 2 . on the basis of their lower slopes in terms of their own individual components of ε versus frequency relative to the mean frequency window established by f 1 and f 2 . furthermore in the mcv case , the precise choice of f 1 and f 2 and their window in frequency space specifically helps reduce contributions from the higher low frequency haemoglobin dispersion , the dielectric loss per wavelength of which at least for pathological blood samples in titrated vacutainers appears to peak in the region 5 - 15 mhz . in the case of using the fig1 device , for haemoglobin calculation , similar principles to those established above for mcv apply except the two frequencies f 1 and f 2 are chosen well beyond the mcv dispersion and inbetween the l . f and h . f . haemoglobin dispersions . in one specific case , frequencies of 28 mhz and 40 mhz are employed , but once again the choice of other nearby frequency pairs is not ruled out , such as 16 and 20 mhz . also for haemoglobin ceil 24 &# 39 ; becomes the five electrode measuring cell of fig5 . with cell 24 &# 39 ; in this configuration , the filters 25 &# 39 ;, 26 &# 39 ; are preferably multipole quartz crystal or mechanical filters with pass frequencies of 28 mhz and 40 mhz . the haemoglobin value is then obtained by division of the d . c . signal from detector . 14 &# 39 ; by that equivalent d . c . signal from detector 13 &# 39 ; in real time computational circuit 27 &# 39 ;. the output may be either analogue or digital but included in the output module drive circuitry are range d . c . offset and gain / range expansion features in order that module 28 &# 39 ; can output hb in internationally recognised units . similar features in respect of gain and offset arc also provided in the mcv case above . those skilled in the art will appreciate that the 40 / 28 mhz two frequency system will also work with electrodes in contact with the blood if blocking capacitors are employed . with further reference to the drawings , fig1 , indicates that there is a device that can calculate both hb and isr simultaneously . in essence the , bulk of the operation of this device is as that discussed earlier for hb alone , i . e . the device in fig1 . the hb is calculated in exactly the same way as before but may be electronically routed by switch 32a and 32b between either the display 28 &# 39 ; or a further differential circuit 33 &# 39 ; which compares it with the d . c . voltage from the 40 miiz detector and thus produces an isr output . the display 28 &# 39 ; may be toggled freely between hb and isr . alternatively , two simultaneous displays may be utilised . those skilled in the art will appreciate the system can work by making contact as well as without contact . it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that use of higher frequencies in the range 200 mhz - 10 ghz in relation to the above two embodiments is not ruled out , but obviously is technologically more challenging . all comments made in respect of electronic variants to the cells and methods in the first embodiment of the invention also apply where those cells and methods are utilised in devices of the second embodiment . reference to fig1 shows a specific use of the invention as a device in block diagram preferably for the measurement of fibrinogen in blood . frequency f 2 is on the high frequency tail of the dielectric beta dispersion ( usually although not exclusively around 50 mhz ). components 48 and 49 , 51 and 52 , 47 / 49 and 58 operate exactly as in accordance with the equivalent components in the voltage monitoring system described in fig6 . in the case of blood , the detected voltage is related to the total protein content being mainly haemoglobin and fibrinogen . frequency f 1 lies between the alpha and beta dispersions and components 45 , 46 , 50 and 54 operate exactly as in accordance with their equivalent counterparts in the kilohertz frequency recovery method described by reference to fig7 . however , an extra component takes the form of a series quartz crystal or similar filter 56 to remove any traces of high frequency signal which may have strayed into this part of the circuit where it is unwanted . the voltage at the detector 57 is related to the number density of erythrocytes , if sample is blood , and this number density in turn correlates to a large extent with sample haemoglobin content , for the vast majority of pathological samples . the voltage at detector 57 is also weakly dependent on haemoglobin concentration direct and also on mean cell volume according to a complex mathematical function involving both . thus appropriate mathematical manipulation of the signals from detectors 57 and 58 in circuit 59 ( at its simplest comprising two operational amplifiers ) can remove an approximate contribution due to haemoglobin from the total protein function , to leave remaining a signal contribution which depends mainly on fibrinogen levels . the output scale factor may be arranged to yield a novel output parameter which the present inventor chooses to refer to as the isr ( instant sedimentation rate ) namely a non - time - dependent parameter from which a value which correlates with time - dependent esr can be derived by calculation and displayed by suitably scaling the display device in magnitude and dynamic range according to the more traditional esr a parameter which physicians are more used to interpreting . those skilled in the art however will appreciate that there is no reason why the output should not be scaled in order to give an &# 34 ; instant &# 34 ; pv reading or an &# 34 ; instant &# 34 ; crp reading covering the equivalent dynamic ranges of these two parameters and indeed this is within the scope of the present claims herein . referring next to fig1 , this illustrates a block diagram of the four frequency cell , measurement method and device for use with this aspect of the present invention . because different parts ( in frequency space ) of the high frequency tail of the dielectric beta dispersion are influenced in different ways by different proteins , e . g . haemoglobin and fibrinogen , if the sample is blood , it is possible to obtain an estimate of fibrinogen levels by simultaneous four frequency dielectric measurement in the frequency range 15 - 60 mhz ( usual but not exclusive range within scope of aspect of the this present invention ). usually frequency f 1 is of the order of 17 mhz , f 2 is of the order of 20 mhz , f 3 is of the order of 30 mhz , and f 4 is of the order of 50 mhz . frequencies f 1 - f 4 are passed in through electrodes 60 - 63 and out through electrodes 65 - 68 inclusive . narrow band - pass filters 69 - 72 centred on f 1 - f 4 , respectively assist ; with signal recovery . an analogue divider 73 divides the detected voltage from the 17 mhz filter and detector by the voltage derived from the mhz signal 20 . likewise , divider 74 performs a similar operation for f 3 / f 4 . for blood as a sample , output functions of dividers 73 and 74 have similar components in respect of haemoglobin but somewhat different for fibrinogen , then weighted subtraction in processor 75 tends to enhance the effect of fibrinogen and suppress the effect of haemoglobin . at this point in the circuit the fibrinogen function is almost linear but is superimposed on a d . c . lend . thus , an appropriate offset is provided by processor 76 so that the output parameter may be indicated on display 77 . those skilled in the art will appreciate that the technique is not limited within the scope of the claims to only blood as a sample and indeed any system containing cellular biomass and protein together or even mixtures of proteins will be amenable to this kind of treatment . when the sample is blood , this aspect of the invention is a most accurate way of determining fibrinogen but because four frequencies are employed , very careful adjustment and initial calibration initially with pathological samples and latterly with electrolyte solutions is necessary and temperature compensation of components 73 - 76 is also desirable . referring next to fig1 , the block diagram illustrates the aspect of the invention concerned with fibrinogen or protein assessment when a numeric entry parameter ( e . g . haemoglobin ) is available or known . if haemoglobin content of blood is known or available from another source such as a coulter or similar ceil counter or biochemical optical haemoglobinometer , and is used as an external entry parameter , the invention according to this aspect can be used to provide a simpler and more accurate assessment of fibrinogen level . referring then to the drawing , the main component parts 78 - 81 of the system operate in exactly the same accord as their equivalent parts indicated in fig6 . the digital voltmeter 84 is used with a differential input and temperature is compensated for using potentiometer 82 . those skilled in the art will appreciate automatic compensation also to be possible within the scope of the present claims . the haemoglobin entry circuit 83 , is also shown for simplicity as a potentiometer , but may in practice be comprise of a set of rocker or thumbwheel type switches and it is usually adequate to enter the haemoglobin value to the nearest whole unit . those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are several other means of haemoglobin entry , both analogue and digital within the scope of the claims of this present invention , including for example acquisition of the haemoglobin level by direct connection to the electronic circuitry of a cell counter or haemoglobinometer . the action of the system is achieved because the voltage 81 at detector is an inverse function of the total protein content and the differential action of voltmeter 84 removes from this the haemoglobin contribution and simultaneously allows addition of the temperature compensation voltage . those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention according to this aspect could be used with multi - component fluid systems other than blood within the scope of the claims of this invention , and that if a manually acquired esr , value were available , instead of haemoglobin , the system could be configured &# 34 ; in reverse &# 34 ; to yield a haemoglobin value at its output within the scope of these present claims . those skilled in the art will appreciate that simultaneous frequencies may be applied through just one electrode or inductor , within the scope of the claims of this present invention by using power combiners and / or directional coupling techniques . it will be understood that when employing any of the cells , means , methods and devices referred to in this present embodiment , and by way of reference to the drawings , if the sample is provided in its own container , the container being a tube , vacutainer , capillary etc . with open or sealed end ( s ), such container should be a snug push fit into former / tube of the cell of fig5 - 14 , and there should not be excessive slack or excess air gap ( although not all the air is displaced ) between this container and the inner walls of the former . if the container dimensions vary ( from container to container ), particularly the internal and external diameters , then errors in the measurement produced by methods and devices herein may arise . such errors arise from variations in the air gap capacitance where the air gap is that between the container and former . it will , however , be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such errors can be reduced / corrected for manually or automatically by tube size correction techniques . furthermore they will appreciate that this problem may be turned on its head to yield yet a further aspect of the invention referred to above and in the claims herein , namely that if samples of fixed chemical and dielectric property are employed in sample containers of nominally the same size but with slight variations in size or dielectric property , then the cells , methods , means and devices may be used to measure a physical dimension of the sample container without the use of a rule , callipers , micrometer other gauges or optics . referring finally to fig1 a sample tube 85 and a dummy or control sample tube 87 are inserted in identical formers 86 and 88 of the kind as illustrated in any of fig5 to 15 . identical electronic circuits 89 and 90 are associated with any of the means , methods and devices according to this invention such a difference amplifier 91 and an appropriately scaled output device / display 92 . effects of temperature and other environmental factors tend to be cancelled by this arrangement , thus making the invention according to this aspect more stable and accurate than those previous disclosures which do not employ a differential mode . throughout this description , the sample by way of example has been considered to be substantially static and in a closed or open ended sample tube . however , the sample may be a flowing or moving sample , in which case the formers referred to in every aspect herein would then be of the variety with both ends open . furthermore , it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art , that the aforesaid formers could be fabricated in a &# 34 ; turned inside out &# 34 ; manner , as illustrated in fig1 with electrodes or inductors 95 , 96 , 97 disposed on the inside of a hollow probe 94 with a closed end 98 to prevent fluid entry or contact with the electrodes or inductors , thus forming the probe 94 which could then be dipped into samples otherwise retained , but yet with operation in accordance with the claims of this present invention . furthermore , those skilled in the art will appreciate that all the cells , methods , means and devices referred to herein may be provided with manual or automatic means of sample mixing , handling , labelling etc ; and results , analogue or digital , could also be computer stored or on a prim - out , and samples may or may not be aspirated from their original containers into second or subsequent containers . furthermore , nothing in this present invention prevents the sample from being biomaterial in vivo i . e ., small cells or large human body digits , limbs etc . furthermore , those skilled in the art will appreciate that there is scope for modification in the aspects of the embodiments that refer to simultaneous multi - frequency excitation and reception since digital as well as analogue methods can be used here and pseudo instantaneous output may be obtained by using fast frequency steps or sweeps of frequencies applied to transmit electrodes . further in all aspects where diode detection is employed within the present embodiment , see particularly fig6 and 7 and fig1 - 13 , this can be replaced by phase sensitive detection as a viable alternative with the dual consequence of added sensitivity and two component information from the real and imaginary part analysis , advantageous since in reality samples exhibit complex dielectric behaviour and dielectric constant , sometimes referred to as permittivity has such real and imaginary parts . for a sample dielectric property the present inventor states the real part permittivity is a measure of the sample a . c . capacitance and with the present invention the apparatus using circumferential electrodes will respond mainly to this capacitive facet , whereas coils will respond more strongly to the imaginary part of the permittivity ( loss ) or conductive facet .	6
fig1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary measurement device according to the invention . the measurement device 10 includes a measurement unit 14 for measuring a blood sample . in the measurement device illustrated in fig1 , the measurement unit 14 measures blood glucose concentration from a blood sample which is absorbed into a sample test dot . the measurement unit has an input aperture 24 for placing a test strip , on which a blood sample is then absorbed . the measurement unit is preferably based on electrical charge measurement in a manner , which is prior known as such . the measurement unit preferably includes an amplifier , an analogue - digital converter and other required electronics so that the signal received from the sensor can be fed to the input of a processor 12 of the device . the processor preferably saves the measurement results into a memory 13 for later use . the measurement device may have a single processor , or it may have two or several processor , such as a main processor and an auxiliary processor . in this case the measurement can be performed using an auxiliary processor , which transfers the data to the main processor . the main processor then handles storing and displaying the data . also programs 16 controlling the processor have been stored into the memory 13 of the measurement device . further , data relating to the care program of the user is stored , which data is preferably user specific . especially , data relating to performing a blood concentration result to a user can be stored in the memory 13 . such data may include blood glucose concentration categories together with one or character expressions , color data and sound data for each blood glucose concentration category . the memory can also comprise other data , such as performance level steps , number of current user performance points and current level . the measurement device also has user interface means 25 , which preferably comprise a display , such as a touch screen . measurement results can be displayed on the touch screen in text / numbers and / or illustrated with avatars or symbols , for example . the user interface of the measurement device preferably also has means for producing voice and / or vibration . they may produce tones or speech , by means of which the user is guided and given information . the audio signals corresponding to tones or speech can be preferably formed in the processor by means of data stored in the memory . it is also possible that a user can store the figures / sounds used by the device in different performance levels . the user interface may also include other input means , such as press button switches , in addition to the touch screen input . the measurement device has data transfer port 11 , by means of which it is possible to transfer data between the measurement unit and a computer or other equipment of a user . through the data connection it is possible to transfer measurement results and other user data which are stored by the measurement device to terminal equipment and / or to transfer programs or user data from the computer to the measurement device . the data transfer takes place in a wired manner , e . g . via a micro - usb ( universal serial bus ) port / connector . such an electrical connector may be used for other purposes as well , such as connecting to other measurement devices , or charging the battery of the device with a charger or from a usb connection of a computer , for example . it may also be possible that the connection 11 of the measurement device can connect to a data transfer network , whereby it is possible to transfer data with another device which is in connection via the network . additionally , the measurement device 10 includes preferably one or several wireless data transfer units 19 . if radio data transmission is used the data transfer unit includes an antenna 39 . then the data transfer unit may be e . g . gsm 3g or 4g module of a cellular data transfer system to which a sim card of a user may be connected . such a unit may include a specific processor for controlling the data transfer . the communication capability in a mobile cellular system can be used , for example , for transferring measurement data and other data from a measurement device to a mobile phone . also the data relating to presenting measurement results to the user can be communicated between a server and the user device using this communication capability . if a user is a child , the parents may receive the measurement data to their mobile phones . also , if a user is an elderly person the relatives of the person may receive the measurement data . the measurement device may also have a communication unit for bluetooth communication , for example . such wireless communication can be used with other measurement devices , such as a device measuring movement of the user or a device measuring heart pulse in order to receive other measurement data . this other measurement data can then be used as a further input in user &# 39 ; s care program and it can also be used as the basis of performance levels . however , it may be possible to connect such devices to the wired electrical connection 11 as well . the data transfer means 11 and 19 may also transfer data between the measurement device and care devices . for example , a measurement device can transmit measurement data to an insulin injector and / or receive from an insulin injector information that the user has received an insulin dose . the measurement device may also use this information as an acknowledgement for the given activity instruction and as information which affects the reminders and activity instructions according to the care program of the user . as described above , the measurement device may give reminders for the user . the time table for providing the reminders as well as figures and sounds for providing reminders are stored in the memory 13 of the measurement device . the reminders may relate to performing a blood sample measurement , taking a dose of insulin , having a meal , having physical exercise , and resting , for example . the figures and / or sounds of such reminders are preferably related to the performance level of the user . a user may also have a possibility to store such figures / sounds to be used on selected levels . based on the measurement results , the measurement device may give an instruction for eating carbon hydrates or taking a dose of insulin . the processor 12 performs the appropriate reminders according to the stored time table . the user acknowledges the reminders and instructions with the corresponding input at the touch screen of the device , for example . the device of fig1 also includes an energy source 33 , such as a recharge - able or disposable battery . a rechargeable battery may be charged via the usb connection , for example . fig2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary measurement device according to the invention . the measurement device has a large touch screen display 175 , which displays the measurement result and possibly other reminders or activity instructions . it preferably shows the measurement result , reminders and / or other activity instructions as figures such as avatars . the device preferably also has audio means for producing sounds , voices and / or melodies . a sample input 24 and a usb connector 11 are located at the bottom side of the device . there is a sliding cover 21 , which can be moved to cover either the sample input 24 or the electrical connection 11 . fig3 illustrates a system where an exemplary measurement device 10 according to the invention is in connection with several types of equipment . the measurement device 10 can be connected to a user &# 39 ; s laptop computer 42 with a wired , usb connection , in order to transfer measurement data and other user data , as well as update programs and parameters of the measurement device . the measurement device may also be in connection with other devices 44 of the user with a wired usb connection or wireless bluetooth or nfc connection , for example . such other devices may include other measurement devices , an insulin injector , etc . the measurement device preferably has a wireless connection with a cellular data transfer network in order to transfer data with mobile phones 45 . the measurement device may also be in connection with a public health care system . data is transferred with a central unit 480 of a user information centre , using direct wireless communication through cellular data network , or using a computer 42 which is connected to the internet . the above mentioned data may then be transferred between the measurement unit and the central unit . the central unit 480 comprises a database 481 , into which personal information and information relating to the disease of the measurement device users is stored . the central unit can be e . g . a central computer of regional health care . the health care system includes terminal equipment 482 of the nursing staff , which terminal equipment is connected to the central computer 480 . there may also be servers 485 , 486 connected to the central computer , which servers may provide supplementary services for the users , such as games . the central unit 480 can also be separate from other database of the health care , and which comprises only self - care information relating to a certain disease , such as information on blood glucose concentration measurement and care monitoring . nursing staff , such as a nurse and a doctor , has access to the information of the central unit . the access may take place e . g . with terminal equipment 482 after logging in the system . fig4 a - 4 e illustrate exemplary character expressions coupled with a specific colors relating to different blood glucose concentration categories . measured blood concentration is preferably classified into blood glucose concentration categories relating to how high or low the blood glucose concentration level is . in a preferable embodiment , there are five different blood glucose concentration categories in the device and the system of the present invention . when presenting the measurement result to the user on the display , the device utilizes means for coupling a numerical value with a character expression , a color and a sound relating to the specific blood glucose concentration category . in fig4 a is illustrated an exemplary character expression coupled to an exemplary color presenting of too low blood glucose concentration level . too low blood glucose concentration level , such as less than 3 mmol / l , can be presented with a very exhausted character expression and red color , for example . in addition , a sound that preferably represents a state , which requires an immediate action , coupled to the action of presenting a measurement result of too low blood glucose concentration category . when presenting the measurement result to the user , the character expression in the color of too low blood glucose concentration category is presented on the display and , preferably , the related sound of that category is played at the same time . a numerical value of the measurement result is further presented on the display together with the other components , i . e . the character expression and the color , of too low blood glucose concentration category . respectively , fig4 b represent an exemplary character expression and color of low blood glucose concentration level , such as values of 3 mmol / l or more , but less than 4 mmol / l . the appearance of the character expression can be selected to be not so exhausted than the appearance of the character expression of the too low blood glucose concentration category . also the color can be selected to be more brightly , such as yellow , for indicating a better condition . an appropriate sound is also coupled to the other components of that blood glucose concentration category . furthermore , fig4 c illustrates a character expression and a color of a blood glucose concentration category , which can be within 4 . 1 - 8 . 0 mmol / l . this is a desirable category and thus the character expression , the color and the sound of this category are preferably selected to indicate a good condition . the color representing this category can be e . g . green , which is normally used to relate to harmless situations . the fig4 d and 4 e illustrate categories of high and too high blood glucose concentration category , respectively , which correspond values from 8 , 1 mmol / l to 15 mmol / l and more than 15 mmol / l . because these two categories of high blood glucose concentration level are presenting harmful condition but in another way than low blood glucose concentration level , the selected colors for these categories should clearly differ from the categories of low blood glucose concentration level . an easy way to solve this problem is to allocate one part of the color map for low concentration categories , e . g . warm colors , and another for high concentration categories , e . g . cold colors . as described above , an information or an suggestion for care action can be given on the display together with categories of 4 a , 4 b , 4 d and 4 e , such as suggesting food or insulin based on that particular blood glucose concentration category . in an embodiment , the device and the system of the present invention comprise its own character expressions , but in another embodiment , different characters / expression categories are available to the user for selecting the characters / expressions he or she prefers , such as angry birds ™ and hello kitty ™. the person skilled in the art understands that there can be a vast number of character categories including games , cartoons , animated series and other toy series , for example . fig5 a and 5 b illustrate exemplary views of a user interface of the system according to the present invention . measurement data in various time periods can be presented for the user . in a preferable embodiment , the measurement results have colors according to the category that they fall into . also character expressions relating to the blood glucose concentration categories are presented together with using the color . in fig5 a , the last three measurement results 502 with the related character expression and color are presented at the top of the view 500 . the measurement data of selected time period can be present in several ways , such as one by one in diary , in list as bars , line or in a pie 504 . in fig5 b , the each measurement result 512 is presented in the diary view 510 preferably with category color and blood glucose concentration value . this view may provide a good tool to the user and other care taking personnel to monitor the results and to adjust the care . the scope of the invention is determined by the attached claims together with the equivalents thereof . the skilled persons will again appreciate the fact that the explicitly disclosed embodiments were constructed for illustrative purposes only , and the scope will cover further embodiments , embodiment combinations and equivalents that better suit each particular use case of the invention .	6
with reference to fig1 a zero result predictor according to an embodiment of the invention is shown . the device comprises an inverter 10 for inverting an input operand a , an incrementor 20 for incrementing this operand by 1 , a selector 30 and a comparator 40 . an input operand a is inverted via an inverter 10 , this inverter comprises a plurality of not - gates arranged in parallel , each not - gate arranged to receive as an input one of the bits of the a operand . the inverted value of a is then split into two lines , one of these is fed to an incrementor 20 wherein its value is increased by one , the other going as an input to a selector 30 . the selector 30 has a third input that consists of a carry input cin for the sum and it acts to select one of the other two inputs i . e . { overscore ( a )} or { overscore ( a )}+ 1 based on the value of the carry input cin ( cin = 0 selects { overscore ( a )}+ 1 ; cin = selects { overscore ( a )}). the result from the selector is then sent to a comparator 40 where it is compared with a second operand b . the comparator 40 consists of a plurality of exclusive or - gates arranged in parallel such that each bit of the two input numbers are exclusive ‘ or ’ ed together . if all of the bits of the two numbers are equal , then zeros are output from each gate . if any of the bits are not equal then a one will be output from that gate . the outputs from the exclusive or - gates are themselves “ nor ” ed together to generate a zero detect result z of 1 if the two numbers are equal and 0 if not . a result of 1 from the comparator may be used to indicate that a zero result will result from the full arithmetic operation that is proceeding in parallel . by way of example of the operation of the circuit of fig1 consider the following examples . if a =+ 7 and b =− 7 , then a in binary is given by 00000111 and b is given in binary in a 2 &# 39 ; s compliment notation as 11111001 . the inverter 10 produces a value of { overscore ( a )} that is 11111000 . this value of { overscore ( a )} is applied in parallel to the incrementor 20 and the selector ( multiplexer ) 30 . the incrementor 20 increments the value of { overscore ( a )} input to it by 1 to produce an output of 11111001 . the output from the incrementor 20 is supplied to the other input of the selector 30 . the selector 30 selects one of its inputs to be passed onto the comparator 40 in dependence upon the carry in bit cin . in this example , the carry in bit cin is 0 and so the output of the incrementor 20 is passed to the comparator 40 . the comparator 40 thus compares { overscore ( a )}+ 1 with b . both of these inputs have the value 11111001 . accordingly , the zero detect result z generated by the comparitor 40 is 1 . in the above example , it will be appreciated that if the carry in input cin had been 1 rather than 0 , then the selector 30 would have selected the other input and the comparitor 40 would not have found equality between its two inputs . in this circumstance the zero detect result z would have been 0 as required . consider the example of the situation in which a is − 42 , b is + 41 and cin is 1 . in binary representation a is 11010110 ( 2 &# 39 ; s compliment ) and b is 00101001 . the output from the inverter 20 is 00101001 and this is applied directly to one input of the selector 30 . the output of the inverter 10 is also incremented by the incrementor 20 to produce a value of 00101010 that is supplied to the other input of the selector 30 . the selector 30 is controlled by the carry input cin having a value of 1 to select the value 00101001 for supply to the comparitor 40 . the second input operand b ( that can be supplied significantly later ), is also equal to 00101001 and so the zero detect result z is 1 . finally , consider the example where a is 129 , b is − 4 and cin is 0 . in this case the binary representations are a is 10000001 and b is 11111100 . the value of { overscore ( a )} is 01111110 and the value of { overscore ( a )}+ 1 is 01111111 . the binary input of 0 results in the { overscore ( a )}+ 1 value being supplied to the comparitor 40 by the selector 30 . the other input to the comparitor 40 is b , i . e . 11111100 . the comparitor 40 determines that the two input values supplied to it are not equal and accordingly the zero detect result z is given as 0 . this non equality is unchanged by whatever the carry input cin value is used since the two input operands a and b are very different . although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments , and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claim .	6
a β - glucans rich powder extracted from oat bran and comprising dextrins beside β - glucans and containing 28 % β - glucans of average molecular weight at least 1 . 5 million daltons , was added to 195 g of sunflower oil in a 1 liter glass beaker . 25 g of the powder was mixed with mechanical stirring using a standard kitchen mixer at low speed , into the oil until a smooth , clump free dispersion was obtained ( approximately 30 seconds of mixing ). the β - glucans containing substrate is become wetted by the oil . 195 g of water , warmed to 40 ° c ., was added to the suspension with concomitant mixing using the same kitchen mixer . a rapid thickening and incorporation of the water into the oil mediated by the β - glucans component was observed . mixing was continued for a further 4 minutes , during which time the other ingredients were added : 20 g of egg yolk , 10 g of whole egg , 7 g of sugar , 5 g of salt , and 13 g of vinegar . the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and was stirred for a further 1 minute . a definite reduced fat ( 40 % total fat as opposed to 80 % for a conventional full fat product ) mayonnaise product resulted , with good mouth feel , flavor and body . the β - glucans component in this product functions as an emulsifier / emulsion stabilizer , texturant and hydrocolloid . 20 g of the same β - glucans rich powder as used in example 1 ( containing 28 % β - glucans of average molecular weight greater than 1 . 5 million daltons ) was added to 100 g of sunflower oil , in a 1 liter glass beaker , with stirring using a standard kitchen mixer . when the blend was smooth and free of clumps ( less than 2 minutes mixing time ), 315 g of water warmed to 35 ° c . was added to the suspension with concomitant mixing using the same kitchen mixer . a rapid thickening and incorporation of the water into the oil mediated by the β - glucans component was observed . mixing was continued for a further 4 minutes , during which time the other ingredients were added : 20 g of egg yolk , 10 g of whole egg , 7 g of sugar , 5 g of salt , 13 g of vinegar , and 8 g of milk protein isolate . the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and was stirred for a further 1 minute . after cooling in a refrigerator , the product was in all ways ( taste , mouth feel , texture , color etc ) representative of a dip or high quality dressing . with a total fat content of 20 %, the label reduced fat can be used comfortably with such a product . 2 g of the same β - glucans rich powder as used in example 1 ( containing 28 % β - glucans of average molecular weight greater than 1 . 5 million daltons ) was added to 50 g of sunflower oil , in a 1 liter glass beaker , with stirring using a standard kitchen mixer . when the blend was smooth and free of clumps ( less than 2 minutes mixing time ), 365 g of water warmed to 35 ° c . was added to the suspension with concomitant mixing using the same kitchen mixer . a rapid thickening and incorporation of the water into the oil mediated by the β - glucans component was observed . mixing was continued for a further 4 minutes , during which time the other ingredients were added : 20 g of egg yolk , 10 g of whole egg , 7 g of sugar , 5 g of salt , 13 g of vinegar , and 8 g of milk protein isolate . the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and was stirred for a further 1 minute . after cooling in a refrigerator , the product was in all ways ( taste , mouth feel , texture , color etc ) representative of a dip or high quality dressing . with a total fat content of 10 %, the label reduced fat can be used comfortably with such a product . 100 g of standard , low - salt , butter was placed in a 400 ml glass beaker and the butter was allowed to melt by placing the beaker in a water bath maintained at 40 ° c . when the butter had melted , 10 g of the same oat β - glucans rich preparation used in examples 1 and 2 above was added , with mixing , to the liquid butter . after two minutes of further mixing , the suspension was smooth and free of any clumps and at this point 100 g of water , warmed to 35 ° c ., was added to the mixture with fast stirring using a kitchen mixer . a further 1 . 5 g of salt was added during the stirring period ( 3 minutes ). within 2 minutes , the β - glucans component had thickened and concomitantly facilitated the incorporation of the melted butter into the water . the beaker was then transferred to an ice bath and stirring was continued using the same kitchen mixer until the mixture had reached a temperature of 5 ° c . the product was found to taste very like the parent butter , spread easily from the refrigerator and had structure and mouth feel consistent with good quality spreads , with a fat content of just 40 %. 100 g of a standard , margarine was placed in a 400 ml glass beaker was allowed to melt by placing the beaker in a water bath maintained at 40 ° c . when the margarine had melted , 10 g of the same oat β - glucans rich preparation used in examples 1 and 2 above was added , with mixing , to the liquid butter . after two minutes of further mixing , the suspension was smooth and free of any clumps and at this point 100 g of water , warmed to 35 ° c ., was added to the mixture with fast stirring using a kitchen mixer . a further 1 . 5 g of salt was added during the stirring period ( 3 minutes ). within 2 minutes , the β - glucans component had thickened and concomitantly facilitated the incorporation of the melted margarine into the water . the beaker was then transferred to an ice bath and stirring was continued using the same kitchen mixer until the mixture had reached a temperature of 5 ° c . the product was found to be very like the parent margarine , spread easily from the refrigerator and had structure and mouth feel consistent with good quality spreads , with a fat content of just 40 %. 120 g of a standard baking margarine was placed in a 400 ml glass beaker was allowed to melt by placing the beaker in a water bath maintained at 40 ° c . when the margarine had melted , 10 g of the same oat β - glucans rich preparation used in examples 1 and 2 above was added , with mixing , to the liquid butter . after two minutes of further mixing , the suspension was smooth and free of any clumps and at this point 80 g of water , warmed to 35 ° c ., was added to the mixture with fast stirring using a kitchen mixer . a further 1 . 5 g of salt was added during the stirring period ( 3 minutes ). within 2 minutes , the β - glucans component had thickened and concomitantly facilitated the incorporation of the melted margarine into the water . the beaker was then transferred to an ice bath and stirring was continued using the same kitchen mixer until the mixture had reached a temperature of 5 ° c . the product was found to very like the parent margarine , spread easily from the refrigerator and had structure and mouth feel consistent with good quality spreads , with a fat content of just 50 %. the product was utilized in two specific baking applications : a sweet “ danish ” pastry recipe and a standard short - crust pastry for a flan or quiche lorraine . in both cases , the new mix was used in place of the normal margarine . good products were obtained in both cases , with taste and mouth feel very similar to the normal full - fat pastries . 75 g of standard , low salt , butter was placed in a 400 ml glass beaker and the butter was allowed to melt by placing the beaker in a water bath maintained at 40 ° c . when the butter had melted , 25 g of cold - pressed rapeseed oil was added along with 1 g of the same oat β - glucans rich preparation used in examples 1 and 2 above , with mixing , to the liquid butter . after two minutes of further mixing , the suspension was smooth and free of any clumps and at this point 100 g of water , warmed to 35 ° c ., was added to the mixture with fast stirring using a kitchen mixer . a further 1 . 5 g of salt was added during the stirring period ( 3 minutes ). within 2 minutes , the β - glucans component had thickened and concomitantly facilitated the incorporation of the melted buffer into the water . the beaker was then transferred to an ice bath and stirring was continued using the same kitchen mixer until the mixture had reached a temperature of 5 ° c . the product was found to very like the parent butter , spread easily from the refrigerator and had structure and mouth feel consistent with good quality spreads , with a fat content of just 40 %. the rapeseed oil component is cold - pressed and is particularly rich in mono - unsaturated and poly - unsaturated fatty acids , and is essentially free of trans - fatty acids . extra virgin or extra virgin cold - pressed olive oil can readily substitute the cold - pressed rapeseed oil in such a healthy spread formulation . 10 g of the same oat β - glucans rich preparation used in examples 1 and 2 above was added , with mixing , to 95 g of rapeseed oil . the suspension was mixed until the powder component was evenly distributed in the oil ( 2 minutes mixing time ). 95 g of water , warmed to 40 ° c ., was then added with fast mixing to the suspension . a rapid thickening and incorporation of the water into the oil mediated by the β - glucans component was observed . the mixture was allowed to cool after a further 2 minutes of stirring and was found to be a stable dispersion / emulsion after 24 hours in the refrigerator . the mixture containing 45 % fat was then used in place of rapeseed oil in a number of baked products , including cakes ( swedish style “ sponge cake ” and muffins ), biscuits and pastries . in a sugar , or sponge , cake , the mixture was used in place of the standard rapeseed oil . a cake of excellent quality and texture was produced with minor adjustments to the cake recipe . equivalent satisfactory results were obtained in a muffin baking trial where the fat was replaced by the same mix . the process of the present invention was compared to the one described in ep - a - 1 361 264 , which shows the use of low molecular weight β - glucans preparations to provide emulsions of fats and oils . thus a number of tests were carried out using β - glucans preparations containing β - glucans having a molecular weight of 60 , 000 daltons . as evident from the tests according to comparative examples 9 - 11 stable emulsion were obtained when using high - shear mixing only . 100 g of sunflower oil was placed in a 400 ml glass beaker . 12 g of a β - glucans rich powder extracted from oat grain , containing 45 % β - glucans of average molecular weight of 60 , 000 daltons , was added to the oil with stirring until a smooth , clump - free dispersion was obtained . 100 g of warm ( 35 ° c .) water was added to the mixture with concomitant stirring using a kitchen mixer on a low - setting , for 5 min . a suspension was obtained , with no significant thickening and this suspension rapidly separated ( within 3 minutes ) on standing at room temperature . the same mixture was then high shear mixed using a silverson l4r mixer fitted with an emulsor screen for high sheer mixing , for 3 minutes . a thin , but stable emulsion resulted . no thickening effect was observed in this case . the same procedure as reported in example 9 was performed , except that the 12 g of powder containing 45 % β - glucans of average molecular weight 60 , 000 daltons , was mixed into 100 g of the sunflower oil at a temperature of 80 ° c . and the dispersion was held at this temperature for 2 hours prior to the addition of the water as described in example 9 . no differences in behaviour as compared to those observed in example 9 , were noted , and high sheer mixing was required to create an emulsion , as above . a milled oat bran product containing 9 . 2 % β - glucans ( analysis using the mccleary method , aacc standard method 32 - 23 , for mixed linkage β - glucans ), milled to a particle size of less than 250 microns , was used . 13 g of the powder was added to 100 g of sunflower oil and stirred with a low speed kitchen mixer to aid dispersion for 5 minutes . 100 g of lukewarm water ( 35 ° c .) was then added with continued low - speed stirring for a further 5 min . no notable thickening of the mix was observed and after standing for a further 3 minutes , the mixture had separated into an oil phase , a water phase and much of the powder had settled at the bottom of the beaker . the same mixture was then high shear mixed using a silverson l4r mixer fitted with an emulsor screen for high sheer mixing , for 3 minutes . an unstable dispersion resulted , which showed immediate signs of separation and the aqueous and oil phases were largely separated after 1 hour standing at room temperature .	0
referring now to fig1 the graph 10 depicts vectorial relationships between the speed voltages 12 and 14 , the voltage and current phasors 16 and 18 , the current components 11 and 13 and the resistive voltage drops 15 and 17 due to the current components 11 and 13 . it can be readily observed from the graph 10 that any attempt to determine the speed voltage 12 ( w e λ qe ) on the d axis based on terminal voltages leads to inherent contamination by a voltage drop component 15 ( r s i de ) also along the d axis and arising from the interaction of the current phasor 18 ( i as ) and the stator resistance r s . however , if the coordinate frame of reference is transformed by an angle φ corresponding to the angle between the original q axis and the current phasor 18 ( i as ), then d axis ( or rather d &# 39 ; axis ) measurements of counter emf values are no longer contaminated with voltage drop components due to the stator resistance since the current phasor 18 ( i as ) is in quadrature with the new d &# 39 ; axis . therefore , measurements of the counter emf with reference to a new d &# 39 ; axis which is shifted by the angle φ with respect to the original d axis such as the vector 19 ( v &# 39 ; de fbk ) are more indicative of the true changes in the magnitude of the speed voltage 12 ( w e λ qe ). while the speed voltage value on the new d &# 39 ; axis includes a new flux - related component due to 14 ( w e λ de ) this component turns out to be easily accounted for and not of importance for feedback control purposes in the system 50 in which changes in magnitude are of greatest impact . referring now to fig2 a d &# 39 ; axis converter 20 is shown as including four operational blocks 22 , 24 , 26 and 28 for receiving six inputs v qe fbk , v de fbk , i * de , i * qe , w e λ * qe and w e λ * de representing voltage feedback , current command and speed voltage command parameters and finally generating a torque / slip voltage error signal v &# 39 ; de err . it should be noted for purposes of the following descriptions that due to the phase shift between current and voltage and cross - coupling of the speed voltages , d axis voltage parameters relate to torque / slip and q axis voltage parameters relate to flux while d axis current parameters relate to flux and q axis current parameters relate to torque / slip . in block 22 a ratio i * de / i * qe of command currents is formed and the arctangent is taken of this ratio to generate an angle φ representing the angular displacement between a q axis and a q &# 39 ; axis ( in a new d &# 39 ; q &# 39 ; reference frame in which the d &# 39 ; axis is in quadrature with the phase current ). in the block 24 the terminal voltage feedback signals v qe fbk and v de fbk undergo a coordinate transformation as a function of the angle φ to yield a voltage signal v &# 39 ; de fbk representing a torque feedback voltage free from contamination due to stator resistance effects as shown in equation 5 below : in the block 26 the speed voltage command signals w e λ * qe and w e λ * de also undergo a coordinate transformation as a function of the angle φ to produce torque / slip voltage command signal v &# 39 ;* de which is also free from stator resistance effects as shown in equation 6 below : the torque / slip voltage feedback signal v &# 39 ; de fbk and the torque / slip voltage command signal v &# 39 ;* de are differenced in the block 28 to generate a voltage error signal v &# 39 ; de err which constitutes the final output of the converter 20 . it should be noted that the converter 20 takes the present invention a step forward in producing a torque / slip voltage error signal of the type useful in many motor control applications although the primary functionality of the present invention is expressed in blocks 24 and 26 wherein the signals v &# 39 ; de fbk and v &# 39 ;* de which are free from contamination due to resistive effects are first detected . referring now to fig3 a d axis convertor 30 is shown as including eight operational blocks 22 , 24 , 32 , 34 , 36 , 38 , 40 and 42 for receiving the six inputs v qe fbk , v de fbk , i * de , i * qe , w e λ * qe and w e λ * de and finally generating a torque / slip voltage error signal v de err . the convertor 30 offers an alternative configuration for computing a corrected speed voltage error signal which is projected onto the original d axis in the original dq frame of reference . in block 22 a ratio i * de / i * qe of command currents is formed and the arctangent is taken of this ratio to generate an angle φ representing the angle between a q axis and q &# 39 ; axis . in the block 24 the terminal voltage feedback signals v qe fbk and v de fbk undergo a coordinate transformation as a function of the angle φ to yield a voltage signal v &# 39 ; de fbk representing a torque / slip feedback voltage substantially free from contamination due to stator resistance effects . in the block 32 the angle φ is used in forming the trigonometric quantity sinφ which is multiplied by the speed voltage command signal w e λ * de to generate a voltage signal v &# 39 ; sn . the voltage signals v &# 39 ; de fbk and v &# 39 ; sn are added together in block 36 and supplied to the divider 40 . the divider 40 also receives a signal from block 38 representing the trigonometric quantity cosφ which is formed in block 38 based on the value of the angle φ provided from block 22 . the divider 40 divides the signal corresponding to ( v &# 39 ; de + v &# 39 ; sn ) supplied from the summing block 36 by the value of trigonometric quantity cosφ supplied from block 38 and provides the resulting quotient to the summing block 42 where this quotient is differenced with the speed voltage command signal w e λ * qe to form a final torque / slip voltage error signal v de err . the operation of the converter 30 may be better understood with reference to equations 7 , 8 and 9 below : v &# 39 ;. sub . de fbk -( w . sub . e λ . sub . qe cosφ + w . sub . e λ . sub . de sinφ )= v &# 39 ;. sub . de err ( 8 ) ## equ1 ## which illustrate how the blocks shown in fig3 correspond to the original principle of differencing voltage feedback with voltage command signals to form a voltage error signal which in this case is adapted to the original d axis . referring now to fig5 the present invention finds its primary application in motor control systems of the type which use voltage feedback . the motor control system 50 comprises an indirect self organized field oriented controller in which the signals v qs fbk and v ds fbk are fed back to a digital controller 52 to provide an indication of the present speed voltages of the ac induction motor 54 for use in generating command signals for supply to the current regulator 70 . it should be noted that initial values for key command parameters ( w * e , k t , v * de , v * qe and k s ) are set upon commissioning of the control system 50 to allow for effective start - up . the signal converter of the present invention is employed as a part of the digital controller 52 as will be explained hereinafter . the motor controller 50 includes a current regulated pulse width modulated voltage inverter 62 which supplies a set of three drive signals s as , s bs and s cs to the induction motor 54 . the rectifier 64 receives three phase ac power signals at a line frequency of 60 hz and it converts these signals to a single dc signal which is passed through the filter 66 to provide the voltage inverter 62 with a relatively stable dc input of constant magnitude . the voltage inverter 62 includes a group of switching elements which are turned on and off as a function of the control signals v * as , v * bs and v * cs which originate from the current regulator 70 in order to convert the dc voltage from the rectifier 64 into three streams of high frequency pulses of constant magnitude but varying pulse width and polarity which comprise the drive signals s as , s bs and s cs . the pulse trains comprising the drive signals s as , s bs and s cs are characterized by alternating sets of positive going pulses of increasing and then decreasing pulse width and negative going pulses of increasing and then decreasing pulse width resulting in signals having rms values which approximate ac waveforms . the current regulator 70 provides a pair of ( two phase ) voltage command signals v * qs and v * ds in the stationary dq frame of reference to a 2 - to - 3 phase converter 72 which converts these signals into the command signals v * as , v * bs and v * cs which are supplied to and govern the operation of the voltage inverter 62 . simultaneously , the current levels of the drive signals s as , s bs and s cs are sensed and fed back to a 3 - to - 2 phase converter 74 as the signals i as fbk , i bs fbk , i cs fbk ( note : i cs fbk = i as fbk - i bs fbk and therefore i cs does not need to be directly sensed and instead can be derived from i as and i bs ) which are converted by the converter 74 into a pair of ( two phase ) signals i qs fbk , and i ds fbk in the stationary dq frame of reference for supply to the current regulator 70 . the current regulator 70 is responsive to the input command signals w * e , i * qs and i * ds from the digital controller 52 and the current feedback signals i qs fbk and i ds fbk for generating the voltage command signals v * qs and v * ds . the current regulator 70 is of the synchronous type including two channels on which the d and q axis signals are separately processed . first , the current command signals i * qs and i * ds are differenced with the current feedback signals i qs fbk and i ds fbk with the resulting current error signals being processed through proportional integral control loops . additionally , current error signals from each channel are cross - coupled between the channels as product functions of the field frequency w * e . the current regulator 70 is accordingly functional for producing the command signals v * qs and v * ds based on current errors and for maintaining the vector orientation of these output signals to the d and q axis . the details of the circuitry for a suitable synchronous current regulator 70 have been previously shown and described in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 680 , 695 issued jul . 14 , 1987 which is incorporated herein by reference . the motor command signals v * qs and v * ds are also utilized as terminal voltage feedback signals v qs fbk and v ds fbk which are digitized by being passed through an a - to - d convertor 80 and then supplied to the digital controller 52 although these feedback signals could be alternatively generated based on the voltage levels of the drive signals s as , s bs and s cs . the digital controller 52 also receives a feedback signal θ r fbk indicative of the position of the rotor within the induction motor 54 which is generated by the resolver 82 and digitized by the a - to - d converter 84 before being supplied to the digital controller 52 . finally , the digital controller 52 receives a velocity command input w * r which may be manually provided by a machine operator or supplied from a higher level control system for the torque of the induction motor 54 to which it responds by producing the digital command signals w * e , i * qs and i * ds which are passed through a multiplying d - to - a converter 86 prior to being supplied to the current regulator 70 . the control system 50 should be understood as providing a primary current regulation function in response to a current command vector defined by the command signals i * qs and i * ds . however , the command signals provided to the current regulator 70 are generated in response to voltage feedback provided to the controller 52 as well as the command input w * r which allows the controller 50 to be &# 34 ; self - organized &# 34 ; and to be dynamically responsive to actual motor conditions . referring now to fig5 the digital controller 52 is shown as including three primary control blocks , a slip / speed control block 100 , a velocity / torque control block 102 , and a flux control block 104 . it should be remembered that all of the blocks , steps and / or functions described in the operational blocks for the digital controller 52 are expressed in software as computer programs and represent algorithms for execution by a conventional type digital processor adapted for industrial applications such as a model 8096 microelectronic processor as supplied by intel corporation of santa clara , calif . the voltage feedback signals v qs fbk and v ds fbk are first supplied to the rotating - to - synchronous transform block 106 and are transformed into the synchronous frame of reference in accordance with the function s ( θ ) as shown in matrix equation 10 below : ## equ2 ## and the resulting voltage feedback signals in the synchronous frame of reference v de fbk and v qe fbk are supplied to the slip / speed control block 100 and the flux control block 104 . the motor shaft position feedback signal θ r fbk is supplied to the differentiater block 112 at which it is operated on to derive a motor speed feedback signal w r fbk which is then furnished to the velocity / torque control block 102 and the slip / speed control block 100 . the command current outputs i * de and i * qe from the flux control and velocity / torque control blocks 104 and 102 are both furnished as inputs to the slip / speed control block 100 along with the flux voltage command signal v * qe which is also generated by the flux control block 104 . finally the current command signals i * qe and i * de are supplied to a synchronous - to - rotating transform block 108 and are transformed into the rotating frame of reference in accordance with the function s - 1 ( θ ) as shown in matrix equation 11 below : ## equ3 ## and the resulting current command signals in the rotating frame of reference i * qs and i * ds are supplied to the d - to - a converter 86 along with the field frequency command signal w * e . referring now to fig6 the flux control block 104 operates in response to the input signals w * e and v qe fbk to generate a flux - related current command i * de which is supplied to the ( reverse ) transform block 108 . the input command w * e is appropriately scaled in block 120 in accordance with a constant factor k f to form a flux voltage command v * qe which is supplied to the summing block 122 . the flux voltage command v * qe is differenced with the flux feedback voltage v qe fbk in the summing block 122 with the resulting error signal v qe err being supplied to the proportional integral control loop 124 . the signal v qe err is filtered in the loop 124 to generate the flux - related current command i * de . referring now to fig7 the velocity / torque control block 102 receives input signals w * r and w r fbk and generates a torque - related command current i * qe which is supplied to the ( reverse ) transform block 108 . the velocity command w * r is supplied by the operator and translates into a desired level of torque and associated slip . the velocity command signal w * r is differenced with the shaft speed feedback signal w r fbk in the summing block 130 and the resulting error signal werr is supplied to the proportional integral control loop 132 . the error signal werr is filtered in the loop 132 to generate the torque command t * e which is scaled in accordance with a fixed factor k t in block 134 to produce the torque - related current command i * qe . referring now to fig8 the slip / speed control block 100 includes nine separate subblocks 150 , 20 , 152 , 154 , 156 , 158 and 160 each of a comprises a separate step for execution by the microprocessor of the digital controller 52 . the control block 100 receives six input signals i * qe , i * de , v * qe , v qe fbk , v de fbk and w r fbk and processes these signals to generate a field frequency command signal w * e which is supplied directly to the d - to - a converter 86 . the operation of the block 100 is key to the overall operation of the controller 50 in that it computes the appropriate slip frequency ws for the induction motor 54 in view of the command values and the motor conditions indicated by the feedback voltages . in accordance with block 150 , the torque - related current command i * qe is multiplied by the field frequency command w * e which is fed back from the output of the summing block 160 and the resulting product is scaled in accordance with a factor σ provided from a look - up table . the scaling factor σ may be made a function of the field frequency w e * to improve the response of the system at high torques . the torque command voltage v * de is supplied as an input to the converter 20 along with the flux command voltage v * qe . the torque feedback voltage v de fbk and the flux feedback voltage v qe fbk are similarly supplied to the converter 20 along with the command currents i * qe and i * de . the extractor blocks 24 and 26 operate separately on the command and feedback voltages in order to transform them into a new coordinate frame of reference in accordance with a phase angle φ based on the current command values . the extractor blocks 24 and 26 thereby generate torque or slip related feedback voltages v &# 39 ;* de and v &# 39 ; de fbk which are in a new d &# 39 ; q &# 39 ; coordinate system and which are substantially free of contamination due to stator resistance effects . the voltages v &# 39 ;* de and v &# 39 ; de fbk are differenced at the summing block 28 to produce a slip - related error voltage v &# 39 ; de err which is also substantially free from contamination due to stator resistance effects . it should be noted that operation of block 20 is in accordance with the previous descriptions provided with respect to the converter 20 of fig2 with v * qe = w e λ * de and v * de =- w e λ * qe . the sign of the current command i * qe is taken in block 158 and a signal sgn is formed which equals - 1 for negative values of the torque - related command current and + 1 for positive values of the torque - related command current . the signal sgn is multiplied by the voltage error signal v &# 39 ; de err in block 160 to provide a voltage error signal v &# 39 ; de ec which has coherent polarity for control purposes . the voltage error signal v &# 39 ; de ec is supplied to a proportional integral control loop 156 in which it is filtered to provide a signal k s representing a slip multiplier . the slip multiplier k s is then multiplied by the torque - related command current i * qe in block 158 to yield a slip frequency w s . finally , the slip frequency w s is added to the shaft speed feedback signal w r fbk to form the field frequency command signal w * e which is the output of the block 100 . referring now to fig9 a and 9b , graphs are shown including curves 90 , 92 , 94 , 96 and 98 representing the phase current i as , the q - axis rotor flux λ qer , the torque error ( t - t e ), the torque t e and the slip multiplier k s . in order to provide the data with better viewability the quantities represented by the curves 90 , 92 , 94 , 96 and 98 have been scaled and positioned with respect to the y axis as shown in table i below : table i______________________________________curve quantity expression plotted______________________________________curve 90 phase current ( k . sub . 1 i . sub . as ) + 5curve 92 q - axis rotor flux ( λger 10 ) - 5curve 94 torque error ( t *. sub . e - t . sub . e ) curve 96 torque ( t . sub . e / 5 ) - 10curve 98 slip multiplier 10 ( k . sub . s - 1 ) - 13______________________________________ in fig9 a , the operation of a control system 50 is shown in accordance with simulation data under start - up conditions without use of the counter emf detector of the present invention . consequently , the speed voltages values which are used by the slip / speed control block 100 are contaminated by resistive effects due to changes in stator resistance on account of heating of the stator leading to a substantial torque error and a significant loss of field orientation during start - up as shown by curves 94 and 92 . in fig9 b , the operation of a control system 50 is shown in accordance with simulation data under start - up conditions with the use of the counter emf detector of the present invention . the speed voltages fed back to the slip / speed control block 100 are corrected for resistive effects due to stator resistance . as demonstrated by the curve 94 the torque error quickly approaches zero . meanwhile , as shown by curve 92 , a greater degree of field orientation is maintained by the system as start - up proceeds . the curve 98 illustrates the slip multiplier changing to eliminate the torque error in accordance with the operation of the invention . fig9 a and 9b clearly demonstrate the value of the present invention in reducing torque error and maintaining field orientation . while particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described , it should be clear that changes and modifications may be made to such embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention . it is intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications .	7
the present invention is directed to a method related to key manufacturing that provides a significant time benefit by providing relevant key information to the key manufacturing machine . one embodiment of a machine that can be used for manufacturing a key is described in u . s . pat . ser . 5 , 908 , 273 , incorporated herein by reference . the present invention uses only some of the features of the key manufacturing machine disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 908 , 273 . the machine is able to cut both the keyway and the keycode on a key , and so many different types of keys may be cut from the same type of blank or a key preform . one embodiment of the present invention provides for the key duplicated in a key duplicating machine to be provided with a unique associated number which is retained by the user . the unique number may be referred to as a key identification code ( kic ). the kic uniquely distinguishes the keyway and key code of the original , or target , key to be duplicated . thus , the same key may be duplicated at a later date by entering the kic into the key manufacturing machine using different types of input interfaces , such as a magnetic card reader , a keyboard and the like . therefore , unlike conventional key duplication , this invention obviates the need for re - measuring the original key when a second duplicate key is to be manufactured . this results in substantial time savings as the kic contains relevant parameters for the key duplication process thus causing the machine to duplicate the key faster . [ 0021 ] fig1 a illustrates the various component parts of a key 100 . the key shaft 102 extends from the key bow 104 . the key bow 104 is the portion typically held by the user when using the key . the shaft 102 has a key code 106 along one edge . the bow 104 may be provided with a numerical code 108 that corresponds to the key code 106 . the cross section of the shaft 102 has a particular shape , known as the keyway 110 . the profile of the keyway 110 is illustrated in fib . 1 b , which shows a cross section 1 b - 1 b through the shaft 102 . the keyway 110 illustrated includes a notch 112 on a first side of the shaft 102 and another notch 114 and land 116 on the second side of the shaft 102 . the notches 112 and 114 and land 116 run the length of the shaft and mate with the aperture of the lock when the key 100 is inserted . it will be appreciated that the key shown in fig1 a and 1b is only an example of a key and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way . for example , the key 100 may be a double - sided key , in which case the key code is found on opposite edges of the shaft . generally , although not always the case , the same key code is provided on each edge of a double - sided key so that it may be inserted into the lock in either orientation . additionally , it will be appreciated that keys come with many different keyway profiles . when the duplicate key is cut from a key manufacturing machine that cuts both keyways and key codes , the duplicate may be cut from a key preform , or from a blank piece of material . fig2 illustrates the various component parts of a preform 200 . the preform shaft 203 extends from the bow 205 . this is the portion of the key that the user holds after the preform is converted into a key . the bow 205 may have a hole 206 that is used to position the preform 200 in the key manufacturing machine . the bow 205 may include an embossed portion 207 that is used as an identifier , for example for the company that manufactures the key manufacturing machine . there may also be a notch 202 , which identifies the orientation of the preform 200 . finally , the tip 201 of the preform 200 may be tapered to permit the tip 201 to be accommodated in a clamping mechanism of the key manufacturing machine . other embodiments of key preform are disclosed in u . s . patent application ser . no . 09 / 514 , 503 , incorporated herein by reference . the key may also be duplicated in a blank piece of material , which is typically rectangular , but may be of any suitable shape . [ 0025 ] fig3 illustrates a block schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system for the apparatus that may be used to measure the information about the target key . in this particular embodiment 301 represents the target key , which is to be duplicated . in module 302 the key is scanned for its dimensions and for its keyway and its key code information . different embodiments of how to scan the key are discussed in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 908 , 273 and 6 , 152 , 622 and in u . s . patent application ser . no . 09 / 495 , 090 , all of which are incorporated herein by reference . the key measurement information is then processed in module 303 and a unique kic is generated . this kic contains information about the key and the process parameters . the kic may be given to the customer as printed alphanumeric output ( hard copy ) in module 306 . fig3 also shows that apart from generating the kic , the key manufacturing machine may also perform its usual task of machining a preform in the machining module 304 to produce a duplicate key 305 . in one particular embodiment , the processing unit 303 may compare the measured keyway and / or key code with standard keyways and / or key codes stored on a key database 310 and determine which standard keyway and / or key code most closely matches those of the target key 301 . once the matched keyway and / or key code has been established , the processing unit 303 may then generate a kic that relates to the matched standard keyway and / or key code in the key database 310 . [ 0027 ] fig4 illustrates a block schematic of an embodiment of a system for the apparatus that may be employed for using the kic to generate a duplicate key . in this particular embodiment , the kic 401 is contained in a hard copy that is in the user &# 39 ; s possession . an input interface 402 may be used to receive the kic . for example , the kic may be a code that the user inputs to the interface 402 manually via a keyboard , mouse , joystick , or the like . the processor 403 receives the kic and , if necessary , converts the kic into machining instructions that are transmitted to the machining module 404 . the machining module 404 produces the duplicate key 405 in accordance with the machining instructions received from the processor 403 . if the kic contains information that relates to standard keyway and / or key code information stored in a key database 410 , the processor 403 may , upon receiving the kic , interrogate the key database 410 to retrieve information on the key to be duplicated . the information may comprise measurements of the keyway and or key code to be machined , control data for controlling the machining module 404 to machine the duplicate key , or some other information that may be used by the processor and / or the machining module 404 to identify the physical parameters of the keyway and / or key code to be machined . [ 0029 ] fig5 illustrates a block schematic of an embodiment of a system for the apparatus that may be used to measure the information about the target key . in this particular embodiment the target key 501 , which is to be duplicated , is measured by the measuring unit 502 . the measuring unit 502 measures the key code and the keyway of the target key . the measurement data produced by the measuring unit are used to generate a bar code using the module 505 . the bar code stores information about the key type , including the keyway and key code . also shown is a machining module 503 , which may be used to machine a duplicate key 504 . the customer may be provided with a duplicate key 504 , a bar code with the kic of the target key , or with both the kic and a duplicate key 504 . the bar code may be printed on a plastic card , a metal tag or the like , which is given to the customer . [ 0030 ] fig6 illustrates a block schematic of an embodiment of a system for the apparatus that may be used for using the bar code kic to generate a duplicate key 605 . in this embodiment the bar - code 601 , which may be in the form of a card or tag with printed bar code information , is fed to a scanner 602 which reads and interprets the bar code kic information . the scanner 602 may be , for example , an optical scanner . the processor 603 receives the scanned information from the scanner 602 , and typically converts the scanned information into process parameters , or machine instructions , that are transmitted to the machining module 604 . the machining module 604 produces a key 604 using the process parameters received from the processor 603 . [ 0031 ] fig7 illustrates a block schematic of an embodiment of a system for the apparatus that may be used to determine the information about the target key . in this particular embodiment , the target key 701 is measured by the measurement unit 702 to determine the dimensions and the key code and keyway for the target key . the measurement unit generates a kic appropriate for the target key 701 . the kic is encoded onto a magnetic storage medium 705 , for example the magnetic strip of a plastic card . the kic may constitute the measurement information obtained by the measurement unit , or may be a processed form of information that represents the keyway and keycode of the target key 701 . the measurement unit 702 may also pass information on to the machining module 703 so that the machining module 703 generates a key 704 . [ 0032 ] fig8 illustrates a block schematic of an embodiment of a system for the apparatus that may be used for using the magnetically stored kic for generating a duplicate key 805 . in this embodiment , the kic on the magnetic storage medium 801 , for example in the form of a swipe card , is read by a magnetic data reader 802 . the information from the magnetic data reader 802 is transmitted to the processor 803 which may read and interpret the coded information . the processor 803 converts the scanned information into process parameters , or machine instructions , that are transmitted to the machining module 804 . the machining module 804 produces a key 804 using the process parameters received from the processor 803 . it will be appreciated that the kic need not only be generated through measurement of the target key . the kic may also be generated from other information received from the key , for example as is discussed in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 152 , 622 . one particular illustration of receiving information from the key is to receive information regarding the key code and the keyway from a transponder attached to the key . the kic may be produced in one of several different formats . for example , the kic may include the measurement data produced by the measuring unit . accordingly , the processor that receives such a kic processes the measurement data to produce machine control instructions for the machining module that is to cut the new key . the measuring units 502 and 702 may compare the measurements of the target key with a database of known key codes and keyways and then generate a kic that represents the key code and keyway in the database that respectively most closely match with the measured key code and keyway . in this type of code format , the processor 603 and 803 that receives the kic uses the code to generate machine control instructions for the machining module . the processor 603 and 803 may obtain the control instructions , or other information related to generating the keyway and / or key code from the key database . in another example , the measuring unit may generate machining instructions from the measurement data and present the machining instructions as the kic . in such a format , the processor that receives the kic may simply transfer the machining instructions to the machining module for cutting the new key . in another example , the measuring unit may direct information on the measured key to a central database , and present the user with a kic that represents the address in the central database where the information on the key is stored . accordingly , when the user wishes to have a new key manufactured using the kic , the processor that receives the kic retrieves the key information from the central database using the address represented by the kic . the information stored on the central database may be in any suitable format . the information stored on the central database may represent the measurements of the key , may represent coded values for the measured key code and keyway , may represent machining instructions , or may be in any other suitable format that permits the processor and machining module to cut a key of the appropriate shape and size . the invention described above may also be used for cutting new keys that have no target from which to duplicate . for example , a user may provide the kic to a key manufacturing machine processor , where the kic was created by the user who wished to make a key having a particular keyway and key code . a system that uses a database of keycodes and keyways is particularly advantageous for this approach . consider , for example , a database that stores 10 , 000 key codes , numbered 1 - 10 , 000 , and stores 26 keyways , identified with letters a - z . the user may select any one of the 10 , 000 key codes and any one of the 26 keyways for the key he or she wishes to be made . thus , inputting a selection “ 9568 , f ” selects keycode number 9568 and keyway f . the machining instructions for the selected keyway and key code are downloaded from the database to the machining module which then cuts a new key with keyway f and keycode 9568 . a database may be used to translate information on keyways and key codes obtained from a manufacturer to generate a kic for a key product . for example , information on standard keyways and key codes , such as keyway and key code dimensions , may be stored on a key data base so that a measuring unit can compare measured keyway and key code data with standard data . the comparison may be used to yield a code for the keyway and key code that is used as the kic . the manufacturer &# 39 ; s key data may also be translated into instructions for machining the standard keyway and key codes in a preform or material blank , and the instructions stored on the key database . therefore , when a particular kic is detected by a machining unit , the machining unit may be able to identify the relevant standard keyway and key code and retrieve the machining instructions from the key database . it will be appreciated that other approaches to providing instructions to the key manufacturing machine may be used . for example , a user may supply machining instructions to a key manufacturing machine , or measurements of a desired key . the processor of the key manufacturing machine may then convert whatever information is supplied by the user into machining instructions for controlling the machining module . an important feature of the invention is that a user may input a set of instructions to the key manufacturing machine , and the machine is capable of manufacturing a complete key from a blank preform , with a keyway and key code , in accordance with the instructions received from the user . while various examples were provided above , the present invention is not limited to the specifics of the examples . the kic may be presented to the user in other forms . for example , the kic may be input from the measurement unit to the user &# 39 ; s hand held computer , thus obviating the need for a hard copy of the kic . as noted above , the present invention is applicable to customers who may want to save time by bringing the kic with them when they get their keys duplicated . it may be applicable to a customer wanting the same key in a location different from the one where it was originally duplicated . it is believed to be particularly useful in cases of institutions , which have multiple key types and which have multiple key duplicating needs throughout a year . accordingly , the present invention should not be considered limited to the particular examples described above , but rather should be understood to cover all aspects of the invention as fairly set out in the attached claims . various modifications , equivalent processes , as well as numerous structures to which the present invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art to which the present invention is directed upon review of the present specification . the claims are intended to cover such modifications and devices .	8
the present invention provides an apparatus and method for securing different types of containers such as handbags or bags and specifically for securing the handles and / or zippers of such bags . the present invention may be employed to secure a strap , handle or other carrying device of a bag to the body of the bag to prevent the strap or handle from being removed from the bag or to prevent the bag from being opened and / or removed or stolen from a particular location . for example , the strap or handle can be secured to the body of the bag through the zipper or other closing member to prevent the zipper from being opened to gain access to the contents of the bag . it should be appreciated that the present invention may be used to secure any type of handheld bag or other type of bag such as purses , beach bags , tool bags , backpacks , luggage and the like . the handle or strap may also be attached around and secured and locked to a relatively stationary object such as the arm of a chair or a fence , and then through the zipper pull or tab of a zipper to secure the bag to the chair or fence and also secure the pull in a closed position . this enables the bag &# 39 ; s owner to temporarily secure the bag and specifically , the contents of the bag so that the bag owner can temporarily leave the bag at that location . for example , a bag owner may secure the bag to the arm of a beach chair and to leave the beach to go swimming , go to the bathroom , get food or perform some other activity . in another example , the bag can be secured to the handle of a stroller when in a crowded area to prevent thieves from snatching the bag or taking items out of the bag such as the bag owner &# 39 ; s wallet or checkbook when the owner is not looking . the present invention therefore enables users to secure their bags to a relatively immovable object such as a chair at a particular location or to movable objects such as strollers or shopping carts so that the user does not have to constantly keep an eye on the bag and so the user can leave the bag temporarily to perform other activities without having the burden of carrying their bag with them at all times . referring now to fig1 to 3 , one embodiment of a securable and lockable container of the present invention is generally illustrated by handbag or bag 20 . bag 20 includes a body 22 and a strap or handle 24 having two ends 25 a and 25 b . in an embodiment , the end 25 a of the handle 24 is connected to the body 22 . the end 25 a may be integrally formed with the body 22 or connected using any suitable attachment method . it should appreciated that either end 25 a or 25 b may be secured or attached to the body 22 . in this embodiment , end 25 b is removably secured to the body 22 as described in more detail below . bag 20 also includes a closing member such as a zipper 26 having a zipper pull 28 . a tab 30 is connected to the pull 28 as shown in fig1 and enables a user to grab and hold the tab to pull the tab and the zipper pull 28 along the zipper 26 to open and close the bag . the end 25 b of the handle 24 includes a securing member such as post 34 having a slot 36 which is connected to or integrally formed with end 25 b . the slot 36 engages a corresponding surface in a receptacle 37 described below . the post 34 may be any suitable post such as a metal post or a post made out of any other suitable material . preferably , the post 34 is made of a material which cannot be easily cut , severed , broken or removed from the handle 24 . in an embodiment , the post 34 is sized to fit through an opening 32 defined by the handle or tab 30 of the zipper pull 28 . specifically , the zipper pull is pulled along the zipper 26 until the tab 30 is at one end of the bag which is adjacent to where the end 25 b of the handle or strap 24 is secured to the body 22 . a lockable member or lock 38 is attached to a surface of the body 22 of the bag 20 and includes a receptacle or other opening for receiving the post 34 . the post 34 is inserted through the opening 32 of tab 30 and into the receptacle 37 or other opening of the lock 38 to simultaneously secure and lock the tab 30 and the post 34 ( which is attached to the removable end of the handle ) to the body 22 . in an embodiment shown in fig1 , a combination lock including dials 39 a , 39 b and 39 c is used to secure and lock the post 34 to the body 22 . it should be appreciated that any suitable lockable member or lock may be used to secure and lock the end 25 b of the handle 24 and the closing member to the body 22 . a release tab or lever 40 is movably connected to the body of the bag . the release tab 40 is moved upward or downward to release the post 34 from the receptacle 37 . the release tab 40 causes the receptacle to hold or secure the post 34 to the body and thereby the handle 24 to the body 22 when the lockable member 37 is in the locked or unlocked position . it should be appreciated that the release tab 40 may be any suitable tab or lever and may move in any suitable direction to release the post 34 from the receptacle 37 . as shown in fig2 , the post 34 is inserted into and through the opening 32 of tab 30 of the zipper pull . the post 34 is inserted through the opening 32 until the post cannot be inserted any further into the receptacle 37 associated with the lock 38 . in an embodiment , each of the dials 39 a , 39 b and 39 c of the lockable member of combination lock 38 include indicia such as symbols or numbers . in this embodiment , when each of the dials are set to 0 - 0 - 0 , as shown in fig1 , the post 34 is not locked to the body 22 . when the numbers on the dials 39 a , 39 b and 39 c are set to any other combination such as 2 - 5 - 8 shown in fig3 ( which is not a designated unlocking combination ), the post 34 is locked to the body 22 . it should be appreciated that any suitable combination of indicia or symbols may be used to release or lock the post 34 to the body 22 . thus , in this embodiment , a user moves or rotates the dials 39 a , 39 b and 39 c to scramble or otherwise hide the designated unlocking or release combination and thereby lock the post 34 to the body 22 after the post 34 is inserted into the receptacle 37 of the body 22 . to release the post 36 from the body 22 , the user moves or rotates the dials 39 a , 39 b and 39 c to the designated unlocking combination ( i . e ., a combination including three numbers which the user will remember ) to unlock the post 34 from the body 22 . the user then presses or pushes the release lever or tab 40 to release the handle from the body . it should be appreciated that the dials 39 a , 39 b and 39 c of the combination lock 38 may include any suitable symbols , indicia , letters , numbers or any other suitable symbols . in an alternative embodiment , the lockable member is connected to the removable end 25 b of the handle . the lockable member automatically locks the closing member and post to the body of the bag when the lockable member the post is inserted into a receptacle or similar opening defined by the body of the bag . the removable end of the handle and the closing member are unlocked from the body by unlocking the lockable member as described above . it should be appreciated that the lockable member may be connected to any suitable portion of the body of the bag or the handle or other part of the bag which enables the removable end of the handle and the closing member to be secured and locked to the body . in one embodiment , the post 34 and closing member are automatically locked to the lockable member or lock when the post is inserted into the lock . in this embodiment , the post and closing member are unlocked using one of the methods described above . by automatically locking the post and closing member to the body when the post is inserted into and secured to the lock , the present invention enables a user to always securely lock their bag before they leave it at a location . this embodiment prevents a user from accidentally or inadvertently forgetting to lock the bag . in one example , a user takes their bag to a beach . the user wants to go swimming but does not want to leave the bag unattended . instead of searching for a locker , which could be far away , or worrying about the bag , the user removes the end 25 b of the handle 24 from the body of the bag and loops the end 25 b around the arm of their beach chair so that ends 25 a and 25 b are on opposite sides of the arm of the chair . the end 25 b is then simultaneously secured and locked to the closing member and the lock connected to the body 22 of the bag the manner described above . this method therefore secures and locks the bag 20 to the chair and also secures the bag in a closed position to prevent the bag from being opened while the bag is secured to the chair . it also prevents the bag from being easily stolen . the user can now leave the bag locked to the chair to go swimming without having to carry the entire bag with them to the water or without having to constantly watch the bag and worry about whether the bag or the contents of the bag will be stolen . referring to fig4 , other types of closing members or closing devices may be employed by the present invention . for example , a round post 44 may be attached to the end 25 b of the handle 24 and inserted through a corresponding round receptacle or opening 32 of the tab 30 and to the combination lock 38 having settable dials 39 a , 39 b and 39 c to secure the handle 24 to the body 22 of the bag . the release tab 40 is moved to release the post 44 from the body 22 . it should be appreciated that any suitable post , closing member ( i . e ., zipper ), or other suitable closing devices or methods may be employed by the present invention . referring now to fig5 , another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as bag 50 where the bag includes a reinforcing mechanism , reinforcing member or reinforcer 72 such as a metal wire or the like that adds to the security of the bag . in fig5 , the bag 50 includes a body 52 and a handle or strap 54 which has two ends 55 a and 55 b . the end 55 a is connected to the body 52 using any suitable attachment method . the end 55 b of the handle 54 is removably secured to the body 52 to enable a user to secure and lock the bag to another object or item such as a chair as describe above . in this embodiment , the end 55 b of the handle 54 includes a securing member or post 64 which is inserted through an opening 62 of the zipper pull 58 to secure the end 55 b and the zipper pull 58 in place . in particular , the post 64 is inserted through the opening 62 and into the lockable member or combination lock 66 having settable dials 67 a , 67 b and 67 c . a release lever or tab 68 secures and releases the post 64 from the body 52 . the post 64 ( i . e ., the removable end 55 b ) and the zipper pull 58 are simultaneously secured to the lock 66 . the dials 67 a , 67 b and 67 c of the combination lock are moved to lock post 64 in place . alternatively , the post and zipper pull are simultaneously and automatically locked to the combination lock 66 . this secures the handle 54 in place as well as prevents the zipper pull 58 from being moved to open zipper 56 and thereby gain access to the contents in the bag 50 . in the illustrated embodiment , the bag 50 also includes a reinforcing member or reinforcer such as wire 72 which is positioned within or otherwise connected or attached to at least a portion of the handle 54 and at least a portion of the body 52 . the wire 72 is preferably made of a suitable material such as a suitable metal or a strong fiber or fabric material which is difficult to cut , rip , sever or break . this prevents the bag and specifically the secured handle 54 from being cut , broken or severed in any way to remove the bag 50 from the object that it is secured to . the reinforcer 72 thereby makes cutting or otherwise removing the bag away from the object it is secured and locked to much more difficult . this embodiment further prevents a thief from quickly and easily taking the bag or from removing the contents of the bag . it should be appreciated that the reinforcer may include any suitable wire , fabric , or other lining device or material . the reinforcer 72 may be positioned in , manufactured or otherwise connected to a portion or all of the surfaces of the body 52 of bag 50 . for example , the reinforcer 72 may be sewn into or otherwise connected to all of the sides or surfaces of the body 52 to prevent the body 52 from being severed or otherwise cut to remove the bag from an object or to gain access to the contents in the bag 50 . in another embodiment , a substantial portion of the walls of the body 52 are lined with a suitable reinforcing material to further prevent unauthorized access into the bag . it should be appreciated that any suitable portion of the body 52 or the handle 54 may include the reinforcing member 72 or a reinforcing material . referring to fig6 , another embodiment of the bag of the present invention is generally illustrated as bag 100 . bag 100 includes a body 102 and a handle 104 including ends 105 a and 105 b . one end of the handle 104 such as end 105 a is secured to the body 102 as described above . the end 105 b includes a post 114 which is secured through opening 112 defined by tab 110 of zipper pull 108 to secure the zipper pull 108 in place . this secures zipper 106 in a closed position . in this embodiment , the lockable member or lock 118 is a suitable combination lock which enables a user to set a designated combination to release the post 114 from the lock . in an embodiment , the combination lock includes four rotatable devices or dials 120 a , 120 b , 120 c and 120 d . each of the dials 120 a , 120 b , 120 c and 120 d include different indicia or symbols such as letters or numbers which combine to form the combination . the user sets the combination using the dials 120 a , 120 b , 120 c and 120 d then rotates or moves the dials to scramble or hide the designated unlocking combination and lock the post 114 to the lock mechanism or combination lock 118 . when the user desires to release the post 114 from the lock 118 , the user turns or moves at least one of the dials 120 a , 120 b , 120 c and 120 d to indicate the designated unlocking combination . it should be appreciated that any suitable number of dials and / or combinations of indicia may be employed . release tab 117 is moved to release the post 114 from the body 102 when the post 114 is unlocked . referring now to fig7 , another embodiment of the bag of the present invention is generally illustrated as bag 200 . the bag 200 includes the body 202 and a handle 204 . the handle 204 includes a three securing members or posts 206 . specifically , the securing members 206 include prongs or extenders 208 a , 208 b and 208 c . the securing members and specifically , the prongs are made of any suitable material such as metal . the body 202 includes a number of receptacles such as receptacles 214 a , 214 b and 214 c which correspond in size and shape to extenders or prongs 208 a , 208 b and 208 c to receive the prongs . in an embodiment the prongs 208 a , 208 b and 208 c are positioned above and adjacent to the receptacles 214 a , 214 b and 214 c and are inserted into the receptacles . at least one of the prongs such as prong 208 b is inserted through the opening 213 defined by tab 212 of zipper pull 210 to secure the zipper pull in place . the prongs 208 a , 208 b and 208 c are snap - fit or otherwise positioned in receptacles 214 a , 214 b and 214 c and secured in the receptacles using any type of securing mechanism or lock . a release lever 218 is movably connected to the body 202 and is pressed or otherwise activated to release the prongs 208 a , 208 b and 208 c from the receptacles 214 a , 214 b and 214 c . when the prongs 208 a , 208 b and 208 c are inserted into the receptacles 214 a , 214 b and 214 c , the dials 217 a , 217 b and 217 c are moved to hide the designated combination and lock the prongs to the body 202 . the three prong securing member 206 provides another apparatus and method for securing the handle 204 to the body 202 and thereby enhances the security of the bag . referring now to fig8 , in another embodiment , a bag 300 includes a flap or cover 302 which covers the opening 304 of the bag and is secured adjacent to the removable end 308 of the handle 306 and the lock 310 . the end of the handle can then be inserted through a corresponding opening defined by the end of the flap 302 to secure the end 308 of the handle and the flap 302 to the lock 310 . it should be appreciated that the flap or cover may be any suitable type of flap or cover used to cover the opening of the bag to prevent the contents of the bag from being stolen . in a further embodiment , the lockable member includes a key - type lock 310 which defines an opening or keyhole 312 . the opening or keyhole 312 is formed into a suitable size and shape to receive a key 314 . in this embodiment , the handle 306 is secured to the body of the bag by inserting the post into the receptacle . in one aspect of this embodiment , the post is automatically locked to the body when the post is fully inserted into the receptacle . in another aspect of this embodiment , the post is inserted into the receptacle and then the key is turned a designated distance to lock the post to the body of the bag . to release the post from the body , the key 314 is inserted into the opening 312 and turned in one direction or the other . then , the release tab or lever 316 is moved to release the post from the receptacle defined by the body of the bag . referring now to fig9 , in a further embodiment , a bag 400 includes a handle 402 which is a generally u - shaped handle . the handle is a single solid part or component such as a metal handle which moves or slides upward and downward within the body 404 of the bag as shown . to secure and lock the handle 402 to the body 404 of the bag , a user pushes down on the handle 402 to insert the securing member 406 through the zipper pull 408 and to the lock 410 . to release the handle 402 , the user unlocks the securing member 406 from the combination lock 410 by moving dials 411 a , 411 b and 411 c to the designated combination . the user then moves the release tab 412 to release the post from the body of the bag . then , the user lifts or pushes upward on the handle 402 to move the handle away from the body . the handle 402 can then be re - engaged or moved downward to re - engage the lock to secure the handle in place to carry the bag . it should be appreciated that handle can be manufactured and made of any material such as a suitable metal or the like . referring now to fig1 , another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated which includes a bag 500 having a body 501 and a handle 502 connected to the body . the handle 502 includes a first end 505 a and a second end 505 b . securing members or securing rings 508 a and 508 b are connected to each end of the handle 512 . in this embodiment , one end 508 b is removable from the body 501 to enable the end 505 b to be secured about another item such as a chair . specifically , the closing member or zipper 504 is pulled or moved until the tab 506 is positioned adjacent to the securing ring 508 b at one end of the body 501 . a lock ring 510 is connected to the body 501 . the securing ring 508 b , the tab 506 and the lock ring 510 are all positioned adjacent to each other so that a detachable lock such as the combination lock 514 may be used to secure the securing ring 508 b , the tab 506 and the lock ring 510 together so that the bag may not be opened or the contents in the bag may not be removed . in particular , the u - shaped member 511 of the lock 514 is inserted through the securing ring 508 b , the tab 506 and the lock ring 510 to hold these devices in place . the combination lock 514 is locked . to release these devices , the user sets or indicates the designated combination on the combination lock 514 which opens the lock and releases the securing ring 508 b , the tab 506 and the lock ring 510 . the securing ring 508 b is then suitably secured or attached to the body 501 of the bag by attaching the securing ring 508 b to the lock ring 510 or to any other suitable portion of the body 501 . it should be appreciated that any suitable attachable lock such as a padlock may be used to secure the securing ring 508 b , the tab 506 and the lock ring 510 together to lock and / or unlock the end 505 b of the handle 502 to the body 501 . referring now to fig1 a and 11b , a further embodiment of the present invention which includes a bag 600 having a body 601 and a handle 602 connected to the body where the handle 602 is securable to the body using locking device or locking mechanism 614 and / or a suitable padlock 620 . specifically , the handle 602 includes a first end 605 a and a second end 605 b . securing members or securing rings 608 a and 608 b are connected to each end of the handle 602 . it should be appreciated that the bag 600 may include one or a plurality of securing rings . in this embodiment , one end 605 b is removable from the body 601 to enable the end 605 b to be secured about another item as described above . the closing member or zipper 604 is pulled or moved until the tab 606 is positioned adjacent to receptacle 612 defined by the body 601 as shown in fig1 a . a post 609 , which is connected to the end 605 b of the handle 602 , is inserted through an opening defined by pull tab 606 of zipper 604 and into the receptacle 612 to secure the handle 602 and zipper in place as shown in fig1 b . a lever or tab 611 is moved or pressed to release the post 609 from the receptacle 612 . once the post 609 is secured in the receptacle 612 , the handle can be locked in place by using lock mechanism 614 and / or padlock 620 . the lock mechanism 614 is a combination lock including three dials 618 a , 618 b and 618 c . as described above , the dials each include indicia which are set to a designated release or unlocking combination to unlock the post 609 . the designated combination may be any suitable combination . alternatively , the handle 602 can be locked in place by using a suitable detachable lock such as padlock 620 as shown in fig1 b . once securing ring 608 b , tab 606 and lock ring 610 are all positioned adjacent to each other , combination lock 614 is inserted through each of these components as shown in fig1 b to secure the securing ring 608 b , the tab 606 and the lock ring 610 together . as a result the handle 602 is locked in place . it should be appreciated that handle 602 and zipper 604 may be secured and locked in place using lock mechanism 614 , padlock 620 or both the lock mechanism 614 and padlock 620 . referring now to fig1 , another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bag 700 having a body 701 and a handle 702 connected to the body where the handle 702 is securable to the body using a padlock type lock 709 connected to the body 701 . in this embodiment , the lock 709 includes a dial 710 having a plurality of indicia , where the dial is rotatably connected a side of the body 701 . the lock also includes a curved securing member 712 movably connected to the top side or surface of the body . the handle 702 includes at least one ring 708 where the ring is connected to a removable end of the handle . to secure and lock the handle to the body , the ring 708 is placed around the securing member 712 . the securing member is then pushed or pressed downward through opening 707 defined in tab 706 of zipper 704 and into a receptacle ( not shown ) defined in the top side of the body and the zipper to secure the securing member , closing member or zipper and handle to the body . an indicator 714 indicates one or more of the indicia on the dial to manually set a combination associated with the lock to unlock and release the securing member 712 from the body 701 . therefore , to unlock the securing member , closing member and handle , a user turns or rotates the dial 710 to indicate the designated combination with indicator 714 . once the designated combination is indicated , the securing member is unlocked and the user pushes or presses release tab 716 to release the securing member , closing member and the handle from the body . it should be appreciated that any suitable combination lock may be used to secure and lock the closing member and the handle to the body of the bag . it should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art . such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages . it is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims .	0
referring to fig1 a - 1c , a simplified flowchart illustrates the overall steps in an embodiment of the method of signal processing . for clarity , the schematic is split over fig1 a - 1c . an input audio signal is digitized into frames 10 . each of these frames is then processed as follows : each frame 10 is windowed 20 with for example a wide cosine function 30 producing time domain modulated representation of the input signal frame 10 . a fast fourier transform 50 is then applied to each frame 10 producing a frequency domain representation of the input signal 60 . the frequency domain representation of data is then filtered with a filtering function 71 parameterised by s ( f ) 70 . the filtering function may also be viewed as a low - pass single pole filter in the present example . the function s ( f ) 70 specifies how the behaviour of the filter varies with frequency . the filtering function 71 can be described by the recursive relation : y out ( f )=[ 1 − s ( f )] y in ( f )+ s ( f ) y out ( f − 1 ) thus s ( f ) 70 controls the ‘ severity ’ of the filter 71 . so in effect , a different convolution kernel is used for each frequency bin . the real and imaginary components of each bin are convolved separately . in the present exemplary embodiment , the filtering or convolution function 71 has the effect of “ blurring ” the frequency domain information and therefore the convolving function 71 can be referred to as a blurring function . blurring or spreading the frequency domain data corresponds to a narrowing of the equivalent window in the time domain frame . therefore each frequency bin of the fast fourier transform is effectively calculated as if a different sized time domain window had been applied before the fft operation . the effect of the filter 71 does not have to be to blur the data . for example , translating the time domain samples by half the window size would make it necessary to high - pass filter the frequency domain data , to achieve the same equivalent windowing in the time domain . the frequency domain filter 71 is applied to each bin in ascending order and then applied in descending order of frequency bin . this is to ensure that no phase shift is introduced into the frequency domain data . a key aspect of the present invention is that the control function s ( f ) is chosen , in the case of processing audio frequency data , so as to approximate the excitation response of human cilia located on the basilar membrane in the human ear . in effect , the function s ( f ) is chosen so as to approximate the time / frequency response of the human ear . the form of the control function s ( f ) is , in the present preferred embodiment , determined empirically by gauging the quality of the output or synthesized waveform under varying circumstances . although this is a subjective procedure , repeated and varied evaluations of the quality of the synthesised sound have been found to produce a highly satisfactory convolution function . in effect , the aforementioned steps are analogous to an efficient way to process a signal through a large bank of filters where the bandwidth of each filter is individually controllable by the control function s ( f ). once the filter 71 is applied , the convolved frequency domain data 80 is analyzed ( 90 ) to determine the locations of local maxima and the associated local minima . to perform this step , it has been found that it is more efficient to use the intensity spectrum . therefore , for each frequency , the data is a local maximum if i ( f )& gt ; i ( f − 1 ) and i ( f )& gt ; i ( f + 1 ). local minima exist if i ( f )& lt ; i ( f − 1 ) and i ( f )& lt ; i ( f + 1 ) . here , mag ( f )={ square root over ( real ( f ) 2 + l + im ( f ) 2 + l )} and intensity ( f )= real ( f ) 2 + im ( f ) 2 . referring to fig2 each maxima and associated local minima is used to define regions 321 , 322 ( indicated by arrows in fig2 ) which correspond to an audible harmonic in the original audio frequency signal . the location of the maxima in the frequency domain corresponds to the perceived pitch of the harmonic and the band of the frequency domain information around the maxima represents any associated amplitude or frequency modulations of that harmonic . since it is important not to lose this information , a summation of the whole band of frequencies around the peak is used to give a signal vector . this way the temporal resolution of the analysis sample will match the bandwidth of any modulations taking place . each of the regions is processed separately accordingly to the following technique . an accurate estimate of the location of each maxima is determined . referring to fig2 lower graph 101 the large arrow a ( 300 ) is the difference between the smallest intensity of the three intensity arrows ( max − 1 ) and the maximum intensity ( max ). the small arrow b ( 310 ) is the difference between the smallest ( max − 1 ) and the intermediate intensity ( mas + 1 ). the ratio of the two is used to offset the integer maximum value . pitch shifting and time - scale modification are indicated schematically in fig1 by the numeral 130 . at this point alternative applications are indicated by data reduction 133 or transmission / storage 134 steps . these are illustrated as alternative options in fig1 b . the manipulated data are re - synthesized according to the following method : for the ith analyzed frequency component , vector ( i ) has a real - valued location y in the frequency domain output . y is rounded down to the nearest integer which is less than or equal to y and denoted z . thus z = int ( y ). the output bins z and z + 1 are then added to with vector ( i ), in proportion to 1 minus the difference between y and that bins integer location . to modify the time - scale or pitch of the analyzed signal , it is necessary to compensate for any phase shifts so that the synthesized output is consistent ( i . e . glitch free ). to this end , the output signal in any one frame is moved forward in time by a fixed number of samples . therefore , for a given pitch measurement it is possible to determine how much the output phase should change so that that the output smoothly joins with the previously synthesized frame . however , the input time frame is moving by some other number of samples . therefore , the analyzed phase values are already changing as the analysis window moves through the input data . therefore the difference between the rate of change of input phase and the required rate of change of output phase is calculated . the difference between these phases is a measure of how fast to rotate the phase of the frequency domain data between analysis and synthesis . each of the signal vectors defined above has a frequency measurement . this measurement is used to calculate how quickly to spin a vector of magnitude 1 , where the vector is a complex number of representation . this vector is multiplied by the signal vector to provide the necessary phase shift for synthesis without affecting the timing of the decay characteristics or other modulations for each region . this phase shift ( in radians ) is given by : phase  ( i ) = ( 2  π   f  [ t r - t a ] ) t w where t r = reconstruction time step in samples , t a = analysis time step in samples and t w = fft size in samples . since the measurement of frequency provides a measure of phase difference between one synthesis frame and the next , these differences must be summed cumulatively as synthesis proceeds . the cumulative sum applies only to one region , therefore regions must be tracked from one synthesis frame to the next . a convenient data structure has been developed to track regions from one frame to the next and is described with reference to fig3 a and 3 b . one integer array contains the location of the local maximum within a region for all the bins in that region . a corresponding array contains the last phase value ( in radians ) used to rotate that regions phase . the phase value is stored in the bin with the same index as the location of the maximum . therefore , when a new frame is analyzed and local maxima detected , the location of the maximum is used to index into the integer array . this provides the index of the maximum that existed in the previous frame . this index is then used to access the array containing the last phase value used for the corresponding region in the previous synthesis frame . this is illustrated in fig3 a and b whereby an analysis frame n is illustrated along with the nearest maxima array and the phase array . considering the n + 1 analysis frame , the first frequency maxima is 7 . the corresponding seventh element of the nearest maxima array from the previous frame is 5 . the fifth element of the phase array frame from the previous frame n is 12 degrees . this is updated using an estimate of the local maxima and then stored in the phase array for the next frame using position 7 . for the second region 410 the thirteenth element of the nearest maxima array from the previous analysis frame n gives 16 . from the phase array of the previous analysis frame n the phase is given as 57 degrees . a frequency estimate is used to update this phase value and is placed in the position 13 of the next phase array . a frequency domain representation of the signal 120 is constructed from the known signal components . for each signal vector , that vector is added to the frequency domain output array . since the frequency locations are real valued the energy from a signal vector is distributed between the nearest two ( integer valued ) bin locations . the frequency domain representation 120 is then inverse fourier transformed ( 150 in fig1 page 16 ) to provide a time domain representation 132 of the synthesized signal . since the signal was analyzed with differing temporal resolutions at different frequencies , the synthesised time domain signal 132 is only valid in the region equivalent to the highest temporal analysis resolution used . to this end , the synthesized time domain signal 132 is windowed ( 160 ) with a ( relatively ) small positive cosine window ( 170 ), before being added ( 172 ) in an overlapping fashion to the final synthesized signal ( 180 ). there exist variations in the implementation of this technique which will be clear to one skilled in the art . however , the key feature of the present invention resides in using a control function s ( f ) to vary a frequency domain filter at different frequencies . this brings about a windowing effect on the equivalent time - domain data that varies with frequency . in the case of processing audio frequency signals , this control function is chosen to reflect the response of the human cilia to a range of audio frequencies . although the shape of this curve is determined empirically , it is possible that other curves may prove suitable for other manipulative techniques and applications . a further feature of the present invention resides in the identification and location of the maxima and associated minima . the presently disclosed technique is computationally highly efficient and allows rapid time stretching , pitch shifting etc . experimentally , it has been shown that the present technique produces a sound with significantly enhanced tonal qualities and it is believed that this is largely achieved through the preservation of the harmonic information in the side - bands of the local frequency maxima . in terms of a practical implementation of the present invention , it is envisaged that the technique may be implemented in software or alternatively in hardware . in the latter case , the hardware may form part of an audio component such as an audio player . potential applications of the invention include the sound recording industry where audio signal processing / synthesis is commonly required to meet very high standards of reproduction quality . alternative applications include those in the entertainment industry and it is anticipated that the technique may find application in sound reproduction / transmission systems where variations in pitch or tempo may be desirable . it is further anticipated that applications may exist in general signal processing , data reduction and / or data transmission and storage . in the latter case , the selection of the particular convolution function may vary . where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents , then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth . although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments , it is to be understood that modifications and / or improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims .	6
before describing in detail the particular methods and apparatuses related to a shield for rfid and magnetic stripe devices and cards , it should be observed that the present invention resides primarily in a novel and non - obvious combination of elements and process steps . so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art , certain conventional elements and steps have been presented with lesser detail , while the drawings and the specification describe in greater detail other elements and steps pertinent to understanding the inventions . the presented embodiments are not intended to define limits as to the structures , elements or methods of the inventions , but only to provide exemplary constructions . the embodiments are permissive rather than mandatory and illustrative rather than exhaustive . the device of the present invention in one embodiment is in the form of a card that can be carried with other conventional cards , for example in a clip , wallet , purse , stack , or a partially overlapping stack . the inventors have years of experience implementing security solutions in commercial and government business operations and have tested several ideas to protect rfid cards that are carried in a wallet or purse . this effort required in - depth experimentation , testing and consulting with security and rfid card specialists to create a protective device that is affordable and effective . the various embodiments of such a protective device , referred to commercially as a garblecard ™ shield or protective cover , are presented herein . in lieu of forming a faraday cage around the rfid device or card in some applications it may be more convenient to provide a partial shield that covers the majority of the rfid device area or volume . in the case of rfid cards , a partial shielding function can be provided by folding metallic fabric or foil such that it wraps around one or more cards . alternatively , some shielding can be provided using two planar metallic foils , sheets , or meshes one on each side of the rfid device or card . although such shielding may not completely enclose the rfid card , it may sufficiently attenuate the unauthorized broadcast - reading signal such that the rfid device does not respond with stored information or may respond with incomplete or garbled information . as described below , this shield may detune an antenna associated with the rfid card or change the resonant frequency of front end resonant circuits of the rfid card . the shield may also detune the rogue interrogating signal transmitted by the rfid skimmer or change the resonant frequency of front end resonant circuits of the rfid skimmer . the effectiveness of a shielding device may be computed or measured by various means depending on the shield configuration relative to the rfid device . if the shield is placed closer than about 0 . 7 wavelengths from the rfid device , the shield is considered within the “ near field ” of any radio frequency wave broadcast from the device . the shielding effectiveness is generally computed as the sum of the electric and magnetic field reflection plus absorption characteristics . for a shield to be effective , it must block electric and magnetic fields in any combination in which they may occur . a perfectly electrically conducting enclosure encapsulating a device prevents any electric field outside the enclosure from exerting influence on electric charges within the device . such an enclosure is called a faraday cage as proposed by michael faraday in the 1830s and has a 100 % shielding effectiveness to static electric fields . magnetic fields are created by moving charges ; i . e ., by electric currents . currents flowing externally to an enclosure produce magnetic lines of force that follow a path of least resistance i . e ., highest permeability . shielding against magnetic fields can be achieved in two ways : by surrounding the protected volume with an enclosure comprised of materials of ( 1 ) high magnetic permeability or ( 2 ) materials of high electrical conductivity , low permeability , and of sufficient thickness . in the latter case , an alternating external magnetic field creates circular currents in the conductive material , which produces a magnetic field that opposes the external magnetic field . the thickness of the material and the alternating current frequency determine the degree of shielding achievable . the so - called skin depth , the depth at which the induced current is reduced to 1 / e of its surface value , is given by : where f is the frequency of the magnetic excitation , μ is the magnetic permeability , σ is the electrical conductivity and π is a known constant . from this equation , it can be seen that a high conductivity and high permeability result in the smallest skin depth and therefore the best current confinement to the outer layers of the shield . confining the current to this skin depth produces a better shield against magnetic fields and the magnetic component of a time - varying electromagnetic field . note also that lower frequencies produce less confinement of the current and therefore are more difficult to shield . it should also be noted that low frequency rfid signals are used in the low frequency spectrum near about 125 khz , where it is more difficult to achieve shielding with thin conductive materials . the physical construction of the present invention provides a greater thickness while still maintaining the mechanical and manufacturability properties dictated by the credit card industry . generally , it is desired to confine a fraudulent scanning signal ( also referred to as an unwanted electromagnetic inquiry ) to an outer region of the shield of the present invention . and conversely it is desired not to create a shield that is excessively thin that permits significant current flow on the inside surface of the shield , thereby allowing coupling of the magnetic signal to the adjacent or enclosed rfid device . the following rules of thumb are well known in the art : 8 . 7 db of magnetic shielding results at one skin depth 10 skin depths develop nearly 87 db of magnetic shielding a graph showing the skin depth as a function of frequency for three different metals is shown in fig1 . as can be seen , above 0 . 1 mhz , copper offers a smaller skin depth when compared with aluminum and mild steel . using the rule of thumb for magnetic field shielding , more than 10 depths may be necessary for 90 db of shielding . at a frequency of 13 . 45 mhz where many rfid cards operate , this translates to a thickness of nearly 8 thousandths of an inch with copper as a preferred material . the skin depth for copper ( cu ) at 13 . 45 mhz is about 18 micrometers , so that nearly 200 micrometers of copper are required to achieve a 90 db shield effectiveness . these computations apply to faraday cages or shields where the protected object is completely surrounded or blocked with shielding material . the present invention uses a shielding approach comprising a substantially planar sandwich of multiple materials that together play at least two different roles in protecting an rfid device from unauthorized access by an attacker using an rfid skimmer . firstly , the shielding approach utilized provides a partial faraday cage ( a planar shield ) and secondly , the shield is constructed to detune the circuitry associated with the front - end rf circuits and antenna within the rfid device or card . the protective card or protective device of the present invention is constructed with a thin conductive outer layer that ensures maximum capacitive loading effect to adjacent circuits present in the rfid card . this layer also provides a limited degree of shielding effectiveness according to the material conductivity , permeability , and thickness . a central inner layer ( or layers ) of substantially greater thickness than the outer layers provides much greater shielding effectiveness . construction in this manner with individual layers preserves the flexibility of the card , provides a minimum spacing to the adjacent tuned circuits associated with the rfid card front end , and provides maximum shielding effectiveness using a thicker central layer ( s ). the detuning feature comprises a thin conductive material that capacitively loads the tuned rf circuit , and thus detunes it , within the rfid card . this tuned circuit must receive an excitation signal from the fraudulent or attacker &# 39 ; s scanning rfid skimmer to activate the card and then read the data stored on the card . capacitively loading the tuned circuit changes its oscillation or resonant frequency to the extent that the rfid skimmer cannot excite the tuned circuit to activate the rfid card . the proximity of this highly conductive material of the protective device of the present invention also detunes the antenna , thereby increasing its return loss , which effectively decouples the antenna from the front end circuits . this decoupling loss also reduces the ability of the circuits to respond to an externally applied interrogation signal , the rogue interrogating signal . construction of the inventive protective device or card is not readily obvious as the inventors have found substantial differences in performance based on choice of materials and their location in the sandwich structure . in a preferred embodiment , the protective device comprises a substantially planar card with conductive materials placed as close as feasible to the external surfaces of the sandwich . this placement allows the greatest degree of capacitive loading to an adjacent rfid card and therefore a reduction in the magnitude of the fraudulent scanning signal that reaches the rfid card . additionally , the reply signal broadcast from the rfid card will similarly be attenuated . as such , the protective card need not necessarily be placed between the reader and the rfid card to be protected , as is the case with an ordinary prior art shield . two conductive outer layers ( referred to as front and back layers for convenience although these two layers may be identical and therefore allow the user to place the rfid card against either one of the front and back layers ) are used in a preferred embodiment as the protective card of the invention may be placed in one of two possible positions against the rfid card . these conductive outer layers may be relatively thin and placed very close to or at a surface of the protective card ( i . e ., the garblecard ™) or at least as close as practical given the employed mass production and printing processes . the protective card or device also comprises one or more layers that act as a combined electric and magnetic field shield , with a shielding effectiveness in excess of that achievable with a thin conductive layer , that is , in excess of the electric field shield value alone . for example , at 13 . 5 mhz , in one embodiment the protective device provides an electric field attenuation of about 172 db combined with magnetic field attenuation in excess of about 108 db . in another embodiment the magnetic field attenuation can be as high as 122 db . single - layer thin ( 1 mil ) conductors however provide theoretical electric field attenuation due to reflection of 172 db but less than 1 db of absorption loss due to magnetic field . although reflection alone can provide reasonable protection , it is also desirable to have an effective absorption . experiments have shown that a single layer of conductive material of 1 mil thickness is not sufficient to provide adequate protection from high power or longer range reading devices . a reasonable shielding effectiveness from comprehensive testing indicates that shielding effectiveness should consist of both reflection and absorption components each in excess of about 100 db . in a typical shielding application , each layer contributes to the shielding effect , which is due to losses from reflection , and absorption processes . see the diagrammatic illustration of fig2 , where a thickness of an arrowhead indicates a relative magnitude . the inventors have computed several comparisons for reflective and absorptive losses in the tables set forth below based on near - field electromagnetic computations . the equations from which these tables are derived are known in the art . one embodiment of a multi layer protective device ( commercially known as a garblecard ™ protective device or card ) 10 is shown in fig3 . the protective device 10 is placed proximate an rfid card 14 to be protected . an rf wave 12 emanates from the rfid card 14 as in this example it is assumed , solely for explanatory purposes that a fraudulent hacker or attacker has activated the rfid card 14 ( notwithstanding the existence of the protective device 10 ) and caused generation of the rf wave 12 . two outer layers 15 and 17 comprise any material on which logos , text , etc . can be printed . the composition of these layers is not germane to the teachings of the present invention . conductive layers 18 and 20 are disposed on opposite sides of a mid - layer 24 . a thickness of each conductive layer 18 and 20 is designated “ t ”. the mid - layer 24 is shown with substantially greater thickness compared to the conductive layers 18 and 20 . layers 30 and 31 complete the sandwich structure . typically a material of the layers 30 and 31 comprises a dielectric and / or an adhesive . in one embodiment the layers 18 and 20 range in thickness from about less than about 0 . 2 mils to greater than about 1 . 5 mils . the mid - layer 24 is about 10 thousands of an inch thick . a distance between a centerline of the rfid card 14 to the layer 20 is about 35 mils . all dimensions illustrated in this non - limiting example are merely exemplary and are given in thousandths of an inch or mils . shielding effectiveness is the sum of the reflected loss and the absorption loss since both phenomena are effective to prevent reading the rfid card 14 from a location at a distance from the card , such as a distance of about 35 mils . the distance to the hacking skimmer may be very close or at a significant distance as determined by its broadcast power and received signal sensitivity . the inventors have found that the protective device 10 functions for skimmers located at a distance of many meters and for skimmers in contact with the rfid card , the latter being more challenging for protective devices of poor or lower shielding effectiveness . a skimmer may be able to overcome the effectiveness of the protective device 10 of the present invention if within several inches of the victim card . in certain applications the protective card 10 of the present invention is effective due to a combination of shielding effectiveness and a detuning effect . the shielding effectiveness depends on the combined reflection and absorption properties of the combined sandwich consisting of multiple layers as illustrated in fig3 . the detuning effect is a result of the distance between the rfid skimmer and the rfid card 14 and the extent of overlap between the protective device 10 and the rfid card 14 . as seen in the tables below , the layers 18 and 20 contribute little to the magnetic shielding effectiveness , but are effective reflectors of an incident wave , and also function as detuning elements for the rfid antenna and its associated tuning circuits in the rfid card 14 . the computed results are set forth in tables 1 and 2 below . both the electric and the magnetic shielding effectiveness are measured in decibels ( db ) and are given in successive columns of the tables corresponding to the thickness “ t ” of the layers 18 and 20 comprising copper material . note that tables 1 and 2 are not intended to show experimental results for the layer 18 , but only the effects of the two layers 20 and 24 . at a location “ a ” ( see fig3 ) and a thickness of 0 . 2 mils for the layer 20 , a magnetic field reflection of 24 db and an electric field reflection of 172 db are achieved . see table 1 and fig3 . note that the rf wave 12 first strikes the layer 20 . the corresponding absorption for either magnetic or electric fields by the layer 20 ( again , at the location “ a ” in fig3 ) is only 2 db . this material thickness of 0 . 2 mils results in a shield effectiveness of 26 db for magnetic fields and 174 db for electric fields . at the location “ b ” ( i . e ., after the rf wave 12 has passed through the mid - layer 24 of 10 mils thickness ) there is no change in the reflection numbers in table 1 , but the absorption losses are at 106 db for both the electric and magnetic fields . the last two columns of table 1 indicate the total thickness of the operative layers to the point “ b ”, the total reflection losses , the total absorption losses , and the overall shield effectiveness for the electric ( e ) and magnetic ( m ) fields . the latter parameter derived from a sum of the reflection and absorption losses for each of the electric and magnetic fields . by changing the thickness of the layer 20 to 1 . 5 mils as in table 2 , the reflective losses for both the electric and magnetic fields as reflected at locations “ a ” and “ b ” are the same as the results reported in table 1 . these results suggest that the material thickness does not affect the reflection properties . but the absorption losses for the magnetic and electric fields at location “ a ” increase to a much higher value of 16 db . the net result is an absorption of 122 db for both the magnetic and electric fields . also , table 2 reports a better overall shield effectiveness ( than reported in table 1 ) as set forth in the last line of the last two columns of table 2 . the net reflection is not increased substantially by changing the thickness from 0 . 2 mils ( table 1 ) to 1 . 5 mils ( table 2 ) as the first layer reflects a significant fraction of the impinging wave . but the material thickness is necessary for absorbing near field signals , and this is borne out by measurements of shielding effectiveness for electromagnetic waves from actual rfid cards and associated reading devices . the comparisons shown in tables 1 and 2 illustrate the need for a thicker material ( e . g ., the mid - layer 24 in fig3 ) to increase the absorption losses , while the reflective loss for the electric field is relatively constant for the layers 18 and 20 over nearly a factor of 10 ( 0 . 2 to 1 . 5 mils ) in thickness . the mid - layer 24 is sufficiently thick at 13 . 5 mhz to provide a high absorption loss for the magnetic field and virtually the same electric field reflection loss compared to the thinner material of layers 18 and 20 . it is therefore advantageous to use multiple thin layers ( at least one such layer on each side of the mid - layer 24 ) spaced apart from the center line of the protective card to achieve capacitive loading for detuning , while using a relatively thicker inner layer ( such as the mid - layer 24 , or in another embodiment multiple layers ) to provide a much higher absorptive loss for electric / magnetic fields and therefore higher overall shield effectiveness . as already indicated , the outer layers 18 and 20 serve a dual function while the mid - layer ( s ) 24 provide high absorptive and reflective losses for magnetic and electric ( near ) fields respectively . fig4 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a protective device 60 of the present invention . this embodiment comprises three layers 70 , 72 and 74 , and epoxy layers 80 and 82 to bind the three layers together . the dimensions supplied are merely illustrative . 20 mm pvc plastic card ( 85 . 60 × 53 . 98 mm ( 3 . 370 × 2 . 125 in ) an outwardly - facing surface 50 a is printed with the garblecard ™ logo . serves as the front of the garblecard ™ card . an inwardly - facing surface 50 b is smooth and bears no printing . the outwardly - facing surface 50 a may comprise a clear protective laminate . shielding material as applied to a surface 72 a using the epoxy resin material layer 80 to serve as a glue or adhesive . comprises # 100 copper 0 . 0045 ″ wire mesh extending across and covering the surface 72 a to about 1 / 16 ″ of all four card edges . this 1 / 16 ″ region allows sealing of the layer 72 and the layer 70 . 20 mm pvc plastic card ( 85 . 60 × 53 . 98 mm ( 3 . 370 × 2 . 125 in ) an outwardly facing surface 74 a carries a qr barcode that links the user to “ best use ” instructions and garblecard ™ background information and contact information when scanned . simple use instructions may also be printed on the surface 74 a . the inwardly - facing surface 74 b is smooth and unprinted and accepts the copper emulsified adhesive of the layer 82 . the layer 74 comprises a clear protective laminate . in another embodiment , the outwardly facing surface of either layers 70 or 74 ( or both layers 70 and 74 ) carries a ½ ″ iron oxide stripe from side to side ( 3 . 370 × 0 . 5 in ) to provide additional protection against magnetic stripe scanning . this stripe is centered equidistant from the top and bottom of the card 60 so as not to contact a credit card magnetic stripe . the protective device of the present invention may also include a radio frequency shielding and faraday construction that can also be accomplished with any one of three popular copper meshes as well as solid or composite materials . 1 ) # 16 mesh 0 . 011 ″ wire diameter offers the lowest shielding effectiveness . 2 ) # 22 mesh 0 . 015 ″ wire diameter is specified by the u s government tempest program . this material is a sturdy mesh and offers better shielding characteristics than the # 16 mesh . 3 ) # 100 mesh 0 . 0045 ″ wire diameter is the finest practical copper shielding mesh and very effective into the higher frequencies . one embodiment comprises material 2 ) from the above list . another embodiment uses a thin sheet of commercial aluminum foil ( 0 . 0016 mil ) as the shield . the results with this latter material appear not as effective as with thicker and higher conductivity materials . another embodiment uses magnetic materials as one or more layers with magnetic permeability greater than 1 . additional embodiments may utilize special conductive patterns that reflect or absorb energy based on their pattern design and fall into the class of engineered materials , frequency selective surfaces , etc . emulsified materials containing shielding material may also be used in construction of the protective device of the present invention . a preferred embodiment compatible with large scale manufacturing methodology consists of a card 3 . 37 × 2 . 125 inches and 30 to 35 thousands of an inch in thickness . the card is constructed of a core with 0 . 008 - inch deep cavity 3 . 14 × 1 . 86 inches in cross - section . a slug is inserted into this cavity ; the slug comprises five layers with a total thickness 0 . 0073 inches . the slug layers comprises the following : 0 . 0014 inch cooper foil , 0 . 002 inch adhesive , 0 . 0005 - inch # 100 cooper mesh , 0 . 002 inch adhesive , and 0 . 0014 inch cooper foil . the slug having three shielding layers during manufacture is inserted into the core cavity , which is then filled with liquid pvc material and formed into a solid structure . the solid completed core is then sandwiched between two pvc laminates as follows : laminate over - printing , print coating , 0 . 007 - inch pvc stock , adhesive , core insert , adhesive , 0 . 007 inch pvc stock . print coating , laminate over - printing . the completed card is 0 . 030 to 0 . 035 - inch thick and meets all fips 201 certification requirements . should an attacker attempt to read a magnetic stripe card , this added protection will be read instead of the victim &# 39 ; s card as it is a larger magnetic surface with a high magnetic density . although the present invention has been described with respect to rfid cards , magnetic strip cards can also benefit from the present invention due to the shielding and detuning effects provided . one embodiment further comprises an iron oxide ½ inch magnetic stripe to provide an extra measure of credit card security . there is little evidence that card hackers are stealing credit card information by scanning the magnetic stripes , but with this added stripe on the protective device of the present invention the attacking scanner will pick up the stronger signal , which will be garblecard . com written on all 12 lines of the card &# 39 ; s magnetic stripe based on testing and research by the inventors , using the protective device properly applied makes it more difficult for an attacker to scan an rfid card and a magnetic stripe card . like the home security system , the protective device makes the hacking process more difficult and moves the majority of would - be attackers on to victim employing protection techniques that are less effective than the protective device of the present invention .	6
