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fig7 illustrates an exemplary chirp controlled optical modulator 30 formed in accordance with the present invention . for the purposes of discussion , the components of modulator 30 that are similar to components of prior art modulator 10 carry the same reference numerals and their functionality is not discussed in detail . in this particular embodiment of the present invention , a phase modulation control section 32 is included in modulator 30 and is located “ inside ” the modulator with rf data modulation section 34 ( which functions in the manner of the prior art as described above to impress an electrical modulating input signal on a cw optical signal propagating through the structure ). in the embodiment of fig7 , a separate dc bias section 36 is also shown . the use of dc bias in a modulator is well - known in the art , and is used to ensure that the modulator provides the desired phase shift around a specific operating point . the dc operating point is shown on fig5 as preferably located mid - way between the maximum and minimum values of the output power . in accordance with the present invention , each portion 33 - l and 33 - r of phase modulation control section 32 is driven by the same signal ( as opposed to the use of complementary signals used to drive the rf data modulation section ), so that each arm “ sees ” the same overall phase adjustment , noted as ψ in fig7 , where as a result of the addition of this phase adjustment section , φ is now defined as follows : thus , by controlling the value of ψ , the chirp of the overall modulator can be controlled . in particular , the length l phase of phase adjustment section 32 is optimized to provide the desired value of ψ and , as a result the desired chirp value . moreover , the same data input signal used to drive rf data modulation section 34 can be used to drive phase adjustment section 32 . fig8 contains a pair of “ eye diagram ” plots ( i . e ., signal output as a function of time ) for a data rate of 10 gb / s , showing the improvement in performance by virtue of adding a phase adjustment section to a silicon - based optical modulator . fig8 ( a ) is the eye diagram associated with a prior art silicon - based modulator , such as modulator of fig3 , measured for a modulator length l data of 350 μm . fig8 ( b ) is a plot of a modulator formed in accordance with the present invention , adding a phase adjustment section of l phase = 250 μm . the improvement in eye opening from controlling chirp is noticeable in the eye diagram of fig8 ( b ), especially at / near the low output power , “ logic 0 ” value . fig9 contains plots of the chirp parameters associated with the eye diagrams of fig8 ( a ) and ( b ), where the chirp of the prior art shown in fig9 ( a ) is positive in value for an extended portion of the bit period and never goes below “ zero chirp . in contrast , fig9 ( b ) illustrates the chirp associated with a modulator of the present invention , showing a substantial reduction in chirp ( and , at times , a negative chirp value ) within the bit period . various types of “ segmented ” optical modulators have been previously proposed . for example , u . s . pat . no . 7 , 515 , 778 , issued apr . 7 , 2009 and assigned to the assignee of this application , discloses a segmented modulator where the rf section comprises a plurality of segments to accommodate a multi - level input signal . this “ segmented ” approach may be used in accordance with the present invention to provide a tunable chirp control through a tunable phase modulation control section . fig1 illustrates an exemplary optical modulator 40 formed in accordance with this aspect of the present invention , in this case showing the use of a single input data encoder 42 to provide inputs to both rf data modulation section 34 and phase adjustment section 32 . the ordering of components along the arms of the interferometer is not important ; in this embodiment , phase adjustment section 32 is positioned before rf data modulation section 34 . as with the arrangement of fig7 , a complementary signal pair is used to differentially drive segments 35 - l and 35 - r of rf data modulation section 34 . in this particular arrangement as shown in fig1 , phase modulation control section 32 comprises two separate segments along each arm , denoted as segments 44 - l and 46 - l along waveguide arm 16 , and segments 44 - r and 46 - r along waveguide arm 18 . segments 44 - l and 44 - r are shown as having a first length l phase , 1 and therefore impart a first phase delay ψ 1 to the propagating optical signal . segments 46 - l and 46 - r are shown as having a second length l phase , 2 , imparting a second phase delay ψ 2 to the propagating optical signal . in accordance with the present invention , therefore , by controlling the activation of these segments ( via the input signals from encoder 42 ), the additional phase delay added to the output signal can be selected from the three different values : ψ 1 , ψ 2 , or ψ 1 + ψ 2 . obviously , the inclusion of additional segments allows for further control of the applied phase delay . as mentioned above , it is also possible to locate the phase modulation control section of the inventive modulator “ outside ” of the modulation element itself , along either one of the input and output waveguide sections . fig1 is a simplified diagram of an optical modulator 50 formed in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention . in this case , a phase modulation control section 32 - i is positioned along input waveguide section 12 and is controlled by the same rf data input signal that drives arm 33 - l of rf data modulation section 34 . phase modulation control section 32 - i is shown has having a length l phase , 1 for imparting a phase of ψ 1 onto the incoming signal propagating along waveguide section 12 ( before it is split along waveguide arms 16 , 18 ). the use of only a single segment to provide the phase adjustment to the propagating signal introduces less of a capacitive load than the embodiments described above with the phase modulation control section located inside of the modulator and requiring a pair of segments to introduce the phase adjustment along each waveguide arm . fig1 illustrates a similar embodiment as shown in fig1 , in this case illustrating an optical modulator 60 with a phase modulation control section 32 - o disposed along output waveguide section 14 and controlled by the inverted rf data signal used to control segment 35 - r of rf data modulation section 34 . as shown , phase modulation control section 32 - o has a length of l phase , o selected to introduce a phase delay ψ o into the optical output signal . again , the use of a single segment to provide the phase adjustment introduces less capacitance into the modulator than the embodiments requiring the use of a pair of segments . as with the embodiment shown in fig1 , it is possible to utilize a segmented phase modulation control section at either the input or output of the modulator . fig1 illustrates an exemplary optical modulator 70 , showing in this particular embodiment both an input phase modulation control section 32 - i and an output phase modulation control section 32 - o ( where it is to be understood that only a single segmented phase modulation control section may also be used ). as with the segmented embodiment described above , input phase modulation control section 32 - i is shown as comprising a pair of segments 72 - i and 74 - i , each of a different length and thus imparting a different phase delay ψ i1 and ψ i2 to the input cw optical signal . a control element 76 is shown in this particular embodiment as providing the input drive signals to input phase modulation control section 32 - i , where either one or both ( or neither ) of the segments may be energized for a given application , thus providing a controlling amount of phase adjustment to the modulator to control the chirp exhibited by the output signal . similar control of segmented output phase modulation control section 32 - o provides the same ability to control the amount of chirp present in the output signal by controlling the phase introduced to the output signal . in summary , by virtue of adding one or more segments to the modulator , the phase of the input signal can be controlled to provide the desired chirp behavior for a specific application / system configuration . the relatively small size of a semiconductor modulator ( as compared to prior art lithium niobate modulators ) allows for the “ extra ” phase sections to be added to the modulator without unduly increasing the size of the overall device or otherwise impacting the performance of the modulator . indeed , it is possible to model the semiconductor modulator as “ lumped elements ” and thus avoid the complicated traveling - wave electrode structure associated with prior art lithium niobate modulators . it is further to be understood that while the specific embodiments described above are associated with a silicon - based optical modulator , the same properties of phase , chirp and the like are present in other semiconductor - based modulators ( i . e ., iii - v based modulating devices ) and the principles of incorporating one or more phase modulation control sections in these other modulator configurations will provide chirp control in the same manner . thus , the spirit and scope of the present invention is considered to be limited only by the claims appended hereto : | 6 |
circular shearing blade 10 shown in fig1 is composed of an annular , flat , hard metal body 11 having a thickness d 2 and being composed of 78 . 5 mass percent wc , 10 mass percent ( ti , ta , nb ) c , 11 . 5 mass percent co , and a titanium nitride layer 12 applied by the process to be described below to a thickness d 1 . the thickness d 2 of the hard metal body is 0 . 5mm and the thickness d 1 of the titanium nitride layer 12 is about l . 5 μm . the blade 10 has an external diameter d of 106 . 5 mm and an internal diameter d of 70 mm . a pulsed direct voltage in a plasma - supported cvd process is employed for depositing the coating and is , generally , a rectangular voltage having a maximum amplitude between 200 and 900 volts and a period duration between 20 μms and 20 ms . deviations which form non - vertical ascending and descending edges , as well as tilts , are also conceivable insofar as the condition remains met that , between two maximum voltage values , the direct voltage does not drop to zero but always remains above the lowest ionization potential of any of the participating cvd gases and below 50 % of the maximum voltage deflection . preferably , the ratio of the average residual direct voltage to the maximum pulsed direct voltage is set to lie between 0 . 02 and 0 . 5 . according to a modification of the process , the ratio of pulse length , duration of the positive voltage signal of a pulse , to the pulse interval between two pulses ranges from 0 . 1 to 0 . 6 . the deposition temperature was about 550 ° c . so that , under the set conditions , a layer growth rate ranging between 0 . 5 and 10 μm / h developed . the schematic curve ( voltage ( v ) versus time ( t )) for the pulsed direct voltage is shown in fig3 . u g identifies the lower cut - off voltage determined by the lowest ionization potential of any of the gases participating in the cvd process . the circular shearing blades coated by means of the inventive plasma pulse cvd process were also plane parallel having a deviation & lt ; 0 . 003 mm and a roughness value r z of & lt ; 0 . 08 μm . at a test station , comparison tests were made between uncoated circular shearing blades and circular shearing blades coated according to the invention . the length of the cut was about 590 km . the circular shearing blades without surface coating became dull in the normal manner as a function of the duration of the test . increasing dullness was evidenced by decreasing quality of the edge of the cut magnetic tape . the tape edge developed beads . with circular shearing blades equipped with a titanium nitride coating according to the present invention as described , uniform tape edge quality at a very high level could be realized from beginning to end of the test . as a whole , the inventive circular shearing blade permitted the realization of twice the service life without resharpening . the circular shearing blade according to the invention is employed , for example , in an arrangement as shown in fig2 in which several circular shearing blades 10 are fastened next to one another on shafts 13 and 14 . the oppositely rotating shafts ( indicated by arrows 16 and 17 ) cut a thin band 15 of coated plastic into strips of uniform width which are wound onto a carrier as magnetic tapes . with the inventive plasma - activated cvd ( pacvd ) process , layers of tin , tic and ti ( c , n ) can be deposited on a hard metal substrate individually or in any desired sequence from gas mixtures of ticl 4 h 2 n 2 and / or ch 4 , e . g ., as multi - layered coating having a preferred layer sequence , beginning at the substrate , of tin / ti ( c , n )/ tin . titanium carbonitride can be deposited in any desired mixing ratio of c / n . the typical characteristics and compositions of inventive pacvd layers are listed in the table below : ______________________________________ tin ti ( c , n ) tic______________________________________hardness hv 0 . 05 2000 - 2400 2200 - 3400 3000 - 3400lattice constant ( nm ) 0 . 424 0 . 424 - 0 . 433 0 . 433typical analysis (%) ti 77 . 5 78 . 4 78 . 1n 19 . 9 11 . 2 -- c -- 8 . 4 18 . 9o 0 . 2 0 . 9 1 . 2cl 0 . 6 1 . 1 0 . 8______________________________________ in addition to titanium , nitrogen and / or carbon and oxygen , the layers also preferably include between 0 . 5 and 4 mass percent chlorine . cutting tools produced according to the process of the invention exhibited long service lives . for example , cutting plates spkn 1203 edr coated with tic / ti ( c , n )/ tin by cvd and those coated by pacvd with 3 μm tin , were used to cut blocks of a heat treated 42 crmo4v steel ( 1 , 000 n / mm 2 ) and were compared with one another . after a cutting path of 1 , 200 mm , the cvd - coated plate exhibited break - outs at the major cutting edge , while the pacvd - coated plate ( according to the invention ) is still able to cut after a cutting path of twice that length . this test shows that cutting bodies coated according to the inventive pacvd process are considerably tougher . however , they also have advantages compared to cutting bodies coated by pvd at a coating temperature about 500 ° c . although the latter also have improved toughness characteristics , their wear resistance did not reach that of cutting plates coated according to the invention as will be confirmed by the following two tests . in another test , cutting plates were tested which were coated with tin or tin / ti ( c , n )/ tin by pacvd and with tin by pvd . the principle of the cutter test is shown in fig6 and the results of the test are shown in fig4 . fig6 shows a cutting plate 30 ( wsp ) having a major cutting edge 20 , a plane cutting edge 24 , and a cutter axis 26 acting on a workpiece 22 . feed direction is shown by arrow 28 . fig4 compares a pvd coating 1 of tin , a pacvd coating 2 of tin , and a pacvd coating 3 of tin - ti ( c , n )- tin , all having a thickness of about 3 μm and all being applied to a reversible cutting plate sekn 1203 aftn , substrate ttm - s . the cutter was a widax - heinlein m68 ( diameter 80 , 1 tooth ). during cutting of c45 steel ( cutting rate 200 m / min , cutting depth 5 mm , feed / tooth 0 . 1 mm ), the harder multilayered inventive coating as a whole shows the best results . pacvd coatings also have advantages for cutting highly alloyed , austenitic steels as indicated by the result of a further cutting test shown in fig5 ( cutting plate : sekn 1203 aft ; workpiece material : 28nicrmo74 , 195 × 700 mm ; cutter , 6 teeth : widax m65 ( 80 o ); cutting rate : 200 m / min ; cutting depth : 5mm , feed / tooth 0 . 2 mm ; cutting length : 14 m ; wear due to cratering : not measurable ). fig5 shows the width of wear trace in mm for the major cutting edge ( hs ) and the plane cutting edge ( ps ) for comparative pvd and inventive pacvd coatings . in these and other tests it could be noted that the service lives known for pvd coatings were surpassed by inventive plasma - activated cvd coatings . in other cutting tests , service lives could be realized for tools produced according to the process of the invention which were more than twice , sometimes even three times as long as for the prior art cutting plates . the titanium carbide layers deposited in a further embodiment have a fracture structure which has a clearly noticeable finely crystalline configuration . their microhardness lay between 3000 and 3400 hv 0 . 05 . it will be understood that the above description of the present invention is susceptible to various modifications , changes and adaptations , and the same are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended claims . | 1 |
a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig3 to 6 . [ 0026 ] fig3 is a schematic side view of a magnetic field generator 38 to which the present invention is applicable . as shown , the magnetic field generator 38 comprises two plate yokes 40 and 42 supported in parallel by way of two pillar or column yokes ( only one is shown and denoted by 44 ). the generator 38 further comprises two permanent magnets 46 and 48 , which carry respectively two pole pieces 50 and 52 on opposite surfaces thereof as in the prior art referred to in the opening paragraphs . as mentioned above , each of the magnets 46 and 48 is fabricated using a plurality of magnetized rectangular or cubic blocks . each of the magnets is typically an nd — fe — b , sm — co , or sm — n — fe type magnet by way of example . further , each of the pole pieces 50 and 52 comprises a soft iron substrate on which laminated silica - steel boards are provided , or made of soft ion . comparing the two magnetic field generators 10 and 38 respectively shown in fig1 and 3 , the generator 38 is provided with two pillar yokes . however , this difference in structure has no meaning , and the present invention can also be applied to the generator 10 of fig1 . the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail . it is assumed that the permanent magnets 48 and 48 have already been installed on the plate yokes 40 and 42 , respectively . [ 0028 ] fig4 is a diagram schematically showing how to install the pole piece 62 under the magnet 46 ( viz ., at a predetermined position defined on the lower surface of the magnet 46 ) using an assembling apparatus ( denoted by 60 ). although not shown in fig4 the assembling apparatus 60 is strongly held by a suitable supporter that is typically rested on the floor on which the plate yoke 40 is placed . as an alternative , the supporter might be settled within the yoke structure . the assembling apparatus 60 generally comprises a hollow rectangular guide case 62 which is roughly exemplified in fig5 a screwed rod 64 , and a cap or lid 66 through which the rod 64 rotatably advances toward the magnet 48 . the guide case 62 is preferably made of non - magnetic material such as aluminum , and has upper and lower plates 64 a - 64 b and side plates 64 c and 64 d ( fig5 ) for defining the path along which the pole piece 52 is inserted and advanced . although it is not shown in fig4 and 5 how to attach or fasten the cap 66 to the end of the guide case 62 , the cap 66 can detachably be attached to the end of the guide case 62 using known technology , and as such , the detail thereof is omitted for brevity . when the apparatus 60 is set to a predetermined position as illustrated in fig4 , the inner surface of the upper side 64 a is aligned with the lower major surface of the magnet 48 . when starting the installation of the pole piece 52 , the rod 64 is removed together with the cap 66 . subsequently , the pole piece 52 is inserted into the guide case 62 as shown in fig5 and the cop 66 is attached after which the rod 64 is inserted into a screwed hole provided in the cap 66 . in the above , it is preferable to apply suitable lubricant such as grease to the upper surface of the pole piece 62 and also to the lower surface of the magnet 48 in order to reduce the friction therebetween . thereafter , the pole piece 52 is advanced toward the magnet 48 by rotating the screw rod 84 as schematically shown in fig4 until being positioned under the center portion of the lower surface of the magnet 48 . as mentioned above , the magnetic attracting forces between the magnet 48 and the pole piece 52 reaches as large as about 10 - ton . however , according to the experiment conducted by the inventor , the maximum force required to push the pole piece 52 until setting the same on the predetermined position under the magnet 48 was as small as about 2 - ton . more specifically , the experiment was implemented with the following conditions . that is , the frame structure such as shown in fig3 has 1 . 5 meters in width , 2 meters in depth , and 1 . 4 meters in height . the plate yokes 40 and 42 were supported using two pillars as shown in fig3 . further , two nd — fe — b type magnets 46 and 48 are provided , between which there exists magnetic field strength of about 0 . 2 - tesla . the pole piece 52 was disk - shaped and has a diameter of 1 meter , and 100 mm in height including the circumferential protrusion . still further , a normal type machine grease was applied to the top surface of the pole piece 52 and the lower surface of the magnet 48 . after the pole piece 52 has been installed onto the lower surface of the magnet 48 , the other pole piece 50 is then installed onto the magnet 46 as shown in fig6 . in fig6 the members or potions corresponding to those described in fig4 are denoted by like numerals plus primes . it is readily understood from the foregoing that the process of installing the lower pole piece 50 is substantially identical to that discussed above , and accordingly , further description thereof is deemed redundant , and as such , will be omitted for brevity . it is to be noted that the order of installing the pole pieces 52 and 60 is optional and in no way limited to that described above . in the above , the screw rod 64 is used to push the pole pieces 50 and 52 . however , it is within the scope of the present invention to employ other known suitable pushing apparatus such as using a piston and cylinder . still further , it is possible to install both the pole pieces 50 and 52 simultaneously by devising the supporters for supporting both the assembling apparatuses 60 and 60 ′. the foregoing descriptions show only one preferred embodiment . however , other various modifications are apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention which is only limited by the appended claims . therefore , the embodiment described are only illustrated , not restrictive . | 8 |
the principles and operation of fast , low - power reading of a flash memory may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description . fig1 shows an exemplary internal architecture for a flash memory 100 . the primary features include an input / output ( i / o ) bus 102 and control signals 104 to interface to an external controller , a memory control circuit 106 to control internal memory operations with registers for command , address and status signals . one or more arrays 108 of flash eeprom cells are included , each array having its own row decoder ( xdec ) 110 and column decoder ( ydec ) 112 , a group of sense amplifiers and program control circuitry ( sa / prog ) 114 and a data register 116 . presently , the memory cells usually include one or more conductive floating gates as storage elements but other long - term electron charge storage elements may be used instead . the memory cell array may be operated with two levels of charge defined for each storage element to therefore store one bit of data with each element . alternatively , more than two storage states may be defined for each storage element , in which case more than one bit of data is stored in each element . the external interface i / o bus 102 and control signals 104 can include the following : cs — chip select . used to activate flash memory interface . cle — controls the activating path for commands sent to the command register of memory control circuit 106 . ale — controls the activating path for address to the address register of memory control circuit 106 . re — serial data - out control . when active , drives the data onto i / o bus 102 . we — controls writes to the i / o port . ad [ 7 : 0 ]— address / this i / o bus is used to transfer data between data bus controller and the flash memory command , address and data registers of memory control 106 . in addition to these signals , it is also typical that the memory have a means by which the storage subsystem controller may determine that the memory is busy performing some task . such means could include a dedicated signal or a status bit in an internal memory register that is accessible while the memory is busy . this interface is given only as an example as other signal configurations can be used to give the same functionality . fig1 shows only one flash memory array 108 with its related components , but a multiplicity of such arrays can exist on a single flash memory chip that share a common interface and memory control circuitry but have separate xdec 110 , ydec 112 , sa / prog 14 and data register 116 circuitry in order to allow parallel read and program operations . data are transferred from the memory array through the data register 116 to an external controller via the data registers &# 39 ; coupling to the i / o bus ad [ 7 : 0 ] 102 . this data transfer is referred to in the appended claims as “ exporting ” the data from flash memory 100 . data register 116 is also coupled to sense amplifier / programming circuit 114 . the number of elements of data register 116 coupled to each sense amplifier / programming circuit element may depend on the number of bits stored in each storage element of the memory cells , flash eeprom cells each containing one or more floating gates as the storage elements . each storage element may store a plurality of bits , such as two or four , if the memory cells are operated in a multi - state mode . alternatively , the memory cells may be operated in a binary mode to store one bit of data per storage element . row decoder 110 decodes row addresses for array 108 in order to select the physical page to be accessed . row decoder 110 receives row addresses via internal row address lines 118 from memory control logic 106 . column decoder 112 receives column addresses via internal column address lines 120 from memory control logic 106 . rows 124 of array 108 also are referred to herein as “ word lines ”. columns 126 of array 108 also are referred to herein as “ bit lines ”. for simplicity of illustration , only the first four rows 124 , the last four rows 124 , the first four columns 126 and the last four columns 126 of array 108 are shown explicitly in array 108 . the cells of array 108 are at the intersections of word lines 124 and bit lines 126 . in each bit line 126 , the cells are connected in series , as in nand flash memories , rather than in parallel as in nor flash memories . bit lines 126 are ordered , e . g . from left to right , so that the leftmost bit line 126 is assigned the ordinal number “ 1 ”, the next - to - leftmost bit line 126 is assigned the ordinal number “ 2 ”, etc . the operation of memory control circuit 106 in reading data from flash memory array 108 and writing data to flash memory array 108 now will be described . fig2 is a simplified block diagram of memory control circuit 106 . a register enable circuit 204 has inputs coupled to an address register 206 , to a command register 202 and to a latch enable circuit 210 . upon receiving from the external controller an ale control signal 104 that indicates that an address descriptor is to follow , register enable circuit 204 activates an enable line padr , which causes a subsequent chunk address descriptor from the external controller on i / o bus 102 to be latched in to address register 206 . a latch enable circuit 210 coupled to address register 206 thereupon activates latch enable lines x and y to latch the chunk address stored in address register 206 into appropriate row and column latches of address latches 212 . the chunk addresses stored in address latches 212 are then provided over appropriate lines of internal row address lines 118 to row decoder 110 and internal column address lines 120 to column decoder 112 . upon receiving from the external controller a control signal 104 that indicates that data are to follow ( because the external controller wants to write the data to flash memory array 108 ), register enable circuit 204 activates an enable line pdat that causes a chunk of data on i / o bus 102 to be latched into data register 116 . upon receiving from the external controller a cle control signal 104 that indicates that a command is to follow , register enable circuit 204 activates an enable line pcmd , which causes a subsequent read or write command from the external controller on i / o bus 102 to be latched into command register 202 . a command decoder 208 thereupon reads the command stored in command register 202 . if the command is a write command , command decoder 208 decodes the command to activate a program line pgm . a program enable circuit 216 receives the program line pgm and the most significant bit from the chunk address stored in address register 206 and activates , in response thereto , program enable lines 123 provided to sense amplifier / programming circuits 114 to selectively activate their program / verify modes of operation to program the data in data register 116 into flash memory array 108 . if the command is a read command , command decoder 208 decodes the command to activate a sense enable circuit 214 that in turn activates sense enable line 122 provided to sense amplifier / programming circuits 114 to selectively activate their sense modes of operation to sense the threshold voltages stored in the cells at the intersections of the latched row 124 and the latched columns 126 of flash memory array 108 . the results of the sensing are loaded into data register 116 that then is read by the external controller . each read command from the external controller causes data to be read from a single row 124 of flash memory array 108 as specified by the chunk address descriptor . hence , each row value of address latches 212 is for a respective row 124 of flash memory array 108 . the column latches of address latches 212 are for groups of columns 126 of flash memory array 108 , with columns 126 grouped per column latch in a manner that saves the power conventionally spent on sensing soft bits . conventionally , each group of column latches corresponds to an entire physical page on each row 124 of flash memory array 108 . depending on how memory 100 is configured , each row 124 of cells could itself be a single physical page , or alternatively each row 124 of cells could include two , three or more physical pages . a command from the external controller to write data to a physical page causes sense amplifier / programming circuits 114 to program all the cells of the targeted physical page . a command from the external controller to read the hard bits of a physical page causes sense amplifier / programming circuits 114 to sense the hard bits of all the cells of the targeted physical page . a command from the external controller to read soft bits of a physical page causes sense amplifier / programming circuits 114 to read soft bits of all the cells of the targeted physical page . fig3 is a high - level schematic block diagram of a flash memory device 300 in which flash memory 100 is controlled by an external controller 302 . controller 302 is connected or connectable with a host system such as a personal computer , a digital camera , a personal digital assistant . it is the host which initiates commands , such as to store or read data to or from memory array 108 , and provides or receives such data , respectively . controller 302 converts such commands into command signals that can be interpreted and executed by memory control circuit 106 . controller 302 also typically contains buffer memory for the user data being written to or read from memory array 108 . a typical memory device 300 includes one integrated circuit chip 304 that includes controller 302 , and one or more integrated circuit chips 306 that each contains a memory 100 . the trend , of course , is to integrate the memory array and controller circuits of such a memory device together on one or more integrated circuit chips . memory device 300 may be embedded as part of the host system , or may be included in a memory card that is removably insertable into a mating socket of host systems . such a card may include the entire memory device , or the controller and memory array , with associated peripheral circuits , may be provided in separate cards . the power spent on sensing and reading hard and soft bits is composed of two portions — the first part is the power it takes to sense the memory cells into data register 116 ( that is — applying reference voltages to the cells and spending power on sensing the results of the comparisons made against them ), and the second part is the power it takes to transfer (“ export ”) the read values from data register 116 over bus 102 into external controller 302 ( where the error correction decoder and other estimation functions are typically located ). the grouping per column latch of columns 126 of flash memory array 108 that is described herein reduces the power of the first portion — the sensing of the memory cells . as noted above , conventionally , a command from external controller 302 to read soft bits of a physical page causes sense amplifier / programming circuits 114 to read soft bits of all the cells of the targeted physical page . there are cases where we do not actually need the soft bits value for all the memory cells of a physical page , only for some of the memory cells . nevertheless , conventionally , all the soft bit values of all the cells of a read physical page are sensed into data register 116 . but if not all those values are needed , this unnecessarily wastes power . for example if a flash memory cell consumes 100 [ nano amp ] of current when being sensed , and if the number of cells taking part in the decoding computation is 16k ( ignoring parity bits and management bits for simplicity ), then if only half of the sensed bits are needed by the decoder , then the flash memory wastes 8k × 100 = 800k [ nano amp ]= 0 . 8 [ milli amp ], each time a sensing operation ( a threshold voltage comparison ) is done for a single soft bit sensing . it should be noted that some soft bits require more than one sensing operation for each cell . typically the first soft bit needs one threshold voltage comparison per cell state , the second soft bit needs two more threshold voltage comparisons per cell state , the third soft bit needs four more voltage comparisons per cell state , etc . sensing soft bits of only some of the cells of a physical page may be required for cells in which either of the following occurs : the hard bits of the cells have already been sensed beforehand , and only the soft bits of some of the cells now are needed . the data of some cells are not required at all during read , neither the hard bits nor the soft bits . the only remaining point to discuss in order to show the usefulness of the selective sensing of soft bits that is described herein is to explain when it may be the case that we do not need all the soft bit values but only a portion of them . this is indeed the case in the following four examples : a . the physical phenomena that cause errors in flash memory cells may be different for different states of the cells . for example , a major source of errors is the drifting of the threshold voltage of memory cells with time because of leakage of electrons from the floating gates of the cells . it is typically the case that cells that are in high states ( that is — states corresponding to high threshold voltages ) are much more affected by drift phenomena than cells that are in low states ( that is — states corresponding to low threshold voltages ). this drift phenomenon is sometimes referred to as data retention . therefore it is reasonable to expect that cells that reside in low states are quite reliable and will not benefit much from an additional soft bit or bits . on the other hand , cells that reside in high states are less reliable and can benefit from the additional information provided by ( a ) soft bit ( s ). a decoder designer may therefore implement the following rule — when reading soft bits ( because the decoding failed or did not converge in a designated time frame when using only hard bits ), sense only soft bit values corresponding to cells that are in the upper half of the group of states ( e . g . the eight highest states out of the sixteen states in a four - bit - per - cell flash memory ). b . one type of decoder has the property of decoding of a code word by decoding sub - words of the full word . if one such sub - word fails to decode on its own , only then is information from other sub - words ( both sub - words that did not successfully decode and sub - codes , i . e ., successfully decoded sub - words ) brought to help decode that sub - word . soft bits may be used with such decoders after the failure of a sub - word decoding attempt and before the information from other sub - words is employed . soft bits may be read for the failing sub - word in order to attempt to decode the failing sub - word independently of external information from other sub - words . but if only one sub - word fails and needs soft bits , there is no need to sense and transfer soft bits of all other sub - words , especially the other sub - words that decoded successfully . therefore a designer of such a decoder may take advantage of the grouping per column latch of columns 126 of flash memory array 108 that is described herein and sense only the soft bit values of the sub - words that actually need them . c . in some flash storage systems the chunk of data read as a unit from the memory (“ page ” in the terminology of flash memories ) is larger than the chunk of data used for the error correction process . in other words , a chunk of data is stored in a group of cells corresponding to a physical page of the memory ( each cell storing one or more data bits ), but for the purpose of decoding the data the chunk is divided into separate code words . a typical example is a physical page of 32k cells , with each cell storing two data bits ( for a total of 64k bits ), that is divided into four code words each containing 16k bits that are stored in 8k cells . each such code word is independently decoded . therefore it may be the case that one of the code words needs soft bits for successful decoding while the other code words do not . in such a case the storage system designer may employ the grouping per column latch of columns 126 of flash memory array 108 that is described herein and sense to data register 116 only the soft bit values corresponding to the cells storing the initially - failed code word . d . in some flash storage systems the chunk of data read as a unit from the memory (“ page ” in the terminology of flash memories ) is larger than the chunk of data used for statistical estimation , for example of cross - coupling between cells . for sufficiently accurate estimation of cross coupling coefficients only a fraction of the page may be required . for the typical case of case “ c .” above , out of 32k cells only 10k cells could be needed to estimate the cross coupling coefficients which can be then employed for all 32k cells of a word line . in this case only the first 10k cells are sensed for both hard bits and two soft bits per cell in word line n and in word line n + 1 . based on these bits , the cross coupling coefficients are generated . subsequently , only the hard bits of word line n + 1 and the hard bits and one soft bit per cell of word line n are employed to compensate for cross coupling using the generated cross - coupling coefficients . the outcome is that the soft bits of word line n + 1 and the second soft bit of each of the last 22k cells of word line n are not sensed while the power and possibly the time associated with this sensing is saved . in principle , address latches 212 could include one column latch per bit - line 126 . each column latch would determine whether its corresponding bit - line 126 is operative during the read sense phase and whether current is flowing through that bit - line 126 . however , such a design is both expensive in requiring many latches and also complex in the interaction of flash memory 100 with external flash controller 302 , as controller 302 has to specify the desired state of each latch . a much preferable design enables and disables the power consumption of groups of many bit - lines 126 in one signal . for example each group of bit - lines 126 corresponding to one of the sub - words of example b can be controlled by a single respective column latch of address latches 212 . alternatively , each group of bit - lines 126 corresponding to a code word of example c , or a group of example d , can be controlled by a single column latch of address latches 212 . although example a is not well supported by this preferred implementation , nevertheless some power savings could be obtained for this example as well . assuming one of the hard bits of the four - bit - per - cell example is indicative if the cell belongs to the eight upper states or to the eight lower states , then in a single sensing operation it is determined if the cell belongs to the upper or lower eight states . this bit can be used to change the v bl ( the bit line drain side voltage ) to zero and thus inhibit all non - relevant bit lines . this means however that in this case soft bit should be read after the hard bits and not together with the hard bits because before the hard bits are read we cannot distinguish between the upper and lower eight levels . even though it seems limiting , this is the typical case when soft bits are considered together with error correction . when external controller 302 has to enable or disable each group of bit - lines 126 , the following options are available for address descriptors recognized by memory control circuit 106 : 1 . a typical read command of a flash memory includes an address pointing to a specific byte ( or word , in the less common 16 - bit flash memories ). the most significant bits of the address define the page being read and the least significant bytes define the byte from which sequential reading is desired . if a read command points , for example , to byte 3072 out of 4096 bytes in a page , it can be taken as an indication that controller 302 intends to read only the highest quarter of the page . flash memory 100 may be configured so that in such case ( where the read address points to offset n within the addressed page ), to avoid sensing of all bit - lines with offsets less than n . 2 . the previous option sets a starting offset for sensing but not an ending offset . if the setting of both a starting offset and an ending offset is desired , flash memory 100 may support a command ( to be issued prior to the read command ) that explicitly sets two numbers — one for the lower sensed address and one for the upper sensed address . any bit - line 126 outside the specified range then is not sensed . 3 . if finer resolution control , by external controller 302 , of which cells are sensed is desired , than flash memory 100 may be configured to contain a “ sensing control register ” of several bits , each bit controlling one section of the page . for example , a 4 kb page may be divided into eight 512 bytes sectors , each controlled by one bit from an eight - bit register . flash memory 100 , if so configured , supports a command ( issued before the read command ) that sets the sensing control register to any desired bit pattern , thus allowing any combination of sectors to be sensed while all other sectors are not sensed . the setting of the limits in method 2 and the setting of the register in method 3 may be for one read only and repeated for each page read , or may remain in effect until changed or reset to a default value . like the power spent by flash memory . 100 and external controller 302 to sense and read hard and soft bits , the time that external controller 302 spends in reading soft bits from flash memory 100 is composed of two portions — the first part is the time it takes to sense the memory cells into data register 116 ( that is — the time to apply reference voltages to the cells and sense the results of the comparisons made against them ), and the second part is the time it takes to transfer (“ export ”) the read values from data register 116 over bus 102 to external controller 302 . there are cases where we do not actually need the soft bits value for all the memory cells of a physical page , only for some of them . conventional systems nevertheless always transfer all the soft bit values of all cells to external controller 302 . but if not all those values are really needed , this unnecessarily wastes time . a typical flash bus cycle may be between 30 and 50 nanoseconds , in which time 8 bits are transferred ( or 16 bits in the less common case of 16 bit flash devices ). if the number of cells taking part in the decoding computation is 16k ( ignoring parity bits and management bits for simplicity ), but only half of the bits are needed by the decoder , then an 8 - bit flash device having a bus cycle of 50 nanoseconds wastes 8 × 1024 × 50 / 8 = 51 , 200 nanoseconds = 51 . 2 microseconds , each time a soft bit is read . transferring out only part of the data residing in a data register of a nand flash memory ( e . g ., data register 116 of flash memory 100 ) does not require any additional circuitry or commands in the flash memory — every flash memory that supports the reading of soft bits has the capability ( using standard available commands ) to start data transfer from any arbitrary address in the data register , transfer out any desired number of bytes sequentially from the starting address , and then re - position the transfer pointer to any desired second address in the data register , transfer sequentially any number bytes , and so on . the only remaining point to discuss in order to show the feasibility and usefulness of partial data transfer out of a data register such as data register 116 is to explain when it may be the case that we do not need all the soft bit values but only a portion of them . this is indeed the case in the following examples — a . the physical effects causing errors in flash memory cells affect different states of the cells differently . for example , a major source of errors is the drifting of the threshold voltage of memory cells with time because of leakage of electrons from the floating gates of the cells . it is typically the case that cells that are in high states ( that is — states corresponding to high threshold voltages ) are much more affected by drift phenomena than cells that are in low states ( that is — states corresponding to low threshold voltages ). therefore it is reasonable to expect that cells that are read ( using only hard bits ) in low states are quite reliable and will not benefit much from an additional soft bit or bits . on the other hand , cells that are read ( using only hard bits ) in high states are less reliable and can benefit from the additional information provided by ( a ) soft bit ( s ). a decoder designer may therefore implement the following rule — when reading soft bits ( because the decoding failed when using only hard bits ), read only soft bit values corresponding to cells that are in the upper half of the group of states ( e . g . the eight highest states out of the sixteen states in a four - bit - per - cell flash memory ). b . as noted above , one type of decoder has the property of starting decoding of a code word at sub - words of the full code word . if one such sub - word fails to decode on its own , only then is information from other sub - words ( both sub - words that did not successfully decode and sub - codes , i . e ., successfully decoded sub - words ) brought to help decode that subword . soft bits may be used with such decoders after the failure of a sub - word decoding and before the information from other sub - words is used . soft bits may be read for the failing sub - word in order to attempt to decode the failing sub - word locally without external information from other sub - words . but if only one sub - word failed and needs soft bits , there is no need to transfer soft bits of the other ( non - failing ) sub - words . therefore a designer of such a decoder may transfer only the soft bit values of the sub - words that actually need them . c . in some flash storage systems the chunk of data read as a unit from the memory (“ page ” in the terminology of flash memories ) is larger than the chunk of data used for the error correction process . in other words , a chunk of data is stored in a group of cells corresponding to a physical page of the memory ( each cell storing one or more data bits ), but for the purpose of decoding the data the chunk is divided into separate code words . a typical example is a physical page of 32k cells , with each cell storing two data bits ( for a total of 64k bits ), that is divided into four code words each containing 16k bits that are stored in 8k cells . each such code word is independently decoded . therefore it may be the case that one of the code words needs soft bits for successful decoding while the other code words do not . in such a case the storage system designer may transfer to external controller 302 only the soft bit values corresponding to the cells storing the initially - failed code word , even if the soft bits of the whole physical page are read from the memory cells to the data register at the same time and are ready to be transferred to the controller . fig4 is a high - level block diagram of a system 400 in which most of the functionality of controller 302 is effected by software . system 400 includes a processor 402 and four memory devices : a ram 404 , a boot rom 406 , a mass storage device ( hard disk ) 408 and a modified flash memory device of fig3 as a flash memory device 412 , all communicating via a common bus 414 . the difference between flash memory device 300 of fig3 and flash memory device 412 is that the controller of flash memory device 412 functions only as an interface to bus 414 ; the rest of the functionality of controller 302 of fig3 as described above is emulated by flash memory driver code 410 that is stored in mass storage device 408 and that is executed by processor 402 to interface between user applications executed by processor 402 and flash memory device 412 , and to manage the flash memory of flash memory device 412 . in addition to the conventional functionality of such flash management driver code , driver code 410 emulates the functionality of controller 302 of fig3 with respect to saving power and time in reading the flash cells of flash memory device 412 , as described above . driver code 410 typically is included in operating system code for system 400 but also could be freestanding code . the components of system 400 other than flash memory device 412 constitute a host 420 of flash memory device 412 . mass storage device 408 is an example of a computer - readable storage medium bearing computer - readable driver code for using , as reference cells of a flash memory array , cells of the flash memory array that otherwise would not be used for any purpose . other examples of such computer - readable storage media include read - only memories such as cds bearing such code . a limited number of embodiments of methods for saving time and power in reading the cells of a flash memory , and of a memory , device and system that use the methods , have been described . it will be appreciated that many variations , modifications and other applications of the methods , device and system may be made . | 6 |
hereinafter , certain embodimefnts of an x - ray device in accordance with the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings . fig4 is a functional block diagram showing a portable x - ray device provided with a collimator . referring to fig4 , a user command for preliminarily identifying an x - ray irradiation region is inputted though a user interface 21 prior to taking an x - ray image of an object . responsive to the user command thus inputted , a control unit 23 causes a battery 25 to supply an electric current to a collimator 27 . using the electric current , the collimator 27 generates a laser pointer with a specific pattern and directs the laser pointer toward an image capturing unit 20 ( see fig6 and 7 ). the laser pointer appearing on the image capturing unit 20 enables the user to identify an x - ray irradiation region prior to taking an image of the object . a target portion of the object is positioned in the x - ray irradiation region identified through the laser pointer . then , a user command for taking the image of the object is inputted through the user interface 21 . in response to the user command thus inputted , the control unit 23 causes the battery 25 to supply an electric current to an x - ray generation unit 11 . using the electric current , the x - ray generation unit 11 generates a beam of x - rays and irradiates it toward the image capturing unit 20 so that the image capturing unit 20 can take an x - ray image of the object . fig5 schematically illustrates the internal construction of an x - ray device with a laser pointer collimator in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig5 , the x - ray device includes a laser light generator unit 31 which is supplied with an electric current to generate laser light . examples of the laser light generator 31 include : a solid - state laser in which the crystals of artificial ruby , glass or yag ( yttrium aluminum garnet ) containing chromium ions are used as a laser light generating material ; a gas - state laser in which a mixture gas of helium and neon , argon , krypton , carbon dioxide or a mixture gas of helium and nitrogen is used as a laser light generating material ; and a semiconductor laser in which laser light is generated by allowing an electric current to flow through a p - n junction diode consisting of p - type and n - type gallium arsenide semiconductors . preferably , the laser light generator 31 is supplied with an electric current from the battery 25 . the x - ray device includes a patterning lens 32 having a plurality of through - holes formed in a specified pattern . the laser light generated in the laser light generator 31 is transmitted through the through - holes so that the laser light corresponding to the pattern of the through - holes can be irradiated on a reflection mirror 15 . the reflection mirror 15 is positioned on an x - ray irradiation axis 12 in an inclined relationship with respect thereto and serves to reflect the laser light coming from the patterning lens 32 in the same direction as the x - ray irradiation axis 12 . the x - ray device includes a shutter for regulating an x - ray irradiation region . the shutter includes shutter blades 17 and 18 symmetrically arranged above and below the x - ray irradiation axis 12 . typically , shutter blades for regulating the length of the x - ray irradiation region and shutter blades for regulating the width of the x - ray irradiation region are symmetrically arranged at the upper , lower , left and right sides of the x - ray irradiation axis 12 . for the purpose of convenience in description , however , only the shutter blades 17 and 18 arranged at the upper and lower sides of the x - ray irradiation axis 12 are shown in fig5 . the x - ray irradiation region is changed by increasing or decreasing the gap size between the shutter blades 17 and 18 . the illumination area of the laser light reflected from the reflection mirror 15 is regulated by the shutter blades 17 and 18 . the illumination area of the laser light is substantially the same as the x - ray irradiation region . fig6 schematically illustrates the internal construction of an x - ray device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig6 , the beam of x - rays generated in an x - ray tube 11 is irradiated on the image capturing unit 20 . a shutter for regulating the x - ray irradiation region is arranged in front of the x - ray tube 11 along the x - ray irradiation direction . it is preferred that the distance d between the focal point of the x - ray tube 11 and the shutter is as small as possible . the shutter includes an upper shutter blade 110 for regulating the upper edge of the x - ray irradiation region and a lower shutter blade 111 for regulating the lower edge of the x - ray irradiation region . although only the upper and lower shutter blades 110 and 111 are shown in fig6 for the purpose of convenience in description , it should be appreciated that the shutter further includes left and right shutter blades for regulating the left and right edges of the x - ray irradiation region . the beam of x - rays emitted from the x - ray tube 11 is irradiated on the image capturing unit 20 through the shutter , at which time the x - ray irradiation region on the image capturing unit 20 are regulated by the upper , lower , left and right shutter blades . laser irradiation units 120 and 121 , which constitute a visual indicator unit defined in the claims , are attached to the rear surfaces ( the outer sides ) of the upper shutter blade 110 and the lower shutter blade 111 opposite from the x - ray tube 11 . the laser irradiation unit 120 attached to the upper shutter blade 110 emits laser light along the upper edge of the beam of x - rays irradiated on the image capturing unit 20 through the shutter . the laser irradiation unit 121 attached to the lower shutter blade 111 emits laser light along the lower edge of the beam of x - rays irradiated on the image capturing unit 20 through the shutter . the laser light emitted from the laser irradiation units 120 and 121 indicates the upper and lower edges of the x - ray irradiation region on the image capturing unit 20 . similarly , laser irradiation units ( not shown ) are attached to the rear surfaces ( the outer sides ) of the left shutter blade and the right shutter blade opposite from the x - ray tube 11 . the laser irradiation unit attached to the left shutter blade emits laser light along the upper edge of the beam of x - rays irradiated on the image capturing unit 20 through the shutter . the laser irradiation unit attached to the right shutter blade emits laser light along the right edge of the beam of x - rays irradiated on the image capturing unit 20 through the shutter . the laser light emitted from the laser irradiation units attached to the left and right shutter blades indicates the left and right edges of the x - ray irradiation region on the image capturing unit 20 . fig7 schematically shows a modified example of the x - ray device in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention . the x - ray device shown in fig7 is essentially the same as the x - ray device illustrated in fig6 , except that the laser irradiation units 120 and 121 are attached to the front surfaces ( the inner sides ) of the upper shutter blade 110 and the lower shutter blade 111 that face toward the x - ray tube 11 . this holds true in case of the laser irradiation units attached to the left shutter blade and the right shutter blade . fig8 , 9 a and 9 b are views for specifically explaining the shutter employed in the present invention . referring to fig8 , a first shutter includes an upper shutter blade 110 and a lower shutter blade 111 , both of which serve to shift the x - ray irradiation region in the vertical direction . a second shutter includes a left shutter blade 113 and a right shutter blade 114 , both of which serve to shift the x - ray irradiation region in the lateral direction . the first and second shutters are moved vertically and laterally in an overlapped state to form an aperture s of varying size that defines the x - ray irradiation region . the movement of the first and second shutters will be described in detail with reference to fig9 a and 9b . referring first to fig9 a which is a side view of the shutters , the upper shutter blade 110 and the lower shutter blade 111 of the first shutter are curved to have a first radius r 1 from the focal point of the beam of x - rays . the upper shutter blade 110 and the lower shutter blade 111 are movable upwards or downwards along the arc of a circle with the first radius r 1 . the laser irradiation units 120 and 121 are attached to the lower end of the upper shutter blade 110 and the upper end of the lower shutter blade 111 , respectively . as the upper shutter blade 110 and the lower shutter blade 111 move upwards or downwards along the arc , the laser irradiation units 120 and 121 are also moved along the same trajectory as that of the upper shutter blade 110 and the lower shutter blade 111 . the laser irradiation unit 120 attached to the upper shutter blade 110 emits laser light in the direction a along the upper edge of the beam of x - rays to indicate the upper edge of the x - ray irradiation region on the image capturing unit 20 . the laser irradiation unit 121 attached to the upper shutter blade 111 emits laser light in the direction b along the lower edge of the beam of x - rays to indicate the lower edge of the x - ray irradiation region on the image capturing unit 20 . referring next to fig9 b which is a top plan view of the shutters , the left shutter blade 113 and the right shutter blade 114 of the second shutter are curved to have a second radius r 2 from the focal point of the beam of x - rays . the left shutter blade 113 and the right shutter blade 114 are movable to the left or the right along the arc of a circle with the second radius r 2 . laser irradiation units 123 and 124 are attached to the right end of the left shutter blade 113 and the left end of the right shutter blade 114 , respectively . as the left shutter blade 113 and the right shutter blade 114 move to the left or the right along the arc , the laser irradiation units 123 and 124 are also moved along the same trajectory as that of the left shutter blade 113 and the right shutter blade 114 . the laser irradiation unit 123 attached to the left shutter blade 113 emits laser light in the direction c along the left edge of the beam of x - rays to indicate the left edge of the x - ray irradiation region on the image capturing unit 20 . the laser irradiation unit 124 attached to the right shutter blade 114 emits laser light in the direction d along the right edge of the beam of x - rays to indicate the right edge of the x - ray irradiation region on the image capturing unit 20 . fig1 schematically shows the construction of the laser irradiation unit . referring to fig1 , the laser irradiation unit includes a laser light generator 151 for generating laser light and a patterning lens 153 for changing the laser light into a specified pattern before it is irradiated on the image capturing unit . the laser light generator 151 may be a solid - state laser , a gas - state laser or a semiconductor laser , the classification of which depends on the material used and the mode of operation . the patterning lens 153 has a plurality of through - holes arranged in a predetermined pattern and designed to create a laser identification mark that indicates the upper , lower , left or right edges of the x - ray irradiation region . the laser light generated in the laser light generator 151 is split into an array of light beams of a predetermined pattern while passing through the through - holes of the patterning lens 153 . then the array of light beams is irradiated on the image capturing unit and is used as the laser identification mark that indicates the x - ray irradiation region . fig1 a and 11b illustrate different examples of the laser identification mark formed on the image capturing unit 20 by the array of light beams passing through the through - holes of the patterning lens 153 . while the laser light is employed to indicate the x - ray irradiation region in the foregoing embodiments , it may also be possible to use other coherent light depending on the application of the present invention . this also falls within the scope of the present invention . fig1 schematically shows the internal construction of an x - ray device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig1 , the beam of x - rays generated in the x - ray tube 11 is irradiated on the image capturing unit 20 . a shutter for regulating the x - ray irradiation region is arranged in front of the x - ray tube 11 along the x - ray irradiation direction . it is preferred that the distance d between the focal point of the x - ray tube 11 and the shutter is as small as possible . the shutter includes an upper shutter blade 210 for regulating the upper edge of the x - ray irradiation region and a lower shutter blade 211 for regulating the lower edge of the x - ray irradiation region . although only the upper and lower shutter blades 210 and 211 are shown in fig1 for the purpose of convenience in description , it should be appreciated that the shutter further includes left and right shutter blades for regulating the left and right edges of the x - ray irradiation region . the upper and lower shutter blades 210 and 211 and the left and right shutter blades are moved vertically and laterally depending on the size of the x - ray irradiation region preset by an irradiation region setting unit 230 . the irradiation region setting unit 230 includes a setting part for presetting the size of the x - ray irradiation region and a drive part for driving the shutter depending on the size of the x - ray irradiation region preset by the setting part . although not shown in the drawings , the drive part includes a plurality of gears operatively connected to the shutter and an electric motor for rotating the gears . depending on the size of the x - ray irradiation region preset by the setting part , the drive part displaces the upper and lower shutter blades 210 and 211 and the left and right shutter blades to form an aperture corresponding to the x - ray irradiation region on the image capturing unit 20 . fig1 a and 13b illustrate different examples of the setting part of the irradiation region setting unit 230 . in one example of the setting part illustrated in fig1 a , a rotary knob is mounted to a housing of the x - ray device . a reference mark that indicates the current size of the x - ray irradiation region is placed on the top surface of the rotary knob . a plurality of graduations “ 1 ”, “ 2 ” and “ 3 ” that indicates the varying size of the x - ray irradiation region is placed on the housing 61 of the x - ray device . the size of the x - ray irradiation region can be arbitrarily set by turning the rotary knob so that the reference mark on the rotary knob can be aligned with one of the graduations “ 1 ”, “ 2 ” and “ 3 .” in another example of the setting part illustrated in fig1 b , the setting part includes a display and a keypad arranged on the surface of the housing of the x - ray device . the key pad includes a plurality of size selection keys “ 1 ”, “ 2 ” and “ 3 ” that can be pressed to select the size of the x - ray irradiation region and an input key that can be pressed to input the size of the x - ray irradiation region selected . if a user presses , e . g ., the size selection key “ 2 ”, the length and width of the x - ray irradiation region is displayed on the display to read , e . g ., “ size 2 , 45 cm × 45 cm ”. then the user presses the input key to finalize the task of selecting the size of the x - ray irradiation region . referring again to fig1 , a laser irradiation unit 220 is arranged on the opposite side of the upper shutter blade 210 from the x - ray tube 11 . the laser irradiation unit 220 irradiates laser light toward the image capturing unit 20 to indicate the x - ray irradiation region whose size has been selected by the irradiation region setting unit 230 . fig1 a , 14 b and 14 c illustrate different examples of the laser identification mark appearing on the image capturing unit . referring to fig1 a and 14b , the size of the x - ray irradiation region preset through the use of the irradiation region setting unit 230 is indicated on the image capturing unit 20 by irradiating the laser light to form a laser identification mark having an angle bracket shape or a square shape . turning to fig1 c , the size of the x - ray irradiation region preset through the use of the irradiation region setting unit 230 is indicated on the image capturing unit 20 by irradiating the laser light to form a laser identification mark having a dot axis shape . referring again to fig1 , it is preferred that the laser irradiation unit 220 is arranged in a position nearest to the shutter insofar as it does not interrupt the beam of x - rays irradiated toward the image capturing unit 20 through the shutter . the laser irradiation unit 220 is fixedly arranged on the opposite surface of the shutter from the x - ray tube 11 so that the deviation between the actual x - ray irradiation region actually irradiated by the beam of x - rays and the target x - ray irradiation region indicated by the laser identification mark is equal to or smaller than a first threshold value . if the user presets the x - ray irradiation region through the use of the irradiation region setting unit 230 , the shutter blades are moved to ensure that the beam of x - rays is irradiated on the preset x - ray irradiation region . the user can determine the actual x - ray irradiation region by observing the laser identification mark mapped to the size of the preset x - ray irradiation region . fig1 schematically shows a modified example of the x - ray device in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention , in which a camera unit 321 is used in place of the laser irradiation unit 220 . referring to fig1 , the beam of x - rays generated in the x - ray tube 11 is irradiated toward the image capturing unit 20 . a shutter for regulating the x - ray irradiation region is arranged in front of the x - ray tube 11 along the x - ray irradiation direction . it is preferred that the distance d between the focal point of the x - ray tube 11 and the shutter is as small as possible . the shutter includes an upper shutter blade 310 for regulating the upper edge of the x - ray irradiation region and a lower shutter blade 311 for regulating the lower edge of the x - ray irradiation region . although only the upper and lower shutter blades 310 and 311 are shown in fig1 for the purpose of convenience in description , it should be appreciated that the shutter further includes left and right shutter blades for regulating the left and right edges of the x - ray irradiation region . the upper and lower shutter blades 310 and 311 and the left and right shutter blades are moved vertically and laterally depending on the size of the x - ray irradiation region preset by an irradiation region setting unit 330 . the irradiation region setting unit 330 includes a setting part for presetting the size of the x - ray irradiation region and a drive part for driving the shutter depending on the size of the x - ray irradiation region preset by the setting part . although not shown in the drawings , the drive part includes a plurality of gears operatively connected to the shutter and an electric motor for rotating the gears . depending on the size of the x - ray irradiation region preset by the setting part , the drive part displaces the upper and lower shutter blades 210 and 211 and the left and right shutter blades to form an aperture corresponding to the x - ray irradiation region on the image capturing unit 20 . a camera unit 321 is arranged on the opposite surface of the shutter from the x - ray tube 11 . the camera unit 321 is designed to take an image of the x - ray irradiation region on the image capturing unit 20 . it is preferred that the camera unit 321 is arranged in a position nearest to the shutter insofar as it does not interrupt the beam of x - rays irradiated toward the image capturing unit 20 through the shutter . the camera unit 321 is fixedly arranged on the opposite surface of the shutter from the x - ray tube 11 so that the deviation between the actual x - ray irradiation region actually irradiated by the beam of x - rays and the target x - ray irradiation region taken by the camera unit 321 is equal to or smaller than a first threshold value . fig1 is a functional block diagram showing a visual indicator module employed in the x - ray device shown in fig1 . referring to fig1 , the visual indicator that forms a part of the x - ray device includes a camera unit 321 for taking an image of the x - ray irradiation region , a display unit 325 for displaying an actual x - ray irradiation region and a control unit 323 responsive to a user command inputted through a setting unit for controlling the display unit 325 to display the actual x - ray irradiation region extracted from the image of the x - ray irradiation region . the control unit 323 is supplied with the image of the x - ray irradiation region taken by the camera unit 321 . responsive to the user command inputted through the setting unit , the control unit 323 identifies the actual x - ray irradiation region contained in the image of the x - ray irradiation region . then the control unit 323 controls the display unit 325 to display the actual x - ray irradiation region with or without an identification mark . fig1 schematically shows the internal construction of an x - ray device in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention , which is provided with an independently arranged laser irradiation unit . as shown in fig1 , the x - ray device includes laser irradiation units 420 and 421 arranged independently of the shutter . the x - ray device further includes an irradiation region setting unit 430 that displaces the upper and lower shutter blades 410 and 411 and the left and right shutter blades to form an aperture corresponding to the x - ray irradiation region preset by the user . the x - ray device further includes a laser drive unit 240 associated with the irradiation region setting unit 430 . the laser drive unit 240 controls the laser irradiation units 420 and 421 in synchronism with the movement of the shutter . in other words , the laser irradiation units 420 and 421 are controlled by the laser drive unit 240 to irradiate a beam of x - rays toward the image capturing unit 20 so that a laser identification mark indicating the x - ray irradiation region preset through the use of the irradiation region setting unit 430 can be displayed on the image capturing unit 20 . the x - ray device of the foregoing embodiments may be operated through the use of a general computer having a computer - readable medium that stores a program needed to operate the x - ray device . examples of the computer - readable medium include a magnetic storage medium ( e . g ., a rom , a floppy disk and a hard disk ), an optical recording medium ( e . g ., a cd rom and a dvd ) and a carrier wave ( e . g ., transmission through the internet ). while certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinabove , the present invention is not limited thereto . it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the claims . | 0 |
in fig1 numeral 1 identifies a known photographic lens . this may be suitable for a motion picture or still camera ; not shown . preferably the lens is of large aperture , i . e ., is &# 34 ; fast &# 34 ;, or high speed photographically , and has a medium or long focal length . an example is the zeiss planar lens , f 1 . 4 with a focal length of 85 millimaters ( mm ) and a film size of 35 mm . a similar lens of 50 mm focal lenght is also suitable . film 2 is disposed in the focal plane of the lens , which may be black and white or color sensitive , as regards the film emulsion . transparent planar disc 3 of the invention is mounted in any suitable non - interfering optical manner , closely in front of the front element 4 of lens 1 . a distance of 6mm is suitable . a special effect in portraiture can be obtained by increasing this distance to 30 mm or more . the effect is a sharp central area with a light &# 34 ; halo &# 34 ; surround upon the image area of the film . with a 30 mm or more spacing from the lens disc 3 may have a larger diameter than shown in fig1 . a suitable mounting for disc 3 is transparent support 5 . it has a diameter in excess of the optical diameter of lens 1 . this support can be attached to the front of the lens , or to the case of the camera so long as the spacing from lens to disc is approximately maintained . such mounting means 8 is schematically shown . it is important that the surfaces of the disc and of the support be planar , and parallel as well . irregularities in these surfaces cause optical distortions of the image on film 2 , though these are slight as a general matter . fig2 shows the elemental components of the attachment . transparent disc 3 is illuminated at a point on the periphery by light source 6 . the latter is preferably a built - in - lens flashlight incandescent lamp of the 222 type , although any other similar kind of light source may be used . light rays from the lamp enter the periphery of disc 3 at the nearest point thereof . thereafter the light rays are internally reflected many times , of which light rays 7 are illustrative . this results in the whole periphery being illuminated . it is found that points 7 &# 39 ; and 7 &# 34 ; are more strongly illuminated than are other points around the periphery . however , this does not detract from the substantial uniformity of the diffuse illumination on film 2 . in passing , the optical phenomenon involved in the internal reflections is similar to that involved in optical fibers or &# 34 ; light pipes &# 34 ;. substantial uniformity of illumination of the periphery of disc 3 can be attained by adding further lamps spaced around the periphery , this is shown in fig4 and the arrangement may also be employed in fig2 . three lamps , 6 , 6 &# 39 ; and 6 &# 34 ; are spaced at third points around the periphery . the additional lamps are a convenient way of increasing the illumination upon film 2 , when such is useful . it has been found that an amount of light provided by from one to three lamps is useful . each lamp emits about 5 . 28 lumens at rated voltage . as shown in fig4 the lamps 6 may be quite close to the optical elements to conserve light . also , the light emitted by each lamp can be adjusted electrically , as by providing rheostat 9 in series with a source of electricity , such as batter 10 , in an electrical circuit that connects the plural lamps in parallel . the same electrical elements may be connected to the single lamp 6 of fig2 . alternately , with plural lamps , the lamps can be connected electrically in series and also in series with rheostat 9 and source 10 . an improved embodiment of the optics is shown in fig3 and 4 . when disc 3 alone is used the focal position of lens 1 is slightly altered . by adding annular transparent planar element 12 , with preferably an air gap between the inner surface thereof and the outer periphery of disc 3 , this alteration of focus is eliminated . that is , the slight alteration of focus is made uniform for substantially all of the rays passing through lens 4 , and so the clarity of the image is preserved . typically , both elements 3 and 12 are the same kind of transparent material and have the same thickness . the annular aperture between them may be 1 or 2 mm . normally , the two elements are cemented to support 5 by an optically transparent cement , in a coaxial relationship . if , for any reason , the relationship is not coaxial , the invention works , even if the elements touch peripherally . however , they must not be peripherally cemented . in the embodiment of fig4 it is satisfactory for lamps 6 , 6 &# 39 ; and 6 &# 34 ; to direct light to annular element 12 . the light passes through that element and impinges upon the central disc 3 , therein to provide the desired diffuse illumination by a lighted periphery as has been previously described . the light from the inner periphery of annular element 12 contributes to the illumination of film 2 , but by only a comparatively small fraction of that contributed by the outer periphery of disc 3 . the transparent material for elements 3 and 5 , and also 12 , if used , may be any imperfection - free glass , having parallel planar surfaces . one optically acceptable glass is boro - silicate crown . normally , the glass will be colorless , but slight tints may be introduced for specific purposes or special effects . such tinted glass acts as a color filter . a more delicate and pleasing effect is obtained by using colored lamps 6 , with which the highlights in the image remain clear . the transparent material may also be an optically acceptable clear plastic . one such is an acrylic resin , sold as &# 34 ; lucite &# 34 ; by du pont de nemours , i . e . & amp ; co . the optical element structure of the alternate embodiment of fig5 may be any that have been previously shown . disc 3 and annular element 12 are both shown in fig5 . a fiber optical cable 15 is employed to conduct light to the periphery of the outer annular optical element 12 . a rounded tip 15ais preferably supplied at the light exit end of the fiber optical cable . the tip may touch or not touch the outer periphery of annular element 12 . the rounded tip has a lens effect , focusing the light forward away from the run of the cable . the fiber optical cable can conveniently be attached to a strobe flash unit 16 . this arrangement is well suited for a still picture camera . one strobe flash is made to occur during the time the film 2 is exposed to the desired field of view . fig6 shows alternate embodiments for the periphery of transparent disc 3 . if the periphery is given a cross - section other than that perpendicular to the planar surface of the disc , as shown in fig1 a greater proportion of the light that impinges on the whole periphery is transmitted into lens 1 . in fig6 a the periphery is beveled on the side next to lens 1 . in fig6 b the periphery is beveled on both sides , dispersing somewhat more light into the lens . in fig6 c the periphery is rounded with a radius equal to , or greater , than the full thickness of disc 3 . any of the peripheral surfaces may be given a &# 34 ; rough grind &# 34 ;, rather than being polished . such a grind results in more light being emitted from the periphery for a given light input . fig7 illustrates a further embodiment , in which the periphery of the disc 3 &# 39 ; is not circular , as was disc 3 . the shape shown is octagonal . a star shape and even a square are also satisfactory . the periphery illumination from these shapes is fully diffuse as the illumination reaches film 2 . the only restriction to the shapes is that disc 3 &# 39 ; shall not noticably interfere with the image - forming rays entering lens 1 . the camera includes , of course , shutter means 16 , such that , when open , admits the illumination from the periphery of disc 3 concomitantly with the exposure of film 2 to the field of view to be photographed . | 6 |