these and other features of the invention will appear from the following written description , and from the drawings , in which : fig1 is an axial view of the cage of the invention installed between a pair of partially depicted races ; fig2 is an enlarged view of one module viewed axially ; fig3 is a view looking radially inwardly at one module alone ; fig4 a is a perspective view of the male and female fasteners beginning to move axially together ; fig4 b is a corresponding sectional view taken along the line 4b of fig4 a ; fig5 is a perspective view of the fasteners moved partially together , with the slide barb having pried the beams apart ; fig5 b is a corresponding sectional view taken along the line 5b of fig5 a ; fig6 a is a perspective view of the fasteners moved farther together ; fig6 b is a corresponding sectional veil taken along the line 6b of fig6 a ; fig7 a is a perspective view of the fasteners moved completely together and fully engaged ; fig7 b is a corresponding sectional view taken along the line 7b of fig7 a ; fig8 is a sectional view taken along the line 8 -- 8 of fig7 a , showing the mutual clearance between the various elements of the engaged fasteners when there is no net force acting on the joint between adjacent cage modules ; fig9 is a view like fig8 but showing the response of the fasteners to an inward bending on the joint ; fig1 is a view like fig8 but showing the response of the fastener as to an outward bending on the joint ; fig1 is a view like fig1 , but illustrating a greater , deliberate outward bending on the joint pursuant to disassembly of a module ; fig1 is a corresponding sectional view taken along the line 12 -- 12 of fig1 . referring first to fig1 a molded plastic roller clutch cage according to the invention , indicated generally at 20 , is installed in the annular space between a pair of clutch races 22 and 24 , the axis of which is indicated at a . cage 20 is a concentricity control cage , meaning that it has integral journal blocks 26 that fit closely within the annular space and keep the races 22 and 24 substantially concentric . as a consequence , it is especially important that the close fitting plastic cage 20 have good conformance within the annular space , because of the plastic - steel temperature response differential described above . cage 20 is able to expand and contract freely , because it is built up from a series of seven identical separate modules , indicated generally at 28 , which have joints that give with essentially no resistance , within limits , so as to accommodate expansion and compression forces . details of the modules 28 and the forces between them are described in more detail below . referring next to fig1 and 2 , each module 28 subtends an equal angular segment of the annular space between the races 22 and 24 . the joints between adjacent modules 28 are subject to various forces , before and after installation . should cage 20 be expanded outwardly , all the inter module joints are subject to being pulled apart , as shown by the arrows labeled e . if subjected to compression , then the joints would be pushed together , as indicated by the arrows c . regular , even expansion and compression forces may be experienced by cage 20 in operation , due to the kind of thermal expansion and contraction noted above . during shipping and handling , cage 20 is likely to be subjected to uneven expansions and contraction , of a type that would tend to force it into an elliptical shape . in that case , the inter module joints may be subjected to inward bending forces , as shown by the angle and arrows labeled i , or outward bending forces , labeled o . the fasteners that make up the joints between the modules 28 , described next , accommodate all of these forces , while allowing for simple assembly , and also for deliberate disassembly . referring next to fig2 through 4b , each module 28 provides two roller pockets , for a total of fourteen conventional rollers and springs , not illustrated . the total number of rollers needed in any particular case depends on the loads that the races 22 and 24 must handle , and the number of cage modules 28 in turn , depends on how many joints are needed to give a sufficient total expansion and contraction capacity to cage 20 . the rollers are simply divided evenly among the number of modules 28 . clearly , if the roller complement were a prime number , one of the modules 28 would have to accommodate a single roller , and would not match the others in size ( unless all were made to accommodate a single roller ). the fasteners would be identical regardless . each module 28 has , at one end , a male fastener comprised of a circumferentially extending slide 30 and a coextensive rail 32 . the slide 30 and rail 32 extend for most of the axial width of the end of module 28 , terminating at a block 34 that is radially as thick as a journal block 26 . slide 30 is radially much thinner than block 34 , and approximately radially centered relative to it , while rail 32 is intermediate in thickness . this creates a general &# 34 ; t &# 34 ; shape , as viewed axially from the perspective of fig2 . slide 30 is short enough , circumferentially , that it is relatively stiff in the radial direction , a stiffness assisted by its integration to the block 34 . molded to the outer surface of slide 30 and inboard of rail 32 is an axially extending barb 36 that is radially thicker than slide 30 and comparable in thickness to rail 32 . barb 36 is axially narrow , and axially spaced from the end of block 34 by the distance indicated at s . still referring to fig2 through 4b , the opposite end of each module 28 comprises a female fastener in the form of three circumferentially extending beams , including two axially spaced beams 38 and 40 at the radially inner diameter and an intermediate beam 42 at the radially outer diameter . in the axial direction , beam 42 has a width w that is substantially equal to the quantity s noted above . in the circumferential direction , beam 42 is somewhat longer than the beams 38 and 40 . it is also , therefore , more radially flexible , in the way that a longer cantilever beam is more flexible . beam 42 is longer in part because of the fact that it is located radially farther out than the beam pair 38 , 40 , but mostly because the end of module 28 is cut back from a purely radial plane , giving it more space . in terms of the fastening operation , the beam pair 38 and 40 act as a single , axially continuous beam , but are axially spaced and separate here for a reason described below . the beams 38 and 40 are radially undercut enough to match and slightly exceed the thickness of rail 32 , effectively forming , in cooperation with the radially opposed beam 42 , an axially extending groove . the outer edge of the intermediate beam 42 is molded with a pair of axially spaced teeth 44 which are radially spaced from the outer edges of the opposed beam pair 38 , 40 by a distance t that is slightly greater than the radial thickness of the slide 30 , but less than the radial thickness of the barb 36 . adding to the radial stiffness of the beam 40 is an integrally molded block 46 of comparable thickness to block 34 . referring next to fig4 a through 6b , the assembly of the modules 28 one to another is illustrated . assembly consists simply of axially pushing the end of each module 28 into axial alignment with the end of the next , seriatim . the last module 28 is assembled with the same basic motion , the only difference being that it will fill the last gap , and slide into the ends of two adjacent modules simultaneously . the straight line pushing motion is simple and amendable to machine or robot assembly , unlike the more complex radial assembly motion of the older segmented cage design described above . specifically , as one module 28 is pushed into axial alignment with the other , the slide 30 and rail 32 simultaneously slide between the co linear beam pair 38 , 40 and opposed beam 42 , which engage opposite radial sides thereof . as seen in fig5 a and 5b , the barb 36 initially wedges between beam 38 and the first tooth 44 , flexing the longer beam 42 radially outwardly . the shorter beam 38 may be flexed radially inwardly to a small extent , as well . then , as seen in fig6 a and 6b , the barb 36 snaps past the first tooth 44 and slides with lower resistance thereafter along the surface of beam 42 until it hits the second tooth 44 . then , it wedges between the last tooth 44 and the last beam 40 , finally snapping into place behind beam 42 , specifically , behind the last tooth 44 , as seen in fig7 a and 7b . the two modules 28 cannot be pushed any farther together , because the blocks 34 and 46 simultaneously abut the beam 42 and the end of slide 30 - rail 32 respectively . once installed , the blocks 34 and 46 also assist in the concentricity control function provided by the journal blocks 26 , being of comparable radial thickness . the assembled modules 28 cannot be pulled axially apart , because the backside of barb 36 is abutted with one of the teeth 44 , although deliberate disassembly is possible with a more complex motion , as described further below . this axial fit up is close enough that there is insignificant axial shifting possible between the assembled modules 28 . a limited radial and circumferential shifting is deliberately made possible , however , as described next . referring next to fig1 and to fig8 through 10 , the response of the assembled cage 20 to circumferential and radial forces is illustrated . as best seen in fig8 the cross sectional shape of the rail 32 and slide 30 is deliberately undersized relative to the receiving groove created by the undercut beams 38 , 40 and the overhanging teeth 44 . here , that clearance averages approximately two to four thousandths of an inch , circumferentially and radially . should the cage 20 experience a post installation expansive force , as with a temperature rise , then each rails 32 can pull to the left as seen in fig8 freely and without resistance , but only until the circumferential clearance noted above is gone , and it hits the undercut beams 38 and 40 and the overhanging teeth 44 . seven times that individual circumferential clearance is sufficient to allow cage 20 to expand as much as is necessary to conform to the annular space between the races 22 and 24 . likewise , in the event of a contractive force , the rail 32 can move the right to the same degree . because of these free moving clearances in the joints , the modules 28 can also respond freely to pre installation inward and outward bending forces , but still within limits . as seen in fig9 which illustrates an inward bending force , rail 32 and slide 30 can twist inwardly , but only until they jam between the beam pair 38 , 40 , and the beam 42 . conversely , if subjected to outward bending forces , as shown in fig1 , rail 32 and slide 30 bend outwardly . this creates a leverage about the fulcrum of the stiffer , radially inner beams 38 and 40 and against the radially outer beam 42 . normal shipping and handling forces are not sufficient to bend beam 42 out enough to allow the rail 32 to pull out , however . therefore , the various modules 28 of cage 20 have sufficient integrity to constitute a structural unit , but can move almost freely after installation as structurally separate elements . referring next to fig1 and 12 , an additional advantage of the inter module fastening system is illustrated . it is possible to disassemble a selected module 28 ( or more ) by applying a specific compound force . a strong outward bending force is applied across the joints of the selected module 28 ( only one of which is illustrated ), which acts to pry the more radially flexible beam 42 radially out and away from the beams 38 and 40 . because of the relatively greater stiffness of the shorter , thicker beams 38 and 40 , especially 40 , the bending force affects the beam 42 preferentially , prying it out and away . the rail 32 can rock out and around the stiffer beams 38 and 40 , far enough that the barb 36 , which is inboard of the rail 32 , moves circumferentially away from , and is no longer blocked by , the tooth 44 . the prying apart action is not enough to let rail 32 pull completely out . it need only be great enough to allow the barb 36 to clear the teeth 44 on beam 42 . then , while maintaining the bent out relationship , the selected module 28 can be pulled out by applying an axial parting force as shown by the arrows in fig1 . most likely , it would be difficult to disassemble the selected module just one end at a time , especially if cage 20 had a significant axial width , because it would be difficult to twist cage 20 out of shape far enough to allow a single joint to be slide axially apart . however done , the simultaneous application of the prying and axial parting forces , which are orthogonal to one another , can only be done deliberately . it would be difficult to automate such a complex motion , but that would be unnecessary . disassembly of a single module 28 would most likely be done manually , as a post installation service operation . it provides the opportunity to repair only selected segments of the clutch cage 20 , rather than the entire unit , which represents a potentially significant cost savings , especially with large diameter units having many segments . replacement modules would be installed in the same way described above . variations in the embodiment disclosed could be made . fundamentally , if the only need were for a free jointed , segmented cage in which the modules could be easily assembled , with no need for later disassembly , then the fastening system would not need to be made reversible . the barb 36 could then be placed anywhere where it would snap past the flexible beam 42 . it would not necessarily have to be placed on the slide 30 , inboard of the rail 32 , so that it could rock out of interference with the tooth 44 . as disclosed , the radially outer beam 42 is the one that is made the more radially flexible , to that module disassembly is accomplished by a radially outward bending force , in order to pry the flexible beam 42 radially out . that could theoretically be reversed , with the more flexible beam being on the radially inner diameter , and with disassembly being accomplished by a radial inward bending . so long as the beam past which the barb snaps is the more flexible ( as a result of being longer or thinner ), the basic latching and de latching can be accomplished . while the shape and inter relationship of the various fastener elements and surfaces is very complex , their manufacture is potentially quite simple . the primary purpose of the fastener shapes described is to improve conformance , assembly , and disassembly , but their moldability is an added advantage . as disclosed , the various surfaces are shaped and arranged so that each module 28 can be molded by a single pair of mold elements that part along a common direction that is generally radial , thereby obviating the need for any separately movable mold slides or inserts . for example , the lack of axial overlap between the axially spaced beam pair 38 and 40 and opposed beam 42 is specifically intended to allow them to be molded with an effective radial undercut , by generally radially parting mold elements . likewise , no surface of the rail 32 overlays the slide 30 . the beam pair 38 and 40 could be one continuous beam , if the module 28 were instead molded with a pair of mold elements that parted axially . in that case , an access slot would have to be provided through the block 34 in order for a very thin mold element to slide axially through ( and back ) to create the back surface of barb 36 . in addition , it would not be possible to mold the discrete teeth 44 , since , as viewed axially , they radially overlap one another . that would not effect the basic operation of the latching mechanism , but there would be more resistance felt when pushing the barb through . the main factor driving a choice between an axial or radial mold parting direction is whether it is desired to make the sides of the roller pockets radially continuous . if so , radial parting , as here , is necessary . therefore , it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to just the embodiment disclosed .	5
the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the foregoing figures where like numerals are used to designate like parts . in the foregoing discussion and elsewhere in the specification and appended claims , the terms &# 34 ; lower &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; downward &# 34 ; are intended to make reference to the needle end of the hypodermic syringes and associated parts described herein , and conversely the terms &# 34 ; upper &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; upward &# 34 ; are intended to make reference to the head end thereof . fig5 illustrates a cartridge ampoule , generally indicated by reference numeral 10 , of a well - known type which consists of a cylindrical container , usually glass or clear plastic , having a necked - down end and sealed at the necked - down end with a rubber diaphragm 11 which is secured to the ampoule by a crimped - on metal collar 12 . the other end of the ampoule is closed by a piston 13 which is slidable in the bore of the ampoule . the self - aspirating concept of the present invention is used in conjunction with syringe holders of the side loading type . one such embodiment , generally indicated by the reference numeral 14 , is illustrated in fig1 with details thereof shown in fig2 and 3 . the syringe there depicted has a hollow tubular body or barrel 15 having an elongated window 16 therein for insertion of a cartridge ampoule 10 , only the lower end of window 16 being depicted in the partial section view of fig1 . the syringe holder is fitted at its lower end with a needle hub 18 which is either detachably or integrally fitted with a hypodermic needle ( not shown ), the needle hub unit itself being detachably fitted to the syringe holder , for example by means of a screw - threaded mounting . the needle is of the double - ended type so that when a cartridge ampoule 10 is inserted in the syringe barrel 15 , the inner end of the needle pierces the diaphragm 11 so that the needle is in communication with the contents of the ampoule . the barrel 15 is attached to , and extends from , a head unit 19 to which is attached a pair of finger grips 20 . in the practice of the present invention , it is necessary that the ampoule 10 be essentially immobilized within the barrel 15 of the syringe holder , and accordingly for this purpose the head 19 is equipped with a locking sleeve 21 of generally cylindrical configuration , the shoulder 22 of which is biased downwards against the rim of the cartridge ampoule by compression spring 23 . slidably mounted within the bore of the locking sleeve is a double plunger which is composed of an inner plunger rod 24 which itself is slidable within the bore of a sleeve or outer plunger 25 . the inner plunger rod is fitted at its lower end with any conventional means for making positive interengagement with the rubber piston 13 in the cartridge ampoule 10 . for purposes of illustration , this interengagement means is depicted herein as a barbed point or &# 34 ; harpoon &# 34 ; 26 which is well known in the art for the stated purpose . however , it is to be understood that other conventional means of effecting interengagement between the plunger and the piston , such as those described in the prior art section above , will serve the purpose as well . the upper end of the inner plunger is fitted with a thumb plate 27 with a skirt 40 depending therefrom , and the inner plunger and outer plunger or sleeve are biased one against the other by a coil spring 28 . the lower end of the outer plunger or sleeve is fitted with an annular rim 29 which serves to prevent removal of the inner / outer plunger assembly from the bore of the locking sleeve 21 . the lower end of the inner plunger rod is also fitted with an annular rim 30 which serves to prevent removal of the inner plunger from within the bore of the sleeve or outer plunger . the thumb plate and skirt unit are threadably engaged with the upper end of the inner plunger . the threaded interengagement of the thumb plate and skirt unit with the plunger provides a means for assembling the inner / outer plunger unit within the head of the syringe . this assembly is accomplished by first removing the thumb plate / skirt / coil spring units 27 / 40 / 28 from the outer plunger , passing the inner and outer plungers , one within the other , through window 16 and upward through the bore of locking sleeve 21 and reassembling the coil spring and thumb plate / skirt units to the inner plunger . the locking sleeve 21 , at its widest diameter , is slidable within the bore of the syringe head 19 , and at its upper end has a section of diminished diameter which is slidable through the end opening of the syringe head and the opening through a locking nut 31 to be described hereinbelow . the upper end of the locking sleeve passes through a cavity 32 in the head of the syringe which is of sufficient diameter to accommodate a compression spring 23 which , as pointed out above , serves to bias the shoulder 22 of the locking sleeve 21 downwards against the rim of ampoule 10 . the upper end of the locking sleeve 21 having the smaller diameter is tapered as at 33 in fig2 and fig3 and is furthermore provided with slots 34 which form an equal number of flexible fingers 35 . the locking nut 31 mentioned above is fitted to the head of the syringe by means of threaded engagement 36 . the pitch of the threads is preferably selected so that the locking nut can be turned from its full up to its full down position in about one quarter turn of the nut . the locking nut is fitted with a thumb tab 37 to permit positive , selective and reversible manipulation of the locking nut by the operator as will be more fully described below , and the locking nut is prevented from being fully removed from the syringe head by an annular retaining flange 38 on the ends of the fingers 35 . the interior wall of the locking nut has a sloping surface 39 which is so configured that it generally conforms to the tapered surface 33 of locking sleeve 21 . thus with the locking nut in the full up or open position , the flexible fingers 35 are uncompressed , and the inner / outer plunger assembly 24 / 25 is freely slidable in the bore of the locking sleeve . however when the locking nut is turned to its full down or closed position , the sloping surface 39 of the locking nut slides downward over the mating tapered surface of the locking sleeve forcing the fingers inward against the outer plunger 25 thereby locking it against axial movement relative to the syringe holder . thus it is seen that the locking sleeve 21 serves a dual purpose as a locking sleeve to immobilize the cartridge ampoule in the syringe barrel and as a collet to positively , selectively and reversibly lock the outer plunger against axial movement . in use the syringe of fig1 is first loaded with a cartridge ampoule 10 by withdrawing the plunger / locking sleeve against the bias of compression spring 23 , inserting the ampoule through window 16 , and releasing the plunger / locking sleeve . engagement between the inner plunger rod 24 and the piston 13 is made , and in syringes having a detachable needle and needle hub unit , such unit is then attached . after air is expelled from the cartridge by downward pressure on thumb plate 27 , the needle is inserted in the injection site . when the operator wishes to aspirate to determine whether the needle tip has pierced a vein , he turns the locking nut 31 to its full down position by applying thumb pressure against thumb tab 37 thus securely locking the fingers 35 of the collet / locking sleeve 21 against the surface of outer plunger 25 and immobilizing the same against axial movement . thereafter when further downward pressure is exerted on thumb plate 27 , the inner plunger 24 advances beyond the outer plunger 25 as shown in fig4 . when pressure on the thumb plate is released , the inner plunger is withdrawn by the force generated by coil spring 28 , and the inner and outer plungers will once again assume the relative positions with respect to one another indicated in fig1 . as the inner plunger is withdrawn , the piston 13 to which it is firmly engaged via interengagement means 26 is likewise withdrawn slightly thus generating a slight negative pressure in the ampoule and creating aspirating conditions within the same . when the locking nut 31 is returned to its full up or open position by reverse manipulation of the thumb tab 37 , the collet is unlocked , and injection can thus be made by continued downward pressure on thumb plate 27 . it will be appreciated from the foregoing description that the self - aspirating syringe provided by the present invention possesses all the attributes of an ideal aspirating syringe as enumerated above . that is the syringe is relatively simple in construction , thus minimizing the cost of production ; it is relatively simple to operate ; it is capable of manipulation with one hand ; it is capable of multiple self - aspirating actions with each cartridge ampoule ; and it is capable of expelling trapped air from the ampoule either prior to initiation of the self - aspirating action or at any time during the sequence of actions necessary for injection of the ampoule contents without , on the one hand , precluding self - aspirating action at any point in the sequence or , on the other , rendering the self - aspirating action inoperative . moreover , the self - aspirating syringe of the invention can be constructed either in whole or in part from metal , to provide reusable units , or from plastic , to provide disposable units . it will also be understood that , although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above in order to better illustrate the same , alternative structural features can be substituted for elements described herein without either departing from the spirit of the invention or in any way adversely affecting the operability of the same . for example , as mentioned above , alternative conventional means of achieving interengagement between the inner plunger and the slidable ampoule piston can be used . furthermore , a thumb ring conventionally used in manually operating aspirating syringes , although not essential in the operation of the present automatic self - aspirating system , can nevertheless be used in place of a thumb plate . having thus described the invention and the advantages thereof , it is considered that the invention is to be broadly construed and limited only by the character of the following claims .	0
preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings . [ 0047 ] fig2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a substrate treating apparatus in a first embodiment . a disk - shaped spin chuck 1 having six cylindrical support pins 1 a erected thereon is spun by an electric motor 5 through a rotary shaft 3 connected to the bottom of spin chuck 1 . with a spin of spin chuck 1 , a wafer w supported at edges thereof by the support pins 1 a spins in a horizontal plane about a spin center p . the spin chuck 1 is surrounded by a scatter preventive cup 9 for preventing scattering of a cleaning liquid or solution s discharged from an ultrasonic nozzle 7 . the scatter preventive cup 9 is moved vertically relative to the spin chuck 1 as indicated by an arrow in fig2 when a wafer w to be cleaned is placed on the spin chuck 1 and when a transport device not shown receives a cleaned wafer w from the spin chuck 1 . the spin chuck 1 , rotary shaft 3 and electric motor 5 constitute the support means of the present invention . the nozzle 7 is supported in an inclined posture by a support arm 11 , with a discharge opening pointed to the spin center p . the nozzle 7 is vertically movable and swingable , along with the support arm 11 , by a drive mechanism 13 as indicated by arrows in fig2 . the nozzle 7 is swingable between a cleaning position above the wafer w and a standby position retracted sideways from the wafer w and scatter preventive cup 9 . the nozzle 7 has a pipe 15 connected to a barrel portion thereof . the pipe 15 extends from an ozone water feeder 21 through a control valve 19 operable under control of a controller 17 . thus , the ozone water feeder 21 supplies the nozzle 7 with ozone water having ozone dissolved in deionized water to act as the cleaning solution . the cleaning solution has ozone dissolved in a low concentration in the order of 10 ppm . as the cleaning solution is supplied to the nozzle 7 , an oscillator 7 a applies ultrasonic vibration ( e . g . 1 . 5 mhz ) to the cleaning solution . an ultrasonic vibration power source 23 applies a high frequency voltage corresponding to a natural frequency thereof to the oscillator 7 a . the nozzle 7 , pipe 15 , control valve 19 and ozone water feeder 21 constitute the cleaning solution supply means of this invention . a movable tv irradiating unit 31 ( ultraviolet emitting device ) is disposed in an irradiating position above the scatter preventive cup 9 for emitting ultraviolet light toward the wafer w . the uv irradiating unit 31 is movable between the irradiating position shown in fig2 and a standby position ( not shown ) retracted sideways from the scatter preventive cup 9 , the uv irradiating unit 31 includes a plurality of ozoneless uv lamps 33 arranged on a reflector 35 for emitting ultraviolet light toward the wafer w . the ozoneless uv lamps 33 are powered by an ozoneless uv lamp power source 37 to emit ultraviolet light . the ultraviolet light emitted from the ozoneless nv lamps 33 , preferably , is in a wavelength range of 242 . 4 nm & lt ; λ & lt ; 300 . 0 nm , so that oxygen radicals may be generate from ozone with low energy . the ozoneless uv lamps 33 in this embodiment emit light of λ = 254 nm , for example . the electric motor 5 , drive mechanism 13 , control valve 19 , ozone water feeder 21 , ultrasonic vibration power source 23 , ozoneless uv lamp power source 37 noted above are controlled en bloc by the controller 17 . next , treating processes performed by the above substrate treating apparatus will be described with reference to fig3 and 4 . first , the scatter preventive cup 9 is lowered relative to the spin chuck 1 , and a wafer w is placed on the spin chuck 1 . the scatter preventive cup 9 is raised , and the nozzle 7 is moved to the cleaning position . the uv irradiating unit 31 is moved to the irradiating position above the wafer w to start irradiating the wafer w with ultraviolet light . next , the cleaning solution s is supplied from the nozzle 7 to the wafer w spinning at a fixed low speed , to form a puddle of cleaning solution s over the upper surface of wafer w ( fig3 ). at this time , the cleaning solution s containing ozone is irradiated with ultraviolet light to become excited into a state “ o 3 → o ( 3 p )+ o 2 ”. oxygen radicals are acquired with low energy in this way . thus , oxygen radicals may be generated easily , which react with water to generate oh radicals . the activity of the cleaning solution is thereby increased to realize a significantly improved cleaning capability . it will be noted also that positive and negative ions are generated in the atmosphere around the wafer w . the ultraviolet light of this wavelength , as shown in fig8 penetrates water and air with only minor fractions thereof absorbed . this feature allows the uv irradiating unit 31 to have a large distance from the surface of wafer w . there is no need to dispose the ultraviolet light irradiating device close to the substrate as is the case with the conventional construction . the nozzle 7 may be used simultaneously with the ultraviolet irradiation in one treating chamber to realize an efficient cleaning process . since ozone is not generated at all , little consideration is required as to ventilation and the like , and the low - priced ozoneless uv lamps may serve the purpose . consequently , the apparatus may be constructed simply and at low cost . after the cleaning process in which the puddled state noted above is maintained for a fixed time , the cleaning solution is stopped and the nozzle 7 is moved to the standby position . at the same time , a spin drying process is started in which the wafer w is spun at high speed to scatter the cleaning solution s forming the puddle to the ambient ( fig4 ). the ultraviolet irradiation may be continued during the drying process also . the circuit elements formed on the surface of wafer w could fail to perform intended functions when mobile ions such as sodium ions are present inside the insulating film on the surface of wafer w . by continuing the ultraviolet irradiation during the drying process , negative ions may be generated in the wafer w to neutralize the insulating film . this measure will stabilize the operation of the elements . the ultraviolet irradiation may be stopped during the drying process . further , the ultraviolet irradiation may be effected only for a predetermined time , rather than throughout the cleaning process . the first embodiment has been described , taking the substrate spin cleaning apparatus for example . the present invention is applicable also to an apparatus for cleaning substrates without spinning the latter . it is not essential to apply ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning solution , but the cleaning solution may simply be supplied from the nozzle . [ 0073 ] fig5 is a block diagram showing an outline of a substrate treating apparatus in a second embodiment . the first embodiment has been described , taking the substrate treating apparatus for cleaning substrates for example . in this embodiment , the substrate treating apparatus is used to remove film from substrates . the film to be removed herein is photoresist film which is one example of films coating the substrates . parts identical to those of the first embodiment are shown with the same reference numbers , and will not particularly be described again . the pipe 15 connected to the nozzle 7 transmits ozone water having ozone dissolved in deionized water and acting as a treating solution , from the ozone water feeder 21 through the control valve 19 operable under control of the controller 17 . the pipe 15 has a mixing valve 43 disposed thereon downstream of the control valve 19 for mixing ammonia supplied in a predetermined quantity from an ammonia feeder 41 into the ozone water flowing through the pipe 15 . ultrasonic vibration is applied to the ozone water having ammonia added thereto . in this state , the water is supplied as a treating solution e from the nozzle 7 to a wafer w having photoresist film f formed on the surface thereof . while ammonia is added to the ozone water in this embodiment , a different base may be added thereto . next , photoresist removing processes performed by the above substrate treating apparatus will be described with reference to fig6 and 7 . after a wafer w with photoresist film f formed thereon is placed on the spin chuck 1 , the nozzle 7 is moved to the cleaning position . the uv irradiating unit 31 is moved to the position above the wafer w to start irradiating the wafer w with ultraviolet light . the treating solution e is supplied from the nozzle 7 to the wafer w spinning at a fixed low speed , to form a puddle of treating solution e over the upper surface of wafer w ( fig6 ). at this time , the treating solution e containing ozone is irradiated with ultraviolet light , whereby oxygen radicals are acquired with low energy , as described hereinbefore . thus , oxygen radicals may be generated easily , which react with water to generate oh radicals . the activity of the treating solution is thereby increased to realize a significantly improved capability for removing photoresist film f . the ultraviolet light of the wavelength emitted penetrates water and air with only minor fractions thereof absorbed . thus , as in the first embodiment , the nozzle 7 may be used simultaneously with the ultraviolet irradiation in one treating chamber to realize an efficient cleaning process . since ozone is not generated at all , little consideration is required as to ventilation and the like , and low - priced ozoneless uv lamps may serve the purpose . this apparatus , with use as the treating solution e of ozone water having ammonia , i . e . a base , added thereto , provides the following additional advantage . by adding ammonia which is a base to the ozone water , the ph of the treating solution may be controlled . generally , particles of photoresist film f and alumina separated from the wafer w tend to be positively charged , and the wafer w tends to have a negative surface potential . consequently , the photoresist film f and the like separated will adhere to the surface of wafer w by static electricity . however , by adding ammonia , the photoresist film f and the like separated may be negatively charged as is the wafer w . this results in a repulsion therebetween which prevents the photoresist film f and the like from electrostatically adhering to the wafer w again . after the film removing process in which the puddled state noted above is maintained for a fixed time , the treating solution e is stopped and the nozzle 7 is moved to the standby position . at the same time , a spin drying process is started in which the wafer w is spun at high speed to scatter the treating solution e with photoresist film f dissolved therein to the ambient ( fig7 ). the ultraviolet irradiation may be continued during the drying process also . while , in the second embodiment , ammonia which is a base is added to the treating solution having ozone dissolved therein , re - adhesion of film and the like may be prevented by adding a surface active agent in place of ammonia . in the apparatus described above , the mixing valve 43 is used to mix ammonia into the ozone water . instead of mixing ammonia midway , ozone water to which ammonia is added beforehand may be supplied from the ozone water feeder 21 . further , ammonia may be added also to the ozone water in the substrate cleaning apparatus in the first embodiment . the substrate treating apparatus for removing film in the second embodiment may of course perform the treatment by using ozone water without ammonia added thereto . in each of the foregoing embodiments , ultraviolet light is emitted from the ozoneless uv lamps 33 directly toward the wafer w . the pipe 15 may include uv lamps ( not shown ) arranged adjacent the nozzle 7 shown in fig2 and 5 for irradiating the cleaning or treating solution with ultraviolet light before being supplied to the substrate . in this case also , oxygen radicals are acquired with low energy to generate oh radicals , thereby increasing the activity of the cleaning or treating solution . in the above description , treatment is carried out only by supplying the cleaning solution s or treating solution e from the nozzle 7 . a brush or brushes may additionally be used to act on the substrate surface to promote the cleaning or film removing performance . the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and , accordingly , reference should be made to the appended claims , rather than to the foregoing specification , as indicating the scope of the invention .	7
the following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention as provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements . various modifications of the preferred embodiment will be apparent to those with skill in the art , and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments . therefore , the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments shown and described herein , but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features herein disclosed . the principles and operation of a system and a method according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description . note that these drawings are given for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to limit all said patent features . the present invention , as illustrated with reference to fig1 is comprised of the following elements : i . a multimedia user interface ( 100 ), for entering comments , using voice recognition technology . ii . a comment management component ( 101 ), which includes the following modules : d . a code changes tracing for related comments updating module ( 113 ). iii . a vocal processing engine ( 102 ) which includes both text to speech ( tts ) and voice recognition ( vr ) engines , for converting text into a computer generated voice , and spoken words into text . iv . a database storage module ( 103 ) for storing system data and control information . v . a comment displaying module ( 104 ) for pronouncing and / or displaying comments to a user , using text , or computer generated voice ( text to speech technology ), or human original voice . vi . a watch variable comments monitoring module ( 105 ) for monitoring desired watch variables or expressions . vii . a testing comments monitoring module ( 106 ) for monitoring desired test items , and filling the actual result column in each test item . as illustrated in fig1 the present invention interacts with the following components : i . a development environment ( 110 ), which is the environment where the programmer / user composes its software code . ii . input mechanisms ( 112 ) such as microphone and keyboard . iii . output mechanisms ( 111 ) such as speakers and screen . the present invention components , as can be seen in fig1 describe a system that integrates with a developing environment ( 110 ), as an add - in application . the add - in application uses a multimedia user interface ( mui ) module ( 100 ), which enables interfacing it with various input mechanisms ( 112 ) such as a keyboard or a microphone , and outputting data , using one or more output mechanisms ( 111 ) such as a screen or speakers . the add - in application contains a comments management module ( 101 ), which enables browsing , searching , monitoring ( 109 ), editing and classification ( 107 ), grouping ( 108 ) of comments and code changes tracing for related comments updating module ( 113 ), which enables maintaining a correlation between comment &# 39 ; s objects and related code segments , for example , by a cyclic redundancy check of said related code segment . through this module , the add - in application displays the comments hierarchy , in a tree - like browser . the hierarchy is freely built by the programmer suitable to his requirements . this tree - like browser is a powerful tool for searching and editing comments . the add - in application uses a method of voice recognition ( vr ) and text to speech ( tts ) technology ( 102 ). voice recognition provides an efficient and natural way of adding and editing comments . by freely saying the wanted comment content , in different languages , a voice recognition technology is converting the said words into text , in the desired language , using translation software if necessary . the text to speech technology enables the programmer to hear the comments content , thus , allowing him an easy and convenient way to understand the written software code . the said technology ( text to speech & amp ; voice recognition ) is also used as a displaying mechanism ( 104 ) which helps tracking program progress and variable values . while running the program , the appropriate comments can either be displayed on the screen or be pronounced in the original programmer voice , or computer generated voice ( text to speech ). the comments data and hierarchy as well as the control information are stored in a database module ( 103 ). the database module allows keeping persistence of all the data and information entered by the programmer , which includes all comments text and voice recorded input and processed results related to the code . comments on code segments , according to the invention , can be classified into one or more different categories , such as : 1 . help — wherever a code segment appears to be complex , hard to understand or based on some algorithm , it requires a wider and richer comment description more than usually entered in the code text . classifying a comment as a help comment , allows the programmer to attach to the comment an extended and rich description . this description can include a wide text explanation of the programmer , supported by voice recognition technology , pictures , audio files , other multimedia accessories , links to related references , etc . this related description is stored in the comments database ( 103 ). the help category contains all needed descriptions that help to explain part of the code segment that the comment is related to . 2 . testing comment — a comment that includes a test item that can be attached by the programmer to the said comment that refers to an appropriate code segment which functionality influences the flow of the application . for example , a condition that checks an input validation should output a suitable result of a valid and invalid input . the code segment that deals with the said example can be tested whether the actual output result is equal to the expected result . in such a case , the comment that describes the said code segment functionality can be classified as a testing comment . the test item includes a table that describes all the possible and planned test cases of the referred code segment . the table is comprised of at least three fields : i . condition field — this field contains a variable or expression with a condition attached to it . for example , “ x & gt ; 0 ”. ii . expected result field — this field contains a variable value that is the correct result for the given expression . for example , “ y = 10 ” ( which means , according to condition field , if “ x ” is greater than “ 0 ”, “ y ” has to be equal to “ 10 ”). iii . actual result field — this field is filled in runtime process with the actual result of the variable that is mentioned in the expected result field . for example , “ y = 15 ”, which means that the final result of “ y ” differs from the expected result . furthermore , additional fields to the above mentioned ones are possible to implement , such as : “ sequence and order ” field , which determines the sequence of test cases , “ test case on / of ” field , which enables or disables the test case , “ regression test ” field , which enables comparing of the current test result with previous test results , as well as other test supporting data and control fields . the testing comments help to provide an on - going quality control mechanism for the related code . 3 . watch variable comments — a comment that is classified as watch comment contains one or more watch expressions or variables , which are related to the referred comment code segment , and are used to help following the functionality of the said code segment . a watch variable comment produces monitoring for the given watch expressions or variables , while debugging the said code segment , both in trace mode ( step by step execution ) or in run mode . monitoring is done by displaying the expressions and their values , or by pronouncing it . an example of such an item is the case where “ x indicates age ” is a comment context , related to a code segment where “ x ” is a name of a value within it . when the code is executed , the comment will be displayed or pronounced as , “ x indicates age , x equals 40 ”. all the comments categories ( for example , help comments , testing comments and watch variable comments ) are inherited from the general comment structure , so they contain a title and short description , and can be pronounced and displayed using the pronouncing and displaying mechanism ( 104 ), further more , all comments are managed by the comment management component ( 101 ), and stored in the database ( 102 ). test items inspection and result check of testing comments are performed by the testing comments monitoring module ( 106 ), which keeps track of test cases conditions , and fills the actual result column in the test item table . this module operates when the software code is in runtime or debug mode in the development environment ( 110 ), and records the actual result while code execution reaches the code lines related to the testing comment with attached test item . the test item results table is stored in the database ( 103 ) and can later be reviewed using the comment browsing module ( 109 ). comments that are classified as watch variable comments are processed by the watch variable comments monitoring module ( 105 ), which produces output when the software code is in runtime or debug time in the development environment ( 110 ). the watch variable comments monitoring module then displays the output using the comment displaying module ( 104 ). as can be seen in fig2 there are two basic steps for adding comments : stage 1 refers to preparing the basic structure for the comment , and stage 2 ( optional ) refers to the optional classification of the comment . the invention enables using textual and voice recognition technology support to enter and manage comments . according to step 1 ( preparing the comment ), the following must be executed : i . code selection ( 201 ), which is an action executed by the user to identify a section of code . this entails line selection , where the user places the cursor on a specific line and presses the mouse / keyboard button , to establish the starting point of a selection ( highlighting ). the user can adjust the relevant selection by dragging , or by specifying the line numbers that are related to comment . code selection can also be a set of separated code selections , which refers to the same comment . ii . the comment title is entered ( 202 ) by the programmer and refers to the code selection . the title is a logical identifier for a comment object , and may be added using either voice recognition or text input . the title is also used as a tag representing the comment , and may include a short or introductory description of the related ( selected ) code . iii . the comment is being classified ( 203 ) to one or more of the available categories following the comment preparation , a programmer may choose to command the system to select whether to pronounce the comment title in run time and / or debug mode , or not , which means that such comments may be displayed or pronounced for a user . the user can thereby read or listen to a comment that refers to the next code line to be executed . comments that are being pronounced declare the next phase that is to be processed by the program . the comment can be pronounced by either computer generated voice or a recorded human voice . [ 0081 ] fig3 shows the flow of entering a test case item : ii . a test item can include several test cases . for each test case entry , the programmer fills its description ( 302 ) and expected result ( 303 ), according to at least one of the variables in the selected code . iii . the actual result is automatically filled in during runtime or debugging , by comparing the actual variable value result with the expected result . the resulting table ( 304 ) for the test case item includes : both the description and the expected results , as well as other information , can be added by voice recognition input and / or simple textual input . [ 0092 ] fig4 illustrates the composing of watch variable comments , for variable follow up . according to the invention , the programmer fills in a comment description / title ( 401 ), either by voice recognition or by entering a text input ( 402 ). the programmer subsequently adds the variable expression which is to be watched ( 403 ), according to its logical name that appears in the code segment . the programmer selects whether to pronounce the item ( variable or variable expression ) value in run time or debug mode . in run time or debug mode execution , whenever the program executes code segment that contains a watch item , the value of the item is being displayed and / or pronounced in a computer - generated voice . [ 0094 ] fig5 illustrates the composing of help comments , according to the invention , wherein a programmer fills in a broad description / title ( 501 ), either by voice recognition technology or text input . alternatively , the user can add a link to a text file , bitmap file , website , etc . comments may be displayed or pronounced in various ways , such as : i . displaying a comment by its group ( fig6 ), or next to the code line , for reading and understanding the code . playing it in the design time ( while writing the code ). this may include displaying the text - based comment as a computer - generated voice or human voice , depending on how the comments were entered into the code , or as determined by the programmer , for better understanding the comment . playing the comment in debug time or runtime , as a computer - generated voice or human voice . while debugging the application , the comment , which is related to the next code line / scope that is being executed , is pronounced for code execution progress monitoring . according to the present invention , comments can be searched for in the following ways : ii . using the comments navigational interface , which is a multimedia user interface ( that includes a graphic user interface that responds to voice commands ), for editing and displaying comments . this navigational interface displays all the comments and comments groups ( fig6 ) in an explorer type interface . this interface provides the programmer an efficient interaction with all the comments that have already been entered , and allows finding the right code scope / line that is related to the comment that appears in the navigation interface . the hierarchy of groups and comments being displayed in the explorer type interface , is built and managed by the programmer , according to whichever structure he desires . [ 0103 ] fig6 also illustrates an additional embodiment of the invention , which is joining several comments of help , test , watch or any other categories , into a group . comments that are joined can relate to one or more different parts of a code segment . grouping comments is a technique that helps the programmer to better edit , navigate , manage and understand his / her code and better understanding the relationship between comment objects . an example of a group is a collection of comments that relate to implementing an arithmetical formula . [ 0104 ] fig6 shows the flow of grouping comments . the flow comprises the steps of : i . using an interface to add a group ( 601 ), which includes creating / selecting a group folder . ii . selecting at least one comment ( 602 ) to be added to a group . iii . add all selected comments to the created / selected group ( 603 ). this flow ( fig6 ) can be repeated in order to add additional comments to groups . the groups and comments can be displayed in an explorer type interface , which contains a hierarchical tree like structure view . the hierarchy of the tree like structure is built according to the programmer &# 39 ; s comments grouping methodology . this hierarchical interface allows the programmer to display the tree like structure in different criterions , such as alphabetical order , themes , importance , chronological order , hierarchical order etc . in this way , the programmer can find comments by simply querying the explorer type interface and displaying the groups and comments that match the requested criteria of the query , and accordingly may be addressed in different code segments , for editing the related code line / scope of a selected comment . the method of generating a group comment can alternatively be executed by code segment demarcation , such that all comments relating to a selected code segment can form to a single group . all operations on comments and groups such as editing , deleting , and managing , can be done using the voice recognition technology on the multimedia interface . the method of editing , for example , can be provided by an interactive menu response of the said multimedia interface to voice orders . for example , “ add comment ”, “ edit comment ”, “ open group ” or “ cancel ” voice commands can be used to manage the group or comment . this means that a comment in the said interface is linked with the related code segment line , and can be easily edited , viewed , listened to and otherwise managed . the foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description . it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed . it should be appreciated that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching . it is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description , but rather by the claims appended hereto .	6
various aspects of the invention will now be described in connection with exemplary embodiments . to facilitate an understanding of these embodiments , many aspects are described in terms of sequences of actions that can be performed by elements of a computer system . for example , it will be recognized that in each of the embodiments , the various actions can be performed by specialized circuits or circuitry ( e . g ., discrete logic gates interconnected to perform a specialized function ), by program instructions being executed by one or more processors , or by a combination of both . a system for adaptively removing interference from a received high speed data signal according to a first embodiment is shown in fig1 . the system includes a first amplifier or amplifier chain ( amp 1 ) 110 , a second amplifier or amplifier chain ( amp 2 ) 120 , a mixer 130 , a mixer controller 140 , and an error detector 150 . amp 1 110 comprises one or more substantially linear amplifiers connected in a series to amplify a signal with unity gain across the given bandwidth . amp 2 120 , on the other hand , comprises one or more substantially nonlinear amplifiers connected in a series to amplify a signal with unity gain at lower frequencies within the given bandwidth and to provide a higher gain at higher frequencies within the given bandwidth . a received signal s is fed into both amp 1 110 and amp 2 120 simultaneously . amp 1 110 and amp 2 120 are matched for propagation delay so that the signal s passes through each respective amplifier or amplifier chain amp 1 110 , amp 2 120 and arrives at the mixer 130 as signals s 1 and s 2 at substantially the same time for practical purposes . the mixer 130 mixes signals s 1 and s 2 to produce an output signal q , which is forwarded to a receiver ( not shown ) for further processing according to the specific application . more particularly , within the mixer 130 , signals s 1 and s 2 are each weighted individually according to control signals c 1 and c 2 , respectively , and mixed to produce the output signal q . the applicant has observed that interference in the received signal , such as isi , can be adjusted out by adjusting the weight of s 1 and s 2 accordingly . the control signals c 1 and c 2 are generated by a mixer controller 140 , which is responsive to an error signal e output by an error detector 150 , which in turn is responsive to the interference in the received signal . one embodiment of an error detector 150 according to the invention is illustrated in fig2 which includes first and second filters 210 , 220 , and a comparator / amplifier 230 . the output signal q from the mixer is provided to the first filter 210 and the second filter 220 for selective filtering to produce two respective filtered signals f 1 and f 2 . each of the filters 210 , 220 are responsive to ripple caused by interference , such as isi , in the received signal , but in different ways . the first filter 210 is responsive to , i . e ., tuned to , the envelope of the ripple caused by the interference , and therefore produces a signal f 1 that corresponds to the ripple envelope . the second filter 220 is responsive to the interference ripple peaks and operates to produce a signal f 2 that corresponds to an average of the peak detected values of the interference signal . the two signals f 1 and f 2 are compared and the difference between them is amplified in comparator / amplifier 230 to produce the error signal e , which is proportional to the variance in the envelope of the ripple caused by the interference . accordingly , as the interference in the signal is adjusted out ( as described below ), the error signal e gets smaller . once the proportional error signal e is produced , the mixer 130 can adjust the weights of signals s 1 and s 2 appropriately to adjust out the interference . one embodiment of a mixer controller 140 according to the invention is illustrated in fig3 which includes a sample and hold circuit 310 , a comparator 340 , a counter 350 , and a d / a ( digital - to - analog ) converter 360 . a sample and hold circuit 310 operates to periodically sample and store at least two samples of the error signal e each taken at different times . more particularly , each time a sample of e is taken , the sample is stored as a “ new ” sample and the previously stored sample becomes an “ old ” sample . the sample and hold circuit 310 takes samples periodically , for example as triggered by a clock signal from a low frequency oscillator . with each clock cycle , a new sample is taken and the sample and hold circuit 310 provides the new sample &# 39 ; s error value 330 and the old sample &# 39 ; s error value 320 to the comparator 340 for comparison . here , the representative error value that is used in comparison can be any value indicative of the change in the energy of the error signal . for example , the error value can be a voltage , a current , or a power value . the counter 350 is incremented or decremented according to the results of the comparison as determined from a signal provided by the comparator 340 to the counter 350 . the new value of the counter 350 is provided to the d / a converter 360 with each clock cycle . the d / a converter 360 produces an analog control signal c 1 having a current incrementally proportional to the value , e . g ., binary value , in the counter 350 and an analog control signal c 2 having a current that incrementally decreases as c 1 increases , such that the current of c 1 + c 2 is substantially constant . for example , where a 4 - bit counter is used , having binary values from 0 - 15 , there are 16 incremental unit values k of current to be output by the d / a converter 360 that correspond to the 16 binary values of the counter . as the counter value increases , the c 1 current value c 1 ( k ) increases and c 2 current value c 2 ( k ) decreases , where c 1 ( k )+ c 2 ( k )= 16 k . thus , as a form of shorthand , c 1 and c 2 will be described herein as being “ complimentary ” signals , which will refer to the above relation . in operation , control signals c 1 and c 2 provide feedback to the mixer 130 that corresponds to a change in the error signal e . the value of control signals c 1 and c 2 respectively correspond to the desired weight of signals s 1 and s 2 so that the mixer 130 can adjust the relative weights of s 1 and s 2 until the error signal e is minimized . more particularly , there are incremental unit weight values that correspond to each of the incremental unit values k of current . the process for minimizing e is described further with reference to fig4 which is one embodiment of a method for adaptive equalization according to the invention . the amplifiers and counters are first initialized such that signal s 1 from amp 1 110 is given the maximum allowable weight by the mixer 130 within the parameters of the system , signal s 2 from amp 2 120 is given the minimum allowable weight by the mixer 130 within the parameters of the system , and the counter 350 is set to zero ( step 400 ). an initial sample of the error signal e is taken by the sample and hold circuit 310 and the counter is incremented to 1 ( step 410 ). during the next cycle , as determined for example by a low frequency clock signal , a new sample of the error signal e is taken by the sample and hold circuit 310 ( step 420 ), and the initial sample becomes the old sample . the old sample &# 39 ; s error value 320 and new sample &# 39 ; s error value 330 are compared in comparator 340 ( step 430 ). the comparator 340 provides either an increment or a decrement signal to the counter 350 based on the results of the comparison . if the new sample &# 39 ; s error value 330 is less than or equal to the old sample &# 39 ; s error value 320 ( step 440 ), then an increment signal is provided to the counter 350 and the counter 350 is incremented in response ( step 450 ). if , on the other hand , the new sample &# 39 ; s error value 330 is greater than the old sample &# 39 ; s error value 320 ( step 440 ), then a decrement signal is provided to the counter 350 and the counter 350 is decremented in response ( step 470 ). in either case , the new value in the counter is provided to the d / a converter 360 and corresponding control signals c 1 and c 2 are produced , which have complimentary current values proportional to the counter &# 39 ; s value , as described above . the control signals c 1 and c 2 provide an indication to the mixer 130 for adjusting the weight of each of signals s 1 and s 2 . more particularly , the weight given to signal s 1 increases and decreases as the value of c 1 increases and decreases and the weight given to signal s 2 increases and decreases as the value of c 2 increases and decreases . the values of both c 1 and c 2 will change each time the counter &# 39 ; s value is changed , since they are complimentary values . referring again to fig4 the interference is known to be decreasing when the new sample &# 39 ; s error value 330 is less than or equal to the old sample &# 39 ; s error value 320 ( step 440 ). in such a case , the counter is incremented ( step 450 ) and the weight of s 1 is decreased one incremental unit weight value while the weight of s 2 is increased one incremental unit weight value ( step 460 ). inversely , the interference is known to be increasing when the new sample &# 39 ; s error value 330 is greater than the old sample &# 39 ; s error value 320 ( step 440 ). in such a case , the counter is decremented ( step 450 ) and the weight of s 1 is increased one incremental unit weight value while the weight of s 2 is decreased one incremental unit weight value ( step 480 ). in either case , the procedure is repeated ( returning to step 420 ) to obtain a new sample of the error signal e at the sample and hold circuit 310 on the next cycle . by adaptively adjusting the relative weights of the linear and nonlinear components of the received signal as described above , the received signal is reproduced such that an optimal signal having minimal interference is provided to the receiver . for example , as illustrated in the graph of fig5 which shows the error voltage e as a function of the counter value , the error voltage e is minimized to 600 mv when counter 350 reaches the optimal counter value of 6 units . therefore , in this example , the weight of s 1 and s 2 is adaptively optimized when the values of c 1 and c 2 that correspond to a counter value of 6 are input to the mixer 130 at that particular point in time . it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention can be embodied in various specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof . the presently disclosed embodiments are considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive . the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims , rather than the foregoing description , and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalence thereof are intended to be embraced .	7
the subject matter described herein includes a candle having an embedded item within and methods for manufacturing and selling same . example embedded items include , but are not limited to , jewelry , such as rings , earrings , and chains , precious or semiprecious stones , pearls , etc . alternatively , or in addition , in some embodiments example embedded items include , but are not limited to , tokens or redeemable objects that can be redeemed in exchange for jewelry , such as rings , earrings , and chains , precious or semiprecious stones , pearls , etc . as an example , a method for manufacturing a candle having a ring embedded or token for a ring within is disclosed . fig1 shows a method for making a candle that contains an item according to one embodiment of the subject matter described herein . at step 100 , a first set of items , each having a first value , is created . for example , a set of rings , each ring worth $ 10 , can be collected and optionally prepared for embedding within the finished product candles . at step 102 , a second set of items , each having a second value , is created . for example , a set of rings , each ring worth $ 100 , can be collected and optionally prepared for use . other sets of rings can be collected , each additional set having rings each worth another value , such as $ 1 , 000 per ring , $ 5 , 000 per ring , and so on . the values used above are for illustration only and are not limiting . all items in a set need not be the same . for example , a set of items can include different types of items , such as rings , earrings , pins , etc ., but having the same or very similar relative value . moreover , items in one set need not be the same as items in another set . for example , the first set of items could be rings and earrings while the second set of items could be bracelets and necklaces . at step 104 , the sets of rings are combined . at step 106 , the combined set of items is distributed among a set of candles such that each candle includes one item from the combined set embedded within the candle . optionally , in some embodiments , in step 108 the candles can be sold for a first price , where the value of the embedded item is not known to the purchaser at the time of purchase . in one embodiment , the value of the item cannot be determined by the purchaser of the candle until the candle has been burned or the wax melted to expose the item ( or allow the item to be removed and unwrapped if the item has been encased in a pouch , bag , or protective wrapping .) in one embodiment , the purchaser knows that a candle might contain an embedded item but cannot determine at the time of purchase whether the candle does or does not contain the embedded item . referring again to fig1 , in some embodiments at step 100 , a first set of items , each having a first value , is created . for example , a set of rings , each ring worth $ 10 , can be collected and optionally prepared for embedding within the finished product candles . then , in some embodiments at step 102 , a second set of items , each having a second value , is created . for example , tokens , vouchers or redeemable objects ( referred to collectively as redeemable objects ) for a set of rings , each ring worth $ 100 , can be collected and optionally prepared for use . other sets tokens , vouchers or redeemable objects for rings can be collected , each additional set of tokens , vouchers or redeemable objects being redeemable for rings each worth another value , such as $ 1 , 000 per ring , $ 5 , 000 per ring , and so on . the values used above are for illustration only and are not limiting . all items , tokens , vouchers or redeemable objects in a set need not be the same . for example , a set of items can include different types of items , such as rings , earrings , pins , etc ., but having the same or very similar relative value . moreover , items or redeemable objects in one set need not be the same as items in another set . for example , the first set of items could be rings and earrings while the second set of items could be bracelets and necklaces , or redeemable objects for the same . in some embodiments , at step 104 , the sets of rings and redeemable objects are combined . at step 106 , the combined set of items is distributed among a set of candles such that each candle includes one item from the combined set embedded within the candle . thus , in some aspects a candle can have embedded therein an item from the first set of items , e . g . a ring , having a first value , or an item from the second set of items , e . g . a redeemable object for a ring of a second value . alternatively , in some embodiments at step 106 the combined set of items is distributed among a set of candles such that each candle includes one item from the first set of items , e . g . a ring of a first value , and one item from the second set of items , e . g . a redeemable object for a ring of a second value . thus , in some embodiments , a candle can have a ring with a first value , or a ring with a second value , or a ring with a first value plus a redeemable object for a ring of a second value , or a ring with a second value plus a redeemable object for a ring of a first value . in some embodiments , a candle can have a ring of a first value , or a redeemable object that is redeemable for a ring of a second value . in some embodiments , the ring of the first value is a value less than the purchase price of the candle , and the redeemable object for a ring of a second value has a value greater than , in some instances significantly greater than , the purchase price of the candle . in some embodiments , a candle can have a redeemable object redeemable for a ring of a first value , or a redeemable object that is redeemable for a ring of a second value . in some embodiments , the ring of the first value is a value less than the purchase price of the candle , and the redeemable object for a ring of a second value has a value greater than , in some instances significantly greater than , the purchase price of the candle . optionally , in some embodiments , in step 108 the candles can be sold for a first price , where the value of the embedded item ( s ) is not known to the purchaser at the time of purchase . in one embodiment , the value of the item ( s ) cannot be determined by the purchaser of the candle until the candle has been burned or the wax melted to expose the item ( or allow the item to be removed and unwrapped if the item has been encased in a pouch , bag , or protective wrapping .) in one embodiment , the purchaser knows that a candle might contain an embedded item , and / or a redeemable object that is redeemable for an item of value , but cannot determine at the time of purchase whether the candle does or does not contain the embedded item ( s ). fig2 a through 2d show the steps of manufacturing a candle having an item embedded within according to one embodiment of the subject matter described herein . in fig2 a , an enclosure or container 200 is provided . in one embodiment , enclosure or container 200 can be intended to contain the finished product , and can be made of glass , plastic , or other material , and can be transparent , translucent , opaque , or some combination . alternatively , enclosure or container 200 may not be intended to contain the finished product , e . g ., the container can be a mold that is used ( and possibly reused ) during manufacture and is not a part of the finished product . an item 202 , such as a ring , jewelry , prize , redeemable object or other item , is placed into a pouch 204 or other item container . in fig2 b , adhesive 206 can in some embodiments be applied to the pouch 204 containing item 202 , and pouch 204 can be attached to the inside wall of candle enclosure or container 200 , such that the pouch is affixed to the inside of the candle container , as shown in fig2 c . wax 208 can then be poured into candle enclosure or container 200 , covering the pouch 204 and obscuring the item 202 from view , resulting in the product shown in fig2 d . in one embodiment , a wick can be placed or affixed within container 200 prior to adding wax 208 . alternatively , a wick can be inserted into wax 208 after it has been poured into enclosure or container 200 . for example , in one embodiment , rings of different values are placed into small plastic bags , and in some embodiments each small plastic bag can be wrapped in gold foil or the like . alternatively , in one embodiment , rings and / or redeemable objects of different values are placed into small plastic bags , and in some embodiments each small plastic bag can be wrapped in gold foil or the like . for each ring and / or redeemable object wrapped in plastic and gold foil , a small gold foil indicator is glued to the gold foil that contains the ring and bag . the small gold foil indicator is glued to the inside of the glass container , which allows the customer to see the location of the ring and / or redeemable object within the container . the small gold foil indicator is visible through the glass container . wax is poured into the glass container and a wick is installed into the wet wax . in one embodiment , the wax is soy wax . the wax cools or is cooled , and labels are applied to the glass container and / or the wax . in one embodiment , the item can be affixed in more than one place to the container prior to filling the container with wax . in one embodiment , the process can include applying labels or decorations to the inside or outside of enclosure or container 200 prior to adding wax 208 . for example , the process can include applying a safety label to the bottom of a glass container that will contain the candle wax . fig3 a through 3d show the steps of an alternative method for manufacturing a candle having an item embedded within , in which the candle can be partially constructed and the item introduced or placed into the candle before construction of the candle is completed . in fig3 a , for example , a candle mold or container 300 can be partially filled with wax 302 a , which is allowed to harden until it is firm enough to support the item 304 ( e . g . ring and / or redeemable object ) in the desired location within the candle body . in fig3 b , item 304 is placed onto or into the firm wax 302 a at or near the desired location within the candle body , and in fig3 c , additional wax 302 b is placed into mold 300 . the amount of additional wax 302 b is sufficient to at least cover and obscure item 304 and can partially or completely fill container 300 . in one embodiment , a wick is then inserted into wax 302 a and 302 b . in an alternative embodiment , the wick is placed within container 300 prior to adding wax 302 a and / or wax 3028 . the subject matter described herein also includes a candle with an item embedded within , such as are shown in fig2 d and 3c . in one embodiment , the item can be a ring , other types of jewelry , other types of prizes , a redeemable object that is redeemable for jewelry or other object , or other item . in one embodiment , the candle is designed such that the existence , nature , or value of the embedded item and / or redeemable object cannot be determined without burning the candle or otherwise melting the wax so that the item is exposed to view . in one embodiment , a purchaser or recipient is not aware at the time of purchase or receipt that the candle contains an embedded item at all . in one embodiment , the purchaser or recipient is aware at the time of purchase or receipt that the candle does contain an embedded item , but the candle is designed so that at the time of purchase or receipt , a purchaser or recipient of the candle does not know or cannot determine the general nature of the item , the exact nature of the item , the absolute value of the item , the price range of the item , the value of the redeemable object or the value of the object for which it can be redeemed , and / or the value of the item relative to the purchase price of the candle . the candle can comprise wax within a shell or container , or wax not contained in a shell or container . the wax and / or container can be transparent , translucent , or opaque . for example , all or part of the container can be transparent allowing the wax to be seen , but the opacity of the wax prevents the buyer from determining the nature or value of the item embedded within . alternatively , the wax can be translucent but the container is also translucent with the result that the nature or value of the item embedded within the wax is indiscernible . alternatively , the nature or value of the item can be obscured by an opaque material ( other than the wax of the candle ) that surrounds or covers the item and where the item and the opaque covering are both embedded within the candle wax . in one embodiment , the wax and container can be transparent or translucent enough to see the item but the opaque material in which the item is wrapped obscures the nature or value of the item . in one embodiment , the item can be covered or wrapped with a material that prevents damage to the item from the heat of the candle flame as the candle wax is burned away to expose the item . the subject matter described herein also includes a method for making a candle that contains an item such that the nature and / or value of the item is obscured from the buyer and / or recipient . in one embodiment , the value of the embedded item , or object redeemable for an item , can be less than the sale price of the candle , equal to the sale price of the candle , greater than the sale price of the candle , or much greater than the sale price of the candle . for example , a candle can be sold for $ 25 that contains within it a ring which can have a value of $ 10 , $ 100 , $ 1 , 000 , or $ 5 , 000 , or a redeemable object that can be redeemed for a ring which can have a value of $ 10 , $ 100 , $ 1 , 000 , or $ 5 , 000 .	5
fig1 shows a joint ( termination ) between a single - core cable 1 and a threaded post terminal 2 . the cable - end is prepared in the usual way by cutting - back to remove an end portion of the sheath 3 and expose appropriate lengths of the dielectric screen 4 , insulation ( or dielectric ) 5 and conductor 6 . a ring 7 of conductive paint is applied to ensure that there are no conductive sharp edges at the screen end . in accordance with the invention , a thick walled sleeve 8 of insulating heat - shrinkable material ( the inner component ) is applied and shrunk to enclose nearly all the exposed dielectric screen 4 and an adjacent section of the insulation 5 . after securing a spade fitting 9 to the conductor end ( by crimping or soldering ) a composite moulding 10 ( the outer component ) is pushed into place over the heat - shrunk sleeve 8 with which it makes an interference fit ; a silicone grease is preferably used to facilitate assembly . the moulding 10 , made from an ethylene - propylene - diene terpolymer rubber ( epdm ) incorporates an inner insert 11 of carbon - black loaded semi - conductive epdm , which is at conductor potential when the joint is in service ( and so relieves the space within it from electrical stress ) and an outer coating 12 of the same semi - conductive material , which is maintained at earth potential and serves both to control the distribution of electrical stress in the main insulating body 13 of the moulding and to provide an external safety screen . electrical continuity from this outer coating 12 to the cable dielectric screen 4 is established in any convenient way , for example by a semi - conductive heat - shrink sleeve 14 , and the joint is completed in a conventional manner by passing the post terminal 2 through the eye of the spade terminal 9 , securing it by means of an insulated nut 24 with an epoxy resin body and metal inserts 15 , 15 and finally snapping on a cap 16 of insulating epdm . fig2 shows a modification in which the dielectric screen 4 of the cable is stripped back to , and the semi - conducting paint 7 applied at , a point nearer the end of the insulation 5 in order to reduce electrical stress adjacent the feather edge of the insulating body 13 . the design shown in fig3 is also structurally very similar , but in this case the cable screen has been cut back further than in either of the other designs . the heat shrink inner component 8 is positioned so that it only just overlaps the semi - conducting paint 7 and it is formed with a tapered end so that it , together with the semi - conducting tube 14 which is shrunk over it , forms , in the region 20 , a stress cone . in all three cases , the inner heat shrink component 8 may be made either of an ordinary insulating material , preferably with good resistance to tracking , or from a stress grading material of high permitivity . fig4 shows one half of a straight - through joint between two single - core cables . this is otherwise similar to the joint of fig1 except that the stress - grading sleeve 8 is omitted and instead the moulding 10 is supported on two heat - shrunk insulating discs 17 , 18 . disc 17 supports an insulating tube 19 which supports part of the semi - conductive heat - shrink sleeve 14 so as to generate a natural tapered shape which forms a stress - cone . optionally this sleeve 14 is enclosed by an insulating heat - shrink sleeve 21 . fig5 illustrates a joint for a three core cable 22 in which the crutch area formed by separation of the cores 22 is enclosed by a heat - shrink breakout 24 , which fulfils for each of the three cores the function of the inner member ( 8 in fig1 - 3 ). the fitting 9 , outer member 10 and other components ( not shown in fig5 ) may be exactly as shown in fig1 - 3 . a range of joints of the type shown in fig1 is made using throughout a slip - on outer component ( moulding 10 ) with an internal diameter of 50 mm . four sizes of heat - shrinkable inner component ( sleeve 8 ) are used as follows : size 1 is extruded with inner and outer diameters of 12 and 50 mm ( wall thickness 19 mm ) and expanded to inner and outer diameters of 43 . 2 and 65 mm ( wall thickness 10 . 9 mm ). this size can be used with cable cores ranging from 12 . 6 and 26 . 4 mm in diameter ( a range of 13 . 8 mm or over 100 % of the lower limit of the range ) to give external diameters between 50 . 15 and 55 . 25 mm ( a range of 5 . 1 mm or 10 % of the lower limit of the range , which is within the acceptance tolerance of the slip - on outer component ). this replaces ten sizes of adaptor in the applicants &# 39 ; ` bimold ` range . size 2 is extruded with inner and outer diameters of 22 and 48 mm ( wall thickness 13 mm ) and expanded to inner and outer diameters of 55 . 5 and 70 mm ( wall thickness 7 . 25 mm ). this size can be used with cable cores ranging from 26 . 4 and 34 . 9 mm in diameter ( a range of 8 . 5 mm or over 30 % of the lower limit of the range ) to give external diameters between 50 . 16 and 55 . 12 ( a range of 4 . 96 mm or 10 % of the lower limit of the range , which is within the acceptance tolerance of the slip - on outer component ). this replaces five sizes of adaptor in the applicants &# 39 ; ` bimold ` range . size 3 is extruded with inner and outer diameters of 12 and 49 mm ( wall thickness 8 mm ) and expanded to inner and outer diameters of 47 . 8 and 60 mm ( wall thickness 6 . 1 mm ). this size can be used with cable cores ranging from 34 . 9 and 41 . 7 mm in diameter ( a range of 6 . 8 mm or nearly 20 % of the lower limit of the range ) to give external diameters between 50 . 30 and 55 . 23 ( a range of 4 . 93 mm or 10 % of the lower limit of the range , which is within the acceptance tolerance of the slip - on outer component ). this replaces four sizes of adaptor in the applicants &# 39 ; ` bimold ` range . size 4 is extruded with inner and outer diameters of 39 and 48 mm ( wall thickness 4 . 5 mm ) and expanded to inner and outer diameters of 53 and 60 mm ( wall thickness 3 . 5 mm ). this size can be used with cable cores ranging from 41 . 7 and 47 . 6 mm in diameter ( a range of 5 . 9 mm or over 14 % of the lower limit of the range ) to give external diameters between 50 . 21 and 55 . 21 ( a range of 5 . 0 mm or 10 % of the lower limit of the range , which is within the acceptance tolerance of the slip - on outer component ). this replaces three sizes of adaptor in the applicants &# 39 ; ` bimold ` range . ( the relatively small range - take of the larger sizes is due to the small wall thickness imposed by the decision to use the same size outer component for the whole range , and is not an inherent limitation ).	8
the present invention concerns the application of gallium arsenide field effect transistor ( gaasfet ) technology to catv distribution amplifiers . due to the physical construction and the associated operational physics of fet devices , certain inherent characteristic advantages exist in fet amplifier designs over designs incorporating bjt devices . these are , in order of importance to catv , bandwidth , distortion and noise . all of these aspects have foundations theoretically developed , through the application of mathematical models ( which describe the electrical operation of the device ), in various literature . these aspects also have been demonstrated in some applications of these devices . as in any design , there are certain advantages and disadvantages to applying a certain technology to a given application . from the very beginnings of the catv industry , the only commercially available active device technology that was applicable was the bjt . in the past decade , fet devices have become available for commercial use , but only at greater economic expense to the user than bjt &# 39 ; s . therefore , they were only used in &# 34 ; high - end &# 34 ; applications where performance requirements justified the increased cost , and then only in low power applications . there were no &# 34 ; medium &# 34 ; to &# 34 ; high &# 34 ; power devices available . advances in gallium arsenide fabrication technology , as well as economic circumstances in the electronics industry , have created a situation whereby fet devices ( and technology ) may now be considered suitable for catv amplifier designs , in terms of cost and performance . the performance advantages of the fet , as an active device , used in the design of medium power amplifiers are bandwidth , distortion and noise . bandwidth advantages are obtained primarily because of the fabrication geometry necessary to elicit an electrical response associated with the fet ( physical ) device operation . gaasfets normally have excellent parasitic behavior due to material properties and device geometry . gain - bandwidth products for gaasfets are superior to those of bjt devices , for equal internal average power dissipation designs . distortion advantages are associated with the nonlinear characteristic operation of the fet device itself . fet devices exhibit square law nonlinear properties in response to large input signal excitations , while bjt devices exhibit exponential properties . since the &# 34 ; order &# 34 ; of the fet nonlinearity ( i . e ., square law ) is less than the &# 34 ; order &# 34 ; of bjt nonlinearity ( i . e ., exponential having cubic and higher order components ), so is the distortion for a given signal excitation and again , for equal internal average power dissipation . noise advantages in gaasfets are due to material properties and device construction also . fig4 shows a simplified version of a push pull , single stage , fet power amplifier 30 . t1 and 72 serve the same purposes as previously explained for a push pull amplifier design . capacitor cb is for dc decoupling . since fet devices are very accurately modeled as voltage controlled current sources , they exhibit very nearly ideal amplifier characteristics of infinite input and large output impedances . therefore , rg and rd serve as input and output impedance terminations . bias conditions ( and therefore gain and distortion characteristics ) are primarily set with vgg . correctly chosen design values for vdd and rd allow for signal amplification without distortion due to waveform &# 34 ; clipping &# 34 ;. fig5 shows a common bias configuration for a fet device and is the one used in fig4 . however , there are some drawbacks to this configuration . fet &# 39 ; s , at frequencies of interest to catv , are normally unstable . values of rd needed to achieve broadband frequency stability will often conflict with those needed to achieve other performance requirements such as device gain . frequency stability in practice is often best achieved through negative feedback compensation . bias stability and constant impedance design can also often be best achieved through negative feedback compensation . the ideal amplifier for a catv application would be one which exhibits the properties of large bandwidth , low noise and high voltage gain with minimum supply ( bias ) voltage and power requirements . fets may be so configured . in particular , fets maybe configured as a so - called &# 34 ; transimpedance &# 34 ; amplifier design . referring to fig6 transimpedance amplifier 40 is normally used as low noise , voltage amplifiers for diode detector and transmitter devices . an example of such an application would be laser diode detectors and transmitters used in fiber optic equipment and technology . the fets used in such designs are often &# 34 ; dual gate mesfets &# 34 ;. dual gate structures allow the fet to be dc biased from a different gate pin than from the gate pin where a radio frequency signal is applied . this can offer performance advantages as well as biasing advantages . this structure also includes q1 , which together with r and l provides an active load that incorporates into its structure feedback advantages . bias , gain and stability all can be achieved through this and similar designs . fig7 shows a push pull arrangement of structures of the type discussed with respect to fig6 . such an arrangement is a preferred arrangement as an amplifier in a catv power amplifier design in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention . in fig8 q1 and q3 , as well as q2 and q4 , form cascode amplifier pairs configured in a push pull arrangement . in this topology , each rs serves to correctly bias the gate to source voltage of its respective ( mesfet ) transistor q1 and q2 , for operation . t1 and t2 serve the same purpose as previously stated for the &# 34 ; push - pull &# 34 ; amplifier design . rb1 , rb2 and lb serve the special purpose of feedback control . the gain and stability , as well as input and output impedances , are effected by the choices of value of these components , for q1 and q2 . l f , c f and r f form a low pass filter and interstage impedance match . the gain , stability and frequency response of the amplifier as a whole are effected by these components . r dd , and to a lesser extent r f , are chosen to give the desired drain to source voltage for transistors q3 and q4 . r dd , also has the dual role of setting the output impedance of the ( output ) amplifier stage . r g is a feedback component for q3 and q4 . r g helps set the output gain and terminating impedance for transistors q3 and q4 . r1 and r2 help set the gate to source voltage of transistors q3 and q4 , for proper biasing . the cascode amplifier has a beneficial characteristic in that it is well suited for designs in which the gain of an amplifier needs to be variable . hence , the cascode amplifier is well suited as an amplifier that inherently has the means to have an internal , or better &# 34 ; a self - adjusting &# 34 ;, gain control ( i . e . &# 34 ; agc &# 34 ;). this can be demonstrated in the amplifier in fig8 as follows . if r2 and / or r1 were made to be variable , then the gate to source voltage of transistors q3 and q4 would be made to vary . this in turn would variably adjust the bias of transistors q3 and q4 . this effect ultimately adjusts the power gain of the amplifier . a limitation of such a gain control design ( i . e ., adjusting r1 , r2 ) is the effect on distortion characteristics of the amplifier that would result from varying the bias of the amplifier . since gaasfets are also suited to use as variable resistors , a better mechanism for amplifier gain control is demonstrated in fig8 with the incorporation of transistors q5 and q6 . since transistors q5 and q6 are directly coupled to the output amplifier stage of the cascode amplifier they will divert a certain amount of dc current through them . however , this should not pose a problem to the circuit if the correct value of gate to source voltage ( e . g ., vcontrol ) is chosen . if a &# 34 ; lightly biased &# 34 ; condition exists , or equivalently , if vcontrol is such that the drain to source current through q5 and q6 is small compared to the drain to source current that flows through q3 / q1 and q4 / q2 , then q5 and q6 will act as feedback resistors on the cascode amplifier output stage . varying the dc current through q5 and q6 , by the value of vcontrol , allows the control of gain in the cascode amplifier . as indicated , all transistors q1 - q6 comprise field effect transistors lending the circuit to monolithic integration . preferably , individual amplifier circuits are fabricated monolithic integrated circuits in the gallium arsenide technology . however , the amplifier circuit of the invention may include plural individual monolithic integrated amplifier circuits arranged in tandem as depicted in fig2 . each monolithic integrated amplifier circuit operates in cooperation with &# 34 ; external &# 34 ; biasing and embedding circuitry . fig9 is a simplified equivalent circuit schematic depicting an example of the control components of the monolithic integrated amplifier circuit with associated biasing and embedding circuitry . in fig9 monolithic integrated amplifier circuit 100 is shown in substantially the same arrangement as depicted in fig8 where transistor q3 , q4 ( fig9 ) correspond to q5 and q6 of fig8 ; however , filter components l f , r f and c f ( fig8 ) are shown removed ( other than parasitic impedances ) and feedback bias components c b , l b and r b2 ( fig8 ) are shown removed ( other than parasitic impedances ) for better high frequency performance and integration in a monolithic circuit but may be intended depending on the application . in fig9 q1 and q2 are preferably dual gate fets . a first gate of each fet is coupled respectively through d . c . blocking ( rf passing ) capacitors c as rf m1 and rf m1 , respectively . the second gate of each transistor is coupled through r v to v adj to adjust the bias point by adjusting gate to source bias voltage . similarly , the gates of transistors q3 and q4 are coupled through resistor r i to i adj to adjust the current bias in transistors q3 and q4 and thereby control feedback . rf choke inductors l are provided between voltage source v dd and the power input to integrated circuit 100 . outputs of integrated circuit 100 are coupled respectively through d . c . blocking ( rf passing ) capacitors c as rf out1 and rf out2 , respectively . fig1 depicts a preferred amplifier circuit ( such as amplifier 234 or 244 of fig1 ) having first amplifier circuit part 100 - 1 and second amplifier circuit part 100 - 2 coupled in tandem as shown in fig2 . first amplifier circuit part 100 - 1 has associated with it rf choke inductors l20 and l21 ( corresponding to rf choke inductors l in fig9 ), voltage adjust resistor r5 ( corresponding to resistor r v in fig9 ), current adjust resistor r6 ( corresponding to resistor r i in fig9 ), input d . c . blocking capacitors c34 , c35 ( corresponding to blocking capacitors c in fig9 ), monolithic integrated amplifier circuit u3 ( corresponding to integrated circuit 100 in fig9 ) and power source to ground a . c . bypass capacitors c39 , c48 . second amplifier circuit pan 100 - 2 has associated with it rf choke inductors l22 and l23 ( corresponding to rf choke inductors l in fig9 ), voltage adjust resistor r7 ( corresponding to resistor r v in fig9 ), current adjust resistor r8 ( corresponding to resistor r i in fig9 ), output d . c . blocking capacitors c28 , c29 ( corresponding to blocking capacitors c in fig9 ), monolithic integrated amplifier circuit u2 ( corresponding to integrated circuit 100 in fig9 ) and power source to ground a . c . bypass capacitors c50 , c52 . first and second amplifier circuit pans 100 - 1 and 100 - 2 are coupled through interstage d . c . blocking capacitors c26 , c27 ( corresponding to d . c . blocking capacitors c in fig9 ). in fig1 , the amplifier circuit includes input balun type transformer u6 ( corresponding to input transformer t1 in fig8 ) and output balun type transformer u7 ( corresponding to output transformer t2 in fig8 ). proper selection of resistors r5 - r8 will control operating conditions in integrated circuits u2 , u3 to provide stability , gain over the bandwidth ( i . e ., 40 mhz to 750 mhz ), etc . the circuit of fig1 demonstrates improved performance over conventional bjt ). for example , performance improvements are achieved in gain flatness , return loss , noise figure , and composite second order distortion . each integrated amplifier circuit ( e . g ., u2 and u3 ) is preferably designed to provide optimized performance ( e . g ., gain , bandwidth , low distortion , etc .) when operated at the designed bias point . for example , pre - amp 10 - 1 ( fig2 ) may be designed to operate at a lower bias current than is power amp 10 - 2 ( fig2 ). the current through the integrated amplifier circuit defines its power dissipation and is largely controlled by v adj ( fig9 ) or volt adj ( fig1 ). to afford greater flexibility to a designer , a family of integrated amplifier circuits are designed , each member of the family being designed to optimally operate at different bias points ( e . g ., 200 ma ., 275 ma ., 330 ma . and 515 ma .). for example , the designer of the circuit shown in fig1 may choose integrated amplifier circuit u3 to operate at 200 ma . and choose integrated amplifier circuit u2 to operate at 330 ma . alternatively , a designer may select integrated amplifier circuits u3 and u2 to operate at 275 ma . and 515 ma ., respectively . in this way the designer can obtain optimal performance while minimizing the power consumed in the integrated amplifier circuits , the catv line amplifier and the greater catv signal distribution network . any of these integrated amplifiers ( e . g ., u2 or u3 in fig1 ) may be removably attachable to the amplifier circuit by a connection , for example , by plug - in sockets or by solder connections . balun type transformers u6 , u7 are broadband balanced to unbalanced transformers , preferably formed around toroidally shaped ferrite cores ( e . g ., 0 . 133 &# 34 ;- 0 . 143 &# 34 ; outer diameter , by 0 . 067 &# 34 ;- 0 . 073 &# 34 ; inner diameter , by 0 . 047 &# 34 ;- 0 . 053 &# 34 ; in thickness as core type 43 produced by , for example , fair - rite products corp ., wallkill , n . y .). the baluns are so configured that an input impedance at terminal in matches a paralleled impedance at terminal rf in1 and terminal rf in2 of monolithic integrated amplifier u3 ( fig1 ) over a predetermined range of frequencies ( e . g ., 40 mhz to 750 mhz ). the baluns are so configured that an output impedance at terminal out matches a paralleled impedance at terminal rf out1 and terminal rf out2 of monolithic integrated amplifier u2 ( fig1 ) over the predetermined range of frequencies . the magnetic core of input balun u6 is preferably saturable so that terminal in is insensitive to static discharge ( fig1 ); the magnetic core of output balun u7 is preferably saturable so that terminal out is insensitive to static discharge ( fig1 ). the core is wound with ten turns each winding of bifilar wound double coated known in part as &# 34 ; heavy build &# 34 ; 34 gauge wire to achieve & lt ; 2 degrees of phase offset from 180 between output arms 1 and 2 over the band pass ( i . e ., 40 mhz to 750 mhz ), & lt ; 0 . 5 db amplitude imbalance between output arms 1 and 2 over the band pass , and & lt ; 0 . 75 db insertion loss at 750 mhz on each arm . the rf power at terminal in is split into substantially equal parts at terminals rf in1 and rf in2 of u3 in fig1 , less the insertion loss . the rf power at terminals rf out1 and rf out2 of u2 in fig1 are combined and provided at terminal out in fig1 , less insertion loss . thus , input balun u6 is capable of splitting an input signal at input terminal in into a first signal at terminal rf in1 of u3 and a second signal at terminal rf in2 of u3 ( fig1 ) such that a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal is 180 degrees plus or minus a phase offset , the phase offset being no more than 2 degrees over a predetermined range of frequencies ( e . g ., 40 mhz to 750 mhz ), a first amplitude of the first signal being equal to a second amplitude of the second signal plus or minus an amplitude imbalance , the amplitude imbalance being no more than 0 . 5 db over the predetermined range of frequencies . similarly , output balun u7 is capable of combining a first signal from terminal rf out1 of u2 with a second signal from terminal rf out2 of u2 to form an output signal at terminal out ( fig1 ), a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal being 180 degrees plus or minus a phase offset , the phase offset being no more than 2 degrees over the predetermined range of frequencies , a first amplitude of the first signal being equal to a second amplitude of the second signal plus or minus an amplitude imbalance , the amplitude imbalance being no more than 0 . 5 db over the predetermined range of frequencies . having described preferred embodiments of a novel gallium arsenide field effect transistor catv line amplifier ( which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting ), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings . for example , the amplifier circuit described herein may be employed in reverse line amplifier 212 or in forward line amplifier 220 of fig1 . it is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims . having thus described the invention with the details and particularity required by the patent laws , what is claimed and desired protected by letters patent is set forth in the appended claims .	7
we first note that each feature disclosed or illustrated in the present specification may be incorporated in the invention , whether alone or in any appropriate combination with any other feature disclosed or illustrated herein . we describe a sql visualization tool , hereinafter referred to as a sql visualizer , ( which can be part of microgen aptitude as noted above ). the sql visualizer can import database entities ( sql statements and procedures ) in textual form to microgen aptitude and transform them from textual form to a graphical form in the proprietary format of aptitude sql rules and aptitude sql procedures . creating aptitude diagrammatic sql procedures , database tables , views and sequences from textual sql procedures . sql rules and sql procedures are two types of aptitude graphical diagrams . aptitude sql rules are used to graphically represent sql select statements ( querying the database ) and dml ( data manipulation language ) statements changing data — such as insert , update and delete statements . aptitude sql procedure diagrams are used to graphically represent database sql procedures , which are not written in sql . the stored procedures were invented to control the usage of select and dml statements . they are close to a programming language ( for instance , the stored procedure language for oracle is called pl - sql ). they may call other stored procedures , sql select statements , dml statements like insert , update , delete and also other database commands , like ddl ( data definition language ) commands . ddl commands include e . g . statements creating database tables , views and also stored procedures . databases have separate engines to execute sql and stored procedures . the new aptitude functionality , i . e . the sql visualizer , makes it possible to convert the native database &# 39 ; s sql , dml , ddl and native stored procedure commands , which are in textual form , to a graphical representation used in aptitude , as follows : a ) sql select statements , and dml statements like insert , update and delete statements can be converted into aptitude sql rules ; and b ) native stored procedure code and ddl commands creating stored procedures , tables or views can be converted into aptitude sql procedures , which may contain blocks calling other aptitude sql procedures , and blocks creating tables or views . typically , database stored procedures contain a lot of embedded sql select and dml ( insert , update etc .) statements , which are converted by sql visualizer to sql rules , which are then referred ( using graphical blocks ) from the parent sql procedure diagram . in this way , the created aptitude sql procedures ( after the conversion ) typically contain blocks representing calls to aptitude sql rules ( of select , insert , update etc . type ), created as a result of the conversion of the dml parts of the master sql procedure . the textual sql procedure usually contains embedded sql statements . for such sql statements we produce separate sql rules that are then used in the diagrammatic sql procedure blocks ( e . g . loop , select , insert , update , delete and merge ). sql procedures may also use other sql procedures . if we find such a call we first try to find the definition of that procedure ( by its name ) in the project and use it in the diagrammatic procedure block . if we do not find it we treat the call as an external one and we put its definition into the external call format and then use it in the diagrammatic procedure block . the sql visualizer can have a toolbar 2 , shown in fig1 . the toolbar 2 can be accessible from a sql editor toolbar within aptitude . the sql visualizer toolbar 2 can contain the following controls : a sql editor 20 can be opened using an “ add new sql elements from sql statement ” command 22 from a context menu 24 as shown in fig2 . after opening the sql editor 20 , the user must put the textual sql statement into the sql editor 20 and then run the generate sql elements command 14 . any compilation errors will appear in a compilation report . if there are no errors , then the add new element dialog will pop up , where the user can name the created sql rule or procedure and then add it to an aptitude project . sql visualizer takes the first sql statement found in the sql editor , or the selected text , and translates this into the diagrammatic language . the resulting diagrammatic entities can be created one by one , or the whole script can be parsed . we now describe creating a sql rule from a sql statement . to create a sql rule from a sql statement the user needs to open a special sql editor 20 as shown in fig2 . the user puts the textual sql statement 26 into the sql editor 20 as shown in fig3 . then the user can select the dictionary control 8 . the dictionary provides definitions for a set of the database entities ( tables ) that might be used in the textual sql statement . these definitions are necessary to create an aptitude sql rule from the sql textual statement , because they provide information that is not present in the sql statement ( e . g . the sql statement may use a table name but we need the table definition to create a functional aptitude sql rule ). the dictionary is one of : project , edf ( external data format ), data schema , or database server , as shown in fig3 . there is an assumption that the tables used in the sql statements 26 are already defined in the selected dictionary 8 . if the user selects edf or data schema as the dictionary , then the tables &# 39 ; definitions are taken from this single edf or data schema . if the selected dictionary is the project , then table definitions are taken from one of the edfs or data schemas present in the project . if the user selects the database server as the dictionary , then table definitions are taken directly from the database or database schema 10 ( selected by user ). to generate a new sql rule the user needs to press the generate sql elements button 14 on the toolbar 2 . the user then has an opportunity to name the sql rule ( in this example the name “ newgeneratedsqlrule ” is chosen by the user ), and then the newly generated sql rule 28 is added to the project , as shown in fig4 . it is also possible to choose the database server as a dictionary . in such a case the sql rule would not have references to the edf &# 39 ; s tables . the tables would be locally defined in the table blocks of the sql rule as shown in fig5 . we next describe sql rule update . in the sql visualizer , it is possible to generate a textual sql statement from a diagrammatic sql rule , then to modify the sql statement as a text and then update the diagrammatic sql rule such that the changes made in the textual representation are included in the diagrammatic representation . this can be done by the following steps : 1 . generate a textual sql statement 30 from the graphical sql rule 32 , as shown in fig7 ; 2 . make changes to the text of the sql statement 30 ; and 3 . update the sql rule 32 to reflect changes made in the text of the sql statement 30 , as shown in fig7 . it is also possible to use the sql visualizer working directly with the database without the aptitude project environment , as shown in fig8 . in such a case , the user goes to the workspace explorer 34 and logs in to the database . then the user expands the database or schema node 35 and then expands the tables node , finally selecting one of the tables 36 . the user can then drag the selected table onto the sql editor 20 and then a simple sql statement of the type defined by the combo statement type 37 is created by aptitude . user can modify the statement using the sql editor . the statement type can be one of : select , inset , update , delete or merge . the user can then convert the statement into diagrammatical sql rule 38 after running the generate sql elements command 14 . we next describe creating a sql procedure diagram from sql procedure text or a ddl statement . the first steps are the same as for creating a new sql rule from a sql statement described above , but more objects are created ( sql procedure , and accompanying sql rules , table , views and sequence definitions ). the sql editor 20 is opened as described above for fig2 . when the diagrammatic sql procedure is created , the user is asked to give the new sql procedure a name , and in this example the name price validation is chosen , as shown in fig9 . the generated diagrammatic sql procedure 40 is added to the project together with its diagrammatic sql rules 42 . the sql rules 42 are added as child nodes of the sql procedure 40 in the project folders view 44 , as shown in fig1 . we next describe importing an sql procedure from a database and creating a diagrammatic aptitude sql procedure . this function takes the textual sql procedure from a database and converts it into a diagrammatic aptitude sql procedure . this can be done in the following steps : as described above for fig2 , the user opens a project , right clicks the project node in the project explorer and selects add new sql elements from sql statement this opens a new window called : “ new sql elements from sql statement input ”, as shown in fig2 . as shown in fig1 , the user goes to the workspace explorer 50 and logs in to the database . then the user expands the procedures node 52 ( showing the procedures existing in the database ), finds the procedure the user wants to import to the aptitude project ( in this example it is called price validation ), drags this procedure and drops it into the editor window 20 opened in the previous step . the editor window 20 now contains the textual sql procedure 54 , named price validation . the user executes generate sql elements toolbar command 14 . the user is asked for the name of the newly generated sql procedure , and in this example again chooses the name price validation . the generated diagrammatical aptitude sql procedure 56 is added to the aptitude project , as shown in fig1 . fig1 shows a computing device 60 , which may for example be a personal computer ( pc ), which is suitable for running the aptitude 3d software . the computing device 60 comprises a display 62 for displaying information to the developer , a processor 64 , a memory 66 and an input device 68 ( for example a mouse and / or keyboard ) for allowing the developer to input information . these elements are connected by a bus 70 via which information is exchanged between the components . having described the invention in detail and by reference to certain embodiments , it will be apparent that modifications and variations thereof are possible without departing from the scope of the invention .	6
the invention describes an education framework that allows for educational assessment without testing . the framework uses a novel technique in educational assessment which is then incorporated into a network environment . this allows teachers , and school and district administrators to assess the progress of their students as well as providing graphical illustration and report generation illustrating the progress of the students . fig1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a novel education framework 2 used in accordance with the invention . the network framework 2 includes a database 18 as well as a client system 20 and a server system 4 that communicate with each other using commonly known network client - server communication systems . the client system 20 includes one more client computer systems that are coupled via a network . in this case , the client computer systems can include students 8 accessing the server 4 as well as educators 10 , such as teachers , school and district officials or administrators , accessing the server 4 . the students 8 can access the server 4 using either a password or other authentication means . the students 8 perform their daily skill activities and the data is stored in a database 18 by the server 4 . the educators 10 also access the server 4 using either a predefined password or other authentication means . the educators 10 usually access the server 4 to generate reports displaying students &# 39 ; progress as well as each student &# 39 ; s performance predictor or skill set , prescription of intensity , and other parameters . the server 4 generates the reports for viewing by the educators 10 using specific graphical representations . also , the educators 10 are allowed to generate reports specific to a student in a class , class in a school as well as to a school in a district . the server 4 receives requests for access by the client systems 20 . the requests can include standard communication protocols such as tcp / ip or the like . the server 4 processes these requests and performs the selected or requested operations . in this case , the server 4 includes a number of modules to perform the educational assessment . the server 4 includes a student performance data module 12 , a report module 16 , student parameter module 14 , and an assessment module 6 . when a student 8 sends a transmission of data 9 to the database 18 , using a client computer system , to the server 4 , that transmission 9 includes data generated by the student performing skill activities . the sever 4 receives the transmission 9 and triggers the execution of the assessment module 6 . the assessment module 6 assesses the data sent in the transmission 9 received by the server 4 and determines that the student 8 is adding data to their record . the assessment module 6 initiates the activation of the student performance data module 12 . the student performance data module 12 issues to the student 8 , via a message 11 , their individualized skill activities . the student 8 receives the message 11 that contains the individualized skill activities and proceeds in adjusting the pathway of that student 8 in the program . once the student 8 transmits the performance data 9 to the database 18 , the student performance data module 12 analyzes the data 9 from the database 18 and calculates the student &# 39 ; s performance data . the student performance data module 12 provides , via a message 5 , to the assessment module 6 the student performance data . the assessment module 6 receives the message 5 and calculates the various performance parameters used in the inventive assessment technique . also , the assessment module 6 stores the performance parameters associated with the student 8 into a database structure 18 for later retrieval or report generation . the database 18 is stored in the server 4 . the educator 10 , such as a teacher , school official or district official , can access the server 4 to generate reports or make administrative changes . using a client system the educator 10 sends a request 15 to the server 4 . the server 4 receives the request 15 and initiates the activation of the reporting module 16 that analyzes the request 15 and determines it is from an educator 10 . the reporting module 16 initiates the activation of the student parameter module 14 . the reporting module 16 determines whether the request 15 is directed in generating a report and for whom . if the educator 10 is a teacher , then the report module 16 utilizes a report specific to the class of the teacher or their student of interest . if the educator 10 is a school or district administrator , the report module 16 generates a report that include details regarding the educational assessment of the school or district as a whole , which can include the overall assessment of the district , school , grade and particular class . the reporting module 16 provides a user interface that allows an educator 10 to select the criteria of the report they are requesting . the report module 16 analyzes the criteria requested for the report and sends a request 17 to the student parameter module 14 for the required information needed for report generation . the student parameter module 14 analyzes the request 17 and requests via message 23 the student performance and assessment data needed to produce the report requested . the student parameters module 21 analyzes the message 23 and extracts the information needed to generate the requested report using the information provided by the student parameter module 14 . the assessment module 6 formulates a query to the database structure 18 to extract the needed assessment data and students information . after receiving the query from the student parameters module 14 , the database structure 18 retrieves the needed assessment data and student information and sends it to the assessment module 6 . the student parameters module 14 receives the results of the query and processes the information in a fashion that the reporting module 16 can use , and sends the information via a message 19 to the reporting module 16 . the reporting module 16 receives the message 19 and processes the received information by calculating the received assessment data and student information in a fashion that can be used for report generation . the reporting module 16 receives the message 19 and proceeds to produce reports . in particular , the reporting module 16 generates reports based on who is requesting the reports and their access privileges . in this case , a school administrator can receive a report that contains information regarding the assessment of school , grade , class or student ; district administrators can receive a report that contains information regarding assessment of the district , school , grade , class or student while a teacher may receive assessment reports showing their class or individual students . based on the contents in messages 17 and 19 , the reporting module 16 generates a report for a specific educator . the report can include various numerical , graphical , and other illustrative measures to show relevant information . after generating the reports , the reporting module 16 sends , via a message 13 , the generated report to the educator 10 . the educator 10 can review the contents of the generated reports . the education framework 2 can use standard open technologies such as linux , apache , and mysql to build the modules 6 , 12 , 14 , and 16 . the client system 20 and the server 4 can use platform independent programming languages to access the modules 6 , 12 , 14 , and 16 and necessary programming components . also , the client system 20 can include smartphones or other mobile devices . each of the computers or mobile devices of the client system 20 and server 4 have a processor , portable storage , and a processor - readable storage medium that can include but is not limited to a floppy disk , a mini - disk , a cd - rom , a dvd - rom , flash memory , data tape , and other conventional storage media as may be known to those of ordinary skill in the art . the invention utilizes a novel educational assessment technique for evaluating a student &# 39 ; s progress that relies on key elements for progress monitoring , such as , but not limited to , usage , current program level , rate . the reports generated by the reporting module 16 illustrate usage , performance predictors for kindergarten through grade 3 , and skill sets for grades 4 and above . information about student usage is valuable in determining whether students receive the greatest benefit from working on selected programs . strong usage is likely to result in more progress through the selected programs and greater skill acquisition . for each user , usage is based on finding average weekly time ( in minutes ) the user worked on the selected predefined skill activities . log in / log out time is updated when the student logs out for each student in the database 18 via the assessment module 6 and student performance data module 12 . a user &# 39 ; s average weekly time is obtained by summing daily times over an eight - week period and dividing by eight . the eight - week period includes 56 days prior to the current date . usage information is provided only for students who use the program at least once over the eight - week period . the following descriptions define usage categories : weak = average weekly time is less than or equal to 15 minutes ; fair = average weekly time is greater than or equal to 16 minutes but less than or equal to 44 minutes ; strong = average weekly time is greater than or equal to 45 minutes . information about usage status is available for individual students , classes , grades , schools and districts . aggregate information can be obtained by averaging the total times of students in the group and dividing by the number of students in the group . given that average weekly time is computed based on the 56 days prior to the current date , average weekly times during the first few weeks of use will include days with no use and is likely to be “ weak ”. as students accrue more weeks of use , the usage category becomes a better indicator . performance predictors are a key component to monitoring student progress through the selected predefined skill activities . a performance predictor is a student &# 39 ; s percent chance of reaching end - of - year benchmark . performance predictors fall between 1 %- 99 %. a student who has already reached end - of - the - year benchmark in a given month is assigned a performance predictor of 100 %. performance predictors are provided for kindergarten through third grade students who have used lexia at least once in a given month and have shown a sequential progression through lexia levels . performance predictors are calculated at the end of each month and made available on the first day of the following month . for example , a student with a performance predictor of 56 % based on september performance will have this percentage displayed beginning october 1 st and remain during the whole month of october . to determine performance predictors , a series of logistic regression analyses were performed to identify variables that were the strongest predictors in determining the likelihood of reaching end - of - year benchmarks . for every grade and month , certain variables were identified as most predictive . the most predictive variables received values reflecting their weights ( predictive strength ) in prediction equations for each month in each grade level . these prediction equations were used on a monthly basis ( august 2010 to may 2011 , as an example ) to derive a student &# 39 ; s percent chance of reaching end - of - year benchmark . there were one - to - three significant variables in each prediction equation . examples of variables used in the prediction equations include current level ( the student &# 39 ; s level in lexia reading on the last day of the month ), percent of current level complete ( percentage of units completed in the current level on the last day of the month ) and monthly rate ( number of units per minute completed during the month ). a stratified random sampling procedure was used to obtain norm samples . first students are divided into six pools based on their total standard scores on the grade : 70 and below , 71 - 85 , 86 - 100 , 101 - 115 , 116 - 130 , greater than 130 . then 4 , 28 , 68 , 68 , 28 and 4 students are randomly sampled from these pools , respectively . sampling in this manner guaranteed a sample of 200 students showing a normal distribution of reading scores . when sampling from these pools , one can consider ethnic background . proportions of different ethnicities in accordance with national demographics are maintained . for example , for pools in which had an over - representation of hispanic students , some hispanic students are omitted from the pool ( in a random fashion ) and then sampled from the remaining students . in a few cases , there were not enough students in a pool to meet the sample quota for a normal distribution ( e . g ., third graders with standard scores greater than 130 ). in these cases an adjacent pool was sampled . standard scores for students in the combined norm samples indicate a nearly perfect normal distribution . an autoplacement feature was used to establish the initial lexia reading level for 94 % of the students in the norm samples . of the students who were autoplaced , 93 % were autoplaced at the beginning of the 2010 - 2011 school year . the remaining students were autoplaced in the previous school year . those students who were not autoplaced were assigned a level by their teacher ( manual placement ). ninety - seven percent of the students showed a sequential progression through lexia levels ( i . e ., worked on one lexia reading level at a time and moved on to the next level only when the current level was completed ). for the remaining students more than one level was open for a period of time . the norm samples are also used to derive recommendations of lexia reading use . the recommendations were based on analyzing the amount of use required for students identified as “ high risk ” to reach end - of - year benchmarks . for this analysis one can chose students identified as “ high risk ” in february . by this time students in the norm samples were clearly distinguishable in terms of their likelihood of reaching end - of - year benchmarks , yet there were enough months left in the school year for “ high risk ” students to reach end - of - year benchmarks . the findings show somewhat different use patterns for kindergartners compared to first through third graders . in general , first through third graders required greater use than kindergartners to reach end - of - year benchmarks . based on the findings , one can recommend between 50 - 70 minutes of lexia reading use per week for “ high risk ” kindergartners and 80 - 100 minutes per week for “ high risk ” first through third graders . recommendations of use for students identified as “ some risk ” or “ on target ” are less intense than for “ high risk ” students , and are consistent with their likelihood of reaching end - of - year benchmarks . given that the label “ some risk ” is applied to a wide range of performance predictors ( 31 - 79 %), it is evident that not all “ some risk ” students will require the same amount of lexia reading use to reach end - of - year benchmarks . thus , for “ some risk ” students with a 31 - 50 % chance of reaching end - of - year benchmark we recommended higher amounts of lexia reading use than for “ some risk ” students with a 51 - 79 % chance of reaching end - of - year benchmark . given that lexia reading users in grades 4 - 12 are nearly always below or well below grade level , norm samples for them were unable to be obtained . however , similar procedures to the ones described above to derive use recommendations were employed for students in grades 4 - 12 . these students fall into one of three skill sets : basic , elementary or intermediate . students who used lexia reading are examined for at least 45 minutes per week and progressed from level 1 of strategies of older students ( sos ) in february , 2011 , to level 4 or 5 of sos by the end of may , 2011 . these students advanced from basic skill set to intermediate skill set . overall , greater use for students in grades 7 - 12 are found compared to grades 4 - 6 . based on the findings , one can recommend between 90 - 120 minutes of lexia reading use per week for students in grades 4 - 6 and 100 - 150 minutes per week for students in grades 7 - 12 . these recommendations apply to students who are working on basic skills in level 1 of sos or any level of early reading or primary reading . recommendations of use for students working on elementary or intermediate skill sets ( levels 2 - 5 of sos ) are less intense than for students working on basic skills and are consistent with completing intermediate skills by the end of the school year . information about the performance predictor is available for students , classes , grades , schools and districts ( for example , percentage of students in a school or district who fall under each of the performance predictor categories ). students are included in the aggregates if they used the program at least once during the last calendar month prior to the date in which the performance predictor status is provided . in addition to providing the latest performance predictor , historic performance predictors are recorded monthly on the last day of each month and displayed on the first day of the subsequent month over the course of the school year . each program level is associated with a “ skill set ” based on the grade at which the skills in that level are typically taught . information about skill set is provided for students in grades four and above to indicate the types of skills being worked on at their current ( most recent ) level . the following are the skill sets used in accordance with the invention : intermediate = skills approximately at a fourth - sixth grade level ; elementary = skills approximately at a second - third grade level ; basic = skills approximately at a kindergarten - first grade level . information about skill set is provided for students , classes , grades , schools and districts . students are included in the aggregates if they used the program at least once during the eight weeks prior to the date in which the skill set is provided . in addition to providing the latest skill set status , historic skill sets are recorded on the last day of each month and displayed on the first day of the subsequent month over the course of the school year . for students in grades kindergarten to third grade , based on student program level and rate of progress , the performance predictors can be used to indicate each student &# 39 ; s percent chance of reaching the end - of - year benchmark for his or her grade level . calculated on a monthly basis , the performance predictor is a critical measure of risk of potential reading failure . predictors are calculated on the first day of each calendar month , based on a prior month &# 39 ; s work . the first performance predictor is available the first day of second month of use . end - of - year benchmarks were established based on a normed sample as well as using grade level and state standards . the end - of - year benchmarks are correlated to performance on nationally used and previously validated progress monitoring tools that are independent of lexia reading . each student &# 39 ; s performance predictor or skill set determines the level of intensity of instruction needed to increase the likelihood of the student reaching end - of - year benchmark or to increase the grade level of the material the students are working on . this monthly prescription includes the number of minutes the student should use the program , in addition to available , recommended , scripted lessons for the teacher to target instruction . fig2 is a table 120 listing the prescription of ( instructional ) intensity recommendations categorized by grade , performance predictor or skill set . these recommendations were determined through analysis of a normed sample as discussed above . fig3 is a process flow 30 illustrating calculating current performance predictors used in accordance with the invention . the assessment module 6 performs these steps and the results are stored in the database 18 for later retrieval by the student parameter module 14 and reporting module 16 . as shown in step 32 , the student works on their software program associated with their individualized skill activities where the performance data is sent back to the server 4 to be stored via the assessment module 6 and database structure 18 , as shown in step 34 . for every month , on the last day of the month all the students who have worked in the last month including those in kindergarten , first grade , second grade , or third grade , their student activity level information with respect to their usage is determined , as step in 35 . the assessment module 6 retrieves this information from the database structure 18 . also , it is important to determine the current norm referenced data for comparison . this is accomplished by calculating the month offset into the school year from the current date using the school &# 39 ; s start month and year . note that the month offset for calculations run on the first day in a month , is the offset of the previous month since the calculation is for the previous day . the assessment module 6 stores the current performance predictor values attained in the database structure 18 . moreover , the current performance data of each of the students are compared against the month and the student &# 39 ; s grade and put into proprietary formulas , as shown in step 36 . based on the norm sample data , a student &# 39 ; s current rate and accuracy categories are determined by comparing performance data to the norm sample , as shown in step 37 . as mentioned earlier , the current performance predictors are defined as follows : on target , some risk , and high risk . afterwards , the assessment module 6 stores the performance predictors for later retrieval to the database 18 . moreover , educators can send requests to the reporting module 16 for reports , as shown in step 38 . the reporting module 16 generate reports with the parameters calculated , as show in step 39 . fig4 is a process flow 40 illustrating calculating historical performance predictors used in accordance with the invention . historical performance predictors are calculated on the first of the month by the assessment module 6 . the assessment module 6 stores the computed historical performance predictors in the database structure 18 for comparison purposes . as shown in step 41 , the student works on their software program associated with their individualized skill activities where the performance data is sent back to the server 4 to be stored via the assessment module 6 and database structure 18 , as shown in step 42 . as shown in step 43 , on the first of the month , for every student who has worked in the program the prior month the usage activity or activity level with the program is computed . this entails getting the last activity the student worked on in this time period , getting the level of the last activity the student worked on , and getting the start date of the student &# 39 ; s school . the historical performance predictors are determined for each student for comparison purposes by using proprietary formulas that are applied to the performance data to calculate historical performance predictors , as shown in step 44 . the historical performance predictors are calculated after the first month of program use in the school year after the school &# 39 ; s start date for the year . afterwards , performance data are compared to norm sample data to determine historical rate and accuracy categories , as shown in step 45 . afterwards , the assessment module 6 stores the historical performance predictors for later retrieval to the database structure 18 . moreover , educators can send requests to the reporting module 16 for reports illustrating the historical predictors , as shown in step 46 . the reporting module 16 generate reports with the parameters calculated , as show in step 47 . based on the proprietary formulas for the month and grade of the student , a student historical performance predictor is calculated , as shown in step 44 . as mentioned earlier , the performance predictors are defined as follows : on target , some risk , and high risk . afterwards , the assessment module 6 stores the historical performance predictor to the databases structure 18 for later retrieval . fig5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a district report 50 generated by the reporting module 16 in accordance with the invention . the report 50 includes regions 52 , 54 , 56 , and 58 that illustrate specific information for district officials . the region 52 defines the current performance status of the students in the districts . in particular , a number of pie charts 88 , 90 illustrate the performance predictors and skill sets of the students that are provided by the process in fig3 . the region 56 shows the progress section that displays the percentage of students in each performance predictor and skill set category in monthly intervals . as the school year progresses one can gauge student progress by monitoring how the percentages of performance predictors and skill set categories are increasing or decreasing . progress is measured monthly and displayed in month segments , and includes all students who used the program at least once in the previous calendar month for kindergarten through third grade and at least once in the last eight weeks for students in fourth grade and above . region 54 shows a usage pie chart 92 displaying student program usage based on average weekly minutes for the past 8 weeks . the usage pie chart 92 includes all grades , and therefore the number of students will be the total number of students in the performance predictors and skill set pie charts 88 , 90 . this includes only students who have used the program at least once in the previous calendar month for kindergarten through third grade and at least once in the last eight weeks for students in fourth grade and above . region 58 shows the school tables providing a concise overview of usage and status for a district &# 39 ; s top / bottom ten schools . these tables feature the most recent snapshot of performance predictors , skill sets , and usage data . a district official can view schools by clicking any school name to view a school &# 39 ; s performance predictors and skill set percentages by grade ( for example , all of the school &# 39 ; s current status , progress , and usage information ). if a district official wants to see schools sorted differently they can use the drop - down menus to view the top / bottom ten performance predictor , top / bottom ten skill sets , and top / bottom ten schools by usage . you can further sort the list by clicking any column header . also , status overall and status for grades in a certain school or district can be viewed according to the top / bottom ten performance predictor , top / bottom ten skill sets , and top / bottom ten usage . fig6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a school report 60 generated by the reporting module 16 in accordance with the invention . the report 60 includes a number of regions 51 , 53 , 55 and 57 that illustrate assessment and usage information specific for a school . the region 51 shows the performance predictors and skill sets of the students in a school . with respect to the performance predictors , they are assigned the following identifiers : on target , some risk , and high risk . with respect to the skill sets , they are assigned the following identifiers : intermediate , elementary , and basic . moreover , the region 51 includes pie charts 61 , 62 illustrating a current snapshot of performance predictors and skill sets of only students who have used the lexia reading at least once in the past 8 weeks . region 53 shows the progress section that displays the percentage of students in each performance predictor and skill set category in monthly intervals . as the school year progresses , one can gauge student progress by monitoring how the percentages of performance predictors and skill sets are increasing or decreasing . region 55 includes a usage pie chart 63 that displays student program usage based on average weekly minutes for the past 8 weeks . the usage pie chart 63 includes all grades and therefore the number of students will total the number of students in the performance predictors and skill set charts 61 , 62 . the pie chart 63 shows only the student who have used the lexia reading program at least once in the past 8 weeks . region 57 shows the school &# 39 ; s grade table providing a concise overview of a school &# 39 ; s current status . these tables feature the most recent snapshots of performance predictors , skill set , and usage data . district users can view schools by any school name to view a school combine report , for example , all of the school &# 39 ; s current status , progress , and usage information . if your district has more than 10 schools one can use the drop - down menus to view the top / bottom ten performance predictors , top / bottom ten skill sets , and top / bottom ten usage . one can further sort the list by clicking any column header . school user can view grades . if a school has more than 10 grades , one can use the drop - down menu to view top / bottom ten performance predictors , top / bottom ten skill sets , top / bottom ten usage . one can also sort the list by clicking any column or header . fig7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a teacher report 78 generated by the reporting module 16 in accordance with the invention . the report 78 includes number regions 80 , 82 , 84 , and 86 that illustrate assessment and usage information specific for a class . region 80 shows an instruction needed list that displays all students in a class who are struggling with an activity and may require explicit teacher - directed instruction in order to progress . students are grouped according to the program level and skills in which they are struggling in order to facilitate small group instruction . a teacher can click on a skill name to view a selected predefined lesson that can be used in a teacher - led instructional session with students . by clicking a student name , a student skills report is provided for a detailed look at the student &# 39 ; s current and past performance . region 82 shows a pie chart 94 displaying the performance predictor and / or skill set , depending on the grade ( s ) of the student in the class . the chart 94 is a snapshot of current and includes only students who have used the program at least once in the last calendar month for students in grades k - 3 and at least once in the past 8 weeks for students in grades 4 - 12 . region 84 shows a usage line graph 96 displaying the average minutes per week of use for the entire class . a shaded region indicates the overall or general recommended levels of usage . this graph 96 includes all students in the class who have used the program at least once in the past 8 weeks . by clicking the detail button under the class usage graph 96 , each student &# 39 ; s average weekly usage and total usage is displayed . region 86 shows a student table providing a concise overview of the class by reporting each student &# 39 ; s current status . in particular , if a student is struggling a special icon is displayed and by clicking on the student &# 39 ; s name , the teacher can view the student combined report that shows usage , performance and skill completion status . moreover , the student &# 39 ; s average weekly program usage over the past 8 weeks is displayed . the report 78 shows the student &# 39 ; s current program assignment . each student should have only one assigned at a time . when a student is determined to be struggling with one or more units a special icon is displayed in the “ lessons ” column and an icon drawing attention to the student is displayed next to the student name . by clicking the special icon in the “ lessons ” column , a lesson is provided to a teacher that can be used for teacher - led , small group instruction . when a student has completed a program level in the past two weeks , an icon is displayed in the “ certificate available ” column . by clicking this icon , detailed information regarding the achievement certificate is provided . fig8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a section of a teacher report 100 generated by the reporting module 16 in accordance with the invention that uses performance predictors . the performance predictors can also be displayed for each of the students in a separate column 102 . column 102 will display skill sets for students in grades 4 - 12 . a teacher can sort by performance predictors , which would in turn sort the recommended usage column 106 into 4 groupings ( for ease of planning ). the lines 108 around the three columns 102 , 104 , 106 indicate that the performance predictor or skill set drives the prescription of intensity . by putting the lessons along with recommended program usage under the prescription of intensity , one can drive home the message that it is not only more time on the computer but teacher intervention that can improve performance . the teacher has the two usage columns next to each other for easy comparison . the invention provides an education framework that allows for assessment without testing . this invention allows for direct control and easier access to student information that provides districts , schools , and teachers a better understanding of the educational development of their students . also , the invention provides customized , easy - to - understand reports that allow users to understand thoroughly the performance of their students as well as a way to help address student &# 39 ; s difficulties , all without stopping instruction time to administer a traditional test . although the present invention has been shown and described with respect to several preferred embodiments thereof , various changes , omissions and additions to the form and detail thereof , may be made therein , without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .	6
fig1 shows a block diagram of a circuit arrangement for carrying out a method for monitoring the phase - shifted phase voltages u 1 , u 2 , and u 3 provided with a constant range of a polyphase tachometer generator to detect phase failures . this constant range is larger than 60 el and smaller than 180 ° el . the tachometer generator and a rotor position transmitter are coupled to the rotor of a polyphase driving machine . for reasons of greater clarity , the tachometer generator , the rotor position transmitter , and the work - performing machine are not shown . the tachometer generator has a multiphase stator winding , the number of phases of which agrees with the number of phases of the work - performing machine . the tachometer generator is designed so that in each phase of the stator winding of the tachometer generator , a voltage is induced which is constant at least over a given angular range and the angular ranges , in which the individual phase voltages change from one polarity to the other , can overlap each other in time . in agreement with the three - phase stator winding of the driving machine , the tachometer generator also has a three - phase winding , of which the phase voltages u 1 , u 2 , and u 3 each are shown in a diagram versus the circular frequency ωt in fig5 . these phase voltages u 1 , u 2 and u 3 are fed to separate inputs of a summing stage 2 , and added there to form an auxiliary voltage u aux . the auxiliary voltage u aux present at the output of the summing stage 2 is fed to a limit indicator 6 via a switching element 4 . the switching element 4 is controlled via a rotor position signal u kom by an edge - controlled monostable multivibrator 8 . the rotor position signal u kom is generated by the rotor position transmitter of the driving machine ( not shown ). the rotor position signal u kom is shown in fig7 versus the circular frequency ωt . a more detailed illustration of the limit indicator 6 , a window comparator for example , is shown in fig3 . a more detailed illustration of the edge - controlled monostable multivibrator is shown in fig2 . the output of the limit indicator 6 is tied to a clock input c of a storage circuit 10 which is followed by a display that will indicate &# 34 ; tachometer fault &# 34 ;. a detailed design of the storage circuit 10 can be seen in fig4 . with reference to the overall design seen in fig1 at the output of the limit indicator 6 appears either a high signal or a low signal . by this signal the limit indicator 6 indicates that the voltage value of the auxiliary voltage u aux at the input of the limit indicator 6 is either within or without a set range of voltage values . the presence of a high level at the output of the storage circuit 10 causes &# 34 ; tachometer fault &# 34 ; to be displayed . in fig2 an embodiment of the edge - controlled monostable multivibrator 8 used in the circuit of fig1 is shown in more detail . to the input 12 is applied the rotor position signal u kom which is fed to a first input of an exor gate 14 and via a time delay stage 16 to a second input of the exor gate 14 . at the output 18 of the exor gate 14 a trigger sampling signal u t is present . a plot of the trigger sampling circuit versus the circular frequency ωt is shown in fig8 . the time delay stage 16 causes a shift in time of the rotor position signal u kom by a time t m . this time t m is also called the sampling time t m . at the output 18 of the exor gate 14 a high signal appears as long as a high signal is present at one of its inputs and a low signal at its other input . thus a high signal is obtained at the beginning of every edge of the rotor position signal u kom which remains at the high level for the sampling time t m . when the trigger sampling signal u t is at the high level , the switching element 4 is closed in the circuit of fig1 . in fig3 an embodiment of the limit indicator 6 with an integrated switching element 4 is shown in more detail . as the limit indicator 6 , by way of an example a known window comparator can be used such as that described by u . tietze ch . schenk , in &# 34 ; halbleiter - schaltungstechnik &# 34 ;, 6th edition , 1983 page 180 . this window comparator , as seen in fig3 contains two comparators 20 and 22 the outputs of which form a common output 24 of the limit indicator 6 . the noninverting input of the comparator 20 is coupled to an output of a voltage divider 26 , while the inverting input of the comparator 22 is coupled to the inverting input of the voltage divider 28 . a voltage value + u k is present at the output of the voltage divider 26 and a voltage value of - u k is present at the output of the voltage divider 28 . the auxiliary voltage u aux is received via the input 30 of the limit indicator 6 at the inverting input of the comparator 20 and at the noninverting input of the comparator 22 . the trigger sampling signal u t is fed via a trigger input 32 of the limit indicator 6 to the comparators 20 and 22 . the switching element 4 is realized by activation of the comparators 20 and 22 while the trigger sampling signal u t is at a high level . thus , it is possible to ascertain with this embodiment of the limit indicator 6 whether the auxiliary voltage u aux is within or without the range of voltage values + u k and - u k during the sampling time . in fig4 an embodiment of the storage circuit 10 used in the circuit of fig1 is shown . the exemplary embodiment of the storage circuit 10 shown in fig4 has a comparator 34 whose noninverting input is tied to its output via a series feedback circuit , comprising a diode 36 and a resistor 38 . the inverting input of the comparator 34 is connected to a voltage divider 40 and a reset input 42 . the noninverting input of the comparator 34 is tied to a clock input c of the storage means 10 . from the output 44 of the storage circuit , a high signal or a low signal is obtained depending on the signal present at the clock input . if a low signal is present at the clock input c , then the output of the comparator 34 also goes into the low state . this low state is held by the feedback circuit . the comparator 34 can be reset to its starting point by a reset signal fed to the reset input 42 . in the embodiment of the storage circuit 10 shown in fig4 a , a d - flip - flop is used , at the data input of which a high level is present with the q output tied to the &# 34 ; tachometer fault &# 34 ; display . the clock input of this d - flip - flop is preceded by an inverter . a low signal at the output of the limit indicator 6 , which indicates that the sampled voltage value of the auxiliary voltage u aux is outside the range of voltage values + u k and - u k , will therefore become a high signal at the q output of the d - flip - flop , and causes &# 34 ; tachometer fault &# 34 ; to be displayed . fig4 b shows an embodiment of the storage circuit 10 using a microprocessor of a process control . this embodiment is used if automatic intervention into the control unit controlled by the microprocessor is to be made , or documentation is to be provided by the microprocessor . this is in addition to the causing &# 34 ; tachometer fault &# 34 ; to be displayed . in fig5 each of the phase voltages u 1 , u 2 and u 3 are shown in a diagram versus the circular frequency ωt . as is shown in fig5 the phase voltages u 1 , u 2 and u 3 of the tachometer generator have trapezoidal waveforms . the constant range of these phase voltages u 1 to u 3 extends over 120 ° el . thereby , the inclined regions of the individual phase voltages u 1 to u 3 do not overlap in time . in fig6 the auxiliary voltage u aux is shown in a diagram versus the circular frequency ωt . this auxiliary voltage u aux was generated by the addition of the three phase voltages u 1 , u 2 and u 3 . due to the fact that in a drive arrangement with a three - phase drive machine , the angular range in which the individual phase voltages u 1 to u 3 of the tachometer generator are constant extends over 120 ° el , a triangular waveform of the auxiliary voltage u aux is obtained . the amplitude of the waveform corresponds to the amplitude of the individual phase voltages u 1 to u 3 . in addition , two constant voltages are shown in the diagram each with a constant amplitude + u k and - u k versus the circular frequency ωw . these two voltages + u k and - u k therefore form a range of voltage values . the rotor position signal u kom generated by the rotor position transmitter is shown in the diagram in fig7 versus the angular frequency ωt . the rotor position signal u kom is a squarewave signal , the level state of which changes every 60 ° el . thereby , the commutation instant is determined with every edge of the squarewave signal . in fig8 the trigger sampling signal u t is shown in a diagram versus the circular frequency ωt . this trigger sampling signal u t is a squarewave signal where the signal jumps to the high level at every commutation instant , i . e . every 60 ° el and remains in this level state for a time t m . this time t m is the sampling time t m , at which the auxiliary voltage u aux is present at the limit indicator 6 . in fig5 to 8 , the signal waveforms are shown for an undisturbed case , i e ., if no phase voltage fails . fig9 to 12 , on the other hand , show the corresponding signal waveforms of fig5 to 8 with a short circuit occurring in the tachometer generator . from this instant on , the phase voltage u 2 is missing . prior to this instant , all sampling voltage values are within the voltage value range + u k , - u k so that a high signal is present at the output 24 of the limit indicator 6 according to fig3 . at the instant of the short - circuit , the auxiliary voltage u aux executes a voltage jump which is then followed by a triangular voltage which has the value 0 volts over 60 ° el between two maxima . the maximum amplitude of the auxiliary voltage u aux is now twice the amplitude value of a single phase voltage u 1 or u 3 . due to the voltage jump at the instant of the occurrence of the fault , the sampled voltage value is outside the voltage value range + u k , - u k so that a low signal is present at the output 24 of the limit indicator 6 . this triggers the storage circuit 10 . the storage circuit 10 produces a low signal or a high signal at its output in dependence on the particular embodiment of the storage circuit 10 , whereby &# 34 ; tachometer fault &# 34 ; is displayed . by this method of monitoring the phase - shifted phase voltages u 1 , u 2 and u 3 having a constant range of a polyphase tachometer generator to detect a phase failure and the circuit arrangement for carrying out the method , the failure of at least one phase within an angular range of 60 ° el or 20 °. mech can be ascertained and displayed .	6
referring now to the embodiment according to this invention , fig1 is a circuit diagram showing one embodiment of the digital electronic timepiece according to this invention . reference numeral 1 is the oscillating circuit employing a crystal vibrator such as a quartz crystal . the oscillating circuit 1 produces a signal of 32 , 726hz and the oscillating output signal is applied to the dividing circuit 2 having a plurality of dividing stages so that the frequency of 1hz is produced . this 1hz - signal , namely 1 second pulse is applied to the 60 - counter 3 . and the 60 - counter 3 produces a 60 seconds pulse namely a 1 minute pulse . this 1 - minute pulse is applied to the minute - counter 4 including a 10 - counter 5 and 6 - counter 6 . the output signal of the minute counter 4 , namely a 1 hour pulse is applied to the hour counter 7 which is a 24 - counter including a 12 - counter comprising the 10 - counter 8 and the binary counter 9 , and the binary counter 10 . the output signal of the hour counter , namely the 1 day pulse which is the output signal of the binary counter 10 , is applied to the week counter 11 being a 7 - counter , and is also applied to the day counter 12 being a 31 - counter including the 10 - counter 13 and the 14 . the 10 - counter 5 of the minute counter 4 consists of a 4 bits binary counter and the bcd code - output of the 4 bits binary counter is applied to the and circuits 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 respectively . the 6 - counter 6 comprises a 3 bits binary counter , and its bcd code - output is applied to the and circuits 19 , 20 , 21 respectively . the 10 - counter 8 of the hour counter 7 comprises a 4 bits binary counter and its bcd code - output is applied to the and circuits 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 respectively and also the binary counter 9 comprises a 1 bit binary counter of which the output signal is applied to the and circuit 26 . the week counter 11 comprises a 3 bits binary counter of which the bcd code output is applied to the and circuits 27 , 28 , and 29 respectively . the 10 - counter 13 of the day counter 12 comprises a 4 bits binary counter of which the bcd code output is applied to the and circuits 30 , 31 , 32 and 33 respectively . and further , the 4 - counter 14 of the day counter 12 comprises a 2 bits binary counter of which the bcd code output is applied to the and circuits 34 , 35 . one input terminal of each of the and circuits 15 - 26 receives the output signal of the display selecting circuit 38 through the line 36 . and also one input terminal of each the and circuits 27 - 35 receives the output signal of the display selecting circuit 38 through line 37 . the display selecting circuit 38 has a manual change over switch 39 which includes the movable contact 40 connected to the high level voltage supplying terminal 41 having the logical level &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; and fixed contacts 40a , 40b connected to the low level voltage supplying terminal 42 having the logical level &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; through the resistors 43 , 44 . the output signal of this display selecting circuit 38 is produced from the fixed contacts 40a and 40b of the change - over switch 39 . the fixed contact 40a is connected to line 36 and the fixed contact 40b is connected to line 37 . the respective output signals of the and circuits 15 , 16 , 17 are applied to the other terminals of or circuit 45 , 46 , 47 receiving the respective output signals of the and circuits 27 , 28 , 29 . the respective output signals of the and circuits 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 are applied to or circuits 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 receiving the respective output signals of the and circuit 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 . and the output signal of the and circuit 26 is applied to or circuit 52 receiving the output signal of the and circuit 34 . the output signals of the or circuits 45 - 47 and the and circuit 18 are applied to the decoder 53 for coverting the bcd code to a segment signal of 7 segment and the output signals of the and circuits 19 - 21 are applied to another decoder 54 . the ouput signals of the or circuits 48 - 51 are applied to another decoder 55 and further the output signals of the or circuit 52 and the and circuit 35 are applied to another decoder 56 . the output signals of the decoders 53 - 56 are fed to the display 61 through the drivers 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 . the display 61 comprises four display elements 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 each of which has seven segments arranged in &# 34 ; 8 &# 34 ; shape . there are also provided a display 67 indicating &# 34 ; h &# 34 ; meaning the hour , a display 68 indicating &# 34 ; m &# 34 ; meaning the minute , a display 69 indicating &# 34 ; d &# 34 ; meaning the date and a display 90 indicating &# 34 ; w &# 34 ; meaning the day of week . the displays 67 , 68 , 69 and 70 are drived selectively by the output signal of the display selecting circuit 38 through a driver 66 . the operation of the digital electronic timepiece having the above mentioned circuit construction will now be described . one input terminal of each of the and circuits 15 - 26 is maintained in the state of logical level &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; through the line 36 when the movable contact 40 of the change over switch 39 in the display selecting circuit 38 connects to the fixed contact 40a as shown in fig1 . also since one input terminal of each of the and circuits 27 - 35 is maintained in the state of the logical level &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ;, the respective counted contents of the minute counter 4 and the hour counter 7 are applied to the decoders 53 - 56 through the and circuits 15 - 26 and the or circuits 45 - 52 , or are applied to the decoders 53 - 56 directly . accordingly , the minutes are displayed by the display elements 62 , 63 of the display 61 and the hour is displayed by the display elements 64 , 65 . at the same time , the displays 67 , 68 are driven by the driver 66 to display &# 34 ; h &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; m &# 34 ; respectively . the line 36 comes to be at logical level &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; when the movable contact 40 of the change over switch 39 in the display selecting circuit 38 connects to the fixed contact 40b . accordingly , the line 37 comes to be in the state of logical level &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; whereby the counted contents of the week counter 11 and the day counter 12 are applied to the decoders 53 - 56 through the and circuits 27 - 35 and the or circuits 45 - 52 , or are applied to the decoders 53 - 56 directly . accordingly , the day of the week is displayed as a number by the display element 62 of the display 61 . the unit date and tens date are displayed by the display elements 64 and 65 respectively . at the same time , the displays 69 and 70 are driven by the driver 66 to display &# 34 ; d &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; w &# 34 ; respectively . the day of the week is displayed as a number by the display element 62 it being assumed that &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; is sunday , &# 34 ; 2 &# 34 ; is monday , &# 34 ; 3 &# 34 ; is tuesday , &# 34 ; 4 &# 34 ; is wednesday , &# 34 ; 5 &# 34 ; is thursday , &# 34 ; 6 &# 34 ; is friday , and &# 34 ; 7 &# 34 ; is saturday . fig2 shows an example of displaying the time with the digital electronic timepiece according to this invention . the time 12 : 25 is displayed and the letters of &# 34 ; h &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; m &# 34 ; are displayed . fig3 shows another example of display by the time with the digital electronic timepiece according to present invention when the date and the day of week are displayed . fig3 shows the date of 25 and 2 representing monday and the letters of &# 34 ; d &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; w &# 34 ; are displayed . in fig2 and fig3 the reference numeral 71 designates the operating button to actuate the change over switch 39 in fig1 the reference numeral 72 designates the winding stem . the winding stem 72 operates a mechanical switch not shown in fig1 whereby it controls the operation of the adjusting circuit for correcting the time , the date and the day of the week . in fig2 and fig3 the same member as that of fig1 is designated by the same reference numeral . a digital electronic timepiece according to this invention has been explained in the detail by reference to the embodiment shown in the drawing . there will be obvious to those skilled in the art many modifications and variations of the above described structure . the digital electronic timepiece according to this invention is able to display all of the days week with a single display element . and also , the digital electronic timepiece according to this invention is able to have simplified circuit construction of the display and is able to avoid the problems of the arrangement of the display element and of small letters . and further , the digital electronic timepiece according to this invention is able to be simple in the electronic circuit relating to the display and to be simple in low cost . and still further , the digital electronic timepiece is able to use a simplified circuit in the display since either the time or the day of the week is displayed selectively with one display . and still further , the digital electronic timepiece can be used worldwide since the displayed figure representing the day of the week is common throughout the world .	6
fig1 depicts a detailed example of a mobile computing device ( 100 ) capable of implementing the techniques and solutions described herein . the mobile device ( 100 ) includes a variety of optional hardware and software components , shown generally at ( 102 ). in general , a component ( 102 ) in the mobile device can communicate with any other component of the device , although not all connections are shown , for ease of illustration . the mobile device can be any of a variety of computing devices ( e . g ., cell phone , smartphone , handheld computer , laptop computer , notebook computer , tablet device , netbook , media player , personal digital assistant ( pda ), camera , video camera , etc .) and can allow wireless two - way communications with one or more mobile communications networks ( 104 ), such as a wi - fi , cellular , or satellite network . the illustrated mobile device ( 100 ) includes a controller or processor ( 110 ) ( e . g ., signal processor , microprocessor , asic , or other control and processing logic circuitry ) for performing such tasks as signal coding , data processing , input / output processing , power control , and / or other functions . an operating system ( 112 ) controls the allocation and usage of the components ( 102 ) and support for one or more application programs ( 114 ) such as a map navigation tool that implements one or more of the innovative features described herein . in addition to map navigation software , the application programs can include common mobile computing applications ( e . g ., telephony applications , email applications , calendars , contact managers , web browsers , messaging applications ), or any other computing application . the illustrated mobile device ( 100 ) includes memory ( 120 ). memory ( 120 ) can include non - removable memory ( 122 ) and / or removable memory ( 124 ). the non - removable memory ( 122 ) can include ram , rom , flash memory , a hard disk , or other well - known memory storage technologies . the removable memory ( 124 ) can include flash memory or a subscriber identity module ( sim ) card , which is well known in global system for mobile communications ( gsm ) communication systems , or other well - known memory storage technologies , such as “ smart cards .” the memory ( 120 ) can be used for storing data and / or code for running the operating system ( 112 ) and the applications ( 114 ). example data can include web pages , text , images , sound files , video data , or other data sets to be sent to and / or received from one or more network servers or other devices via one or more wired or wireless networks . the memory ( 120 ) can be used to store a subscriber identifier , such as an international mobile subscriber identity ( imsi ), and an equipment identifier , such as an international mobile equipment identifier ( imei ). such identifiers can be transmitted to a network server to identify users and equipment . the mobile device ( 100 ) can support one or more input devices ( 130 ), such as a touch screen ( 132 ) ( e . g ., capable of capturing finger tap inputs , finger gesture inputs , or keystroke inputs for a virtual keyboard or keypad ), microphone ( 134 ) ( e . g ., capable of capturing voice input ), camera ( 136 ) ( e . g ., capable of capturing still pictures and / or video images ), physical keyboard ( 138 ), buttons and / or trackball ( 140 ) and one or more output devices ( 150 ), such as a speaker ( 152 ) and a display ( 154 ). other possible output devices ( not shown ) can include piezoelectric or other haptic output devices . some devices can serve more than one input / output function . for example , touchscreen ( 132 ) and display ( 154 ) can be combined in a single input / output device . the computing device 100 can provide one or more natural user interfaces ( nuis ). for example , the operating system 112 or applications 114 can comprise speech - recognition software as part of a voice user interface that allows a user to operate the device 100 via voice commands . for example , a user &# 39 ; s voice commands can be used to provide input to a map navigation tool . a wireless modem ( 160 ) can be coupled to one or more antennas ( not shown ) and can support two - way communications between the processor ( 110 ) and external devices , as is well understood in the art . the modem ( 160 ) is shown generically and can include , for example , a cellular modem for communicating at long range with the mobile communication network ( 104 ), a bluetooth - compatible modem ( 164 ), or a wi - fi - compatible modem ( 162 ) for communicating at short range with an external bluetooth - equipped device or a local wireless data network or router . the wireless modem ( 160 ) is typically configured for communication with one or more cellular networks , such as a gsm network for data and voice communications within a single cellular network , between cellular networks , or between the mobile device and a public switched telephone network ( pstn ). the mobile device can further include at least one input / output port ( 180 ), a power supply ( 182 ), a satellite navigation system receiver ( 184 ), such as a global positioning system ( gps ) receiver , sensors ( 186 ) such as an accelerometer , a gyroscope , or an infrared proximity sensor for detecting the orientation and motion of device 100 , and for receiving gesture commands as input , a transceiver ( 188 ) ( for wirelessly transmitting analog or digital signals ) and / or a physical connector ( 190 ), which can be a usb port , ieee 1394 ( firewire ) port , and / or rs - 232 port . the illustrated components ( 102 ) are not required or all - inclusive , as any of the components shown can be deleted and other components can be added . the mobile device can determine location data that indicates the location of the mobile device based upon information received through the satellite navigation system receiver ( 184 ) ( e . g ., gps receiver ). alternatively , the mobile device can determine location data that indicates location of the mobile device in another way . for example , the location of the mobile device can be determined by triangulation between cell towers 104 of a cellular network . or , the location of the mobile device can be determined based upon the known locations of wi - fi routers in the vicinity of the mobile device . the location data can be updated every second or on some other basis , depending on implementation and / or user settings . regardless of the source of location data , the mobile device can provide the location data to map navigation tool for use in map navigation . for example , the map navigation tool periodically requests , or polls for , current location data through an interface exposed by the operating system ( 112 ) ( which in turn may get updated location data from another component of the mobile device ), or the operating system ( 112 ) pushes updated location data through a callback mechanism to any application ( such as the map navigation tool ) that has registered for such updates . with the map navigation tool and / or other software or hardware components , the mobile device ( 100 ) implements the technologies described herein . for example , the processor ( 110 ) can update a map view and / or list view in reaction to user input and / or changes to the current location of the mobile device . as a client computing device , the mobile device ( 100 ) can send requests to a server computing device , and receive map images , distances , directions , other map data , search results or other data in return from the server computing device . the mobile device ( 100 ) can be part of an implementation environment in which various types of services ( e . g ., computing services ) are provided by a computing “ cloud .” for example , the cloud can comprise a collection of computing devices , which may be located centrally or distributed , that provide cloud - based services to various types of users and devices connected via a network such as the internet . some tasks ( e . g ., processing user input and presenting a user interface ) can be performed on local computing devices ( e . g ., connected devices ) while other tasks ( e . g ., storage of data to be used in subsequent processing ) can be performed in the cloud . although fig1 illustrates a mobile device ( 100 ), more generally , the techniques and solutions described herein can be implemented with devices having other screen capabilities and device form factors , such as a desktop computer , a television screen , or device connected to a television ( e . g ., a set - top box or gaming console ). services can be provided by the cloud through service providers or through other providers of online services . thus , the map navigation techniques and solutions described herein can be implemented with any of the connected devices as a client computing device . similarly , any of various computing devices in the cloud or a service provider can perform the role of server computing device and deliver map data or other data to the connected devices . fig2 shows an example software architecture ( 200 ) for a map navigation tool ( 210 ) that renders views of a map depending on user input and location data . a client computing device ( e . g ., smart phone or other mobile computing device ) can execute software organized according to the architecture ( 200 ) to render map views , list views of directions for a route , or other views . the architecture ( 200 ) includes a device operating system ( os ) ( 250 ) and map navigation tool ( 210 ). in fig2 , the device os ( 250 ) includes components for rendering ( e . g ., rendering visual output to a display , generating voice output for a speaker ), components for networking , components for location tracking , and components for speech recognition . the device os ( 250 ) manages user input functions , output functions , storage access functions , network communication functions , and other functions for the device . the device os ( 250 ) provides access to such functions to the map navigation tool ( 210 ). a user can generate user input that affects map navigation . the user input can be tactile input such as touchscreen input , button presses or key presses or voice input . the device os ( 250 ) includes functionality for recognizing taps , finger gestures , etc . to a touchscreen from tactile input , recognizing commands from voice input , button input or key press input , and creating messages that can be used by map navigation tool ( 210 ) or other software . the interpretation engine ( 214 ) of the map navigation tool ( 210 ) listens for user input event messages from the device os ( 250 ). the ui event messages can indicate a panning gesture , flicking gesture , dragging gesture , or other gesture on a touchscreen of the device , a tap on the touchscreen , keystroke input , or other ui event ( e . g ., from voice input , directional buttons , trackball input ). if appropriate , the interpretation engine ( 214 ) can translate the ui event messages from the os ( 250 ) into map navigation messages sent to a navigation engine ( 216 ) of the map navigation tool ( 210 ). the navigation engine ( 216 ) considers a current view position ( possibly provided as a saved or last view position from the map settings store ( 211 )), any messages from the interpretation engine ( 214 ) that indicate a desired change in view position , map data and location data . from this information , the navigation engine ( 216 ) determines a view position and provides the view position as well as location data and map data in the vicinity of the view position to the rendering engine ( 218 ). the location data can indicate a current location ( of the computing device with the map navigation tool ( 210 )) that aligns with the view position , or the view position can be offset from the current location . the navigation engine ( 216 ) gets current location data for the computing device from the operating system ( 250 ), which gets the current location data from a local component of the computing device . for example , the location data can be determined based upon data from a global positioning system ( cips ), by triangulation between towers of a cellular network , by reference to physical locations of wi - fi routers in the vicinity , or by another mechanism . the navigation engine ( 216 ) gets map data for a map from a map data store ( 212 ). in general , the map data can be photographic image data or graphical data ( for boundaries , roads , etc .) at various levels of detail , ranging from high - level depiction of states and cites , to medium - level depiction of neighborhoods and highways , to low - level depiction of streets and buildings . aside from photographic data and graphical data , the map data can include graphical indicators such as icons or text labels for place names of states , cities , neighborhoods , streets , buildings , landmarks or other features in the map . aside from names , the map data can include distances between features , route points ( in terms of latitude and longitude ) that define a route between start and end locations , text directions for decisions at waypoints along the route ( e . g ., turn at ne 148 th ), and distances between waypoints along the route . the map data can provide additional details for a given feature such as contact information ( e . g ., phone number , web page , address ), reviews , ratings , other commentary , menus , photos , advertising promotions , or information for games ( e . g ., geo - caching , geo - tagging ). links can be provided for web pages , to launch a web browser and navigate to information about the feature . the organization of the map data depends on implementation . for example , in some implementations , different types of map data ( photographic image data or graphical surface layer data , text labels , icons , etc .) are combined into a single layer of map data at a given level of detail . up to a certain point , if the user zooms in ( or zooms out ), a tile of the map data at the given level of detail is simply stretched ( or shrunk ). if the user more further zooms in ( or zooms out ), the tile of map data at the given level of detail is replaced within one or more other tiles at a higher ( or lower ) level of detail . in other implementations , different types of map data are organized in different overlays that are composited during rendering , but zooming in and out are generally handled in the same way , with overlapping layers stretched ( or shrunk ) up to a point , then replaced with tiles at other layers . the map data store ( 212 ) caches recently used map data . as needed , the map data store ( 212 ) gets additional or updated map data from local file storage or from network resources . the device os ( 250 ) mediates access to the storage and network resources . the map data store ( 212 ) requests map data from storage or a network resource through the device os ( 250 ), which processes the request , as necessary requests map data from a server and receives a reply , and provides the requested map data to the map data store ( 212 ). for example , to determine directions for a route , the map navigation tool ( 210 ) provides a start location ( typically , the current location of the computing device with the map navigation tool ( 210 )) and an end location for a destination ( e . g ., an address or other specific location ) as part of a request for map data to the os ( 250 ). the device os ( 250 ) conveys the request to one or more servers , which provide surface layer data , route points that define a route , text directions for decisions at waypoints along the route , distances between waypoints along the route , and / or other map data in reply . the device os ( 250 ) in turn conveys the map data to the map navigation tool ( 210 ). as another example , as a user travels along a route , the map navigation tool ( 210 ) gets additional map data from the map data store ( 212 ) for rendering . the map data store ( 212 ) may cache detailed map data for the vicinity of the current location , using such cached data to incrementally change the rendered views . the map navigation tool ( 210 ) can pre - fetch map data along the route , or part of the route . thus , as the rendered map views are updated to account for changes to the current location , the map navigation tool ( 210 ) often updates the display without the delay of requesting / receiving new map data from a server . as needed , the map data store ( 212 ) requests additional map data to render views . the rendering engine ( 218 ) processes the view position , location data and map data , and renders a view of the map . depending on the use scenario , the rendering engine ( 218 ) can render map data from local storage , map data from a network server , or a combination of map data from local storage and map data from a network server . in general , the rendering engine ( 218 ) provides output commands for the rendered view to the device os ( 250 ) for output on a display . the rendering engine ( 218 ) can also provide output commands to the device os ( 250 ) for voice output over a speaker or headphones . the exact operations performed as part of the rendering depend on implementation . in some implementations , for map rendering , the tool determines a field of view and identifies features of the map that are in the field of view . then , for those features , the tool selects map data elements . this may include any and all of the map data elements for the identified features that are potentially visible in the field of view . or , it may include a subset of those potentially visible map data elements which are relevant to the navigation scenario ( e . g ., directions , traffic ). for a given route , the rendering engine ( 218 ) graphically connects route points along the route ( e . g ., with a highlighted color ) to show the route and graphically indicates waypoints along the route . the tool composites the selected map data elements that are visible ( e . g ., not obscured by another feature or label ) from the view position . alternatively , the tool implements the rendering using acts in a different order , using additional acts , or using different acts . in terms of overall behavior , the map navigation tool can react to changes in the location of the computing device and can also react to user input that indicates a change in view position , a change in the top item in a list of directions for a route , or other change . for example , in response to a finger gesture or button input that indicates a panning instruction on the map , or upon a change to a previous item or next item in a list of directions for a route , the map navigation tool can update the map with a simple , smooth animation that translates ( shifts vertically and / or horizontally ) the map . similarly , as the location of the computing device changes , the map navigation tool can automatically update the map with a simple translation animation . ( or , the map navigation tool can automatically re - position and re - render an icon that indicates the location of the computing device as the location is updated .) if the change in location or view position is too large to be rendered effectively using a simple , smooth translation animation , the map navigation tool can dynamically zoom out from at first geographic position , shift vertically and / or horizontally to a second geographic position , then zoom in at the second geographic position . such a dynamic zoom operation can happen , for example , when a phone is powered off then powered on at a new location , when the view position is re - centered to the current location of the device from far away , when the user quickly scrolls through items in a list of directions for a route , or when the user scrolls to a previous item or next item in the list of directions that is associated with a waypoint far from the current view position . the map navigation tool can also react to a change in the type of view ( e . g ., to switch from a map view to a list view , or vice versa ), a change in details to be rendered ( e . g ., to show or hide traffic details ). alternatively , the map navigation tool ( 210 ) includes more or fewer modules . a given module can be split into multiple modules , or different modules can be combined into a single layer . for example , the navigation engine can be split into multiple modules that control different aspects of navigation , or the navigation engine can be combined with the interpretation engine and / or the rendering engine . functionality described with reference to one module ( e . g ., rendering functionality ) can in some cases be implemented as part of another module . fig3 a and 3 b illustrate a generalized map view ( 300 ) and generalized direction list view ( 350 ), respectively , rendered using a map navigation tool of a mobile computing device ( 301 ). fig4 a - 4 c show example screenshots ( 401 , 402 , 403 ) of a list view of a map navigation ui . the device ( 301 ) includes one or more device buttons . fig3 a and 3 b show a single device button near the bottom of the device ( 301 ). the effect of actuating the device button depends on context . for example , actuation of the device button causes the device ( 301 ) to return to a home screen or start screen from the map navigation tool . alternatively , the device ( 301 ) includes no device buttons . the device ( 301 ) of fig3 a and 3 b includes a touchscreen ( 302 ) with a display area and three touchscreen buttons . the effect of actuating one of the touchscreen buttons depends on context and which button is actuated . for example , one of the touchscreen buttons is a search button , and actuation of the search button causes the device ( 301 ) to start a web browser at a search page , start a search menu for contacts or start another search menu , depending on the point at which the search button is actuated . or , one of the touchscreen buttons is a “ back ” button that can be used to navigate the user interface of the device . alternatively , the device includes more touchscreen buttons , fewer touchscreen buttons or no touchscreen buttons . the functionality implemented with a physical device button can be implemented instead with a touchscreen button , or vice versa . in the display area of the touchscreen ( 302 ), the device ( 301 ) renders views . in fig3 a , as part of the map view ( 300 ), the device ( 301 ) renders a full map ( 310 ) and status information ( 320 ) that overlays the top of the full map ( 310 ). the status information ( 320 ) can include time , date , network connection status and / or other information . the device ( 301 ) also renders a control section ( 330 ) that includes map navigation buttons , which depend on implementation of the map navigation tool . fig3 a shows a “ directions ” button ( arrow icon ), “ re - center ” button ( crosshairs icon ) and “ search ” button ( magnifying glass icon ). actuation of the “ directions ” button causes the device ( 301 ) to open menu for keystroke input for a destination location . actuation of the “ center ” button causes the device ( 301 ) to align the view position over the current location of the device ( 301 ). actuation of the “ search ” button causes the device ( 301 ) to open menu for keystroke input for a search for a location or locations . other buttons / controls can be accessed by actuating the ellipses , such as buttons / controls to clear the map of extra data , show / hide photographic image details , show / hide traffic data , show / hide route directions , change settings of the map navigation tool such as whether voice instructions are input or whether orientation of the view changes during progress along the route , etc . alternatively , the device includes more map navigation buttons , fewer map navigation buttons or no map navigation buttons . in fig3 b , as part of the list view ( 350 ), the device ( 301 ) renders a shortened map ( 360 ), status information ( 320 ) that overlays the top of the shortened map ( 360 ), and a list control ( 370 ). the shortened map ( 360 ) shows map details as in the full map ( 310 ) but also shows graphical details of at least part of a route between a start location and end location . the list control ( 370 ) shows text details and icons for directions along the route . fig4 a - 4 c show example screenshots ( 401 , 402 , 403 ) of list views , each including a shortened map ( 360 ) and list control ( 370 ) as well as status information ( 320 ) ( namely , time ) that overlays the shortened map ( 360 ). the screenshots ( 401 , 402 , 403 ) in fig4 a - 4 c show different list views for a route between a start location and end location . in the screenshot ( 401 ) of fig4 a , a graphical icon ( 421 ) shows the current location along the route in the map portion of the list view . part of the route ( 411 ) is shown in a highlighted color relative to the rest of the map data . the list control of the screenshot ( 401 ) includes waypoint icons ( 431 , 432 ) and text details for waypoints along the route . items in the list of direction are organized as waypoints , which represent points at which the user is given specific directions to turn , continue straight , take an exit , etc . below the waypoint icons ( 431 , 432 ), direction icons ( 441 , 442 ) graphically represent the active part of the directions , e . g ., to turn continue straight , take and exit associated with the respective waypoints . distance values ( 451 , 452 ) indicate the distance between waypoints ( as in the distance ( 452 ) between waypoints 2 and 3 ) or distance between the current location and the upcoming waypoint ( as in the distance ( 451 ) to waypoint 2 ). the color of the waypoint icons ( 441 , 442 ), text details , direction icons ( 441 , 442 ) and distance values ( 451 , 452 ) can change depending on the status of progress along the route . in fig4 a , the waypoint icon ( 431 ), text and direction icon ( 441 ) for waypoint 2 are rendered in an accent color to indicate waypoint 2 is the upcoming item in the list of directions . on the other hand , the waypoint icon ( 432 ), associated text and direction icon ( 442 ) for waypoint 3 are rendered in a neutral color to indicate waypoint 3 is further in the future . the screenshot ( 402 ) of fig4 b shows the list view after the user scrolls to the end of the list of directions , which is graphically represented with text ( 462 ). waypoint icons ( 433 ) represent a final waypoint in the map portion and list control of the list view . the map portion highlights part ( 412 ) of the route graphically . in the list control , the waypoint icon ( 433 ) is followed by text associated with the waypoint and a direction icon ( 443 ), but not a distance value since the waypoint is the final waypoint . the waypoint icon ( 433 ), associated text and direction icon ( 443 ) for the final , future waypoint are rendered in a neutral color . the screenshot ( 403 ) of fig4 c shows the list view after the user scrolls back to the start of the list of directions , which is graphically represented with text ( 461 ). the map portion shows part ( 413 ) of the route graphically , but the completed part of the route is grayed out . waypoint icons ( 434 ) represent an initial waypoint in the map portion and list control of the list view , and are also grayed out to show that the initial waypoint has been passed . another waypoint icon ( 435 ) represents a subsequent waypoint . in the list control , space permitting , the waypoint icons ( 434 , 435 ) are followed by text associated with the waypoints and direction icons ( 444 ), also grayed out , but not distance value since the waypoints have been passed . the list control also includes transit mode icons ( 472 ) that the user can actuate to switch between modes of transit ( e . g ., walking , car , bus ). tight turns are those turns that occur sequentially in less than a predetermined total distance . for example , if two or more turns occur within a distance of less than 0 . 3 miles , then the turns are treated as a special case wherein a combination instruction is created to announce the turns together as a single instruction . other predetermined distances can be used , such as distances between 0 . 1 - 0 . 5 miles . fig5 a shows an example where tight turns occurs . the map 510 shows a route 520 with multiple legs 522 , 524 , 526 and 528 . each leg has a distance associated with it . for example , both legs 524 and 526 are shown as having a distance of 0 . 1 miles . nodes n , n + 1 , n + 2 are shown between the legs representing turns that are made during the route . when two or more turns occur within a short distance or duration then the turns are considered tight turns . in this example , turns n , n + 1 and n + 2 occur within 0 . 2 miles , which can be less than a predetermined setting of 0 . 3 miles , for example . as described further below , when multiple turns occur in succession in less than a predetermined distance or duration , then an oral announcement is made treating the multiple turns as a single instruction . lane guidance can also be provided . for example , just prior to turn n , the system can perform the following : announce ( n ), announce ( n + 1 ), and lane guidance ( n + 2 ). as a further feature , after turn n is completed , an audio cue can be made to indicate that the turn was completed . in response to the audio cue , the user can provide a request or command to hear an updated announcement . for example , the user can tap the touch screen to hear an updated announcement , or the user can provide a voice command , etc . any form of user request can be used . in response to the request , the system can , for example , perform the following : announce ( n + 1 ), lane guidance ( n + 2 ). an additional feature can be that the turns remain separately listed in the list control . thus , in the written portion , the turns remain as independent instructions , despite that they are announced in a combination instruction . thus , multiple tight turns can be announced together with lane guidance prior to making the first of the tight turns . having such information in advance assists the user to navigate through a difficult portion in the route . fig5 b shows another example with two turns shown within a short distance . similar tight - turns announcements can occur for two turns , wherein lane guidance can also be provided after the second turn . fig6 is a flowchart of a method 600 for implementing a combination instruction for tight turns . in process block 610 , the system reviews route information to determine at least two turns that are a predetermined distance apart . the system can be programmed to determine at least three turns or at least four turns that are closely spaced . additionally , a user can adjust the settings for the definition of tight turns . in any event , in process block 610 , the tight turns along the route are determined sometime prior to the turns being encountered . indeed , the tight turns can be identified immediately after the route information is received from the server computer . the tight turns can also be based on other information , like a particular road segment &# 39 ; s speed limit or the user &# 39 ; s current speed as he or she approaches the turns . in process block 620 , prior to arriving at the series of tight turns an oral combination instruction is announced that includes at least two turns and lane guidance . alternatively , three turns can be announced as a single combination instruction : announce ( n ), announce ( n + 1 ), announce ( n + 2 ). fig7 shows a flowchart of a method 700 that provides additional implementation details that can be used . in process block 710 , route and distance information is received from a server computer . thus , a user first enters in destination information into a map application . the user &# 39 ; s location ( obtained from a gps , for example ) and destination are sent to a server computer . in response , the server determines the route and sends the route and distance between turns information to the client device . in process block 720 , the map application on the client device checks each turn in the route and calculates a summation of distances between turns . in process block 730 , tight turns are identified as turns having the calculated summation less than a predetermined distance . the predetermined distance can be any desired amount , such as 0 . 3 , 0 . 4 , or 0 . 5 miles . in process block 740 , the tight turns are grouped in a single voice command . thus , tight turns are treated differently than other turns . prior to reaching the series of tight turns , the turns are announced in series before reaching the first turn . thus , an example announcement can be as follows : “ turn right on 3 rd ave then left on country commons and then stay in the left lane .” in process block 750 , the tight turns can be listed as separate way points in the written instructions . thus , oral instructions for tight turns are treated differently , but written instruction can be treated the same as other turns . fig8 shows a flowchart of a method 800 for providing an audio cue . in process block 810 , a turn is announced . after the turn is completed , in process block 820 , an audio cue is played in response to completion of the announced turn . this signals the user that a user input command ( such as touching the screen ) can invoke the audio announcement of the next turn in the route . the audio cue is particularly helpful when the user is in a series of tight turns . fig9 shows different embodiments and different announcing scenarios that can be used with tight turns . the turns can be announced in any desired manner and combination . in view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed invention may be applied , it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention . rather , the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims . we therefore claim as our invention all that comes within the scope of these claims .	6
[ 0019 ] fig1 shows a feeder system 100 known in the art used to feed sheets of paper . the chassis 102 defines the structural framework of the feeder system 100 and has a plurality of connection points , for example 104 , 105 , and 106 . retard pad arm 108 has a back end 110 and a front end 112 opposite thereto . retard pad arm 108 also has a top side 114 and an aperture 116 located slightly past the midpoint of retard pad arm 108 towards the back end 110 . arm spring 118 is a force component having an arm attachment end 120 threaded through aperture 116 and a chassis attachment end 122 mounted to connection point 106 of chassis 102 . retard pad 124 has a trapezoidal cross - section defining a straight side 126 , an angled side 128 , top surface 130 , and a bottom surface 131 . the retard pad 124 , at bottom surface 131 , is fixed to the top side 114 of the retard pad arm 108 with the angled side 128 of retard pad 124 oriented towards the front end 112 of the retard pad arm 108 . the angle of the angled side 128 of retard pad 124 , from the front end 112 towards the back end 110 of retard pad arm 108 , is about 80 °. a feed roller 132 has a roller surface 134 and is mounted through its longitudinal axis to an axle 136 that drives the feed roller 132 in a counterclockwise rotation . the surface 134 of the feed roller 132 contacts the top surface 130 of the retard pad 124 along a line tangent to roller surface 134 , the nip 138 . a feed tray 146 has an upper side 148 and lower side 150 . the feed tray 146 is of comparable dimension to the stack of paper 140 being fed . the stack of paper 140 sits on top of the upper side 148 of the feed tray 146 . tray spring 152 is a force component having a fixing end 154 and a securing end 156 and opposite thereto . the fixing end 154 connects the tray spring 152 to the lower side 150 of the feed tray 146 . the securing end 156 is attached to the connection point 105 . a stack of paper 140 with a lead sheet 142 has a forward end 144 that is in contact with the angled side 128 of the retard pad 124 . the lead sheet 142 touches the roller surface 134 of the feed roller 132 . the lead sheet 142 is fed through the nip 138 . the two springs identified in the system , the arm spring 118 and tray spring 152 , generate the forces f n and f s , respectively . the coefficients of friction can be identified in the feeder system 100 . between the roller surface 134 of the feed roller 132 and the lead sheet of paper 142 is μ roller - paper . between the lead sheet of paper 142 and the balance of the stack of paper 140 is μ paper - paper . a driving force , which is the μ roller - paper ( f n + f s ), is responsible for feeding the lead sheet of paper 142 though the nip 138 . opposing the driving force is the retard force , which is the μ paper - paper ( f s + μ paper - retard )* f n . in normal operation , the driving force exceeds the retard force causing the stack of paper 140 to be fed through the feeder system 100 . if the driving force is too low , then misfeeds can result on the stack of paper 140 or at the nip 138 . in the printing industry , glossy paper is commonly coated with a spray or powder (“ anti - offset agents ”) that prevents the printed images from being offset ( i . e ., smearing or smudging ). when these glossy sheets of paper are fed through the feeder system 100 , the anti - offset agents transfer from the glossy sheets of paper to the roller surface 134 of the feed roller 132 . for example , when glossy paper that has anti - offset powders is used in the feeder system 100 , the anti - offset powders rub off the lead sheet of paper 142 and transfer to the roller surface 134 of the feed roller 132 . such anti - offset powders include starch , sugar or calcium carbonate . thus , the roller surface 134 becomes contaminated by developing a layer of anti - offset agents resulting in a decrease in the coefficient of friction μ roller - paper . when this occurs , the driving force is also reduced proportionally . the driving force will continuously decrease on each successive sheet of paper fed through because of the accumulation of anti - offset agents . at a certain point , the driving force will be less than the retarding forces , and consequently the feed roller 132 will fail to advance the sheet . thus , the need exists for a cleaning apparatus that could constantly function while the feeder system is in operation to maintain the existing coefficient of friction . [ 0024 ] fig2 shows a feeder system 200 known in the art with a chassis 202 that defines the structural framework of the feeder system 200 and has a plurality of connection points , for example 204 , 206 , 208 , 210 , and 212 . retard pad arm 214 has a back end 216 and a front end 218 opposite thereto . retard pad arm 214 also has a top side 220 and an aperture 222 located slightly past the midpoint of retard pad arm 214 towards the back end 216 . arm spring 224 is a force component having an arm attachment end 226 threaded through aperture 222 and a chassis attachment end 228 mounted to connection point 206 of chassis 202 . retard pad 230 has a trapezoidal cross - section defining a straight side 232 , an angled side 234 , top surface 236 , and bottom surface 237 . the retard pad 230 , at bottom surface 237 , is fixed to the top side 220 of the retard pad arm 214 with the angled side 234 oriented towards the front end 218 of the retard pad arm 214 . the angle of the angled side 234 from the front end 218 towards the back end 216 of retard pad arm 214 , is about 80 °. a feed roller 238 has a roller surface 240 and is mounted through its longitudinal axis to an axle 242 that drives the feed roller 238 in a counterclockwise rotation . the roller surface 240 of the feed roller 238 contacts the top surface 236 of the retard pad 230 along a line tangent to roller surface 240 , the nip 244 . a feed tray 252 has an upper side 253 and lower side 254 . the feed tray 252 is of comparable dimension to the stack of paper 246 being fed . the stack of paper 246 sits on top of the upper side 253 of the feed tray 252 . tray spring 255 is a force component having a fixing end 256 and a securing end 257 opposite thereto . the fixing end 256 connects the tray spring 255 to the lower side 254 of the feed tray 252 . the securing end 257 is attached to the connection point 208 . a stack of paper 246 with a lead sheet 248 has a forward end 250 that is in contact with the angled side 234 of the retard pad 230 . the lead sheet 248 touches the roller surface 240 of the feed roller 238 . the lead sheet 248 is fed through the nip 244 . a cleaning apparatus 260 has a cleaning arm 262 and cleaning head 264 . the cleaning arm 262 has an anterior end 266 and a posterior end 268 opposite the anterior end 266 , a side facing the roller 270 , a side remote from the roller 272 , and a hole 274 located in between the midpoint of the cleaning arm 262 and the posterior end 268 . a pivot 276 connects the posterior end 268 to the connection point 210 of the chassis 202 . the cleaning head 264 has an abrasive side 278 and is connected to the side facing the roller 270 near the anterior end 266 by a hinge 280 . the abrasive side 278 is in contact with the roller surface 240 of the feed roller 238 , and forms the angle α with the tangent line 279 . an attachment spring 282 having a cleaning arm - attaching end 284 and a frame - attaching end 286 provides force to abut cleaning head 264 of cleaning apparatus 260 against roller surface 240 of feed roller 238 . the cleaning arm - attaching end 284 of attachment spring 282 is threaded through the hole 274 of the cleaning arm 262 . the frame - attaching end 286 of attachment spring 282 is fixed to the connection point 212 . the cleaning head 264 can be any type of abrasive fixture that could clean the feed roller 238 . fixtures include , but are not limited to , sanding sheets , beater bars and wire brushes . preferable fixtures are blades and meshes . in one embodiment of the present invention , the cleaning head 264 is chosen to be a metal blade . the metal blade has a sharpened edge that serves as the abrasive side 278 . if a blade is used for the cleaning head 264 , then the blade is preferably made of hardened metal resistant to wear . metal is more effective in removing the anti - offset agents than other materials , such as urethane , an elastomer . most preferably is for the metal blade to be made of hardened steel with a square ground edge . it is believed that the blade scrapes the anti - offset agents from small crevices that may develop in the roller surface 240 of a feed roller 238 . a soft urethane blade would yield to the curvature of the feed roller 238 . a metal blade would be hard and strong enough to push into the feed roller 238 and scrape off the anti - offset agents . as the blade scrapes across the roller surface 240 , the roller surface 240 substantially deforms and small pieces of the feed roller 238 tend to be stretched . as the feed roller 238 continues to rotate on the axle 242 , the stretched surface snaps back to its original configuration which causes the anti - offset agents to flick off the roller surface 240 . additionally , the roller surface 240 is worn down by the blade from the abrasion . while the above is believed to be the mode of operation of the present invention , the inventors do not intend to be held to any specific hypotheses regarding the functionality of the present invention . when using a blade as the cleaning head 264 , angle a preferably is an acute angle , specifically ranging from about 0 ° to about 60 °. more preferably , α is about 15 °. the hinge 280 connects the cleaning head 264 to the cleaning arm 262 . the attachment spring 282 provides the load to keep the cleaning head 264 constantly in contact with the roller surface 240 . the load produced by the attachment spring 282 can preferably range from about 0 . 011 n / mm to about 0 . 13 n / mm . for example , if the feed roller 238 has a width of 40 mm , then the load would range from about 0 . 5n to about 5n . a force of about 0 . 6 n is preferable for use with a 40 mm width feed roller ( 0 . 015 n / mm ) 238 . any type of component that could provide the requisite load can be substituted for the attachment spring 282 . for example , the cleaning arm 262 can be mounted in such a manner that would provide the constant load . in another embodiment of the invention , is use of an abrasive mesh as the cleaning head 264 . the abrasive mesh is an open screen with bonded adhesive particles . when using the abrasive mesh , the angle a can range from about 0 ° to about 60 °. more preferably , α is about 0 ° tangent to the feed roller 238 . the face of the mesh with the bonded adhesive particles serves as the abrasive side 278 . the mesh of the open screen can range from about 100 grit to about 200 grit . the abrasive mesh can be loaded against the feed roller 238 . the proper load can range from about 0 . 011 n / mm to about 0 . 13 n / mm of the width of the feed roller 238 . for example , if a feed roller 238 with a width about 40 mm was used , then the load of the cleaning head 264 would be 0 . 5 n to about 5 n . [ 0031 ] fig3 shows a feeder system 300 with an active retard roller in lieu of a retard pad used to feed sheets of paper . the chassis 302 defines the structural framework of the feeder system 300 and has a plurality of connection points , for example 304 and 306 . retard roller arm 308 has a back end 310 and a front end 312 opposite thereto . retard roller arm 308 also has a top side 314 , a spring attachment point 316 , a cleaner arm pivot point 318 , and an aperture 320 located slightly past the midpoint of retard roller arm 308 towards the back end 310 . two c - shaped bushings 322 with their open ends oriented in the direction of the front end 312 are mounted to the top side 314 of the retard roller arm 308 . a shaft 324 is inserted within the c - shaped bushings 322 . a retard roller 326 having an integral gear 328 rotates in a counterclockwise rotation on the shaft 324 . the bushings 322 are designed such that the retard roller 326 can be easily replaced . the integral gear is driven by a gear motor 330 in communication with a pinion 332 . a feed roller 334 is in contact with the retard roller 326 . the feed roller 334 is driven in a counterclockwise rotation by separate mechanics . arm spring 336 is a load force component having an arm attachment end 338 threaded through aperture 320 and a chassis attachment end 340 mounted to connection point 306 . a cleaning apparatus 342 has a cleaning arm 344 and cleaning head 346 . the cleaning arm 344 has an anterior end 348 and a posterior end 350 opposite the anterior end 348 , a side facing the roller 352 , a side remote from the roller 354 , and a hole 356 located in between the midpoint of the cleaning arm 344 and the posterior end 350 . a pivot 360 connects the posterior end 350 to cleaner arm pivot point 318 of the retard roller arm 308 . the cleaning head 346 has an abrasive side 362 and is connected to the side facing the roller 352 near the anterior end 348 by a hinge 364 . the abrasive side 362 is in contact with the retard roller 326 . a retard arm attachment spring 366 , having a cleaning arm - attaching end 368 and a frame - attaching end 370 provides force to abut cleaning head 346 of cleaning apparatus 342 against the surface of retard roller 326 . the cleaning arm - attaching end 368 of retard arm attachment spring 366 is threaded through the hole 356 of the cleaning arm 344 . the frame - attaching end 370 of retard attachment spring 366 is fixed to the spring attachment point 316 . a feeder system 300 can have as many cleaning apparatus 342 as there are rollers . for example , a cleaning apparatus 342 can be provided for the feed roller and the retard roller . by having multiple cleaning apparatus , the maintenance of the feeder system 300 is minimized because the rollers are constantly being kept clean . if only one is used on a cleaning apparatus 342 , then , the machine may still experience misfeeds and multi - feeds . other feeder systems such as corner - buckle separators , may only require a cleaner to operate reliably . experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of various types of cleaner heads 264 used in the cleaning apparatus 260 as shown in fig2 . the optimal cleaning head 264 cleans the feed roller 238 without reducing the life of the feed roller 238 below an acceptable limit , for example about 50 , 000 cycles . a f350 commercial feeder ( available from pitney bowes , shelton , conn .) was configured with the cleaning apparatus 260 . glossy paper coated with anti - offset powders at high concentrations was fed through the f350 commercial feeder , print side up . the test called for a maximum of 2 , 000 cycles to be run or until at least five failures ( i . e ., misfeeds or multifeeders ) were observed . seven configurations of cleaning heads 264 were tested . they were as follows : 1 . 120 grit abrasive mesh tested at 2 . 22 n ( tested at 0 . 06 n / mm ) 2 . 180 grit abrasive mesh tested at 2 . 44 n ( tested at 0 . 06 n / mm ) 3 . a square ground edge , hardened steel abrasive blade at a 15 ° angle tested at 2 . 22 n ( tested at 0 . 06 n / mm ) 4 . 34 mm fiber length wire brush ( manufactured by felton ) with the fibers being 0 . 11 mm in diameter and spaced at approximately 40 ends / mm 5 . 8 . 5 mm fiber length wire brush ( manufactured by felton ) with the fibers being 0 . 11 mm in diameter and spaced at approximately 40 ends / mm 6 . tacky roller ( manufactured by rotadyne ) that is made from a naturally tacky elastomer 7 . orange cleaning sponge ( available from block new england ) configured as a roller the results indicated that the abrasive blade and meshes exhibited the best performance . the tacky roller had to be cleaned itself after every 2 , 000 sheets . the 8 . 5 mm fiber length wire brush did function comparably to the metal blade ; however , the performance of the brush was unacceptable because it cut grooves into the feed roller 238 . as for the 34 mm fiber length wire brush , the length of the fibers made them too unabrasive to be effective as a cleaning apparatus 260 . although after cleaning , the tacky roller still functioned well as a cleaning apparatus , the constant need for cleaning the tacky roller rendered this option less than optimal in a commercial setting . the orange cleaning sponge performed poorly because the integrity of the sponge would disintegrate upon use , generating debris . charts of the results from the experiment are shown in fig4 and 5 . [ 0048 ] fig4 shows the number of misfeeds as a function of cleaner head configuration . as a control , the f350 feeder was run without a cleaning apparatus . only 450 sheets of glossy paper could be fed until a misfeed was encountered . as fig4 shows , any type of cleaning apparatus was better than nothing ; however , abrasive cleaners are superior . the 120 grit abrasive mesh , 180 grit abrasive mesh , and abrasive blade all performed well . the 8 . 5 mm fiber length wire brush would have been acceptable if the feed roller 334 did not develop grooves . [ 0049 ] fig5 illustrates any trends in feed roller 334 wear and performance . the wear of the feed roller 334 is plotted as the diameter reduction in mm per thousand feeds . the performance of the feed roller 334 is expressed as the average number of feeds before a misfeed occurs ( i . e ., misfeed rate ). from this data , a measurable diametral wear rate of at least 0 . 1 mm / thousand feeds is required to allow the feeder system 200 to operate reliably . in reading fig5 note that while no measurable diameter reduction was noted for the 8 . 5 mm fiber length wire brush , grooves were worn into the feed roller 334 indicating volume loss . it is understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof , that the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention , which is defined by the scope of the appended claims . other aspects , advantages , and modifications are within the claims .	1
the acyclic bisphosphonates ( iii ) are prepared by contacting an electron deficient olefin ( i ) with an activated methylene ( ii ) in the presence of a base . this reaction is so well known when the electron withdrawing group is a carbonyl group that it is termed the michael reaction , michael addition or 1 , 4 - addition . for a review of this reaction see h . o . house , modern synthetic reactions , second edition , w . a . benjamin , inc ., menlo park , calif . ( 1972 ), p 595 - 623 . however , when phosphorous is the electron withdrawing group see wo 88 / 06158 . the electron deficient olefins ( i ) and activated methylenes ( ii ) are either known to those skilled in the art or can be readily prepared by means known to those skilled in the art from known compounds . suitable bases include methoxide , ethoxide , dbu , dbn , butyl lithium , methyl lithium , carbonate , bicarbonate , lithium hemamethyldisilazane ( in thf or pyridine ), hydride , lithium diisopropylamide . it is preferred that the base be dbu , lithium hexamethyldisilane or carbonate depending on the nature of the particular activated methylene ( ii ), bicyclic ketone ( iv ) or cyclic ketone ( vi ). in the case where one of r 3 or r 4 is not -- h , then the reaction is practiced by refluxing the electron deficient olefin ( i ), activated methylene ( ii ) and base for about 0 . 5 to about 24 hours . after refluxing the mixture is diluted with water , extracted with an organic solvent such as methylene chloride , dried and concentrated under reduced pressure . the concentrate is preferably purified by ( column ) chromatography , distillation or crystallization as is know to those skilled in the art . when r 3 and r 4 are both - h the activated methylene ( ii ), usually a methyl ketone , is first cooled to about 0 ° to about - 78 °, contacted slowly with a reagent such as lithium hexamethyldisilazane , and stirred a short period of about 15 minutes to about 1 hr . the electron deficient olefin ( i ) is then added to the reaction mixture stirred cold ( about 0 °) for a short period ( about 30 min ) and then permitted to warm ( about 20 °- 25 °) and stirred for another short period ( about 30 min ). it is preferred that m is -- h . it is preferred that r 1 is -- h ( or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof ), c 1 - c 2 alkyl or -- ch 2 -- c ( ch 3 ) 2 -- ch 2 -- to form a heterocyclic ring containing one phosphorous atom , two oxygen atoms , and three carbon atoms . it is more preferred that r 1 is a heterocyclic ring of where the atoms are arranged as follows -- p ( o )-- o -- ch 2 -- c ( ch 3 ) 2 -- ch 2 -- o -- where the atoms marked by the asterisk () are bonded to each other resulting in the formation of a ring . it is more preferred that r 1 is -- h or c 2 alkyl . it is preferred that r 2 is 2 - pyridinyl , 3 - pyridinyl , 2 - furanyl , 2 - thienyl or -- φ optionally substituted with 1 thru 3 -- oh , -- f , -- cl , -- n ( r 2 - 7 )-- co -- r 2 - 1 where r2 - 7 is -- h and r 2 - 1 is c 1 alkyl , c 2 alkyl , -- φ optionally substituted with -- cl or -- no 2 . it is more preferred that r 2 be 2 - pyridinyl , 3 - pyridinyl , 2 - furanyl , 2 - thienyl or -- φ optionally substituted with 1 thru 2 -- f , -- cl , -- n ( r 2 - 7 )-- co -- r 2 - 1 where r2 - 7 is -- h and r 2 - 1 is c1 alkyl , c 2 alkyl or -- φ . it is even more preferred that r 2 be -- φ . it is preferred that r 3 is -- h . it is preferred that r 4 is -- h , r 2 - 4 , -- co -- o -- r 2 - 8 , -- co -- r 2 , -- cn and -- co -- nh -- r 2 . it is more preferred that r 4 be -- h , or -- φ . it is preferred that m is 1 . it is preferred that w 1 is ═ o . it is preferred that x is not present , that n 2 and n 3 be 0 . when it is desired that w 1 is -- h : w 1 - 5 where w 1 - 5 is -- oh , those compounds can readily be prepared from compounds where w is ═ o by reduction of the ketone carbonyl to the corresponding alcohol by reaction with a mild reducing agent such as sodium borohydride . this type of reduction is well known to those skilled in the art . the use of stronger reducing agents ( lithium aluminum hydride ) results in reduction of the phosphonate groups . see , examples 70 and 71 . when m is -- ch 3 , these compounds can be obtained by deprotonating the starting material under kinetic conditions with a strong base such as lithium hexamethyldisilzane or lithium diisopropyl amide and trapping the resulting anion with an appropriate electrophile . see , example 44 . the phosphonate esters can be convened to the corresponding acids as is well known to those skilled in the art . the phosphonate esters are cleaved using trimethylsilyl bromide in chloroform followed by treatment with water or by refluxing the esters in strong mineral acid . see , examples 75 - 79 . when r 3 and r 4 are not the same , the bisphosphonates have an asymmetric center at the carbon to which r 3 and r 4 are attached . the enantiomers can be separated as discussed below . the bicyclic bisphosphonates ( v ) are prepared by contacting an electron deficient olefin ( i ) with a bicyclic ketone ( iv ) in the presence of a base analogously to the production of the acyclic bisphosphonates ( iii ), see examples 4 , 25 - 29 , 37 , 38 and 77 . it is preferred that m is -- h . it is preferred that r 1 is as set forth above for the bisphosphonates ( iii ). it is preferred that z is -- o --, -- s --, -- ch 2 -- or -- n ( so 2 -- φ )--, it is more preferred that z is -- o -- or -- ch 2 --. it is preferred that r 5 is -- h , c 1 - c 4 alkyl , -- φ optionally substituted with 1 thru 3 -- f , -- cl , -- br , -- i , -- oh , c 1 - c4 , alkoxy , -- nh 2 and c 1 - c 4 alkyl , it is more preferred that r 5 is -- h , -- ch 3 or -- φ . with the bicyclic bisphosphonates ( v ) when r 5 is not -- h there exists cis and trans isomers . both are pharmacologically active and are included by the term bicyclic bisphosphonate and within the formula of the bicyclic bisphosphonate ( v ). with the bicyclic bisphosphonates ( v ) there is an asymmetric center where the phosphonate side chain attaches to the bicyclic ring system and therefore produce two enantiomers one &# 34 ; s &# 34 ; and the other &# 34 ; r &# 34 ;, either of which can be (+/ d ) and the other (-/ l ). if it is desired to utilize one of the enantiomers , the optically impure mixture can be resolved by means known to those skilled in the art , see for example , optical resolution procedures for chemical compounds , vol 1 ,: amines and related compounds , paul newman , optical resolution information center , manhattan college , riverdale , n . y ., 10471 , 1978 . for example , treatment of the racemic mixture with an optically active amino alcohol such as (-) ephedrine or alternatively with (+) ephedrine , would yield a mixture of diastereomeric isoxalidines , which can be separated most conveniently by fractional crystallization to give a isoxalidine containing only one enantiomer of the racemic mixture . by reacting the diastereomeric isoxalidine with an acid one obtains the desired enantiomer as the free bicyclic bisphosphonate . these optically pure compounds are then used in the same way as the racemic mixture . when used in this patent application the term bicyclic bisphosphonate ( v ) includes both enantiomers as well as optically impure forms thereof , the most common of which is a racemic mixture (+, dl ). when r 5 is not -- h , there exists two asymmetric centers and therefore four enantiomers ( ss , rr , sr , rs ) exist producing two diasteromeric pairs of enantiomers , one ss , rr and the other sr , rs . the diastereomeric pairs of enantiomers can be readily separated by means known to those skilled in the art . when used in this patent application the term bicyclic bisphosphonate ( v ) includes all four enantiomers as well as optically impure forms thereof , the most common of which is a racemic mixture (+). the cyclic bisphosphonates ( vii ) are prepared by contacting an electron deficient olefin ( i ) with a cyclic ketone ( vi ) in the presence of a base analogously to the production of the acyclic bisphosphonates ( iii ), see examples 30 and 31 . it is preferred that r 1 is as set forth above for the bisphosphonates ( iii ). it is preferred that z is -- o --, -- s --, -- ch 2 -- and -- n ( so 2 -- φ )--, it is more preferred that z is -- ch 2 --. it is preferred that r 5 is -- h , c 1 - c 4 alkyl , -- φ optionally substituted with 1 thru 3 -- f , -- cl , -- br , -- i , -- oh , c 1 - c4 , alkoxy , -- nh 2 and c 1 - c 4 alkyl , it is more preferred that r 5 is -- h . it is preferred that r 6 and r 8 are -- h . it is preferred that r 7 is c 1 or c 2 alkyl or -- φ , it is more preferred that r 7 is c 1 alkyl or -- φ . it is more preferred that at least two of r 6 , r 7 and r 8 are -- h , it is even more preferred that at all three of r 6 , r 7 and r 8 are -- h . chart d discloses that the keto bisphosphonates ( xi ) are synthesized by treating electron deficient olefins ( i ) with a metal acetylide ( ix ) in a nonpolar solvent at a temperature below 0 °. the metal can be lithium , sodium , or potassium and acceptable solvents include thf , dme , ether , and hexane . it is preferred that the metal is lithium , the solvent thf , and the temperature - 78 °. generation of the metal acetylide is well known to those skilled in the art . the initial adduct is purified by chromatography , distillation , or recrystallization . the diphosphonate acetylide ( x ) is converted to the keto bisphosphonate under oxidizing conditions which are well known to those skilled in the art . the oxidant can be potassium permanganate , ruthenium tetroxide , or ruthenium dioxide in the presence of sodium periodate , and the reaction can be run in a polar solvent such as acetone or methyl ethyl ketone at temperatures between 22 ° and reflux . it is preferred that the oxidant be potassium permanganate and that the reaction be run in a mixture of a non - polar solvent such as methylene chloride , chloroform , benzene , or toluene and an immiscible , polar solvent such as water in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst , as is well known to those skilled in the art . the preferred pharmaceutically acceptable cation salts include sodium , potassium , ammonium , calcium , magnesium , tromethamine ( tham ), 2 - amino - 2 -( hydroxymethyl )- 1 , 3 - propanediol , t - butyl -- nh 3 + and ho -- ch 2ch 2 -- nh 3 + . the acyclic bisphosphonates ( iii ), bicyclic phosphonates ( v ), cyclic bisphosphonates ( vii ) and keto bisphosphonates ( xi ) have the same or similar pharmacological activity of being useful as anti - arthritic agents . for convenience , the acyclic bisphosphonates ( iii ), bicyclic phosphonates ( v ), cyclic bisphosphonates ( vii ) and keto bisphosphonates ( xi ) will be identified by the term bisphosphonates . the bisphosphonates ( iii , v , vii and xi ) are useful in humans and lower animals in the treatment of diseases characterized by abnormal phosphate and calcium metabolism and as a treatment of inflammation . these diseases include osteoporosis , paget &# 39 ; s disease , periodontal disease , rheumatoid arthritis , osteoarthritis , chondrocalcinosis , septic arthritis , neurilities , bursitis , soft tissue mineralization disorders , ankylosing spondylitis , atherosclerosis , multiple myeloma of bone , metastatic bone disease , chronic granulomatous diseases and mitral valve calcification . the bisphosphonates are also useful for the treatment of hypertension , congestive heart failure and atherogenesis . the bisphosphonates ( iii , v and vii ) can be administered orally , parenterally ( intramuscularly , intravenously , subcutaneous or intraperitoneally ), transdermally or intraarticularly or by suppository . the dose is about 0 . 1 nag / patient / day to about 1 . 0 gin / patient / day . the bisphosphonates ( iii , v and vii ) can be used alone or in combination with other pharmaceutical as is known to those skilled in the art . the exact dosage and frequency of administration depends on the particular bisphosphonate ( iii , v or vii ), the particular condition being treated , the severity of the condition being treated , the age , weight , general physical condition of the particular patient , the severity of the disease or condition , other medication the individual may be taking as is well known to those skilled in the art and can be more accurately determined by measuring the blood level or concentration of the bisphosphonate ( iii , v or vii ) in the patient &# 39 ; s blood and / or the patient &# 39 ; s response to the particular condition being treated . for the diseases outlined above , intermittent therapy is indicated , as well as continual daily therapy in order to achieve maximum efficacy as is known to those skilled in the art . see , for example , &# 34 ; long - term effects of dichloromethylene diphosphosphonate in paget &# 39 ; s disease of bone &# 34 ;, p . d . dumas et al , j . cln . endocrinol . metab ., 54 , 837 ( 1982 ); &# 34 ; paget &# 39 ; s disease of bone treated in five days with ahprbp ( apd ) per os &# 34 ;, d . thiebaud et at , j . bone . min . res ., 2 , 45 ( 1987 ); &# 34 ; a single infusion of the bisphosphonate ahprbp ( apd )&# 34 ;, d . rischin et al , aust . nz . j . med ., 18 , 736 ( 1988 ); &# 34 ; reduced morbidity from skeletal metastases in breast cancer patients during long term biophoshonate ( apd ) treatment &# 34 ; a . th . van holten - verzantviiort et al , the lancet , oct . 31 , 1987 , p . 983 ; &# 34 ; sclerosis of lytic bone metastases after disodium aminohydroxypropylidene bisphosphonate ( apd ) in patients with breast carcinoma &# 34 ; a . r . morton et all , british med . j ., 297 , 772 ( 1988 ); &# 34 ; two year follow - up of biophosphionate ( apd ) treatment in steroid osteoporosis &# 34 ; i . r . reid et at , the lancet nov . 12 , 1988 , p . 1144 . the definitions and explanations below are for the terms as used throughout this entire document including both the specification and the claims . the chemical formulas representing various compounds or molecular fragments in the specification and claims may contain variable substituents in addition to expressly defined structural features . these variable substituents are identified by a letter or a letter followed by a numerical subscript , for example , &# 34 ; z 1 &# 34 ; or &# 34 ; r i &# 34 ; where &# 34 ; i &# 34 ; is an integer . these variable substituents are either monovalent or bivalent , that is , they represent a group attached to the formula by one or two chemical bonds . for example , a group z 1 would represent a bivalent variable if attached to the formula ch 3 -- c (═ z 1 ) h . groups r i and r j would represent monovalent variable substituents if attached to the formula ch 3 -- ch 2 -- c ( r i )( r j ) h 2 . when chemical formulas are drawn in a linear fashion , such as those above , variable substituents contained in parentheses are bonded to the atom immediately to the left of the variable substituent enclosed in parenthesis . when two or more consecutive variable substituents are enclosed in parentheses , each of the consecutive variable substituents is bonded to the immediately preceding atom to the left which is not enclosed in parentheses . thus , in the formula above , both r i and r j are bonded to the preceding carbon atom . also , for any molecule with an established system of carbon atom numbering , such as steroids , these carbon atoms are designated as c i , where &# 34 ; i &# 34 ; is the integer corresponding to the carbon atom number . for example , c 6 represents the 6 position or carbon atom number in the steroid nucleus as traditionally designated by those skilled in the an of steroid chemistry . likewise the term &# 34 ; r 6 &# 34 ; represents a variable substituent ( either monovalent or bivalent ) at the c 6 position . chemical formulas or portions thereof drawn in a linear fashion represent atoms in a linear chain . the symbol &# 34 ;--&# 34 ; in general represents a bond between two atoms in the chain . thus ch 3 -- o -- ch 2 -- ch ( r i )-- ch 3 represents a 2 - substituted - l - methoxypropane compound . in a similar fashion , the symbol &# 34 ;═&# 34 ; represents a double bond , e . g ., ch 2 ═ c ( r i )-- o -- ch 3 , and the symbol &# 34 ;. tbd .&# 34 ; represents a triple bond , e . g ., hc . tbd . c -- ch ( r i )-- ch 2 -- ch 3 . carbonyl groups are represented in either one of two ways : -- co -- or -- c (═ o )--, with the former being preferred for simplicity . chemical formulas of cyclic ( ring ) compounds or molecular fragments can be represented in a linear fashion . thus , the compound 4 - chloro - 2 - methylpyridine can be represented in linear fashion by n ═ c ( ch 3 )-- ch ═ ccl -- ch ═ c * h with the convention that the atoms marked with an asterisk () are bonded to each other resulting in the formation of a ring . likewise , the cyclic molecular fragment , 4 -( ethyl )- 1 - piperazinyl can be represented by -- n --( ch 2 ) 2 -- n ( c 2 h 5 )-- ch 2 -- c * h 2 . a rigid cyclic ( ring ) structure for any compounds herein defines an orientation with respect to the plane of the ring for substituents attached to each carbon atom of the rigid cyclic compound . for saturated compounds which have two substituents attached to a carbon atom which is part of a cyclic system , -- c ( x 1 )( x 2 )-- the two substituents may be in either an axial or equatorial position relative to the ring and may change between axial / equatorial . however , the position of the two substituents relative to the ring and each other remains fixed . while either substituent at times may lie in the plane of the ring ( equatorial ) rather than above or below the plane ( axial ), one substituent is always above the other . in chemical structural formulas depicting such compounds , a substituent ( x 1 ) which is &# 34 ; below &# 34 ; another substituent ( x 2 ) will be identified as being in the alpha ( α ) configuration and is identified by a broken , dashed or dotted line attachment to the carbon atom , i . e ., by the symbol &# 34 ;- - -&# 34 ; or &# 34 ;. . .&# 34 ;. the corresponding substituent attached &# 34 ; above &# 34 ; ( x 2 ) the other ( x 1 ) is identified as being in the beta ( β ) configuration and is indicated by an unbroken line attachment to the carbon atom . when a variable substituent is bivalent , the valences may be taken together or separately or both in the definition of the variable . for example , a variable r i attached to a carbon atom as -- c (═ r i )-- might be bivalent and be defined as oxo or keto ( thus forming a carbonyl group (-- co --) or as two separately attached monovalent variable substituents α - r i - j and β - r i - k . when a bivalent variable , r i , is defined to consist of two monovalent variable substituents , the convention used to define the bivalent variable is of the form &# 34 ; α - r i - j : β - r i - k &# 34 ; or some variant thereof . in such a case both α - r i - j and β - r i - k are attached to the carbon atom to give -- c ( α - r i - j )( β - r i - k )--. for example , when the bivalent variable r 6 , -- c (═ r 6 )-- is defined to consist of two monovalent variable substituents , the two monovalent variable substituents are α - r 6 - 1 : β - r 6 - 2 , . . . α - r 6 - 9 : β - r 6 - 10 , etc , giving -- c ( α - r 6 - 1 )( β - r 6 - 2 )--, . . . -- c ( α - r 6 - 9 ) ( β - r 6 - 10 )--, etc . likewise , for the bivalent variable r 11 , -- c (═ r 11 )-- , two monovalent variable substituents are α - r 11 - 1 : β - r 11 - 2 . for a ring substituent for which separate α and β orientations do not exist ( e . g . due to the presence of a carbon double bond in the ring ), and for a substituent bonded to a carbon atom which is not part of a ring the above convention is still used , but the α and β designations are omitted . just as a bivalent variable may be defined as two separate monovalent variable substituents , two separate monovalent variable substituents may be defined to be taken together to form a bivalent variable . for example , in the formula -- c 1 ( r i ) h -- c 2 ( r j ) h -- ( c 1 and c 2 define arbitrarily a first and second carbon atom , respectively ) r i and r j may be defined to be taken together to form ( 1 ) a second bond between c 1 and c 2 or ( 2 ) a bivalent group such as oxa (-- o --) and the formula thereby describes an epoxide . when r i and r j are taken together to form a more complex entity , such as the group -- x -- y --, then the orientation of the entity is such that c 1 in the above formula is bonded to x and c 2 is bonded to y . thus , by convention the designation &# 34 ;. . . r i and r j are taken together to form -- ch 2 -- ch 2 -- o -- co --. . . &# 34 ; means a lactone in which the carbonyl is bonded to c 2 . however , when designated &# 34 ;. . . r j and r i are taken together to form -- co -- o -- ch 2 -- ch 2 -- the convention means a lactone in which the carbonyl is bonded to c 1 . the carbon atom content of variable substituents is indicated in one of two ways . the first method uses a prefix to the entire name of the variable such as &# 34 ; c 1 - c 4 &# 34 ;, where both &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; 4 &# 34 ; are integers representing the minimum and maximum number of carbon atoms in the variable . the prefix is separated from the variable by a space . for example , &# 34 ; c 1 - c 4 alkyl &# 34 ; represents alkyl of 1 through 4 carbon atoms , ( including isomeric forms thereof unless an express indication to the contrary is given ). whenever this single prefix is given , the prefix indicates the entire carbon atom content of the variable being defined . thus c 2 - c 4 alkoxycarbonyl describes a group ch 3 --( ch 2 ) n -- o -- co -- where n is zero , one or two . by the second method the carbon atom content of only each portion of the definition is indicated separately by enclosing the &# 34 ; c i - c j &# 34 ; designation in parentheses and placing it immediately ( no intervening space ) before the portion of the definition being defined . by this optional convention ( c 1 - c 3 ) alkoxycarbonyl has the same meaning as c 2 - c 4 alkoxycarbonyl because the &# 34 ; c 1 - c 3 &# 34 ; refers only to the carbon atom content of the alkoxy group . similarly while both c 2 - c 6 alkoxyalkyl and ( c 1 - c 3 ) alkoxy ( c 1 - c 3 ) alkyl define alkoxyalkyl groups containing from 2 to 6 carbon atoms , the two definitions differ since the former definition allows either the alkoxy or alkyl portion alone to contain 4 or 5 carbon atoms while the latter definition limits either of these groups to 3 carbon atoms . when the claims contain a fairly complex ( cyclic ) substituent , at the end of the phrase naming / designating that particular substituent will be a notation in ( parentheses ) which will correspond to the same name / designation in one of the charts which will also set forth the chemical structural formula of that particular substituent . cmr refers to c - 13 magnetic resonance spectroscopy , chemical shifts are reported in ppm ( δ ) downfield from tms . nmr refers to nuclear ( proton ) magnetic resonance spectroscopy , chemical shifts are reported in ppm 05 ) downfield from tetramethylsilane . ms refers to mass spectrometry expressed as m / e or mass / charge unit . [ m + h ] + refers to the positive ion of a parent plus a hydrogen atom . ei refers to electron impact . ci refers to chemical ionization . fab refers to fast atom bombardment . pharmaceutically acceptable refers to those properties and / or substances which are acceptable to the patient from a pharmacological / toxicological point of view and to the manufacturing pharmaceutical chemist from a physical / chemical point of view regarding composition , formulation , stability , patient acceptance and bioavailability . when solvent pairs are used , the ratios of solvents used are volume / volume ( v / v ). without further elaboration , it is believed that one skilled in the art can , using the preceding description , practice the present invention to its fullest extent . the following detailed examples describe how to prepare the various compounds and / or perform the various processes of the invention and are to be construed as merely illustrative , and not limitations of the preceding disclosure in any way whatsoever . those skilled in the art will promptly recognize appropriate variations from the procedures both as to reactants and as to reaction conditions and techniques . methylene bisphosphonic acid ( 12 . 8 g ) is combined with methylene bis ( diethylphosphonate ) ( 20 . 9 g ) and the mixture is heated until the solid is completely dissolved ( ca . 185 °). phosphorus pentachloride ( 121 g ) is added to the solution ( 20 °- 25 °) in small portions over 1 hour . the mixture is stirred 30 minutes then diluted with hexane ( 300 ml ) and stirred an additional 30 minutes . the mixture is filtered , the methylene bisphosphonylchloride solid is washed with cold hexane and dried briefly . the crude tetra - acid chloride ( methylene bisphosphonylchloride ) is combined with 2 , 2 - dimethyl - 1 , 3 - propanediol ( 17 . 5 g ) in chlorobenzene ( 80 ml ) and refluxed for 20 hours . the mixture is cooled , the solvent is removed under reduced pressure to give a solid . the solid is recrystallized from acetone to give the title compound , mp 193 °- 194 °; ms ( m / e ) 312 , 297 , 257 , 227 and 69 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 1491 , 1476 , 1407 , 1354 , 1312 , 1282 , 1272 , 1180 and 1052 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 4 . 24 - 4 . 18 , 4 . 11 - 4 . 03 , 2 . 73 , 1 . 20 and 1 . 00 δ . 2 , 2 &# 39 ;- methylenebis [ 5 , 5 - dimethyl - 2 , 2 &# 39 ;- dioxide 1 , 3 , 2 - dioxaphosphorinane ] ( preparation 1 , 10 . 05 g ) is dissolved in a warm solution of methanol ( 90 ml ) containing paraformaldehyde ( 5 . 02 g ) and diethylamine ( 3 . 3 ml ) and gently refluxed for 2 . 5 hours . the mixture is cooled and the solvents removed by reduced pressure and mild heat . the residue is dissolved in toluene ( 40 ml ) and a strongly acidic ion exchange resin is added and the mixture refluxed through a dean - stark trap for 80 min . the mixture is cooled and the solvents removed by reduced pressure with mild heat . the residue is recrystallized from acetone to give the title compound , mp 193 °- 194 °; ms ( m / e ) 324 , 309 , 269 , 239 and 171 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 1574 , 1464 , 1384 , 1371 . 1281 , 1247 and 1054 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 6 . 95 , 6 . 82 , 4 . 18 , 4 . 02 , 1 . 30 and 0 . 93 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 146 . 6 , 138 . 8 , 32 . 5 , 22 . 0 and 20 . 7 δ . diethyl malonate ( 7 . 6 ml ) and 2 - aminothiazole ( 5 . 0 g ) are added to a solution of sodium ethoxide , prepared from sodium ( 2 . 3 g ) in ethanol ( 50 ml ). the reaction mixture is refluxed for 2 . 5 hours , then cooled in ice , treated with concentrated hydrochloric acid ( 11 ml ). the precipitate which forms is filtered . the bis 2 - aminothiazole malonate amide ( ii ) is recrystallized from ethanol and is used in part b without further characterization , nmr ( d 2 o / sodium hydroxide ) 7 . 3 and 6 . 8 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , ep 221 . 611 , 4 . 50 g ) the n , n &# 39 ;- bis ( 2 - thiazolyl ) malonamide ( ii , 2 . 52 g ), and dbu ( 0 . 25 ml ) are heated in refluxing ethanol ( 50 ml ) for 18 hours . the reaction mixture is concentrated under reduced pressure and subjected directly to chromatography ( ethyl acetate / acetone , 1 / 1 ). the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated to give the tide compound which is then recrystallized from methanol / water , mp 188 °- 188 . 5 °; ms ( m / e ) 568 ( m + ), 469 , 423 , 331 and 281 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 1701 , 1678 , 1566 and 1264 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 30 , 6 . 83 , 4 . 57 , 4 . 38 , 4 . 23 , 3 . 39 , 2 . 86 , 1 . 42 and 1 . 26 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 3 . 00 g ), ethyl acetoacetate ( ii , 1 . 4 ml ), and dbu ( 0 . 25 ml ) are heated to 500 in thf ( 20 ml ) for 1 . 5 hours . the reaction is cooled , diluted with ethyl acetate , filtered through magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure . the concentrate is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate , ethyl acetate / acetone ( 1 / 1 ). the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated to give the title compound , ms ( m / e ) 430 ( m + ), 388 , 339 , 301 and 288 ; ir ( neat ) 2984 , 1740 , 1716 , 1478 , 1444 , 1392 , 1368 and 1250 cm - ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 4 . 20 , 2 . 43 , 2 . 29 , 1 . 35 and 1 . 28 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 3 . 00 g ), dibenzoyl methane ( ii , 2 . 30 g ), and dbu ( 0 . 25 ml ) are heated to 50 ° in thf ( 20 ml ) for 15 min . the reaction mixture is cooled , diluted with ethyl acetate , filtered through magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure . the concentrate is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate , ethyl acetate / acetone ( 1 / 1 ). the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated to give the title compound , ms ( m / e ) 524 ( m + ), 419 , 387 , 373 , 268 and 224 ; ir ( neat ) 2982 , 1736 , 1696 , 1674 , 1594 , 1580 , 1448 , 1392 and 1253 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 07 , 7 . 58 , 7 . 46 , 6 . 18 , 4 . 17 , 2 . 65 and 1 . 29 δ . aniline ( 36 . 4 ml ), methyl acrylate ( 38 . 5 ml ) and acetic acid ( 1 ml ) are refluxed for 18 hours , then distilled , bp 0 . 4 120 °- 125 °. to a solution of the above mixture ( 50 . 0 g ) in pyridine ( 250 ml ), tosyl chloride ( 58 . 0 g ) is added over a period of 10 min . after 15 min at 22 °, the reaction is heated on the stem bath for 15 min , then just to boiling on a hot plate . the cooled reaction is then diluted with ether , washed with hydrochloric acid ( 10 %, 4 times ), sodium bicarbonate ( twice ) and saline , then dried with magnesium sulfate , and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the crude ester . the crude ester in methanol ( 80 %, 500 ml ) is treated slowly with potassium hydroxide ( 10 %, 200 ml ) and stirred overnight . the reaction is poured onto water ( 500 ml ) and acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid . the precipitate is collect , then dissolved in sodium bicarbonate solution , filtered , acidified with hydrochloric acid ( 10 %), and filtered . the product is recrystallized from toluene , mp 139 °- 141 °. a mixture of the acid ( 15 . 97 g ) and phosphorous pentachloride ( 10 . 4 g ) in toluene ( 100 ml ) is heated to reflux for 30 min , then the reaction is cooled to 0 °, and treated with tin tetrachloride ( 8 . 8 ml ) in toluene ( 40 ml ). after 15 min at 0 ° and 18 hours at 22 °, the mixture is poured on to concentrated hydrochloric acid / ice , extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 ×), washed with water , saturated sodium bicarbonate , and saline , dried with magnesium sulfate , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the n - tosyl - 4 - oxo - 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroisoquinoline ( ii ) is recrystallized ( 2 ×) from 95 % ethanol . the ketone ( ii , 4 . 27 g ), ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 3 . 60 g ) and dbu ( 2 ml ) are stirred in thf ( 30 ml ) for 1 hour . the reaction is diluted with ethyl acetate , washed with hydrochloric acid ( in ), saturated sodium bicarbonate , and saline , dried with magnesium sulfate , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the product is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate / ethyl acetate - acetone 1 / 1 ) to give the title compound , ms ( m / e ) 601 , 446 , 400 , 372 and 155 ; ir ( neat ) 2983 , 1689 , 1599 , 1574 , 1494 , 1477 , 1392 and 1254 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 95 , 7 . 8 , 7 . 7 , 7 . 49 , 7 . 28 , 7 . 14 , 4 . 47 , 4 . 20 , 3 . 79 , 3 . 14 , 2 . 83 , 2 . 4 , 1 . 93 and 1 . 32 δ . ethyl benzoyl acetate ( 9 . 5 ml ) and 2 - aminopyridine ( 4 . 71 g ) are heated to 1400 under house vacuum for 2 hours . the reaction is cooled , and the resulting oil triturated with ether to give a precipitate . the precipitate is filtered , washed with ether , and recrystallized from acetonitrile to give an amide , n -( 2 - pyridinyl )- 3 - oxo - 3 - phenylpropanamide ( ii ). the amide ( ii , 2 . 52 g ), ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 3 . 00 g ), and dbu ( 0 . 25 ml ) are heated to 50 ° c . in thf ( 20 ml ) for 3 hrs . the reaction is cooled , diluted with ethyl acetate , then extracted with hydrochloric acid ( 10 %, 3 ×). after back washing with ethyl acetate , the acidic fraction is neutralized with saturated sodium bicarbonate , extracted with methylene chloride , dried with magnesium sulfate , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude material is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate and acetone . the resulting oil is concentrated under reduced pressure from ether to give a solid . the solid is slurried in ether , filtered and dried under reduced pressure to give the title compound , mp 104 °- 105 °; ms ( m / e ) 540 , 435 , 420 , 403 , 163 , 121 , 105 and 94 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 1705 , 1679 , 1596 , 1578 , 1543 , 1435 and 1256 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 9 . 77 , 8 . 28 , 8 . 10 , 7 . 60 , 7 . 47 , 7 . 01 , 5 . 16 , 4 . 16 , 2 . 65 , 1 . 34 and 1 . 26 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 202 . 9 , 195 . 5 , 167 . 6 , 151 . 1 , 147 . 6 , 138 . 4 , 136 . 0 , 133 . 7 , 128 . 9 , 128 . 7 , 119 . 9 , 114 . 1 , 63 . 0 ( m ), 54 . 1 , 34 . 5 , 25 . 9 and 16 . 3 δ . ethyl benzoyl acetate ( 9 . 5 ml ) and aniline ( 4 . 6 ml ) are heated to 18020 in xylene ( 20 ml ) and the reaction distilled . when the volume is reduced by half , xylene ( 20 ml ) is added and distillation continued . the reaction is cooled and the precipitate filtered . the precipitate is recrystallized once with ethanol / water ( 1 / 1 ), and then again from toluene to give an amide , n - phenyl - 3 - oxo - 3 - phenylpropanamide ( ii ). the amide ( ii , 2 . 50 g ), ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 3 . 00 g ), and dbu ( 0 . 25 ml ) are heated to 50 ° c . in thf ( 20 ml ) for 30 min . the reaction is cooled , diluted with ethyl acetate , washed with hydrochloric acid ( 1n ), saturated sodium bicarbonate , and saline , then dried with magnesium sulfate , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude material is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate . the compound is left overnight on the bench whereupon a solid formed . this is slurried in ether , filtered and dried in under reduced pressure to give the title compound , mp 104 °- 105 °; ms ( m / e ) 539 , 447 , 288 , 239 , 163 , 120 , 105 and 93 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 1699 , 1682 , 1606 , 1599 , 1589 , 1549 , 1442 and 1241 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 9 . 55 , 8 . 08 , 7 . 57 , 7 . 46 , 7 . 30 , 7 . 09 , 4 . 96 , 4 . 17 , 2 . 58 , 1 . 38 and 1 . 28 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 212 . 4 , 195 . 5 , 167 . 1 , 138 . 0 , 136 . 2 , 133 . 7 , 128 . 9 , 128 . 8 , 128 . 5 , 124 . 3 , 119 . 6 , 63 . 1 ( m ), 54 . 0 , 34 . 5 , 25 . 9 and 16 . 3 δ . ethyl benzoyl acetate ( 9 . 5 ml ) and 3 - aminopyridine ( 4 . 71 g ) are heated to 1400 under house vacuum for 2 hours . the reaction is cooled , and the oil triturated with ether forming a precipitate . the precipitate is filtered , washed with ether , and recrystallized from ethanol / water to give an amide , n -( 3 - pyridinyl )- 3 - oxo - 3 - phenylpropanamide ( ii ). the amide ( ii , 2 . 52 g ), ethenylidenbisphosphoric acid tetraethyl ester ( 3 . 00 g ), and dbu ( 0 . 25 ml ) are heated to 50 ° c . in thf ( 20 ml ) for 3 hrs . the reaction is cooled , diluted with ethyl acetate , then extracted with hydrochloric acid ( 10 %, 3 ×). after back washing with ethyl acetate , the acidic fraction is neutralized with saturated sodium bicarbonate , extracted with methylene chloride , dried with magnesium sulfate , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude material is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate and acetone . the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated to give an oil . the oil is concentrated under reduced pressure from ether to give a solid . the solid is slurried in ether , filtered and dried under reduced pressure to give the title compound , mp 108 °- 109 °; ms ( m / e ) 540 , 435 , 288 , 273 , 240 and 163 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 1699 , 1675 , 1605 , 1595 , 1579 , 1548 and 1245 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 66 , 8 . 33 , 8 . 16 , 8 . 07 , 7 . 58 , 7 . 46 , 7 . 23 , 5 . 02 , 4 . 18 , 2 . 62 and 1 . 34 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 195 . 1 , 168 . 0 , 145 . 0 , 140 . 9 , 136 . 0 , 135 . 1 , 133 . 8 , 128 . 9 , 128 . 5 , 126 . 9 , 123 . 7 , 63 . 2 , 53 . 8 , 34 . 6 , 25 . 7 and 16 . 3 δ . ethyl benzoyl acetate ( 9 . 5 ml ) and 2 - amino - 6 - methoxy benzothiazole ( 9 . 01 g ) are heated to 140 ° under house vacuum for 2 hours . after cooling , the residue is taken up in acetone and filtered . the precipitate is dissolved in hot dmf to give an amide , n -( 6 - methoxybenzothiazol - 2 - yl )- 3 - oxo - 3 - phenylpropanamide ( ii ). the amide ( ii , 2 . 90 g , ethenylidenbisphosphoric acid tetraethyl ester ( 2 . 55 g ), and dbu ( 0 . 25 ml ) are heated to 50 ° in dmf ( 10 ml ) for 5 days . the reaction is cooled , diluted with ethyl acetate , washed with hydrochloric acid ( 1n ), saturated sodium bicarbonate , and saline , then dried with magnesium sulfate , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude material is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate , ethyl acetate / acetone ( 1 / 1 ), acetone . the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated to give a solid which is recrystallized from alcohol to give the title compound , mp 206 °- 207 °; ms ( m / e ) 626 , 448 , 326 and 180 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 1705 , 1675 , 1606 , 1572 , 1560 , 1285 and 1252 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 12 , 7 . 68 , 7 . 59 , 7 . 47 , 7 . 16 , 7 . 01 , 5 . 31 , 4 . 15 , 3 . 84 , 2 . 77 and 1 . 29 δ . ethyl benzoyl acetate ( 5 . 2 ml ) and 2 - amino4 - phenyl - 1 , 3 , 5 - thiadiazole ( 4 . 99 g ) are heated to 1400 under house vacuum for 2 hours . after cooling , the residue is taken up in ether and filtered . the precipitate is then recrystallized from acetonitrile to give an amide , n -( 4 - phenyl - 1 , 3 , 5 - thiadiazol - 2 - yl )- 3 - oxo - 3 - phenylpropanamide ( ii ). the amide ( ii , 3 . 42 g ), ethenylidenbisphosphoric acid tetraethyl ester ( 3 . 00 g ), and dbu ( 0 . 25 ml ) are heated to 50 ° c . in thf ( 20 ml ) for 30 min . after cooling , the reaction is diluted with ethyl acetate , washed with hydrochloric acid ( 1n ), saturated sodium bicarbonate , and saline , then dried with magnesium sulfate , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude material is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate , ethyl acetate / acetone ( 1 / 1 ). the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated to give a solid which is dissolved in ethanol , treated with charcoal , filtered through celite , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the solid is triturated with ether and filtered to give the title compound , mp 162 °- 167 ° ( dec ); ms ( m / e ) 323 , 295 , 273 , 253 , 204 and 177 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 1707 , 1700 , 1682 , 1598 , 1584 , 1565 and 1260 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 12 . 5 , 8 . 18 , 7 . 76 , 7 . 4 , 5 . 63 , 4 . 10 , 2 . 75 and 1 . 24 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 216 . 5 , 195 . 1 , 174 . 8 , 168 . 5 , 167 . 6 , 135 . 4 , 133 . 8 , 133 . 1 , 129 . 8 , 128 . 9 , 128 . 8 , 128 . 4 , 128 . 0 , 63 . 6 , 52 . 7 , 34 . 3 , 25 . 3 and 16 . 3 δ . phenol ( 12 . 2 g ) and phenylacetyl chloride ( 20 g ) are heated at 80 ° for 1 hour in nitrobenzene ( 115 ml ), treated with aluminum trichloride ( 22 . 7 g ), and heating maintained for 1 hour . the reaction is cooled , then poured onto acidified ice water , extracted twice with ether , and washed with water . the organic phase is extracted with sodium hydroxide ( 10 %), acidified with hydrochloric acid ( 10 %), and cooled in ice . the precipitate is collected and recrystallized from water to give a ketone , 4 &# 39 ;- hydroxy - 2 - phenylacetophenone ( ii ). the 4 &# 39 ;- hydroxy - 2 - phenylacetophenone ( ii , 5 . 860 g ), ethenylidenbisphosphoric acid tetraethyl ester ( 8 . 28 g ) and dbu ( 4 . 2 ml , 27 . 6 mmol ) are heated to 500 in thf ( 30 ml ) for 18 hours . the reaction is cooled , diluted with water , extracted with methylene chloride , dried with magnesium sulfate , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the concentrate is then chromatographed ( twice ) eluting with ethyl acetate , ethyl acetate / acetone ( 1 / 1 ). the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated to give the title compound , ms ( m / e ) 512 , 392 , 288 , 149 , 121 and 93 ; ir ( neat ) 2983 , 1736 , 1723 , 1704 , 1668 , 1603 , 1583 , 1515 , 1493 , 1477 , 1454 , 1443 and 1239 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 85 , 7 . 29 , 6 . 80 , 5 . 21 , 4 . 14 , 2 . 60 , 2 . 41 , 1 . 35 and 1 . 22 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 10 . 0 g ) and deoxybenzoin ( ii , 6 . 54 g ) in a solution of sodium ethoxide , prepared from 50 % sodium hydride ( 1 . 6 g , 33 . 3 mmol ) and ethanol ( 50 ml ), are refluxed for 21 hours . the mixture is diluted with water , extracted with methylene chloride ( 3 ×), dried with magnesium sulfate , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the product is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate / methanol ( 95 / 5 ). the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated to give the title compound . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 2 . 70 g ), deoxybenzoin ( ii , 1 . 96 g ), and dbu ( 0 . 15 ml ) are healed to 50 ° in thf ( 10 ml ) for 40 hours . the reaction is cooled diluted with methylene chloride , washed with water , dried with magnesium sulfate , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the residue is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate , ethyl acetate / acetone ( 1 / i ). the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated to give the title compound , ms ( m / e ) 496 , 288 , 243 and 105 ; ir ( neat ) 2983 , 1681 , 1253 , 1065 , 1042 , 1028 and 972 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 98 , 7 . 45 , 7 . 32 , 7 . 23 , 5 . 28 , 4 . 1 , 3 . 9 , 2 . 6 , 2 . 4 , 1 . 35 , 1 . 25 and 1 . 18 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 199 , 138 , 136 , 133 , 128 . 9 , 128 . 6 , 128 . 4 , 128 . 3 , 127 , 62 , 51 , 34 , 30 and 16 δ . following the general procedure of examples 1 - 11 using dbu as the base and making non - critical variations but starting with the appropriate electron deficient olefin ( i ) and activated methylene ( ii ), bicyclic ketone ( iv ) or cyclic ketone ( vi ), the title compounds are obtained . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and ethyl benzoyl acetate ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 492 , 387 , 355 , 301 and 288 ; ir ( neat ) 2983 , 1738 , 1685 , 1597 , 1581 , 1448 , 1392 , 1369 and 1251 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 08 , 7 . 61 , 7 . 49 , 5 . 10 , 4 . 17 , 2 . 58 , 1 . 35 and 1 . 17 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and propiophenone ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 434 , 392 , 329 , 297 , 288 , 261 , 243 , 152 , 132 and 105 ; ir ( neat ) 2983 , 1682 , 1253 , 1027 and 970 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 03 , 7 . 57 , 7 . 47 , 4 . 1 , 2 . 4 , 2 . 0 and 1 . 29 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 203 , 136 , 133 , 128 . 6 , 128 . 5 , 62 , 38 , 34 , 29 , 17 and 16 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 4 &# 39 ;- bromo - 2 - phenylacetophenone ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 577 , 575 , 547 , 497 , 391 , 301 and 183 ; ir ( neat ) 2981 , 1681 , 1584 , 1554 , 1395 and 1252 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 83 , 7 . 50 , 7 . 25 , 5 . 23 , 4 . 1 , 2 . 63 , 2 . 40 , 1 . 37 , 1 . 26 and 1 . 19 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 2 , 4 &# 39 ;- diphenylacetophenone ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 573 , 545 , 391 , 301 and 181 ; ir ( neat ) 2982 , 1677 , 1603 , 1582 , 1454 , 1405 , 1392 and 1252 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 07 , 7 . 58 , 7 . 38 , 5 . 32 , 4 . 3 - 3 . 87 , 2 . 70 , 2 . 42 and 1 . 32 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 4 &# 39 ;- methoxy - 2 - phenylacetophenone ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 527 , 499 , 481 , 301 and 135 ; ir ( neat ) 2982 , 1671 , 1599 , 1575 , 1512 , 1493 , 1476 , 1454 and 1251 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 98 , 7 . 25 , 6 . 85 , 5 . 23 , 4 . 34 . 0 , 3 . 90 , 3 . 80 , 2 . 63 , 2 . 45 , 1 . 37 , 1 . 26 and 1 . 18 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and methyl phenyl acetate ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 450 , 418 , 390 and 288 ; ir ( neat ) 2983 , 1735 , 1601 , 1584 , 1494 , 1478 and 1255 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 31 , 4 . 01 , 3 . 57 , 2 . 40 and . 1 . 27 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and phenyl acetonitrile ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 417 , 288 , 261 and 233 ; ir ( neat ) 2984 , 2242 , 1601 , 1587 , 1494 , 1478 , 1456 , 1 , 444 and 1256 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 38 , 4 . 45 , 4 . 15 , 2 . 45 and 1 . 34 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 2 - pyridinyl acetonitrile ( ii ), nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 59 , 7 . 72 , 7 . 40 , 7 . 26 , 4 . 63 , 4 . 15 , 2 . 56 and 1 . 39 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 3 - pyridyl acetonitrile ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 418 , 301 , 288 and 131 ; ir ( neat ) 2983 , 2242 , 1582 , 1577 , 1480 , 1444 , 1392 , 1368 and 1256 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 63 , 7 . 76 , 7 . 36 , 4 . 56 , 4 . 22 , 2 . 48 and 1 . 37 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 2 - thiophene acetonitrile ( ii ), ir ( neat ) 2983 , 2242 , 1478 , 1442 and 1258 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 32 , 7 . 11 , 6 . 99 , 4 . 77 , 4 . 21 , 2 . 54 and 1 . 36 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 2 - naphthyl acetonitrile ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 467 , 288 , 181 and 152 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 83 , 7 . 42 , 4 . 61 , 4 . 15 , 2 . 50 and 1 . 32 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 1 - naphthyl acetonitrile ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 467 , 422 , 311 and 152 ; ir ( neat ) 2983 , 2242 , 1599 , 1541 , 1478 , 1443 and 1254 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 24 , 7 . 88 , 7 . 74 , 7 . 57 , 5 . 30 , 4 . 20 , 2 . 6 and 1 . 36 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and methyl 1 - naphthyl acetate ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 500 , 468 , 440 and 288 ; ir ( neat ) 2983 , 1733 , 1597 , 1513 , 1442 , 1368 and 1254 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 26 , 7 . 80 , 7 . 52 , 5 . 06 , 4 . 15 , 3 . 64 , 2 . 71 , 2 . 46 and 1 . 28 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and tetralone ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 446 , 301 , 288 , 261 ; ir ( neat ) 3474 , 1682 , 1253 , 1027 and 1026 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 93 , 7 . 40 , 7 . 22 , 4 . 14 , 2 . 96 , 2 . 88 , 2 . 57 , 2 . 21 , 1 . 85 and 1 . 28 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and flavanone ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 524 , 479 , 302 and 165 ; ir ( neat ) 2983 , 1683 , 1607 , 1580 , 1499 , 1474 , 1464 and 1257 cm - 1 . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 2 - methylthiochroman4 - one ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 478 , 462 , 432 , 302 and 165 ; ir ( neat ) 2981 , 1675 , 1590 , 1560 , 1478 , 1459 , 1437 , 1391 and 1256 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 04 , 7 . 40 , 7 . 20 , 4 . 17 , 3 . 55 , 3 . 37 , 3 . 10 , 2 . 7 - 1 . 9 , 1 . 51 and 1 . 34 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 6 - methylthiochroman4 - one ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 478 , 302 , 288 , 191 , 177 and 165 ; ir ( neat ) 2981 , 1674 , 1602 , 1471 , 1443 , 1395 and 1253 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 82 , 7 . 13 , 4 . 13 , 3 . 3 - 3 . 0 , 2 . 67 , 2 . 26 , 1 . 96 and 1 . 27 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 4 - chromanone ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 448 , 419 , 403 , 311 , 302 , 288 , 165 and 137 ; ir ( neat ) 2983 , 1689 , 1606 , 1580 , 1480 , 1466 , 1459 and 1251 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 81 , 7 . 42 , 6 . 93 , 4 . 50 , 4 . 10 , 3 . 20 , 2 . 76 , 2 . 40 , 1 . 87 and 1 . 28 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 2 - methyl cyclohexanone ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 412 , 384 , 367 , 342 , 301 and 288 ; ir ( neat ) 2981 , 1706 , 1477 , 1446 , 1392 , 1368 and 1251 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 4 . 19 , 3 . 0 - 1 . 5 , 1 . 35 and 1 . 0 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 2 - phenyl cyclohexanone ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 474 , 429 , 418 , 301 and 288 ; ir ( neat ) 2981 , 1708 , 1599 , 1581 , 1491 , 1447 and 1250 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 4 - 7 . 1 , 4 . 19 , 3 . 85 , 3 . 55 , 2 . 9 - 1 . 7 , 1 . 35 , 1 . 83 and 1 . 11 6 ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 212 . 2 , 138 . 5 , 128 . 7 , 127 . 4 , 126 . 6 , 62 , 57 . 1 , 39 . 8 , 34 . 5 , 33 . 2 , 31 . 7 , 29 . 1 , 25 . 4 and 16 . 1 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 2 - methoxy acetophenone ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 450 , 435 , 345 , 317 , 288 , 157 and 105 ; ir ( neat ) 2983 , 1694 , 1598 , 1579 , 1478 , 1448 , 1392 , 1368 , 1252 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 13 , 7 . 60 , 7 . 48 , 5 . 14 , 4 . 15 , 3 . 39 , 2 . 90 , 2 . 30 and 1 . 35 δ ; cdr ( cdcl 3 ) 199 . 0 , 134 . 6 , 133 . 3 , 128 . 4 , 128 . 4 , 80 , 62 . 5 , 49 . 4 , 32 , 28 . 9 , 16 . 2 , 16 . 1 and 16 . 0 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and α - phenylthio acetophenone ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 528 , 423 , 288 and 105 ; ir ( neat ) 2982 , 1678 , 1597 , 1570 , 1474 , 1447 , 1439 , 1391 , 1367 and 1252 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 95 , 7 . 54 , 7 . 43 , 7 . 26 , 5 . 26 , 4 . 16 , 2 . 82 , 2 . 50 and 1 . 30 δ . 2 , 2 &# 39 ;- ethenylidenebis [ 5 , 5 - dimethyl - 2 , 2 &# 39 ;- dioxide - 1 , 3 , 2 - dioxaphosphorinane ] ( i , preparation 2 ) and deoxybenzoin ( ii ), mp 209 °- 210 °; ms ( m / e ) 520 , 416 , 371 , 312 and 105 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 1679 , 1598 , 1581 , 1445 , 1408 , 1277 , 1261 , 1241 and 1065 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 99 , 7 . 47 - 7 . 17 , 5 . 39 , 4 . 33 - 3 . 93 , 3 . 76 , 3 . 61 , 2 . 85 - 2 . 63 , 2 . 53 - 2 . 37 , 1 . 23 , 1 . 16 , 0 . 99 and 0 . 84 ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 199 . 2 , 138 . 2 , 136 . 1 , 132 . 6 , 128 . 8 , 128 . 6 , 128 . 3 , 128 . 2 , 127 . 1 , 76 . 7 , 50 . 8 , 32 . 2 , 30 . 4 , 28 . 5 , 21 . 7 and 20 . 6 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and n - phenacylbenzamide ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 539 , 434 and 388 ; ir ( neat ) 3280 , 2982 , 1691 , 1657 , 1598 , 1580 , 1537 , 1491 , 1448 , 1392 , 1368 and 1251 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 21 , 7 . 98 , 7 . 61 , 7 . 48 , 5 . 95 , 4 . 27 , 4 . 10 , 2 . 82 , 2 . 57 , 2 . 36 , 1 . 34 and 1 . 23 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 2 -( 3 - t - butoxycarbonylaminoacetophenone ) ( ii ), mp 56 °- 57 °; ms ( m / e ) 535 , 462 , 374 , 330 and 284 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 3271 , 1712 , 1691 , 1598 , 1580 and 1251 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 18 , 7 . 60 , 7 . 47 , 58 , 4 . 27 , 4 . 12 , 2 . 75 , 2 . 42 , 1 . 96 , 1 . 42 and 1 . 31 δ . upon standing a precipitate appeared in [ 2 -( 3 , 4 - dihydro4 - oxo - 2 - phenyl - 2h - 1 - benzopyran - 3 - yl ) ethylidene ] bisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( v , example 26 ). this solid is separated and recrystallized from ether to give the cis isomer , nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 93 , 7 . 45 , 7 . 08 , 5 . 65 , 4 . 00 , 3 . 32 , 2 . 59 , 2 . 02 , 1 . 20 , 1 . 09 and 1 . 03 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 194 . 9 , 160 . 7 , 136 . 3 , 135 . 9 , 128 . 4 , 127 . 9 , 127 . 4 , 126 . 7 , 121 . 7 , 119 . 4 , 117 . 8 , 80 . 9 , 62 . 5 , 62 . 4 , 62 . 2 , 49 . 6 , 49 . 2 , 32 , 19 . 8 , 16 . 12 , 15 . 9 , 15 . 8 and 15 . 7 δ . the mother liquor from examples 26 and 37 is nearly pure trans isomer , nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 77 , 7 . 35 , 6 . 91 , 5 . 09 , 3 . 95 , 2 . 90 , 2 . 26 and 1 . 61 δ . n - butyl lithium ( 1 . 6m in hexane , 62 . 5 ml ) is added slowly to a solution of 2 - picoline ( 9 . 9 ml ) in ether ( 100 ml ). the refluxing reaction is stirred for 30 min , then a solution of methyl 4 - methoxy benzoate ( 8 . 31 g ) in ether ( 50 ml ) is added slowly so that the reflux is maintained . after maintaining the reflux for an additional 30 min , the reaction is poured on to ice / hydrochloric acid , diluted with ethyl acetate , and extracted with hydrochloric acid ( 10 %, 3 ×). the acidic fractions are backwashed with ethyl acetate then neutralized with sodium hydroxide and sodium bicarbonate until the ph is 7 . 5 . the product is extracted into ethyl acetate , dried with magnesium sulfate , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the product is distilled bp 0 . 2 175 °- 185 °, then the solidified product is recrystallized from cyclohexane , to give 1 -( 4 - methoxyphenyl )- 2 -( 2 - pyridinyl ) ethanone ( ii ). ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 3 . 00 g ), 1 -( 4 - methoxyphenyl )- 2 -( 2 - pyridinyl ) ethanone ( ii , 2 . 50 g ) and potassium carbonate ( 2 . 07 g ) are stirred in methanol ( 20 ml ) overnight . the reaction is concentrated under reduced pressure , taken up in ethyl acetate , washed with sodium chloride , dried with magnesium sulfate , rand concentrated under reduced pressure . the product is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate , ethyl acetate / acetone ( 1 / 1 ), acetone , the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated to give the title compound , ms ( m / e ) 527 and 240 ; ir ( neat ) 2982 , 1674 , 1499 , 1475 , 1470 , 1435 , 1321 , 1392 and 1253 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 53 , 8 . 02 , 7 . 61 , 7 . 35 , 7 . 12 , 6 . 85 , 5 . 41 , 4 . 16 , 3 . 81 , 2 . 77 , 2 . 50 , 1 . 38 , 1 . 26 and 1 . 17 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 196 . 5 , 163 . 2 , 158 . 8 , 149 . 7 , 136 . 7 , 131 . 1 , 129 . 3 , 122 . 8 , 121 . 9 , 113 . 5 , 62 . 8 , 62 . 7 , 62 . 4 , 62 . 3 , 62 . 2 , 55 . 2 , 53 . 5 , 33 . 9 , 28 . 4 , 16 . 3 , 16 . 2 , 16 . 1 and 16 . 0 δ . n - butyl lithium ( 1 . 6m in hexane , 62 . 5 ml ) is added slowly to a solution of 2 - picoline ( 9 . 9 ml , 0 . 10 mol ) in ether ( 100ml ). the refluxing reaction is stirred for 30 min , then a solution of methyl benzoate ( 6 . 25 ml ) in ether ( 10 ml ) is added slowly so that the reflux is maintained . after maintaining the reflux for an additional 30 min , the reaction is poured on to ice / hydrochloric acid , diluted with ethyl acetate , and extracted with hydrochloric acid ( 10 %, 3 ×). the acidic fractions are backwashed with ethyl acetate then neutralized with sodium hydroxide and sodium bicarbonate until the ph is 7 . 5 . the product is extracted into ethyl acetate , dried with magnesium sulfate , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the product is distilled to give 1 - phenyl - 2 -( 2 - pyridinyl ) ethanone ( ii ). ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 3 . 00 g ), 1 - phenyl - 2 -( 2 - pyridinyl ) ethanone ( ii , 2 . 17 g ) and potassium carbonate ( 2 . 07 g ) are stirred in methanol ( 20 ml ) overnight . the reaction is concentrated under reduced pressure , taken up in ethyl acetate , washed with sodium chloride , dried with magnesium sulfate , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the product is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate . the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated to give the title compound , ms ( m / e ) 497 , 452 , 392 , 302 and 288 ; ir ( neat ) 2983 , 1683 , 1597 , 1580 , 1470 , 1448 and 1253 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 52 , 8 . 02 , 7 . 60 , 7 . 49 , 7 . 37 , 7 . 11 , 5 . 46 , 4 . 12 , 2 . 75 , 2 . 55 , 1 . 36 , 1 . 25 and 1 . 16 δ . 3 &# 39 ;- fluoroacetophenone ( ii , 0 . 84 ml ) is dissolved in thf ( 23ml ) and cooled to - 78 ° and is treated with lithium hexamethyldisilazane ( lihmds , 7 . 5 ml ) and stirred for 30 minutes . a solution of ethylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 1 . 87g ) in thf ( 7 ml ) is added , stirred 10 minutes then warmed to 0 ° for 1 hour . the mixture is quenched with saturated ammonium chloride and then the solvents are removed under reduced pressure and mild heat . the residue is diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate ( 3 ×) saline , dried with magnesium sulfate and the solvents removed under reduced pressure with mild heat . the concentrate is chromatographed eluting with alcohol / ethyl acetate ( 5 / 95 ). the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated to give the title compound , ms ( m / e ) 439 ( m + ), 435 , 411 , 393 , 301 and 123 ; ir ( neat ) 1689 , 1588 , 1483 , 1444 , 1392 , 1368 , 1250 and 1164 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 76 , 7 . 65 , 7 . 48 - 7 . 35 , 7 . 26 , 4 . 18 , 3 . 37 , 2 . 58 , 2 . 41 - 2 . 27 and 1 . 33 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 197 . 9 , 133 . 8 , 130 . 3 , 126 . 8 , 123 . 8 , 120 . 1 , 114 . 7 , 62 . 6 , 37 . 1 , 35 . 5 , 20 . 2 and 16 . 4 δ . 4 - amino acetophenone ( 4 . 06 g ), ethyl chloroform ate ( 3 . 0 ml ), and potassium carbonate ( 4 . 20 g ) are heated in refluxing toluene ( 30 ml ) for 4 hours , then cooled , filtered and washed with boiling water . the pure material is obtained by recrystallizing from toluene to give 4 - ethoxycarbonylaminoacetophenone ( ii ). the 4 - ethoxycarbonylaminoacetophenone ( ii , 1 . 865 g ) in pyridine ( 25 ml ) at 0 ° is treated with lihmids ( 1m in thf , 19 . 0 ml ) and stirred at 22 ° for 30 min . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 2 . 70 g ) is added and stirring maintained for 30 min . the reaction is poured onto hydrochloric acid ( 10 %), extracted fluid with methylene chloride , washed with 10 % hydrochloric acid , sodium chloride , dried with magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure with mild heat . pure material is obtained by chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate , ethyl acetate / acetone ( 1 / 1 ) and recrystallization from ethyl acetate to give the title compound , mp 96 - 97 ; ms ( m / e ) 507 , 462 , 380 , 3 15 , 288 and 192 . 4 - aminoacetophenone ( 2 . 42 g ), acetyl chloride ( 1 . 5 ml ), and triethylamine ( 3 . 5 ml ) are stirred in thf ( 40 ml ) at 22 ° . after 4 hours , the reaction is quenched with 10 % hydrochloric acid , extracted thrice with methylene chloride , washed with hydrochloric acid ( 1n ) and sodium chloride , dried with magnesium sulfate , and concentrated under reduced pressure with mild heat . the product is recrystallized from water to give 4 - acetamidoacetophenone ( ii ). the 4 - acetamidoacetophenone ( ii , 1 . 60 g ) in pyridine ( 25 ml ) at 0 ° is treated with lihmds ( 1m in thf , 19 . 0 ml ) and stirred at 22 ° for 30 min . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 2 . 70 g ) is added and the stirring continued for 30 min . the reaction is poured onto 10 % hydrochloric acid , extracted thrice with methylene chloride , washed with hydrochloric acid ( 1n ), dried with magnesium sulfate , and concentrated under reduced pressure with mild heat . the concentrate is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate , ethyl acetate / acetone ( 1 / 1 ), then recrystallized from ethyl acetate to give the title compound , mp 96 °- 97 °; ms ( m / e ) 477 , 432 , 340 315 , 301 , 288 and 162 . ( 4 - oxo - 4 - phenylbutylidene ) bisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( iii , example 47 , 840 mg ) is dissolved in thf ( 1 . 0 ml ) and cooled to - 78 c . lithium hexamethyldisilazane ( 1m in thf , 2 . 3 ml ) is added and the reaction stirred for 1 hour at - 78 °. methyl iodide ( 0 . 5 ml ) is added and the reaction is warmed to 22 ° . after stirring for 40 min , the reaction is quenched with hydrochloric acid ( 1n ) and ethyl acetate , washed twice each with hydrochloric acid ( 1n ), sodium bicarbonate , and saline , dried with magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure with mild heat . the crude material is purified by column chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate , ethyl acetate / acetone ( 3 / 7 ). the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated to give the title compound , ms ( m / e ) 434 , 406 , 389 , 302 , 297 , 165 and 105 . 