fig1 and 2 represent two versions of the flow chart explaining the steps of encryption for the present invention . fig1 was the original diagram as can be found in the provisional patent of the present invention . while maintaining the essential core of the invention , fig2 is the revised encryption diagram with a more clear representation and the elimination of unneeded steps . before explaining the details of the revised diagram , it is good to note the difference between the two diagrams . the original diagram uses the term variable exchange table ( vet ) which is now referred to as the more generally used and understood term , pseudorandom permutation . furthermore , what was originally denoted as a vet setting ( vs ) is now referred to as a state variable ( sv ), and the output of a vet is now referred to as an intermediate cryptographic variable ( cv ). the terms have been modified for ease of understanding . fig1 contains all of the same steps as the revised diagram except the generation of the authentication tag 270 and the initialization of the state variables 500 . at the time of submission of the provisional patent , the cryptographic strength of the present invention was still undetermined . in order to compensate for the uncertainty , additional steps 115 , 120 , and 150 were added to the encryption method to facilitate the combination of the output of the final pseudorandom permutation with an aes keystream through an exclusive or ( xor ) function to produce ciphertext . said additional steps were thought to further protect the ciphertext from attacks . further consideration and evaluation have eliminated the need for said additional steps , and therefore they have been removed from the revised diagram . note that corresponding steps in the two diagrams have been numbered the same ( ex 125 corresponds to 225 ). fig2 illustrates the steps involved in an encryption embodiment of the present invention . from the start , a key and counter are loaded 200 in order to initialize the pseudorandom permutations if necessary 205 and 210 . the next step initializes the state variables and counters with an nonce 500 which is described in further detail in fig5 . once the plaintext is acquired 225 , the first plaintext block is combined with the initialized state variables and stepped through a series of four pseudorandom permutations 230 - 245 resulting in the first ciphertext block 255 . before the next plaintext block can be encrypted , the state variables are updated using the intermediate cryptographic variables 260 . this cycle continues 265 and 225 for all plaintext blocks . optionally , the final state variables can be combined to form an authentication tag 270 . the details of the embodied encryption method are described to a greater extent in the next diagram . fig3 represents an encryption embodiment of the present invention wherein m plaintext blocks p i 301 are each passed through a sequence of four pseudorandom permutations 303 resulting in m ciphertext blocks 304 . in this embodiment each of the four permutations 303 are keyed with different keys k 1 , k 2 , k 3 , and k 4 . the embodied method includes the step of initializing the state variables 302 by passing an nonce 310 through a randomization function 500 that is discussed in detail below . once the state variables are initialized , the first plaintext block p i 301 a is combined with the initial state variable sv 1 0 302 a through modular 2 n addition where n is the size of a plaintext block . the result of said combination is passed into the first pseudorandom permutation f k1 303 a producing an intermediate cryptographic variable cv 12 1 ( the cryptographic variable between the first pseudorandom permutation fk 1 303 a and the second fk 2 303 b ) which will be fed forward to encrypt the next plaintext block p 2 301 b . continuing with the encryption of p 1 301 a , cv 12 1 is combined with the second initialized state variable sv 2 0 302 b through modular 2 n addition and passed into the second pseudorandom permutation f k2 303 b resulting in cv 23 1 . the encryption continues to follow the same pattern for the two remaining pseudorandom permutations f k3 303 c and f k4 303 d where the result of f k4 303 d is the first ciphertext block c 1 304 a . for the encryption of the next plaintext block p 2 301 b , the state variables 305 must be updated using a feedback mechanism as will be described . the first state variable sv 1 1 305 a produced following the encryption of the first plaintext block p 1 301 a is generated by combining the previous state variable sv 1 0 302 a with the output from the previous block &# 39 ; s third permutation cv 34 1 through modular 2 n addition where n is the size of a plaintext block . the second state variable sv 2 1 305 b is generated by combining the previous state variable sv 2 0 302 b with the output from the previous block &# 39 ; s first permutation cv 12 1 through modular 2 n addition . similarly , the third state variable sv 3 1 305 c is generated by combining the previous state variable sv 3 0 302 c with the output from the previous block &# 39 ; s second permutation cv 23 1 through modular 2 n addition . the fourth state variable sv 4 1 305 d is generated by combining the previous state variable sv 4 0 302 d with the output from the previous block &# 39 ; s first permutation cv 12 1 and the current block &# 39 ; s first state variable sv 1 1 305 a , through modular 2 n addition . it should be noted that the calculation of sv 1 1 305 a should occur before the calculation of sv 4 1 305 d . furthermore , while the described embodiment of the present invention stores the state variables sv 1 , sv 2 , sv 3 , and sv 4 , derived embodiments could entail the same spirit of the present embodiments without actually storing the state variables . the step of storing state variables is disclosed in the present invention for ease of understanding . the encryption of all further plaintext blocks p 2 301 b through p m 301 c are conducted in the same manner as the encryption of p 1 301 a . for example , the second plaintext block p 2 301 b is conducted in the same manner as the encryption of the first plaintext block p 1 301 a substituting the updated state variables 305 for the previous state variables 302 . fig4 represents a decryption embodiment of the present invention wherein m ciphertext blocks c 1 404 are each passed through a sequence of four inverse pseudorandom permutations f k − 1 403 resulting in m plaintext blocks p i 401 . in this embodiment each of the four inverse permutations f k − 1 403 are keyed with the same keys used in the encryption in fig3 . the embodied method includes the step of initializing the state variables 402 by passing an nonce 410 through a randomization function 500 that is discussed in detail below . once the state variables 402 are initialized , the first ciphertext block c 1 404 a is passed into the first inverse pseudorandom permutation f k4 − 1 403 d . the result of said inverse pseudorandom permutation f k4 − 1 403 d is combined with the initial state variable sv 4 0 402 d through modular 2 n subtraction where n is the size of a ciphertext block producing an intermediate cryptographic variable cv 34 1 ( the cryptographic variable between f k3 − 1 403 c and f k4 − 1 403 d ) which will be fed forward to decrypt the next ciphertext block c 2 404 b . continuing with the decryption of c 1 404 a , cv 34 1 is passed into the second inverse psuedorandorandom permutation f k3 − 1 403 e . the result of said inverse permutation f k3 − 1 403 c is combined with sv 3 0 using modular 2 n subtraction producing cv 23 1 . the decryption continues to follow the same pattern for the two remaining inverse pseudorandom permutations f k2 − 1 403 b and f k1 − 1 403 a where the result of f k1 − 1 403 a is combined with sv 1 0 402 a using modular 2 n subtraction to produce the first plaintext block p 1 401 a . for the decryption of the next ciphertext block c 2 404 b , the state variables 405 must be updated using a feedback mechanism as will be described . the state variable sv 1 1 405 a , produced following the decryption of the first ciphertext block c 1 404 a , is generated by combining the previous state variable sv 1 0 402 a with the input from the previous block &# 39 ; s second inverse permutation cv 34 1 through modular 2 n addition where n is the size of a ciphertext block . the second state variable sv 2 1 405 b is the output of the previous block &# 39 ; s third inverse permutation f k2 − 1 403 b . similarly , the state variable sv 3 1 405 c is the output of the previous block &# 39 ; s second inverse permutation f k3 − 1 403 c . the state variable sv 4 1 405 d is generated by combining the previous state variable sv 4 0 402 d with the input from the previous block &# 39 ; s fourth inverse permutation cv 12 1 and the current block &# 39 ; s state variable sv 1 1 405 a , through modular 2 n addition . it should be noted that the calculation of sv 1 1 405 a should occur before the calculation of sv 4 1 405 d . furthermore , while the described embodiment of the present invention stores the state variables sv 1 , sv 2 , sv 3 , and sv 4 , derived embodiments could entail the same spirit of the present embodiments without actually storing the state variables . the step of storing state variables is disclosed in the present invention for ease of understanding . the decryption of all further ciphertext blocks c 2 404 b through c m 404 c are conducted in the same manner as the decryption of c 1 404 a . for example , the second ciphertext block c 2 404 b is conducted in the same manner as the decryption of the first ciphertext block c 1 404 a substituting the updated state variables 405 for the previous state variables 402 . fig5 illustrates the function of generating initial values by randomizing a nonce as used in fig3 , 4 , 9 , and 10 . the purpose said function is to initialize the state variables and counters to unique and unpredictable values . the nonce or input to the function may be a random number , an incrementing counter , or any value as long as it has not been used before in the context of a given key ( s ). it should be noted that the nonce need not be secret . the initialization function parses a unique value into m blocks n i 501 and passes each block through a sequence of m pseudorandom permutations 503 resulting in values that are used in the initial setup of both the encryption and decryption methods . padding may be necessary in order to facilitate equal sized blocks . the number of blocks m and the number of pseudorandom permutations m must always be the same . in the present embodiment of the initialization function , m is equal to 4 . the randomization function keys each of the four permutations f k 503 with different keys k 1 , k 2 , k 3 , and k 4 . the embodied method includes the step of initializing the state variables 502 to a constant such as zero . once the state variables 502 are initialized , the first block n 1 501 a is combined with the initial state variable sv 1 1 502 a through modular 2 n addition where n is the size of a block . the result of said combination is passed into the first pseudorandom permutation f k1 503 a producing an intermediate cryptographic variable cv 12 1 ( the cryptographic variable between the first pseudorandom permutation f k1 503 a and the second f k2 503 b ) which will be fed forward to encrypt the next block n 2 501 b . continuing with the randomization function of n 1 501 a , cv 12 1 is combined with the second initialized state variable sv 2 1 502 b through modular 2 n addition and passed into the second pseudorandom permutation f k2 503 b resulting in cv 23 1 . the randomization continues to follow the same pattern for the two remaining pseudorandom permutations f k3 503 c and f k4 503 d where the result of f k4 503 d is the first ctr value ctr 1 0 504 a . it should be noted that some embodiments may not use the generated ctr 504 values . for the next block n 2 501 b , the state variables 505 must be updated using a feedback mechanism as will be described . the first state variable sv 1 n2 505 a produced following the randomization of the first block n 1 501 a is generated by combining the previous state variable sv 1 n1 502 a with the output from the previous block &# 39 ; s third permutation cv 34 1 through modular 2 n addition where n is the size of a block . the second state variable sv 2 n2 505 b is generated by combining the previous state variable sv 2 n1 502 b with the output from the previous block &# 39 ; s first permutation cv 12 1 through modular 2 n addition . similarly , the third state variable sv 3 n2 505 c is generated by combining the previous state variable sv 3 n1 502 c with the output from the previous block &# 39 ; s second permutation cv 23 1 through modular 2 n addition . the fourth state variable sv 4 n2 505 d is generated by combining the previous state variable sv 4 n1 502 d with the output from the previous block &# 39 ; s first permutation cv 12 1 and the current block &# 39 ; s first state variable sv 1 n2 505 a , through modular 2 n addition . it should be noted that the calculation of sv 1 n2 505 a should occur before the calculation of sv 4 n2 505 d . furthermore , while the described embodiment of the present invention stores the state variables sv 1 , sv 2 , sv 3 , and sv 4 , derived embodiments could entail the same spirit of the present embodiments without actually storing the state variables . the step of storing state variables is disclosed in the present invention for ease of understanding . the randomization of all further plaintext blocks n 2 501 b through n 4 501 d are conducted in the same manner as the randomization of n 1 501 a . for example , the second plaintext block n 2 501 b is conducted in the same manner as the randomization of the first plaintext block n 1 501 a substituting the updated state variables 505 for the previous state variables 502 . after the four blocks 501 are each randomized , the resulting state variables sv 1 0 , sv 2 0 , sv 3 0 , and sv 4 0 508 can be used as initial state variables for fig3 , 4 , 9 , 10 . similarly , the resulting randomized values , ctr 1 0 , ctr 2 0 , ctr 3 0 , and ctr 4 0 504 can be used as initial counters for fig9 , 10 . fig6 presents an elevated look at the method for generating an authentication tag from the results of the previously described encryption embodiment . the diagram includes an abbreviated version of the encryption method 300 in which each sequence of pseudorandom permutations is depicted in a single encryption function e i 601 . the final encryption function e m 601 c produces four final state variables 602 which are concatenated to form an authentication tag 603 . as explained previously , an authentication tag is used to provide an integrity check on encrypted data . fig7 represents an alternative embodiment of the method for generating an authentication tag from the results of the encryption embodiment . as in fig6 , the diagram includes an abbreviated version of the encryption method 300 . in this alternative embodiment , each final state variable 702 is combined with its corresponding initial state variable 701 through an xor function 703 before being concatenated to form the authentication tag 704 . this alternative embodiment masks the final state variables from being openly accessible to an attacker and may serve to increase the cryptographic strength of the present invention . fig8 represents an embodied method for performing an integrity check of a message after decryption . the diagram includes an abbreviated version of the decryption method 400 in which each sequence of inverse pseudorandom permutations is depicted in a single decryption function d i 802 . the received message includes a previously generated authentication tag at 805 in addition to the ciphertext 801 . said authentication tag was previously generated during encryption as is depicted in fig6 . the final decryption function d m 802 c produces four final state variables 803 which are concatenated to form an authentication tag at ′ 804 . the received authentication tag at 805 identifies the original message that was encrypted , while the newly generated authentication tag at ′ 804 identifies the received message . with the two authentication tags , an integrity check 806 is performed as follows . if the two authentication tags are not equal , the message was modified between its encryption and decryption and should be rejected . conversely , if the authentication tags are equal , it can be assured with high probability that the message has not been tampered with and can be accepted . it should be noted that an integrity check could also be performed using a previously generated authentication tag as in fig7 . the method for generating an authentication tag during decryption would match the encryption method in fig7 followed by an integrity check as in the present figure . fig9 represents a further aspect the present invention wherein counters are added . in the same manner as the embodiment in fig3 , m plaintext blocks p i 901 are each passed through a sequence of four pseudorandom permutations f k 903 resulting in m ciphertext blocks c i 904 . each of the four permutations f k 903 are keyed with different keys k 1 , k 2 , k 3 , and k 4 . the embodied method includes the step of initializing the state variables 902 and counters 906 by passing a nonce 900 through a randomization function 500 that has been previously defined . once the state variables and counters are initialized , the first plaintext block p 1 301 a is combined with the initial state variable sv 1 0 902 a through modular 2 n addition where n is the size of a plaintext block . the result of said combination is passed into the first pseudorandom permutation f k1 903 a producing an intermediate cryptographic variable cv 12 1 ( the cryptographic variable between the first pseudorandom permutation f k1 903 a and the second f k2 903 b ) which will be fed forward to encrypt the next plaintext block p 2 901 b . continuing with the encryption of p 1 901 a , cv 12 1 is combined with the second initialized state variable sv 2 0 902 b through modular r addition and passed into the second pseudorandom permutation f k2 903 b resulting in cv 23 1 . the encryption continues to follow the same pattern for the two remaining pseudorandom permutations f k3 903 c and f k4 903 d where the result of f k4 903 d is the first ciphertext block c 1 904 a . for the encryption of the next plaintext block p 2 901 b , the state variables 905 must be updated using counters and a feedback mechanism as will be described . the first state variable sv 1 1 905 a produced following the encryption of the first plaintext block p 1 901 a is generated by combining the previous state variable sv 1 0 902 a with the output from the previous block &# 39 ; s third permutation cv 34 1 and a counter ctr 1 0 906 a through modular 2 n addition where n is the size of a plaintext block . the second state variable sv 2 1 905 b is generated by combining the previous state variable sv 2 0 902 b with the output from the previous block &# 39 ; s first permutation cv 12 1 and a counter ctr 2 0 906 b through modular 2 n addition . similarly , the third state variable sv 3 1 905 c is generated by combining the previous state variable sv 3 0 902 c with the output from the previous block &# 39 ; s second permutation cv 23 1 and a counter ctr 3 0 906 c through modular 2 n addition . the fourth state variable sv 4 1 905 d is generated by combining the previous state variable sv 4 0 902 d with the output from the previous block &# 39 ; s first permutation cv 12 1 and the current block &# 39 ; s first state variable sv 1 1 905 a and a counter ctr 4 0 906 d through modular 2 n addition . the counters 906 are then incremented using function 1100 . it should be noted that the calculation of sv 1 1 905 a should occur before the calculation of sv 4 1 905 d . furthermore , while the described embodiment of the present invention stores the state variables sv 1 , sv 2 , sv 3 , and sv 4 , derived embodiments could entail the same spirit of the present embodiments without actually storing the state variables . the step of storing state variables is disclosed in the present invention for ease of understanding . the encryption of all further plaintext blocks p 2 901 b through p m 901 c are conducted in the same manner as the encryption of p 1 901 a . for example , the second plaintext block p 2 901 b is conducted in the same manner as the encryption of the first plaintext block p 1 901 a substituting the updated state variables 905 for the previous state variables 902 . fig1 represents a decryption embodiment of the present invention wherein m ciphertext blocks c i 1004 are each passed through a sequence of four inverse pseudorandom permutations 1003 resulting in m plaintext blocks p i 1001 . in this embodiment each of the four inverse permutations 1003 are keyed with the same keys used in the encryption in fig9 . the embodied method includes the step of initializing the state variables 1002 and initial counters 1006 by passing a nonce 1000 through a randomization function 500 that has been previously defined . once the state variables and counters are initialized , the first ciphertext block c 1 1004 a is passed into the first inverse pseudorandom permutation f k4 1003 d . the result of said inverse pseudorandom permutation f k4 − 1 1003 d is combined with the initial state variable sv 4 0 1002 d through modular 2 n subtraction where n is the size of a ciphertext block producing an intermediate cryptographic variable cv 34 1 ( the cryptographic variable between f k3 − 1 1003 c and f k4 − 1 1003 d ) which will be fed forward to decrypt the next ciphertext block c 2 1004 b . continuing with the decryption of c 1 1004 a , cv 34 1 is passed into the second inverse psuedorandorandom permutation f k3 − 1 1003 c . the result of said inverse permutation f k3 − 1 1003 c is combined with sv 3 0 using modular 2 n subtraction producing cv 23 1 . the decryption continues to follow the same pattern for the two remaining inverse pseudorandom permutations f k2 − 1 1003 b and f k1 − 1 1003 a where the result of f k1 − 1 1003 a is combined with sv 1 0 1002 a using modular 2 n subtraction to produce the first plaintext block p 1 1001 a . for the decryption of the next ciphertext block c 2 1004 b , the state variables 1005 must be updated using a feedback mechanism as will be described . the state variable sv 1 1 1005 a produced following the decryption of the first ciphertext block c 1 1004 a is generated by combining the previous state variable sv 1 0 1002 a with the input from the previous block &# 39 ; s second inverse permutation cv 34 1 and a counter ctr 1 0 1006 a through modular 2 n addition where n is the size of a ciphertext block . the second state variable sv 2 1 1005 b is the output from the previous block &# 39 ; s third inverse permutation f k2 − 1 1003 b and a counter ctr 2 0 1006 b through modular 2 n addition . similarly , the state variable sv 3 1 1005 c is the output from the previous block &# 39 ; s second pseudorandom permutation f k3 − 1 1003 c and a counter ctr 3 0 1006 c through modular 2 n addition . the state variable sv 4 1 1005 d is generated by combining the previous state variable sv 4 0 1002 d with the input from the previous blocks fourth inverse permutation cv 12 1 and the current block &# 39 ; s state variable sv 1 1 1005 a and a counter ctr 4 0 1006 a through modular 2 n addition . the counters 1006 are then incremented using function 1100 . it should be noted that the calculation of sv 1 1 1005 a should occur before the calculation of sv 4 1 1005 d . furthermore , while the described embodiment of the present invention stores the state variables sv 1 , sv 2 , sv 3 , and sv 4 , derived embodiments could entail the same spirit of the present embodiments without actually storing the state variables . the step of storing state variables is disclosed in the present invention for ease of understanding . the decryption of all further ciphertext blocks c 2 1004 b through c m 1004 c are conducted in the same manner as the decryption of c 1 1004 a . for example , the second ciphertext block c 2 1004 b is conducted in the same manner as the decryption of the first ciphertext block c 1 1004 a substituting the updated state variables 1005 for the previous state variables 1002 . fig1 represents an embodied method for modifying the counters from one block encipherment to the next . the method takes as input four counters ctr 1 i through crt 4 i and produces four counters ctr 1 i + 1 through crt 4 i + 1 . the steps taken in the embodied method model a typical mileage odometer from an automobile where ctr 1 is the lowest order of magnitude and ctr 4 is the highest order of magnitude . the embodied method always begins by incrementing the lowest order counter ctr 1 1105 through modular 2 n addition where n is the size of the counter in bits . if ctr 1 has reset itself and is equal to zero 1110 , the embodied method continues to increment ctr 2 1115 in the same manner as ctr 1 . if ctr 1 is not zero 1110 , the method exits 1140 a and the resulting counters are stored for use in encrypting or decrypting the next block . each subsequent counter is incremented in the same manner as long as all lower order counters are equal to zero . in one embodiment of the present invention , a method for encrypting a plaintext message comprises receiving at least one plaintext message , wherein the plaintext message forms at least one plaintext block , encrypting said plaintext block by applying 2 or more pseudorandom permutations to each block , and modifying an input to each said pseudorandom permutation by at least one state variable which is modified for each plaintext block by at least one of previously generated permutation outputs , previously generated permutation inputs , ciphertext , and plaintext . the method comprises generating at least one ciphertext block from the output of each plaintext block &# 39 ; s final pseudorandom permutation , partitioning the plaintext message into a plurality of equal size plaintext blocks , padding the plaintext message to facilitate the equal sized plaintext blocks , wherein the modification of the state variables comprises at least one of : modifying the state variable for a first pseudorandom permutation by an output of a next to the last pseudorandom permutation from the previous block , modifying the state variable for a final permutation by an output of the first pseudorandom permutation from the previous block and the state variable for the first pseudorandom permutation from the current block , and modifying the state variables for all other pseudorandom permutations by an output of the preceding pseudorandom permutation from the previous block , wherein the state variables are modified using at least one of modular 2 n addition and modular 2 n subtraction wherein n represents the size of a block , and wherein the state variables are modified using a bitwise exclusive or ( xor ). the method comprises initializing the state variables before encrypting the first plaintext block by randomizing a nonce and padding the nonce in order to facilitate the initialization of the state variables , wherein the initialized state variables are unique from other initialized state variables in a context of a session key , wherein the number of pseudorandom permutations determines the number of state variables , wherein the pseudorandom permutations are at least one of : block ciphers , keyed substitution tables , s - boxes , and rotors , wherein each pseudorandom permutation is keyed by at least one different key , wherein each pseudorandom permutation is keyed by a same key , wherein a portion of the pseudorandom permutations may be substituted for the inverses of a remaining portion of the pseudorandom permutations , and wherein the pseudorandom permutations and inverse pseudorandom permutations may be arranged in any order . the method comprises generating an authentication tag from a combination of the state variables , wherein the generation consists of concatenating the resulting state variables after the encryption of the final plaintext block , wherein the generation consists of concatenating the resulting state variables after the encryption of a chosen plaintext block , wherein the generation consists of concatenating the resulting state variables after the encryption of the final plaintext block , concatenating the initial state variables , and combining the two sets of concatenated variables through an exclusive or ( xor ), comprises attaching the authentication tag to a ciphertext message , wherein the number of state variables determines the size of the authentication tag , and comprises modifying the input to a pseudorandom permutation by at least one counter , and initializing the counters before encrypting the first plaintext block by randomizing a nonce . in another embodiment of the present invention , an apparatus for encrypting a plaintext message comprises logic to form at least one nonce block from at least one nonce , memory to store at least one state variable , an initializer to set the at least one state variable to at least one initial value , wherein the logic is coupled to the memory and to the initializer , wherein the logic includes at least two pseudorandom permutations to sequentially randomize each nonce block , wherein the logic combines the at least one state variable with inputs to the pseudorandom permutations , and wherein the logic generates the at least one state variable of a current nonce block from at least one of : state variables of a previous nonce block , outputs from the previous nonce block &# 39 ; s pseudorandom permutations , and inputs to the previous nonce block &# 39 ; s pseudorandom permutations , wherein the memory stores outputs of final pseudorandom permutations as initial values to use in an encryption or decryption , wherein the memory stores final state variables as initial values for use in an encryption or decryption , wherein the logic adds at least one bit of padding to the nonce to generate equal sized nonce blocks , wherein the number of pseudorandom permutations is equal to the number of nonce blocks and the number of state variables , wherein the pseudorandom permutations are at least one of : block ciphers , keyed substitution tables , s - boxes , and rotors , wherein a portion of the pseudorandom permutations may be substituted for inverses of a remaining portion of the pseudorandom permutations . in a further embodiment of the present invention , a computer readable medium comprising instructions for : receiving at least one plaintext message , wherein the plaintext message forms at least one plaintext block , encrypting said plaintext block by applying 2 or more pseudorandom permutations to each block , modifying an input to the pseudorandom permutations by at least one state variable , modifying the at least one state variable after each plaintext block is encrypted for use in encrypting a next plaintext block , modifying the at least one state variable for a first pseudorandom permutation by an output of a next to last pseudorandom permutation from a previous block , modifying the at least one state variable for a final permutation by an output of the first pseudorandom permutation from the previous block and the at least one state variable for the first pseudorandom permutation from the current block , and modifying the at least one state variable for all other pseudorandom permutations by an output of a preceding pseudorandom permutation from the previous block . the computer readable medium comprises instructions for initializing the at least one state variable before encrypting a first plaintext block by randomizing a nonce , modifying the input to a pseudorandom permutation by an internal counter , generating an authentication tag from a combination of the state variables , generating at least one ciphertext block from an output of each plaintext block &# 39 ; s final pseudorandom permutation , wherein the pseudorandom permutations are at least one of : block ciphers , keyed substitution tables , s - boxes , and rotors . although an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention has been illustrated in the accompanied drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description , it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed , but is capable of numerous rearrangements , modifications , and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims . for example , the capabilities of the invention can be performed fully and / or partially by one or more of the elements . also , these capabilities may be performed in the current manner or in a distributed manner and on , or via , any device able to provide and / or receive information . further , although depicted in a particular manner , various modules or blocks may be repositioned without departing from the scope of the current invention . still further , although depicted in a particular manner , a greater or lesser number of modules and connections can be utilized with the present invention in order to accomplish the present invention , to provide additional known features to the present invention , and / or to make the present invention more efficient . also , the information sent between various modules can be sent between the modules via at least one of a wireless source , and a wired source and via plurality of protocols . | 7 |
the special purpose neurocomputer system of the present disclosure is shown in a preferred embodiment thereof in fig1 . the basic architecture involves a series of processors designated as nodal processors which are identical in nature and which have been designated as processors 10 , 20 , 30 , . . . i . . . n . since the number of processors is a variable , the designation &# 34 ; n &# 34 ; is used to signify the total number of nodal processors in the system and any selected intermediate in the system may be designated as processor &# 34 ; i &# 34 ;. for certain purposes , the series of nodal processors are referred to as np 1 , np 2 , . . . np n . as will be seen in fig1 the overall system may be observed in terms of &# 34 ; nodes &# 34 ; whereby each &# 34 ; node &# 34 ; consists of a set of intercooperating units . for example , the first node may be conceived as involving the nodal processor 10 together with the units designated as the &# 34 ; nodal weight and delay memory &# 34 ; 36 , the schedule memory 46 , the decision algorithm 56 , each of which provides inputs to the nodal processor 10 . additionally , the first &# 34 ; node &# 34 ; would also include a temporary memory latch 15 which receives outputs from the nodal processor 10 . likewise , each subsequent node has its own memory latch as 15 2 , 15 3 , . . . 15 n . in fig1 a typical &# 34 ; node &# 34 ; is shown as node 2 with heavy broken lines to show the nodal unit . then similarly , each of the series of other nodes concatenated into the system include the same type of units ( 36 n , 46 n , 56 n ) which characterize every other node . during each operating cycle , a nodal processor such as 10 or 20 , etc ., consults its schedule unit 46 ( 46 2 , etc .) and the schedule unit informs it as to how many machine cycles it should wait before it evaluates the decision rule and outputs its result . the decision rule , previously cited as equation a2 , is given as follows : ## equ3 ## since it is observed that each neuron waits a number of small time steps , or &# 34 ; epochs &# 34 ; ( δt = one machine cycle ), before evaluating its input and deciding to change its current output state , the equation a2 is the &# 34 ; decision &# 34 ; to change its output state and is determined according to the parameter values in equation a2 . the nodal processor , such as 10 , 20 , etc ., will perform the computation of equation a2 and output the result to the network memory 18 . this transfer to the network memory is provided via bus 14 , temporary memory latch 15 , and bus 17 . since a processor &# 39 ; s output is simply a 1 or a 0 , all of these buses are one bit wide . the computation of equation a2 by the nodal processor requires input that represents the output of previous computations of other processors . this data is provided in a multiplexed fashion on bus 19m . all of the data stored in the network memory , unit 18 , will be presented to each processor in a multiplexed fashion in one machine cycle . input from bus 11 , from the processor - controller 70 informs the processor 10 , etc ., which previous state is currently being presented on bus 11 . this information consists of an 8 - bit integer , with a &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; meaning the current state of the network is being presented , a &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; meaning the state one machine cycle in the past , etc . in conjunction with the delay information from the nodal weight and delay memory , 36 , this data from the controller 70 allows the processor 10 , 20 , etc ., to determine the past state of any other processor . for example , if n 12 = 3 , from the weight and delay memory 36 , then , when data from the controller 70 indicates that the state of the network as of 3 machine cycles ago is currently presenting itself on bus 19m1 , processor 10 will record the value , 1 or a 0 , presented on the second line of that bus . in other words , as the history of the system is presented on bus 19m1 , n ij provides an index informing the j th processor which value to utilize from the i th line on bus 19m1 . the computation of equation a2 also requires input that represents the &# 34 ; connection weight &# 34 ; between any processor i and any processor j . this information is also contained in the weight and delay memory 36 in the form of an array , fig6 . each entry in this array , w ij , represents the &# 34 ; amount &# 34 ; of &# 34 ; force &# 34 ; that one particular nodal processor is to exert upon another . large positive values tend to encourage two processors to be in the same state ; large negative values tend to encourage opposite states . as discussed previously , the nodal weight and delay memory 36 contains the information for the connection weight array , w , and the fixed delay array , n . n is an n × n array configured similar to w ( see fig6 ) where each entry n ij represents the number of machine cycles that the output of unit i is to be delayed before its output is utilized by unit j . each entry in w will be stored as a 16 - bit signed integer , and each entry in n , an 8 - bit unsigned integer . this array is n × p bits where another array for &# 34 ; n ij &# 34 ; is resident in the nodal weight - delay unit 36 and has a similar representation to the one shown absove for w ij . here , in the n ij array , the number stored for each slot of n ij is an &# 34 ; unsigned &# 34 ; integer of 8 bits that represents the number of machine cycles that the output of processor i is to be delayed before its output is recesived and utilized by processor j . the delay schedule memory 46 , contains information telling the processor 10 how many machine cycles to wait before it evaluates the decision rule ( equation a2 ). this information consists of a series of integers . for example , a typical series might look like the following : 2 , 1 , 3 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 1 , 3 , 3 , 2 , 3 , 3 , 2 , 4 , 3 , 1 , 4 , 3 , 2 , 2 , 3 , 3 , 4 , 4 , 4 , 3 , 2 , 4 , 4 , 4 , . . . the total length of series will be less than 2 , 000 entries . the numbers in the series are chosen randomly from a discrete uniform distribution whose upper bound is constantly increasing . by this we mean that initially these integers might be samples from [ 0 , 1 , 2 ], and finally , samples from [ 0 , 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. note that the delayed information contained in the array &# 34 ; n &# 34 ; is fundamentally different that the information stored in the delay schedule memory ( shown as 46 in fig1 ). the information in the delay schedule memory represents random delays , and is responsible for the asynchronous operation of the computer . as stated above , this delay tells the processor how many machine cycles to wait before it evaluates the decision rule ( equation a2 ). whereas the information in entry &# 34 ; n ij &# 34 ; in array n tells the processor that when it does evaluate the decision rule , it is to use the state of processor i &# 34 ; n ij &# 34 ; machine cycles in the past . in short , the delay schedule tells &# 34 ; when &# 34 ; the decision rule is to be evaluated , and the array n , and w , contained in the nodal weight and weight - delay memory 36m tells the processor &# 34 ; how &# 34 ; to evaluate that rule . the decision algorithm memory 56 , shown in fig1 contains the algorithm , in appropriate machine language , for nodal processor , unit 10 in fig1 for the computation of the decision rule , equation a2 . as seen in fig1 the network memory 18 provides output data of n bits on the &# 34 ; state history bus &# 34 ; designated as 18 mx . these output bits ( n bits ) are fed to the multiplexor 16 for distribution on output bus 19 to various of the processors via distribution buses such as 19 m1 and 19 m2 , . . . , 19 mi . . . 19 mn . the content arrangement of history memory 18 is shown in fig4 . the processor - controller 70 informs the nodal processor 10 ( and also processors 20 , 30 , . . . n ) via bus 11 as to which one of the particular past states is currently being presented on the &# 34 ; state history bus &# 34 ; 18 mx . fig4 indicates how each nodal processor is recorded as being &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; or &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; during any given machine cycle . as will be seen in fig1 a processor - controller 70 monitors the nodal system network and also provides an output through the i / o controller 80 which may present a display to the terminal 85 . the terminal 85 may be a cathode - ray tube output display or it may be merely a digital printout of selected information . the processor - controller 70 may be any general purpose processor or may even be a unit such as the currently available types of personal computers . the processor - controller 70 is used to continuously examine the current state of the network by scanning the network memory 18 . the network memory 18 contains a history of the past states of each of the processors 10 , 20 , 30 , . . . n , as seen in fig4 and table i . the object of the comparison of these past states is in order to see whether or not the &# 34 ; state condition &# 34 ; of each of the nodal processors 10 , 20 , 30 , . . . n has finally settled down to an unchanging set of data states which would indicate that the network has reached a point of &# 34 ; stability &# 34 ;. as long as changes keep occurring in the status states of each of the processors , it is understood that nonoptimum solutions are still being provided , and it is only when the optimum or close - to - optimum solution has been found that the status data in the network memory 18 will indicate that the status states of each of the processors have settled down into a semipermanent or permanent set of data which remains unchanging as various possibilities ( different tour paths ) are being explored . thus , a problem is deemed solved or &# 34 ; optimized &# 34 ; when stability of the data status states is achieved , or alternatively , some predetermined number of cycles has passed and the most probable optimum solution is at hand . stability of the &# 34 ; status states &# 34 ; is achieved when the comparison of successive states shows that the state bits are no longer changing from cycle to cycle and thus it is probable that a point of stability or optimization has occurred in the network . the processor - controller 70 will continuously provide information to each of the nodal processors 10 , 20 , 30 , . . . n about which particular state of the overall global system is currently being presented on the state bus 18 mx . the processor - controller 70 operates to initialize the computer by downloading data on bus 11 to each of the nodal processors 10 , 20 , 30 , . . . n . this downloaded data on bus 21 would include connection weights and delays to the nodal weight and delay memory 36 , the random delay schedule to the delay schedule memory 46 , and the decision algorithm for the decision algorithm memory 56 . in addition , the processor - controller will initialize the network history memory 18 via bus 18c . this initial data will set the memory with random values , 1 or 0 . since most current processors have limitations on the number of input data lines allowable for input signals , the number of nodes in the network will most likely exceed the number of data input lines coming into each nodal processor 10 , 20 , 30 , etc . thus , the data , as it is presented to each nodal processor , must be multiplexed through the multiplexor 16 . in fig1 the multiplexor 16 is seen receiving the output data of n bits from the history network memory 18 via the state history bus 18 mx . the network history memory 18 of fig4 can be thought of as a two - dimensional n × p array where the entries in each row represent the state of each processor ( the first entry corresponds to the state of first processor , the second entry the state of the second , and so on ) at some time in the past . the first row , for example is the current state , x ( t )=( x 1 ( t ), x 2 ( t ), . . . , x n ( t ). the second row represents the state of each processor one machine cycle in the past , x ( t )= x 1 ( t - δt ), x 2 ( t - δt ), . . . , x n ( t - δt ), and the last row , the state p machines cycles in the past x ( t )= x 1 ( t - pδt ), x 2 ( t - pδt ), . . . , x n ( t - pδt ). the history data from the network memory 18 is presented to the processor - controller 70 via multiplexor 16 and to the processor - controller 70 on a row - by - row basis , in sequence during each machine cycle . all rows are presented in sequence in each machine cycle . during each machine cycle , the &# 34 ; current state &# 34 ; of each one of the nodal processors 10 , 20 , 30 , . . . n is read into the network memory 18 from each of the n latches which constitute the series of memory latches 15 1 , 15 2 , 15 3 . . . 15 n shown in fig1 . in fig1 the temporary state memory latch 15 is shown receiving input on bus 14 from the nodal processor 10 and also receiving data on bus 12 . an output bus 17 conveys the state information from the latch 15 over to the network memory 18 . since each of the nodal processors 10 , 20 , 30 , . . . n waits a certain number of machine cycles before evaluating ( according to the decision rule of equation a2 ) its input and deciding whether it should change state , ( 0 or 1 ) its &# 34 ; current &# 34 ; state must be preserved during these dormant periods . thus , the the current state will sit in latch 15 and be presented to the network history memory 18 during each machine cycle . thus , each of the &# 34 ; nodes &# 34 ; in the system will have its own temporary memory latch such as 15 , 15 1 , 15 2 , 15 3 , . . . 15 i , . . . 15 n , and each of the nodal processors 10 , 20 , . . . n , will be presenting its current state , for each machine cycle , to the network memory which can then store and carry a history of the state condition of each of the nodal processors for each of the previous machine cycles including the current machine cycle . in the work of hinton , sejnowski and ackley , on the boltzmann machine , there was noted that delays in the system will &# 34 ; mimic &# 34 ; synaptic noise of the chemical synapse . these researchers and others have modeled the output function of a neuron as a &# 34 ; sigmoid - shaped &# 34 ;, cumulative distribution -- indicating the probability of maintained firing versus the input stimuli signals . in the boltzmann machine , neurons are modeled as stochastic units whose output is a boltzmann distribution . in this distribution , &# 34 ; temperature &# 34 ; is a parameter which governs the amount of randomness , and consequently the shape . this temperature parameter is an &# 34 ; external &# 34 ; method of influence on the system . contrarily , the presently described system uses &# 34 ; internally generated &# 34 ; delays to mimic noise and to avoid local minima . the system network disclosed herein has similarities with both hopfield &# 39 ; s two - state model , and also to the boltzmann machine . hopfield had demonstrated that a symmetrically connected network of binary neurons would find a &# 34 ; local minima &# 34 ; of an extrinsic quantity , which he identified as the system &# 39 ; s &# 34 ; energy &# 34 ;. he showed that this model can function as an error - correcting content addressable memory . in his later work , the two - state model was dropped for a non - linear analog model . the &# 34 ; smoothness &# 34 ; of the analog model was shown to accentuate the identification of &# 34 ; good &# 34 ; solutions to optimization problems . in the boltzmann machine , low energy states are achieved by &# 34 ; simulated annealing &# 34 ;, a method of utilizing &# 34 ; noise &# 34 ; to escape the local minima ( partially optimum solutions ). by starting with the &# 34 ; temperature &# 34 ; parameter relatively &# 34 ; high &# 34 ; and then slowly lowering it , the probability of locating a stable state with low energy was significantly enhanced . this process , called simulated annealing , was modeled since it emulates the attainment of low energy quantum states in metals by slow cooling . the presently disclosed delay model system network resembles the boltzmann machine in that delays do seem actually to mimic &# 34 ; noise &# 34 ;, and noise allows the escape from local minima . however , unlike the boltzmann machine , the present system provides randomness , and the variability of that randomness is provided as a function of time , and these factors appear to be an intrinsic property of the presently disclosed delay model system network . the presently disclosed neuronic system network is similar to hopfield &# 39 ; s two - state model . the network consists of n &# 34 ; neurons &# 34 ; where each neuron has two states which are indicated as &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; ( not firing ) or &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;, ( firing at a maximum rate ). the output of the i th neuron is connected to the input of the j th neuron with a &# 34 ; weight &# 34 ; designated as a w ij . as will be seen in fig6 the nodal weight - delay memory 36 of fig1 is seen to provide a relationship table whereby the weight - delay time relationship between any two individual neuronic processors in the network is provided for and shown in fig6 . the matrix w is symmetric , that is to say , the output of neuron i in relationship to neuron j has the same weight as the neuron j has to the neuron i . since no neuron may synapse on itself , there is seen a set of diagonal zeroes to indicate this in fig6 . this system network of neurons ( processors ) is asynchronous in the sense that each neuron waits a random , integral number of machine cycles , called &# 34 ; epochs &# 34 ; ( δt ), before evaluating its input and deciding to change its current state . each processor waits a certain number of machine cycles before evaluating the decision rule of equation a2 to determine whether to remain in the same state or to change its state ( 0 or 1 ). then , its current state , will reside in latch 15 and then be presented to the history memory during each machine cycle for storage therein . this number of machine cycles is chosen from a uniform distribution , [ 1 , 2 , 3 , . . . r ] where r is the maximum number of epochs a neuron waits before it &# 34 ; evaluates &# 34 ; its current status . the decision to change the output state is made according to the &# 34 ; decision rule &# 34 ; which is often called the mcculloch - pitts decision rule which was discussed in the bulletin of mathematical biophysics , vol . 5 1943 in an article entitled &# 34 ; a logical calculus of the ideas imminent in nervous activity &# 34 ; by w . s . mcculloch and walter pitts . this decision rule is shown accordingly to be represented by the hereinbelow equation marked equation b1 : ## equ4 ## where e 0 is the threshold and n is a square matrix of n × n . the &# 34 ; threshold &# 34 ; symbol e 0 is essentially the same concept as that shown in the previous equation a2where the symbol u i is used for the threshold value . the elements of n are integer samples from a uniform distribution [ 0 , 1 , 2 , . . . p ]. they reflect a &# 34 ; fixed &# 34 ; delay time of n ij time steps between the neuron unit i and the neuron unit j . p represents the maximum number of past states of the system that are to be retained , in history memory 18 . the quantity x j ( t - n ij δt ) is the &# 34 ; state &# 34 ; of the j th neuron ( 1 = on or 0 = off ) at some time in the past , in terms of the number of past machine cycles . as previously stated in equation a3 , the current state of the network may be described by the vector x equal to ( x 1 , x 2 , x 3 . . . , x n ). this represents the overall condition of the network in terms of the status of each one of the processors as to wehther they are on {= 1 } or off {= 0 }. thus , some concept of the conditional stability or &# 34 ; unchangingness &# 34 ; of the network can be represented . in the system network described herein , several sets of simulations were performed . for example , in the first set of simulations , the parameters were set up as follows : the elements of w ij ( see fig6 ) were set up with real valued samples from the uniform distribution [ minus the square root of n , and then the square root of n ], such that the symbol w ij is equal to w ji , and w ii is equal to zero . during these simulations , with random initial starting points , it was seen that &# 34 ; stable points &# 34 ; were almost always found . stable points were identified only after the network returned the same global state vector for m epochs . the time elapsed before a stable state was found varied widely from a minimum of 50 epochs , and in one run the system surged for over 1 , 000 epochs before the run was terminated without convergence . the system appears to move through configuration space randomly until some small islands of stability are reached . these islands involved two to three neurons whose state was unchanged for at least m epochs . when this condition occurred , the system usually continued with more and more neurons becoming &# 34 ; frozen &# 34 ; and with a relatively rapid convergence to a stable state . this behavior , though rather unexpected , may , however , be subject to some qualitative explanation . it is useful to think of the model neurons ( processors ) that obey the mcculloch - pitts decision rule as making decisions based on the update information that reached them through their inputs . however , when &# 34 ; delays &# 34 ; are present , the neurons are making decisions based on &# 34 ; past states &# 34 ; of the system . since the state of the system is usually constantly changing , there is a &# 34 ; nonzero &# 34 ; probability that with old information , a neuron will err in its decision . the neuron will thus not increase its firing rate , when it normally would have if its input information had been properly current in time . the longer a neuron goes without changing state , the higher the probability of its transmitting current ( present ) information to those neurons that are connected to it . as the state of more and more neurons becomes &# 34 ; fixed &# 34 ;, the remaining neurons will be found to utilize a higher percentage of &# 34 ; undelayed &# 34 ; inputs . consequently , the &# 34 ; noise - like &# 34 ; effects caused by the delays is dimiminished , thus a more rapid propensity toward a stable condition occurs . for a second set of simulations that were tried , it was sought to measure the neurons &# 39 ; output distribution at various levels of activity . the motivation was to determine how often a neuron &# 34 ; made a mistake &# 34 ; as a result of receiving old information . it was expected that when activity was high , ( a lot of neurons evaluating their input per each epoch ) that the errors resulting would be high . and likewise , when the activity was low , ( only a few neurons evaluating their input per epoch ) that the errors would be low . the first set of simulations had shown that the probability of a neuron &# 39 ; s changing state actually &# 34 ; decreased &# 34 ; as the network converged . consequently , the noise - like effects of delays had to be separated from the tendency of the network to progress toward a stable point . this necessitated the introduction of another global parameter &# 34 ; p &# 34 ; which was identified as the &# 34 ; probability &# 34 ; of a neuron &# 39 ; s changing state . this should be distinguished from the symbol &# 34 ; p &# 34 ; which represents the number of past machine cycles of status data being held in the history memory 18 . in the second set of simulations , it was arranged that all parameters remain the same except r , which was allowed to vary , and n , which was set to 100 . neurons evaluated their inputs according to two decision rules : ( i ) the first utilized delay times ; ( ii ) the second decision rule did not utilize delay times so that the symbol n ij was equal to zero for all sets of ij . recordings were taken when the results of the two rules disagreed . a histogram that measured the number of times a disagreement between the two rules occurred was plotted versus a weighted sum of the input , e . unlike the first set of simulations , state vectors were not updated according to the results of the decision rules to inhibit convergence . rather , the decision to change a neuron &# 39 ; s state was determined by sampling a uniform distribution between zero and one . if the result was less than &# 34 ; p &# 34 ; ( probability of a neuron &# 39 ; s changing state ), the neuron &# 39 ; s state was flipped . statistics were gathered but not until at least 25 epochs had elapsed , in order to insure that enough state history was maintained to observe the true effects of the delays . it was found that the recorded histograms , such as that shown in fig7 closely matched the cumulative output distribution which was used in other probabilistic models . thus these histograms will follow a pattern which is indicated by the shown hereinbelow equation b2 . ## equ5 ## where e is the weighted sum of the input . the parameter e 0 shifts the curve horizontally , while t governs the shape . for a small value of t , the curve resembles a step function ; for large values of t , the curve resembles a stretched - out &# 34 ; s &# 34 ;. t can be considered the measure of the level of noise or &# 34 ; temperature &# 34 ; of the system . neurons whose output function obey equation b2 with t equal to zero are called &# 34 ; deterministic &# 34 ;. fig8 and 9 show the resulting histograms which fit with equation b2 . in fig8 the statistics were recorded for 500 epochs . the p equals 0 . 1 , and p equals 3 , and t equals 23 as computed from the fit . in fig9 the parameters were p = 0 . 01 , r = 3 , and t = 7 . 7 . similar large shifts in t were found with changes in r . r represents the maximum number of epochs that a neuron waits before it evaluates its current status . additional histograms were also computed with nonrandom connection matrices . &# 34 ; w &# 34 ; was loaded with &# 34 ; weight - delay times &# 34 ; appropriate for a neural solution of the five - city travelling salesman problem as developed by hopfield and tank in 1985 and 1986 . in this case , the sigmoid shape was maintained but the curve was shifted horizontally . that this curve narrows with low activity , and as the network converges on a stable point , would suggest that with an appropriate choice of activity , the system might be made to &# 34 ; cool &# 34 ; slowly and consequently yeild &# 34 ; good &# 34 ; solutions to optimization problems . such a system could be designated as exhibiting &# 34 ; auto - annealing &# 34 ;. as a result of the developments of a neuron - simulated system network , it was seen that the two - state model type neurons with connections delays have an intrinsic sigmoid - shaped output distribution similar to that used in other probabilistic models . in spite of this random or stochastic component , the simulations showed that , after identifying stable isolated neurons , the system usually proceeded to find a stable state . samples of output distribution which were obtained showed that the distribution narrowed -- indicating that the system was becoming deterministic , or &# 34 ; cooling &# 34 ;-- as the network evolved toward a stable state . the amount of noise in the network , or &# 34 ; temperature &# 34 ;, was also dependent on the mean firing rate . it is thus considered that a combination of these two effects provided a natural way for a delayed system to minimize the system &# 39 ; s &# 34 ; energy &# 34 ;. there has thus been described a preferred embodiment of a special purpose neurocomputer system for solving optimization problems . however , other embodiments and variations may still operate on the concepts disclosed herein and may be defined by the following claims . | 6 |
fig2 is a schematic representation of the internal construction of an ultrasonic transducer 30 . in this figure , elements which are indicated by the same reference numbers as in fig1 are identical to the corresponding elements of fig1 . in fig2 , backing element 14 and the insulation layer 20 of fig1 are replaced by a cylindrical sleeve 32 ( i . e ., backing element ) which is made of in insulating material , preferably eptfe , which fills the entire space between the interior surface of element 14 and the opposed surface of tube 18 . eptfe was selected because it contains entrained air , is hydrophobic and is widely accepted for medical applications inside a living body . however , it is contemplated other materials including other materials containing entrained air may be utilized , so long as they would not be harmful if placed inside a living body and would not deteriorate in that environment . the elimination of water backing element 14 and insulation layer 20 results in simpler construction and easier manufacture and assembly of transducer 30 . ptfe is a material which has long been available from dupont under the trademark teflon ®. with an eptfe backing in place of a water backing , the power efficiency of the transducer can be improved by about 20 % or more , and the internal temperature of the transducer can be reduced from the range of 310 ° f . to the range of 220 ° f . since eptfe sleeve 32 is electrically nonconductive , the electrical conductors of cables 13 which were previously attached to backing element 14 are now connected directly to a conductive area on the inner surface of sleeve 12 . also , the insulation layer 20 of fig1 may be eliminated for the same reason . otherwise , the structure of transducer 30 is identical to that of transducer 10 . two identical water backed transducers were utilized to test the efficacy of the present transducer construction . one transducer was left unchanged , and on the other , the backing element 14 and insulating layer 20 removed and replaced by sleeve 32 of eptfe which completely filled the space between transducer 12 and tube 18 . eptfe sleeve 32 was press fitted onto tube 18 and within sleeve 12 . each transducer was mounted within a brass reflector , placed in a water bath and sonicated at 100 watts for 60 seconds . during sonication , the power output of the transducer was measured , and at the conclusion of the test , the temperature inside the transducer was measured by a temperature sensor placed within tube 18 . the test was repeated several times for reach transducer . the average power output for the water backed transducer was 45 . 4 watts , while the average power output for the eptfe backed transducer was 54 . 7 watts . at the same time , the maximum temperature recorded inside the water backed transducer was 307 ° f ., while the maximum temperature recorded inside the eptfe backed transducer was 219 ° f . there are believed to be a number of reasons for the superior performance of the eptfe backed transducer . consideration of these will serve as an effective guide to the selection of alternate insulating materials for the backing element . first of all , the interface between the piezoelectric material of sleeve 12 and eptfe sleeve ( with its entrained air ) 32 provides a very effective reflection of ultrasonic energy . however , there is another contribution to the more efficient energy conversion of the eptfe backed transducer . in the water backed transducer , protrusions 14 a effectively damped vibration of sleeve 12 wherever they touch it . eptfe sleeve 32 , on the other hand , is very soft and has no similar deleterious effect on the vibration of sleeve 12 . this accounts , in some part , for the more efficient energy conversion of the eptfe backed transducer . as far as the reduction in core temperature of the transducer is concerned , this is probably accounted for by the presence of the relatively thick sleeve 32 of insulating material . additional benefits of the eptfe backed transducer include the replacement of sleeve 20 and backing element 14 with a much simpler construction involving only a sleeve of insulating material , and the elimination of the complications introduced by the use of water inside the transducer . in a typical application , tube 18 typically has an outside diameter of approximately 1 . 14 mm . transducer 12 might have outside diameter of approximately 1 . 5 - 2 . 5 mm , a wall thickness of approximately 0 . 1 - 0 . 5 mm and a length of approximately 0 . 5 - 16 mm . sleeve 32 would fill the gap between the inside of transducer 12 and tube 18 . sleeve 32 has a wall thickness in the range of approximately 0 . 25 - 1 . 25 mm . most preferably , transducer 12 is 6 mm in length , has an outside diameter of 2 . 44 mm and a wall thickness of 0 . 116 mm . transducer 12 may have any outside diameter which is appropriate for its application , with a progressively larger thickness for larger transducers . fig3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a probe 40 containing a transducer in accordance with the present invention . probe 40 includes a catheter 52 having a distal end bearing an outer , reflector balloon 54 ; an inner , structural balloon 58 ; and a transducer subassembly 50 in accordance with the present invention . u . s . pat . no . 6 , 635 , 054 and international publication wo 2004 / 073505 disclose in more detail various probe structures of this type . the disclosures of u . s . pat . no . 6 , 635 , 054 and international publication wo 2004 / 073505 are incorporated herein , in their entirety , by reference . supporting tube 18 communicates with the interior lumen 53 of catheter 52 . supporting tube 18 may also extend through the forward wall 59 of balloon 58 . alternatively , tube 18 may be connected to another tubular structure 60 which extends through forward wall 59 of balloon 58 . tube 18 may have a lumen to pass device such as a guide wire 62 , or a sensor or pass a fluid such as a contrast medium . because the tube 18 is continuous with the lumen 53 of catheter 52 , and tube 18 or tubular structure 60 communicates with the forward wall 59 , the device provides a continuous passage . the thermal insulation provided by sleeve 32 ( fig2 ) protects the devices or fluids introduced through tube 18 from the heat generated by the transducer . prior to use , probe 40 would be in a collapsed state , in which both balloons 54 and 58 are collapsed about transducer subassembly 50 . probe 40 could , for example , be for use in cardiac ablation , in which case it could be inserted over a guide wire , through a sheath which , in accordance with conventional practice , has previously been threaded through a patient &# 39 ; s circulatory system and into the left atrium of the heart . however , there are other known techniques for positioning the probe , including surgical procedures . following that , structural balloon 58 may be inflated by injecting through a lumen of catheter 52 a liquid , such as saline solution , which has an ultrasonic impedance approximating that of blood . reflector balloon 54 is inflated by injecting through another lumen of catheter 52 a gas , such as carbon dioxide . owing to the different ultrasound impedance of the two inflation media , the interface between balloons 54 and 58 would then reflect ultrasound waves forward , through the distal portion of balloon 58 . although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed for illustrative purposes , those skilled in the art will appreciate that many additions , modifications and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention . | 0 |
referring now to the drawings , which are intended to illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention , fig1 shows an apparatus 10 that includes an undulating strip shaped element 12 and a handle 14 . strip element 12 includes a first series of folds 16 that are substantially aligned with one another thereby forming a first edge 18 ( see fig3 ) which is an imaginary line that passes along the outer surfaces of the first series of folds 16 . strip element 12 also includes a second series of folds 20 that are substantially aligned with one another thereby forming a second edge 22 ( see fig3 ) which is an imaginary line that passes along the outer surfaces of the second series of folds 20 . the folds function as hinges that allow the strip to straighten as will be explained later . between sequential folds are intermediate segments 30 . some of the intermediate segments , such as the segment between folds 24 and 28 , include a connection means 32 and are referred to herein as connection segments 33 . other intermediate segments , such as the segment between folds 24 and 26 , do not include a connection means and are referred to as guiding segments 35 . the guiding segments are used to force the display article toward the opposing connection segment so that the display article &# 39 ; s engagement means can easily and reliably engage the strip &# 39 ; s connection means . guiding segments 35 include a curved portion 37 that forces the display card toward connection means 32 . curved portion 37 is located proximate the fold that connects the guiding segment to its abutting connection segment . a reinforcing rib 39 stiffens the curved portion 37 so that it will not yield during the attachment process . rib 39 also contacts an end of protrusion 60 thereby insuring that folds 60 are properly spaced along the length of handle 14 . strip shaped element 12 has two ends . the leading end 54 of strip 12 may include a flat rectangular section 58 onto which information pertaining to the product may be printed . in addition , leading end 54 includes a hook which functions as a means for securing a strip loaded with display articles to a support structure such as a shelf in a store . attached to strip 12 is handle 14 . the strip and handle are secured to one another at a plurality of points of contact 42 . handle 14 includes an elongated portion 44 that traverses virtually the entire length of first edge 18 . in this embodiment , elongated portion 44 has a first end 46 and a second end 48 ( see fig4 ). to facilitate practical handling of apparatus 10 , strip 12 should be connected to handle 14 at two or more points of contact . one point of contact should be near the first end 46 of handle 44 and another point of contact should be near the second end 48 of handle portion 44 . additional points of contact may be needed near the middle of handle portion 44 to prevent sagging of the undulated strip when the apparatus is held by an operator as shown in fig5 . a terminal section 50 abuts first end 46 to form a t - shaped handle . another component of handle 14 is midsection 52 which is secured to the side of the handle opposite the points of contact 42 . midsection 52 is preferably shaped to facilitate manual grasping of the apparatus as shown by the phantom hand shown in fig4 . several protrusions 60 extend from elongated portion 44 toward strip 12 . the protrusions are located between consecutive folds in the first series of folds . the protrusions serve as spacers between the folds . fig2 a , 2b , 2 c and 2 d show the top , bottom , left side and right side views , respectively , of the apparatus shown in fig1 . the preferred embodiment of connection means 32 is shown in fig1 and 3 . however , the connection means could take a variety of shapes provided the connection means releasably secures the display articles to strip 12 . the connection means may be formed as an integral part of the strip shaped element or the connection means may be formed separately and then secured to the strip by the use of an adhesive or mechanical attachment . referring now to fig3 , a first embodiment of connection means 32 are formed on the surfaces of connection segments 33 . in this embodiment , the connection means includes a tab 34 that has a proximate end 36 , contacting connection segment 33 , and a distal end 38 . cavity 40 , which is the space between tab 34 and connection segment 33 , provides a releasable connection that is used to engage the engagement means on the display articles as will be explained below . in the preferred embodiment , only one connection means is formed on every other intermediate segment . however , if desired , more than one connection means could be secured to a single connection segment . furthermore , connection means could be secured to every intermediate segment rather than every other segment . a second embodiment of the connection means is shown in fig4 . in this embodiment , a flexible projection 70 extends from connection segment 33 to form a barb or finger 72 that can be used to trap a portion of the display article &# 39 ; s planar component 102 between connection segment 33 and projection 70 . to function properly , the distance between the free end of finger 72 and connection segment 33 , designated distance “ c ” in fig4 , must be less than the thickness of planar component 102 which is designated as distance d in fig4 . because friction is used to secure the display article to the strip , the planar component does not need an opening 104 defined therein as shown in fig1 . to remove the display article shown in fig4 from a fully extended strip as generally shown in fig1 , the consumer would pull on the display article with sufficient force to overcome the friction between the planar component and the flexible projection . an apparatus of this invention may be manufactured using an injection molding process that forms the apparatus as a unitary component . the apparatus can be injection molded from materials such as polypropylene , styrene , acrylonitrile - butadiene - styrene ( abs ) and polyethylene . the material used will influence the design parameters of the apparatus , especially the thickness of the points of contact and folds . critical aspects of an injection molded apparatus are the points of contact that secure the strip to the handle and the folds that define the first and second edges of the strip . the points of contact must be frangible so that the handle can be easily separated from the strip by twisting the handle about the elongated section &# 39 ; s longitudinal axis until the points of contact are broken thereby releasing the handle from the strip . the points of contact must be able to keep the handle and strip secured to one another during normal handling of the apparatus prior to contacting the connection means to the display articles as will be explained below . at the same time , the points of contact must be frangible so that the handle can be easily separated from the strip by twisting the handle with one hand . preferably , the strength of the points of contact will allow the handle to be separated from the strip by turning the handle &# 39 ; s terminal section 50 one quarter of a turn either clockwise or counterclockwise . if needed , the handle may be turned two or more times to insure complete separation of the handle from the strip . the folds , 16 and 20 , that define the first and second edges of strip 12 are critical parts because the folds must act as durable hinges . the folds must be sufficiently flexible to allow the collapsed strip to be straightened after the strip has been loaded with display items and then hung from a support structure . if the folds are too stiff , the loaded strip will not be able to elongate and function in a satisfactory manner . if the folds are too thin , the strip could tear at the folds thus destroying the integrity of the strip . an alternative to making the apparatus as a unitary component is to make strip 12 and handle 14 as separate components and then secure them to one another . the apparatus could be designed so that the handle is secured to the folded strip by an interference fit . the apparatus could also be assembled by gluing the handle to the folded strip provided the glued connections can be easily broken by twisting the handle as described above . in another embodiment , the strip could be formed from individually molded connection segments and guiding segments which are joined to one another to form a flexible strip which is then attached to a handle . referring now to fig5 , 7 and 8 , the preferred process for securing display articles to a folded strip merchandiser will now be described . beginning with fig5 , apparatus 10 is provided . the apparatus includes handle 14 and undulating strip shaped element 12 that are secured to one another . strip 12 has a plurality of releasable connection means 32 located along the length of the strip . apparatus 10 is positioned over a plurality of display articles 100 . the articles are arranged in an open ended container 101 . as shown in fig1 , each display article has a planar component 102 , such as a rectangularly shaped piece of paperboard , that defines an opening 104 therethrough and a shallow cup shaped tray typically formed of a transparent thermoformable material secured to the planar component . an edge 106 defines the perimeter of the planar component . preferably , opening 104 is located proximate edge 106 . referring again to fig5 , the display articles are aligned and separated within the container to correspond to the distance between the strip &# 39 ; s connection means . each article has at least one releasable engagement means incorporated into the article . in this embodiment , the engagement means is the opening 104 in planar component 102 . as shown by the phantom hand in fig5 , the apparatus can be easily controlled with one hand . fig6 discloses a container 101 holding a plurality of display articles 100 and an apparatus 10 that has been partially inserted over the display articles . in this view , an edge 106 of each display article &# 39 ; s planar component 102 is contacting the convex surface of curved portion 37 which forms a part of guiding segment 35 . as the apparatus is forced toward the display articles , the planar component is laterally displaced toward tab 34 which is designed to extend through opening 104 in component 102 . reliable insertion of the tab into the opening is assured by the relative positioning of the curved portion of guiding segment 35 and the distal end of tab 34 . specifically , the curved portion of the guiding segment must extend laterally toward and beyond the distal end 38 of tab 34 . as shown in fig3 , the preferred arrangement of tab 34 and curved portion 37 is achieved when the shortest distance between the distal end 38 of tab 34 and the connection segment from which tab 34 extends , shown as distance a in fig3 , is equal to or greater than the shortest distance , represented by distance b in fig3 , between the curved portion 37 of guiding segment 35 and the connection segment from which tab 34 extends . as shown in fig6 , the motion of inserting apparatus 10 onto the plurality of display articles forces edge 106 of planar component 102 toward the guiding segment where the edge contacts the convex surface of curved portion 37 of guiding segment 35 thereby forcing the planar component in the opposite direction and against the tab . due to the contact between the tab and planar component , the tab immediately extends through opening 104 as soon as opening 104 passes the distal end 38 of tab 34 . fig7 represents the step of fully contacting the apparatus &# 39 ; strip to the plurality of display articles so that the strip &# 39 ; s releasable connection means completely engage the display articles &# 39 ; releasable engagement means . the apparatus is loaded by grasping apparatus 10 about midsection 52 of handle 14 and forcing the entire apparatus downward onto the plurality of display articles until tabs 34 are able to extend through openings 104 in the display articles &# 39 ; planar component 102 . the apparatus may then be pulled away from the display articles to force the portion of the planar component located between opening 104 and the planar component &# 39 ; s edge 106 to become firmly wedged in cavity 40 thereby suspending the article from the strip member . fig8 shows an isometric view of a loaded apparatus prior to separating handle 14 from strip 12 . a plurality of display articles 100 are releasably secured to strip 12 . protrusions 60 extend from handle 14 and separate portions of the strip &# 39 ; s intermediate segments from one another . the flat , rectangular section 58 of strip 12 forms a first end . fig9 discloses a cross section of container 101 holding a plurality of display articles 100 after the apparatus &# 39 ; strip has fully engaged the display articles , the handle has been separated from the strip 12 and the leading end &# 39 ; s rectangular section 58 has been folded toward the first edge 18 of undulating strip 12 . container 101 can be closed by folding over the container &# 39 ; s flaps 103 and sealing the container with glue or tape . the loaded container can then be shipped to a store where a store employee can open the box , grasp the leading end of strip 12 and pull the loaded strip from the box as shown in fig9 . shown in fig1 is a strip as it is pulled from a container after the strip has been loaded with a plurality of display articles as described above . the loaded strip is pulled from the container by grasping the leading end 54 of undulating strip shaped element 12 and pulling the loaded strip from the container . because each of the display articles has been secured to the strip by engaging each of the display articles with a connection means located on the strip , the display articles are removed from the container as the strip is pulled from the container the above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only . modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention . therefore , it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law . | 0 |
embodiments of the present invention provide a substrate support assembly ( e . g ., an electrostatic chuck ) having a protective layer formed over a ceramic body of the substrate support assembly . the protective layer may provide plasma corrosion resistance for protection of the ceramic body . the protective layer may be a bulk sintered ceramic article ( e . g ., a ceramic wafer ) that is metal bonded to the ceramic body using a nano - bonding technique . various bonding materials such as in , sn , ag , au , cu and their alloys could be used along with a reactive foil . in one embodiment , the ceramic body is a bulk sintered ceramic body ( e . g ., another ceramic wafer ). when the ceramic body does not include a chucking electrode , the metal bond may function as a chucking electrode for the electrostatic chuck . the ceramic body may additionally be metal bonded to a thermally conductive base by another metal bond . the thermally conductive base may include heating elements as well as channels that can be used to regulate temperature by flowing liquid for heating and / or cooling . the metal bond between the thermally conductive base and the ceramic body provides a good thermal contact , and enables the thermally conductive base to heat and cool the ceramic body , the protective layer and any substrate held by the electrostatic chuck during processing . embodiments provide an electrostatic chuck that can be as much as 4 x cheaper to manufacture than conventional electrostatic chucks . moreover , embodiments provide an electrostatic chuck that can adjust temperature rapidly and that is plasma resistant . the electrostatic chuck and a substrate being supported may be heated or cooled quickly , with some embodiments enabling temperature changes of 2 ° c ./ s or faster . this enables the electrostatic chuck to be used in multi - step processes in which , for example , a wafer may be processed at 20 - 30 ° c . and then rapidly ramped up to 80 - 90 ° c . for further processing . the embodiments described herein may be used for both columbic electrostatic chucking applications and johnson raybek chucking applications . in another embodiment , reactive foil is manufactured that has preformed surface features . the reactive foil may be manufactured by depositing alternating nanoscale layers of two reactive materials such as aluminum and nickel onto a template that has surface features . the surface features of the template may correspond to surface features of one or more substrates that the reactive foil will be used to bond . for example , if the one or more substrates have holes in them , then the template may have steps corresponding to the holes . these steps may cause reactive foil formed on the template to have preformed holes that correspond to the holes in the substrate . fig1 is a sectional view of one embodiment of a semiconductor processing chamber 100 having a substrate support assembly 148 disposed therein . the substrate support assembly 148 has a protective layer 136 of a bulk ceramic that has been metal bonded to a ceramic body of the substrate support assembly 148 . the metal bond may include a combination of metals , such as a combination of indium , tin , aluminum , nickel and one or more additional metals ( e . g ., such as gold or silver ). the metal bonding process is described in greater detail below . the protective layer may be a bulk ceramic ( e . g ., a ceramic wafer ) such as y 2 o 3 ( yttria or yttrium oxide ), y 4 al 2 o 9 ( yam ), al 2 o 3 ( alumina ) y 3 al 5 o 12 ( yag ), yalo3 ( yap ), quartz , sic ( silicon carbide ) si 3 n 4 ( silicon nitride ) sialon , minn . ( aluminum nitride ), alon ( aluminum oxynitride ), tio 2 ( titania ), zro 2 ( zirconia ), tic ( titanium carbide ), zrc ( zirconium carbide ), tin ( titanium nitride ), ticn ( titanium carbon nitride ) y 2 o 3 stabilized zro 2 ( ysz ), and so on . the protective layer may also be a ceramic composite such as y 3 al 5 o 12 distributed in al 2 o 3 matrix , y 2 o 3 — zro 2 solid solution or a sic — si 3 n 4 solid solution . the protective layer may also be a ceramic composite that includes a yttrium oxide ( also known as yttria and y 2 o 3 ) containing solid solution . for example , the protective layer may be a ceramic composite that is composed of a compound y 4 al 2 o 9 ( yam ) and a solid solution y 2 - xzr x o 3 ( y 2 o 3 — zro 2 solid solution ). note that pure yttrium oxide as well as yttrium oxide containing solid solutions may be doped with one or more of zro 2 , al 2 o 3 , sio 2 , b 2 o 3 , er 2 o 3 , nd 2 o 3 , nb 2 o 5 , ceo 2 , sm 2 o 3 , yb 2 o 3 , or other oxides . also note that pure aluminum nitride as well as doped aluminum nitride with one or more of zro 2 , al 2 o 3 , sio 2 , b 2 o 3 , er 2 o 3 , nd 2 o 3 , nb 2 o 5 , ceo 2 , sm 2 o 3 , yb 2 o 3 , or other oxides may be used . alternatively , the protective layer may be sapphire or mgalon . the protective layer may be a sintered ceramic article that was produced from a ceramic powder or a mixture of ceramic powders . for example , the ceramic composite may be produced from a mixture of a y 2 o 3 powder , a zro 2 powder and an al 2 o 3 powder . the ceramic composite may include y 2 o 3 in a range of 50 - 75 mol %, zro 2 in a range of 10 - 30 mol % and al 2 o 3 in a range of 10 - 30 mol %. in one embodiment , the hpm ceramic composite contains approximately 77 % y 2 o 3 , 15 % zro 2 and 8 % al 2 o 3 . in another embodiment , the ceramic composite contains approximately 63 % y 2 o 3 , 23 % zro 2 and 14 % al 2 o 3 . in still another embodiment , the hpm ceramic composite contains approximately 55 % y 2 o 3 , 20 % zro 2 and 25 % al 2 o 3 . relative percentages may be in molar ratios . for example , the hpm ceramic composite may contain 77 mol % y 2 o 3 , 15 mol % zro 2 and 8 mol % al 2 o 3 . other distributions of these ceramic powders may also be used for the ceramic composite . the processing chamber 100 includes a chamber body 102 and a lid 104 that enclose an interior volume 106 . the chamber body 102 may be fabricated from aluminum , stainless steel or other suitable material . the chamber body 102 generally includes sidewalls 108 and a bottom 110 . an outer liner 116 may be disposed adjacent the side walls 108 to protect the chamber body 102 . the outer liner 116 may be fabricated and / or coated with a plasma or halogen - containing gas resistant material . in one embodiment , the outer liner 116 is fabricated from aluminum oxide . in another embodiment , the outer liner 116 is fabricated from or coated with yttria , yttrium alloy or an oxide thereof . an exhaust port 126 may be defined in the chamber body 102 , and may couple the interior volume 106 to a pump system 128 . the pump system 128 may include one or more pumps and throttle valves utilized to evacuate and regulate the pressure of the interior volume 106 of the processing chamber 100 . the lid 104 may be supported on the sidewall 108 of the chamber body 102 . the lid 104 may be opened to allow excess to the interior volume 106 of the processing chamber 100 , and may provide a seal for the processing chamber 100 while closed . a gas panel 158 may be coupled to the processing chamber 100 to provide process and / or cleaning gases to the interior volume 106 through a gas distribution assembly 130 that is part of the lid 104 . examples of processing gases may be used to process in the processing chamber including halogen - containing gas , such as c 2 f 6 , sf 6 , sicl 4 , hbr , nf 3 , cf 4 , chf 3 , ch 2 f 3 , cl 2 and sif 4 , among others , and other gases such as o 2 , or n 2 o . examples of carrier gases include n 2 , he , ar , and other gases inert to process gases ( e . g ., non - reactive gases ). the gas distribution assembly 130 may have multiple apertures 132 on the downstream surface of the gas distribution assembly 130 to direct the gas flow to the surface of the substrate 144 . additionally , the gas distribution assembly 130 can have a center hole where gases are fed through a ceramic gas nozzle . the gas distribution assembly 130 may be fabricated and / or coated by a ceramic material , such as silicon carbide , yttrium oxide , etc . to provide resistance to halogen - containing chemistries to prevent the gas distribution assembly 130 from corrosion . the substrate support assembly 148 is disposed in the interior volume 106 of the processing chamber 100 below the gas distribution assembly 130 . the substrate support assembly 148 holds the substrate 144 during processing . an inner liner 118 may be coated on the periphery of the substrate support assembly 148 . the inner liner 118 may be a halogen - containing gas resist material such as those discussed with reference to the outer liner 116 . in one embodiment , the inner liner 118 may be fabricated from the same materials of the outer liner 116 . in one embodiment , the substrate support assembly 148 includes a mounting plate 162 supporting a pedestal 152 , and an electrostatic chuck 150 . in one embodiment , the electrostatic chuck 150 further includes a thermally conductive base 164 bonded to an electrostatic puck 166 by a metal or silicone bond 138 . alternatively , a simple ceramic body may be used instead of the electrostatic puck 166 , as will be described in greater detail with reference to fig3 . an upper surface of the electrostatic puck 166 is covered by the protective layer 136 that is metal bonded to the electrostatic puck 166 . in one embodiment , the protective layer 136 is disposed on the upper surface of the electrostatic puck 166 . in another embodiment , the protective layer 136 is disposed on the entire surface of the electrostatic chuck 150 including the outer and side periphery of the thermally conductive base 164 and the electrostatic puck 166 . the mounting plate 162 is coupled to the bottom 110 of the chamber body 102 and includes passages for routing utilities ( e . g ., fluids , power lines , sensor leads , etc .) to the thermally conductive base 164 and the electrostatic puck 166 . the thermally conductive base 164 and / or electrostatic puck 166 may include one or more optional embedded heating elements 176 , embedded thermal isolators 174 and / or conduits 168 , 170 to control a lateral temperature profile of the support assembly 148 . the conduits 168 , 170 may be fluidly coupled to a fluid source 172 that circulates a temperature regulating fluid through the conduits 168 , 170 . the embedded isolator 174 may be disposed between the conduits 168 , 170 in one embodiment . the heater 176 is regulated by a heater power source 178 . the conduits 168 , 170 and heater 176 may be utilized to control the temperature of the thermally conductive base 164 , thereby heating and / or cooling the electrostatic puck 166 and a substrate ( e . g ., a wafer ) being processed . the temperature of the electrostatic puck 166 and the thermally conductive base 164 may be monitored using a plurality of temperature sensors 190 , 192 , which may be monitored using a controller 195 . the electrostatic puck 166 and / or protective layer may further include multiple gas passages such as grooves , mesas and other surface features , that may be formed in an upper surface of the puck 166 and / or the protective layer . the gas passages may be fluidly coupled to a source of a heat transfer ( or backside ) gas , such as he via holes drilled in the puck 166 . in operation , the backside gas may be provided at controlled pressure into the gas passages to enhance the heat transfer between the electrostatic puck 166 and the substrate 144 . in one embodiment , the electrostatic puck 166 includes at least one clamping electrode 180 controlled by a chucking power source 182 . in alternative embodiments , the metal bond may function as the clamping electrode . alternatively , the protective layer may include an embedded clamping electrode ( also referred to as a chucking electrode ). the electrode 180 ( or other electrode disposed in the puck 166 or protective layer ) may further be coupled to one or more rf power sources 184 , 186 through a matching circuit 188 for maintaining a plasma formed from process and / or other gases within the processing chamber 100 . the sources 184 , 186 are generally capable of producing an rf signal having a frequency from about 50 khz to about 3 ghz and a power of up to about 10 , 000 watts . in one embodiment , an rf signal is applied to the metal base , an alternating current ( ac ) is applied to the heater and a direct current ( dc ) is applied to the chucking electrode . fig2 depicts an exploded view of one embodiment of the substrate support assembly 148 . the substrate support assembly 148 depicts an exploded view of the electrostatic chuck 150 and the pedestal 152 . the electrostatic chuck 150 includes the electrostatic puck 166 or other ceramic body , as well as the thermally conductive base 164 attached to the electrostatic puck 166 or ceramic body . the electrostatic puck 166 or other ceramic body has a disc - like shape having an annular periphery 222 that may substantially match the shape and size of the substrate 144 positioned thereon . in one embodiment , the electrostatic puck 166 or other ceramic body may be fabricated by a ceramic material . suitable examples of the ceramic materials include aluminum oxide ( al 2 o 3 ), aluminum nitride ( aln ), titanium oxide ( tio ), titanium nitride ( tin ), silicon carbide ( sic ) and the like . in one embodiment , the ceramic body is a bulk sintered ceramic , which may be in the form of a wafer . the thermally conductive base 164 attached below the electrostatic puck 166 or ceramic body may have a disc - like main portion 224 and an annular flange 220 extending outwardly from a main portion 224 and positioned on the pedestal 152 . in one embodiment , the thermally conductive base 164 may be fabricated by a metal , such as aluminum or stainless steel or other suitable materials . alternatively , the thermally conductive base 164 may be fabricated by a composite of ceramic , such as an aluminum - silicon alloy infiltrated sic or molybdenum to match a thermal expansion coefficient of the ceramic body . the thermally conductive base 164 should provide good strength and durability as well as heat transfer properties . an upper surface of the protective layer 136 may have an outer ring 216 , multiple mesas 210 and channels 208 , 212 between the mesas . fig3 illustrates a cross sectional side view of the electrostatic chuck 150 . referring to fig3 , the thermally conductive base 164 is coupled to a ceramic body 302 by a first metal bond 304 . the ceramic body 302 may be a bulk sintered ceramic such as aluminum oxide ( al 2 o 3 ), aluminum nitride ( aln ), titanium oxide ( tio ), titanium nitride ( tin ), silicon carbide ( sic ) and the like . the ceramic body 302 may be provided , for example , as a thin ceramic wafer . in one embodiment , the ceramic body has a thickness of about 1 mm . the ceramic body 302 may have an electrode connection 306 formed therein ( e . g ., by drilling a hole through the ceramic body and filling the hole with an electrically conductive material . the electrode connection 306 may connect a metal bond that functions as a clamping electrode to a chucking power source and / or to an rf source . the first metal bond 304 facilitates thermal energy exchange between the ceramic body 302 and the thermally conductive base 164 and may reduce thermal expansion mismatch therebetween . the metal base 164 may include multiple conduits ( e . g ., an inner conduit 168 and an outer conduit 170 ) through which fluids may be flowed to heat or cool the electrostatic chuck 150 and a substrate 144 . the metal base 164 may additionally include one or more embedded heaters 176 , which may be resistive heating elements . the first metal bond 304 mechanically bonds the thermally conductive base 164 to the ceramic body 302 . in one embodiment , the metal bonding material 304 includes tin and / or indium . alternatively , other metals may be used . additionally , the first metal bond 304 may include a thin layer of aluminum and nickel ( e . g ., having a thickness of about 2 - 4 mil in one embodiment ) between two layers of other metals ( e . g ., between two layers of tin ). in one embodiment , the thin layer is initially a reactive multi - layer foil ( referred to herein as a reactive foil ) composed of alternating nanoscale layers of reactive materials such as aluminum and nickel . during a room temperature metal bonding process , the reactive foil may be activated ( e . g ., ignited ), creating a near instantaneous reaction generating upwards of 1500 degrees c . this may cause upper and lower layers of metal , which act as a solder , to melt and reflow to bond the thermally conductive base 164 to the ceramic body 302 . in one embodiment , the reactive foil is nanofoil ®, manufactured by indium corporation of america . the electrostatic chuck 150 additionally includes a protective layer 136 that is coupled to the ceramic body 302 by a second metal bond 308 . the protective layer 136 may be provided , for example , as a thin ceramic wafer . mesas ( not shown ) may be formed on a surface of the protective layer , and the protective layer and ceramic body may include holes for the flow of helium and holes for lift pins . such holes may be formed before or after the protective layer 136 is bonded to the ceramic body . the second metal bond 308 may be substantially similar to the first metal bond 304 , and may have been generated using a room temperature bonding process ( e . g ., using an ignitable reactive foil ). in one embodiment , the reactive foil has preformed foil features that correspond to surface features of the protective layer and / or the ceramic body . for example , the reactive foil may have preformed holes that correspond to helium holes and lift pin holes in the protective layer . reactive foil having preformed foil features is described in greater detail below with reference to fig8 a - 11 . in one embodiment , both the first metal bond 304 and the second metal bond 308 are formed at the same time . for example , the entire structure may be pressed together in a fixture , and reactive foil between the thermally conductive base and ceramic body may be activated at approximately the same time as reactive foil between the protective layer and the ceramic body to form both metal bonds in parallel . bond thickness may be approximately 25 microns to 500 microns ( e . g ., 150 to 250 microns in one embodiment ). the thickness of protective layer 136 may be selected to provide desired dielectric properties such as a specific breakdown voltage . in one embodiment , when the electrostatic chuck is to be used in a columbic mode , the protective layer has a thickness of between about 150 - 500 microns ( and about 200 - 300 microns in one example embodiment ). if the electrostatic chuck is to be used in a johnson raybek mode , the protective layer may have a thickness of around 1 mm . as mentioned above , the protective layer 136 is a bulk sintered ceramic . in one embodiment , the protective layer is a ceramic composite as described above , which has a high hardness that resists wear ( due to relative motion because of thermal property mismatch between substrate & amp ; the puck ) during plasma processing . in one embodiment , the ceramic composite provides a vickers hardness ( 5 kgf ) between about 5 gpa and about 11 gpa . in one embodiment , the ceramic composite provides a vickers hardness of about 9 - 10 gpa . additionally , the ceramic composite may have a density of around 4 . 90 g / cm3 , a flexural strength of about 215 mpa , a fracture toughness of about 1 . 6 mpa · m 1 / 2 , a youngs modulus of about 190 gpa , a thermal expansion of about 8 . 5 × 10 − 6 / k ( 20 - 900 ° c . ), a thermal conductivity of about 3 . 5 w / mk , a dielectric constant of about 15 . 5 ( measured at 20 ° c . 13 . 56 mhz ), a dielectric loss tangent of about 11 × 10 - 4 ( 20 ° c . 13 . 56 mhz ), and a volume resistivity of greater than 10 15 ω · cm at room temperature in one embodiment . in another embodiment , the protective layer is yag . in another embodiment , the protective layer is sapphire . in still another embodiment , the protective layer is yttrium aluminum oxide ( y x al y o z ). a gasket 310 may be disposed at a periphery of the electrostatic chuck 150 between the protective layer 136 and the ceramic body 302 . in one embodiment , the gasket 310 is a fluoro - polymer compressible o - ring . in another embodiment , the gasket is a liquid polymer that cures under pressure to form the gasket . the gasket 310 provides a protective seal that protects the metal bond 308 from exposure to plasma or corrosive gases . a similar gasket may encircle and protect the first metal bond 304 . note also that a similar type of gasket 314 may be used to seal off and separate the electrode connection 306 from the first metal bond 304 . a quartz ring 146 , or other protective ring , surrounds and covers portions of the electrostatic chuck 150 . the substrate 144 is lowered down over the electrostatic puck 166 , and is held in place via electrostatic forces . if the electrostatic chuck 150 is to be used for columbic chucking , then the thickness of the protective layer ( dielectric above the electrode ) may be about 200 microns to about 1 mm . if the electrostatic shuck 150 is to be used for johnson raybek chucking , then the thickness of the protective layer may be about 1 mm to about 1 . 5 mm . fig4 illustrates a cross sectional side view of one embodiment of an electrostatic chuck 400 . the electrostatic chuck 400 has a ceramic body 410 metal bonded to a protective layer 415 by a metal bond 420 and further bonded to a metal plate 455 by a silicone bond or other bond 496 . in one embodiment , the ceramic body has a thickness of about 3 mm . the ceramic body 410 may include one or more heating elements 418 . in one embodiment , the ceramic body 410 includes an electrode embedded therein . in another embodiment ( as shown ), an electrode 485 may be embedded in the protective layer 415 . in yet another embodiment , a metal bond 420 may at as an electrode . in one embodiment , an upper portion 492 of the protective layer 415 that lies above the electrode 485 has a thickness of greater than 200 micron ( e . g ., 5 mil in one embodiment ). the thickness of the upper portion 492 of the protective layer 415 may be selected to provide desired dielectric properties such as a specific breakdown voltage . after the protective layer 415 is placed ( and ground to a final thickness in some embodiments ), mesas 418 are formed on an upper surface of the protective layer 415 . the mesas 418 may be formed , for example , by bead blasting or salt blasting the surface of the protective layer 415 . the mesas may be around 3 - 50 microns tall ( about 10 - 15 in one embodiment ) and about 200 microns in diameter in some embodiments . additionally , multiple holes 475 are drilled through the ceramic body 410 and / or protective layer 415 . these holes 475 may be drilled before or after the protective layer 415 is bonded to the ceramic base 410 , and holes in the protective layer 415 may line up with holes in the ceramic body 410 and / or base 455 . in one embodiment , holes are drilled through the protective layer 415 , ceramic body 410 and base 455 after the bonding is performed . alternatively , holes may be drilled separately and then aligned prior to bonding . the holes may line up with preformed holes in a reactive foil used to form the metal bond 420 between the ceramic body 410 and protective layer 415 . in one embodiment , gaskets 490 are placed or formed at a perimeter of the metal bond 420 and where the holes 475 meet the metal bond 420 . the gaskets formed around the holes 475 may be omitted in some implementations in which the metal bond 420 is not used as an electrode . in one embodiment , the holes 475 have a diameter of about 4 - 7 mil . in one embodiment , the holes are formed by laser drilling . the holes 475 may deliver a thermally conductive gas such as helium to valleys or conduits between the mesas 418 . the helium ( or other thermally conductive gas ) may facilitate heat transfer between a substrate and the electrostatic chuck 400 . it is also possible to deposit the mesas 418 on top of substrate support ( e . g ., onto the protective layer 415 ). ceramic plugs ( not shown ) may fill the holes . the ceramic plugs may be porous , and may permit the flow of helium . however , the ceramic plugs may prevent arcing of flowed plasma . fig5 illustrates one embodiment of a process 500 for manufacturing an electrostatic chuck . at block 505 of process 500 , a ceramic body is provided . the provided ceramic body may be a ceramic wafer . the ceramic wafer may have undergone some processing , such as to form an electrode connector , but may lack heating elements , cooling channels , and an embedded electrode . at block 510 , a lower surface of the ceramic body is bonded to a thermally conductive base by performing a metal bonding process to form a first metal bond . at block 515 , a bulk sintered ceramic protective layer is bonded to an upper surface of the ceramic body by the metal bonding process to form a second metal bond . the protective layer may be a ceramic wafer having a thickness of about 700 microns to about 1 - 2 mm . the metal bonding process is described with reference to fig7 . in one embodiment , the upper surface of the ceramic body is polished flat before bonding it to the protective layer . at block 520 , the second metal bond is coupled to a sealed electrode connection . this coupling may occur as a result of the metal bonding process that forms the second metal bond . at block 525 , a surface of the protective layer is ground down to a desired thickness . the protective layer may be a dialectic material over a clamping electrode , and so the desired thickness may be a thickness that provides a specific breakdown voltage ( e . g ., about 200 - 300 microns in one embodiment ). at block 530 , mesas are formed on an upper surface of the protective layer . at block 535 , holes are formed in the protective layer and the ceramic body ( e . g ., by laser drilling ). note that the operations of block 530 may be performed after bonding the protective layer to the ceramic body ( as shown ), or may be performed prior to such bonding . plugs may then be formed in the holes . in an alternative embodiment , the ceramic body may be bonded to the base after the mesas are formed , after the holes are formed and / or after the protective layer is bonded . fig6 illustrates another embodiment of a process for manufacturing an electrostatic chuck . at block 605 of process 600 , a ceramic body is provided . the provided ceramic body may be a ceramic puck that includes one or more heating elements . the ceramic puck may or may not include an embedded electrode . at block 610 , a lower surface of the ceramic body is bonded to a thermally conductive base . the bond may be a silicone bond in one embodiment . in another embodiment , the bonding material may be a thermal conductive paste or tape having at least one of an acrylic based compound and silicone based compound . in yet another embodiment , the bonding material may be a thermal paste or tape having at least one of an acrylic based compound and silicone based compound , which may have metal or ceramic fillers mixed or added thereto . the metal filler may be at least one of al , mg , ta , ti , or combination thereof and the ceramic filler may be at least one of aluminum oxide ( al 2 o 3 ), aluminum nitride ( aln ), titanium diboride ( tib 2 ) or combination thereof . at block 615 , a bulk sintered ceramic protective layer is bonded to an upper surface of the ceramic body by a metal bonding process to form a metal bond . the metal bonding process is described with reference to fig7 . at block 620 , a surface of the protective layer is ground down to a desired thickness . the protective layer may be a dialectic material over a clamping electrode , and so the desired thickness may be a thickness that provides a specific breakdown voltage . at block 625 , mesas are formed on an upper surface of the protective layer . at block 630 , holes are formed in the protective layer and the ceramic body ( e . g ., by laser drilling ). in an alternative embodiment , the ceramic body may be bonded to the base after the mesas are formed , after the holes are formed or after the protective layer is bonded . fig7 illustrates one embodiment for performing a metal bonding process . at block 705 , a surface of a first body is coated with a first metal layer . the metal layer may be tin , indium or another metal . at block 710 , a surface of a second body is coated with a second metal layer . the first body and second body may be , for example , a protective layer , a ceramic body or a thermally conductive base . for ceramic bodies ( e . g , the ceramic body or protective layer ), coating the surface with a metal layer may include first forming a titanium layer on the surface . titanium has properties that cause it to form strong bonds with ceramics ( such as by forming bonds with oxygen molecules in ceramics ). a metal layer may then be formed over the titanium . the metal layer may be tin or indium , for example . if tin is used for the metal layer , then processes of below 250 degrees c . may be performed using the electrostatic chuck since tin has a melting temperature of 250 degrees c . if indium is used for the metal layer , then processes of below 150 degrees c . may be performed using the electrostatic chuck since indium has a melting temperature of 150 degrees c . if higher temperature processes are to be performed , than a metal having a higher melting temperature should be used for the metal layers . the titanium layer and the subsequent metal layer may be formed by evaporation , electroplating , sputtering , or other metal deposition or growth techniques . alternatively , the first metal layer may be a first sheet of solder ( e . g ., a sheet of tin or indium ) that is positioned against the first body , and the second metal layer may be a second sheet of solder that is positioned against the second body . in one embodiment , the first metal layer and second metal layer are each approximately 1 - 20 mils thick ( e . g ., 25 - 100 microns in one embodiment ). at block 715 , a gasket is applied on a periphery of the coated surface of the first body or second body . the gasket will protect the coated surface from interaction with corrosive gases or plasmas . in one embodiment , the gasket is a compressible o - ring . alternatively , the gasket may be a liquid that cures under pressure to form the gasket . at block 720 , the coated surface of the first body is positioned against the coated surface of the second body with a reactive foil therebetween . in one embodiment , the reactive foil is approximately 50 - 150 microns thick . at block 725 , pressure is applied to compress the first body against the second body . the pressure may be about 50 pounds per square inch ( psi ) in one embodiment . while the pressure is applied , at block 730 the reactive foil is activated . the reactive foil may be activated by providing a small burst of local energy , such as by using optical , electrical or thermal energy sources . ignition of the reactive foil causes a chemical reaction that produces a sudden and momentary localized burst of heat up to about 1500 degrees c ., which melts the first and second metal layers , causing them to reflow into a single metal bond . this nano - bonding technique for forming a metal bond precisely delivers localized heat that does not penetrate the bodies being bonded . since the bodies are not heated , the bodies may have a significant mismatch in coefficients of thermal expansion ( cte ) without a detrimental effect ( e . g ., without inducing stress or warping ). fig8 illustrates one embodiment of a process 800 for manufacturing a reactive foil sheet having preformed foil features . at block 805 of process 800 , a template having surface features is provided . the template may be any rigid material in one embodiment . the template may have a substantially planar surface , with one or more surface features . alternatively , the template may have a non - planar surface with or without surface features . the surface features may include positive steps ( e . g ., standoffs ) and / or negative steps ( e . g ., holes or trenches ) in a surface of the template . the steps may have a height or depth that is sufficient to cause a first portion of a deposited reactive foil sheet that covers the step to be discontiguous with a second portion of the reactive foil sheet that covers a remainder of the template . for example , standoffs may have a height of about 1 - 25 mm , and holes / trenches may have a depth of about 1 - 25 mm in one particular embodiment , the steps have a height or depth of about 2 - 10 mm instead , deposited reactive foil may have the shape of the non - planar regions . the surface features may also include non - planar regions such as bumps , dips , curves , and so forth . these surface features may not cause any portions of a deposited reactive foil sheet to be discontiguous with other portions of the reactive foil sheet . at block 810 , alternating nanoscale layers of at least two reactive materials are deposited onto the template to form a reactive foil sheet . in one embodiment , the reactive materials are metals that are sputtered onto the template . the reactive materials may also be formed by evaporation , electroplating , or other metal deposition or growth techniques . thousands of alternating layers of the two reactive materials may be deposited onto the template . each layer may have a thickness on the scale of one nanometer to tens of nanometers . in one embodiment , the reactive foil is approximately 10 - 500 microns thick , depending on the number of nanoscale layers that the reactive foil includes . in a further embodiment , the reactive foil is about 50 - 150 microns thick . in one embodiment , the two reactive materials are aluminum ( al ) and nickel ( ni ), and the reactive foil is a stack of al / ni layers . alternatively , the two reactive materials may be aluminum and titanium ( ti ) ( producing a stack of al / ti layers ), titanium and boron ( b ) ( producing a stack of ti / b layers ), copper ( cu ) and nickel ( producing a stack of cu / ni layers ) or titanium and amorphous silicon ( si ) ( producing a stack of ti / si layers ). other reactive materials may also be used to form the reactive foil . for some surface features , a height or depth of the surface feature may cause a portion of a deposited reactive foil sheet to be discontiguous with other portions of the reactive foil sheet . in many cases , this discontinuity is intended . however , if no discontinuity is desired , then an angle of the template with regards to a deposition source may be controlled to eliminate any such discontinuity . in one embodiment , the template is rotated and / or the angle of the template with relation to the deposition source is changed during the deposition process . in another embodiment , multiple deposition sources having different locations are used . the arrangement of the deposition sources may be set to maximize coverage of a non - planar surface and / or surface features while minimizing thickness variations in the alternating layers . at block 815 , the reactive foil sheet is removed from the template . the reactive foil sheet may have a weak mechanical bond to the template , enabling the reactive foil to be removed from the template without tearing . the reactive foil sheet may have foil features that correspond to surface features of the template . for example , the reactive foil sheet may have voids corresponding to the regions of the template that had steps . additionally , the reactive foil sheet may have non - planar ( e . g ., three dimensional ) features corresponding to three dimensional features in the template . the features may have various sizes and shapes . the preformed foil features may correspond to surface features of one or more substrates that the reactive foil is designed to bond . accordingly , the formed reactive foil may be production worthy . for example , the reactive foil may be set in place on a substrate having surface features and energized to create a metal bond without first machining the reactive foil to accommodate the surface features . fig9 a illustrates deposition of nanoscale metal layers onto a template 900 having surface features . the template 900 has a substantially planar surface 905 with three surface features 910 , 915 , 922 . surface features 910 and 915 are steps having a height 920 . the height 920 is sufficiently tall to cause nanoscale metal layers deposited 925 onto the features 910 , 915 to be discontiguous with nanoscale metal layers deposited 925 onto a remainder of the template &# 39 ; s surface 905 . surface feature 922 is a non - planar ( e . g ., three dimensional ) feature . metal layers 925 deposited onto feature 922 are contiguous with metal layers deposited onto the remainder of the template &# 39 ; s surface 905 . fig9 b illustrates a reactive foil sheet 950 having preformed foil features 960 , 965 , 970 . the reactive foil sheet 950 is formed by depositing alternating nanoscale metal layers onto template 900 of fig9 a . the reactive foil sheet 950 is substantially planar . however , reactive foil sheet 950 includes a non - planar feature 970 caused by deposition over surface feature 922 of template 900 . foil features 960 and 965 are voids in reactive foil sheet 950 , and correspond to surface features 910 , 920 of template 900 . fig1 a illustrates deposition of nanoscale metal layers onto a template 1000 having a non - planar surface 1005 . the template 1000 may have a three dimensional shape as shown , or may have any other three dimensional shape . fig1 b illustrates a non - planar reactive foil sheet 1050 having a three dimensional shape that matches the three dimensional shape of template 1000 . this three dimensional shape may correspond to a three dimensional shape of two substrates that the reactive foil will be used to bond together . accordingly , the reactive foil sheet 1050 may be place onto one of the substrates in an orientation and position that causes a shape and any features of the reactive foil sheet 1050 to line up with a shape and features of the substrate . the second substrate may then be placed over the reactive foil sheet , and the reactive foil sheet may be ignited . because the reactive foil sheet has a shape that matches the substrates that it will bond , the reactive foil sheet will not be deformed or torn . this may minimize or eliminate leakage paths that might otherwise be caused by attempting to use a planar reactive foil sheet to bond non - planar surfaces . the reactive foil sheets with preformed features described herein may be used to bond any two substrates . the reactive foil sheets may be particularly useful for applications in which a room temperature , rapid bond is to be formed without vacuum and between substrates having surface features . for example , the reactive foil may be used to bond an electrostatic puck with helium holes to a cooling base plate . the reactive foil sheets described herein may also be used to bond a protective layer over a showerhead , which may have thousands of gas distribution holes as well as divots and / or standoffs around the gas distribution holes . the reactive foil sheets may also be used to bond semiconductor devices , solar devices , and other devices . fig1 illustrates a continuous reactive foil 1100 formed of interlocking reactive foil sheets 1105 , 1110 , 1115 , 1120 . the perimeters of the reactive foil sheets 1105 - 1120 may have a tessellating puzzle shape that enables the reactive foil sheets 1105 - 1120 to interlock . the tessellating puzzle shape may be formed by depositing alternating nanoscale metal layers over a template having a step around a perimeter of the template with the tessellating puzzle shape . accordingly , the above described process 800 may be used to create interlocking reactive foil sheets . these interlocking reactive foil sheets enable any sized substrate to be bonded using a metal bonding process without introducing leakage pathways . the preceding description sets forth numerous specific details such as examples of specific systems , components , methods , and so forth , in order to provide a good understanding of several embodiments of the present invention . it will be apparent to one skilled in the art , however , that at least some embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details . in other instances , well - known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention . thus , the specific details set forth are merely exemplary . particular implementations may vary from these exemplary details and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention . reference throughout this specification to “ one embodiment ” or “ an embodiment ” means that a particular feature , structure , or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment . thus , the appearances of the phrase “ in one embodiment ” or “ in an embodiment ” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment . in addition , the term “ or ” is intended to mean an inclusive “ or ” rather than an exclusive “ or .” when the term “ about ” or “ approximately ” is used herein , this is intended to mean that the nominal value presented is precise within ± 10 %. although the operations of the methods herein are shown and described in a particular order , the order of the operations of each method may be altered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse order or so that certain operation may be performed , at least in part , concurrently with other operations . in another embodiment , instructions or sub - operations of distinct operations may be in an intermittent and / or alternating manner in one embodiment , multiple metal bonding operations are performed as a single step . it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative , and not restrictive . many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description . the scope of the invention should , therefore , be determined with reference to the appended claims , along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled . | 8 |
referring to the drawings , the invention can be seen to reside in a shower tray or bath 1 as shown in fig1 . in the description of the preferred embodiments , reference will be made to a shower tray 1 , however , it should be noted that other apparatus and particular baths , tubs and the like , may also incorporate this invention where suitable . this preferred embodiment of the shower tray 1 is designed to be placed in a corner of the room such that sides 2 and 3 of the apparatus 1 are placed adjacent walls within the room . a further portion 4 is placed on an interior side of the apparatus 1 protruding into the room and has a sill 5 to which the shower doors or similar apparatus may be fitted . in this embodiment , a recess 6 is provided within a portion of the sill 5 to act as a drainage channel . the recess 6 has an opening 7 to allow the flow of water from the recess 6 back into the interior side of the sill 5 and down into the base 8 of the apparatus 1 . this may then allow drainage back into the drain 9 at a low point in the base 8 . it can be seen in this preferred embodiment , the recess 6 is placed adjacent an end of the sill 5 and , in this embodiment , two such drainage portions are provided adjacent each end of the sill 5 at an intersection between the sill 5 and a portion of the apparatus 1 to lie adjacent a wall 2 or 3 . in use , prior art methods of construction have provided doors or similar apparatus placed on the sill 5 which has a c - shaped channel running along the sill 5 so that the ends of the arms of the channel reside on the sill 5 with the back of the channel uppermost and separated from the sill 5 . adjacent the corners of the sill where it resides against the walls 2 and 3 , channels are often provided as part of the door apparatus , so that the door or similar apparatus may fit within the channel . this channel running down the walls 2 or 3 adjacent the end of the sill 5 is generally placed with the arms of the channel extending outwardly from the wall to engage the door . it is recognised in such prior art constructions that some water will run along the face of the door and into the channel against the walls 2 and 3 . this water then flows down onto the channel placed on the sill 5 and this apparatus generally provides a drainage hole in the upper surface of the channel so that the water may flow into the space between the legs of the channel sitting on the sill 5 . such typical constructions then provide for the use of silicone or similar sealants against the outer leg of the channel sitting on the sill 5 , so that water cannot flow pass this sealant and onto the floor surrounding the apparatus 1 . however , such prior art constructions rely on the security of this silicone sealant so that sufficient pressure can build up within the channel sitting on the sill 5 to force the water back in past the inner leg of the channel and towards the interior of the shower tray . the reliance on a pressure system to pass the water into the interior of the shower tray places greater reliance and greater likelihood of finding weak spots in the sealant adjacent the outer leg of this base channel . in the present invention , the recess portion 6 and its opening 7 back into the interior of the tray provides a specific drainage channel for the drainage of this water back into the interior of the tray . although silicone sealants may still be used on the channel sitting on the sill 5 , the drainage channel or recess 6 now allows a low pressure drainage back into the tray to reduce the likelihood of the passage of water to the outside edge of the apparatus 1 and onto this surrounding floor . turning now to fig3 the connection between the shower tray 8 and the wall 3 is shown in cross - section . a typical arrangement is the provision of a floor 9 , a bottom plate 10 and spaced apart studs 11 to form the construction of the room in which the shower tray 8 is housed . of course , alternative arrangements exist and may still be used in conjunction with this apparatus . it can be seen that the shower base 8 turns into an upstanding flange 12 which is provided about that portion of the perimeter of the shower tray 8 adjacent the walls 2 and 3 . in addition , the preferred form provides a step 16 in the upstanding flange intermediate of a top edge 17 of the flange 12 and the base 8 of the shower tray . the step 16 allows for some accommodation of the wall lining 18 to extending pass the top edge 17 of the flange 12 without the formation of a shadow line from a gap between the lining 18 and flange 12 . in this present invention , a spacing means 19 is provided on or adjacent the top edge 17 to space the wall lining 18 from this top edge 17 and create an air gap 20 between the wall lining 18 and an upper portion 21 of the flange 12 adjacent the top edge 17 . the spacer 19 may be provided by any convenient means and in this particular embodiment is shown as a separate portion having legs 22 and 23 to engage about the upper portion 21 and an inwardly directed flange 24 to provide the necessary spacing between the wall lining 18 and the upper portion of the flange 21 . it can be also seen that the spacer 19 is provided with an upper surface created by the flange 24 on or adjacent which a wallboard 25 may reside . in the preferred form of the invention , the spacer 19 as provided by the section having legs 22 , 23 and flange 24 is provided as a continuous section from relatively resiliently flexible material so that it may be tightly squeezed over the top edge 17 of the flange 12 and form a reasonable seal at that point . alternatively it may be desirable to provide an inwardly directed flange similar to the flange 24 integral with the top edge 17 of the upstanding flange 12 as part of the shower tray itself . in further alternatives , the spacer 19 could be provided by a block of material placed adjacent the top edge 17 . in use , prior art showers merely provided for the wall lining to lie adjacent the upper portion 21 of the shower tray 8 and provided a bead of silicone therebetween to create a seal . however , capillary action is likely between the lining 18 and the upper portion 21 and this can draw moisture up to the bead of silicone . provided the silicone is in good repair and no portions are missed , the silicone may well seal this adequately . however , should there be any mistakes in the placement of the silicone so that small gaps appear or should the silicone sealant age with time and become brittle and cracked , water may seep past the silicone and into the wall space . this can create damage to the remainder of the structure of the house such as the studs 11 , bottom plate 10 and floor 9 . in this present invention , the creation of the air gap 20 stops or minimises the likelihood of capillary action between the wall lining 18 and the flange 12 of the shower tray 8 . if it is desired , a silicone sealant may be used in conjunction with the apparatus , however , this may prove unnecessary with the provision of the air gap stopping the climbing of water up behind the wall lining 18 . in addition , should any water manage to reside in the air gap 20 , such water is likely to travel along the step 16 provided on the preferred form of the invention towards the ends of the wall lining 18 at which the sill 5 is provided . at these points , any excess water that has managed to get into this gap 20 may drain down into the recess 6 forming the drainage channel as described previously . the passage of water along the step 16 in the region of the air gap 20 is still relatively sealed off from the remainder of the wall 3 through the particular form of the provision of the spacer 19 . the passage of water up the flange portion 21 intermediate of the legs 22 and 23 of the spacer 19 is a difficult path for water flow and the only likely point of passage for water from the air gap 20 other than into the drainage channel 6 is a requirement for the water to get between the inwardly turned flange 24 and the wall lining 18 . thus it can be seen that this connection between the shower tray or bath 8 and the wall 3 and the method of construction involved providing the shower tray 8 and placing it adjacent the wall with the spacer 19 to space the wall lining 18 from the upstanding flange portion 21 creates an air gap which will limit or eliminate the passage of water between the wall lining 18 over the upper edge 17 of the tray or bath 8 . this connection may work in conjunction with the previously described drainage channel 6 provided in the sill 5 of the apparatus as well . although the step 16 reduces the visual discontinuity between the flange 12 and lining 18 and provides a specific drainage path , the spacer alone is sufficient for the invention to inhibit the passage of water into the supporting wall . when both the spacer element for the wall lining and the drainage channels 6 and 7 are provided on the same unit , it may be necessary to fill the area 30 as shown on fig2 . the plan view in fig2 shows the upstand flange 21 and the region 30 substantially corresponds with the top of the step 16 should this be provided all the way to the outer edge of the shower tray . where this is adjacent the drainage channel 6 , it may be necessary to inhibit the further passage of water along this step pass the drainage 6 and to encourage the water into the drainage channel 6 and out the outlet 7 into the shower tray . this region 30 may be filled in any suitable manner such as by silicon sealant or , in the preferred form , the flange 21 may be thickened in this region to take up the space provided along the remainder of this flange by the spacer such that the flange 21 substantially abuts the wall liner in this region . thus it can be seen that the invention provides a shower tray or bath and a method of constructing such a shower or bath installation which overcomes many of the problems in sealing prior art apparatus . wherein the foregoing description reference has been made to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth . although this invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof it is to be understood that modifications or improvements may be made thereto without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention . | 0 |
the following description of a preferred embodiment ( s ) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention , its application , or uses . for ease of description , only one exemplary embodiment is herein described in detail . however , it should be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art would contemplate that any of a plurality of embodiments may utilize the same themed cemetery construction for many different themes including stadiums , landmarks , buildings , parks , and the like . it should be understood that the use of a car racing stadium is utilized only for illustration purposes only and is in no way limited to only race car stadiums . fig1 illustrates an overall perspective view of a themed cemetery 1 . the themed cemetery 1 may take any of a plurality of shapes and sizes , depending on the desires and accommodations necessary for those wishing to be interned at the location . the themed cemetery 1 may take the form of a car racing facility 3 as illustrated in fig1 , but may also take the form of any preferred landmarks , including sports stadiums , arenas , famous landmarks such as parks , buildings , structures , vehicles , trains , planes and the like . for illustrative purposes , fig1 illustrates a themed cemetery 1 in the form of a racing car facility 3 such as those found in famous car racing tracks like daytona raceway , ( not shown ) california raceway ( not shown ) and / or the indianapolis raceway ( not shown ). as illustrated in fig1 , the themed cemetery 1 in the form of a racing car facility 3 may have a plurality of sections included therein . for example , the racing car facility 3 may have many of the same features commonly found on the actual racing car facility 3 for which it is modeled . the themed cemetery 1 may include grandstands 5 , commonly found in most real world racing car facilities . the grandstands 5 may include a plurality of areas including at least a seating area 7 , media box areas 9 , and grandstand burial areas 11 . it is contemplated that the grandstand 5 take the same form and shape as the real world racing car facilities and be approximately the same relational size to the real facilities . as mentioned earlier , the grandstands 5 of the themed cemetery 1 may have a seating area 7 which may be used by those individuals that come to visit those interned there . the seating area 7 of the grandstands 5 may also provide an area which may be suitably familiar to the individuals that may be visiting loved ones buried in the themed cemetery 1 . for example , friends that may have attended baseball games together and held season passes or attended race car events together and sat in the same location for years , may desire to sit in those same locations in the grandstands 5 when visiting the friends and / or relatives that may be buried at the themed cemetery 1 . a greater sense of familiarity may be provided with the seating area 7 of the grandstand 5 . moreover , providing adequate seating area 7 may also allow for the accommodation of more people in the themed cemetery 1 and may also relax some of the anxiety related to visiting individuals at a cemetery . additionally , as illustrated in fig1 , the themed cemetery 1 may also have a grandstand area 5 which may include media boxes 9 or luxury boxes . these media / luxury boxes 9 may be located in similar locations as those in the real world facilities . many individuals have luxury boxes and a great deal of their social life while they were alive revolved around these luxury boxes 9 . these media / luxury boxes 9 may be utilized as either visitor areas or , in the alternative , may be utilized as burial areas for those wishing to be buried in the areas that many spent so much time in . however , as these media / luxury boxes 9 in real life cost significantly more than regular seating areas 7 , similarly , the media / luxury boxes 9 may cost more to be buried therein which may increase the exclusivity and profitability to the owner of the themed cemetery 1 facility . the luxury boxes 9 may encompass the entirety of the outside edge 13 of the themed cemetery 1 and may have the added advantage of looking out away from the themed cemetery 1 to property located adjacent ( not shown ). these luxury boxes 9 may include similar characteristics as those found in the real world facilities including glass 15 which looks towards the infield area 17 , the grandstand seating area 7 and even into the winning circle 25 , and the track 29 itself . included in the grandstands 5 may be a grandstand burial area 11 . as enumerated above , many individuals may have spent much of their time at a particular sporting event , such as season tickets for baseball games where the season ticket holder held the same seats for many years . the themed cemetery 1 may provide the individual with the ability to be buried or interned in much the same location or seating area where that individual may have spent so much of their leisure time . additionally , visitors that knew the individual well , would know that the individual had been buried in the grandstand burial area 11 at a location that was close or at the location where that individual spent much of their leisure time . many visitors may have at one point or the other , gone to a sporting event with the person interned or buried there and may have fond memories of their time with that individual . the grandstand burial area 11 may also provide nostalgic and / or fond memories for the individuals that visit the deceased , creating a positive atmosphere as opposed to the deserted , and desolate prior art cemetery grounds that provide the atmosphere that would provoke the fond and happy memories , thereby creating a positive cemetery visitor experience . fig1 also illustrates the track area 29 of the themed cemetery 1 car racing facility 3 . the track area 29 could be akin to the baseball field , football field , etc . of another type of facility and is utilized for illustrative purposes only . the track area 29 may have been the focus of the deceased individuals &# 39 ; attention when they were participating or viewing the event . the individual may have some fondness for being buried in the place for which they focused so much of their attention . from the facility owner &# 39 ; s standpoint , the track area 29 or the field area in the case of a baseball field , or football field may comprise the majority of the area of the facility and may be the least expensive portion of the themed cemetery 1 to buy . moreover , because the track area 29 may comprise a large portion of the surface area of the themed cemetery 1 , the facility owners may utilize the space to promote aesthetic features of the cemetery 1 including different vegetation / plants 31 , along with statues 35 , benches 37 ( see fig2 ) and the like . the track area 29 may allow for a park - like atmosphere which includes plants 31 , traditional seating areas 37 and walkways 39 which may allow visitors to walk around the track area 29 to view other parts of the themed cemetery 1 , sit in the grandstands 5 and to find the appropriate loved family or friend that may be interned or buried at a particular location within the track area 29 . the track area 29 may even be divided into a first area 41 and a second area 43 . the first area 41 may comprise more uniform tombstones 47 that lie at ground level and may complete the aesthetic appearance of a track area 29 . moreover because of their proximity to other tombstones 49 , the first area 41 may be marketed as a cheaper area to purchase than other areas of the themed cemetery 1 . the second area 43 of the track area 29 may be marketed by the facility owners as a more expensive , larger plot area of the themed cemetery 1 . as illustrated in fig2 , more ornate tombstones 51 may be located in this second area 43 than those present in the first area 41 of the track area 29 . the tombstones 51 may include larger headstones 55 , mausoleums 57 and / or more decorative and specific memorials 59 . these specific memorials 59 may include figures such as racing cars 61 , favorite players / drivers , favorite number designators 63 and many other optional indicia that may show the deceased &# 39 ; s preferred and / or love for that specific pastime . fig2 further illustrates the themed cemetery 1 and the continuation of the theme throughout the entire facility , which in the case of the race car facility 3 , may include the general presence of racing flags , such as winner &# 39 ; s flags , caution flags , and the like that may be incorporated both figuratively into the ground coverings , and other memorial areas and may even include things like trophies 69 which may be placed ornamentally around the entirety of the race car facility 3 themed cemetery 1 . additionally , it is contemplated that the second area 43 may have specific memorials 59 and larger headstones 55 , which would likely necessitate larger spaces between a first plot 71 and a second plot 73 . thereby walkways 39 may be incorporated between a first plot 71 and a second plot 73 and vegetation 31 may be incorporated into the spaces therebetween . fig2 further illustrates the winner &# 39 ; s circle area 25 of the themed cemetery 1 . the winner &# 39 ; s circle area 25 may be set up similarly to the winner &# 39 ; s circle of the real world facility . moreover , the winner &# 39 ; s circle area 25 may be marked with ornate decorations such as vegetation 31 and trophies 69 which may mark it as such . additionally , it is contemplated that the winner &# 39 ; s circle may be utilized as a burial place for those wishing to be buried in this specific area whereby the facility owner may choose to charge a premium for burial at that specific location or may use the winner &# 39 ; s circle as a visitor &# 39 ; s area only with seating areas and the like set up . the winner &# 39 ; s circle 25 may be at a focal point to the entire themed cemetery 1 , whereby the grandstands 5 and the track area 29 all encircle the winner &# 39 ; s circle 25 which may increase the value and location of the burial spots close to the winner &# 39 ; s circle 25 . individuals may wish to be buried near that area as many people will desire to visit this area because of its unique ornamentation including plaques and potentially other memorabilia from actual races / sporting events . also illustrated in fig2 is the outside edge 79 of the second area 42 of the track area 29 . as can be seen , larger headstones 55 may be located in this area that may be adjacent to the winner &# 39 ; s circle 25 . moreover , statues 81 may also be placed in this area . in an exemplary embodiment , a statute 81 representing the likeness of a deceased individual may be displaced whereby the individual statue 81 may be wearing their favorite jacket / article 83 of clothing having the indicia of the sporting event or the racing number 85 of their favorite driver thereon . the statue may be displayed to show the deceased individual &# 39 ; s love and enthusiasm for a particular sport , event or particular individual , driver or the like , yet still have the personalized touch of bearing the likeness of the deceased individual . again , the use of the deceased individuals &# 39 ; pastimes may bring joy and fond memories to those visitors that are visiting the themed cemetery 1 . the atmosphere may also play a part in encouraging the fond memories of visitors that come into the themed cemetery 1 such that they may re - live some of the experiences that they may have had with their departed loved ones . fig3 further illustrates the grandstands area 5 and the entrance area 87 of the themed cemetery 1 . as can be appreciated , the entrance area 87 may lead directly onto the track area 29 and into the grandstand area 5 as would be normally found in a real world facility . facility owners may also lease the space in the entrance area , or the outside surface of the themed cemetery 1 to potential sponsors and / or advertisers that may wish to advertise and sponsor the facility . this may allow for increased revenue in the themed cemetery 1 and may also lead to the credibility of the facility as many of the real world facilities have similar sponsorships and advertising appearances throughout the entire facility . for example , if a stadium has advertisements placed along the outfield wall , the themed cemetery 1 may lease the space to potential sponsors or businesses that wish to lease the space which would make the themed cemetery 1 look similar to the real world stadium advertisements that people have come accustomed to seeing in the real world facility . fig3 also illustrates the grandstand area 5 with stairs 89 leading to the grandstands area 5 and stairs 89 leading to the track area 29 . the grandstands area 5 may have a plurality of walls 91 which may separate the grandstand areas 5 from the track area 29 . the walls 91 may also be set up to accept urns holding the cremated remains of the deceased . each section of the wall 91 may have plaques 93 located thereon which may identify the final resting place of the individuals interned within that area . it should be understood that the walls 91 may be of sufficient thickness to allow for a plurality of cremated remains to be placed within them , along with the plaques 93 which identify the individual &# 39 ; s identity . also included in the grandstand area 5 as illustrated in fig1 may be a seating area for visitors to come and spend time at the themed cemetery 1 when visiting loved ones . fig4 illustrates the inner field area 101 of the themed cemetery 1 . the inner field area 101 may continue the theme of the facility . in this exemplary embodiment , the inner field area 101 of a race car facility may comprise mechanic pits and other holding areas . in this particular embodiment , it may be more desirable to have an inner field area 101 which may be more park like with ponds 103 , seating areas 105 and other ornamental features 107 which are still consistent with the overall themed cemetery 1 which may include pedestals 111 having cars , trophies and other activities associated with the theme . additionally , walkways 113 may be provided to allow walking from one side 115 of the track area 29 to a second side 117 of the track area 29 . other ornamental features and characteristics may be provided to enhance the theme of the cemetery while not detracting from the aesthetic pleasure of the surrounding areas . referring to fig5 - 10 , the themed cemetery system 1 comprises any of a plurality of shapes and sizes , depending on the desires and accommodations necessary for those wishing to be accommodated , e . g ., interred , at the location , in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present disclosure . for example , the themed cemetery system 1 may take the form of a baseball stadium ( fig5 ), a football stadium ( fig7 ), a hockey arena ( fig8 ), golf course ( fig6 ), a park ( fig1 ), and / or an entertainment venue , such as a casino ( fig9 ), by example only . advertising and promotional space may also be provided within the themed cemetery system 1 to coincide with the advertising and promotional space provided at the corresponding facility after which the themed cemetery system is represented . for example , the advertising and promotional space 120 may be disposed on an outside wall of the modeled facility of the themed cemetery system 1 . referring to fig5 - 8 , a themed cemetery system 1 comprises : a property simulating a entertainment facility comprising at least one entertainment themed , the property comprising : at least one portion simulating at least one entertaining area 500 of the entertainment facility ; a plurality of burial plots 510 located in relation to the property simulating the entertainment facility , each plot 510 of the plurality of burial plots 510 capable of accommodating at least one of a casket ( not shown ), an urn ( not shown ), a mausoleum ( not shown ), and contents thereof ( not shown ), each plot 510 comprising a distinct revenue value relative to any other plot 510 at a given time , and the distinct revenue value depending on a location of each plot 510 within the property simulating the entertainment facility ; and at least a portion 502 comprising at least one advertising space , such as the advertising and promotional space 120 , in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure . still referring to fig5 - 8 , the at least one entertainment themed comprises at least one of live theatre , cinema , concert , an art exhibition , a television , radio , gambling , convening , resort , and any other form of entertainment , wherein entertainment includes music , art , performing art , cinema , television , any other amusement associated with a venue . the at least one advertising space , such as the advertising and promotional space 120 , is disposed in relation to at least one wall 91 of the property and is disposed on the property in manner that is consistent with at least one advertising and promotional space of the entertainment facility , e . g ., the facility after which the themed cemetery represents , such as the grauman &# 39 ; s chinese theatre , the hollywood bowl , the hollywood palladium , disneyland , the walt disney concert hall , the greek theatre , cesar &# 39 ; s palace , the mgm grand hotel , the bellagio , and the like . still referring to fig5 - 8 , the system 1 further comprises burial headstones 512 having memorabilia related to the entertainment facility . the property further comprises at least one seating area , such as seating areas 7 , 37 . the at least one entertaining area 500 comprises a first area 501 and a second area 502 , the first area 501 comprising a plurality of generally uniform , ground level tombstones 51 at a first revenue value , and the second area comprising a plurality of ornate tombstones 55 at a second revenue value , the second revenue value being higher than the first revenue value ( see also . fig2 .). the plurality of generally ground level tombstones 51 of the first area are disposed in a manner resembling a entertaining surface for the entertainment facility . the plurality of ornate tombstones 55 of the second area comprises a plurality of headstones ( not shown ) corresponding to a plurality of specific memorials . the plurality of specific memorials comprises at least one at least one representation ( not shown ) of an entertainment poster , a stage actor , a movie star , a television star , a celebrity , an entertainment personality , a studio owner , a studio executive , a reality show personality , an online personality , a newscaster , a broadcaster , and the like . the first area 501 comprises a plurality of ornamental features ( not shown ) consistent with the at least one entertainment themed of the entertainment facility . still referring to fig5 - 8 , a method of creating a themed cemetery system 1 comprises : providing a property simulating a entertainment facility comprising at least one entertainment themed , the property comprising : providing at least one portion simulating at least one entertaining area 500 of the entertainment facility ; providing a plurality of burial plots 510 located in relation to the property simulating the entertainment facility , each plot 510 of the plurality of burial plots 510 capable of accommodating at least one of a casket ( not shown ), an urn ( not shown ), a mausoleum ( not shown ), and contents thereof ( not shown ), each plot 510 comprising a distinct revenue value relative to any other plot 510 at a given time , and the distinct revenue value depending on a location of each plot 510 within the property simulating the entertainment facility ; and providing at least a portion comprising at least one advertising space , such as the advertising and promotional space 120 , in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure , still referring to fig5 - 8 , in the method of creating a themed cemetery system 1 , providing the at least one entertainment themed comprises providing at least one of live theatre , cinema , concert , an art exhibition , a television , radio , gambling , convening , resort , and any other form of entertainment , wherein entertainment includes music , art , performing art , cinema , television , any other amusement associated with a venue . still referring to fig5 - 8 , in the method of creating a themed cemetery system 1 , providing the at least a portion , comprising the at least one advertising space , such as the advertising and promotional space 120 , comprises disposing the at least one advertising space in relation to at least one wall , such as the wall 91 , of the property ; and providing the at least a portion , comprising the at least one advertising space , such as the advertising and promotional space 120 , comprises disposing the at least one advertising space on the property in a manner that is consistent with at least one advertising and promotional space of the entertainment facility , e . g ., the facility after which the themed cemetery represents , such as grauman &# 39 ; s chinese theatre , the hollywood bowl , the hollywood palladium , disneyland , the walt disney concert hall , the greek theatre , cesar &# 39 ; s palace , the mgm grand hotel , the bellagio , and the like . the method further comprises providing burial headstones having memorabilia related to the entertainment facility after which the system 1 represents . also , the step of providing the property further comprises providing at least one seating area , such as seating areas 7 , 37 . still referring to fig5 - 8 , in the method of creating a themed cemetery system 1 , providing the at least one portion , simulating at least one entertaining area 500 , comprises providing the at least one entertaining area 500 with a first area 501 and a second area 502 , the first area 501 providing comprising providing generally uniform , ground level tombstones 51 at a first revenue value , and the second area 502 providing comprising providing ornate tombstones 55 at a second revenue value , the second revenue value being higher than the first revenue value . the step of providing the generally ground level tombstones 51 of the first area 501 comprises disposing the generally ground level tombstones 51 in a manner resembling a entertaining surface for the first area 501 , wherein providing the ornate tombstones 55 of the second area 502 comprises providing the headstones ( not shown ) corresponding to specific memorials . the step of providing the headstones corresponding to specific memorials comprises providing at least one representation ( not shown ) of an entertainment poster , a stage actor , a movie star , a television star , a celebrity , an entertainment personality , a studio owner , a studio executive , a reality show personality , an online personality , a newscaster , a broadcaster , and the like . the step of providing the at least one entertaining area 500 comprises providing the first area 501 with ornamental features consistent with the at least one entertainment themed of the entertainment facility after which the system 1 represents . the above - described device may be altered by means known in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention . the inventive subject matter , therefore , is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims . the terms “ comprises ” and “ comprising ” should be interpreted as referring to elements , components , or steps in a non - exclusive manner , indicating that the referenced elements , components , or steps may be present , or utilized , or combined with other elements , components , or steps that are not expressly referenced . while the invention has been described in what is presently considered to be an exemplary embodiment , many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art . accordingly , it is intended that the invention not be limited to the specific illustrative embodiment , but be interpreted within the full spirit and scope of the appended claims . | 4 |
a switch connecting structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings . fig1 - 4 illustrate a first embodiment of a switch connecting structure according to the present invention in which a circular movement is placed in a square watch case . fig1 is a plan view illustrating an important part . a push button and a case are shown in cross section . fig2 is a plan view of a supporting plate . fig3 is a plan view of a switch regulating plate . fig4 is a side view illustrating how a movement assembly is disposed . the components corresponding to those in the related art ( illustrated in fig1 ) are labeled with the corresponding numerals and characters . a circular movement 1 is capped by a supporting plate 3 illustrated in fig2 . a contact spring 3 a is suspended from the body of the supporting plate 3 on the outer periphery of the plate 3 , extending around the movement and having a contact portion 3 b at the tip . the tip contact portion 3 b abuts a restricting portion 3 c suspended from the body of the supporting plate 3 , thereby preventing the supporting plate 3 from springing out . the contact springs 3 a are provided along the outer periphery of the supporting plate 3 at four locations in this example in a substantially symmetrical manner . the supporting plate 3 is fixed to the movement by screwing , adhesive bonding , or the like . the switch regulating plate 6 illustrated in fig3 is attached to cap the substantially entire surface of the supporting plate 3 . the switch regulating plate 6 is provided with a switch spring 6 a suspended therefrom at a position along the outer periphery corresponding to the contact spring 3 a of the supporting plate 3 . the switch spring 6 a provided at the switch regulating plate 6 extends substantially in parallel to a inside wall of the body of a watch case 5 , and a tip 6 b of the plate 6 is curved inward substantially in the “ u ” shape near a position where it contacts the abutment portion 4 b of a push button 4 when the push button 4 is operated . at a position extended from and facing the tip portion 6 b , a round portion 6 c roundly curved is formed . the switch regulating plate 6 is provided with a plurality ( four in fig3 ) of hook portions 6 d hooking onto the movement of the watch and substantially equally spaced apart from one another on the outer periphery thereof . as illustrated in fig4 , the contact spring 3 a suspended from the supporting plate 3 mounted on the movement of the watch is located to be level with the movement having the circuit board 2 , and extends in parallel thereto . the switch regulating plate 6 is disposed over and covers the supporting plate 3 , hooked onto the movement of the watch by the hook portion 6 d . in the plan view as illustrated in fig1 , the contact portion 3 b at the tip of the supporting plate 3 is disposed to face the switch contact portion 2 a of the circuit board 2 , the round portion 6 c extending from the tip portion 6 b of the switch regulating plate 6 is disposed so as to abut a central portion of the contact spring 3 a of the supporting plate 3 , and an externally operated component , i . e . the abutment portion 4 b at the tip of the push button in this example , is disposed so as to abut the tip portion 6 b of the switch regulating plate 6 . functions and effects of the above first embodiment will next be described . when the depression portion 4 a of a desired push button 4 is pressed , the abutment portion 4 a at the tip of the push button 4 first presses substantially vertically down the tip portion 6 b of the switch regulating plate 6 , and the round portion 6 c curved to face the tip portion 6 b presses down the contact spring 3 a of the supporting plate 3 in the substantially central direction of the movement 1 . the contact portion 3 b at the tip of the supporting plate 3 is brought into contact with the switch contact portion 2 a provided at the circuit board 2 . the above - described operation of the push button 4 causes an electrical connection with various elements of the electronic components mounted on the movement 1 . fig9 is a plan view for describing how the pressing force of the push button is conveyed in the first embodiment illustrated in fig1 . as indicated by arrows , the pressing force of the push button 4 acts in the substantially vertical direction on the tip portion 6 b of the switch regulating plate 6 , and the force is applied from the switch regulating plate 6 to the supporting plate 3 in the substantially central direction of the movement 1 , thereby avoiding the problem in the related art , i . e . abnormal wear - off or deformation of the contact spring 3 a of the supporting plate caused by the tip portion of the push button slidingly contacting at a point with the contact spring of the supporting plate when the push button 4 is repeatedly pressed . as a result , reliability of electrical connection can be improved . as the plurality of hook portions 6 d are disposed substantially equally spaced apart on the outer periphery of the switch regulating plate 6 , accurate attachment of the switch regulating plate 6 to the supporting plate 3 is ensured without any troublesome fixing operations such as screwing . further , as the hook portion 6 d makes it possible to hold the switch regulating plate 6 more stably , depression of the push button 4 can be surely performed without lifting the switch regulating plate 6 . further , by simply supplying the switch regulating plate 6 to a customer , he / she can easily place the basic circular movement 1 into a desired square watch case 5 . as described above , use of the switch regulating plate enables easy placement of the basic circular movement into the square watch case having a different shape . further , repetitive use of the push button does not cause abnormal wear - off or deformation of the contact spring of the supporting plate . thus , an inexpensive switch connecting structure with excellent reliability can be provided . next , a second embodiment of a switch connecting structure according to the present invention in which a circular movement is placed into a square watch case will be described with reference to fig5 and 6 . fig5 is a plan view illustrating an important part of the invention , and the push button and the case are shown in cross section as in fig1 . fig6 is a plan view illustrating the switch regulating plate . the supporting plate similar to that described with reference to fig2 in the first embodiment is employed in this embodiment . the components corresponding to those in the related art ( fig1 ) and the first embodiment are labeled with the corresponding numerals and characters . the supporting plate 3 illustrated in fig2 is attached to cap the circular movement 1 . on the outer periphery of the supporting plate 3 , the contact spring 3 a is suspended from the body of the supporting plate 3 , extending around the movement and having the contact portion 3 b at the tip . the tip contact portion 3 b abuts the restricting portion 3 c suspended from the body of the supporting plate 3 , thereby preventing the supporting plate 3 from springing out . the contact springs 3 a are formed at four locations in this example along the outer periphery of the supporting plate 3 in the substantially symmetrical manner . the supporting plate 3 is fixed to the movement by screwing , adhesive bonding , or the like . the switch regulating plate 6 is attached to cap the substantially entire surface of the supporting plate 3 . at the outer peripheral location of the switch regulating plate 6 corresponding to the contact spring 3 a of the supporting plate 3 , the switch spring 6 a is provided suspended therefrom . the switch spring 6 a provided at the switch regulating plate 6 extends substantially in parallel to a inside wall of the body of the watch case 5 , and the tip portion 6 b is curved inward in the “ s ” shape near the location where it contacts the abutment portion 4 b of the push button 4 when the button 4 is pressed . the plate 6 is further provided with the round portion 6 c having a round shape at the location further extended from the tip portion 6 b . the switch regulating plate 6 is further provided with a plurality ( four in fig6 ) of hook portions 6 d hooking onto the movement of the watch and disposed substantially equally spaced apart from one another on the outer periphery , suspended from the plate . the positional relations between these components in the vertical direction are the same as those in the first embodiment . in the plan view as illustrated in fig5 , the contact portion 3 b at the tip of the supporting plate 3 is disposed facing the switch contact portion 2 a of the circuit board 2 , the round portion 6 c extended from the tip portion 6 b of the switch regulating plate 6 is disposed so as to abut the central portion of the contact spring 3 a of the supporting plate 3 , and an externally operated component , i . e . the abutment portion 4 b at the tip of the push button in this example , is disposed so as to abut the tip portion 6 b of the switch regulating plate 6 . the functions and effects of the above second embodiment are basically the same as those of the first embodiment . more specifically , when the depression portion 4 a of a desired push button 4 is pressed , the abutment portion 4 b at the tip of the push button 4 first presses substantially vertically down the tip portion 6 b of the switch regulating plate 6 , and the round portion 6 c extending from the tip portion 6 b presses down the contact spring 3 a of the supporting plate 3 in the substantially central direction of the movement 1 . the contact portion 3 b at the tip of the supporting plate 3 is brought into contact with the switch contact portion 2 a provided at the circuit board 2 . the above - described operation of the push button 4 causes an electrical connection with various elements of the electronic components mounted on the movement 1 . the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the tip of the switch regulating plate 6 in the second embodiment extends from the tip portion 6 b to the round portion 6 c in the “ s ” shape . as the tip of the round portion 6 c faces outward , the switch regulating plate 6 is less likely to intertwine with other regulating plates or components than that of the first embodiment when a plurality of plates 6 are handled together or the plate 6 is handled with other components . the other effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment . that is , use of the switch regulating plate enables easy placement of the basic circular movement into the square watch case having a different shape . further , repetitive use of the push button does not cause abnormal wear - off or deformation of the contact spring of the supporting plate . thus , an inexpensive switch connecting structure with excellent reliability can be provided . next , a third embodiment of a switch connecting structure according to the present invention in which a circular movement is placed into a square watch case will be described with reference to fig7 and 8 . fig7 is a plan view illustrating an important part of the invention , and the push button and the case are shown in cross section as in fig1 . fig8 is a plan view illustrating the switch regulating plate . the supporting plate similar to that described with reference to fig2 in the first embodiment is employed in this embodiment . the components corresponding to those in the related art ( fig1 ) and the first embodiment are labeled with the corresponding numerals and characters . the supporting plate 3 illustrated in fig2 is attached to cap the circular movement 1 . on the outer periphery of the supporting plate 3 , the contact spring 3 a is suspended from the body of the supporting plate 3 , extending around the movement and having the contact portion 3 b at the tip . the tip contact portion 3 b abuts the restricting portion 3 c suspended from the body of the supporting plate 3 , thereby preventing the supporting plate 3 from springing out . the contact springs 3 a are formed at four locations in this example along the outer periphery of the supporting plate 3 in the substantially symmetrical manner . the supporting plate 3 is fixed to the movement by screwing , adhesive bonding , or the like . the switch regulating plate 6 is attached to cap the substantially entire surface of the supporting plate 3 . at the outer peripheral location of the switch regulating plate 6 corresponding to the contact spring 3 a of the supporting plate 3 , the switch spring 6 a is provided in a plane . the switch spring 6 a provided at the switch regulating plate 6 extends substantially in parallel to a inside wall of the body of the watch case 5 , and the tip portion 6 b extends from the switch spring 6 a suspended therefrom . the tip portion 6 b is formed at a position where it receives and contacts the abutment portion 4 b of the push button 4 in a plane when the button 4 is pressed . a flat plate portion 6 e curved from the tip portion 6 b in the form of a flat plate is horizontally provided to be level with the contact spring 3 a of the supporting plate 3 , and has a corner 6 f formed in a direction parallel to the contact spring 3 a . the switch regulating plate 6 is further provided with a plurality ( four in fig8 ) of hook portions 6 d hooking onto the movement of the watch and disposed substantially equally spaced apart from one another on the outer periphery , suspended from the plate . the positional relations between these components in the vertical direction are the same as those in the first embodiment . in the plan view as illustrated in fig7 , the contact portion 3 b at the tip of the supporting plate 3 is disposed facing the switch contact portion 2 a of the circuit board 2 , the corner 6 f of the flat plate portion 6 e extending from the tip portion 6 b of the switch regulating plate 6 is disposed so as to abut the central portion of the contact spring 3 a of the supporting plate 3 , and an externally operated component , i . e . the abutment portion 4 b at the tip of the push button in this example , is disposed so as to abut the tip 6 b of the switch regulating plate 6 . the functions and effects of the above third embodiment are also basically the same as those of the first embodiment . more specifically , when the depression portion 4 a of a desired push button 4 is pressed , the abutment portion 4 b at the tip of the push button 4 first presses substantially vertically down the tip portion 6 b of the switch regulating plate 6 , and the corner 6 f of the flat plate portion 6 e extending from the tip portion 6 b presses the contact spring 3 a of the supporting plate 3 in the substantially central direction of the movement 1 . the contact portion 3 b at the tip of the supporting plate 3 is brought into contact with the switch contact portion 2 a provided at the circuit board 2 . the above - described operation of the push button 4 causes an electrical connection with various elements of the electronic components mounted on the movement 1 . the third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in the shapes of the switch spring 6 a , the tip portion 6 b , and the flat plate portion 6 e . such shapes enable to reduce the spring width of the switch spring 6 a , and therefore required pressing force of the push button can be reduced . the other effects of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment . that is , use of the switch regulating plate enables easy placement of the basic circular movement into the square watch case having a different shape . further , repetitive use of the push button does not cause abnormal wear - off or deformation of the contact spring of the supporting plate . thus , an inexpensive switch connecting structure with excellent reliability can be provided . | 6 |