4 &# 39 ;- hydroxyacetophenone ( 1 . 16 g ) dissolved in toluene ( 40 ml ) is treated with a strongly acidic ion exchange resin ( 50 mg ) and the solvent is distilled until no water remains . hexamethyldisilazane ( 5 ml ) is added and the solution is heated to reflux for 24 hours . the mixture is filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure with mild heat to give 4 &# 39 ;- trimethylsilyloxyacetophenone . 4 &# 39 ;- trimethylsilyloxyacetophenone ( ii , 1 . 65 g ) dissolved in thf ( 26 ml ) and cooled to - 78 ° is treated with lihmds ( 8 . 7 ml ) and stirred for 30 minutes . a solution of ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 2 . 17 g ) in thf ( 5 ml ) is added , stirred 30 minutes then warmed to 0 ° for 2 hours . the mixture is quenched with hydrochloric acid ( 6n , 20 ml ) and stirred for 1 hour at 0 °. the mixture is neutralized with sodium hydroxide and concentrated under reduced pressure with mild heat . the concentrate is diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate ( 3 ×), saline , dried with magnesium sulfate and concentrated with reduced pressure and mild heat . the concentrate is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate . the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated to give the title compound , ms ( m / e ) 43 , 391 , 363 , 315 , 299 , 288 , 261 , 233 , 205 , 179 , 152 and 121 ; ir ( neat ) 3148 , 1672 , 1604 , 1584 , 1515 , 1443 , 1391 , 1369 , 1244 and 1220 cm - 1 ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 197 , 162 , 130 , 128 , 115 , 63 , 36 , 35 . 2 , 20 and 16 δ . 2 &# 39 ;- hydroxyacetophenone ( 1 . 89 g ) dissolved in toluene ( 65 ml ) is treated with a strongly acid ion exchange resin ( 50 mg ) and the solvent is distilled until no water remains . hexamethyldisilazane ( 8 . 5 ml ) is added and the solution is heated to reflux for 48 hours . the mixture is filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure with mild heat to give 2 &# 39 ;- trimethylsilyloxyacetophenone . 2 &# 39 ;- trimethylsilyloxyacetophenone ( ii , 2 . 89 g ) is dissolved in thf ( 45 ml ) and cooled to - 78 ° and then treated with lihmids ( 15 . 3 ml ) and stirred for 30 minutes . a solution of ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 3 . 79 g ) in thf ( 5 ml ) is added , stirred for 30 minutes then warmed to 0 ° for 1 hour . the reaction mixture is quenched with saturated ammonium chloride and concentrated under reduced pressure with mild heat . the concentrate is diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with hydrochloric acid ( 1n ), water , saturated sodium bicarbonate , saline , dried with magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure with mild heat . the concentrate is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate . the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated to give the title compound , ms ( m / e ) 436 , 391 , 315 , 301 , 299 , 288 , 152 and 121 ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 205 , 162 , 136 , 130 , 119 . 2 , 119 , 118 . 5 , 62 , 36 . 6 , 35 . 6 , 20 and 16 . 4 δ . following the general procedure of examples 41 - 46 using lihmds in thf as the base and making non - critical variations but starting with the appropriate electron deficient olefin ( i ) and activated methylene ( ii ), the title compounds are obtained . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and acetophenone ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 420 , 375 , 315 , 301 , 287 and 283 ; ir ( neat ) 1684 , 1597 , 1581 , 1449 , 1392 , 1369 , 1251 and 1164 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 97 , 7 . 56 , 7 . 45 , 4 . 18 , 3 . 39 , 2 . 60 , 2 . 33 and 1 . 30 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and pinacolone ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 343 , 315 , 301 , 287 , 259 , 231 and 213 ; ir ( neat ) 1704 , 1479 , 1466 , 1457 , 1444 , 1253 , 1164 and 1027 cm - 1 ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 215 . 2 , 62 . 5 , 43 . 9 , 35 . 6 , 35 . 0 , 26 . 4 , 20 and 16 . 4 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 4 - morpholinoacetophenone ( ii , 0 . 94 g ), ms ( m / e ) 505 , 368 , 315 , 301 , 288 , 261 , 218 , 205 and 190 ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 197 . 5 , 154 , 130 , 127 . 7 , 113 . 3 , 66 . 6 , 62 , 47 . 5 , 36 . 3 , 36 . 7 , 20 . 5 and 16 . 4 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and acetone ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 358 , 316 , 301 , 288 , 261 , 233 , 221 , 179 and 152 ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 207 . 5 , 62 . 4 , 41 . 4 , 34 . 8 , 19 . 4 and 16 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 4 &# 39 ;- methylacetophenone ( ii ), ms ( m / e ) 434 , 389 , 315 , 301 , 297 , 288 and 119 ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 199 . 5 , 143 . 5 , 134 , 128 . 9 , 127 . 8 , 62 . 3 , 36 . 3 , 35 . 2 , 21 . 3 , 20 and 16 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 4 &# 39 ;- methoxyacetophenone ( ii , 0 . 75 g ), ms ( m / e ) 450 , 315 , 313 , 301 , 288 and 135 ; ir ( neat ) 1676 , 1600 , 1576 , 1512 , 1443 , 1419 , 1392 , 1369 , 1255 and 1171 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 96 , 6 . 92 , 4 . 18 , 3 . 69 , 3 . 33 , 2 . 61 , 2 . 34 and 1 . 33 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 197 . 6 , 163 . 3 , 130 , 129 . 7 , 113 . 5 , 62 . 5 , 55 . 3 , 36 . 2 , 35 . 3 , 20 . 2 and 16 . 2 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 3 - acetylpyridine ( ii , 0 . 77 ml ); ms ( m / e ) 421 , 376 , 315 , 301 , 283 , 273 , 261 , 152 and 106 ; ir ( neat ) 1690 , 1585 , 1572 , 1478 , 1443 , 1419 , 1393 , 1369 , 1251 and 1164 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 9 . 18 , 8 . 77 , 8 . 25 , 7 . 42 , 4 . 2 , 3 . 41 , 2 . 59 , 2 . 38 and 1 . 33 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 498 , 154 , 149 , 136 , 132 , 124 , 63 , 38 , 36 ( t ), 20 and 16 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) , and 2 - acetylthiophene ( ii , 0 . 76 ml ); ms ( m / e ) 426 , 381 , 315 , 289 , 261 , 152 and 111 ; ir ( neat ) 1663 , 1518 , 1478 , 1443 , 1416 , 1392 , 1368 , 1355 , 1250 , 1164 and 1142 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 77 , 7 . 62 , 7 . 12 , 4 . 2 , 3 . 32 , 2 . 58 , 2 . 36 and 1 . 33 67 ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 192 , 144 , 133 . 5 , 135 . 5 , 128 , 62 , 38 , 32 . 5 ( t ), 20 . 5 and 16 δ . 2 , 2 &# 39 ;- ethenylidenebis [ 5 , 5 - dimethyl - 2 , 2 &# 39 ;- dioxide - 1 , 3 , 2 ,- dioxaphosphorinane ] ( i , preparation 1 ) and acetophenone ( ii , 0 . 58 ml ), mp 199 °- 200 °; ms ( m / e ) 444 , 339 , 325 , 312 , 295 and 105 . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 2 , 3 , 4 - trichloracetophenone ( ii , 1 . 12 g ); ms ( m / e ) 522 , 487 , 385 , 315 , 301 , 288 and 207 ; ir ( neat ) 1707 , 1572 , 1442 , 1392 , 1366 , 1253 and 1170 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 45 , 7 . 35 , 4 . 20 , 3 . 31 , 2 . 53 , 2 . 34 and 1 . 35 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 200 , 139 , 136 , 132 . 7 , 130 . 5 , 128 , 126 , 62 , 40 . 9 , 35 . 1 , 19 . 8 and 16 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 3 &# 39 ;, 5 &# 39 ;- difluoroacetophenone ( ii , 0 . 96 g ); ms ( m /) e 456 , 428 , 411 , 319 , 301 , 288 and 141 ; ir ( neat ) 1694 , 1619 , 1441 , 1392 , 1369 , 1252 , 1164 , 1122 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 48 , 7 . 02 , 4 . 20 , 3 . 35 , 2 . 56 , 2 . 35 and 1 . 34 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 196 . 4 , 162 . 8 , 163 . 1 , 139 . 4 , 110 . 6 , 108 . 1 , 62 . 4 , 36 . 8 , 35 . 2 , 19 . 9 and 16 . 1 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 4 &# 39 ;- chloroacetophenone ( ii , 0 . 65 ml ); ms ( m / e ) 454 , 409 , 317 , 315 , 301 , 288 , 243 and 139 ; ir ( neat ) 1685 , 1589 , 1572 , 1488 , 1443 , 1397 , 1252 and 1164 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 94 , 7 . 43 , 4 . 19 , 3 . 37 , 2 . 59 , 2 . 38 and 1 . 34 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 197 . 6 , 139 . 2 , 134 . 7 , 129 . 1 , 128 . 6 , 62 . 3 , 36 . 6 , 35 . 1 , 19 . 9 and 16 . 1 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and isobutyrophenone ( ii , 1 . 35 ml ); ms ( m / e ) 448 , 403 , 343 , 301 , 287 , 243 and 105 ; ir ( neat ) 1674 , 1639 , 1597 , 1473 , 1460 , 1392 , and 1252 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 57 , 7 . 44 , 4 . 12 , 2 . 57 , 2 . 53 , 1 . 33 and 1 . 28 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 3 &# 39 ;, 4 &# 39 ;- dichloroacetophenone ( ii , 0 . 94 g ); ms ( m / e ) 489 , 443 , 351 , 315 , 301 , 288 and 173 ; ir ( neat ) 1690 , 1584 , 1556 , 1391 and 1252 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 05 , 7 . 81 , 7 . 54 , 4 . 19 , 3 . 36 , 2 . 56 , 2 . 34 and 1 . 34 δ ; cmr ( icdcl 3 ) 196 . 9 , 137 . 6 , 136 . 2 , 133 . 3 , 130 . 7 , 130 , 127 , 62 . 6 , 37 , 35 . 4 , 20 . 1 and 16 . 4 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 4 - acetylpyridine ( ii , 1 . 0 ml ); ms ( m / e ) 421 , 393 , 376 , 315 , 301 , 288 , 284 , 106 and 78 ; ir ( neat ) 3478 , 1697 , 1593 , 1556 , 1443 , 1408 , 1392 , 1369 , 1252 and 1164 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 81 , 7 . 77 , 4 . 17 , 3 . 41 , 2 . 76 - 2 . 55 , 2 . 52 - 2 . 28 and 1 . 34 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 198 . 6 , 150 . 8 , 142 . 6 , 121 . 0 , 62 . 8 - 62 . 2 , 37 . 2 - 36 . 8 , 35 . 3 , 19 . 9 and 16 . 4 δ . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and 2 - acetylfuran ( ii , 0 . 77 g ); ms ( m / e ) 410 , 365 , 315 , 301 , 288 , 273 and 95 ; ir ( neat ) 1676 , 1570 , 1470 , 1394 , 1369 , 1252 and 1164 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 58 , 7 . 22 , 6 . 53 , 4 . 20 , 3 . 23 , 2 . 56 , 2 . 42 - 2 . 24 and 1 . 33 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 188 , 153 , 146 . 3 , 117 . 1 , 112 . 2 , 62 . 6 , 36 . 6 , 35 . 5 ( t ), 20 and 16 . 4 δ . acetophenone ( 1 . 17 ml ) is dissolved in thf ( 20 ml ), cooled to - 78 ° and treated with lithium bis ( trimethylsilyl ) amide . the solution is stirred for 30 minutes and a solution of ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 2 . 7g ) in thf ( 5 ml ) is added . the solution is stirred for several minutes then warmed to 0 ° for 1 hour . n - chlorosuccinimide ( 1 . 33 g ) is added and the solution was stirred at 22 ° for 18 hours . the reaction is quenched with aqueous ammonium chloride and concentrated . the residue is diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with sulfuric acid ( 2n , 2 ×), water , sodium bicarbonate , saline and dried with magnesium sulfate and concentrated . the resultant mixture is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate , slowly increased from 1 to 5 % ethanol / ethyl acetate . the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated to give the title compound , ms ( m / e ) 454 , 426 , 322 and 105 ; ir ( neat ) 1686 , 1599 , 1581 , 1448 , 1391 , 1368 , 1259 , 1214 and 1163 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 02 - 7 . 99 , 7 . 59 - 7 . 54 , 7 . 49 - 7 . 44 , 4 . 37 - 4 . 25 , 3 . 50 , 2 . 78 - 2 . 64 and 1 . 38 δ . another compound is formed by the reaction which is not within the scope of the invention . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i ) and freshly distilled 4 - phenyl - 3 - buten - 2 - one ( ii , 1 . 61 g ); ms ( m / e ) 446 , 401 , 288 , 131 and 103 ; ir ( neat ) 1712 , 1690 , 1662 , 1612 , 1576 , 1495 , 1450 , 1391 , 1369 and 1252 cm - 1 ; nmr , ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 58 , 7 . 53 , 7 . 39 , 6 . 73 , 4 . 19 , 3 . 09 , 2 . 54 , 2 . 29 and 1 . 34 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 199 , 142 , 135 , 130 , 129 , 129 , 126 , 62 , 39 , 36 , 20 and 16 . 4 δ . 2 - amino acetophenone ( 4 . 05 g ) and benzoyl chloride ( 4 . 0 ml ) in methylene chloride ( 50 ml ) at 0 ° are treated with triethylamine ( 5 . 5 ml ), warmed to 220 and stirred for 1 hour . the reaction is treated with hydrochloric acid ( 1n ) and the solvents removed by reduced pressure with mild heat to remove most of the thf . the product is isolated by filtration and purified by recrystallization from methanol to give 2 - benzamideacetophenone ( ii ). the benzamide ( ii , 1 . 67 g ) is dissolved in pyridine ( 15 ml ) at 0 °, treated with lihmids ( 1m in thf , 15 . 0 ml ) and stirred at 22 ° for 30 min . ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 2 . 10 g ) is added and the reaction stirred for 1 hour . it is poured onto 10 % hydrochloric acid , extracted thrice with methylene chloride , washed with saline , dried with magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure . the concentrate is purified by chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate , ethyl acetate / acetone ( 1 / 1 ) then recrystallization from methyl t - butyl ether to give the title compound , mp 100 °; ms : m / e 539 , 521 , 434 , 417 , 402 , 315 , 301 , 288 , 224 , 105 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 3223 , 1674 , 1655 , 1608 , 1587 , 1538 , 1449 and 1246 ( cm - 1 ); nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 12 . 7 , 8 . 97 , 8 . 06 , 7 . 56 , 7 . 16 , 4 . 20 , 3 . 49 , 2 . 56 , 2 . 40 and 1 . 34 δ . 3 - amino acetophenone ( 4 . 05 g ) in pyridine ( 6 ml ) at 0 ° is treated dropwise with a solution of ethyl chloroformate ( 3 . 3 mml ) in ether ( 15 ml ). the reaction is stirred for 1 hour , diluted with water , filtered , the solid recrystallized from toluene to give the carbamate , 3 - ethoxycarbonylaminoacetophenone ( ii ) the carbamate ( 11 , 1 . 45 g ) is dissolved in pyridine ( 15 ml ) at 0 ° and treated with lihmds ( 15 . 0 ml ). after stirring at 22 ° for 30 min , ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 2 . 1 g ) is added and stirring maintained for i more hour . the mixture is poured onto hydrochloric acid ( 10 %), extracted thrice with methylene chloride , dried with magnesium sulfate , the solvents removed under reduced pressure with mild heat the concentrate is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate , ethyl acetate / acetone ( 3 / 7 ). the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated . the concentrate is triturated with toluene to give the title compound , mp 83 °- 84 °; ms ( m / e ) 507 , 462 , 435 , 370 and 288 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 3252 , 1734 , 1686 , 1598 , 1557 , 1482 and 1247 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 02 , 7 . 97 , 7 . 75 , 7 . 60 , 7 . 33 , 4 . 20 , 3 . 37 , 2 . 64 , 2 . 40 and 1 . 30 δ . 4 - aminoacetophenone ( 3 . 88 g ) and 4 - chlorobenzoyl chloride ( 4 . 00 ml ) are cooled in methylene chloride ( 50 ml ) to 0 °, and treated with triethylamine ( 5 . 00 ml ). the reaction is stirred at 22 ° for 30 min , then poured onto 10 % hydrochloric acid . the slurry is stirred for 15 min then filtered . the precipitate is recrystallized from acetone to give the benzamide , 4 -( 4 - chlorobenzamido ) acetophenone ( ii ). the benzamide ( ii , 1 . 37 g ) is dissolved in pyridine ( 5 . 0 ml ), cooled to 0 °, and treated with lihmds ( 1m in thf , 11 ml ). the mixture is stirred for 30 min , whereupon ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 1 . 50 g ) is added . after stirring at 22 ° for 1 hour , the mixture is poured onto 10 % hydrochloric acid and stirred for 6 hours . the solid is collected . the solid is dissolved in ethanol , treated with charcoal , filtered through celite and the solvents are removed by reduced pressure with mild heat to give a solid . the solid is recrystallized from ethanol , methyl t - butyl ether to give the title compound , mp 130 °- 131 °; ms ( m / e ) 573 , 436 , 288 and 139 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 3304 , 3191 , 1678 , 1665 , 1599 , 1533 , 1491 and 1263 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 63 , 7 . 94 , 7 . 80 , 7 . 46 , 4 . 17 , 3 . 33 , 2 . 60 , 2 . 36 and 1 . 32 δ . 3 - aminoacetophenone ( 4 . 05 g ) and 4 - nitrobenzoyl chloride ( 5 . 75 g ) are cooled in methylene chloride ( 50 ml ) to 0 °, and treated with triethylamine ( 5 . 00 ml ). the reaction is stirred at 22 ° for 30 min , then poured onto hydrochloric acid ( 10 %). the slurry is stirred for 1 hour then filtered . the precipitate is recrystallized from dmf / water to give a benzamide , 3 -( nitobenzamido ) acetophenone ( ii ). the benzamide ( ii , 1 . 99 g ) is dissolved in pyridine ( 15 . 0 ml ), cooled to 0 °, and treated with lihmds ( 1m in thf , 14 ml ). the suspension is stirred for 30 min , whereupon ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 2 . 10 g ) is added . after stirring at 22 ° for 1 hour , it is poured onto hydrochloric acid ( 10 %), extracted thrice with methylene chloride , dried with magnesium sulfate , and concentrated with reduced pressure and mild heat . the concentrate is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate , ethyl acetate / acetone ( 3 / 7 ), the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated . the concentrate is then recrystallized from acetone to give the title compound , mp 111 °- 112 °; ms ( m / e ) 584 , 462 , 448 , 429 , 332 , 315 , 301 and 288 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 3106 , 1684 , 1672 , 1600 , 1553 , 1521 , 1485 and 1256 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 32 , 8 . 21 , 7 . 70 , 7 . 44 , 4 . 15 , 3 . 36 , 2 . 67 , 2 . 36 and 1 . 31 δ . the 4 - benzamidoacetopehenone ( 11 , 3 . 13 g ) is dissolved in pyridine ( 25 ml ), cooled to 0 °, and treated slowly with lihmds ( 1 . 0m in thf , 28 ml ). the reaction is stirred at 0 ° for 30 min , then treated with ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( i , 3 . 924 g ). after stirring at 0 ° for 30 min and 30 min at 22 °, the reaction is poured onto hydrochloric acid ( 10 %), and extracted with ethyl acetate . the combined organics are washed with hydrochloric acid ( 1n ) and saline , treated with charcoal , filtered through a pad of magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure with mild heat . the concentrate is recrystallized from ethyl acetate to give the title compound , mp 110 °- 112 °; ir ( mineral oil ) 3315 , 1666 , 1596 , 1535 , 1258 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 57 , 7 . 97 , 7 . 91 , 7 . 80 , 7 . 53 , 4 . 17 , 3 . 34 , 2 . 60 , 2 . 3 and 1 . 31 δ . ( 4 - oxo4 - phenylbutylidene ) bisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( iii , example 47 , 1 . 80 g ) is dissolved in thf / water ( 7 / 1 , 8 ml ), treated with sodium borohydride ( 150 mg ) and stirred at 22 ° for 1 hour . the reaction is carefully acidified , extracted thrice with ethyl acetate , washed with sodium bicarbonate , dried with magnesium sulfate , and concentrated . the concentrate is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate , the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated to give the title compound , ms ( m / e ) 422 , 404 , 376 , 316 , 302 , 288 , 179 and 165 ; ir ( neat ) 3388 , 2981 , 1492 , 1478 , 1392 and 1249 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 28 , 4 . 68 , 4 . 12 , 3 . 46 , 2 . 41 , 4 . 7 , 2 . 02 and 1 . 31 δ . following the general procedure of example 70 and making non - critical variations but starting with ( 4 - oxo - 3 , 4 - diphenylbutylidene ) bisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( iii , example 11 , 1 . 00 g ), the title compound is obtained ; ms ( m / e ) 498 , 480 , 453 , 392 and 288 ; ir ( neat ) 3380 , 2982 , 1602 , 1494 , 1453 and 1249 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 7 . 28 , 4 . 75 , 4 . 00 , 3 . 46 , 2 . 1 and 1 . 25 δ . ( 4 - oxo - 4 - phenylbutylidene ) bisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( iii , example 47 , 0 . 9 15g ) is treated with solid sodium bicarbonate ( 2 . 62g ) and cold sodium hypochlorite solution ( 11 . 5 ml ) and stirred at 0 ° for 2 hours and warmed to 22 ° for 5 days . the mixture is diluted with ethyl acetate and washed twice with sodium bicarbonate , saline , dried with magnesium sulfate and concentrated . the concentrate is chromatographed eluting with ethyl acetate . the appropriate fractions are pooled and concentrated to give the title compound , nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 11 - 8 . 04 , 7 . 61 - 7 . 42 , 5 . 93 , 4 . 34 - 4 . 17 , 3 . 88 - 3 . 78 , 2 . 81 and 1 . 42 - 1 . 31 δ . ( 4 - oxo - 3 , 4 - diphenylbutylidene ) bisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( iii , example 11 , 3 . 77 g ) and sodium iodide ( 2 . 28 g ) are heated in refluxing methyl ethyl ketone ( 10 ml ) for 18 hours . after 2 hours a slight cloudiness develops in the reaction , and after 4 hours the reaction solidifies . the solid is collected , then recrystallized from acetone / water , then from methanol to give the title compound , mp & gt ; 300 °; ms ( m / e ) 485 , 463 , 439 and 392 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 1685 , 1598 , 1582 , 1493 , 1235 and 1221 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 02 , 7 . 57 , 7 . 43 , 7 . 26 , 5 . 41 , 3 . 98 , 3 . 68 , 3 . 28 , 2 . 57 , 2 . 50 , 2 . 04 , 1 . 29 and 0 . 98 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 203 . 9 , 138 . 7 , 135 . 8 , 133 . 5 , 129 . 0 , 128 . 6 , 128 . 5 , 127 . 3 , 60 . 5 , 60 . 4 , 60 . 1 , 60 . 0 , 27 . 8 , 33 . 8 , 30 . 1 , 15 . 9 , 15 . 6 and 15 . 5 δ . ( 4 - oxo - 4 - phenylbutylidene ) bisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( iii , example 47 , 2 . 10 g ) and sodium iodide ( 2 . 06 g ) are heated in methyl ethyl ketone ( 10 ml ) at reflux for 16 hours . the reaction is cooled , filtered , and washed with acetone . the precipitate is then dissolved in water and reprecipitated with acetone . the solid is collected , washed with acetone and ether , then air dried to give the title compound , mp & gt ; 300 °; ms ( m / e ) 409 , 387 and 363 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 3394 , 1683 , 1598 , 1581 , 1450 and 1250 cm - 1 ; nmr ( d 2 o ) 8 . 05 , 7 . 69 , 7 . 57 , 3 . 93 , 3 . 45 , 2 . 16 and 1 . 22 δ . ( 4 - oxo - 3 , 4 - diphenylbutylidene ) bisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( ill , example 11 , 3 . 22 g ) is heated in hydrochloric acid ( concentrated , 16 ml ) at reflux for 36 hours . the reaction is concentrated under reduced pressure , then concentrated under reduced pressure twice from toluene . a portion of the residue ( 1 . 39 g ) is dissolved in methanol ( 7 . 2 ml ) then treated with a solution of sodium hydroxide ( 290 mg ) in methanol ( 3 . 5 ml ). the reaction is stirred for 30 min then filtered . the precipitate is dissolved in water ( 4 . 1 ml ), filtered through celite , then reprecipitated with acetone to give the title compound , mp & gt ; 300 °; ms ( m / e ) 429 , 407 , 389 , 385 , 365 and 105 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 1670 , 1598 , 1580 and 1217 cm - 1 ; nmr ( d 2 o ) 8 . 07 , 7 . 6 - 7 . 3 , 5 . 4 , 2 . 6 , 2 . 4 and 1 . 8 δ . [ 3 - cyano - 3 -( 2 - pyridinyl ) propylidene ] bisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( iii , example 19 , 5 . 460 g ) and bromotrimethyl silane ( 7 . 8 ml ) are stirred in chloroform ( 25 ml ) at 500 for 6 hours , then concentrated under reduced pressure . the resulting oil is slurried in ethyl acetate / water and filtered , giving crude product ( 3 . 5 g ). the pink powder resisted attempts at recrystallization , but the color could be removed . the sample is suspended in water ( 50 ml ), then heated on the steam bath for 30 min , cooled and filtered . the sample is washed with ether and acetone , then air dried and finally dried in the vacuum oven to give the title compound , ms ( m / e ) 307 , 221 , 177 and 118 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 2245 , 1627 , 1540 and 1340 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 52 , 7 . 91 , 7 . 61 , 7 . 44 , 2 . 40 and 1 . 96 δ . ( 3 - benzoyl - 1 , 5 - pentanediylidene ) tetrakisphosphonic acid octaethyl ester , 3 . 14 g ) in chloroform ( 25 ml ) is treated with bromotrimethyl silane ( 5 . 5 ml ) and stirred at 40 ° for 5 hours , then diluted with ethyl acetate and water . the water layer is separated , and freeze dried . the acid is dissolved in methanol and treated with a sodium methoxide solution ( 25 %, 3 . 0 g ). the precipitate is collected , washed with ether , then dried in the vacuum oven to a constant weight to give the title compound , ms ( m / e ) 379 , 378 , 357 , 335 and 317 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 1680 , 1600 , 1226 and 1002 cm - 1 ; nmr ( d 2 o ) 7 . 91 , 7 . 59 , 7 . 37 , 3 . 05 , 2 . 36 and 1 . 8 δ ; cmr ( d 2 o ) 204 , 145 , 134 , 131 , 129 , 126 . 6 , 126 . 3 , 46 , 35 , 27 and 25 δ . [ 4 - oxo - 4 -( 2 - thiazolylamino )- 2 -[( 2 - thiazolyl amino ) carbonyl ] butylidene ] bis phosphonic acid , tetraethyl ester ( iii , example 1 , 1 . 325 g ) and bromotrimethyl silane ( 1 . 50 ml ) are heated to 40 ° in chloroform ( 5 ml ) for 5 hours then concentrated under reduced pressure . the concentrate is treated with water and stirred overnight . a precipitate forms and is suspended in water ( 5 ml ), treated with potassium hydroxide ( 250 mg ) in water ( 5 ml ). the reaction is stirred for 1 hour , filtered through celite , and freeze dried to give the title compound , ms ( m / e ) 533 ( m + ), 385 , 347 , 309 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 1681 , 1567 , 1492 and 1270 cm - 1 ; nmr ( d 2 o ) 7 . 3 , 6 . 8 , 4 . 6 , 3 . 39 and 2 . 86 δ . ( 3 - methyl - 4 - oxo4 - phenylbutylidene ) bisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( iii , example 13 , 2 . 0 g ) and bromotrimethyl silane ( 3 . 5 ml ) in chloroform ( 25 ml ) are stirred at 50 ° for 19 hours then concentrated under reduced pressure . the concentrate is dissolved in ethyl acetate and water , shaken , then the water layer separated and freeze dried . the acid is dissolved in methanol ( 10 ml ) and treated with a solution of sodium methoxide ( 25 %, 2 . 0 g ). a precipitate is collected , washed with methanol and ether , then dried in the vacuum oven to give the title compound , mp & gt ; 300 °; ms ( m / e ) 389 , 367 , 366 , 345 , 323 and 305 ; ir ( mineral oil ) 3064 , 1679 , 1597 , 1225 , 1161 , 1076 , 975 and 704 cm - 1 ; nmr ( d 2 o ) 8 . 08 , 7 . 70 , 7 . 58 , 4 . 15 , 2 . 35 , 2 . 14 , 1 . 92 and 1 . 22 δ . phenylacetylene ( ix , 4 . 4 g ) is dissolved in thf ( 43 ml ), cooled to - 78 °, and treated with lithium hexamethyldisilazide ( 1m in thf , 43 ml ). the reaction is stirred for 30 min , then a solution of ethenylidenebisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( 10 . 7 g ) in thf ( 36 ml ) is added and the reaction warmed to 22 ° for 1 hour . the reaction is quenched with water , extracted thrice with ethyl acetate . the organics were then washed with water , hydrochloric acid ( 10 %), saturated sodium bicarbonate , and saline , dried with magnesium sulfate , and concentrated . the concentrate is purified by distillation , bp 0 . 1 195 °- 200 °. [ 4 - phenyl - 3 - butynylidene ] bisphosphonic acid tetraethyl ester ( x , example 80 , 3 . 01 g ) dissolved in methylene chloride ( 75 ml ) and acetic acid ( 4 . 1 ml ) is treated with benzyltriethylammonium chloride ( 0 . 42 g ) and the solution is healed to reflux . a solution of potassium permanganate ( 4 . 83 g ) in water ( 80 ml ) is added and the solution is stirred at reflux for 4 - 6 hours and monitored by tlc . when complete , the mixture is cooled and acidified with hydrochloric acid ( 10 %) and treated with sodium bisulfite to obtain a homogeneous solution . separated and washed the aqueous layer twice with methylene chloride . washed the combined organic layers with saturated sodium bicarbonate ( 3 ×), saline and dried with magnesium sulfate , then concentrated to an oil . the oil is chromatographed , eluting with ethyl acetate to give the title compound , ms ( m / e ) 434 ( m + ), 406 , 389 , 329 , 301 , 273 , 245 , 217 , 133 , 105 ; ir ( solvent ) 1720 , 1673 , 1597 , 1580 , 1450 , 1392 and 1166 cm - 1 ; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 8 . 08 , 7 . 64 , 7 . 50 , 4 . 19 , 3 . 43 ), 3 . 34 , 1 . 33 δ ; cmr ( cdcl 3 ) 197 . 3 , 190 . 4 , 134 . 4 , 131 . 7 , 130 . 3 , 128 . 6 , 62 . 7 , 34 . 5 , 30 . 7 and 16 . 1 δ . following the general procedure of examples 80 and 81 and making non - critical variations but starting the appropriate starting material the following compounds are obtained : following the general procedure of example 41 and making non - critical variations but starting with the appropriate starting materials the following compounds are obtained :	2
various features of the toothbrush of the present invention , as well as other objects and advantages attendant thereto , are set forth in the following description and the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals depict like elements . in fig1 a toothbrush , generally depicted as 10 , is shown which toothbrush is in accordance with the present invention . toothbrush 10 has a handle section 12 which can be used to manipulate toothbrush 10 in , for example , a manner similar to known , standard toothbrush designs . at one end of handle section 12 is toothbrush head section 100 which consists , in this embodiment , of fixed brush section 22 which is affixed to head main section 112 , and axle sections 18 and 20 which extend from the sides of head main section 112 . mounted on axle sections 18 and 20 are brush sections 14 and 16 , respectively , wherein each brush section comprises a plurality of bristles collected together in “ tufts ” of bristles , in a fashion similar to known toothbrush bristle designs . the bristles are preferably chosen by the skilled artisan to be soft , pliable and bendable , yet still resilient enough to clean accumulated plaque while not being sufficiently hard to harm the gum tissues or the teeth . however , the bristles should be firm enough to convert the energy of the longitudinal movement of brush 10 along the teeth of the user , into a rotational motion of rotary brushes 14 and 16 . accordingly , it is necessary that the bristles should be long enough so that the bristles of each brush are in contact ( in normal use ) with either side ( the buccal ( facial ) and the lingual sides ) of the tooth and / or the adjacent gum tissue it should be noted that the longitudinal brushing motion is not generally desirable , since it can lead to abrasion of the side surfaces of the teeth . however , this motion is a common , natural tendency for individuals to use when brushing their teeth . use of the toothbrush of the present invention allows a user to follow their natural brushing tendency , and translates the motion into a much more desirable rotary action of the brush which minimizes or eliminates abrasion . [ 0046 ] fig2 provides additional detail of the toothbrush design wherein the tufts of bristles are attached to rotary brush cores 24 and 26 . the rotary brush cores 24 and 26 are essentially hollow tubes to which the bristle tufts can be attached , and through which axles 18 and 20 can extend . brushes 14 and 16 , and even brush 22 may be permanently affixed to toothbrush 10 , but alternatively , each brush section might be separately replaceable . the bristle tufts shown in brushes 14 and 16 are shown as being essentially perpendicular to rotary brush cores 24 and 26 . however , the bristle tufts may be positioned at different angles , or at a variety of different angles on each brush , in order to adjust the cleaning properties of the toothbrushes of the present invention . by selection of a variety of brush bristle angles , lengths , stiffnesses and the like , the brushes can effectively cleanse the surfaces of the teeth , cleanse and stimulate the gingival tissues , and extend ( at least partially ) into any concave gaps within or between the teeth . in use , as the brush is moved horizontally along the line of the teeth , ( or , more generally , the gum line of the teeth ) with a pushing and pulling motion , brushes 14 and 16 are caused to rotate as a result of the contact between brushes 14 and 16 and tooth 30 . brushes 14 and 16 will , as a result of the movement of brush 10 along the teeth , rotate in opposite directions . as a result of the rotary brush rotation , tufts from brushes 14 and 16 are able to effectively stimulate the gingival tissue 31 of the sides of tooth 30 in the area where tooth 30 meets with the gum 32 . the rotation of brushes 14 and 16 is effective at removal of material from the entrance of the gingival crevice area by gently forcing bristles from brushes 14 and 16 just beneath the gum line 35 , and sweeping out any particles or materials at or just below the gum line 35 as a result of the brush rotation . it should be noted that brushes 14 and 16 extend below the gum line 35 ( i . e . at the junction of the crown of the tooth and the gum tissue ) on the buccal and lingual sides of the tooth . as such , the rotation of the brushes also massages and / or otherwise stimulates the gum area which can aid in maintaining the health of the gums , and in turn , the underlying bone structure for the tooth . additionally brush 22 cleans the top section of tooth 30 . brush 22 , when in contact with the biting surface of the tooth , also provides a limit on the extent to which the rotary brushes can extend on the sides of the tooth , and the adjacent gum tissue . thus brush 22 also acts as a positioner to position the rotary brushes at a depth where they can provide optimal cleansing and stimulation . brush head section 100 , and in particular , head main section 112 , is shown in fig1 as being permanently affixed to the end of handle 12 . however , it should be clear to those skilled in the art that head main section 112 may be attached to handle section 12 through a flexible section , or through a connector which allows head main section 112 to rotate with respect to handle 12 through an axis of rotation which runs vertically through handle section 12 . manipulation of the handle 12 in order to keep the brushes 14 and 16 of brush head section 100 aligned with the teeth , may be facilitated as a result of the use of this connector . while the head main section 112 might be produced so that it can freely rotate with respect to handle 12 , it is typically preferred that the head main section be limited to a rotation of less than 45 degrees , and more preferably , less than 30 degrees from the line established by extending a longitudinal axis line of handle 12 . handle 12 and any part of , or all of head main section 112 ( other than the bristles of the brushes ) are preferably made of a resilient or hard plastic materials , although a wide variety of other materials , such as stainless steel might also be used . axles 18 and 20 are also preferably made of a resilient plastic material so as to provide a biasing force to keep the brushes in contact with the teeth being cleaned and / or the gum tissue bing stimulated . alternatively , a spring , or other such device could be included to provide a biasing force on brushes 14 and 16 . the biasing force on brushes 14 and 16 , when present , should be sufficient to maintain contact between the brushes and the user &# 39 ; s teeth , but should not be so great so as to cause the brushes to be pressed into the tooth to the extent that rotation of the brush is unduly restricted . the brushes are preferably freely rotatable about the axle , and thus can rotate freely as the brush main head section is pulled or pushed along the line of the teeth . however , it might also be desirable to reduce or limit the rotation rate of the rotary brush , and therefore the rotary brush might be provided with a frictional force , for example , by providing drag on the axle , so as to reduce the rate of rotation . also , the rotary brushes could be fitted with a ratchet system whereby rotation of the brush was only allowed as the brush was moved in one direction , while being held in a fixed position when moved in the other direction . further , the rotary brushes could also be fitted with a locking system to hold them in place , for cleaning or replacement , or the like . those skilled in the art will be aware that brush head section 100 can be a variety of shapes and sizes . for example , the brush head section might be produced so as to essentially totally surround the brushes , and leaving only a channel into which the user &# 39 ; s teeth would fit . concurrently , or alternatively , a protective shield might be provided around the rotary brushes to avoid contact with , and possible irritation of , the cheek area or the tongue of the user . preferably , the brush head section is kept small so as to allow the brush head section to be easily moved within the mouth of the user . however , the toothbrush of the present invention could be produced in a vary of sizes so that the user can select the toothbrush size most appropriate for their own use . also , the resiliency of axles 18 and 20 , or such other biasing means as might be used , can assist in allowing some flexibility in the size of head section 100 . the axles of for the rotary brushes might also be provided by a structure wherein one bent , common axle is used for both rotary brushes , in an arrangement , for example , similar to the design of a staple . the common axle might also be used for support of the fixed brush . this embodiment is best seen in fig3 . in fig3 a tooth brush is shown having a handle section 312 with a brush head section 300 . brush head section 300 is attached to handle section 312 at one end of handle section 312 , and is primarily comprised of a common “ staple - shaped ” ( or u - shaped ) axle 310 to which brushes may be attached . common axle 310 provides a first axle 318 and a second axle 320 for support of brushes 314 and 316 . common axle 310 also acts as support for fixed brush 322 . common axle 310 is made of a resilient plastic material so as to provide a means for exerting a force to keep the bristles of brushes 314 and 316 in contact with the teeth , and / or gingival tissue of the user . typically , the axles for the rotary brushes of the toothbrush of the present invention are essentially parallel . however , in order to further aid in keeping the bristles of the rotary brushes in contact with the teeth and / or gingival tissue , the axles of the rotary brushes can be angled towards each other to provide a torsional effect which aids in keeping at least one part of each rotary brush in good contact with the teeth or gingival tissue . this may also assist in providing a good rotary motion , with minimal excessive contact with the teeth . typically , when using this approach , the axles of the brushes are preferably less than 10 degrees off of parallel with respect to one another , and more preferably , less than 5 degrees off parallel . in fig4 an alternative embodiment of the tooth brush of the present invention is shown . in this embodiment , a foreshortened handle section 412 is connected to brush head section 400 . brush head section 400 comprises a “ wish - bone ” shaped section having two substantially parallel arms 402 and 404 . at the end of each arm is an axle section 418 and 420 to each of which are attached one rotary brush ( either 414 and 416 ) in a manner to that described previously . arms 402 and 404 are made of a resilient plastic material which can exert a force to cause rotary brushes 414 and 416 to be kept in contact with the teeth . fixed brush 422 is comprised of two overlapping “ v - shaped ” sections 424 and 426 , each of which is fixed to one arm 402 or 404 only . by overlapping sections 424 and 426 , complete coverage of the biting surface of the tooth is provided . however , since brush sections 424 and 426 are not connected , arms 402 and 404 are free to flex in order to keep rotary brushes 414 and 416 in contact with the user &# 39 ; s teeth . fig5 provides a bottom view of brush head section providing additional details . the rotary brushes may be assembled by providing an essentially hollow tube into which tufts of bristles can be inserted . in an alternative embodiment , however , each rotary brush is assembled by stacking a series of brush disk sections on top of one another . each brush disk section can hold different bristle configurations so as to provide a rotary brush with different bristle lengths , tuft patterns , tuft angles , bristle siftnesses , cross - sectional profiles ( round , ovoid , etc .) and the like . in fig6 a brush disk section 60 is shown having a central core 63 made of a plastic material . bristle tuft sections 62 have been inserted into the central core 63 and radially protrude from the surface of core 63 . alternatively , the bristles could be molded in place as the disk section is formed . at the centre of core 63 is a hole 64 . in fig7 a rotary brush 70 is shown in cross - section which has been prepared by stacking a number of disk sections 60 as shown in fig6 on top of one another . for each disk section , hole 64 is in alignment so as to produce an axle - receiving hole extending through the length of brush 70 . by selection of a number of different disk sections , various combinations of bristle or bristle tuft 75 properties can be selected . also , disks 76 which do not contain any bristles might be used to provide spaces between the bristle - bearing disks . disks 60 are preferably ultrasonically welded together so as to provide a “ one - piece ” rotary brush 70 . in an additional embodiment , the rotary brush can contain one , or a plurality of preferably flexible interdental stimulation tips which can act to provide interdental stimulation in the gap formed between the teeth . the flexible tips are preferably made of a soft , resilient plastic or rubber material which allows , as the brush rotates , the flexible tip to slide along the gingival tissue and thus engage and / or enter the interdental space bounded by the surfaces between two teeth and the gingival tissue . this action provides stimulation of gingival tissue and also aids in removing any plaque or other material found within the interdental space . as the rotary brush is moved along the surfaces of the teeth , the tip will disengage from one interdental space and the brush will rotate so as to provide the same or a similar flexible tip which can enter and / or engage the next interdental space . the process is repeated in either the forward or backward direction as the brush head is moved in the fashion previously described . accordingly , a flexible tip can enter the interdental space from either the buccal or lingual surfaces . for example , the tip ( s ) from the lingually positioned rotary brush enters the lingual aspect of the interdental space ( s ), while the tip ( s ) of the buccally positioned rotary brush enters the buccal aspect of the interdental space ( s ). the tip is preferably generally cone - shaped and might be triangular ( in cross - section ), triangular with concave surfaces ( in cross - section ), triangular with blunted edges ( in cross - section ), or cylindrical . preferably all have tips , however , will taper essentially to a point . the rotary brush might be set so as to contain only flexible tips for interdental stimulation . alternatively , a disk 60 , as described in respect of fig7 might contain one or more flexible tips , such as , for example , 2 , 3 , 4 , 6 or 8 flexible tips per disk . this disk might then be combined with other disks which contain brush bristles . thus , it is apparent that there has been provided , in accordance with the present invention , a toothbrush which fully satisfies the means , objects , and advantages set forth hereinbefore . therefore , having described specific embodiments of the present invention , it will be understood that alternatives , modifications and variations thereof may be suggested to those skilled in the art , and that it is intended that the present specification embrace all such alternatives , modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims . additionally , for clarity and unless otherwise stated , the word “ comprise ” and variations of the word such as “ comprising ” and “ comprises ”, when used in the description and claims of the present specification , is not intended to exclude other additives , components , integers or steps .	0
in fig1 is illustrated a portion of a lean - to type solar greenhouse of the kind generally shown in the 1982 theme catalog entitled four seasons passive solar greenhouse and sun space published and distributed by four seasons solar corp . of farmingdale , n . y . the illustrated portion of the solar greenhouse in fig1 includes a gable end 10 and a front portion 12 having a curved - eave portion 14 and an upper sloped portion 16 . further illustrated are base sills 18 and 20 which may , for example , be mounted on a base wall or flab slab or deck ( not shown ) with appropriate fasteners . the method of mounting the base sill on the supporting ground is not a feature of the present invention and requires no further description in this text . the gable end 10 includes a plurality of parallel vertical glazing bars such as indicated at 22 , 24 , and 26 . the bar 26 is in abutting relationship against the side of a dwelling or some other such similar construction . the front portion 12 includes a plurality of vertical glazing bars 28 , 30 , 32 , 34 and 36 . the glazing bar 36 furthermore provides a connection with gable end 10 . to conform with the shape of the glazing , which it is the purpose of the glazing bars to support , the glazing bar 28 has a curved section 38 and a sloped section 40 . it terminates in an end portion 42 . glazing bars 28 , 30 , 32 , 34 and 36 have similar curved and sloped portions . glazing panes as comprised by the gable end 10 are indicated in various forms at 44 , 46 , 48 , 50 , 52 , 54 and 56 . portions of the glazing are concealed by shade fabric as indicated at 58 , 60 and 62 . the dwelling or other structure against which the solar greenhouse is mounted is not shown as its construction is not essential to an understanding of the present invention . the glazing included in the front portion 12 includes glazing panes 70 , 72 , 74 and 76 . the remaining glazing in fig1 is concealed by shade fabric or shades 80 , 82 , 84 and 86 . the number of shades and panels in fig1 is illustrative only as a greater or lesser number of panels and glazing panes may be employed in accordance with the invention which is not limited thereby . at the upper end of the solar greenhouse construction , is located a ridge structure 90 . it engages the end portion of the glazing bars at the upper extremities thereof such as indicated at 42 to support and accommodate the same . the ridge structure 90 abuts at the back wall 92 against the dwelling other similar structure associated therewith as does the vertical glazing bar 26 of the gable end 10 . also appearing in fig1 is a representative sequence of rollers 94 , 96 , 98 and 100 . these rollers in the illustrated embodiment are source rollers of shade fabric which store and supply the rolled up shade fabric upon demand . further illustrated in fig1 is a guide roll arrangement 102 which guides the shades or shade fabric in a change of direction so that the edges of these shades or fabrics may be engaged in track channels provided in the vertical glazing bars as will be described in greater detail hereinbelow . it is to be noted in the diagrammatic illustration of source rollers 94 , 96 , 98 and 100 that interior motors 110 , 112 , 114 and 116 are shown . these motors are contained and concealed within the rollers and operate to drive the same . rollers with internal motors to drive the same are commercially available . they may be obtained from somfy systems , inc . of edison , n . j . the motors are of a asynchronous capacitor start and run , single phase type rated at 120 v . and 60 hz . they are thermally protected totally enclosed brushless type motors equipped with permanently lubricated bearings requiring no maintenance and being relatively easy to wire . they include solenoid activated disc brakes which automatically stop and hold a load in any position without slippage whenever current to the motor is interrupted . the locking action assures safety and reliability of operation of the motorized system . the system can be provided with a limit switch to set the exact length of travel in both up and down directions automatically . a planetary type gear system is employed to lower motor speed and improve torque . other details of the motor system can be found in u . s . pat . no . 3 , 718 , 215 . the upper motorized rollers cooperate with corresponding motorized rollers concealed in the base sill 18 . in the illustration , one motorized system is exposed by the cutaway such as , for example , seen at 120 . the arrangement is such that , when the rollers in the sill 18 are operated to draw shade fabric downwardly , the motorized roller systems indicated at 94 , 96 , 98 and 100 permit the withdrawing of shades therefrom . the electrical system and operation is reversed when the shade 80 , 82 , 84 and 86 are to be drawn upwardly . in this case , the motorized systems indicated at 94 , 96 . 98 and 100 are actuated and the concealed systems in the base sill 18 release the material for being rolled back upon the upper rollers to expose greater and greater amounts of the glazing as the operation continues . also illustrated in fig1 in diagrammatic form , is a photoelectric sensor 126 . this photoelectric sensor is coupled in an electric circuit ( not shown ) connected with the aforementioned motors in order to drive the same in one or the other rotary directions as may be required . the photoelectric sensor 126 is representative only of any device capable of sensing an ambient condition such as solar radiation , temperature , wind and the like for purposes of automating the operation of the rollers . it will be noted , however , that while the motorized roller systems are employed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention , it is also possible that the shades be operated manually and also in connection with spring loaded rollers as is the case in connection with domestic shades as are commonly and commercially available . in fact , a manually operated shade arranged is indicated in association with end 10 . thus , there are no upper rollers associated with shades 58 , 60 and 62 , these being drawn from concealed rollers and base still 20 by a manual operation of grasping rigid leading edge members indicated by way of example at 130 , 132 and 134 . also exposed in the illustration of fig1 in diagrammatic form is a blower 140 . the purpose of this blower ( as will be illustrated and described in greater detail hereinbelow ) is to evacuate air from between the shade and the associated glazing and to expell this air into the ambient atmosphere via an appropriate vent in order to reduce the temperature which prevails between the shades and the glazing thereby to reduce the possibility of damage to the glazing . fig2 illustrates on an enlarged scale a broken - away portion of the structure illustrated in fig1 with conditions somewhat altered to show a more lowered condition of the shades . for purposes of orientation , it will be seen in fig2 that there are illustrated base sill 18 , vertical glazing bar 30 and shades 80 and 82 . the base sill 18 includes an inner wall 150 and a first outer wall 152 . the outer wall 152 supports a sloped upper wall 154 from which extends a vertical wall 156 . the walls 154 and 156 cooperate to define a moisture drain 158 . a bottom wall 160 extends between and connects the inner wall 150 with the outer wall 152 . drainage channels 162 and 164 are provided in horizontal disposition within the internal chamber 166 which is cooperatively defined by walls 150 , 152 , 154 and 160 . within the chamber 166 is accommodated the motorized roller system including the internal motor 170 and the encircling roller 172 . each of the shades illustrated includes a bulbous lateral edge portion for purposes of being accommodated in and guided by track channels to be referred to hereinbelow . illustrative bulbous lateral edge portions or peripheries are indicated at 176 and 178 in fig2 . these constructions are commercially available and are generally of the type including wires extending through the bulbous peripheries and axially extending out of the same . two such wires or cables are indicated at 180 and 182 in fig2 . they extend through and are guided by track channels 184 and 186 as will be described in greater detail hereinbelow . it is to be noted that , by reason of break - away portion 188 , it is possible to see that these cables are attached to would onto roller 172 such as indicated 190 and 192 . a winding up of these cables on the roller 172 causes the shades 80 and 82 to be drawn down towards the base sill 18 thereby to effect a greater degree of shading . this means that solar radiation passing through the glazing which is permeable thereto may be intercepted by the shades thereby to effect a greater or lesser degree of shielding as desired and as may be manually or automatically controlled . it will also be noted in fig2 that the shades 80 and 82 are provided with rigid lead members 196 and 198 . these members , at their extreme downward movement , come into abutting or substantially abutting relationship with cap elements 200 and 202 which are intended to cover drains such as indicated at 158 and to conceal the internal construction of the base sill 18 from viewing or from the damaging impact of dropped articles or the like . the caps 200 and 202 also constitute safety features inasmuch as they resist the penetration of probing fingers and the like which might otherwise be damaged by engagement with moving parts within the base sill 18 under inadvertent circumstances . the cap members 200 and 202 extend generally from the vertical wall 156 to the upper lip 204 of the front wall 150 . this is satisfactory in the case where the cables , such as indicated 180 and 182 , extend through the glazing bar to the internal roller 172 which in this case acts take - up roller . in these circumstances , there is no need for the lead members 196 and 198 to move into the internal chamber 166 nor is there any need for the shade 80 or 82 to do likewise . in the event that it is desired to alter the construction so that the shade 80 and 82 can be directly taken - up on the roller 172 in addition to the cables 180 and 182 which they trail , the construction can be readily modified to provide a slot through which the shade 80 and 82 may pass . thus , for example , the cap member 200 is provided with a notch 210 providing a break - away section 212 to expose a slot or passage 214 illustrative of a passageway through which the shades may enter the internal chamber 166 for engagement and being taken - up upon an associated roller . thus , the invention includes the options whereby it is exclusively the cables which are taken - up on the lowermost roller or rollers or whereby the shades themselves are taken - up upon such roller or rollers . fig2 furthermore illustrates a second outer wall 220 . this outer wall includes a protrusion 222 in facing relationship with a protrusion 224 on the outer wall 152 . these two protrusions are provided with facing grooves 226 and 228 which have reentrant angles therein so that a thermal break member 230 having the form of a maltese cross may be entrapped therein to prevent the flow of heat from the wall 152 to the wall 220 . the glazing is illustratively shown in the form of a double paned glass or plastic structure , the spaced panes being indicated at 240 and 242 with a spacing 244 therebetween to maintain this spacing , there is provided a spacer 246 . the pane 242 rests against the vertical wall 156 and the glazing as a whole is entrapped between the walls 156 and 220 by means of a gasket 250 of a theremally insulative type . the upper walls of protrusions 222 and 224 define a platform at 252 and 254 upon which rests a pad 256 upon which rest the glazing and the spacer 246 . further reference to the construction of the vertical glazing bar 30 will be made hereinbelow since the construction of this bar and other like bars in the strucutre constitute a significant feature of the invention , especially as regards the provision of the track channels 184 and 186 . before this discussion is undertaken , however , reference will next be made to fig3 and 4 which illustrate , in greater detail and / or diagrammatically , some of the features of the ridge structure 90 appearing in fig1 . for purposes of orientation , attention is drawn in fig3 and 4 to vertical glazing bar 30 , shades 80 and 82 , motorized roller system 94 , guide roll 102 and blower system 140 which have been mentioned hereinabove . a guide 121 is shown in diagrammatic form in fig3 and its details will be later explained . from what has been stated above , it will not be obvious that the glazing bars constitute supporting members or structures for the glazing . these supporting members are accommodated in and rest against the ridge structure 90 . they provide track channels for receiving and guiding the respective shades . the ridge member 90 is structurally and functionally related therewith in a manner next to be described below . ridge structure 90 includes a rear wall 300 consisting of upper and lower parts 302 and 304 . the upper and lower parts are connected through the intermediary of a thermal break member 306 which is made of insulative material accommodated in appropriate receptacles 308 and 310 respectively provided on the upper and lower parts 302 and 304 . the ridge structure 90 also include upper wall 312 and lower wall 314 . moreover , it includes a front wall indicated at 316 . cooperatively , these walls define an internal chamber 318 within which is accommodated the blower 140 . the front wall 316 is provided with a vent indicated generally at 320 . associated with this vent is a removable shutter 322 which may be employed , for example , during cold weather seasons to shut off the escape of air from within the solar greenhouse . the front wall 316 has an auxiliary portion 324 connected thereto through the intermediary of a thermal break member 326 . this auxiliary member 324 supports a receptacle 328 which is a glazing receptacle to accommodate and support appropriate glazing panels at the upper extremity of the front portion of the glazing of the solar greenhouse . an examplary panel is diagrammatically illustrated at 330 . it may consist of spaced panes 332 and 334 separated , for example , by a spacer 336 . the panel 330 is held in place by a gasket shown at 338 . a screen for preventing the influx of insects and the like is indicated at 340 . it is associated with the vent 320 . a second vent is indicated at 342 . cooperating therewith is a gravity operated flap 344 which likewise prevents the influx of foreign matter . the strength of the flow of air passing outwardly through the vent 342 is sufficient to open the flap 344 to the extent required . fig4 specifically illustrates the flow of air . flow through the vent 320 is indicated by arrows 350 and 352 . flow of air through vent 342 is indicated by arrow 354 . the circuitous route is indicated by dotted line path 356 . it will now be noted that the utilization of the glazing bar with its track channels 184 and 186 and the function of supporting the associated glazing defines a space between the shades and glazing . this space is indicated in fig4 at s . this spacing s is a minimum of about 11 / 2 inches . it is intended to assist in limiting the temperature which air entrapped between the glazing and shade may reach . this function is further accomplished by the utilization of the blower 140 which displaces or withdraws air from between the glazing and the shades and propels this air along the route 356 through the vent 320 and expels this air into ambient atmosphere through the vent 342 . the the ridge structure and its blower cooperate with the glazing bar and the shades in both a structurally supportative and temperature controlling manner . it will not be noted that the end portion 360 at the upper extremity of the glazing bar 30 has an extremity indicated at 362 which is angularly related both to the longitudinal axis of bar 30 and to the rear wall 304 of the ridge structure 90 . this is intended to provide a space 364 within which to accommodate at least a partial intrusion of the guide roll 102 . thus the guide roll 102 may be conveniently positioned to guide the shade 80 from the roller system 94 into the associated track channels . similarly , the bottom extremity of the glazing bar 30 as indicated at 366 in fig2 is angularly related to the walls between which it extends . the purpose of this angular construction is different from that at the upper extremity . it is intended to provide an appropriate relationship with the drain 158 thereby to permit a proper resting of the bottom extremity of bar 130 on the upper wall 154 and to permit an ease in installing the glazing bar 30 when the structure is being assembled . an examination of fig5 which is in part , a section of glazing bar 30 , will next be undertaken in conjunction with an understanding of fig2 , and 4 . in fig5 appears the track channels 184 and 186 . by reference to the other figures , it will be understood that these channels extend longitudinally through the glazing bar which is itself an extended member . associated with the channel 184 is a mouth 400 . associated with the track channel 180 is a mouth 402 . these mouths are of relatively restricted dimensions . they form and constitute slots extending longitudinally along the glazing bar 30 . the track channels 184 and 186 are in a preferred embodiment of the invention preferably of circular conformation . an example diameter of these track channels is indicated at d . the width of the associated mouths 400 and 402 is indicated by way of example at w . the arrangement is such , that the width w is preferably no more than 50 % of the dimension d . this , in effect , forms a reentrant angle indicated , by way of example , at a . the purpose of this is to form a track channel in which the bulbous periphery of the associated lateral edges of the corresponding shades are entrapped . this entrapment coupled with appropriate spacing of pairs of associated glazing bars enables the shades to be held in taut condition thereby avoiding sagging and the like . it also enables the bulbous portions to be vigorously guided along appropriate paths even as these paths turn through an angle associated with the curved eave portions of the overall construction . thus the use of associated guide rolls or the like in the vicinity of the curved eave portions is avoided . it will be noted that the glazing bar include two side walls 404 and 406 . these side walls extend between and connect inner wall 408 and outer wall 410 . the arrangement of the wall is such that the glazing bar is in its preferred form quadrilateral in cross - section thereby defining four corners indicated in the drawing at 412 , 414 , 416 and 418 . the track channels 184 and 186 are generally located at the corners 416 and 418 . they are furthermore formed by interior walls indicated at 420 , 422 , 424 and 426 . the walls 420 and 424 , which partly define channels 184 and 186 , have surfaces 428 and 430 which are flat . they also have surfaces 432 and 434 which conform to the shape of the channels . on the other hand , wall 422 has surfaces 436 and 438 both of which conform to the shape of the associated channel . wall 428 likewise has surfaces 440 and 442 which conform to the shape of the associated channel 186 . in the wall 408 is provided a screw threaded groove 450 . by means of this groove , attachments of various types may be provided by fastening members threadably engaged therein to provide for the connection or hanging of various types of auxiliary members or elements on the interior of the solar greenhouse . a corresponding grooved slot 452 is provided in wall 410 . this provides for the utilization of fastening member 454 to sandwich glazing panes , for example , 456 and 458 against the supporting structure by means of a muntin 460 or clamping member which is entrapped by the head 462 to sandwich the glazing against the sealing member 464 and 466 accommodated in sealing receptacles 468 and 470 mounted on the outer wall 410 and constituting an integral part thereof . it will be furthermore noted that the wall 410 is provided with drainage grooves 472 and 474 . the provision of these sealing receptacles and drainage has been heretofore available , but never in association with track channels and never for the partial purpose for extablishing a rigid spacing therebetween so as to provide a well defined spacing between a glazing and a associated shade arrangement as in accordance with the present invention . reference to fig2 will show the orientation of screw threaded grooves 450 and 452 as well as seals 464 and 466 accommodated in their respective receptacles . the illustration will also show the orientation of drainage grooves 472 and 474 . not heretofore mentioned with respect to fig2 is the chamber 480 defined between outer walls 152 and 220 . this provides an accommodation for the upper extremity of flashing 482 the purpose of which is to provide a weather seal as between the bottom of the base sill 18 and the exterior supporting ground or other such construction . reference to fig3 will likewise show the orientation of screw threaded grooves 450 and 452 as well as of sealing members 464 and 466 as well as drainage grooves 472 and 474 . from what has been stated above , it will be readily understood that the support arrangement of the invention , when utilized in connection with glazing or the like includes a plurality of spaced parallel glazing bars , each provided with two of the afore - described track channels . these track channels are arranged in cooperating pairs and in parallel and are such that respective shades extend between these channels with the bulbous peripheries of the shades being entrapped in slidable engagement therein . the guide arrangement provided in accordance with the invention will provide a plurality of guides intended to cooperate with the aforementioned glazing bars and track channels in a manner which will become hereinafter apparent . one guide is provided as a cap for each of the aforesaid glazing bars . each cap is intended to cooperate with the bulbous peripheries of two adjacent shades . furthermore , each guide is intended to engage in and mate with the cooperating glazing bar and to provide for appropriate orientation therewith , as well as for a change of direction of the bulbous peripheries of the respective shades as they exit from or enter into the track channel provided in the glazing bars . the details of such guide 121 is illustrated in detail in fig6 - 8 wherein it is seen that the guide is formed of a body 500 having lateral edges 502 and 504 and in which is provided a square opening 506 . mounted on the body 500 are a pair of tubular extensions 508 and 510 . these tubular extensions are provided with lateral longitudinally extending slits or slots 512 and 514 . they are arranged to be in a substantially common plane and to correspond with the mouths in the corresponding track channels of glazing bar 30 . thus , the bulbous peripheries of the two corresponding shades may be accommodated in the internal circular bores 516 and 518 of tubular extensions 508 and 510 whereas the planar portion of the corresponding shades may extend through the slots 512 and 514 . to augment the function of these slots , the body 500 is furthermore provided with laterally extending slots 520 and 522 , the mouths 524 and 526 of which are flared to accommodate minor distortions of the shades as they pass into the tubular extensions with the bulbous peripheries thereon . the bores 516 and 518 and tubular extensions 508 and 510 are provided with parallel axes of symmetry indicated at 530 and 522 . extending orthogonally therethrough are two axes 534 and 536 which constitute axes or planes of symmetry for two funnel shaped tracks 538 and 540 . these funnel shaped tracks ( which are spaced from lateral edges 502 and 504 ) are open troughs which are extensions of the bores 516 and 518 . they are at least one - quarter of a circle in extent and in the illustrated embodiment are substantially of an extent of about one half of a circle . the purpose of these guide tracks 538 and 540 is to guide the change of direction of the bulbous peripheries of the associated shades as they pass into or out of the bores 516 and 518 . for this purpose , the tracks 538 and 540 are substantially tangential to the tubular extensions 508 and 510 and the bores 516 and 518 thereof . the tracks 538 and 540 have respective outer walls 542 and 544 , as well as respective inner walls 546 and 548 . these walls slope symmetrically at an angle 550 relative to axis 534 or 536 which is preferably comprised within the range of 10 °- 45 °. the most functional of these walls are the walls 542 and 544 which walls are proximal to the corresponding walls on the next continguous guides ( not shown ) included in the guide arrangement and intended to function with respect to the same shades as are engaged in the illustrated guide 121 . as will be explained in greater detail hereinbelow , the outer or proximal walls 542 and 544 are intended to guide the bulbous peripheries into the bores 516 and 518 , while at the same time exerting a stretching force on the corresponding shades . this stretching force constitutes an anti - sage feature provided in accordance with the present invention . the guide tracks 538 and 540 have radii 543 and 545 which in the preferred embodiment are about 0 . 420 and 0 . 500 inches respectively . the guide tracks 538 and 540 are also of a gradually varying radius . the radius of the tubular extensions is indicated by way of example at 560 . the radius adjacent the end of the guide track , which is distal with respect to the corresponding tubular extension , is indicated at 562 . by way of example , the radius 560 , in a preferred embodiment of the invention , is 0 . 1375 inches , while the radius 562 is 1 . 250 inches . the radius 560 is equal to one half of the diameter of the bores 516 and 518 . the upper end of glazing bar 30 is indicated at 570 . this end is sloped relative to the longitudinal axis of the glazing bar and is equally sloped relative to the axis 530 . to nest against the end 570 the guide of the invention is provided with a sloped flage 572 . the end 570 and the flange 572 slope at an angle 574 relative to the axis 530 , this angle may be , for example , in the order of magnitude of 60 ° and is preferably within the range of 45 °- 75 °. nesting against the face 580 of glazing bar 30 is a flat or planar extension 582 which extends from the body 500 . extension 582 has a face 584 which is flat and in face - to - face engagement with the face 580 . the face 584 is spaced from the corresponding tubular extensions by a distance indicated at 586 . this distance is adequate to permit the tubular extensions and the flat extension 582 to straddle the wall 588 of the glazing bar thereby to clamp the guide in position with the flange 572 resting in nesting relationship against the end 570 . furthermore , the body is provided with a sloped section 590 which also rests against the sloped end 570 . extension 582 is provided with an opening 592 . the wall 588 of glazing rod 30 is provided with a portion 596 in which is provided a threaded opening 598 . the opening 592 and the opening 598 are provided in aligned relationship to accommodate a bolt or locking member 600 by means of which the guide may be locked in position atop the associated glazing bar . from the description given above , it will be seen that the guides 121 , the details of which are illustrated in fig6 - 8 , provides for a change in direction of the shade and its bulbous peripheries . such a change in direction is illustrated in general manner in fig3 and 4 . the guide is preferably a monolithic structure fabricated of a suitable plastic or of metal . the cooperation of a plurality of these guides is diagrammatically illustrated in fig9 wherein , for purposes of orientation , some primed reference numerals are employed to enable considering the following explanation in view of structure which has been previously described . thus , for example , in fig9 appear shades 80 &# 39 ; and 82 &# 39 ; as well as guides 121 &# 39 ;, 121 &# 34 ; and 121 &# 34 ;&# 39 ;. furthermore shown are take - up rollers 121 &# 39 ; and uppermost take - up roller 94 &# 39 ;. it will be noted , of course , that while one roller 94 &# 39 ; is illustrated in fig9 that a series of such rollers corresponding to the respective shades might be readily employed in substitution therefor . furthermore shown in fig9 are glazing bars 30 &# 39 ; provided with track channels or channel tracks 184 &# 39 ; and 186 &# 39 ;. the curved guide tracks are generally radially offset relative to the associated roller 94 &# 39 ;. proximal walls of the tracks are indicated at 542 &# 39 ; and 542 &# 34 ;. distal walls are indicated by way of example at 546 &# 39 ; and 546 &# 34 ;. thus , it will be seen that the proximal walls are cooperating walls of two adjacent guides whereas the distal walls 546 &# 39 ; and 546 &# 34 ; are arranged in this pair of guides . from the illustration in fig9 it will furthermore be noted that the bulbous peripheries bp &# 39 ; and bp &# 34 ; are engaged in the channel tracks 184 &# 39 ; and 186 &# 34 ; relative to shade 82 &# 39 ; whereas the bulbous peripheries of shade 80 &# 39 ;, which are indicated at bp &# 34 ;&# 39 ; and bp &# 34 ;&# 34 ;, are respectively accommodated in channel tracks 186 &# 39 ; and 184 &# 34 ;. when , for example , the shade 82 &# 39 ; is engaged on roller 94 &# 39 ;, its width may be , for example , as shown at w &# 39 ;. thereafter , its bulbous peripheries bp &# 39 ; and bp &# 34 ; pass along proximal walls 542 &# 39 ; and 542 &# 34 ; whereby the bulbous peripheries are fanned out for subsequent accommodation in the tubular extensions 508 or 510 and thereafter in track channels 184 &# 39 ; and 186 &# 34 ;. this will cause an increase in width of the shade from that indicated at w &# 39 ; to the width indicated at w &# 34 ;. this constitutes the leading feature of the anti - sag characteristic of the novel structure of the guide arrangement of the invention , which also simultaneously performs the function of providing a change in direction , as has been referred to hereinabove as being shown in fig3 and 4 . the cap or guard provided in accordance with the invention , is also well oriented with respect to the associated glazing bar . the tubular extensions operating in conjunction with the flat extension 582 provide a bracketing device which traverses one of the walls of the associated glazing bar to hold the guide firmly in position . this characteristic feature is further enhanced by the provision of the flange 572 and the sloped wall 590 . the smooth continuation or transition of the bulbous peripheries from within the glazing bar to the take - up roller and vice versa is well provided for by the insertion of the tubular extensions 508 and 510 into the associated channel tracks of the glazing bar 30 . an anchoring of the guide device is afforded by the utilization of locking device 600 which passes through opening 592 in extension 582 to be received and accommodated in threaded opening 598 . the lateral extension of the shades into the guide device is well provided for by openings 524 and 526 as well as by the lateral slots 512 and 514 provided in the tubular extensions . there will not be obvious to those skilled in the art many modificiations and variations of the structures set forth hereinabove . these modification and variations will not depart from the scope of the invention , if defined by the following claims .	8
according to the embodiment shown in fig1 the optical selector 8000 comprises an optical input gate 10 , an optical output gate 20 , a cell recognition unit 30 and an optical decision unit 40 connected in a loop structure consisting of 5 optical connections 1 , 2 , 5 , 15 and 16 . preferably , the said optical connections 1 , 2 , 5 , 15 and 16 consist of conventional optical fibres or waveguides . typically , an optical gate is a device having an input and an output for an optical signal in transit and at least one input for at least one control signal capable of changing the normal state of the said gate . more particularly , the said at least one control signal closes a gate which is normally open , or vice versa . the optical input gates 10 and output gates 20 consist , for example , of conventional interferometers of the mach - zehnder type . as illustrated in fig3 each gate comprises a 1 × 2 input coupler 21 , a 2 × 1 output coupler 22 , a 2 × 1 coupler 27 for an optical control signal 100 , a first optical propagation path 24 and a second optical propagation path 25 , and a first optical amplifier 23 and a second optical amplifier 26 . the said optical amplifiers 23 and 26 are conventional optical amplifiers , for example of the fibre type doped with rare earths or of the semiconductor type . in the illustrated embodiment , they are of the semiconductor type . preferably , the said couplers 21 , 22 and 27 are conventional 50 / 50 ( 3 db ) directional couplers made from optical fibres or waveguides . alternatively , a conventional optical circulator ( not shown ) may be used in place of the said coupler 27 for the optical control signal 100 . the input coupler 21 divides an input optical signal into two signals having substantially the same intensity , which pass along the two paths 24 and 25 of the interferometer . each of the optical paths 24 and 25 preferably consists of an optical fibre or a waveguide . the first optical semiconductor amplifier 23 is connected in the first path 24 , while the second optical semiconductor amplifier 26 is connected in the second path 25 . the amplifiers 23 and 26 are conventional optical semiconductor amplifiers , each consisting , for example , of an active ingaasp waveguide surrounded by a shell of inp . by regulating the supply current of the said optical semiconductor amplifiers or by illuminating the active waveguide with a predetermined optical control signal , it is possible to vary the density of the charge carriers inside the said active waveguide and , consequently , its refractive index . the supply current of the optical semiconductor amplifiers of the optical gate 10 is regulated in such a way as to impart a phase delay of 0 ° or 360 ° ( 2π ) to the optical signals propagated in the optical paths 24 and 25 . in this way they interfere constructively in the output coupler 22 and the optical gate 10 is open ( allowing the passage of the optical signal ). on the other hand , the supply current of the optical semiconductor amplifiers of the optical gate 20 is regulated in such a way as to impart a phase delay of 180 ° ( π ) to the optical signals propagated in the optical paths 24 and 25 . in this way , they interfere destructively in the output coupler 22 , and the optical gate 20 is closed ( blocking the passage of the optical signals ). consequently , in normal operating conditions ( in the absence of a control signal ) the input gate 10 is in an open state , while the output gate 20 is in a closed state . on the other hand , in the presence of a control signal 100 ( supplied to the amplifier 26 by the said third coupler 27 ) having a suitable intensity and wavelength , the optical signals in the two optical paths 24 and 25 are phase shifted again and the state of the optical gate 10 thus changes from open to closed and that of the optical gate 20 changes from closed to open . additionally , the gain of the said optical semiconductor amplifiers 23 and 26 is regulated in such a way that , at the input of the said output coupler 22 , the optical signals originating from the two guided optical paths 24 and 25 have the same intensity . according to one embodiment , an optical filter ( not shown ) is connected at the output of the coupler 22 to filter the ase ( amplified spontaneous emission ) generated by the optical amplifiers 23 and 26 and to reduce the quantity of noise transmitted to the following stages . the said optical filter may be of the interference type such as a conventional reference filter , a mach - zehnder filter , an interference grating or a diffraction grating . alternatively , the said gates may be made by connecting a single optical semiconductor amplifier directly along the optical path of the input signal . according to this embodiment , the gate is closed by means of an optical control signal having a wavelength and intensity such that the optical amplifier is saturated , thus preventing a further optical signal at the input of the amplifier from being transmitted to its output . according to a preferred embodiment , the cell recognition unit 30 is a wholly optical device capable of recognizing the header of an atm cell at its input . the said device allows the atm cells of bits reaching its input from the optical fibre connection 1 to pass to the optical fibre connection 5 , and , when it recognizes that the header of an atm cell is present at its input , sends an optical control impulse 222 along the optical fibre connection 2 for the optical decision unit 40 . for example , european patent application no . 97201988 . 9 in the name of the applicant describes a wholly optical device ( not shown ) which generates an output optical impulse when it recognizes a predetermined sequence of bits ( the header of an atm cell ) at its input . the said device comprises a series - parallel converter for converting a series of n bits ( a cell ) into a corresponding spatial pattern of n bits carrying the same information ; optical means for generating , from the said spatial pattern of n bits , a first two - dimensional image consisting of n rows and m columns ; optical means for carrying out a logical and operation between the elements of the said first two - dimensional image and those of a predetermined second two - dimensional image , having n rows and m columns , and for generating in this way a third two - dimensional image having n rows and m columns ; means for carrying out a logical xor operation between the elements of each column of the said third two - dimensional image , and for generating in this way a second parallel pattern with m bits ; means for carrying out a logical or operation between the bits of the said second parallel pattern with m bits , and for generating in this way the said output optical impulse . according to the embodiment shown in fig2 the optical decision unit 40 comprises a first 1 × 2 coupler 41 , a second 1 × 2 coupler 42 and a third 1 × 2 coupler 43 , a first delay unit 44 , a second delay unit 45 and a third delay unit 46 , a first flip - flop 47 and a second flip - flop 48 , and suitable connections 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 . the input of the first coupler 41 forms the input 50 of the optical device 40 , the output of the flip - flop 48 forms its first output 51 and the output of the flip - flop 47 forms its second output 52 . each of the connections 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 is preferably made from a conventional optical fibre or waveguide . the couplers 41 - 43 are conventional couplers . preferably , they are 50 / 50 ( 3 db ) directional couplers . the delay units 44 and 45 are , typically , constant delay units , in which there is a fixed and non - modifiable time interval between the moment at which the signal appears at their input and that at which the same signal begins to be available at the output , while the unit 46 is preferably of the variable delay type , in other words one in which the said time interval is modifiable . the constant delay units 44 and 45 are made , for example , from a section of optical fibre having a length l = v * t , where t is the delay which is to be obtained and v ( v = c / n ) is the velocity c of light inside an optical fibre having a refractive index n . according to the embodiment shown in fig4 the variable delay unit 46 consists of a 1 × 2 input switch 461 , a 2 × 1 output switch 462 and a certain number of 2 × 2 switches , disposed in series between the two input and output switches 461 and 462 . the input switch 461 has one input and two outputs connected , respectively , to a predetermined optical fibre delay line and to a section of optical fibre of negligible length ( which introduces a negligible delay in an optical signal passing through it ). the i - th switch has two inputs , one for a predetermined optical fibre delay line and the other for a section of fibre of negligible length , and two outputs connected to a further predetermined delay line and to a further section of fibre of negligible length . finally , the output switch 462 has two inputs , for a predetermined delay line and a section of fibre of negligible length respectively , and one output . to enable m different delays to be provided , the unit 46 preferably consists of a number , equal to log 2 m , of switches connected in series , including the input switch 461 , in addition to the output switch 462 . additionally , the predetermined optical fibre delay line connected to the output of the i - th switch preferably has a length such that it causes a delay equal to t / 2 i ( 1 ≦ i ≦ log 2 m ) in the signal in transit . the switches in series are controlled by suitable control signals c 1 − c log2m which determine the path of the signal in transit along the delay lines and / or along the sections of fibre of negligible length and , consequently , the delay applied to this signal in transit . this is because the signal arriving at one of the two inputs of the switch is sent to one output rather than to another , according to the presence or absence of the control signal . typically , a switch is a device having at least one input , at least two outputs for a signal in transit and at least one input for at least one control signal . in the absence of the control signal , the input signal leaves the device through one of the said outputs , while in the presence of the control signal the signal is switched to another of the said outputs . the said switch may consist of a device having a conventional interferometric structure of the mach - zehnder type . fig8 shows , for example , the 1 × 2 input switch 461 . this comprises an input coupler 4610 , an output coupler 4620 , two guided optical paths 4630 and 4640 , and two outputs 11 and 12 . in turn , each of the two guided optical paths 4630 and 4640 , preferably consisting of optical fibres or waveguides , comprises a conventional optical amplifier 4650 and 4660 respectively and , for the amplifier 4660 , an electrical control signal 4600 . the said optical amplifiers 4650 and 4660 are , for example , of the type consisting of optical fibres doped with rare earths or of the semiconductor type . the couplers 4610 and 4620 are conventional couplers . preferably , they are directional 50 / 50 couplers consisting of optical fibres or waveguides ( 3 db ). according to one embodiment , the amplifiers 4650 and 4660 are conventional optical semiconductor amplifiers , each consisting of an active ingaasp waveguide surrounded by a shell of inp . by regulating the supply current of the said optical semiconductor amplifiers or by illuminating the active waveguide with a predetermined optical control signal , it is possible to vary the density of the charge carriers inside the said active waveguide and , consequently , its refractive index . for the construction of the switch 461 , the supply current of the said optical amplifiers 4650 and 4660 is regulated in such a way that the signals propagated in the two optical paths 4630 and 4640 interfere constructively in the output 11 and destructively in the output 12 . conversely , the electrical control signal 4600 is selected in such a way as to make the signals propagated in the two optical paths 4630 and 4640 interfere constructively in the output 12 and destructively in the output 11 . in this way , in the absence of an electrical control signal 4600 ( in normal operating conditions ), an optical signal at the input of the switch is switched to the output 11 while , in the presence of the electrical control signal 4600 , it is switched to the output 12 . additionally , the gain of the said optical semiconductor amplifiers 4650 and 4660 is regulated in such a way that at the input of the said output coupler 4620 the optical signals originating from the two guided optical paths 4630 and 4640 have the same intensity . alternatively , as seen previously in the case of the optical gates 10 and 20 , the control signal 4600 may be optical . according to a second embodiment , the variable delay unit 46 consists of a conventional tree structure such as that shown in fig5 a - 5 d . this structure comprises an input 4607 , a plurality of sections of optical fibre ( indicated as a whole by the number 4603 in fig5 ), each having a predetermined length , and an output 4608 . in fig5 a and 5 b , conventional beam splitters ( for example , 1 × 2 directional couplers in series , indicated as a whole by the number 4604 in fig5 a and 5 b ) repeatedly divide an input optical signal and transmit it in the various sections of optical fibre 4603 . the outputs of these sections of optical fibre 4603 are then coupled by suitable couplers ( for example , 2 × 1 couplers in series , indicated as a whole by the number 4605 in fig5 ) to return to a single optical fibre at the output 4608 . optical gates ( indicated as a whole by the number 4602 in fig5 a and 5 b ) are present at the outputs of the various sections of optical fibre 4603 , only the gate corresponding to the signal delayed by the desired quantity being open ( allowing the signal to pass ), while the others are closed ( blocking the passage of the signal ). the said optical gates 4602 consist , for example of conventional interferometers of the mach - zehnder type as illustrated in fig3 . alternatively , as shown in fig5 c and 5 d , in place of the said beam splitters 4604 it is possible to connect 1 × 2 switches ( indicated as a whole by the number 4606 in fig5 c and 5 d ) which from time to time direct the input signal , according to the delay which is to be imparted to it , into different sections of optical fibre 4603 . the said switches 4606 may be , for example , of the type described previously and shown in fig8 . according to a third embodiment , the variable delay unit 46 has a structure of the loop type , as shown in fig6 . in this type of structure , the input optical signal is delayed by making it circulate for a predetermined number of times in a loop . preferably , the said loop consists of an optical fibre having a predetermined length according to the delay which is to be obtained . the signal is then collected at the output by means of a 2 × 2 switch 4601 ( of the type shown in fig8 for example ) which has the function of inserting the signal into the said optical fibre loop and of extracting it at the output of the loop . typically , the optical flip - flops 47 and 48 are two - state devices which remain in one state or another until a signal causing the transition from one state to the other is applied to them . for example , there are conventional optical devices of the set - reset ( sr ) type with two inputs and one output , in which an optical set impulse at one of the two inputs sets the state of the output to 1 ( emission of an output optical signal ) and a reset optical impulse at the other input sets the state of the output to 0 ( absence of an output optical signal ). the output of the device remains in the state 1 until an optical reset impulse causing the transition from the state 1 to the state 0 is applied to one of the two inputs . in turn , the output remains in the state 0 until an optical set impulse causing the transition from the state 0 to the state 1 is applied to the other of the two inputs . for example , according to the embodiment shown in fig7 each of the optical flip - flops 47 and 48 consists of a loop - type optical fibre structure 474 in which a conventional 2 × 2 coupler 471 and an optical gate 473 are connected . the coupler 471 is preferably of the 50 / 50 directional type and the optical gate 473 is , for example , of one of the types described previously . additionally , each flip - flop has a first set input 475 for an input optical impulse ( set ), a second reset input 476 for an optical control impulse ( reset ) and an output 477 . following an optical set impulse at the input 475 and in the absence of the optical reset impulse , an output optical signal having substantially constant intensity is transmitted to the output 477 of the flip - flop . conversely , in the presence of the optical reset impulse , no optical signal is transmitted to the output 477 of the flip - flop . the optical set impulse is coupled to the structure 474 by means of the coupler 471 and the optical reset impulse is coupled by means of the control input 476 of the optical gate 473 . the coupler 471 divides the optical set impulse into two impulses having substantially the same intensity and transmits one of them into the loop structure 474 and the other to the output 477 . in the absence of the optical reset impulse , the optical gate 473 is open and allows the optical set impulse to pass in the loop structure 474 to the coupler 471 . every time the optical set impulse transmitted into the loop structure 474 returns to the coupler 471 , half of its intensity is again transmitted to the output and the other half into the loop structure 474 . preferably , the total length of the optical fibre loop structure 474 is selected in such a way that the optical set impulse which is made to circulate in it is subsequently transmitted to the output , at the tail of the preceding optical impulse transmitted to the output . in other words , the propagation time in the loop structure 474 is preferably equal to the duration of the optical set impulse . in this way , an optical signal having a duration equal to a multiple of the duration of the set impulse is transmitted to the output 477 of the flip - flop . additionally , the gain of the optical semiconductor amplifiers of the gate 473 is preferably selected in such a way as to compensate for the losses undergone by the optical set impulse during its propagation in the loop structure 474 and thus to ensure that the said output optical signal has a constant intensity . in the presence of the optical reset impulse , the optical gate 473 is closed and thus interrupts the propagation of the said optical set impulse in the loop structure 474 . preferably , the optical reset impulse has a duration equal to that of the optical set impulse . in this way , the optical gate 473 remains closed for a sufficiently long time to extinguish the optical set impulse in the loop structure 474 . consequently , while the optical reset impulse is absent , the optical set impulse is continually retransmitted to the output , in such a way that an optical signal of virtually constant intensity is present at the output of the flip - flop . following the arrival of the optical reset impulse , however , the transmission of the said optical signal to the output 477 of the flip - flop is blocked . at the output of the flip - flop , therefore , there is an output optical impulse which is temporally aligned with the arrival of the optical set impulse and has a duration equal to the difference between the time of arrival of the optical reset impulse and the preceding time of arrival of the optical set impulse . according to one embodiment , an optical filter ( not shown ) is connected in the loop structure 474 to filter the ase ( amplified spontaneous emission ) generated by the optical amplifiers present in the optical gate 473 and to reduce the quantity of noise accumulated along the said loop structure 474 . the said optical filter may be of the interference type such as a conventional reference filter , a mach - zehnder filter , an interference grating or a diffraction grating . according to another embodiment , the optical flip - flops 47 and 48 may be of the type described in patent application ep 97122771 in the name of the present applicant . for example , as shown in fig1 , they may be formed in free space where the light beams are propagated in a vacuum or in the atmosphere between optical elements such as filters , prisms and mirrors . according to the embodiment in fig1 , a flip - flop comprises a first optical beam splitter 200 having a first input for an optical set impulse 210 , a second input and an output , a second optical beam splitter 220 having an input coupled optically to the output of the first optical beam splitter 200 and two outputs , a third optical beam splitter 280 having a first input coupled optically to an output of the second optical beam splitter 220 and a first output coupled optically to the second input of the first optical beam splitter 200 in such a way as to form a loop . the said optical beam splitter 280 also comprises a second input for an optical reset impulse 230 and a second output coupled optically to an optical amplifier 260 included in the said loop . the said optical beam splitters are , for example , conventional partially reflecting mirrors or conventional prisms . a reflecting element 240 , such as a prism , a mirror or similar , optically couples the optical amplifier 260 to an output of the optical beam splitter 220 . the said optical amplifier 260 is a conventional optical amplifier , for example of the fibre type doped with rare earths or of the semiconductor type . preferably , an optical filter 300 is connected in the loop 22 to filter the ase ( amplified spontaneous emission ) generated by the optical amplifier 260 and to reduce the quantity of noise accumulated along the loop . the said optical filter 300 , as stated previously , may be of the interference type such as a conventional reference filter , a mach - zehnder filter , an interference grating or a diffraction grating . the operation of this embodiment of the flip - flop is entirely analogous to that of the preceding one . an optical set impulse 210 input into the first optical beam splitter 200 enters the loop . the second beam splitter 220 divides the said optical set impulse into an optical signal 140 which leaves the loop and into an optical feedback signal which is transmitted to the optical amplifier 260 . the optical feedback signal is amplified by the optical amplifier 260 and then retransmitted to the optical beam splitter 220 after two reflections by the optical beam splitters 280 and 200 . the optical beam splitter 220 divides the optical feedback signal into a first portion , which maintains the output optical signal 140 even after the termination of the optical set impulse 210 , and a second portion which is again transmitted along the loop . the output optical signal 140 is then interrupted by an optical reset impulse 230 which saturates the optical amplifier 260 and thus blocks the propagation of the optical feedback signal along the loop . preferably , in this case also the gain of the optical amplifier 260 is such that it compensates for the losses undergone by the optical feedback signal in the loop and the propagation time along the loop is equal to the duration of the set impulse 210 . in one embodiment , the wavelength of the optical reset impulse 230 is different from that of the optical set impulse 210 . the filter 300 can thus be selected in such a way as to allow the wavelength of the optical set impulse 210 to pass and to stop that of the optical reset impulse 230 , preventing the optical reset impulse 230 from being transmitted to the output . according to a further embodiment shown in fig1 , the loop shown in fig1 also comprises an optical gate 360 , an optical beam splitter 340 for supplying the optical reset impulse 230 to the optical gate 360 and a reflecting element 320 in place of the optical beam splitter 280 . the optical gate is , for example , of the same type as those described previously . the operating principle of this embodiment is entirely analogous to that of the preceding embodiment . with reference to an example of operation of the optical device 40 , an optical impulse 222 at the input of the coupler 41 is divided into two optical impulses 444 and 333 of approximately equal intensity . the optical impulse 333 is transmitted along the connection 3 towards the constant delay unit 45 which delays it by a length of time equal to a predetermined time interval t c . the optical impulse 333 , delayed by the unit 45 , is then divided into two further optical impulses 666 and 777 by the coupler 42 . the first impulse 666 is transmitted to the set input of the flip - flop 48 through the connection 6 , while the second impulse 777 is transmitted to the variable delay ( t ) unit 46 and then , through the connection 7 , to the reset input of the said flip - flop 48 . in this way , with a delay t c in the arrival of the control impulse 222 at the input of the optical device 40 , the optical impulse 666 ( the set impulse ) causes the emission of an optical signal , at substantially constant intensity , from the output of the flip - flop 48 . then , after a delay t with respect to t c , the optical impulse 777 ( the reset impulse ) blocks the transmission of the said optical signal to the output of the flip - flop 48 . in turn , the optical impulse 444 is transmitted along the connection 4 to the coupler 43 , which produces an optical impulse 888 which , through the connection 8 , arrives at the set input of the flip - flop 47 , and an optical impulse 999 which , through the connection 9 , arrives at the reset input of the said flip - flop 47 . the said optical impulses 888 and 999 are temporally phase - shifted with respect to each other by a time t c by the constant delay unit 44 . in this way with a negligible delay with respect to the interval of the said optical control impulse 222 at the input of the optical decision unit 40 the optical set impulse 888 causes the emission of an optical signal , at a substantially constant intensity , from the output of the flip - flop 47 . on the other hand , the optical impulse 999 ( the reset impulse ), with a delay t c after the arrival of the said control impulse 222 , blocks the transmission of the said optical signal to the output of the flip - flop 47 . consequently , the optical device 40 generates , as a result of the optical control impulse 222 at the input , two optical impulses , of which the one at the output 52 has a duration of t c and is aligned temporally with the arrival of the optical control impulse 222 at the input ; and the one at the output 51 has a duration of t and is delayed , with respect to the arrival of the optical control impulse 222 at the input , by a time equal to t c . the optical impulse from the output 51 of the optical device 40 forms the control signal for the input optical gate 10 , while the optical impulse from the output 52 of the optical device 40 forms the control signal for the output optical gate 20 . consequently , in the presence of an optical impulse arriving , through the optical fibre connection 16 , from the flip - flop 48 , the input optical gate 10 changes its state from open to closed and maintains it until throughout the duration ( t ) of the said optical impulse . in turn , in the presence of an optical impulse arriving , through the optical fibre connection 15 , from the flip - flop 47 , the output optical gate 20 changes its state from closed to open and maintains it throughout the duration ( t c ) of the said optical impulse . fig9 ( a )- 9 ( d ) represent schematically the operation of the optical selector 8000 according to the invention . an atm cell 1000 at the input of the selector 8000 , characterized by a predetermined frequency f of arrival ( cells per second ), is transmitted from the input gate 10 , which is normally in the open state , to the cell recognition device 30 , through the connection 1 . the cell recognition device 30 permits the passage of the cell 1000 along the connection 5 towards the output gate 20 and , when it recognizes that the header of an atm cell is present at its input , generates a first optical impulse 222 , temporally aligned with the header of the cell 1000 , and transmits it to the optical device 40 through the connection 2 [ fig9 ( a )]. at this point , 1 ) with a negligible delay with respect to the generation of the optical impulse 222 , the optical decision unit 40 generates a first optical signal at the output 52 which , through the connection 15 , arrives at the output gate 20 . the said first optical signal changes the state of the output gate 20 from closed to open and thus permits the passage of the cell 1000 from the output of the optical selector 8000 [ fig9 ( b )]; 2 ) with a delay t c , equal to the duration of the cell 1000 , with respect to the generation of the optical impulse 222 , the optical decision unit 40 p 2 generates a second optical signal at the output 51 which , through the connection 16 , arrives at the input gate 10 . the said second optical signal changes the state of the input gate 10 from open to closed and thus prevents other incoming cells from entering the optical selector 8000 after all the bits of the cell 1000 have passed through the optical gate 10 [ fig9 ( c )]; and 3 ) with a further delay t [ t =( 1 / pcr )− t c ] with respect to t c , the optical decision unit 40 again causes the opening of the input gate 10 ( interrupts the emission of the said second optical signal ). therefore , if a second cell 2000 arrives in the optical selector 8000 before a time interval t pcr = 1 / pcr = t c + t has elapsed after the arrival of the first cell 1000 ( has an arrival frequency f & gt ; pcr ), the input gate 10 , being still in the closed state , prevents it from entering the optical selector 8000 [ fig9 ( d )]. additionally , even if , when the input gate 10 changes its state from closed to open , some of the bits of the second cell 2000 are still at the input of the gate 10 , the said bits are not recognized by the cell recognition device 30 as the header of an atm cell and , therefore , the optical impulse 222 is not transmitted to the optical decision unit 40 . consequently the latter does not cause the output gate 20 to open and does not permit the said remaining part of the cell 2000 to pass to the output of the optical selector 8000 . in this way , even if incomplete cells of bits enter the optical selector 8000 , they cannot then emerge from it . incoming bits can , in normal conditions , enter the optical selector 8000 through the gate 10 ( which is in the open state ) and reach the gate 20 , passing through the cell recognition device 30 ; until the cell recognition device 30 recognizes the header of an atm cell , the initial state of the selector 8000 is maintained ( gate 10 open and gate 20 closed ), and the incoming bits are thus blocked at the output ( destructive interference in the output gate 20 ); on the other hand , when the cell recognition unit 30 recognizes the header of an atm cell , i . the cell recognition unit 30 transmits the optical impulse 222 along the connection 2 ; and the optical decision unit 40 ii . causes the output gate 20 to open immediately after the arrival of the optical impulse 222 ( to permit the output of the recognized atm cell ) and keeps it open for a time interval equal to t c ( to enable all the bits of the atm cell to pass through the gate 20 ); iii . causes the input gate 10 to close after a time t c ( to enable all the bits of the cell 1000 to pass through the gate 10 ) and keeps it closed for a time interval equal to t ( to prevent new incoming cells at the input of the optical selector 8000 , with f & gt ; pcr , from entering the optical selector ). for this reason , with respect to the arrival of the optical impulse 222 at the input 50 of the optical decision unit 40 , the reset impulse 999 is delayed by a fixed delay equal to the duration t c of the cell 1000 ; the set impulse 666 is delayed by a fixed delay equal to the duration t c of the cell 1000 ; the reset impulse 777 is delayed by a total delay equal to t pcr , and by a delay equal to t with respect to the set impulse 666 . since t [ t =( 1 / pcr − t c )], as seen previously , depends on the pcr negotiated between the source and the atm network , the value of this delay is preferably modifiable by means of the variable delay unit 46 . on the other hand , since the duration t c of an atm cell is fixed , the delays t c are typically obtained by means of the constant delay units 44 and 45 . the optical selector 8000 according to the invention can therefore be used to permit the passage to the output of only those atm cells which arrive at its input with a time interval , with respect to each other , greater than or equal to t pcr ( they arrive with a frequency f ≦ pcr ) and thus to provide a wholly optical checker for atm networks . the optical selector 8000 is also capable of eliminating , in the output gate 20 , the bits which enter from the input gate 10 but which are not subsequently recognized by the atm cell recognition unit 30 .	7
referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views , fig1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention for installing poles for pole buildings attached to a skid loader 10 . a frame 20 is shown welded to the skid loader 10 via a universal type attachment plate 11 . a mounting plate 30 is slideably attached to the frame 20 along a first axis 1 as can best be seen in fig2 , by brackets 13 , which extend around and are slideable on beam 12 . looking to fig2 and 3 , a first member 40 has a second axis 2 , shown best in fig1 , the first member 40 being operatively pivotally attached to the plate 30 for pivoting about a third 3 and a fourth axis 4 . a first hydraulic cylinder actuator 31 is operatively attached to the frame 20 , via beam 12 , and to the plate 30 for moving the plate 30 back and forth along the first axis 1 thereof using a first hydraulic valve 32 . the first member 40 is attached to the plate 30 by the universal joint 16 shown in detail in fig3 . tabs 17 are welded to plate 30 , tabs 18 welded to bracket 19 and pins 21 and 22 allow pivoting of the first member 40 about axes 3 and 4 , respectively . looking at fig1 and 2 , a second turnbuckle type actuator 41 is operatively attached to the mounting plate 30 and to the first member 40 for selectively pivoting the first member 40 about the third axis 3 . looking at fig1 again , a turnbuckle type third actuator 42 is operatively attached to the mounting plate 30 and to the first member 40 for selectively pivoting the first member 40 about the fourth axis 4 . as can best be seen in fig1 and 4 , a second member 50 is rigidly attached to the first member 40 and is moveable up or down along the second axis 2 via a sixth actuator 43 , which is a hydraulic cylinder , operatively attached to the first and second members 40 and 50 for selectively moving the second member 50 up or down along the second axis 2 with respect to the first member 40 and is controlled using a hydraulic valve 44 as shown in fig1 . a threaded nut 45 , welded to second member 50 , has the post part of hydraulic cylinder 43 threaded onto it . conveyor type bearings 52 , attached to member 50 , contact member 40 and reduce the friction of the member 50 as it slides up or down with respect to member 40 . a third member 60 , as best shown in fig1 , 4 and 6 , is telescopically disposed inside of the second member 50 for movement in a direction in or out along an axis 4 substantially perpendicular to the second axis 2 . a fourth actuator 51 , which is a hydraulic cylinder , is operatively attached to the second member 50 and to the third member 60 for selectively moving the third member 60 along the fourth axis 4 with respect to the second member 50 . a hydraulic valve 53 , as can be seen in fig1 , is used to control the hydraulic cylinder 51 . looking now to fig1 , 4 , 6 and 7 , a fourth member 70 is operatively pivotally attached to the third member 60 about a fifth axis 5 substantially parallel to the second axis 2 . fourth member 70 as seen in fig6 is considered to be the l - shaped member 70 a which is welded to the member identified as fourth member 70 in fig6 . of course the fourth member 70 could all be made of one piece or of more pieces than shown in the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings . a plate 63 is welded to one end of the third member 60 as can best be seen in fig4 . bearings 64 are attached to the plate 63 . a disc 65 , which can be like a disc brake on an automobile , is rigidly attached to a rod 66 , which rod 66 is , in turn welded to the fourth member 70 thereby allowing the fourth member 70 to pivot along axis 5 with respect to the third member 60 as can best be seen in fig7 . a locking mechanism 79 as seen in fig4 and 7 , include a plate 73 , welded to plate 63 and a plate 74 , bolted rigidly to the plate 73 with a spacer 75 disposed between the plates 73 and 74 so that the disc 65 can rotate between the plates 73 and 74 . a threaded nut 76 is welded to the plate 74 to receive threaded end 77 of a stop member 78 . when it is desired to hold the plate 65 and fourth member 70 in a desired position , the stop member 78 is rotated to tighten the threaded end 77 tightly against the disc 65 to frictionally hold the disc 65 and fourth member 70 from rotating with respect to third member 60 about axis 5 . a fifth actuator 71 , which is a hydraulic cylinder , is operatively attached to the fourth member 70 and to the second clamping device 90 for controlling selective movement of the second clamping device 90 with respect to the first clamping device 80 . the first clamping device 80 is rigidly attached to the fourth member 70 and a second clamping device 90 is operatively attached to the fourth member 70 via a hydraulic cylinder 71 for movement back and forth towards and away from clamping device 80 using a hydraulic valve 72 , which is shown in fig1 . in operation , a string line is constructed to define the outline of the building . then the places where the posts are to be inserted into the ground are marked . then the post holes are dug . the post 22 is typically first placed in a post hole 21 as shown in dashed lines in fig1 , which could be done manually or with mechanized equipment . then the skid loader with the invention attached thereto is driven towards the post 22 with the clamping devices 80 and 90 farther apart than the width of the post 22 , for example as shown in fig5 . when the clamping devices 80 and 90 are disposed on each side of the post 22 , the valve 72 is actuated to shorten the length of the hydraulic cylinder 71 , which will cause the clamping device to push the post against clamping device 80 and securely hold the post 22 . after the post 22 has been clamped as shown in fig1 , the valve 44 is used to lengthen the hydraulic cylinder 43 , which will raise the second member 50 and everything attached to it , including post 22 . with the post 22 slightly raised off of the bottom of the post hole 21 , the post is “ leveled ” in all directions until it is completely vertical and moved into position so it is aligned with and adjacent to the string line . it is not so important which of the leveling steps are done first , but here is one way it can be done . assuming that the post 22 is on a corner of the building to be constructed there will be two perpendicular string lines 23 and 24 shown in dashed lines in fig1 . the mechanism 61 shown in fig1 and 4 - 7 is utilized to make the sides of the post closest to the string lines 23 and 24 parallel to the string lines by loosening the handle 78 to allow the post 22 to pivot with respect to the string line about axis 5 . after the desired pivoting of the post 22 has been done , then the handle 78 is tightened so that the threaded rod 77 is in solid contact with the disc 65 , which will prevent further rotation about the axis 5 . at that time then valve 32 is used to actuate the hydraulic cylinder 31 to move the post 22 towards and wherein the closest side of the post 22 is in close alignment with , i . e . parallel with , the string line 23 . after that , the valve 53 is actuated to cause the hydraulic cylinder 51 to move the post 22 towards the string line 24 until the post 22 is close to and the closest side of the post 22 is aligned with , i . e . parallel with , the string line 24 . a next step is to put a post level 25 , as shown in fig1 , onto the post 22 . this post level 25 can be of the type shown in u . s . pat . nos . des . 332 , 058 and 5 , 207 , 004 , both to gruetzmacher , and both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety . while viewing the post level 25 , turnbuckle 41 is adjusted to pivot the post 22 about axis 4 and turnbuckle 42 is adjusted to pivot the post 22 about axis 3 , until the post is completely vertical . then the valve 44 is actuated again to cause the hydraulic cylinder 43 to lower the post 22 until it is firmly back against the bottom of the post hole 21 . at that time the post 22 is accurately held in a vertical position . then the dirt is backfilled and tamped into the hole 21 around the post 22 . alternatively , concrete can be place in the hole 21 , or at least the bottom part of the hole 21 and more backfilling can occur to hold the post 22 in place until the concrete cures , while at the same time the post is held in the vertical position by the backfilling of the dirt . once the backfilling has occurred , the operator can move on to install the next post in the next post hole using the same or a similar procedure . a second preferred embodiment is shown in fig8 - 16 . the apparatus shown in fig8 has a post 122 lying on the ground . fig8 shows a skid loader 100 with hydraulic cylinders 210 and 212 which manipulate a plate 111 which has post 120 welded perpendicular thereto . a mounting plate 130 is reciprocally mounted to the post 120 . a brief operation of the apparatus is that in fig8 a post 122 lying on the ground can be clamped and then by shortening the hydraulic cylinders 210 and 212 from the fig8 position to the fig9 position , the post 122 can be moved to an upright position over a hole in the ground shown below the post 122 in fig9 . the mounting plate 130 can be seen in fig1 , 11 a and 11 b as being movable with respect to the beam 120 by using the hydraulic cylinder 131 which is pivotally attached at one end to a bracket 131 a and which bracket 131 a is welded to a beam 112 . the other end of the hydraulic cylinder 131 is pivotally attached to a bracket 130 a which is welded to the mounting plate 130 so that when the hydraulic cylinder is lengthened , for example as shown in fig1 , the mounting plate 130 will move to the right and when hydraulic cylinder 131 is shortened , the mounting plate 130 will move to the left as viewed in fig1 . looking at fig1 a and 11 b the beam 120 is shown having a hole in it with hydraulic cylinder 131 extending through it . the mounting plate 130 is mounted in a reciprocal fashion by brackets 140 b as shown in fig9 and 10 . these brackets 140 b are welded to post 120 as can best be seen in fig1 a and 11 b . a vertical post or first member 140 is mounted to pivot about a universal joint 140 u which is bolted to the mounting plate 130 . in fig1 it can be seen that turnbuckle 141 pivots the post adjustably along axis 4 and turnbuckle 142 will pivot the post along axis 3 as shown in fig1 . looking at fig1 , turnbuckle 41 pivots post or first member 140 about the axis 4 as can be seen by the arrows at the top of fig1 . turning to fig1 , it can be seen by referring to the dashed lines that turning the turnbuckle 142 one direction or the other pivots the post or first member 140 about axis 3 . looking to fig1 , a post grasping and moving apparatus 200 is grasping and moving the post 122 vertically up or down . the post 122 is mounted to the vertical post or first member 140 by a beam or second member 160 having a hydraulic cylinder 151 attached at one end thereto , the hydraulic cylinder 151 being shown in fig1 as being attached to a bracket 165 . inside of the beam or second member 160 is a telescoping internal beam or third member 160 a which allows the bracket 165 shown in fig1 to move to the right or left depending on whether the hydraulic cylinder 151 is lengthened or shortened . looking at fig9 , it can be seen that if the hydraulic cylinder 151 is extended , the post 122 and post grasping apparatus 200 will be moved to the left . still looking at fig9 if the hydraulic cylinder 151 is shortened by using one of the levers on hydraulic control 132 , the post 122 and post grasping apparatus 200 will move to the right . looking to fig1 , the post grasping apparatus 200 will move to the right when the hydraulic cylinder 151 is lengthened and to the left when the hydraulic cylinder 151 is shortened . looking to fig1 , it can be seen that the hydraulic cylinder 151 and the beam or second member 160 extend through an opening 140 a in the upstanding post or first member 140 . the beam or second member 160 is actually welded to the post or first member 140 at the bottom of the opening 140 a as shown in fig1 . referring to fig1 , member 166 is rigidly attached to telescoping member or third member 160 a , which can also be seen in fig1 . turning again to fig1 , bearings 106 have shaft 105 disposed therein so that the receiver hitch 107 can be pivoted about the pin 105 using hydraulic cylinder 161 shown in fig1 . the post grasping and moving device 200 , looking at fig1 , is attached to the receiver hitch 107 , similar to the way that a ball hitch would be attached to the rear of a pickup truck with a receiver , and has a pin 108 which can be placed through openings in receiver hitch 107 and through receiver 109 , to which yoke 152 is rigidly attached . if it is desired to pivot the entire post grasping apparatus 200 about the pin 105 , then the hydraulic cylinder 161 as shown in fig1 will be either lengthened or shortened to cause such pivoting about the axis 5 shown in fig9 . the post grasping apparatus 200 can be seen in fig9 , 10 , 15 and 16 and has a first side or first clamping device 180 which is rigidly attached to a post 170 . the other side or second clamping device 190 of the post grasping apparatus 200 is attached rigidly to a member 191 that slides in slot 171 of beam 170 as shown in fig1 . referring again to fig1 it can be seen that a hydraulic cylinder 171 a is attached solidly through a pivot pin to beam 170 on the left and is attached to the member 191 on the right side so that as the hydraulic cylinder 171 a is lengthened to the dashed - lined position shown in fig1 , the second clamping device 190 of the grasping device 200 will be moved in that direction as well and of course when the hydraulic cylinder 171 a is shortened it will move to the solid line position shown in fig1 . this of course allows the post 122 to be solidly pinched and held between rollers 182 and 192 and rollers 183 and 193 , respectively , as shown in fig1 . the rollers or wheels 182 and 183 of part 180 of grasping device 200 are rotatable about pins 184 a and 183 a respectively and are rigidly attached to sprockets 184 and 185 . another sprocket 186 is rotatably attached to the housing or first clamping device 180 and a chain 187 is disposed around sprockets 184 , 185 and 186 as shown in fig1 . referring to fig1 , it will be seen that a hydraulic reversible motor 181 is shown , which will rotate the sprocket 186 in one direction when hydraulic fluid is run through it in one direction or will rotate the sprocket 186 in an opposite direction when the flow through the hydraulic motor 181 is reversed . referring again to fig1 , wheels 192 and 193 are rotatably attached via bearings or shafts 194 and 195 respectively , and these rollers 192 and 193 are not powered but are just idler rollers , though making them powered if synchronized with the opposite direction movement of rollers 182 and 183 would be acceptable as well . in operation , referring again to fig8 , an operator using skid loader 100 would have the apparatus attached thereto and would have lengthened the hydraulic cylinders 210 and 212 that are on the skid loader 100 so that the plate 111 is in the horizontal position shown . this will of course cause the mounting plate 130 to be in a vertical orientation and most importantly this ultimately results in the post grasping apparatus 200 be in the position shown in fig8 so that it can be moved around the post 122 . once the post grabbing parts , i . e . first clamping plate device 180 and second clamping device 190 of post grabbing device 200 are to each side of the post 122 , then the hydraulic cylinder 171 a is shortened as can be seen in fig1 until the wheels 182 , 192 , 183 and 193 solidly grasp the post , for example as shown in fig1 , wherein the post 122 will be pinched between rollers 182 and 192 and also pinched between rollers 183 and 193 . at that time , the operator would shorten the hydraulic cylinders 210 and 212 of the skid loader 100 in fig8 to move the entire apparatus to the position shown in fig9 which will move the post 122 to a vertical position . the skid loader 100 can then be driven to a position so that the post 122 is approximately above a post hole below it to which it is to be inserted . if the top or bottom of the post 122 is not totally vertical , the turnbuckles 141 and 142 can be manually adjusted as explained above . if the post 122 is too close or too far from the skid loader 100 compared to the hole , the hydraulic cylinder 151 can be either lengthened or shortened to position the post above the hole . if it is desired to pivot the post 122 so that one of the flat sides of the post 122 will be in a certain desired orientation for a pole building , then the hydraulic cylinder 161 , as shown in fig1 , can be lengthened or shortened to pivot around vertical axis 5 shown in fig9 as explained above . after this has all been done and the post 122 is in the exact position above the post hole desired , for example in the fig9 position , hydraulic motor 181 is activated so that the wheels 182 and 183 move in a clockwise direction shown in fig1 , which will cause the post 122 to be moved downwardly because accordingly idler wheels 192 and 193 will rotate in a counterclockwise direction to hold the post 122 and essentially move in an opposite rotational direction , but in unison with wheels 182 and 183 . if for any reason it is desired to pull the post 122 out of the hole or move it up for any reason , then the flow of hydraulic fluid in 181 is reversed in order to cause the wheels 182 and 183 to move in a counterclockwise direction as shown in fig1 which will of course , due to the friction of the post between the wheels 182 and 183 cause wheels 192 and 193 to turn in a clockwise direction at a similar speed as the post moves upwardly . referring again to fig1 , the button 213 is the button to control the hydraulic motor 181 for the up position . the button 214 is to control the hydraulic motor 181 for the down position . the button 215 is to control unclamping of the wheels and button 216 clamps the wheels 182 , 183 , 192 , 193 against the post 122 via hydraulic cylinder 171 a . these buttons 213 - 216 operate electric over hydraulic valves 217 a and 217 b as those shown with hoses going there from in fig1 . being more specific , the unit 217 activates electric over hydraulic valves 217 a and 217 b which controls the whole head of the post grasping and moving apparatus 200 as explained previously by using the motor and buttons 213 and 214 to turn the hydraulic motor 181 in one direction or the other to move the post up or down or buttons 215 and 216 to control clamping of the wheels by moving the hydraulic cylinder 171 a in or out as shown in fig1 in solid and dashed lines . obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings . for example it is possible to use make vertical adjustments to a clamped post using the loader end of a skid loader or making vertical adjustments using a three point hitch on a tractor , but usually some tilting occurs when lifting of the post is done this way . but raising or lowering the post this way is considered to be within the scope of this invention . it is therefore to be understood that , within the scope of the appended claims , the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described .	1
an explanation will now be provided of a color image communication system of the present invention with reference to fig1 . fig1 shows an example of the configuration of hardware for realizing the present invention . in normal color image communication , a color image is transmitted from a color scanner i at the transmitting side to a color printer 2 at the receiving side via a communication network or the like . at that time , the following processing is performed within the color scanner 1 . that is , the image to be transmitted is read by an image input unit 3 comprising a ccd ( charge - coupled device ) line sensor or the like , and digital color signals r , g and b for each picture element are obtained , the signals r , g and b are primary - color component signals for red , green and blue , respectively . the color signals r , g and b are converted into color signals y , cr and cb ( y is a luminance signal . cr and cb are color signals ) suitable for color image compression by a color conversion unit 4 . this conversion is a linear transformation expressed by the following expression ( 1 ): ## equ1 ## a switch 9 is provided in an operation unit ( not shown ), and switches between a transmission mode ( normal mode ) for actually transmitting the image and a color correction value calculation mode ( calibration mode ) for calculating parameters of color correction performed in a color correction unit 6 ( to be described later ). a state set by the switch 9 is transmitted to a selector 5 . in the above - described communication operation , the switch 9 is set to the transmission mode . the selector 5 detects the state of the switch 9 , and the color signals y , cr and cb are transmitted to the color correction unit 6 . the color correction unit 6 corrects color characteristics peculiar to the color scanner 1 , such as characteristics of the ccd sensor of the image input unit 3 , conversion characteristics of the color conversion unit 4 and the like , and converts the color signals y , cr and cb into standard color signals y 1 , cr 1 and cb 1 . a color correction matrix m1 is preset by a color correction value calculation unit 10 , and matrix calculation expressed by the following expression ( 2 ) is performed : ## equ2 ## fig3 shows an example of the configuration of hardware illustrating the detail of the color correction unit 6 . the matrix m1 set by the color correction value calculation unit 10 is preserved in a rewritable memory 61 ( for example , a ram ). the color signals y , cr and cb for each picture element of the transmitted image are multiplied by the first , second and third columns of the color correction matrix m1 by multipliers 62 , 63 and 64 , respectively . the matrix calculation expressed by expression ( 2 ) is realized by adding respective multiplied items by adders 65 , 66 and 67 . thus , the color signals y , cf and cb are converted into the standard color signals y 1 , cr 1 and cb 1 , respectively . the standard color signals y 1 , cr 1 and cb 1 are converted into compressed color signals y 1 &# 39 ; cr 1 &# 39 ; and cb 1 &# 39 ; by an image compression unit 7 , respectively . the image compression unit 7 compresses the image using an adct ( adaptive discrete cosine transform ) method which is an encoding method for a color still - picture image . according to the adct method , the respective standard color signals y 1 , cr 1 and cb 1 are converted for every 8 × 8 picture - element block by a two - dimensional discrete cosine transform ( dct ). the compressed color signals y 1 &# 39 ;, cr 1 &# 39 ; and cb 1 &# 39 ; are obtained by performing scalar quantization of conversion coefficients of the discrete cosine transform using a predetermined quantization table , and encoding coefficients quantized by variable - length codes ( huffman codes ). the compressed color signals y 1 &# 39 ;, cr 1 &# 39 ; and cb 1 &# 39 ; are transmitted to a communication control unit 8 , which transmits the signals via the communication network such as a digital communication network , integrated services digital network ( isdn ) or the like in accordance with a communication protocol . an explanation has been provided of the flow of color signal processing within the color scanner 1 at the transmitting side in color image communication . next , an explanation will be provided of processing within the color printer 2 at the receiving side in color image communication the compressed color signals y 1 &# 39 ; cr 1 &# 39 ; and cb 1 &# 39 ; received by a communication control unit 12 via the digital communication net , work are transmitted to an image expansion unit 13 . the image expansion unit 13 expands the encoded compressed color signals y 1 &# 39 ;, cr 1 &# 39 ; and cb 1 &# 39 ; into standard color signals y 3 , cr 3 and cb 3 using the adct method . the method of expansion comprises a procedure reverse to the above - described procedure of compression . that is , the received huffman codes are decoded , decoded coefficients are subjected to inverse quantization using the same quantization table used in the quantization , and the obtained coefficients are subjected to inverse dct transform . according to the above - described procedure , the standard color signals y 3 , cr 3 and cb 3 are obtained . a switch 18 is provided in an operation unit ( not shown ) of the apparatus at the receiving side , and switches between a reception mode for receiving the image and a color correction value calculation mode for calculating parameters for color correction in a color correction unit 15 ( to be described later ). the state of the switch 18 is transmitted to a selector 14 . in the case of the reception mode , the selector 14 transmits the standard color signals y 3 , cr 3 and cb 3 from the image expansion unit 13 to the color correction unit 15 . the color correction unit 15 converts standard color signals y 5 , cr 5 and cb 5 into color signals y 6 , cr 6 and cb 6 containing characteristics of the color printer 2 in consideration of color characteristics peculiar to the color printer 2 . such characteristics include conversion characteristics of a color conversion unit 16 , output characteristics of an image output unit 17 , and the like . this conversion is performed by matrix calculation expressed by the following expression ( 3 ) using a matrix m2 preset by a color correction value calculation unit 20 : ## equ3 ## since this calculation is a 3 × 3 matrix calculation , the calculation can be realized by the same configuration of the hardware as that shown in fig3 . subsequently , the color signals y 6 , cr 6 and cb 6 are converted into color signals c ( cyan ), m ( magenta ), ye ( yellow ) and bk ( black ) suitable for printing by the color conversion unit 16 , and the received image is output from the image output unit 17 . the color conversion unit 16 comprises a table configured by a ram ( random access memory ), a rom ( read - only memory ), a gate array or the like for directly outputting c , m , ye and bk signals for the input y 6 , cr 6 and cb 6 signals . however , the c , m and ye signals may be first generated , and subsequently the bk signal may be extracted by performing ucr ( undercolor removal ). the image output unit 17 comprises a printer for performing a hard copying operation , such as a laser - beam printer , a thermal transfer printer , an ink - jet printer or the like . the ink - jet printers include a so - called bubble - jet printer which uses a head for discharging liquid drops by utilizing film boiling by thermal energy . the color conversion unit 16 may , for example , convert color signals into r , g and b signals of the ntsc system to perform display monitoring on a display unit . processing at the transmitting side and the receiving side and the flow of color signals in color image communication have been explained . next , an explanation will be provided of a method of calculating color correction values which do not depend on the particular type of apparatus . the method of calculating color correction values of the color scanner 1 at the transmitting side is as follows . that is , the color correction values correspond to the 3 × 3 matrix m1 shown in expression ( 2 ), and function so as to convert the color signals y , cr and cb containing characteristics peculiar to the scanner into the standard color signals y 1 , cr 1 and cb 1 representing original colors of the image to be transmitted . in order to obtain the color correction values , a color patch having n colors shown in fig2 is used . an explanation will now be provided of a standard color image , in this case a color patch , used in calculating color correction values of the present invention with reference to fig2 . fig2 shows an example of the color patch . the color patch is a scale of colors , wherein a large number of representable colors are printed by combining four - color inks , i . e ., cyan , magenta , yellow and black , with various ratios of the amounts of the inks . by measuring these colors in the color patch in advance by a colorimeter , color data ( y 2 , cr 2 , cb 2 ) for each of n colors are obtained . the color data ( y 2 , cr 2 , cb 2 ) for respective n colors are preserved in a look - up table 11 in order to use them in calculating color correction values . a color patch having known color data may be used in the present processing . the color patch is read by the image input unit 3 , and obtained color signals r , g and b are converted into color signals y , cr and cb by the color conversion unit 4 using expression ( 1 ). in this case , the state of the switch 9 is set to the color correction value calculation mode . the selector 5 transmits the color signals y , cr and cb to the color correction value calculation unit 10 in accordance with the state of the switch 9 . the color correction value calculation unit 10 reads original color data y 2 , cr 2 and cb 2 of a color read by the image input unit 3 and converted into color signals y , cr and cb from the look - up table 11 , and performs calculation expressed by the following expression ( 4 ): ## equ4 ## values b 11 - b 33 used to minimize the e1 are calculated for n colors . that is , the calculation is performed according to the so - called method of least squares so as to minimize errors from the squares of the color signals y , cr and cb input from the image input unit 3 and the standard color data y 2 , cr 2 and cb 2 . the obtained matrix m1 is set in the memory 61 of the color correction unit 6 . the color correction values differ in accordance with how colors in the color patch are selected . for general use , a color patch wherein colors are uniformly distributed over the entire color space may be selected . if it is desired to perform color reproduction particularly for a specific color with high accuracy , a patch of colors close to the specific color may be principally read . for example , if accuracy is needed for reddish colors , a warm - color - type color patch may be used , as shown in fig4 ( a ). if accuracy is needed for bluish colors , cold - color - type color patch may be used , as shown in fig4 ( b ). the method of calculating color correction values of the color printer 2 at the receiving side is as follows . the color correction values correspond to the 3 × 3 matrix m2 shown in expression ( 3 , and functions so as to convert the standard color signals y 5 , cr 5 and cb 5 representing original colors of the image into the color signals y 6 , cr 6 and cb 6 matched to characteristics of the printer . first , the switch 18 is set to the color correction value calculation mode by an operation unit ( not shown ). the selector 14 reads standard color signals y 4 , cr 4 and cb 4 from a look - up table 19 . values y 4 , cr 4 and cb 4 for n colors corresponding to a color patch wherein colors are uniformly distributed in the color space comprising y , cr and cb signals are preset in the look - up table 19 . the read standard color signals y 4 , cr 4 and cb 4 are subjected to no processing by the color correction unit 15 due to the state ( the color correction value calculation model of the switch 18 , are converted into color signals c , m and ye by the color conversion unit 16 , and are output as a color patch from the image output unit 17 . the color patch output from the color printer 2 is subjected to a colorimetry process by a colorimeter , whereby color data x , y and z for n colors recommended by the cie ( commission internationale de l &# 39 ; eclairage ) are obtained . the x , y and z values are input to a color conversion unit 21 , and color signals y 7 , cr 7 and cb 7 are obtained . this conversion is obtained by a linear transformation expressed by the following expression ( 5 ): ## equ5 ## the color signals y 7 , cr 7 and cb 7 are the results of outputs which can be obtained by color reproducing characteristics of the color printer 2 . that is , when the standard color signals y 4 , cr 4 and cb 4 are provided , a color patch having the values of the color signals y 7 , cr 7 and cb 7 is output . hence , if it is desired to output a color patch corresponding to the values of the color signals y 7 , cr 7 and cb 7 , the values of the color signals y 4 , cr 4 and cb 4 may be input to the printer 2 . that is , the color correction value calculation unit 20 is a unit for calculating the matrix m2 for converting standard color signals so as to represent the desired color . more specifically , values c 11 - c 33 are calculated for n colors so as to minimize the value e2 expressed by the following expression ( 6 ): ## equ6 ## the obtained matrix m2 is set in the color correction unit 15 . color correction values differ in accordance with how colors are set in the look - up table 19 , as in the case of the color scanner 1 . as explained above , according to the present embodiment , by providing a color correction value calculation unit , and a memory for storing color data of a color patch to be used in calculating color correction values both in a color scanner and a color printer or both in a scanner unit and a printer unit of an apparatus incorporating these units , each of the color scanner and the color printer can independently perform color correction without depending on the kind of the apparatus at the communication partner . hence , the present embodiment has the effects that it is possible to obtain a received output image accurately reproducing a transmitted original image , and that color reproducibility is guaranteed even if the kind of communication apparatus changes . particularly in the present embodiment , since image communication is performed using a digital network , such as the isdn or the like , error correction is performed in the network , whereby reliability of digital data is secured . hence , it is effective to standardize image signals by determining color correction parameters by a feedback system at the transmitting side , as in the present embodiment . an explanation will now be provided of a second embodiment of the present invention with reference to fig5 . in the above - described embodiment , an explanation has been provided about a case wherein characteristics of an image data processing unit before an image is compressed are corrected , and about a case wherein characteristics of the image data processing unit after the image has been expanded are corrected . in the present embodiment , however , it is also possible to perform color correction in consideration of a change in color characteristics in image compression / expansion . an explanation will now be specifically provided . in fig5 like components having the same functions as those shown in fig1 are indicated by like numerals , and an explanation thereof will be omitted . when the transmission mode is set by the switch 9 , r , g and b signals input from the image input unit 3 are converted into y , cr and cb signals by the color conversion unit 4 , are then corrected into y 1 , cr 1 and cb 1 signals in accordance with predetermined color correction parameters by the color correction unit 6 , and are subjected to compression encoding into y 1 &# 39 ;, cr 1 &# 39 ; and cb 1 &# 39 ; signals by the image compression unit 7 . in this mode , the communication control unit 8 is selected by a selector 201 and the y 1 &# 39 ;, cr 1 7 and cb 1 7 signals are transmitted . when the color correction value calculation mode is set by the switch 9 , a color patch is input from the image input unit 3 , and the same processing as described above is performed for obtained signals until the selector 201 . subsequently , the selector 201 selects an image expansion unit 202 , which expands the signals into y 1 &# 34 ;, cr 1 &# 34 ; and cb 1 &# 34 ; signals , which are input to the color correction value calculation unit 10 . in this mode , input signals are not subjected to processing by the color correction unit 6 , and are therefore output without modification . the color correction value calculation unit 10 performs the same calculation as in the first embodiment so as to minimize errors from the squares of y 2 , cr 2 and cb 2 signals stored in the look - up table and the y 1 &# 34 ;, cr 1 &# 34 ; and cb 1 &# 34 ; signals , and outputs the correction matrix m1 to the color correction unit 6 . subsequently , color correction is performed according to the correction matrix m1 . also at the receiving side , color correction in consideration of deterioration due to image expansion is performed as described below . in the case of reception , the same processing as in the first embodiment is performed . when the color correction value calculation mode is set by the switch 18 , signals y 4 , cr 4 and cb 4 of a color patch , serving as a standard image , output from the look - up table 19 are compressed by an image compression unit 203 , are selected by a selector 204 , are expanded by the image expansion unit 13 , and are transmitted to a selector 205 as y 3 , cr 3 and cb 3 signals . in this mode , both the color correction unit 15 and the color correction value calculation unit 20 are selected by the selector 205 . the signals are not subjected to processing by the color correction unit 15 , are then converted into c , m , ye and bk signals by the color conversion unit 16 . a color patch is then output from the image output unit 17 . the output color patch is subjected to colorimetry by a colorimeter , and the color correction matrix m2 is calculated according to the same procedure as in the first embodiment . as described above , according to the present embodiment , color correction can be performed in consideration of deterioration in an image due to compression / expansion . already - compressed data may be stored in the look - up table 19 as the standard signals at the receiving side . in such a case , the image compression unit 203 becomes unnecessary . hence , the configuration of circuitry is simplified . an explanation will now be provided of a third embodiment of the present invention with reference to fig6 . in the present embodiment , the portion for performing color correction calculation in the first embodiment has a detachable configuration so as to be separated from the transmitter and the receiver . that is , at the transmitting side , the look - up table 11 for outputting standard color signals y 2 , cr 2 and cb 2 and the color correction value calculation unit 10 are independently provided as a color correction value calculation device 301 , which communicates data via an i / o port 302 of the main body of the transmitter . when a standard patch is input are input , y , cr and cb signals are provided to the calculation device 301 . the correction matrix m1 is obtained by performing a calculation in the same manner as described above is output to the side of the main body . a microcomputer may , for example , be used for such a color correction value calculation device , and may be operated in accordance with a program for realizing the above - described method of calculation . at the receiving side , the look - up table 19 , the color correction value calculation unit 20 and the color conversion unit 21 are independently provided as a color correction value calculation device 303 , which communicates data via an i / o port 304 . the calculation devices 301 and 303 may be realized by a common computer by switching software . according to the present embodiment , it becomes unnecessary to provide dedicated circuitry for calculating color correction values in the transmitting side and the receiving side , and therefore the configuration of circuitry is simplified . particularly when the above - described color correction value calculation may be performed when an apparatus is shipped from a factory , it is possible to omit components for the above - described calculation device , and therefore to reduce the production cost . when an apparatus is adjusted by a serviceman , the calculation devices 301 and 302 may be realized by a portable microcomputer . alternatively , as shown in fig7 read values of y , cr and cb signals may be displayed on a display unit 305 provided in an operation unit ( not shown ), and the values may be input using a key input unit 307 of the calculation device 301 . in such a case , numerical values as the result of calculation are displayed on a display unit 308 , and the values are input using a ten - key input unit 306 provided in the operation unit . also at the receiving side , a ten - key input unit 309 may be provided , and a numerical - value display unit 310 may be provided in the calculation device 303 . as described above , by displaying and inputting numerical values manually by the operator , it becomes unnecessary to provide dedicated i / o ports , and therefore the configuration of circuitry is simplified . in the above - described embodiments , when color correction values of the color printer 2 are calculated , a color patch is first output and is subjected to colorimetry by a colorimeter . x , y and z values are then input to the color conversion unit 21 . however , when color image communication is performed by a color scanner and a color printer , or an apparatus incorporating a color scanner and a color printer , if the matrix m1 of the color scanner unit is already obtained , colorimetry by a colorimeter becomes unnecessary if an output color patch is read by the color scanner unit and output signals y 1 , cr 1 and cb 1 of the color correction unit 6 are used as input signals to the color correction value calculation unit 20 . in fig8 an image communication apparatus 401 incorporates a reader and a printer . in the present embodiment , the color correction matrix m1 of the transmitting unit ( input side ) is first determined by the above - described method . at that time , the switch 18 selects terminals a of a selector 402 . after an image standardized by the color correction unit 6 can be output , the color correction matrix m2 of the receiving side ( output side ) is determined . at that time , the switch 18 selects terminals b of the selector 402 . the switch 18 is linked with the selector 14 , and the apparatus assumes the color correction value calculation mode . the present embodiment differs from the above - described embodiments in that the color patch image output from the image output unit 17 is read by the image input unit 3 , but the method of calculation is the same as in the above - described embodiments . according to the present embodiment , the color conversion unit 21 shown in fig1 and a colorimeter becomes unnecessary , and it becomes possible to perform calculation of color correction values only by the system of the apparatus . fig9 is a diagram illustrating a fifth embodiment of the present invention . in fig9 an image communication apparatus 501 incorporates a reader and a printer as the apparatus shown in fig8 . in the present embodiment , errors due to compression / expansion of an image are also considered in determining parameters for color correction . an explanation will now be provided of the method of calculating color correction values in the present embodiment . first , a standard color image is input from the image input unit 3 , and is subjected to color conversion by the color conversion unit 4 . the color correction unit 6 passes image data without modification according to an instruction from a cpu ( central processing unit , not shown ). terminals a of a selector 505 are selected according to an instruction from the cpu , and the image data are transmitted to the image compression unit 7 . terminals b of a selector 502 are selected , and the data compressed by the image compression unit 7 are transmitted to the image expansion unit 13 . sides b of a selector 503 are selected , and the image data expanded by the image expansion unit 13 are input to a color correction value calculation unit 506 . standard image data y 2 , cr 2 and cb 2 are input from a look - up table 507 to a color correction value calculation unit 506 via terminals a of a selector 504 . the color correction value calculation unit 506 performs the same calculation of correction values as in the fourth embodiment , and the correction matrix m1 is set in the color correction unit 6 . subsequently , standard image data y 4 , cr 4 and cb 4 are output from the look - up table 507 , and are compressed by the image compression unit 7 via terminals b of the selector 504 . the compressed data are transmitted to the image expansion unit 13 via terminals b of the selector 502 , and expanded data are input to the color correction unit 15 via terminals a of the selector 503 . the data passes through the color correction unit 15 without modification in accordance with an instruction from the cpu , are subjected to color conversion by the color conversion unit 16 , and are output as a visual image on a recording medium by the image output unit 17 . the formed image is read by the image input unit 3 , is subjected to color conversion by the color conversion unit 4 , and is subjected to color correction in accordance with the color correction matrix m1 by the color correction unit 6 . terminals b of the selector 505 are selected , and color - corrected data y 7 , cr 7 and cb 7 are input to the color correction value calculation unit 506 . the standard image data y . sub . 4 , cr 4 and cb 4 are input to the color correction value calculation unit 506 via terminals a of the selector 504 . the color correction matrix m2 is calculated in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment , and is set in the color correction unit 15 . terminals a are selected for all the selectors 502 , 503 and 505 . as described above , according to the present embodiment , since the compression unit and the expansion unit can be shared in calibration , the configuration of circuitry is simplified . the look - up table and the color correction value calculation unit can also be shared . furthermore , a colorimeter may not be used . although , in the foregoing embodiments , obtained color signals are converted into color signals y , cr and cb suitable for color image compression by the color conversion unit 4 , the color signals are not limited to y , cr and cb signals . for example , y , u and v signals ( more suitable for linear transformation than r , g and b signals ) may be used , or other color values , such as y , i and q signals , l , a and b * signals , or the like , may also be used . while 3 × 3 primary matrix calculation as shown in expressions ( 2 ) and ( 3 ) is performed in the color correction unit 6 and 15 , respectively , the method of calculation is not limited thereto , but matrix calculation including secondary terms ( nonlinear color correction calculation ) may be performed in accordance with the capacity of the memory , calculation speed , conversion accuracy or the like . while the adct method is used for performing compression encoding and expansion decoding of an image in the image compression unit 7 and the image expansion unit 13 , the method to be used is not limited thereto , but any other method , such as dpcm ( differential pulse code modulation ), vector quantization or the like , may also be used . furthermore , the image input unit is not limited to a scanner which uses a ccd sensor , but a host computer , a vcr ( video cassette recorder ), a still - picture video camera or the like may also be used . as described above , according to the present invention , color reproducibility in color image communication can be improved . while the present invention has been described with respect to what are presently considered to be the preferred embodiments , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments . the present invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims .	7