the fluidized bed detector ( fbd ) of the present invention is basically a system containing detecting elements wherein the detecting elements are suspended in the system using electrical fields , magnetic fields , acceleration forces , or any combination thereof to retain the particles against a counter - flow of a fluid such as a liquid or gas containing the target of interest . in one embodiment , the system could be a centrifuge ( to increase sedimentation rates ) using centrifugal force to counterbalance the force of the fluid flow . detection particles are initially introduced into the analysis chamber by flowing them into the bottom while the chamber is spinning . the forces acting in the fbd can be mathematically modeled with equations 1 - 3 . the particles are retained in the spinning chamber by the balancing of two forces : the centrifugal force ( equation 1 ) ( this could also or alternatively be a magnetic or electrical field or a gravitational force ), which causes the particles to exit the outside ( bottom ) of the spinning chamber , and the fluid flow ( equation 2 ), which causes the particles to exit the inside ( top ) of the chamber . when these two forces are in balance ( equation 3 ), no particles exit the chamber — only the flowing liquid ( which may contain the targets of interest ) exits the top and bottom . when there is a target molecule in the fluid flow , the balance of the two forces is disrupted causing the detecting element to exit the chamber . the balance of the forces can be disrupted by a cell being killed ( the cell is the detecting element ), by the binding of the target to the detecting element , the cross linking of two particles , or two particles previously cross - linked breaking apart . these two forces have different physical sources . movement by the centrifugal force depends on the density of the particles relative to the fluid . movement by the fluid flow depends on the average face area ( surface area projected along the fluid flow ) of the particles . during the detection event , the particles change their density relative to their face area . ( face area is the area projected into the flow . for a sphere this area is just a circle with the same diameter as the sphere . for a cylinder , it is a complex function of the tumbling rate and end area .) two examples of how interacting particles can change their density relative to face area are shown in fig2 . the cause of this change depends on the type of assay and particles being employed . once this change occurs , the centrifugal and flow forces are no longer balanced and the particle leaves the centrifugal chamber ( either though the bottom or top ) where it is detected by some means , for example absorption , fluorescence , change in magnetic signature ( such as a magnetic particle changing the impedance of a coil ), colorimetric assay , etc . because single particles can be readily counted and measured , a change in a single particle , of the many suspended in the chamber , may be detectable . unlike many assays that rely on binding of antibodies or nucleic acids to surfaces and binding of the target to those species , the fluidized bed is well mixed by the incoming flowing stream so that kinetics are rapid . additionally , a large excess of particles may be present allowing more rapid kinetics due to concentration effects without compromising sensitivity . ( for example , in competitive immunoassays , the greatest sensitivity is found when the concentration of the antibody is one - half the concentration of the analyte ( due to antibodies having two binding sites ). as immunoassay kinetics requires two entities to interact , the reaction rate is dependent on both the concentration of the analyte and antibody ( a second order reaction ). therefore , the time for interaction must increase as the inverse square of the analyte concentration .) fig3 shows the basic concept for the fbd using labeled particles . the particles may be either living cells or inert particles . fig4 shows the model fbd constructed for preliminary testing and the inside of a commercial unit used for blood processing . the commercial unit employs balances and precision gears to rotate the upper stage at twice the rotational speed as the arm . a preliminary system used belts and a variable - speed drill motor to turn the main centrifuge . the speed was controlled with a laboratory variac and not automatically stabilized ( the user needed to make small adjustments until the desired speed was obtained ). the speed was monitored using a magnetic pick - up reed switch with a permanent bar magnet mounted on the rotor arm . the signal from the switch triggered a strobe light , which allowed movies to be made of the flow , and was also fed into a rs232 port of a computer . the signal into the rs232 port provided the start bit for pseudo - character ( basically read as the ascii null character ), which was read by the computer . the timing between characters was measured and averaged every few seconds ( the program allowed variable averaging ) to report the rpms of the centrifuge . with this preliminary system , 1000 rpm movement could be generated . with the center of the cell at an average distance of 19 cm , this would produce 112 g force on the particles at 1000 rpm . better balancing of this preliminary design may allow faster speeds and is important as the g force increases as the square of the rotational velocity . the higher the g force , the better the resolution between two objects . commercial systems can achieve over 6000 rpm . one advantage of the fbd system of the present invention over other fluidized bed collection schemes is that debris does not have to be separated before the sample is tested . many test samples , such as food , contain particles or debris that are not of interest . for most flow - though assays , these particles must be separated either with filters or by centrifugation before the sample is assayed or the particles will interfere . the fbd does not have this requirement . there are no filters , small paths , or sharp angles to plug in the fbd . the path is continuous . only those particles meeting the density - size - flow balancing will be retained . by using particles as the detection element in the fbd they have the advantage over living cells in that they can be engineered to have a wide range of densities that can then handle a wide range of fluid flows and discriminate against nuisance particles . for example , fig5 shows the flow of colloidal ion particles ( used as models of dirt and for their color ) through the fbd while retaining the latex beads . milk ( high protein content and homogenized particles ), diluted tomato paste , and diluted ketchup were run though the fbd while retaining the latex beads being tested as sensors . the tomato paste and ketchup left some strands of pulp indicating that a higher flow with denser sensor particles would have been advantageous . the fbd may be very useful in food testing for bacteria as a large number of samples can be tested quickly in a flow system and allowing isolation of particles that may be cultured for confirmation of the presence of a certain bacterial species . another advantage of the fbd , is that upon release of the detecting element , the released detecting element selectively can be captured , separated , concentrated , analyzed , or any combination thereof . when the detecting element is released , it carries with it the target material . when detected , the detecting element can be shunted selectively into a collection system for further analysis or disposal where the other components of the test matrix are shunted for disposal or further analysis . this selective separation ability provides the opportunity to concentrate targets from large volumes as part of the initial warning system . the fbd system has flexible requirements for the labels used in the detector . one class of materials could be inert materials such as either polymer or glass based beads . having the materials homogeneous in diameter and density makes construction easier . the beads have antibodies , nucleic acids , complexes , or any combination thereof on their surfaces , which in the presence of a target molecule either cross - links two or more particles ( sandwich assay ) or breaks a complex apart ( displacement assay ). the term antibodies can refer to a number of protein binding molecules such as antibodies , antibody fragments , enzymes , or engineered peptides that selectively recognize other molecules . the term nucleic acids is being used to encompass a wide range of dna or rna selective binding molecules — they may also be dna or rna bases with non - conventional backbones such as peptide nucleic acids ; however , dna or non - conventional backbones are preferred over rna as it is more stable in solution . the term complexes can refer to molecules that recognize other small species such as metal ions . examples may be edta , which is selective for calcium or six histidines , which is selective for nickel . for these complexes , the binding of the metal ion is unlikely to change the particle density sufficiently to be useful . instead , the target metal ion will displace a ligand attached to a larger molecule or particle in a displacement type assay . cross linking of two particles changes the average face area to density ratio and the complex will flow out the bottom of the spinning chamber where it is detected by some means , for example fluorescence . thus , the presence of a large target molecule / species ( virus , bacterium , or dna ) that can form a sandwich assay will be detectable by the release of labeled particles . note that the target is not labeled , so raw material can be analyzed without preparatory steps . the release of labels ( fluorescent latex spheres in one configuration ) indicates the presence of a given target . small molecules also can be detected by disrupting ( displacement assay ) a preformed complex that has the correct buoyancy when two particles are bound together but not when separated . the labeled particles of the disrupted complex would flow out the top ( hence a detector on that outlet ). unlike normal agglutination assays , a single binding event can be detectable . additionally , unlike surface assays , the fluidized bed is well mixed by the incoming flowing stream so that kinetics of interaction is rapid . because the measurements are made outside the chamber , a large excess of particles may be present on the inside as these are never seen by the detector , which may be a coulter counter - like system . for sentinel systems , it is often useful to have living organisms present as test subjects . bacteria or human cells are not ideal because they may be killed or react to any number of materials that are not acutely toxic , such as high salt concentrations or ph changes . however , cells are much easier to keep alive than higher order organisms and more can be fit in a given space . consider the inert particles , discussed above , as replaced by cells . the basic concept is to continuously maintain cells or bacteria in the fbd while outside nutrients and test compounds are introduced . fluidized beds have been considered for just such a scheme as they allow continual harvesting of valuable proteins that may be secreted by the cells and a constant monitoring of the media ( see u . s . pat . no . 4 , 939 , 087 to van wie et al ., jul . 3 , 1990 , the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference ). the fluidized bed allows greater cell densities to be achieved and faster growth . although much more complicated than inert particles , living cells could be used in several ways : the cells are maintained by their density and size in the system and respond by changing their protein coat or releasing materials when outside compounds trigger some biochemical process . almost any type of cell response that is selective in the changing environment and occurs on the reporter - cell surface can be detected by this system . for example , when cells die , there density decreases and they would flow out of the fbd . thus , even responses to viruses would be detectable . the released materials would be detected in the flowing stream by addition of antibodies or by engineering the released materials to be inherently fluorescent or by adding a dye to the exit stream that selectively labels the target cells . instead of detecting the released materials in the stream one could combine the living cells with inert particles . if the reporter cells excreted a protein or other large molecule into the medium , this could be detectable by crossing - linking the reporting labels . for example , if the labels were particles of a similar density to the cells and contained antibodies to an excreted protein , say anti - luceferase , then the excreting of the luceferase by the cells would cross - link the reporter particles and cause them to be released ( in this case , the reporter particles would likely be latex beads , which are predominately spherical . these complexes are released from the centrifugal reactor because the centrifugal force is no longer counterbalanced by the incoming flowing liquid . the force that the flowing liquid force exerts is based on the face area exposed to the flow where as the centrifugal force acts on the density ( which is different , generally higher , than the incoming media otherwise the particles would not move ). cross - linked particles have a higher density to face surface area than do single particles because they do not always face parallel to the incoming liquid ( i . e . one particle shields the other ). thus , they will move to the bottom of the fbd . as envisioned with the fbd , even the presence of dna or other large molecules that do not affect the cell population could be detectable . in this case , there would be no biological amplification and only a reliance on the cross - linking of the particles would occur . cells that die tend to have a different density then living cells and would be swept from the fbd . the living cells could be stained with a dye upon release and the fluorescence of the stain monitored to essentially count the release vs . time . if a major increase in release is noted , then the death of the cells in the fbd must be from some cause — toxin or virus that would need to be investigated further . one could distinguish the release of cells from the fbd vs . cells present in the feed water by staining or more specifically by antibody interactions . the antibody interactions would allow identification of a number of released cells as the antibodies could be specific to a certain cell type . for example , the cells could be stained with a live - dead stain such as the sytox green stain sold by molecular probes . this stain does not stain cells that have intact membranes . the antibodies may be labeled with a fluorescent dye such as rhodamine . only those cells that had both fluorophores present would be considered counted and released . unfortunately , continual addition of antibodies is expensive unless the antibodies were recovered in the flowing fluid and may not be necessary if the incoming fluid has few cells present that will stain . stains are relatively cheap . to save resources , one could prestain the incoming fluid but that gets more complex as the stain would be present in the fbd chamber . to be successful , a prestain could be designed to change some property that increases the staining and then reduces it . for example , the incoming test fluid may be adjusted to a low ph , which could increase staining . then the system is buffered to neutrality when it flows though the fbd chamber . another stain is added on the outlet that stains everything at neutrality . only those cells with the second stain and without the prestain would be considered for detection . alternatively , the incoming fluid may be passed through a bed , such as activated charcoal , to remove the stain but not the potential target toxins . one could also engineer the cells to produce a fluorescent protein and retain it to identify the cell . each cell type would be engineered to produce a different fluorescent protein . some cellular systems have on their surface receptors and can cross - link in the presence of a given antigen . these receptors may be engineered , as in phage display protein libraries , to be similar to antibodies in their binding , recognition , and specificity . cross linking of two cells causes their release from the fbd chamber . this system is preferable for ease of detection , but is really no better than the use of inert particles coated with antibodies , as discussed above . in fact , one could use killed cells as the inert particles for cost considerations and just prestain them or have them engineered to be fluorescent . a number of different flow cells were tested to achieve laminar flow . examples are shown in fig6 . if the cells had an inlet that went parallel to the axis , i . e . directly into the bottom , the flow was very erratic . having the inlet with a curved flow helped . also , having an inlet with a pressure chamber ( as shown for the long cell in fig6 g ) helped but the chamber tended to entrap the particles used for labels . the inlet on the cell in fig6 j was the optimum found for a uniform flow . the centrifugal force decreases as the radius decreases whereas the force due to fluid flow is constant . the flow cell should be tapered to provide stability in retention of the particles as the taper decreases the fluid flow in proportion to the radius . a slightly greater increase in taper than predicted on a quadric exponential was optimum . this shape is shown in fig6 e . additional cells with both a taper and a bulb , for particle storage , allow different shear forces depending on the position in the cell . the above descriptions are those of the preferred embodiments of the invention . various modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention . it is therefore to be understood that the claimed invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described . any references to claim elements in the singular , for example , using the articles “ a ,” “ an ,” “ the ,” or “ said ,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular . | 6 |
looking first at fig1 , and 3 the common elements in each figure include a prime mover or vehicle engine 10 connected to drive a primary fluid pump 12 which supplies fluid to each of a pair of steering cylinders 14a , mounted on the left side of the vehicle and 14b , mounted on the right side of the vehicle . note that the vehicle shown in the figures is normally operated in the manner where the engine means 10 follows the cylinders 14a and b when the vehicle is moving forward . the operator sits facing the normal forward direction and his left corresponds to the left side of the vehicle . fluid delivery is directed to each individual cylinder through the selective valving means shown generally as 16 . appropriate fluid lines will be discussed with each of the individual drawings . common to the first three figures is the emergency fluid pump 18 which may deliver fluid past the one - way check valve 20 through a fluid line to the primary fluid delivery system . emergency fluid pump 18 is activated upon a signal from a sensing means generally 24 ( not specified in fig3 ) which initiates engagement of a clutch means , generally 26 , which allows the ground drive source 30 to drive the emergency pump 18 whenever the vehicle is moving and the supply of fluid from the primary fluid pump 12 has been reduced . fluid for use by the primary fluid pump 12 or the emergency fluid pump 18 may be drawn from the reservoir source of fluid 32 or from different reservoirs as deemed necessary . fig1 presents the basic emergency steering system of this invention . this simplified layout of the hydraulic fluid system is schematically presented as operative in an articulated vehicle generally 32 , having a drive means housing portion 34 pivotally connected at point 36 to a forward portion 40 which would normally be of a leading portion of the vehicle when the vehicle is traveling forward . the operation of the simplified steering system shown in fig1 depends on adequate fluid flow to the steering cylinders 14a and 14b . the vehicle engine 10 drives the primary fluid pump 12 through shaft 28 ( common to fig1 and 3 ) which obtains fluid from the reservoir 32 by means of conduit 42 and delivers fluid by means of conduit 44 to the selective valving means 16 . a one - way check valve 46 allows fluid to flow only from the primary fluid pump 12 and not to the primary pump 12 . the selective valving means 16 may include all the steering valving needed to direct fluid from the pump 12 to the approporiate steering cylinders including such items as a steering wheel , a small displacement hand pump , relief valves of various types , fluid direction control valves in control circuits . an embodiment of the selective valving means 16 will be further detailed in the explanation of fig2 . the fluid is directed to the appropriate chambers of the double acting steering cylinders through the means provided by the selective valving means 16 , conduit 50 which is split to provide fluid to the rear chamber ( orifice 52 ) of the left steering cylinder 14a and to the front chamber ( orifice 54 ) of the right steering cylinder 14b , and conduit 56 which is also split to provide fluid passage to the rear chamber ( orifice 60 ) of the right steering cylinder 14b and to the front chamber ( orifice 62 ) of the left steering cylinder 14a . the operation of the double acting steering cylinders is conventional . emergency steering system in the basic embodiment of fig1 includes an emergency fluid pump 18 which may be supplied with fluid from reservoir source of fluid 32 by the conduit 64 and provides fluid to conduit 44 through conduit 66 past check valve 20 . a pressure sensing means generally 24 is electrically communicative through conduit 68 with a clutch means , generally 26 . the pressure sensing means also includes a pressure supply line 70 which can communicate the pressure in conduit 44 to a spring loaded sensing valve . a source of electrical energy such as the battery 72 supplies current to the sensing switch as well as to the magnetic clutch 74 . in operation of the fig1 embodiment a pressure sensitive electrical switch 76 between the battery 72 and the magnetic clutch is held open ( i . e . electricity cannot pass from the battery to the magnetic clutch ) by pressure in the pressure supply line 70 as a result of pressure in conduit 44 which indicates that the primary fluid pump is operative . if the pump 12 ceases to pump due to engine or pump failure , etc . sufficient fluid at a preset pressure ( set at the pressure switch 76 ), the pressure seen by the pressure supply line 70 is decreased . the pressure sensitive switch will then close allowing electrical current to pass from the battery 72 to the conventionally operating magnetic clutch 74 which then engages the emergency pump 18 to a ground drive source 30 . in the fig1 sketch the ground drive source 30 is a transmission which is always turning as long as the final drive 80 is in motion . the final drive 80 is always in motion when the vehicle is in motion . if the vehicle continues in motion without fluid output from the primary pump 12 the final drive 80 will drive the ground drive source 30 which in turn will drive the emergency pump 18 . the emergency pump 18 will draw hydraulic fluid from a reservoir , either the main or an auxiliary , and deliver this fluid to the fluid conduit 44 which leads , eventually , to the steering cylinders 14a and b . check valve 46 ensures fluid flow to the selective valving means 16 rather than back to the primary pump 12 . clarity of the diagram necessitated the conduit and mechanism layout shown in fig1 . it should be noted that the pickup point or tee between the conduit 44 and the pressure supply line 70 would be as close to the selective valving means 16 as possible as would check valve 46 and the connection or tee between conduit 66 and 44 . this would minimize the loss of fluid pumped by the emergency pump 18 in case of a rupture of conduit 44 . a more complicated steering system is presented in fig2 where the steering system of an articulated vehicle is presented . although this system is similar to the embodiment of the system shown in fig1 it is a more reasonable disclosure of what would be found in a vehicle needing an emergency steering system of this type . the embodiment shown in fig2 relies on two fixed displacement pumps of different capacities to supply fluid to a steering valve at either a low volume or a high volume in order to turn the vehicle either at a slow rate or at a fast rate . the operation of vehicle steering requires that the prime mover or engine 10 drive the primary fluid pump 12 in tandem with the secondary fluid pump 80 . these pumps draw fluid from the filter equipped reservoir 32 by means of fluid conduit 82 . the fluid is continuously pumped to the open center steering valve 90 via fluid conduits 84 ( from 12 ) and 86 which directs fluid as required to steering cylinders 14a and b through conduits 50 and 56 . when the steering valve 90 is in the center position as shown , fluid pressure in all the chambers ( orifices thereof being 52 , 62 , 60 and 54 ) will be equal as the output of the secondary pump 80 will be split at the neutral gate 92 and will be directed to the reservoir 32 through conduit 94 past pressure relief valve 96 which will be opened allowing fluid flow to the return line 100 . the output of the primary pump 12 circulates through the neutral gate 92 of the sleeve valve 90 to the reservoir 32 through fluid conduit 84 and return line 100 as its output is not needed . furthermore the output of the primary pump 12 is used only in situations requiring fast steering which is often in an articulated loader , for instance . fast steering operation will be explained presently . firstly , it may be beneficial to consider the operation of the steering system in slow steering demands . when the vehicle operator turns a steering wheel 102 to the right a small steering pump 104 capable of delivering a small volume of fluid supplies fluid through conduit 106 to shift the steering valve 90 one gate to the right in a conventional manner . with the steering valve 90 positioned such that fluid from the fluid conduits 84 and 86 may pass through gate 110 and a right turn will be executed . fluid from the secondary pump 80 passes through the gate 110 , through conduit 56 into the chambers adjacent to the orifices 62 in 14a and 60 in 14b . as there is pressure increase in these chambers fluid will be forced out the chambers adjacent to the orifices 52 and 54 . this displaced fluid will pass through conduit 50 , through the gate 110 , through conduit 94 pass low pressure relief valve 96 , through return line 100 to the reservoir 32 . a portion of the fluid from line 94 will pass through 112 to the steering pump system . the pressurization of the front chamber ( 62 ) of the left steering cylinder 14a and the rear chamber ( 60 ) of the right steering cylinder 14 b results in a slow right turn of the vehicle . in a fast steering situation the output of the primary pump 12 will be delivered to the steering cylinders 14 . for fast steering the hand pump 104 allows increased fluid flow to the steering valve 90 such that the fast right gate 114 of the steering valve controls the fluid flow . fluid from pump 12 passes through conduit 84 to the fast right gate 114 which is blocked by design so fluid then opens the one - way check valve 116 so that fluid passes into line 86 thus joining the output of the secondary pump 80 to pass through the fast right valve gate 114 to the steering cylinders . just as in the slow steering example the chambers adjacent to the ports 62 and 60 will be pressurized forcing fluid out of the chambers adjacent to ports 52 and 54 which will then go to the reservoir as long as the relief valve 96 remains open . ( when the relief valve closes fluid will flow to the steering pump system through conduit 112 .) the fast steering circuit provides a considerable amount of fluid to the steering cylinders . the function of both slow and fast turns to the left are similar in principle to the operation of the system as described for turns to the right . the slow left gate of the steering valve 90 is shown as 120 while the fast gate for left turns is shown at 122 . the emergency steering system of fig2 includes an emergency fluid pump 18 which may be driven by a ground drive source 30 through the engagement of a clutch means , generally 26 , which in this case is an electromagnetic clutch 124 . the emergency fluid pump is supplied with fluid from the reservoir 32 through the means of fluid conduit 82 . the pump supplies fluid to the steering system by conduit 126 which incorporates a one - way check valve 20 allowing fluid to flow from the pump but not to the pump by a conduit 126 . the electromagnetic clutch 124 is incorporated in an electrical circuit 130 which includes a battery source of energy 132 , a master switch 134 , and a pressure sensitive switch 136 which senses pressure in conduit 86 and when the pressure drops below a preset value the switch passes electrical energy . a warning light 140 , operative upon completion of the circuit by the pressure sensitive switch 136 , may be mounted in the vehicle to inform the vehicle operator that the emergency pump has been engaged . the operation of the emergency steering system is relatively simple . an example of the performance of this system would originate with the failure of the prime mover or vehicle engine 10 . when this unit stops , the driven pumps , both primary 12 and secondary 80 , will cease to provide fluid to the steering valve . as there will be no fluid flow there will not , obviously , be any steering capability on the vehicle . when the pump ceases pumping the fluid in line 86 will bleed back through the pump allowing a pressure drop in fluid conduit 86 . this pressure will rapidly fall below the threshold pressure of the pressure sensitive switch 136 thus allowing this switch to be closed . assuming that the master switch 134 , which may be tied into the ignition system of the vehicle , has been closed . the current will flow from the battery 132 to the electromagnetic clutch which will engage the clutch between the ground driven source 30 and the emergency fluid pump 18 . the ground driven source in this preferred embodiment would be one end of an output shaft of a torque converter . this shaft is always in motion when the wheels of the vehicle are in motion thus ensuring that the pump could always be driven upon engagement of the magnetic clutch 124 . as stated earlier the emergency pump 18 will draw fluid from the reservoir and deliver it via conduit 126 to fluid conduit 86 of the steering system . one - way check valve 142 ensures that fluid will flow to the steering valve and will be metered to the appropriate steering cylinders . note that the supply of fluid from the emergency pump progresses to the slow steering system . this is necessary as the emergency fluid pump 18 is only large enough to supply a limited amount of fluid . by design it would be reasonable to expect that this pump supply enough fluid to enable the vehicle operator to drive himself out of immediate danger . the emergency steering system is not contemplated as a replacement of the primary and secondary pumps but it will enable the articulated vehicle to be controlled upon either a prime mover failure or pump failure . although the emergency fluid pump 18 is shown to be driven in one direction it may be desirable in certain situations to have an emergency fluid pump of the type that has the input shaft rotatable in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction and still deliver fluid to the outlet of the pump under pressure . a pump of this type may be desirable in an embodiment of the invention in order to assure steering fluid delivery regardless of the direction of rotation of the vehicle wheels driving through the drive means to the torque converter output shaft and the emergency steering pump drive shaft . the emergency steering system will automatically cease operation on an increase in fluid pressure in line 86 above the threshold setting of the pressure sensitive switch 136 . for instance , if a stalled engine 10 is restarted by the vehicle operator the primary 12 and secondary 80 pumps will again pump fluid . this will cause ( fluid pressure from pump 80 ) the disengagement of the electromagnetic clutch 124 thus isolating the emergency fluid pump 18 from the ground drive source 30 . fig3 along with fig4 and 5 present another alternative ground drive to emergency pump clutch device . in fig3 the layout and equipment presented is similar to the equipment of fig1 only the electromagnetic clutch and the pressure sensitive electric switch is not used . where appropriate , identification numbers in fig3 are identical to those of fig1 when the equipment is identical . alternatively provided in this embodiment is the use of a fluid motor or cylinder 142 which is shown schematically in fig4 and 5 . this type of clutch means is represented in fig3 by item 26 . this clutch means receives a pressure signal from conduit 144 which communicates with the conduit 44 which leads from the primary fluid pump 12 to the selective valving means generally 16 . looking at fig4 the fluid cylinder 142 is shown in an attitude representing a disengaged state of the clutch means . fluid has been provided to the cylinder by means of conduit 144 which has displaced piston 146 against spring 150 thus allowing pulley wheel 152 to approach output pulley wheels of the ground drive source ( pulley wheel 154 ) and the emergency fluid pump ( pulley wheel 156 ) such that there is slack in the pulley belt 160 . as shown in fig5 upon failure of the primary steering system pump or the prime mover , fluid pressure in conduit 44 will decrease and consequently allow the evacuation of fluid from the cylinder 142 as the spring 150 will force the piston toward the port of the cylinder . as the piston moves it will carry its piston rod and the attached pulley wheel 152 away from the ground drive and pump drive pulley wheels . this will result in the tightening of pulley belt 160 and the driving of the emergency pump pulley wheel ( and pump ) by means of the ground drive pump . although the embodiment expressed by the fig3 , and 5 do show a working embodiment it is presented herein to communicate the principle or gist of the invention . what has been accomplished in this invention is the use of steering system pressure to determine the need for the delivery of emergency steering fluid and to use the lack of system pressure during a pump failure to trigger the engagement of an emergency fluid delivery system . although the system described in this disclosure is primarily concerned with an emergency steering system , it is obvious that a ground drive system of this type could be well utilized in a hydraulic brake system , an implement hydraulic system or other hydraulic devices that work when the host vehicle is in motion . thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention an emergency steering system that fully satisfies the objects aims and advantages set forth above . while the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof it is evident that many alternatives , modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description . accordingly it is intended to embrace all such alternatives , modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims . | 1 |
referring to the drawings in detail , pedals 50 , 52 are shown in fig1 in their most forward and rearward positions of the preferred embodiment . during operation of the exercise apparatus , pedals 50 , 52 follow the inclined elliptical pedal curve 5 for the toe and 3 for the heel . the lower leg 7 and upper leg 9 are shown in the lowermost contact with pedal 50 while lower leg 7 ′ and upper leg 9 ′ are shown in the uppermost contact with pedal 52 . the angles 4 , 6 as measured from the pedal 50 , 52 surface to the lower leg 7 , 7 ′ remain close to 90 degrees during operation for effective force transfer during load but can articulate approximately plus or minus 10 degrees to exercise the ankle and lower leg muscles . note that elongate heel curve 3 is longer than elongate toe curve 5 . handles 62 , 64 follow arcuate path 11 coordinated with the movement of pedals 50 , 52 . locking devices 24 , 26 can be loosened to allow handles 62 , 64 to slide relative to handle supports 66 , 68 to bring the arcuate path 11 closer or further away from the operator as desired . handles 60 , 62 can also be removed from handle supports 66 , 68 if desired . shroud 8 is slotted to allow movement of handle supports 66 , 68 and foot supports 54 , 56 . with either handle 62 , 64 forward , an operator can easily step into the seat or with handles 62 , 64 positioned side by side , an operator can step through from either side for easy ingress and egress . referring to the forward portion of the preferred embodiment shown in fig2 and 3 , pedals 50 , 52 are attached to inclined foot support members 54 , 56 which are connected to coupler links 58 , 60 at pivots 31 , 33 and to first rocker links 28 , 30 at pivots 95 , 97 . first rocker links 28 , 30 are connected to frame member 55 at pivot 35 . coupler links 58 , 60 are connected to crank arms 20 , 22 at pivots 21 , 23 and to second rocker links 80 , 82 at pivots 25 , 27 . second rocker links 80 , 82 are attached to frame member 57 at pivot 81 . crank arms 20 , 22 are connected generally opposed in crank bearing housing 90 forming a crank pivot axis . crank bearing housing 90 is attached to frame members 71 and 73 . crank arms 20 , 22 , coupler links 58 , 60 , and second rocker links 80 , 82 form a crank - rocker mechanism where the pivots 31 , 33 located upon coupler links 58 , 60 follow an elliptical path ( not shown for clarity ). the elliptical motion of coupler link pivots 31 , 33 impart elliptical motion to foot support members 54 , 56 along with pedals 50 , 52 . during operation , pedals 50 , 52 articulate providing modest dorsi - flexion and plantar flexion foot rotation about the ankle . crank arms 20 , 22 and coupler links 58 , 60 are shown in toggle positions in fig2 and 3 . an operator seated in seat 49 with feet positioned on pedals 50 , 52 could have difficulty overcoming the toggle position during startup . to avoid a difficult start , handles 62 , 62 are somewhat out of phase with pedals 50 , 52 to move crank arms 20 , 22 for better force transmission from the coupler links 58 , 60 to crank arms 20 , 22 once the feet are applying force upon pedals 50 , 52 . pulley 10 is attached to crank arm 22 to rotate about the pivot axis . flywheel 17 is connected to frame member 78 at pivot 37 and is engaged with pulley 10 by belt 19 . once the pedals 50 , 52 are moving , the momentum of flywheel 17 supplies energy to drive through the toggle positions without notice by the operator . adjustable load resistance is provided by friction band 69 acting upon flywheel 17 with spring 34 and adjustment knob 18 . frame members 72 , 74 are configured to rest on a horizontal surface and are connected by frame member 70 . frame members 55 , 57 , 70 , 71 , 73 , 75 , 76 , and 79 are interconnected for the framework . seat 49 as shown in fig1 is movably attached to frame member 70 by seat support 99 for adjustment of operator leg length . rotation device 2 allows seat 49 to swivel for side access . arm exercise is provided by handles 62 , 64 shown in fig1 , 2 and 3 . handles 62 , 64 are adjustably connected to handle supports 66 , 68 . first arm links 40 , 42 are connected to handle supports 66 , 68 at pivots 61 , 63 and to frame member 75 at pivots 41 , 43 . first arm links 40 , 42 further extend beyond pivots 41 , 43 to connect to connector links 92 , 94 at pivots 13 , 15 . connector links 92 , 94 are connected to foot support members 54 , 56 at pivots 91 , 93 . second arm links 44 , 46 are connected to handle supports 66 , 68 at pivots 65 , 67 and to frame member 75 at pivots 45 , 47 . referring to fig4 and 5 , pedals 50 , 52 are shown in their most forward and rearward positions of the first alternate embodiment . during operation of the exercise apparatus , pedals 50 , 52 follow the inclined elliptical pedal curve 115 . the lower leg 7 and upper leg 9 are shown in the lowermost contact with pedal 50 while lower leg 7 ′ and upper leg 9 ′ are shown in the uppermost contact with pedal 52 . the angles 4 , 6 as measured from the pedal 50 , 52 surface to the lower leg 7 , 7 ′ remain close to 90 degrees during operation for effective force transfer during load but can articulate to exercise the ankle and lower leg muscles . handles 62 , 64 follow arcuate path 11 coordinated with the movement of pedals 50 , 52 . locking devices 24 , 26 can be loosened to allow handles 62 , 64 to slide relative to handle supports 66 , 68 to bring the arcuate path 11 closer or further away from the operator as desired . handles 60 , 62 can also be removed from handle supports 66 , 68 if desired . with either handle 62 , 64 forward , an operator can easily step into the seat or with handles 62 , 64 positioned side by side , an operator can step through from either side for easy ingress and egress . pedals 50 , 52 are attached to foot supports 102 , 104 which are connected to coupler links 58 , 60 at pivots 31 , 33 and to guide links 106 , 108 at pivots 101 , 103 . coupler links 58 , 60 are connected to crank arms 20 , 22 at pivots 21 , 23 and to rocker links 80 , 82 at pivots 25 , 27 . rocker links 80 , 82 are attached to frame member 57 at pivot 81 . guide links 106 , 108 are pivotally connected to rocker links 80 , 80 at pivots 105 , 107 . crank arms 20 , 22 can be connected generally opposed in crank bearing housing 90 forming a crank pivot axis or crank arms 20 , 22 can be connected so as to be non - parallel for easy start up in a toggle position of a pedal . crank bearing housing 90 is attached to frame members 71 and 73 . crank arms 20 , 22 , coupler links 58 , 60 , and rocker links 80 , 82 form a crank - rocker linkage where the pivots 31 , 33 located upon coupler links 58 , 60 follow an elliptical path ( not shown for clarity ). the elliptical motion of coupler link pivots 31 , 33 impart elliptical motion to foot support members 102 , 104 along with pedals 50 , 52 . during operation , pedals 50 , 52 articulate providing modest dorsi - flexion and plantar flexion foot rotation about the ankle . crank arms 20 , 22 and coupler links 58 , 60 are shown in toggle positions in fig2 and 3 . an operator seated in seat 49 with feet positioned on pedals 50 , 52 could have difficulty overcoming the toggle position during startup except that pedal 52 positions lower leg 7 ′ such that the lower leg 7 ′ is tangent to elongate curve 115 allowing force transfer for startup . the drive system and framework is the same as the preferred embodiment . arm exercise is the same as the preferred embodiment except that connecting links 110 , 112 are connected to rocker links 80 , 82 at pivots 25 , 27 . referring to fig6 for the second alternate embodiment , pedal 50 is shown in the lowermost position while pedal 52 is shown off the uppermost position of the elongate curve 117 . this occurs because crank arms 20 and 22 are connected at the pivot axis so as to be non - parallel . pedal 52 positions the lower leg 7 ′ tangent to elongate curve 117 for easy startup . handle 64 is shown positioned off the end of arcuate path 11 allowing force transfer from the arms to aid in toggle startup . guides 106 , 108 are now connected to frame member 79 at pivot 123 and to foot supports 120 , 122 at pivots 119 , 121 . foot supports 120 , 122 are connected to coupler links 58 , 60 at pivots 31 , 33 and support pedals 50 , 52 . connecting links 110 , 112 are connected to rocker links 80 , 82 at pivots 25 , 27 and to arm links 40 , 42 at pivots 13 , 15 . the arm exercise linkage system , drive system , and framework is similar to the preferred embodiment of fig1 , 2 and 3 . the seat 49 is shown in fig4 and 6 having knobs 135 which can be loosened to move seat support 130 along frame member 70 . the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics . the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative , and not restrictive . the scope of the invention is , therefore , indicated by the claims , rather than by foregoing description . all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope . | 0 |
referring to the figures , and in particular to fig1 - 3 , a magnetically - locked coaxial switch assembly incorporating the principles of the present invention is indicated generally by the reference character 10 . the switch assembly 10 includes a switch unit 11 having a generally rectangular two - section enclosure or housing 12 , and a magnetic key unit 13 having a similarly shaped enclosure or housing 14 . the switch unit housing 12 is formed of a non - magnetic material such as a hard plastic or a die cast metal and may be provided with apertured ears ( not shown ) for mounting to a support structure . the switch unit housing 12 includes on one end a coaxial fitting 15 for receiving a first coaxial cable segment 16 through which rf signals are conveyed into the switch , and a second coaxial fitting 17 ( fig4 ) for receiving a second coaxial cable segment 18 through which rf signals are conveyed from the switch to the subscriber . the key unit housing 14 , which is dimensioned to fit in overlapping relationship to the front , top and side surfaces of switch unit housing 12 , is also formed of a non - magnetic material such as hard plastic or a die cast metal . an actuator shaft 20 extending through the front surface of switch unit housing 12 enables the switch assembly to be conditioned to open and closed positions as desired . actuation of this shaft is accomplished by the user by means of an actuator knob 21 on the front surface of key unit 13 . this knob is mounted on a shaft segment 22 ( fig3 ) which extends through the key unit to the rear surface 23 of the key unit housing , where an axially - extending recess 24 including a flat keying surface is provided in the end of the shaft for telescopingly receiving the exposed and complementarily - keyed end of actuator shaft 20 . the key unit also includes a magnetic field source in the form of a permanent magnet 25 which unlocks the switch unit when the key unit is in position . recesses 26 and 27 in the sidewalls of the key unit housing provide clearance for connectors 15 and 17 when units 11 and 12 are engaged . referring to fig4 and 5 , the two sections of housing 12 of switch unit 11 define an interior cavity 30 . coaxial connectors 15 and 17 each include respective electrically conductive body portions 31 and 32 projecting from the switch unit housing for receiving the outer conductor of a coaxial cable , respective electrically conductive center contact portions 33 and 34 for receiving the center conductor of a coaxial cable , and respective dielectric insert portions 35 and 36 for supporting and electrically isolating the center contact portions . connector 15 connects , for example , to a subscriber distribution cable while connector 17 connects to a cable leading to the subscriber &# 39 ; s television receiver . a ground connection is provided between the connectors by either forming housing 12 of an electrically - conductive material or by providing an electrically - conductive shield within the housing between the connectors . a conductive bridging member or metal switch pole 40 , which comprises a spring contact fixedly attached at one end to the center conductor 33 of coax connector 15 , electrically connects the center conductor to either the center conductor 34 of coax connector 17 , or to a stationary contact 41 mounted within housing 12 by means of an electrically non - conductive support 42 . the free end of the spring contact 40 is fitted with a contact portion 43 which engages either the center contact 34 or the stationary contact 41 . the stationary contact 41 is connected to the electrically - conductive housing 12 at point 45 by means of an impedance 44 , which in practice is selected to correspond to the characteristic impedance of coaxial cable segment 16 so that when the switch unit 11 is open the incoming line is properly terminated . spring contact 40 is biased into engagement with either center contact portion 34 or stationary contact 41 by means of an actuator arm 46 pivotably mounted within cavity 30 . actuator arm 46 includes a slot - like recess 47 at one end within which the spring contact 40 is received . when actuator member 46 is rotated to a clockwise position , as shown in fig4 spring contact 40 is biased to establish electrical connection with contact 41 . this is the open position of switch unit 11 in which the input coaxial cable segment is terminated by impedance 44 . when actuator member 46 is rotated counterclockwise as shown in fig5 the switch unit is in its closed position and spring contact 40 is biased against the center contact 34 of connector 17 to establish an electrical connection between coaxial cable segments 16 and 18 . the actuator arm 46 is mounted on and rotatably coupled to a stub shaft 50 and is biased into either its clockwise or counterclockwise position by means of a helical compression spring 51 fixedly attached at one end to the actuator arm and fixedly attached at its other end to housing 12 . this spring is preferably maintained under partial compression so as to flex to either one side or the other of arm 46 , thereby providing an over - center toggling action . a first inclined edge portion 52 on actuator arm 46 provides a positive stop for the arm in its clockwise direction , as shown in fig4 and a second edge portion 53 provides a positive stop for the arm in its counterclockwise position , as shown in fig5 . in accordance with one aspect of the invention , actuator arm 46 is locked in either its clockwise or counterclockwise position by means of a locking pin 54 mounted for reciprocative movement in a direction transverse to the plane of rotation of arm 46 . referring to fig6 locking pin 54 is slidably mounted within a cylindrical collar 55 which is seated within a recess 56 provided in the front section of housing 12 . locking pin 54 includes a magnetized portion 57 of increased diameter at one end and is biased so as to interfere at its other end with rotation of actuator arm 46 by means of a helical compression spring 58 . in the normal locked condition of switch unit 11 spring 58 biases the locking pin into an interference relationship with actuator arm 46 whereby rotation of the actuator member from either its closed clockwise position or open counterclockwise position is prvented . this is shown in fig6 . however , when key unit 13 is engaged to switch unit 11 , as in fig7 the permanent magnet 25 within the key unit produces a magnetic field which attracts the magnetic portion 57 of the locking pin . the force of this is sufficient to overcome the bias of spring 58 and pull the pin out of its interfering relationship with actuator arm 46 . the actuator arm is then free to rotate between its clockwise and counterclockwise positions to provide the desired positioning of contact arm 40 . in accordance with another aspect of the invention , a slip - clutch rotational coupling is provided between the externally - accessible shaft segment 20 of switch unit 11 and the shaft segment 50 on which actuator arm 46 is mounted to prevent damage to the switch from excessive force being applied to actuator arm 46 when the actuator arm is locked by pin 54 . referring to fig8 in one form the slip - clutch coupling may be obtained by means of an axially - extending aperture 60 in the end of shaft segment 50 within which a shank portion 61 of reduced diameter on the inside end of shaft segment 20 is frictionally fitted . a collar portion 62 of increased diameter on shaft segment 20 prevents segment 20 from being pulled from the housing . in an alternate embodiment of the slip - clutch coupling , shaft segment 50 is received within a recess 63 provided on the end of shaft segment 20 . rotational coupling is obtained between the two shaft segments by means of a convex washer 64 , a c washer 66 , and a resilient washer 65 compressed between washers 64 and 66 . the two housing sections 13 form an enclosure for the coaxial cable connectors and their electrical interconnections which render these elements inaccessible without disassembly of the switch unit housing . normally , such disassembly is avoided by either permanently bonding the two housing sections together , or by joining the housing sections by means of special fasteners requiring special tools for engagement . in use , the switch unit 11 is conditioned to either an open or a closed state by engaging the key unit 13 to the switch unit 11 , as shown in fig1 and 7 . this simultaneously displaces pin 54 to unlock actuator arm 46 , and rotatably couples the arm to the user - accessible knob 21 . all that remains is for the user to rotate the knob to the desired position , as indicated by indices on the key unit housing . any misalignment of shaft segment 20 prior to engagement of the switch and lock units , such as might result from slippage of the internal clutch during attempted actuation of the switch without release of the magnetic locking pin , is easily corrected by aligning the flat ( or other shaft alignment key ) as shown by indices on the switch unit housing prior to engagement of the key unit . thus , applicant has provided a magnetically - locking coax switch assembly which avoids the use of tumbler and cylinder - type lock assemblies while providing protection against unauthorized actuation . the switch assembly is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and capable of providing reliable service even after long - term exposure to weather , making it ideally suited for catv and similar applications wherein a large number of switch assemblies are required . while a particular embodiment of the invention has been shown and described , it will be appreciated that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention . it is , therefore , intended that all such changes and modifications be covered by the following claims . | 7 |
referring now to the drawings , wherein numeral 10 in the drawings generally denotes a device for grinding tungsten welding electrodes . the device 10 comprises a motor ( not shown ) in a motor housing 12 , a motor flange 14 screwed to the motor housing 12 and a cylindrical housing part 16 arranged on the motor flange 14 . the motor flange 14 and the housing part 16 constitute guiding blocks for guiding electrodes . the housing part 16 is connected to the motor and the motor flange in a way which is described below in greater detail . a grinding wheel assembly 18 with grinding wheels 20 and 22 having different graining rotates in the plane between the motor flange 14 and the housing part 16 . in fig4 the motor flange 14 is separately shown . the flange 14 is provided with bore holes 24 . the flange is screwed to the motor through these bore holes as shown in fig1 . a plate like depression 26 is provided on the end of the motor flange 14 which is remote to the motor . this depression serves as a receiving unit for the grinding wheel assembly 18 . this is shown in the exploded view of fig1 and 2 . a connecting shaft 30 is screwed above the grinding wheel assembly 18 . the connecting shaft 30 is separately shown in fig3 . the shaft 30 has an upper portion 28 . furthermore the shaft 30 has an internally threaded bore hole 32 . the bore hole 32 is provided with a collar 34 projecting outwardly in an axial direction . the grinding wheel assembly 18 is set on this collar acting as a centering means . the grinding wheels of the grinding wheel assembly 18 are provided with a central bore hole 38 and an off - axis bore hole 40 . the central bore hole 38 is positioned and centered on the collar 34 . the rotation is effected about the axis of the bore hole 38 , a pin 36 engaging the bore hole 40 and transmitting the driving power to the grinding wheel assembly 18 . the grinding wheel assembly 18 is fixed with the screw 37 in the inner thread of the shaft 30 . fig1 shows the exploded grinding wheel assembly 18 with a cutting wheel 42 in the middle and grinding wheels 20 and 22 on both sides thereof , the grinding wheels having either the same , a different or a partial graining . the grinding wheel assembly 18 comprises a rough grained grinding wheel 20 ( fig9 ) and a fine grained grinding wheel 22 which otherwise has the same constitution . a further middle wheel 42 is disposed between the two grinding wheels 20 and 22 of the grinding wheel assembly the middle wheel 42 having a particularly thin edge . this edge serves for cutting the electrodes with improved cutting behaviour . additionally to the central bore hole 38 and the off - axis bore hole 40 for a fixed connection of the wheels 20 , 22 and 42 further off - axis bore holes 64 and 56 are provided in the middle wheel 42 ( fig1 ). projections 68 provided on the wheel 20 extend through each of the holes into the corresponding recess in the wheel 22 and a projection on the wheel 22 extending into the corresponding recess 70 in the wheel 20 . if the grinding wheel assembly 18 is mounted with the shaft the essentially cylindrical housing portion 16 is coaxially arranged on the motor flange 14 . the housing portion 16 is shown in detail in fig5 . the housing part 16 has a center bore hole 44 . the center bore hole 44 is aligned with the bore holes 38 of the grinding wheel assembly 18 and the rotational axis of the shaft 30 . a depression 50 is provided around the bore hole at the plane surface 46 of the housing ( see fig2 ). this depression 50 has about the same dimensions as the depression 26 in the motor flange 14 . the depressions 26 and 50 together form a cavity when the assembly is assembled ( fig6 ). the cavity serves to receive the grinding wheel assembly 18 . the housing 16 has a depression 52 on its plane surface 51 on the upper end serving for receiving means for the removal of grinding leftovers such as dust and other leftovers . furthermore the housing 16 has a slit 54 in a radial direction extending along the entire width of the housing . the slit 54 is wide enough to insert electrodes . when the grinding wheel assembly 18 rotates the electrode can be shortened at the middle wheel 42 by cutting off the worn end of the electrode . as in the housing 16 a slit 52 is provided in the motor flange 14 . the slits 52 and 54 in the motor flange and in the housing 16 are aligned as it is shown in fig6 . a bore hole 60 is provided in the housing 16 . the bore hole 60 extends over the entire length of the housing . a screw 62 ( fig1 ) engages through the bore hole 60 for screwing the housing 16 to the motor flange 14 . the screw 62 is screwed into a nut 72 which is provided in a recess 74 in the motor flange 14 . the motor flange has a pin 66 whereon the housing 16 can be inserted with a bore hole 58 ( fig2 ). in such a way the housing 16 is tightly fixed to the motor flange 14 by only one screw ( 62 ). this enables a particularly simple and quick disassembling and assembling if a grinding wheel must be exchanged . contrary to known assemblies with two grinding wheels a shaft 30 with a particularly short neck may be used in the present assembly . the housing 16 and the motor flange 14 have groups 76 and 78 of lateral openings . these groups of lateral openings extend along the circumference of the housing and the motor flange , respectively , in the direction of the grinding wheel next to the housing or motor flange , respectively , on the plane end 48 . each group comprises six lateral openings 82 of different diameter which is indicated by an engraving 80 over the lateral opening . the angle under which an electrode is inserted in a lateral opening 82 contacts a grinding wheel is the same within each group of lateral openings . it can be seen from the drawing , that the lateral opening 82 has a diameter of 1 . 6 mm and a grinding angle of 22 . 5 degrees . the angle for each group is indicated by a further engraving 84 above the first engraving . in the present embodiment there are four different angles possible for grinding the electrode tips . also , electrodes with as many as up to six different diameters can be used . the electrode is so well guided by the lateral opening 82 that reproducible results can be achieved without any expense or danger . more grinding angles , further electrode diameters or the use of a grinding surface with different graining are considered by providing similar lateral openings 90 in the motor flange 14 . an electrode can be , for example , roughly pre - grinded by guiding it through the opening 82 in the housing 16 . the grinding wheel 22 having a grinding surface which is upwardly directed has a rough graining . for the fine grinding the opening 90 in the motor flange 14 is used . the corresponding grinding wheel 20 having a grinding surface which is downwardly directed has a fine graining . furthermore , the housing 16 has a group of openings vertically extending from the upper end to the lower end of the housing 16 . the openings of this group also have different diameters corresponding to the diameters of the previously mentioned groups . the openings of the group 92 enable the perpendicular grinding of the electrode tips . the entire assembly is screwed on a hand - held unit . the grinding wheel assembly is positioned directly in front of the ball bearing of the motor shaft . this prevents lurching at high angular rates . the assembly is much shorter than comparable assemblies having two grinding wheels . it is , therefore , much easier to handle . it requires less components and it is thereby cheaper in transport , keeping and production . an alternative embodiment is shown in fig1 - 14 . a grinding wheel assembly 118 is provided , which is the same as the grinding wheel assembly 18 of fig1 . the grinding wheel assembly 118 is driven by a motor through a shaft . the grinding wheel assembly 118 is disposed between a motor flange 114 and a guiding block 116 . in fig1 the motor flange 114 is separately shown . the flange 114 is provided with bore holes 124 . the flange is screwed to the motor through these bore holes as shown in fig1 . the motor flange 114 constitutes a solid guiding block . the grinding wheel assembly 18 is disposed between the guiding block 116 and the motor flange 114 . this is shown in the exploded view of fig1 and the cross sectional view in fig1 . in this embodiment , the housing portion 116 does not need a center bore hole or a depression . the housing 116 has a slit 154 in a radial direction extending along the entire width of the guiding block . the slit 154 is wide enough to insert electrodes . when the grinding wheel assembly 118 rotates the electrode can be shortened by cutting off the worn end of the electrode . as in the guiding block 116 a slit 152 is provided in the motor flange 114 . the slits 152 and 154 in the motor flange and in the housing 16 are aligned as it is shown in fig1 . two bore holes 160 and 161 are provided in the guiding block 116 . the bore holes 160 and 161 extend over the entire length of the guiding block . screws 162 engage through the bore holes 160 and 161 for screwing the housing 116 to the motor flange 114 . two nuts 172 and 173 are provided to maintain a distance between the motor flange 114 and the guiding block 116 . the grinding wheel assembly 118 rotates in the space between the motor flange 114 and the guiding block 116 . the screw 162 extends through the nut 172 into a bore hole 174 in the motor flange 114 . the guiding block 116 and the motor flange 114 have groups of lateral openings as it is the case with the housing of the first embodiment . in an alternate embodiment only one screw 262 can be utilized . this enables a quicker assembling and disassembling if , for example , the grinding wheel 218 is exchanged . this screw 262 extends through a bore hole 242 , as it is shown in fig1 . a further alternative embodiment is shown in fig1 and fig1 . a grinding wheel assembly 318 is provided , which is the same as the grinding wheel assembly 118 of fig1 . contrary to the second embodiment the guiding block 316 does not have lateral openings . it is , therefore , much flatter than the guiding blocks or housings of the previous embodiments . as in the third embodiment , the guiding block 316 is fixed to a motor flange 314 by means of only one screw 362 and a nut 372 . the guiding block 316 constitutes a lid for protection of the grinding wheel assembly 318 . it also serves to grind electrodes flat without tip . fig1 shows an embodiment which is similar to the embodiment of fig1 , 17 . however , instead of a screw 362 and a nut 372 the guiding block 416 forms an integral part of the motor flange 414 . the entire part is screwed to the motor housing . the grinding wheel assembly ( not shown ) rotates therebetween . in all embodiments , the grinding wheel assembly has a first grinding surface which is directed into a direction towards the motor . thereby , the motor flange can be used as a guiding block . | 1 |
the process and polyester fiber - rubber compositions of this invention are demonstrated with the following rubber masterbatches . all parts are by weight . santocure ns , an accelerator , is n - tert - butyl - 2 - benzothiazolesulfenamide and thiofide , an accelerator , is bis ( 2 - benzothiazolyl ) disulfide . ______________________________________rubber masterbatchesmasterbatch a b c______________________________________natural rubber 100 . 0 50 . 0 50 . 0sbr 1712 -- 68 . 8 -- sbr 1778 -- -- 48 . 0polybutadiene rubber -- -- 15 . 0carbon black ( fef ) -- 50 . 0 -- carbon black ( gpf ) -- -- 45 . 0carbon black ( isaf ) 45 . 0 -- -- silica -- -- 5 . 0zinc oxide 3 . 0 3 . 0 5 . 0stearic acid 2 . 0 2 . 0 1 . 0hydrocarbon softener 5 . 0 -- 5 . 0wax -- -- 2 . 0antidegradant -- -- 2 . 0resorcinol adhesive -- -- 1 . 5total 155 . 0 173 . 8 179 . 5______________________________________ vulcanizable compositions are prepared by mixing sulfur and accelerator with portions of a rubber masterbatch . polyester fiber - rubber compositions are prepared with polyester 1000 / 2 tire cord and the properties of the compositions and tire cord stability are determined as described above . the data are shown in tables 1 - 3 . polyester fiber - natural rubber composites of the invention are illustrated in table 1 . referring to table 1 , stock 1 is a control with a non - amine commercial accelerator and stock 2 is a control with an amine - bearing commercial accelerator . stocks 3 - 6 illustrate the invention containing phosphinothioyl amino sulfide accelerators . the cure data indicate that the phosphinothioyl - t - butylamino sulfide accelerator is functionally equivalent to the non - amine commercial accelerator but exhibits about 50 percent greater processing safety ( 33 . 5 versus 22 . 7 minutes ). the cure data further indicates that the phosphinothioyl anilino sulfide accelerators exhibit greater processing safety than the amine - bearing commercial accelerator . more significantly , the cord stability data demonstrate that the polyester cords of the polyester fiber composites vulcanized with phosphinothioyl amino sulfide accelerators retain greater strength than the polyester cords in a rubber composite vulcanized with the amine - bearing commercial accelerator . polyester fiber - rubber composites comprising blends of natural and synthetic rubbers are illustrated in tables 2 and 3 . the cord stability data confirm that polyester cord in composites vulcanized with phosphinothioyl amino sulfides ( table 2 , stocks 3 - 7 and table 3 , stock 3 ) degrade less thereby retaining greater cord strength than polyester cord vulcanized with amine - bearing commercial accelerators . the improved polyester cord stability in composites vulcanized with phosphinothioyl amino sulfide accelerators is unexpected , especially with phosphinothioyl - t - butylamino sulfide accelerators , since they contain the same amine moiety as in the amine - bearing commercial accelerator . table i__________________________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5 6__________________________________________________________________________masterbatch a 155 . 0 155 . 0 155 . 0 155 . 0 155 . 0 155 . 0sulfur 2 . 5 2 . 5 2 . 5 2 . 5 2 . 5 2 . 5thiofide 0 . 5 -- -- -- -- -- santocure ns -- 0 . 5 -- -- -- -- di - n - butoxyphosphinothioylt - butylamino sulfide -- -- 0 . 5 -- -- -- di - n - butoxyphosphinothioylanilino sulfide -- -- -- 0 . 5 -- -- di - n - butoxyphosphinothioyln - isopropylanilino sulfide -- -- -- -- 0 . 5 -- di - n - butoxyphosphinothioyln - methylanilino sulfide -- -- -- -- -- 0 . 5mooney scorch at 121 ° c t . sub . 5 , min . 22 . 7 40 . 2 33 . 5 45 . 5 48 . 4 45 . 6rheometer at 153 ° c r max , nm 5 . 0 7 . 1 5 . 3 4 . 0 3 . 6 3 . 5 t . sub . 90 - t . sub . 2 , min . 13 . 1 7 . 8 13 . 7 24 . 4 25 . 8 25 . 7stress - strain at 153 ° c cure time , min . 30 20 30 45 45 45 300 ° modulus , kg ./ cm . sup . 2 93 129 96 89 81 75 uts , kg ./ cm . sup . 2 198 267 225 189 172 174 elongation , % 500 500 530 510 500 520cord stability % strength retention press cure 2 hours at 175 ° c 76 71 78 79 83 81__________________________________________________________________________ table 2______________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7______________________________________masterbatch b 173 . 8 → → → → → → sulfur 2 . 0 → → → → → → thiofide 1 . 5 -- -- -- -- -- -- santocure ns -- 1 . 5 -- -- -- -- -- di - n - butoxy - phosphinothioyl - t - butylamino sulfide -- -- 1 . 5 -- -- -- -- diisopropoxy - phosphinothioyl - t - butylamino sulfide -- -- -- 1 . 5 -- -- -- di - n - butoxy - phosphinothioylanilino sulfide -- -- -- -- 1 . 5 -- -- diisopropoxy - phosphinothioylanilino sulfide -- -- -- -- -- 1 . 5 -- diisopropoxy - phosphinothioylmorpholino sulfide -- -- -- -- -- -- 1 . 5mooney scorchat 135 ° ct . sub . 5 , min . 10 . 8 20 . 0 11 . 0 11 . 4 19 . 6 22 . 6 16 . 5rheometerat 153 ° cr max , nm 6 . 2 7 . 4 6 . 1 6 . 7 4 . 4 5 . 0 3 . 3t . sub . 90 - t . sub . 2 , min . 16 . 8 7 . 8 16 . 1 14 . 2 28 . 3 27 . 0 53 . 8cord stability % strength retentionpress cure2 hours at 175 ° c 83 69 83 83 90 87 88sealed tubeat 150 ° c48 hours 82 82 -- 85 -- -- 8796 hours 80 70 -- 78 -- -- 78______________________________________ table 3______________________________________ 1 2 3______________________________________masterbatch c 179 . 5 → → sulfur 2 . 3 → → thiofide 1 . 4 -- -- santocure ns -- 1 . 4 -- diisopropoxyphosphinothioylt - butylamino sulfide -- -- 1 . 4mooney scorch at 135 ° ct . sub . 5 , min . 12 . 9 19 . 3 13 . 9rheometer at 153 ° cr max , nm 5 . 7 7 . 8 7 . 0t . sub . 90 - t . sub . 2 , min . 32 . 4 7 . 3 11 . 5stress - strain at 153 ° ccure time , min . 60 30 30300 % modulus , kg ./ cm . sup . 2 49 88 84uts , kg ./ cm . sup . 2 150 165 162elongation , % 600 480 490cord stability % strength retentionsealed tube at 150 ° c48 hours 86 89 9296 hours 82 83 87______________________________________ although the invention has been illustrated by typical examples , it is not limited thereto . changes and modifications of the examples of the invention herein chosen for purposes of disclosure can be made which do not constitute departure from the spirit and scope of the invention . | 2 |
described below are examples of applications of the present invention in a theatrical show . however , its use for other purposes , including training , involves no substantial changes . a video information system according to the invention comprises a sectional screen 1 ( fig1 ) having a plurality of cells . as illustrated in the embodiment shown in fig1 the sectional screen 1 has two longitudinal cells 2 and 3 and two transverse cells 4 and 5 . all cells of the screen 1 are rotatable and / or movable in space at least in one direction , the three - dimensionally variable multiple - plane screen system being formed . variation of the three - dimensional position of cells of the screen 1 is carried out at will both for one of the cells and for a group of cells in any direction depending on information sent to each of the cells , their form and effect being produced by this information . described below are embodiments of multiple - plane systems wherein one or several cells are moved or turned in space . however , the described embodiments do not encompass every possible combination of three - dimensional positions of cells , nor do they describe all possible combinations of the cell types within one screen . moreover , the multiple - plane screen system is described as applied to a theatrical stage performance , which does not limit all possible uses thereof mentioned above . as mentioned above , fig1 shows the screen 1 having the four cells 2 through 5 . each of the cells 2 to 5 has an axis 6 , 7 , 8 and 9 , respectively , about which the cells are turned at a certain angle . the axes 6 and 7 of rotation of the cells 2 and 3 extend along the lateral edges of the screen 1 . the axes 8 and 9 of rotation of the cells 4 and 5 extend along the upper edge of the screen 1 . the cell 5 is shown turned at an angle of 120 ° with respect to the plane of the longitudinal cells 2 and 3 . the lateral edges of the screen 1 . described below ( fig2 and 3 ) are embodiments of a sectional screen 12 or 13 having a different number of cells . as the sectional screen 1 is used in a theatrical stage performance , pylons 10 and 11 are disposed along the lateral edges of the screen 1 . in fig2 the screen 12 has longitudinal cells 2 , 3 , 14 , 15 and 16 , the cells 2 and 3 being lateral cells , and transverse cells 4 , 5 and 17 , the longitudinal cells 14 to 16 and the transverse cell 17 being moved backwards deeper behind the main plain of the screen 12 which plane coincides in this embodiment with the plane of the transverse cell 4 , and the cell 17 being in a different plane with respect to the cells 14 to 16 . furthermore , the transverse cell 5 is turned upwards with respect to the main plane of the screen 12 , and the lateral cells 2 and 3 are turned backwards deeper with respect to the main plane of the screen 12 . a video information system shown in fig3 differs from the abovedescribed systems in that it has one more group of movable cells having a transverse cell 18 moved backwards deeper behind the screen 13 with respect to the cell 17 and longitudinal cells 19 and 20 mounted in front of the cells 14 to 16 and turned with respect to these cells . fig4 and 6 show some examples of applications of the multiple - plane three - dimensional screen system . fig4 shows a diagrammatic view of a control desk and information concerning the flight of a spacecraft . information concerning location of a spacecraft 21 in outer space and with respect to the earth 22 is sent to the cell 5 of the screen 13 ; the necessary maps 23 , diagrams 24 and alphanumeric information 25 are displayed on the cells 14 , 15 and 16 . the lateral cells 2 and 3 show a projection 26 of street fragments , and details 27 decorating the room of a control desk 28 are placed in cells 19 and 20 . the control desk 28 is disposed in front of the screen 13 . fig5 shows a projection of an apartment in several planes of a multiple - plane three - dimensional screen system according to the invention . in this system , the cell 5 of the screen 12 is turned at an angle of 90 ° with respect to the vertical plane , the cell 15 is moved backwards , and the cells 2 and 3 are turned with respect to the cells 14 and 16 . the cell 5 displays a projection 29 of a perspective view of a city ; the cell 15 displays a projection 30 of a perspective view of another end of the city which projection is a continuation of projections 31 and 32 presented in the form of stained - glass pictures as viewed out of the windows disposed in cells 14 and 16 . displayed on the same cells 14 and 16 are projections 33 of aparatment walls which projections are parts of projections 34 , 35 of other walls which are projected on the lateral cells 2 and 3 . fig6 shows another projection of the video information image on the screen 12 having the cell 15 moved backwards and the cell 5 turned . a projection 36 of the sky is displayed on the cell 5 and partially on the cells 4 and 17 , an image 37 of a helicopter and a projection 38 of the earth surface are shown on the lateral cells 14 and 16 , and an image 39 of a landing spacecraft module is displayed on the cell 15 . the video information in accordance with fig4 through 6 which is represented on the screen 1 ( 12 or 13 ) may vary in time at will producing different three - dimensional scenes changing three - dimensionally and in time . this ensures a strong psychological and emotional impact upon the audience by producing the illusion of their direct participation in the events taking place by instantly changing the place where these events occur and bringing the audience from one place to another . in order to enhance the impact upon the audience , scenery accessories are placed in front of any cell of the screen 1 . in fig4 lamp posts 40 are installed in front of the cells 2 and 3 in order to enhance the three - dimensional perception of a general picture of the city street fragment by combining it with the projection 26 of the city street , and the desk 28 is disposed in front of the cells 14 through 16 . in fig5 furniture pieces 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 supplementing the idea of the apartment serve the same purpose . furthermore , a real theatrical stage performance may take place in front of the screen 1 , the real cast 46 acting in front of the cells 2 and 3 , 14 through 16 and 19 , 20 of the screen 12 or 13 ( fig4 through 6 ). other examples of combining the scenery with the screen 1 to which , e . g ., a television image is sent are illustrated in fig7 and 9 . in fig7 additional screens 49 are installed in front of the lateral cells 2 , 3 turned with respect to a cell 48 , and fig8 shows a television image 50 which is common for all the cells 2 , 3 , 48 of the screen 1 and the additional screens 49 . in fig9 scenery details 51 are installed in front of the screen 1 , and a television image 52 integrally viewed with the scenery details 51 is displayed on the screen 1 . the video information system according to the invention is made up of several multiple - plane three - dimensional screen systems disposed either in parallel with , and one after another as shown in fig1 , 12 and 13 , or at an angle with respect to one another ( fig1 ), or along two or more curvilinear surfaces ( fig1 ), or along a circle ( fig1 ). fig1 through 13 show a plan view of a video information system comprising three screen systems 54 , 55 and and 56 , the cells 2 , 3 , 5 , 48 being disposed in a different manner in each of these systems . thus the lateral cells 2 , 3 of the system 54 are turned and moved backwards with respect to the transverse cell 5 which is disposed at an angle with respect to the cells 2 , 3 , and the cell 4 is spaced from the cell 5 . the cells 2 and 3 , 14 and 16 of the system 55 are also turned and moved backwards , and the cells 14 , 16 are additionally moved with respect to the lateral cells 2 and 3 of the system 54 ; the cell 15 is moved with respect to the transverse cell 5 of the system 55 , the cell 5 being turned upwards with respect to the longitudinal cells 2 , 3 , 14 through 16 of the same system . the cells 2 , 3 and 48 of the system 56 are disposed in parallel with the cells 14 , 16 and 15 of the system 55 , respectively . in fig1 , the systems 54 and 55 are made similar to each other , and the system 56 has two cells 57 and 58 disposed in its centre and spaced from each other . in fig1 , the systems 54 and 55 are made identical and similar to the system 54 shown in fig2 and the system 56 is identical with the system 55 shown in fig1 . multiple - plane three dimensional screen systems 59 , 60 and 61 ( fig1 ) are aligned or disposed at an angle with respect to each other so as to form a stage triptych in the centre of which an auditorium 62 is disposed . in fig1 , multiple - plane three - dimensional screen systems 63 , 64 and 65 are disposed along a part of one circle , and similar screen systems 66 , 67 and 68 are disposed along a part of another circle of a greater radius . the screen systems 63 through 65 and 66 through 68 are disposed one after another so as to produce a general perception effect . the auditorium 62 is disposed at the centre of the entire video information system . any other curvilinear surface may be used instead of a circle . information may be sent to the video information system by any known method from projectors 69 &# 39 ;, the number of projectors depending on the form of the sectional screen and the type of information . the number of projectors installed is , e . g ., equal to the number of cells , the individual information units being sent to each cell . information received from one or several projectors may be arranged on the cells in any possible way . if the video system has several screen systems , e . g . as shown in fig1 through 15 , each of these systems has its own projector 69 ( fig1 ) or a group of projectors 69 . information from the projectors 69 and 69 &# 39 ; is simultaneously or independently sent to one and the same cell by direct projection , respectively . fig1 illustrates an embodiment of moving cells . each cell 14 , 15 , 16 of the screen 1 or 12 is secured to a frame 70 mounted on a carriage 71 which moves along guide members 72 disposed along two curvilinear surfaces . scenery pieces 75 are mounted in a similar manner on carriages 73 moving along guide members 74 . the guide members 74 are disposed along curvilinear surfaces similar to those in which the guide members 72 are disposed . to ensure movement of the cells 15 in a different direction , the system has guide members 76 along which the carriage 71 of the cells 15 moves . a carriage 77 carrying the scenery pieces 75 also moves along guide members 76 . the guide members and carriages are widely used in stage equipment for theatrical entertainment performances . operation of the video system during a theatrical presentation showing the launching of a spacecraft is described below . shown in the foreground is the control desk 28 ( fig4 ) which is easily accessible for members of the cast 46 acting on the stage . the image of a demonstration panel containing the necesssary maps 23 , diagrams 24 and information 25 which change during the performance in form and content is sent by projectors to the cells 14 through 16 . information on location of the spacecraft 21 in the outer space is sent by the projector to the cell 5 , this information also changing in time . in the second act of the theatrical show , the position of the cells 2 , 3 , 14 through 16 on the stage and the type of information displayed on these cells are changed , and other scenery accessories are disposed in front of them . the second act of the scenario of the outer space flight unfolds in an apartment , the city streets image being projected on the cells 5 and 15 , the decorative stained - glass - like panels showing the streets as viewed from the windows being projected on the cells 14 and 16 , the projections 34 and 35 of the apartment walls being displayed on the cells 2 and 3 . several stage planes are thus produced : a view of the apartment in the foreground , a view of the city streets in the background , and scenery accessories 41 through 45 disposed in front on the foreground . as the scenario is unfolding , the actor 46 is really in any of these grounds , i . e . in the space required by the scenario : in the street , apartment , on the square , etc . a tv - set on the screen of which the spacecraft flight is watched is in the apartment . moreover , the image 21 of the spacecraft flying above the city is displayed on the cell 5 . fig6 completes the scenario of the spacecraft launching . the audience can see at one and the same time and at different scenery grounds the real image of different three - dimensional scenes changing in time and space : the preparation of the search group with the image of the helicopter 37 on the cell 14 providing the foreground , the spacecraft landing shown on the cell 15 providing the background , the earth surface area where the spacecraft landing module will land shown on the cell 16 ( the foreground ). such scenario unfolding in space and time ensures a strong psychological and emotional impact upon the audience since it enhances the illusion of its direct participation in the events . the video system according to the invention offers the functions of an independent space infinitely changing in space and time , i . e . capable of being doubled , trebled , quadrupled so as to form a cyclic closed space . as a result , a theatrical show is produced which is transformable in space and time , capable of producing , together with the cast performance , the maximum effect of the audience &# 39 ; s presence and participation in a given theatrical show and carrying it to any place which is in the scenario and which the up - to - date television and cinematography is capable of showing . thus , the provision of television with monitors capable of directly picking out any events from real life as well as real people and actors and immediately carry them from the stage to the screen plane provides the video system with unlimited maneuverability and multiple - aspect character of situations produced on the screen and makes it possible to program by means of electronic tricks , i . e . to prepare in advance information objectives and objectives as formulated by the producer by modulating them and providing computer programs of future scenes , events and extreme life situations . the use of the video system according to the invention also makes it possible to view background pictures accompanying the main performance and the events of the scenes which are hidden from the audience and take place in other planes . moreover , in the production of all abovementioned effects of the video information system according to the invention , the information is actually presented within full angle of vision of the eye ( somewhat less than 180 °) whereas all known visual systems provide the maximum angle of vision of 90 ° which also speaks in favour of this video system . the examples of application of the video system according to the invention for providing a theatrical show have been herein illustrated . it is quite similarly used in an exhibition complex for producing three - dimensional information which changes in time and will permit a more interesting and colourful representation of the desired exhibition information . moreover , the video system may be used as a trainer for training and sepcialists in various branches of science and technology with mass involvement of trainees and provision of conditions and situations approximatley the real ones and also for taking decisions in time shortage conditions , the training information changing in time and space . this invention can be used most effectively for theatrical performances , cinema and television programs , exhibitions , advertizing , and in various training devices to simulate various realistic situations . | 6 |
fig1 a through 1g show different operating modes of a switching regulator , or equivalent , wherein all diagrams of the operating modes are shown as a linear progression of a regulator output from a minimum output voltage to a maximum output voltage , except fig1 b where vlow is greater than vhigh which causes a hysteresis effect between vmin and vmax . threshold voltages vhigh and vlow are adjusted to different values in the voltage range vmin to vmax to establish different modes of operation . there are three different operating modes , sleep , automatic and normal . in the sleep mode the regulator is operated at low power to conserve energy when the circuitry supported by the regulator is not being used . in the automatic mode the operation is determined by the output current of the regulator , and in the normal mode the output of the regulator is a constant voltage delivered at a wide range of currents . in automatic mode there are at least two current conditions which dictate a mode , high current for a normal operation and low current for a sleep condition operation . these two conditions in the automatic operating mode are relative and application dependent , which defined by a relative value of current and not defined by a specific current value . in fig1 a where vmax & gt ; vhigh & gt ; vlow & gt ; vmin , if the output voltage of the regulator is between voltages , vmax and vhigh , the regulator is in a forced sync / normal mode and if the output voltage is between voltages , vlow and vmin , the regulator is in a forced sleep mode . between threshold voltages vhigh and vlow the switching regulator is in an automatic mode , wherein the operating mode is decided by the output current . in fig1 b vmax & gt ; vlow & gt ; vhigh .& gt ; vmin sets up a condition where there is a hysteresis caused by vlow being greater than vhigh . above vlow is the forced sync / normal mode and below vhigh is the forced sleep mode . between vhigh and vlow is a hysteresis in which the sleep mode is maintained as the output voltage is increase from vmin , past vhigh and then past vlow . similarly the sync / normal mode is maintained as the output voltage is decreased from vmax past vlow to vhigh where the mode changes to the forced sleep mode when the voltage passes the vhigh threshold . the hysteresis is useful in avoiding mode bounce where the voltage setting is close to the mode change threshold causing the device to go back and forth between the two modes . fig1 c shows the mode setting when vmax & gt ; vhigh & gt ; vlow = vmin . since vlow equals vmin there is no forced sleep mode . above vhigh is the forced sync / normal mode and below vhigh is the automatic mode where the operation mode is decided by the output current . in fig1 d vhigh equals vmax and vhigh & gt ; vlow & gt ; vminin . this creates two operating modes , automatic mode between vlow and vmax and forced sleep mode between vlow and vmin . in fig1 e vhigh is set to vmax and vlow is set to vmin , which sets the switching regulator in the automatic mode for the full range of the output voltage of the regulator . in fig1 f vhigh equal vlow and both equal vmin , this places the entire regulator output from vmax to vmin in a forced sync / normal operating mode , and in fig1 g vhigh equals vlow and both equal vmax , which places the entire regulator output from vmin to vmax in a forced sleep mode . in fig2 is a block diagram of an exemplary switching regulator 20 , or converter , where the input is digital including the output voltage target ( v - target ), threshold voltages vhigh ( v - high ) and vlow ( v - low ) are all held in internal registers 21 , or latches . sources of the digital signals are from digital interfaces , for example i2c interface 22 , an eprom and / or fuses 23 . a digital compare circuit 24 is used to compare v - high with the target digital value ( v - target ) and to compare v - low with the target digital value . these two digital compare circuits 24 provide an input to the mode change control logic 25 to provide a sync / normal threshold signal and a sleep threshold signal to the analog control circuits 26 that drive the buck driver circuit 27 connected to the load . the initial default digital values are loaded from the eprom or fuse circuit at startup of the regulator . the digital value of the v - target signal is dynamically changed or updated through the external interface i2c , or equivalent , and v - target is converted to an analog signal with a dac 27 and applied to an error amplifier 28 . the analog switch control regulates the analog output voltage to the v - target signal . v - target is always compared to v - high and v - low to decide the converter / regulator mode depending upon the outputs of the two comparators . the exemplary switching regulator of fig2 discussed herein has a buck type driver circuit coupled between the load and the analog control circuit 26 , which in effect provides a step down dc to dc switching regulator . it should be understood that the techniques discussed herein can also be applied to a boost and a buck - boost style regulator where the boost type output driver is adapted to the switching regulator and provides a boosted output voltage , or the buck - boost type driver circuit that provides an inverted output voltage in a step up / step down driver stage . further , there are variations of the switching regulator where a portion of the input circuitry is analog affecting signal management to produce a comparable switching regulator . however , the use of adjustable threshold voltages to determine the operating mode of the regulator remains consistent across the variations in the design and style of the various switching regulators . in fig3 is shown a regulator 30 that is a variation of the regulator 20 in fig2 . in regulator 30 the target value 31 is analog which necessitates analog compare circuits . since v - high and v - low are digital signals a dac 32 is required to connect the digital v - high and v - low signals to the analog compare circuits 33 . shown in fig4 is a regulator 40 in which the threshold voltages v - high 41 and v - low 42 are analog signals along with the target voltage 31 . the digital circuitry required for regulators 20 and 30 is no longer required leaving regulator 40 more susceptible to process and device variations . regulators 20 , 30 and 40 each have a buck type output circuit as shown in fig5 b between the analog control circuits 26 and the regulator load . the buck type driver circuit can be replaced by the boost driver circuit of fig5 a or the buck - boost driver circuit of fig5 c by adapting each driver circuit to the analog control circuit 26 . while the disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure . | 7 |