fig1 shows a block diagram of the preferred embodiment of the present invention . the high - power factor switching - type battery charger supply consists of a conventional pulse width modulation circuit 16 which operates in conjunction with several novel circuits . the circuit is designed to operate from a standard 120 v 60 - cycle ac input . the 120 v input signal is connected to a full wave rectifier circuit 10 and a transformer 32 . the full wave rectifier circuit 10 provides power for the switching transistor output device 14 , and the transformer 32 provides stepped down voltage to generate the sinusoidal voltage reference and power to the remainder of the devices used in this circuit . the output of the full wave bridge circuit 10 is connected to a capacitor 11 , an inductor 12 and a capacitor 13 which provide filtering to the output of the full wave bridge circuit 10 which prevents radio frequency signals generated by the switching circuit from entering the ac source line . the filtered output of the full wave bridge circuit 10 is then connected to the collector of a switching transistor 14 . the base of transistor 14 is controlled by the pulse width modulation circuit 16 which will be discussed in more detail later . the pulse width modulated output of transistor 14 is then connected to a resistor 15 and an inductor 18 . inductor 18 acts as an energy storage device which provides a continuous charging current flow to the battery 20 during the &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; cycles of transistor 14 . resistor 15 provides a means of generating a signal related to output current flow for controlling a feedback amplifier 21 responsive to the level of the output charging current . a freewheeling diode 17 is connected between the negative terminal of battery 20 and the junction of resistor 15 and inductor 18 . the diode 17 provides protection from inductive impulses created by the overall switching circuit and the load . resistor 15 is connected to an amplifier 21 as illustrated which amplifier generates a voltage related to the current level at the output of the charging supply . the output of amplifier 21 is connected to an input of amplifiers 24 and 23 , as shown . amplifier 24 has a second input which is connected to a variable resistor 31 which provides a rectified sinusoidal voltage reference for the amplifier 24 . the transformer 32 has an output terminal connected to a diode 33 . the transformer 32 has a center tap on the output side which is connected to chassis ground . the transformer 32 also has another output terminal connected to a diode 36 . transformer 32 is designed to convert the 120 v input waveform to a 12 v level . diodes 33 and 36 provide a full wave rectified sinusoidal waveform which is then applied to a photosensitive resistor 28 . the photosensitive resistor 28 is then applied through variable resistor 31 to chassis ground . the output of amplifier 21 is also connected to an input of amplifier 23 . a second input of amplifier 23 is connected to a variable resistor 22 . resistor 22 is connected to a circuit 19 which generates a reference voltage related to battery cell voltage and temperature , and this will be discussed in more detail later . the output of amplifier 23 is connected to a resistor 29 and capacitor 30 . the capacitor 30 and resistor 29 form a low pass filter which removes high frequency information from the output of amplifier 23 and have the effect of slowing the response time of this feedback loop . resistor 29 and capacitor 30 are connected to a light emitting diode 27 which has its remote terminal connected to ground . the photosensitive resistor 28 is responsive to the output of the light emitting diode 27 and has the effect of controlling the amplitude of the positive - going sinusoidal voltage reference developed across resistor 31 . the light emitting diode 27 and resistor 28 comprise a device known as an opto - isolator 26 ( shown in dotted line ) and may be of the type vph101 available from vactrol . the pulse width modulation circuit 16 creates a variable pulse - width signal which is responsive to the voltage output of amplifier 24 . a rising voltage at the output of the amplifier 24 has effect of increasing the pulse width at the base of transistor 14 . in operation , the transistor 14 is switched on or off by the pulse - width modulation circuit 16 . the pulse - width modulation circuit 16 generates a pulse width in response to the constantly changing ac voltage reference , as well as the current demands of the load . the operating frequency of the pulse - width modulation circuit is approximately 10 khz and is many times the frequency of the ac input to the circuit . therefore , at the beginning of the ac cycle , the pulse - width modulation circuit 16 will generate a relatively long duty cycle , and as the ac voltage increases , the duty cycle is shortened . this characteristic has the effect of keeping the current and voltage at the input to the circuit nearly in phase . as the ac input voltage to the circuit rises , more current is available to the switching transistor and , therefore , less &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; time is required by the switching transistor to keep the power to the load constant . the rectified sinusoidal voltage reference is responsive to the amount of current being delivered by charging circuit to the load . as the battery voltage increases , the current to the light emitting diode 27 is decreased , and the decreased light output causes the resistance of the photosensitive resistor 28 to increase which , in turn , lowers the amplitude of the voltage reference across resistance 31 . the lower amplitude of this voltage reference results in a shorter &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; time for the switching transistor 14 , thereby reducing the power delivered to the load . fig2 is a graph depicting the relationship between one - half cycle of the 120 volt ac input waveform and the output of the pulse - width modulation circuit 16 . this graph demonstrates a possible waveform which would be generated if the switching - type charging circuit 16 was configured to charge a 48 volt battery . during the initial phase of the ac input waveform , the input voltage of the charging circuit 16 starts at ov and begins to rise . the switching transistor 14 remains on until the input voltage reaches approximately 48 v and then switches off for a short time . the transistor then switches on and off with the &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; time of the transistor becoming shorter until the ac waveform reaches its maximum voltage . as the ac voltage begins decreasing , the &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; time of the transistor 14 becomes increasingly long until the ac voltage again reaches 48 volts . the switching transistor 14 will then remain on until the ac voltage again rises above 48 volts . the pulse - width modulation circuit 16 operates at approximately 10 khz , and this provides a minimum &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; or &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; time of approximately 10 microseconds . the actual combination of &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; or &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; cycles will depend on the output current of the charging circuit and the temperature of the battery . fluctuations in the peak voltage of the ac input line will also be compensated by the pulse - width modulation circuit 16 . fig3 shows an electrical schematic of the high - power factor switching - type charging circuit supply . in addition to the components previously described in fig1 the low voltage power supply , the pulse - width modulation circuit 16 and the dc voltage reference circuit 19 are shown in greater detail . the low voltage power supply comprises a diode 34 which is connected to diodes 33 and 36 . the second terminal of diode 34 is connected to a terminal a and to a capacitor 38 . the second terminal of capacitor 38 is connected to chassis ground . terminal a provides a positive voltage of approximately 10 volts and is used to provide the positive voltage to the various amplifiers and circuits used in the dual feedback loop system . some of these circuits also require a negative voltage which is provided by a diode 37 and capacitor 39 . the negative voltage is developed at terminal b which is then connected to the amplifiers which require a negative voltage . the pulse - width modulation circuit 16 comprises a ramp generator formed by unijunction transistors 41 and 42 , a comparator 43 and a drive circuit formed by transistors 46 , 47 , 50 and 51 . in operation , the capacitor 40 begins to charge at a constant rate with a current supplied by the current source formed by the unijunction transistor 41 and resistor 60 . the capacitor voltage rises linearly until the capacitor voltage reaches the turn - on threshold of unijunction transistor 42 . when transistor 42 switches to a conducting state , current flows through the base of transistor 42 until capacitor 40 is completely discharged . the cycle then repeats continuously , thereby creating a ramp or saw - tooth waveform . the output of the ramp generator circuit is then connected to comparator 43 . the comparator is a standard operational amplifier circuit which operates without feedback . the capacitor 44 provides compensation for the operational amplifier circuit . the amplifier 24 is connected to a second input terminal of comparator 43 . the comparator 43 will have an output which is either high or lower depending on the relative output voltage of the ramp generator and the output voltage of amplifier 24 . the output signal created by comparator will then be a square wave of variable duty cycle responsive to the sinusoidal voltage reference and the output current requirement of the charging circuit . the output of comparator 43 is then coupled to transistors 46 and 47 through a resistor 45 . the emitters of transistors 46 and 47 are coupled to the bases of transistors 50 and 51 through resistor 48 . the emitters of transistors 50 and 51 are coupled to the switching transistor 14 through resistor 52 . the transistors 46 , 47 , 50 and 51 are of the general switching class of transistors and are designed to increase the output current of comparator 43 to a level required by switching transistor 14 . the terminals a and b provide power to the comparator and the associated output transistors . the comparator 43 can be of the type lm318 available from several manufacturers and the output transistors can be of the general class of switching transistors . the amplifier 23 generates a signal which is related to the output current of the regulator , as well as the temperature and voltage of the battery under charge . the amplifier 23 is connected to the output of amplifier 21 which is a signal related to the output current of the charging circuit . the amplifier 23 also has an input connected to a variable resistor 22 which in turn is connected to a dc voltage reference circuit 19 . the dc voltage reference circuit 19 generates a reference voltage which is related to the battery voltage and temperature . the battery under charge is coupled to a temperature sensitive resistor 55 which is in physical contact with the battery . the battery is also connected to a resistor 64 . the temperature sensitive resistor 55 is coupled to a resistor 56 which in turn is coupled to a resistor 57 . the second terminal of resistor 57 is coupled to the negative terminal of the battery 20 . the resistors 55 , 56 and 57 comprise a resistive divider network and provide a reduced voltage which is compatible with the input of amplifier 62 . the junction of resistors 56 and 57 provide an input to amplifier 62 . this junction is also connected to a resistor 63 . the resistor 63 is also connected to the output of amplifier 62 which provides a feedback path to control the gain of amplifier 62 . the second input terminal of amplifier 62 is connected to a resistor 58 and a zener diode 60 . the resistor 58 also has a terminal connected to the low voltage power supply a . resistor 58 and diode 60 provide a fixed voltage reference for amplifier 62 . the amplifier 62 is connected to a zener diode 65 and a resistor 64 . the zener diode also has a connection to the negative terminal of the battery 20 . these components provide a power source for amplifier 62 which is independent of the actual battery voltage . the output of amplifier 62 is coupled to a resistor 66 . the resistor 66 is then coupled to an opto - isolator 69 . the opto - isolator 69 is identical to opto - isolator 26 . the output of amplifier 62 controls the intensity of light - emitting diode 67 which in turn controls the resistance of the photo - sensitive resistor 68 . the photo - sensitive resistor is coupled to the positive low voltage power source a . the opto - isolator is required to isolate the operating potential of the dc voltage reference circuit from the lower operating potential of amplifier 23 . thus the charging voltage of battery 20 is converted to a level compatible with the voltage regulator loop . through this loop , the temperature and voltage of battery 20 control the amplitude of the sinusoidal voltage reference , which in turn , scales the output current of the charging circuit . the foregoing embodiment has been intended as an illustration of the principles of the present invention . accordingly , other modifications , uses and embodiments will be apparent to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the principles of the present invention .	8
fig1 illustrates a service tee 10 typical of the type of service tee on which the invention is designed to operate . the service tee 10 comprises a hollow steel body 12 for connection to a steel gas main 2 , having a threaded interior wall 12a engaging a solid perforator 14 and a service outlet 16 projecting from the body 12 for connection to the service line 4 , which may be a plastic or steel pipe . an example of such a service tee is the autoperf ( trademark ) service tee manufactured by mueller co . in the united states . the service tee 10 is installed by welding a fixed end 10a of the service tee 10 to the main 2 so that the body 12 is generally perpendicular to the main 2 , and connecting the service line 4 to the service outlet 16 . the perforator 14 has a threaded exterior surface 14a complimentary to the threaded interior wall 12a of the body 12 , and a cutting tip 14b for piercing the main 2 . the perforator 14 is threaded into the body 12 through an opening 18 at the free end 10b of the service tee 10 , and rotated clockwise within the body 12 by a ratchet wrench having a hexagonal bit ( not shown ) engaging a hexagonal socket 15 in the top of the perforator 14 . the perforator thus recedes into the body 12 until the cutting tip 14b pierces the wall of the main 2 , removing a small disc - shaped section of the main wall ( the &# 34 ; coupon &# 34 ;) and leaving a hole 3 . the perforator 14 is then rotated in the other direction and retracted to the free end 10b of the body 12 , as shown in fig1 to admit gas through the body 12 and into the service outlet 16 , at the same time partially plugging the free end 10b to resist the escape of gas during the connection procedure . a steel cap 20 is screwed over the free end 10b of the tee body 12 to permanently seal the service tee 10 . fig2 and 3 illustrate a tool 30 according to the invention . the tool 30 comprises a head 40 affixed to a tubular shaft 80 which in the preferred embodiment also serves as a handle for the tool 30 . the head 40 is inserted into the excavation and engaged about the free end 10b of the service tee 10 to plug the service connection as described in detail below , and thus prepare the service tee 10 for removal by a suitable cutting tool . the head 40 comprises a housing 42 having a working face 44 preferably formed integrally with a side wall 46 and bolted to a housing plate 48 with an o - ring 50 therebetween to create a gas - tight chamber within the head 40 . the working face 44 is provided with an opening 52 in generally concentric alignment with the shaft 80 , having a tee adapter 54 with a threaded opening 56 complimentary to the threading 10c about the open end 10b of the service tee 10 , for engaging the head 40 to the free end 10b of the service tee 10 . the tee adapter 54 preferably has a frustoconical entrance 58 surrounding the opening 56 , which serves as a locator to guide the free end 10b of the service tee 10 into the opening 46 as the tool 30 is lowered to be engaged to the service tee 10 . in the preferred embodiment the tee adapter 54 is bolted to the housing 42 and can be removed and replaced with a tee adapter 54 having a different pitch or size of threading , or a different sized opening 56 , to accommodate service tees 10 of varying dimensions . it will be appreciated that the tool 30 could be adapted for a specific type or size of service tee 10 , in which case the tee adapter 44 could be welded or otherwise permanently affixed to , or formed integrally with , the housing 32 . contained within the head 40 is an adapter plate 60 , shown in fig7 which is mounted on the shaft 62 of a pneumatic motor 64 bolted to the housing plate 48 . the free end of the shaft 62 is rotatably lodged in a bearing 63 for stability . the adapter plate 60 is thus pivotable within the housing 42 upon actuation of the motor 64 , so that in each working position of the adapter plate 60 one of three openings 66 , 68 , 70 comes into alignment with the opening 56 in the tee adapter 54 ( and thus into alignment with the shaft 80 of the tool 30 ), depending upon the position set by the operator . preferably a guide pin 72 extends through a slot 74 in the adapter plate 60 to restrict the range of motion of the adapter plate 60 , providing a stopping point at each of the outer working positions . it is advantageous bias the adapter plate 60 to the central position so that it will automatically return to this position when the motor 64 is disengaged , since the motor 64 itself does not have any means for locking into the three working positions of the adaptor plate . the motor 64 thus has three possible positions : the clockwise and counterclockwise limits , as determined by the ends of the slot 74 , and the center position when the motor 64 is inactivate . in the embodiment shown the adaptor plate 60 is biased to the center position by a pair of spring biased plates 61 , but this can be accomplished by any conventional means . the adapter plate 60 is thus moved to the appropriate working position to perform each step in the method of plugging the service connection : 1 ) removing the perforator 14 ; 2 ) milling a seat for the sealing plug 180 ; and 3 ) inserting the sealing plug 180 . to each opening 66 , 68 , 70 is respectively affixed an adapter 110 , 150 or 170 , described in detail below , configured to perform each respective step of the method . as in the case of the tee adapter 54 , the adapters 110 , 150 and 170 may be detachable to accommodate service tees 10 of different types or sizes , or may be permanently affixed to or formed integrally with the adapter plate 60 in the case of a tool 30 designed for a specific type or size of service tee 10 . the shaft 80 comprises a section 82 housing the hexagonal driver bit 90 , bolted to the housing plate 48 and to a gear box 84 containing a high torque gear train 86 driven by a pneumatic gear motor 88 . the gear train 86 rotates the driver bit 90 through a conventional ball spline 92 fixed rotationally to a spur gear 86a , and movable axially within the shaft 80 by a linear pneumatic thrust actuator 94 which may be a conventional pneumatic cylinder . the actuator 94 is anchored to a second section 96 of the shaft 80 by bolts 98 threaded into an anchoring member 98a , which preferably provides a gasket 98b to seal the shaft 80 and confine the gas pressure to the region of the shaft 80 beneath the actuator 94 . the open end of the shaft 80 may be capped by a capping member 80a , which is preferably removable so that an extension tube ( not shown ) may be inserted into the open end of the shaft 80 for deep excavations . the driver bit 90 can be rotated in either direction at high torque levels by the motor 88 through hear train 86 , and can be driven through the opening 56 in the tee adapter 54 into the service tee body 12 and retracted back into the shaft 80 by the actuator 94 . the driver bit 90 is used to drive accessories for all three steps of the method of the invention , the hexagonal tip 90b being sized to fit the hexagonal socket 14c in the perforator 14 . a spring - biased ball 90a disposed at the working end of the driver bit 90 detachably retains the engagement between the driver bit 90 and each accessory . the driver bit 90 is preferably fixed to the ball spline 92 by a pair of universal joints 100 , 102 , as illustrated in fig6 . this provides the driver bit 90 with lateral and angular freedom of motion , to compensate for any potential misalignment of the driver bit 90 with the perforator 14 or other accessories . the perforator adapter 110 is illustrated in fig8 and 9 . the perforator adapter 110 comprises a hollow shaft 114 , shown in fig8 having a central bore 116 through which the driver bit 90 can extend to engage the perforator 14 , and a securing flange 118 . the bore 116 is dimensioned so as to receive the exterior threaded surface 14a of the perforator . the bore 116 has a threaded interior portion 117 for engaging the threaded exterior surface 14a of the perforator 14 . in the preferred embodiment most of the circumference of the bore 116 is smooth - walled , the threaded portion 117 being limited to a narrow column of threads , as shown at the bottom of the opening in fig8 and 9 . this ensures that the perforator 14 will thread into the bore 116 even if the bore 116 does not engage the perforator 14 in perfect alignment ( if the entire circumference of the bore 116 were threaded , a slight misalignment might cause the perforator 14 to seize in the bore 116 before being fully threaded into the shaft 114 ). in the preferred embodiment the entrance to the bore 116 is chamfered , as at 119 , to guide the perforator 14 into the bore 116 . the perforator adapter 110 is mounted to a spacer 120 having a central opening 122 in alignment with the shaft 114 . the adapter 110 is preferably mounted to the spacer 120 in loose fitting engagement , as by shoulder screws 124 slidably engaged through the securing flange 118 and into the spacer 120 . springs 126 urge the adapter 110 to the outer limit of the screws 124 , and the conical shape of the heads of screws 124 keep the adapter 110 generally centered relative to the spacer 120 while allowing the adapter 110 some freedom of motion radially relative to the spacer 120 . the spacer 120 is bolted directly to the adapter plate 60 . this arrangement helps to avoid misalignment , in that the perforator adapter 110 can shift off - centre to compensate for any misalignment between the perforator adapter 110 and the perforator 14 . the flange 118 is thus provided with recesses 128 larger than the bolts 130 which affix the spacer 120 to the adapter plate 60 , so that the bolts 130 do not interfere with the shifting motion of the perforator adapter 110 . in the embodiment shown the perforator adapter 110 is secured to the outer opening 66 in the adapter plate 60 , and provision is made about the opening 66 to accommodate the ends of the screws 124 . the milling bit 140 and milling bit adapter 150 are illustrated in fig1 and 11 . the milling bit 140 comprises a shaft 142 having a hexagonal socket 144 sized for the tip 90b of the driver bit 90 ( ie . the same size as the socket 15 in the perforator 14 ), and a carbide or other suitable cutting tip 146 configured to mill a smooth frustoconical seat in the wall of the main 2 . the milling bit 140 has a stop surface 148 that determines the depth of the seat cut into the wall of the main 2 , as described below . the milling bit 140 is removably housed in the milling bit adapter 150 . the adapter 150 comprises a body 152 with a bore 154 sized to receive the milling bit 140 in slip - fit relation , and a mouth 156 having an opening 158 through which the milling bit 140 is inserted into and extracted from the bore 154 . the mouth 158 is provided with means for removably retaining the milling bit 140 in the bore 154 , in the preferred embodiment comprising a resilient washer or membrane 160 with slots 162 , which forms a partial shroud over the opening 158 to prevent the milling bit 140 from falling out of the bore 154 . the resilient membrane 160 is thus sufficiently rigid to retain the milling bit 140 under its own weight but sufficiently flexible to allow the milling bit 140 to traverse the opening 158 upon the application of pressure , for example manual pressure when the milling bit 140 is loaded into the milling bit adapter 150 or the pressure of the actuator 94 forcing the milling bit 140 out of the adapter 150 during the milling step of the process . in the embodiment shown the milling bit adapter 150 is secured to the central opening 68 in the adapter plate 60 . the sealing plug adapter 170 and sealing plug 180 are illustrated in fig1 to 14 . the sealing plug adapter 170 comprises a body 172 projecting from a flange 176 for securing the adapter 170 to the adapter plate 60 . the body 172 has a threaded central bore 174 that engages the sealing plug 180 , which has a threaded exterior body 182 complimentary to the threaded interior 12a of the tee body 12 . the sealing plug 180 , shown in fig1 , is provided with a tip 184 which may be conical to facilitate insertion of the plug 180 into the hole 3 . the tip 184 is provided with a groove 186 for retaining a sealing gasket 188 such as an o - ring , which will seal against the frustoconical seat milled by the milling bit 140 in the wall of the main 2 . the plug 180 is provided with a hexagonal socket 190 sized to fit the hexagonal tip 90b of the driver bit 90 . in the embodiment shown the sealing plug adapter 170 is secured to the outer opening 70 in the adapter plate 60 . to prepare for use of the tool 30 of the invention , the ground above the service tee 10 to be removed is excavated by conventional means . for a &# 34 ; keyhole &# 34 ; excavation this typically involves cutting through any surface structure such as a road or sidewalk using a shell cutter or the like , and removing the &# 34 ; cookie &# 34 ;. a vacuum apparatus is used to suck away the earth over the main 2 . the steel cap 20 is removed from the service tee 10 using a suitable gripping tool ( not shown ), which may be a pipe wrench or a hydraulically actuated gripper mechanism on a handle , which grips the cap 20 and unscrews it from the body 12 of the service tee 10 . the particular means and manner of excavating the site and removing the steel cap 20 from the service tee 10 is a matter of selection out of a number of conventional alternatives and does not form part of the present invention . to prepare the tool 30 for use , if necessary the tee adaptor 54 is detached , adapters 110 , 150 and 170 appropriate for the size of the service tee 10 being removed are bolted to the adapter plate 60 through the opening 52 in the working face 44 of the housing 42 , and a tee adaptor 54 of the appropriate size is affixed over the opening 52 . with the housing 42 assembled and sealed , the operator manually pivots the adapter plate 60 ( using a tool or by hand through the opening 52 ) into the third working position , so that the opening 70 comes into alignment with the opening 52 , and loads a sealing plug 180 into the sealing plug adapter 170 by manually screwing the sealing plug 180 into the bore 174 . the operator releases the adapter plate 60 and the adapter plate returns to the second working position , with the central opening 68 in alignment with the opening 52 in the working face 44 of the housing 42 . the operator loads the milling bit 140 into the milling bit adapter 150 by pushing the milling bit 140 through the membrane 160 until the milling bit 140 is fully inserted into the bore 158 . the membrane 160 retains the milling bit 140 in the bore until the milling step of the pin - off procedure . the tool 30 is now ready for use . in the operation of the tool 30 of the invention , with the steel cap 20 removed the head 40 of the tool 30 is lowered into the excavation , the tee adapter 54 is generally aligned with the free end 10b of the service tee and the frustoconical entrance 58 helps to locate the service tee 10 and guide the head 40 so that the opening 56 comes into alignment with the tee body 12 . the operator rotates the entire tool 30 in a clockwise direction ( or as appropriate for the threading on any particular service tee 10 ) to engage the free end 10b of the service tee 10 to the opening 56 in the tee adapter 54 , thus sealing the head 40 to the service tee 10 . the operator attaches pneumatic hoses 38 from connections provided at a conventional control panel ( not shown ) provided with shutoff valves and reversing switches for the pneumatic motors 64 , 88 and actuator 94 , and starts the air compressor ( not shown ). the operator actuates the motor 64 to pivot the adapter plate 60 to the first working position , with the opening 66 and perforator adapter 110 aligned with the tee body 12 , actuates the driver bit motor 88 in the counterclockwise direction and actuates the linear actuator 94 to extend the driver bit 90 through the adapter 110 and toward the perforator 14 until the hexagonal tip 90b contacts the top of the perforator 14 . when the tip 90b is aligned with the socket 15 in the perforator 14 it engages the perforator 14 . the operator determines this by the increase in resistance on the driver bit 90 , and releases the actuator 94 so that the counterclockwise rotary motion drives the threaded perforator 14 out of the body 12 of the service tee 10 . as the perforator 14 is extracted from the tee body 12 the threaded exterior 14a of the perforator engages the threaded portion 117 of the bore 116 in the perforator adapter 110 and the continued rotation of the driver bit 90 threads the perforator 14 into the perforator holder 120 . as a further means of avoiding misalignment problems , in the preferred embodiment the distance of the perforator adapter 110 from the free end 10b of the service tee 10 is such that the perforator 14 engages the perforator adapter 110 just as it disengages from the tee body 12 . when the threaded portion 14a of the perforator 14 has fully receded into the enlarged section 115 of the bore 116 , the driver bit 90 spins freely . the operator allows a preset time for this step , based on the number of revolutions required to engage the perforator 14 within the enlarged section 115 of the bore 116 and the rotational speed of the motor 88 , and then stops the driver bit motor 88 and actuates the actuator 94 in reverse to disengage the hexagonal tip 90b from the socket 15 and fully retract the driver bit 90 into the tool 30 . the operator disengages the motor 64 and the adapter plate 60 returns to the second ( central ) working position ( as shown in fig2 ), with the opening 68 and milling bit adapter 150 in alignment with the opening 56 in the working face 44 of the housing 40 . the operator actuates the driver bit motor 88 in the clockwise direction ( or as suitable for the milling bit 140 used ) and activates the linear actuator 94 . as the driver bit 90 extends toward and contacts the milling bit 140 the hexagonal tip 90b engages the socket 144 and simultaneously rotates the milling bit 140 while driving it through the tee adapter 54 and the tee body 12 into the hole 3 cut by the perforator 14 in the main 2 when the service tee 10 was installed . the milling bit 140 cuts a smooth seat in the wall of the main 2 about the hole 3 until the stop surface 148 contacts the wall of the main 2 . after a selected time interval sufficient to complete the milling step of the procedure , the operator stops the driver bit motor 88 and actuate the actuator 94 in reverse to retract the driver bit 90 fully into the tool 30 . the milling bit 140 is retained on the driver bit 90 by the ball 90a until the milling bit 140 has been retracted fully into the bore 154 , at which point the driver bit 90 dislodges from the milling bit 140 . the operator actuates the motor 64 to pivot the adapter plate 60 to the third working position , with the opening 70 and sealing plug adapter 170 in alignment with the opening 56 in the working face 44 of the housing 40 . the operator actuates the driver bit motor 88 clockwise and the linear actuator 94 in the forward direction , and as the driver bit 90 extends toward and contacts the sealing plug 180 the hexagonal tip 90b engages the socket 190 and drives the sealing plug 180 out of the sealing plug adapter 170 and into the tee body 12 . as the sealing plug 180 reaches the main 2 the tip 184 of the plug 180 is driven into the hole 3 in the main and the gasket 188 is compressed between the sealing plug 180 and the seat cut by the milling bit 140 . when the stop surface 185 contacts the wall of the main the driver bit 90 stops rotating , signalling the operator to deactivate the driver motor 88 and retract the driver bit 90 back into the tool 30 . in the preferred embodiment the head 40 of the tool 30 is provided with a pressure relief opening 41 coupled to a pressure gauge and relief valve on the control panel ( not shown ). once the sealing operation is completed as described above , the operator opens the relief valve to relieve the gas pressure within the head 40 . leaving the head 40 engaged to the service tee 10 , the operator can test the seal by closing the relief valve and monitoring the pressure gauge to see if the pressure within the head 40 begins to rise . if the pressure in the head 40 remains stable , then the sealing procedure was successful . the service tee 10 can be cut off below the service outlet 16 by any suitable cutting tool , for example a rotary pneumatic saw ( not shown ) on an extension handle , which may have gripping means for gripping the service tee 10 to stabilize the saw during the cutting procedure and a manually or mechanically operated blade actuator for driving the saw blade through the tee body 12 . the cut portion of the service tee 10 is removed , and the pin - off may be covered by mastic to resist corrosion . the excavation is backfilled and any surface structure replaced or repaired to complete the pin - off procedure . the particular means and manner of cutting the service tee 10 and backfilling the excavation is a matter of selection out of a number of conventional alternatives and does not form part of the present invention . a preferred embodiment of the invention having been thus described by way of example only , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications and adaptations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention , as set out in the appended claims .	8
before describing embodiments of the present invention , a conventional method is explained with reference to the drawings . fig1 is a block circuit diagram formed by using logic blocks and designed by using a conventional method . in fig1 in1 through in4 designate input terminals , out1 and out2 designate output terminals , mc ( a ) and mc ( b ) are logic blocks , and g1 is an and gate . in a block circuit diagram of fig1 logic blocks mc ( a ) and mc ( b ) have the structures shown in fig2 a and 2b , respectively . as illustrated in fig2 a , the logic block mc ( a ) consists of , for example , three nand gates g2 , g3 and g4 , and two and gates g5 and g6 . reference codes i1 and i2 are input terminals of the logic block , and o1 and o2 are output terminals of the logic block . as illustrated in fig2 b , the logic block mc ( b ) of fig1 consists of an inverting gate g7 , a nand gate g8 , and an and gate g9 . in fig2 b , i3 and i4 designate input terminals of the logic block , and o3 designates an output terminal of the logic block , in a manner similar to fig2 a . by defining the logic blocks as illustrated in fig2 a and 2b , it is possible for customers to design logic circuits as block circuits like that shown in fig1 when many kinds of gate array lsi &# 39 ; s and so on , are designed . it is therefore not necessary to develop a circuit diagram of the basic logic block level , thus simplifying the design work and preventing errors in the design work . the logic blocks may be used not only when many kinds of lsi &# 39 ; s are designed but also when an lsi has a circuit design which comprises a plurality of partially common circuit portions . each common part of the partially common circuit portions is designed by using a logic block , thereby simplifying the design work in a manner similar to the above case . embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings . fig3 is an example of a block circuit diagram used when one embodiment of the method of the present invention is carried out . in fig3 in1 through in4 designate input terminals , out1 and out2 are output terminals , g1 is an and gate , and mc ( c ) is a logic block . in the block circuit diagram of fig3 the same two logic blocks mc ( c ) are used in the circuit diagram . the logic block mc ( c ) has the structure shown in fig4 which is the same as that shown in fig2 a . the logic circuit represented by the block circuit diagram of fig3 is thus quite similar to the logic circuit represented by the block circuit diagram of fig1 . however , it should be noted that , in the block circuit diagram of fig3 the logic circuit is represented by using one kind of logic block mc ( c ). in the block circuit diagram of fig3 only one of the output terminals o1 is used ; the other output terminal o2 is not used in the macro cell mc ( c ) connected to input terminals in3 and in4 . in the method according to the present invention , the gate g6 , connected to unused output terminal o2 , is deleted , and , gate g4 , whose output terminal becomes open by the deletion of gate g6 , is deleted . the present invention makes it possible to partially utilize each logic block by incorporating the deletion of unused basic logic blocks and unused wirings into the da process . fig5 is a processing sequence for the case in which an embodiment of the method of the present invention is implemented . as shown in fig5 the block circuit diagram made in the above - mentioned manner and the circuit diagrams showing the structures of the logic blocks are read in by means of , for example , an optical scanner , the contents of these circuit diagrams are converted to digital codes by a digitizer , and these codes are stored on a magnetic tape . at the preprocessing stage , logic information is extracted from the digital codes stored on the magnetic tape . the logic information includes , for example , information on the kinds of basic logic blocks and the kinds of logic blocks included in the circuit diagram , as well as wiring information on terminal connections in each of the basic logic blocks and the logic blocks . it should be noted that it is possible to input logic information into a computer system directly from a keyboard in a special - purpose computer language . next , the logic information is developed into lower order circuit information , i . e ., information having the lower hierarchy . the logic information is in this way converted into circuit information for the basic logic blocks . that is , the logic information for each of the logic blocks is replaced by circuit information having the basic logic block level , thereby representing all the logic circuits with basic logic blocks . circuit information for the unused basic logic blocks and wirings is then deleted sequentially from the output terminal side back to the input terminal side . that is , basic logic blocks whose output terminals are not connected to any other circuit are detected and deleted from participating in a da process . other unused basic logic blocks whose output terminals are not connected to any other circuit as a result of this deletion are also deleted . unused basic logic blocks are sequentially deleted in a similar manner . that is , the unused basic logic blocks and the unused terminals are deleted from the logic circuit before it is developed into an actual pattern . in this way , only circuit information for basic logic blocks actually used is obtained . if necessary , a detailed circuit diagram , i . e ., a diagram of the total circuit structure , including only basic logic blocks actually used , is shown on a display device and stored on a magnetic tape . then allocation of each basic logic block in the detailed circuit diagram to the basic cell elements on a gate array lsi chip , i . e ., the disposition of each basic logic block , is then determined , and wirings to connect the basic cell elements are determined from the detailed circuit diagram information obtained by the above - mentioned process . mask data for making mask patterns is generated and stored on a magnetic tape based on the information on the disposition and the wirings of these basic logic blocks . a mask pattern generating apparatus uses the mask data recorded on the magnetic tape to make practical mask patterns , in a known manner . fig6 is another example of a block circuit diagram designed using logic blocks . the block circuit diagram includes two logic blocks lb1 and lb2 which construct a six stage shift register . each of the logic blocks lb1 and lb2 is a four stage shift register and comprises four d - type flip - flops comprising basic logic blocks cm1 , and cm2 , cm3 and cm4 , and two inverters comprising basic logic blocks cm5 and cm6 . after the aforementioned preprocessing stage in the process of fig5 the logic information for the circuits shown in fig6 and 7 are obtained . fig8 is a block circuit which is obtained after hierarchical development is effected by using the logic information for the circuits of fig6 and 7 . in fig8 each reference symbol includes information for a logic block and a basic logic block . for example , a reference symbol cm1 ( lb1 ) means the basic logic block cm1 of the logic block lb1 . fig9 is a block circuit obtained after unused basic logic blocks and unused wirings are deleted . for example , the basic logic blocks cm3 ( lb2 ), cm4 ( lb2 ), and cm6 ( lb2 ), and wirings connecting the output of the basic logic block cm6 ( lb2 ) to the clock inputs of the basic logic blocks cm3 ( lb2 ) and cm4 ( lb2 ), and so on are deleted . mask patterns are therefore formed by using the circuit information corresponding to the circuit of fig9 . fig1 a and 10b are other examples of logic blocks to which the method according to the present invention is adaptable . the logic block of fig1 a comprises four nand gates and has the same circuit structure as that of a standard 7400 type quad two input nand gate ic device . according to the present invention , it is possible to include standard ic devices , such as 74 series ic devices , in a logic block family . the logic block of fig1 b is a stack cell which is used to output a predetermined logical level signal , such a low level signal . the stack cell of fig1 b can be included in the logic block of fig1 a . it should be noted that , according to the present invention , if the stack cell and / or some nand gates are not actually used in a block circuit diagram designed by a customer , for example , they are automatically deleted . therefore , unused logic blocks are not allocated in a chip of a gate array lsi . as mentioned above , according to the present invention , it is possible to generate a block circuit diagram for making mask patterns by using logic blocks , and to partially use each logic block , so as to enable a great decrease in the kind of logic blocks employed . the capacity of the memory device for registering libraries of logic blocks can in this way be decreased , and the execution time required for computation in the design automation process can be decreased . according to the present invention , it is also possible to greatly simplify the manual work required to register the libraries of the logic blocks in a computer and to thereby prevent the generation of defective lsi and the deterioration in reliability caused by manual operation .	7
in its simplest form , the apparatus for dismantling buildings of this invention is comprised of a heavy inverted u - shaped tool 10 , preferably formed of cast steel , of a suitable size , for example wherein the overall height or length of the tool is 9 &# 39 ; 7 &# 34 ; having an aperture 11 positioned about 12 &# 34 ; inwardly of its upper end 12 and an elongated slot 13 about 16 &# 34 ; wide and of a length about 6 &# 39 ; 7 &# 34 ; defining the bifurcated portion of the heavy inverted u - shaped tool 10 . the bifurcated portions form arms 14 and 15 , each of which is about 18 &# 34 ; wide . the heavy inverted u - shaped tool 10 has a thickness at least 4 &# 34 ; and may be thickened at its uppermost end around and about the aperture 11 therein if desired . the approximate weight of the above - described heavy inverted u - shaped tool 10 is about 9500 lbs . which will obviously vary when larger or smaller tools are provided for use in dismantling buildings or the like . the tool 10 , as illustrated in fig1 , 4 and 5 is attached at its uppermost end to a first cable 16 which is trained over a pulley 17 on the upper outer end of a boom 18 of a crane 19 , which is rotatably mounted on a support frame 20 along with movable continuous ground engaging interconnected treads 21 . the first cable 16 is controlled by a first winch 22 in the crane 19 . the winch is of a type that is free running in one direction , such as unwinding the first cable 16 and powered in the reverse winding operation so that the heavy inverted u - shaped tool 10 can be dropped in free falling motion from the positions illustrated in fig1 and 2 of the drawings for a falling forceful penetrating and shearing action on a building such as illustrated in fig2 and 3 of the drawings . referring again to fig1 of the drawings , it will be seen that the crane 19 is provided with a typical secondary boom 23 over which suitable boom position controlling cables 24 are positioned , some of which extend to the outer upper end of the boom 18 as will be understood by those skilled in the art and some of which extend between the upper end of the secondary boom 23 and a boom controlling winch , as shown , in the crane 19 , all of which enable the crane operator to move the boom 18 in a vertical pattern as will be understood by those skilled in the art . in the present invention , the boom is of a length sufficient to extend upwardly and outwardly to a position above a typical mill building , or the like to be dismantled , it being understood that such mill buildings and the like frequently have a vertical height comparable with a five or sixty - story conventional multistory building . a counterweight cw offsets the tool 10 weight . still referring to fig1 of the drawings , it will be seen that the apparatus for dismantling buildings includes a second cable 25 which is attached to the arm 14 of the bifurcated portion of the heavy inverted u - shaped tool 10 . the second cable 25 is engaged on a second winch 26 in the crane 19 and is positioned between a pair of guiding rollers 27 positioned one above the other on an extension 28 of the crane 19 . in operation , the crane 19 is positioned adjacent a building to be demolished as illustrated in fig3 of the drawings , with the upper outer end of the boom 18 positioned thereabove by the action of the first winch 22 winding up and thereby shortening the first cable 16 , the winch 26 controlling the second cable 25 is actuated to unwind sufficient portion of the second cable 25 to permit the tool 10 to fall freely into the building being demolished , the roof portion of which is indicated in fig3 by the letter r and the building itself by the letter b . broken line representation of roof or other building structures s are also indicated . the free fall is by gravity only . the tool 10 , which is best illustrated in the perspective elevation of fig2 of the drawings , has a raised semi - v - shaped configuration 11a on its front and back sides at either side of and below the aperture 11 which extends through the body of the tool 10 adjacent its upper end and the uppermost portion of the tool 10 is preferably somewhat thinner than the lowermost portion so as to provide areas on both sides of the upper end portion of the tool 10 defined by the semi - v - shaped curved members 11 a that will protect the end portions of the first cable 16 which is passed through the aperture 11 . such protection is highly desirable when the tool 10 is dropped by gavity on a building being dismantled to insure the protection of the first cable 16 from shearing action which might otherwise occur as the tool 10 drops through a metal structure such as roofing or a beam supporting a roof in a building being dismantled . by referring now to fig4 of the drawings , it will be seen that the tool 10 has been allowed to drop freely by causing the first winch 22 in the crane 19 to unwind or unreel the first cable 16 without any tension thereon and that the second cable 25 has been laid out or unreeled sufficiently to offer no resistance to the falling pattern of the tool 10 although a small amount of tension applied to the second cable 25 will tilt the tool 10 if desired so that one of the arms 14 or 15 will engage the metal structure , for example the roof r , of the building being dismantled before the engagement of the other arm and thus insure the piercing and tearing action necessary to permit the tool 10 to drop substantially into or through the roof r to be sure that the tool 10 is sufficiently engaged therein so that subsequent tension applied to the second cable 25 by the second winch 26 of the crane will pull the area of the building engaged away from the remainder and down into a ground engaging position as shown in fig5 of the drawings . in fig4 of the drawings , the tool 10 is shown in its initial engagement with the roof r of the building being dismantled and partially engaged over one of the supports s which will insure the pulling down and separation of the various metal parts of the roof r and its supporting structure s to accomplish the dismantling of the building as hereinbefore described as bringing the several parts of the building down to ground level or slightly above where a mobile shear on a backhoe can readily engage and cut the parts of the building into usable metal scrap . by referring now to fig5 of the drawings , it will be seen that the aforesaid action has occurred , the tool 10 having penetrated the roof r of the building being dismantled and / or become engaged upon a portion of the supporting structure thereof whereupon the second winch 26 is activated and the second cable 25 , which is attached to the arm 14 of the tool 10 by way of an aperture 14a therein upwardly from the lowermost end of the arm 14 , has been forcibly moved toward the crane 19 by the second winch 26 so as to pull the sections of the roof off and the structure s of the building being dismantled and engaged by the tool 10 toward the crane 19 thus easily and quickly pulling down the associated portions of the building in which the tool 10 was engaged to the positions illustrated in fig5 of the drawings where , as hereinbefore described , a mobile shear on a backhoe can easily gather up the torn down portions of the building and cut them into usable , saleable , scrap sizes . in fig1 and 3 of the drawings , the first cable 16 and second cable 25 are illustrated in stationary position . in fig4 of the drawings , the cable 25 is illustrated in slack position slightly unreeled with respect to the second winch 26 in the crane 19 while the first cable 16 is shown moving in an unreeling free falling action by arrors indicating the free fall action of the tool 10 into the building being dismantled . in fig5 of the drawings , the first cable 16 is shown in slack position and moving outwardly with respect to the crane 19 and downwardly toward the tool 10 freely as indicated by the arrows , while the second cable 25 is indicated by an arrow as being moved toward and reeled in by the second winch 26 after first passing between the guiding rollers 27 on the crane extension 28 to the position illustrated in fig5 of the drawings . those skilled in the art will observe that if desired , the operator of the crane can apply some tension to the first cable 16 during this pull down dismantling action and raise the portion or portions of the building engaged by the tool 10 in desired degree to permit them to be partially separated from the remainder of the parts of the building being dismantled so as to position them in more desirable relation for eventual shearing as hereinbefore described . it will thus be seen that an apparatus for dismantling buildings has been disclosed which permits an efficient method of dismantling the buildings to be used , namely suspending a tool adapted to be engaged in a building to be dismantled above said building , dropping said tool in free fall onto said building so as to punch , tear , and engage or pass through an opening formed therein by the tool , moving the tool away from the building in which it is engaged so as to tear down the engaged portion or portions thereof and positioning said portions away from said building being dismantled for further processing into scrap or sorting as to size and shape . the method hereinabove described cannot be accomplished by any apparatus heretofore known in the art and those skilled in the art will observe that the method and the apparatus on which it is dependent enable a metal building for example to be quickly and easily dismantled without the heretofore believed necessary use of a crew of workman with cutting torches and associated cranes and grapples to handle these portions of the building freed by the workman and their cutting torches .	4
the present group firing system is developed on the conventional firework units to make it possible to connect the firework units for group display show . the reason that we could carry out this system is that we have changed the firework &# 39 ; structure . it is composed of some shot tubes 1 . it is installed with two lower and upper paper fuse tubes 2 , 2 ′. and the structure between the paper fuse tube 2 , 2 ′ and the shot tube 1 as shown in fig2 , 5 , 6 . in particular , as shown in fig2 , 5 , 6 , a fireworks unit includes a plurality of firing shot tubes 1 ( a , b , c , . . . ). the firing shot tubes 1 has a first firing shot tube a and a final firing shot tube t . the firing shot tubes are connected with each other through inner fuses 7 . a lower fuse tube 2 and an upper fuse tube 2 ′ are disposed in the fireworks units . each end of the lower and upper fuse tubes 2 , 2 ′ has a socket 3 . a first fuse 6 is provided in the lower fuse tube 2 and a final fuse 6 ′ is provided in the upper fuse tube 2 ′, in which the first fuse 6 is linked with the inner fuse 7 from the first firing shot tube a and the final fuse 6 ′ is linked with the inner fuse 7 ′ from the final firing shot tube t . in other words , the structure inside firework unit as we mentioned : its tubes are linked together as sequence a , b , c . . . r , s , t through inner fuse 7 . and the first shot tube a links with the fuse 6 in the lower paper fuse tube 2 through the inner fuse 7 , and the final shot tube t links with fuse 6 ′ in the upper paper fuse tube 2 ′ through the inner fuse 7 ′. with the above - mentioned structure of the fireworks unit , a basis connection system between the lower and upper paper fuse tube 2 , 2 ′ and the shot tubes 1 is obtained . as shown in fig3 and 4 , there are two firing modes if the firework units with the above - mentioned structure are operated . as shown in fig3 , two adjacent firework units link together with the lower paper fuse tubes 2 and the lower paper fuse tube 2 ′ to be connected in series attached fashion . a soft fuse hose l contains an outer fuse is inserted in one of the sockets 3 of the lower fuse tube 2 of a fireworks unit , a soft fuse hose l containing the outer fuse is inserted in one of the sockets 3 of the upper fuse tube 2 ′ of the fireworks unit and inserted in one of the sockets 3 of the lower fuse tube 2 of the other fireworks unit , a said soft fuse hose l containing the outer fuse is inserted in one of the sockets 3 of the upper fuse tube 2 ′ of the other fireworks unit , so that the group firing system is connected in series attached fashion . in this occasion , when the fuse 6 within the lower paper fuse tube 2 is fired , it transfers the fire through the inner fuse 7 from the first shot tube to the final shot tube ( a to t ), then , through the inner fuse 7 ′ from the final shot to the fuse 6 ′ in the upper paper fuse tube 2 ′, to fire the soft fuse hose l containing outer fuse between the first fireworks unit and the next fireworks unit , to fire all of the shot tubes 1 ( a to t ) of the next fireworks unit . with this connection , several adjacent firework units can be fired one by one , that is , in series firing mode . as shown in fig4 , two fireworks unit link together with the lower fuse tubes 2 to be connected in parallel attached fashion . a said soft fuse hose l containing the outer fuse is inserted in one of the sockets 3 of the lower fuse tube 2 of a fireworks unit , a said soft fuse hose l containing the outer fuse is inserted in the other socket 3 of the lower fuse tube 2 and inserted in one of the sockets 3 of the lower fuse tube 2 of the other fireworks unit , a said soft fuse hose l containing the outer fuse is inserted in the other socket 3 of the lower fuse tube 2 of the other fireworks unit , so that the group firing system is connected in parallel attached fashion . in this occasion , when the fuse 6 within the paper fuse tube 2 is fired , it transfers the fire to the next firework unit through the soft fuse hose containing the outer fuse , and meanwhile , the shot tubes 1 ( a to t ) of the first fireworks unit by the inner fuse 7 . therefore , the adjacent fireworks units are fired simultaneously , that is , in a parallel firing mode . as shown in the attached fig1 , an embodiment of the group firing system of the present invention is illustrated . the connection firework group is composed of three sets of the different fireworks units a 1 , a 2 , a 3 , a 4 , b 1 , b 2 , b 3 , b 4 , b 5 , b 6 , b 7 , b 8 , b 9 , c 1 , c 2 . these different firework units are linked by 1 to 2 paper fuse tubes 2 , 2 ′ within their inner structure and some soft fuse hoses l with fuses outside to form a display group . if firework unit b 1 shown in the upper portion in the figure is taken as the first ignited firework in the group , it can be known that firework unit b 1 is serially connected with firework units b 2 , a 4 , c 1 , a 1 through the paper fuse tubes and the soft fuse hoses l 1 , l 2 , l 3 , l 4 . since a 1 has two paper fuse tube 2 , 2 ′, l 4 is connected to b 4 , b 5 , b 6 , a 2 through soft fuse hose l 6 , l 7 , l 8 , l 9 with the lower paper fuse tube 2 ′, while a 1 is connected to b 3 through soft fuse hose l 5 with its upper paper fuse tube 2 . by the same way , after the soft fuse tube l 9 is connected to a 2 , it also is connected to b 7 through paper fuse tube ) and l 10 , at the same time , it is connected to c 2 through l 11 and upper paper fuse tube ), and is connected to a 3 , b 8 , b 9 through l 12 , l 13 , l 14 . it can be known that the conventional firework units can be combined into various connection systems by changing the structure thereof , that is , it can be connected in series connection or parallel connection . the resulted firing pattern may be in block - shape or characters - shape . furthermore , the present invention would be the structure as shown in fig7 . in which , there is just one paper fuse tube in the fireworks unit , which is used to form series connection . therefore , the fireworks unit with the one paper fuse tube is just fired together with the other fireworks units in parallel firing mode .	2
in the following detailed description , reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof , and in which is shown by way of illustration , specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced . these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention , and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized . it is also to be understood that structural , procedural and system changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention . in addition , well - known structures , circuits and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the understanding of this description , the following detailed description is , therefore , not to be taken in a limiting sense , and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents . as used in the specification and in the appended claims , the singular forms “ a ”, “ an ”, and “ the ” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise . for example , reference to “ an analyzer ” includes a plurality of such analyzers . in another example , reference to “ an analysis ” includes a plurality of such analyses . although specific terms are employed herein , they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation . all terms , including technical and scientific terms , as used herein , have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless a term has been otherwise defined . it will be further understood that terms , such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries , should be interpreted as having a meaning as commonly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs . it will be further understood that terms , such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries , should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure . such commonly used terms will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless the disclosure herein expressly so defines otherwise . as used herein , the term “ computer ” is meant encompass a workstation , personal computer , personal digital assistant ( pda ), wireless telephone , or any other suitable computing device including a processor , a computer readable medium upon which computer readable program code ( including instructions and / or data ) may be disposed , and a user interface . terms such as “ application ”, “ engine ” and the like are intended to refer to a computer - related component , including hardware , software , and / or software in execution . for example , an engine may be , but is not limited to being , a process running on a processor , a processor including an object , an executable , a thread of execution , a program , and a computer . moreover , the various components may be localized on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers . the system and method embodying the present invention can be programmed in any suitable language and technology , such as , but not limited to : assembly languages , c , c ++; visual basic ; java ; vbscript ; jscript ; node . js ; bcmascript ; dhtm1 ; xml and cgi . alternative versions may be developed using other programming languages including , hypertext markup language ( html ), active serverpages ( asp ) and javascript . any suitable database technology can be employed , such as , but not limited to , microsoft sql server or ibm as 400 . referring now to the figures , embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail . this specification describes means for regaining the type of control that makes monitoring , detection , and protection , more effective . before going into those details , it is helpful to describe features of the intel ( intel corporation , santa clara , calif .). one feature describes the means through which an os and an application communicate , showing how the cpu transfers control between them . intel cpus that support ia - 32e or 64 - bit mode introduce two new instructions , syscall and sysret to the instruction set architecture ( isa ) and a few new msrs , like ia32star and ia32lstar . the syscall instruction is used by an application to transfer context to the os and sysret is used to return execution from the os to an application . the ia32star msr holds the value loaded into the code segment ( cs ) register and the ia32lstar msr holds the value loaded into the register instruction pointer ( rip ) ( a processor register that indicates where a computer is in its program sequence ) which defines where execution will be passed to upon execution of the syscall instruction . ( the physical address is calculated from 2 parts : i .) segment address ; ii ) offset address . the cs is used to address the code segment of the memory i . e ., a location in the memory where the code is stored . the rip contains the offset within the code segment of the memory . hence cs : ip is used to point to the location ( i . e to calculate the physical address ) of the code in the memory .) rcx holds the address that execution will return to when sysret is executed ( see error ! reference source not found .). other modes of execution provide similar mechanisms to build this interface ( e . g . 32 - bit protected mode uses sysenter and sysexit or the int instruction ). referring specifically to error ! reference source not found ., starting from the left , an application 10 is executing some software (“ code ”) 11 . at some point , it wants to make a request to the operating system 15 ( via os handler 16 ) for a particular resource , e . g ., to open a file , or to access the network . within the code 11 , various high level apis are called in order to access particular functions , e . g ., an open file function may be called by the software application . in this particular example , regardless of what apis are called , by the time control is transferred over to the os to request the service , a low level instruction referred to as a system call ( syscall ) is executed . syscall , shown at 12 , is an x86 instruction defined by intel . when this system call is executed , the cpu looks at the hardware , to read a particular register ( e . g ., ia32lstar , as shown at 14 ), which specifies where execution gets passed to . in this example , the ia32lstar register 14 points to the entry point of the os handler 16 . once execution is passed to it , the os handler looks at the resources it has available , to decide whether or not it &# 39 ; s going to fulfill its access request , etc . execution of the os handler 16 proceeds until the system return ( sysret ) instruction 18 is called , which reads the rcx register 20 . the rcx register stores the address in the code 11 to which execution is to be returned . referring now to fig2 , as the techniques presented herein leverage aspects of system virtualization , it is also helpful to introduce a limited number of those features . extended page table ( ept ) facilities , enable embodiments of the invention to provide an additional layer of address translation . instead of an address translating directly from a virtual address ( va ) 20 to a physical address ( pa ) 24 ( fig2 ), embodiments of the invention provide an intermediate step in which the virtual address 20 is first translated into a guest physical address ( gpa ) 22 , and is then resolved to the physical address ( pa ) 24 . to describe this concept further , normally , when a program executes , it reads and writes virtual addresses . in a conventional system that does not include a hypervisor ( vmm ) 40 ( fig3 ), a memory management unit essentially translates from virtual address 20 straight to a physical address 24 , as shown by downward pointing arrows 26 and dashed arrow 28 . embodiments of the present invention include a hypervisor ( vmm ) 30 ( fig3 ), and a first layer of translation that is similar to that described above . the operating system wants to be able to translate virtual addresses to something it views as physical addresses , because the os is configured for managing hardware . so when the hypervisor ( vmm ) 40 is added to these embodiments , the operating system effectively controls a virtual address &# 39 ; s translation to guest physical address ( gpa ) 22 , as shown by arrows 26 and 30 . the vmm 40 then translates the gpa 22 to pa 24 as shown by arrows 26 ′ and 30 ′. the os thus views the gpa as a real physical address , even though the gpas are effectively another layer of virtual addresses . it is noted that hypervisor 40 is configured to run multiple virtual machines ( vms ), each of which may be attempting to translate from va 20 to gpa 22 . this ept translation approach , in which the hypervisor 40 controls translation from gpa 22 to physical address ( pa ) 24 , enables the hypervisor to maintain control over the real hardware and provide mapping and isolation between vms . this structure also enables the hypervisor to modify permissions and attributes to make things invisible from inside an operating system , to protect memory , etc ., as will be discussed in greater detail below . these embodiments thus provide a modified ept approach for layered translation in which the os manages a layer of translation from va 20 to gpa 22 , and a virtual machine monitor ( vmm or ‘ hypervisor ’) 40 ( fig3 ) manages a layer of translation from the resulting gpa 22 to the pa 24 . each layer also has the ability to set attributes and permissions . this provides a vmm with the indirection required to manage and isolate memory from virtual machines ( vms ). furthermore , intel &# 39 ; s implementation of ept provides the ability to set memory as executable but not readable . this means the processor can execute instructions from a page without having the ability to perform data accesses . if a data access is attempted , an ept violation occurs and execution is passed to the vmm . another feature leveraged by embodiments of the present invention involves the “ trapping ” of model . specific registers ( msrs ). a “ trap ” is an event generated by the cpu when it attempts a particular operation , and which results in control being passed to a handler , usually in the os 15 or vmm 40 where some additional behavior can be performed . in this way , a trap allows vmm 40 to intercept execution whenever less privileged software , like the os , tries to access an msr . of interest . for example , a hypervisor could register to receive notification when a virtual machine ( vm ) tries to read or write the ia32lstar msr 14 ( fig1 ). this may be useful if it wanted to detect changes to the location that the syscall instruction 12 transfers execution to . if the notification is of an attempt to read , then the hypervisor can return the msr &# 39 ; s actual state , or it can instead provide a modified or emulated version . if the operation is an attempt to write , the hypervisor has the opportunity to modify , block or emulate that write . the instant inventors have realized that as virtualization informs and mediates the behavior of the os , it is in a prime position to inspect actions of the os while remaining isolated from it . there has been much research . performed in the area of vm - introspection , which is the act of peering into the context of the os to understand fundamental information such as the state of processes and threads . most of this work has remained academic , as inefficient introspection has a tremendous negative impact on performance due to continuous translation and the prevalence of unnecessary trapping . furthermore , some of this research has also reduced system stability through incorrectly constructed accesses of undocumented application and os data structures . for these reasons , the techniques and their resulting implementations continue to evolve as academic exercises . in contrast , the embodiments shown and described herein demonstrate how a hypervisor may be used to efficiently monitor and augment system call activity with minimal , if any , a adverse impact on performance or stability . the instant inventors have recognized that traditional os only based monitoring solutions are no longer useful in many applications due to the inclusion of kernel based self - monitoring capabilities such as discussed hereinabove . the act of monitoring interactions from within the context of involved parties , without fortifying it in some way , is faulty by design . this is because a compromise of either party will render the monitoring it includes effectively useless . the present inventors have recognized that leveraging a vmm for fortification of a monitoring technology , while still allowing the monitor itself to co - exist in an involved party , is an ideal solution in many applications because of the retained efficiency of running in the context of the party , and the vmm can . provide fortification . furthermore , the hypervisor can provide a level of transparency so that if malicious software does compromise the context in which the monitor operates , the malicious software may be unable to directly detect the presence of the monitor . it is noted that embodiments shown and described herein , unlike other approaches of monitoring the syscall interface with a hypervisor , do not require the enumeration of ordinarily undocumented data and structures , and do not require access to the os source code , both of which are unrealistic in many applications and effectively make these other approaches impractical . in the following subsections , a new approach is described which enables system call monitoring without the performance , stability , and source code issues present in prior work . it also describes additional functionality that is necessary to render the invention deployable on real - world systems . these embodiments employ “ syscall monitoring ”, which is an approach used to gain execution before control has been passed to the os . this approach monitors application call parameters and blocks application activity . the techniques presented do not require source code of the os and may be dynamically installed and uninstalled . system call ( syscall ) monitoring is the act of gaining execution , in some context , before an application can successfully pass its tasking to the os . as these interactions occur with great frequency the desired technique must ensure a minimal performance impact on the activity . as systems become busier and more strained , there is usually a corresponding increase in the volume of syscall activity . as a result it is generally unacceptable to trap to any out - of - band monitor when trying to meet tight performance constraints . for this reason the approach described here leverages the facilities of a vmm in an indirect fashion . this embodiment of the invention leaves the state of the system , as seen from the context of the os , in an unaltered state . this ensures that existing security technologies , such as microsoft &# 39 ; s patchguard ™, are not triggered by the introduction of the monitoring capability , and it also helps ensure that offensive software cannot detect its presence . an overview of the approach is presented in error ! reference source not found .. referring now to error ! reference source not found ., embodiments of the present invention effectively gain control of execution inside the context of the operating system without the operating system seeing any modifications . this is important for existing security technologies , such as patchguard . as discussed above , patchguard , and similar tools , operates inside the os in the kernel to effectively verify the state of various aspects of system to make sure a root kit or a monitoring technology isn &# 39 ; t doing things it shouldn &# 39 ; t , such as attempting to modify or set a particular function pointer . if it does detect . such an attempt , patchguard may respond by effectively crashing the system . embodiments of the invention have been configured to be substantially transparent to the os , both to keep patchguard , and the like , from crashing the system , and to help ensure that an attacker will not be able to observe the monitor inside the operating system and thus be alerted to the presence of monitoring technology . as shown , code 11 of software application 10 is making a request for a resource from the os 15 , which executes system call 12 as discussed above with respect to error ! reference source not found .. the system call 12 passes execution to an address stored in hardware register ia32lstar 14 . in particular embodiments , a protection box shown at 42 updates the ia32lstar to point to monitor code 44 that has been loaded into the os . thereafter , execution is intercepted and passed at 60 to the monitor whenever the code 11 calls the system call 12 . after the monitor code has finished executing its various system monitoring operations , execution is passed at 62 to the os handler 16 , as shown , which then operates in a conventional manner . once the handler &# 39 ; s operation in completed , the sysret 18 is called to return execution to the application code 11 . it should be noted that monitor code 44 may perform any number of monitoring operations to monitor operation of the os and the system upon which the os is running , as would be familiar to those skilled in the art . as also shown , existing security 48 is a technology such as the above - referenced patchguard , which reads the ia32lstar register to be sure it &# 39 ; s pointing to the proper location , such as to the top of a particular handle or block , e . g ., to the top of the os handler 16 . embodiments of the invention are configured to trap the attempted read ( the “ read shadow ” as discussed below ) of the ia32lstar to the hypervisor as shown at 64 . the hypervisor contains a substitute value (“ fake ia32lstar ”. “ substitute ia32lstar ”, or “ substitute msr ”) value 50 , which is returned ( the “ write mask ” as discussed below ) to the existing security 48 at 66 . that way , existing security products read what the hypervisor wants to tell it , e . g ., it still points to the os handler code 16 rather than to the monitor 44 . so even though execution is passed to the monitor 44 , patchguard 48 can &# 39 ; t actually see that any modification to the ia32lstar register occurred . about the only way to see that modification did occur to that register is to actually step through the system call instruction itself with a debugger , which would start execution at the monitor 44 instead of directly at the os handler or leverage the cpu &# 39 ; s performance monitoring capabilities . moreover , the protection box shown extending from the monitor 44 to the vmm ( hypervisor ) 40 is the extended page table ( ept ) facility shown and described with respect to error ! reference source not found .. as described , the ept is used to protect the monitor code 44 within the os 15 . so even though the monitor code is inside the os , the ept may be updated , such as to mark the monitor code as ‘ read only ’. the os 15 can &# 39 ; t manipulate the ept 42 because the ept is controlled by the hypervisor ( vmm ) 40 , even though the monitor may exist inside the context of the os . it should be noted that this approach helps ensure that any other software , malicious or good , that runs in the context of the os can &# 39 ; t effectively see the monitor or remove it . it should also be noted that these embodiments do not trap to the hypervisor on every system call interaction because it &# 39 ; s too expensive . system call interactions happen thousands upon thousands of times per second . as system load goes up , more of these requests come in , which therefore gets expensive in terms of computational resources . the instant embodiments reduce his expense . it should be noted that in these embodiments , when an application ( code ) executes a system call instruction , execution is still passed to the os , i . e ., execution is ultimately passed to the os handler after operation of the monitor . there &# 39 ; s no direct trapping to the hypervisor on . these very frequent events . the system only provides indirect trapping to the hypervisor , e . g ., when patchguard tries to read the ia32lstar register , which is relatively infrequent . in addition , if an attempt was made to modify or access the monitor &# 39 ; s memory , the system would trap to the hypervisor . ( the attempted data access would be an ept violation as discussed above , with execution being passed to the vmm .) these embodiments have effectively limited the need to actually trap to the hypervisor to tasks that are infrequent . the path that occurs relatively frequently , namely , system call interaction , occurs without requiring additional trapping to the hypervisor . thus , in this approach , the primary impact on processing overhead is simply the processing of the monitor code itself . this is a notable distinction relative to conventional approaches that trap directly from system call instruction to a hypervisor , and then jump back into the os , creating a relatively high overhead burden due to the repeated switching back and forth between these modes of execution . thus , in these embodiments , the role of the hypervisor is to provide a read shadow and write mask over ia32lstar 14 and protect the monitoring code and data ( i . e ., the monitor 44 ) that has been added to the os 15 , as discussed below . the term “ read shadow ” means that when a vm reads the contents of a register the vmm will read a value different than the state in the cpu . the term “ write mask ” means that when a vm writes the contents of a register the vmm will write a value different than requested into the cpu . these embodiments do not directly intercept syscall interactions . the software responsible for actively monitoring interactions ( i . e ., the monitor 44 ) is contained in the os 15 itself , and therefore , in particular embodiments , may require additional protection . to ensure its operation and integrity , as mentioned above . for example , in particular embodiments , upon installation , monitor 44 communicates the following information to the hypervisor ( vmm ) 40 : 1 . protect the region of memory associated with the monitor ( e . g . using intel ept and intel vt - d ) 2 . saves ia32lstar to a variable ( i . e . fake_ia32lstar in error ! reference source not found .) if at any point the monitor wishes to be removed the steps above are reversed , which will restore the system to its unmonitored state . 1 . the requirement to implement a read shadow over the ia32lstar msr is needed to ensure that existing security software are not tripped . for example , patchguard occasionally verifies this msr and would bsod if it saw the modification . 2 . the write mask ensures that other software can not relocate or intermediate the execution of monitor 44 ; thus helping to prevent flatware from gaining a pre - process position to monitor 44 in the context of the os . this approach also helps to ensure stability as conventional hooking may present issues when a particular monitor wishes to be dynamically removed . after the monitor has communicated the installation information it will gain execution on every execution of the syscall instruction . the performance impact is low because it is already running in the context of the os . the cost is just the time taken to execute instructions associated with monitoring . in addition , the monitor doesn &# 39 ; t need to perform expensive address translations because it is executing in the correct context and can simply directly dereference pointers . it should be noted that the monitor would verify the integrity of the pointer before dereferencing it . with the monitor 44 running in the context of the os 15 , the hypervisor 40 provides additional protection to ensure that offensive code running at the same privilege level cannot circumvent it . the syscall instruction 1 . 2 already provides guarantees in hardware that the monitor 44 will be given control when executed , so the next requirement is to ensure that memory associated with the monitor can &# 39 ; t be tampered with . this is accomplished by leveraging ept to mark the code and data associated with the monitor as read - only and / or as executable , as discussed hereinabove , e . g ., to protect against unauthorized cpu initiated memory transactions . it should be noted that a conventional memory management unit ( mmu ), e . g ., an iommu ( input - output mmu ) may also be used to protect against device initiated memory transactions . moreover , if the cpu &# 39 ; s ept implementation supports execute - only permissions , the monitor code 44 is marked accordingly , ensuring that no process in the os can detect the monitor &# 39 ; s presence via code signature scanning , to effectively hide the monitor . this approach may be used on substantially any operating system , e . g ., linux , windows , different versions of linux , different versions of windows , including embedded versions . while the techniques presented here focus on how a new and robust form of monitoring is achieved on the intel x86 architecture it should be noted that substantially any cpu architecture that exhibits the following features is capable of implementing this solution : 1 . the instruction set architecture ( isa ) provides a mechanism to transfer execution between application and os 2 . the location that gains execution upon transfer to the os is modifiable and can be shadowed and masked by a higher privilege level 3 . cpu provides the ability to make memory executable , readable but not writeable while executing within the os 4 . return address of a system interaction can be made to induce a trap as an example , mobile ( e . g . apple iphone 6 , samsung galaxy s5 and microsoft lumia 735 ) and internet of things ( iot ) devices leverage arm [ 7 ] system on chips ( socs ) and meets the requirements with the following features : 1 . usage of the swi instruction to communicate between application and os ; 2 . inclusion of the vbar_elx register to change the location of where swi passes execution to in the os ; 3 . virtualization provides the ability to trap on vbar_elx read / write events ( e . g . msr and mrs instructions in armv8 ); 4 . stage 2 ( s2 ) page tables can enforce executable , readable but not writeable permissions ( note that alternatives to s2 , such as shadow paging or a vtlb may be used to implement the functionality of these embodiments , however s2 is far more efficient ); and 5 . the return address is stored in elr_elx and can be forced to trap by adjusting the is address to cause a fault . the embodiments hereof may be similarly implemented on x86 amd cpus and x86 cpus running in 32 - bit mode , and adaptation of the embodiments shown and described herein to such machines would be well understood by those skilled in the art in view of the instant disclosure . the embodiments discussed herein focus on the application 10 to os 15 interface , but this solution can be applied to other standardized interfaces , such as the virtual machine ( vm ) to virtual memory manager ( vmm ) interface , where a vm utilizes para - virtualization or another virtual machine interface ( vmi ) to communicate with a hypervisor . ( a vm in this scenario may be a conventional os or a nested hypervisor .) moreover , the techniques presented herein should be considered os - agnostic and not specific to microsoft windows . the examples used windows as an exemplary os but as everything presented is architectural in nature these types of monitoring capabilities could easily be used . on linux , android , apple os x , apple ios or windows phone . fig4 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the exemplary form of 30 a computer system 300 within which a set of instructions , for causing the machine to perform any one of the methodologies discussed above , may be executed . in alternative embodiments , the machine may include a network router , a network switch , a network bridge , personal digital assistant ( pda ), a cellular telephone , a web appliance or any machine capable of executing a sequence of instructions that specify actions to be taken by that machine . the computer system 300 includes a processor 302 , a main memory 304 and a static memory 306 , which communicate with each other via a bus 308 . the computer system 300 may further include a video display unit 310 ( e . g ., a liquid crystal display ( lcd ), plasma , cathode ray tube ( crt ), etc .). the computer system 300 may also include an alpha - numeric input device 312 ( e . g ., a keyboard or touchscreen ), a cursor control device 314 ( e . g ., a mouse ), a drive ( e . g ., disk , flash memory , etc .,) unit 316 , a signal generation device 320 ( e . g ., a speaker ) and a network interface device 322 . the drive unit 316 includes a computer - readable medium 324 on which . is stored a . set of instructions ( i . e ., software ) 326 embodying any one , or all , of the methodologies described above . the software 326 is also shown to reside , completely or at least partially , within the main memory 304 and / or within the processor 302 . the software 326 may further be transmitted or received via the network interface device 322 . for the purposes of this specification , the term “ computer - readable medium ” shall be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing or encoding a sequence of instructions for execution by the computer and that cause the computer to perform any one of the methodologies of the present invention , and as further described hereinbelow . the present invention has been described in particular detail with respect to various possible embodiments , and those of skill in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced in other embodiments . first , the particular naming of the components , capitalization of terms , the attributes , data structures , or any other programming or structural aspect is not mandatory or significant , and the mechanisms that implement the invention or its features may have different names , formats , or protocols . further , the system may be implemented via a combination of hardware and software , as described , or entirely in hardware elements . also , the particular division of functionality between the various system components described herein is merely exemplary , and not mandatory ; functions performed by a single system component may instead be performed by multiple components , and functions performed by multiple components may instead performed by a single component . some portions of above description present the features of the present invention in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on information . these algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data . processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art . these operations , while described functionally or logically , are understood to be implemented by computer programs . furthermore , it has also proven convenient at times , to refer to these arrangements of operations as modules or by functional names , without loss of generality . unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the above discussion , it is appreciated that throughout the description , discussions utilizing terms such as “ processing ” or “ computing ” or “ calculating ” or “ determining ” or “ displaying ” or the like , refer to the action and processes of a computer system , or similar electronic computing device , that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical ( electronic ) quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such . information storage , transmission or display devices . certain aspects of the present invention include process steps and instructions described herein in the form of an algorithm . it should be noted that the process steps and instructions of the present invention could be embodied in software , firmware or hardware , and when embodied in software , could be downloaded to reside on and be operated from different platforms used by real time network operating systems . the present invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the operations herein . this apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes , or it may comprise a computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored on a computer readable medium that can be accessed by the computer . such a computer program may be stored in a tangible , non - transitory , computer readable storage medium , such as , but is not limited to , any type of disk including floppy disks , optical disks , cd - roms , magnetic - optical disks , read - only memories ( roms ), random access memories ( rams ), eproms , eeproms , magnetic or optical cards , application specific integrated circuits ( asics ), any other appropriate static , dynamic , or volatile memory or data storage devices , or other type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions , and each coupled to a computer system bus . furthermore , the computers referred to in the specification may include a single processor or may be architectures employing multiple processor designs for increased computing capability . the algorithms and operations presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus . various systems may also be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein , or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the required method steps . the required structure for a variety of these systems will be apparent to those of skill in the , along with equivalent variations . in addition , the present invention is not described with reference to any particular programming language . it is appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the present invention as described herein , and any references to specific languages are provided for disclosure of enablement and best mode of the present invention . the present invention is well suited to a wide variety of computer network systems over numerous topologies . within this field , the configuration and management of large networks comprise storage devices and computers that are communicatively coupled to dissimilar computers and storage devices over a network , such as the internet . finally , it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes , and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter . accordingly , the disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative , but not limiting , of the scope of the invention , which is set forth . in the following claims . it should be further understood that any of the features described with respect to one of the embodiments described herein may be similarly applied to any of the other embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention .	6
in the drawings , fig1 schematically illustrates a system according to the invention for powering and reading rfid tags , with powering accomplished not by the reader ( although the reader could comprise one of many powering nodes ). in this system , an area contains a large number of products or components bearing rfid tags ; the products or components may be moving , as through an assembly line or assembly process , or may be stationary , stored in a warehouse or other location , even in a retail space . as explained above , readers or interrogators , such as the reader 10 shown in fig1 , are fairly costly , and the range from which they can read a powered - up id tag is generally much greater than the range over which the reader can supply rf energy to powerup a tag . with the invention a series of power nodes 12 are employed for powering the tags , these power nodes 12 being distributed fairly evenly throughout the area , or at least fairly evenly throughout portions of the area where the rfid tags will be located ( which could be along a stream of moving products ). in the schematic example of fig1 , the components or products 14 are moving on a conveyor belt 16 , and the power nodes 12 are located beneath the path of travel of these products . the rfid tags are indicated at 18 . as the drawing shows , each component or product 14 can carry several different id tags 18 ; for example , each of a number of components on a product can bear its own rfid tag . further , the items 14 could each be a bin that carries multiple individual products , with the bin 14 used to ship them loose to the end customer or to store them . as schematically shown in fig1 , the power nodes 12 emit rf energy 20 at a tag - powering frequency , which will be different from the data frequency at which the tags transmit their data . with the power nodes 12 located easily within range of the multiplicity of rfid tags 18 , the tags are powered . thus , the reader does not actually send out an interrogating signal , which was the case in the patent and the copending application referenced above . instead , the tags are powered by the power nodes 12 independent from the reader 10 . data transmission from the tags is indicated , for example , at 22 in the drawing . the reader 10 is within range of the tag transmissions and receives and reads the data . depending on how the tags are produced and set , they could transmit their data only once during a period when they are continuously powered by the nodes , or they could retransmit a preset number of times , with a fixed delay between transmissions . when powering via the nodes is discontinued , this can have the effect of resetting the tags , so that they will again transmit once or the preset number of times . fig1 also indicates the reader 10 may have capability of controlling the power nodes 12 . power node control signals 24 are sent out by the reader to control the on / off status of all power nodes within the area . as described above , this allows the system to be designed so as to power up tags only in certain portions or zones of the area . this might be because of ongoing assembly line operations , where data is only needed from certain portions of the area at certain times , or it can be for the purpose of locating the tags and their products by zone . control can be very localized , even with control of single power nodes individually . fig2 shows schematically an area 30 , represented as a simple rectangle , divided into a plurality of zones , in this example four zones denominated zones 1 through 4 . a reader 10 is shown at the center of the area in this example , at r 1 . there may be more readers in many situations , depending primarily on the size of the area 30 , the distances involved , the reading distance capability of the reader or readers employed , and possibly a use of multiple readers for distance determination as explained below . fig2 also shows a multiplicity of rfid tags 18 , which are attached to products or components ( not shown ), distributed throughout the area . distribution , of course , can be very uneven in many situations , such as an assembly line . distributed among the multiplicity of tags 18 are a number of power nodes ; in this case 24 are indicated , from n 1 to n 24 . each zone in this example is shown as having six power nodes distributed throughout the zone , but the arrangement will depend on where the tags are normally to be located , whether they are moving or stationary , etc . as outlined above , the reader r 1 ( 10 ) has , in the example of fig2 , capability of sending signals for power node control . each rfid tag transmits a unique signal . in order to determine where each of the components and rfid tags are located ( or where certain ones of them are located ), the power node control function of the reader can activate zone 1 &# 39 ; s power nodes n 1 through n 6 for a period , receiving all the transmitted responses , then shut off zone 1 &# 39 ; s power node and cause the nodes in zone 2 to be powered , reading the transmissions from all tags within that zone . this progresses through the zones , and since only one zone at a time will have tags that are powered , all transmitted signals from the rfid tags reaching the reader r 1 in a particular period of time will be known to be from the powered zone . this assumes that all tags in one zone are out of range of all power nodes of neighboring zones . thus , in an assembly operation where the tags may be constantly moving or moving intermittently through the assembly system , localized zones can be powered as desired to monitor progress . an area can be divided into fewer or many more zones if desired . in an inventory situation , tags may be located throughout a warehouse floor , with one or more readers in the area . power nodes can be switched on in localized areas to read what products are contained in many such localized areas . note that the reader 10 or r 1 merely sends an rf signal to a local receiver within the zone of interest , the receiver receives a signal and , through a relay or other devices , switches on power to the nodes in that localized zone for either a predetermined period of time or a time as signaled by the power node control signal 24 transmitted by the reader . it is also possible to determine the precise location of a particular product and rfid tag using triangulation . this can be accomplished by having multiple readers within or near a zone at a known location within the zone . each reader can then read the tags at different times ( or simultaneously ), and each reader will receive a particular tag &# 39 ; s transmission at a different transmitted signal strength which depends on where the tag is , and which can be measured by the reader . with this information and known or empirically determined distance / signal strength correlation data , a triangulation can be done to determine the location of the tag . two readers are sufficient in some cases , but sometimes three are needed . two will define two points , only one of which will be valid if the other would fall outside of the area 30 concerned . for example , fig3 shows schematically a simplified situation in which the reader r 1 is in the center of the area concerned , and the system includes two more readers r 2 and r 3 , positioned as shown . if a signal strength triangulation is used with the readers r 2 and r 3 to identify the location of a particular tag in the area 30 , a signal strength triangulation will produce two intersecting circles , represented by arcs 32 and 33 shown within the area 30 . the circles will also intersect outside the area 30 , in a mirror - image position lower on the page of fig3 , but this point will not be valid . thus , the unique location t is the unique identifier of the tag &# 39 ; s position . it could be seen from fig3 that all three readers ( or a group of three other readers ) will be needed in many cases , when two readers would produce two points both within the area 30 . the location of a tag could also be determined by time of flight of the transmitted signal from a particular tag to a plurality of readers . if each tag carries a different random transmit time delay , as is preferred for collision avoidance , then time of departure of the transmission from a tag will not be known . however , with three readers in different and known positions ( such as the readers r 1 , r 2 and r 3 in fig3 ), the time differences in receipt of the particular tag &# 39 ; s transmission among the three readers can be used to determine a unique position for the tag . with two readers the time delay can be used to plot a curve of possible positions of the tag ; the third reader narrows the locations to a single point . the above described preferred embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of the invention , but not to limit its scope . other embodiments and variations to these preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims .	7
fig5 and 6 are a top view and a cross - sectional view of a first illustrative embodiment of the invention . structure 500 includes source and drain regions 510 , 520 formed in a well 530 with a polysilicon gate finger 540 formed on a dielectric layer ( not shown ) on the surface of well 530 . these elements will be recognized as forming a mos transistor ; but it will be understood that the mos transistor is only illustrative of any active device that may be used in the practice of the invention . a second mos transistor is formed on the right - hand side of fig5 and includes the same elements bearing the same numbers followed by the suffix a . as shown in fig6 , a semiconductor substrate 605 underlies well 530 . structure 500 further includes diffusion regions 560 , 562 that make ohmic contact with well 530 , a floating polysilicon gate finger 580 between diffusion regions 560 , 562 , and ohmic contacts ( or taps ) 515 to source region 510 , ohmic contacts 525 to drain region 520 , and ohmic contacts 565 , 567 to diffusion regions 560 , 562 . the diffusion regions 560 , 562 , and contacts or taps 565 , 567 constitute the well strap . a sti region 550 surrounds the active devices and the well strap . as shown in fig5 , taps 565 and taps 567 are on opposite sides of floating gate finger 580 . while two taps 565 and two taps 567 are shown , a single tap 565 or 567 or more than two taps 565 or 567 may be used . structure 500 further comprises dummy polysilicon gate fingers 575 , 576 located on opposite sides of diffusion regions 560 , 562 and above portions of sti region 550 . as a result , the well strap is separated from the active device by only one length of the dummy polysilicon gate finger , thereby reducing the distance between the active device and the diffusion region 560 compared with the distance between the active device and the diffusion region 460 in the prior art structure of fig4 . to form structure 500 , dopants of a first conductivity - type , illustratively n - type , are first implanted in a substrate 602 of a second conductivity type , illustratively p - type , to form an n - type well 530 . sti region 550 is then formed in well 530 . an insulating layer is then formed on the surface of the well ; and polysilicon gate fingers 540 , 540 a , 575 , 576 , 580 are formed on the insulating layer . lightly doped drain regions are then formed in the well on each side of gates 540 , 540 a ; and sidewalls 542 , 542 a are then formed on the sides of gates 540 , 540 a . the gates and sidewalls are then used as masks to control the implantation of dopants during formation of the source and drain regions and the diffusion regions . illustratively p - type dopants are implanted on both sides of gates 540 , 540 a and sidewalls 542 , 542 a to form source regions 510 , 510 a and drain regions 520 , 520 a of the pmos transistors ; and n - type dopants are implanted on both sides of gate finger 580 to form diffusion regions 560 , 562 . because the gates and sidewalls shield the well regions directly underneath them , these well regions are not doped during the implantation process with the result that separate source and drain regions and separate diffusion regions 560 , 562 are formed . holes are then made in the insulating layer and contacts are formed to the source and drain regions 510 , 510 a , 520 , 520 a and the diffusion regions 560 , 562 . advantageously , the n - type diffusion regions 560 , 562 may be formed at the same time as the same process is used to form other n - type regions , such as source and drain regions , elsewhere on the integrated circuit ; and similarly , the p - type process used to form the p - type source and drain regions 510 , 510 a , 520 , 520 a may be used to form p - type diffusion regions elsewhere on the integrated circuit . fig7 is a top view of a second illustrative embodiment of the invention . structure 700 includes source and drain regions 710 , 720 formed in a well ( not shown ) with a polysilicon gate finger 740 formed on a dielectric layer ( not shown ) on the surface of the well . these elements will be recognized as forming a mos transistor ; but it will be understood that the mos transistor is only illustrative of any active device that may be used in the practice of the invention . a second mos transistor is formed on the right - hand side of fig7 and includes the same elements bearing the same numbers followed by the suffix a . the well is formed in a semiconductor substrate ( not shown ); and the cross - section of the active device , well and substrate of the embodiment of fig7 is similar to the cross - section of the active device , well 630 and substrate 605 of fig6 . structure 700 further includes diffusion regions 760 , 762 , 764 that make ohmic contact with well 730 , at least two floating polysilicon gate fingers 782 , 784 between diffusion regions 760 , 762 and ohmic contacts ( or taps ) 715 to source region 710 , ohmic contacts 725 to drain region 720 , and ohmic contacts 765 , 767 to diffusion regions 760 , 762 . no contacts are made to diffusion region 764 with the result that region 764 is left floating . the diffusion regions 760 , 762 , and contacts or taps 765 , 767 constitute the well strap . a sti region 750 surrounds the active devices and the well strap . as shown in fig7 , taps 765 and taps 767 are on opposite sides of floating gate fingers 782 , 784 . structure 700 further comprises dummy polysilicon gate fingers 775 , 777 located on opposite sides of the active device and above portions of the sti region 750 . as a result , the well strap is separated from the active device by only one length of the dummy polysilicon gate finger , thereby reducing the distance between the active device and the diffusion region compared to prior art structures . the process for forming structure 700 and the resulting structural cross - section are substantially the same as those of structure 500 except that two floating polysilicon gate fingers 782 , 784 are used instead of a single polysilicon gate finger 580 with the result that three diffusion regions 760 , 762 , 764 are formed instead of two . fig8 is a top view of a third illustrative embodiment of the invention . structure 800 includes source and drain regions 810 , 820 formed in a well ( not shown ) with a polysilicon gate finger 840 formed on a dielectric layer ( not shown ) on the surface of the well . these elements will be recognized as forming a mos transistor ; but it will be understood that the transistor is only illustrative of any active device that may be used in the practice of the invention . a second mos transistor is formed on the right - hand side of fig8 and includes the same elements bearing the same numbers followed by the suffix a . again , the well is formed in a semiconductor substrate ( not shown ); and the cross - section of the active device , well and substrate of the embodiment of fig8 is similar to the cross - section of the active device , well 630 and substrate 605 of fig6 . structure 800 further includes diffusion regions 860 , 862 that make ohmic contact with well 830 , a floating polysilicon gate finger 880 between diffusion regions 860 , 862 and ohmic contacts ( or taps ) 815 to source region 810 , ohmic contacts 825 to drain region 820 , and ohmic contacts 865 to diffusion region 860 . as shown in fig8 , the contacts 865 to diffusion region are located on only one side of the floating polysilicon gate finger 880 with the result that diffusion region 862 is left floating . the diffusion region 860 and contacts or taps 865 constitute the well strap . a sti region 850 surrounds the active devices and the diffusion regions . structure 800 further comprises dummy polysilicon gate fingers 871 , 872 located on opposite sides of the active device and above the diffusion regions . as a result , the well strap is separated from the active device by only one length of the dummy polysilicon gate finger ; and the size of diffusion region 862 is reduced by eliminating the taps on one side of the floating gate finger . the process for forming structure 800 and the resulting structural cross - section are substantially the same as those of structure 500 except that contacts to the diffusion region are formed on only one side of the floating polysilicon gate finger 880 . fig9 is a top view of a fourth illustrative embodiment of the invention . structure 900 includes source and drain regions 910 , 920 formed in a well ( not shown ) with a polysilicon gate finger 940 formed on a dielectric layer ( not shown ) on the surface of the well . these elements will be recognized as forming a mos transistor ; but it will be understood that the mos transistor is only illustrative of any active device that may be used in the practice of the invention . a second mos transistor is formed on the right - hand side of fig9 and includes the same elements bearing the same numbers followed by the suffix a . again , the well is formed in a semiconductor substrate ( not shown ); and the cross - section of the active device , well and substrate of the embodiment of fig9 is similar to the cross - section of the active device , well 630 and substrate 605 of fig6 . structure 900 further includes diffusion regions 960 , 962 , 964 that make ohmic contact with well 930 , at least two floating polysilicon gate fingers 982 , 984 between diffusion regions 960 , 962 , 964 , and ohmic contacts ( or taps ) 915 to source region 910 , ohmic contacts 925 to drain region 920 , and ohmic contacts 965 to diffusion region 960 . as shown in fig9 , the contacts 965 to diffusion region 960 are located on only one side of the floating polysilicon gate fingers 982 , 984 with the result that diffusion regions 962 , 964 are left floating . the diffusion region 960 and contacts or taps 965 constitute the well strap . a sti region 950 surrounds the active devices and the well strap . structure 900 further comprises dummy polysilicon gate fingers 971 , 972 located on opposite sides of the active device and above portions of the sti regions . as a result , the well strap is separated from the active device by only one length of the dummy polysilicon gate finger ; and the size of the diffusion region is reduced by eliminating the contacts on one side . the process for forming structure 900 and the resulting structural cross - section are substantially the same as those of structure 700 except that contacts to the diffusion region are made on only one side of the floating polysilicon gate fingers 982 , 984 . as will be apparent to those skilled in the art , numerous variations may be practiced within the spirit and scope of the present invention . for example , the well and diffusion region can be either a p - type well and diffusion region or an n - type well and diffusion region . if the active device is a transistor , it can be an nmos transistor in a p - well or a pmos transistor in an n - well . other active devices may also be used in the practice of the invention . for purposes of illustration , the contacts or taps have been depicted as a pair of contacts ; but the invention may be practiced with a single contact or with more than two contacts . other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art .	7
ln the accompanying drawings which form a part of specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views : fig1 is a perspective view of a fishing boat equipped with a combined livewell and bait well constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention ; fig2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the combined livewell and bait well on an enlarged scale , with the lids open and portions broken away for purposes of illustration ; and fig3 is a schematic diagram of the electric circuit used to control the pumping of water into the combined livewell and bait well . referring to the drawings in more detail and initially to fig1 numeral 10 generally designates a fishing boat having a pair of fishing seats 12 in which fishermen normally sit . each seat 12 can swivel on a pedestal 13 . in accordance with the present invention , a combined livewell and bait well unit which is generally identified by numeral 14 is mounted on the floor 15 of the boat at a location approximately midway between the two seats 12 . referring additionally to fig2 the body of unit 14 takes the form a generally rectangular tank 16 which is water tight . the tank 16 may be mounted to structural cross members 18 of the boat by means of angle brackets 20 . the tank 16 presents within it a well compartment 22 which normally contains aerated water . the water is pumped into the well compartment 22 by a dc electric pump 24 mounted near the stern 26 of the boat . pump 24 has an intake 28 which extends through the stern 26 at a location below the water level when the boat is disposed in a lake or other body of water . consequently , pump 24 draws water from the lake or other body of water . the discharge 30 of pump 24 connects with a flexible supply conduit 32 which extends along one side of the boat at a concealed location , the conduit 32 extends beneath the floor of the boat and connects with an elbow fitting 34 which extends into the tank 16 through the bottom . the downstream end of the elbow fitting 34 connects with an l shaped flexible conduit 36 carrying a spray nozzle 38 on its end . the water level in the well compartment 22 is controlled by a vertical overflow tube or drain pipe 40 having a drain opening 42 in its upper end . the drain tube 40 is mounted to the inside surface of one side of tank 16 by a mounting bracket 44 , with the drain opening 42 located near but slightly below the top of the tank 16 . the bottom end of the drain tube 40 connects with an elbow 45 which in turn connects with a drain system that directs water out of the boat 10 . it is noted that the spray nozzle 38 is located slightly above the drain opening 42 but still within the tank 16 . consequently , the water that is sprayed from the spray nozzle 38 passes through the air above the water level in the tank and is thus aerated so that the water that enters the tank is relatively rich with air . the nozzle 38 is also oriented and arranged to direct the incoming water generally along one side of the tank 16 near one end . this orientation of the nozzle causes the incoming water to swirl as it is sprayed into the tank 16 , and the incoming water thus circulates the water in tank 16 in a swirling or whirlpool pattern to enhance the water circulation in the tank . tank 16 has a rectangular top access opening 46 which provides access to the well compartment 22 . a square panel 48 covers approximately one - half of the top of the tank 16 . the panel 48 is generally rectangular and is provided with a central round opening 50 surrounded by a circular rim 52 . the opening 50 is large enough to receive the body of a conventional minnow bucket 54 . the minnow bucket 54 has openings 56 in its side to permit the bucket to fill with water when submerged . an enlarged collar or flange 58 is provided on the top portion of the minnow bucket and is too large to fit through the opening 50 . consequently , the minnow bucket can be extended through the opening 50 with its body submerged in the water in the well compartment 22 and with the flange 58 resting on rim 52 to suspend the minnow bucket in the tank . the minnow bucket 54 has the usual handle 60 and a hinged lid 62 which can be opened to provide access to the minnows that are held in the minnow bucket . in this manner , the portion of the well compartment 22 which underlies the panel 48 serves as a bait well 64 which receives the bait carried in the minnow bucket . the remaining one - half of the volume of the well compartment 22 remains unobstructed and unoccupied by the bait to provide a livewell 66 for receiving newly caught fish . a pair of lids 68 and 70 are connected with the top of the tank 16 by piano hinges 72 and 74 , respectively . lid 68 can be closed to a horizontal position in which it covers the panel 48 and the underlying bait well 64 . the lid 68 can be opened about the hinge axis to the fully open position shown in fig2 . the other lid 70 similarly can be closed to cover the livewell 66 which underlies it or moved about its hinge 74 to the fully open position shown in fig2 . preferably , the lids 68 and 70 are covered by suitable cushions 76 and 78 , respectively . when the lids are closed , the unit 14 provides spare boat seats in that persons can sit on the cushions 76 and 78 if desired . referring now to fig3 the pump 24 is driven by a dc electric motor 80 which receives electrical power from the main battery 82 of the boat . arranged in parallel between the battery 82 and motor 80 are an automatic timer switch 84 and a manual on / off switch 86 . switch 86 can be opened and closed manually in order to respectively interrupt and complete the electric circuit to control the operation of the motor 80 . the timer switch 84 can be set to complete the circuit for a selected time interval and to then interrupt the circuit for another time interval . in this manner , the operation of the pump can be controlled either manually by means of the manual switch 86 or automatically in timed cycles by means of the timer switch 84 . in operation , the pump 24 acts , when energized , to pump water from the lake or other body of water through the delivery conduits 32 and 36 to the spray head 38 . the water is then sprayed through the air above the water level in tank 16 , and spraying of the water through the air aerates the water to maintain the water in the tank in an air rich condition . when the water level rises to the level of the drain opening 42 , the entry of additional water into the well compartment 22 causes water to drain off through the drain opening and the drain pipe 40 such that it is eventually discharged back into the lake or other body of water . live fish which are caught can be placed in the livewell 66 by opening lid 70 and then inserting the fish into the livewell through access opening 46 . the minnow bucket can be placed in the bait well 64 and can be easily reached from either of the fishing seats 12 when more bait is needed . because the water in the well compartment 22 is replenished by the operation of the pump 24 and remains aerated , both the live fish and the bait are maintained in good condition at all times . it is also pointed out that the livewell 66 provides adequate room for the fish even when the minnow bucket 54 is in place in the bait well . while it is preferred that the unit 14 be located between the two fishing seats 12 so that fishermen seated in either seat have ready access to its contents , the unit can be situated in other locations such as in the stern or bow where only one of the fishermen has easy access to it . it should also be noted that a single lid can be provided for the unit 14 and that the lid need not necessarily be functional as a seat . from the foregoing , it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure . it will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations . this is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims . since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof , it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense .	1
fig1 schematically shows the context in which embodiments of the invention can be used . this context may relate to a system / appliance to be analyzed for faults in the medical setting or in the installation or manufacturing setting . the components denoted by ad , adm , lmm , hm and lim in fig1 and 2 may be arranged in a single system or distributed over multiple intercommunicating systems locally . as such , the component ad may be installed or implemented e . g . at the customer end and the components adm may be installed or implemented at the service center end . similarly , the components lim , hm and lmm may be integrated in adm or may be split and / or divided into individual intercommunicating and reciprocally controllable devices . a learning - based , reactive and predictive maintenance and diagnosis solution can identify appliance parts that have faults or are affected by a necessary repair / replacement e . g . t or spare parts of a product , for example a ct or mrt machine , the faults being identified automatically within the complex of appliance parts and spare parts . a transparent decision mechanism for customers and service engineers is supplied by virtue of each spare part being provided , according to the system status , with an optional probability rating . the customer can activate what is known as a “ self - diagnosis agent ” ad on his appliance , e . g . a medical engineering system hs , which analyzes the infrastructure of means and system components and appliance parts using log data and predicts a fault type . this agent ad reports that a system component is affected by a fault and a call to the service center is needed . it is also possible for the agent to go through the system on a regular basis and to monitor system states and occurring system events . if a status of the appliance appears erroneous to the agent , it outputs an ( error ) message ec e . g . “ error context ”. furthermore , it is possible for multiple customers that have such an automatic diagnosis system or agent to send their log data directly to the service center . the service center then analyzes the customer products and systems on a regular basis and monitors the status thereof . hence , a potential fault or erroneous status is displayed to the service center in good time before a service engineer is sent to the customer . it is possible for a customer to call a service center and report a fault with a product or a system . the service personnel then logs into the system of the customer remotely and starts the self - diagnosis program or the agent ad thereon . the service personnel then copies the log data onto a computer in the service center and evaluates what spare parts t are needed for the fault . it is also conceivable for the customer , after the self - diagnosis agent is started and running , to transmit the log data to the service center and hence for the service center to be informed about the system status . the self - diagnosis agent ad can — as shown in fig2 — communicate and interchange data and / or messages or reports with the following components . a self - diagnosis agent manager adm ( see fig6 ) can be used to record instances of the log data integration manager lim , the history data integration manager hm and the learning machine model manager lmm . 1 . a log data integration manager lim is shown schematically in fig3 : the component consists of a formal model that collects system terms through individual events e or grouped event stacks eg . this component converts a prescribed content “ log data ” of a log file from an appliance / system into a systematic form or into a combined feature representation in the form of a log data matrix lr . the component converts into a numerical value representation and weights the relevant log events e in order to represent system messages sm and event code frequency tf , which is shown in column 5 in log data in fig3 , in an aggregated form ea on the basis of an episode or a time window , for example an hour or a day . these features are finally represented in a log data matrix lr . finally , this component normalizes each feature value using a predefined normalization value ( tf - idf / z - score ) based , wherein tf - idf ( term frequency = frequency of occurrence and inverse document frequency ) is used to assess the relevance of terms or system terms in a document or a file e . g . log file . the weighting computed in this manner ( see second row of lr in fig3 ) for a term with reference to the log file that contains it allows better arrangement of files as search hits for a term search in the hits list than would be possible using the term frequency alone , for example . a z - score or value allows a random sample value to be taken from a file or file collection and allows computation of how many standard deviations it is above or below the mean value . where e_p relates to the individual occurrence of an event , normalized by y and the aggregation of the respective occurrence of events during a time window ( episode ) e_pt . 2 . a history data integration manager hm for interchanging what are known as history data hd is shown schematically in fig4 : this component provides a formal model in collective form , in a replacement matrix er in the example , historic data — what are known as history data hd — having been collected from each individual appliance part of the system . a ) the average life alc of an appliance / spare part is ascertained by virtue of details of an average execution time for a specific component with and without any incident since the last replacement . the alc is determined by a normalization on each component that is involved in the overall system . where y_p is an individual spare part , y_ps represents an individual spare part status and op relates to an operating status of the spare part , b ) the ongoing life cycle clc is ascertained as an ongoing day or hour representation for an individual spare part that has been in operation since its last replacement , clc = sum ( y _ ps = op ). c ) the expected life cycle elc is ascertained as a current and normalized representation by virtue of the difference value for alc and clc to ascertain the expected life cycle , the current or the ongoing life cycle ( how long has the component already been running ) is related to its average life cycle . on the basis of the collected historic data , the expected life or life cycle of a component may be related to one or more other components of the appliance or system . this relationship is derivable from the historic data . 3 . a learning machine model manager lmm is shown schematically in fig5 : this component forms a current , reactive and predictive prediction and / or decision model of the self - diagnosis agent ad . said model is specified by a formal machine learning model mm that collects features for a machine learning algorithm . it combines the presentation of log data “ log data ” from the log data integration manager lim and of the history data hd from the integration manager hm and links the combined features , in which the rows represent the appliance episodes ( for example day , hour ) and the columns reproduce the event features . these event features are derived from the system code that occurs within an episode ( for example event code , feature value , event group ) and from the historic data ( history data ) hd using alc , clc and elc of each individual appliance part or spare part t of an appliance with a corresponding episode , and ultimately into the log data matrix lr . each row contains an appliance time for all individual appliances within a system . the components specify the target values for a training on the basis of classifications that are derivable from the historic data . e . g . a specific spare part t has been replaced within a prescribed episode . while the system consists of a long list of different spare parts , this component can group individual spare parts and assign a target value and also group the remaining spare parts and likewise provide them with a target group value . for example , 25 spare parts need to be classified as an individual target and the remaining appliance parts and spare parts need to be classified with a single target value . using the feature matrix lr and the target values zw , which are associated with one another , it is possible for the learning algorithm to apply techniques of what is known as bootstrapping in order to arrive at a tree structure that , instantiated as what is known as a regression tree , or is learned using what is known as a random forest rf method . a random forest is a classification method that consists of multiple different , uncorrelated decision trees . all decision trees have grown under a particular kind of randomization during the learning process . for a classification , each tree in this forest can make a decision and the class with the most votes decides the ultimate classification . besides a classification , the random forest rf can also be used for regression . optionally , it is possible for a support vector machine svm to be used . a support vector machine divides a set of objects into classes such that the broadest possible area remains free of objects around the class boundaries ; it is what is known as a large margin classifier . support vector machines can be used both for classification and for regression . decision tree learning using the aforementioned methods uses a decision tree as a predictive model which uses the observations regarding an object for conclusions about a target value for the object , in the example the component . it is used as a predictive modeling approach in statistics , data mining and machine learning . tree models in which the target variable can assume a finite set of values are called classification trees . in these tree structures , the leaves represent class tags and branches represent relationships with functions that lead to these class tags . decision trees in which the target values can assume continuous values ( typically real numbers ) are called regression trees . the result of the component is a predictive or decision model mm that identifies the appliance part that is most likely affected by the need for maintenance ( on the basis of the target value and the trained classifier ) in a particular appliance within a particular appliance episode ( for example a day ). 4 . a self - diagnosis agent manager adm is shown schematically in fig6 : this component adm accepts individual and multiple models mm of a machine learning model manager lmm and records them on a self - diagnosis agent ad . the manager adm and the agent ad can communicate with one another remotely via a network , the agent ad being able to be implemented at the customer end and the manager adm being able to be implemented at the service end . additionally , it records the log data integration manager lim and the history data integration manager hm in order to rate the model mm . to this end , recording r may be provided for each appliance / system . in order to be able to prescribe a self - diagnosis task for the self - diagnosis agent ad , this component adm collects event log information from different services or directly from the appliance and converts it into a model representation matrix mr . predictions for unexpected appliance information are achieved by averaging the predictions of all individual regression trees that are computed by the machine learning model manager lmm . these predictions are also recorded within this component . the result of the component is a decision mark based on the target value zw and specifies the affected appliance part of the appliance . additionally , the decision is put into context using decision rules that are derived from the machine learning model mm and applied to the model representation matrix mr . although the invention has been illustrated and described in more detail by means of the preferred exemplary embodiment , the invention is not restricted by the examples disclosed and other variations can be derived therefrom by a service engineer without departing from the scope of protection of the invention .	6
in the following description , numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present invention . however , it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments may be possible . the present invention generally relates to plant supportive materials for enhancing plant growth . the plant supportive materials are prepared in stable , dry nanoparticulate formulations of , for example , plant nutrients , encapsulated water , fungicides , insecticides , pest repellents , acaricides and plant growth regulators . the present invention provides such a dry formulation in a nanomolecular structure . nanoscale materials are materials whose particle diameter in the direction of the largest dimension of the particles is less than 1000 nm ( nanometers ). in the present specification , the term “ nanoparticulate ” is used synonymously with the term “ nanoscale ”. the instant invention involves encapsulating plant supportive materials , such as nutrients , water , fungicides , insect repellents , insecticides and their synergists , plant growth regulators and other molecules into a cochleate membrane protein containing a phospholipid vesicle with a large internal space which holds the active ingredients . because of their nanomolecular size , these loaded cochleates are absorbed into the foliage of plants , as illustrated in fig1 . as illustrated , a cochleate 20 contains a plant supportive material 22 . the plant supportive material 22 can be directly applied to cells of a plant , because the cochleate 22 can pass through stomata 24 , i . e . pores , of plant foliage 26 . accordingly , cochleates 20 can be applied over the leaves of plants for direct delivery of plant supportive material 22 to active cells of the plant where the cochleates fuse with cell membranes inside the leaves to deliver the plant supportive material directly into the cytoplasm of the plant cells , thereby bypassing slower and less efficient uptake methods . u . s . pat . no . 5 , 994 , 318 , which is incorporated herein by reference , teaches the use of cochleates as a means for stabilizing or preserving biologic molecules in a form that is stable at room temperature , capable of desiccation and suitable for oral administration to humans , for delivering polynucleotides to a cell . a formulation comprised of drugs , nutrients and flavors for the stabilization and delivery of the molecules to a cell is disclosed . oral ingestion of such active ingredients are described applications of these cochleate compositions . however , there is nothing suggesting that nanoparticulate agents can be used with advantage as active principles in foliar feeding of plants . in the present invention , the anhydrous interior of cochleates preserves active plant protection cargo molecules from ambient conditions while the phospholipid exterior preserves full activity in suspension for extended periods of time . cochleate delivery vehicles are stable phospholipid - cation precipitates composed of simple , naturally occurring materials , for example , phosphatidylserine and calcium . they consist of alternating layers of phospholipid and multivalent cations existing as stacked sheets , or continuous , solid , lipid bilayer sheets rolled up in a spiral configuration . in one manufacturing method , the material to be formulated is added to a suspension of liposomes comprised mainly of negatively charged lipids . the addition of multivalent metal ions such as calcium ( although other multivalent cations can be used ) induces the collapse and fusion of the liposomes into large sheets composed of lipid bilayers , which spontaneously roll up or stack into cochleates . since the entire cochleate structure is a series of solid layers , components within the interior of the cochleate structure remain intact , even though the outer layers of the cochleate may be exposed to harsh ambient environmental conditions . cochleate preparations have been shown to be stable for at least one year as a lyophilized powder at room temperature . when the cation rich membrane of a cochleate first comes into approximation to a natural plant membrane , a reordering of the cell membrane is induced , resulting in a fusion event between the outer layer of the cochleate and the cell membrane . this fusion results in the delivery of a small amount of the encochleated material into the cytoplasm of the target cell . the cochleate may slowly fuse or break free of the cell and be available for another fusion event , either with this or another cell . cochleates may also be taken up by endocytosis , and fuse from within endocytic vesicles . examples of materials to be encapsulated in the cochleates include plant nutrients such as water soluble compounds of nitrogen , phosphorus and potassium , alone or in combination , and often in conjunction with other elements such as , for example , calcium , boron , magnesium , zinc , chlorine , etc . such particular fertilizers can be made of a single component , e . g ., urea , ammonium nitrate , potassium chloride , etc ., or of multiple components often mixed with inert water soluble or water insoluble materials as in common fertilizers designated as 6 - 6 - 6 , 4 - 6 - 4 , 10 - 10 - 10 , 20 - 20 - 5 , 14 - 16 - 0 , 5 - 20 - 20 , and the like . in addition , specialized cochleate nanostructures may contain water or other optional additives such as herbicides , insecticides , trace elements , iron salts , sulfur and sulfur compounds that produce slow release of nutrients . the cochleate delivery system also can be used to deliver hormones , such as auxin , or proteins , such as tir1 , directly to the cells of plants by foliar application . the foliar application of cochleates can be conducted according to several methods , such as spraying or dusting the cochleates onto the plants . as illustrated in fig2 , for example , the cochleates can be applied to many plants 28 of a given crop planted in a field . in this example , a spreader implement 30 is moved by , for example , a tractor 32 to rapidly apply the encapsulated plant supportive materials to plants 28 . it should be noted that these methods of foliar application can also be used to deliver water directly to plants through their leaves . this method of delivery can greatly conserve water during drought conditions , when planting in dry regions , or in other situations that benefit from water conservation . in this embodiment , cochleates 20 are packed with water and / or other nutrients or plant supportive materials . because the contents of the cochleate 20 are protected , the encapsulated water will not evaporate even if the cochleates are lypholyzed into a fine dry powder . the powdered cochleates are simply applied to the leaves of a plant to provide water to the plant . a farmer , for example , can spray or dust the powdered cochleates onto a crop , as illustrated in fig2 . the cochleates 20 are taken up by foliar mechanisms through the stomata of the plant leaves whereupon the cochleate phospholipid membranes fuse with the plant cell membranes and release the water and / or other plant supportive materials directly into the cytoplasm of the leaves . thus , water is conserved until the moment it reaches the plant cell walls rather then undergoing the normal losses of water incurred with conventional or root watering techniques . in an example , four pairs of commercially grown marigold plants at the same stage of growth were placed on their sides in a greenhouse , as illustrated in fig3 . in this example , four spray bottles were filled with the following mixtures , and each spray bottle was paired with a corresponding pair of marigold plants : 1 . a commercial plant food ( specifically scott &# 39 ; s miracle - gro , available from the scott &# 39 ; s company of marysville , ohio ) containing 15 % nitrogen , 30 % phosphate , and 15 % soluble protein ( 15 - 30 - 15 ) with trace elements of boron , copper , iron , manganese , zinc and molybdenum was prepared according to instructions at one tablespoon per gallon . 2 . phosphatidylserine ( ps ) derived from soybean oil ( jarrows formulas , los angeles , calif .) 900 mg was suspended in 300 ml of the 15 - 30 - 15 solution of the commercial plant food and water . the mixture was agitated with a glass stirring rod until well mixed to create a liposomal suspension . cochleate formation was induced through addition of a solution of calcium chloride in a concentration of 10 mm . 3 . phosphatidylserine ( ps ) derived from soybean oil ( jarrows formulas , los angeles , calif .) 900 mg was suspended in 300 ml of water . water - filled cochleates were formed through the addition of 10 mm solution of calcium chloride . 4 . water only . the soil was kept moist by watering every other day . a foliar application of the mixtures was applied by spraying the leaves of each of the four pairs of plants on days 1 , 3 , 5 and 7 . on day 9 , the plants had developed , as illustrated in fig4 . specifically , a single flower bud was present in the marigold plants sprayed with only water ( bottle 4 ) and the marigold plants sprayed with water - filled cochleates ( bottle 3 ). one flower bloom appeared on the pair of plants sprayed with the solution of commercial plant food ( bottle 1 ). however , the pair of plants sprayed with the mixture of bottle 2 containing nutrients encapsulated in cochleates had measurably larger foliage , five flower blooms and ten flower buds . although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above , those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this invention . accordingly , such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims .	8
detailed descriptions of the embodiments of the invention are provided hereinbelow . however , it should be understood that these are provided only for helping the general understanding of the present invention and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be performed even without these specific matters . also , in describing the invention , detailed description about related known functions or structures have been omitted where the description thereof unnecessarily obscures the substance of the invention . hereinafter , the present invention will be described in detail in reference to the appended drawings . [ 0026 ] fig1 is a block diagram of a base station system in which a smart antenna is applied , according to a preferred embodiment of the invention . hereinafter , the block construction and operations of the blocks will be described in detail in reference to fig1 . the base station system is comprises of a first module 100 , an rft ( radio frequency block ) 110 , a duplexer 120 , an antenna connection block 130 and a second module 200 . the modules constructed of a back plane are different from each other . the first module 100 is comprised of two part channel cards 101 and 102 . first module 100 also determines the shape of a ( radio ) beam , which will be formed in the base station within the channel cards , where each of the channel cards parts consists of six channel cards . in other words , the first module 100 controls a beam , which will be formed in the channel card to be mainly formed in the direction of a specific sector . a signal from each of the channel cards 101 and 102 is inputted into a signal synthesizer / distributor 103 . the signal synthesizer / distributor 103 synthesizes a signal to be transmitted . here , in synthesizing the signal , a phase of a signal received from the channel card is compared with that from the signal synthesizer / distributor 203 of the second module 200 , to generate and output suitable phases to be transmitted . the signals from the signal synthesizer / distributor 103 are inputted into channel controllers 104 and 105 . each of the channel controllers 104 and 105 controls the signals to be accorded to each channel , in which the signals were controlled and outputted , according to the specific sectors . in other words , each of the channel controllers 104 and 105 controls a frequency fa allocated to a corresponding sector and the foregoing sector according to the number of the users , and is constructed to accept a wide band . the signals from the channel controllers 104 and 105 are sent to middle frequency processing blocks 106 and 107 . each of the channel controllers 104 and 105 are connected to a receiver bus line , and connected to the middle frequency processing blocks 106 and 107 in a one - to - one corresponding manner . the signals from the channel controllers 104 and 105 are sent to middle frequency processing blocks 106 and 107 . here , the one - to - one related correspondence is correspondence according to the frequency of each channel , and each processing apparatus or processing device may not be one - to - one matched , according to the capacity thereof . each of the middle frequency processing blocks 106 and 107 outputs the inputted signals after processing into middle frequency , and the signals are sent to transmitters 108 and 109 . in other words , the middle frequency processing blocks 106 and 107 and the transmitters 108 and 109 are also connected in one - to - one relation . the middle frequency processing blocks 106 and 107 will be described more in detail in reference to following fig2 . the transmitters 108 and 109 convert the middle frequency processed signals into transmit signals , then sends the converted transmit signals to rfb 110 . the rfb converts the received transmit signals into transmit radio signals , and converts the converted transmit radio signals into transmission powers . the rfb 110 has an amplifier . the amplifier will be described more in detail in reference to following fig3 . the rfb 110 sends the converted transmit signals to an antenna connection block 130 . accordingly , transmit signals are outputted to an antenna set to each corresponding sector or fa . such an antenna connection block 130 will be described more in detail in relation with coupling of the antenna and the transmitter in fig4 . the antenna connection block 130 is connected in common with a duplexer 120 . the duplexer 120 outputs the signal via the antenna connection block 130 to a phase controlling block 208 and also outputs signals from the phase controlling block 208 to the antenna connection block 130 . the phase controlling block 208 receives the signals , via the duplexer 120 , and transmit signals to inspect the degree of distortion of the phase . the inspected signals are inputted into middle frequency processing blocks 206 and 207 , and inputted into signal synthesizer / distributor 203 through the same . the signal synthesizer / distributor 203 can output the distorted phase value from the generated signal value to the signal synthesizer / distributor 103 of the first module to compensate for the distorted phase . while the signal synthesizer / distributors 103 and 203 are discriminated in fig1 for the sake of convenience , only one device may perform the same function . the first module 100 and the second module 200 have the same construction . a difference between the first and second modules 100 and 200 is that the channel cards 201 and 202 in the second module 200 output signals to the signal synthesizer / distributor 103 in the first module 100 , and receive signals from the signal synthesizer / distributor 203 in the second module 200 . also , when the signal synthesizer / distributors 103 and 203 are constructed within one device , the channel cards 201 and 202 are located at one side of the first module 100 or the second module 200 , and process the signals directly within themselves without any operations of transmitting or receiving the signals as shown in fig1 . [ 0032 ] fig2 is a detailed illustration of the internal construction of the middle frequency processing blocks , according to the invention . hereinafter , the internal construction and the operation of the middle frequency processing blocks according to the invention will be described in reference to fig2 . also , there is a description of only channel controller 104 from the channel controllers 104 , 105 , 204 and 205 in the following description for simplicity . the channel controller 104 receives a 3fa signal received from the middle frequency processing block 106 . the 3fa signal is discriminated into first , second and third bands . in description of the signal in the first band of the discriminated signals , the first band signal is inputted as discriminated into an i channel signal i 1 and a q channel signal q 1 . the signals are inputted into interpolators 301 and 302 , processed in the interpolators 301 and 302 , and then outputted as discriminated into if 1 channel chip signals and qf 1 channel chip signals . the if 1 channel chip signals of the discriminated signals diverge into two signals . each of the diverged signals is sent to each of multipliers 310 and 311 . here , one of the diverged if 1 channel signals is synthesized with a cosine signal in the multipliers 310 , the other of the diverged signals is synthesized with a sine signal . the signal which is synthesized with the cosine signal is sent to an adder 314 , and the signal which is synthesized with the sine signal , is sent to an adder 315 . meanwhile , the qf 1 channel signals in the first band are also processed in the interpolator 302 then diverge . one of the diverged signals is multiplied with a sine signal having a negative value in a multiplier 312 , and the other of the diverged signals is multiplied with a cosine signal in a multiplier 313 . the signal multiplied in the multiplier 313 is added in the adder 315 . the signals from multiplier 310 and multiplier 312 are added in the adder 314 , then sent to an adder 316 . the signals from multiplier 311 and multiplier 313 are added in adder 315 , and then sent to adder 326 . then , signals in the second band are also discriminated into i 2 channel signals and q 2 channel signals , processed , then outputted in corresponding interpolators 303 and 304 . also , signals in the third band are also discriminated into i 3 channel signals and q 3 channel signals , processed in corresponding interpolators 305 and 306 , and then diverge into 2 signals respectively to be outputted . one of the signals from the i 3 signal is diverged into the if 3 channel that is inputted into an multiplier 320 to be synthesized with a cosine signal , and the other one of the signals , from the i 3 signal , is synthesized with a sine signal having a negative value to be multiplied in multiplier 321 . the signal multiplied in the multiplier 320 becomes one input of an adder 322 . the other one of the signals multiplied in multiplier 321 becomes one input of an adder 325 . also , signals of a q 3 channel of the third band are processed in the interpolator 306 , and outputted into two diverged signals of qf 3 . one of the diverged output signals from qf 3 is multiplied with a sine value in a multiplier 323 , and is output to be added in the adder 322 , and then outputted to adder 316 . the other one of the diverged qf 3 signals is multiplied in the multiplier 324 with a cosine value , then inputted into the adder 325 . the output of adder 325 is inputted to adder 326 . the signals from the adder 314 , the interpolated signals of the i 2 channel of the second band and the signals from the adder 322 are added in the adder 316 . also , the signals from the adder 315 , the interpolated - signals of the q 2 channel of the second band and the signals from the adder 325 are added in an adder 326 . in other words , signals added in each band are finally added and then outputted in the invention . in this manner , the shape of a beam can be managed more effectively . the signals added in the foregoing adders 316 and 326 respectively are inputted into a step - up converter 330 , and then ascended into a certain frequency band . [ 0038 ] fig3 is a detailed illustration of the internal construction of the rfb 110 , according to a preferred embodiment of the invention . hereinafter , the construction and the operation of the rfb 110 , according to the invention , will be described in detail in reference to fig3 . the signals received from the transmitters are inputted into a phase controller 401 and a delay block 406 consisting of delay lines . the phase controller 401 adjusts the dimension of the signals , so that phases of the inputted signals match a certain level . the adjusted signals are inputted into a driver 402 . the driver 402 actuates the level adjusted signals to be inputted into a frequency assignment block 403 . the frequency assignment block 403 compares and phase processes the frequency controlled signals with the inputted transmission signals to be inputted into a delay block 404 . an output from the delay block 404 is inputted into an adder 405 , where the output of the delay block 404 is added together with a value controlled in the following dsp ( digital signal processor ) 411 , then outputted . prior to being added in adder 405 , the outputs from the dsp 411 are sent to dacs 408 , 412 and 415 for converting digital signals into analog signals . the dacs converts the received digital signals into analog signals and outputs the analog signals . the signals converted in the dac 415 are inputted to a phase controller 416 . the phase controller 416 receives signals from the compensator 407 and inputs the signals into the error amplifier 417 . the error amplifier 417 amplifies error values of the received signals from the phase controller 416 and sends the amplified error values to the adder 405 . then , the adder 405 adds the compensated error values . meanwhile , signals from delay block 406 are inputted into a compensator 407 . the compensator 407 compensates distorted signals of the inputted signals by generating a reverse phase of the distorted signals . such signals are generated by using the signals from the frequency assignment block 403 and the signals delayed in the delay block 406 . also , the output signals of the adder 405 are inputted into a step - down converter 409 simultaneously with the output . the step - down converter 409 descends the signals to a certain level . for this purpose , a voltage - controlled oscillator 414 generates and outputs signals of a certain frequency . such lower level signals are converted into digital signals in an adc ( analog - to - digital converter ) 410 to be inputted into dsp 411 . the dsp 411 receives the signals of digitalized frequencies to perform a control of compensation about the same . in other words , if the frequency is rapid , a signal is generated to slow the frequency . if the frequency is slow , a signal is generated and outputted to accelerate the frequency . the signals inputted into the dsp 411 are sent to a step - up converter 413 through dac ( digital - to - analog converter ) 412 as pilot signals . the final output signals , according to such controls , are added with signals from a main amplifier in the adder 405 as described below , and the added signals are outputted . the distorted signals are compensated through such a process . also , due to the application of the dsp 411 , estimation can be made easily about control features of degradation due to the external environment , and an amplifier is delivered with a previously set factor value during manufacturing so that the power consuming amount of the dsp can be remarkably reduced . the signals from the dsp 411 are sent to dacs 408 , 412 and 415 for converting digital signals into analog signals . the dacs output analog signals converted from the received digital signals . the signals converted in the dac 408 are sent to the phase controller 401 , the signals converted in the dac 415 are inputted to another phase controller 416 , and the signals converted in the dac 412 are inputted into the step - up converter 413 . first of all , the signals inputted into the step - up converter 413 are converted with a stepping - up frequency , then inputted into the frequency assignment block 403 so that a frequency control is performed . the phase controller 416 also receives signals from the compensator 407 , and the signals from phase controller 416 are inputted to an ea ( error amplifier ) 417 . the ea 417 amplifies error values of the received signals with a certain degree of amplification , and the amplified error values are sent to the adder 405 . as the error values are compensated like above , the adder 405 adds the compensated error values to perform a compensation of phase . [ 0044 ] fig4 is a detailed illustration showing the construction of the antenna connection block and associated parts , according to a preferred embodiment of the invention . hereinafter , the construction and the operation of the antenna connection block and the associated parts according to the invention will be described in detail in reference to fig4 . transmitters of the rfb , the first module 100 and the second module 200 are adapted to cause signals from transmitters 501 , 502 and 503 to be coupled with a switching control block 510 via coupling blocks . the switching control block 510 receives inputs via distributors to control a beam shape according to the distribution and requirement of users in the base station . the distributors distribute signals received from each of the coupling blocks in twelve directions . here , the signals are distributed to each of the sectors to which each of the antennas belongs , according to values considering the number of the users . the signals from each of the foregoing distributors are connected to switches which have one destination respectively , and are connected to next switching terminals of the corresponding destination . the signals distributed by the distributors are switched as shown in fig4 . for example , if the distributor is supposed to transmit 6 signals to a sector , 3 signals to b sector , and 3 signals to c sector , the switching control block 510 controls the distributors to transmit 6 signals to a switch for transmitting the signals to a sector , and distributes 3 signals for transmitting and distributes 3 signals for transmitting to the c sector . there are 6 signals transmitted to the switches for a sector and while the other signals are sent to b sector and c sector , respectively . the switched signals are inputted into a power amplifier block 512 , amplified in the power amplifiers into a transmitting output , then sent to an antenna front end unit 514 , which is connected to an array of antennas . the antenna front - end unit 514 outputs the received signals to buffers 516 , which outputs the same to the antennas . the buffers 516 have a 4 × 4 matrix structure and performs a switching technique . the switching technique is used to accommodate a greater number of the users considering antenna features , etc . the beam shapes of the antennas can be finally adjusted more accurately by using the matrix buffer 516 . [ 0046 ] fig5 shows the structure of a frequency generating block for phase compensation of an array antenna according to a preferred embodiment of the invention . hereinafter , the construction of a frequency controlling block will be described in detail in reference to fig5 . the frequency generator 600 receives clock signals used in the base station , in which the clock signals are received every two seconds . the frequency generator 600 generates signals of 1 khz and 2 khz . the signals of 1 khz from the frequency generator 600 are inputted into a transmitting frequency compensator 602 , and the signals of 2 khz from the generator 600 are inputted into a receiving frequency compensator 604 . the transmitting frequency compensator 602 receives signals from a current transmitting level generating block 601 in order to generate current transmitting level signals , compares the signals , then outputs tx compensation signals which require the modification of transmission level . also , the receiving frequency compensator 604 receives outputs from a current receiving level generating block 603 , compares the signals , and then outputs rx compensation signals which require the compensation from received signals according to the compared values . while a detailed embodiment has been described , it should be understood that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention . thus , the scope of the invention should not be limited by the above - described embodiments , but is defined by the following claims and equivalents thereof .	7
embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings , while also additional novel and specific features according to the invention will be apparent . firstly , the principle for generating an infrared image using a diffractive optical element is described thereafter the detailed description of some preferred embodiments are described along with detailed system operation principles . the present invention in the one aspect mentioned above , relates to the projection of a near - infrared or infrared image or a low intensity visible light image onto a reference surface . in this context reference surface is considered to comprise any form of display , such as an arbitrary 3 - dimensional surface , a plane surface or a rear projection screen , or possibly a front projection screen . instead of a more or less vertical surface there may also be a table top surface . the intensity distribution of the image is selected to have good auto - correlation and cross - correlation properties . the image formed from near - infrared or infrared light is in the sensitivity range of the camera system used to locate and track the pattern . the spectral output of a representative data projector is shown in fig1 . as can be seen , the light is confined to the wavelength range approximately of 400 - 700 nm . hereby , the light used to simultaneously project another image using the data projector is not interfering with the near - infrared or infrared image , and its associated camera detection system , since the wavelength used is different from those used by the data projector . an example of such a pattern image with good auto - correlation and cross - correlation properties as well as circular symmetry is shown in fig1 . here , and in all further intensity plots , the gray scale colors are inverted due to document printing quality reasons , such that the white and black colors are used to present low and high light intensity , respectively . only a fraction of the image as depicted in fig1 is required to locate and track the center of the whole pattern based on the methods and systems described in wo0227461 . the projected patterns from the preferred embodiments of the present invention can be described geometrically as part of conic sections , and can thus be analysed further to find the actual azimuth and elevation orientation angles and the distance of the pen relative to the reference surface . to obtain an accurate positioning of the pattern using the camera and recognition system the image must have sharp and well defined edges or alternatively be distributed over a larger area with lower contrast and sharpness requirements . a preferred embodiment for projecting the image is by using a computer generated diffractive optical element and an infrared diode laser . a phase pattern of a diffractive optical element needed to generate a pattern as in fig1 is readily made by computer calculations . there exist a vast number of computational methods to compute the diffractive optical element pattern , as reported in the scientific and technical literature [ ref : jakob blad ; “ new design method for diffractive optics ”, chalmers university of technology , göteborg ( 2003 ), pp . 15 - 23 ]. fig1 shows a phase pattern generated by using the so called “ gerschberg - saxton algorithm ” [ ref : jörgen bengtsson , “ diffractive optics design ”, chalmers university of technology , göteborg ( 1997 ), pp . 25 - 27 ] to iteratively obtain a phase pattern that can be used as the diffractive optical element to give an approximate intensity pattern as that displayed in fig1 . the gray - scale plot in fig1 , inverted here for document printing quality reasons , represents phase - levels in the range [ 0 2π ] as distributed over the diffractive optical element . the corresponding “ diffracted image ” in terms of its fourier transform is depicted in fig1 . here 256 pixels were used in the diffractive optical element at 16 phase levels , and it is seen to reproduce approximately the same intensity distribution as in fig1 apart from reduction in light level intensity due to diffraction losses . provided the light intensity level is high enough in the gray areas in fig1 , a threshold in the detection camera system can be used to encode these as “ bright / white ” ( recall that fig1 - 24 are inverted ). fig1 shows that the phase pattern for the corresponding intensity distribution of an asymmetric pattern ( with similarities to a part of the pattern in fig1 ) can be generated using the same algorithm using the same number of pixel resolution in the diffractive optical element and the same number of phase levels ( concerning meaning of “ asymmetric ”, see definition ( 5 )). to use a two discrete phase levels - gratings is interesting due to its simplicity in manufacturing and design . a two discrete phase - only grating can be used to generate any symmetric diffraction pattern without interference and mixing of the positive and negative orders ( concerning meaning of “ symmetric ” see definition ( 4 )). the diffractive optical element and corresponding diffraction pattern for the image in fig1 is displayed in fig1 and fig2 , respectively . as seen , for the same number of pixels essentially the main features of the desired pattern is reproduced , however , the resolution is lower owing to the restricted flexibility of the two discrete phase levels of the diffractive optical element . in fig2 the result from attempting to generate an asymmetric pattern using the two discrete phase level grating of fig2 , is shown . as seen , the resulting diffraction pattern in fig2 is a superposition of the original pattern and its inverted image . this is due to the difficulty of a phase - only two discrete phase level diffraction grating to produce an asymmetric pattern . thus , a phase - grating of more than two phase - levels will be a pre - requisite for producing an asymmetric pattern used in the detector camera system . moreover , it will generally give better image quality compared to the two discrete phase levels grating when used with the same pixel resolution . other examples of simple symmetric patterns that also can be made by two discrete phase levels diffraction gratings are displayed in fig2 and fig2 . the image pattern as in fig2 can be used to estimate the angular spread of the diffracted pattern owing to the resolution of the grating . consider an arbitrary line intersecting the circle through the origin . this constitutes a “ linear model ” of the two - dimensional circle , with two diffracted spots on each side of the origin . the angular deviation of a laser beam from the original beam direction by a one - dimensional diffractive grating can be estimated from the formula : α is the fan out angle as applicable for the first order diffraction steering of a laser beam by a one - dimensional blazed grating [ ref : e . hällstig , l . sjöqvist , m . lindgren ; opt . eng . volume 42 ( 3 ) ( 2003 ) pp . 613 - 619 ]. here , λ is the wavelength of the light ( unit is length ), δ is the pixel - pitch ( unit is length ) and δ is the period of the grating in pixels . the pixel - pitch can be estimated from the resolution of creating the grating and for typical diffractive optical element produced on polymer materials or micro - machined silicon the resolution is typically 0 . 5 μm or better . hence it is possible to have 1 μm as pixel pitch . the wavelength is taken as 850 nm being in the near - infrared range . using 4 phase levels equally spaced between 0 and 3π / 4 radians gives the maximum diffracted 1 st order diffracted beam to be at an angle given by : sin α ≈ 0 . 2125 and an angle of approximately 12 °. hence , 5 cm of free space propagation after reflection onto a two - dimensional grating ( or transmission through ) with similar resolution and phase - level accuracy can be used to produce an approximately 2 cm diameter circle or similar pattern . it is noted that a higher resolution or a smaller pixel pitch could generate an even larger angular spread . suggestions of embodiments that can provide the diffracted pattern as an image in close vicinity (& lt ; approx . 10 cm ) of the diffractive optical element is discussed in the following . the diffraction phenomenon generates a fourier transform of any amplitude and phase distribution on the diffractive optical element in the “ far - field ”. alternatively , the fourier transform can be moved from the far - field to become closer to the output from the diffractive optical element by using a lens or spherical mirrors acting as a lens , placed in vicinity of the diffractive optical element . the phase distribution of a lens or a curved mirror has the property to move the fourier transform of a planar wave - front to the focal plane . using two or more lenses , curved mirrors , or combinations thereof the position and size of the fourier transform pattern relative to the diffractive optical element and laser diode can be controlled . diffractive optical element with phase distribution patterns as in fig1 can be provided by manufacturers of diffractive optical elements . these can be in the form of transmissive or reflective components . these components can be used in alternative embodiments of the present invention in optically alignments with optical elements like lenses , mirrors and light sources , as illustrated in fig1 - fig . 4 . referring to fig1 and fig2 , the guiding device 16 ( pen , pointer ) with a casing 12 has a battery 1 , a printed circuit board 2 , a laser diode 3 , a refractive collimating lens 4 , a transmissive diffractive optical element 5 , a lens 6 , a tip 7 , two buttons 8 and 9 . a resulting pattern 10 is projected from the guiding device to the screen when operated closely , and a pattern 11 is projected from the guiding device to the screen when operated distantly . referring to fig3 , the guiding device 16 ( pen , pointer ) with a casing 12 has a battery 1 , a printed circuit board 2 , a laser diode 3 , a transmissive diffractive optical element 5 with or without a lens 4 mounted near the tip 7 , a reflective diffractive curved annular mirror 14 and a curved annular mirror 13 , two buttons 8 and 9 . a resulting pattern 10 is projected from the guiding device to the screen when operated closely , and a pattern 11 is projected from the guiding device to the screen when operated distantly . referring to fig4 , the guiding device 16 ( pen , pointer ) with a casing 12 has a battery 1 , a printed circuit board 2 , a laser diode 3 , a refractive collimating lens 4 , a transmissive diffractive optical element 5 mounted near the rear end 7 , a curved annular mirror 13 and a neutral window and / or another transmissive diffractive optical element 15 for the light forming the pattern for distant operation . a resulting pattern 10 is projected from the guiding device to the screen when operated closely , and a pattern 11 is projected from the guiding device to the screen when operated distantly . the casings 12 of these embodiments have the purpose to resemble a conventional whiteboard marker or pen and to provide the user with a natural , intuitive and ergonomic writing , drawing and pointing tool . one or more battery cells are supplying the energy required to emit light from the light source or a number of light sources . the printed circuit board may provide power management , the interface to the one , two or more button switches , a laser diode driver circuit , and circuits for modulating the laser , a remote infrared link and / or a radio - frequency link . the laser diode may be an infrared or near infrared diode . the purpose of the collimating lens 4 is to increase the aperture of the laser beam to cover the surface of the diffractive optical element 5 . the concave lenses 6 and convex mirrors 13 and possibly 14 are for spreading the pattern to a large area when the guiding device is operated closely to the screen . the annular shape of the mirrors 13 , 14 and the annular shape of the possibly reflective diffractive optical elements 13 , 14 makes a free field path for the central part of the laser beam forming the optical intensity image when the guiding device is operating distantly towards the screen . the guiding object can be held in different orientations and distances to the screen as illustrated in fig5 , 6 , 7 and 8 . the changes in the projected pattern image position , shape and size can be utilized to find the lateral position , the orientation ( elevation and azimuth ) and to estimate the distance from the guiding object to the screen surface . fig9 and fig1 illustrate a situation where the guiding device and the camera and recognition system are located before the front projection screen , the rear - projection screen or other display system , and where the guiding device can be used closely to the screen and distantly to the screen . when close to the screen ( fig9 ) the guiding device may be within the field of view of camera 18 . thus , if the guiding device is provided with a code pattern , there may here be a combined function comprising the method described in wo0227461 . fig1 and fig1 show a configuration where the guiding device are operated before the rear projection screen and can be used closely to the screen and / or distantly to the screen , while the projected pattern image from the guiding device is projected onto the rear projection screen surface , and can be detected by the camera and recognition system located behind the screen close to the projector . having described the invention in terms of the preferred embodiments thereof , it will be recognized by those skilled in the art of optical system design that various changes in the configurations and details of the implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention , as defined by the following claims .	6
botanical description of the plant : the following is a detailed description of ‘ qhmtf ’ laurel oak with color terminology in accordance with the royal horticulture society ( r . h . s .) colour chart ( 2001 ) except where the context indicates a term having its ordinary dictionary meaning . my new tree has not been observed under all growing conditions , and variations may occur as a result of different growing conditions . all progeny of my new variety , insofar as have been observed , have remained genetically stable in all characteristics described hereinafter . other than as set out hereinafter , as of this time , no other characteristics have been observed which are different from common laurel oak trees , which have been observed by the inventor . parentage : naturally occurring cross - pollinated seedling of ( unknown quercus hemisphaerica parents ) grown from bare - root liner purchased in the winter of 2001 from a nursery in florida . locality where grown and observed : ‘ qhmtf ’ laurel oak trees are currently in production at in walton county , ga . this area of walton county has a clay loam soil type with rainfall that varies between 30 ″ and 60 ″ annually . this particular area is located in usda hardiness zone 7 . size and growth rate : the original parent ‘ qhmtf ’ tree , aged 5 years measured 6 . 25 ″ caliper at 12 ″ above the ground . the height of 24 ′ and spread of 13 ′ provides a 1 . 85 height to width ratio . average growth rate is between 1 . 00 ″ to 1 . 25 ″ per year . foliage : typical of the species , alternate , simple , evergreen until spring , lanceolate , elliptic to oblanceolate , obovate , or oblong - obovate , 1 . 25 ″ to 4 ″ long , ½ ″ to 1 . 25 ″ wide , acute or obtuse , usually with a bristle - tip , cuneate or obtuse at base . the spring color emerges from a greyed - orange ( rhs n170 ) to a yellow - green ( rhs 144 ). mature foliage is lustrous dark green above like ( rhs 137a ) and lighter green below like ( rhs 137c ). the fall color is a russet red like ( rhs n167b ). the petiole is 0 . 25 ″ long , yellowish like ( rhs 10b ). the petiole diameter is 1 / 16 ″. buds : imbricate , shiny greyed purple like ( rhs 183d ) ⅛ ″ to ¼ ″ long , essentially glabrous , small for oak buds . flowers : typical of species . flowers are borne in clustered catkins in march and april , usually lasting for 10 to 14 days . fruit : typical of the species being short - stalked ( virtually sessile ), the nut subglobose to ovoid about ½ ″ in both diameter and length and brown in color like ( rhs 200b ) and enclosed ¼ ″ by the saucer - shaped cap which is grey - brown like ( rhs 199b ). trunk : typical of the species . the bark is initially smooth , and brown like ( rhs n200b ), becoming darker with maturity . branching : slightly ascending to nearly horizontal at the base , emerging at 80 - 90 degrees from the trunk . upper branches are more ascending , emerging at 45 degrees or more from the trunk . color is brown like ( rhs 200b ). shape : compact , pyramidal with dense branching and dominant central leader . root system : fibrous , typical of quercus hemisphaerica . vigor : the initially discovered tree has averaged between 1 . 0 ″ to 1 . 25 ″ in caliper per year . the root development from time of softwood cuttings to a finished rooted 3½ ″ pot is five to seven weeks . disease : free from disease . pests : displays spider mite resistance but does show signs of mild leaf hopper damage .	0
higher operating temp ( hot ) focal plane arrays , or other infrared detectors , may be achieved through various mechanisms , some of which include reducing the volume of the detector . as discussed above , infrared detectors are sensitive to thermal noise , which is why these detectors are typically cooled to cryogenic operating temperatures . noise mitigation may be achieved by volume reduction of the noisier bandgap regions within the infrared detector . however , reducing the detector volume may result in lost performance . accordingly , aspects and embodiments are directed to a mechanism for compensating for this lost performance . in particular , aspects and embodiments provide an approach for realizing a hot detector that addresses both the relationship between detector volume and quantum efficiency and the fundamental recombination mechanisms that limit performance at high temperatures . according to one embodiment , a hot detector leverages surface plasmon resonance for performance improvement . as discussed in more detail below , this technique may provide a powerful resonant structure to allow two - fold improvement as the longer wavelength absorber may be both very small and in some instances fully depleted . it is to be appreciated that embodiments of the methods and apparatuses discussed herein are not limited in application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings . the methods and apparatuses are capable of implementation in other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways . also , the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting . the use herein of “ including ,” “ comprising ,” “ having ,” “ containing ,” “ involving ,” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items . references to “ or ” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “ or ” may indicate any of a single , more than one , and all of the described terms . referring to fig1 , there is illustrated an example of a focal plane array ( fpa ) 100 of infrared detectors 110 . in the illustrated example , the fpa 100 includes a two - dimensional array of eight detectors 110 ; however those skilled in the art will appreciate , given the benefit of this disclosure , that the fpa may include any number of detectors arranged in one , two or three dimensions . additionally , each infrared detector 110 may have any shape and dimension suitable for radiation detection . in this example , each infrared detector 110 includes multiple semiconductor layers 120 , 130 and 140 ; however , as discussed further below , in other embodiments , the detectors may include more or fewer semiconductor layers . one or more substrates 150 may provide a base upon which the semiconductor layer ( s ) 120 , 130 and / or 140 may be formed . the infrared detectors 110 may be at least partially separated from one another by gaps 160 in which little or no absorption occurs . each detector 110 may correspond to a pixel of the fpa 100 . the substrate 150 may be a wafer comprised of silicon ( si ), germanium ( ge ), cadmium telluride ( cdte ), cadmium zinc telluride ( cdznte ), gallium arsenside ( gaas ), and / or any other suitable substrate material or combination of substrate materials upon which the semiconductor layers 120 , 130 , and / or 140 may be formed . the semiconductor layer ( s ) 120 , 130 and / or 140 may be formed using any suitable semiconductor process , including epitaxy , for example , such as molecular beam epitaxy , metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy or liquid phase epitaxy . at least one of the semiconductor layers 120 , 130 and / or 140 may include a material having energy bandgaps responsive to radiation in a spectral region ( or waveband ) of interest ( referred to as an absorber layer ). some examples of materials include , but are not limited to , silicon , gaas , ingaas , hgcdte , lead chalcogenides , and super lattices . according to one embodiment , one or more of the detectors 110 are configured to leverage surface plasmon resonance to thin at least one of the semiconductor layers acting as the absorber for at least one waveband of the detector . referring to fig2 , there is illustrated an example of a single - waveband ( also referred to as single - color ) photodetector 200 , according to one embodiment . the photodetector 200 includes a semiconductor absorber layer 210 , which may be formed on a substrate 150 using any suitable semiconductor manufacturing process , as discussed above , and has an energy bandgap responsive to radiation in a spectral region of interest . a semiconductor collector layer 220 is coupled to the absorber layer 210 and provides an electrical connection for the photodetector 200 . in the illustrated example , the absorber layer 210 is an n - type layer and the collector layer 220 is a p - type layer , thereby creating a p - n junction . however , it is to be appreciated that the electrical conductivity type of the layers 210 , 220 may be reversed in other examples . in addition , as discussed further below , the device may be formed with an nbn - type configuration , rather than a p - n ( or n - p ) junction . an nbn configuration is a barrier type device where n is the doping type . the device may alternatively be formed with a pbp configuration , namely , a barrier type device where p is the doping type . a plasmonic resonator 230 is fabricated on the detector 200 and provides an electrical contact structure for the detector . the plasmon resonator 230 is a metal layer . the plasmonic resonator 230 operates by resonating incident flux , causing a field to be built up in the absorptive region ( absorber layer 210 ) of the detector 200 . generated carriers are separated and collected in the absorptive region in accord with normal operation of a photovoltaic device . in the illustrated example , the plasmonic resonator 230 is formed with a grating structure that includes protrusions or ridges 235 that are periodically spaced . the dimensions of the ridges 235 and period of the grating may be tailored to focus plasma waves into the absorber layer 210 , and to achieve a desired wavelength selectivity or polarization selectivity , as discussed further below . in addition , the design of the plasmonic resonator may be varied on a per pixel basis , to provide individualized spectral and / or polarization responses for the pixels of a detector array . responsive to incident radiation in the z - direction ( generally normal to the surface of the detector 200 ), the plasmonic resonator 230 causes a resonance in the x - y plane , thereby allowing a very thin absorber layer 210 to collect substantially all photons and maintain a high quantum efficiency . as a result , volume reduction ( thinning ) of the absorber layer 210 may not hinder optical performance of the detector 200 , thereby improving signal to noise . in one embodiment , the resonance of the plasmonic resonator 230 allows the absorber layer 210 to be sufficiently thinned such that it may be fully depleted or close or fully depleted at standard operating voltages . depletion of the absorber layer 210 means that limiting mechanisms at high temperatures , such as auger recombination , are suppressed . furthermore , as discussed above , volume reduction also reduces the sensitivity of the device to thermal noise , and reduces “ dark current .” dark current is the constant response exhibited by a receptor of radiation during periods when it is not actively being exposed to light . in particular , in the context of a photodetector or photovoltaic device , dark current refers to the relatively small electric current that flows through the photosensitive device when no photons are entering the device . as discussed above , the detector 200 illustrated in fig2 is a single - color ( or single - waveband ) device . there are several single - color implementations that may leverage surface plasmon resonance for various different sensing applications . for example , the detector 200 of fig2 may provide a narrow - band sensor that may be used for resonant detection . fig3 a illustrates an example spectral profile of the detector 200 of fig2 configured as an infrared detector ( i . e ., the absorber layer 210 is selected to include one or more materials responsive to infrared radiation ). fig3 a represents a generic spectral response . the specific spectral response of an exemplary device may be dependent on the combination of the absorber material cut - off wavelength and optical properties , absorber thickness ( which may be much thinner than a conventional absorbing layer , as discussed above ), and dimensions of the resonator . the dimensions of the resonator are typically determined by the operating wavelength , material properties , and desired response / sensitivity . for example , a device having a spectral response of the form illustrated in fig3 a may include an mwir absorber , a cut - off wavelength of approximately 5 μm , an absorber thickness of approximately 500 nm , and a resonator period of approximately 0 . 5 - 2 μm . fig3 b illustrates a corresponding diagram showing energy levels across an example of the detector 200 of fig2 . as discussed above , the width w 1 of the absorber layer 210 may be made very narrow , in one example , approximately the same as the depletion width of the detector , such that the device may be operated fully depleted . such a sensor may realize a hot detector with good performance through the reduction of thermal noise , dark current , and other limiting factors , as discussed above . according to another embodiment , a single - color photodetector may be implemented for broad - band sensing . for example , a broad - band detector may be implemented , leveraging the reduced dark current of the device , by confining the shortest wavelengths to a very narrow , optionally fully depleted absorber , while allowing other wavelengths to be absorbed through more standard absorbers . an example of such a detector is illustrated in fig4 . referring to fig4 , in one example , a single - color broad - band photodetector 400 includes an absorber layer 410 that is divided into two regions , namely , region 410 a and region 410 b , as shown by the dotted line in fig4 . absorber region 410 a may be responsive to a certain group of wavelengths , for example , the shorter wavelengths of a waveband of interest , and the absorber region 410 b may be sensitive to other wavelengths in the waveband of interest . the plasmonic resonator 230 may be configured to focus radiation with selected wavelengths into absorber region 410 a . accordingly , absorber region 410 a may be made very thin , for example ( referring to fig5 b ), the width w 2 of absorber region 410 a may be approximately the same as the depletion width . thus , in one example , the detector 400 may be operated with absorber region 410 a fully depleted and leveraging the plasmon resonance to achieve high quantum efficiency . in one example , absorber region 410 a resembles the detector 200 of fig2 in operation , and may be a very narrow - band detector . absorber region 410 b may have a wider spectral range ( or bandwidth ). for example absorber region 410 a may have a peak response at 4 . 5 μm with an fwhm response of 0 . 5 - 1 μm , while absorber 410 b has a broad - band response over the region 1 - 4 . 25 μm region . thus , the combination of the two color absorbers may cover the entire useful mwir region , while having the dark current performance of only the shorter wavelength material 410 b , which dominates dark current in the longer wavelength absorber 410 a . absorber region 410 b may not receive resonant energy from the plasmonic resonator 230 , and may absorb photons according to conventional photovoltaic processes . thus , the surface plasmonic resonator 230 may be used to manage where absorption of photons with selected wavelengths occurs within a detector device to improve performance of the device . accordingly , a broad - band device may be achieved by using the thin , narrow - band absorber region 410 a for some wavelengths , and the thicker , broader - band absorber region 410 b to capture the other wavelengths . in one example , the thickness of absorber region 410 a may be approximately 300 nanometers ( nm ) and the thickness of absorber region 410 b may be approximately 5 micrometers ( μm ). similar to fig3 a discussed above , fig5 a illustrates an example generic spectral profile for an infrared embodiment of detector 400 . in one example , the detector 400 is configured for the infrared spectral region extending from approximately 3 μm to 5 μm . in another example , the detector 400 is configured for the infrared spectral region extending from approximately 8 μm to 12 μm . as discussed above , absorber region 410 a is configured to detect a first subset of the spectral region , similar to the detector of fig2 , and absorber region 410 b is configured to detect the remainder of the spectral region ; thereby achieving a broad - band , single - color device . as discussed above , fig5 b illustrates the corresponding energy level diagram for the example detector of fig4 . as discussed above , other embodiments of detectors may include nbn detectors that instead of a p - n junction include a barrier layer between the absorber and the collector . the plasmonic resonator may be formed on the collector and the absorber may be thinned , as discussed above . one example of an nbn single - color detector is illustrated in fig6 . in this example , the detector 600 includes an absorber layer 610 , a barrier layer 620 and a collector layer 630 . the absorber layer 610 and the collector layer 630 may have the same electrical conductivity type , for example , n - type , and are separated from one another by the barrier layer 620 . as discussed above , by using the plasmonic resonator 230 to focus plasma waves into the absorber layer 610 , the absorber layer may be made very thin . in this context , “ very thin ” may be defined by optical absorption depth , rather than a physical property of the absorber layer . for example , a typical mwir absorption depth is approximately 1 - 3 μm ( and is wavelength dependent ); therefore , a conventional absorber layer may typically be 5 - 10 μm thick . in contrast , according to certain aspects of the invention , the absorber layer 610 may be “ very thin ” in that the absorber thickness may be much less than the absorption depth . for example , an absorber layer of 300 nm thickness is approximately 5 - 10 times thinner than the typical mwir absorption depth , and therefore may be considered very thin . the absorption depth is dependent on the material properties , and therefore the physical thickness of a “ very thin ” layer may be material dependent also . this example detector 600 may be a narrow - band device , and may have a generic spectral response ( an example of which is illustrated in fig7 a ) similar to that of the detector 200 of fig2 . fig7 b illustrates an exemplary corresponding energy level diagram for the example detector 600 of fig6 . a broad - band single color detector , such as that discussed above with reference to fig4 , may also be implemented using an nbn configuration . an example of single - color , dual - absorber detector 800 is illustrated in fig8 . in this example , the detector 800 includes an absorber layer 810 , which as discussed above , may be divided into two absorber regions 810 a and 810 b , one of which ( 810 b ) may be thinned due to the benefits provided by the plasmonic resonator 230 . the dual - region absorber layer 810 may provide a broad - band single color spectral response ( an example of which is illustrated in fig9 a ). in one example , the detector 800 may be constructed such that the spectral response is similar to that of detector 400 . the absorber layer 810 is separated from a collector layer 830 by a barrier layer 820 . as discussed above with respect to fig6 , in this configuration , the absorber layer 810 and collector layer 830 may have the same electrical conductivity type . the plasmonic resonator 230 is formed on the collector layer 830 . fig9 a illustrates an example of the generic spectral response of detector 800 , and fig9 b illustrates a corresponding exemplary energy level diagram . in one example , the detector 800 is configured to cover wavelength ranges from approximately 4 . 25 - 5 μm and less than 4 . 25 μm . in another example , in which inalsb and inassb materials are used , the detector 800 may be configured to cover wavelength ranges from approximately 3 . 25 - 4 μm and less than 4 μm . as discussed above , super lattices may also be used for the detector materials . according to another embodiment , a two - color ( or dual - band ) device may also be implemented using a surface plasmonic resonator , as discussed above . in one example , a dual - band detector leverages surface plasmon resonance to thin one band of the detector , particularly the band most sensitive to dark current and limiting higher temperature operation . as a result , a hot two - color or dual - band detector may be realized . in one example , for an infrared two - color detector , the detector may include two absorbing regions of different cut - off . the longer - wavelength absorbing region may be coupled to a plasmonic resonator , as discussed further below , and may be made very thin , in one example , on the order of the depletion width of the detector . this reduces the volume of the device and the dark current generating sources , while maintaining high quantum efficiency , as discussed above . the shorter - wavelength absorbing region may be a standard thickness absorber , and may not receive resonant energy from the plasmonic resonator . referring to fig1 , there is illustrated one example of a two - color detector 1000 including a plasmonic resonator 230 . the detector 1000 includes a first absorber layer 1010 comprising a material having an energy bandgap responsive to radiation in a first spectral region , and a first collector layer 1020 , which together provide detection for the first spectral region ( referred to as the first color detector ). the detector 1000 further includes a second absorber layer 1030 comprising a material having an energy bandgap responsive to radiation in a second spectral region . in the illustrated example , the collector layer for the second absorber 1030 is provided by a highly doped n + layer 1040 ; however , in other examples , layer 1040 may be a p - type layer . layers 1020 , 1030 and 1040 together provide the second color detector . a variety of other suitable electrical conductivity variations may be used for the semiconductor layers 1010 , 1020 , 1030 and 1040 . for example , as discussed further below , a dual - band detector may be implemented using an nbn configuration , as illustrated for example in fig1 . the contact structure of the second color detector is patterned to provide the surface plasmonic resonator 230 , as discussed above . in one example , the detector 1000 is an infrared detector , and the first color detector is the shorter wavelength detector and the second color detector is the longer wavelength detector . in a particular embodiment , absorber layer 1010 may have an energy bandgap responsive to a spectral range of approximately 0 . 5 μm to 5 μm , and semiconductor layer 1030 may have an energy bandgap responsive to a different spectral region , such as , for example , long - wavelength infrared ( lwir ). in another example , the dual - band detector 1000 may include one band covering the infrared spectral region from approximately 3 μm to 5 pm , and another band covering the infrared spectral region from approximately 8 μm to 12 μm . in other embodiments , semiconductor layers 1010 and 1030 may be responsive to respective ones or more of near - infrared ( nir ), short - wavelength infrared ( swir ), mid - wavelength infrared , lwir , very - long wave infrared ( vlwir ), and / or one or more other spectral regions that may or may not be within the infrared spectrum . as used herein , nir radiation includes a spectral region extending from approximately 0 . 5 to 1 μm , swir radiation includes a spectral region extending from approximately 1 to 3 μm , mwir radiation includes a spectral region extending from approximately 3 to 8 μm , lwir radiation includes a spectral region extending from approximately 8 to 12 μm , and vlwir radiation includes a spectral region extending from approximately 12 to 30 μm . longer wavelength infrared radiation is generally more sensitive to thermal noise than is shorter wavelength infrared radiation . accordingly , it may be advantageous to apply the benefits of the plasmonic resonator to the longer wavelength ( second color ) absorber layer 1030 . however , in other examples , particularly if the detector 1000 is configured for a spectral region other than the infrared region , the second color detector may be the shorter wavelength detector . in one embodiment , the second absorber layer 1030 is thinned , for example , until it is approximately a depletion region thickness . as illustrated in fig1 , the second absorber layer 1030 is sandwiched between two regions of higher band gap ( and also higher doping density ), namely the collector layers 1020 and 1040 . in one example , the second color detector is operated fully depleted . this reduces auger recombination , in some instances leaving only g - r recombination , which may be controlled through careful selection of the material quality ( for the material of absorber layer 1030 ) and is not a fundamental material limit for higher temperature operation . in one example , the second color detector using the plasmonic resonator 230 is narrow - band , and may be configured for the wavelengths most sensitive to thermal noise , dark current or other limiting effects . the shorter wavelength absorber layer 1010 may be broad - band ( as discussed above , this absorber may not be affected by the plasmonic resonator 230 ) and may be used to cover the wavelengths of the absorption spectrum of interest that are not detected by the narrow - band absorber 1030 . another example of a dual - band radiation detector that may be modified to include a plasmonic resonator 230 coupled to the absorber layer associated with one spectral band of the detector is described in u . s . patent publication no . 2011 / 0147877 titled “ multi - band , reduced - volume radiation detectors and methods of formation ,” published on jun . 23 , 2011 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety . fig1 a illustrates one example of a spectral profile corresponding to an infrared example of the detector 1000 of fig1 . in this example , the first color detector ( using absorber layer 610 ) detects the first ( shorter wavelength and broader band , for example the 3 - 5 μm mwir window ) spectral region 1110 , and the second color detector ( using the plasmonic resonator and absorber layer 1030 ) covers the second ( narrow - band , longer wavelength , for example sections of the lwir 8 - 12 um window , with the spectral content defined by the geometry of the resonator ) spectral region 1120 . fig1 b illustrates a corresponding portion of an energy level diagram including semiconductor layers 1020 , 1030 and 1040 , and the plasmonic resonator contact 235 . as discussed above , in one example , the width w 3 of the second absorber layer 1030 may be approximately the depletion thickness of the detector 1000 . examples of thickness include approximately 5 - 10 μm for band 1 ( the standard absorber thickness ) and 300 nm for band 2 ( with plasmonic enhancement ). as discussed above , a two - color detector may be implemented using an nbn configuration , as illustrated for example in fig1 . in this example , the detector 1200 includes a first absorber layer 1210 comprising a material having an energy bandgap responsive to radiation in a first spectral region , and a second absorber layer 1230 comprising a material having an energy bandgap responsive to radiation in a second spectral region . the two absorber layers are separated from one another by a barrier layer 1220 . the plasmonic resonator 230 is coupled to the second absorber layer 1230 induces a resonance therein , as discussed above , to allow this layer to be thinned while maintaining high quantum efficiency . fig1 a illustrates an example of the spectral response of detector 1200 , which may be similar to that of detector 1000 . fig1 b illustrates a corresponding energy level diagram for an example of the detector 1200 . fig1 is a graph showing simulated dark currents for various examples of detectors using plasmonic resonators in accord with certain embodiments . dark current in amperes per square centimeter ( y - axis ) are plotted as a function of the normalized inverse operating temperature of the detector ( x - axis ; operating temperature decreasing to the right ). trace 1410 represents the dark current for a baseline single color detector without a plasmonic resonator ( standard thickness absorber ). trace 1420 illustrates the dark current for an example of a single color broad - band detector , such as that illustrated in fig4 . trace 1430 illustrates the dark current for an example of a single color narrow - band detector , such as that illustrated in fig2 . as can be seen with reference to fig1 , the dark current is substantially reduced for these example detectors utilizing the plasmon resonance . traces 1440 and 1450 corresponding to an example two - color detector , such as that shown in fig1 . trace 1440 illustrates the dark current for the first spectral region or waveband of the detector ( corresponding to absorber layer 1010 ), and trace 1450 illustrates the dark current for the second spectral region or waveband , corresponding to absorber layer 1030 . in one example , by leveraging plasmon resonance and operating the detectors fully depleted , an infrared detector may be made to perform with approximately 50 times less dark current at an operating temperature of 200 k than a conventional ( e . g ., the baseline ; trace 1410 ) infrared detector . thus , aspects and embodiments provide a single - or dual - band radiation detector , for example , an infrared detector , in combination with a plasmonic resonator . as discussed above , the plasmonic resonator allows volume reduction of the absorber layer of one band ( or selection of wavelengths ) of the detector , for example , the narrowest bandgap material , while another absorber associated with the other band / color may allow broad - band detection at wavelengths not within the narrow - band spectral region influenced by the plasmonic resonator . thus , a hot detector may be realized by employing the plasmonic resonator to achieve a thin , optionally fully depleted , absorber for one spectral region or one or more wavelengths ( e . g ., the spectral region most sensitive to thermal noise or where highest resolution / performance is desired ), and using a second absorber material for broader detector response ( e . g ., for a broad - band single color detector leveraging multiple color absorbing regions ) or dual - color applications . furthermore , according to one embodiment , the plasmonic resonator 230 may be designed to allow for selectivity in one or multiple optical regimes . for example a single narrow - band resonance can be designed , and varied across the focal plane array 100 for multi - or hyper - spectral imaging . thus , referring again to fig1 , different detectors 110 in the focal plane array 100 may be configured with different plasmonic resonators to achieve sensitivity in different spectral regions . for example , the period and / or dimensions of the ridges 235 may be varied from detector to detector to tailor each detector 110 to a specific waveband . in another example , various polarization sensitivities may be designed into the plasmonic resonators 230 , again by varying the dimensions and / or grating period of the ridges 235 . as discussed above , in some embodiments , the detectors 200 , 400 , 600 , 800 , 1000 and / or 1200 are infrared detectors , and accordingly the semiconductor layers may include materials that are capable of detecting infrared radiation in any one or more of the nir , swir , mwir , lwir and / or vlwir spectral bands . one example material capable of detecting radiation is mercury cadmium telluride ( hgcdte ). in one embodiment , the semiconductor layers 120 , 130 , 140 , 210 , 410 , 1010 and / or 1030 at least partially comprise hgcdte in the form of hg ( 1 - x ) cd x te . the x value of the hgcdte alloy composition may be chosen , for example , so as to tune the optical absorption of the corresponding semiconductor layer to the desired infrared wavelength . in other examples , the semiconductor layers 120 , 130 , 140 , 210 , 410 , 1010 and / or 1030 may comprise additional and / or alternative materials responsive to radiation . for example , the semiconductor layers 120 , 130 , 140 , 210 , 410 , 1010 and / or 1030 may comprise mercury cadmium zinc telluride ( hgcdznte ) and / or group iii - v semiconductor materials , such as , for example , gaas , algaas , inas , insb , gasb , and their alloys . as another example layers 120 , 130 , 140 , 210 , 410 , 1010 and / or 1030 may be based on a type - ii strained - layer superlattice structure . having described above several aspects of at least one embodiment , it is to be appreciated various alterations , modifications , and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art . such alterations , modifications , and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to be within the scope of the invention . accordingly , the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only , and the scope of the invention should be determined from proper construction of the appended claims , and their equivalents .	7
this application is a continuation - in - part of u . s . patent application ser . no . 08 / 176 , 324 filed on jan . 3 , 1994 for a wireless mouse , incorporated herein by reference . referring first to fig1 the wireless operation of the present invention can be better appreciated . a peripheral 10 , such as an electronic mouse or other suitable peripheral , communicates with a host adapter 20 by means of radio frequency (&# 34 ; rf &# 34 ;) signals . the other suitable peripherals include trackballs , keyboards , digitizing tablets and pointing devices used in software presentations . the mouse 10 communicates with the host adapter 20 on a suitable carrier frequency such as the range of frequencies around 27 mhz , although one skilled in the art will appreciate that many other rf carrier frequencies would be suitable for use with wireless peripherals according to the present invention . the host adapter 20 is connected to a host system 30 ( not shown ), such as a personal computer or work station , through any suitable protocol . for example , the host adapter 20 may be connected to the host system 30 through a serial port ( rs - 232 ) or a mouse port , generally referred to as a ps / 2 port . referring next to fig2 the major components of the wireless mouse 10 of the present invention may be better appreciated . the lower housing 100 serves as a platform , onto which the printed circuit (&# 34 ; pc &# 34 ;) board 110 is located by means of locating pins 120 . integral with the lower housing 100 is a ball cage 130 , such as is described in u . s . patent application ser . no . 08 / 183 , 897 , entitled integrated ball cage for pointing device and filed jan . 21 , 1994 , incorporated herein by reference . also integral with the lower housing 100 is a battery holder 140 , discussed in greater detail hereinafter . coupled to the front portion of the pc board 110 , are a plurality of switches 150a - c for user actuation in a conventional manner . a loop antenna 160 for transmitting information to the host adapter 20 is printed onto the pc board 110 and is virtually hidden from view . as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art , an antenna of such a low frequency device is generally quite long ( such as with a whip antenna ); however , the loop antenna here is very small compared to the wavelength of the transmission ( approximately 11 meters ). a button plate 180 , configured to provide a plurality of buttons 180a - c for actuating the switches 150a - c , snaps into an opening in the front of the upper housing 170 . the lower housing 100 may be connected to the upper housing 170 by a plurality of screws 190 , as shown in fig3 although other fastening means are acceptable . positioned within the ball cage is a rubber coated polymeric ball 200 of the sort described in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 951 , 034 , although numerous alternative arrangements are equally acceptable . the ball 200 may be inserted into the ball cage 130 through an opening in the lower housing 100 . in normal operation , the ball 200 is retained substantially within the ball cage 130 by means of a belly door 210 , which fastens into the bottom of the lower housing 100 , as shown in fig3 . as is conventional , the belly door 210 contains an aperture through which the ball can contact the working surface during normal operation . during operation , the rotation of the ball is converted to digital signals by means of opto - mechanical encoders on the printed circuit board 110 in a conventional manner . simply put , the opto - mechanical encoders generate a digital quadrature signal representative of the movement of the mouse across the table . other embodiments may include other techniques for generating displacement information , such as that shown in u . s . pat . no . 08 / 199 , 982 , entitled pointing device utilizing a photo detector array and filed feb . 18 , 1994 , incorporated herein by reference . fig3 further shows the battery door 220 which may be fastened to the lower housing 100 to hide the battery holder area 140 . a channel selector button 230 , in the preferred embodiment , is connected to the pc board 110 and allows a user to switch among four different transmission channels by depressing the button 230 . light emitting diode (&# 34 ; led &# 34 ;) 240 is also connected to pc board 110 and supplies users with channel selection information . the receiver , described in detail hereinafter , will automatically switch to the newly chosen channel through an electronic channel selection means . in operation , if the user presses the channel selector button 230 for a short time ( less than one second ), the led 240 blinks the number of times corresponding to the current channel number . if the user presses the channels selector button for a longer period of time ( longer than one second ), the channel decrements to the next lower channel and the led 240 blinks the number of times corresponding to the new channel number . thus , if the transmission channel is channel one and the user changes channels , the next channel will be channel four . in this embodiment , the four user selectable transmitting channels include 26 . 995 mhz , 27 . 045 mhz , 27 . 145 mhz and 27 . 195 mhz with a bandwidth of 10 khz . fig4 shows in schematic block diagram for the operation of the mouse 10 . on power up of the mouse ( insertion of two aaa batteries ), the cpu 320 downloads information from the eeprom 340 . this information includes the frequency of the current radio channel , the sampling rate of the photodetectors 310 and the identification code information for that particular mouse . in an exemplary embodiment , the identification code information could be any of 255 different combinations and allows a host adapter 20 to differentiate between two rf wireless mice operating on the same transmission frequency and in the same transmission zone , so that each mouse 10 ( transmitter ) has a single identification number that will be accepted by its corresponding host adapter 20 ( receiver ). use of the eeprom 340 aids in development and in future updates for the peripheral and , since eeproms are non - volatile memory , the eeprom 340 provides a means to store the channel and identification code information when powering the mouse down ( changing the batteries ). new information may replace outdated information on the eeprom . the movement of the ball 200 across a work surface causes a pulse train to be sent from photosources 300 to photodetectors 310 . the pulses received by the photodetectors 310 are sampled by cpu 320 , which may for example be a low power version of a motorola 68hc05 . the cpu 320 samples the photodetectors 310 in accordance with the clock signal provided by a clock generator which , in the preferred embodiment , is internal to the cpu 320 . the cpu 320 further monitors and receives user actuated key switch information 450 . the cpu 320 also controls the transmitting radio frequency by controlling the phase lock loop chip (&# 34 ; pll &# 34 ;) 350 . the cpu 320 initially receives default information about the transmitting radio frequency channel from the eeprom 340 at power up and writes this information to the pll 350 . the default value in the eeprom 340 can be altered by the user by pressing the channel selector button 400 . the new channel information will be stored in the eeprom 340 for the next wake - up ( discussed in greater detail hereinafter ) or power up of the mouse . the operation of the channel selector button 400 and the led 410 was described earlier in reference to fig3 . the cpu 320 provides switch and displacement information to the vcxo 360 and the crystal 390 which together act as a frequency shift keying (&# 34 ; fsk &# 34 ;) modulator . the frequency is changed by slightly changing the frequency of the crystal 390 . the vcxo 360 then interacts with the pll 350 and the loop filter 370 to create a frequency multiplier which generates the carrier frequency of the transmitting rf signal . the loop filter 370 assures frequency stability . the information to be transmitted is then provided to a voltage controlled oscillator (&# 34 ; vco &# 34 ;) 380 which in turn provides the modulated carrier signal to a loop antenna 430 ( discussed earlier ) through an rf amplifier 420 . the transmitted signals then are picked up by a receiver in the host adapter 20 , discussed in greater detail hereinafter . in the preferred embodiment , the fsk modulation is accomplished by switching the pll &# 39 ; s reference frequency oscillator &# 39 ; s capacitor , which creates a kind of vcxo . this allows a transmitted data signal spectrum to have dc components which is necessary with the presently used encoding process , described below . the pll 350 further has a large band width in order to follow the reference frequency changes and to achieve fast locking time when the peripheral is awakened from its sleep mode , described below . power for the system is preferably provided by a battery ( not shown ) which is contained within the battery holder 140 . preferably , an inexpensive power source will be used , such as two am batteries . if desired , a low voltage detector may be provided to signal low battery conditions to the user . as long as the battery has sufficient power , the mouse 10 will typically not turn off , but instead can operate in three power modes ( normal , standby and sleep ) to conserve energy . in normal operation , such as when the mouse is being used , the opto - mechanical encoders ( 300 , 310 ) will be sampled at full speed , the cpu 320 is clocked at its nominal speed , and displacement and button data is sent continuously to the host adapter 20 . however , after a period of nonuse , for example 20 milliseconds , the mouse 10 will enter a standby mode during which the encoders ( 300 , 310 ) are sampled less frequently , although the cpu continues to work at normal speed . however , to further conserve power in standby mode , the cpu 320 switches off the pll circuitry ( 350 - 390 ) and the rf amplifier 420 . after a further period of nonuse , for example 10 seconds , the mouse 10 enters a sleep mode in which the cpu 320 enter a stop mode and the remainder of the circuitry is in full static condition . wake up circuitry 440 periodically generates a signal which revives the cpu 320 out of its stop mode to check if any activity has occurred . the sleep timing is calibrated by measuring a first time period and discharging a timing capacitor accordingly . this feature thus allows the use of components with fairly bad tolerances while still achieving fairly precise sleep timing . in the preferred embodiment , the wake up circuitry 440 revives the cpu 320 every 80 milli - seconds . if any activity ( i . e . movement of the mouse , depression of a button or depression of the channel program button ) does occur in either standby or sleep mode , the cpu 320 returns to normal mode and powers up the rest of the circuitry . shown in fig5 is a simple flow chart describing the transitions from normal mode to standby mode to sleep mode . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous alternative approaches would also work . however , in the present instance , it can be seen that the opto - mechanical encoders are sampled at high speed ( step 510 ) to determine if the user has taken any action , either by moving the mouse or pressing a button . if a button is pressed , it sends an interrupt to the cpu 320 ; thus , the cpu 320 need not sample the buttons . if an action has been taken by the user , the mouse remains in normal mode . if no action is detected for a first period , the mouse transitions to a standby mode , and the encoders are again sampled ( step 520 ), but at a medium speed . if the sampling detects action , the mouse is switched to normal mode , at high speed . if no action occurs after a second , predetermined period , the mouse transitions to the sleep mode , operating at low frequency ( step 530 ). in this mode , the mouse &# 39 ; s circuitry is in a static condition with the wake - up circuitry 440 periodically reviving the cpu 320 so that it may see if any action has been taken . as before , any movement of either the mouse or the switches causes the mouse to switch to normal mode . in a presently preferred embodiment , the rf amplifier 420 typically communicates unidirectionally with the host adapter 20 , and thus does not receive signals back from the host adapter 20 . this unidirectional transmission further aids in reducing power consumption on the transmitting side ( mouse ). in the preferred embodiment , the data reports are transmitted at 1200 bits per second ; although , one skilled in the art will that appreciate other data transfer rates could be used . three types of reports can be transmitted from the mouse 10 to the host adapter 20 -- displacement and switch information reports , status reports , and channel change request reports . reasonably accurate and rapid reporting of displacement information can be provided by using a multiple bit report frame which includes a start bit sequence , a packet start pattern , transmitter identification code sequence , x and y displacement data , at least one crc bit , and a stop bit . in an implementation which has proven successful in testing , the displacement report frame comprises twenty - four bits , of which three bits form a start bit sequence , one bit forms the packet start pattern , four bits form the transmitter identification code sequence , eleven bits provide x and y displacement data , four bits provide crc data , and one bit forms a stop bit pattern set forth below is a graphical representation of one acceptable report frame in accordance with the present invention , although numerous other permutations will provide substantially similar performance : examining the report frame from the left : 101 is the start sequence , 1 is the packet start pattern , 1011 is the transmitter identification code sequence , 1 yyyyyxxxxx provides displacement data where the &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; is used to differentiate displacement reports from status information and other future extended commands , the capital letters x and y stand for the sign of the displacement and the small x and y stand for the magnitude of the displacement , the crc codes are used to ensure the accuracy of the unidirectional transmitted signal , and &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; is the stop pattern . therefore , the displacement portion of the report frame provides eight bits which describe the absolute value of the displacement values in the x and y directions and two bits describe the sign information (+ or -), one bit for each direction . if a switch report frame is sent , the displacement data above (&# 34 ; 1yyyyyxxxxx &# 34 ;) is replaced with the switch data (&# 34 ; 110000sssss &# 34 ;), where &# 34 ; 110000 &# 34 ; identifies a switch report frame and &# 34 ; s &# 34 ; stands for the switch information . if a status report frame is sent the displacement data is replaced with the new status information , either &# 34 ; 010aaaaaaaa &# 34 ; or &# 34 ; 011dddddddd &# 34 ; depending on whether status addresses are sent or status data is sent , respectively . typical status information which needs to be transmitted includes mouse identification code information , device type ( mouse , trackball , or other ) and the number of buttons ( one to four , usually two or three ); although , it will be appreciated that other information could also be transmitted as status information , such as battery status , firmware and hardware versions , etc . other status information can also be transmitted depending upon the particular embodiment . if a channel change request report frame is sent the displacement data is replaced with the new channel broadcast information (&# 34 ; 1bcccc10000 &# 34 ;), where &# 34 ; b &# 34 ; is the mouse &# 39 ; s led status and &# 34 ; cccc &# 34 ; is the mouse &# 39 ; s transmission channel number . whenever the host adapter 20 receives a valid data report , its cpu 600 causes the led 740 to blink , as shown in fig6 . this blinking provides feedback to the user of the mouse about the validity and usage of the chosen rf mouse channel . fig6 shows in schematic block diagram for the operation of the host adapter 20 . as with the mouse 10 , the host adapter &# 39 ; s eeprom 620 provides information to the cpu 600 and the pll circuitry at power up , such as the correct mouse identification code to look for in the data reports . on power up , the cpu 600 first detects what type of interface 610 it is using to communicate with the host system 30 , i . e . serial or ps / 2 . the cpu 600 then adapts according to which interface is found at 610 . in serial mode , the voltage available on the rs - 232 lines is regulated to 5 volts , in ps / 2 mode this regulation is not necessary . the 5 volts are used to power the cpu 600 . a second regulator is used to lower the voltage to 2 . 5 volts to power the pll 630 and the fsk receiver chip 650 . next , the cpu 600 programs the pll 630 with the initial receiver frequency information . the fsk receiver chip 650 converts the transmitted radio signal to a low frequency signal which can be manipulated by the cpu 600 . the fsk receiver chip 650 has two local oscillators lo1 and lo2 and a voltage controlled oscillator ( vco ). the second oscillator lo2 is provided by the reference frequency of the pll 630 from the crystal 660 . the first oscillator lo1 varies with the user selected channel number . lo1 is generated with the pll 630 , the filter 640 and the vco in the fsk receiver chip 650 . after the transmitted signal report is received by the loop antenna 690 at an rf frequency of approximately 27 mhz and passes through the tuning impedance adapter 680 , it is provided to the input of an fsk receiver chip 650 . the loop antenna 690 here is similar to the loop antenna of the mouse 430 , in that it is virtually hidden from sight and is much shorter than the wavelength of the signal it is receiving . the frequencies in the received signal are subtracted with the frequency of lo1 and then filtered through the first intermediate frequency (&# 34 ; if &# 34 ;) filter 710 to produce a signal which has a frequency of approximately 10 . 7 mhz . the received signal is then amplified before it is again subtracted with the frequency of lo2 . the signal is then filtered by the second if filter 720 to produce a signal which has a frequency of approximately 455 khz . this subtract / filtering process also suppresses unwanted and stray signals which are received by the loop antenna 690 , including other peripheral devices which are transmitting on one of the other four rf channels . the fsk receiver chip 650 then demodulates the signal using a demodulator quad coil 700 and equalizes it into a digital format . the process of demodulation is to convert the received signal &# 39 ; s frequency variations to magnitude variations which are then able to be detected by the cpu 600 after they pass through the level shifter circuit 670 . the state of switch 730 is read by cpu 600 which will correspondingly change between single and multiple peripheral reception by the host adapter 20 . in the single peripheral reception of the presently preferred embodiment , the cpu 600 analyzes the received , demodulated data and discards all of the data reports which do not have the correct mouse identification code attached to them . in this mode , the cpu determines the correct identification code by latching onto the identification code in the first received report and storing it in the eeprom 620 . the cpu 600 can then provide the appropriate signals to the host computer 30 , such as a personal computer or workstation , through the ps / 2 or serial host interface 610 . in the multiple peripheral reception of the presently preferred embodiment , the primary peripheral device is latched on to as it is in single device mode , described above . the first received identification code , which is not the primary identification code , is latched onto by the cpu 600 as the secondary peripheral device . this identification code is also stored in the eeprom 620 so that it may be provided to the cpu 600 at a subsequent power up . in two device mode , both peripheral devices must transmit on the same channel frequency and the cpu 600 will not accept user changes in transmission channels . all non - used channels are thus filtered out . in the presently preferred embodiment , when the cpu 600 receives simultaneous reports from both peripheral devices , the weaker of the two rf signals will be suppressed while the stronger of the two signals will be provided to the host computer 30 . one skilled in the art will appreciate , however , that many other methods could be used to prioritize and differentiate simultaneous signals received by multiple wireless peripherals and still be contained within the spirit of the present invention . the purpose for having a two device mode is to allow a user to use two pointing devices with the same host adapter 20 . thus , a user could use two of the same devices ( such as for training ), both a wireless mouse and a wireless presentation pointing device for software presentations , or a user could use a wireless mouse along with a wireless digitizing pad or trackball . further , the user can purchase the second wireless peripheral for less money because he will not also have to purchase another host adapter ( receiver ) unit . as can be appreciated from the foregoing , the omnidirectional transmission of the signal from the transmitter in the mouse 10 to the host adapter 20 eliminates most concerns about obstacles in the transmission path while at the same time permitting significantly improved freedom for the user by eliminating any mechanical connection from the mouse 10 to the host system 30 . in addition , the identification code information and the ability to choose multiple transmission channels upon which to transmit avoids most concerns of radio interference with other devices in the environment . it will be appreciated that the present invention also provides a method and means for receiving signals from more than one wireless peripheral device and that it minimizes power consumption at the transmitting end . it can further be appreciated that this same interface , while described here in detail only in connection with an electronic mouse , can similarly be used with numerous other peripherals . having fully described one embodiment of the present invention , it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous alternatives and equivalents exist which do not depart from the invention set forth above . it is therefore to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing description , but only by the appended claims .	6
fig1 shows a self - service cash redemption machine 10 in which the present invention is incorporated . the machine is housed in a cabinet enclosure 11 having a front door 12 . the door 12 has an opening 14 for viewing a visual display screen 15 . below this screen 15 are two buttons 16 , identified as “ a ” and “ b ”, for allowing the user to enter selections of items on the screen 15 . to the right of the display is an area for an advertising display 17 and below that is a printout slot 18 for receiving a receipt or other printable matter that exits a printer installed inside the enclosure 11 . just below the printer output slot 18 is a coin intake area 19 for receiving coins into the machine 10 . fig2 shows the machine with the front door 12 removed . the printer 20 is now visible , along with a coin processing assembly 21 having a sorting and counting mechanism for receiving a batch of unsorted coinage from a user and for sorting coins into a plurality of denominations . the printer 20 operates under the control of a controller 30 seen in fig2 . this is a microcomputerized controller of a type disclosed in adams et al ., u . s . pat . no . 5 , 992 , 602 , issued nov . 30 , 1999 , and zwieg et al ., u . s . pat . no . 6 , 640 , 956 , issued nov . 4 , 2003 . it includes one or more microelectronic cpu &# 39 ; s , a program memory , a data memory and a program that is executed by a main cpu for controlling the operations of the machine . the controller 30 is also connected to the i / o devices such as the printer 20 , the count sensors on the sorting and counting mechanism and others to be described herein . the printer 20 can print out a voucher or receipt representing the amount of coinage fed into the coin processing assembly 21 and counted by the controller 30 through sensing devices on the sorting mechanism of the coin processing assembly 21 . the user can present this voucher or receipt in payment for merchandise , or could , where permitted , redeem it for cash in the form of notes and a small amount of change less than one dollar . an output device for issuing a card with a pre - paid credit amount , like a phone card , could also be used in place of the printer . the coin processing assembly 21 is commercially available in the assignee &# 39 ; s mach ® 6 line of dual disc coin sorters . as is well known in the art , the coins are deposited on a queueing disc and transferred to a sorting plate where they fall through slots sized for different denominations . from there , the coins are routed into coin receptacles , such as coin bags or removable bins . for details of the construction and operation of dual disc sorters , the disclosures in adams et al , u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 295 , 899 and 5 , 525 , 104 and adams et al ., u . s . pat . no . 5 , 992 , 602 , issued nov . 30 , 1999 , zwieg et al ., u . s . pat . no . 6 , 640 , 956 , issued nov . 4 , 2003 , and zwieg et al ., u . s . patent application ser . no . 10 / 896 , 472 , filed jul . 27 , 2004 , which are incorporated herein by reference . fig3 shows an enlarged detail view of an improved coin intake mechanism 40 . the coins are deposited in a funnel - shaped hopper area 41 with side walls 42 leading to a front end of an inclined conveyor 43 . the conveyor 43 is inclined at an angle of about twenty degrees to complete the funnel shape around the coin intake area together with the conveyor side walls 42 and a hopper back wall ( not seen in fig3 ). the conveyor 43 extends upward towards and through an intake opening 44 in the wall of the machine cabinet 11 . coins are fed along a feed path 45 corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the conveyor 43 . above a portion of the conveyor 43 is a solid , transparent cover 46 that blocks access to a portion of the inclined coin path 45 and to the intake opening 44 to prevent access to the intake opening 44 and to prevent access to coins in a vicinity of the intake opening 44 while the conveyor is running . if the cover 46 is lifted to resolve a problem , such as a foreign object in the feed path , the conveyor 43 will be stopped . referring next to fig4 and 5 , the cover 46 is a solid , transparent , planar member that is pivotable at one end facing towards a body of the machine 10 and opposite an end for receiving the coins . the machine 10 has a transparent window member 47 positioned above the intake opening 44 to allow a view into an interior of the cash redemption machine 10 . the cover 46 is disposed in a plane that converges toward the coin hopper area 41 at an acute angle as seen in fig4 . the cover 46 has an edge 48 facing towards the coin hopper area 41 , the edge 48 being disposed at an acute angle relative to the direction of travel of the coins so as to provide a lateral opening across the coin path 45 that becomes wider as the angled edge 48 recedes toward an intake opening 44 into a body of the cash redemption machine 10 . this will cause smaller coins to fit under any part of the cover 46 , but a larger coin on edge will move over to a wider opening before sliding under the cover 46 . this creates movement within a body of coins and relieves jamming that might otherwise occur when the coins block the opening between the conveyor 43 and the cover 46 . the conveyor 43 has a looped belt 49 that is driven through a roller 43 b by a motor 50 inside the machine cabinet 11 , with the other end of the conveyor belt 49 looping around a second roller at the hopper end . as seen in more detail in fig9 , the roller 43 b has a mid - section circumferential groove which receives a rib 49 a on the underside of the belt 49 . the rib 49 a and the belt 49 are typically formed of a resilient , elastic material . also seen in fig9 is a platen 43 a . the rib 49 a is formed along the full length of the looped belt 49 to provide lateral stability to the belts as the belt is moved by the rollers 43 b . in section , the rib has a slight taper along each side , the width of the rib 49 a being slightly narrower where it contacts the roller 43 b and the platen 43 a . fig6 is a diagram of the electronic controls portion of the machine 10 . the controller 30 is connected through an i / o interface to various input and output devices . the controller 30 is supplied with power by a power supply 31 . a service keyboard 32 is provided inside the machine for entering commands and data when the door 12 is open . a coin sorting disk level sensor 52 shown diagrammatically in fig6 , senses the level of coins on a sorting mechanism in the coin processing assembly 21 , and generates a signal to the controller to start the conveyor 43 , subject to the cover 46 being in the proper position . the controller 50 also connects to output devices such as the disc motor 55 and disc brake 54 for the coin sorter and to the conveyor feed motor 50 . the controller 30 also receives input signals from a feed path cover sensing switch 53 . the pivotable cover member 46 is connected to the switch 53 , which will sense the movement of the cover 46 and signal the controller 30 that the conveyor 43 should be stopped ( or not started ). the controller 30 is connected to control the feed motor 50 in response to these signals . the controller 50 also connects to motors and sensors in a coin sorter / diverter section 56 as more particularly described and illustrated in zwieg et al ., u . s . patent application ser . no . 10 / 896 , 472 , filed jul . 27 , 2004 . the larger i / o devices which are seen on the exterior of the machine , such as the printer 20 , the visual display 15 and the “ a ” or “ b ” buttons 16 are controlled by a personal computer ( pc ) 33 which is housed in the cabinet 11 of the machine 10 as seen in fig2 . as seen in fig6 , the pc is electrically interfaced to the buttons 16 and other i / o devices through an i / o interface circuit module 16 a . the personal computer 33 receives power from the power supply 31 through a pc power adapter 35 of a type well known in the art . as seen in fig7 , the user sees a message displayed on the display 15 to deposit coins in the hopper and depress the “ a ” button 16 , as represented by display block 60 . as represented by decision block 61 , the personal computer 33 is waiting is a delay loop for the user to start an operating sequence by operating the “ a ” 16 . when the button has been pushed , as represented by the “ yes ” result , the personal computer 33 senses the position of the sensing switch 53 as represented by decision block 62 , and if the cover 46 has not been lifted as represented by the “ yes ” result , a second check is made to see that the front door is properly closed for operation of the machine 10 , as represented by decision block 64 . if the cover 46 has been lifted , as represented by the “ no ” result from executing decision block 62 , then a further message is displayed to the user to lower the cover 46 and press button “ a ” as represented by display block 63 . if the cover has not been lifted but the door switch is not in the proper position , the routine will loop back to decision block 61 , until the door is properly closed . assuming that the disc motor 55 has been started as represented by process block 65 , then a check is made for a run signal representing the running of the sorter , and if the sorter has started up satisfactorily , the result for executing the test in decision block 66 is a “ yes ” result . the program sequence then proceeds to decision block 67 , to check for that the level of coins on the sorting disk is ok . if the result from that check is “ yes ,” then the conveyor motor 50 is started as represented by process block 68 . blocks 69 and 70 represent a check for proper current and operation of the conveyor motor 50 . the user deposits coins in the coin hopper area 41 where they are placed on the conveyor 43 to be fed into the machine 10 and processed . if more coins are to be entered , button “ a ” is pressed again . if no more coins are to be entered and a voucher or receipt is to be printed , then a display is shown on the visual display to ask the user to wait for the printing of receipt , the receipt is printed and the visual display displays a message advising the user to take the receipt . fig8 a and 8 b show an alternative construction 46 a for the cover . fig8 a shows the cover 46 a in the operating position , while fig8 b shows the cover 46 a when lifted to access the coin feed path 45 a . in this embodiment , the cover 46 a is not a solid transparent member but a wire grid that allows coins to fall through to the conveyor 43 a , but blocks other objects from entering the conveyor 43 a from above , while also allowing visibility of the coin feed path 45 a . the wire grid member 46 a is hinged and pivoted as described for the solid transparent member 46 . in the example , the wire elements 46 b of the cover 46 a run parallel to the direction of coin feeding . in still other versions , the grid member 46 a could include transverse elements running across the longitudinal elements 46 b . and , the grid member 46 a can be made of materials other than metal . in all of these variations , the operation of the sensing switch in stopping the feed motor when the cover is lifted would be the same as described above for the solid transparent cover 46 . from this description , it should now be apparent how the invention provides a coin handling machine with an improved coin intake mechanism that will resist jamming and allow resolution of problems in the coin feed path while the feed conveyor is stopped . the machine is easy and convenient to service , maintain and to remove the accumulated coinage . the machine is capable of dispensing a voucher , or a credit to the customer .	6
referring to fig3 a and 3b , an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown . in fig3 a , device 302 is illuminated by a light source ( not shown ) having a predetermined wavelength . in a preferred embodiment , this wavelength is within either the visible spectrum of light or ultraviolet spectrum of light . light rays 330 , representing an image of device 302 , emerges from lens 304 and aperture 306 . light rays 330 are incident on dichroic splitter 308 , which in turn reflects a substantial portion of light rays 330 as reflected light rays 332 , based on properties of splitter 308 which are dependant upon the wavelength of light illuminating device 302 . as dichroic splitters are not 100 % efficient , a small portion of light rays 330 will pass through dichroic splitter 308 as light rays 334 . light rays 332 are then reflected by mirror 310 , such as a planar mirror , as light rays 336 so as to allow them to be magnified by optical relay 314 . in an exemplary embodiment , optical relay 314 is a doublet type lens assembly having a predetermined magnification factor . based on this magnification factor , light rays 336 are magnified and emerge from optical relay 314 as magnified light rays 338 . as is understood by those of skill in the art , magnified light rays 338 represent an enlarged image of device 302 . magnified light rays 338 are again redirected by mirror 320 as magnified light rays 342 to be incident on a surface of dichroic splitter 322 . in addition , light rays 334 , having been magnified by a predetermined magnification factor by optical relay 312 , are incident on an opposite surface of dichroic splitter 322 from that of magnified light rays 342 . in an exemplary embodiment , the magnification factors of optical relays 312 and 314 are different from one another . dichroic splitter 322 has properties , based on the wavelength of light illuminating device 302 , such that the undesired image rays 346 do not pass through splitter 322 , but rather are reflected away as discarded light 344 . in this way multiple images are not provided to optical detector 316 . on the other hand , dichroic splitter 322 has properties , based on the wavelength of light illuminating device 302 , allowing magnified light rays 342 to be directed toward optical detector 316 as image rays 346 . as a result , optical detector 316 “ sees ” only a single magnified image of device 302 . in a preferred embodiment of the present invention optical detector 316 may be a camera , such as a ccd or cmos camera , or a position sensitive detector ( psd ). referring now to fig3 b , device 302 is illuminated by a light source ( not shown ) having a predetermined wavelength different from the wavelength of light that illuminated device 302 as described above with respect to fig3 a . in a preferred embodiment , this wavelength is within the visible spectrum of light . in fig3 b , light rays 350 , representing another image of device 302 , emerges from lens 304 and aperture 306 . light rays 350 are incident on dichroic splitter 308 , which in turn passes a substantial portion of light rays 350 as light rays 352 , based on properties of splitter 308 which depend upon the wavelength of light illuminating device 302 . once again , as dichroic splitters as not 100 % efficient , a small portion of light rays 350 will be reflected by dichroic splitter 308 as reflected light rays 354 . these light rays will in turn be redirected by mirror 310 as light rays 356 , which will in turn be magnified by optical relay 314 as magnified light rays 358 , which are then redirected toward dichroic splitter 322 by mirror 320 as reflected light 360 . light rays 352 that emerge from dichroic splitter 308 , pass through and are magnified by optical relay 312 to become magnified light rays 362 . as a result , magnified light rays 362 are incident on dichroic splitter 322 . as discussed above with respect to fig3 a , dichroic splitter 322 has properties , based on the wavelength of light illuminating device 302 , such that undesired light rays 360 pass through splitter 322 , and thus are directed away from optical detector 316 as discarded light 364 . on the other hand , dichroic splitter 322 has properties , based on the wavelength of light illuminating device 302 , allowing magnified light rays 362 to pass through splitter 322 as image rays 366 . it is image rays 366 which are now “ seen ” by optical detector 316 . in this way multiple images are not provided to optical detector 316 and different magnifications of device 302 may be provided merely by changing the wavelength of light that illuminates device 302 . fig4 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which more that two light sources are used to illuminate device 302 and provide more than two different magnifications of device 302 . in fig4 , device 302 is illuminated by one of light sources 406 , 416 , 428 , each having a different wavelength . in a preferred embodiment , these wavelengths are within either the visible spectrum of light or ultraviolet spectrum of light . illumination emitted by each of light sources is directed toward device 302 though a series of dichroic splitters 404 , 418 , 420 , and 430 . in the exemplary embodiment , only one light source is used to illuminate device 302 depending on the magnification desired . in the example illustrated in fig4 , light source 406 is used to provide magnification of device 302 through lens 412 , light source 416 is used to provide magnification of device 302 through lens 424 , and light source 428 is used to provide magnification of device 302 through lens 434 . the magnification factor of each of lenses 412 , 424 , 434 is selected as desired . in a preferred embodiment of the present invention the magnification factor of lenses 412 , 424 , 434 is 2 ×, 6 ×, and 8 ×, respectively . to illustrate how the second exemplary embodiment functions , a specific example is now discussed . if for example , it is desired to magnify an image of device 302 by a specific magnification factor achieved through lens 434 , light source 428 is activated and the remaining light sources 406 , 416 are deactivated . light rays 444 pass through dichroic splitters 430 , 420 and 418 and are reflected by dichroic splitter 404 based on the wavelength of the light rays . these light rays are then re - directed by mirror 402 to illuminate device 302 . in turn , light rays 440 , representing an image of device 302 , emerges from lens 304 , are reflected by mirror 402 as reflected light rays 442 and directed toward dichroic splitter 404 . as mentioned above , the wavelength of the light rays 446 are such that they are reflected by splitter 404 and pass through splitters 418 , 420 . the bottom surface of splitter 430 has different properties than that of the top surface of splitter 430 . as a result , light ray 446 are reflected by splitter 430 rather than passing through it . these reflected rays 448 pass through aperture 432 and are in turn magnified by lens 434 . light rays 450 , representing the magnified image of a portion of device 302 are next redirected by mirror 436 as reflected light rays 452 , which in turn , based on the wavelength of the light rays , pass through dichroic splitters 426 and 414 , and are received by detector 316 , such as a ccd or cmos camera , or a position sensitive detector ( psd ). as such , detector 316 received a magnified image of device 302 based on the wavelength of the light used to illuminate the device . similarly , the path of light used to illuminate device 302 and its reflected image is based on the wavelength of light sources 406 and 416 . referring now to fig5 a - 5c , an exemplary dichroic aperture 500 has various regions 502 , 504 and 506 . as shown in fig5 a , in aperture 500 , region 502 represents a portion of the aperture where no light can penetrate , region 504 has a diameter d1 and represents a portion where light having a first wavelength λ 1 can penetrate , and region 506 has a diameter d2 smaller than d1 and represents a portion where light having a second wavelength λ 2 can penetrate . with respect to region 506 , light having the first wavelength will also pass through this region . as is known to those skilled in the optical arts , the diameter of an optical aperture affects the depth of field ( dof ) and modulation transfer function ( mtf ) ( or optical resolution ) of the object being observed . therefore , as a result of illuminating the object to be observed by light having different wavelengths ( in this example λ 1 or λ 2 ), the dof and mtf may be controlled . for example , and as shown in fig5 b and 5c , if light having wavelength λ 1 is used , aperture 500 has diameter d1 resulting in a short dof 510 and a greater mtf . on the other hand , if light having a wavelength λ 2 is used , aperture 500 has a diameter d2 resulting in a greater dof 512 and lower mtf . although not shown in fig5 c , the portion of light having wavelength λ 2 that does not pass through aperture 500 is reflected . dichroic aperture 500 may be formed using well - known thin film coating and masking techniques , for example . although the exemplary dichroic aperture 500 is illustrated with two regions ( 504 , 506 ), the invention is not so limited . as shown in fig5 d , for example , it is contemplated that any number of regions may 510 a , 510 b , . . . 510 n be provided , each tuned to a different wavelength of light , to provide a variety of depths of field , as desired . referring now to fig6 , an exemplary embodiment of a vision system 600 using dichroic aperture 500 is illustrated . in fig6 , device 302 is illuminated by light source 602 having light rays 604 of a predetermined wavelength and / or light sources 406 or 428 also having a wavelength equal to that of light source 602 . light source 602 may be capable of providing illumination in one or more discrete wavelengths as desired . further light source 602 may be combined with either light source 406 or 428 to provide both oblique and perpendicular illumination to device 302 . those of skill in the art understand that , although it is desirable for the wavelength of light source 406 or 428 to be equal to that of light source 602 , due to manufacturing tolerances the wavelengths may vary slightly . similar to the embodiment described above , illumination for light sources 406 , 428 are incident on device 302 via dichroic splitters 404 , 408 . light rays 330 , representing an image of device 302 , emerge from lens 304 , such as an achromatic or chromatic lens as desired . light rays 330 are incident on dichroic splitters 404 , 408 , which in turn reflect a portion of light rays 330 as reflected light rays ( not shown ), based on properties of splitter 308 which are dependent upon the wavelength of light source 602 . the remaining light is incident on dichroic aperture 500 . based on the wavelength of the light , dichroic aperture 500 adjusts its effective diameter as discussed above and passes the light onto relay lens 412 , such as an achromatic lens having a predetermined magnification factor , either positive or negative . this resultant image is incident on optical detector 316 . because of the reaction of dichroic aperture to the wavelength of light from light sources 602 , 406 , 428 on device 302 , the depth of field may be either narrow 608 or deep 610 . in another exemplary embodiment , light source 602 may have a variable wavelength to adjust the dof of the object being observed , as desired . although the exemplary embodiment illustrates three light sources 602 , 406 , 428 , the invention is not so limited . it is also possible to add additional light sources similar to those of 406 , 428 with appropriate dichroic splitters as desired . of course , as the number of available wavelengths increase , the number of active areas in dichroic aperture 500 should also increase by a like number . fig7 a - 7b illustrate other exemplary embodiments of the present invention in which dichroic aperture 500 is incorporated into the embodiment described above with respect to fig4 . in an effort to provide a more concise representation , however , this exemplary embodiment addresses only two magnification paths , rather that the three magnification paths of fig4 . the invention is not so limited and it is contemplated that the invention may be used with any number of light sources ( including variable wavelength light sources ) and magnification paths , as desired . as shown in fig7 a , device 302 , disposed on substrate 301 for example , is illuminated by one of light sources 406 , 428 , each having a different wavelength . in a preferred embodiment , these wavelengths are within either the visible spectrum of light or ultraviolet spectrum of light . illumination emitted by each of light sources is directed toward device 302 though a series of dichroic splitters 404 , 408 , and 430 and dichroic aperture 500 . light for the one active light source 406 , 428 changes the effective diameter of dichroic aperture 500 , thereby adjusting the dof of observed device 302 . in the exemplary embodiment of fig7 , only one light source at a time is used to illuminate device 302 depending on the desired magnification and dof . for example , light source 406 is used to provide magnification of device 302 through lens 412 at a first dof , and light source 428 is used to provide magnification of device 302 through lens 434 at a second dof . the magnification factor of each of lenses 412 , 434 is selected as desired , as is the dof . in a non - limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention , the magnification factor of lenses 412 , 434 is 2 ×, and 8 ×, respectively . furthermore , filters 706 , 710 may be added to respective magnification paths as desired to eliminate cross coupling between the wavelengths of light by removing any remaining undesired wavelengths of light that may have passed through dichroic splitters 404 , 406 , and 430 . additionally , and as shown in fig7 b , achromatic apertures 708 , 712 may also be added to eliminate stray light that may be present in light rays 702 , 704 respectively . as can be appreciated by one of skill in the art , this approach may be modified and expanded to use more than two light sources and magnification paths as desired . although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments , it is not limited thereto . rather , the appended claims should be construed to include other variants and embodiments of the invention which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention .	6
referring now to the drawings by reference characters , there is shown a syringe which includes a thick - walled stainless steel barrel , generally designated 5 , a needle base 7 , a cap 9 , a threaded member 11 , and a resilient ball 13 . the barrel 5 has a proximal end 15 and a distal end 17 . the proximal end 15 has external threads 19 thereon and a smooth portion with no threads for ease in loading . the distal end 17 has a reduced diameter portion terminating in a shoulder 21 and having external threads 23 on the reduced diameter portion . the barrel includes a mirror - smooth inner cylindrical passage 25 which extends completely from one end to the other of the barrel . the needle holder ( hub ) 7 has an internal passage 27 having threads to mate with threads 23 and further has a smooth passage 29 forming a smooth continuation of the passage 25 as is best seen in fig2 the usual needle 8 is connected to the needle holder 7 . the cap 9 is larger in diameter than the barrel and has a first set of internal threads 31 adapted to mate with the threads 19 . the cap also includes a second set of threads of reduced diameter designated 33 adapted to mate with the threaded member 11 . the threaded member 11 has lands 35 which form a somewhat snug fit with the internal passage 25 of barrel 5 . the proximal end of the threaded member 11 has a handle 37 thereon so that it can be easily grasped by the fingers and turned . a resilient ball 39 forms a tight fit within the barrel 25 . this ball 39 is made of an inert resilient plastic such as nylon or teflon and can be replaced after a single use . near the distal end of the barrel 5 are one or more flat spots 41 so that the barrel can be easily grasped by forceps . it is believed apparent that the syringe described offers a number of advantages over syringes heretofore known . the needle base 17 and cap 9 are easily removed from the barrel without the use of a tool and ball 39 discarded . since the passage 25 is continuous from one end of the barrel to the other , it is easy to swab out as there are no crevices to collect dirt or other residue . since the parts are of metal in the preferred embodiment , they can be easily sterilized and will not explode under normal rise . obvious , the threaded member 11 does not come in contact with the material being dispensed so that there is no possibility of the plunger causing contamination . in addition the distance between 37 and 9 gives a reliable indication of the material remaining in the barrel 25 .	1
with reference to fig1 , a dispenser comprises a stock portion 2 , and a body portion 4 , held by the stock portion 2 in a circumferential clamping arrangement 6 . the body portion comprises a first cylindrical outer wall portion 8 and a second cylindrical outer wall portion 10 held together by the clamping arrangement 6 . the body portion 4 is closed at a rear end by a threaded rear cap 12 and at the front by a threaded front cap 14 . the front cap 14 comprises a rotatable member 16 , which is arranged to cause linear movement of a linearly moveable member 18 relative to the cap . a spray nozzle 20 is secured to the linearly moveable member 18 by a threaded connection . the stock portion comprises an ergonomically shaped handle 22 accommodating a trigger 24 connected to a valve for controlling flow of pressurized fluid from a regulator 26 having a quick release connection 28 for connection to a source of pressurized fluid such as compressed air . the regulator 26 comprises a dial 30 for adjusting a dispensing pressure upstream of the regulator 26 . with reference to fig2 , the body portion 4 further comprises an inner cylindrical wall 32 defining a compartment for accepting a viscous material containing container . the inner cylindrical wall 32 is held relative to the first and second outer wall portions 8 , 10 by a flange 34 at the front , held against a shoulder 36 of the second outer wall portion 10 by a threaded ring 38 engaging a threaded outer surface of the inner wall 32 at the rear of the dispenser . the space between the first and second outer wall portions 8 , 10 and the inner wall 32 is sealed at the rear of the dispenser by an o - ring 40 . an aperture 42 at the rear of the dispenser connects a space 43 between the inner wall 32 and the outer wall portions 8 , 10 to inside the inner wall 32 . a spacer member 44 seals against the inner wall 32 with o - rings 46 on either side of the aperture 42 and is held in place by the rear cap 12 holding flange 48 of the spacer 44 against a rear end of the inner wall 32 . at an , opposed , front end of the spacer , a sealing ring 50 is an interference fit with a front portion of the spacer 44 and sealingly engages an adjacent one of the o - rings 46 . the sealing ring 50 has an outward facing radiussed chamfer 52 for sealingly engaging an inner surface of the open rear end of a viscous material containing a cartridge . an aperture 54 in the spacer 44 provides a flow path for pressurized fluid from the aperture 42 through the sealing ring 52 into an open rear end of a cartridge held against the sealing ring 50 , as described in more detail below . a tube 56 connects the space 43 , via a sealing member 58 located by the inner wall 32 and the first outer wall portion 8 to the trigger actuated valve ( not shown ) inside the stock portion 2 . depending on the setting of the trigger 24 and thus the valve , the space 43 is connected to either atmospheric pressure through an exhaust port of the valve connected to a silencer or to the regulator 26 by an inlet port of the valve to supply pressurized fluid from the regulator 26 to the space 43 . at the front of the dispenser , a fluid supply path from the space 43 to a fluid supply arrangement in the cap 14 , described in more detail below , is defined between the inner wall 32 and the second outer wall portion 10 . a ridge 60 of the second outer wall portion 10 facing the inner wall 32 limits the effective cross - section of the flow path for pressurized fluid from the space 43 to the fluid supply arrangement to limit the flow rate of fluid flow to the fluid supply arrangement for a given dispensing pressure set using the dial 30 . the cap 14 comprises a first outer o - ring 62 disposed to seal against an inner surface of the inner wall 32 and a second outer o - ring 64 disposed to seal against an inner surface of the second outer wall portion 10 . the second outer o - ring 64 is disposed forward of the first outer o - ring 62 and the two o - rings thereby define a continuation of the fluid supply path from the space 43 to the cap 14 . the first and second outer o - ring 62 , 64 are held on a cap member 66 which is rotatably secured ( that is located axially such as to allow relative rotation ) to a threaded ring 68 for engaging a corresponding thread on the second outer wall portion 10 to hold the cap member 66 relative to the body portion 4 ( and to hold a cartridge inside the inner wall 32 against the radiussed chamfer 52 of the sealing ring 50 ). the linearly moveable member 18 is accepted in a channel between an inner wall 70 and an outer wall 72 of the cap member 66 . as described in more detail below , movement of the linearly moveable member 18 relative to the cap member 66 forms or breaks a seal formed between the linearly moveable member 18 and the outer wall 72 of the cap member 66 so that pressurized fluid can flow from the flow path between the inner wall 32 and the second outer wall portion 10 through a conduit 74 in the cap member 66 along the inner wall 70 and into a space inside the linearly moveable member 18 , thereby providing an open and closeable fluid supply port for supplying fluid to a space around a dispensing nozzle 76 disposed through the cap member 66 and the linearly moveable member 18 . ( in use the dispensing nozzle is connected to a viscous material containing container , not shown in fig2 ). the linearly moveable member 18 and cap member 66 are arranged such that they are spaced further apart ( the linearly moveable member 18 being less inserted into the channel between the inner and outer walls 70 , 72 ) when the fluid supply ports are open as compared to when they are closed . fig2 depicts the linearly moveable member 18 and cap member 66 in a configuration where the supply ports are open . in this configuration , the spray nozzle 20 , secured to the linearly moveable member 18 , around the dispensing nozzle 76 , extends forward of a dispensing end 78 of the dispensing nozzle 76 to guide pressurized fluid past the dispensing end 78 so as to atomize dispensed material to create a spray of the material . as is illustrated in fig3 , the spray nozzle 20 has a portion adjacent its forward end which comprises ribs 80 for locating a corresponding linear portion 82 of the dispensing nozzle to hold the dispensing nozzle in a well - defined relationship relative to the spray nozzle 20 while at the same time providing a path for a pressurized fluid to flow along the dispensing nozzle 76 past its dispensing end 78 . as will be described in further detail below , to close the fluid supply ports , the linearly moveable member 18 is inserted further into the channel defined between the inner and outer wall 70 , 72 of the cap member 66 by rotation of the rotatable member 16 . at the same time , the spray nozzle 20 , which is secured to the linearly moveable member 18 , travels rearward along the dispensing nozzle 76 , with the ribs 80 sliding along the linear portion 82 . the respective end portions 84 and 86 of the dispensing and spray nozzles are configured to be of complementary shape , such that they mate when the linearly moveable member 18 is fully inserted into the cap member 66 to close the fluid supply ports . thus , the interior of the spray nozzle 20 is substantially sealed from material being dispensed from the dispensing end 78 of the dispensing nozzle 76 to reduce or substantially prevent material ingress to the spray nozzle 20 when the fluid supply ports are closed to dispense material as a bead , rather than as a spray . with reference to fig4 and 5 , the arrangement for opening and closing the supply ports is now described in detail . as briefly mentioned above , the linearly moveable member 18 slots into a channel between inner and outer walls 70 , 72 of the cap member 66 . the inner wall 70 defines ridges 88 which mesh with corresponding ridges 89 ( not visible in fig4 ) on an interior surface of the linearly moveable member 18 to constrain the linearly moveable member 18 for linear movement relative to the cap member 66 . the linear moveable member 18 is linked to the rotatable member 16 by a two - start high - pitch thread 90 . the rotatable member 16 is rotatably secured to the cap member 66 , together with the threaded ring 68 , by a retaining ring 92 secured to the cap member 66 by screws 94 . in this way , rotation of the rotatable member 16 results in a linear movement in and out of the channel between the walls 70 , 72 of the linear moveable member 18 . between an outer aspect of the linear moveable member 18 and an inner aspect of the outer wall 72 , a respective o - ring 96 is disposed on either side of the conduit 74 , maintained in place by a shoulder 98 of the outer wall 72 , a spacer 100 and a washer 102 . on one side of the conduit 74 , the other one of the o - rings 96 is held in place between the shoulder 98 and the spacer 100 and on the other side of the conduit 74 , one of the o - rings 96 is held in place between the spacer 100 and the washer 102 . the washer 102 , in turn , is held in its position by the rotatable member 16 . the spacer 100 comprises two rings 104 spaced by webs 106 to allow pressurized fluid to pass from the conduit 74 between the rings 104 . the linearly movable member 18 , at an end opposed to the end accepting the spray nozzle 20 , defines openings or slots 108 . when the linearly moveable member 18 is fully inserted between the walls 70 , 72 of the cap member 66 , both of the o - rings 96 seal against an outer aspect of the linearly moveable member 18 , thus isolating the conduit 74 from the space within the cap member 66 and the linearly moveable member 18 in which the dispensing nozzle 76 is accepted . in the configuration shown in fig2 and 5 , the linearly moveable member 18 is partially retracted out of the channel between the walls 70 , 72 such that the openings 108 are now extending forward of one of the o - rings 96 and the seal is broken . the conduit 74 is thus in fluidic communication with the space accepting the dispensing nozzle 76 via the openings 108 . the conduit 74 together with the o - rings 96 and the openings 108 hence provides fluid supply ports for supplying pneumatic fluid to the space accepting the dispensing nozzle 76 which can be opened and closed by linear movement of the linearly moveable member 18 when the rotatable member 16 is rotated . in operation , the cap 14 is removed from the body portion 4 and a cartridge is inserted into the space defined by the inner wall 32 to abut the radiussed chamfer 52 of the sealing ring 50 with its open end . the cap 14 is then secured to the body portion 4 , with the dispensing nozzle 76 disposed through the cap member 66 and the linearly moveable member 18 and the cartridge held in place against the sealing ring 52 by the cap member 66 . on actuation of the trigger 24 , pressurized fluid from a source of pressurized fluid connected to the quick release connector 28 is supplied to both the spacer 44 ( and hence the inside of the cartridge to drive the cartridge &# 39 ; s piston ) and to the cap 14 , as described above , with a pressure regulated by the regulator 26 . in order to dispense a bead of material , the linearly moveable member 18 is fully inserted between the wall 70 and 72 . for dispensing a spray , the linearly moveable member 18 is retracted sufficiently to allow pressurized fluid from the conduit 74 to flow through the openings 108 . the spray action can be controlled between fully closed ( no spray , bead is dispensed ) and fully open ( maximally atomized spray ) by rotation of the rotatable member 16 with the hand not holding the handle 22 , either between dispensing operations or while material is dispensed . the above description of a specific embodiment has been made in terms of an arrangement for dispensing from a container in the form of a cartridge . however , due to the readily removable nature of the spacer 44 by unscrewing the rear cap 12 , the dispenser described above can be readily adapted for dispensing viscous material from foil containers , known in the art as “ sausage packs .” this can be done by unscrewing the cap 12 , removing the spacer 44 , and in its place inserting a piston which sealingly fits the inner wall 32 and an alternative spacer behind it . the alternative spacer serves to seal the rear end of the dispenser in the same way as a rear portion of the spacer 44 and ensures that pressurized fluid from the aperture 42 is applied behind the piston . after the spacer 44 has been replaced with the piston and alternative spacer , the alternative spacer is held in place in the same way as the spacer 44 by re - fastening the rear cap 12 . the foil container is used with an alternative nozzle which has a flange for engaging the cap member 66 . pressurized fluid from the aperture 42 now drives the piston against a foil container contained inside the wall 32 to dispense viscous material in the same way as for a cartridge container . the above description has been made in terms of a specific embodiment of the invention and it will be understood that many modifications , alterations and juxtapositions of the features described above are possible without departing from the invention and are intended to be covered by the claims below . some such modifications are discussed in what follows . while , in the embodiment described above , the fluid conduit from the regulator 26 to inside of the inner wall 32 and to the cap 14 includes a fluid path defined by an outer wall or sleeve disposed around the inner wall 32 , many other arrangements for providing a fluid flow path from the regulator to the cartridge containing space and / or the cap 14 can be provided , for example using respective externally routed air hoses or a combination of externally routed air hoses and air conduits routed inside an extension of the stock portion 2 . in terms of the ready interchangeability of the spacer 44 against other pressure delivering interfaces , for example , spacers of different lengths to accommodate different cartridges or a combination of a piston and spacer for use with foil packs , as described above , it is preferable that the rear cap 12 is readily removable and , therefore , that any air connections are made on the body portion and not on the rear cap 12 . in the same light , it can be preferable that both the inlet port and the exhaust port , respectively supplying pressurized fluid and venting pressurized fluid to the space 43 , be provided within the stock portion 22 to keep any pneumatic components away from the rear end of the body portion port so as not to interfere with the ready interchangeability of the spacer 44 . however , alternative locations for these components are equally possible . it will be understood that alternative arrangements for opening and closing the fluid supply ports can be used , for example using a linearly moveable member directly actuated by the user ( rather than via a rotatable member ), a rotatable member on a thread , converting rotation of the member to linear movement relative to the cap by virtue of the thread or a purely rotational member for opening and closing the fluid supply ports , together with a corresponding rearrangement of the corresponding seals from a transverse orientation to a longitudinal orientation . while the spray nozzle 20 has been described as removeably connected to the linearly moveable member 18 , it will be understood that the spray nozzle may equally form part of the linearly moveably member 18 or other member for opening and closing the supply ports . finally , while the fastening arrangements for , for example , fastening the spray nozzle 20 to the cap 14 or fastening the cap 14 to the body portion 4 ( or the rear cap 12 ), as the fastening arrangements may equally be used , such as bayonet fastening arrangements or any other kind of suitable fastening arrangement . indeed , while the embodiment described above has a fastener at each end , other embodiments have a body portion which can only be opened at one end , either front or rear . thus , the body portion can be loaded with a container from the front with an integrally closed rear end or from the rear with an integrally formed front portion arranged to accept the dispensing nozzle through it and to provide the functionality of the cap described above in terms of supplying pressurized fluid for spray formation . the above described specific embodiment is manufactured from a combination of metal ( such as aluminium ) for the inner wall 32 and outer wall portion 8 , 10 and plastic materials ( such as acetal or nylon with glass content as necessary ) for the remaining structural components . the nozzles are manufactured from plastics such as high density polyethylene . it will be understood that any suitable combination of metal and plastic materials , including construction with all structural parts made from plastic materials can be used in alternative embodiments . numerous materials are suitable for use in the sealing parts such as o - rings , for pressure connecting hoses and tubes and other pneumatic components such as valves and connectors , as is well known to the person skilled in the art .	1