fig1 a , 1aa , 1b , 1b &# 39 ;, 1b &# 34 ;, 1c and 1d are each and all directed to different view - illustrations of the same common embodiment . accordingly , to the extent that these different figures illustrate common elements , the indicia are identical . fig2 a , 2b , 2c and 2d are each and all directed to an alternate related embodiment illustrating different views of the alternate embodiment . accordingly , to the extent that the alternate embodiment illustrates substantially corresponding structure of substantially corresponding functions as contrasted to the embodiment of fig1 a and the like , the indicia are related , to facilitate understanding of the similarity in the alternate embodiment . to the extent that elements are the same in different views of this alternate embodiment , indicia of the alternate embodiment in the different illustrations thereof are likewise identical to one another . once a particular indicia has been identified as to name and function thereof for either embodiment , description thereafter is not repeated for different view nor for the other embodiment , except in some cases in order to facilitate or improve understanding and an improved ease of following meaning in the description of the invention . as above noted , the present invention includes in one form thereof , the deflector structure and mechanism thereof considered alone , for use on any particular lug - removing pneumatic impact gun as above - identified . in another form , apart from other preferred and alternate embodiments of the inventive deflector structure and mechanism thereof , another form of the invention is the novel combination inclusive of the particular lug - removing pneumatic impact gun itself as a further novel and inventive combination , achievable of a result not heretofore possible . the above - described deflector structure and mechanism thereof of this invention is easily installable onto the particular lug - removing pneumatic impact gun above - described , namely typically the ingersol rand air pneumatic tool currently identified by that company as models 231 and 231 - 2 . use of the inventive most preferred embodiments of the different alternate embodiments of the invention , allow ( cause ) the blast of air from the respective left and right exhaust ports thereof to be discharged laterally to the opposite sides of the air pneumatic tool above - noted , instead of being discharged forwardly , i . e . instead of being discharged straight - out toward and against miscellaneous debris previously discussed above . the inventive deflector structure and mechanism thereof can be easily installed on the old models already in the hands of the consuming public , and / or can be installed during manufacture before sale of the resulting novel combination , by mere use of the same forwardly - positioned bolt / screw that for years has been used and is currently still used on this particular lug - removing pneumatic impact - gun air blast - deflector . it is merely required that the forwardly - positioned bolt ( screw ) as hereinafter identified , be removed , inserted through the through - space screw / bolt aperture of the deflector structure and mechanism thereof , and reinserted within the gun &# 39 ; s forward - receiving bolt / screw aperture ( receptacle ) and a tightening thereof , with the resulting mounting of the novel inventive defector structure and mechanism of the present invention , to result in the novel gun - combination thereof . accordingly , the invention may be better understood by reference to the following indicia description of elements thereof for the different above - noted figures . in fig1 a , there is shown in an inverted state , the embodiment 3 having the vertically positionable flange 7 as left and right flanges 7a and 7b ( left and right , as they would be positioned and mounted on the above - described , particular , lug - removing pneumatic impact gun ), the bottom right and left edges 7aa and 7bb , the left and right top edges 12a and 12b , and the bolt - receiving through - space hole 10 formed in the vertically positionable flange intermediate between the left and right flanges 7a and 7b . fig1 aa illustrates the same embodiment 3 structure and features as that of fig1 a , also illustrated in the inverted position relative to its normal mounting position , except here illustrating a view as it would appear prior to the final bending and / or forming and / or molding in the final - shaped state as bent or formed or molded with a 90 - degree bend along the above - described lower edges ( lower edges when positioned for or after mounting on the particular above - described gun ) 7aa and 7bb between the vertically positionable flanges 7a and 7b and the horizontally - rearwardly positionable deflector baffles - proximal portions 8a and 8b . also shown are the rearwardly upwardly angularly positionable right and left deflector baffles - distal portions 8aa and 8bb angled obliquely upwardly and rearwardly as positioned when mounted on the particular above - described gun . also shown , is the recessed or slotted - structure between the lower edges 7aa and 7bb , allowing the forward edges 7aa and 7bb to be slightly angled upwardly ( as described relative to the position when mounted on the particular above - described gun ) along sideward portions thereof , when bent along the illustrated dotted - line representing the locations of the forward edges 7aa and 7bb . fig1 b in its back view of the same embodiment 3 shows the same elements above - described for fig1 aa , except additionally showing the positions of the respective oppositely laterally - extending left and right diverted air - blast channels 11a and 11b as they would be located when the embodiment 3 is mounted on the particular air gun as illustrated in respective fig1 c and 1d . fig1 b &# 39 ; illustrates for the embodiment 3 the same elements and features as described for preceding figures of the embodiment 3 , except better illustrating the right upwardly angle sidewardly - extending bottom distal portion 8b relative to the more downwardly - positioned centerline location of the indented or slot location 9 in the mounted position typically shown in fig1 c . fig1 b &# 34 ; illustrates for the embodiment 3 the same elements above - described , except better illustrating the relative locations of the respective above - described elements to one another in this bottom view as it would be viewed in the mounted state and position as typically shown in fig1 c . fig1 c illustrates the novel gun - combination 5 in a right - side view of the combination , in addition to elements previously described , better showing their relationships to the particular above - described gun . additionally , the otherwise conventional and currently commercially available above - described particular lug - removing pneumatic impact gun 13 is illustrated as to conventional parts / elements thereof such as the lug - engaging element 19 and the forward plate 15 mounted by the forward bolts / screws inclusive of the lower forward bolt / screw 16 , the handle 17 , the gun - actuation trigger 18 , the torque - impact adjustment adjustable switch 20 for adjusting between low and high impact positions 21 ranging from zero - impact position to the highest torque impact position 5 , illustrating typical positions ranging from zero up to position 5 often and normally present , noting that for lug - removing purposes it is normally necessary and critical to have the gun set at the maximum torque position number 5 . also shown is forwardly - positioned gun portion 23 . also shown in phantom dotted lines is the typical prior art pneumatic air - providing line 22 as it would be positioned and mounted to the gun . fig1 d illustrates the same elements as previously described , except additionally showing in the cut - aways the forwardly - directed right and left gun blast - air exhaust vents 14aa and 14bb , as well as showing corresponding left - side elements described only for right - side elements in fig1 c , such as right and left portions 15a and 15b of the front plate ( edge ) 15 , and the right and left bottom portions 23a and 23b of the forwardly - extending gun portion 23 of fig1 c . fig2 a there is shown in an inverted state , the embodiment 4 having the vertically positionable flange 7 &# 39 ; as left and flanges 7 &# 39 ; a and 7 &# 39 ; b ( left and right , as they would be positioned and mounted on the above - described particular lug - removing pneumatic impact gun ), the bottom right and left edges 7 &# 39 ; aa and 7 &# 39 ; bb , the left and right top edges 12 &# 39 ; a and 12 &# 39 ; b , and the bolt - receiving through - space hole 10 &# 39 ; formed in the vertically positionable flange intermediate between the left and right flanges 7 &# 39 ; a and 7 &# 39 ; b . fig2 b in its back view of the same embodiment 4 shows the elements corresponding to those described in above - described for fig1 aa and to some extent in fig2 a and 1a , including the machined portions 7 &# 39 ; a and 7 &# 39 ; b that have the secondary remaining lesser thickness as compared to the above - described predetermined thickness retained by the unground ( unmachined ) portions 8 &# 39 ; a and 8 &# 39 ; b , and the thereby formed positions of the respective oppositely laterally - extending left and right diverted air - blast channels 11 &# 39 ; a and 11 &# 39 ; b as they would be located when the embodiment 4 is mounted on the particular air gun 13 &# 39 ; as illustrated in respective fig2 c and 2d . fig2 c illustrates the novel gun - combination 6 in a right - side view of the combination , in addition to elements previously described , better showing their relationships to the particular above - described gun . additionally , the otherwise conventional and currently commercially available above - described particular lug - removing pneumatic impact gun 13 &# 39 ;, the elements thereof corresponding to elements described - above for gun 13 of the gun - combination 5 of fig1 c as to the conventional parts / elements thereof . fig2 d illustrates for the embodiment 4 the same elements as previously described , except additionally showing in the cut - aways corresponding to those described for embodiment 3 of fig1 d , here for the embodiment 4 showing the forwardly - directed right and left gun blast - air exhaust vents 14 &# 39 ; aa and 14 &# 39 ; bb , as well as showing corresponding left - side elements described only for right - side elements in fig2 c , such as right and left portions 15 &# 39 ; a and 15 &# 39 ; b of the front plate ( edge ) 15 &# 39 ;, and the right and left bottom portions 23 &# 39 ; a and 23 &# 39 ; b of the forwardly - extending gun portion 23 &# 39 ; of fig2 c . as should apparent from the preceeding disclosure and descriptions thereof , to mount the vertically positionable flanges 7 or 7 &# 39 ; through the bolt or screw - receiving apertured hole 10 or 10 &# 39 ; thereof , the bolt or screw 16 or 16 &# 39 ; is simply removed from it position of mounting the plate 15 or 15 &# 39 ;, the aperture - hole 10 or 10 &# 39 ; is merely matched with the correspondingly positioned bolt or screw - receiving hole ( not shown ) in the plate 15 with the deflector vertically positionable flanges 7 or 7 &# 39 ; extending upwardly against the gun forwardly - extending portions 23a and 23b or 23 &# 39 ; a and 23 &# 39 ; b , and thereafter inserting the bolt or screw 16 or 16 &# 39 ; through the hole 10 or 10 &# 39 ; and tightening the bolt or screw to tightly secure the plate 15 or 15 &# 39 ; and the mounted above - described blast deflector of this invention , as typically shown in the novel mounted combinations of fig1 c and 1d and 2c and 2d . it is within the scope of the invention to make such variations and substitution of equivalents and modifications as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in this particular art . | 8 |
referring now to the drawings , aspects of preferred embodiments of an integrated machine control and gage control , constructed and operable according to the present invention , are shown . in fig1 , a machine tool 10 is illustrated , which is intended to be representative of a wide variety of machines in which a machine control and a gage control can be integrated according to the invention . machine tool 10 in particular , represents a honing machine having a tool column 12 or well - known construction and operation , for supporting and operating a honing tool 14 for honing bores in workpiece , such as bores 16 in workpieces 18 . generally , during a typical honing process , a cylindrical tool 14 having an outer surface containing a radially expandable outer element carrying a layer of abrasives , is positioned in a bore of a workpiece . the tool is rotated about its axis and radially expanded within the bore for applying pressure thereagainst , while reciprocating movement is effected therebetween , as denoted by the adjacent vertical arrow , for abrading material , or stock , from the bore surface , for honing or finishing the bore to a desired size and surface characteristic , in the well - known manner . a more complete description of construction and operation of the pertinent aspects of a representative honing tool column of a honing machine is contained in co - pending cloutier , et al , u . s . patent application ser . no . 11 / 596 , 836 entitled honing feed system having full control of feed force , rate and position , the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety . also referring to fig2 , four workpieces 18 are illustrated as being held by a like number of fixtures 20 , respectively , at equally spaced locations around a top surface 22 of a rotary index table 24 . table 24 is a commercially available device , controllably rotatable about its center , as denoted by the arrow in fig1 , by an indexing drive 26 , to enable selectably individually positioning the workpieces 18 at a predetermined index position with the bore 16 thereof beneath tool 14 , in the well known manner . machine tool 10 additionally includes a gage column 28 disposed adjacent to rotary index table 24 , at a second index position , as illustrated in fig1 ( gage column 28 is illustrated rotated about the table for a frontal view in fig2 ). gage column 28 is also of well - known construction and operation , and is illustrated as an air gage , including an air probe 30 insertable into a bore 16 of a workpiece 18 at the second index position , for measuring a size and optionally one or more other characteristics of the bore , such as , but not limited to , straightness , shape , profile , and centricity about a center axis thereof . the probe motion is preferably conventionally servo controlled , i . e ., vertically movable , as denoted by the accompanying arrow , such that measurements can be made at one or more locations along the length of the bore , and gage column 28 is operable for outputting a signal or signals representative of the measurements , for use by machine tool 10 , as will be explained . machine tool 10 includes a processor based controller 32 , preferably using an industrial pc architecture , having a cpu connected in operative control of tool column 12 , indexing drive 26 of rotary index table 24 , and gage column 28 , and other servos used in the machining and gaging processes , via suitable interfaces , i . e ., appropriate drivers , interface cards that can plug into slots of controller 32 in the well known manner and connected to the respective apparatus via conductive paths 34 , such as wires of the wiring harness , individual or bundled cables , or a wireless network . the sensor of gage column 28 is also suitably connected to the controller cpu via an appropriate interface ( i . e ., plug in card or the like , and conductive path ( i . e ., wire 34 ) in the well known manner . other sensors ( if used ) of the gage can also be connected to controller 32 in this , or another suitable manner . controller 32 , tool column 12 , drive 26 , and gage column 28 , are also connected to a suitable power supply 36 for receiving power therefrom , such as a regulated line voltage , via suitable conductive paths 34 such as wires or the like . referring also to fig3 , the system architecture of controller 32 uses a conventional control bus , denoted by arrow 38 , for communications between the cpu and other devices , here , including the tooling and gage apparatus and other machine servos , and an operator interface connected to an input and display device 40 , which can be , for instance , a conventional crt or flat panel display , with touch screen functions and / or dedicated switches , keyboard , and the like . controller 32 is configured and operable multi - tasking , including for simultaneously running several software programs , including a machine control program and a gaging control program , both of which can be proprietary or third party supplied . these programs utilize shared memory , as denoted by arrow 42 to enable the programs to access data from each other via the shared memory , i . e . a portion of the cpu &# 39 ; s ram , while running at the same time . this is advantageous , as it facilitates selected data , particularly newly captured gage measurement data ( and older data ) of the gage program , to be accessible by the machine control program virtually as soon as the data is stored in the shared memory 42 , and selected machine control data , e . g . operating state data , positional data , stored in the shared memory 42 to be available directly and immediately to the gage control program , without the need for transfer over hardwired interfaces or connections , i . e ., control bus 38 or a data bus , or other possibly slower communications path , such that the programs can use the other &# 39 ; s data without delay , which thereby greatly reduces the latency so prevalent with other control methods , as discussed above . fig3 graphically depicts operations or processes that can be simultaneously performed by controller 32 , to illustrate the advantage in operational speed achieved by the system of the invention utilizing shared memory 42 . in particular , controller 32 is operable to run the gaging program , which can comprise , for instance , a bore sizing process for determining the size and other characteristics of a bore being measured by the probe of gage column 28 , as a function of the inputs from the sensor of the gage column , as that data is received , and other information . at the same time , selected data is outputted , for instance , in text and / or graphical form , and displayed by display device 40 . also at the same time , selected data from this process is stored in shared memory 42 , and is virtually immediately accessible by the machine control , for use , for instance , in a honing process simultaneously running with the bore sizing process . as another example , if the machine control is operating a servo or other apparatus , for instance , operating gage column 28 to lower air probe 30 into a bore of a workpiece located therebelow , this positional information can be stored in shared memory 42 , and is immediately and directly accessible by the gage controller , for instance , so as to enable it to collect sensor data at appropriate times , or to accurately correlate the sensor data with positional data , such as the position of the probe in the workpiece bore . as still another example , bore size data for a previously honed workpiece can be determined by the gaging program , and stored in shared memory 42 , for immediate use by the machine control program , for adjusting honing parameters , for instance , feed system position and / or feed force , stroke speed , dwell time , and the like , for compensating for tool wear , correcting defects , and / or imparting particular desired characteristics to the subject bore . this also enables implementing operator inputs , for instance , desired bore correction parameters , more quickly . still further , the shared memory 42 can be configured to allow access and data collection by other programs , such as , but not limited to , statistical process control programs , that can also be run by controller 32 . referring also to fig4 and 5 , flow diagrams 44 and 46 are shown illustrating representative steps of an in - process gaging routine , and a post - process gaging routine , respectively . referring in particular to diagram 44 of fig4 , after calculation of a tool compensation value , machine and gage cycles are performed using data in the shared memory from the gage cycle . in this routine , after a machine cycle for honing a workpiece or part to some extent , the part is measured as part of a gage cycle . the gage cycle processes the measurements by the gage , and the machine cycle is then complete , only if the shared data from the gage cycle indicates that the workpiece or part has been satisfactorily honed . if not , the machine control runs the machine cycle again , and this loop is repeated , as necessary , until satisfactory gage data is present . when the machine cycle is complete , the machine control will utilize the gage data , for calculating a new tool compensation value . this data can also be utilized for other purposes , such as statistical process control . referring more particularly to the flow diagram 46 of fig5 , the machine cycle is started by the machine control , after calculation of a tool compensation value , also by the machine control , which is based on data in the shared memory from a previous gage cycle . after completion of the machine cycle , the machine control moves the workpiece or part to the gage . for machine 10 , this would involve indexing table 24 to position the part beneath the gage column . the gage cycle is then initiated by the gage control , the gage probe being moved into the bore of the part , by the machine control . the gage cycle is performed , and when complete , the gage control processes the data , which is used by the machine control for calculating the new tool compensation value . thus , it should be apparent that the above steps illustrated herein can be performed utilizing the shared data , in an expedient manner which eliminates much of the latency found to be problematic with other control methodologies . additionally , this advantage is achieved using simplified apparatus , including a single controller , operable by a single power supply , and which can interface with a single i / o device , such as a touchscreen or the like . it will be understood that changes in the details , materials , steps , and arrangements of parts which have been described and illustrated to explain the nature of the invention will occur to and may be made by those skilled in the art upon a reading of this disclosure within the principles and scope of the invention . the foregoing description illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention ; however , concepts , as based upon the description , may be employed in other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention . accordingly , the following claims are intended to protect the invention broadly as well as in the specific form shown . | 6 |
a number of preferred examples of the image display device pertaining to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to accompanying drawings . the configuration and operation of an image display device , which is the first preferred embodiment of the invention , will be successively described with reference to fig1 through fig1 . fig1 shows the image display device , the first embodiment of the invention , in particular the display unit of a personal digital assistance having an optical touch panel . in a display area 1 , pixels 2 are arranged in the shape of a matrix . to each of the pixels 2 , a reset line 4 a and a light - up line 4 b are connected in the horizontal direction , and a signal line 5 is connected in the vertical direction . a vertical scanning circuit ( vtscn ) 6 is provided at one end each of the reset line 4 a and the light - up line 4 b , and a signal voltage input circuit ( sgvin ) 7 , at one end of the signal line 5 . a display signal input line 8 is connected to the signal voltage input circuit 7 . at the same time , optical detecting elements 3 are also disposed in the shape of a matrix in the display area 1 . to each of the optical detecting elements 3 , a y output line 11 is connected in the horizontal direction and an x output line 12 is connected in the vertical direction . one end of the y output line 11 is connected to a y output scanning circuit ( scn_yout ) 13 , and one end of the x output line 12 is connected to an x output scanning circuit ( scn_xout ) 14 . incidentally , the y output scanning circuit 13 and the x output scanning circuit 14 output to a y output line 15 and an x output line 16 , respectively . the other ends of the y output line 11 and the x output line 12 are commonly connected to a high voltage source terminal 10 . next will be described the configuration of the pixel 2 . fig2 shows the configuration of the pixel 2 . one end of a storage capacitor 24 is connected to the signal line 5 , and the other end of the storage capacitor 24 is connected to the gate of a p - type poly - crystal drive tft 21 . the source of the drive tft 21 is connected to a power supply line 25 , and its drain is connected to an organic el ( electro - luminescence ) light emitting element 20 via a light - up switch 22 , which is an n - type poly - crystal drive tft . the other end of the organic el light emitting element 20 is connected to a common cathode cc . further , a reset switch 23 , which is another n - type poly - crystal drive tft , is connected between the drain and the gate of the drive tft 21 , and the gates of the light - up switch 22 and of the reset switch 23 are connected to the light - up line 4 b and the reset line 4 a , respectively . next will be described the configuration of the optical detecting element 3 . fig3 shows the configuration of the optical detecting element 3 . one end of a detection element reset switch 31 , which is an n - type poly - crystal si - tft , is connected to the power supply line 25 , and the other end of the detection element reset switch 31 is connected to the gate of an x output tft 33 , which is an n - type poly - crystal si - tft , the gate of a y output tft 32 , which is a p - type poly - crystal si - tft , and an optical detection diode 30 , which is a poly - crystal si thin film diode . the other end of the optical detection diode 30 is connected to a low voltage power supply line 26 . a detection element reset line 34 is connected to the gate of the detection element reset switch 31 , and the y output line 11 and the x output line 12 are connected to both ends of the y output tft 32 and both ends of the x output tft 33 , respectively . hereupon , the physical structure of the optical detecting element 3 will be described with reference to fig4 and fig5 . fig4 shows the layout of the optical detecting element 3 , wherein thin solid lines represent aluminum ( al ) wiring ; thick solid lines , gate wiring ; broken lines , poly - crystal si islands ; and circles , contact holes . it is therefore seen that the detection element reset switch 31 , the y output tft 32 and the x output tft 33 are realized as areas where thick solid lines and broken lines cross . incidentally , al wiring 35 here is a structural element for connecting poly - crystal si islands and tft gate electrodes . fig5 shows the sectional structure of the part along line aa - bb in fig4 . a display unit 37 itself is disposed over a glass substrate ( gls ) 36 , and one poly - crystal si island is formed between aa and bb above . the poly - crystal si island is doped with p - type and n - type impurities as illustrated excepted in the non - doped region i immediately underneath the gate of the detection element reset switch 31 , and the optical detection diode 30 is also fabricated in this way . an n - region is arranged in the channel region at the gate edge of the detection element reset switch 31 . this n - region provides the detection element reset switch 31 with an ldd ( lightly doped drain ) structure for reducing off - currents . next will be described the operation of this display unit with reference to fig6 through fig9 . fig6 shows the configuration of one frame ( frm ) in this display unit . one frame period consists of three periods including a write period wrt , a light emission period ilm , and a detection period sns as illustrated therein . in fig6 , time t proceeds from left to right . the operation in this each period will be described below in due sequence . fig7 is an operational timing chart of the write period wrt , wherein the upper part shows that the tfts whose gates are connected to the reset line 4 a and the light - up line 4 b are on , and the lower part , they are off . the voltage v 5 of the signal line 5 is high in the upper part and low in the lower part . this is a period in which a display signal voltage is written into each pixel 2 , and fig7 shows writing onto three lines including the n - th , ( n + 1 )- th and ( n + 2 )- th . in writing onto the n - th line , first the reset line 4 a and the light - up line 4 b are turned on , and at this time a display signal voltage is applied to the signal line 5 . when the reset line 4 a and the light - up line 4 b are tuned on , the drive tft 21 is diode - connected and connected in series to the organic el element 20 in the pixel 2 . then , when the light - up line 4 b is turned off , the light - up switch 22 is turned off , and the gate voltage of the drive tft 21 becomes stabilized when it reaches a threshold voltage vth . when this takes place , a display signal voltage is applied to the other end of the storage capacitor 24 . when the reset line 4 a turns off the reset switch 23 hereupon , the storage capacitor 24 stores a state in which the threshold voltage vth of the drive tft 21 is generated on the gate side of the drive tft 21 when the display signal voltage is applied to the signal line 5 side . what has been described so far is the writing of the display signal voltage onto one line of the pixel 2 , and the same operation is repeated for each subsequent line . next , fig8 is an operational timing chart of the light - up line 4 b and the signal line 5 in the light emission period ilm wherein , as in fig7 , the upper part shows an on state and the lower part , an off state . this also applies to the voltage v 5 of the signal line 5 , which is high in the upper part and low in the lower part . this is the light emission period for each pixel 2 , and the light - up switch 22 of every pixel is turned as every the light - up line 4 b is turned on . if a triangular waveform as shown in fig8 is entered here as the voltage v 5 of the signal line 5 , the drive tft 21 of each pixel will remain off as long as the voltage of the triangular waveform is higher than the prewritten display signal voltage , and will become off when the voltage of the triangular waveform becomes lower than the prewritten display signal voltage . thus , the light emission period of the organic el element 20 can be modulated with the prewritten display signal voltage , and light emission display matching the display signal voltage is thereby made possible without being affected by any fluctuation in the characteristics of tfts constituting the pixel 2 . next , fig9 is an operational timing chart of the detection period sns , wherein , as in fig7 , the upper part shows the on state of the detection element reset line 34 and the lower part , the off state of the same . vsns denotes the detection voltage , which is the voltage at the two ends of the optical detection diode 30 , the upper line representing the high level and the lower , the low level . the operations of the y output scanning circuit 13 and the x output scanning circuit 14 are also shown in this chart , but they will be described afterwards with reference to fig1 . this is a period of optical detection , wherein the pixel is not lit as every light - up line 4 b shown in fig8 is turned off . in this period , first , as the detection element reset line 34 remains on for a certain duration and the detection element reset switch 31 is turned on , a reset voltage is applied to both ends of the optical detection diode 30 . after that , when the detection element reset line 34 is turned off and the detection element reset switch 31 is also turned off , the detection voltage vsns of the optical detection diode 30 remains at the high level “ h ” if no light comes incident as indicated on ( ca1 ) or drops to the low level “ l ” if any light comes incident as indicated on ( ca2 ). as the voltage of the optical detection diode 30 is then applied as it is to the gates of the y output tft 32 and the x output tft 33 , which are p - type tfts , in the case of ca1 wherein no light comes incident , the y output tft 32 and the x output tft 33 remain off or , in the case of ca2 wherein a light does come incident , the y output tft 32 and the x output tft 33 vary to an on state . as the drain - source routes of the y output tft 32 and the x output tft 33 here are connected in series by the y output line 11 and the x output line 12 , respectively , if any of the optical detecting elements 3 , connected in series as shown in fig1 , is not irradiated with light or is irradiated only at a low level of brightness , the outputs themselves of the y output line 11 and the x output line 12 will take on high impedances . by detecting them in the x and y directions , the address of the optical detecting element 3 not irradiated with light or irradiated only at a low level of brightness can be readily found out . this address detection structure will be described below with reference to fig1 . fig1 shows the configuration of the x output scanning circuit 14 shown in fig1 . one end of a preset switch 41 controlled with a preset line 42 is connected to the x output line 12 entered in parallel , while the other end of the preset switch 41 is grounded . further , an end of the x output line 12 is grounded via an x output line capacitor 43 , and is connected to an x signal output line 16 via an x scan switch 45 . incidentally , the gate of the x scan switch 45 here is successively scanned by an x scanning circuit ( scn_x ) 44 . the x output scanning circuit 14 operates as shown in fig9 . after the detection element reset line 34 is turned off , the preset switch 41 controlled with the preset line 42 is turned on to preset ( pst ) the x output line capacitor 43 . after that , if the output of the x output line 12 is at a low impedance , the x output line capacitor 43 will be returned to a high voltage by a power source provided at the other end of the x output line 12 , but if the output of the x output line 12 is at a high impedance , the x output line capacitor 43 will remain preset to a low voltage . by successively reading the capacitances of the x output line capacitors 43 then by scanning with the x scanning circuit 44 , it can be determined whether or not there is any which is not irradiated with light or irradiated only at a low level of brightness among the optical detecting elements 3 on the pertinent line . incidentally , description of the operation of the y output scanning circuit 13 is dispensed with here because it is the same as that of the x output scanning circuit 14 . whereas detection of lights from the optical detecting elements 3 are detected within one frame in this embodiment as described above , since the scanning by the x scanning circuit 44 and the y scanning circuit is only to scan the x output line capacitors 43 and the y output line capacitors , it can be completed in a short period of time substantially equal to one horizontal period . this detection period sns is only about , for instance , 50 μsec to 100 μsec . furthermore , since light emission of every pixel is stopped during this optical detection period , there is no possibility for crosstalk from the displayed image to optical detection to arise . since optical detection is possible only in a very short period of time in this embodiment , crosstalk can be avoided by stopping light emission during the detection period . next will be described the overall configuration and operation of a personal digital assistance having the optical touch panel which constitutes this embodiment of the invention . fig1 shows the overall configuration of the personal digital assistance having the optical touch panel which constitutes this embodiment . within a personal digital assistance 58 , a cpu ( central processing unit ) 55 , a frame memory ( mem ) 56 , numeric keys and a wireless input interface circuit ( i / f ) 57 are connected to a graphic control circuit ( grpctl ) 53 by a system bus 60 . the output of the graphic control circuit 53 is entered into a timing control circuit ( tmctl ) 52 , and the display signal input line 8 and a prescribed control signal line 51 are connected from the timing control circuit 52 to a display unit ( disp ) 50 . details of the display unit 50 here have already been described . outputs are provided from the display unit 50 to the y signal output line 15 and the x signal output line 16 , and they are entered into the graphic control circuit 53 via a position detection circuit ( pos ) 54 . when a prescribed instruction is entered from the input interface circuit 57 to the cpu 55 via the system bus 60 , the cpu 55 operates the frame memory 56 in accordance with this instruction , and transfers necessary instructions and display data to the graphic control circuit 53 . here upon , the graphic control circuit 53 enters prescribed instructions and display data into the timing control circuit 52 , which converts these signals into signals having prescribed voltage amplitudes , and transfers control signals and display signals to circuits disposed on a glass substrate , which constitutes the display unit 50 . the display unit 50 displays the transferred display signals and , at the same time , supplies optical touch panel outputs to the y signal output line 15 and the x signal output line 16 from time to time as requested . the position detection circuit 54 extracts from these outputs touch input address information entered with a finger , stick or the like , and feeds back the obtained touch input address information to the graphic control circuit 53 on a real time basis . in response to this , the cpu 55 judges what kind of touch input instructions has been entered and alters the display signals as required . such alterations may include , for instance , altering the part of the displayed image corresponding to the touched part . the design of the embodiment of the invention so far described can obviously be modified in various ways without deviating from the spirit of the invention . for instance , the glass substrate used as the tft substrate can be replaced with some other transparent insulating substrate , such as a quartz glass substrate or a transparent plastic substrate . or an opaque substrate can as well be used if the organic el light emitting element 13 is structured for top emission . any mention of the number of pixels , panel size and similar factors was intentionally refrained from the foregoing description of this embodiment , because the invention is not confined to these specifications or formats . regarding the number of displayed pixels , the optical opening for displayed pixels can obviously be expanded by appropriately reducing the number of optical detecting elements . further in this embodiment , though organic el elements are used in the pixel part , liquid crystal display elements can as well be used in place of them . in this case , optical detection free from crosstalk of the displayed image can be made possible by fully turning off the back light . if not full turning - off , the brightness can be reduced low enough to make crosstalk negligible . in this case , obviously it is preferable for the brightness of light emission in the optical detection part to be as uniform as practicable . further in this embodiment , though n - type poly - crystal drive si - tfts are used as the detection element reset switches 31 , evidently the voltage of the detection element reset line 34 can be reduced by replacing them with p - type poly - crystal drive si - tfts . these various modifications are not confined to this embodiment , but can basically be applied to the other embodiments to be described below . another image display device , which is a second preferred embodiment of the present invention , will be described below with reference to fig1 and fig1 , as the basic structure and operation of a personal digital assistance having the optical touch panel , which is the second embodiment , are the same as those of the first embodiment already described , and this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structure and operation of the optical detecting elements , these differences will be described below . fig1 shows the configuration of an optical detecting element 3 b . the cathode of the optical detection diode 30 , which is a poly - crystal si thin film diode , is connected to the power supply line 25 , and the gate of an x output tft 33 b , which is an n - type poly - crystal drive si - tft , the gate of a y output tft 32 b , which is another n - type poly - crystal drive si - tft , and one end of a detection element reset switch 31 b , which is still another n - type poly - crystal drive si - tft , are connected to the anode of the optical detection diode 30 . the other end of the detection element reset switch 31 b is connected to the low voltage power supply line 26 . the detection element reset line 34 is connected to the gate of the detection element reset switch 31 b , and the y output line 11 and the x output line 12 are connected to the two ends of the y output tft 32 b and those of the x output tft 33 b , respectively . next will be described the operation of the optical detecting element 3 b . fig1 is an operational timing chart of the detection period sns , wherein the upper level of the detection element reset line 34 represents on and the lower level represents off . incidentally , vsns denotes the detection voltage , which is the voltage on the anode side of the optical detection diode 30 , the upper line representing the high voltage and the lower , the low voltage . this is a period of optical detection , wherein the pixel is not lit as every light - up line 4 b is turned off as in the first embodiment . in this period , first , as the detection element reset line 34 remains on for a certain duration and the detection element reset switch 31 b is turned on , the anode voltage vsns of the optical detection diode 30 is reset to a low level . after that , when the detection element reset line 34 is turned off and the detection element reset switch 31 b is also turned off , the anode voltage of the optical detection diode 30 remains at the low level “ l ” if no light comes incident as indicated on ( ca1 ) or rises to the high level “ h ” if any light comes incident as indicated on ( ca2 ). the anode voltage vsns of the optical detection diode 30 is then applied as it is to the gates of the y output tft 32 b and the x output tft 33 b , which are n - type tfts . therefore , if no light comes incident , the y output tft 32 b and the x output tft 33 b will remain off or , if a light comes incident , the y output tft . 32 b and the x output tft 33 b vary to an on state . as the y output tft 32 b and the x output tft 33 b here are connected in series by the y output line 11 and the x output line 12 , respectively if any of the optical detecting elements 3 , which are connected in series , is not irradiated with light or is irradiated only at a low level of brightness , the outputs themselves of the y output line 11 and the x output line 12 will take on high impedances . by detecting them in the x and y directions , the address of the optical detecting element 3 not irradiated with light or irradiated only at a low level of brightness can be readily found out as in the first embodiment . still another image display device , which is a third preferred embodiment of the present invention , will be described below with reference to fig1 and fig1 . as the basic structure and operation of a personal digital assistance having the optical touch panel , which is the third embodiment , are the same as those of the second embodiment already described , and this embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the structure and operation of the optical detecting elements , these differences will be described below . fig1 shows the configuration of an optical detecting element 3 c . the optical detection diode 30 , which is a poly - crystal si thin film diode , is connected to the power supply line 25 , and the gate of an x output tft 33 c , which is a p - type poly - crystal drive si - tft , the gate of a y output tft 32 c , which is another p - type poly - crystal drive si - tft , and a detection element reset switch 31 c , which is an n - type poly - crystal drive si - tft , are connected to the anode of the optical detection diode 30 . the other end of the detection element reset switch 31 c is connected to the low voltage power supply line 26 . the detection element reset line 34 is connected to the gate of the detection element reset switch 31 c , and the y output line 11 and the x output line 12 are connected to the two ends of the y output tft 32 c and to those of the x output tft 33 c , respectively . next will be described the operation of the optical detecting element 3 c . fig1 is an operational timing chart of the detection period sns , light emission period ilm and the write period wrt , wherein the upper level of the light - up line 4 b represents on and the lower level represents off . regarding the voltage v 5 of the signal line 5 , the upper line represents the high voltage and the lower represents the low voltage . to compare here fig1 with fig8 , which is the timing chart of the first embodiment , it is seen that the voltage v 5 of the signal line 5 is at the low level in the detection period sns . this results in light emission from every pixel in the detection period sns . to compare this embodiment with the second , the x output tft 33 c and the y output tft 32 c are p - type , instead of n - type , poly - crystal drive si - tfts . for this reason , the outputs of this embodiment are such that the y output tft 32 c and the x output tft 33 c remain on when no light comes incident , while the y output tft 32 c and the x output tft 33 c vary to off when a light comes incident . as the y output tft 32 c and the x output tft 33 c here are connected in series by the y output line 11 and the x output line 12 , respectively , if any of the optical detecting elements 3 , which are connected in series , is irradiated with light or is irradiated at a high level of brightness , the outputs themselves of the y output line 11 and the x output line 12 will take on high impedances . since every pixel emits light during the detection period in this embodiment , if anything is in contact with the display , reflection from that part will become greater to make that part as if its brightness were increased . therefore , a touch panel function can be realized in this embodiment by detecting that high brightness part . in particular , even if the brightness in the surrounding environment is low , a highly sensitive touch panel function can be realized in this embodiment . to add , it is evidently possible to let external light - intercepting type optical detection as in the second embodiment and contact part - reflecting type optical detection as in this embodiment coexist in a single display , and to use either of the two types as desired . yet another image display device , which is a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention , will be described below with reference to fig1 and fig1 . as the basic structure and operation of a personal digital assistance having the optical touch panel , which is the fourth embodiment , are the same as those of the first embodiment already described , and this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structure and operation of the optical detecting elements , these differences will be described below . fig1 shows the configuration of an optical detecting element 3 d . the optical detection diode 30 , which poly - crystal si thin film diode , is connected to a power supply line 26 d , and the gate of the x output tft 33 , which is a p - type poly - crystal drive si - tft , and the gate of the y output tft 32 , which is another p - type poly - crystal drive si - tft , are connected to the other end of the optical detection diode 30 . the y output line 11 and the x output line 12 are connected to the two ends of the y output tft 32 and to those of the x output tft 33 , respectively . next will be described the operation of the optical detecting element 3 d . fig1 is an operational timing chart of the detection period sns , wherein the upper level of the power supply line 26 d represents on ( high voltage ) and the lower level represents off ( low voltage ). incidentally , vsns denotes the detection voltage , which is the voltage on the cathode side of the optical detection diode 30 here , the upper line representing the high voltage and the lower represents the low voltage . this is a period of optical detection , wherein no pixel is lit as every light - up line 4 b is turned off as in the first embodiment . in this period , first , as the power supply line 26 d remains on for a certain duration and the optical detection diode 30 is biased in the forward direction , the cathode voltage of the optical detection diode 30 is reset to a high level . after that , when the power supply line 26 d is turned off , the cathode voltage vsns of the optical detection diode 30 remains at the high level “ h ” if no light comes incident as indicated on ( ca1 ) or drops to the low level “ l ” if any light comes incident as indicated on ( ca2 ). the cathode voltage vsns of the optical detection diode 30 is then applied as it is to the gates of the y output tft 32 and the x output tft 33 , which are p - type tfts . therefore , if no light comes incident , the y output tft 32 and the x output tft 33 will remain off or , if a light comes incident , the y output tft 32 and the x output tft 33 vary to an on state . as the y output tft 32 and the x output tft 33 here are connected in series by the y output line 11 and the x output line 12 , respectively , if any of the optical detecting elements 3 , which are connected in series , is not irradiated with light or is irradiated only at a low level of brightness , the outputs themselves of the y output line 11 and the x output line 12 will take on high impedances . by detecting them in the x and y directions , the address of the optical detecting element 3 d not irradiated with light or irradiated only at a low level of brightness can be readily found out as in the first embodiment . this embodiment has an advantage that the structure of the optical detecting elements can be simplified and a large display pixel area can be secured by making the power supply line 26 d variable . still another image display device , which is a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention , will be described below with reference to fig1 . as the basic structure and operation of a personal digital assistance having the optical touch panel , which is the fifth embodiment , are the same as those of the fourth embodiment already described , and this embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in the structure and operation of the optical detecting elements , these differences will be described below . fig1 shows the configuration of an optical detecting elements 3 e . an optical detection diode 30 e , which is configured by diode - connecting a p - type poly - crystal si - tft , is connected to a power supply line 26 e , and the gate of the x output tft 33 , which is a p - type poly - crystal drive si - tft , and the gate of the y output tft 32 , which is another p - type poly - crystal drive si - tft , are connected to the other end of the optical detection diode 30 e . the y output line 11 and the x output line 12 are connected to the two ends of the y output tft 32 and to those of the x output tft 33 , respectively . this embodiment , besides providing the same benefits as the fourth embodiment , has an advantage of permitting fabrication in an all - tft configuration . furthermore , a similar configuration is made possible with n - type tfts instead of p - type tfts by reversing the voltage relationship . there is another cost advantage that an all p - mos process or an all n - mos process can be applied by appropriate combination with the configuration of display pixels . yet another image display device , which is a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention , will be described below with reference to fig1 and fig2 . as the basic structure and operation of a personal digital assistance having the optical touch panel , which is the sixth embodiment , are the same as those of the first embodiment already described , and this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structure and operation of an x output scanning circuit 14 f and an y output scanning circuit 13 f , these differences will be described below . fig1 is an operational timing chart of the detection period sns , wherein the upper level of the detection element reset line 34 represents on and the lower level represents off . incidentally , vsns denotes the detection voltage , which is the voltage at the two ends of the optical detection diode 30 here , the upper line representing the high voltage and the lower representing the low voltage . the operations of the y output scanning circuit 13 f and the x output scanning circuit 14 f are also shown in this chart , but they will be described afterwards with reference to fig2 . this is a period of optical detection , wherein no pixel is lit as every light - up line 4 b is turned off . in this period , first , as the detection element reset line 34 remains on for a certain duration and the detection element reset switch 31 is turned on , a reset voltage is applied to both ends of the optical detection diode 30 . after that , when the detection element reset line 34 is turned off and the detection element reset switch 31 is also turned off , the detection voltage vsns of the optical detection diode 30 remains at the high level “ h ” if no light comes incident as indicated on ( ca1 ) or drops to the low level “ l ” if any light comes incident as indicated on ( ca2 ). as the voltage of the optical detection diode 30 is then applied as it is to the gates of the y output tft 32 and the x output tft 33 , which are p - type tfts , in the case of no light coming incident , the y output tft 32 and the x output tft 33 remain off or , in the case of a light coming incident , the y output tft 32 and the x output tft 33 vary to an on state . as the y output tft 32 and the x output tft 33 here are connected in series by the y output line 11 and the x output line 12 , respectively , if any of the optical detecting elements 3 , which are connected in series , is not irradiated with light or is irradiated only at a low level of brightness , the outputs themselves of the y output line 11 and the x output line 12 will take on high impedances . by detecting them in the x and y directions , the address of the optical detecting element 3 not irradiated with light or irradiated only at a low level of brightness can be readily found out . next will be described the configuration of this address detection circuit with reference to fig2 . fig2 shows the configuration of an x output scanning circuit ( scn_x ) 14 f . the x output line 12 entered in parallel is provided with the preset switch 41 controlled with the preset line 42 , while the other end of the preset switch 41 is grounded . the x output line 12 is connected to the x output line capacitor 43 via a sampling switch 46 f controlled by a sampling gate line 47 f via an x output line capacitor 43 , and is further connected to the x signal output line 16 via the x scan switch 45 . incidentally , the gate of the x scan switch 45 here is successively scanned by the x scanning circuit 44 . the x output scanning circuit 14 f operates as illustrated in fig1 . exactly when the detection element reset line 34 is turned on , the preset switch 41 controlled by the preset line 42 is turned on to preset ( pst ) the x output line 12 . after that , if the output of the x output line 12 is at a low impedance , the x output line capacitor 43 will be returned to a high voltage by a power source ( not shown ) connected to the source terminal 10 provided at the other end of the x output line 12 , but if the output of the x output line 12 is at a high impedance , the x output line capacitor 43 will remain preset to a low voltage . by successively sampling ( spl ) and storing the capacitances of the x output line capacitors 43 then with the sampling switch 46 f controlled by the sampling gate line 47 f , and then reading them out successively by scanning with the x scanning circuit ( scn_x ) 44 , it can be determined whether or not there is any which is not irradiated with light or irradiated only at a low level of brightness among the optical detecting elements 3 on the pertinent line . incidentally , description of the operation of the y output scanning circuit 13 is dispensed with here because it is the same as that of the x output scanning circuit 14 . since the x output line 12 and the y output line 11 can be sampled at the same point of time in this embodiment , any influence of a difference in scanning time between the x scanning circuit 44 and the y scanning circuit can avoided , resulting in an advantage of making possible more accurate optical detection . the invention can eliminate crosstalk between displayed images and optical inputs and provide an image display device having an optical touch panel free from input trouble . further by integrating this optical touch panel with a display , the image display device can be provided at a lower cost . | 6 |
fig1 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of combustion engine 1 according to the invention . combustion engine 1 has a housing 2 , in which is situated a space or chamber 3 . arranged in chamber 3 is a rotor 4 , on which are mounted vanes or blades 5 a , 5 b , 6 a , 6 b . the four vanes divide the chamber into a number of compartments . housing 2 , chamber 3 and rotor 4 have a general cylindrical shape . rotor 4 has a number of recesses 7 a – h for receiving fuel . the recesses are arranged on either side of the rotor and can take different forms . the form is generally cup - shaped or groove - shaped . an example of a cup shape is a hemisphere or a bowl with an elliptic section resembling half an egg . an example of a groove - shaped form is a half - cylinder . shown in fig1 by way of illustration are hemispherical recesses 7 a – d . the number of recesses 7 amounts to two or more per side and depends on the engine capacity . for illustrative purposes , it is expected that a number of between four and ten per side will suffice for an engine capacity of 100 cc . on the inside of housing 2 are situated means for metered supply of fuel . these fuel dosing means preferably comprise fuel injectors 8 which are adapted for direct injection . arranged close to fuel injectors 8 is an ignition mechanism 9 , for instance a spark plug , for igniting the fuel . ignition mechanism 9 is not necessary , since the engine can also operate in accordance with the principle of self - ignition . fig5 shows by way of illustration a second embodiment of a rotary engine according to the invention without ignition mechanism . fig2 shows combustion engine 1 in schematic front view . combustion engine 1 has a shaft 10 for fixing the engine to the real world . the work produced by the engine can be transferred by coupling to one of the many transmission mechanisms known in the field . in the shown preferred embodiment the rotor 4 is coupled for this purpose to a side piece 13 for driving a toothed wheel 14 by means of a drive belt 15 . fig3 a – 3d show a schematic cross - section through combustion engine 1 with the rotor respectively in a first , second , third and fourth position . rotor 4 is provided with a first pair of vanes 5 a , 5 b which are rotatable about a rotation axis 5 . a second pair of vanes 6 a , 6 b is rotatable about a second rotation axis 6 . the first rotation axis 5 and second rotation axis 6 run substantially parallel to each other at some mutual distance and extend in the line of chamber 3 . both rotation axes are arranged eccentrically in the chamber . the two vanes 5 a , 5 b in the first pair are rotatable independently of each other , as are two vanes 6 a , 6 b in the second pair . this will be further elucidated with reference to fig4 . situated on the outer ends of the vanes are hinges respectively 15 a , 15 b and 16 a , 16 b which give the vanes sufficient freedom of movement relative to rotor 4 . a first important function of the vanes is to divide chamber 3 into compartments . for this purpose the vanes follow the wall of chamber 3 during rotation . each vane is provided on its outer ends , in both radial and axial direction , with a suitable sealing material . some clearance is utilized here between the wall of the chamber and the edge of the seal in order to allow the rotation of the rotor to proceed without hindrance . an example of a suitable sealing material is ceramic material . a second important function of the vanes is power transmission . in this respect the first pair of vanes 5 a , 5 b are also designated as compression vanes and the second pair of vanes 6 a , 6 b are designated working vanes . the form of chamber 3 is generally of a non - round cross - section . chamber 3 is assembled from three eccentric cylinders which partly overlap each other . the cross - section is made up of three eccentric circles . in fig3 a – 3d the left - hand part of chamber 3 takes the form of ( a part ) of a circle l with axis 5 as centre and a radius which is approximately equal to the radial dimensions of vanes 5 a and 5 b . the right - hand part of chamber 3 takes the form of ( a part ) of a circle r with axis 6 as centre and a radius which is approximately equal to the radial dimensions of vanes 6 a and 6 b . the central part of chamber 3 has the form of ( a part ) of a circle m . the ratio of the volumes of the associated cylinders l and r determines the performance of the combustion engine . these volumes can be adjusted by choosing the position of axes 5 and 6 and through the choice of the radial dimensions of the vanes . the optimal volume ratio is a function of the compression ratio . for example , at a compression ratio of 1 : 18 , which is usual for a diesel engine , the volume ratio is approximately volume l : volume r = 1 : 3 . rotor 4 has a substantially round cross - section . the diameter hereof is substantially equal to the diameter of the circle forming the central part m , in this embodiment this is the smallest diameter of chamber 3 . on the underside of the chamber are situated an intake 11 for air and an exhaust 12 for combustion gases . during rotation the chamber is divided into compartments , the volume of which changes . the number of compartments varies and is three or four , depending on the position of the rotor . in this manner the function of the intake stroke , the compression stroke , power stroke and the exhaust stroke of the combustion engine is realized , which will be elucidated hereinbelow . fig3 a shows the rotor in a first position . the chamber is now divided into three compartments , respectively 3 a – 3 c . in compartment 3 a air is drawn in by means of intake 11 . the air present in compartment 3 b is compressed to the the maximum in recess 7 a and in all compartments located in the same row . fuel injectors 8 now inject fuel into one or more recesses ( depending on the desired power ), so that a combustible mixture is created per injected recess . if the fuel is petrol , this preferably takes place in a ratio of 1 part fuel to 14 parts air . the mixture is brought to explosion by means of spark plug 9 . in compartment 3 c expansion takes place after a preceding combustion and work is produced . fig3 b shows rotor 4 in a second position , in which the rotor is rotated approximately 45 degrees in clockwise direction . the chamber is still divided into three compartments , which are now designated 3 a , 3 c and 3 d respectively . the volume of compartment 3 a has increased further due to air being drawn in by means of intake 11 . after the combustion compartment 3 b of fig3 a becomes compartment 3 c which , as a result hereof , expands and produces work . the volume of compartment 3 d decreases further during exhausting of the combustion gases present herein by means of exhaust 12 . fig3 c shows rotor 4 in a third position , in which the rotor has again been rotated approximately 45 degrees further in clockwise direction . the chamber is now divided into four compartments , 3 a – 3 d respectively . in compartment 3 a new air is drawn in by means of intake 11 . the air present in compartment 3 b is compressed . in compartment 3 c expansion still takes place after combustion , and work is produced . the combustion gases in compartment 3 d are further discharged by means of exhaust 12 . fig3 d shows the rotor in a fourth position , in which the rotor has again been rotated approximately 45 degrees further in clockwise direction . the chamber is still divided into four compartments , 3 a – 3 d respectively . the volume of compartment 3 a increases further by air being drawn in by means of intake 11 . the air present in compartment 3 b is further compressed . in compartment 3 c expansion still takes place after combustion and work is still produced . the last combustion gases left in compartment 3 d are discharged by means of exhaust 12 . fig4 shows a schematic cross - section through a part of the combustion engine of fig1 in side view . rotation axes 5 and 6 , on which are mounted the vanes ( 5 a , 5 b ) and ( 6 a , 6 b ), run through shaft 10 . each of the vanes in the first pair ( 5 a , 5 b ) is provided with a substantially centrally situated , protruding portion for mounting on rotation axis 5 . protruding portion 25 a of vane 5 a is shown by way of illustration in fig4 . vane 5 b is provided with a similar protruding portion . each of the vanes in the second pair ( 6 a , 6 b ) is provided with a substantially centrally situated recess with a protruding portion on both sides for mounting on rotation axis 6 . shown in fig4 are only protruding portions 26 a and 26 b of vane 6 a with a recess therebetween . vane 6 b has a similar construction . all protruding portions are provided with suitable bearings , such as slide bearings . summing up , the volumes of compartments 3 a – 3 d change cyclically due to rotation of the rotor 4 . these volume changes are analogous to the volume changes of a piston in the known otto engine and have the same function , i . e . cyclical realization of an intake stroke , a compression stroke , a power stroke and an exhaust stroke . in the combustion engine according to the invention combustion takes place twice per rotation and work is produced twice per rotation . the preparations for bringing about fuel combustion again , i . e . drawing in and compressing the required gases , generally take place in the left - hand part ( l ) of chamber 3 , while the most recent combustion is dealt with by means of power transfer and the exhausting of combustion gases in the right - hand part ( r ). in the rotary engine according to the invention only air is drawn in . the indrawn air is first compressed to the maximum . the fuel is then injected separately into one or more of the recesses / compartments 7 . the recesses have a relatively very small volume , so that relatively very little time is required to fill each recess with fuel and to cause complete combustion of the resulting mixture . at the moment of injection , the recesses are almost completely separated from each other . this is brought about by the form of the recesses and by the position of the recesses at the moment of injection . at the moment of injection the compressed air is heated such that the conditions required for self - ignition are fulfilled , so that the use ( and therefore the presence ) of an ignition mechanism is no longer necessary . a second preferred embodiment of the rotary engine can therefore be obtained by omitting the ignition mechanism 9 in all the figures . fig5 shows by way of illustration a schematic view of this second preferred embodiment of the combustion engine according to the invention without ignition mechanism . fig5 is otherwise identical to fig1 . it is noted that an extra fuel injector 8 can be arranged instead of ignition mechanism 9 for an optimum fuel distribution per recess and an even more rapid and cleaner combustion . the performance of the rotary engine according to the invention shows a clear improvement relative to the performance of the known four - stroke otto engine , as is shown in the table below . the following ratios apply at equal power . doubling of the rotation speed of the rotary engine results in doubling of the required cylinder capacity , volume , weight and production costs for the otto engine to produce the same power . it is noted that the rotary engine is described as petrol engine by way of illustration . the rotary engine according to the invention is however also suitable for diesel . once in use , it is even possible to fill up alternately with different types of fuel ( provided the tank is as empty as possible before filling ) without structural modifications . the rotary engine is also suitable for application in all types of vehicle . some examples are cars , motorbikes , mopeds and scooters , but also aeroplanes and ships . the invention is not therefore limited to the shown and described preferred embodiments , but extends generally to any embodiment which falls within the scope of the appended claims as seen in light of the foregoing description and drawings . | 5 |
referring to fig1 the invention is shown in its simplest form , consisting of alternating near and distant portions . a fundamental advantage of this invention is that the lens shown has no weighting , ballasting or prism used to orient the lens in a particular orientation . another aspect of this embodiment is that the area of near and distant focal lengths are equal and independent of pupil size . this pupil size independence can be realized by recognizing that the ratio of areas for near and distant vision remains the same for any circle within the lens concentric with the lens . referring now to fig2 a lens is shown similar to the lens fig1 having equal areas of near and distant focal length . again , there is no weighting , prisming or ballasting of the lens , but a larger number of segments which is potentially more difficult to manufacture , yields improved vision because of a more uniform distribution of near and far focal points over the entire lens . one skilled in the art can appreciate that a fundamentally similar , but crude approximation of these segmented lens described herein is the method of compensating for presbyopia known as &# 34 ; monovision &# 34 ;. in the monovision system the patient is fitted with one contact lens for distant vision in one eye and a second contact lens for near vision in the other eye . although it has been found that with monovision a patient can acceptably distinguish both distance and near objects , there is a substantial loss of depth perception . by having both distant and near focal length in both eyes , the wearer of the lens according to the present invention can not only have acceptable vision at both distant and near focal lengths , but also attains a fair degree of steroscopic vision wherein depth perception is achieved . as can be seen from fig1 and 2 , unlike prior art lens designs that eliminated the need for ballasting by having a radially symmetric lens ( a lens with a concentric distant and near lens portions ), the present design does not require orientation because it consists of radial segments . these segments maintain equal areas of near and far focal lengths for an area within a circle concentric with the lens independent of the circles size , analogous to the pupil of the eye as it dilates and contracts with the amount of light incident upon eye . in this way the lens of the present invention has the advantage that the ratio between the distant and near portion of the lens can either be set at each radius or can be a controlled function of the pupil size . the advantage of using an aspheric surface of either near or distant portion , or on both , is that the aspheric shapes allow a design to be fabricated which has a uniform and equal lenticular junction and edge thickness . this is not possible with spherical sections . although it is possible to design a lens according to the present invention with spherical sections that would meet optical requirements , the use of the aspheric surfaces on either one or both of the focal lengths areas minimizes step height difference between the surfaces and irritation to the eye . further , placing the optical surface on the front of the lens eliminates cornea insult , injury and debris entrapment . as stated above , use of spherical surfaces is totally acceptable from the optical standpoint and can be utilized in certain embodiments , particularly with placement of the optical surface on the front of the lens against the eyelid rather than against the cornea . the appropriate design of optical aspherical surfaces for artificial eye lenses is given in my copending application u . s . ser . no . 557 , 261 filed on july 24 , 1990 now u . s . pat . no . 5 , 050 , 981 . in addition , other advantages of the use of the aspheric lens over typical spherical optical surfaces are described in this pending application . other design techniques can be used to lessen the step height difference between near and distance segments for either the aspherical or spherical segment lens design . referring to fig3 a arcuate boundary between the near and distance segments of the lens can be used to decrease the height difference , particularly at intermediate points . using an arcuate boundary between the segments decreases the step height by defining a path that is at an angle to the gradient between the two segment heights . in practice , the arc is drawn with one end of the arc at the lens center and the other at the edge of the optic zone with the center of curvature placed along the perpendicular fg of the line connecting the two end points of the arc chord , cb . arc chord , cb is a portion of a circle having a center point along line segment fg and radius r as shown in fig3 . a typical arc segment would be one where the radius is longer than the arc chord , for example , a ratio of two to one between the arc radius and the chord bisector . ratios of two to one or greater would be expected to yield good results , although a ratio of less than two to one may be used , with the limiting case being a semicircle having its midpoint along line segment cb . the arcs defining the boundaries would be placed upon the lens as shown in fig3 ., having the symmetric pattern shown . fig4 shows another embodiment utilizing arcuate boundaries in this embodiment with the advantage of having additional near and distant segments . referring now to fig5 an embodiment of the invention is shown maintaining a substantially constant ratio of distant and near lens areas independent of pupil size . rather than using segments with boundaries from the center to the circumference , the lens is divided into line segment chords across the lens . by way of specific example , reference is now made to fig6 showing a comparison between the segment surface position for the distant focal portion of the lens and the near focal portion for a segmented aspheric bifocal lens made according to the embodiment shown in fig1 . in this example a lens is shown having a distant prescription of - 5 . 25 diopters with a near vision portion add of + 1 . 50 diopters , yielding a near portion vision having an absolute optical power of - 3 . 75 . in numerical form it can be seen that the step height difference between the segments is less for the aspheric surface than for the spherical lens surfaces . given are the height of the far focal surface , the near focal surface and the difference between these two at the boundary for both aspherical and the spherical lens design as a function of position from the center of the lens . ______________________________________position far near ( mm ) surface surface delta______________________________________surface height comparison : aspheric distance & amp ; aspheric near contact lens0 . 00 - 0 . 07000 - 0 . 07000 0 . 000000 . 10 - 0 . 06749 - 0 . 06740 - 0 . 000090 . 20 - 0 . 06498 - 0 . 06480 - 0 . 000180 . 30 - 0 . 06247 - 0 . 06220 - 0 . 000270 . 40 - 0 . 05996 - 0 . 05960 - 0 . 000360 . 50 - 0 . 05746 - 0 . 05700 - 0 . 000460 . 60 - 0 . 04991 - 0 . 04919 - 0 . 000720 . 70 - 0 . 04237 - 0 . 04139 - 0 . 000980 . 80 - 0 . 03483 - 0 . 03359 - 0 . 001240 . 90 - 0 . 02729 - 0 . 02579 - 0 . 001501 . 00 - 0 . 01974 - 0 . 01799 - 0 . 001751 . 10 - 0 . 00712 - 0 . 00499 - 0 . 002131 . 20 0 . 00550 0 . 00801 - 0 . 002511 . 30 0 . 01812 0 . 02101 - 0 . 002891 . 40 0 . 03074 0 . 03401 - 0 . 003271 . 50 0 . 04336 0 . 04701 - 0 . 003651 . 60 0 . 06114 0 . 06520 - 0 . 004061 . 70 0 . 07892 0 . 08338 - 0 . 004461 . 80 0 . 09670 0 . 10157 - 0 . 004871 . 90 0 . 11448 0 . 11976 - 0 . 005282 . 00 0 . 13226 0 . 13795 - 0 . 005692 . 10 0 . 15531 0 . 16132 - 0 . 006012 . 20 0 . 17836 0 . 18469 - 0 . 006332 . 30 0 . 20141 0 . 20807 - 0 . 006662 . 40 0 . 22446 0 . 23144 - 0 . 006982 . 50 0 . 24751 0 . 25481 - 0 . 007302 . 60 0 . 27598 0 . 28335 - 0 . 007372 . 70 0 . 30446 0 . 31189 - 0 . 007432 . 80 0 . 33293 0 . 34043 - 0 . 007502 . 90 0 . 36140 0 . 36897 - 0 . 007573 . 00 0 . 38988 0 . 39751 - 0 . 007633 . 10 0 . 42397 0 . 43121 - 0 . 007243 . 20 0 . 45806 0 . 46491 - 0 . 006853 . 30 0 . 49215 0 . 49861 - 0 . 006463 . 40 0 . 52624 0 . 53231 - 0 . 006073 . 50 0 . 56033 0 . 56601 - 0 . 005683 . 60 0 . 60029 0 . 60484 - 0 . 004553 . 70 0 . 64025 0 . 64368 - 0 . 003433 . 80 0 . 68021 0 . 68252 - 0 . 002313 . 90 0 . 72016 0 . 72136 - 0 . 001204 . 00 0 . 76012 0 . 76020 - 0 . 00008surface height comparisonspheric distance & amp ; spheric near contact lens0 . 00 - 0 . 07000 - 0 . 07000 0 . 000000 . 10 - 0 . 06749 - 0 . 06740 - 0 . 000090 . 20 - 0 . 06498 - 0 . 06479 - 0 . 000190 . 30 - 0 . 06247 - 0 . 06219 - 0 . 000280 . 40 - 0 . 05996 - 0 . 05959 - 0 . 000370 . 50 - 0 . 05745 - 0 . 05699 - 0 . 000460 . 60 - 0 . 04991 - 0 . 04016 - 0 . 000750 . 70 - 0 . 04236 - 0 . 04133 - 0 . 001030 . 80 - 0 . 03481 - 0 . 03350 - 0 . 001310 . 90 - 0 . 02727 - 0 . 02567 - 0 . 001601 . 00 - 0 . 01972 - 0 . 01784 - 0 . 001881 . 10 - 0 . 00708 - 0 . 00472 - 0 . 002361 . 20 0 . 00557 0 . 00841 - 0 . 002841 . 30 0 . 01821 0 . 02153 - 0 . 002321 . 40 0 . 03085 0 . 03465 - 0 . 003801 . 50 0 . 04349 0 . 04777 - 0 . 004281 . 60 0 . 06133 0 . 06629 - 0 . 004961 . 70 0 . 07917 0 . 08482 - 0 . 005651 . 80 0 . 09700 0 . 10334 - 0 . 006341 . 90 0 . 11484 0 . 12187 - 0 . 007032 . 00 0 . 13268 0 . 14039 - 0 . 007712 . 10 0 . 15585 0 . 16448 - 0 . 008632 . 20 0 . 17903 0 . 18857 - 0 . 009542 . 30 0 . 20220 0 . 21265 - 0 . 010452 . 40 0 . 22538 0 . 23674 - 0 . 011362 . 50 0 . 24855 0 . 26083 - 0 . 012282 . 60 0 . 27726 0 . 29070 - 0 . 013442 . 70 0 . 30597 0 . 32058 - 0 . 014612 . 80 0 . 33468 0 . 35045 - 0 . 015772 . 90 0 . 36339 0 . 38032 - 0 . 016933 . 00 0 . 39210 0 . 41019 - 0 . 018093 . 10 0 . 42660 0 . 44614 - 0 . 019543 . 20 0 . 46110 0 . 48208 - 0 . 020983 . 30 0 . 49559 0 . 51803 - 0 . 022443 . 40 0 . 53009 0 . 55398 - 0 . 023893 . 50 0 . 56459 0 . 58992 - 0 . 025333 . 60 0 . 60520 0 . 63232 - 0 . 027123 . 70 0 . 64582 0 . 67471 - 0 . 028893 . 80 0 . 68643 0 . 71711 - 0 . 030683 . 90 0 . 72705 0 . 75950 - 0 . 032454 . 00 0 . 76766 0 . 80190 - 0 . 03424______________________________________ as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art making reference to my above referenced patent application describing the use of aspheric surfaces in eye lens design , the constant κ associated with a particular lens surface curvature is an important selection process . in the above example , the κ value used for establishing the aspherical curve for the near and distant vision surfaces in the aspheric lens design are different . the κ value for the distant portion is - 0 . 2 and the κ value for the near portion is - 1 . 06 . these values are established for the present invention by design trial and error , but with the consideration the the κ value for the near portion should be approximately 1 . 00 and the κ for the far portion set to keep the lenticular junction difference at or near zero . referring now to fig7 there is shown in graphic form the step height difference between segments using aspherical lens surfaces . there is little improvement over the use of spherical lens surfaces near the center of the lens and the step height is small in any case . however , halfway between the center and the edge , about 3 millimeters from the center of the lens , there is a step of about 0 . 008 millimeters , for an improvement of about 0 . 011 mm . at the edge the improvement is 0 . 034 mm . in addition to providing less irritation to the cornea or eyelid , the decreased step differential and decreased center thickness allows increased local oxygenation of the cornea . the arcuate boundary between segments of a multifocal lens reduce the step height between segments by traversing a path at a substantial angle to the gradient formed by the two different heights of lens material rather than having a boundary that substantially follows the gradient between the two heights of the lens segments . molding technology which allows precision molding of corrective eye lenses with high quality and repeatable optical surfaces now makes possible lenses with complex curvatures and surfaces . as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art , once the mold is made virtually any type of lens shape regardless of its complexity can be made repeatedly and with very little increase cost over simpler shapes . a lens of the above type is preferably manufactured by molding . in general , the molding process preferred is that described in u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 495 , 313 and 4 , 889 , 664 . in this process , the lens surface mold to be made is not made on the surface that will immediately mold the lens but is made one step removed on a metal surface which is used to make a plastic styrene mold which is then used to make the lens . as used in this specification , the word &# 34 ; mold &# 34 ; is used to refer to any previous generation of mold used in making the lens , that is not only the surfaces used to make lens itself , but the surfaces used to make the molds that ultimately make the lens . the metal molds containing the multifocal segmented surfaces are made by selecting the appropriate lens powers from conventional spherical or aspherical molds . in the above example , these would be the surfaces corresponding to the - 5 . 25 diopters and the surface corresponding to a - 3 . 75 diopters . these mold surfaces would then be cut into segments which are similar and interchangeable . preferably , making segment cuts which correspond to diameters of the lens surface through the center point of the lens . these metal molds are precision cut with wire electrodynamic machining devices to produce segments with very little material loss and extremely close fit by optical polishing of the cut walls . molds produced in this way can be fitted together to produce a segmented multifocal lens and bonded to produce a surface that can be used to make a mold that ultimately makes the contact lens . these segments may be bonded together in making the contact lens mold and then separated for later reuse . referring to fig8 although it is an advantage of this invention that equal surface areas for both the near and distant focal lengths can be maintained independent of pupil diameter , it is possible to make a lens according to the present invention having a predetermined ratio of near and distant focal length areas as shown . this is sometimes advantageous because near vision is particularly difficult in low light conditions . with the lens shown in fig8 it is possible to have a predetermined ratio of distant to near focal length independent of pupil diameter . referring to fig9 another embodiment of the invention is shown where the ratio between the area of near and distant focal length can be made to be a function of pupil diameter . in this instance , where the pupil diameter is small , there is an equal area of near and distant focal lengths . as the pupil diameter increases , however , such as under low light conditions , the ratio of near to distant focal length increase as can be readily seen and appreciated by one skilled in the art . it is easy to tailor not only the ratio of areas between near and distant focal length but also the point at which a transition is made and any of these configurations are easily manufactured by molding after the first lens mold is constructed as described above . in use the lens of the present invention gave results that were expected . a lens designed according to fig1 was constructed for a presbyopic patient with the distant segment powers corresponding to his distance prescription and with an add power of + 2 . 00 diopters . the actual lens construction was - 5 . 50 diopters / minus - 3 . 50 diopters of alternating spherical segments . clinical results with this patient yield both distant and near acuity of 20 / 20 . stereopsis was measured to a small as 40 arc seconds . this number represent a clinically normal level of stereopsis found in emmetropes as well corrected ametropes , including presbyopes wearing corrective spectacles . the above description is given by way of example only and variation thereon can be practiced within the scope of the following claims . | 8 |
although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention , the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structure . the scope of the invention is defined in the claims appended hereto . referring to fig1 a self - locking mounting clip system 1 is illustrated that includes the present invention . the mounting system 1 is particularly useful for mounting a wide variety of document storage components to vertical supports in a work place environment . for example , the mounting system may be used to assemble a cabinet , represented by reference numeral 3 to a sturdy support structure represented by reference numeral 5 . other typical applications include mounting a paperbasket to a vertical wall panel in an office . thus , it will be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular type of support structure or to the type of component mounted to the support structure . in accordance with the present invention , the self - locking mounting clip system 1 comprises at least one mounting clip 7 and an upright frame member 9 for each mounting clip . the frame members 9 are depicted as having channel cross - sections . however , any shape structural member of sufficient strength and rigidity is acceptable , such as angle irons and h - shaped cross - sectional members . in each instance , the frame member is formed with a series of vertically aligned vertically oriented slots 11 that pass through a front wall 13 of the frame member . the slots 11 are preferably equidistantly spaced , with a land 15 of the frame member material between adjacent slots . to mount the cabinet 3 or other component to the support structure 5 , the mounting clips 7 preferably are fastened to the back side of the cabinet . looking also at fig2 and 3 , each mounting clip comprises a base portion 17 and a series of angled connectors 19 joined to the base . to attach the mounting clip to the cabinet , a suitable flange or similar member is employed . the flange is designed to suit the particular storage component that is to be mounted to the support structure . with a component such as cabinet 3 , a flange 21 that makes a right angle with the base 17 is satisfactory , but other attachment configurations are also acceptable . conventional screws 23 may be used to attach the mounting clip to the cabinet . with particular attention to fig2 each angled connector 19 comprises a short generally horizontal stem 25 and an angular plate 27 . the stem first end 29 is integrally joined to the mounting clip base 17 along the free edge 30 thereof . the angular plate 27 is integrally joined to the stem 25 at the second end 31 thereof . each stem has top and bottom surfaces 33 and 35 , respectively . the angular plate 27 of each angled connector 19 is preferably formed as a parallelogram having an outside end 37 and an opposed inside end 47 that is joined to the stem second end 31 . the angular plate outside end 37 is preferably vertical when the mounting clip 7 is in the operative position shown . the opposed sides 39 and 41 of each angular plate make angles of approximately 45 ° with the stem second end 31 . consequently , the angular plate side 41 and the base free edge 30 form a crotch 46 therebetween . turning to fig4 and 5 , the cabinet 3 is mounted to the support structure 5 by means of the mounting clip system 1 by first aligning the outer ends 37 of the mounting clip angled connectors 19 with the slots 11 in the frame member 9 . the cabinet and mounting clip 7 are then moved horizontally toward the frame until the angular plate ends 37 enter the corresponding slots . to facilitate insertion of the angular plates , the lower corners 43 thereof are chamfered . once the angular plate ends have entered the frame member slots , the cabinet and mounting clip must undergo a vertical downward motion simultaneously with a horizontal motion in order for the angular plates to completely enter the slots , fig5 . consequently , to remove the cabinet from the support structure , a reverse bidirectional motion of the cabinet and mounting clips is required , thereby increasing the difficulty of removing the cabinet from the support structure and decreasing the risk of accidentally dislodging the cabinet . further in accordance with the present invention , the mounting clip 7 is formed with a notch 45 between the base portion 17 and each of the angular plates 27 . each notch 45 is defined by a portion of the free edge 30 of the base , the lower surface 35 of the stem 25 , and a portion of the angular plate end 47 , which is longer than the second end 31 of the stem . the length of the stem bottom surface 35 is slightly greater than the thickness of the wall 13 of the mounting frame 9 . when the mounting clip 7 fully engages the frame member 9 , notches 45 engage the respective lands 15 between the slots 11 . notch and land engagement contribute to the permanence of the connection between the cabinet 3 and the support structure 5 . to remove the cabinet , a three - step procedure is required : the cabinet must be vertically moved to disengage the notches from the frame member lands , the cabinet must be moved simultaneously in horizontal and vertical directions to partially disengage the angular plates 27 from the slots , and the cabinet must be moved in a horizontal direction to completely remove the angular plates from the slots . therefore , removing the cabinet requires a conscientious effort to perform the required sequence of events , and unintentional or accidental removal is unlikely . thus , it is apparent that there has been provided , in accordance with the invention , a self - locking mounting clip system that fully satisfies the objects , aims and advantages set forth . while the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof , it is evident that many alternatives , modifications , and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing invention . accordingly , it is intended to embrace all such alternatives , modifications , and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the amended claims . | 0 |
fig1 shows a block diagram of a control unit 10 for an adaptive vehicle - speed controller . control unit 10 in this context includes an input circuit 12 , at least one microcomputer 14 and an output circuit 16 . these elements are connected to each other via a communication system 18 for data and information exchange . input lines 20 from a measuring device 22 for registration of the vehicle speed , an input line 24 from a control element 26 operable by the driver for setting the operating state of the vehicle - speed controller and the setpoint distance , and an input line 28 from a distance - measuring device 30 , e . g ., a radar device , are fed to input circuit 12 . a quantity representing the speed of the drive unit and determined by a speed sensor 50 is fed via an input line 48 to input circuit 12 , and a clutch actuation signal of a clutch sensor 54 is fed via an input line 52 . furthermore , additional input lines 32 to 34 from measuring devices 36 to 38 for the detection of additional vehicle performance quantities that are used in the adaptive vehicle - speed control are fed to input circuit 12 . performance quantities of this type are , for example , steering angle , transverse acceleration , gear step , etc . in the shown example , measuring device 36 is a rotational - speed comparison device , which provides information about the instantaneous gear step . control unit 10 , there the at least one microcomputer 14 , influences the performance of the vehicle &# 39 ; s drive unit within the context of the adaptive vehicle speed control via at least one output line 40 and corresponding control elements 42 ( e . g ., electronic engine control unit ). furthermore , in an exemplary embodiment , control unit 10 influences the braking force at the wheel brakes of the vehicle via an output line 44 and corresponding control elements 46 ( e . g ., a brake system having abs / tcs elements ). at block 56 in fig2 , a program routine begins that is executed by microcomputer 14 at regular time intervals on the order of several milliseconds . in step 58 , a positive or negative setpoint acceleration asetpoint is calculated on the basis of the input variables fed via input lines 20 , 24 , 28 , 32 , 34 and , depending on the traffic situation , is used to keep to the desired speed selected by the driver or the distance from the vehicle driving in front . in step 60 a manipulated variable smotor , which is to be fed via output circuit 16 and output line 40 to drive - system control elements 42 , is then formed on the basis of setpoint acceleration asetpoint . if a negative setpoint acceleration asetpoint ( deceleration ) is required and the braking torque that the drive unit is able to generate is insufficient for this deceleration , then in step 60 a manipulated variable sbrake is also formed , which is to be fed via output circuit 16 and output line 44 to control elements 46 of the braking system . whether the driver has operated the clutch is then checked in step 62 using the signal of clutch sensor 54 . if so , it may be assumed that the driver intends to change gears , but whether the driver wants to increase or reduce the gear step is still unknown . which gear is selected when the clutch is actuated is known on the basis of the signal of the rotational - speed comparison device . in step 64 , an upshift probability p is then calculated that specifies the probability of the driver selecting the next higher gear step as target gear tg . the calculation of this probability is made on the basis of the available input variables , e . g ., on the basis of the actual speed of the vehicle , which is made available by measuring device 22 , and on the basis of the actual speed of the drive unit communicated by speed sensor 50 . moreover , signals of distance measuring device 30 as well as manipulated variable smotor or other signals made available by the electronic engine control unit that give information about the instantaneous load of the engine , e . g ., may also be considered . if , for example , the speed of the engine is already close to the upper limit speed , the transmission is not yet in the highest gear step and , moreover , distance measuring device 30 does not report any obstacles that would provide a cause for a deceleration of the vehicle , then it may be practically certain that the driver intends to upshift , and upshift probability p has the value 1 . if , on the other hand , the engine is already running at low speed and the load is relatively high , e . g ., on uphill stretches , and / or if a reduction of the vehicle speed is required within the context of distance regulation , it may be almost certain that the driver will downshift , and upshift probability p has the value 0 . in other situations , for example , at average speed and average load , upshift probability p will have an average value between 0 and 1 that is to be determined by microcomputer 14 using prescribed criteria . in an example embodiment , step 64 may also be carried out before step 62 . this means that the determination of upshift probability p occurs continuously in each program cycle , so that the upshift probability upon actuation of the clutch is already known . in an example embodiment , it is also possible , on the basis of the continuously checked criteria on which step 64 is based , to output a shift prompt to the driver if a gear change is presented based on the instantaneous engine operating conditions . in this case , it may simply be assumed , upon determination of the upshift probability in step 64 , that the driver will heed the shift prompt . in step 66 , a function that describes the time - dependency of drive - unit setpoint speed n is then determined on the basis of upshift probability p and on the basis of target gear tg . in step 68 , the drive - unit speed is then regulated to the setpoint value given by this function . depending on the arrangement , this regulation may occur in microcomputer 14 , in that the actual rotational speed received via input line 48 is compared to the setpoint speed , and a corresponding control command is output via output line 40 , or the setpoint speed is simply output via output line 40 and the actual speed control remains left to the electronic engine control unit . if in step 60 a value other than 0 was determined for manipulated variable sbrake , then following step 68 this manipulated variable is output in step 70 to control elements 46 of the brake system before the program cycle is terminated at block 72 . if , on the other hand , it was determined in step 62 that the driver has not actuated the clutch , then steps 64 to 68 are skipped and instead manipulated variable smotor is output in step 74 to control elements 42 of the drive system , before step 70 is carried out . thus , as long as the clutch is not actuated , the adaptive cruise control operates by intervening in the drive system ( step 74 ) and / or in the brake system ( step 70 ). however , in the operational phases in which the driver keeps the clutch actuated , the adaptive cruise control is only partially deactivated in the method described here , that is , only intervention in the drive system is stopped , while , if necessary , an intervention in the brake system is still possible . via this example embodiment of the method , the driver is substantially unburdened , e . g ., in situations in which the vehicle driving ahead brakes relatively forcefully . the driver is able then to downshift calmly in order to select a gear step corresponding to the lower speed without the automatic braking of his own vehicle being interrupted during the shift operation and the actuation of the clutch . the selection of the time - dependent function for the setpoint speed in step 66 has the purpose of automatically adapting the speed during the phase in which the clutch is actuated to the speed corresponding to the anticipated new gear so that when the clutch is released , a transition that is as jolt - free as possible may be achieved . if upshift probability p is greater than 0 , then target gear tg is a gear step higher than the currently selected gear , and the speed function is selected in such a manner that the engine speed is brought nearer to the value that results from the actual speed of the vehicle and the gear step in the target gear . graphically represented in fig3 are examples for possible time - dependent curves of the setpoint speed function at different upshift probabilities p . top curve 76 in fig3 represents the signal of clutch sensor 54 . the clutch is actuated at time t 0 and released again at time t 1 . curve 78 represents the time - dependent change of setpoint speed n for the case in which a high upshift probability p has been calculated ( p = 0 . 9 ). upon actuation of the clutch at time t 0 , the setpoint speed is equal to the actual engine speed , which is determined by the actual speed of the vehicle and the gear step in the previous gear . after time t 0 the setpoint engine speed and , thus , also the actual engine speed is reduced at a relatively steep ramp to value n ( tg ), which is determined by the actual vehicle speed and the transmission ratio in the target gear , that is , in the next higher gear step . once this value is reached , the engine speed is kept constant so that upon reengagement of the clutch at time t 1 , a jolt - free transition may occur . in the determination of engine speed n ( tg ), changes of the actual vehicle speed that occur within the time interval between t 0 and t 1 because of , for example , the declivity or acclivity of the road or because of a braking maneuver ( step 70 ) are also considered . the ramp steepness ( dn / dt ) of the speed function is adapted in each case so that target speed n ( tg ) is reached within a certain time span , which is a function of upshift probability p . curve 80 represents the case in which upshift probability p has an average value ( p = 0 . 5 ). in this case , the ramp steepness is reduced in such a manner that target speed n ( tg ) is only reached within a greater time span . in this context , it is accepted that at the time of clutch reengagement at t 1 , the target speed will have not yet been fully reached , so that a moderate jolt occurs . however , in the case in which the driver is not upshifting , but rather downshifting , there is still a higher engine speed at the moment of clutch reengagement so that the jump from the instantaneous speed to the higher speed n ( tg + 2 ), which corresponds to the next lower gear , turns out to be smaller . in this manner , a transition having diminished jolt may also be achieved when downshifting , as is illustrated by dashed curve 82 . the lower upshift probability p is , the more slowly the setpoint speed is reduced . curve 84 illustrates the case of a very low upshift probability ( p = 0 . 1 ). in this case the setpoint speed during the actuation duration of the clutch is kept constant so that the jolt during the now more probable downshifting turns out to be even less ( curve 86 ), while , in the case in which the driver instead upshifts , a somewhat greater jolt is then accepted . in fig3 , a time interval tave is drawn that corresponds to the driver - specific average duration of clutch actuation known from previous clutch actuations . in the example described here , the ramp slope ( dn / dt ) of the setpoint engine speed function is dependent not just on upshift probability p , but also on empirical value tave . the time interval within which , after actuating of the clutch , the speed is adapted to relevant target speed n ( tg ) is given in each case by a specified percentage of tave that is a function of p . given great upshift probability ( curve 78 ), this time span is , for example , 75 % of tave . in this manner , a jolt - free transition may be achieved also in the case in which , as in the example shown here , the actual duration of clutch actuation is somewhat smaller than average value tave . when there is lower upshift probability , for example , when p = 0 . 5 , the time span for the speed adaptation in the shown example is 2 * tave . this means that the speed difference between the output speed and the target speed has been precisely reduced to one - half when the driver releases the clutch again after the average time of actuation tave . in this manner , a transition having diminished jolt may be achieved both when upshifting and when downshifting . if the driver keeps the clutch actuated for a very long time , as is indicated by dashed curve 88 , then the speed is reduced further to idle speed n ( idle ) after expiration of a specified time interval following the clutch actuation ( at t 0 ), in the shown example after 1 . 5 * tave . because in the method described here the adaptive cruise control remains latently active during the actuation phase of the clutch as well ( steps 58 , 60 and 74 in fig2 ), situations may also be detected in which it is foreseeable that , upon reengagement of the clutch and , thus , upon unrestricted resumption of cruise control , a deceleration of the vehicle is required and , thus , a high braking torque of the engine is desirable . in this case , a setpoint speed function may be selected in such a manner that the speed is already brought back to idle speed n ( idle ) within a brief time after actuation of the clutch , so that a high braking torque of the drive system is available after the clutch reengagement . | 1 |
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 . the term “ connected ” as used herein generally refers to pieces which may be joined or linked together . the term “ coupled ” as used herein generally refers to pieces which may be used operatively with each other , or joined or linked together , with or without one or more intervening members . the term “ directly ” as used herein generally refers to one structure in physical contact with another structure , or , when used in reference to a procedure , means that one process effects another process or structure without the involvement of an intermediate step or component . in some embodiments , a system for transferring sample from ambient pressure to high vacuum may include a carrying capsule , a load lock , a buffer chamber , a pump chamber , and an inert gas reservoir . the capsule may be coupled to the load lock chamber , with , for example , an easy to connect chain link and a metal - elastomer seal . the loadlock may be coupled to the pump chamber via a conduit and further coupled to an inert gas reservoir via a pneumatic valve and vent port with a long path coil via pneumatic valve . the buffer chamber may be coupled to the pump chamber via a pneumatic valve and furthermore to the sample analysis chamber ultra - high vacuum analysis chamber via a pneumatic valve . the pump chamber may have a high vacuum pump backed by a mechanical pump . the conduit may include a manual valve that is upstream from the orifice and a pneumatic valve . furthermore , pressure gauges may be coupled to one or more of the buffer chamber , a loadlock , and / or a pump chamber . a mass spectrometer may be coupled to the buffer chamber . the transferring of samples to a sample analysis chamber may include a linear translator and a rotational translator . the linear translator may include a two prong metal fork and an elevating plate including a pin . the elevating plate may function to elevate throughout the duration of the linear stroke . the linear translator may function to lock a sample bar into a conformation suitable for retrieving the sample bar from a capsule and delivering the sample bar to the sample analysis chamber . the sample bay may hold multiple samples that may be transferred during a single linear stroke . the capsule may include a receiving fork with a spring loaded plate to secure the sample bar during transport and for facilitating the transfer of the sample into and out of the capsule . a goal of the system disclosed herein ( referred to herein as rox or nanorox ) is to reduce oxidation at the nano scale using differential pumping to transition from atmospheric pressure ( viscous flow ) to uhv conditions ( molecular flow ). in some embodiments , differential pumping may allow a user to acquire a repeatable and tunable pressure spike , followed by a pump down curve as a function of time . these 2 - dimensional curves are analyzed and fitted to a plurality of functions with multiple coefficients . these coefficients are assigned as figures of merit ( foms ) and are applied as a quality control measure of the sample transfer reliability prior to loading samples into a surface analysis chamber under uhv . in combination with mass spectrometry analysis of gases , foms may be used to quantitatively evaluate if samples have or have not been exposed to oxidants and / or hydrocarbon contamination at levels above the specifications of an application . thus , a user can evaluate the reliability of the entire transfer and loading process using a set of foms for each of the chambers of rox ( e . g ., capsule , load lock , buffer , and pumping chamber ), including an fom for a glove box where environmentally samples were prepared under an inert environment . fig1 depicts an installation layout of an example nanorox interface coupled to a load lock chamber of a uhv surface analysis chamber . in some embodiments , the interface may include a plurality of chambers , including a pump chamber , a load lock chamber and a buffer chamber . the pump chamber may include a turbomolecular pump . the interface may further include a capsule for sample transfer , as well as a linear stoke translator and a rotational translator . in this example , the linear stoke translator is 36 inches long , but may be longer or shorter depending on the parameters of the interface and analysis chamber . the capsule for sample transfer may be equipped with one or more manual valves configured to isolate samples during the transfer from one chamber to another . the linear stoke and rotational translators may be configured to manipulate and retrieve samples from the capsule , and may transfer samples to a linear translator coupled to the surface analysis chamber . the interface may include a mass spectrometer , which may be used for residual gas analysis . the turbomolecular pump may be configured to match vacuum conditions within the sample transfer capsule to the vacuum conditions of the load lock chamber . fig2 depicts a schematic diagram of the rox coupled to a surface analysis chamber under ultra - high vacuum . in some embodiments , the sample transfer capsule may be coupled to a load lock chamber via a manual valve ( v5 ) and a seal , such as a viton seal . the load lock chamber may be coupled to a pressure gage ( p2 ). the load lock chamber may be coupled to a buffer chamber via pneumatic valve v3 . the buffer chamber may be coupled to a pressure gage ( p1 ). the buffer chamber may be further coupled to sample analysis chamber a via pneumatic gate valve v1 and further coupled to a pump chamber via pneumatic valve v2 . the pump chamber may be coupled to a pressure gauge ( p3 ). the pump chamber may be coupled to a turbomolecular pump , which may be further coupled to a roughing pump . the pump chamber and load lock chamber may be coupled through a conduit . the conduit coupling the pump chamber and load lock chamber may include a manual valve ( v6 ), a flexible metal tube ( t1 ), an orifice and a pneumatic valve ( v4 ). the conduit may be further connected to a purge outlet via a pneumatic valve ( v8 ), a 1 meter long coil , and a flowmeter . the load lock chamber may be coupled to a purge gas reservoir via a conduit which may include a pneumatic valve ( v7 ). the purge gas reservoir may contain nitrogen ( n 2 ), argon ( ar ) or another inert gas . the reservoir may be kept under a controlled pressure . the load lock chamber may be further coupled to sample analysis chamber a via a conduit that includes a manual leak valve and a pneumatic valve ( v9 ). sample analysis chamber a may be coupled to sample analysis chamber b via a gate valve . a mass spectrometer ( m1 ) may be coupled to the buffer chamber . the capsule chamber may be coupled to a glove box or other sample preparation chamber . a sample may thus pass from the glove box to the load lock chamber before entering the buffer chamber under uhv conditions , and eventually to the sample analysis chambers . within the interface , the overall base pressure may be set on the magnitude of 2 × 10 − 8 torr . using the turbomolecular pump , the load lock chamber and capsule chamber may be pumped down from 850 torr of inert gas to high vacuum , ( on the order of − 2 × 10 − 7 torr ), in less than 12 minutes . a user may control the 7 pneumatic valves and read pressure from three gauges in a manual mode . this may be accomplished through instructions executed by a controller , for example a code written in labview software . in a semiautomatic mode , a user can execute a code with subroutines to acquire a set of pressure peaks & amp ; pressure - vs .- time curve pump down curves . the total pump down time may be chosen by the user . the pump down curves may be used to extract figures of merit ( fom ) in order to qualify sample transfer reliability . sample transfer reliability may include testing rox and the chamber where the samples originated ( e . g ., a glove box ) by using a set of figures of merit . for rox and a glove box , for instance , they may be labeled as rox - fom and gb - fom , respectively . these foms may form the basis for analyzing sample transfer reliability . in combination with the foms described above , a mass spectrometer for residual gas analysis ( rag ) may be integrated into the rox to verify the pump down curves of rox as well as to absolutely differentiate between oxidant exposure and outgassing of samples . under 850 torr of static inert gas , samples may be exposed to ˜ 1 ppm o 2 and 1 ppm h 2 o during transport from glove box to the surface analysis chamber , or vice - versa . levels of o 2 and h 2 o depend on the purity of the inert gas supply , and not on the design of rox interface . the capsule may be designed to carry a commercial sample bar , for example a kratos sample bar with 12 samples per load ( where sample size is ≦ 5 mm ×≦ 5 mm ×≦ 1 mm ) during transfer . the capsule may transport solid and / or powder samples under 850 torr of an inert gas ( e . g ., n 2 or argon ) or under vacuum . the rox interface may be installed as an interface on an existing load lock chamber of a surface analysis chamber or directly as a load lock on a surface analysis chamber . in the latter , rox may be used to load both air sensitive or air stable samples directly into the surface analysis chamber . fig3 depicts an example installation layout of a rox pump chamber coupled to a load lock chamber . the pump chamber may include a turbomolecular pump , which may be further coupled to a mechanical or roughing pump . in this example , the turbomolecular pump is configured to pump gas at a rate of 200 l / s . as shown in fig1 and 2 the pump chamber may be coupled to a buffer chamber . a pneumatic valve ( v2 ) may be included between the pump chamber and buffer chamber such that valve v2 may control gas flow from the buffer chamber to the pump chamber . the pump chamber may be coupled to pressure gauge p3 . in some examples , gauge p3 may be a cold cathode pressure gauge . gauge p3 may be configured to measure pressures within a predetermined range of possible pump chamber pressures , for example from 600 torr to 2 × 10 − 9 torr . the pump chamber may be further coupled to the load lock chamber via a conduit including manual valve v6 . the conduit coupling the pump chamber to the load lock chamber may be configured as a flexible metal hose ( t1 ), which may comprise an orifice ( o1 ) and a pneumatic valve ( v4 ). orifice o1 may be configured as two conflate flanges bolted against each other in a manner so as to press a copper gasket between the two flanges while connecting the load lock to the pump chamber . pneumatic valve v4 may control gas flow from the load lock to orifice o1 and to the pump chamber during pump down events . the pump chamber may allow rox to be pumped independently from the uhv surface analysis chamber . the pump chamber may be engaged during the differential pumping of the load lock chamber , which may allow the pump chamber to transition from laminar flow to molecular flow without interruption while exclusively using the turbomolecular pump . fig4 a depicts a top - down view of an example installation layout of a buffer chamber connecting to a pump chamber and a load lock chamber . fig4 b depicts a side view of the same example installation layout . in this example , the buffer chamber is a six - way chamber , equipped with a glass view port and a cold cathode pressure gauge ( p1 ). the buffer chamber may be coupled to a uhv surface analysis chamber via a port including a conflat flange , and further coupled to a mass spectrometer . the buffer chamber may include pneumatic valve v1 , which may be configured to isolate the buffer chamber from the uhv surface analysis chamber . in some embodiments , the buffer chamber may include pneumatic valve v2 , which may be configured to isolate the buffer chamber from the pump chamber , as described above in regards to fig2 and 3 . in some embodiments , the buffer chamber may include pneumatic valve v3 , which may be configured to isolate the buffer chamber form the load lock chamber . the buffer chamber may be kept under the lowest vacuum level of the chambers included in the interface , for example a pressure on the order of 2 × 10 − 8 torr . this pressure may be maintained by intermittently using the turbomolecular pump included in the surface analysis chamber , and the turbomolecular pump included in the pump chamber . the cold cathode gauge , p1 , may primarily be used to record the pressure spike and pressure - vs .- time pump down curves while masses for water and molecular oxygen are selected for the mass spectrometer . both of these curves may be used to generate the figures of merit ( fom ) to evaluate and qualify the reliability of sample transfer . fig5 a depicts an example installation layout of a sample transfer capsule coupled to a load lock . the capsule may be coupled to the load lock via manual valve v5 and further coupled to the load lock through kf flanges coupled to an evac chain clamp and an elastomer seal . fig5 b depicts a diagram of an example chain clamp . as depicted here , the chain clamp is configured as an evac chain clamp . the clamp may press two kf flanges together while in place . fig5 c depicts a diagram of an example elastomer seal . as depicted here , the seal is an nw40 seal including an aluminum outer ring and a teflon inner ring . the elastomer seal may be used for multiple sample transfer applications and may be configured to seal under high vacuum conditions . fig5 d depicts a schematic diagram of a sample transfer capsule in accordance with the present disclosure . the capsule is shown with a manual valve , and may include a receiving fork . the receiving fork may facilitate transfer of a sample bar to a linear translator head that includes a fork and an elevating plate . through the use of the kf flanges , an elastomer seal and an evac chain clamp , the sample capsule may be quickly connected to the load lock chamber of the interface . fig6 a depicts a schematic diagram of components of a sample transfer capsule , including a receiving fork , sample bar and modified head of a linear translator . a diagram of a commercially available linear translator is shown for reference in fig6 e . the linear translator , for example , a linear translator with a 36 inch stroke , may include a head is configured to enable a plate to elevate for the duration of the stroke of the translator . the head may be modified to include a fork to facilitate transfer of the sample bar . fig6 b depicts a diagram of an example head of a linear translator modified to include a fork and pin . the fork and pin allow the head of the linear translator to lock onto the sample bar during transfer . the linear translator may thus be used either to retrieve a sample bar from the capsule or to load a sample bar into the capsule . fig6 c depicts a diagram of an example sample bar holding 25 samples , the samples having dimensions of 1 = 0 . 5 mm , w = 0 . 5 mm and h = 0 . 1 mm . the sample bar may be used to transfer samples between chambers , including between uhv chambers . for example , the sample bar may be configured to transfer samples between a tof - sems chamber and a kratos xps chamber , or vice - versa . fig6 d depicts a diagram of an example receiving fork . the receiving fork may be integrated into the sample chamber and may facilitate transfer of a sample bar to or from the head of the linear translator . fig1 a depicts a schematic diagram of a sample transfer capsule . fig1 b depicts a schematic diagram of a spherical chamber positionable in the depicted sample transfer capsule . fig1 c depicts a schematic diagram of an actuation control arm with 2 degrees of freedom . in some embodiments , actuation is provided by a control arm with two degrees of freedom . in some embodiments , rotation provides a locking mechanism . rotation may provide yaw rotation to produce offset in the horizontal plane . translation may provide vertical plane offset and enable removal of the stage interlocking mechanism once the canier bar is handed off to the instrument translation arm . fig7 a depicts a front - view of an example installation layout of a load lock . in this example , the load lock includes a single orifice ( o1 ) for differential pumping . fig7 b depicts a side - view of the example installation layout of a load lock as shown in fig7 a . the load lock chamber may include pressure gauge p2 . pressure gauge p2 may be a pirani pressure gauge , and may be configured to measure pressures within a predetermined range of possible pump chamber pressures , for example from 5 × 10 − 4 torr to 1000 torr . the load lock chamber may include pneumatic valve v4 . pneumatic valve v4 may control gas flow leading to orifice o1 . orifice o1 may couple two conflat flanges : a first flange from pneumatic valve v4 , and a second flange from flexible tube t1 . the flanges may be bolted against each other to press a “ blank ” copper gasket , for example a gasket with a 0 . 385 mm diameter orifice at the center . the flanges may engage the copper gasket while connecting the load lock to the pump chamber . the load lock chamber may include pneumatic valve v7 . pneumatic valve v7 may serve as an inlet and may control the flow of inert gas ( e . g ., argon or nitrogen ) during purging . in some embodiments , the load lock chamber may include pneumatic valve v8 . pneumatic valve v8 may serve as an outlet and may control venting of the inert gas flow during purging . the load lock chamber may include metal coil c1 . metal coil c1 may be configured to increase the path length during purging . metal coil c1 may minimize the quantity of air back streaming into load lock during purging of the load lock as well as when the purging stops , for example during the time period between the time point when v8 closes to the time point when v7 closes . the load lock chamber may include leak valve l1 . leak valve l1 may be used to control the gas flow from the load lock into the surface analysis chamber where a residual gas analyzer mass spectrometer may be housed . fig8 a depicts a diagram of an example pneumatic angle valve assembly . the valve body may include two ports . each port may include conflate flanges and may use copper gaskets as seals . the valve body may be coupled to an actuator connect to a power supply and configured to supply a constant rate of pressurized air , in response to commands from a controller . fig8 b - d depict diagrams of components of an example pneumatic angle valve assembly . the assembly may include a bonnet flange , for example , a circular bonnet flange . the assembly may further include a poppet with an o - ring seal , for example an elastomer o - ring seal . the configuration of the valve assembly may be regulated by the actuator . the actuator may provide power to the assembly via pressurized air . the pressurized air may be used to translate the valve &# 39 ; s poppet up ( port open ) or down ( port close ). the poppet may be attached to the valve &# 39 ; s body via a circular bonnet flange . the poppet has an o - ring seal to seal the valve &# 39 ; s body ports . the valve body is a vacuum tight chamber that is flanged into a larger vacuum chamber via conflat flanges , for example 1 . 33 ″ conflat flanges with copper gaskets . fig9 a - b depict an example installation layout of a pneumatic angle valve assembly . pneumatic valve v4 is shown with 1 . 33 ″ conflate flanges with copper gaskets , and is shown coupled to a conduit between the pump chamber and the load lock chamber . fig9 c - e depict a schematic diagram of gas flow through a pneumatic angle valve assembly . the valve assembly may include a flange with an oxygen - free gasket , for example a 1 . 5 cm diameter gasket . the valve assembly may further include orifice o1 . orifice o1 may have diameter of 0 . 388 mm , and may be bored on the center of an oxygen - free gasket , for example a blank gasket with a thickness of 2 . 5 mm . the orifice may further be pressed between two conflate flanges to form an ultra - high vacuum seal . as represented by the dotted line in fig9 b , gas may enter valve v4 from the load lock or capsule , passing through a flange . gas may subsequently pass through the orifice and travel out of the valve assembly and to the pump chamber . during differential pumping of gases in the load lock , the pneumatic valve may actuate the gas flow from load lock into v4 while the 0 . 385 mm diameter orifice modulates the gas throughput into the pump chamber . fig1 a - d depict perspective views of a pneumatic valve assembled with two orifices . in this example , the first orifice ( o1 ) is drilled on the center of the head of the poppet valve . the second orifice ( o2 ) in this example is drilled on the center of a blank copper gasket . in this example , the o1 has a diameter of 0 . 385 mm and o2 has a diameter of 1 . 0 mm . the diameter of the orifices may differ depending on the application and the size and configuration of the pneumatic valve . in general , the diameter of the second orifice may be larger than the diameter of the first orifice . fig1 depicts a schematic diagram of two angle valves in series . in this example , pneumatic valve v4 is shown coupled to the load lock chamber . pneumatic valve v4b is shown coupled to pneumatic valve v4 downstream of the load lock chamber . pneumatic valve v4b is further coupled to the pump chamber . in this example , during differential pumping of gases in the load lock , the pneumatic valve ( v4 ) may actuate the gas flow from the load lock into v4b , while orifice # 1 ( 0 . 385 mm diameter orifice ) modulates the gas flow from atmospheric pressure to 0 . 1 torr while v4b is in the close position . when the pressure drops below 0 . 1 torr , v4b opens and orifice # 2 ( 1 . 0 mm diameter orifice ) modulates gas throughput from 0 . 1 to 0 . 01 torr into the pump chamber . the main function of the second orifice is to increase the throughput by a factor of three . thus , the total time during differential pumping is reduced , while achieving lower pressures prior to the pressure spike and pump down . fig1 depicts a schematic diagram of the rox coupled to a surface analysis chamber under ultra - high vacuum . each chamber of the rox is shown with a range of pressures that may be obtained via differential pumping . with differential pumping , a transition may be made from atmospheric pressure ( 760 torr ) to uhv ( 10 − 8 torr ) in under 12 minutes . the capsule chamber and load lock chamber may both transition between pressures of 800 torr and 10 − 7 torr . the buffer chamber may transition between pressures of 10 − 4 torr and 10 − 8 torr . the pump chamber may transition between pressures of 5 torr and 10 − 8 torr . the surface analysis chamber may maintain a pressure on the order of 10 − 9 torr . fig1 depicts a schematic diagram of orifice located between a load lock chamber and a pumping chamber . in rox , the load lock and pump chambers are connected with one flexible tube and a pneumatic valve ( v4 ), both equipped with uhv conflat flanges as schematically shown in fig1 . typically , two conflat flanges press a metal gasket ring as a seal to prevent air leaks under uhv conditions . for differential pumping , rox may use a blanket metal gasket ( or disc ) that has a 0 . 385 mm diameter orifice at the center . the orifice modulates the gas flow rate between the load lock and pump chamber during pump down from atmospheric pressure ( 800 torr ) to 0 . 1 torr − ( set pressure point at the load lock chamber ) using a turbomolecular pump backed by a mechanical pump . in the pump chamber , the initial pressure , prior to differential pumping is shown as 0 . 8 torr . following differential pumping , the final pressure in the pump chamber is shown as 10 - 5 torr . thus , differential pumping causes the load lock chamber to transition from laminar flow to viscous flow , and causes the pump chamber to transition from viscous flow to molecular flow . the initial pressure differential , p i ll / p i pc is shown on the magnitude of 900 . the fmal pressure differential , p f ll / p f pc is shown on the magnitude of 7000 . this allows the pump chamber to transition uninterruptedly from viscous to molecular flow exclusively using a turbomolecular pump ( backed by a rough , mechanical pump ). at the end of differential pumping , gas throughput is increased by rerouting the gas flow into the buffer and pump chambers . there exist numerous advantages to applying differential pumping using a turbomolecular pump . for example , gas molecules are given momentum such as gas flow in one direction during a pump down ( with the exception of hydrogen gas ), preventing backstreaming of oxidants ( e . g ., water and molecular oxygen ) and contaminants ( e . g ., oil vapor ) from roughing pumps , ( e . g ., a mechanical or scroll pump ), into capsule , load lock , buffer , and pump chambers , including the surface analysis chamber during the transition from atmospheric pressure to high vacuum conditions . turbomolecular pumps have the widest operating pressure range and are capable of crossing over from high vacuum ( molecular flow ) to backing vacuum ( viscous flow ˜ 3 torr ) and back to high vacuum without detrimental changes in performance . further , turbomolecular pumps provide consistent throughputs in both low vacuum viscous and molecular flow regimes . these throughputs do not vary over time and not are dependent on the lifetime of hardware components of the turbomolecular pump . in general , a turbomolecular pump either operates fully at its specifications or completely malfunctions due to one or more faulty components . in other words , turbomolecular pumps have only two states : on or off . the off state is most likely due to a faulty component . still further , turbomolecular pumps may provide an uninterrupted and continuous pump down , pressure peaks followed by a pump down , and pressure - vs .- time curves during the transition from differential pumping to high conductance pumping path . differential pumping via a turbomolecular pump actuates a gas load ( or amplitude ) of a pressure spike into the buffer chamber as gases from the load lock chamber or the sample capsule travel on their way to the pump chamber . this gas load allows a pressure spike and pump down vs . time curves to be recorded a sampling rate of 10 milliseconds ( this sampling rate is the fastest rate achievable with this configuration and is limited by the pressure controller ). further , this process yields highly repeatable pressure spikes , followed by the pump down , and repeatable pressure - vs .- time curves . this repeatability allows a user to generate foms for rox and other equipment needed as part of the transfer ( e . g ., glove box ). fig1 depicts an embodiment of a method 100 for a semi - automated routine to activate differential pumping . the method will be described in reference to a rox apparatus , such as the apparatus diagramed in fig1 , but may be applied to similar apparatuses . method 100 may begin at 102 with determining the status of the load lock chamber . if the load lock chamber is under atmospheric pressure and manual valve v5 is closed , method 100 may proceed . at 104 , method 100 may include closing valves v3 and v4 . this will isolate the load lock chamber from the buffer and pump chambers . at this point , the load lock chamber may be filled with 780 torr of argon ( 99 . 995 %, water and molecular oxygen & lt ; 0 . 2 ppm ) following purging for a user determined purge time interval with an inert gas . at 106 , method 100 may include opening valve v1 and closing valve v2 . as a result of this , pumping to the buffer chamber is switched from the pumping chamber to the pump of the surface analysis chamber . this valve sequence allows for evacuation of the buffer chamber using pumps from the surface analysis chamber . this step minimizes outgassing from the walls of the buffer chamber and maintains the buffer chamber in the uhv range (& lt ; 4 × 10 − 8 torr ). at 108 , method 100 may include opening valve v6 . this manual valve usually remains open . at 110 , method 100 may include opening valve v4 . this step activates differential pumping between the load lock and pump chamber . gas throughput may be modulated via a 0 . 385 mm diameter orifice ( o1 ) while the pump chamber is under continuous pumping by a turbomolecular pump ( backed by a rough pump ). at 112 , method 100 may include allowing the load lock pressure to decrease below 0 . 1 torr , followed by closing valve v1 and maintaining valve v4 in the open state . this step continues differential pumping but isolates the buffer chamber from the stc chamber of the surface analysis chamber . at 114 , method 100 may include opening valve v3 followed by opening valve v2 . as a result of this , argon gas is re - routed into the buffer chamber ( which has a higher gas throughput ) and directly into the pump chamber while valve v4 remains open . at 116 , method 100 may include evacuating the buffer and load lock chambers for 360 seconds with the turbomolecular pump . as a result of this action , the pressures in the load lock and buffer chambers should drop below 2 × 10 − 7 torr . at this point , the capsule is under atmospheric pressure ( e . g ., inert gas at 760 torr ) 27 . an objective of differential pumping is to evacuate the capsule from atmospheric pressure to a vacuum pressure of 0 . 1 torr or an alternative chosen set point . at 118 , method 100 may include opening valve v1 and closing valve v2 . as a result of this action , pumping of the buffer chamber is switched from the pumping chamber to the pumps of the surface analysis chamber . at 120 , method 100 may include closing valve v3 . this action isolates the load lock from the buffer chamber . at 122 , method 100 may include opening valve v6 . valve v6 is usually open . at 124 , method 100 may include opening valve v5 . this action manually opens the valve of the capsule . the pressure between the load lock chamber and capsule may equilibrate to 350 torr . at 126 , method 100 may include opening valve v4 . this action activates differential pumping between the load lock and pump chamber . gas throughput is controlled and limited via the orifice ( o1 ) while the pump chamber is under continuous pumping by a turbomolecular pump ( backed by a rough pump ). at 128 , method 100 may include allowing the pressure in the load lock to drop from 350 torr to less than 0 . 1 torr , followed by closing valve v1 and maintaining valve v4 in the open state . this action continues differential pumping , but isolates the buffer chamber from the stc chamber of the surface analysis chamber . at 130 , method 100 may include opening valve v3 , followed by opening valve v2 . this action results in argon gas being re - routed into the buffer chamber and directly into the pump chamber while valve v4 remains open . at 132 , method 100 may include allowing the pressure in the buffer , load lock , and capsule chambers to decrease to the set pressure point , for example 2 × 10 - 7 torr . the result of this action is that the load lock and capsule chambers are under vacuum and ready for sample retrieval and introduction into the surface analysis chamber . fig1 depicts an example plot of representative pressure vs . time curves during a differential pumping operation . the differential purging operation is depicted in three stages : load lock purging , differential pumping and high conductance . during load lock purging , the load lock pressure ( line a ) and pump chamber pressure ( line b ) remain substantially constant . the pressure in the buffer chamber increases , then decreases to 4 × 10 − 8 torr . as the operation switches to differential pumping , the pump chamber pressure spikes to 1 . 3 torr . following this transition , the load lock , pump chamber and buffer chamber pressures decrease throughout the differential pumping chamber , until the load lock pressure reaches 0 . 1 torr . at this point , valve v1 is closed , causing a pressure spike in the pump chamber and buffer chamber . following this spike , the turbomolecular pump is allowed to evacuate the chambers for 360 seconds , resulting in the pump down vs . time curve during high conductance . fig1 a - c depict diagrams of an example application of the rox . the depicted application involves transferring samples from a glove box to a uhv surface analysis chamber . in some embodiments , samples may be transferred in the opposite direction , from the analysis chamber to the glove box . samples may be synthesized in a glove box under inert gas , for example argon at 1000 torr . the inert environment may contain trace levels of water and molecular oxygen , on the order of 1 part - per - million , or a partial pressure of 10 − 4 torr . samples may be transferred using a capsule from the glove box to the analysis chamber ( or vice - versa ). the surface analysis chamber may be under uhv , with partial pressure on the order of 2 × 10 - 9 torr , and may contain traces of water and molecular oxygen on the order of 10 − 9 - 10 − 10 torr . the surface analysis chamber may include an analysis instrument , for example an x - ray photoelectron spectrometer ( xps ). the rox interface may be applied in the transfer of samples , using a capsule to physically carry the samples , from a glove box or other high pressure chamber to a surface analysis chamber or other uhv chamber . rox may be coupled to the surface analysis chamber either as an interface or in conjunction with an existing load lock chamber . sample transfer may be facilitated from multiple purge boxes . a subroutine or combination of subroutines may be run in conjunction with the transfer of samples from a glove box to a uhv chamber . the subroutines may be utilized to measure pressure curves , including a pressure spike and pump down vs . time curves , and may be further utilized to develop figures of merit ( foms ) for the sample transfer . as described above with regard to differential pumping , following the loading of samples to a capsule in a glove box under atmospheric pressure , the capsule may be evacuated from atmospheric pressure to high vacuum using differential pumping . differential pumping may be executed by pneumatic valves in a semiautomatic sequence mode . after differential pumping is completed , other pneumatic valves may be activated to switch to high conductance pumping . pressure gauges may be used to measure and record pressure spikes and pump down vs . time curves . pressure spikes and pump down vs . time curves may be acquired for a plurality of distinct pumping stages , including rox conditioning , environment pumping , capsule pumping and outgassing . the pressure spikes and pump down vs . time curves may then be fit to a plurality of parameterized functions . the fit parameters may be designated as foms , and may be further utilized to evaluate the reliability of sample transfer . fig1 depicts a flow chart for an example high level method for using rox analysis for transferring samples between chambers and acquiring figures of merit . in one example , samples are transferred from a glove box to a surface analysis chamber . the method illustrates four subroutines that are described further below including rox conditioning , environment pumping , capsule pumping and outgassing , but more or fewer subroutines may be used to define pumping stages . each subroutine may include numerous steps or sequences . the rox conditioning subroutine may include checking inert gas purity ( e . g ., argon ), purge sequence , and vacuum baseline levels of the load lock , pump , and buffer chambers . this subroutine may ensure that the load lock has returned to baseline vacuum after it has been exposed to ambient air during the release and re - attachment of the capsule . the environment pumping subroutine may include checking the purity of a carrier inert gas ( e . g ., argon from a glove box where samples were loaded ) in the capsule with respect to the purity of the inert gas in rox ( e . g ., argon ). the capsule may be opened to release gases into an evacuated load lock and then closed during pump down . the capsule pumping subroutine may include opening the manual valve of the capsule and maintaining the valve open during pump down . this subroutine further includes checking the vacuum baseline level of the capsule carrying samples . the outgassing subroutine may include isolating the buffer chamber , load lock chamber and capsule from the pump chamber , checking for the rate of outgassing of samples in the capsule by recording a pressure rise for 60 sec . following the pressure rise , the pump chamber may reconnected , and a pump down of the chamber and capsule may be commanded a function of time . table 1 depicts a matrix that may be used to evaluate sample transfer from a glove box to a surface analysis chamber using pump down curve ratios . set i comprises baseline curves for rox acquired using 99 . 9995 % argon ( including less than 0 . 5 ppm of h 2 o and o 2 ) as a reference . after loading samples in a glove box and reconnecting the capsule to rox , curves e2 , c2 and o2 are measured from gases which originated from the glove box . the ratios have a parameterized fitting method to calculate in a finite number of steps a set of foms at the four distinct pumping stages of rox conditioning , environment pumping , capsule pumping and outgassing . fig1 depicts an example plot of representative pressure vs . time curves during a differential pumping operation . the plot depicted in the example depicts representative spectra measured using the rox conditioning subroutine showing ( 1 ) load lock purge , ( 2 ) differential pumping and ( 3 ) high conductance pumping . without a break in pressure recording , the load lock was re - pressurized with 200 torr of inert gas , pump down is re - start with ( 4 ) differential pumping , followed by ( 5 ) high conductance pumping . changes in pressure were recorded at the load lock , pump , and buffer chambers ; each equipped with its own pressure gauges . fig1 depicts each pressure - vs .- time curve , overlayed using different colors , recorded at these chambers . the purpose of re - pressurization is to check the “ condition ” of rox by recording the pressure spike & amp ; pump down vs . time curves for the second time at the buffer chamber ( curves c and f ). a detailed analysis of these curves depicts a variation of these curves is due to intrinsic water level ( 0 . 5 part - per - million ) contained within the inert gas argon gas source . if all the components of rox are performing to specifications , the variation of these curves is set based on acceptable limits . fig2 depicts a flow chart for an example method for measuring pressure spike and pump down vs . time curves and calculating figures of merit for rox conditioning . the method may be executed as part of a larger routine or subroutine , such as the method shown in fig1 , or may be executed independently . in some embodiments , following the completion of this method , an additional method may be executed , for example , the method shown in fig2 . this method or similar methods may be used to calculate fom values for a sample transfer routine . table 2 depicts a description of values of pressure spike and pump down vs . time curves as depicted in fig1 . values in table 2 may be derived through a method , such as the method depicted in fig2 . in regions ii and iv for the load lock , differential pumping is executed by pressure values chosen for the initial and final pressure for the load lock ( curves a & amp ; d ), pump ( curves b & amp ; e ), and buffer ( curves r1 & amp ; r2 ) chambers . these pressure set points may be chosen by the user . in regions iii and v , figures of merit ( fom ) are derived for the rox from the pressure - vs .- time curves ( d & amp ; h ) where the magnitude of the pressure spike may be primarily determined by the final pressure of the load lock and pump down pressure or total time may be chosen by the user . fig2 depicts an example plot of example pressure spike and pump down vs . time curves for a buffer chamber . in this example , prior to launching the 1st and 2nd pressure spike , the baseline pressure of the buffer chamber is maintained at ˜ 3 × 10 − 8 torr using pumps of the surface analysis chamber . the ensuing pressure spike , which has the same magnitude for both pump downs , serves as a time reference , allowing a direct comparison between the 1st and 2nd pump down when plotted on the same scale , using time as an independent variable . the line shape and magnitude of the pressure spike is measured using a sampling rate of 50 hz , i . e ., every 20 millisecond . after starting the pressure spike , the total time for each pump down is set to 360 sec , using the beginning of the pressure spike as a reference . foms may be calculated from the values derived for the two pressure spikes and pump down vs . time curves depicted in fig2 . the first pressure spike and pump down may be recorded after purging and labeled as r1 . a one - point analysis fom may be calculated at 3 . 5 and 355 seconds and labeled as 1 - dimensional fom ( 1 - d fom - r1 ). the second pressure spike and pump down may be recorded after re - pressurization of the load lock and subsequent pump down and labeled as r2 . a one - point analysis fom may be calculated at 3 . 5 and 355 seconds and labeled as 1 - dimensional fom ( 1 - d fom - r2 ). a full range analysis fom may be calculated from t = 0 to 355 seconds and labeled as 2 dimensional fom ( 2 - d fom - rox ratio ) where the ratio is set equal to { absolute ( r1 − r2 )}/ r1 . the 2 - d fom - rox ratio may be represented by a curve by plotting this ratio as a dependent variable against time from t = 0 to t = 355 seconds . fig2 depicts an example plot of two example pressure spike and pump down vs . time curves acquired with rox conditioning and one - dimensional figures of merit . using the pressure spikes as a time reference peak , the pump down curves , r1 and r2 , are overlapped by plotting then against time as the independent variable . the magnitude of these pressure spikes ( pressure 3 . 1 × 10 − 2 torr ) are identical since the gas flow is under viscous flow , while the pump down region is under molecular flow ( pressure & lt ; 1 × 10 − 5 torr ) after ˜ 3 seconds after the spike . 1 - d fom for r1 & amp ; r2 are pressure values which are measured at 3 . 5 and 355 seconds . the divergence is due to water adsorption on the wall of the chambers . the baseline pressure is 1 . 1 × 10 − 7 torr . table 3 depicts a summary of 1 - dimensional foms for rox conditioning as described above . at t = 3 . 5 and t = 355 seconds , the pressure and ratio values in table 3 may be considered typical values for rox conditions , and therefore may be assigned as 1 - d foms for rox conditioning . fig2 depicts an example plot of example pressure spike and pump down vs . time curves acquired during rox conditioning and used to calculate two - dimensional figures of merit . within the molecular flow region , the pump down ratio , { absolute ( r1 − r2 )}/ r1 , vs . time is divided into two domains . r2 initially sharply diverges from r1 between 2 . 5 to 5 seconds and then reaches at steady state between 5 - 100 seconds . this time domain is labeled the divergence domain . from 100 to 360 seconds , both r1 and r2 are slowly converging as the buffer and load lock chambers are pumping down to the baseline pressure , i . e ., 3 × 10 - 8 torr . this region is labeled as the convergence domain . the divergence domain may be used to determine if levels of oxidant ( s ) or / and molecular contaminant , ( e . g ., water and outgassing solvents ), are above the specifications of rox . this region is fitted to single or a sum of exponential functions with the following form : in both examples , x 0 is a constant , not a fitting coefficient . the fitting parameters , ( y 0 , a1 , a2 , tau1 , and tau2 ) of this function may be assigned as the values for the figure of merits for divergence due oxidants and / or contamination . x is time , serving as the independent variable , from 2 to 100 seconds . the convergence domain may be used to determine a pump down rate between 100 and 360 seconds . it may be fitted to a simple linear function ( i . e . f = ax + b ). the fitting parameters ( a = rate and b = y intercept ) of this function may be assigned as the values for the foms for this domain . x is time , serving as the independent variable , from 100 to 360 seconds . if the convergence domain does not fit to a linear function , it may be fitter to a single exponential function with the following form : the fitting parameters , ( y 0 , a , tau ) of this function may be assigned as the values for the foms for the convergence domain due to the concentration of oxidants and / or contamination during the pump down . a user may decide if the values of these parameters meet the specification for their applications with respect to the acceptable levels of oxidant ( s ) and / or molecular contaminant ( e . g ., water and pump oil ). fig2 depicts a flow chart for an example method for two - dimensional rox figures of merit analysis . the method may be executed as part of a larger routine or subroutine , such as the method shown in fig1 , or may be executed independently . in some embodiments , following the completion of this method , an additional method may be executed , for example , the method shown in fig2 . this method or similar methods may be used to calculate fom values for a sample transfer routine . fig2 - 27 show example plots of example curve fitting as described above . fig2 depicts an example plot of an example curve fit of a ratio curve at a divergence domain using a single exponential function ( experimental ratio 250 vs . single exponential equation fit 252 ). fig2 depicts an example plot of an example curve fit of a ratio curve at a divergence domain using a sum of two exponential functions ( experimental ratio 260 vs . double exponential equation fit 262 ). fig2 depicts an example plot of an example curve fit of a ratio curve at a convergence domain using a linear function ( experimental ratio 270 vs . linear equation fit 272 ). as shown in fig2 , the single exponential function does not fit the ratio curve at the divergence domain for this example . however , the sum of two exponential functions does fit the ratio curve at the divergence domain for this example , as shown in fig2 . as shown in fig2 , a linear function fits the ratio curve at the convergence domain for this example . table 4 depicts a summary of the curve fits of the ratio curve at the divergence and convergence domains as depicted in fig2 - 27 . the curve fits may be used to calculate six fom values for rox conditioning through a method of quality control , for example through a method of statistical processing control ( spc ). spc may be used to ensure that rox operates at its full potential . fig2 depicts a flow chart for an example method for evaluating the environment to test gaseous contents of a glove box . the method may be executed as part of a larger routine or subroutine , such as the method shown in fig1 , or may be executed independently . in some embodiments , following the completion of this method , an additional method may be executed , for example , the method shown in fig3 . this method or similar methods may be used to calculate fom values for a sample transfer routine . fig2 depicts an example plot of two example pressure spike and pump down vs . time curves acquired with rox environment and glove box environment routines and one - dimensional figures of merit . using the pressure spikes as a time reference peak , the pump down curves , e1 and e2 , may be overlapped and plotted against time as the independent variable . the magnitude of these pressure spike ( pressure 2 . 7 × 10 − 2 torr ) are identical since the gas flow is under viscous flow while the pump down region is under molecular flow ( pressure & lt ; 1 × 10 − 5 torr ) after ˜ 2 . 5 seconds . 1 - d fom for e1 & amp ; e2 are pressure values measured at 3 . 5 and 355 seconds . table 5 depicts a summary of the 1 - dimensional foms for environment pumping based on the pump down curves depicted in fig2 . the ratio fom is set equal to [ absolute ( e1 − e2 )]/ e1 . at t = 3 . 5 and t = 355 seconds , the ratio values may be assigned as 1 - dimensional foms for environment pumping . fig3 depicts a flow chart for an example method for two - dimensional rox figures of merit analysis . the method may be executed as part of a larger routine or subroutine , such as the method shown in fig1 , or may be executed independently . in some embodiments , following the completion of this method , an additional method may be executed , for example , the method shown in fig3 . this method or similar methods may be used to calculate fom values for a sample transfer routine . fig3 depicts an example plot of example pressure spike and pump down vs . time curves acquired during an environment routine and used to calculate two - dimensional environment figures of merit . within the molecular flow region , the pump down ratio , { absolute ( e1 − e2 )}/ e1 , vs . time is divided into two domains . e2 initially sharply diverges from e1 between 2 . 5 to 5 seconds and then reaches at steady state between 5 - 100 seconds . this time domain is labeled the divergence domain . from 100 to 360 seconds , both e1 and e2 are slowly converging as the buffer and load lock chambers are pumping down to the baseline pressure , e . g ., 1 × 10 − 7 torr . this region is labeled as the convergence domain . fig3 - 33 show example plots of example curve fits of ratio curves as described above . fig3 depicts an example plot of an example curve fit of a ratio curve at a divergence domain using a sum of two exponential functions ( experimental ratio 320 vs . sum of two exponential equations fit 322 ). the sum of two exponential functions fits the ratio curve at the divergence domain for this example . this curve fit maybe used to calculate environmental pumping fom values between 2 . 8 and 100 seconds . fig3 depicts an example plot of an example curve fit of a ratio curve at a convergence domain using a linear function ( experimental ratio 320 vs . linear equation fit 322 ). the linear function fits the ratio curve at the convergence domain for this example . this curve fit maybe used to calculate environmental pumping fom values between 100 and 360 seconds . table 6 depicts a summary of the curve fits of the ratio curve at the divergence and convergence domains as depicted in fig3 - 33 . the curve fits may be used to calculate six fom values for environment pumping through a method of quality control , for example through a method of statistical processing control ( spc ). fig3 depicts an example plot of normalized residual gas analysis figures of merit at 1000 × magnification . at 1000 fold magnification , trace contaminants can be observed , including c + , h 2 o + , o 2 + 38 ar + , as well as unidentifiable masses m / e 15 + , 16 + , 18 + and 26 + . in this example , trace contaminants are detected for the glove box 350 including m / e 26 + and co2 +, and trace contaminants are detected for rox 352 , including m / e 15 + , 16 + and 17 + . for some applications , these contaminants may be at acceptable levels . trace levels of water and oxygen are shown at equivalent levels in both the rox and the glove box . thus , this comparison demonstrates the ability of rox to transfer samples under argon with equivalent trace levels of oxidants compared to a glove box . fig3 depicts a flow chart for an example method for evaluating capsule pumping to test a sample capsule and samples enclosed therein . the method may be executed as part of a larger routine or subroutine , such as the method shown in fig1 , or may be executed independently . in some embodiments , following the completion of this method , an additional method may be executed , for example , the method shown in fig4 . this method or similar methods may be used to calculate fom values for a sample transfer routine . fig3 depicts an example plot of two example pressure spike and pump down vs . time curves acquired with rox capsule and glove box routines and one - dimensional figures of merit . using the pressure spikes as a time reference peak , the pump down curves , c1 and c2 , are overlapped and plotted against time as the independent variable . the magnitude of these pressure spike ( pressure 2 . 7 × 10 - 2 torr ) are identical since the gas flow is under viscous flow while the pump down region is under molecular flow ( pressure & lt ; 1 × 10 - 5 torr ) after ˜ 2 . 5 seconds . 1 - d fom for c1 & amp ; c2 are pressure values measured at 6 and 355 seconds . table 7 depicts a summary of the 1 - dimensional foms for capsule pumping based on the pump down curves depicted in fig3 . the ratio fom is set equal to [ absolute ( c1 − c2 )]/ c1 . at t = 3 . 5 and t = 355 seconds , the ratio values may be assigned as 1 - dimensional foms for capsule pumping . fig3 depicts a flow chart for an example method for two - dimensional rox figures of merit analysis . the method may be executed as part of a larger routine or subroutine , such as the method shown in fig1 , or may be executed independently . in some embodiments , following the completion of this method , an additional method may be executed , for example , the method shown in fig4 . this method or similar methods may be used to calculate fom values for a sample transfer routine . fig3 - 39 show example plots of example curve fits of ratio curves as described above . fig3 depicts an example plot of an example curve fit of a ratio curve at a divergence domain using a single exponential function ( experimental ratio 380 vs . single exponential equation fit 382 ). the single exponential function fits the ratio curve at the divergence domain for this example . this curve fit maybe used to calculate capsule pumping fom values between 3 . 4 and 100 seconds . fig3 depicts an example plot of an example curve fit of a ratio curve at a convergence domain using a linear function ( experimental ratio 390 vs . linear equation fit 392 ). the linear function fits the ratio curve at the convergence domain for this example . this curve fit maybe used to calculate capsule pumping fom values between 100 and 360 seconds . table 8 depicts a summary of the curve fits of the ratio curve at the divergence and convergence domains as depicted in fig3 - 39 . the curve fits may be used to calculate fom values for capsule pumping through a method of quality control , for example through a method of statistical processing control ( spc ). fig4 depicts a flow chart for an example method for evaluating outgassing to test pressure rise vs . time curves due to outgassing after exposure to argon at 850 torr . the method may be executed as part of a larger routine or subroutine , such as the method shown in fig1 , or may be executed independently . in some embodiments , following the completion of this method , an additional method may be executed , for example , a method for opening the sample transfer capsule to load samples into an analysis chamber under uhv . this method or similar methods may be used to calculate fom values for a sample transfer routine . fig4 a and 41b show example curve fit plots using power functions that may be used to calculate outgassing fom values between 175 and 350 seconds . fig4 a an example plot of the curve fit of an example pressure vs . time curve for rox ( experimental ratio 410 vs . power equation fit 412 ). fig4 b an example plot of the curve fit of an example pressure vs . time curve for a glove box ( experimental ratio 414 vs . power equation fit 416 ). in both plots , the power equation fits the experimental ratios derived for outgassing . fig4 depicts an example of an installation design for a rox interface . fig4 depicts a schematic diagram of an example rox installation design as a lock on a surface analysis chamber . in this example , the surface analysis chamber is a time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometer ( tof - sims ) analysis chamber . to install rox on a tof - sems analysis chamber , the rox interface was redesigned to accommodate the space constraints , vibration limitations , and protect the vacuum integrity of the tof - sems analysis chamber . the pumps of the tof - sems for the load lock may be used to evacuate the interface and maintain vacuum on the order of 1 × 10 − 8 torr . fig4 a - d depict data showing how installation of rox may be used to reduce the oxidation of samples at the nano scale . a first case study was performed evaluating the growth of native oxide on a silicon surface , in this example a commercial silicon wafer , as measured by xps . a first experiment was performed comparing the oxidation of silicon in ambient air and under vacuum for 6 hours following the etching of silicon oxide . a cleaned silicon with native silicon oxide was included for comparison . a second experiment was performed evaluating the oxidation of silicon under vacuum , under 850 torr of argon in a glove box , and under 850 torr of argon in rox for six hours following the etching of silicon oxide . a cleaned silicon with native silicon oxide was included for comparison . in the second experiment , argon purity was 99 . 9995 % with less than 0 . 5 ppm of water and molecular oxygen . fig4 a - d depicts an example set of plots depicting the oxidation of a crystalline silicon wafer . xps spectra are shown for the oxidation of si in air ( 43 a - b ) and − 850 torr of argon ( 43 c - d ). the si 2p transition clearly depicts two oxidation states of si substrate 460 ( 99 . 7 ev ) and silicon oxide 462 ( 102 ev ). compared to native silicon oxide 464 , oxidation of an etched silicon was 55 % in air and ˜ 10 % in argon . both ( a ) rox 466 and ( b ) glove box 468 showed similar oxidation rates for silicon . in this patent , certain u . s . patents , u . s . patent applications , and other materials ( e . g ., articles ) have been incorporated by reference . the text of such u . s . patents , u . s . patent applications , and other materials is , however , only incorporated by reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such text and the other statements and drawings set forth herein . in the event of such conflict , then any such conflicting text in such incorporated by reference u . s . patents , u . s . patent applications , and other materials is specifically not incorporated by reference in this patent . further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description . 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 . it is to be understood that the forms of the invention shown and described herein are to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments . elements and materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein , parts and processes may be reversed , and certain features of the invention may be utilized independently , all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the invention . changes may be made in the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims . | 8 |
the present invention provides many benefits over prior art intake valve systems and may also be applied to other non - engine applications in which it is desirable to have a robust variable opening valve . while the invention will be described in a presently preferred embodiment in which the opening in the valve in a fully open position has a circular cross - section , the valve may be configured to have a non - circular cross section at a wide open position for various applications . similarly , while the embodiments which are described illustrate a fully closed position and direct one to one gearing , both the gearing and cylinder cross section may be changed to provide different minimum throttle openings and slopes of area vs throttle inputs as desired . reference will now be made to preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . while the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments , it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments . on the contrary , the invention is intended to cover alternatives , modifications and equivalents , which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims . furthermore , in the following detailed description of the present invention , numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present invention . however , it should be noted that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details . in other instances , well known methods , procedures and components have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention . fig1 is a perspective view of a valve body 100 according to the invention mounted on a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine . fig1 a illustrates an exploded view of the variable throttle valve 100 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention . the variable throttle valve 100 includes a block or body 102 , a first cylinder or barrel 104 coupled to the body 102 and a second cylinder or barrel 106 coupled to the body 102 . in addition , the valve 100 includes a first gear 108 , a second gear 110 , a side piece 112 and an axle 114 . the first gear 108 is coupled to the first cylinder 104 and also coupled to a bearing set ( not shown ) configured in the inner side of the side piece 112 . similarly , the second gear 110 is coupled to the second cylinder 106 and also coupled to a bearing set ( not shown ) configured in the inner side of the side piece 112 . the axle 114 is preferably coupled to the first cylinder 104 , whereby the axle 1 14 extends through the side piece and the first gear 108 to the first barrel 104 . alternatively , the axle 114 is coupled to the second barrel 106 . as shown in fig1 a , the block 102 includes several apertures . on the front face of the block 102 is a first opening or passage 116 and a second opening or passage 118 . the first passage 116 extends from the front face 124 to the back face 126 . similarly , the second passage 118 extends from the front face 124 to the back face 126 of the block 102 . although the preferred embodiment includes two passages 116 and 118 , alternatively , the block 102 may have any number of passages to support different types of induction intake system . the block 102 includes two side inserts 120 and 122 , wherein the first barrel 104 couples to the first insert 120 and the second barrel 106 couples to the second insert 122 . as shown in fig1 a , the first gear 108 couples to the first barrel 104 and the second gear 110 couples to the second barrel 106 . preferably , the first gear 108 and the second gear 110 are of the same size and dimension . alternatively , the first gear 108 and the second gear 110 are of a different size and dimension . when the barrels 104 and 106 are positioned within the block 102 , the first gear 108 and the second gear 110 are geared together such that the rotation of one of the barrels will cause the other barrel to rotate in cooperation with the barrel . although only two gears 108 , 110 , are shown in this example , more than two gears may be used in the event that a gear train of a different ratio is used . alternatively , the barrels may be driven by other means , such as levers , electro - mechanical stepper motors or the like to accomplish the appropriate synchronized opening . fig1 b illustrates a perspective view of one of the cylinders 106 used in the variable throttle valve according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention . the barrel or cylinder 106 preferably includes a first aperture 103 and a second aperture 109 . alternatively , the number of apertures would depend on the number of passages that are present in the block , if a block is used in the throttle valve apparatus . alternatively , if a block is not used , the number of apertures would depend on the number of throttle valves that are desired . the aperture 103 serves as an opening through which flow passes through . preferably , the flow would be an air flow . alternatively , the flow would be some other medium , such as other gases or even liquids . the aperture 103 is preferably a semi - circular shape to conform to the shape of the passage 116 in the block 102 . alternatively , the aperture 103 is any other shape or pattern , such as square , rectangular , etc . the cylinder 106 includes an axis 99 that passes through the length of the cylinder 106 , whereby the cylinder 106 is configured to rotate about the axis 99 . fig2 a illustrates a perspective view of the variable throttle valve in an open position according to the present invention . it should be noted that the block 102 has been omitted from fig2 a - 2c for illustration purposes , although it is not necessary that the block 102 be used to practice the present invention . as shown in fig2 a , the barrels 204 and 206 are positioned such that the semi - circular apertures 203 and 205 form a channel or conduit which is a complete circular aperture . the channel is designated as being in the open position , because the maximum amount of flow passes through the channel . the first gear 208 and the second gear 210 are coupled to one another such that the rotation of one of the barrels will cause the other barrel to rotate in cooperation with the barrel . the rotation of the first barrel 204 causes the second barrel 206 to also rotate , thereby allowing the circular aperture to increase or decrease in dimension or diameter as the barrels rotate . for instance , as shown in fig2 a , the valve 200 is shown in the open position . applying a torque force to the axle 214 will cause the axle 214 to rotate . shown in fig2 a , the rotation is preferably provided in a clockwise manner . it should be noted that the axle 214 alternatively rotates in a counter - clockwise manner . once the axle 214 rotates clockwise , the first barrel 204 also begins to rotate clockwise about axis 99 . since the first gear 208 is coupled to the first barrel 204 and also geared to the second gear 210 , the second gear 210 will rotate counter - clockwise along axis 98 . as described above , the second gear 210 is coupled to the second barrel 206 , therefore the second barrel 206 rotates counter - clockwise as the first barrel 204 rotates clockwise . the rotation of the first barrel 204 and the second barrel 206 causes the complete circular aperture to change in dimension , as shown in fig2 b . fig2 b illustrates a perspective view of the variable throttle valve in an intermediate position according to the present invention . as the first barrel 204 rotates in the clockwise manner and the second barrel 206 rotates in the counter - clockwise manner , the dimension of the channel decreases in size . this decrease in dimension prevents the maximum amount of flow to pass through the channel . further , as shown in fig2 c , the variable throttle valve 200 is in a closed position as the first barrel 204 and the second barrel 206 rotate opposite of one another even further . fig3 a illustrates a perspective view of the variable throttle valve 300 in an open position according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention . as described above in relation to fig2 a , the maximum amount of flow is able to pass through the channel when the first aperture 205 and the second aperture 203 are preferably configured to form a complete circular opening . since the passages 316 and 318 of the block body 302 are preferably circular in shape , the first and second apertures 205 and 203 will be configured to be in communication with the passage 316 when the valve 300 is in the open position , as shown in fig3 a . similarly , the third and fourth apertures 207 and 209 will be configured to be in communication with the passage 318 when the valve 300 is in the open position . thus , the maximum amount of flow is able to flow through the passages 316 and 318 when the valve 300 is in the open position and the channel has the largest dimension . fig3 b illustrates a perspective view of the variable throttle valve 300 within the block in an intermediate position according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention . as shown in fig3 b ., the block 302 includes two passages 316 and 318 and the first barrel 304 as well as the second barrel 306 positioned within the block 302 . the valve apparatus 300 shown in fig3 b is in an intermediate position , because the channel is not in complete communication with the passages 316 and 318 . thus , an intermediate amount of flow between the minimum and maximum is able to pass through the passages 316 and 318 . fig3 c illustrates a perspective view of the variable throttle valve 300 in a closed position according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention . as described above in relation to fig2 c , the minimum amount of flow is able to pass through the first barrel 204 and the second barrel 206 , because there is no channel through which the flow is able to pass . therefore , only a predetermined minimum amount of flow is able to pass through the passages 316 and 318 . the operation of the variable throttle valve of the present invention will now be discussed in view of fig3 a - 3c . in the preferred embodiment , the valve 300 is placed in an automobile engine , wherein the block 302 is configured such that air enters through the passages 316 and 318 on the front side 324 and exits through the passages on the back side of the block 326 . once the air exits the block 302 , the air mixes with fuel which is discharged by the fuel injectors . in fig3 c , the engine is preferably in an idle state whereby the valve 300 is in a closed position . as described above , only a predetermined minimum amount of air passes between the first barrel 304 and the second barrel 306 , due to a small amount of space between the first barrel 304 and the second barrel 306 in the closed position . as the throttle is increased , the axle 314 rotates in response to the gas pedal being depressed . the rotation of the axle 314 causes the first barrel 304 to rotate in the same direction as the axle 314 and along axis 99 . the first gear , which is coupled to the first barrel 304 , also rotates about axis 99 . since the first gear and the second gear are geared together , the rotation of the first gear causes the second gear to rotate in cooperation with the first gear . as described above , the first gear and the second gear preferably rotate in the opposite direction from one another . alternatively , the first gear and the second gear rotate in the same direction with one another by use of a gear train ( not shown ). as the second gear rotates about axis 98 , the second barrel 306 also rotates about axis 98 . as described above , the first gear and the second gear may be of the same size and dimension . therefore , both barrels 304 and 306 rotate at the same rate and distance with respect to one another . alternatively , the barrels 304 and 306 may be configured such that one barrel rotates at a different rate and distance from the other barrel . as the first barrel 304 rotates with the axle 314 , the second barrel 306 preferably rotates the same distance in an opposite direction . thus , as the axle 314 rotates further , the apertures of the first barrel and second barrel begin to enlarge in the passage due to the rotation of the barrels , thereby forming a channel . at this point , the valve 300 is in an intermediate position , whereby some air then passes through the channels as well as the passages of the block 302 . in an electronically controlled engine , the engine management system in the engine can determine the desired dimension of the channel and the amount of air passing through the block 302 and cause the appropriate amount of fuel to be released and mix with the air before the mixture is sent to the cylinders . as the throttle is further advanced , the axle 314 rotates further , thereby causing the first barrel 304 and the second barrel 306 to rotate further about their respective axes . the further rotation of the first and second barrels 304 and 306 cause the apertures to rotate such that the channel becomes larger . as the channel becomes larger , more air is allowed to pass through the passage , because there is less obstruction of the barrels in the passage . at full throttle , the first barrel 304 and the second barrel 306 are rotates such that the apertures form a circular channel that is in complete communication with the passages . the valve 300 is in an open position at this point , whereby the maximum amount of air passes through the passages and the channels . in this manner , the first barrel 304 and the second barrel 306 are rotated relative to each other to provide the appropriate amount of flow through the variable throttle valve of the present invention . the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made in the embodiments chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . accordingly , reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto . | 5 |