inside the cylinder head 1 is provided an inlet valve 3 which is substantially coaxial with the piston and to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder to which it pertains . another tubular valve 2 is provided which is coaxial with and surrounds valve 3 and acts as an outlet valve . valve 3 , which consists of a stem 4 and a valve head 5 , is also hollow and carries a nozzle carrier 6 which is screwed in on the axis of the valve , and extends from the upper end of the stem 4 into the lower region of the compression space of the pertaining cylinder . in addition to fuel line 44 inside the nozzle carrier 6 is located an electric lead 41 which conducts the igniting current to the electrodes 11 located on the nozzle carrier 6 . the fuel line 44 through which the first pump 42 pumps fuel to the first nozzle 10 may incorporate a valve 45 through which fuel which builds up in the line 44 upon completion of the mixture forming process may flow back into the tank . the vaporizing device ( chamber ) is denoted as 43 , the ignition current source as 40 . the second pump and the second fuel line serving to form the ignitable mixture are not shown in the drawings . inside the nozzle carrier 6 is located a control needle ( not shown ) with appropriate mechanical elements which establishes a connection between a three - dimensional cam and a nozzle needle in the nozzle 10 . in order to enable the nozzle carrier 6 to be maintained at the temperature determined by the fuel , especially in the region of the compression space , the nozzle carrier is provided with bores for a heating and cooling fluid . the first fuel nozzle 10 and the second fuel nozzle 12 are installed in the lower region of the nozzle carrier 6 and the first nozzle 10 is provided with a nozzle bore which is directed substantially toward the cylinder wall . the position of the electrodes 11 at the nozzle carrier 6 depends upon the region in which the ignition mixture is located at the very moment when the spark flashes over between the electrodes . the different partial fuels , the ignition current , the heating and cooling fluid , the current to a temperature sensor provided in the region of the first nozzle 10 and the mechanical work for the actuation of the control needle are supplied to the nozzle carrier 6 via flexible leads and mechanical elements . the outer valve 2 , which is movably supported inside the cylinder head 1 in two bores , controls the outlet channel 19 which annularly encircles the outlet valve 2 . the outlet valve 2 , when closed , comes to rest upon the cylinder head 1 . the outlet channel 19 is found in the lower region of the cylinder head 1 . the inner valve 3 , which is movably supported in the insert 20 controls the inlet channel 17 which annularly encircles the outlet valve 2 . between the inlet channel 17 , which is found in the central region of the cylinder head 1 , and the outlet channel 19 , the cylinder head 1 is widened by boring so that the outer valve 2 can become movably supported . the outer valve 2 , in the region of the compression space , serves also for the formation of the outlet and the inlet channels , and it is protected against the hot exhaust gases by a tubular apron 18 . the inlet channel 17 sourrounds outer valve 2 , and openings in the stem of the outer valve 2 in the region of the inlet channel permit the gas required for the combustion to enter into the inside of tubular outer valve 2 . by the action of the inner valve 3 , the inlet channel 17 is closed and opened as the piston reciprocates in the cylinder . the lower end of outer valve 2 is constructed to serve as valve seat for the inner valve 3 . fitted in the upper region of the inside of the valve 2 , there is provided an insert 20 . the insert is fitted into outer valve 2 such that this may shift axially . the insert is held stationary by supports ( not shown ) which are attached to the cylinder head and reach across the stem of the outer valve 2 . the cam shaft acts via rocker arms upon the valves 2 , 3 or upon connection parts at the valve stems . the upper contour of the compression space is defined by the substantially flat valve head 5 and the configuration of the cylinder head 1 , which may be that of a circular arc , for example . the piston 32 has a parabolical or circular depression 30 and incorporates a piston recess 31 in the region of the longitudinal axis . when piston 32 moves in the region of the upper dead center position , part of the nozzle carrier 6 will be in recess 31 . the depression 30 carries at the rim of piston recess 31 a spoon - like element 35 which faces the second nozzle 12 or the first nozzle 10 and since inlet valve 3 is not allowed to rotate , this situation will occur on each piston stroke . in the drawings , reference is also made to the voltage source 40 and the lead to the electrodes 41 . the fuel pump for the formation of the basic mixture is denoted as 42 , the fuel vaporizing device ( chamber ) as 43 and the fuel line as 44 . the relief valve is denoted as 45 . the fuel jet is denoted as 13 . the helical stream of mixture enveloped by air is indicated at 14 , the combustion gases are indicated at 15 , and the ring of air is denoted as 16 . finally , the outlet valve may also take the form of a sleeve valve 28 disposed in the cylinder , while the inlet valve is disposed in the cylinder head as described , both valves being coaxially located on the longitudinal axis of the cylinder . the outlet channel related to the sleeve valve is denoted as 29 in fig2 and 4 . microturbulence in the inflowing air may be reduced effectively if the inlet channel is funnel - shaped in the region of the cylinder head ( fig3 ). furthermore , an appropriately designed inlet channel , such as a swirl ( vortex ) channel , may be used instead of the inlet channel provided with guide vanes ( fig2 ). alternatively , the outlet opening of the nozzle 10 may be oriented so that the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 10 is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder , but that it features a component relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder . furthermore , the outlet opening of the nozzle 10 may be oriented so that it features a circumferential component relative to the nozzle carrier , i . e . that it is inclined against a plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder . the circumferential component , moreover may take such a form that the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 10 is a tangent to the circumference of the nozzle carrier . the fuel jet may initially follow the direction of rotation of the helically rotating air or move in the opposite direction . according to a further embodiment , a plurality of first fuel nozzles 10 , rather than one , are provided which may , for instance , be offset 180 ° to each other or 90 ° to each other and feature different bores , producing different jet configurations , in which case the openings of these nozzles may be arranged in such a manner that they will not only point in different outward directions , but also be inclined against planes extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder . according to yet another embodiment of the invention , a plurality of first nozzles 10 having identical or different bores and pointing in the same or different outward directions may be combined in one or a plurality of nozzle bodies . the needles changing the cross - sections of the bores of the first nozzles 10 can be omitted if fuel injection starts at the nozzle with the smallest bore and is delayed at the nozzle with the greater bore by 40 crank angle degrees , for example . in that case , the fuel flow in the lines is controlled by means of additional valves . it may be advantageous to use first nozzles 10 of a type which provides slender jet configurations . the most expedient number of nozzles 10 depends , among other things , on the configuration of the fuel jet and the angles at which the air hits the fuel jet . these angles , which change during the mixture forming process , are determined by the pitch angle of the guide vanes and / or the configuration of the inlet channel and the blow - in angles of the jet . it may be advantageous to select the pitch angle of the guide vanes , the mean valve opening cross - section , and / or the design of the inlet channel so that the ratio of the engine speed to the mean speed of the rotating air is between 1 : 2 and 1 : 8 . if the ratio of engine speed to mean air speed is in the range of 1 : 2 to 1 : 8 and the fuel is blown / injected into the air by means of one or two nozzles 10 , then the pitch of the helically flowing air in the region of the nozzle ( s ) 10 meets the requirements for the formation of a substantially dynamically balanced mixture zone enveloped by the air . a mean pitch of the air rotating helically in the region of the first nozzles 10 and the fuel jet which is advantageous for the number of nozzles required and the distribution of fuel in the mixture is obtained if the ratio of engine speed to mean air speed is in the range from 1 : 2 to 1 : 8 . in any embodiment of the invention , it is important that the number of nozzles and the various parameters of the jets of blown - in or injected fuel be adapted to the helically rotating air and its parameters in such a manner that a coherent mixture zone is formed which is enclosed by a transition zone of small volume and a ring of air and in which the fuel is distributed so as to meet the requirements of a low - consumption and low - pollution engine . by adapting the various parameters related to the fuel to the variable parameters related to the helically rotating air , a favorable ratio of mixture volume to air volume meeting the requirements of a low - consumption and low - pollution engine can be achieved under all conditions of engine loading . in any embodiment of the invention it is also important that , taking into account the primary and secondary motions of the air and the residual gas , the outlet openings of the nozzles 10 be oriented in such a manner as to assure a favorable distribution of the fuel in the basic mixture and a high degree of utilization of the air flowing in the inner and intermediate regions of the piston - swept and compression spaces and to minimize enrichment of the residual gas with fuel . moreover , if one or a plurality of nozzles 10 are used , the single nozzle or one or two of a plurality of nozzles 10 or all nozzles 10 may be disposed in the region between the end of the nozzle carrier and the valve head so that the nozzle carrier projects beyond that part of the nozzle carrier which carries the nozzles . the nozzle carrier may be shorter than shown in the drawings and the recess 31 in the piston may be correspondingly less deep or be omitted entirely . in that case , an advantageous arrangement is one in which the nozzle opening is again oriented outwardly and with a component directed downwardly toward the piston in order to thereby counteract the deflection of the fuel jet by the secondary motion of the air . as already mentioned , the ignitable mixture is formed by the nozzle ( s ) 10 or the nozzle ( s ) 12 in the region of the nozzle carrier and the piston crown taking into account the parameters related to the second partial fuel stream and the air and / or mixture swirl and considering the construction of the piston and the nozzle carrier . alternatively , the ignitable mixture may be formed in the substantially cylindrical or spherical recess in the piston . the most appropriate state of aggregation of the fuel for the formation of the ignitable mixture depends on the state of aggregation of the fuel intended for the formation of the basic mixture . for any type of ignition mixture formation it is important that a composition of the mixture be achieved which may be ignited by a normal ignition spark . if the ignitable mixture is formed by means of a second pump and by the second nozzle 12 , it is important that the two partial streams of fuel delivered by the pumps be correlated in a predetermined manner such that the proper value for the air ratio in the ` cloud ` of ignitable mixture is obtained . furthermore , the amount of residual gas flowing in the region of the nozzle carrier and the amount of gas flowing out of the recess in the piston during ignition mixture formation if the ignitable mixture is formed outside the recess in the piston must also be taken into account in determining the amount of fuel required to form the ignitable mixture . blow - in or injection of the second partial fuel stream for forming the ignitable mixture commences at positions of the piston located about 5 to 50 crank angle degrees before the position of the piston at ignition , depending on how the ignitable mixture is formed . the second partial fuel stream may be delivered by a second pump , vaporized in a further chamber and fed to the nozzle 12 via an appropriate heated line ( cooled if the fuel is injected in the liquid state ), this line being equipped with a relief valve like the line for the first partial fuel stream . it may also be expedient to keep the cross - section of the line between the fuel pump and the fuel vaporizing device in which the fuel exists in the liquid state , very narrow and the distance between the fuel pump and the fuel vaporizing device very short . the most appropriate placing of the electrodes on the circumference and / or in the region of the end face of the nozzle carrier will depend upon the position of the ignitable mixture at the moment of sparking . the spoon ( s ) 35 provided in the region of the recess in the piston swirl ( s ) the flow in the region of the recess in the piston . these spoons 35 may also be used to advantage in the embodiment of the invention in which the ignitable mixture is formed in the recess 31 in the piston . microturbulence in the region of the recess in the piston and of the nozzle carrier facilitates the formation of the ignitable mixture , reduces the rate of flow in the region of the electrodes and mixes the residual gas flowing around the nozzle carrier with fresh gas . discontinuous combustion and pressure fluctuatons in the cylinder are avoided . according to a further embodiment of the invention , the fuel may be injected or blown into the helically rotating air during the intake stroke . in that case , it is advisable to provide a plurality of first nozzles because the pitch with which the air flows into the cylinder and hits the fuel jet is comparatively large . as a result , one or more helical stream ( s ) of mixture is ( are ) formed which extends ( extend ) toward the piston and which is ( are ) compressed like a helical spring during the compression stroke . with this type of mixture formation , too , it is important that the fuel pump delivery curves be adapted to suit the fuel demand characteristics of the engine . while the air density changes significantly during mixture formation when fuel is blown in or injected and the mixture is formed during the compression stroke , fluctuations of the air density in the cylinder during the intake stroke are comparatively slight . consequently , the amount of fuel required per crank angle degree during a single mixture forming process is also subject to comparatively slight fluctuations only . if the mixture forming process starts during the intake stroke and ends during the compression stroke , a stream of fuel - air mixture is formed which initially extends toward the piston and then toward the cylinder head . as a result , part of the helically rotating air contacts the fuel jet twice and is twice enriched with fuel , a fact which must be taken into account in adapting the fuel delivery curves to the fuel demand characteristics of the engine . it may be advantageous to equip the individual fuel lines in the fuel pumps with valves . it may also be advantageous to install a shut - off valve in the fuel line downstream of the fuel vaporizing device and a further relief valve between the fuel vaporizing device and the shut - off valve in order to permit the fuel vaporizing device to be relieved between successive fuel delivery cycles . since only part of the total air is enriched with fuel according to the method of this invention , it may be expedient to employ pressure charging and charge air cooling to improve the specific power output of the engine . if pressure changing is employed , the fuel pump delivery curves must be adapted to the corresponding fuel demand curves . the function of the engine and the advantages obtainable from practice of the invention are described below : helically rotating air flows from the inlet channel into the cylinder . the piston - swept and compression spaces of the cylinder are symmetrical about the cylinder axis and a free fluid flow is generated therein which shows no special peculiarities . the primary and secondary motions of the air when the air flows from the piston - swept space into the compression space and thereby deflects the jet of fuel , carrying along fuel from the jet so that a helically flowing mixture zone is formed which is then transformed into a well defined basic mixture enclosed in a ring , or a cylinder , of pure air if the blow - in depth of the fuel jet is appropriately selected . the engine can be governed by changing the volume of the mixture zone on the one hand ( fuel - air ratio constant ) and the fuel - air ratio in the mixture zone on the other hand ( volume constant ) or by combining those two methods . the methods described permit the amount of fuel delivered to the engine during a single mixture forming process to be distributed over a comparatively small or a comparatively large amount of air , as desired . thus , a predetermined amount of fuel may be distributed over a predetermined amount of helically rotating air in such a manner that a mixture zone of comparatively small volume is formed with a low air ratio . alternatively , a mixture zone of comparatively large volume and high air ratio may be formed with the same amount of fuel by changing the nozzle cross - section and / or the fuel vapor temperature and / or the differential pressures between the fuel delivery device and the air in the cylinder , thereby causing the configuration of the fuel jet , i . e . the depth to which the fuel penetrates into the helically rotating air , to be changed . conversely , a mixture zone of large volume and low fuel - air ratio or a mixture zone of small volume and high fuel - air ratio may be formed by selecting and adjusting the fuel and air parameters accordingly . if the parameters relating to the fuel are appropriately adjusted and adapted to suit the parameters relating to the air flow , with the amount of fuel being determined by the current momentary and / or desired load , a zone of basic mixture may be formed which meets the requirements of efficient , low - pollution combustion in terms of air ratio and volume . in order to achieve the desired objectives , it is important that the zone of basic mixture thus formed be as lean as possible . an important advantage is the result that , when lean mixtures are burned , the maximum flame temperature becomes lowered , which brings about three essential improvements : the thermal and frictional losses decrease , the dissociation is lower and , as the gas taken in is only slightly throttled , the pumping losses are reduced . the thermal efficiency of the engine due to these improvements is greatly raised . the reduction of the maximum flame temperatures causes a considerable drop in the amount of oxides of nitrogen in the exhaust gas . as the combustion occurs in a space in which the volume of the ignition mixture is small , no zones of a high flame temperature are created , thus the creation of nitrogen oxides is considerably reduced . the creation of nitrogen oxides is further reduced by the expansion of the burning mixture zone during which the ring of pure air is compressed . the manner in which the mixture is formed according to the present invention not only enables a mixture zone to be formed which is enclosed by a ring of pure air , but also enables the fuel to be substantially evenly distributed in said mixture zone , which also counteracts the formation of pollutants with respect to nitric oxides . as there is , furthermore , an excess of air in the basic mixture and because the volume of the ignition mixture zone is so small , the arising of carbon monoxide is prevented in addition . how the basic mixture , which is transformed into hot burning gases during combustion , acts with respect to the amount of hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas and with respect to the thermal efficiency may best be described as follows : owing to the deflection of the jet of fuel in the direction of rotation of the air , the basic mixture is encased by a transition zone which is small in volume and which separates the basic mixture from the enveloping air . during combustion and expansion , the shape of the basic mixture ( burning gases ) substantially retains its rotary symmetry , because the forces which go into action ( as the temperature difference is so great between the hot burning gases and the air which does not participate in the combustion , and also because the gas rotates ) maintain the hot burning gases in the inner region of the piston - swept space and the compression space . the transition layer between the hot burning gases and the cold air becomes heated during the combustion and the expansion and the hydrocarbons which may be present in the transition zone will become burned . during operation of the engine , no mixture enters into the gap between piston and cylinder , and this means that the amount of hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas is , therefore , lowered still more . when the engine is cold , no fuel condenses on the wall of the cylinder and the cylinder head . this brings about an improvement of the quality of the exhaust gas and a decrease of the wear and tear on the engine as there is no oil washed off the cylinder wall surface . the amount of oil consumed is lowered , and the lubricating performance of the oil is not reduced because no fuel becomes mixed into it . there is no binding or seizing of the piston . to this must be added that the thermal efficiency of the engine is further raised substantially due to the lowered heat transition into the cylinder , cylinder head and piston during combustion and expansion because the air ring , or air cylinder , which surrounds the hot burning gases has an insulating effect . the insultating air ring or air cylinder reduces not only the direct heat losses ( to he walls ), but also the indirect heat losses ( to the exhaust gas ). the heat losses caused by the nozzle carrier and the recess in the piston are more than balanced by the insulating effect of the air ring or air cylinder . the mixture zone and the burning gases expand during combustion and compress the ring or cylinder of air by which it is they are surrounded . the pressures in the cylinder and the peak temperatures of the burning gases thus remain relatively low , which reduces the formation of nitrogen oxides and increases thermal efficiency . moreover , the compression ratio can be very high , even if fuels with regular octane numbers are used , without causing pressure - rise knock , which , in turn , has a favorable effect on thermal efficiency . concentrating the mixture in the inner region of the combustion space and surrounding the hot combustion gases by an envelope of air affords important thermodynamic advantages . by dispensing with intake air throttling and using pressure charging ( substituting pressure for volume ) approximately the same gas mass can be obtained in the mixture zone as the gas mass distributed over the entire space in a comparable conventional engine with intake air throttling but without pressure charging . the volume and surface reduction resulting from the concentration of the mixture and combustion gases in the inner and medium regions of the combustion space in conjunction with the inclusion of the combustion gases in an envelope of air acting as an insulator substantially reduces the wall heat losses so that the thermal efficiency increases considerably . a further advantage resulting from the concentration of the mixture in the inner region of the combustion space is the reduction in length of flame travel . the short flame travels permit even lean mixtures to be burned with sufficient speed , thereby optimizing heat release in terms of thermal efficiency . owing to the rapid combustion of the mixture and the existence of the air envelope surrounding the combustion gases , the system behaves thermodynamically and in terms of heat losses in a manner similar to the behavior of a system with the same amount of fuel distributed over the entire available space and the entire air and with sufficiently rapid combustion of the lean mixture . since the combustion of lean mixtures tends to be very slow and incomplete , only part of the air in the cylinder is mixed with fuel according to the mixture formation process of the invention which the remaining part remains free of fuel . this permits very high total air ratios ( air ratio of the mixture plus air ratio of the air ) to be used without adversely affecting the combustion process if , for instance , the air ratio in the mixture zone is 1 . 5 while the gas in the mixture zone accounts for one - third and the air in the surrounding envelope for two - thirds of the total gas mass in the cylinder . all these features contribute towards reducing the specific fuel consumption of the engine . furthermore , the engine may be operated with a very high air ratio , which has the effect that consumption is considerably reduced . the engine may be operated with gasoline , light hydrocarbons and / or their mixtures , gasoline - methanol mixtures , methanol , methanol - water mixtures , ethanol , ethanol - water mixtures , liquified petroleum gas and all gaseous fuels , i . e . fuels which need not be vaporized . if gaseous fuels are used , the fuel vaporizing device is replaced by means which deliver the gaseous fuel in accordance with the operating parameters of the engine .	5
various embodiments and aspects of the disclosure will be described with reference to details discussed below . the following description and drawings are illustrative of the disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure . numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure . however , in certain instances , well - known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of embodiments of the present disclosure . as used herein , the terms “ comprises ” and “ comprising ” are to be construed as being inclusive and open ended , and not exclusive . specifically , when used in the specification and claims , the terms “ comprises ” and “ comprising ” and variations thereof mean the specified features , steps or components are included . these terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features , steps or components . as used herein , the term “ exemplary ” means “ serving as an example , instance , or illustration ,” and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other configurations disclosed herein . as used herein , the terms “ about ” and “ approximately ” are meant to cover variations that may exist in the upper and lower limits of the ranges of values , such as variations in properties , parameters , and dimensions . the present specification discloses numerous example embodiments . the scope of the present patent application is not limited to the disclosed embodiments , but also encompasses combinations of the disclosed embodiments , as well as modifications to the disclosed embodiments . references in the specification to “ one embodiment ,” “ an embodiment ,” “ an example embodiment ,” etc ., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature , structure , or characteristic , but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature , structure , or characteristic . moreover , such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment . further , when a particular feature , structure , or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment , it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature , structure , or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described . furthermore , it should be understood that spatial descriptions ( e . g ., “ above ,” “ below ,” “ up ,” “ left ,” “ right ,” “ down ,” “ top ,” “ bottom ,” “ vertical ,” “ horizontal ,” etc .) used herein are for purposes of illustration only , and that practical implementations of the structures described herein can be spatially arranged in any orientation or manner . numerous exemplary embodiments are described as follows . it is noted that any section / subsection headings provided herein are not intended to be limiting . embodiments are described throughout this document , and any type of embodiment may be included under any section / subsection . furthermore , disclosed embodiments may be combined with each other in any manner . as used herein , the term “ patient ” is not limited to human patients and may mean any organism to be treated using the diffusion phantoms disclosed herein . as used herein , “ hydrogels ” refer to materials that are formed by crosslinking polymer chains , through physical , ionic or covalent interactions and are known for their ability to absorb water . an example of a physical interaction that can give rise to a hydrogel is by thermal treatment of the liquid hydrogel precursor which , prior to being subjected to a freeze thaw cycle is a liquid or near liquid . the process of freezing the liquid precursor acts to freeze the water contained in the polymer / water mixture and ice particles causes the polymer strands to be topologically restricted in molecular motion by other chains thus giving rise to the “ entanglement ’ cross linking to produce the hydrogel . hydrogels that have been produced by a freeze thaw cycle are sometimes referred to as “ cryogels ”. hydrogels characterized by cross linking that are produced through ionic or covalent interactions typically require a cross linking ( xl ) agent and / or an initiator and activation by methods such as heat or radiation . referring to fig1 , 3 , 4 and 5 , a cerebrospinal diffusion phantom constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown generally at 10 . diffusion phantom 10 comprises a base section 12 , an exterior housing 14 adapted to couple with base section 12 , and a handle 16 located in housing 14 adapted to be gripped by a user moving the phantom 10 around . fig2 also shows a scanning location reference marker 11 which provides a reference for locating the phantom 10 in a mri machine . phantom 10 in fig2 also provides registration targets 13 where a navigation pointer tool can select these registration targets 13 to register phantom 10 with a medical navigation system can be mounted . fig5 and 6 shows an exploded view of phantom 10 in which it can be seen that base section 12 mounts to a seal plate 30 , inner housing 32 , and outer shell 18 . when the phantom 10 is assembled , as can be seen from fig5 one ( 1 ) o - ring 15 seals the inner housing 32 and the two ( 2 ) o - rings 13 and 14 seal the outer housing 18 and inner housing 32 . in reference to the embodiment shown in fig4 , a central pillar 46 mounts to the base 12 and acts as support for the circular micro - rod bundle mounts 47 , the resolution module 48 and the q - ball module 49 . a micro - rod bundle 40 are shown associated with the circular bundle mounts 47 . a plug 50 is used to seal the seal plate 30 after topping up matrix fluid during assembly . the circular bundle mounts 47 act as a configurable support structure to the micro - rod bundles 40 and serve an additional purpose as fluid buffers to prevent fluid motion during a scanning protocol should the matrix material be fluid . this feature is to improve image clarity . fig6 is an extended exploded view of all components of the phantom of fig1 to 4 . micro - rod bundles 40 can be seen in fig5 and 6 where they are mounted in various orientations . referring to fig5 , once base 12 and internal housing 32 are sealed together , they are locked together using five ( 5 ) bolts 20 which are passed through holes in base 12 and corresponding holes in the peripheral shoulder in internal housing 32 , indicated by the dashed lines and the bolts are threaded into their corresponding nuts as shown . the flat bottom section of base 18 ( i . e ., exterior end ) allows it to be securely placed on a bench - top or other flat surface . the handle provided by 34 in this section provides a grip for when a user is placing it into ( and removing it from ) an mri head - coil . in addition , the flat surfaces 51 on the upper housing section 18 allows the user to steady the phantom 10 before transporting . it should be noted that in some embodiments the phantom 10 is produced from a material capable of withstanding a freeze - thaw cycle if using a cryogel as matrix material . in addition the phantom 10 may include a marker ( not shown ) for landmarking and / or correct orientation in the mr coil . in an alternate embodiment , the housing may be constructed and function as follows . using various ties , the fiber modules are attached at their ends and along their lengths to three circular elements that are designed to enable the maximum number of fastening locations . these circular elements are attached to a center column that is mounted to an inner housing and they can slide , and be fastened to various locations on the column . these elements are unique in that they enable multiple configurations for fiber bundles to be positioned in x , y , z directions , ‘ kissing ’, diagonally , curved and interweaving . this center column also enables attachment of modules for various modules described in further detail below . water can diffuse a radial distance of approximately 6 - 10 μm between the time of excitation and signal acquisition for a standard dti protocol . this means that water within this distance from a micro - lumen channel wall or micro - rod wall will demonstrate restricted diffusion . water that is not within this distance of a wall or barrier , will maintain free diffusion . to increase the level of anisotropic diffusion within a micro - rod channel or against a micro - rod , it is useful to restrict the diffusion more in the radial direction . with increasing radial restriction ( i . e . reduced radial dimension ), this decreases water in the voxel which may decrease the received anisotropic signal . to promote ideal signal , the cross - sectional surface area needs to be increased to get more water within the voxel . two possible embodiments are disclosed in fig5 and 6 , with respect to the fiber emulating micro - rod bundles 40 being mounted on the circular bundle mounts 47 in phantom 10 or in additional phantoms . in one embodiment , a flexible micro - lumen rod containing at least one ( 1 ) and as many as nineteen ( 19 ) micro - lumen channels of a diameter that allows an extreme aspect ratio may be used which facilitates the detection of diffusion in a liquid when the micro - lumen channels are filled with the liquid . the micro - lumen rod is comprised of a flexible material that allows it to be bent to span multiple directions and to isolate the liquid interior from the matrix material and it is cut to give desired lengths without cracking or otherwise deteriorating the inner structure . the micro - lumen channels can be filled by a number of methods including vacuum backfilling . fig7 shows a cross sectional view of one such embodiment of a flexible micro - rods 52 , 54 and 56 having nineteen ( 19 ) channels of three different sizes . a single central channel 56 has the largest diameter , six ( 6 ) channels 54 of a slightly smaller diameter surround the central micro - lumen channel 56 , and twelve ( 12 ) smaller diameter channels 52 surround channels 54 . fig8 shows a cross sectional view of another embodiment of a flexible micro - rod 70 which also contains nineteen ( 19 ) micro - channels 72 all having the same diameter . the micro - rod embodiments in fig7 and 8 are non - limiting example embodiments of flexible micro - rods with multiple micro - lumen channels . it may be conceived that other micro - rod permutations with any number of micro - lumen channels and / or diameter sizes may be used . as an example , the micro - lumen channels as seen in fig7 and 8 may have a size in the range of 0 . 5 micrometers to 10 micrometers . in an alternate approach , a flexible plastic micro - rod that is threaded with thread sizes proportional to the size of voxels may be used . this approach to axon fiber mimicry accounts for the fact that diffusion is restricted in the volume closest to the surface . the shapes disclosed herein are designed to balance the trade - off between increasing signal and restricting radial diffusion . fig9 to 13 illustrates the cross - sectional views of several non - limiting embodiments of flexible pulled micro - rods used to mimic cerebrospinal diffusion fiber tracts in a diffusion phantom . the cross - section can be consistent along the entire length of the micro - rod and should be designed to maximize the wettable surface area of the micro - rod . for example , in the micro - rod structure 80 . in fig9 , indentations with circular cross - sections 84 would maximize the wettable surface area . fig1 to 13 illustrates cross sections of alternate embodiments of pulled micro - rods forming part of the present disclosure . fig1 is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a flexible micro - rod used to mimic cerebrospinal diffusion fiber tracts in the present diffusion phantom . in this embodiment in fig1 , a shape such as a rhodonea curve ( where k = 4 ) is representative of an idealized cross section where the surface area is maximized in each voxel . in a further embodiment , a fractal pattern ( not shown ) can also be used to maximize the wettable surface area and result in greater diffusion restriction in each voxel . referring to fig1 , micro - rod 94 includes a flexible pulled micro - rod material 96 showing six ( 6 ) indents or channels along the length of micro - rod 94 . the embodiment of a micro - rod 100 in fig1 shows a flexible pulled micro - rod material 102 having eight ( 8 ) indents or channels 104 running along the length of the rod 100 . in a further embodiment shown in fig1 at micro - rod 100 , a pulled flexible micro - rod material 112 is shown having eight ( 8 ) channels 114 . the indents or channels in the micro - rod surface seen in fig1 to 13 are chosen to be of a size to be narrow in comparison to the distance water can diffuse on the timescale of a dti protocol , thereby restricting the possible diffusion in all directions except for along the direction of the fiber . it will be appreciated that the embodiments of fig9 to 13 are only exemplary in nature . the embodiment shown in fig1 incorporates the use of multi - rod bundles wherein the multi - rod bundles contain a multitude of bicomponent rods before the separation process ( i . e , pre - processing stage ). at this stage , there are a multitude of rods of material b 122 embedded in material a 120 . these bicomponent rods may be extruded from the same spinneret ( small , thimble - shaped , metal nozzle having fine holes through which a spinning solution is forced to form a micro - rod ), resulting in both polymers contained within the same micro - rod . fig1 further depicts the cross - section of a bicomponent rod . in this embodiment , there are 61 micro - rods of material b 122 made out of polypropylene ( pp ) that is surrounded by a water - soluble material material a 120 . material a 120 in this embodiment may be polyvinyl alcohol ( pva ). the micro - rods 122 made of material b have substantially uniform diameter and are embedded through material a 120 in substantially uniform spacing . those skilled in the art would be able to determine appropriate substitutes for these materials . the ‘ sea ’ material can be removed by placing the fibers in warm water for a few hours , or using a combination of warm water and ultra - sonication as an example . fig1 shows the bi - material flexible micro - rod after removal of the material a constituent , as well as , the unique micro - lumen regions generated by this process . it is these regions that function to provide anisotropic restriction of diffusion motion . the scale of the micro - lumen structure is dependent on the tightness of the packing of the micro - rod bundle , the diameter of the material b micro - rods 122 , and the sectional geometry of the rods themselves ( i . e ., they may contain the internal lumen structures as alluded to in fig7 to 13 ). further , each micro - rod 122 of material b is of substantially uniform spacing & amp ; uniform diameter based on manufacture tolerance requirements and / or limitations . fig1 shows the bicomponent rods before the separation process . at this stage , there are a multitude of micro - rods 122 of material b ( polypropylene ( pp ) embedded in the matrix 120 made of material a ( polyvinyl alcohol ( pva )). fig1 also illustrates bicomponent rod windings of fiber strands 126 on a production bobbin 124 . in fig1 , the bicomponent rods 130 are wound on a bobbin 124 with 144 bicomponent rods per strand . each strand 126 contains approximately 8800 polypropylene ( pp ) micro - rods ( material b ). the fiber strands 126 are wound onto a square shaped spindle 128 ( see fig1 ) using a motorized spinner to generate a rod bundle with a set number of aligned bicomponent rods 130 . the revolutions are counted to determine the total number of micro - rods within the rod bundle . for example , 200 revolutions equates to 400 strands segments per bundle , resulting in a total of 3 . 5 million micro - rods per bundle . to remove matrix 120 made of material a and introduce water between the micro - rods 122 ( material b ), the u - bolt containing the rod bundle is placed into a water bath for dissolving material a . thereafter the material is then placed in an ultrasonication bath . the warm water and ultrasonication is then repeated one or more times to ensure complete removal of the pva ( material a ). in this embodiment , the strands 126 in fig1 are initially brown in colour before removal of the pva , and become white after the dissolving and ultrasonication process . sonication also breaks up the micro - rods 122 ( material b ) and allows water to become entrapped between them . the flexible micro - rod bundles 122 are then secured at each end to maintain alignment of the fibers using thread or zipties and are removed from the u - bolt . the flexible micro - rod bundles 122 can then be wrapped or manipulated to maintain a tight flexible micro - rod bundle and then fastened in various orientations to the interior of inner housing 32 suitable for mr imaging . in this example , the flexible micro - rod bundles 122 are tightly bundled using various techniques which may include , but are not limited to sewing thread , heat shrink tubing collars , ziptie collars , twisted fiber , or no manipulation . the zipties at the ends help keep tension on the flexible micro - rod bundles 122 to reduce motion during scanning . fig1 illustrates how the strands are spun onto a spindle 128 , heated and ultrasonicated in a water bath 129 . in this embodiment , the spindle 128 is attached to a controlling motor which rotates the strands off of the bobbin 124 as seen in fig1 . one advantage to using bicomponent micro - rod materials is that the alignment of the inner material 122 ( material b ) within a bicomponent rod 130 remains unaffected during the winding process and can only shift during the removal process of matrix 122 ( material a ). during this process , all micro - rods made of material b are under tension which should allow the material b to remain in an aligned configuration . this provides more uniform packing of the material b micro - rods 122 once the material a material is removed , in turn providing more uniform micro - lumen avenues between the material b micro - rods 122 where the anisotropic diffusion of water occurs . fig1 a illustrates the formed micro - rod bundles , shown from the process illustrated in fig7 to 17 . in fig1 a , the phantom is supported by the internal scaffold support structure also referred to as circular bundle mounts 47 so that the phantom simulates brain fibers travelling in all three orthogonal directions . using various ties , the micro - rod bundle modules are attached at their ends and along their lengths to three circular elements that are design to enable the maximum number of fastening locations . these circular elements are attached to a center column that is mounted to the main housing and they can slide , and be fastened to various locations on the column . these elements are unique in that they enable near infinite configurations for fiber bundles to be positioned in x , y , z directions , ‘ kissing ’, diagonally , curved and interweaving . fig1 b illustrates a processed dti image of micro - rod bundles supported within the phantom . the top image of fig1 shows the dti image of the micro - rod bundles . the bottom image of fig1 b provides a close - up magnified view of two strand of the micro - rod bundles . fig1 a and 18b are illustrative of a head phantom support structure for scanning the head region , however , the micro - rod bundles 122 and circular bundle mounts 47 may be incorporated into additional phantoms for scanning of other anatomical body parts ( i . e ., a diffusion phantom for a leg , spine , hip , abdominal regions , etc .) where anisotropic diffusion of water may be present in tissue and nerve images . as seen in fig5 , when assembled , internal housing 32 is sealed against base section 12 using o - ring 15 , creating a liquid tight seal that encloses the matrix material . the micro - rod bundles 40 as shown in fig1 are submerged in this matrix material . anisotropic diffusion is a function of the aspect ratio of the lumen micro - structure generated by the flexible micro - rod elements . by having an extreme length ( i . e ., infinitely long on the time scale of the mr acquisition ) and a small width and height , this acts to restrict the direction that diffusion can take place to the direction of the micro - rod elements . thus the liquid can be water or an aqueous based solution of a material to tune the mr visibility ( e . g . copper sulfate solution ). to improve the mr visibility of the matrix material in the phantom , one can tune the mr properties of the matrix material to increase the relative signal within a typical mr diffusion measurement . the mr relaxation properties which control the relative amount of signal generated within an imaging sequence are the t1 and t2 relaxation times . the t1 relaxation rate determines how quickly the mr signal recovers in between repeated data acquisitions , thus to maximize signal in a dti acquisition the t1 relaxation time should be short compared to the mr imaging repetition rate ( tr ). similarly the t2 relaxation rate determines how quickly the mr signal decays away when trying to measure it so the t2 relaxation rate should be long relative to the time before data is acquired ( commonly referred to as the time of echo , te ). as the liquid in the micro - lumen structure is aqueous , one can add soluble materials such as copper , nickel , and / or iron salts to change and optimize the t1 and t2 responses . the diffusion phantom 10 disclosed herein may be filed with a matrix material which is chosen to be magnetic resonance ( mr ) compatible and give mr signals including signals in the range of human tissue . these materials could include but are not limited to polyvinyl alcohol ( pva ) cryogel , pva solution , cross - linked polyacrylate polymer gel , water , mineral oil or a solution of salt such as copper sulfate or similar materials . exemplary formulations are disclosed in international publication wo / 2015 / 003271 , which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety . the matrix material is also interchangeable as the micro - rod bundles are modular and separable from the matrix . in other words the matrix material may be removed leaving the micro - rod bundles intact in its preselected configuration and replaced with a different matrix material if that is desired . one use for diffusion phantoms disclosed herein is for calibration and support of diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging ( dw - mri ). a gold standard for the quantitative validation of dw - mri is crucial for clinical purposes but is still not available . for the determination of the accuracy and precision and the evaluation of artifacts in a dw - mri experiment , a phantom is required which has a well - known structure and diffusion behaviour similar to that in brain white matter . the use of phantoms with a well - known connectivity and anisotropy would also be useful for testing fiber tracking algorithms . moreover , the origin of the dw - mri signal in brain white matter is not completely understood . several models exist , based on specific assumptions about the diffusion in the complex geometry of brain white matter . validation of those models is also necessary . the diffusion phantom disclosed herein has several advantageous features . it can be configured to produce a diffusion signal along tracts in well - defined paths . the diffusion is produced using flexible micro - rods to generate multiple lumen microstructures , filled with water , or other useful liquids such as aqueous solutions containing contrast agents or salts that can help minimize magnetic susceptibility differences between fluid and micro - rods . these micro - rods can include preexisting lumen structures in their aspect ratio to increase the number of lumen within the flexible micro - rod bundle , as shown in fig7 to 13 . this increases the diffusion signal since in this manner a greater volume of water will experience restricted diffusion at the lumen walls . it is noted that several separate lumen side by side are more effective than one large lumen , depending on the size . for example , if one large lumen is small enough that it will restrict the radial diffusion to the point of measurement then this is advantageous ( if the wall is thin enough ). it is preferred to maximize the amount of water in the voxel while also restricting diffusion so that there is enough non - water micro - lumen tube material to adequately restrict the diffusion . as an alternative to using micro - rods with enclosed lumen , diffusion can be created with micro - rods with sectional profiles that are optimized to increase the perimeter area ( i . e ., outer surface ). the diffusion signal can be increased in a scalable and predictable way by increasing the number of micro - rods passing through the same voxel . in this embodiment , it is preferable to increase the number of lumen to the point where the restricted radial diffusion is such that it can be measured in the dti protocol . any further increase in number of lumen would be unfavourable since there will be less water per voxel . this limit in the number of lumen needed will change based on the b - value of the diffusion sequence . for higher b - values there would be required more lumen , and conversely , for lower b - values , less lumen . this is because the b - value determines what diffusion length the system is sensitive to a lower b - value typically refers to a larger diffusion lengths and a higher b - value typically refers to a shorter diffusion lengths . as discussed above , the micro - rod bundles 40 , 122 are placed in a scaffold support structure comprised of circular holders 47 that allows for predictable , repeatable and stable mechanical positioning of the micro - rod bundles . when mounted on this scaffold structure , the micro - rod orientations may be chosen to demonstrate the ability to distinguish diffusion in orthogonal directions , along diagonal paths and in curved paths that change direction . thus , the micro - rod bundles 40 , 122 may be configured to provide a curved path and a u - shaped path to give some non - limiting exemplary configurations . in one embodiment , the micro - rod bundle positioning can be configured to provide simulation of tractography of brain white matter fiber tracts wherein the simulated brain fiber tractography can display brain fiber tracts that touches , crosses or interweaves . thus , the set of micro - rod bundles described here is idealized simulation of nerve fibers , in that all orthogonal directions and curved paths are covered . in this embodiment , simulated nerve fibers that cross each other in the same voxel can be distinguished , and simulated nerve fibers that run together and then separate , can also be distinguished . fig2 is a perspective view showing a diffusion phantom 10 resting on a table 130 being inserted into an mri device 132 . the phantom 10 is placed on a flat surface 24 on table 130 as it is positioned inside the mri machine . fig2 high level system diffusion phantom system . the diffusion phantom 10 ( or phantom calibration body ) is placed onto into a mri device 132 , where the received signal can be acquired , processed and shared . the mri device 132 may be connected to a computer processor 134 , database 136 and computer readable media 138 . partial volume effects ( when a voxel contains two or more types of material ) can be problematic in post - processing . by housing multiple micro - rod bundle thicknesses , an included resolution module 48 , as seen in fig4 and 6 , can be used to develop scanning methods that decrease resolution based biases . the resolution module 48 includes bicomponent rod bundles of varying diameters that can create dti signals corresponding to the varying diameters . resolution module 48 enables the mr technical to tune the mr machine protocols to obtain the desired dti resolution . in a further embodiment , the qbi ( q - ball imaging ) module 49 , as seen in fig4 and 6 , can be used to validate more elaborate diffusion imaging techniques like q - ball imaging by enabling the resolution of fiber crossings for evaluation of angular accuracy . the module is comprised of a column - mountable fixture which supports three intersecting and crossing rings of bicomponent rod bundles of different diameter . qbi module 49 is mounted to the center pillar 46 as seen in fig4 and 6 . for supporting q - ball imaging , a sound measurement tool such as qbi module 49 is indispensable . in a further embodiment ( not shown ), an isotropic diffusion module can be mounted to center pillar 46 , similar to one seen in fig4 and 6 . the isotropic module can enable calibration to a series of diffusion rates . the isotropic diffusion module is comprised of a column - mountable fixture which supports a multitude of vials containing a water - soluble polymer ( i . e ., povidone ) in an aqueous solutions of various concentrations . in an alternate embodiment , the phantom can accommodate a quality assurance module ( qa module ). one such example is the american college of radiology ( acr ) accreditation module . the qa module may be a separate module from the dti module . fig1 a and 19b illustrates an exemplary diffusion phantom with a qa module and an anisotropic dti module . fig1 a shows and exploded view of the diffusion phantom with both a dti module 140 and qa module 142 . fig1 b shows an assembled view of diffusion phantom seen in fig1 a . the qa module 142 , as seen in fig1 a includes necessary elements required for quality assurance verification and validation for acr mri accreditation . qa module 142 enables measurements of geometric accuracy , high - contrast spatial resolution , slice thickness accuracy , slice position accuracy , image intensity uniformity , percent - signal ghosting and low - contrast object detectability . in further embodiments ( not shown ), the diffusion phantom as seen in fig1 a and 19b may further comprise of a column - mountable plate . in an alternate embodiment , the center pillar 46 as seen in fig4 and 6 is secured at both ends by a vibration dampening element ( not shown ). a vibrational damping element will act to reduce vibration of the micro - rod bundle modules during the scanning process . this feature is to improve the image clarity . in further alternate embodiments , microelectromechanical systems ( mems ) such as accelerometers and drop sensors can be attached to phantom 10 to monitor excess vibration . further sensors such as thermometers can also be attached to phantom 10 to monitor temperature fluctuations . different bicomponent rods may be able to represent differentially myelinated nervous tissue by varying the spaces between the close packed structures of the difference radii of the micro - rod elements . this may be illustrated in fig1 where by changing the relative spacing between micro - rod 122 within water - soluble material a 120 would generate the dti imaging characteristic of differentially myelinated nervous tissue . this gives us the ability to approximate the diffusion properties of a variety of structures . a person skilled in the art using the aforementioned method of creating differentially myelinated nervous tissue would be able to create simulated version of different types ( e . g . various types of tissues , such as tendons , ligaments , spinal cord , different fiber groups such as , corticospinal , slf , ifo , corpus collosum ; various nerve tissue models such as pediatric , natal , neonatal , in - utero ; and different disease and injury states such as multiple sclerosis , edema , traumatic brain injury . in a further embodiment , different processing conditions may be used to partially process the bicomponent rods to remove the water soluable matrix 120 , ( material a ) in fig1 , which could show partial diffusion and blocked channels along sections of the simulated axon fiber . fig2 illustrates an exemplary orthopedic phantom . the orthopedic phantom as seen in fig2 may be used to mimic the structure of a knee , hip , spine or other orthopedic structures where it can be imaged in a mri . one objective of the orthopedic phantom is to provide a calibration of these anatomical structures before an actual procedure . the orthopedic phantom displays the diffusion tensor image ( dti ) generation process and shows the flexibility of the micro - rod bundle manufacturing process to mimic diffusion signals corresponding to different tissues or different tissue states in the body . the orthopedic phantom of fig2 , consist of a number of components to simulate bony structure , soft tissue , tendons and ligaments and fluids . the orthopedic phantom as seen in fig2 illustrates a sectional view of a knee having bone structure 150 , bone marrow 152 and simulated muscle tissue 154 . embedded within the simulated muscle tissue 154 are micro - rod bundles . in a further embodiment , the orthopedic phantom as seen in fig2 may also include resolution and spatial modules to mimic staples or bone screws to test scanning abilities where an orthopedic implant is present . while the applicant &# 39 ; s teachings described herein are in conjunction with various embodiments for illustrative purposes , it is not intended that the applicant &# 39 ; s teachings be limited to such embodiments . on the contrary , the applicant &# 39 ; s teachings described and illustrated herein encompass various alternatives , modifications , and equivalents , without departing from the embodiments , the general scope of which is defined in the appended claims . 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 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
[ 0072 ] fig1 is a block diagram showing the construction of a data broadcast content preview system 100 according to an embodiment 1 of the present invention . the preview system 100 is composed of an input unit 111 , a control unit 112 , a content storage unit 113 , a ts packetizing unit 114 , a transmission unit 115 , a data broadcast receiving apparatus 116 , a display unit 117 , a web server 118 , and a pseudo - web server 119 . the preview system 100 is composed of hardware components , such as cpu , rom , ram , a hard disk , and a decoder . the rom or the hard disk stores a computer program . the preview system 100 performs its function by the cpu operating under the computer program . the input unit 111 receives a user input and outputs the received input to the control unit 112 . for example , the input unit 111 receives various inputs , such as an instruction directing to activate the preview system , a user id , an instruction specifying a data broadcast content to preview , a selection of an accumulation content , a selection of a web content , an instruction directing to start previewing , and an instruction directing to terminate previewing . the content storage unit 113 includes a data broadcast content storage 1131 , an accumulation content storage 1132 , a web content storage 1133 , and a management information storage 1134 . the data broadcast content storage 1131 stores data broadcast contents , and each broadcast content is stored with its attribute in the same directory . each data broadcast content stored in the data broadcast content storage 1131 includes link information . the link information shows a linked destination for at least one of the accumulation contents stored in the accumulation content storage 1132 or the web contents stored in the web content storage 1133 . here , the “ linked destination ” is a piece of information specifying a storage location at which the accumulation content or the web content is to be stored in the data broadcast receiving apparatus 116 , the web server 118 , or in the pseudo - web server 119 . the accumulation content storage 1132 stores accumulation contents , and each accumulation content is stored with its attribute in the same directory . the web content storage 1133 stores web contents , and each web content is stored with its attribute in the same directory . in this embodiment and other embodiments that follow , a data broadcast content makes up one program together with an accumulation content , and / or a web content , and each program belongs to a program series made up of a plurality of , periodically updated programs . the “ attribute of a content ” is a piece of information that is separately generated for each of the data broadcast contents , the accumulation contents , and the web contents , and that includes a destination location , a series id , an episode number , a valid period , a program series title , and a source location of the content . the “ destination location ” is a path specifying a linked destination where the content is to be transferred or transmitted . the “ series id ” is an identifier for identifying the program series to which the program constituted by the content belongs . the accumulation contents bearing the same series id have the same destination location , so that there always is one accumulation content stored at the destination location . thus , when an accumulation content is transferred to one destination location , the accumulation content currently stored at the destination location is overwritten with the newly transferred accumulation content . the same description applies to the web contents . the “ episode number ” is the number showing the version of the program constituted by the content . for example , the latest version among a plurality of programs each having the same series id is the one bearing the largest episode number . the “ valid period ” is a period during which the content is valid . the “ program series title ” is the title of the program series to which the program constituted by the content belongs . the “ source location ” is the storage location showing where in the content storage unit 113 each resource file constituting the content is stored . the management information storage 1134 stores a broadcast content schedule , an accumulation content schedule , a web content schedule , and user management information . here , the “ broadcast content schedule ” is information on a broadcasting date , an event id , a broadcasting start - time and airtime , i . e ., a period of time during which the data broadcast content is broadcast , of each data broadcast content . the broadcast content schedule also includes information on a title of the program series to which the program constituted by each content belongs . the “ event id ” is an identifier uniquely identifies a data broadcast content . fig3 shows one example of the broadcast content schedule . the “ accumulation content schedule ” is information on a broadcasting date , a valid period , a series id , an episode number , a broadcasting start - time and a broadcasting end - time of each accumulation content . the accumulation content schedule also includes information on a title of the program series to which the program constituted by each accumulation content belongs , and an area where the accumulation content is to be broadcast for . fig4 shows one example of the accumulation content schedule . the “ web content schedule ” is information on a valid period , and a series id , an episode number of each web content . the web content schedule also includes a title of the program series to which the program constituted by each content belongs . fig5 shows one example of the web content schedule . the “ user management information ” is information regarding registered users of the preview system 100 , and shows , for each user , the user name , and the authority level granted for the user , the path specifying the storage location within the data broadcast receiving apparatus 116 or the web server 118 that the user is permitted to use . [ 0097 ] fig6 shows one example of the user management information . as shown in fig6 each user has assigned according to the authority level a path ( indicated as path 1 , path 2 , or path 3 in the figure ) that is available for the user . the ts packetizing unit 114 first encodes the data broadcast content that is repeatedly outputted from the control unit 112 into variable length data called section , and then divides the section into a fixed length packet called tsp ( transport stream packet ), followed by output to the transmission unit 115 . ( hereinafter , the above operation to assemble into tsp is referred to as “ ts packetizing ”) the transmission unit 115 transmits to the data broadcast receiving apparatus 116 the data broadcast content that has been ts packetized . here , the data broadcast content may be transmitted to the data broadcast receiving apparatus 116 after multiplexing with separate video data ts and audio data ts . the data broadcast receiving apparatus 116 is composed of cpu , ram , rom , a hard disk , and a decoder . fig7 is a block diagram showing the construction of the data broadcast receiving apparatus 116 . the data broadcast receiving apparatus 116 is composed of a receive unit 1161 , an accumulation unit 1162 , a recording medium 1163 , and a reproduction unit 1164 , and a web acquisition unit 1165 . the receive unit 1161 receives from the transmission unit 115 the ts corresponding to the data broadcast content , and outputs the ts to the reproduction unit 1164 . the accumulation unit 1162 includes the recording medium 1163 . the accumulation unit 1162 receives from the control unit 112 the accumulation content that is collectively transferred on a module - by - module basis as one folder , and records the received accumulation content as one folder onto the recording medium 1163 together with accumulation content information regarding the accumulation content . the recording medium 1163 is a large capacity , rewritable recording medium , such as a hard disk , dvd - ram , cd - rw , and a semiconductor memory . the “ module ” is a component constituting the accumulation content , and includes , for example , a bml text file or a material file . in other words , the module is a collection of data that is a logical unit to be transmitted in data broadcast transmission or reception by a broadcast receiving apparatus . the “ accumulation content information ” is a piece of information generated by the control unit 112 for each accumulation content each time it is transferred by the control unit 112 . the accumulation content information shows a storing date , a series id , and an episode id of a corresponding accumulation content . [ 0106 ] fig8 is a view showing the accumulation contents recorded onto the recording medium 1163 in a multilevel hierarchy of directories . in fig8 resource files constituting an accumulation content are collectively stored on a module - by - module basis in a corresponding folder , such as “ data ”, “ dataa ”, “ datab ”, which in turn contained in a directory , such as “ fortune_week ”,“ fortune_day ” and “ shopping ”. for example , the directory “ shopping ” contains two folders “ dataa ” and “ datab ” each of which further contains resource files constituting modules of the accumulation content . to be more specific , the “ dataa ” folder contains resource files , “ index . bml ” and “ picture . jpg ”, and the “ datab ” folder contains resource files , “ shopping . bml ”, “ data1 . jpg ” and “ data2 . jpg ”. in addition , the directories named “ fortune_week ”, “ fortune_day ” and “ shopping ” each contain a “ data . inf ” file in which the accumulation content information of the accumulation content is contained . the recording medium 1163 stores a transferred accumulation content and corresponding accumulation content information in a same directory . in addition , the recording medium 1163 stores , at a predetermined storage location , information on setting as to which area the broadcast service is to be provided for ( hereinafter referred to as “ setting information ”). the setting information is set in advance by the user , and “ kinki ” area is selected as the broadcast service area in this specific example . the web acquisition unit 1165 acquires a web content from the web server 118 or the pseudo - web server 119 , and outputs the acquired web content to the reproduction unit 1164 . selection as to which of the two web servers a web content is to be acquired from may be made in the initial setting or may be instructed by the user at the time of performing acquisition . the reproduction unit 1164 decodes the ts packetized data broadcast content that is inputted from the receive unit 1161 to reproduce the decoded data broadcast content on the display unit 117 . in addition , the reproduction unit 1164 reads an accumulation content from the recording medium 1163 , and reproduces the read accumulation content onto the display unit 117 . further , the reproduction unit 1164 reproduces a web content acquired from the web acquisition unit 1165 onto the display unit 117 . the display unit 117 displays the accumulation content and the web content that are inputted from the reproduction unit 1164 . the web server 118 includes a memory , is connected to the data broadcast receiving apparatus 116 via the internet , and stores a web content transferred from the control unit 112 to the memory . the pseudo - web server 119 includes a memory , is connected directly to the data broadcast receiving apparatus 116 bypassing the internet , and stores a web content transferred from the control unit 112 to the memory . the control unit 112 controls operations of the preview system 100 . to be more specific , the control unit 112 operations for activating the preview system 100 , registering a content , previewing a content , and terminating previewing . first , description is given to the activating operation . the input unit 111 receives an instruction directing to activate the preview system 100 and a user id ( a user name , in this case ), and outputs the received input to the control unit 112 . in response , the control unit 112 reads the user management information from the management information storage 1134 to determine whether the inputted user id matches any of the user ids recorded in the user management information . when there is a match , the control unit 112 connects the data broadcast receiving apparatus 116 to the web server 118 or to the pseudo - web server 119 . note that the connection of the data broadcast receiving apparatus 116 to the web server 118 or to the pseudo - web server 119 is not necessarily made at the time of activation . instead , the connection may be made later when necessary . here , whether to connect to the web server 118 or to the pseudo - web server 119 may be determined in advance , or it may be determined according to a user instruction given at the time of activation . next , description is given to the content registering operation . the control unit 112 performs two types of registering operations : one is accumulation content registering and the other is web content registering . first , the accumulation content registering operation is described . the input unit 111 receives an event id inputted by a user to specify a data broadcast content to preview , and outputs to the control unit 112 the inputted event number . in response , the control unit 112 reads from the management information storage 1134 the broadcast content schedule and the accumulation content schedule , and further reads from the recording medium 1163 the setting information and all the pieces of accumulation content information recorded therein . with reference to the read broadcast content schedule , the control unit 112 specifies the broadcasting date and the broadcasting start - time of the data broadcast content that corresponds to the inputted event id . next , with reference to the read accumulation content schedule , the control unit 112 selects accumulation contents scheduled to be broadcast within a predetermined period ( e . g . seven days ) prior to the broadcasting start - time and the broadcasting date specified above ( hereinafter , this selection is referred to as the “ first selection ”). also with reference to the accumulation content schedule information , the control unit 112 then selects , from among the accumulation contents selected in the first selection , accumulation contents each bearing a largest episode number of all the accumulation contents with a same series id ( hereinafter , this selection is referred to as the “ second selection ”). in the case where there is only one accumulation content having a certain series id , that accumulation content is selected . further , with reference to the accumulation content schedule , the control unit 112 selects , from among the accumulation contents selected in the second selection , accumulation contents of which broadcasting area includes the broadcasting area (“ kinki ” area in this case ) specified in the setting information ( hereinafter , this selection is referred to as the “ third selection ”). still further , the control unit 112 selects from among the accumulation contents selected in the third selection , accumulation contents other than the ones of which series id and episode number both match those indicated in any pieces of the accumulation content information . that is to say , to be selected in this selection is only accumulation contents that have not yet been recorded in the recording medium 1163 . ( hereinafter , this selection is referred to as the “ final selection ”.) the control unit 112 reads an attribute of each accumulation content stored in the accumulation content storage 1132 one by one to see whether both the series id and the episode number indicated in the read attribute match those of any of the accumulation contents selected in the final selection . if they match , the control unit 112 then reads all the resource files corresponding to the matching accumulation content from the accumulation content storage 1132 , and transfers the read rescore files to the accumulation unit 1162 to store the thus transferred resource tiles in the recording medium 1163 . the storage location within the accumulation content storage 1132 where each resource file is stored is specified by the path to the source location indicated in the attribute of the matching accumulation content , and the storage location within the recording medium 1163 where each read resource file is to be stored is specified by the path to the destination location also indicated in the attribute of the matching accumulation content . here , it is applicable , at the time when a newly selected accumulation content is transferred , to delete from the recording medium 1163 all the accumulation contents that have been stored . this arrangement is effective to eliminate undesirable influence on preview that maybe caused by accumulation contents irrelevant to the selected data broadcast content remain undeleted in the recording medium 1163 . further , the control unit 112 generates a piece of accumulation content information for each accumulation content at the time of transferring the accumulation content , and stores the thus generated piece of accumulation content information in the same directory with the accumulation content . the accumulation content information shows a storing date , a series id , and an episode id of the accumulation content . now , description is given to the operation performed by the control unit 112 for registering a web content . first , the control unit 112 reads the web content schedule from the management information storage 1134 . with reference to the read web content schedule , the control unit 112 then selects web contents of which valid period begins before , and ends after the broadcasting start - time of the selected data broadcast content . here , it may be applicable to read an attribute of all the web contents stored in the web content storage 1133 instead of the web content schedule , so that the above selection may be made with reference to the read attributes . next , the control unit 112 reads an attribute of each web content stored in the web content storage 1133 one by one to see whether both the series id and the episode number indicated in the read attribute match those of any of the selected web contents . if they match , the control unit 112 then reads from the web content storage 1133 all the resource files corresponding to the matching web content , and transfers the read resource files to the web server 118 or the pseudo - web server 119 to store the thus transferred resource files in the memory . the directory of the web content storage 1133 in which each resource file is stored is specified by the path to the “ source location ” indicated in the attribute of the matching web content , and the storage location in the memory where the read resource file is to be stored is specified by the path to the destination location also indicated in the attribute of the matching web content . here , it is applicable , at the time when a newly selected web content is transferred , to delete from the memory of the web server 118 or of the pseudo - web server 119 all the web contents that have been stored . this arrangement is effective to eliminate undesirable influence on preview that may be caused by web contents irrelevant to the selected data broadcast content remain undeleted in the memory . note that the accumulation content registering operation described above may be performed in the similar manner to the web content registering operation . in this case , the description is given by the above description for the web content registering provided that the “ web content storage 1133 ” appearing therein is replaced by the “ accumulation content storage 1132 ” and the “ web content ” is replaced by the “ accumulation content ”. next , description is given to the operation for content previewing . in response to an input from the input unit 111 directing to start previewing , the control unit 112 repeatedly reads from the data broadcast content storage 1131 the data broadcast content that is selected through the content registering operation , outputs the read data broadcast content to the ts packetizing unit 114 , and directs the reproduction unit 1164 to start previewing . lastly , the operation for terminating previewing is described . in response to an input from the input unit 111 directing to terminate previewing , the control unit 112 terminates the preview of content . note that the operation for new content registering may be prohibited while preview is being performed . now , description is given to the process sequence from the content registering operation to the previewing operation . fig1 is a flowchart showing the above sequence . the control unit 112 sequentially performs the operation for accumulation content registering ( step s 1101 ), the operation for the web content registering ( step s 1102 ), and the operation for previewing ( step 1103 ) in the stated order . note that the operation for accumulation content registering may be preceded by the operation for web content registering . hereinafter , description is given in detail to the operation for accumulation content registering ( step s 1101 ), the operation for web content registering ( step s 1102 ), and the operation for previewing ( step 1103 ) with reference to flowcharts . [ 0142 ] fig1 is a flowchart showing the sequence of the accumulation content registering operation . hereinafter , with reference to fig1 , description is given to the accumulation content registering operation . when receiving from the input unit 111 an input selecting a data broadcast content for preview ( step s 1201 : y ), the control unit 112 reads from the management information storage 1134 the broadcast content schedule ( step s 1202 ) as well as the accumulation content schedule ( step s 1203 ). the control unit 112 further reads from the recording medium 1163 the setting information as well as all the pieces of the accumulation content information recorded therein ( step s 1204 ). with reference to the broadcasting date and the broadcasting end - time indicated in the read accumulation content schedule , the control unit 112 makes the first selection from among all the accumulation contents indicated in the read accumulation content schedule ( step s 1205 ), and further makes the second selection by selecting , from among the accumulation contents selected in the first selection , accumulation contents each having a largest episode number among accumulation contents having a same series id ( step s 1206 ). the control unit 112 further makes the third selection by selecting , from among the accumulation contents selected in the second selection , accumulation contents of which broadcasting area includes the broadcasting area (“ kinki ” area ) indicated in the setting information ( step s 1207 ). the control unit 112 further makes the final selection by selecting , from among the accumulation contents selected in the third selection , accumulation contents other than the accumulation content that have been already recorded in the recording medium 1163 ( step s 1208 ). to this end , the control unit 112 compares the series id and the episode number of each accumulation content selected in the third selection with those indicated in any piece of the read accumulation content information . if they match , it is determined that the matching accumulation content has already been recorded in the recording medium and thus excluded from the final selection . next , the control unit 112 reads from the accumulation content storage 1132 all the resource files corresponding to each accumulation content selected in the final selection , and transfers the read resource files to the accumulation unit 1162 to store the thus transferred files in the recording medium 1163 ( step s 1209 ). here , the storage location within the accumulation content storage 1132 where each resource file is stored is specified by the path to the “ source location ” indicated in the attribute of the accumulation content , and the “ storage location ” in the recording medium 1163 where the read resource file is to be stored is specified by the path to the destination location also indicated in the attribute of the accumulation content . next , the control unit 112 generates a piece of accumulation content information showing the storing date , the series id , the episode number of for each accumulation content transferred , and stores the thus generated piece of accumulation content information in the same directory with the accumulation content is stored ( step s 1210 ). [ 0146 ] fig1 is a flowchart showing the sequence of the web content registering operation . hereinafter , the description is given to the sequence of the web content registering operation with reference to the flowchart in fig1 . following to the step s 1210 shown in fig1 , the control unit 112 reads the web content schedule from the management information storage 1134 ( step s 1301 ). with reference to the read web content schedule , the control unit 112 then selects web contents of which valid period begins before , and ends after the broadcasting start - time of the selected data broadcast content ( step s 1302 ). next , the control unit 112 reads an attribute of each web content stored in the web content storage 1133 one by one to see whether both the series id and the episode number indicated in the read attribute match those of any of the selected web content . if they match , the control unit 112 then reads from the web content storage 1133 all the resource file corresponding to the matching web content , and transfers the read resource files to the web server 118 or to the pseudo - web server 119 to store the thus transferred resource files in the memory ( step s 1303 ). the storage location within the web content storage 1133 where each resource file is stored is specified by the path to the “ source location ” indicated in the attribute of the matching web content , and the storage location within the memory where the read resource file is to be stored is specified by the path to the “ destination location ” also indicated in the attribute of the matching web content . [ 0148 ] fig1 is a flowchart showing the sequence of the content previewing operation . hereinafter , description is given to the content previewing operation with reference to the flowchart in fig1 . when receiving from the input unit 111 an input directing to start content previewing ( step s 1401 : y ), the control unit 112 repeatedly reads from the data broadcast content storage 1131 the data broadcast content that is selected through the content registering operation , and outputs the read data broadcast content to the ts packetizing unit 114 ( step s 1402 ), and directs the reproduction unit 1164 to start previewing ( step s 1403 ). the reproduction unit 1164 receives the data broadcast content inputted from the receive unit 1161 after transmitted from the transmission unit 115 . prior to the transmission , the data broadcast content has been packetized into ts by the ts packetizing unit 114 . upon receipt of the data broadcast content , the reproduction unit 1164 decodes the data broadcast content to reproduce , so that a first page for the data broadcast content is displayed on the display unit 117 ( step s 1404 ). the first page includes buttons , which is displayed in gui , and each button is to move the first page to a page provided by the accumulation content or the web content that is linked from the data broadcast content . here , the user makes an input via one of the buttons in the first page being displayed , thereby selecting one of the accumulation contents or the web contents all linked to the data broadcast content ( step s 1405 : y ). in response to the user input , the reproduction unit 1164 reads the selected accumulation or web content from the specified storage location , and reproduces the read accumulation or web content on the display unit 117 ( step s 1406 ). with the above operations , the user is allowed to preview the accumulation content and the web content both linked to the selected data broadcast content just as in the actual broadcasting . when receiving from the input unit 111 an input directing to terminate the content previewing ( step s 1407 : y ), the control unit 112 terminates the content previewing . when receiving no such an input , the processing goes back to the step s 1405 . in the embodiment 1 described above , the control unit 112 performs , in the accumulation content registering operation , the finale selection by excluding the accumulation contents that have been already recorded in the recording medium 1163 from the accumulation contents selected in the third selection . in an embodiment 2 described below , the final selection is made by selecting , from among the accumulation contents selected in the third selection , accumulation contents each linked to the selected data broadcast content . [ 0155 ] fig1 is a block diagram showing the construction of a data broadcast content preview system 200 according to the embodiment 2 of the present invention . except a control unit 212 , the components constituting the preview system 200 are the same as those of the preview system 100 according to the embodiment 1 . the embodiment 2 is similar to the embodiment 1 except that the accumulation content registering operation performed by the control unit 212 differs from that performed by the control unit 112 . thus , description is given mainly to the difference in the two operations for accumulation content registering . the control unit 212 performs the same operations as the control unit 112 up to the third selection . thus , description is given to the operations ( corresponding to the step s 1208 in fig1 ) that are performed by the control unit 212 after the third selection is made . [ 0159 ] fig1 is a flowchart showing the operation performed by the control unit 212 for the final selection . first , the control unit 212 makes the third selection in the same manner as the control unit 112 ( step s 1207 ). the control unit 212 then reads the selected data broadcast content from the data broadcast content storage 1131 ( step s 1701 ). next , the control unit 212 analyzes the bml text included in the read data broadcast content ( step s 1702 ) to extract a character string describing the path to the linked destination ( step s 1703 ). ( in the example shown in fig1 , to be extracted is the character string “ hdd / user1_b / shopping / data ” that is preceded by the tag “ a ”, and in another example ( not illustrated ), to be extracted is a character string that is preceded by the tag “ arib - file ://” according to the arib standards .) next , the control unit 212 reads from the accumulation content storage 1132 an attribute of each accumulation content selected in the third selection ( step s 1704 ). the control unit 212 then compares the extracted character strings with the character string that is included in the read attribute and that specifies the “ destination location ” ( hereinafter referred to as “ path - specifying character string ”) to see if the path - specifying character string matches any of the extracted character strings ( step s 1705 ). if there is a match ( step s 1705 : y ), the control unit 212 selects , in the final selection , the accumulation content corresponding to the attribute including the matching path - specifying character string ( step s 1706 ). next , the control unit 212 judges whether the path - specifying character strings included in all the read attributes are compared with the extracted character strings ( step s 1707 ). when judging yes in the step s 1707 , the control unit 212 terminates the processing , and when judging no in the step s 1707 , the control unit 212 performs the step s 1705 for another path - specifying character string . when there is no match in the step s 1705 ( step s 1705 : n ), the control unit 212 performs the step s 1707 . after the final selection , the control unit 212 transfers the accumulation contents selected in the final selection to the recording medium 1163 that is included in the accumulation unit 1162 where the transferred accumulation contents are stored . yet , these operations are the same as those in the embodiment 1 , and thus description thereof is omitted . note that the operations performed by the control unit 212 for the final selection as described above may be added to the sequence showing in fig1 between the step s 1302 and the step s 1303 . to be more specific , the control unit 212 reads from the web content storage 1133 an attribute of each web content selected in the step s 1302 . next , the control unit 212 compares the path - specifying character string included in the read attribute with the character strings extracted from the bml text included in the selected data broadcast content . if the path - specifying character string matches any of the extracted character strings , the control unit 212 selects , from among the web contents selected in the step s 1302 , a web content corresponding to the attribute having the matching path - specifying character string . in this case , the step s 1303 shown in fig1 is performed to the thus selected web contents . alternatively , the above additional operations may be performed without performing the steps s 1301 and s 1302 . that is , the selection through the above addition operations is made directly to the web contents stored in the web content storage 1133 . hereinafter , description is given to an embodiment 3 of the present invention . the feature of the embodiment 3 lies in that the selection of the accumulation contents and the web contents to be registered through the content registering operation is made based on project information generated in advance . the project information includes a list of the accumulation contents and the web contents a linked to each data broadcast content . [ 0168 ] fig1 is a block diagram showing the construction of a data broadcast content preview system 300 according to the embodiment 3 . the preview system 300 is composed of the same components as the preview system 100 of the embodiment 1 except a control unit 312 and a content storage unit 313 . hereinafter , description is given mainly to the difference of this embodiment from the embodiment 1 . the content storage unit 313 includes the data broadcast storage 1131 , the accumulation content storage 1132 , the web content storage 1133 , and a management information storage 3134 . that is , the content storage unit 312 is composed of the same components as the content storage unit 113 of the embodiment 1 except the management information storage 3134 . the management information storage 3134 stores project information and content management information . the “ project information ” is a piece of information generated for each data broadcast content stored in the data broadcast content storage 1131 , and includes an event id identifying a broadcast content , a list of content management information storage locations , and a list of preview start files . the “ list of content management information storage locations ” is a list showing storage locations within the management information storage 3134 where pieces of content management information are stored . here , the pieces of content management information correspond to accumulation contents and web contents each linked to the data broadcast content . the “ list of preview start files ” is a list showing names of resource files to be displayed in a first page when the data broadcast content is selected . fig1 shows one example of the project information . the “ content management information ” is a piece of information that is generated for each of the accumulation content and web content . each piece of the content management information shows a destination location to which the content is to be transferred for storage , the valid period , the title of the program series to which the program constituted by the content belongs , the source location , and the content configuration . fig2 shows one example of the content management information . the “ content configuration ” shows the module configuration of each resource file of the content , and the directories in which each resource file is to be stored at the destination location along with the name of the resource file to be stored therein . in the example shown in fig2 , the content is composed of two modules : “ data a ” and “ data b ”. the former module is composed of two resource files : “ index . bml ” and “ picture . jpg ”, and the latter module is composed of three modules : “ shopping . bml ”, “ data1 . jpg ” and “ data2 . jpg ”. when transferred to the destination location , the “ data a ” module and the “ data b ” modules are to be stored in folders named “ data a ” and “ data b ”, respectively , and both the folders reside in the “ hdd / user_b / shopping ” directory . [ 0178 ] fig8 shows the tree structure of the recording medium 1163 i . e ., the destination location , where the content configured as above is stored in the “ shopping ” directory . as described above , each accumulation content is stored in the recording medium 1163 in accordance with the module structure shown in the content management information . the control unit 312 performs the following operation for content registering . fig2 is a flowchart showing the content registering operation performed by the control unit 312 . upon receipt of an event id inputted by a user for specifying the data broadcast content to preview , the input unit 111 passes the inputted event id to the control unit 312 ( step s 2101 : y ). in response , the control unit 312 reads from the management information storage 3134 the project information that includes the inputted event id ( step s 2102 ). with reference to the read project information or , more specifically , to the list of content management information storage locations , the control unit 312 specifies destination storage locations of pieces of content management information corresponding to accumulations content and web contents each linked to the selected data broadcast content ( step s 2103 ). the control unit 312 reads each piece of the content management information from the thus specified destination storage locations ( step s 2104 ), and then reads each content stored in the content storage unit 313 at the storage location specified in the read content management information ( step s 2105 ). the control unit then transfers each of the read contents to the destination location indicated in the content management information ( step s 2106 ). up to this point , a data broadcast contents preview system according to the present invention has been described by way of the above embodiments . however , it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above specific embodiments , and various modifications may be made as follows . 1 . in the above embodiments 1 - 3 , a data broadcast content constitutes a program together with at least one accumulation content and at least one web content , and the program belongs to a program series composed of a plurality of , periodically updated programs . however , there may be a content that solely constitute one independent program that does not belong to any program series . a series id and an episode number are assigned to such a program , and the program will be the only program bearing that particular series id . 2 . in the above embodiments 1 - 3 , accumulation contents and web contents to be registered are automatically selected by the control unit 112 , 212 or 312 in accordance with the selected data broadcast content . however , the accumulation contents and web contents to be registered may be selected directly by a user via the input unit 111 . 3 . in the above embodiments 1 and 2 , to be displayed at the time when the preview is started is the first page for a selected data broadcast content . alternatively , a preview content selection page may be displayed . the “ preview content selection page ” is a page that is displayed on the display unit 117 after the preview system is directed to start previewing and that is used for selecting a content to start previewing with . fig9 shows one example of the preview content selection page . in the example shown in fig9 the page includes gui components of selection buttons used for selecting a content to be displayed on the display unit 117 . the preview content selection page is generated and displayed on the display unit 117 as follows . that is , the control unit 112 or 212 generates a first page content based on the attributes of the selected broadcast content , the accumulation contents and web contents that are registered through the content registering operation . the first page content includes a description of a path specifying the storage location of each content . the control unit 112 or 212 then transfers the thus generated first page content to the recording medium 1163 and stores it at a predetermined storage location . this operation is performed , for example , after the step s 1303 in the web content registering operation shown in fig1 . further , the first page content may be transmitted together with the data broadcast content . to be more specific , the “ first page content ” is a bml text file that is generated with reference to the attributes of each of the selected data broadcast content , accumulation contents , and includes a script for linking to each content . [ 0191 ] fig1 is a view showing one example of the first page content . the first page content shown in fig1 is a description for displaying the preview content selection page shown in fig9 . in response to the instruction directing to start preview received from the control unit 112 or 212 , the reproduction unit 1164 reads the first page content recorded in the recording medium 1163 at the predetermined storage location , and reproduces the read first page content on the display unit 117 , whereby the preview content selection page is displayed . this operation may be performed in the content previewing operation as an alternative to the step s 1404 . further , in the embodiment 3 , the control unit 312 may generate the first page content with reference to the list of preview start files that is included in the project information . the control unit 312 then transfers the thus generated first page content to the predetermined storage location within the recording medium 1163 . this operation may be performed after the step s 2106 in the content registry operation shown in fig2 . 4 . in the modification 3 above , the generated first page content is stored in the recording medium 1163 . in the case where the recording medium is nonvolatile ram ( hereinafter referred to as “ nvram ”, the following modification maybe made . that is , to be stored in the nvram is a bml text including the script for a linking to the first page content that is stored at a predetermined storage location ( for example , in a hard disk ). ( hereinafter , such a bml text is referred to as a “ link - specifying content ”). upon receipt of a preview start instruction , the reproduction unit 1164 refers to the link - specifying content stored in nvram so as to specify the storage location of the first page content . thereafter , the reproduction unit 1164 reads the first page content from the specified storage location , and reproduces the read first page content . [ 0195 ] fig2 is a view conceptually illustrating the operations for reading the first page content from the linked storage location to reproduce . in the example shown in fig2 , the link - specifying content “ portal . bml ” is stored in nvram included in the data broadcast receiving apparatus , and the first page content is stored in the hard disk ( hdd ) also included in the data broadcast receiving apparatus . in addition , fig2 also illustrates with the arrows the process sequence performed by the data broadcast receiving apparatus after receipt of the preview start instruction . to be more specific , the data broadcast receiving apparatus first accesses the link - specifying content stored in nvram so as to specify the storage location of the first page content . the data broadcast receiving apparatus then reads the first page content stored at the specified storage location in hdd , and reproduces the read first page content . in response to a user input selecting a content , the data broadcast receiving apparatus acquires the selected content , i . e ., one of the linked accumulation contents “ scene1 . bml ” and “ scene2 . bml ”, and the linked web content “ index . bml ” from the storage location specified by the first page content . with this arrangement , it is not necessary to repeatedly write an first page content onto the nonvolatile ram , so that wearing of the nonvolatile ram is prevented . 5 . in the above embodiments 1 - 3 , a first page content is generated each time the content registering operation is performed . alternatively , it is applicable to prestore , in the content storage unit 113 for example , a template content that includes a script describing a destination location of a content and a script describing a page layout for the preview content selection page . in this case , each time the content registering operation is performed , a character string specifying a destination location where each contents selected through the registering operation is to be stored based on the attribute of the content . a first page content is generated by merging the template content and the generated character string . 6 . in the above embodiments 1 - 3 , a first page content generated may be deleted from the recording medium 1163 at the time of system activation or termination , or at the time when receiving a user instruction . this modification is effective to prevent that the content selected by one user is previewed by another user without permission . 7 . in the above embodiments 1 - 3 , a first page content is linked not only to a bml text file but also to a material file . in the case where the first page content is linked to a material file , the bml text file that refers to the material file is retrieved from the files stored in the same directory , and the retrieved bml file is read . as a result , the graphics is displayed as a part of the preview content selection page . 8 . the attribute of each content according to the above embodiments 1 - 3 may further includes information that is contained in the content management information according to the embodiment 3 . in this case , the need for the content management information in the embodiment 3 is eliminated . 9 . in the above embodiments 1 - 3 , the selected broadcast content is specified by the event id . alternatively , it may be specified by the broadcasting date or the series id . alternatively , it is applicable to display the data broadcast schedule stored in the management - information storage 1134 , so that a user may input via gui a selection of a data broadcast content to preview . although the present invention has been fully described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings , it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art . therefore , unless such changes and modifications depart from the scope of the present invention , they should be construed as being included therein .	7
this detailed description begins with a technical description of the manufacturing requirements for pwb imaging , including image sharpness , resist uniformity in thickness ; registration ( accuracy of placement ) and hole tenting . also the light intensity requirements of the uv curable photopolymers to achieve polymerization is defined . next , this detailed description illustrates the techniques for mating the coated phototool with a copperclad printed wiring board ; the near - simultaneous technique for curing ; the selection of high temperature photo imaging means hereinafter termed a phototool , followed by the preferred embodiment for production printed wiring board imaging . throughout this disclosure the process of joining together the substrate , the photopolymer and the phototool into a unified assembly is referred to as mating . computer grade pc boards are typically manufactured in panel form in sizes of the order of 18 by 20 inches ( 0 . 46 m by 0 . 5 m ). conductor lines and spaces are of the order of 0 . 010 inches wide ( 0 . 025 cm ) with sharply defined edges , free of nicks and bulges . additionally , the imaging resist forming the conductors must maintain a constant thickness , consistent with the plating or etching chemicals , temperature and immersion time . too thin a resist results in breakdowns and the plating of metal at unwanted locations . with regard to image placement on the copper - clad board , the 18 by 20 inch ( 0 . 46 m by 0 . 05 m ) panel will typically have an accuracy of 0 . 002 inches ( 0 . 05 mm ) on drilled hole location , requiring that the imaging be accurate to within 0 . 005 inches ( 0 . 13 mm ) in order to maintain an annular ring of the order of 0 . 005 inches ( 0 . 13 mm ) around the hole . as described earlier , the uv curable photopolymers used in pwb manufacture have been developed to be applied by screen printing over the copper surface and cured by conveying under 200 watt - per inch mercury vapor lamps at a speed of 12 feet ( 3 . 66 m ) per minute . the surface temperature rise is significant , for the board receives approximately 200 watt - seconds of energy per square inch of area . typically , surface temperatures in excess of 300 degrees f . are experienced . the aforementioned 200 watt - seconds per square inch ( 6 . 45 cm 2 ) energy requirement is for photopolymer whose surface is exposed to air . most all of the tested photopolymers are affected by air to the extent that the exposure energy can be reduced to only 50 watt - seconds per square inch ( 6 . 45 square cm ) when the air is completely excluded by the mating process described herein . a phototool , as used herein , is a transparent sheet with light opaque areas corresponding to the image to be reproduced , and this phototool is placed between the uv lamp and the substrate to control those areas of photopolymer to be hardened . the terms photo image , photomask and phototool can be used interchangeably . while it is possible to image the coated pwb with the phototool off - contact , it is not cost - effective , since an expensive collimated light source is required ; other light sources will produce light undercutting , reduced line widths , and loss of line fidelity . in order to use a non - collimated light source and still achieve fine line imaging , it is necessary for the phototool to intimately contact the photopolymer , as is accomplished herein . fig1 shows a section of a pwb 1 in which the phototool is being mated to the coated surface 3 . pwb 1 has been previously roughly coated with photopolymer layer 3 . phototool 4 is positioned above and off contact with pwb 1 with opaque areas 7 registered to drilled holes 47 in the pwb 1 . assembly 6 movable in the direction of arrow 46 has rubber blade 10 of 50 durometer , which traverses the top surface of phototool 4 . force f 1 in direction 8 on phototool 4 causes the phototool to contact the photopolymer and force f 2 in the direction of movement 9 causes blade 10 to traverse the topside of the phototool and progressively mate the phototool with the photopolymer . this technique purges the photopolymer of air bubbles which may have been entrapped during the coating cycle , and also prevents the entrapment of air resident between the phototool and photopolymer surface . this mating technique has several highly desirable features not readily obtainable otherwise . first , the photopolymer surface , when coated , may be mottled or have an orange - peel effect . these surface irregularities are smoothed out and the mated surface conforms to the smooth plastic surface topology of phototool 4 as well as the substrate . in the case of a pwb the substrate carries a copper layer 52 surface which is to be conformed to the image of the phototool 4 , for example . this is illustrated in fig1 with crosshatched photopolymer area 2 being in surface to surface contact because of the previous scanning of surface contact member 10 , preferably a rubber blade , across the phototool 4 surface . while this mating technique smoothes out surface irregularities , there is no tendency for the photopolymer to be forced out ahead of the blade and thereby reduce the coating thickness . at the point 5 where the blade edge contacts the phototool , the instantaneous pressure may reach 300 pounds per square inch ( 2067 kpa ). this high pressure causes any trapped air bubbles to burst and the air is forced out ahead of the blade . experiments with the substitution of a rubber roller in the manner of u . s . pat . no . 3 , 837 , 887 -- k . akamatsu et al ., sept . 24 , 1974 in lieu of the blade yielded inferior results , for air was entrapped under the phototool . on those areas of the phototool now mated with the ( crosshatched ) photopolymer , a strong holding force is maintained between the phototool and pwb surface . thus , atmospheric pressure 11 ( fig1 ) maintains the phototool in intimate contact with the photopolymer surface indefinitely , without an outside vacuum source . phototool opaque areas 7 ( which usually do not constitute surface irregularities ) are in intimate contact with the photopolymer surface , and the photopolymer can be exposed with a non - collimated light source and produce high fidelity reproduction of images on the phototool on the pwb plating resist pattern . fig2 shows a preferred method for curing photopolymer 3 . for this purpose , uv lamp 14 and reflectorfocuser 13 are mounted on the same movable transversing assembly 21 as blade 10 . after the blade causes the phototool to mate with the photopolymer , light rays 12 expose and polymerize the photopolymer layer 2 directly beneath the phototool transparent areas . light rays 12 cannot expose those areas ahead of blade 10 . fig2 shows the coolant dispensing apparatus ; reservoir 15 , supplying coolant 17 to sponge 16 and thence to phototool 4 in a film shown as droplets 18 . shuttering is accomplished automatically by pivoted shutter 19 as the assembly 21 is lowered into contact with phototool 4 . light shroud 20 contacts phototool 4 and slides upward along the reflector - focuser 13 , and actuates the pivoting shutter 19 which opens to expose the mated photopolymer . arrow 53 shows the reciprocal movement of the transversing assembly to move from rest into engagement on transversal and then back into a spaced separation position from the photopolymer layer 3 . fig2 shows 3 distinct zones or conditions of photopolymer . photopolymer 2 under lamp 14 is polymerized as shown by crosshatching , while photopolymer 2 under sponge 16 is under vacuum but not yet exposed as indicated by lining ; photopolymer 3 is not yet contacted by phototool 4 and is therefore at atmospheric pressure as indicated by dotting . this progressive exposure method is an advancement in the art of producing printed plates with photopolymers , since present systems require a time of several seconds for drawdown of the entire phototool before the exposure begins as for example in the aforementioned u . s . pat . no . 4 , 070 , 110 . similarly vacuum drawdown techniques are costly and time consuming . since the disclosed system requires no external vacuum and exposes during scanning , this drawdown period and equipment is eliminated . the following sections describe the preferred phototool construction techniques to image the major photopolymer resists in use in pwb manufacture and photopolymers used in graphics imaging . ______________________________________manufacturer product code description______________________________________w . r . grace corp . spr 7263 lr plating resistcolumbia , md . spr 7263 m etch resistdynachem corp . sr 30 h screen resisttustin , calif . mac dermid corp . 9403 uv plating resistwaterbury , conn . colonial printing ink uv 50 - 48 solder maske . rutherford , n . j . advance processing & amp ; uval graphics imagingsupply corp uv curable photo - chicago , ill . polymer______________________________________ these photoresists have been developed to be screen printed to a thickness of 1 to 2 thousandths of an inch ( 0 . 025 mm to 0 . 05 mm ), and cured by a two - lamp assembly , each lamp rated at 200 watts per linear inch ( 2 . 54 cm ), with a conveyor speed of 12 feet per minute . with the disclosed equipment the phototool is placed between the lamp and pwb , subjecting the phototool to temperature ranging up to 300 degrees f . while the phototool temperature can be reduced to less than 100 degrees f . by utilizing a different lamp source and increasing the exposure time to the order of 40 seconds , the preferred embodiment is the use of polyester sheet and a high temperature silicone rubber layer to bond the opaque areas 7 ( fig1 ) to the sheet 4 ; and the use of a liquid coolant on the surface of the sheet . referring to fig1 phototool 4 is seen to be subjected to a horizontal force 9 which tends to stretch the phototool and thereby introduce registration errors . polyester sheet in the thickness of 4 to 8 thousandths of an inch ( 0 . 1 to 0 . 2 mm ) provides the stability needed by the phototool , plus the ability to withstand short temperature excursions to 250 degrees f . phototool opaque areas consist of etched metal foil , preferably aluminum . to make a phototool , a sheet of clear polyester and a thin sheet of aluminum foil are laminated together with a thin layer of clear silicone rubber adhesive bonding the two securely . the foil is given a pre - etch in sodium hydroxide in order to reduce the foil thickness to the order of 0 . 0001 inch ( 0 . 0025 mm ). the foil is then coated with a photographic etch resist , exposed , washed out and then etched again to produce the phototool image in etched foil . etched aluminum foil is preferred over other black emulsion systems since a large area of black emulsion would absorb large quantities of heat which could distort the phototool , while the aluminum surface reflects heat and reduces the total amount absorbed . for use in this invention the phototool is previously coated and imaged for subsequent use in imaging substrates . the aforementioned polyester sheet 4 with bonded foil is stretched in phototool frame 24 , fig3 coated and inserted into the apparatus of fig4 . exact registration between the phototool pattern and substrates to be imaged in production is achieved by placing a production substrate onto the substrate mounting plate 22 in register such as by use of registration pins 27 . next the master artwork is placed in frame 24 over the substrate in exact register . the mounting plate is secured to the phototool frame as in fig3 in register by means of hinge 23 . the resilient blade 10 is drawn across the polyester sheet 4 which was previously developed from an artwork master and photopolymer coated polyester sheet , thereby transferring the artwork in the form of a foil surface 7 . the flexible polyester sheet phototool 4 is coated over the foil surface with silicone rubber adhesive , dow corning product code 734 rtv , which serves two major functions . first , the resilient rubber can accommodate small dirt particles on the pwb surface . during the mating cycle pwb surface irregularities can cause a separation to exist between phototool and pwb surface which will mar the image over a much wider area than the irregularity itself . the silicone rubber , being resilient , conforms to the irregularity and reduces the marred area . secondly , the silicone rubber adhesive forms a non - stick surface on the phototool to which hardened photopolymer will not adhere . while a silicone rubber adhesive is the preferred bonding material for the foil coating , other materials can be used . polyethelene was used in tests conducted by the applicant , with good results . polyethelene provides a non - stick surface and has the added advantage of providing a surface which does not dewet when coated with photopolymer . however , polyethelene is thermoplastic and if subjected to temperatures of 250 degrees f . can melt and react with the photopolymer and thereby damage the phototool . the phototool can also be made from polyester photographic film having either a silver halide emulsion or a diazo emulsion , with a suitable non - stick surface added . the aforementioned heat build up in large opaque areas may distort and damage this type of phototool . thus far in this disclosure , the use of a flexible phototool has been described . the phototool need not be flexible in all cases . for example , when imaging flexible printed wiring circuits , the phototool may be a glass plate and the flexible substrate mated with the phototool by drawing the blade across the flexible substrate . thus , in the frame of fig3 simply the substrate and phototool are interchanged in position . the photo scanning need then occur on the opposite side . depending on exposure time and distance of phototool from uv lamps , the temperature rise of the phototool can be up to 300 degrees f . and beyond . there are two practical techniques for reducing substrate temperature rise in conventional uv lamp conveyorized systems . first , the uv lamps can be water - jacketed to reduce convected thermal transfers and non - functional infra - red radiations . however , the cooling water must be distilled and exceptionally free of minerals and other impurities , which could reduce light output . the cost of piping and a stainless - steel heat exchanger is prohibitive . a second technique for substrate cooling is to force cold air , at 30 degrees f . onto the substrate while under the uv lamp . this cooling technique is expensive and wasteful of energy . a water spray on printed substrates to prevent overheating presents the hazard of water impinging on the hot lamp surface and causing catastrophic damage . this disclosure teaches a way of introducing a liquid coolant onto the phototool surface at the trailing edge of the mating blade . a 50 percent water - alcohol solution is applied across the width of the phototool by a sponge . while many liquids can be used , it is necessary that the phototool be wetted completely and beading of coolant prevented . the coolant absorbs heat from the phototool by evaporation , yet does not significantly reduce the transmittance of the uv light energy . the alcohol - water solution will keep the phototool temperature to 200 degrees f . or lower . as shown in fig2 reservoir 15 contains the coolant solution , which is applied to phototool 4 by sponge 16 . when two successive lamps are used , coolant film shown as droplets 18 is partially evaporated by the first lamp 14 , and remain in diminished quantity to provide phototool cooling when passing under the second uv lamp . coolant solution is introduced after the mating blade , as the solution would be forced ahead of the blade if introduced there . in fig2 uv light source 14 is a commercially available medium pressure mercury vapor lamp , whose length is chosen to correspond to the width of the substrate to be imaged . one suitable lamp is manufactured by canrad - hanovia company of newark , n . j . the lamp is mounted in radiator 13 , fig2 which is manufactured by the same company . fig3 shows a fixture for mounting the phototool and pwb in register and off contact . the fixture shown in fig3 is used when precise registration is required , when a conveyorized uv curing unit is used as the exposure source , or when a pre - registered fixture is needed , but the process of fig2 can be carried out by hand without the need of a fixture . in the fixture 42 , pwb 1 mounts on base 22 and is registered via pins 27 . phototool 4 is mounted on frame 24 which maintains the phototool in registration with drilled pwb 1 . hinge 23 allows frame 24 to be raised and lowered for placement and removal of pwb 1 . spacers 26 maintain off - contact distance between phototool 4 and pwb 1 top surface . in fig3 mounting base 22 has a metal strip 48 affixed to the under side , whose purpose is to cause the generation of an electrical signal when the exposure assembly is conveyed in direction 49 past a sensor 50 serving to actuate a lowering mechanism at control center 51 for positioning the mating blade 10 . a similar electrical signal at 52 will in turn cause the mating blade to rise . thus contact of the phototool at the leading edge of the image area with the blade 10 is automated . also the signal at sensor 52 will also cause the blade to be raised automatically at the trailing edge of the image area . the following chart shows the process steps of this invention to be followed where hole tenting is not required . f . separate the phototool from the pwb leaving hardened photopolymer on pwb . g . wash out unexposed paste photopolymer on pwb and post cure if desirable . h . blot the phototool to remove any photopolymer paste adhering thereto , and reinstituting the cycle . the pwb is coated , step b , by screen printing to the desired thickness , normally from 0 . 5 to 2 thousandths of an inch ( 0 . 013 mm to 0 . 051 mm ), as determined by plating bath requirements ( temperature , immersion time , plating current density and chemical composition ), and the plating thickness to be deposited . the photopolymer thickness is controlled primarily by the screen fabric thickness and percent open area . for example , a 156 mesh polyester fabric will coat the pwb to a thickness of approximately 1 mil , while a 230 mesh fabric will deposit a coating 0 . 3 mils ( 0 . 076 mm ) thick . the phototool is maintained off - contact , but correctly positioned above the coated pwb by the fixturing as shown in fig3 . off contact distance is of the order of 0 . 060 inches ( 0 . 15 cm ) for a 12 by 18 inch ( 0 . 3 by 0 . 46 m ) pwb . the phototool is mated with the coated pwb by pressing the blade down at one end of the pwb and drawing the blade across the pwb length , using a downward force of 2 pounds ( 8 . 9 n ) per linear inch ( 2 . 54 cm ) of blade length . step e , exposure to uv light source , may be accomplished concurrently with the phototool mating step d . alternatively , the positioning fixture ( with mated phototool ) may be exposed to a remote light source . as previously described , the mating process forces out all air from the photopolymer , and all air from between the phototool and photopolymer surface , producing a vacuum . this vacuum is maintained indefinitely , provided the phototool does not start to lift away at the pwb edge in response to the upward pull of the phototool . thus , without the use of an external vacuum source , the mated phototool pwb can be exposed to various light sources to effect polymerization . while the preferred embodiment uses tubular mercury vapor lamps to effect exposure in several seconds under the lamps , a flip - top platemaker exposure system of lower power can be used for exposure , but the exposure time increases . other suitable lamp sources are the drawer type exposure units such as the colight dmvl - hp with exposure times of the order of 2 minutes . the washout of unexposed photopolymer , step f , is accomplished by using a solvent spray bath lasting from 10 to 30 seconds . the du pont &# 34 ; a &# 34 ; processor with trichlorethane is one combination of equipment and solvent which produced excellent quality images . step h , the blotting of the underside of the phototool is required to smooth out unexposed photopolymer which remains on the phototool after the exposed pwb is removed . if left on the phototool , then the next image may be marred by the presence of entrapped air . usually it is necessary to blot the phototool after every second or third exposure cycle , depending on the photopolymer coating thickness on the pwb . blotting is accomplished by use of a rubber roller to obliterate the patterns and distribute the remaining photopolymer more evenly . where selected holes are to be tented by the photoimaged resist , the primary difference in the procedures for hole tenting is step b , in which the phototool is coated rather than the pwb . another difference is that blotting the phototool is not necessary when tenting , since the next step , phototool coating , obliterates the residual photopolymer patterns . as described earlier , the phototool has a thin layer of clear silicone rubber on the underside . when a coating of photopolymer is applied by screen printing ( or other means ) onto the silicone rubber , the photopolymer will develop &# 34 ; fish - eyes &# 34 ; or voids which will continue to expand in area with time . this is caused by the inability of the wet photopolymer to grip the silicone rubber , and the photopolymer surface tension causes the photopolymer to form beads , similar to the beading of water on a waxed surface . in order to prevent the formation of fish - eyes or voids , the disclosed apparatus exposes or flashes the photopolymer through the phototool as the coating is being applied . this flashing step is of sufficient intensity to slightly polymerize the photopolymer over the clear areas of the phototool , but not to the point of exterior surface hardening . that photopolymer above the phototool opaque areas need not be flashed . it would appear that his flashing step is critical with regard to lamp intensity and exposure time , but in practice it is not . the photopolymers listed in this disclosure , and all photopolymers tested are air - inhibited , meaning that the photopolymer cure with less uv energy in the absence of air than is required in the presence of air . thus , as the phototool is coated with photopolymer via screen printing , only a thin line of photopolymer immediately under the squeegee is deprived of air , for the screen fabric is off - contact , and touches the phototool only along a line underneath the squeegee . previously deposited photopolymer , though exposed , will retain a wet surface for good adhesion to the substrate to be printed . this flashing technique is an important aspect of tenting holes in pwb resist imaging , for the flashing ensures a thicker film over the tented hole than would be attained without flashing , for without flashing the photopolymer would thin out at the edges of the holes and would be more likely to break down during washout and immersion in the plating solution . this flashing step has produced a polymerized image which is hardened on the phototool side , but wet on the exterior side , so that the next step of phototool mating with the substrate can be considered to be an image transfer technique . the apparatus and procedures disclosed herein can also be used to image pwb using dry film photoimaging resists as manufactured by the du pont company and others . the following du pont photopolymers are representative of those which can be mated and exposed as described herein : type 6 ; 1105 ; 1010 ; x1135 ; 1020 and 310 . the procedure shown in the foregoing chart a through f are followed as described for paste - consistency photopolymer , with the exception of the coating cycle , wherein the dry film photopolymer is laminated to the pwb by a heated roller laminator . using the disclosed mating and exposing apparatus , the resolution of dry film images can be significantly improved . this increased resolution is achieved by removing the protective polyester sheet which covers the dry film photopolymer prior to exposure . the manufacturer recommends leaving the polyester film in place during exposure and up to the time of development . however , the film , being 0 . 75 mils ( 0 . 019 mm ) thick separates the phototool emulsion from the photopolymer surface during exposure and results in loss of image fidelity . when the cover sheet is removed , the unexposed dry film is tacky to the point that a phototool cannot be placed on the photopolymer and moved about to achieve register . the disclosed apparatus used in accordance with these procedures mates the phototool without air entrapment and exposes the photopolymer without the normal vacuum drawdown period , saving time and improving image fidelity . in arriving at the preferred embodiment substrates were imaged using three available production equipments modified as described . while these alternates do not provide the capability for coating , mating and exposing as readily as the preferred embodiment , they have high production capacities or other merits . a substrate can be coated via screen printing , placed in the exposure fixture and imaged with a modified conveyorized uv curing unit , consisting of horizontal tubular uv lamps with a conveyor belt for moving substrates under the lamps . these uv curing units can be used for producing images per this disclosures by the addition of a mating blade assembly and phototool coolant - dispensing apparatus as shown in fig4 . conveyor belt 36 conveys the phototool assembly 42 under blade 10 . blade 10 is pulled downward by vacuum cylinders 40 , for a period of time beginning when the leading edge of metal strip on the bottomside of phototool assembly 42 bridges electrical contacts mounted under conveyor belt 36 . the conveyor belt on most uv curing units are made of fiberglass mesh encased in a heat resistant plastic , enabling the filaments comprising the electrical contacts to extend thru the mesh and contact the blade control strip . this action permits precise control of the blade and prevents the blade from striking the leading or trailing edge of the phototool frame . co - mounted with blade 10 is reservoir 15 containing the phototool coolant which is dispensed by a sponge not shown in fig4 . uv curing unit 37 is a standard 2 lamp system manufactured for example by argus manufacturing inc . of hopewell , n . j . or colight inc . of minneapolis , minn ., modified to accommodate blade 10 , blade activator vacuum cylinder 40 , and blade activator switch previously described . lamps 41 expose the photopolymer . the use of a modified uv - curing unit as an exposure source has two attributes not afforded by the preferred embodiment . first , the use of a modified uv curing unit permits a much higher rate of production , for many different types of images can be exposed sequentially with no uv curing unit changes . this allows a large production facility to coat pwb on multiple screen printers and to expose with a single high speed curing unit . the second attribute of the use of uv curing unit is that substrates of exceptional length can be mated and exposed , obviating the need for oversize cabinetry . the second alternative apparatus is the use of an automatic screen printer with modifications including the addition of a tubular lamp integrally mounted with the print bar assembly ; a power supply ; and coolant dispensing apparatus . precision automatic printers , such as made y autoroll , can maintain the required registration without the need for fixturing as shown in fig3 . the automatic printers can be used in two ways ; with and without positioning fixture 42 . when used without the positioning fixture , the coated substrates are mated and exposed , with registration being maintained by the printer . when used with the positioning fixture then a single printer can mate and expose different types of intermixed pwb for high speed production . the third alternative apparatus which can be used for exposure of mated substrates is the use of a platemaker , such as the units made by nuarc of chicago , ill . the nonstop platemaker has a cabinet - mounted lamp and a swivel top which allows one substrate to be exposed while a second substrate is being prepared on the top surface . when used as an exposure source for imaging as disclosed herein , an exposure fixture as in fig3 is mounted on each side of the flip - top ; one exposure fixture for each side of a double sided pwb , for example . the substrates are coated on auxiliary equipment and mated manually . this alternative apparatus represents the least expensive method for imaging per this disclosure in a manual environment . having therefore set out the construction and operation of a preferred embodiment of the invention and advanced the state of the art , these features of novelty believed descriptive of the spirit and nature of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims . there is provided an improved process and apparatus for making precision photo images particularly useful in the production of printed wiring circuits , where a resist image is put on a copper - clad board to limit the plated metal to those areas which will become electrical conductors . thus , a uv curable photopolymer of paste - consistency is applied over the board surface and selectively exposed through a phototool in contact with the wet photopolymer , producing a hardened resist pattern which withstands the subsequent solvent wash - out step . additionally , the disclosed process and apparatus provides an improvement in half - tone dot printing , particularly for substrates heretofore imaged by screen printing .	8