many of the fastening , connection , manufacturing and other means and components utilized in this invention are widely known and used in the field of the invention are described , and their exact nature or type is not necessary for a person of ordinary skill in the art or science to understand the invention ; therefore they will not be discussed in detail . applicant hereby incorporates by reference u . s . pat . no . 5 , 220 , 804 for a high heat flux evaporative cooling system . although spray cooling is herein described as the preferred method of two - phase cooling , the present invention is not limited to such a system . spray cooling is only discussed in detail to provide a known preferred embodiment . now referring to fig1 , a two - phase thermal management system 4 is shown . a cooling fluid ( not shown ) is pressurized by a pump 5 . an exemplary cooling pump 5 is described by u . s . pat . no . 6 , 447 , 270 . the cooling fluid may be any one of a wide range of commonly known dielectric or non - dielectric fluids , including but not limited to fluorinert ( a trademark of 3m company ), hydrofluorether , and water mixtures . cooling fluid travels from pump 5 , through a supply manifold 20 , and to a plurality of supply branches 21 a , 21 b , 21 c and 21 d . fluid from supply branches 21 a - 21 d delivers the pressurized cooling fluid to a plurality of spray modules 10 a , 10 b , 10 c and 10 d . the preferred method of constructing and using spray module 10 a - 10 d is described by u . s . pat . no . 5 , 220 , 804 incorporated by reference to this application . the &# 39 ; 804 patent describes a spray module capable of high heat flux thin film cooling . fluid is deposited onto a heated surface in a fashion that promotes the creation of a thin coolant film . the coolant film absorbs energy by through evaporation . the overall heat transfer of the module is partly a function of the thickness of the coolant film and the pressures within the spray module . although it is highly desirable , in terms of efficiency , to have all the liquid transform into vapor within the spray module , the exit fluid typically has a quality less than 100 percent . referring back to fig1 and according to the present invention , the fluid leaving spray modules 10 a - 10 d travels through a plurality of return branches 22 a - 22 d , and into a return manifold 23 . return manifold 23 delivers two - phase fluid to a heat exchanger 8 wherein the two - phase cooling fluid returns to a pure liquid state prior to re - pressurization by pump 5 . although four spray modules are shown in the accompanying drawings , the present invention is not limited to a certain number of spray modules within thermal system 4 . in fact , in datacenter type applications , tens to hundreds of spray modules may be connected in parallel . for each spray module there will be a corresponding supply branch and return branch . thermal management system 4 is ideally suited for applications where numerous components to be cooled are located in a given space . for instance , fig4 shows an equipment rack 30 commonly used in the networking or telecom industry . chassis 12 a - 12 d may be mounted to rack 30 which is secured to a floor . chassis 12 a - 12 d may be any number of available electronic enclosures including : routers , hubs , switches , power supplies , multiplexers , optical transmission equipment and the such . each chassis 12 a - 12 d may be of a different height , but will typically be of a standard specification driven height . for instance , chassis 12 a may be four rack units in height , and chassis 12 b may be only one rack unit in height . the ability to use a wide range of chassis types within rack 30 provides the ability to construct a wide range of applications specific computing configurations . fig4 is shown with thermal system unit 6 mounted below chassis 12 d . preferably , thermal management unit 6 contains pump 5 , heat exchanger 8 , and any number of common liquid cooling system components , such as monitoring equipment , sensors , reservoirs , filters and the like . thermal management unit 6 delivers pressurized single phase coolant to supply manifold 20 and in the direction of chassis 12 d . along the length of supply manifold 20 , a series of supply branches 21 a - 21 d are fluidly connected with a spacing corresponding to rack units . each supply branch 21 a - 21 d provides fluid to a corresponding chassis 12 a - 12 d . unlike the prior art , branches 21 a - 21 d are fluidly connected to supply manifold 20 at acute angles . fluid entering supply branches 21 a - 21 d has a vector component in the direction of fluid travel in supply manifold 20 and provides the means for minimizing pressure losses between pump 5 and spray modules 10 a - 10 d . wherein the branches of a prior system ( fig2 ) may have single phase resistance coefficients ( k factors ) of one to two , the acute angles between supply branches 21 a - 21 d and supply manifold 20 provides individual resistances less than one . also located on rack 30 is return manifold 23 . similar to supply manifold 20 , return manifold 23 is connected to return branches 22 a - 22 d in a fashion that creates acute angles between them . because the fluid flowing through braches 22 a - 22 d and supply manifold 23 is two - phase , this acute angle provides significant system benefits . the fluid leaving return branches 22 a - 22 d has a vector component in the direction of travel of fluid within return manifold 23 and provides the means for minimizing fluid momentum losses between spray modules 10 a - 10 d and heat exchanger 8 . the acute angle formed between return manifold 23 and return branches 22 a - 22 d also provides the means for reducing backpressures on spray modules 10 a - 10 d . return manifold 23 is shown in more detail in fig3 . each individual return branch 21 a , 21 b , 21 c and 21 d is preferably connected to return manifold 23 through the use of a plurality of quick disconnect fittings 25 a , 25 b , 25 c and 25 d . quick - disconnect fittings 25 a - 25 d allow fluid to pass when a branch is inserted , but stops fluid from escaping once a branch is removed . quick - disconnect fittings are widely available from companies such as colder products company . placing a series of valved fittings , such as quick - disconnect fittings 25 a - 25 d , along the length of supply manifold 20 and return manifold 23 with spacing corresponding to rack units further creates the means for providing chassis configuration flexibility within rack 30 . a wide range of chassis , of varying height , may be installed even after rack 30 is installed in the field . supply manifold 20 and return manifold 23 may extend the entire length of rack 30 , or just a portion if an application warrants . supply manifold 20 and return manifold 23 may both be located on the same side of rack 30 , separate sides ( as shown in fig4 ), and either in the front or back side of rack 30 . it is also possible to have the vertical rails of rack 30 house return supply manifold 20 and return manifold 23 . optimal construction of supply manifold 20 , supply branches 21 a - 21 d , return branches 22 a - 22 d and return manifold 23 are application specific . for example , if space is limited in front of the rails of rack 30 , it may be desirable to have a square shape to supply manifold 20 and return manifold 23 . if supply manifold 20 and return manifold 23 are to be captured within the rails of rack 30 , then a round cross section may be desirable . optimal sizing is a function of the number of thermal management units in the system , the type of thermal management system , the type of fluid used , and the heat generated by the components . in some applications is may be desirable to size return manifold 23 sufficiently to promote gravity induced liquid — vapor separation within . it may also be desirable to size return manifold 23 sufficiently to separate any non - condensable gasses from the cooling fluid . a controllable valve 29 located at the highest point of return manifold 23 could provide the ability to vent unwanted non - condensable gases from the system . isr has verified the performance of the system using two 103 watt spray modules , a pump delivering roughly 20 p . s . i . of fluid pressure at 160 ml per minute , utilizing fluorinert 5050 cooling fluid , and 1 / 4 inch diameter polyurethane tubing for supply manifold 20 , supply branches 21 a - 21 d , return branches 22 a - 22 d , and return branch 22 . although polyurethane tubing was used during testing , metallic materials are preferred for long term use with fluorinert ( a trademark of 3m ). flexible polyurethane tubing is commercially available under the tradename tygothane ( a trademark of norton company corp .) fig5 , shows the alternative embodiment described above , wherein return manifold 23 is constructed from flexible tubing . a plurality of splitter fittings 26 a and 26 b are inserted into return manifold 23 . splitter fittings 26 a and 26 b are commercially available in 45 degree angles and can be manufactured in angles less than 45 degrees . fittings 26 a and 26 b may also have integral quick - disconnect features . the flexible tubing embodiment shown in fig5 provides the means for a low momentum loss manifold system capable of three dimensional shapes and configuration flexibility . the embodiment of fig5 , may be used to connect chassis 12 a - 12 d to return manifold 23 ( as shown ), but can also be used to connect , in parallel , multiple spray modules within a single chassis . thus , cooling fluid may be collected within an enclosure from multiple spray modules via a first plurality of return branches , which is fed into a secondary plurality of return branches , which in turn is fed into return manifold 23 . while the low momentum loss manifold system herein described constitutes preferred embodiments of the invention , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise form of assemblies , and that changes may be made therein with out departing from the scope and spirit of the invention . for example , return branches 22 a - 22 d may be mounted perpendicular to return manifold 23 , but contain an internal baffle that alters the trajectory of liquid and vapor coolant leaving return branches 22 a - 22 d in the direction of flow within return manifold 23 . for further example , it should be obvious to one skilled in the art that spray modules 10 a - 10 d may be global spray cooling modules each integral to a chassis or enclosure . | 7 |
the invention presents a new blocking logic to block unknowns for temporal compactors . the proposed blocking logic can reduce data volume required to control the blocking logic and also improve the number of scan cells that are observed by temporal compactors . control patterns , which describe values required at the control signals of the blocking logic , are compressed by lfsr reseeding . in the inventive method , scan chains are clustered into several groups and the outputs of the scan chains in each group are connected to 2 - input and gates that are controlled by the same control signal before the blocking logic gates . if no scan chains in a group capture unknowns , then the corresponding blocking logic gates are bypassed by the 2 - input and gates . hence no bits need to be specified in the control pattern for that group . this can significantly reduce the number of 0 &# 39 ; s that should be specified to propagate errors for observation . since all the scan cells in the group are observed , bypassing can improve observability . numbers of specified bits in highly specified test patterns are reduced by not observing one or more scan chain groups . the scan chains groups that are not observed are selected such that no decrease in fault coverage results . fig1 describes the lfsr reseeding based unknown blocking scheme used in prior work . every unknown value that is scanned out of the output of a scan chain ( see x &# 39 ; s on the outputs of scan chains h 1 and h n ) in a shift cycle must be blocked to prevent it from corrupting the signature by setting the control input of the corresponding blocking logic gate to a 1 . on the other hand , errors that need to be observed should propagate to the misr through the blocking logic gate . for example , in fig1 , since an error ( denoted by d ) that needs to be observed is scanned out of the output of h 2 in the current cycle , the control input of the blocking logic gate for h 2 is set to a 0 . the lfsr should be loaded with appropriate seeds to block all unknowns and propagate the errors that need to be observed to the misr . these seeds should be stored in the ate memory prior to test application along with test data . hence , if the size of seeds is large , it will increase overall data volume to be stored in the ate memory . ( in this paper , we use a scheme that loads a new seed into the control lfsr for each test pattern .) when test patterns are compressed by lfsr reseeding , normally the size of seeds , i . e ., the number of stages of lfsr , is determined by the number of specified bits in the most specified test pattern among all test patterns . if the number of specified bits in the most specified test pattern is s max , the number of stages of lfsr required is given by s max + m , where m is a margin to ensure that the equations are solvable . hence , it is important to minimize the number of specified bits in the most specified pattern . to minimize volume of control data , control pattern c i that has minimal number of care bits is computed for every test pattern p i . every scan cell that captures an unknown should be assigned 1 &# 39 ; s in c i ( assume that the blocking logic is comprised of only or gates ). the number of specified bits in each control pattern is minimized by minimizing the number of bits that are specified to 0 &# 39 ; s to observe errors . to reduce the number of care bits in c i , we reduce the number of faults that are targeted by test pattern p i . note that if a fault f is detected not only by p i but also by many other test patterns , then even if f is not observed when p i is applied , there is a high chance that fault f will be detected by other test patterns . once a set of faults f i that should be detected by test pattern p i is determined , then the minimum number of scan cells required to observe all faults in f i are selected . fault set f i is called the target fault list of p i . typically , a fault is captured into multiple scan cells and some scan cells capture fault effects for multiple faults . since observing only one fault effect is enough to detect the fault , only one fault effect is selected for observation for every fault in f i . fig2 ( b ) gives control pattern c i obtained by using the procedure described above for the test response shown in fig2 ( a ). the scan cells that capture unknown values are assigned 1 &# 39 ; s in c i . assume that the target fault list of p i contains faults f 1 , f 2 , . . . , f 7 . hence c i is specified to observe fault effects for these 7 faults . only one fault effect is selected for each fault for observation . for example , although fault effects of f 2 are captured into the third scan cell of scan chain h 2 and fifth scan cell of scan chain h 5 , only the third scan cell of scan chain h 2 is selected for observation and assigned a 0 in c i . c i requires 14 specified bits . after a control pattern c i that has minimal number of specified bits is computed for test pattern p i , a seed is computed for c i by using a linear solver . then the lfsr pattern cr i that will be generated by the lfsr / phase shifter from the seed for c i is computed by simulating the lfsr / phase shifter . during the simulation , the lfsr is loaded with the seed for c i and clocked for l cycles , where l is the number of scan cells in the longest scan chain . fig3 depicts a scan design that employs the inventive unknown blocking technique . there are a few differences between the blocking logic of the proposed technique and that of prior work , which is shown in fig1 . note that the blocking logic of the proposed method has an extra 2 - input and gate before each or gate of the blocking logic . one input of each 2 - input and gate is driven by an output of the phase shifter and the other input is driven by an output of the group register . the n scan chains are divided into g groups and all the 2 - input and gates that are connected to the outputs of scan chains that belong to the same group are driven by a common output of the group register . hence if i - th bit of the group register is assigned 0 , then the values captured in all scan cells in i - th group enter the corresponding misr , independent of the output states of the phase shifter . the outputs of scan chains in each group are connected to a separate misr . each group may contain a different number of scan chains although in the example shown in fig3 , every group consists of 4 scan chains . in this paper , all scan chains that can capture unknowns are placed into a few scan chain groups . these scan chain groups , which are assigned 1 &# 39 ; s in the group register such as g g of fig3 , are called unknown capturing scan chain groups or ucgs . on the other hand , scan chain groups that capture no unknowns are called unknown free scan chain groups or ufgs and assigned 0 &# 39 ; s in the group register such as g 1 . the proposed blocking logic can significantly reduce data volume for control patterns and improve observability over the prior art . the control pattern for prior work shown in fig2 ( b ) requires 14 specified bits . in the following , we show that the number of 0 &# 39 ; s in the control pattern for the same test response can be significantly reduced by using the proposed blocking logic . consider computing a control pattern c i for the proposed blocking logic ( see fig2 ( c )) for the test response shown in fig2 ( a ). assume that scan chains are clustered into 4 groups , g 1 , . . . , g 4 . only the scan cells in groups g 3 and g 4 capture unknowns and no other scan cells capture unknowns . hence g 1 and g 2 are assigned 0 &# 39 ; s in the group register and all scan cells in these scan chain groups can be observed without specifying any bit of c i to 0 for them . all the 7 faults except 2 faults f 4 and f 9 in the target fault list of p i can be detected by observing g 1 and g 2 . although the proposed scheme can reduce the number of 1 &# 39 ; s too ( see the next section ), assume that all scan cells that capture unknowns are assigned 1 &# 39 ; s in the control pattern for now . hence , 5 bits are assigned 1 &# 39 ; s to block the unknowns in the control pattern . only two additional bits need to be specified to 0 &# 39 ; s to observe fault effects for f 4 and f 9 . in consequence , total only 7 bits ( 5 1 &# 39 ; s and 2 0 &# 39 ; s ) need to be specified in the control pattern for the proposed blocking logic . as described above , data for the group register are determined according to scan chains that capture unknowns . a simple method to identify scan cells that can capture unknowns is to simulate the design with a set of random patterns . during the simulation , all scan chains that contain scan cells that capture unknown ( s ) in the response to any random pattern are identified . these scan chains are grouped together into 2 - 3 ucgs ( ucgs are assigned 1 &# 39 ; s in the group register ). since the number of groups , i . e ., the number of stages of the group register , is small and the group register need not be updated often with different data ( in most cases , the group register needs to be loaded only once during the entire test session ), data volume for the group register is negligible . in lfsr reseeding , the size of seeds ( or the number of stages of the lfsr ) is normally determined by the number of specified bits in the most specified pattern among all patterns . hence even if there is only one control pattern that has large number of specified bits and all the other responses have very few specified bits , the blocking logic will require large seed size , which in turn results in large control data volume . the numbers of specified bits in densely specified control patterns are reduced as follows . initially , a control pattern that requires minimum number of specified bits is computed for every test pattern . assume that an lfsr with s max + m stages is used to generate control sequences for the blocking logic . first , we select a set of control patterns that have more than s max specified bits . let this set be c d and the set that includes all the other control patterns be c s . next , we compute a seed for every control pattern c i in c s and calculate the lfsr pattern cr i from the computed seed by simulating the lfsr operation as described in section 2 . we apply cr i to the blocking logic and drop all faults that are observed not only from the target fault list of p i but also from target fault lists of all the other test patterns . the signatures of all misrs are updated . hence , many faults will be dropped from target fault lists of test patterns for which control patterns are in c d when processing all control patterns in c s is complete . then the signatures of all misrs are reset . now we start processing control patterns in c d . numbers of specified bits of these control patterns are reduced by unspecifying the bits that are specified for scan cells in one or more ucgs , i . e ., by not observing scan cells in one or more ucgs . the ucg ( s ) for which bits are unspecified in c i are called the unobserved ucgs of c i . for every control pattern c i in c d , we first drop the faults that are captured in scan cells in ufgs , i . e ., unknown free scan chain groups ( these faults are always observed independent of control sequences generated by the lfsr ). the unobserved ucgs are selected to avoid decrease in fault coverage . we first unspecify the specified bits for all the ucgs from c i . the number of remaining target faults of p i that are captured in each ucg is counted . then we select a ucg g m that captures the largest number of target faults of p i , mark the ucg , and specify c i to block all unknowns and observe all target faults of p i that are captured in g m . if the number of specified bits of c i is small enough for the linear solver to find a seed for c i , then we drop the faults from the target fault list of p i whose fault effects are captured in the scan cells that are assigned 0 &# 39 ; s in c i . otherwise we unspecify back the bits that are specified for g m from c i . then we select another ucg among the unmarked ucgs that captures the largest number of target faults of p i . we repeat the procedure described above in this paragraph until all ucgs are marked . when all ucgs are marked , we select the next control pattern and determine the unobserved ucgs for it . this is repeated until a set of unobserved ucgs is determined for every control pattern in c d . if in the response to test pattern p i , an unobserved ucg captures at least one target fault that is captured only in that ucg ( the fault is captured in no other scan chain group ), then not observing the ucg will make some faults undetected . if this is the case for a control pattern c i ( it does not occur often since many faults in the target faults of p i have already been dropped and very few faults remain ), then c i is applied twice during test application . in each of the two applications , a different ucg is selected as the unobserved ucg . this guarantees detection of all target faults of p i . after unobserved ucgs are determined for every control pattern in c d , the control patterns in c d are sorted by their unobserved ucgs such that test patterns for which control patterns have the same unobserved ucgs are consecutively applied during test application . after all test patterns for which control patterns have the same unobserved ucgs are applied , the signatures in all misrs are scanned out and the misrs are reset before the next group of test patterns are applied . fig4 ( a ) shows numbers of specified bits in each control pattern required for the ucgs g a , g b , and g c and the total number of specified bits ( the column “ total ”). for example , control pattern c x - 1 requires respectively 21 , 23 and 30 specified bits for g a , g b and g c and total 74 specified bits . assume that s max = 75 is given for the control lfsr . all control patterns other than c x , c y , and c z require fewer than 75 specified bits . hence c d ={ c x , c y , c z } and c x ={ all control patterns except c x , c y and c z }. an lfsr seed is computed for every control pattern in c s and the faults that are observed are dropped from target fault lists of all test patterns including test patterns for which control patterns are in c d . as more faults are dropped , fewer specified bits are required in each control pattern . after all test patterns except p x , p y , and p z for which control patterns are in c d are applied to the scan chains , the signatures in the misrs are scanned out for comparisons with good signatures . then all misrs are reset . now control patterns in c d are processed to compute seeds for them . control pattern c x is taken first from c d and all specified bits of c x that were specified for the three ucgs are unspecified . the faults that are captured in ufgs are dropped from the target fault list of p x . since g a captures the largest number of faults , 12 ( in fig4 ( a ), the number over the number of specified bits required for each ucg represents the number of target faults captured in the ucg ), the bits for g a are specified to block unknowns and to observe the 12 faults . g a is marked . since the number of specified bits of c x is only 30 ( smaller than s max = 75 ), the linear solver finds a seed for c x . the faults whose fault effects are captured in the scan cells that are assigned 0 &# 39 ; s in c x are dropped from the target fault list of p x . since g c captures more faults than g b , g c is marked next and the bits for g c are additionally specified in c x . since the number of specified bits of c x is only 63 ( the sum of bits that are specified for g a and g c ), the linear solver still finds a seed for c x . the faults whose fault effects are captured in the scan cells that are assigned 0 &# 39 ; s in c x are dropped from the target fault list of p x . since the only unmarked ucg is g b , g b is marked next and the bits for g b are specified in c i . since the number of specified bits of c x now becomes 98 , which is far greater than s max , the linear solver does not find a seed for c x . the bits that are specified for g b are unspecified back and g b is determined as the unobserved ucg of c x . if there are faults in the target fault list of p x that can be detected only by observing g b , then p x will be applied one more time . in the control pattern for the second application of p x , a ucg other than g b is selected as the unobserved ucg . a seed is computed for c x and observed faults are dropped from all target fault lists . since there are no further unmarked ucgs , we take the next control pattern c y from c d and process the ucgs in the order of g b , g c , and g a ( according to the number of faults captured in each ucg ) to determine the unobserved ucgs . since specifying c y for g c after g b makes the number of specified bits of c y 76 , which is greater than s max , the bits of c y that are specified for g c are unspecified back . specifying bits for the remaining unmarked ucg , g a , makes the number of specified bits of c y only 61 . hence g c is determined to be the unobserved ucg of c y . using the same procedure that were used for c x and c y , g b is determined to be the unobserved ucg of c z . control patterns in c d are now sorted into two different groups . for the first group , which includes c x and c z , g b is not observed and for the second group , which includes only c y , g c is not observed . since they are not observed ( compared with good signatures ), the signatures for unobserved ucgs are denoted by xxx in fig4 ( b ). another advantage of the proposed scheme over prior work is better observability . if an lfsr is used to generate control signals for the blocking logic , then on an average only 50 % of scan cells are observed . in contrast , in the proposed scheme , all scan cells in the groups that are assigned 0 &# 39 ; s in the group register are observed . for example , in fig2 ( c ), since all scan cells in ufgs , g 1 and g 2 , are observed , 75 % scan cells can be observed ( assume that approximately 50 % scan cells of g 3 and g 4 are observed ). the invention presents a new blocking logic to block unknowns for temporal compactors . the proposed blocking logic can reduce data volume required to control the blocking logic and also improve the number of scan cells that are observed by temporal compactors . control patterns , which describe values required at the control signals of the blocking logic , are compressed by lfsr reseeding . in the inventive method , scan chains are clustered into several groups and the outputs of the scan chains in each group are connected to 2 - input and gates that are controlled by the same control signal before the blocking logic gates . if no scan chains in a group capture unknowns , then the corresponding blocking logic gates are bypassed by the 2 - input and gates . hence no bits need to be specified in the control pattern for that group . this can significantly reduce the number of 0 &# 39 ; s that should be specified to propagate errors for observation . since all the scan cells in the group are observed , bypassing can improve observability . numbers of specified bits in highly specified test patterns are reduced by not observing one or more scan chain groups . the scan chains groups that are not observed are selected such that no decrease in fault coverage results . experimental results show that control patterns for the proposed blocking logic require very small number of specified bits . the number of scan cells that are observed by the proposed blocking logic is close to that of scan cells that can be achieved by direct observation even under existence of many unknowns in responses . run time of the proposed method is several orders of magnitude shorter than that of prior work . experiments with large industrial designs clearly demonstrate scalability of the proposed method . since only n 2 - input and gates , where n is the number of scan chains in the design , and a small group register are only additional hardware to the blocking logic of prior work , hardware overhead for the proposed blocking logic is very low . the present invention has been shown and described in what are considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments . it is anticipated , however , that departures may be made therefrom and that obvious modifications will be implemented by those skilled in the art . it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous arrangements and variations , although not explicitly shown nor described herein , embody the principles of the invention and are within their spirit and scope . | 6 |
referring to the drawings , the heat retentive food container 10 is shown as having a vacuum - sealed base section 12 and a vacuum - sealed cover section 14 , each being of linear , non - circular configuration . when closed together , a cavity 16 in the base section 12 is provided in which solid and liquid foods may be stored and kept warm . as more clearly shown in fig3 - 5 a substantially non - slip surface is included on an underside 18 of the base section 12 for restraining movement of the container 10 when placed on a flat surface . as fig3 - 5 illustrate , this substantially non - slip surface may be in the form of a series of non - skid disks 75 of any appropriate material to provide a degree of friction for any accidental motion . fig1 - 4 and 6 also illustrate the food container 10 having a substantially non - slip surface 22 on opposing side surfaces ( as 24 , 26 ) of the base section 12 for supporting the holding of the container 10 when lifted from the flat surface . fig1 - 4 additionally illustrate a substantially non - slip surface 28 on opposing side surfaces ( as 30 , 32 ) of the cover section 14 for easing removal of the cover section 14 from the base section 12 in the opening and closing of the container . although the food container of the invention may be of triangular , rectangular , square , or like parallelogram shape , the rectangular configuration of fig1 - 6 is to be preferred . the base section 12 and cover section 14 of the food container 10 may be hinged together for opening and closing — but in the preferred embodiment of the invention , are removably joined together by a latch system employing a clasp and tab releasable mount . as more clearly seen in fig2 and 3 , individual pairs of clasps 34 and tabs 36 are illustrated extending from correspondingly facing side surfaces ( 24 , 50 ) in removably joining the base and cover sections together . to effectuate any non - leaking , thermal join between the two sections 12 , 14 , the cover section 14 is arranged to have first and second sets of surrounding side surfaces ( 30 , 31 on the one hand , and 50 , 52 on the other hand ), with the first set of surfaces 30 , 31 overlying the second set of surfaces 50 , 52 — such that the second set 50 , 52 align the clasps 34 to removably join with the base section tabs 36 for the releasable securement . gasket seals 91 and 93 are understood as being included at the underside of the cover section 14 and the base section 12 to prevent leakage of the thermos when closed ( fig3 ). as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art , the non - slip surface at the underside 18 of the base section 12 allows the straight - sided thermos to be set down , to remain in place . with the non - slip surface 28 on the cover section 14 , the cover could be easily removed and replaced as a lid . with the non - slip surface 22 , it becomes easier for the lid to then be removed - by similarly holding on to each of their respective non - slip surfaces ; and , once the lid is removed , the non - slip surface 22 provides an easy manner of grasping the base section 12 to either drink from the cavity 16 or eat from the solid food stored therein . by employing the base and cover sections 12 , 14 of a vacuum - sealed construction , the solid and / or liquid foods stored therein can be kept warm . while there have been described what are considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention , it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the teachings herein . for example , fixed partitions may be provided internal of the cavity 16 for separating one hot food from another — or various clips can be affixed to the inside walls defining the cavity to receive removable partitions in separating one food from another . also , while spanning the opposing side surfaces of the cover section 14 to remove its lid or spanning the opposing side surfaces of the base section 12 to hold the container can be accomplished by a grasping action of the hand where the container is of a small or medium size , only adjacent side surfaces might be able to be grasped where the container is larger . recognizing that the non - slip surfaces 22 and 28 go around the edge surfaces of the straight - sided thermos of the invention , it is to be understood that the words “ opposing side surfaces ” in the claims also encompass the “ adjacent side surfaces ” of the container , and are to be read in this context . and , at the same time , while the teachings of the present invention are particularly attractive in keeping solid and liquid foods warm or hot , the teachings of the invention will be understood to be equally applicable as well for the keeping of solid and liquid foods cold by the inherent nature of the vacuum - sealing provided . for at least such reasons , therefore , resort should be had to the claims appended hereto for a true understanding of the scope of the invention . | 0 |
a better understanding of the multiple endocrine activity of synthetic progestins is required not only for their more rational use in the prevention and therapy of breast and endometrial cancers as well as endometriois and bone loss but also to avoid side effects caused by interaction with steroid receptors unnecessary for the desired beneficial effect . precise analysis of the biological actions of synthetic &# 34 ; progestins &# 34 ; having affinity for many steroidal receptors would ideally require the selection of in vitro models possessing functional receptors for all major classes of steroids . for this purpose , we have chosen the zr - 75 - 1 human breast cancer cell line , which possesses functional receptors for estrogens , androgens , progesterone and glucocorticoids ( vignon et al ., j . clin . endocrinol . metab . 56 : 1124 - 1130 , 1983 ) in order to compare the relative contribution of the different steroid receptor systems in the control of cell proliferation by synthetic progestins . while estrogens are strongly mitogenic in zr - 75 - 1 cells ( poulin and labrie , cancer res . 46 : 4933 - 4937 , 1986 ) and specifically regulate the expression and / or the secretion of several proteins ( dickson and lippman , endocr . rev . 8 : 29 - 43 , 1987 ), androgens ( poulin et al ., breast cancer res . treatm . 12 : 213 - 225 , 1988 ), glucocorticoids ( hatton , a . c ., labrie , f ., unpublished results ) as well as progestins ( poulin et al ., breast cancer res . treatm . 13 : 161 - 172 , 1989 ) inhibit their proliferation through specific interactions with their respective receptors . many progestins have been used in the treatment of breast cancer , including mpa ( blossey et al ., cancer 54 : 1208 - 1215 , 1984 ; hortobayyi et al ., breast cancer res . treatm . 5 : 321 - 326 , 1985 ), mga ( johnson et al ., semin . oncol . 13 ( suppl . ): 15 - 19 , 1986 ; tchekmedyan et al ., semin . oncol . 13 ( suppl . ): 20 - 25 , 1986 ) and norethindrone ( clavel et al ., eur . j . cancer clin . oncol . 18 : 821 - 826 , 1982 ; earl et al ., clin . oncol . 10 : 103 - 109 , 1984 ). using the in vitro system of human breast cancer zr - 75 - 1 cells , i have found that the synthetic progestins or anabolic steroids , nor - testosterone , r1881 , dromostanolone , fluoxymesterone , ethisterone , methandrostanolone , oxandrolone , danazol , stanozolol , calusterone , oxymetholone , cyproterone acetate , chlormadinone acetate and norgestrel , possess androgenic activity at low concentrations . in addition to inhibition of cell growth , the secretion of two glycoproteins , namely gross cystic disease fluid protein - 15 ( gcdfp - 15 ) and gcdfp - 24 is markedly stimulated by androgens ( simard et al ., mol . endocrinol . 3 : 694 - 702 , 1989 ; simard et al ., endocrinology 126 : 3223 - 3231 , 1990 ). measurements of gcdfp - 25 or gcdfp - 24 secretion can thus be used as sensitive parameter or marker of androgen action in these cells . in fact , changes in gcdfp - 15 and gcdfp - 24 secretion are opposite to the changes in cell growth under all experimental conditions examined . all the synthetic progestins or anabolic steroids that i have studied exhibit androgenic activity on zr - 75 - 1 breast cancer growth and secretion of gcdfp - 15 and gcdfp - 24 . identification of the receptors ( estrogen , androgen , progesterone and glucocorticoid ) responsible for the action of the compounds is essential in order to assess the potential actions ( including adverse effects ) of such compounds . it is thus especially important to assess the specific interaction at low concentrations with the androgen receptor since such low concentrations do not interact with the glucocorticoid receptor , thus avoiding or minimizing secondary side effects . one method for inhibiting growth of breast and endometrial cells is activation of the androgen receptor with an effective compound having an affinity for the receptor site such that is binds to the androgen receptor at low concentrations while not significantly activating other classes of steroid receptors linked to potential side effects . it is important to select compounds having maximal affinity for the androgen receptor which have minimal or no virilizing effects in women . in order to minimize interaction of such compounds with the glucocorticoid and estrogen receptors , it is important to use low dose of the compounds . it is also important to choose steroids having androgenic activity at low concentrations which are not metabolized into estrogens under in vivo conditions which , at the low concentrations used , will not lead to significant activation of receptors other than the androgen receptors . my research has shown that the compounds used in the invention , particularly anabolic steroids and synthetic progestins , vary markedly , over different concentrations , in their ability to activate different classes of steroidal receptors . hence , by carefully controlling concentration , it is possible to selectively cause activation of desired receptors while not causing significant activation of undesired receptors . for example , at the low concentrations specified herein , mpa can be utilized to desirably activate androgen receptors while substantially avoiding side effects associated with glucocorticoid activation which have plagued prior art treatments . thus , this invention provides a novel method for prevention and therapy of breast and endometrial cancer as well as other diseases responsive to activation of the androgen receptor , e . g . bone loss and endometriosis . in this invention , the amount of the androgenic compounds administered is much lower than previously used in art for the treatment of breast and endometrial cancer . to help in determining the potential effects of the treatment , blood concentrations of the compound can be measured . for example , measurements of plasma medroxyprogesterone acetate ( mpa ) levels can be made by radioimmunoassay following extraction as follows : antibody 144a was raised in rabbits against 17 - hydroxyprogesterone - 3 - 0 - carboxymethyloxime - bsa . the labeled steroid used in the radioimmunoassay ( ria ) was methyl - 17α - hydroxyprogesterone acetate , 6α - 1 , 2 - 3 h ( n )!- obtained from nen ( cat no : net 480 ) while the reference preparation was medroxyprogesterone acetate ( mpa ) obtained from steraloids . the assay buffer used was 0 . 1 % gelatin in 0 . 1m sodium phosphate , 0 . 15m sodium chloride , 0 . 1 % sodium azide , ph 7 . 2 . the extraction solvent mixture was ethyl ether - acetone ( 9 : 1 , v : v ) eea ! while the lh - 20 chromatography solvent mixture was iso - octane : toluene : methanol ( 90 : 5 : 5 ; v : v : v ) ioth !. one ml of plasma was extracted twice with 5 ml of eea . the extracts were evaporated to dryness with nitrogen and the remaining residue was dissolved in one ml of ioth . the extracts were then subjected to lh - 20 chromatography on 10 × 30 cm columns ( corning cat no : 05 722a ) filled with 2 g of lh - 20 ( pharmacia ). the gel was washed with 30 ml of ioth before addition of one ml of sample and elution with ioth . the first 6 ml were discarded . the following 10 , 16 . 5 and 27 . 5 ml of eluent were fraction i ( progesterone ), ii ( mpa ) and iii ( 17 - lh - progesterone ), respectively . fraction ii was evaporated to dryness and reconstituted in 1 . 5 ml of assay buffer . to each 12 × 75 mm borosilicate test tube was added : 0 . 2 ml containing 25 , 000 dpm of tritiated steroid , 0 . 5 ml of reference preparation ranging from 5 to 5000 pg / tube or 0 . 5 ml of extracted sample fraction ii , 0 . 2 ml of antiserum 144a diluted 1 / 5000 or 0 . 2 ml of assay buffer to account for non specific binding . the tubes were then incubated overnight at 4 ° c . then , 0 . 2 ml 2 % charcoal norit - a , 0 . 2 % dextran t - 70 diluted in water was added . the tubes were then shaken gently and , after 10 min , they were centrifuged at 2000 × g for 10 min . the supernatant was mixed with 8 ml of formula - 989 ( nen : nef - 989 ) and the radioactivity was counted in a β - counter . the lower and upper limits of detection of mpa are 10 and 10000 pg / ml , respectively , while the slope ( logit - log ) is - 2 . 2 and the ed 50 value is 315 pg / ml . non - specific and net binding are 1 . 5 and 45 %, respectively . antibody 144a is highly specific for mpa since cross - reactivity with progesterone , 20α - oh - prog , pregnenolone , 17 - oh - pregnenolone , dht , androstenedione , testosterone , 3α - diol , estrone , estradiol and cortisol is less than 0 . 1 %. ria data were analyzed using a program based on model ii of roadbard and lewald ( in : 2nd karolinska symposium , geneva , 1970 , pp . 79 - 103 ). plasma mpa levels are usually shown as the means ± sem ( standard error of the mean ) of duplicate measurements of individual samples . statistical significance is measured according to the multiple - range test of duncan - kramer ( kramer , c . y ., biometrics 12 : 307 - 310 , 1956 ). to assist in determining the activity of the potential compounds on the various steroid receptors , androgen , glucocorticoid , progesterone and estrogen - receptor - mediated activities of synthetic progestins and anabolic steroids can be measured in zr - 75 - 1 human breast cancer cells using cell growth as well as gcdfp - 15 and gcdfp - 24 release as parameters of response ( poulin and labrie , cancer res . 46 : 4933 - 4937 , 1986 ; poulin et al ., breast cancer res . treatm . 12 : 213 - 225 , 1988 ; poulin et al ., breast cancer res . treatm . 13 : 161 - 172 , 1989 ; poulin et al ., breast cancer res . treatm . 13 : 265 - 276 , 1989 ; simard et al ., mol . endocrinol . 3 : 694 - 702 , 1989 ; simard et al ., endocrinology 126 : 3223 - 3231 , 1990 ). the following properties permit measurement of progesterone receptor ( pgr ) activity : 1 ) the addition of insulin completely reverses the inhibition due to the interaction of the progestin r5020 with the pgr in zr - 75 - 1 cells ; and 2 ) the antiproliferative effect of r5020 is observed only under e 1 - stimulated conditions . these two characteristics of zr - 75 - 1 cell growth permit study of the extent to which a tested compound &# 39 ; s effects on zr - 75 - 1 cells are attributated to its interaction with pgr by evaluating the effect of insulin and / or estrogen addition on the growth response measured at the end of a 15 - day incubation of zr - 75 - 1 cells with the test compounds . the contribution of the estrogen receptor ( er ), on the other hand , can be directly measured by incubating zr - 75 - 1 cells in the presence or absence of estrogen in the medium . in order to analyze the interactions of synthetic progestins or anabolic steroids with the androgen receptor ( ar ) and glucocorticoid receptor ( gr ) in their inhibitory action on cell growth , one takes advantage of the additivity of the anti - proliferative effects of androgens and glucocorticoids in this cell line ( poulin et al ., breast cancer res . treatm . 12 : 213 - 225 , 1988 ; hatton and labrie , f ., unpublished data ). thus , one can saturate ar with 5α - dihydrotestosterone ( dht ) and then measure the effect on cell proliferation resulting from the addition of a putative glucocorticoid . on the other hand , the effect of a putative androgen can similarly be measured following saturation of gr by dexamethasone ( dex ). the specificity of the growth - inhibitory activity thus observed with the test compound can also be further assessed by its reversibility using the appropriate antagonist ( i . e . antiglucocorticoid or antiandrogen ). thus , in the presence of excess androgen ( 1 μm dht ) in the presence of e 2 and insulin , glucocorticoid effects can be assessed with precision and with no interference by the other receptors . the same applies to study of the role of ar when the cells are incubated in the presence of excess glucocorticoid ( 3 μm dex ), in the presence of e 2 and insulin . as demonstrated by detailed kinetic studies , 1 μm dht and 3 μm dex exert maximal inhibitory effects on the ar and gr , respectively . in addition , the possible antagonistic activities of &# 34 ; progestins &# 34 ; mediated through the ar and gr can be determined by saturating both receptor systems with dht and dex with one ligand being in far greater excess than the other in order to allow reversal through a single chosen receptor at a time . all experiments are performed with zr - 75 - 1 cells grown in e 2 - supplemented media containing insulin in order to prevent the pgr - mediated effect of &# 34 ; progestins &# 34 ; on cell growth . using the foregoing techniques , i have found that numerous androgenic compounds which also activate other receptors ( e . g . glucocorticoid or progesterone receptors ) vary in their relative effects on different receptors as a function of concentration . by staying within concentration ranges defined herein , compounds of the invention may beneficially affect androgen receptors without substantial undesirable effects on other receptors . selection of patients who may benefit from the method &# 39 ; s described herein the appearance of breast cancer is usually detected by self breast examination and / or mammography . endometrial cancer , on the other hand , is usually diagnosed by endometrial biopsy . both cancers can be diagnosed and evaluated by standard physical methods well known to those skilled in the art , e . g . bone scan , chest x - ray , skeletal survey , ultrasonography of the liver and liver scan ( if needed ), cat scan , mri and physical examination . endometriosis can be diagnosed following pains or symptoms associated with menstruations in women while definitive diagnosis can be obtained by laparascopy and , sometimes , biopsy . bone density , on the other hand , can be measured by standard methods well known to those skilled in the art , e . g . qdr ( quantitative digital radiography ), dual photon absorptiometry and computerized tomography . plasma and urinary calcium and phosphate levels , plasma alkaline phosphatase , calcitonin and parathormone concentrations , as well as urinary hydroxyproline and calcium / creatinine ratios . breast or endometrial cancer , osteoporosis or otherwise insufficient bone mass , and other diseases treatable by activating androgen receptor may be treated in accordance with the present invention or prophylactically prevented in accordance herewith . typically suitable androgenic compounds include 6 - alpha - methyl , 17 - alpha - acetoxy progesterone or medroxyprogesterone acetate available , for exemple , from upjohn and farmitalia carlo erba , s . p . a . under the trade names provera , depoprovera or farlutal , and the acronym mpa . other suitable androgenic compounds include those described in labrie et al . ( fertil . steril . 31 : 29 - 34 , 1979 ) as well as anabolic steroids or progestins ( raynaud and ojasso , in : innovative approaches in drug research , elsevier sci . publishers , amsterdam , pp . 47 - 72 , 1986 ; sandberg and kirdoni , pharmac . ther . 36 : 263 - 307 , 1988 ; and vincens , simard and de lignieres , les androgenes . in : pharmacologie clinique , base de therapeutique , 2ieme edition , expansion scientifique ( paris ), pp . 2139 - 2158 , 1988 ), as well as calusterone ( 7β , 17α - dimethyltestosterone ), anabolic steroids ( lam , am . j . sports medicine 12 , 31 - 38 , 1984 ; hilf , r ., anabolic - androgenic steroids and experimental tumors . in : ( kochachian , c . d ., eds . ), handbook of experimental pharmacology , vol . 43 , anabolic - androgenic steroids , springer - verlag , berlin , 725 pp , 1976 ), fluoxymesterone ( 9α - fluoro - 11β - hydroxy - 17α - methyltestosterone ), testosterone 17β - cypionate , 17α - methyltestosterone , pantestone ( testosterone undecanoate ), δ 1 - testololactone and andractim . other typical suitable androgenic compounds are cyproterone acetate ( androcur ) available from shering ag , 6 - alpha - methyl , 17 - alpha - acetoxy progesterone or medroxyprogesterone acetate ( mpa ) available from , among others , upjohn and farmitalia , calbo erba , gestodene available from shering , megestrol acetate ( 17α - acetoxy - 6 - methyl - pregna - 4 , 6 - diene - 3 , 20 - dione ) available from mead johnson & amp ; co ., evanswille , ind ., under the trade name of megace . other synthetic progestins include levonorgestrel , norgestimate , desogestrel , 3 - ketodesogestrel , norethindrone , norethisterone , 13α - ethyl - 17 - hydroxy - 18 , 19 - dinor - 17β - pregna - 4 , 9 , 11 - triene - 20 - yn - 3 - one ( r2323 , gestrinone ), demegestone , norgestrienone , gastrinone and others described in raynaud and ojasso , j . steroid biochem . 25 : 811 - 833 , 1986 ; raynaud et al ., j . steroid biochem . 25 : 811 - 833 , 1986 ; raynaud et al , j . steroid biochem . 12 : 143 - 157 , 1980 ; raynaud , ojasoo and labrie , steroid hormones , agonists and antagonists , in : mechanisms of steroid action ( g . p . lewis and m . ginsburg , eds ), mcmillan press , london pp . 145 - 158 ( 1981 ). any other progestin derivative having the above - described characteristics could also be useful for the invention . the androgenic compound is preferably administered as a pharmaceutical composition via topical , parenteral or oral means . the compound can be administered parenterally , i . e . intramuscularly or subcutaneously by injection of infusion by nasal drops , by suppository , or where applicable intravaginally or transdermally using a gel , a patch or other suitable means . the androgenic compound may also be microencapsulated in or attached to a biocompatible , biodegradable polymer , e . g . poly ( d1 , 1 - lactide - co - glycolide ) and subcutaneously or intramuscularly injected by a technique called subcutaneous or intramuscular depot to provide continuous , slow release of the compound over a period of 30 days or longer . in addition to the oral route , a preferred route of administration of the compound is subcutaneous depot injection . depoprovera can be released at a relatively constant rate for approximately 3 months after intramuscular administration of an aqueous suppression . the amount of each compound administered is determined by the attending clinician taking into consideration the patient &# 39 ; s condition and age , the potency of each component and other factors . in the prevention of breast and endometrial cancer , as well as bone loss , according to this invention , the following dosage ranges are suitable . the androgenic composition is preferably administered in a daily dosage which delivers less than 25 mg of active androgenic steroid per 50 kg of body weight . a dosage of 1 - 10 mg per 50 kg of body weight , especially 3 - 7 mg ( e . g . 5 mg ) is preferred . the dosage selected preferably maintains serum concentration below 50 nanomoles per liter , preferably between 1 . 0 nanomoles per liter and 10 , 15 or 25 nanomoles per liter depending on patient &# 39 ; s response . the dosage needed to maintain these levels may vary from patient to patient . it is advisable for the attending clinical to monitor levels by the techniques described herein and optimize dosage accordingly . for prophylactic purposes , administration of the androgen is preferably started in the perimenopausal period for the prevention of breast and endometrial cancer and bone loss in normal women . the androgen may be associated with an accepted dose of an estrogen used to prevent other signs and symptoms of menopause . in women , when estrogen formation and / or action has been blocked for treatment of endometriosis , leiomyomata , breast cancer , uterine cancer , ovarian cancer or other estrogen - sensitive disease , administration of the androgen can be started at any time , preferably at the same time as blockade of estrogens . the androgen for intramuscular or subcutaneous depot injection may be microencapsulated in a biocompatible , biodegradable polymer , e . g ., poly ( d , 1 - lactide - co - glycolide ) by , among other techniques , a phase separation process or formed into a pellet or rod . the microspheres may then be suspended in a carrier to provide an injectable preparation or the depot may be injected in the form of a pellet or rod . see also european patent application epa no . 58 , 481 published aug . 25 , 1982 for solid compositions for subdermal injection or implantation or liquid formulations for intramuscular or subcutaneous injections containing biocompatible , biodegradable polymers such as lactide - glycolide copolymer and active compounds . these formulations permit controlled release of the compound . the androgens useful in the present invention can be typically formulated with conventional pharmaceutical excipients , e . g ., spray dried lactose and magnesium stearate into tablets or capsules for oral administration . the active substance can be worked into tablets or dragee cores by being mixed with solid , pulverulent carrier substances , such as sodium citrate , calcium carbonate or dicalcium phosphate , and binders such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone , gelatin or cellulose derivatives , possibly by adding also lubricants such as magnesium stearate , sodium lauryl sulfate , &# 34 ; carbowax &# 34 ; or polyethylene glycol . of course , taste - improving substances can be added in the case of oral administration forms . as further forms , one can use plug capsules , e . g ., of hard gelatin , as well as closed soft - gelatin capsules comprising a softener or plasticizer , e . g . glycerine . the plus capsules contain the active substance preferably in the form of granulate , e . g ., in mixture with fillers , such as lactose , saccharose , mannitol , starches , such as potato starch or amylopectin , cellulose derivatives or highly dispersed silicic acids . in soft - gelatin capsules , the active substance is preferably dissolved or suspended in suitable liquids , such as vegetable oils or liquid polyethylene glycols . in place of oral administration , the active compound may be administered parenterally . in such case , one can use a solution of the active substance , e . g ., in sesame oil or olive oil . the active substance can be microencapsulated in or attached to a biocompatible , biodegradable polymer , e . g . poly ( d , 1 - lactide - co - glycolide ) and subcutaneously or intramuscularly injected by a technique called subcutaneous or intramuscular depot to provide continuous slow release of the compound ( s ) for a period of 2 weeks or longer . the invention also includes kits or single packages containing the pharmaceutical composition active ingredients or means for administering the same for use in the prevention and treatment of breast and endometrial cancer as well as bone loss and treatment of endometriosis as discussed above . the kits or packages may also contain instructions on how to use the pharmaceutical compositions in accordance with the present invention . following the above therapy using the described regimen , tumor growth of breast and endometrial cancer as well as bone loss and endometriosis can be relieved while minimizing adverse side effects . the use of the described regimen can also prevent appearance of the same diseases . prevention of mammary carcinoma induced by dimethylbenz ( a ) anthracene ( dmba ) in the rat , by low dose medroxyprogesterone acetete (&# 34 ; mpa &# 34 ;) to illustrate the efficacy of the present invention in reducing the incidence of mammary carcinoma , fig1 illustrates the effect of a single subcutaneous injection of depo - provera ( medroxyprogesterone acetate ( mpa ) ( 30 mg )) one week before inducing carcinoma with dimethylbenz ( a ) anthracene . fig1 shows the period from 30 to 85 days following administration of dmba . one curve in fig1 shows the average number of tumors per animal in the group protected by depo - provera while the other curve shows the average number of tumors per animal in the unprotected group . it is estimated that the 30 mg . injection of depo - provera would release approximately 0 . 17 mg . of active medroxyprogesterone acetate per day over a six - month period . as may be seen by comparing the two graphs in fig1 the depo - provera - treated group showed much greater resistance to the development of tumors than did the unprotected group . after 85 days an average of 1 . 89 tumors per rat was observed in the unprotected group , while only 0 . 30 tumor per rat was observed in the depo - provera protected group . tumor number and size measured with calipers were determined weekly . treatment of mammary carcinoma induced by dimethylbenz ( a ) anthracene in the rat , by low dose medroxyprogesterone acetate fig2 illustrates the inhibition of mammary carcinoma growth which may be achieved in accordance with the methods of the invention . tumors were induced in ovariectomized rats using dimethylbenz ( a ) anthracene . estradiol was used to stimulate growth in both a treatment and control group of rats . each animal in the treatment group received a single subcutaneous administration of 30 mg of depo - provera ( which is estimated to release approximately 0 . 17 mg . per day of active medroxyprogesterone acetate for a period of about six months ). this figure illustrates the average estradiol - stimulated change in total tumor area in each group following treatment . as may be seen in fig2 the group treated with depo - provera exhibited significantly less tumor growth than the untreated group . the terms and descriptions used herein are preferred embodiments set forth by way of illustration only , and are not intended as limitations on the many variations which those of skill in the art will recognize to be possible in practicing the present invention as defined by patent claims based thereon . | 0 |
a pressure regulating valve in accordance with the present invention is shown in fig1 a and 1 b and identified with reference numeral 10 . it has a magnetic part 12 and a valve flange 14 which is connected to the latter . the magnetic part 12 includes a hollow - cylindrical coil 16 , a sleeve - shaped coil core arranged in the interior of the coil 16 , and a movably guided armature 20 . the latter is arranged at the end side of the coil 16 which faces the valve flange 14 and overlaps it . for its axial guidance , the armature 20 has a pin 24 which is mounted in a central opening 22 extending through the armature . it extends into a sliding bushing 26 which is anchored in the coil core 18 . the sliding bushing 26 is inserted in a blind hole - shaped recess of a plug 28 which is screwed in the sleeve - shaped coil core 18 and closes the same from outside . the plug 28 is changeable in its relative position relative to the coil core 18 . a spring 30 which is centered by the pin 22 is supported on it . with its second end it abuts against the armature 20 . the pre - tensioning of the spring 30 is adjustable via the relative position of the plug 28 relative to the coil core 18 during the mounting of the pressure regulating valve . the function of the spring 30 is to provide a restoring force which brings the armature 20 in powerless condition of the coil 60 to the illustrated base position of the pressure regulating valve 10 . the magnetic part 12 is injection - molded with a synthetic plastic casing 34 with embedding of an element 32 which conducts the magnetic flux . contact tongues 36 extend outwardly from the synthetic plastic casing 34 . electrical contacting of the coil 16 with a not shown control electronic system is provided through the contact tongues 36 . the armature 20 of the magnetic circuit is disc - shaped and has a central portion 38 with a reduced outer diameter . it extends in direction of the coil 16 and also in direction of the valve flange 13 . an elastic guiding disc 40 is anchored at the end of the central portion 38 which faces the valve flange . it is fixed with its outer periphery with a magnetic flux conducting element 32 and the valve flange 14 . the guiding disc 40 together with the pin 22 guarantees the exact guidance of the armature 20 . the armature 20 moreover is provided with throughgoing openings 42 in the region between its outer diameter and the diameter of the central portion 38 . one of such openings is shown in fig1 a , 1 b . the throughgoing openings 42 are distributed uniformly around the circumference of the armature and connect the part of the armature chamber 44 located about the armature 20 with its part located below . identical conditions which are thereby provided in the both parts of the armature chamber 44 guarantee the undampened movement of the armature 20 . it should be mentioned that the above shown design of the magnetic part 12 is purely exemplary and is not limiting for the scope of the present invention . the design of the magnetic part 12 as such does not constitute the inventive features . any other magnetic circuit design or armature support which can not be provided for the realization of the invention can be utilized . for the operation of the invention an undamped movement of the armature 20 in the magnetic part 12 must be however guaranteed . the armature 20 cooperates with the piston 46 which is guided in the valve flange 14 in a force - transmitting manner . for this purpose the valve flange 14 is formed for example as a pressure cast part which is flanged in the magnetic part 12 . the valve flange 14 is provided with a guiding opening 44 which extends in direction of its longitudinal axis and receives the piston 46 . the guiding opening 44 opens at the end of the valve flange 14 which faces the magnet , into an opening 56 which opens toward the magnetic part 12 . the recess 50 is expanded in its diameter relative to the guiding opening 48 and forms a mounting space for a diaphragm element 52 . the diaphragm element 52 separates the recess 50 in two pressure chambers 50 a and 50 b which are separated from one another and seals the magnetic part 20 relative to the valve part 14 . for this purpose the diaphragm element 52 is ring - shaped and is mounted on its diameter in a slot 54 on the periphery of the piston 46 . the outer diameter of the diaphragm element 52 is received in a groove 56 which is formed on the valve flange 14 . it is fixed there by a holding ring 58 which is clamped in the recess 50 . the diaphragm element 52 has such dimensions that it can follow an axial movement of the piston 46 within the control of the coil 16 . the hydraulic connections 61 , 62 , 64 , of the pressure regulating valve 4 are formed on the valve flange 14 . a not shown hydraulic consumer is connected with the connection 61 , which in the preferable embodiment of the pressure regulating valve 10 , is a following valve over a coupling . the connection 62 is connected with a not shown pressure generator and acts as a supply of the pressure regulating valve 10 . the connection 64 is connected with a not shown pressure medium supply container and acts as a return . moreover , a contact connection 64 schematically shown in fig1 a , 1 b is provided between the connection 61 at the side of the consumer and a connection 60 at the end of the guiding opening 48 which is opposite to the magnetic part 12 . the end surface of the piston 46 is loaded with a working pressure through the connection 60 , to guarantee its abutment against the armature 20 . the connection 61 is formed as a ring groove 61 a on the periphery of the valve flange 14 and opens through a radially extending working passage 61 b into the guiding opening 48 . therefore the opening section of a first control cross - section 68 is formed . the connection 62 is arranged between the connection 60 and 61 on the pressure regulating valve 10 . it is also formed as a ring groove 62 a and is connected through radial supply passages 62 b with the guiding opening 48 . therefore this opening part forms the second control cross - section 70 of the pressure regulating valve 10 . a return - side connection 64 is provided in direction of the magnetic part 12 above the connection 61 of the pressure regulating valve 10 . it opens through a return passage 64 b into the guiding opening 48 . for the operation of the above described pressure regulating valve 10 it is important that the connection 64 is located deeper than the pressure medium level in the connected supply container since only in this way the return passage 64 b is reliably filled with pressure medium under low pressure . the passages 61 b , 62 b , and 64 b of the pressure regulating valve 10 through which the pressure medium flows are separated by a wall 72 from the pressure chamber 50 a . however , a connecting opening 74 is provided in the valve 72 and couples the pressure chamber 50 a hydraulically with the return passage 64 b . thereby the pressure chamber 50 a is always filled with pressure medium . as shown in fig1 a , a throttling device 76 is anchored in accordance with the present invention in the connecting opening 74 . in the shown example it is integrated in a separate hat orifice . the hat orifice is pressed with its circumferential edge up to the abutment in the connecting opening 74 . it has at least one orifice opening 81 at its part which covers the cross - section of the connecting opening 74 . with dimensioning of the cross - section of the orifice opening by the material thickness of the hat orifice , the latter can be formed in a simple way as an ideal orifice in accordance with a flow technique . the dampening characteristic of ideal orifices is preferably , in the temperature region under consideration , substantially independent from temperature changes . a narrowing 78 is provided in the substantially cylindrical piston 46 for controlling the pressure of the connection 61 of the pressure regulating valve 10 which is connected to the consumer . at the beginning and at the end of the narrowing 78 , two control edges 80 , 82 are formed on the piston 46 . they cooperate in alternating action with both control cross - sections 68 and 70 of the valve flange 14 . in the shown base position of the pressure regulating valve 10 the second control valve 82 which is located facing away from the magnetic part 12 releases a pressure medium connection between the connection 61 associated with a consumer and the connection 62 of the valve flange 14 associated with a supply . simultaneously the first control edge 80 of the piston 46 closes the pressure medium connection between the consumer - side connection 61 and the return - side connection 64 of the pressure regulating valve . the consumer is thereby supplied from the pressure generator with pressure medium until the required working pressure is built up and the control edge 82 no longer closes . with the electrical control of the coil 16 , the armature 20 is moved due to the produced magnetic force against the restoring force of the spring 30 in direction of the coil 16 . the piston 46 follows because of the loading of its end surface which faces away from the magnetic part 12 with the working pressure of this stroke movement . the free flow cross - section between the control cross - section 68 and the control edge 80 opens , so that the pressure at the consumer - side connection 61 of the pressure regulating valve 12 reduces , until finally the piston 46 completely interrupts the pressure medium connection . due to the anchoring at the piston 46 , the diaphragm element 52 follows the stroke movement of the piston . the volumes of the pressure chambers 50 a and 50 b which are separated from one another by the diaphragm element 52 change . with corresponding movement direction of the piston 46 the pressure medium is displaced by the diaphragm element 52 through the connecting opening 74 with the inserted throttling device 66 into the return 64 . the diaphragm element 52 performs in addition to its sealing function also a pumping function . the throttling action produced by the throttling device 76 in the connection passage 34 maintains , depending on the speed , the stroke movement of the piston 46 and acts in a stabilizing way on the regulating properties of the pressure regulating valve 10 . short - term pressure fluctuations in the pressure regulating circuit , for example mechanically caused vibrations in the magnetic circuit 12 which are transmitted through the armature 20 to the piston 46 remain due to the dampening properties without influencing the pressure level at the consumer . an adaptation of the dampening properties to the corresponding applications of the pressure regulating valve 10 is performed by the number of the throttling devices 76 , their geometrical construction and / or dimensions . it is to be understood that it is also possible to dispense with the connecting passage 74 with the inserted throttling device 76 , and to provide between the piston 46 and the wall of its guiding opening 48 in the region between the pressure chamber 50 a and the return passage 64 b a gap 80 as the throttling device 76 , as shown in fig1 b . regardless of this it is advantageous when the connecting passage 74 is formed as the throttle device 76 and therefore a separate hat orifice can be dispensed with . in order to exclude the temperature dependency of the throttling condition , the throttle device 76 can be formed so that in the throttle gap a turbulent stream is introduced . it is achieved with so - called ideal orifices , whose length / diameter ratio is maintained in a predetermined value . furthermore , it is also proposed in the case of the formation of the throttling device 76 in the connecting passage 74 , to design the gap between the piston 46 and its guiding opening 48 in the region between the pressure chamber 50 a and the return passage 64 b so that , a pressure medium leakage from the pressure chamber 50 a via the gap is excluded . this is achieved through the absolute gap dimension and a correspondingly determined gap length . fig2 shows a second embodiment of an inventive pressure regulating valve 10 with integrated dampening device . components which are functionally identical to those shown in the preceding figures are identified with the same reference numerals . the pressure regulating valve 10 of fig2 in contrast to the pressure regulating valve of fig1 is formed as a so - called flat seat pressure regulator . it has a valve flange 14 with three hydraulic connections 61 , 62 and 64 . the working passage - side connection 61 of the pressure regulating valve 10 is now connected with the return - side connection 64 through a valve seat 84 . the third , supply - side connection 62 is arranged between the connection 61 and 64 . it extends perpendicularly to the plane of the drawings , so that in fig2 only its opening cross - section into the working passage 61 b is recognizable . the connection 64 merges into the return passage 64 b and opens into the working passage 61 b , while it is located at the opening point of the valve seat 84 . it is designed in form of metallic seat plate 86 , which is injection molded in the valve flange 14 . in the shown base position the valve seat 84 of the pressure regulating valve 10 is closed by a closing member 88 . the closing member 88 in this case is formed of one piece with the armature 20 . the valve flange 14 is formed as a synthetic plastic injection molded component , and a sleeve - shaped deep drawn part 90 locally is surrounded by this synthetic plastic injection molded component . the deep drawn part 90 extends outwardly beyond the valve flange 14 and with its outwardly extending end locally engages the magnetic part 12 . moreover , a throughgoing passage 92 is provided on the deep drawn part 90 in the region of its portion which is surrounded by the valve flange 14 . the throttling device 76 in form of a hat orifice with at least one orifice opening which is not shown in fig2 is inserted in the throughgoing opening 92 . the throttling device 76 is located also in a connecting passage 74 of the valve flange 14 , between the return passage 64 b and the pressure chamber 50 a which is limited by the diaphragm element 52 . the deep drawn part 90 is injection molded only on the outer side of its inserted end . its inner side is free from synthetic plastic and forms a guide for the part of the armature 20 which forms the valve piston . with respect to its dampening properties , the second embodiment is identical to the first embodiment , so that the corresponding explanations are dispensed with . it should be mentioned that in the second embodiment the coil core 18 and the armature 20 of the magnetic part 12 extend locally into the interior of the hollow - cylindrical coil 16 . this construction of the magnetic part 12 is typical for the pressure regulating valve 10 with proportional regulating functions . in proportional valves the armature 20 between its end positions is bringable to any intermediate positions , whereby a pressure regulation is constantly regulatable by variation of the control voltage of the coil 16 . in the pressure regulating valve 10 of fig2 the armature 20 is voluminous . it is a rotation - symmetrical component , with collar 20 a which covers the coil 16 at the end side . the collar 20 a extends in direction of the valve flange 14 into an armature plunger 20 b , at whose end the closing member 88 is formed . the collar 20 a in direction of the magnetic part 12 transits into an armature dome 20 c which is placed inside the coil 16 . a blind - hole - shaped central opening 22 is formed in the armature dome 20 c and receives the pin 24 . the pin 24 on the one hand centers the spring 30 which returns the pressure regulating valve 10 to its base position and on the other hand provides the pin 24 with armature guidance , since the end extending beyond the armature 20 is inserted in the sliding bushing 26 of the plug 28 that closes the coil core 18 . it is to be understood that further changes or additional features are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention . for example in a pressure regulating valve 10 with pressure medium - free magnetic part 14 a cost favorable damping device 76 can be integrated without increasing the dimensions or the number of the components . it will be understood that each of the elements described above , or two or more together , may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above . while the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in hydraulic pressure regulating valve , it is not intended to be limited to the details shown , since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention . without further analysis , the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can , by applying current knowledge , readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that , from the standpoint of prior art , fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention . | 5 |
according to the present invention , it has now unexpectedly been found that the time required for dissolution of waste solids is significantly decreased if the solvent contacting the bed can help create or release a gas in the bed . the pores of the solid waste are kept open by the emission of the gas and the furthering of the solvent encroachment results in reduced time for cleaning the filter bed and preparing it for use . in the process of the present invention , a filter bed is used to filter a solution of the desired products such as photographic couplers , hardeners , dyes and the like from waste materials . the waste materials are generally formed as by - products of the chemical reactions carried out to form the desired product . the product passes through the filter bed in solution ( filtrate ) leaving the waste . the filter bed is made up of the by - products of the reaction and remains as waste . the filter is generally of a type comprising a simple cloth as the filtering surface such as polypropylene or cotton duck . for example , fig1 shows a typical filter bed at the start of a cleaning operation . fig2 shows the action of the solvent dissolution of the bed of waste ( such as salt ). fig3 shows the use of dissolution as in fig2 but with the generation or release of a gas with the solvent on contact , which opens the pores of the waste material to facilitate fast dissolution of the waste material . fig4 depicts the final filter which is now free of solid waste material and ready for reuse . in the preferred embodiment , the salt is deposited in a deep bed ( 1 ) such as a filter box during the removal of the product from a slurry fed to the box . the filter box is then subjected to a bottom feed of a hot water stream ( 3 ). the water can be heated from 20 ° c . to 100 ° c . this releases carbon dioxide gas . the carbon dioxide opens the cake up by bubbling out of it , creating a path for the water to rapidly penetrate the whole cake and increase the dissolution rate . the rate is much slower if no gas evolution is available ( fig2 ). at the end , the cake is completely dissolved from the filter box and the box is ready for the next batch of material . the filter is designed to capture waste products and pass desirable products out in the filtrate . the products to be filtered can be couplers , dyes , hardeners , or the like . when the above slurries are filtered , the packed beds preferably comprise waste solids such as inorganic salts , insoluble organics , and the like . the filtrate contains the product . solvents used to dissolve these waste products in the filter beds comprise water , solvent for the insoluble organics , and the like . the amount of solvent used can be varied and is generally enough to saturate a dilute solution . the amount of gas or gas forming material is a function of the reaction or added in quantities to form cracks in the filter cake on activation . if additional material is added to the filter bed with the solvent it is designed to react on contact with the solvent to form an emitted gas . generally materials which react with various solvents , and the solvents reactable with these materials on contact to produce emitted gas are shown in table 1 below . table 1______________________________________materials added solvent gaseous product______________________________________sodium bicarbonate low ph water co . sub . 2sodium carbonate low ph water co . sub . 2sodium sulfite low ph water so . sub . 2______________________________________ the gas could also exist in a saturated solution and be released by an increase in temperature . the gas that is emitted is sufficient to break up thick cakes of solid waste and allows the solvent to dissolve the solid waste in a decreased period of time . the gas could also be released during the chemical reaction to form the solid by - product and be trapped or occluded in the by - product structure . in order to further illustrate the present invention and the advantages thereof , the following examples are given , it being understood that it is intended only as illustrative and in no way limiting . a chemical slurry containing dissolved product and unwanted salts plus sodium bicarbonate and some trapped carbon dioxide gas , for example , is filtered in a large filter box . the depth of the cake can be over 3 foot high . after the product solution is removed by vacuum , the remaining salts contain trapped gas plus a material capable of gas formation on contact with the solvent for the majority of the salts . in the simple example , water is added to a sodium chloride / sodium bicarbonate salt cake . the cake is formed into a deep bed from a non - solvent salt slurry . in an acid environment , the bicarbonate internal to the cake will decompose to carbon dioxide and water . the carbon dioxide in the cake will form channels to allow the water to rapidly penetrate into the cake and dissolve the large salt deposit . without internal channeling the water penetrates much slower and the time to dissolve the cake becomes longer . in the first comparative example whose flow is depicted in fig2 a 13 &# 34 ; sodium chloride cake was prepared in a 3 &# 34 ; diameter pressure filter by pouring in 1765 g of nacl . two washes of two liters each were added to the pressure filter ( acetone + 100 g of 36 % hcl ( ph & lt ; 1 ). this was pressure filtered through the cake using 15 psig nitrogen . this mimics the removal of mother liquor in a chemical process and the washing of the cake to remove product . after most of the acetone / water was removed with the 15 psi nitrogen , water was added backflushing through the cake . after 53 / 4 minutes all of the cake was dissolved . the same procedure was used as above except 1 % by weight of sodium bicarbonate was dry mixed into the nacl before loading into the column . the cake was dissolved in 41 / 4 minutes with the aid of the internally generated gas bubbles from the bicarbonate breaking up the cake . a sample containing process chemicals and salt in acetone was washed with acetone and backflushed with water . despite the fact that a portion of the tacky product remained with the salt , the water was able to break up cakes of thickness &# 39 ; up to 2 feet rapidly due to internal generation of air bubbles . an analine derivative is converted to a hydrazine hydrochloride . the process results in the formation of mixed sodium salts which include sodium sulfite . in an acid medium the sulfite breaks down to sulfur dioxide gas which remains trapped in the salt matrix as a gas or a crystal occlusion ( gas trapped in the crystal structure during or post crystal formation ). when the salt is dissolved in water the sulfur dioxide bubble help break up the salt cake and enhance cake dissolution . while the invention has been described in terms of various preferred embodiments , the skilled artisan will appreciate that various modifications , substitutions , omissions , and changes may be made without departing from the spirit thereof . accordingly , it is intended that the scope of the present invention be limited solely by the scope of the following claims , including equivalents thereof . | 1 |