referring now to the drawings , wherein the depictions are for the purpose of illustrating certain exemplary embodiments only and not for the purpose of limiting the same , fig2 shows an exemplary cap 12 insertable within the vial or test tube 14 . as fig2 shows , the test tube 14 is formed of a cylindrical - shaped body that may be a transparent glass or plastic structure . the cap 12 may be any known type configured to seal or close an opening of the test tube 14 . the cap 12 may be formed of or include any known substance such as rubber or plastic polymer . in one embodiment , the outer surface of the test tube 14 is configured to receive visual indicia such as a description or scannable code . the teachings of the disclosure herein may readily be applied to various types of test tubes and caps and therefore is not intended to be limited thereby . fig2 shows a hand - held apparatus 10 for installing the cap 12 on the test tube 14 according to an embodiment of the present invention . the apparatus 10 includes a top portion 16 , a cylindrical - shaped body 18 , and a coupling portion 20 . the cylindrical - shaped body 18 is intended to ergonomically receive a user &# 39 ; s palm and fingers when gripped in use . the coupling portion 20 is configured to engage the cap 12 around an outer periphery . the apparatus 10 is formed of any suitable compliant material that is sufficiently rigid to adequately transfer forces generated by the user , while still being compliant enough to provide comfort and minimize uncomfortable inflammation . some examples of such material include a polyurethane foam rubber , various metals , a contained gel , or polymer - based . the apparatus 10 is preferably integrally formed into a contiguous structure ; however it is contemplated by the disclosure herein that portions of the apparatus may be separately coupled together such as the top portion 16 and the body 18 and / or the coupling portion 20 and the body 18 . in one embodiment , portions of the apparatus 10 may be hollow . in a further embodiment , the apparatus 10 is formed of sufficiently rigid material to transfer the user applied force from the apparatus 10 to the cap 12 , to secure the cap 12 to the test tube 14 without causing any damage to the cap 12 . fig3 shows a side view of the apparatus 10 . as fig3 shows , the top portion 16 is vase - shaped , although the top portion 16 may be shaped in any number of configurations including flush with the body 18 . in one embodiment , a top surface 17 of the top portion is slightly recessed to ergonomically receive a user &# 39 ; s thumb . in this way , pressure and force from a user is more efficiently transferred to the cap 12 via the apparatus 10 . fig4 shows a top view of the apparatus 10 and coupling portion 20 including a cavity 22 and a plurality of flanges 19 . the flanges 19 are preferably longitudinal arranged and radially extended and spaced toward a center region of the cavity 22 . in one embodiment , however , the flanges 19 are flexible and configured to moveably engage a cap . the flanges 19 may be integrally formed of the apparatus 10 . in one embodiment , the flanges 19 are molded to inner walls of the cavity and configured to flex upon receipt of a cap . the cavity 22 is preferably circular - shaped , but may be sized and adapted to receive a particular size cap 12 . for example , a diameter of an outer periphery of the cavity 22 is preferably slightly larger than a diameter of a corresponding cap diameter . fig5 shows a perspective view of the coupling portion 20 of the apparatus 10 . as fig5 shows , the space between the flanges 19 open into the cavity 22 . the spaces between the flanges 19 enable a cap to freely exit the cavity 22 without suction forces inhibiting an exit . in one embodiment , the flanges 19 are tapered or pointed at an engagement end . the tapered ends 23 enable decreased frictional forces to be applied to cap sidewall . the decreased frictional forces enable preferable release of caps upon coupling to a test tube , and decrease inhibition of the cap from the coupling portion 20 . fig6 shows a cross - sectional view of the coupling portion 20 of the apparatus 10 along line a - a as shown in fig5 . as fig6 shows , the coupling portion 20 is defined by a bottom wall 24 . the bottom wall 24 is preferably substantially flat and configured to engage a top surface of the cap 12 . when in engagement with the cap 12 , the bottom wall is at least substantially flush against the top surface of the cap 12 . in this way , the user generated force applied to the apparatus 10 is adequately distributed to the cap 12 and applied substantially evenly to the cap 12 , enabling desirable user control of the force direction . further , because the flanges 19 engage the cap 12 at points along a cap sidewall , preferable frictional forces are effectively utilized , enabling preferable release of an engaged cap . accordingly , the coupling portion 20 along with the apparatus 10 can be disengaged quickly and easily from the cap 12 , thereby enabling a user to install a plurality of caps in a short period of time . it is contemplated that the disclosure herein can be applied with any type of cap that fits on any standard sized test tube , including but not limited to : 12 mm , 13 mm , 16 mm , and 17 mm diameter test tubes and test tube caps . such cap types can include but are not limited to screw caps or flange caps . the flange cap 12 may include an upper and / or lower flange , extending outward around the periphery of the lower section of the cap 12 . according to an embodiment of the present disclosure , the apparatus 10 is configured for use in installing a cap 12 into a test tube 14 containing an inwardly pointed flange that extends around the inner periphery of the test tube 14 . in locking a flange - type cap 12 into a sealed position , the cap 12 is pushed into the opening of the test tube 14 through a downwardly directed force indicated by the arrow shown in fig1 . in pushing the cap 12 into the test tube 14 , the lower flange is displaced over and beneath the inwardly pointed test tube flange , so that the inwardly pointed flange is positioned between the upper and lower flanges of the cap 12 . this in turn secures the cap 12 to the test tube 14 creating a seal about the opening . according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure , in operation , the apparatus 10 is placed in use by first placing a cap 12 over the opening of the test tube 14 . the user then grasps the body 18 of the apparatus 10 and couples the cap 12 into the cavity 22 of the coupling portion 20 . finally , a user generates a force in the direction indicated by the arrow shown in fig1 in relation to the test tube 14 and the cap 12 . this force is transferred from the apparatus 10 , through the coupling portion 20 , and to the cap 12 , thereby causing the cap 12 to engage within the opening of the test tube 14 and create a closed and sealed structure . fig7 - 8 show an embodiment of the apparatus 10 having a selectively severable body 18 from a tool portion . fig7 shows an embodiment of the apparatus 10 having a severable body 18 . as fig7 shows , the severable body 18 may include a coupling means 30 . the coupling means 30 may be a mechanical screw . in one embodiment , the coupling means 30 is a screw shaft having an outer surface being formed with a helical male thread and groove , wherein a corresponding coupling tool is formed of a helical female thread and groove . although it is contemplated herein that the coupling means 30 may be a helical female groove wherein the corresponding tool sets are formed of a helical male groove . the helical male groove is configured to rotatably mate with a helical female groove on a corresponding coupling portion as described herein below . fig8 shows a cross - sectional view of the severable body 18 of the apparatus 10 along line b - b as shown in fig7 . as fig8 shows , the severable body 18 may include a hallow interior in one embodiment . in one embodiment , the severable body 18 is integrally formed into a contiguous structure , and rigidly formed to transfer the user applied force from the severable body 18 to an attached tool or coupling portion . as fig8 shows , the coupling means 30 preferably includes a plurality of helically - shaped threads and grooves on an outer surface configured to couple to an inner surface of a coupling portion , wherein the threads and grooves of the coupling means are sized and adapted to mesh or couple to corresponding threads and grooves of the coupling tool . fig9 - 12 show an embodiment of a coupling portion 20 configured to selectively couple to the severable body 18 described herein above and shown in fig7 and 8 . as fig9 and 10 show , the coupling portion 20 is configured to engage a cap of a test tube so that a user may couple the cap to the test tube . as described herein above with respect to fig3 - 5 , the coupling portion 20 includes a cavity 22 and a plurality of flanges 19 . within the coupling portion 20 , the flanges 19 are preferably longitudinal arranged and radially extended and spaced toward a center region of the cavity 22 . in one embodiment , however , the flanges 19 are flexible and configured to moveably engage a cap . the flanges 19 may be integrally formed of the coupling portion 20 . in one embodiment , the flanges 19 are molded to inner walls of the cavity and configured to flex upon receipt of a cap . the space between the flanges 19 open into the cavity 22 of the coupling portion 20 . the cavity 22 is preferably circular - shaped , but may be sized and adapted to receive a particular size cap 12 . fig1 shows a side view of the coupling portion 20 . fig1 shows a cross - sectional view of the coupling portion 20 along line c - c as shown in fig1 . as fig1 shows , the coupling portion 20 includes a coupling means 32 configured to engage the coupling means 30 of the severable body 18 . the coupling means 32 preferably includes helically - shaped threads and grooves on an inner surface configured to couple to an outer surface of a shaft portion such as the severable body 18 , wherein the threads and grooves of the coupling means 32 are sized and adapted to mesh or couple to corresponding threads and grooves of the coupling means 30 . according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure , in operation , the coupling portion 20 is coupled to the severable body 18 by rotatably screwing the coupling means 32 over the coupling means 30 . during engagement of the coupling portion 20 to the severable body 18 , the coupling portion 20 may be rotated relative to the severable body 18 , moving the coupling means 32 axially relative to the coupling means 30 of the severable body 18 . fig1 - 16 show a second embodiment of a coupling portion 20 configured to selectively couple to the severable body 18 described herein above and shown in fig7 and 8 . the second embodiment is included herein as exemplary to illustrate and describe a coupling portion 20 configured to engage larger vial caps . upon a careful reading of the teachings herein , one skilled in the art will readily adapt the teaching to any sized vial or cap size including adapting the coupling portion to engage caps from 8 mm , 12 mm , and 15 mm shell vials . as fig1 shows , the second embodiment of a coupling portion 20 may be funneled outward to form the cavity 22 with a larger void space . fig1 shows a top view of the second embodiment of a coupling portion 20 . a diameter 34 of an outer periphery of the cavity 22 may be adapted and sized to accommodate different sized vial caps . as described herein above , the diameter 34 is preferably slightly larger than a diameter of a corresponding cap diameter . in this way , the cap does not stick inside the cavity 22 requiring a user to manually remove the cap from the coupling portion 20 . fig1 shows a side view of the second embodiment of the coupling portion 20 . fig1 shows a cross - sectional view of the coupling portion 20 along line d - d as shown in fig1 . as fig1 shows , the second embodiment of the coupling portion 20 includes a coupling means 32 configured to engage the coupling means 30 of the severable body 18 , similar to the coupling portion 20 shown in fig9 - 12 . as above , the coupling means 32 preferably includes a plurality of helically - shaped threads and grooves on an inner surface configured to couple to an outer surface of a shaft portion such as the severable body 18 , wherein the threads and grooves of the coupling means 32 are sized and adapted to mesh or couple to corresponding threads and grooves of the coupling means 30 . the space between the flanges 19 open into the cavity 22 of the coupling portion 20 . the cavity 22 is preferably circular - shaped , but may be sized and adapted to receive a particular size cap 12 . fig1 - 20 show a de - capper attachment tool 40 configured to selectively couple to the severable body 18 described herein above and shown in fig7 and 8 . the de - capper attachment tool 40 is configured to remove a cap from a vial such as the vial 14 shown in fig1 . the tool 40 is formed of a first and second member 42 and 44 , respectively , and a base 46 . the first and second members 42 and 44 are preferably convexly curved outwardly . in one embodiment the tool 40 is integrally formed . the second member 44 includes a concave - shaped end configured to provide a lifting force from a user onto a cap . the first member 42 includes a convex - shaped end configured to provide a downward force on an opposite end of a vial cap . in this way , a user may use the tool as a lever force upon the vial cap , wherein the effort from a user is concurrently communicated to the vial cap as an upward force to a first end and a downward force to a second end . in one embodiment , the first and second members 42 and 44 have straight ends . fig2 shows a cross - sectional view of the de - capper attachment tool 40 . as fig2 shows , the de - capper attachment tool 40 includes a coupling means 49 configured to engage the coupling means 30 of the severable body 18 . the coupling means 49 preferably includes a plurality of helically - shaped threads and grooves on an inner surface configured to couple to an outer surface of a shaft portion such as the severable body 18 , wherein the threads and grooves of the coupling means 49 are sized and adapted to mesh or couple to corresponding threads and grooves of the coupling means 30 . according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure , in operation , the second member 44 of the tool 40 is slid between a cap and vial by a user . the first member 42 is pressed upon a top surface of the cap . the user exerts a rocking motion with the apparatus creating a lever force that simultaneously exerts a lifting force on a first side of the cap and a depression force on a second side of the cap , removing the cap from the vial . for embodiments of a vial having a snap cap , where the snap cap covers outer edges of the vial , the second member 44 is placed between the snap cap and an outer surface of the vial . the user may then use the apparatus 10 to lift the snap cap upward and over opening of the vial . the disclosure has described certain preferred embodiments and modifications thereto . further modifications and alterations may occur to others upon reading and understanding the specification . therefore , it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment ( s ) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure , but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims .	8
reference will now be made in detail to embodiments , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . while the disclosure will be described in conjunction with these embodiments , it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the disclosure to these embodiments . on the contrary , the disclosure is intended to cover alternatives , modifications and equivalents , which may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims . furthermore , in the following detailed description , numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding . however , it will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details . embodiments are described in the context of design and operation of integrated semiconductors . more particularly , embodiments relate to power efficient multiplexers . it is appreciated , however , that embodiments may be utilized in other areas of semiconductor design and operation . the following description of embodiments is directed toward pfets ( or p - type metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors ( mosfets )) formed in surface n - wells and / or nfets ( or n - type mosfets ) formed in surface p - wells when a p - type substrate and an n - well process are utilized . it is to be appreciated , however , that embodiments are equally applicable to nfets ( or n - type mosfets ) formed in surface p - wells and / or pfets ( or p - type mosfets ) formed in surface n - wells when an n - type substrate and a p - well process are utilized . consequently , embodiments are well suited to semiconductors formed in both p - type and n - type materials , and such embodiments are considered within the scope of the disclosure . fig1 illustrates a schematic of a novel power efficient multiplexer 100 , in accordance with embodiments . power efficient multiplexer 100 comprises an inverter 110 and a transmission gate structure 120 . transmission gate structure 120 comprises transmission gates 121 and 122 . a bit value in latch 130 determines whether transmission gate 121 is “ open ” or “ closed ,” for example whether transmission gate 121 passes a signal or not . similarly , the bit value in latch 130 determines whether transmission gate 122 passes a signal or not . both transmission gates 121 and 122 are controlled by the same bit value and that bit value &# 39 ; s complement . consequently , either transmission gate 122 will pass a signal , or transmission gate 121 will pass a signal , but not both simultaneously . for example , in the embodiment of fig1 , a zero value in latch 130 will cause transmission gate 121 to pass signal a 125 , while causing transmission gate 122 not to pass any signals . consequently , transmission gate structure 120 will select signal a 125 corresponding to a zero value in latch 130 . similarly , a one value in latch 130 will cause transmission gate 122 to pass signal b 126 , while causing transmission gate 121 not to pass any signals . consequently , transmission gate structure 120 will select signal b 126 corresponding to a one value in latch 130 . the signal , a 125 or b 126 , selected by transmission gate structure 120 is inverted by inverter 110 to produce output 140 of power efficient multiplexer 100 . it is to be appreciated that static power consumption in modern semiconductor processes , e . g ., processes with a minimum feature size of about 0 . 13 microns and smaller , is no longer a negligible component of total power consumption . for such processes , static power may be one - half of total power consumption . further , static power , as a percentage of total power , is tending to increase with successive generations of semiconductor process . advantageously , inverter 110 comprises stacked field effect transistors ( fets ). in general , an inverter stage , whether conventional or stacked , forms a leakage path , e . g ., a series “ string ” of devices coupled from operating voltage ( vdd ) to ground . as current leaks through such leakage paths , static power is consumed by the inverter stage . as described more completely in u . s . patent application ser . no . 10 / 864 , 271 , entitled “ stacked inverter delay chain ” to masleid and burr , incorporated herein by reference in its entirety , an inverter comprising stacked field effect transistors can consume less static power than a conventional inverter to produce a comparable delay . further , such leakage paths within a stacked inverter suffer less leakage than a conventional inverter , yielding additional beneficial leakage reductions . in a conventional inverter , exactly one transistor is on while the other transistor is off . as an unfortunate consequence , approximately the full bias voltage is applied to the off transistor , resulting in a maximum possible leakage for the off transistor . in contrast , in a stacked inverter multiple transistors are either on or off in series . for example , in the embodiment of fig1 , for a “ high ” state , two transistors are on , while two transistors are off . consequently , each “ off ” transistor has significantly less than full bias voltage applied . it is appreciated that leakage current generally decreases exponentially as voltage decreases . for example , a factor of two reduction in off bias voltage produces about a factor of eight reduction in leakage current per leakage path . it is to be further appreciated that such leakage induces non zero voltages at intermediate nodes between the off transistors . such voltages induce body effects in the transistors . such body effects increase the threshold voltage of the affected transistors . an increased threshold voltage generally produces beneficial decreases in leakage current . consequently , in addition to a decrease in a number of leakage paths , in accordance with embodiments , the leakage current of each path is very beneficially reduced due to an induced body effect and a highly non - linear relationship between bias voltage and leakage current . thus , inverter 110 significantly reduces static power consumption , in comparison to a conventional inverter . it is to be appreciated that more or fewer stacked fets can be can be included in inverter 110 in order to achieve differing signal propagation and / or power characteristics , in accordance with embodiments . for example , physical differences between electrons and holes , and between n - type and p - type dopants , as well as constructive differences in device geometry and dopant placement , result in differences in efficiency between n - type devices and p - type devices . because electron mobility is higher than hole mobility , n - type devices are more efficient than p - type devices . however , the degree of difference depends on constructive differences that can vary with process . such physical and constructive differences also produce other behavior differences , such as a difference in sensitivity to body effects . consequently , different levels of benefit , e . g ., in leakage reduction , are to be expected between stacks of n - type devices and stacks of p - type devices . to allow for such effects , in accordance with embodiments , it is possible to stack different numbers of transistors on either or both legs of a stacked inverter ( e . g ., fig3 and fig4 ). such variations allow increases in load and / or decreases in drive capability , enabling a wide variety of loading and drive characteristics , as well as enabling differing body effects . also of benefit in reducing power consumption , particularly static power consumption , of power efficient multiplexer 100 is transmission gate structure 120 . it is to be appreciated that transmission gates , for example transmission gates 121 and 122 , are characterized as having no direct path between power ( vdd ) and ground . consequently , transmission gates are characterized as having extremely small leakage , and thus very little static power consumption . it is appreciated that a variety of factors , e . g ., operating voltage , operating temperature and / or manufacturing process variations , can affect the speed of operation of an integrated circuit . it is generally desirable for a multiplexer to track speed changes of other circuitry of an integrated circuit . for example , if other circuits of an integrated circuit operate faster , generally a multiplexer is required to select a desired signal more quickly in order for the overall circuit to function . because embodiments comprise stacked devices , they are similar to many logic circuits that also comprise stacked devices , e . g ., nand and / or nor logic gates . consequently , embodiments match or track changes in operating speed of complex logic more accurately than multiplexers comprising very simple inverters . it is to be appreciated that embodiments are well suited to selecting among more than the two signals illustrated in fig1 , and embodiments comprising more than two selectable signals are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure . embodiments are thus shown to offer significant and highly beneficial improvements in tracking timing changes of other circuits and in static power ( leakage current ) consumption in comparison to the conventional art . fig2 illustrates a flow chart for a method 200 of selecting one electronic signal from a plurality of electronic signals , in accordance with embodiments . in 210 , the plurality of electronic signals is accessed . for example , referring to fig1 , the plurality of electronic signals is accessed at transmission gates 121 and 122 . in 220 , a plurality of transmission gates is configured to select one electronic signal from the plurality of electronic signals . for example , referring to fig1 , a zero value in latch 130 will cause transmission gate 121 to pass signal a 125 , while causing transmission gate 122 not to pass any signals . consequently , transmission gate structure 120 will select signal a 125 corresponding to a zero value in latch 130 . in 230 , the one electronic signal is inverted utilizing a stacked inverter circuit , for example stacked inverter circuit 110 of fig1 . the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description . they are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed , and 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 disclosure and its practical application , to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated . it is intended that the scope of the disclosure be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents .	7
the forthcoming description sets forth various embodiments envisioned for practicing the present invention . this description is not to be taken in a limiting sense , but is made for the purpose of illustrating the general tenants of the invention . to ascertain the scope of the invention , one should reference the issued claims . the present invention remedies the problems associated with the prior art by incorporating a service tool or tools into a standard operating component of a power - operated device , and further by selecting a component that is permanently coupled to the power - operated device . subsequently , a further aspect of the invention provides mobility for the fixed component to which the service tool or tools are integrated . providing mobility for the fixed component allows practical use of the service tool or tools while preserving their permanence to the power operated device , virtually eliminating any of the service tool &# 39 ; s vulnerability to being misplaced . looking now to the figures attached hereto , features and embodiments are now further described in detail . turning first to fig1 , an embodiment of a tool holder 1 of the present invention is shown with respect to a chain saw 6 , as an example of a power - operated device in relation to the present invention . specifically , fig1 illustrates a tool holder 1 , a folding service tool 2 , cord locking means 3 , pull cord 4 , manual starter 5 and chain saw 6 . it is important to note that the chain saw 6 depicted is only an example of a power - operated device , and an embodiment of the present invention may be incorporated into the manual starter 5 of any power - operated device including , but not limited to , lawn mowers , weedwackers , hedgers , blowers , and tree trimmers . the manual starter 5 of the chain saw 6 incorporates a pull cord 4 . those skilled in the art are aware that a manual starter 5 will typically further comprise a rewind mechanism coupled to the pull cord 4 and a clutch assembly for engaging a flywheel of the chain saw &# 39 ; s 6 engine , whereby pulling the pull cord 4 turns the engine crank shaft and starts the chain saw 6 . in accordance with one functional aspect of the present invention , the tool holder 1 is shaped as pull handle and is permanently coupled to the pull cord 4 , allowing an operator to utilize the tool holder 1 to retract the pull cord 4 and subsequently start the chain saw 6 for operation . fig1 depicts a cord locking means 3 , opposing the wind back force applied to the pull cord 4 by the rewind mechanism of the manual starter 5 . consequently , the pull cord 4 is locked in a retracted state . with the pull cord 4 locked in a retracted state as shown , an operator may use the service tool 2 to service the chain saw 6 . focusing now on fig2 , greater insight is gained into a tool holder 1 and cord locking means 3 of the present embodiment . depicted are a tool holder 1 having a handle 11 and shaft 12 segment , a folding service tool 2 , a service tool - shaped cavity 23 , a pivot axis 24 , socket - shaped cavities 25 , a notch 26 , a conduit 27 , and a chamber 28 . further , a cord locking means 3 comprised of a hollow cylinder 30 , a coil spring 31 , and a piston 32 having a head 321 and shaft 322 are shown . also shown are a pull cord 4 and coupling means 41 . the service tool 2 is permanently attached to the tool holder 1 by the pivot axis 24 . the pivot axis 24 permits the service tool 2 to fold out , as illustrated , to perform service functions and to fold into the service tool - shaped cavity 23 when it is not in use . both distal ends of the tool holder handle segment 11 have socket shaped cavities 25 which may be used to loosen or tighten a sparkplug , nuts , bolts , and other components of a power - operated device . additionally , a distal end of the handle segmental has a notch 26 that may help facilitate the loosening and tightening of wing nuts , for example , or the cap of a fuel can . the tool holder shaft 12 has a conduit 27 allowing the pull cord 4 to pass into the chamber 28 where a coupling means 41 at the end of the pull cord 4 is housed . in the embodiment depicted , the coupling means 41 is a knot , permanently coupling the pull cord 4 and the tool holder 1 . those skilled in the art will know that various other means useful for coupling the tool holder 1 and pull cord 4 , such as various types of glue , may be used by this or alternative embodiments of the present invention . cord locking means 3 is comprised of a hollow cylinder 30 , which houses a coil spring 31 and the shaft of a piston 322 . the hollow cylinder 30 has two opposing holes , roughly the circumference of the pull cord 4 , aligned on its surface . additionally , a portion of the piston shaft 322 has a conduit through its midsection , having roughly the circumference of the pull cord 4 . these holes in the surface of the hollow cylinder 30 in conjunction with the conduit through the piston shaft 322 , allow the pull cord 4 to run through the cord locking means 3 . coil spring 31 is positioned between the closed end of the hollow cylinder 30 and the end of the piston shaft 322 , whereby it exerts a moving force on the piston 32 . in the embodiment of the cord locking means 3 shown in fig2 , in steady state the coil spring 31 exerts a lateral force on the end of the piston shaft 322 causing misalignment of the openings to the conduit in the piston shaft 322 and the holes in the hollow cylinder 30 . consequently , a pinching force is applied to the section of the pull cord 4 that runs through the conduit in the piston shaft 322 . as result , the pull cord 4 is prevented from sliding through the cord locking means 3 , and the cord locking means 3 is fixed to a section of the pull cord 4 . in an alternative embodiment , as described herein below , the coil spring 31 may be fixed to the end of the piston shaft 322 , whereby it exerts a rotating force on the end of the piston shaft 322 causing misalignment of the openings to the conduit in the piston shaft 322 and the holes in the hollow cylinder 30 . by depressing the piston head 321 and aligning the holes in the hollow cylinder 30 with the openings of the piston shaft &# 39 ; s 322 conduit , as shown in fig2 , the pull cord 4 is allowed to pass freely through the cord locking means 3 . an operator may effectively lock the pull cord 4 in a retracted state by depressing the piston head 321 and subsequently sliding the cord locking means 3 down the length of a retracted pull cord 4 proximate to the manual starter . consequently , a rewind mechanism of the manual starter is prevented from drawing in the pull cord 4 by the cord locking means 3 , and the tool holder 1 coupled to the pull cord 4 may be used to service a power operated device to which it is attached . turning now to fig3 through 5 , side perspective , front perspective , and end perspective images are shown of an alternative embodiment of the present invention . depicted is a tool holder 7 resting in a sheath 8 , which is shaped similar to a pull handle . detailed are the tool holder 7 , a folding service tool 2 , socket wrench shaped end 71 of the tool holder , the tool holder sheath 8 having receptacle 81 and shaft 82 segments , and pull cord 4 . the tool holder 7 is cylindrical in shape , with an end formed as a socket wrench 71 . the tool holder sheath 8 is roughly t - shaped , giving the present embodiment the characteristic shape of a starter cord pull handle . the sheath 8 is comprised of a vertically oriented shaft segment 82 connected to a horizontally oriented receptacle segment 81 . the receptacle segment 81 is open , such that it has a cross section of approximately c - shape . as illustrated in fig3 through 5 , the receptacle 81 can receive the tool holder 7 , whereby the tool holder 7 in combination with the sheath 8 can be used as a pull handle to facilitate starting a power - operated device . one skilled in the art will understand that the tool holder 7 of this and alternative embodiments and the sheath 8 , may be composed of , but not limited to , various woods , fiberglass , polymers , metals , and composites . furthermore , the exact dimensions of the tool holder 7 of this and alternative embodiments and the sheath 8 , may vary in order to meet the specifications of a particular power - operated device . focusing now on fig6 , further insight is gained into the present embodiment of the invention comprised of a tool holder 7 and a sheath 8 . shown are the tool holder 7 , a folding service tool 2 , a socket - shaped cavity 71 , a pivot axis 72 , a chamber 73 , the tool holder sheath 8 having a receptacle 81 and shaft 82 segments , a pull cord 4 , and coupling means 41 . shaft segment 82 of the sheath 8 is hollow and open where it connects to the receptacle segment 81 . the bottom of the shaft 82 is also open , which allows the pull cord 4 to pass through the shaft 82 to the tool holder 7 , where a permanent connection is made between the tool holder 7 and the pull cord 4 . the tool holder 7 has a chamber 73 for the purpose of housing a coupling means 41 . the coupling means 41 may be , for example , a knot 41 at the end of pull cord 4 permanently coupling the pull cord 4 and the tool holder 7 . the tool holder 7 has a socket - shaped cavity 71 formed in an end , which facilitates using the tool holder as a socket wrench . in the embodiment represented in fig6 , folding service tool 2 is housed in the tool holder &# 39 ; s 7 top surface and fixed thereto by the pivot axis 72 . in fig6 folding service tool 2 is a screwdriver . however , in this and alternative embodiments the folding service tool 2 could be any of a range other service tools including various wrenches , files , knives , feeler gauges , picks , and brushes , all of which may be of different size and type . moreover , although the folding service tool 2 is shown housed in the top surface of the tool holder 7 , it may be just as advantageous and conceivable to house a service tool 2 in the bottom surface of a tool holder 7 . additionally , in this and alternative embodiments , folding service tool 2 may be complimented by a plurality of folding service tools of different make , size , and type , for performing a variety of service functions on a power operated device . looking now at fig7 and 8 , a tool holder 7 of the present embodiment is shown removed from its sheath 8 . illustrated are tool holder 7 , folding service tool 2 , pivot axis 72 , socket wrench shaped end 71 of the tool holder , the tool holder sheath 8 having a receptacle 81 and shaft 82 segments , and pull cord 4 . the openings of the shaft 82 allows the sheath 8 to slide up and down the length of the pull cord 4 when the pull cord 4 is retracted , the reason for which will be described later in the application . consequently , the tool holder 7 may be separated from the sheath 8 allowing the service tool 2 to be used to service a power - operated device . the pivot axis 72 is mounted in an end of the tool holder 7 and has a service tool 2 pivotally attached . pivot axis 72 permits the service tool 2 to fold - out , as illustrated in fig8 , to service a power - operated device and to fold into the tool holder 7 when the service tool 2 is not in use . one skilled in the art will know that various other hinging or pivotal embodiments , such as a small ball - and - socket assembly , can be used to permanently attach the service tool 2 to the tool holder 7 of this or alternative embodiments . furthermore , it should be apparent that the pivot axis 72 , or equivalent , is not restricted to being mounted in an end of the tool holder 7 and could , for example , be mounted in the center of the tool holder 7 . such a centered pivot axis placement may be advantageous for an embodiment having a plurality of service tools of shorter length . fig9 and 10 further illustrate a tool holder 7 of the present embodiment of the invention . tool holder 7 , a folding service tool 2 , socket wrench shaped end 71 of the tool holder , a pivot axis 72 , and pull cord 4 , are shown . in the embodiment depicted in fig9 the top surface of tool holder 7 has a holding cavity for housing service tool 2 , which is roughly the shape and size of the service tool 2 pivotally attached thereto . in alternative embodiments of the tool holder 7 , the holding cavity may be larger , whereby it does not conform to the size and shape of a particular service tool 2 . this may be advantageous for standardizing the manufacturing of a tool holder 7 for different service tool types , or : required for embodiments having a plurality of service tools . the socket wrench shaped end 71 of tool holder 7 , may be used to loosen or tighten a sparkplug , nut , bolt , or other components of a power - operated device . an operator may unfold the service tool 2 and use it to provide leverage when using the socket shaped end 71 of the tool holder 7 . one skilled in the art will understand that the socket wrench shaped end 71 may be of standard or metric unit and may be any of various socket sizes well known in the art . the size of the components on a power - operated device to be serviced , will likely dictate the size and unit to which the socket shaped end 71 conforms . furthermore , in this and alternative embodiments , either or both ends of the tool holder 7 may be shaped as a particular size and unit of socket wrench , to aid in servicing different sized components of a power - operated device . focusing now on fig1 through 13 , insight is gained regarding an alternative embodiment of a tool holder 7 of the present invention . illustrated are the tool holder 7 , a folding service tool 2 , a holding cavity 74 , a pivot axis 72 , and a socket wrench insert 13 . the service tool depicted in fig1 and 12 is a file . the holding cavity 74 for this service tool 2 in the tool holder &# 39 ; s 7 top surface is roughly the shape and size of a larger alternative embodiment of a service tool 2 , namely a screwdriver . correspondingly , the pivot axis 72 is capable of being temporarily removed from the tool holder 7 whereby the service tool 2 mounted on the pivot axis 72 may also be removed and replaced by an alternative embodiment of service tool 2 , such as a screwdriver . the tool holder 7 has a cavity formed in an end , which as illustrated in fig1 , can receive a socket wrench insert 13 . this cavity in an end of the tool holder 7 is advantageous in that it facilitates the interchanging of socket wrench inserts 13 of different size and unit , as required to service various components of different size and unit on a power operated device . turning now to fig1 through 19 , cord locking means incorporated into a sheath of the present embodiment of the invention are described . the cord locking means serves to lock a pull cord in a retracted state so that a range of motion is granted to a tool holder of the present invention , allowing the tool holder to be used to service components of a power operated device . looking first to fig1 , a v - notch cord lock embodiment 14 is illustrated . shown are a tool holder sheath 8 having receptacle 81 and shaft 82 segments , v - notch 14 having an open 141 and tapered 142 end , and a pull cord 4 . the v - notch 14 is in a top edge of tool holder sheath &# 39 ; s receptacle 81 . one skilled in the art will know that alternatively , the v - notch 14 may be in a side edge of tool holder sheath &# 39 ; s receptacle 81 segment . the v - notch 14 is characterized by an opening 141 in one end , which tapers to converge to a single point at an opposite end 142 . an operator will utilize the v - notch 14 by retracting the pull cord 4 , sliding the sheath 8 down the length of the pull cord 4 proximate to a manual starter , inserting a segment of the pull cord 4 into the open end 141 of the v - notch 14 and pressing this segment of the pull cord 4 into the tapered end 142 of the v - notch 14 . the tapered end 142 of the v - notch 14 applies a pinching force on the inserted segment of the pull cord 4 , such that the sheath 8 is prevented from sliding along the length of the pull cord 4 . in this state , with the pull cord 4 retracted and the tool holder sheath 8 fixed proximate to the manual starter , via the v - notch 14 , a rewind mechanism of the manual starter is prevented from drawing in the pull cord 4 . consequently , a range of motion is supplied to a tool holder , fixed to an end of the pull cord 4 . focusing now on fig1 and 16 , a cord lock embodiment comprised of a pair of bodies 15 having a plurality of teeth 151 is illustrated . shown are a tool holder sheath 8 having receptacle 81 and shaft 82 segments , a pair of bodies 15 having a plurality of teeth 151 , pivot axes 152 , coil springs 16 , and a pull cord 4 . the pivot axes 152 are fixed parallel to each other in the inner surface of the tool holder sheath &# 39 ; s shaft 82 . a pair of bodies 15 are pivotally mounted on the pivot axes 152 . a surface of each body 15 contains a plurality of teeth 151 , and the bodies 15 are mounted on the pivot axes 152 so that the surfaces having a plurality of teeth 151 are opposed and are spaced by a distance sufficient for receiving the pull cord 4 . a coil spring 16 is positioned between the inner surface of the shaft 82 and each body 15 , whereby a coil spring 16 engages a body 15 exerting a lateral force that causes , a body 15 to pivot about the pivot axis 152 toward an opposing body 15 . an operator can insert a segment of the pull cord 4 between the bodies 15 by pulling the pull cord 4 sideways towards the side of the shaft 82 where the bodies 15 are pivotally mounted , as illustrated in the end view of the shaft 82 shown in fig1 . when the pull cord 4 is inserted between the bodies 15 , the lateral force exerted by the coil springs 16 on the bodies 15 cause the plurality of teeth 151 to forcibly engage the pull cord 4 , creating an applied compressive force on the pull cord 4 , which prevents the tool holder sheath 8 from sliding along the length of the pull cord 4 . consequently , after retracting the pull cord 4 , sliding the sheath 8 down the length of the pull cord 4 adjacent to a manual starter , and inserting the pull cord 4 between the bodies 15 , the rewind mechanism of a manual starter will be prevented from drawing in the pull cord 4 . subsequently , a tool holder of the present invention that is fixed to the pull cord 4 may be used to service a power - operated device . turning to fig1 , shown is an embodiment of a cord locking means comprised of a piston 18 and coil spring 19 assembly . detailed are a tool holder sheath 8 having receptacle 81 and shaft 82 segments , a hollow cylinder 17 , a piston 18 having a shaft 181 and flat head 182 , a coil spring 19 , and a pull cord 4 . in the embodiment depicted in fig1 , the shaft 82 of the tool holder sheath 8 has a hole in one side . the hollow cylinder 17 has an open end , and is arranged horizontally in the shaft 82 with its open end aligned on the hole in the side of the shaft 82 . piston shaft 181 is positioned within the hollow cylinder 17 and the piston head 182 is external to the sheath 8 . the hollow cylinder 17 has two opposing holes aligned on its surface , which are roughly the circumference of pull cord 4 . additionally , the piston shaft 181 has a conduit through its midsection , also roughly the circumference of pull cord 4 . the holes in the surface of the hollow cylinder 17 in conjunction with the conduit through the piston shaft 181 , allow the pull cord 4 to run through the present embodiment of the cord lock . the coil spring 19 is positioned between the closed end of the hollow cylinder 17 and the end of the piston shaft 181 , whereby a moving force is exerted on the piston 18 . in steady state , as shown in fig1 , the coil spring 19 exerts a lateral force on the end of the piston shaft 181 causing misalignment of the openings to the conduit in the piston shaft 181 and the holes in the hollow cylinder 17 . consequently , a pinching force is applied on the segment of the pull cord 4 in the piston shaft &# 39 ; s 181 conduit , and the pull cord 4 is prevented from sliding through the conduit in the piston shaft 181 . as a result , the sheath 8 is fixed to a segment of the pull cord 4 . to counter - act the lateral force applied to the piston shaft 181 and unfix the sheath 8 , an operator can depress the piston head 182 , aligning the holes in the hollow cylinder 17 with the openings of the conduit in the piston shaft 181 , allowing the pull cord 4 to slide freely through . by depressing the piston head 182 and subsequently sliding the sheath 8 down the length of a retracted pull cord 4 proximate to a manual starter , an operator can lock the pull cord 4 in a retracted state , and a tool holder of the present invention may be used to service a power - operated device . in fig1 and 19 an alternative embodiment of a cord locking means comprised of a winged piston 20 and coil spring 19 , assembly , is taught . detailed are a tool holder sheath 8 having receptacle 81 and shaft 82 segments , a hollow cylinder 17 , a winged piston 20 having a shaft 201 and winged head 202 , a coil spring 19 , and a pull cord 4 . in the embodiment depicted in fig1 , the shaft 82 of tool holder sheath 8 has a hole in one side . hollow cylinder 17 has an open end , and is arranged horizontally in the shaft 82 with its open end aligned on the hole in the side of shaft 82 . piston shaft 201 is positioned within hollow cylinder 17 and winged piston head 202 is external to the sheath 8 . the hollow cylinder 17 has two opposing holes , roughly the circumference of the pull chord 4 , aligned on its surface . similarly , a portion of the piston shaft 201 has a conduit through its midsection , also having roughly the circumference of the pull cord 4 . the holes in the surface of the hollow cylinder 17 in conjunction with the conduit through the piston shaft 201 , allow the pull cord 4 to run through the present embodiment of the cord lock . an end of the coil spring 19 is permanently fixed to the closed end of the hollow cylinder 17 , and the other end of coil spring 19 is permanently fixed to the end of the piston shaft 201 , whereby a moving force is exerts on the winged piston 20 . fig1 , depicting a cross section of the hollow cylinder 17 and the piston shaft 201 , shows the piston shaft 201 as it would be positioned when the coil spring 19 is in steady state . in steady state the coil spring 19 exerts a rotating force on the end of the piston shaft 201 causing misalignment of the openings to the conduit in the piston shaft 181 and the holes in hollow cylinder 17 . consequently , a pinching force is applied on the segment of pull cord 4 that runs through the conduit in the piston shaft 201 , and the pull cord 4 is prevented from sliding through this conduit . as a result , the sheath 8 is fixed to a section of the , pull cord 4 . by turning the winged piston head 202 , an operator can counter - act the torque applied to the piston shaft 201 and align the holes in the hollow cylinder 17 with the openings to the conduit in the piston shaft 201 , permitting the pull cord 4 to slide freely through . by turning the winged piston head 202 and subsequently sliding the sheath 8 down the length of a retracted pull cord 4 proximate to a manual starter , an operator can lock the pull cord 4 in a retracted state , and a tool holder of the present invention may be used to service a power - operated device . turning now to fig2 through 23 , different tool holder and sheath embodiments are shown incorporated with a mechanism for reducing the recoil of a manual starter . focusing first on fig2 and 21 a recoil reducing mechanism comprised of a coil spring 22 and hollow piston 21 assembly is shown incorporated into a tool holder 7 . detailed are a tool holder 7 , a cavity 75 , a tool holder sheath 8 having receptacle 81 and shaft 82 segments , a hollow piston 21 having a shaft 211 and head 212 , a coil spring 22 , a washer 23 , a pull cord 4 , coupling means 41 , and a pull cord conduit 42 . the present embodiment of the tool holder 7 has a cavity 75 having a hole at its base . the cavity 75 houses the hollow piston 21 and coil spring 22 assembly comprising the recoil reducing mechanism . piston shaft 211 has a void throughout , which forms a conduit 42 through which the pull cord 4 runs . piston head 212 is hollow and contains the coupling means 41 at the end of the pull cord 4 , permanently coupling the pull cord 4 and the tool holder 7 . the coupling means 41 depicted in fig2 and 21 is a knot . a coil spring 22 and washer 23 are disposed around the piston shaft 211 . an end of the coil spring 22 engages the base of the piston head 212 and the other end engages the washer 23 , which is centered on the hole in the base of tool holder cavity 75 . piston shaft 211 and the segment of the pull cord 4 contained therein ., pass freely through the hole in the base of tool holder cavity 75 . when the coil spring 22 is in steady state , as shown in fig2 , it retracts the piston 21 into the cavity 71 . when an operator pulls on the tool handle 7 to retract the pull cord 4 this force is opposed by a manual starter &# 39 ; s rewind mechanism coupled to the opposite end of the pull cord 4 . this applied pulling force exerted by the operator creates an increased tension on the pull cord 4 , causing the piston 21 to move downward . consequently , a segment of the piston shaft 211 will pass through the hole in the base of the tool holder cavity 75 . fig2 illustrates the state of the recoil mechanism when the tension in the pull cord is increased . as depicted , the downward movement of the piston exerts a force that causes the coil spring 22 to compress . this piston 21 movement and subsequent compression of the coil spring 22 dissipates a majority of the opposing force created by the manual starter &# 39 ; s rewind mechanism , effectively making the retraction of the pull cord 4 easier for the operator . looking now to fig2 and 23 , an alternative embodiment of a recoil reducing mechanism comprised of a deformable body integrated into a tool holder 7 is depicted . detailed are the tool holder 7 , a tool holder sheath 8 having receptacle 81 and shaft 82 segments , a deformable body 24 having a shaft 241 and head 242 , a pull cord 4 , a coupling means 41 , and a pull cord conduit 42 . deformable body 24 is made of a composite material having elastic qualities , whereby an applied pulling force on an end of the body will cause the body to stretch and the body will return to original form after the cessation of that applied force . the deformable body &# 39 ; s head 242 is fixed permanently within the base of the tool holder 7 and the deformable body &# 39 ; s shaft 241 passes through an opening at the base of the tool holder 7 . a void exist in the lower segment of the deformable body &# 39 ; s shaft 241 forming a conduit 42 through which the pull cord 4 passes . a coupling means , demonstrated as a knot 41 at the end of pull cord 4 , is disposed in the deformable body &# 39 ; s shaft 241 at the top of the pull cord conduit 42 . fig2 illustrates the tool holder 7 and deformable body 24 in an un - stretched state . when an operator pulls on the tool handle 7 to retract the pull cord 4 this force is opposed by a manual starter &# 39 ; s rewind mechanism coupled to the opposite end of the pull cord 4 . fig2 illustrates the effects that a pulling force on the tool holder 7 has on the deformable body 24 . as depicted , the pulling force and increased tension on the pull cord 4 causes the deformable body &# 39 ; s shaft 241 to stretch . the stretching of the deformable body &# 39 ; s shaft 241 effectively dissipates a majority of the opposing force created by the manual starter &# 39 ; s rewind mechanism , making the retraction of the pull cord 4 easier for an operator . while particular embodiments of the tool holder and cord locking means have been described and illustrated herein , it will be appreciated that various alternative embodiments encompassing changes and modifications may be contemplated by those skilled in the art , it is intended therefore that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications which fall within the scope of the present invention . all references cited herein are incorporated by references .	1
as noted briefly above , trace flexures or wireless flexures have been built with either a subtractive process or an additive process that provides a planar device in which the stainless steel ( if used ), the dielectric polyimide film layer , and the conductive copper layers are all essentially uniform thickness throughout their extents . the polyimide layer is the same thickness everywhere on a single part within manufacturing tolerances , and there has been no profiling in the film thickness by design . this is also true of the other layers . the electrical properties of the wireless flexure are a function of the thickness of the layers , the dielectric and physical material properties of each material , and the geometry , or mechanical layout , of each layer . in calculating the capacitance c of a wireless flexure , one takes into consideration the spacing between the conductive traces , the width of the traces , the thickness of the copper traces and the polyimide film , the conductivity of the stainless steel and the copper , and the dielectric properties of the polyimide . this provides the capacitance per unit length . all of these parameters are chosen and therefore known in a given device . in designing a flexure for a suspension device , after the initial choice of thickness of each material is made , the thickness of each layer is normally held constant . for a subtractive process part , this is a matter of convenience and cost . the copper layer may be thickness - controlled by etching down the thickness starting at the original layer thickness . the dielectric film layer between the copper and the stainless steel cannot be easily accessed to etch under the copper . the stainless steel layer could be etched but this variation will not have much effect on the device electrical performance . in the additive process , the layers can be built up to any desired thickness up to a certain point , which is approximately 10 microns for copper , and 25 microns for a dielectric film such as a polyimide film . the steel layer of the flexure is the starting point ; it can be chosen initially and reduced from that starting value . as frequencies approach 500 mhz and above , capacitance ( c ) and impedance ( z ) become increasingly important to the wireless flexure design . the capacitance represents the amount of electrical signal that must be used to charge the device before each pulse is transmitted . impedance represents the load that the electrical signal does work on . capacitance affects the signal response as a function of time (“ time domain ”) and impedance affects the signal response as a function of frequency (“ frequency domain ”). a trace circuit design can be thought of as two separate designs , one for the read circuit and one for the write circuit . the read circuit connects the read elements of the recording head to the actuator circuitry . the write circuit connects the write elements to the actuator circuitry . present design trends typically design the write traces to be as close as possible to 110 ohms impedance , and the read traces to be as close as possible to 60 ohms impedance . in some cases , the target may be 100 ohms for read traces and 80 ohms for write traces . assuming no losses , the z ( impedance ) equals sqr ( l / c ), or square root of inductance divided by capacitance . inductance is basically fixed by the length of the trace , and so cannot be easily controlled . therefore , in this invention control of z is through controlling c in a novel manner . the capacitance is separately specified for a given design with a maximum value , typically 2 pf or 3 pf per trace . controlling ( increasing ) c is commonly done by increasing the trace width beyond the normal ( small ) value of 0 . 0016 inches or by reducing the separation between traces below the usual value , also 0 . 0016 inches . increasing the width increases the capacitance to ground directly in proportion to width . decreasing the spacing to the adjacent trace increases the capacitance trace to trace . controlling ( decreasing ) c is usually done by increasing the trace - to - trace spacing or by removing the stainless layer under portions of the traces . in the invention the suspension and method control the relationship between l and c to a specified value that is different for the read and write sides of the same part , and hold c to be less than a max value . in a mechanically and electrically critical part such as a disk drive suspension flexure it is difficult to achieve the desired z and c control simultaneously and also meet the mechanical requirements for stiffness and frequency response in the space allocated . using prior art techniques , such as the removal of the stainless steel layer under the traces , makes the part be asymmetrical when the z is adjusted by controlling the c . for example , the read side ( 60 ohms ) would require larger capacitance than the write side ( 110 ohms ), so the traces would have to be wider than the other ( write ) side and the flexure would be asymmetrical mechanically , or the stainless would have to be removed from the write side , again leading to asymmetrical mechanics . the asymmetry of the mechanics is because the moduli of elasticity of stainless and copper are very high relative to polyimide . it is difficult or impossible to meet all of the conflicting requirements simultaneously with prior art techniques with even the presently most advanced circuit designs having performance characteristics far different from the optimum . thus , by using such design techniques , a wireless flexure and a suspension assembly thereof can be constructed that meets the specification for read and write impedance and stiffness but not at the same time capacitance or resistance . this problem is solved in the present invention flexure by grading or tapering the dielectric polyimide film or layer thickness selectively to achieve the desired capacitance , e . g . as part of the original film material , or by etching or otherwise removing part of an original film layer . most of the capacitance from trace to trace is controlled by the trace to stainless steel layer capacitance , and this capacitance is controlled by the thickness of the polyimide . the polyimide contributes only a negligible amount to the stiffness , so varying the thickness of the polyimide does not change the stiffness much and the change is controllable . thus , for a doubling of the film thickness the pitch or roll stiffness is increased less than 10 per cent . if the polyimide film layer thickness is reduced to half , the pitch or roll stiffness is also reduced by less than 10 per cent . there is accordingly considerable freedom in changing the film thickness without undue effects on mechanical properties . the capacitance per unit length in an area can be doubled ( or halved ) with only a minor change in stiffness . this fact suggests a solution to the dilemma involved in trying to design for both stiffness and impedance and underlies the present invention . in a typical design situation , the existing design of a conventional suspension flexure that had relied on a series of holes to control capacitance and thus impedance but had the correct impedance only on the write side , is modified to eliminate the holes and correct the impedance is for the read side without changing the already correct impedance on the write side . to do this , the polyimide thickness at the left and right lateral portions of the load beam rigid section is altered differentially . for example , assuming the film thickness was a uniform 0 . 00071 - inch in the old design , providing a correct capacitance / impedance for the write side but too low a capacitance and too high an impedance for the read side , a new capacitance must be realized on the read side . to do so , calculate the new capacitance value as follows : c 1 / c 2 = z 2 { circumflex over ( )} 2 / z 1 { circumflex over ( )} 2 this means there is a need to make a 1 . 56 increase in capacitance of the read traces to reduce the read impedance to the desired value of 80 ohms . this can be achieved by reducing the thickness of the polyimide from 0 . 00071 inches to 0 . 00045 . the calculation of the desired thickness is simply c = ka / d   a is area of capacitor , d is spacing between plates , k is a constant c 1 / c 2 = d 2 / d 1 the result means that to achieve the correct impedance for the read side there needs to be a reduction in the polyimide thickness to 0 . 00045 inches , a reduction that will have no significant effect on the stiffness , or stiffness symmetry . with reference now to the drawings in detail , in fig1 and 3 , the invention suspension is at 10 to comprise in part flexure 16 having a steel underlayer 11 that will be attached ( fig2 and 3 ) to a stainless steel load beam 12 . load beam 12 has a predetermined shape that is not critical here and that is dictated by desired mechanical properties and mass considerations . load beam 12 has a rigid section 14 . flexure 16 in assembled condition with the load beam 12 extends along the length of at least the load beam rigid section 14 and supports a slider ( not shown ) at the distal end of the load beam for operative association with a disk ( not shown ). the flexure 16 comprises an assembly of the stainless steel underlayer 11 , copper trace conductors 28 defining read conductor circuit 22 and read copper trace conductors 26 defining read conductor circuit 24 . flexure 16 further comprises , disposed between the steel underlayer 11 and the trace conductors 26 , 28 a plastic insulative film 30 , typically polyimide film , that spaces the trace conductors from the load beam steel underlayer 11 ( and thus from the load beam 12 ) a distance that determines the trace conductor capacitances . a second plastic film 31 covers the exposed trace conductors 26 , 28 above the film 30 . see fig2 and 3 . in order to provide the differential capacitance that is a feature of the invention , and that enables the controlled , varied impedance between the read and writes sides of the suspension , the dielectric film 30 has , in a direction lying transverse to the longitudinal axis l — l of the load beam a differential thickness . this thickness ranges from a lesser thickness t in a first lateral portion 32 of the film 30 adjacent one edge margin 42 of the stainless steel layer 11 to a greater thickness t in a second lateral portion 36 adjacent the other edge margin 46 of the stainless steel layer 11 . read conductor circuit 22 comprises plural trace conductors 28 and defines a read circuit that is attached to the film 30 first lateral portion 32 at a spacing equal to thickness t to be relatively closer to the stainless steel layer 11 , and load beam 12 , across that film portion . write conductor circuit 24 comprises plural trace conductors 26 and defines a write circuit that is attached to the film second lateral portion 36 at a spacing equal to thickness t to be relatively farther from the steel layer 11 and load beam 12 , across that film portion . as noted above , the differential spacing provides a capacitance differential respectively between the steel layer 11 and the read and write circuits 22 and 24 . the capacitance differential provides the desired selected and different impedances for the circuits . the invention thus provides greater control of impedance values in a flexure and in a disk drive suspension incorporating the flexure , a differential in impedance between read and write circuits , and a controlled thickness in the film insulative layer in the suspension flexure , differentiated between the read and write circuits , to vary the circuit capacitance and thus the impedance to optimize the impedance values for each circuit without compromise of the other circuit impedance . the foregoing objects are thus met .	6
reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . fig3 a and 3b are perspective views of exemplary fluorescent lamps of a backlight device according to the present invention . in fig3 a , an external electrode fluorescent lamp ( eefl ) 31 may have external electrodes 33 and 33 a formed at both ends of the eefl lamp 31 , such that light is emitted when a power is applied to the external electrodes 33 and 33 a . an insulating layer 32 may partially enclose the external electrodes 33 and 33 a . in fig3 b , a cold cathode fluorescent lamp ( ccfl ) 31 a may have internal electrodes 34 and 34 a at both ends of the ccfl lamp 31 a , such that light is emitted when a power is applied to the internal electrodes 34 and 34 a . in addition , lamp holders 35 and 35 a may be formed at both ends of the ccfl lamps 31 a for holding the internal electrodes 34 and 34 a and the power incoming lines 36 and 36 a . fig4 a and 4b are perspective views of an exemplary direct - type backlight device according to the present invention , and fig4 c is a cross - sectional view of the exemplary backlight device illustrated in fig4 b . in fig4 a , a backlight device may include a plurality of fluorescent lamps 31 arranged parallel to each other , first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 41 a and 41 b arranged facing each other , first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 43 a and 43 b arranged facing each other , and conductive layers 47 a , 47 b , 47 c , and 47 d formed along sides of the lamp fixing assemblies 41 a , 41 b , 43 a , and 43 b . the fluorescent lamps 31 may be eefl lamps and may have external electrodes 33 and 33 a , and insulating layers 32 at both ends thereof . in addition , the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 41 a and 41 b may face each other at a predetermined interval to correspond to a length of the fluorescent lamps 31 , and may have a plurality of grooves 45 formed along the sides thereof . further , the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 43 a and 43 b may be arranged at the same predetermined interval as the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 41 a and 41 b , and may have a plurality of grooves 45 a formed along the sides thereof to correspond the grooves 45 . the grooves 45 and 45 a may be formed such that the fluorescent lamps 31 completely penetrate the first and second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies 43 a , 43 b , 41 a , and 41 b . also , the grooves 45 may accommodate about half of the diameter of the fluorescent lamps 31 and the grooves 45 a may accommodate the remaining half of the diameter of the fluorescent lamp 31 . accordingly , the ends of the fluorescent lamps 31 may be securely fixed within the grooves 45 and 45 a of the lower and upper lamp fixing assemblies 41 a , 41 b , 43 a , and 43 b , as shown in fig4 b , thereby making the installment / replacement of the fluorescent lamps 31 easier . in addition , as shown in fig4 b , the conductive layers 47 a , 47 b , 47 c , and 47 d may contact the ends of the fluorescent lamps 31 for applying a power to the fluorescent lamps 31 . the conductive layers 47 a , 47 b , 47 c , and 47 d may be formed by filling a conductive material inside a trench along the sides of the lower and upper lamp fixing assemblies 41 a , 41 b , 43 a , and 43 b . alternatively , the conductive layers 47 a , 47 b , 47 c , and 47 d may be formed by coating a conductive material on a surface of the lower and upper lamp fixing assemblies 41 a , 41 b , 43 a , and 43 b . also , a connector 61 may connect the conductive layers 47 a , 47 b , 47 c , and 47 d to a driving circuit ( not shown ) for driving and supplying a power to the fluorescent lamps 31 . accordingly , the number of connectors used within the backlight device may be reduced and the interconnection between the fluorescent lamps and the driving circuit may be simplified . as shown in fig4 c , the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 43 a and 43 b may have a tapering width , wherein the width of the surfaces contacting the lower lamp fixing assemblies 41 a and 41 b may be larger than a width a of the opposing surfaces . for example , the first and second lamp fixing assemblies 43 a and 43 b may have an inclined angle θ of about 10 ° to about 30 °. also , the external electrodes 33 and 33 a may be partially exposed within an effective luminous area , and the partially exposed portions may have a length x . the length x may depend on the incline angle θ and a height h of the first upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies 43 a and 41 a or of the second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies 43 b and 41 b . for example , the exposed length x of the electrodes 33 and 33 a may be within about 35 % of the height h of the first and second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies 43 a , 43 b , 41 a , and 41 b , i . e ., x ≦ 0 . 35h . if the incline angle θ is set at a range of about 20 - 24 °, the length x may correspond to about 20 % of the height h , i . e ., x = 0 . 2h . accordingly , the width a of the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 43 a and 43 b may be reduced and the luminance at both ends of the fluorescent lamps 31 may be enhanced without diminishing quality of image within the effective luminous area . furthermore , the partially exposed portions of the external electrodes 33 and 33 a may be covered with the insulating layer 32 to avoid formation of a dark line around ends of the fluorescent lamps 31 caused by oxidization of the external electrodes 33 and 33 a . for example , the insulating layer 32 may be made of a white insulating material . in fig4 c , the backlight device may further include a non - luminous area , wherein luminance within the area drops to a value of less than about ½ of the luminance of an effective luminous area of the device . generally , the non - luminous area of a unit fluorescent module is influenced by the width a of an upper surface of the upper lamp fixing assemblies 43 a and 43 b , such that the narrower the width a is , the smaller the non - luminous area . accordingly , it is possible to decrease the width a by exposing the electrodes 33 and 33 a outside the upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies 43 a , 43 b , 41 a , and 41 b , and by covering the exposed portion of the electrodes 33 and 33 a with the insulating film 32 . further , it is possible to lengthen the electrodes 33 and 33 a , thereby reducing the amount and the frequency of driving voltage applied thereto . with a reduced amount of driving voltage , less heat may be generated and the life of the fluorescent lamp may be extended . in addition , the backlight device may further include a light scattering member ( not shown ), such as a diffusion sheet or a diffusion plate , arranged above the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 43 a and 43 b for uniformly distributing light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 31 onto a lcd panel ( not shown ). the backlight device may also include a reflection plate ( not shown ) arranged below the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 41 a and 41 b for directing light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 31 onto a center portion of the lcd panel . in addition , the height h of the upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies 43 a , 43 b , 41 a , and 41 b may be defined by a length from an upper surface of the reflection plate to a lower surface of the light scattering member . fig5 a is a perspective view of another exemplary direct - type backlight device according to the present invention , and fig5 b is a cross - sectional view of the exemplary backlight device illustrated in fig5 a . in fig5 a , a backlight device may include a plurality of fluorescent lamps 31 a arranged parallel to each other , first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 51 a and 51 b arranged facing each other , first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 53 a and 53 b arranged facing each other , and power - incoming lines 36 and 36 a . the fluorescent lamps 31 a may be ccfl lamps and may have internal electrodes 34 and 34 a at both ends thereof . in addition , the fluorescent lamps 31 a may have a plurality of lamp holders 35 and 35 a formed at both ends of the fluorescent lamps 31 a for holding the internal electrodes 34 and 34 a and the power incoming lines 36 and 36 a . furthermore , the power - incoming lines 36 and 36 a may connect the electrodes 34 and 34 a to a driving circuit ( not shown ) via a single connector ( not shown ) for driving and supplying a power to the fluorescent lamps 31 a . accordingly , the number of connectors used within the backlight device may be reduced and the interconnection between the fluorescent lamps and the driving circuit may be simplified . in addition , the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 51 a and 51 b may face each other at a predetermined interval to correspond to a length of the fluorescent lamps 31 a , and may have a plurality of grooves 55 formed along the sides thereof . further , the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 53 a and 53 b may be arranged at the same predetermined interval as the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 51 a and 51 b , and may have a plurality of grooves 55 a formed along the sides thereof to correspond the grooves 55 . the grooves 55 and 55 a may be formed such that the fluorescent lamps 31 a completely penetrate the first and second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies 53 a , 53 b , 51 a , and 51 b . also , the lamp holders 35 and 35 a may have the same diameter , such that the grooves 55 may accommodate about half of the diameter of the lamp holders 35 and 35 a , and the grooves 55 a may accommodate the remaining half of the diameter of the lamp holders 35 and 35 a . accordingly , the ends of the fluorescent lamps 31 a may be securely fixed within the grooves 55 and 55 a of the lower and upper lamp fixing assemblies 51 a , 51 b , 53 a , and 53 b , thereby making the installment / replacement of the fluorescent lamps 31 a easier . as shown in fig5 b , the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 53 a and 53 b may have a tapering width , wherein the width of the surfaces contacting the lower lamp fixing assemblies 51 a and 51 b may be larger than the width a of the opposing surfaces . for example , the first and second lamp fixing assemblies 53 a and 53 b may have an inclined angle θ of about 10 ° to about 30 °. also , the electrodes 34 and 34 a may be partially exposed within an effective luminous area , and the partially exposed portions may have a length x . the length x may depend on the incline angle θ and a height h of the first upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies 53 a and 51 a or of the second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies 53 b and 51 b . for example , the exposed length x of the electrodes 34 and 34 a may be within about 35 % of the height h of the first and second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies 53 a , 53 b , 51 a , and 51 b , i . e ., x ≦ 0 . 35h . if the incline angle θ is set at a range of about 20 - 24 °, the length x may correspond to about 20 % of the height h , i . e ., x = 0 . 2h . accordingly , the width a of the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 53 a and 53 b may be reduced and the luminance at both ends of the fluorescent lamps 31 a may be enhanced without diminishing quality of image within the effective luminous area . the backlight device may further include a non - luminous area , wherein luminance within the area drops to a value of less than about ½ of the luminance of an effective luminous area of the device . generally , the non - luminous area of a unit fluorescent module is influenced by the width a of an upper surface of the upper lamp fixing assemblies 53 a and 53 b , such that the narrower the width a is , the smaller the non - luminous area . accordingly , it is possible to decrease the width a by exposing the electrodes 34 and 34 a outside the upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies 53 a , 53 b , 51 a , and 51 b . further , it is possible to lengthen the electrodes 34 and 34 a , thereby reducing the amount and the frequency of driving voltage applied thereto . with a reduced amount of driving voltage , less heat may be generated and the life of the fluorescent lamp may be extended . in addition , the backlight device may further include a light scattering member ( not shown ), such as a diffusion sheet or a diffusion plate , arranged above the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 53 a and 53 b for uniformly distributing light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 31 a onto a lcd panel ( not shown ). the backlight device may also include a reflection plate ( not shown ) arranged below the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 51 a and 51 b for directing light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 31 a onto a center portion of the lcd panel . in addition , the height h of the upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies 53 a , 53 b , 51 a , and 51 b may be defined by a length from an upper surface of the reflection plate to a lower surface of the light scattering means . fig6 a and 6b are perspective views of another exemplary direct - type backlight device according to the present invention , and fig6 c is a cross - sectional view of the exemplary backlight device illustrated in fig6 b . in fig6 a , a backlight device may include a plurality of fluorescent lamps 31 arranged parallel to each other , first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 61 a and 61 b arranged facing each other , first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 63 a and 63 b arranged facing each other , and conductive layers 67 a , 67 b , 67 c , and 67 d formed along the sides of the lamp fixing assemblies 61 a , 61 b , 63 a , and 63 b . the fluorescent lamps 31 may be eefl lamps and may have external electrodes 33 and 33 a , and insulating layers 32 at both ends thereof . alternatively , the fluorescent lamps 31 may be replaced by the ccfl lamps 31 a , shown in fig3 b , such that only the power - incoming lines 9 and 9 a may be extended outside of the lamp fixing assemblies 61 a , 61 b , 63 a , and 63 b . in addition , the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 61 a and 61 b may face each other at a predetermined interval to correspond to a length of the fluorescent lamps 31 , and may have a plurality of grooves 65 formed along the sides thereof . further , the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 63 a and 63 b may be arranged at the same predetermined interval as the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 61 a and 61 b , and may have a plurality of grooves 65 a formed along the sides thereof to correspond the grooves 65 . the grooves 65 and 65 a may be formed such that the fluorescent lamps 31 only partially penetrate the first and second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies 63 a , 63 b , 61 a , and 61 b . also , the grooves 65 may accommodate about half of the diameter of the fluorescent lamps 31 and the grooves 65 a may accommodate the remaining half of the diameter of the fluorescent lamp 31 . accordingly , the ends of the fluorescent lamps 31 may be securely fixed within the grooves 65 and 65 a of the lower and upper lamp fixing assemblies 61 a , 61 b , 63 a , and 63 b , as shown in fig6 b , thereby making the installment / replacement of the fluorescent lamps 31 easier and reducing external impact on the fluorescent lamps 31 . as shown in fig6 c , the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 63 a and 63 b may have a tapering width , wherein the width of the surfaces contacting the lower lamp fixing assemblies 61 a and 61 b may be larger than a width a of the opposing surfaces . for example , the first and second lamp fixing assemblies 63 a and 63 b may have an inclined angle θ of about 10 ° to about 30 °. also , the external electrodes 63 and 63 a may be partially exposed within an effective luminous area , and the partially exposed portions may have a length of x . the length x may depend on the incline angle θ and a height h of the first upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies 63 a and 61 a or of the second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies 63 b and 61 b . for example , the exposed length x of the electrodes 33 and 33 a may be within about 35 % of the height h of the first and second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies 63 a , 63 b , 61 a , and 61 b , i . e ., x ≦ 0 . 35h . if the incline angle θ is set at a range of about 20 - 24 °, the length x may correspond to about 20 % of the height h , i . e ., x = 0 . 2h . accordingly , the width a of the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 63 a and 63 b may be reduced and the luminance at both ends of the fluorescent lamps 31 may be enhanced without diminishing quality of image within the effective luminous area . the backlight device may further include a non - luminous area , wherein luminance within the area drops to a value of less than about ½ of the luminance of an effective luminance area of the device . generally , the non - luminous area of a unit fluorescent module is influenced by the width a of an upper surface of the upper lamp fixing assemblies 63 a and 63 b , such that the narrower the width a is , the smaller the non - luminous area . accordingly , it is possible to decrease the width a by exposing the electrodes 33 and 33 a outside the upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies 63 a , 63 b , 61 a , and 61 b , and by covering the exposed portion of the electrodes 33 and 33 a with the insulating film 32 . further , it is possible to lengthen the electrodes 33 and 33 a , thereby reducing the amount and the frequency of driving voltage applied thereto . with a reduced amount of driving voltage , less heat may be generated and the life of the fluorescent lamp may be extended . fig7 a is a perspective view of another exemplary direct - type backlight device according to the present invention , and fig7 b is a cross - sectional view of the exemplary backlight device illustrated in fig7 a . in fig7 a , a backlight device may include a plurality of fluorescent lamps 31 arranged parallel to each other , first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 71 a and 71 b arranged facing each other , a lower supporting system 91 a , 91 b , and 91 c formed between the lower lamp fixing assemblies 71 a and 71 b for supporting the lower assemblies 71 a and 71 b , first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 73 a and 73 b arranged facing each other , and conductive layers 77 a , 77 b , 77 c , and 77 d formed along the sides of the lamp fixing assemblies 71 a , 71 b , 73 a , and 73 b . the fluorescent lamps 31 may be eefl lamps and may have external electrodes 33 and 33 a , and insulating layers 32 at both ends thereof . alternatively , the fluorescent lamps 31 may be replaced by the ccfl lamps 31 a , shown in fig3 b , such that only the power - incoming lines 9 and 9 a may be extended outside of the lamp fixing assemblies 71 a , 71 b , 73 a , and 73 b . the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 71 a and 71 b may also have a plurality of grooves 75 formed along the sides thereof . further , the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 73 a and 73 b may have a plurality of grooves 75 a formed along the sides thereof to correspond the grooves 75 . the grooves 75 and 75 a may be formed such that the fluorescent lamps 31 completely or partially penetrate the first and second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies 73 a , 73 b , 71 a , and 71 b . also , the grooves 75 may accommodate about half of the diameter of the fluorescent lamps 31 and the grooves 75 a may accommodate the remaining half of the diameter of the fluorescent lamp 31 . accordingly , the ends of the fluorescent lamps 31 may be securely fixed within the grooves 75 and 75 a of the lower and upper lamp fixing assemblies 71 a , 71 b , 73 a , and 73 b , as shown in fig7 b , thereby making the installment / replacement of the fluorescent lamps 31 easier . in addition , the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 71 a and 71 b may face each other at a predetermined interval to correspond to a length of the fluorescent lamps 31 , and the lower supporting system 91 a , 91 b , and 91 c . furthermore , the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 71 a and 71 b may be integrally formed with the lower supporting system 91 a , 91 b , and 91 c . accordingly , the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 71 a and 71 b may be accurately arranged to securely affix the fluorescent lamps 31 . inner surfaces of the first and second lower assemblies 71 a and 71 b and the lower supporting systems 91 a , 91 b , and 91 c may be formed of material having good light reflection ability , such as synthetic resin , to perform as a reflection plate . alternatively , a reflective material may be coated onto the inner surfaces of the first and second lower assemblies 71 a and 71 b and the lower supporting systems 91 a , 91 b , and 91 c . accordingly , a reflection plate may be formed , thereby irradiating light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 31 toward a lcd panel ( not shown ). furthermore , the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 73 a and 73 b may have a tapering width , wherein the width of the surfaces contacting the lower lamp fixing assemblies 71 a and 71 b may be larger than a width a of the opposing surfaces . for example , the first and second lamp fixing assemblies 73 a and 73 b may have an inclined angle θ of about 10 ° to about 30 °. also , the external electrodes 33 and 33 a may be partially exposed within an effective luminous area , and the partially exposed portions may have a length of x . fig8 a is a perspective view of another exemplary direct - type backlight device according to the present invention , and fig8 b is a cross - sectional view of the exemplary backlight device illustrated in fig8 a . in fig8 a , a backlight device may include a plurality of fluorescent lamps 31 arranged parallel to each other , first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 81 a and 81 b arranged facing each other , a lower supporting system 191 a , 191 b , and 191 c formed between the lower lamp fixing assemblies 81 a and 81 b for supporting the lower assemblies 81 a and 81 b , first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 83 a and 83 b arranged facing each other , an upper supporting system 100 a and 100 b formed between the upper lamp fixing assemblies 83 a and 83 b , and conductive layers 87 a , 87 b , 87 c , and 87 d formed along the sides of the lamp fixing assemblies 81 a , 81 b , 83 a , and 83 b . the fluorescent lamps 31 may be eefl lamps and may have external electrodes 33 and 33 a , and insulating layers 32 at both ends thereof . alternatively , the fluorescent lamps 31 may be replaced by the ccfl lamps 31 a , shown in fig3 b , such that only the power - incoming lines 9 and 9 a may be extended outside of the lamp fixing assemblies 81 a , 81 b , 83 a , and 83 b . the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 81 a and 81 b may also have a plurality of grooves 85 formed along the sides thereof . further , the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 83 a and 83 b may have a plurality of grooves 85 a formed along the sides thereof to correspond the grooves 85 . the grooves 85 and 85 a may be formed such that the fluorescent lamps 31 completely or partially penetrate the first and second upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies 83 a , 83 b , 81 a , and 81 b . also , the grooves 85 may accommodate about half of the diameter of the fluorescent lamps 31 and the grooves 85 a may accommodate the remaining half of the diameter of the fluorescent lamp 31 . accordingly , the ends of the fluorescent lamps 31 may be securely fixed within the grooves 85 and 85 a of the lower and upper lamp fixing assemblies 81 a , 81 b , 83 a , and 83 b , as shown in fig8 b , thereby making the installment / replacement of the fluorescent lamps 31 easier . in addition , the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 81 a and 81 b may face each other at a predetermined interval to correspond to a length of the fluorescent lamps 31 , and the lower supporting system 191 a , 191 b , and 191 c . furthermore , the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 81 a and 81 b may be integrally formed with the lower supporting system 191 a , 191 b , and 191 c . accordingly , the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 81 a and 81 b may be accurately arranged to securely affix the fluorescent lamps 31 . the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 83 a and 83 b may face each other at the same predetermined interval as the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 81 a and 81 b . further , the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 83 a and 83 b may be integrally formed with the upper supporting system 100 a and 100 b . accordingly , the first and second lower lamp fixing assemblies 83 a and 83 b may be accurately arranged to securely affix the fluorescent lamps 31 . furthermore , the first and second upper lamp fixing assemblies 83 a and 83 b may have a tapering width , wherein the width of the surfaces contacting the lower lamp fixing assemblies 81 a and 81 b is larger than a width a of the opposing surfaces . for example , the first and second lamp fixing assemblies 83 a and 83 b may have an inclined angle θ of about 10 ° to about 30 °. also , the external electrodes 33 and 33 a may be partially exposed within an effective luminous area , and the partially exposed portions may have a length of x . the aforementioned backlight devices may be used as light sources at a rear side or a front side of a display , or as a light emitting device by themselves . the aforementioned backlight device of the present invention has the following effects . first , lamp electrodes may expose in an effective luminous area of the backlight device , thereby decreasing a width of the upper lamp fixing assemblies and enhancing efficiency of the device . second , lamp electrodes may be lengthened , thereby lowering the driving voltage and extending the life of the fluorescent lamps . third , the upper lamp fixing assemblies may have a tapering width , thereby widening the effective luminous area . fourth , supporting systems for supporting the upper and lower lamp fixing assemblies may be formed , thereby accurately arranging the lamp fixing assemblies and securely affixing the fluorescent lamps . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the backlight device and the method of fabricating the same of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the 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 appended claims and their equivalents .	6
the principles of the present invention are particularly useful when embodied in an apparatus for measuring vehicle wheel alignment , such as shown in fig1 generally indicated by the reference numeral 10 . the apparatus 10 generally includes two cooperating pairs of drive rollers 11 , 11 ( only one pair being shown in fig2 ) for rotating front and rear wheels 12a , 12b and 12c , 12d , respectively , of a motor vehicle 13 while retaining the vehicle 13 in a predetermined position , two pairs of front and rear measuring units 14a , 14b and 14c , 14d between which the front and rear wheels 12a - 12d are to be disposed with a predetermined space leaving between each of the wheels 12a - 12d and a corresponding measuring unit 14a - 14d , and four electronic circuit units 15a - 15d connected respectively with the measuring units 14a - 14d for electronically processing the data obtained by the measuring units 14a - 14d . all the measuring units 14a - 14d are structurally and functionally the same and hence only the right front measuring unit 14b is described hereinbelow in detail with reference to fig2 . the measuring unit 14b is slidably mounted on a horizontal base 14b &# 39 ; and laterally movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 13 . the measuring unit 14b includes two pairs of photoelectric sensors 16a , 16b and 16c , 16d for optoelectronically measuring the distance between a reference vertical plane and the outer side surface of a tire 17 fixed about the right front wheel 12b . each of the photoelectric sensors 16a - 16d comprises an optical displacement sensor constructed to produce , in such a manner known per se , an analog output signal whose magnitude varies proportional to the distance between the tire side surface and the reference vertical plane . the sensors 16a , 16b or 16c , 16d of each pair of equidistantly spaced from a plane extending in tangent to a circle defining the central diameter d 0 ( fig4 ) of the tire 17 . the sensors 16a - 16d are mounted on a linear support member 18 in aligment with each other and they are disposed in the reference vertical plane in confronting relation to the tire 17 . the support member 18 is normally held in a horizontal position and extends parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the motor vehicle 13 . the support member 18 is angularly movable about its midportion between the horizontal position ( fig2 ) and a vertical position ( fig7 ). the apparatus 10 further includes a first follow - up means for adjusting the position of measurement to follow - up the displacement of each wheel 12a - 12d in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 13 , and a second follow - up means for adjusting the position of the measurement to follow - up the displacement of each wheel 12a - 12d in a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 13 . the first follow - up means ( i . e ., first adjusting means ) comprises , as shown in fig2 a stepping motor 19 operatively connected with the support member 18 via a cam 20 . the stepping motor 19 is mounted on the measuring unit 14b , and the cam 20 is coupled with a drive shaft of the stepping motor 19 for co - rotation therewith . the cam 20 is held in driving engagement with the support member 18 so as to convert a stepwise angular motion of the stepping motor 19 into a linear reciprocating motion of the support member 18 in the first direction . the stepping motor 19 is connected with the electronic circuit unit 15b and is driven by the latter to move the support member 18 in synchronism with the movement of the wheel 12b so as to follow - up the displacement of the wheel 12b in the first direction . the second follow - up means ( i . e ., second adjusting means ) comprises a fluid - actuated cylinder 21 fixedly mounted on the base 14b &# 39 ; and having a piston rod 22 connected to the measuring unit 14b . the cylinder 21 is operatively connected with and driven by the electronic circuit unit 15b to move the measuring unit 14b in the second direction , in synchronism with the displacement of the wheel 12b in the second direction . the cylinder 21 may be operatively coupled with a cylinder ( not shown ) connected with the measuring unit 12a so as to reciprocate the measuring units 12a , 12b simultaneously in the same direction . with this arrangement , the distance between the side surface of each tire 17 and the corresponding reference vertical plane is always kept constant . all the electronic circuits units 15a - 15d are structurally and functionally identical and hence only one unit 15b is described hereinbelow in detail with reference to fig3 . the electronic circuit unit 15b includes two transducers 23 , 24 connected respectively with the two pairs of sensors 16a , 16b and 16c , 16d for producing analog voltage signals corresponding in magnitude to analog input signals received from the respective sensors 16a - 16d . the transducers 23 , 24 are connected with a pair of analog - to - digital ( a / d ) converters 25 , 26 , respectively , so that the analog voltage signals representing the distance between the tire side surface and the reference vertical plane are converted by the a / d converters 25 , 26 into digital signals . the digital signals from the a / d converters 25 , 26 are then inputted through a data bus consisting of eight lines , into a microcomputer 27 indicated by a chain rectangle . the microcomputer 27 comprises a central processing unit ( cpu ) 28 , a read only memory ( rom ) 29 , a random access memory ( ram ) 30 , and a clock pulse generator 31 having a quartz oscillator for generating reference clock pulses . after having been delivered to the microcomputer 27 , updated data regarding the status of the foregoing distance are stored in the ram 30 for a predetermined interval of time ( approximately 1 . 0 second ). upon expiration of this interval of time , the stored data are read out from the ram 30 and processed in the cpu 28 to obtain a digital output signal indicative of a toe - in angle of the wheel 12b . the digital output signal is then delivered to a digital - to - analog ( d / a ) converter 32 which in turn produces an analog output signal to be displayed on an analog display unit 33 . the digital output signal from the microcomputer 27 is also supplied to a digital driver 34 and then indicated by a digital display unit 35 driven by the digital driver 34 . the microcomputer 27 continuously receives the updated data on the displacement of the wheel 12b from the sensor inputs and , based on the input data , it produces output control signals for enabling the measuring unit 14b to follow - up a displacement of the wheel 14b either in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 13 , or in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction . to this end , the output control signals are delivered to the stepping motor 19 and the cylinder 21 , respectively , through a stepping motor driver 36 and a cylinder driver 37 . the operation of the microcomputer 27 is described below with reference to the flow chart shown in fig6 in which the measurement of a toe - in of the front wheels 12a , 12b is achieved . when a main switch is closed , the microcomputer 27 is driven to proceed the program stored therein from a first step i . in the next step ii , the cpu 28 is reset or initialized to clean - up its contents and then the operation proceeds to the following step iii in which the data on the distance between each sensor 16a - 16d , i . e . the reference vertical plane and the tire side surface of each wheel 12a , 12b are read in .. in the next step iv , the input data are computed to determine whether the right front wheel 12b has been displaced . for this determination , the following equation is used : b - a = c - d where a , b , c or d is a distance between one of the sensors 16a - 16d and the tire side surface of the right front wheel 12b ( fig4 ). if the result does not satisfy the foregoing equation , then the operation proceeds in the direction &# 34 ; no &# 34 ; to a step v in which the position of the measuring unit 14b is adjusted by the stepping motor 19 so as to follow - up the displacement of the wheel 12b until the foregoing equation is satisfied . on the contrary , when the judgement in the step iv is coincident with the foregoing equation , then the operation proceeds in the direction &# 34 ; yes &# 34 ; to commence a judgement on the left front wheel 12a . this judgement is achieved in a step vi by employing the equation : f - e = g - h where e , f , g or h is the distance between one of the sensors 16a - 16d and the tire side surface of the left front wheel 12a . if the judgement does not satisfy the equation , then the operation proceeds in the direction &# 34 ; no &# 34 ; to a step vii in which positional adjustment of the measuring unit 14a is effected in the same manner as done in the step v . when the last - mentioned equation is ratiofied , the operation proceeds to the next step viii . in the step viii , a toe - in t is computed in accordance with a equation which is derived in the following manner . as shown in fig5 the toe - in t is equal to the difference between the maximum distance b between the central vertical planes of the opposite wheels 12a , 12b , and the minimum distance a between the central vertical planes of the wheels 12a , 12b ( t = b - a ). the difference is the same as the difference between the maximum joint width of the opposite wheels 12a , 12b and the minimum joint width of the wheels 12a , 12b ( t = b - a = bo - ao ). the maximum and minimum joint widths bo , ao are obtained in accordance with the following equations ( 1 ) and ( 2 ), respectively . in equations ( 1 ) and ( 2 ), l is the distance between the opposed reference vertical planes , do represents the central diameter of the tire 17 , d is the outside diameter of the tire 17 , and e , f , g or h is the distance between the tire side surface of each wheel 12a , 12b and the corresponding reference vertical plane , as measured on the central diameter do of the tire 17 ( see fig4 ). the distance e , f , g or h is determined by the equation it appears from the foregoing description that the toe - in can be computed based on the distances a - d which are detected by the respective sensors 16a - 16d . then the operation proceeds to a step ix in which the computed toe - in is displaced on the display units 33 , 35 . according to the present invention , it is also possible to adjust the position of the measuring units 12a , 12b to follow - up the lateral displacement of the wheels 12a - 12b . this adjustment is achieved by displacing the measuring units 12a , 12b in such a manner that the equations : a - e = b - f and g - c = h - d are always satisfied . when a camber angle θc is to be measured , the guide member 18 is angularly moved from the horizontal position to a vertical position shown in fig7 . in the camber angle measurement , the microcomputer 27 proceeds the program stored therein in the same manner as done in the toe - in measurement described above . the camber angle θc may be determined on the basis of the data regarding the distances detected by the sensors 16a - 16c . obviously , many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible 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 otherwise than as specifically described .	6
it is understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting . as used in this specification , the singular forms “ a ”, “ an ”, and “ the ” include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise . the following terms in the glossary as used in this application are to be defined as stated below and for these terms , the singular includes the plural . various headings are present to aid the reader , but are not the exclusive location of all aspects of that referenced subject matter and are not to be construed as limiting the location of such discussion . also , certain us patents and pct published applications have been incorporated by reference . however , the text of such patents is only incorporated by reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such text and other statements set forth herein . in the event of such conflict , then any such conflicting text in such incorporated by reference us patent or pct application is specifically not so incorporated in this patent . ala means α - linolenic acid or cis , cis , cis - 9 , 12 , 15 - octadecatrienoic acid , having 18 carbons , 3 cis double bonds , that is modified by reduction of the carboxylic acid to a methylene moiety to be r of formula ( i ), rs - 5 -(( 9z , 12z , 15z )- octadeca - 6 , 9 , 12 - trien - 1 - yl ) thiazolidine - 2 , 4 - dione , as shown by the formula below : dha means cis , cis , cis , cis , cis , cis - 4 , 7 , 10 , 13 , 16 , 19 - docosahexaenoic acid or docosahexaenoic acid , having 22 carbons , 6 cis double bonds , that is modified by reduction of the carboxylic acid to a methylene moiety to be r of formula ( i ), rs - 5 -(( 4z , 7z , 10z , 13z , 16z , 19z ) docosa - 4 , 7 , 10 , 13 , 16 , 19 - hexaen - 1 - yl ) thiazolidine - 2 , 4 - dione , as shown by the formula below : dpa means cis , cis , cis , cis , cis - 7 , 10 , 13 , 16 , 19 - docosapentaenoic acid or docosapentaenoic acid , having 22 carbons , 5 cis double bonds , that is modified by reduction of the carboxylic acid to a methylene moiety to be r of formula ( i ), rs - 5 -(( 7z , 10z , 13z , 16z , 19z ) docosa - 7 , 10 , 13 , 16 , 19 - pentaen - 1 - yl ) thiazolidine - 2 , 4 - dione , as shown by the formula below : epa means cis , cis , cis , cis , cis - 5 , 8 , 11 , 14 , 17 - eicosapentanenoic acid or eicosapentanenoic acid , having 20 carbons , 5 cis double bonds , that is modified by reduction of the carboxylic acid to a methylene moiety to be r of formula ( i ), rs - 5 -(( 5z , 8z , 11z , 14z , 17z )- eicosa - 5 , 8 , 11 , 14 , 17 - pentaen - 1 - yl ) thiazolidine - 2 , 4 - dione , as shown by the formula below : eta means cis , cis , cis , cis - 8 , 11 , 14 , 17 - eicosatetranoic acid or eicosatetraenoic acid , having 20 carbons , 4 cis double bonds , that is modified by reduction of the carboxylic acid to a methylene moiety to be r of formula ( i ), rs - 5 -(( 8z , 11z , 14z , 17z )- eicosa - 8 , 11 , 14 , 17 - tetraen - 1 - yl ) thiazolidine - 2 , 4 - dione , as shown by the formula below : ete means cis , cis , cis - 11 , 14 , 17 - eicosatrienoic acid or eicosatrienoic acid , having 20 carbons , 3 cis double bonds , that is modified by reduction of the carboxylic acid to a methylene moiety to be r of formula ( i ), rs - 5 -(( 11z , 14z , 17z )- eicosa - 11 , 14 , 17 - triene - 1 - yl ) thiazolidine - 2 , 4 - dione , as shown by the formula below : hpa means cis , cis , cis , cis , cis - 6 , 9 , 12 , 15 , 18 - heneicosapentaenoic acid or heneicosapentaenoic acid , having 21 carbons , 5 cis double bonds , that is modified by reduction of the carboxylic acid to a methylene moiety to be r of formula ( i ), rs - 5 -(( 6z , 9z , 12z , 15z , 18z )- heneicosa - 6 , 9 , 12 , 15 , 18 - pentaen - 1 - yl ) thiazolidine - 2 , 4 - dione , as shown by the formula below : hta means cis , cis , cis - 7 , 10 , 13 - hexadecatrienoic acid , having 16 carbons , 3 cis double bonds , that is modified by reduction of the carboxylic acid to a methylene moiety to be r of formula ( i ), rs - 5 -(( 7z , 10z , 13z )- hexadeca - 7 , 10 , 13 - trien - 1 - yl ) thiazolidine - 2 , 4 - dione , as shown by the formula below : sda means cis , cis , cis , cis - 6 , 9 , 12 , 15 - octadecatetraenoic acid or stearidonic acid , having 18 carbons , 4 cis double bonds , that is modified by reduction of the carboxylic acid to a methylene moiety to be r of formula ( i ), rs - 5 -(( 6z , 9z , 12z , 15z )- octadeca - 6 , 9 , 12 , 15 - tetraen - 1 - yl ) thiazolidine - 2 , 4 - dione , as shown by the formula below : tha means cis , cis , cis , cis , cis , cis - 6 , 9 , 12 , 15 , 18 , 21 - tetracosahexaeonic acid , having 24 carbons , 6 cis double bonds , that is modified by reduction of the carboxylic acid to a methylene moiety to be r of formula ( i ), rs - 5 -(( 6z , 9z , 12z , 15z , 18z , 21z )- tetracosa - 6 , 9 , 12 , 15 , 18 , 21 - hexaen - 1 - yl ) thiazolidine - 2 , 4 - dione , as shown by the formula below : tpa means cis , cis , cis , cis , cis - 9 , 12 , 15 , 18 , 21 - tetracosapentaeonic acid , having 24 carbons , 5 cis double bonds , that is modified by reduction of the carboxylic acid to a methylene moiety to be r of formula ( i ), rs - 5 -(( 9z , 12z , 15z , 18z , 21z )- tetracosa - 9 , 12 , 15 , 18 , 21 - pentaen - 1 - yl ) thiazolidine - 2 , 4 - dione , as shown by the formula below : omega - 3 fatty acids means naturally occurring , straight - chain c 16 - c 24 fatty carboxylic acids pufa means polyunsaturated fatty acids that are either naturally occurring omega - 3 fatty acids or derivatives thereof the present invention provides thiazolinediones derived from the above polyunsaturated omega - 3 fatty acids ( pufas ) as insulin sensitizers to treat type2 diabetes ( t2d ), and as depicted by the following formula ( i ) r is joined from the methylene group formed by reduction of the carboxylic acid of cis , cis , cis - 7 , 10 , 13 - hexadecatrienoic acid ( hta ), cis , cis , cis - 9 , 12 , 15 - octadecatrienoic acid ( ala ), cis , cis , cis , cis - 6 , 9 , 12 , 15 - octadecatetraenoic acid ( sda ), cis , cis , cis - 11 , 14 , 17 - eicosatrienoic acid ( ete ), cis , cis , cis , cis - 8 , 11 , 14 , 17 - eicosatetraenoic acid ( eta ); cis , cis , cis , cis , cis - 5 , 8 , 11 , 14 , 17 - eicosapentanenoic acid ( epa ), cis , cis , cis , cis , cis - 6 , 9 , 12 , 15 , 18 - heneicosapentaenoic acid ( hpa ), cis , cis , cis , cis , cis - 7 , 10 , 13 , 16 , 19 - docosapentaenoic acid ( dpa ), cis , cis , cis , cis , cis , cis - 4 , 7 , 10 , 13 , 16 , 19 - docosahexaenoic acid ( dha ), cis , cis , cis , cis , cis - 9 , 12 , 15 , 18 , 21 - tetracosapentaeonic acid ( tpa ) or cis , cis , cis , cis , cis , cis - 6 , 9 , 12 , 15 , 18 , 21 - tetracosahexaeonic acid ( tha ). in 2013 the us fda approved the takeda drug alogliptin ( 2 -({ 6 -[( 3r )- 3 - aminopiperidin - 1 - yl ]- 3 - methyl - 2 , 4 - dioxo - 3 , 4 - dihydropyrimidin - 1 ( 2h )- yl } methyl ) benzonitrile , that is a dipeptidyl peptidase - 4 inhibitor ( dpp - 4 ) to treat t2d in three formulations : 1 ) as a stand - alone with the brand - name nesina ®; 2 ) combined with metformin using the name kazano ®, and 3 ) when combined with pioglitazone using the name oseni ®. also takeda co ., the inventor of pioglitazone , has reintroduced the combination , oseni ®, as a safer alternative to the largely withdrawn pioglitazone alone . thus , the present invention compounds of formula ( i ) are used to treat t2d in combination with omega - 3 acids , especially eicosapentaenoic acid ( epa ) or its ethyl ester , or docosohexaneoic acid ( dha ) or its ethyl ester ; or metformin and / or rosiglitazone or pioglitazone . in a clinical study of combination therapy of fenofibrate , which lowers triglycerides and raises hdl , and rosiglitazone , paradoxically and unexepectedly a substantial fall in hdl levels was observed ( lena normen , et al ., diabetes care , 27 ( 9 ), 2241 - 2242 ( september 2004 )). however , unlike fenofibrate , which is a peroxisome proliferator - activator receptor alpha ( pparα ) agonist , rosiglitazone is a pparγ activator . both receptors have a distinct tissue expression . pparα is expressed at high levels in the liver ; whereas pparγ is expressed in many tissues , with the highest concentrations in adipose and skeletal muscle cells . because the omega - 3 acids are already known to be mild - pparγ agonists , the present invention utilizes the formation of compounds by modifying the carboxylic acid of the pufa and covalently joining a thiazolidinedione functionality and has tested if these compounds have “ souped - up ” pparγ activity , and / or other unique biological properties . such compounds can be used alone as a pharmaceutically - acceptable formulation , such as a tablet or other formulations , or in combination with a thiaglitazone such as rosiglitazone or pioglitazone , in treating t2d , and possibly also assuring safe cardiovascular health and minimizing other known side - effects of the latter drugs . this combination treatment can be administered either as a single formulation or concurrently administered . the prevalence and incidence of alzheimer &# 39 ; s disease , and its devastating effects on the lives of patients and care giver families are well known . the health care costs to society are onerous , and will continue to grow with the aging population . enormous strides have been made in understanding the pathology of the disease which leads to the build - up of amyloid plaques in the brain , which are aggregates of amyloid beta ( aβ ) peptides . fundamental advances have been made in discovering inhibitors of the extra - cellular and intra - cellular neuronal biochemical enzymes such as β - secretage ( bace1 ) or γ - secretase ( gs ) to stop the amyloid or intraneuronal τ - tangles build - up ; and even reverse these processes through treatment with specific monoclonal antibodies . however , in spite of massive scientific research and investments in reversing the cognitive decline of ad , these have yielded scant benefits . consensus is emerging that the best approach would be to treat before the disease has progressed too far , and even before disease symptoms become apparent . multi - targeted alzheimer &# 39 ; s drugs , for example dual bace / acetylcholineesterase inhibition or gsm / pparγ active agents would offer additional benefits ( harrie j . m . gisjen , et al ., “ secretase inhibitors and modulators as a disease - modifying approach against alzheimer &# 39 ; s disease ”, annual reports in medicinal chem ., 47 , 55 - 69 ( 2012 )). the presence of omega - 3 fatty acids , especially dha in the brain is ubiquitious . clinical studies in 4 year old children support the beneficial effects of docohexaenoic acid ( dha ) on cognitive function ( nct 00351624 ; 2006 - 2008 ; sponsored by martek biosciences corporation ). it would be an interesting study to follow such treated children over decades regarding the incidence of onset of symptoms of alzheimer &# 39 ; s disease relative to the untreated group . in the meantime , it is worth exploring in a prospective study , if the dha thiaglitazone , a pparγ agonist , either alone , or in combination with a gamma secretase modulator ( gsm ), or other prescribed clinical agents would slow down the decline of cognitive function in pre - ad patients . the general synthesis of the compounds of formula ( i ) is described in the general scheme below and the procedures are based on the literature provided below . the procedures used in the examples are based on reported literature on the synthesis of thioazolidinediones , see for example : 1 ) les a . pucko , et al ., “ optimization of the reduction of a 5 - benzylidenethiazolidine - 2 , 4 - dione derivative supported by the reaction resonce surface analysis : synthesis of pioglitazone hydrochloride ”, org . proc . res . dev ., 8 , 157 - 162 ( 2004 ); 2 ) thomas mendgen , et al ., “ privileged scaffolds or promiscuous binders : a comparative study on rhodanines and related heterocycles in medicinal chemistry ”, j . med . chem ., 55 , 743 - 753 ( 2011 ); 3 ) o . p . goel , et al ., “ n - tert - butoxycarbonyl - l - leucinal ”, org . syn . 8 , 68 - 70 ( 1993 ); and 4 ) h . f . anwar , et al ., “ first total synthesis of a polyunsaturated chromone metabolite isolated from the brown algae zonaria tournefortii ”, org . letters , 11 ( 3 ), 587 - 588 ( 2009 ). this invention will be further clarified by a consideration of the following examples for synthesis of compounds of formula ( i ), which are intended to be purely exemplary of the present invention . the examples for epa - tz and dha - tz are generally applicable to all pufas . epa ethyl ester ( 65 %, tci america , 25 . 0 g , 0 . 076 mol ) was dissolved in dichloromethane ( 120 ml ) under an argon atmosphere . the solution was cooled in acetone / dry ice batch and 1m diisobutylaluminum hydride ( 140 ml ) in dichloromethane was added dropwise over 1 h , while cooling in an acetone / dry ice bath . after the addition was complete , the solution was stirred for 3 h at − 78 ° c . the reaction mixture was quenched with saturated ammonium chloride ( 100 ml ) added dropwise , followed by 5 % aqueous hcl ( 100 ml ). additional dichloromethane ( 200 ml ) was added and the mixture warmed to rt . after filtration , the dichloromethane layer was separated , dried over sodium sulfate , filtered , and concentrated . the crude epa aldehyde ( 15 . 8 g yellow oil ) was purified by column chromatography on silica gel ( 300 g ) eluting with ethyl acetate / heptanes ( 1 : 10 ) to yield epa aldehyde ( 8 . 85 g , 40 % yield , 65 - 70 % purity by nmr ) as a clear oil . the epa aldehyde ( 8 . 85 g , 0 . 031 mol ) and 2 , 4 - thiazolidinedione ( 4 . 6 g , 0 . 039 mol ) were dissolved in ethanol ( 150 ml ) under an argon atmosphere at rt . piperidine ( 0 . 60 ml , 0 . 006 mol ) was added and the solution was heated under reflux for 3 h . the solution was cooled to rt and concentrated under reduced pressure . dichloromethane ( 100 ml ) was added . the dichloromethane solution was washed with 5 % aqueous hydrochloric acid ( 100 ml ) and water ( 100 ml ). the solution was then dried over sodium sulfate , filtered , and concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude condensed epa - tz conjugate was purified by column chromatography on silica gel ( 250 g ) eluting with ethyl acetate / heptanes ( 1 : 3 ) to produce the olefinic epa - tz conjugate ( 8 . 65 g , 73 % yield ) as a yellow oil ( purity 65 - 70 % by nmr ). in a separate flask , dimethylglyoxime ( 6 . 6 g , 0 . 057 mol ) and cobalt chloride hexahydrate ( 1 . 3 g , 0 . 0054 mol ) were mixed in dmf ( 60 ml ). the olefin was dissolved in methanol ( 100 ml ) and sodium hydroxide ( 1 . 3 g , 0 . 033 mol ) in water ( 60 ml ) was added . after mixing , the cobalt chloride / dimethylglyoxime solution was added to the olefin . the mixture was warmed to 30 - 40 ° c . on a water bath and sodium borohydride ( 2 . 0 g ) was added in portions over 3 h . after a total of 5 h at 30 - 40 ° c ., the mixture was cooled to rt and concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude material was added to dichloromethane ( 200 ml ) and washed with 5 % hydrochloric acid ( 200 ml ). the dichloromethane solution was dried over sodium sulfate , filtered , and concentrated . the crude orange oil ( 9 . 5 g ) was purified by column chromatography on silica gel ( 200 g ) eluting with ethyl acetate / heptanes ( 1 : 4 ). the procedure generated the epa - tz conjugate ( 6 . 2 g , 72 % yield , 70 % purity by hplc ) as a light yellow oil . the epa - tz conjugate was purified in portions ( 0 . 8 g ) twice , by reverse phase chromatography on a c18 cartridge ( 100 g ) using an automated mplc system ( combi - flash ), eluting with 40 - 90 % methanol / water over 24 min and 90 % methanol / water over 20 min ( observing at 233 nm , rt = 32 - 34 min ) the mplc purification , after concentration and drying , generated 0 . 63 g light tan gel that was epa - tz conjugate ( 95 . 8 % purity , hplc ) and is further characterized by : chemical formula : c 23 h 33 no 2 s ; molecular weight : 387 . 58 chromatographic purity ( hplc ): 95 . 8 % ( rt = 11 . 735 min , 80 - 95 % meoh / h 2 o over 10 min , luna c18 , 5μ , 4 . 6 × 250 mm , 1 . 0 ml / min , 10 μl injection , 40 ° c ., uv detection , 230 nm ) hrms ( mmi - tof - ms ): calculated for c 23 h 34 no 2 s ( m + h ) + : 388 . 2310 . found : 388 . 2314 . 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 / tms ): δ 8 . 51 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 42 - 5 . 27 ( m , 10h ), 4 . 27 ( dd , 1h , j = 9 . 3 , 4 . 2 hz ), 2 . 90 - 2 . 75 ( m , 8h ), 2 . 21 - 2 . 00 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 99 - 1 . 96 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 58 - 1 . 38 ( m , 4h ), 0 . 98 ( t , 3h j = 7 . 8 hz ) 13 c nmr ( 75 mhz , cdcl 3 / tms ): δ 175 . 7 , 171 . 4 , 132 . 1 , 129 . 4 , 128 . 6 , 128 . 4 , 128 . 3 , 128 . 2 , 128 . 1 , 127 . 9 , 127 . 1 , 52 . 0 , 32 . 9 , 29 . 1 , 27 . 0 , 26 . 8 , 25 . 9 , 25 . 8 , 20 . 8 , 14 . 5 . dha - aid cl - 400 ( 40 %, lonza , 20 . 0 g ) which contained bis and triglycerides of dha and other fatty acids , was mixed with thf ( 200 ml ), methanol ( 200 ml ), and water ( 200 ml ) containing sodium hydroxide ( 40 g , 1 mol ) at rt overnight under an argon atmosphere . after 20 h , the solution was concentrated by 50 % on a rotary evaporator . the solids that formed were washed with thf ( 50 ml ). the thf filtrates were combined and concentrated . water ( 100 ml ) was added and the mixture was acidified to ph 2 with concentrated hcl . the product was extracted with diethyl ether ( 2 × 100 ml ). the ether extracts were combined , dried over sodium sulfate , filtered , and concentrated . the remaining yellow solid ( 6 . 5 g ) was dissolved in heptanes ( 200 ml ) and stored overnight in a − 10 ° c . freezer . the solids were filtered and the dha enriched filtrate was concentrated . the process generated a mixture of acids that was roughly 50 - 60 % dha acid ( 1 in scheme 2 ), as a yellow oil , and is further characterized by : 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 / tms ): major component δ 5 . 42 - 5 . 27 ( m , 12h ), 2 . 90 - 2 . 75 ( m , 10h ), 2 . 40 - 2 . 25 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 21 - 2 . 00 ( m , 2h ), 0 . 98 ( t , 3h j = 7 . 8 hz ). the dha acid mixture 1 ( 4 . 68 g , 14 . 2 mmol ) was dissolved in dichloromethane ( 20 ml ) under an argon atmosphere , at rt . to the dha solution , was added n , o - dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride ( 1 . 39 g , 14 . 2 mmol ), 4 -( n , n - dimethylamino ) pyridine ( 1 . 74 g , 14 . 2 mmol ), and edc ( 3 . 0 g , 15 . 6 mmol ). after stiffing for 20 h at rt , the solution was extracted with 10 % hydrochloric acid solution ( 2 × 150 ml ). the dichloromethane was dried over sodium sulfate , filtered , and concentrated . the crude product ( 5 . 0 g tan oil ) was purified on silica gel ( 100 g ) eluting with ethyl acetate / heptanes ( 1 : 20 ) to generate the dha - amide mixture ( 2 in scheme 2 ) ( 4 . 7 g , 89 % yield ) as a tan oil that was 60 - 65 % dha - amide by nmr and is further characterized by : 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 / tms ): major component δ 5 . 45 - 5 . 26 ( m , 12h ), 3 . 64 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 14 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 90 - 2 . 75 ( m , 10h ), 2 . 50 - 2 . 35 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 04 ( m , 2h ), 0 . 97 ( t , 3h j = 7 . 5 hz ); 13 c nmr ( 75 mhz , cdcl 3 / tms ): major component δ 173 . 8 , 131 . 9 , 128 . 8 , 128 . 6 , 128 . 5 , 128 . 2 , 128 . 1 , 128 . 0 , 127 . 8 , 127 . 0 , 32 . 0 , 25 . 8 , 25 . 7 , 22 . 6 , 20 . 7 , 14 . 4 . dha amide from part b ( 3 . 55 g , 9 . 55 mmol ) was dissolved in diethyl ether ( 15 ml ) under an argon atmosphere . the dha solution was added drop - wire to a mixture of lithium aluminum hydride ( 0 . 55 g , 14 . 5 mmol ) in diethyl ether ( 50 ml ) that was cooled in acetone / dry ice batch that maintained the temperature at or below − 50 ° c . after the addition was complete , the solution was stirred and slowly warmed for 3 h to 0 ° c . the flask was cooled again to − 50 ° c . and the experiment was quenched by drop - wise addition of potassium bisulfate ( 1 . 6 g ) in water ( 15 ml ). additional diethyl ether ( 50 ml ) was added and the mixture warmed to 0 ° c . after filtration , the salts were washed with additional diethyl ether ( 2 × 50 ml ). the combined diethyl ether extracts were dried over sodium sulfate , filtered , and concentrated . the crude dha aldehyde ( 2 . 9 g colorless oil ) was purified twice by column chromatography on silica gel ( 100 g ) eluting with ethyl acetate / heptanes ( 1 : 20 ) to prepare dha aldehyde ( 3 in scheme 2 ) ( 0 . 7 g , 23 % yield , 85 - 90 % purity by nmr ) as a clear oil and further characterized by : 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 / tms ): δ 9 . 78 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 50 - 5 . 22 ( m , 12h ), 2 . 90 - 2 . 75 ( m , 10h ), 2 . 51 - 2 . 45 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 08 ( m , 2h ), 0 . 98 ( t , 3h j = 7 . 5 hz ); 13 c nmr ( 75 mhz , cdcl 3 / tms ): δ 201 . 7 , 132 . 2 , 128 . 6 , 128 . 7 , 128 . 6 , 128 . 5 , 128 . 1 , 127 . 9 , 127 . 2 , 44 . 0 , 26 . 0 , 25 . 9 , 20 . 9 , 20 . 5 , 14 . 6 . dha aldehyde from part c ( 1 . 50 g , 4 . 8 mmol ) was dissolved in ethanol ( 30 ml ) with thiazolidine - 2 , 4 - dione ( 0 . 81 g , 6 . 8 mmol ), and a catalytic amount of piperidine ( 103 mg , 1 . 2 mmol ). the mixture was heated under reflux for 2 h . the heat was turned off and the solution slowly cooled to rt over 1 . 5 h . the ethanol was removed under reduced pressure and dichloromethane ( 100 ml ) was added . the dichloromethane was extracted with 5 % hcl ( 100 ml ) and water ( 100 ml ). the dichloromethane was dried over sodium sulfate , filtered , and concentrated . the remaining orange oil ( 1 . 94 g ) was purified on silica gel ( 100 g ), eluting with 10 - 30 % ethyl acetate in heptanes . the experiment produced dha - tz olefin intermediate ( 4 in scheme 2 ) ( 1 . 45 g , 74 % yield , purity 85 - 90 % by nmr ) as a light yellow oil and is further characterized by : 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 / tms ): δ 7 . 04 ( t , 1h , j = 7 . 5 hz ), 5 . 50 - 5 . 22 ( m , 12h ), 2 . 85 - 2 . 75 ( m , 10h ), 2 . 40 - 2 . 25 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 08 ( m , 2h ), 0 . 98 ( t , 3h j = 7 . 5 hz ); 13 c nmr ( 75 mhz , cdcl 3 / tms ): δ 167 . 0 , 165 . 2 , 138 . 6 , 132 . 2 , 130 . 2 , 128 . 7 , 128 . 6 , 128 . 5 , 128 . 5 , 128 . 2 , 128 . 1 , 128 . 0 , 127 . 8 , 127 . 5 , 127 . 1 , 126 . 9 , 32 . 1 , 26 . 0 , 25 . 9 , 25 . 8 , 20 . 9 , 14 . 6 . dha - tz olefin intermediate from part d ( 0 . 62 g , 1 . 5 mmol ) was mixed with methanol ( 12 ml ) and sodium hydroxide ( 0 . 2 g , 5 mmol ) in water ( 5 ml ) at rt for 5 min to this solution was added a mixture of dimethlglyoxime ( 0 . 54 g , 4 . 6 mmol ) and cobalt chloride hexahydrate ( 0 . 2 g , 0 . 84 mmol ) in dmf ( 10 ml ). the solution was heated to 30 - 40 ° c . and sodium borohydride ( 450 mg , 10 . 5 mmol ) was added in portions over 5 h . after 5 h , the solution was cooled to rt in a water bath and diluted hydrochloric acid was added ( 100 ml , 5 % hcl ). the product was extracted twice with diethyl ether ( 100 ml each ). the combined diethyl ether extracts were dried over sodium sulfate , filtered , and concentrated . the crude product was purified on silica gel ( 10 g ) eluting with 0 - 30 % ethyl acetate in heptane to made dha - tz analog ( 5 in scheme 2 ) ( 0 . 22 g , 35 % yield ) as clear oil and is further characterized by : chemical formula : c 25 h 35 no 2 s ; molecular weight : 413 . 62 ; hrms ( mmi - tof - ms ): calculated for c 25 h 36 no 2 s ( m + h ) + : 414 . 2466 . found : 414 . 2477 . 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 / tms ): δ 8 . 26 ( br s , 1h ), 5 . 50 - 5 . 27 ( m , 12h ), 4 . 27 ( dd , 1h , j = 9 . 3 , 4 . 2 hz ), 2 . 90 - 2 . 75 ( m , 10h ), 2 . 21 - 1 . 95 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 66 - 1 . 42 ( m , 2h ), 0 . 97 ( t , 3h j = 7 . 5 hz ); 13 c nmr ( 75 mhz , cdcl 3 / tms ): δ 174 . 4 , 170 . 1 , 132 . 2 , 129 . 3 , 128 . 8 , 128 . 5 , 128 . 3 , 128 . 2 , 128 . 1 , 127 . 2 , 51 . 9 , 32 . 8 , 27 . 1 , 26 . 8 , 26 . 0 , 25 . 9 , 20 . 9 , 14 . 6 ; and the proposed anti - diabetic mechanism of action of the compounds of formula ( i ) includes the activation of pparγ , which is well known to induce metabolic changes that ameliorate diabetes . to determine if these compounds can activate pparγ or the members of the ppar family of nuclear receptors ( pparα and pparδ ), the ability of these compounds to activate ppar receptors in a cell - based chimeric receptor transcription assay were tested . this is a standard nuclear receptor ligand activity assay that utilizes the ligand binding domain of the ppar receptor fused to a heterologous gal4 dna binding domain . the transcriptional read - out is from a gal4 - regulated luciferase reporter . in this assay , compounds that activate the receptor cause an increase in luciferase activity measured in a luminometer . the data are shown in table 1 below ( average luciferase values from transcription assay ). even though it was not possible to calculate an ec 50 value for the epa ethyl ester as control , it is notable that it showed a mild stimulatory activity on pparγ at high doses ( table 1 ). given that the goal of the present medicinal chemistry strategy was to increase the pparγ stimulatory activity of epa , these data clearly show that the strategy was a success . the results of this assay demonstrate the epa - tz and dha - tz induced the activation of pparγ with a potency ( ec 50 ) of 12 and 10 μmolar , respectively . table 2 below is a summary of the calculated ec 50 values and a graph of the dose response curves are shown in fig1 . the ability of epa - tz and dha - tz to activate pparγ is similar to troglitazone and pioglitazone ( pparγ ligands used as antidiabetic agents in humans ), both of which have potency in the same low micro molar range ( see t wilson , et al ., “ the ppars : from orphan receptors to drug discovery ”, j . med . chem . 43 ( 4 ), 527 - 50 ( 2000 feb . 24 )). although the invention has been described with reference to its preferred embodiments , those of ordinary skill in the art may , upon reading and understanding this disclosure , appreciate changes and modifications which may be made which do not depart from the scope and spirit of the invention as described above or claimed hereafter . accordingly , this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the invention .	2
this invention involves the formation of a true covalent bond between molecules of methicone and the oxide linkages of crystals . the actual polymerization is driven by a three way combination of mechanical energy ( mixing rapidly ), thermal energy ( baking ), and a catalyst . the process of preparing crystalline emulsions for application to the skin involves the following steps . the crystals of this invention are small and have sharp edges so as to be able to abrade a surface such as skin . the crystals include , but are not limited to magnesium oxide crystals , aluminum oxide crystals or a combination thereof . preferably , magnesium oxide crystals are used . materials , such as silicon dioxide , which are rounded function poorly in this invention as they have no edges to abrade a surface . the crystals used herein are of a particle size about 40 - 2000 microns , preferably about 100 - 1200 microns , most preferably about 600 - 800 microns . a combination of methicone , crystals and catalyst is used in the invention . the methicone to crystal weight / weight percentage is about 0 . 01 - 10 . 0 %, preferably about 0 . 2 - 5 %, and most preferably about 1 - 2 %. the catalyst is a compound that can be safely used in the production of cosmetics . for example , ammonia and live steam are safe catalysts because they completely vaporize out of the mixture during processing . ammonia is the preferred catalyst of the invention . the catalyst to crystal - methicone mixture weight / weight percentage is about 0 . 001 - 10 . 0 %, preferably about 0 . 05 - 4 . 0 %, and most preferably about 1 - 2 %. the methicone is cured to the crystals with mixing and the action of a catalyst . the crystals are first mixed with methicone and catalyst . this mixing is preferably performed rapidly . during the mixing covalent bonds are formed between the methicone molecules and the oxide linkages of the crystals . the mixing can be accomplished with a hammermill with a large screen , such as a ¼ ″ screen , or other rapid mixers known to those in the art , such that there is a complete uniformity of coating with the methicone and catalyst on the crystals . the components are mixed until a slurry is formed . the mixing and formation of a slurry is followed by baking the slurry until the mixture is dry in order to remove the catalyst from the mixture . the baking takes place at a temperature within the range of about 150 ° f .- 450 ° f ., preferably between about 225 ° f . and about 375 ° f ., most preferably at about 300 ° f . baking is performed until the mixture is dry and the catalyst is removed . baking occurs for approximately 1 hour when baking at 300 ° f . the mixture is dry when the water content of the mixture is less than or equal to about 2 %, preferably less than about 1 %, most preferably less than about 0 . 1 %. the dried mixture of coated crystals is lipophilic and hydrophobic which allows the coated crystals to remain suspended in an emulsion . the coated crystals can be tested to determine whether true covalent bonds were formed between the methicone and the crystals . first , the coated crystals are placed into a standardized aqueous lotion and allowed to sit for about 12 - 18 hours . if the methicone is not completely bonded to the crystals , then bubbles of h 2 will appear . the final step , after making the coated crystals , is mixing the coated crystals with the carrier to create the crystalline emulsion . the carrier is any gel , lotion , thick solution , cream , paste , wax , or like substance , or any combination thereof known by those in the art that would allow the carrier to hold the coated crystals . the coated crystal to carrier ratio is within the range of about 2 %- 99 %, preferably about 50 % ( 1 : 2 ). however , the range may vary with the carrier used , as long as an emulsion can be maintained and sufficient amounts of crystals are present to act as abraders . additional compounds may be added to the crystalline emulsion , including ; vitamin c , vitamin e , herbal extracts , perfumes , thickeners , surfactants , moisturizers and any other similar compound or combination thereof known to those in the art and desired to be used in a cosmetic . a generous amount of the crystalline emulsion should be applied to the skin , for example on the face of a user , avoiding the eye area . the user then gently rubs the emulsion with his / her fingertips , applying light to medium pressure , in a circular motion between about 10 to about 15 times . the rubbing should not exceed about 30 circles in order to prevent excess abrasion of the skin . then the face is rinsed thoroughly with warm water and patted dry . this procedure can be performed several times a week , preferably about once every 3 to 5 days . in order to obtain the maximum benefits of the skin rejuvenation treatment , a further embodiment of this invention involves the use of the crystalline emulsion in a system of products that provide complete treatment and skin care . this system involves six phases , the application of the crystalline emulsion being one of these phases . phase one involves the use of a face and body cleanser daily . the user should wet his / her face with warm water , work a small amount of the cleanser into a lather , and smooth over the face and body . the cleanser is then rinsed off and the face is patted dry . phase two is the application of the crystalline emulsion which should preferably be done about once every 3 to 5 days . phase three involves the daily use of a toner that acts as an exfoliant to remove excess dead skin cells , oil residue and / or dirt and to calm skin redness , minimize pores and condition the skin . the toner is applied to a cotton pad which is gently used to wipe the face . the user should wait about 5 minutes before proceeding to the next phase . phase four involves the daily use of a vitamin c collagen gel to protect and nurture new skin cells . a small amount should be applied to the face in a circular motion . phase five involves the use of a vitamin enriched sun protecting day moisturizing cream to protect the new skin cells from sun damage , pollution and dehydration . a small amount should be applied to the face twice daily . phase six involves the use of an anti - aging treatment cream to increase moisture retention , reduce redness and diminish fine lines . a small amount should be applied to the face at night in a circular motion . thus , novel compositions and methods have been described . various changes may of course be made , without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . magnesium oxide crystals between 600 - 800 microns in size were combined with methicone , where the methicone to crystal weight / weight percentage was 1 - 2 %. ammonia was added to the mixture as a catalyst , where the ammonia to crystal - methicone mixture weight / weight percentage was 1 - 2 %. these three components were rapidly mixed in a hammermill with a large ¼ ″ screen until a slurry was formed and the crystals were uniformly coated with the methicone and catalyst . the slurry was baked at 300 ° f . for one hour . after baking , the dried mixture of coated crystals had a water content less than 0 . 1 %. the coated crystals were tested to determine whether true covalent bonds formed between the methicone and crystals by placing the crystals in a standardized aqueous lotion and allowing the lotion to sit for 18 hours . bubbles did not appear in the lotion . the coated crystals were mixed with a gel , where the coated crystals to gel ratio was approximately 1 : 2 , to create the crystalline emulsion .	0
fig1 , 2 , 4 through 7 , and 10 through 24 illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of an air blowing system 100 including substantially identical first and second air blowers , 102 b and 102 t respectively . each of the blowers includes a base 104 including a foot portion 106 with two separated supports , 108 l and 108 r , projecting upwardly there - from to form a yoke that defines a horizontal tilt axis 110 . each of the blowers includes a blower housing 112 tiltably affixed to the base at and tiltable relative to the base about the horizontal tilt axis , and including an axial fan 114 having a fan blade driven by an electric motor when energized for forcing airflow through and from the blower housing . each of the blowers includes a nema - type power cord 116 suited to plug into and connect with a standard nema - type wall outlet or extension cord ( see any reference source for standard nema plug and outlet configurations , such as http :// www . nooutage . com / nema_configurations . htm ) for supplying energy to the system . a control switch 118 is electrically disposed between the power cord and the electric motor for selectably allowing or denying energy to the electric motor and varying the motor &# 39 ; s rotational speed . and a nema - type power outlet 120 is integrated into the top of each blower and electrically connected to the blower &# 39 ; s power cord such that the blower &# 39 ; s outlet is live whenever its power cord is plugged into the wall outlet or extension cord . in non nema regions , equivalent power cords and outlets are be substituted . the two blowers may be used individually or simultaneously but separately as complete and independent fans in what will be referred to as a “ first operational mode ”. in this first operational mode , as depicted in fig2 , the power cord of the one or both blowers to be used is plugged into the same or separate wall outlets 200 and the control switch of the one or both is turned to any of several selectable rotational speeds . the motor of the one or both is thereby energized to rotate the associated fan blade according to the selected speed and produce an airflow of the selected intensity . the fans may be used in separate rooms or used in the same room to provide two cooling airflows in different locations or to direct two air flows towards the same point from different locations . each fan can , of course , be set to operate at a different speed , and each fan can be independently turned and tilted to select the desired airflow direction . each blower has a threaded hole 126 into its underside 128 . as best seen in fig1 and 22 , a removable coupling 130 is selectably affixable into the underside by screwing a threaded top portion 132 of the coupling into the threaded hole of the second blower until the flange 134 of the coupling seats firmly against the underside . each blower also has a round hole 140 into its top side 142 which may receive a cylindrical lower portion 136 of the coupling . a locking screw 144 is threaded through the top side to selectably engage a groove 146 in the cylindrical lower portion . when the coupling is threaded into the underside of the second or “ top ” blower 102 t and the coupling &# 39 ; s lower portion is fitted down into the round hole of the first or “ bottom ” blower , and the thumbscrew of the bottom blower is at least partially screwed into the coupling &# 39 ; s groove , and when the power cord 116 of the top blower is plugged into the power outlet 120 of the bottom blower , the two blowers and coupling form the stacked blower system of fig1 , 2 , 4 through 7 and 10 through 20 , in what will be referred to as the “ second operational mode ”. in this “ second operational mode ”, the two blower units are assembled together to from a single blower unit capable of providing two airflows in a variety of different manners with each having distinct , differently directable , and independently controllable airflows , while obtaining power from a single wall outlet or extension cord . both blowers are tiltable relative to their respective bases so that the upward or downward slope of the airflow from each blower may be adjusted as desired , at the same or different slopes . the assembly may be rotated as a whole to adjust the horizontal direction of the bottom blowers &# 39 ; airflow , and the top blow may be rotated relative to the bottom blower by the pivotable fit of the coupling &# 39 ; s lower portion into the bottom blower &# 39 ; s top hole . optional tightening of the lockscrew until it seats fully into the coupling &# 39 ; s groove and securely against the coupling pivotally locks the two blowers in the existing pivotal relationship . with the power cord of the top blower plugged into the lower blower &# 39 ; s power outlet , the first or bottom blower becomes a “ master ” blower and the second or top blower becomes a “ slave ” blower , wherein only the bottom blower needs to be plugged into a wall outlet or extension cord to provide power to the entire assembly , thereby reducing the number of available wall outlets of extension cords that must be occupied . referring to fig2 and 24 , and alternate resting position is shown for the air blowing system . in this configuration , the base of the bottom blower is pivoted rearwardly relative to the blower &# 39 ; s housing . a ratcheting mechanism within the joint that affixes the housing to the base causes the base and housing to snap between numerous distinct semi - fixed angular relationships . by “ semi - fixed ”, it is meant that the base will rigidly maintain the position relative to the housing unless a substantial force is exerted to overcome the holding forces of the ratcheting mechanism . these angular positions include the semi - fixed position depicted , which is found to provide improved anti - tipover stability of the blowers compared to the arrangement of fig1 and 2 , especially when the blowers are stacked together . this is because the footprint of the assembly is enlarged by this arrangement compared to that shown in fig1 and 2 . the blowers may alternatively be mounted to a vertical wall in either the first or second operational modes . as shown in fig1 , the underside 128 includes keyholes 150 which are intended to receive nail heads or screw heads ( not shown ) protruding from a wall 300 so that the base of the independent blowers in the first operational mode or base of the bottom blower in the second operational mode may be attached against the wall . fig1 through 12 show that the selectable directability of the airflows is still available in the wall mounted disposition . fig2 shows an alternate version of screw or nail hanging openings 152 in the underside . fig1 through 17 are top views of the assembly in the second operational mode to demonstrate the relative pivotability of the two blowers when stacked together . referring to fig3 , 8 , and 9 , it can be appreciated that the system is adaptable to using any reasonable number of intermediary blowers ; single intermediary blower 102 m of the three - blower system 400 of fig3 and 8 or multiple intermediary blowers 102 x of the multi - blower system 500 fig9 . in such arrangements , one additional coupling is used for each intermediary blower added ; each attached the same as shown in fig1 . from the foregoing , it will be clear that the present invention has been shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment that merely exemplifies the broader invention revealed herein . certainly , those skilled in the art can conceive of alternative embodiments . for instance , those with the major features of the invention in mind could craft embodiments that incorporate one or more major features while not incorporating all aspects of the foregoing exemplary embodiment . obviously , many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings . it is to be understood , therefore , that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described . with this in mind , the claims that follow will define the scope of protection to be afforded the invention , and those claims shall be deemed to include equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention . certain of these claims may express certain elements as a means for performing a specific function , at times without the recital of structure or material . as the law demands , any such claims shall be construed to cover not only the corresponding structure and material expressly described in the specification but also equivalents thereof .	5

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.