the process of the subject invention generally comprises the addition of a direct heating unit ( dhu ) in parallel to a reheater located between two or more of the serial eb dehydrogenation reactors . utilizing the ethylbenzene to styrene dehydrogenation reaction as a non - limiting example , generally the energy needed for the reaction to convert ethylbenzene to styrene is supplied by superheated steam ( at about 1000 ° f . to 1650 ° f .) that is injected into a vertically mounted fixed bed catalytic reactor with vaporized ethylbenzene . the catalyst is typically iron oxide - based and contains one or more potassium compounds ( k 2 o or k 2 co 3 ), which act as reaction promoters . typically , 1 - 2 pounds of steam is required for each pound of ethylbenzene to ensure sufficiently high temperatures throughout the reactor . the superheated steam supplies the necessary reaction temperature of about 1000 - 1200 ° f . throughout the reactor . ethylbenzene conversion is typically 60 - 70 %. the system is generally operated under vacuum . because of the endothermic nature of the dehydrogenation reaction , conventional eb processes require the addition of heat to the process to maintain the dehydrogenation reaction at economic levels . this , in turn , necessitates the use of multiple reactors in order to provide opportunity to add heat during the process , which the prior art accomplished by utilizing heaters , commonly referred to as reheaters , located between each of the serial reactors . fig1 illustrates a conventional multiple reactor dehydrogenation system having a steam reheater located between the first and second reactor and between the second and third reactor . fig2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention where a dhu is added and operated in parallel to the steam reheater located between the first and second reactor . although not shown , a dhu can also be added in parallel with a steam reheater located between the second and third reactor ( or any additional reactors ), or prior to the first reactor . fig3 further illustrates an embodiment wherein a dhu is operated in parallel to a steam reheater . the combination of the reheater and the dhu in a parallel arrangement can enable the input of more heat into the reactant stream than can be accomplished by a reheater or a dhu alone . the feed to the primary reactor is comprised of primarily of ethylbenzene and steam . the primary reactor effluent stream from the first reactor and can comprise a mixture of ethylbenzene , styrene , hydrogen , steam , and may contain small amounts of other components exiting the first stage ( primary ) reactor . a first portion of the primary reactor effluent enters the reheater where it is heated by cross exchange with a steam supply , which can be a superheated steam supply . a second portion of the primary reactor effluent enters the dhu rather than the reheater . the second portion of the primary reactor effluent is heated by heat exchange with the heat of combustion from the dhu . the first portion of the primary reactor effluent exiting the reheater combines with the second portion of the primary reactor effluent exiting the dhu to form the feed stream to the second stage ( secondary ) reactor . the steam supply to the reheater can be superheated steam that is heated above the saturation temperature . the superheated steam return will be cooler steam as it has transferred heat to the process in the reheater . the fuel stream to the dhu can be of any combustible fuel suitable for the application , such as for example natural gas , butane or hydrogen extracted from the dehydrogenation process . other hydrocarbons extracted from the dehydrogenation process can also be used as a fuel source . combinations of one or more of the fuel sources listed above , or other sources can also be used . air is provided for the combustion of the fuel within the dhu . the air for the dhu can be heated or cooled as needed to increase the thermal efficiency of the dhu or to reduce emissions such as co 2 or nox . fig4 illustrates one embodiment of a dhu that has a fuel supply tube capable of having multiple fuel injection points . the fuel supply tube is located within a reaction zone tube wherein the fuel is combusted . the fuel supply tube and the reaction zone tube are in a concentric arrangement . air is input into the exchanger and heated above the fuel &# 39 ; s auto ignition temperature . the injection of fuel into this stream results in a reaction between the fuel and the oxygen contained in the air . the air is supplied by an air supply tube that is concentrically positioned around the reaction zone tube . the air supply tube is sealed on its end such that the air is forced to flow through the reaction zone tube . heat from the fuel combustion is transferred through the air stream to the process stream as shown . the concentric tubes comprising the fuel tube , reaction tube and air supply tube can be referred to as a three - tube configuration or a three - tube dhu . there of course can be additional configurations of the air , fuel , exhaust streams using more or fewer tubes , and this invention also covers the contemplated use of other tube arrangements and more or fewer tubes . fig5 illustrates one embodiment of a dhu in the form of a flameless oxidation burner that is described in u . s . pat . no . 7 , 293 , 983 to butler , which is fully incorporated by reference herein . flameless oxidation can occur within the burner , which then dissipates heat to the process flow stream . other designs of types of direct heating units that can be used within the present invention include , but are not limited by , those disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 7 , 025 , 940 to shaw , et al . ; u . s . pat . no . 6 , 588 , 416 to landais , et al . ; u . s . pat . no . 6 , 321 , 743 to khinkis , et al . ; u . s . pat . no . 6 , 007 , 326 to ryan et al . ; u . s . pat . no . 4 , 705 , 022 to collier ; and u . s . pat . no . 4 , 298 , 333 to wunning , the contents of which are fully incorporated by reference herein . the illustrations of fig3 , 4 and 5 are shown wherein the process flow is generally parallel to the dhu , but the dhu may also be configured wherein the process flow can flow generally perpendicular to the dhu or in other configurations wherein the process flow can flow other than parallel or perpendicular relative to the dhu . the illustrations of a single dhu should also not be limiting as multiple dhus may be utilized , for example two or more dhus located in parallel or series arrangement with one or more reheaters that are located between two dehydrogenation reactors . utilizing a dhu and reheater to add heat to a dehydrogenation reaction system may reduce the quantity of steam needed for the process as described herein . this may reduce the total quantity of fuel that is combusted within the process , thus reducing the amount of combustion products , such as co 2 and nox that are emitted . certain dhu designs may be more efficient than the corresponding design of the steam boilers and therefore may have the capability to decrease the fuel usage for the process . reductions in the fuel to hydrocarbon ratios of from 0 . 1 % to 15 % or greater may be achieved . the quantity of heat that can be added to the system at a particular location may be limited by the metallurgy used within the process . for example , if a reheater has a temperature limit that is less than the temperature of the superheated steam , then the quantity of superheated steam being sent through the reheater will have to be controlled and possibly limited in order to maintain the reheater temperature below its limit . the use of one or more dhus as described herein can enable the reheater to operate within its temperature limitations while the total amount of heat added between the reactors can be increased . the use of one or more dhus as described herein in conjunction with a reheater can enable the total amount of heat added between dehydro reactors to be increased more uniformly so that undesirable “ hot spots ” of temperature do not occur within the heating units . hot spots can cause difficulties such as coking , degradation or unwanted reactions of a reactant or product . various types of dhus can be used within the present invention and the invention should not be limited by the use of a certain dhu type . the concept of utilizing a dhu in conjunction with a reheater for the purpose of adding heat to an endothermic dehydrogenation process is not therefore limited by the particular design of either the dhu or the reheater . one illustrative example involves an existing system used for eb dehydrogenation that produces approximately 1 . 5 billion pounds / year of styrene . the existing system had an existing reheater , and a dhu was added to the system . the dhu and the reheater were positioned in a parallel arrangement in the system after the first reactor , and approximately 2 % to 5 % of the first reactor effluent was diverted to a dhu rather than being fed with the remainder of the first reactor effluent stream ( 95 % to 98 %) into the reheater for heating . the dhu was found to consume 28 pounds / hour of fuel gas , and the overall steam to hydrocarbon / oil ratio was reduced by approximately 0 . 1 , which translated into about a 1 . 6 % cost savings on steam used in the overall process . as used herein , “ between ” is defined to mean that the components are arranged in series process flow rather than parallel process flow and that the component referred to is situated after the process flow through one of the reference items and before the process flow through the other reference item . as such , the components do not have to be aligned in a particular physical location with respect to each other . as used herein , “ parallel ” or “ parallel arrangement ” is defined to mean that the components are not arranged in series and that each component separately processes a portion of the stream . as such , the components do not have to be aligned in a true physical parallel manner with respect to each other . while the foregoing is directed to embodiments , versions and examples of the present invention , which are included to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventions when the information given herein is combined with available information and technology , the inventions are not limited to only these particular embodiments , versions and examples . other and further embodiments , versions and examples of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof . | 1 |
fig1 -- an embodiment of an apparatus in the form of a linear prime mover for the conversion of microscopic movements of piezo elements into macroscopic linear displacement of a piston capable of performing a mechanical work fig1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an apparatus of the invention in the form of a linear prime mover for the conversion of microscopic movements of piezo elements into macroscopic linear displacement of a piston capable of performing a mechanical work . the apparatus , which is generally designated by reference numeral 20 , consists of a housing 22 which is sealingly closed at one end by a first cover 24 and at another end by a second cover 26 . covers 24 and 26 are attached to housing 22 by bolts , which are not shown in the drawings . it is understood that appropriate seals , which also are not shown in the drawings , are placed between respective covers and housing 22 . housing 22 is divided into two chambers , i . e ., a first chamber 28 and a second chamber 30 , by a transverse partition 32 . first chamber 28 is preferably of a cylindrical shape and contains a piston 34 slidingly moveable in chamber 28 and dividing it into an upper chamber 36 , which is filled with a liquid 38 , and a lower chamber 40 which is sealed from liquid 38 by a piston head or piston 34 of a substantial diameter . it is understood that the terms &# 34 ; upper &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; lower &# 34 ; are conventional and that the apparatus may have different orientation than the one shown in fig1 . second chamber 30 is filled with a dielectric liquid 31 such as a transformer oil . partition 32 has a central hub 42 with an opening 44 which slidingly receives a piston rod 46 of piston 34 . a through opening 48 passes through the central part of piston 34 . a valve , e . g ., an electrically controlled solenoid valve 50 , is installed at the end of opening 48 opposite to the piston . valve 50 can open or close the above - mentioned through opening 48 from an external command . a tube 52 made of a relatively resilient material , such as bronze , spring steel or the like , is installed between the lower end of central hub 42 and the inner surface of second cover 26 . a space 54 formed underneath piston rod 46 inside tube 52 is filled with liquid 54a and is isolated from the rest of second chamber 30 . a reinforcement perforated sleeve 56 is located inside tube 52 in order to restrict its inward motion under the effect of pressure developed in second chamber 30 , as will be described later . extensions or piston heads 58 and 60 of a diameter substantially smaller than that of piston 34 protrude downward from the lower end face 62 of piston 34 . extensions 58 and 60 are slidingly fitted in openings 64 and 66 of partition 32 . for stability of extensions 58 and 60 during their axial motion , they can be guided by guide rods 68 and 70 which pass through openings 64 and 66 and are rigidly fixed in the housing between first cover 24 and second cove 26 . first cover 24 can be connected to a pneumatic power cylinder 72 which consists of a cylinder housing 74 rigidly attached to first cover 24 by bolts ( not shown ) and a working piston 76 with a piston rod 78 . a lower end 75 of the piston rod of working piston 76 extends into upper chamber 36 . seal rings 77 are used for sealing liquid 38 of upper chamber 36 from the cavity of pneumatic cylinder 72 . piston rod 78 can be connected to a tool , actuator or any other member ( not shown in the drawings ) designed to fulfil a mechanical work . piston 76 divides cylinder house 74 into an upper pneumatic chamber 79 and a lower pneumatic chamber 79a . the latter is connected to the atmosphere via a bleeding hole 85 . now an essential feature of the present invention , i . e ., a piezoelectric conversion unit 80 will be described . in the embodiment of fig1 unit 80 consists of piezoelectric plates 82a through 82f arranged longitudinally between the inner surface 84 of partition 32 and inner surface of second cover 26 . for stability , both ends of respective piezoelectric plates 82a through 82f can be inserted into recesses 86 and 88 made in partition 32 and second cover 26 , respectively . in order not to complicate the drawing , only two such recesses are designated by reference numerals 86 and 88 . piezoelectric plates 82a through 82f can be made of a piezocrystals or piezoceramic , such as those described in entziklopediya neorganicheskikh materialov ( encyclopedia of inorganic materials , vol . 2 , head editors of the ukrainian soviet encyclopedia , kiev , 1977 , p . 268 ). since these materials are brittle , resilient pads 90 are placed onto the bottoms of respective recesses 86 . electrodes 94 and 96 are applied to opposite side surfaces of each piezoelectric plate ( 82a through 82f ). each electrode is electrically connected to external terminal 98 and 100 . in order not to complicate the drawing , only two electrodes , i . e ., 94 and 96 , and only two external terminals , i . e ., 98 and 100 , are designated with reference numerals . it is understood , however , that each piezoelectric plate has a pair of electrodes connected to a pair of respective external terminals , i . e ., the device has electrodes 94a through 94f and 96a through 96f , as well as external terminals 98a through 98f and 100a through 100f . although , depending on the orientation of crystallographic axes , piezoelectric elements can either expand or contract under the effect of electric current , plates 82a to 82f have crystallographic axes oriented so that the plates can only expand . in operation , a high - voltage direct current is applied to electrodes 94a through 94f from an external d . c . source ( not shown in the drawing ) via external terminals 98a to 98f and 100a to 100f . under the effect of electric current , piezoelectric plates 82a to 82f expand radially outwardly so that the volume occupied in second chamber 30 by liquid 31 is reduced , and the pressure of liquid 31 in second chamber 30 is increased . as a result , the pressure applied to piston extensions 60 also increases and pushes these extensions and , hence 34 in an upward direction . during its motion , piston 34 over guide rods 68 and 70 . the upward movement of piston 34 compresses liquid 38 in upper chamber 36 . the of this liquid is applied to the lower end 75 of piston rod of working piston 76 . as a result , piston 76 and its piston rod 78 are moved in the upward direction together with a working tool ( not shown ) which is attached to the upper end of piston 78 . upon completion of the working stroke , piston 76 hence , the working tool are returned to the initial position by air compressed in upper pneumatic chamber 79 . the following will explain how apparatus 20 of the converts microscopic movements ( in the order of microns ) of piezoelectric plates into macroscopic movements ( in the order of dozens of centimeters ) of the working tool . when high - voltage d . c . current is applied to electrodes 94 and 96 of piezoelectric plates 82a and 82b , their volume is increased by several cubic millimeters . since second chamber 30 contains a plurality of conversion units 80 , an increase in the volume of each unit is multiplied by the number of such units . for example , six conversion units 80 are shown in the illustrated embodiment ( fig1 ). therefore , the total decrease in the volume of liquid 31 in second chamber 30 will correspond to sixfold increase in the volume of elementary conversion unit 80 . however , piston 34 has a diameter several times greater than that of extensions 58 and 60 , so that a coefficient of multiplication of displaced liquids , which is a ratio of cross - sectional area of piston 34 to total cross - sectional area of extensions 58 and 60 , may be in terms of hundreds or thousands . for example , in case piezoelectric plates 82a and 82b have dimensions of 10 × 50 × 100 mm , are made of a piezoelectric material such as an artificial crystal of dislocation - free quartz having a piezo module of about 10 - 9 m / v , and operate with a d . c . voltage equal to 10 6 v , each plate will have a linear expansion of about 10 - 4 m ( 0 . 01 mm ). taking into account the dimensions of each plate , its volume can be increased by 50 mm 3 . in case ten such plates are used , the total increase in volume will be equal to 500 mm . this is the initial volume for multiplication . with the cross - sectional area of both extensions 58 and 60 equal to 100 mm 2 and the cross - sectional area of piston 34 equal to 10 . 000 mm 2 , the displaced volume of liquid 38 in first chamber 28 ( with a 5 mm stroke of extensions 58 and 60 ) will be equal to 50 , 000 mm 3 . in other words , changes in the volume of plates 82a through 82f increases the volume of liquid 38 in first chamber 28 by 100 times . in fact , extensions 58 and 60 function as multiplicator means which can multiply changes in the volume of one hydraulic chamber into 10 to 100 times greater changes in the volume of another chamber . extensions 58 and 60 are rigidly connected to piston rod 46 , the cross - sectional area of which is always smaller than the cross - sectional area of piston 34 . piston rod 46 is an element of the unloading system , which significantly lowers the pressure in the second chamber 30 . in case piston rod 78 has a cross - sectional area of 50 mm 2 , its axial displacement together with the working tool will be equal to 1000 mm ( 1 m ), and the working tool will develop a force of 50 kg , provided the piezoceramic material ( which is the weakest point of the system ) can withstand 100 kg / mm 2 . when the apparatus is maintained under load , solenoid valve 50 is closed , so that through opening 48 of piston 34 is closed and the load is not transmitted to piezoelectric plates 82a and 82b , but is received by the column of liquid 54 in a closed space within tube 52 . as tube 52 is made of a resilient material such as bronze , it expands radially outward , so that the volume of liquid 31 in chamber 30 is increased at the expense of resilient tube 52 , rather then piezoelectric plates 82a and 82b . in other words , the piezoelectric loads are unloaded , and the load is taken by liquid 54 and tube 52 . deformation of tube 52 in the inward direction is limited by reinforcement perforated sleeve 56 . although piezoelectric units 80 were shown in fig1 in vertical positions , it is understood by those skilled in the art that they may have a horizontal or inclined positions without the departure from the principle of the present invention . thus it has been shown that apparatus 20 of the invention converts microscopical movements of piezoelectric plates 82a and 82b into macroscopic movements of piston rod 78 . fig2 to 6 -- an embodiment of an apparatus with piezoelectric elements arranged in cartridges fig2 is a view of an apparatus 200 similar to apparatus 20 shown in fig1 but with piezo elements arranged in cartridges . elements and parts which are identical with those of the embodiment of fig1 will be designated by the same reference numerals , but with addition of 100 . for example , piston 34 of fig1 will corresponds to piston 134 in fig2 etc . since in both embodiments the identical parts operate in the same manner , in the second embodiment their description will be omitted . it is shown in fig2 that each piezoelectric unit is made in the form of a replaceable cartridge 300 . eight such cartridges 300 are shown in the embodiment of fig2 . these cartridges may have different constructions , examples of which are shown in fig3 , 5 , 6 , and 7 and will be described and considered separately . what is common for all cartridges is that each cartridge is a self - contained unit with a sealed interior . since all the remaining parts of apparatus 200 of the second embodiment of the invention ( fig3 ) operate in the same manner as respective parts of apparatus 20 and since each cartridge 300 , 400 , and 500 ( fig3 through 5 ) functions as conversion element 80 of apparatus 20 , the operation of the above - mentioned parts and each cartridge as a whole will be omitted . consideration will be given only to the construction and interaction of the internal parts of each cartridge . this is because similar to element 80 the function of each cartridge is to merely increase its volume and thus to develop a pressure in liquid 131 . since , as will be shown below , each cartridge is a sealed unit , liquid 131 is not necessarily a dielectric liquid . fig3 is a sectional view of a piezoelectric cartridge 300 used in the apparatus of fig2 and designed for operation from direct current . cartridge 300 consists of an inner casing 302 telescopically and sealingly fitted into an outer casing 304 . seal rings 306 can be placed between inner casing 302 and outer casing 304 . as shown in fig3 both casings have cup - shaped configurations ( or boxlike configurations with each box being open from one side ) with cups or boxes inserted one into another with their bottoms facing outward so that they form a sealed chamber 307 . inner casing 302 contains a number , e . g ., three piezoceramic columns 308a , 308b , and 308c . each such column is composed of a plurality of piezoceramic elements 310 arranged in series and forming the above - mentioned column . the construction and manufacture of each such element will be described later in connection with fig6 and after consideration of each embodiment of the cartridge . each column is compressed between facing bottoms 312 and 314 of inner casing 302 and outer casing 304 , respectively , under the effect of expansion springs 316 and 318 located between the outer end face 320 of inner casing 302 and inner surface 322 of outer casing 304 opposite to bottom 314 . in order to unload piezoceramic columns 308a , 308b , and 308c from external loads , cartridge 300 is provided with an unloading mechanism which consist of wedge - like seats 324 and 326 , which are attached to inner casing 302 , and prismatic blocks 328 and 330 . blocks 328 and 330 engage respective seats 324 and 326 and are maintained in tight contact with the latter by screws 332 and 334 threaded into the bottom wall of outer casing 304 . when high - voltage d . c . current is applied to electrodes ( not shown ) of piezoceramic columns 308a , 308b , and 308c , they expand linearly and thus push inner casing 302 telescopically with respect to outer casing in the direction of arrow a . since outer end face 320 of inner element 302 is in contact with liquid 131 , the pressure in this liquid will be decreased , and the sequence of operations described in connection with the embodiment of fig1 will be repeated . fig4 is a sectional view of a piezoelectric cartridge 400 used in the apparatus of fig2 and designed for operation from alternating current . cartridge 400 has a stationary outer casing 402 and an inner casing 404 telescopically fitted in outer casing 402 . seal rings 406 are placed between the mating side surfaces of both casings . similar to the embodiment of fig3 both casings form a sealed chamber 408 which is filled with liquid 410 , e . g ., water . an annular piston 412 is sealingly inserted into an annular slot formed in a bottom wall 416 of inner casing 404 . a piezoceramic column 420 of the type shown in fig3 ( 308a , 308b , 308c ) is rigidly connected to the external surface 415 of bottom wall 416 . if liquid 131 is a non - dielectric liquid , piezoceramic column 420 has to be sealed in a telescopically expandable and contractible covering which is generally designated by reference numeral 422 ( fig4 ). reference numeral 424 designates an external surface of inner casing 404 which is exposed to liquid 131 , and reference numeral 426 designates an external surface of annular piston 412 exposed to the same liquid 131 . it is understood that the piezoceramic column is connected to an a . c . current source through respective electrodes ( not shown ). in operation , application of a . c . current to piezoceramic column 420 will cause its cyclic expansion and contraction . when column 420 expands , it compresses liquid 410 in chamber 408 , whereby annular piston 412 is pushed out in the direction of arrows b and into position indicated by broken lines . when at the next moment the column contracts , it will carry inner casing 404 , which is rigidly connected thereto at its bottom , in the direction of the same arrow b . with the next expansion and contraction cycle , the operation will be repeated . as a result , inner casing 404 and ring piston 412 , will perform translatory motion in the same direction , i . e ., in the direction of arrow b . in order to provide uniformity of step - like motions of inner casing 404 and , hence , piston rod 178 , the volume of liquid 131 displaced by external surfaces 426 of annular piston 412 should be equal to the volume of liquid 131 displaced by the external surface 424 of moveable inner casing 404 . in case unit 400 works in an electric - motor mode , surface 426 should be smaller than surface 424 , while in case the unit works in a generator mode , surface 426 should be greater than surface 424 . fig5 is a sectional view of a piezoelectric cartridge 500 with a hydraulic multiplicator and a camming mechanism . similar to all previous embodiments , cartridge 500 consists of two telescopically connected casings , i . e ., an outer casing 502 and an inner casing 504 which define a closed and sealed space . outer casing 502 is moveable and inner casing 504 is stationary . connected to the inner surface of bottom wall 508 is a cup - shaped housing 510 which has a centrally arranged main cylinder 512 and a number of peripheral cylinders 514 and 516 . although only two such peripheral cylinders are shown in fig5 it is understood that a greater number of such peripheral cylinders can be uniformly spaced and arranged circumferentially around main cylinder 512 . a main piston 518 is slidingly fitted in main cylinder 512 and its piston rod 520 is made of a piezoceramic material . the lower end of piston rod 520 is rigidly connected to main piston 518 , while the upper end of piston rod 520 is rigidly connected to inner casing 504 at 522 . each peripheral cylinder ( 514 , 516 ) receives an auxiliary piston ( 524 , 526 ) having a piston rod 528 and 530 . each piston rod carried on its free end a camming or wedging element ( 532 , 534 ). chamber of peripheral cylinders 514 formed beneath pistons 524 and 526 are connected to the chambers formed in main cylinder 512 beneath main cylinder 518 via ports 536 and 538 which can be closed or opened by solenoid valves 540 and 542 . these valves are can be remotely controlled from an external source , or a program device ( not shown in fig5 ), so that peripheral cylinders 514 and 516 can operate sequentially . attached to an inner side wall 544 of inner casing 504 are stands 546 and 548 which extend radially inwardly into the cavity of inner casing 504 . stands 546 and 548 rotatingly supports gear wheels 550 and 552 which are in mesh with a central gear wheel 554 . the latter also is supported by stands 546 and 548 so that it can freely rotate but is protected by the above - mentioned stands from axial displacement . central gear wheel 554 has a central hole 556 to provide unobstructed passage of piezoceramic piston rod 520 . each gear wheel 550 and 552 has a threaded opening 556 and 558 , respectively , which engages a thread pin 560 and 562 . on the side which faces piston rods 528 and 530 , central gear wheel 554 has a camming surface 564 which engages the above - mentioned camming elements 532 and 534 on piston rods 528 and 530 . when a high - voltage d . c . current is applied to piezoceramic piston rod 520 , the latter linearly expands for a microscopic value . however , as main piston 518 has a large surface area , this microscopic motion is multiplied into macroscopic displacements of pistons 524 and 526 which have much smaller surface areas . communication between main cylinder 512 and peripheral cylinders 514 via valves 540 and 542 is controlled from the above - mentioned program device ( not shown ) so that piston rods 528 and 530 and , hence , camming elements 532 and 534 will be activated sequentially and thus will engage camming surface 564 of central gear wheel 554 with the same sequence . the profile of the camming surface is made so that this sequential engagement will cause uniform rotation of gear wheel 554 . since the latter is in mesh with gear wheels 550 and 552 , rotation of these gears will cause axial displacement of threaded pins 560 and 562 . these pins will contact the inner side of moveable outer casing 502 and will push it in the direction of expansion of cartridge 500 . the rest of the operation is the same as in connection with the description of fig2 . it is understood that under the control of the program device , the cartridge can be expanded or contracted in any sequence required by specific conditions . fig6 is a sectional view of an elementary piezoceramic element 310 used for assembling piezoceramic columns employed in all the above - described embodiments . this element has a conventional construction [ described , e . g ., by i . a . glozman in &# 34 ; piezokeramika &# 34 ; ( piezoceramics ), moscow , &# 34 ; energiya &# 34 ; publishers , 1972 ] with the exception that a piezoceramic body 566 is press - fitted into a ferrule 568 made of a hard material , such as steel , and that after grinding the end faces of piezoceramic body 566 has to be polished to remove a friable layer formed as a result of grinding . this is important because microscopic linear expansions are absorbed by the above - mentioned friable layer . it is understood that after polishing , electrodes 570 and 572 are applied onto the polished surfaces of body 566 , e . g ., by vapor deposition in vacuum . electrodes 570 and 572 are connected to lead wires 574 and 576 in a manner known in the art . thus it has been shown that the invention provides a method and apparatus for converting microscopic movements into a macroscopic motion with power capable of performing mechanical work . the apparatus has low momentum of inertia during reversion of movement , low weight per unit power , is simple in construction , inexpensive to manufacture , uses low - cost materials , is capable of stopping in an accurate position , and has low energy losses . although the apparatus has been described and illustrated with reference to specific practical embodiments , it is understood that these embodiments were given only as examples and that many modifications of the device are possible . for example , the length of the linear expansions of piezoceramic elements can be increased by forming a piezoceramic column into a spiral body , or by sequentially connecting a series of mechanisms containing piezoelectric columns into a chain . the piezoceramic columns can be unloaded by various mechanisms such as wedging mechanisms . the shapes , materials , quantities , and dimensions of various parts and units of the apparatus can be different from those shown in the illustrated embodiments . piezoceramic may be comprised of a piezosegnetic salt . it is also understood that magnetostrictive materials can be used instead of piezoceramics . the output element of the apparatus may have any configuration and can be connected to any known motion conversion mechanism , e . g ., for the conversion of a linear motion to a rotary motion . it is also understood that cartridges can be expanded or contracted under the effect of heat energy , e . g ., due to thermal expansion . each unit or cartridge can operate in an electric - motor or a generator mode . therefore the scope of the invention should be determined , not by the examples given , but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents . | 7 |
in the operation of the separation process of this invention , the carbon dioxide containing feed gas is preferably introduced into the low pressure section of the column and the total pressure in this section is maintained below the critical pressure of carbon dioxide , the primary component of the liquid bottoms . by maintaining a pressure well below the critical pressure of carbon dioxide phase separation of liquids readily occurs within this section of the column . suitably , the temperature within the uppermost stage of the low pressure section of the column is maintained above about - 100 ° f ., and the temperature at the uppermost stage and the lowermost stage of the column , respectively , ranges from above about - 100 ° f . to below about + 85 ° f ., preferably from above about - 80 ° f . to below about + 45 ° f . the gas from the low pressure section , prior to or at the time of its introduction into the high pressure section of the distillation or fractionation column , is cooled . suitably , the temperature within the uppermost stage of the high pressure section of the column is maintained above about - 170 ° f . and the temperature at the uppermost stage and the lowermost stage of the column , respectively , ranges above about 170 ° f . to less than about - 80 ° f ., preferably from above about - 145 ° f . to below about - 85 ° f . in accordance with such process it becomes feasible to effect almost complete separation of carbon dioxide and other acid gas components from a methane - containing feed gas such as natural gas or synthesis gas . in copending application ser . no . 833 , 937 , filed sept . 16 , 1977 by james m . eakman and harry a . marshall , now u . s . pat . no . 4 , 149 , 864 , there is also described a process for the separation of carbon dioxide and other acid gas components from methane feeds by low temperature high pressure distillation . this process , which utilizes a simple distillation column to effect such separation , is an improvement over prior art processes used to effect acid gas separation from hydrocarbons . it is superior , inter alia , in that carbon dioxide separation above 90 mol percent and even on the order of about 95 to 99 mol percent and higher is achieved . it is entirely feasible , in fact , to provide products which contain carbon dioxide levels of only about 5 to about 1 mol percent and less . whereas this process has proven admirably effective for carbon dioxide separation from methane , it is nonetheless necessary to maintain close control of the conditions of operation to assure adequate methane and carbon dioxide phase separation at the bottom of the column . thus , at the high total pressure required to effect maximum removal of the carbon dioxide from the effluent taken from the upper stages of the column , the increased pressure at the bottom of the column approaches the critical pressure of carbon dioxide , the primary component leaving the bottom of the column , which makes it difficult to effect the phase separation required . this problem is avoided and all of the other advantages of the simple column approach are retained . essentially complete removal of the carbon dioxide can be effected in accordance with the present process by use of a compound distillation column or column having a section which is operated at relatively low pressure at the location where a carbon dioxide - rich product is removed and a section which is operated at relatively high pressure at the location wherein a methane - rich product is removed . the distillation is carried out in conventional vapor - liquid contacting apparatus comprising a single column with associated high pressure and low pressure sections or in separate associated columns , one of which is operated at high pressure and the other of which is operated at low pressure . referring to fig1 there is shown fractionating columns 10 , 20 , each of the vapor - liquid contact type constituted generally of an outer metal shell within which is provided a plurality of vertically separated bubble cap trays . column 10 is a low pressure column , or column operated at lower pressure than column 20 . hence , column 10 is designated in the figure as the low pressure column and column 20 as the high pressure column . in an operation , a gaseous feed which contains carbon dioxide , methane and hydrogen and which may also contain nitrogen , carbon monoxide and other components , after passage through a heat exchanger ( not shown ), is introduced via line 11 into about the middle or upper portion of column 10 . in the lower column , in order to maintain two phases , the total pressure must be maintained below the critical pressure for co 2 this is because there is essentially pure co 2 in the bottom part of the column . also in the lower column , the sum of the partial pressures of co 2 and ch 4 at all points must be greater than the pressure expressed by the following relationship to avoid co 2 freeze - out : where pressures are expressed in psia and temperatures in degrees fahrenheit . this relationship applies over the temperature range from - 100 ° f . to the co 2 triple point temperature or - 69 . 9 ° f . in practice this limitation would only effect the conditions in the top stage or partial condenser of the lower column . alternatively , this may be expressed as : ## equ1 ## where y ch . sbsb . 4 , 1 and y co . sbsb . 2 , 1 are the mol fractions of ch 4 and co 2 in the vapor leaving the lower column 10 . the specific values of these mol fractions will be affected by the temperature , flow rate and composition of the feed , and by the flow rate and composition of the bottoms stream 23 from the high pressure column . the specific values may be computed by the usual stage - to - stage computation procedures used for predicting the performance of a distillation column . the primary function of the lower pressure column 10 is to reduce the quantity of methane and other more volatile constituents leaving the bottom of the column with the liquid acid gas components . as previously indicated , column 10 is necessarily maintained at a pressure less than about 1073 psia , the critical pressure of carbon dioxide , which is the primary component of the liquid leaving the column . preferably , however , the total pressure is maintained from about 200 psia to about 700 psia . the upper stage of the low pressure column 10 is operated such that no solid carbon dioxide formation can occur . for best results this requires , in column 10 , a top stage temperature above about - 100 ° f ., preferably above about - 80 ° f ., and a vapor composition of approximately 10 mol percent carbon dioxide or greater . product of highly concentrated acid gas components is withdrawn as a liquid via line 12 after recirculation of a portion of the product through a reboiler - type heat exchanger 13 . a portion of the vapor from the top stage of the low pressure column 10 is recirculated through a condenser 9 , which can be an external condenser ( as shown ) or an internal condenser and condensed for the return of liquid as reflux . uncondensed vapor from the top stage of the low pressure column 10 is compressed and preferably cooled before feeding it to the high pressure fractionation column 20 . suitably , effluent vapors from column 10 are passed via line 14 to a compressor 15 and then passed via line 16 through a heat exchanger 17 , cooled and then injected into the column at some suitable location , e . g ., at the bottom of column 20 . in order for co 2 freeze - out to be prevented in the upper stages of the higher pressure upper column the total pressure in the upper stages at this column must be : ## equ2 ## where y ch . sbsb . 4 , 2 and y co . sbsb . 2 , 2 are the local mol fractions in the vapor . in terms of the reflux ratio ( l / d = mols liquid reflux / mols vapor distillate ) and feed composition . this pressure may be expressed more generally as : ## equ3 ## where : z n . sbsb . 2 = mol fraction n 2 in feed ( when present ) the total mols of feed to the column are f mols / hour , hence the feed rate of an individual component , e . g ., co 2 , is given by again , in order to maintain liquid and vapor phases in the upper stages of the column , it is necessary to keep the total column pressure below the mixture critical pressure . for the ch 4 -- h 2 binary this is defined by : z n . sbsb . 2 = mol fraction n 2 in feed ( when present ) z ch . sbsb . 4 = mol fraction ch 4 in feed however , there is no limitation on the total pressure in this column being maintained below 1073 psia as there is in the single column case . that is , use of the compound column has removed the restriction of staying below the co 2 critical for the second column , since pure co 2 does not exist at any point in the second column . the primary function of the higher pressure column 20 is to reduce the quantity of acid gas components in the overhead gas . this column is maintained at a pressure greater than 600 psia and generally at least 50 psia above the pressure of low pressure column 10 . column 20 is designed and operated to reduce the carbon dioxide to a desired level by control of temperature and the rate of the reflux liquid , by virtue of which the carbon dioxide content can be reduced to a level below one mol percent . the formation of solid carbon dioxide is prevented , even at reflux temperatures well below - 80 ° f ., by maintaining the column pressure at a suitable level above approximately 600 psia . in the presence of hydrogen , gas and liquid phases will be present in the fractionator at these higher pressures , which are above the critical pressure of methane ( 673 psia ). the range of satisfactory operating conditions for this column will depend to some extent on the number of trays employed , on the composition of the particular feed gas that is processed and on the desired level of carbon dioxide desired in the product . overhead vapors consisting primarily of methane or methane and carbon monoxide and hydrogen are removed via line 21 since the primary function of the upper stages of column 20 is to reduce the quantity of carbon dioxide and other acid gas components leaving the top of the column . a portion of the vapors is recirculated through an external condenser 22 . the condenser , however , can be internal or external but is illustrated for convenience as an external condenser . uncondensed effluent is withdrawn via line 21 from column 20 and stored . the level of carbon dioxide contained in the overhead product from column 20 is controlled by a combination of staging , temperature and rate of reflux liquid . the upper stage temperature is maintained above about - 170 ° f . but for best results the temperature is maintained above about - 145 ° f . suitably , the molar ratio of liquid : distillate used as reflux ranges about 1 . 25 : 1 , and higher and preferably about 1 . 3 : 1 and higher . the process is particularly suitable for the separation of carbon dioxide from admixtures of methane ( ch 4 ) and synthesis gas ( h 2 + co ) at molar ratios of ch 4 :( h 2 + co ) of about 1 : 1 to about 5 : 1 , and gas feed not of this composition can be readily adjusted in situ or ex situ by the addition of components to provide such mixture . with some feed gases it may thus be desirable or preferred to add methane or hydrogen or carbon monoxide or both to either the feed gas or to the gas entering the higher pressure column in order to adjust the gas composition to the preferred range . the liquid phase from the bottom of the high pressure column 20 can be returned to the low pressure column and introduced at some suitable location either by expansion , as through line 23 containing , e . g ., a joule - thompson valve , or by heat exchange with the higher temperature compressed gas from the low pressure column followed by expansion through a turbine , or by some combination of the two techniques . in the latter instance the expansion turbine can be used to help drive the compressor thus reducing the total energy requirement of the system . referring to fig2 there is graphically described an essential relationship between temperature in ° f . and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide and methane ( co 2 + ch 4 ), expressed in pounds per square inch absolute , if solid formation is to be avoided in such systems . it will be observed that in order to avoid the formation of solids , operation of the column at temperatures ranging from about - 170 ° f . to about - 84 ° f . as shown on the x - axis requires higher and higher partial pressures of carbon dioxide and methane as shown on the y - axis ranging from about 200 psia to about 710 psia at the higher temperature . thereafter , up to about - 70 ° f ., the partial pressure that is required declines . the relationship expressed in the graph which is required to avoid the solids formation region is tabulated for convenience as follows : ______________________________________temperature , partial pressure of ° f . ( co . sub . 2 + ch . sub . 4 ), psia______________________________________ - 170 & gt ; 200 - 150 & gt ; 280 - 130 & gt ; 420 - 110 & gt ; 550 - 90 & gt ; 700 - 84 & gt ; 710 - 70 & gt ; 75______________________________________ in sharp contrast to prior art distillation processes for effecting such separations which remove only about 90 mol percent of the carbon dioxide it has been found feasible to remove carbon dioxide to a level of 1 mol percent or less in the admixture of carbon dioxide and methane , or methane in admixture with other hydrocarbons and hydrogen , e . g ., methane and synthesis gas , in a compound column utilizing generally 20 to 30 theoretical stages . this is conveniently illustrated by reference to the following example which presents data taken from a computer - simulated run conducted as described . two columns are employed ; a high pressure column having two theoretical trays and a low pressure column having twenty theoretical trays interconnected and fitted generally as described by reference to fig1 except that the heat exchanger 17 is not employed ; and a valve is employed instead of an expansion turbine . the columns are operated at conditions well within the parameters represented in the foregoing discussion . the high pressure column is operated at a pressure of 1100 psia and the low pressure column is operated at a pressure of 465 psia . the uppermost stage of the high pressure column ( stage 2 ) is operated at - 113 ° f . and the lowermost stage ( stage 1 ) at - 87 ° f . the uppermost stage of the low pressure column ( stage 20 ) is operated at - 93 ° f ., which represents the equilibrium temperature of the product stream from the top of the low pressure column after compression , the reflux of product from the bottom stage of the high pressure column after passage through the valve , and the influx of gases and vapors from the lower stages of the low pressure column . the lowermost stage of the low pressure column ( stage 1 ) is operated at + 25 . 4 ° f . a feed in the amount of 84 . 53 mols of the mol composition given in column 1 of table 1 at - 55 ° f ., is introduced into stage 12 of the low pressure column . the mol composition of the product taken from the top of the low pressure column and injected into stage 1 of the high pressure column is given in column 2 of table 1 and the mole composition of the product taken from the bottom of the high pressure column and injected into stage 20 of the low pressure column is given in column 3 of table 1 . table 1______________________________________ mols______________________________________hydrogen 20 . 09 20 . 59 0 . 52carbon monoxide 5 . 72 6 . 32 0 . 60methane 36 . 93 48 . 00 11 . 09carbon dioxide 21 . 38 8 . 36 7 . 79hydrogen sulfide 0 . 41 0 . 00 0 . 00 84 . 53 83 . 27 20 . 00______________________________________ the molar ratio of liquid : distillate in the reflux which is returned to stage 2 of the high pressure column is maintained at 1 . 47 . the product streams from the high pressure and low pressure columns are 63 . 27 mols and 21 . 23 mols , respectively . the composition of the components in the two streams are : ______________________________________ mols vapor liquid overhead bottoms______________________________________hydrogen 20 . 07 0 . 02carbon monoxide 5 . 72 0 . 00methane 36 . 91 0 . 02carbon dioxide 0 . 57 20 . 81hydrogen sulfide 0 . 00 0 . 40 63 . 27 21 . 23______________________________________ these data show that it is quite feasible to remove carbon dioxide to a very low level , considerably below about 1 mol percent carbon dioxide present in the vapor phase mixture . it is apparent that various modifications can be made in the process without departing the spirit and scope of the present invention . | 5 |
the success of biosdi in making the data available to its participants will be based on the classification of the data in its database . the proposed interchange will attach a number of keywords to each set of data in consultation with the disclosing party . these keywords will assist in storing as well as retrieving the data . in addition to attaching the keywords , the data may be stored in various classes to begin with . these classes could be the various systems of study by the participants , the techniques used in obtaining the data , or the class of the data obtained itself . for example , the techniques used could provide data which may be probabilistic or deterministic in nature . such classes could also assist the recipient in knowing if the data he / she is looking for would be useful to him / her or not . criteria for acquisition of data through the interchange may be performed either via manual or automated techniques ( i . e ., as a persistent set of queries ) which in the latter case sdi also acts separately on behalf of the present recipient to seek out and identify available data as currently possessed by the interchange &# 39 ; s pool of participants which is determined to be able to add potential value to the recipient , which , in turn , can be achieved in a plethora of different manual and automatic ways . in one example scenario , in the sharing of interaction parameter data , the potentially complementary data may : 1 . match the criteria for statistical similarity as measured by statistical similarity of the newly identified data to that of the present entity &# 39 ; s preexisting data , thus representing the ability to improve or refine the quality of existing data possessed by that entity ; for example , such improvements could quantifiably enhance the quality and rigor of the methods used in the supporting research work substantiating the model of that data , or the quantity of relevant data statistics as collected which were used in the creation of the models for that data . 2 . or , complementarily “ adds to ” the detail or completeness of the present entity &# 39 ; s ( prospective recipient &# 39 ; s ) data model used to achieve its desired objectives . 3 . data needs which represent active research endeavors of present interest and priority for the present entity &# 39 ; s current laboratory research projects ( perhaps which may be explicitly defined and submitted to sdi ). the techniques used for identifying complementary data from among the plethora stored within sdi ( as would be applicable to items 1 and 2 above ) may often be able to be performed based upon a methodology which is very similar to that of pattern matching techniques in which the search and matching process used to identify data “ similarity ” may be automatically adjudged in accordance with multiple similar and accordingly similarly weighted attributes ( occurring among two or more disparate data sets ) whose relevancy ( relative weighting ) value of each attribute is determined by particulars of the specific data of interest which is associated with the statistical model . ( sdi can efficiently perform this task as it possesses both data parameters and the specific tools / modeling techniques used in the formulation and processing of those data parameters ). depending on the type of data being shared , the disclosing user may place a series of preconditions on how data is to be given out . it will often be the case that parts of the data will be obscured such that proprietary aspects of the disclosers &# 39 ; own work will not be revealed . biosdi will contain statistical tools capable of analyzing and reporting back to the discloser how risky a given level of obscurity will be , before the discloser actually releases the data to the network . several examples of potentially relevant parameters which may be useful predictors of the various data obscurity parameters are suggested below under “ methodology ”. accordingly , one preferred implementation prescribes , well in advance of disclosure , certain desired thresholds which define quantitatively a level of risk ( i . e ., for purposes of the present system , a quantitative measure of “ indistinguishability ” from other “ similar ” biological systems ) ( e . g ., relating to the present molecule , metabolic pathway , cell type or class of physiological effects to which the presently disclosed data relates ). in this latter application , the discloser may pre - specify data security conditions for disclosure . ( the term “ indistinguishability ” may be used interchangeably with “ obscurity ”). suppose that a data - providing user specifies and releases complete atom - atom interaction data for a part of a molecule “ a ” in a cell target “ b ” participating in a metabolic pathway “ c ”. taking into account currently available models , the most that a recipient might be able to infer about the overall structure would be that it contains a specified number of atoms in the disclosed portion of the molecule or unrelated part of the molecule ( for example ) and that these atoms may relate to a w number of currently known molecules participating in x other significant molecular pathways , and that there may exist y number of further “ significantly ” recognized reactions for each of these pathways and that there are z number of other potential significantly recognized protein molecules to which that molecular segment could just as easily constitute a portion of . certainly , it is easy to assume that if the length of a particular molecular segment is shortened ( e . g ., by even only one atom ) that the indistinguishability ( obscurity ) of that segment will increase significantly ( non - linearly ) to the percent reduction of the segment . of course , by far the most significant obscurity enhancing effect is achieved by removal of the relatively unique portions of a molecule , which are most prevalent parts of a biochemical reaction . although other relevant variables are applicable such as which portion of the molecule , its structural uniqueness ( within all plausible or likely other possibilities in light of the total data possessed by the recipient , etc .) thus this latter technique constitutes an important part of the role of bio sdi in maximizing shared value exchange while attempting to greatly minimize the effect of enhancing the dissemination of data which could be used as an end objective by the recipients which are potentially directly competitive to the disclosing organization for potentially directly competitive end - objectives . in addition , as the range / variety and total pool of bioinformatic information continues to grow ( and at an ever accelerating rate the inherent indistinguishability ( obscurity ) of any given piece of data will also increase plausibly according to a relatively linearly correlated relationship ) given the presently known range of pathways , protein structures and potential interactions of significance , the discloser &# 39 ; s ultimate objective is to achieve a quantified set of prescribed ( or pre - disclosed ) conditions ( a minimum level of satisfaction ) such that outside of such quantified conditions or constraints it is impossible for the recipient to make statistical inference as to presence of statistical likelihood of that segment or parameter ( s ) to be associated with ( or part of ) a particular parameter , a particular pathway or a protein molecule with which the present segment is associated by making it indistinguishable from x number of potential alternatives ( within a maximum limit of statistical probability ). selection of the particular parameters which are truly relevant reasonably reliable predictors of indistinguishability ( or obscurity ) parameters are at best tricky involving complexity in the parameters and are likely to be variable depending upon the type of structural and interaction - based parameters associated with the specific data contained within the present data model . a few suggested ( reasonably plausible ) possible parameters are disclosed in the following section (“ methodology ”). accordingly from the standpoint of the methodology itself which is used to estimate these various obscurity values because the data modeling algorithm of choice by the discloser also utilized for the modeling / creation of the actual data as disclosed , it is reasonable to certainly use the same statistical algorithm as well as other modeling algorithms ( which may possess other strengths / advantages in determining accuracy of the various parameters ) provided that the algorithm is based upon a core statistical / earning technique . in this regard , the “ unknown ” parameters are the indistinguishability parameters ( as above explained ) and the input parameters are , of course , those known descriptive parameters relating to the structural / functional characteristics of the molecule , its interaction - based moieties and / or its associated as well as the parameters which are “ predictors ” of indistinguishability ” ( such as those suggested in items a - g in the following section ), which may in some cases require the additional capture and correlation of parameters to the basic modeling parameters and which are not typically critically required within the data modeling scheme which is used for the present experimental objectives . in some cases , rather than simply hiding information , a user may wish to make use of “ randomized aggregates ” to add noise to the data being disclosed . in such a case , the aggregate properties of a collection of objects will be preserved ( for example , mean value ), but individual items within the collection will not be fully accurate representations of the underlying data . the technical details explaining the mathematical theory of randomized aggregates is disclosed in co - pending patent application entitled “ secure data interchange .” among many useful applications for randomized aggregates within the present system context is the use of the presently described statistical framework or “ interaction moieties ” in which it may be desirable to obscure not only the individual directly interacting atoms or “ interaction moieties ”, but rather also the associated indirect multiple ( neighboring ) atoms ( or molecular segment ( s ) associated with that interaction . invariably , the vast majority of the distinguishing structurally “ unique ” features of any given sequence in a molecule when compared to the sum of all other very similar sequences found in other molecules ( most likely ) have very little functional influence on a given interaction in and of themselves . the square of the number of these unique features ( roughly the length of a given molecular segment , which is disclosed ) is inversely proportional to the level of overall obscurity . as a consequence , in yet another ( third ) variation of randomized aggregates , it could be advantageous to the disclosing party to limit the information disclosure to a particular segment by excluding or subtracting the indirectly induced interaction effect emanating from any additional atoms outside of that segment whose ( indirect ) interaction parameters could be revealing of associated information about specifics of those atoms inducing those secondary interaction effects . methodology for deriving and implementing statistical measures of obscurity of disclosed data the proposed methodology for deriving various critically important parameters in order to determine a variety of key measures of statistical obscurity , can only function with some predictable and reliable level of accuracy , if and only if a ) a plethora of attributes are tested repetitively across a variety of types of actual biochemical data and against a “ hacker ” using a statistical model to derive the actual data the discloser is attempting to conceal by virtue of the proposed methodology &# 39 ; s steganographic and cryptographic advantages . b ) these attributes are deliberately selected by human experts knowledgeable in the field . in the following we provide a number of attributes , which determine the degree of obscurity of the disclosed data from the data on hand . the attributes provided are described using a particular kind of data , however , these attributes are not limited to a particular style of data . in fact , a similar set of attributes could be determined which would be applicable to an altogether new class of biochemical data . several examples of attributes , which may statistically relate and thus be predictive of some of the useful and important obscurity parameters as suggested in the above example include the following ( note the pre - qualifying terms “ directly proportional to ” and “ inversely proportional to ” are stated simply for exemplification purposes ): 1 . the degree of obscurity is likely to be inversely proportional to the following parameters : a ) data quantity within the domain of that particular biochemical pathway and its degree of similarity to that possessed by the recipient prior to receipt , specifically : i . the amount of existing data that the disclosee ( recipient ) has in its possession a priori regarding that type of molecular interaction as well as : ii . the degree of “ similarity ” that these data models share with the present data model being disclosed . ( in this latter , regard , sdi may be able to act as a trusted “ auditor ” in terms of verifying all of the information which it had previously disclosed to that receiving party and possibly the data , which that party had independently created , so as to appropriately adjust the degree of obscurity relative to the recipient prior to disclosure of the data in this manner ). i . the number and degree of precision ( e . g ., quantifiable numerical value ) of the physical and chemical parameters associated with the atomic interaction model . ii . the degree of novelty or uniqueness of the associated physical and chemical parameters ( more precisely , the novelty of the combinatorial pattern of these parameters ) assuming that the recipient &# 39 ; s data model correlations of these parameters inherently possesses “ statistical confidence ”. iii . the degree of “ commonality ” of the physical and chemical parameters ( i . e ., their combinatorial patterns ) assuming statistical confidence in the above correlation are absent . iv . the present degree of popularity within the field &# 39 ; s overall research initiatives and degree of precision ( e . g ., quantifiable numerical value ) of the chemical parameters associated with the atomic interaction model . i . the number and degree of precision ( e . g ., quantifiable numerical value ) of the interaction parameters associated with the molecular / molecular interaction model . ii . the degree of novelty or uniqueness of the associated interaction parameters ( more precisely , the novelty of the combinatorial pattern of these parameters ) assuming that the recipient &# 39 ; s data model correlations of these inherently possesses “ statistical confidence ”. iii . the degree of “ commonality ” of the interaction parameters ( i . e ., their combinatorial patterns ) assuming statistical confidence in the above correlation is absent . d . quantity of data describing molecular structures within a biochemical pathway and degree of structural transformation of a molecule &# 39 ; s precursors within a pathway specifically : ii . the degree of net structural change , which occurs within the molecule and / or its target . iii . the degree of statistical novelty ( relative to the recipient &# 39 ; s collective data ) of the structural features , which characterize these disclosed molecule segments . e . number / complexity of molecular structure ; specifically : the number of additional “ neighboring ” atoms ( in their proper structural orientation / relationship ), which are disclosed in conjunction with each single atom - atom interaction parameter ( and , if relevant , associated physical and chemical parameters ). f . assuming that both the prospective recipient and the data slated for delivery relate to the cell target ( as opposed to a proposed targeting molecule ), the number , of related cell targets ( within a family ) which are molecularly similar enough so as to be likely to interchangeably interact biochemically with an associated targeting molecule designed to target one of them . g . the number , of related cell targets ( within a family ) for which only one interacts with the associated targeting molecule . the number of biochemically / structurally similar targets which are known and modeled by the prospective data recipient as well as among these , the number of structurally similar targets which are presently known to be similar to those with which the ultimately desired targeting molecule under development is designed to interact ( these of course would necessarily be entrusted with sdi ). 2 . the degree of obscurity is directly proportional to : a ) the degree of error , which is selectively added to the molecular interactions or the correlations between the molecular interactions and the chemo - physical parameters ( as exemplified above ). ( so as to ultimately minimize degree of error while maximizing degree of obscurity . b ) the number , of related cell targets ( within a family ) for which these multiple targets each interact ( to some desirable extent ) with the associated targeting molecule . it is worth emphasizing that it is extremely advantageous for optimizing this degree of obscurity to only reveal individual atom - atom interactions whose direct interaction parameters are influenced by other neighboring atoms but whose associated identities are concealed ; it could , for example , be possible to state along with the disclosure the isolated individual atom - atom interaction parameters ( as if in a vacuum ) and only if the recipient is working with those atoms within the context of the same neighboring atomic structures would the appropriately modified interaction parameters become revealed ( inasmuch as they , in turn , also affect and are affected by these neighboring similar structures ). of course , even so , this more extensive data revelation is predicated upon the condition that the totality of recipient data following disclosure results in the recipient remaining within the obscurity threshold as prescribed by the original discloser as exemplified in the above example . once biosdi detects useful correlations between particular sets of data , it contacts those users who might benefit from the information . if they are interested in making use of the offered data , and agree to the terms of disclosure ( which determine the final form of the data that they will receive ), the system brokers an exchange . in short , the receivers get the data and the provider gets a payment . there are obviously many different ways that the price for this exchange could be determined and it is likely that a variety of modalities for the exchange which co - exist together ( or even could be used to create hybrid forms of payment for a given transaction ) would provide an overall advantage to the system : 1 ) swaps — if both parties own data that is potentially useful to the other , they can simply trade the data with each other . 2 ) fixed payment — the provider assigns a pre - determined price to the data before it is submitted to the system . the provider then receives this amount each time a user accesses the data . 3 ) value - based pricing — biosdi uses its proprietary knowledge of a potential purchaser in conjunction with statistical models to forecast the marginal benefit of a given piece of data . because biosdi serves as an impartial marketplace , it splits the surplus between the buyer and the seller . 4 ) auction - based pricing — in situations in which it is preferable for only one user to receive the data , biosdi serves as an electronic auction house : it alerts users of the data &# 39 ; s potential benefits , holds an auction , and sells the data to the highest bidder . the specific technical details explaining how an auction - based trading system is designed when the traded assets are clearly of a multi - dimensional nature ( as they are in the present application ) is disclosed in the ph . d . thesis , “ iterative combinatorial auctions ”, of david c . parkes of the computer information science department at the university of pennsylvania . bioshared data interchange would obviously offer to exchange data of various kinds which are important in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry community . the above example is one such kind . in the following we give a few examples of important classes of data which can easily be obscured enough to keep their proprietary value to the discloser . a ) structural and proteomics data : over the last three decades , the pharmaceutical and biotech industries have benefited greatly from advances made in x - ray crystallography , nmr techniques , mass spectrometry , and micro array techniques . advances in computational methods have particularly helped in areas where it has been difficult to obtain reliable results from experimental work . this is especially true in the fields of computational biochemistry and biology . in spite of the enormous success of these new techniques in generating useful data , there are significant number of areas where the biochemical data sharing could be advantageous to the pharmaceutical industry . sdi provides a framework under which such information could be safely shared . b ) interaction parameters : starting with the pioneer simulation of hard spheres , computer simulations of atoms and molecules have been important tools for almost four decades . they are now commonplace in the physical sciences , particularly in the fields of chemistry , biochemistry and biology . by simulating molecules of biological importance , scientists are able to study various biological reactions and predict various properties of individual biomolecules . because these studies are hard to conduct experimentally , the computer simulations are especially important . in spite of a history of scientific success , these methods are still marked by certain inherent problems . for example , the underlying database used to simulate the atomic - level interactions between participating atoms still needs improvement . because this set of interaction parameters is not entirely accurate , many of the molecular properties estimated by the simulations are not comparable to experimentally observed values . in this disclosure , we suggest that a secure data interchange could compare interaction parameters derived from a wide variety of different sources , combining them into more reliable estimates that could then be compared against experimentally derived values . c ) protein structures and prediction methods : in addition to direct molecular simulations , there are various other computational techniques popular among biochemists and biologists . the method for predicting the tertiary structure of proteins is such an example . homology modeling uses the primary sequence of proteins to predict their tertiary structures . neural networks are often used to accomplish this task . we suggest that if a large set of predictive methods and a large set of unpublished protein structures are shared in the interchange , it might lead to better predictive schemes as well as predicted structures for yet unsolved proteins . many institutions should be able to share the unpublished data on protein structures without fearing a loss of proprietary value . d ) drug binding : drug molecules bind to protein molecules ; however , some of them bind to dna as well . it is very important to understand the various aspects of this binding mechanism . one such aspect is the binding energy involved in the reaction of drug molecules to proteins . in this disclosure , we suggest that the secure data interchange provides a framework for storing and sharing data about drug molecules and the proteins they bind to . e ) mass spectrometric data : sharing mass spectrometric data obtained from various cell studies could assist in the determination of the secondary and tertiary structures of the hundreds of protein molecules involved in whole cells ( as opposed to individual protein structures , which are determined in the laboratory by x - ray crystallographic methods ). the thousands of pieces of information obtained from mass spectrometric methods applied to the cell components could be gathered at the shared data interchange , allowing more light to be shed on the regulatory functions of various proteins in the cells . more macro - level data modeling techniques and especially those which additionally choose to incorporate protein structure models could be particularly benefited by complementary share of these two types of data . in this type of model , integrating the presence of both types of parameters may often result in an overall enhancement ( mutually ) to all parameters of both types ( i . e ., secondary and tertiary structural and individual protein structural ) parameters . although the biosdi system framework addresses a significant need within the field of bio - informatics , there will be nonetheless from a practical implementation standpoint admitted imperfections which once successfully addressed over time through improvements could eventually provide much greater efficiencies of scale such as more dynamical and more complex querying in a completely automated fashion the distributed data sharing paradigm which could be achieved through such system refinements as a common data format ( among currently disparate heterogeneous data formats ), common semantic protocols ( as well as computer - mediated generation of the semantic representation of data created ). certainly the industry - wide agreement and associated acceptance of unified industry - wide common protocols relating to this presently proposed data sharing scheme would improve the efficiency and responsiveness of the system at a variety of levels in the data sharing process . biosdi may ( particularly in the interim ) in addition , achieve certain ( perhaps most ) of these objectives through the use of similarly functioning middleware software in order to mediate these data conversions for purposes of communications between sdi and its associated participating constituent data sharing entities . one particularly intriguing future emergent paradigm in the field of bioinformatics for which these common data exchange protocols if used in conjunction with sdi could prove most valuable is the integration of embedded systems technology into the actual in vitro ( and potentially even in vivo laboratory testing environments and associated data measurement and data collection instrumentation . significant gains could effectively be achieved at a variety of levels including much faster data collection recording and processing as well as a significantly greater quantity of data most of which is currently either uncollected or discarded by presently used methodologies . however , by contrast , within the biosdi framework the free flow of this data into biosdi could enable real time centralized monitoring and dynamic detection of any and all useful pieces of data within the scope and context of the present ( and continually updated ) “ needs criteria ” for the overall data collection and processing needs of biosdi in as much as it is able to be instead represented as such as a singular collective entity . dr . ed lazowska , department of computer science , university of washington , in his science forum lecture series describes and refers to current research initiatives within this area of embedded systems for use within biotechnology research , which is of noteworthy potential use and applicability to a biosdi common data protocol based framework . an additional value added benefit and opportunity which biosdi enables is the opportunity to act in a “ match making ” capacity whereby , for example , substantially large data sharing procedures occurring through sdi may also suggest that the human experts involved in the original creation of such data may potentially also share in common a potential need and thus opportunity to collaborate in a direct literal sense on active research endeavors which they mutually share in common . furthermore , if desired , such human experts may even wish to submit cvs of both present and past research activities and experience such that , subject to the proper conditions ( of pricing and data disclosure policies ), these additional professional profile based features may be further incorporated into the matching scheme in order to further improve the system &# 39 ; s performance accuracy and range of matchmaking opportunities , thus more readily harnessing the value of such mutual opportunities where ever or whenever they happen to exist among various disparate entities . the issued grandparent application ( u . s . pat . no . 5 , 754 , 938 ) as well as the parent application ( pending ) entitled “ secure data interchange ” explains in significant technical detail how such a “ match maker ” system is designed as well as the types of applications and autonomous communication functions it may be able to perform . although the presently disclosed preferred methodologies of the preferred embodiment ( constituting the system and methods for bioinformatics secured data exchange are potentially extremely important within the context of facilitating the speed , efficiency and cost savings of bioinformatics in its crucial role towards the growth of the biotechnology field as a whole , there are nonetheless other application domains for which very similar methodologies and conceptual objectives of the presently disclosed system could be readily and very advantageously adopted ( and which would be reasonably obvious to those skilled to the relevant particular domains to which the above methods could be adopted ). it can be appreciated that although the chemical structures and lengths of pathways may differ from that of the primary embodiment of biosdi as herein disclosed in detail , those skilled in the art within each of the various respective alternative fields of use could readily extend the methods used in the presently detailed bioinformatics exemplary application and the associated novel methods of biosdi for confidentially disclosing , detecting and selectively sharing that portion of the modeled data which does not threaten to compromise the proprietary nature of sensitive data portions of those data models . accordingly , it is abundantly clear to those skilled in the relevant parallel alternative fields of art that the presently proposed methodology is readily and reasonably extensible to these same parallel related fields without substantially departing from the novel and paradigmatically exemplified teachings of the presently disclosed primary embodiment of biosdi . some examples of these fields include : 1 . genomics and genetic engineering , 2 . biochemical ( as well as chemical ) engineering , ( including the related field of industrial enzymatics ), 3 . nanotechnology ( including nanomolecular engineering ), 4 . materials science 5 . general purpose research data sharing — although it is an extremely ambitious goal , within the framework of the presently discussed techniques for common data classification / metadata , data format and semantic protocol development and evolution as above suggested , as well as the development of middleware designed to achieve similar end objectives , it is certainly a reasonable goal to eventually develop a general purpose research application domain for sdi in which researchers within disparate laboratory environments could use sdi to find other potentially complimentary research data to that which they are currently working on and either automatically share that data within the data disclosure constraints of the prospective disclosers or to identify the existence of such complementary data and , in turn , notify the associated disclosers and recipients of these complementary assets and thus prompt a negotiation process between the prospective discloser and recipient based upon price offered by the recipient against the amount and detail of data provided by the associated discloser ( or such process with sufficient critical mass could be automated through the above suggested market based techniques used within biosdi ). certainly in order for these negotiations to be most efficiently performed , it is most useful to utilize the totality of data disclosed compared to data received of each entity into the exchange in order to arrive at a “ net balance ” of asset value which each entity is able to provide to the exchange in the form of “ credit ”. in addition , it is worthy to note that depending upon the degree of value which an entity which a particular data asset is worth to a given recipient , and if a portion of this value as determined by sdi is presently withheld in accordance with the disclosers data disclosure policy , this additional marginal value as it would exist relative to the prospective recipient could accordingly be appraised and estimated by sdi . based upon a detailed pricing policy provided by the prospective recipient beforehand most ( or all ) of the steps in the data exchange process including frequently matching , in addition to negotiation and transaction may occur in automated fashion . this negotiation process requires determination of the maximum price that the recipient would be willing to pay for data of a certain type . this pricing policy may be based upon such pricing policy criteria as such information regarding the particular pathway , receptor site and molecule ) data quality ( e . g ., soundness of the techniques used in the experimentation / modeling procedures ) and nature of the prospective recipient ( e . g ., is the recipient a present or possibly a potential competitor and if so , with relation to what specific type / domain of bioinformatics data . this information may be based upon biosdis privileged access to information about the specific activities and focused areas of effort of the prospective recipient ( e . g ., via explicit knowledge or as determined and estimated by the quantity of data actually produced and submitted to biosdi within each family of molecules receptors , pathways , etc ., and perhaps more indirect knowledge of the same as inferred indirectly from the specifics of pricing polices of the recipient for data disclosure and receipt . of additional relevance in many cases to the recipient is the value that that particular data provides relative to that particular recipient itself . the measurement of this parameter is a bit tricky , but could likely be modeled and predicted with some reasonable degree of reliability and accuracy ( e . g ., via a multi - dimensional predictive statistical model such as k - means clustering . for example , 100 % of the potential value to recipient is invariably based upon the relevancy of the very specific nature of the data relative to the collective commercial investment in research and development initiatives relating directly ( and indirectly ) to research objectives requiring the application of such data . what percentage of this overall potential value is realizable depends upon such variables ( possibly the product thereof ) as to what degree is the present data to be received relevant to such overall objectives and to what ( percentile ) degree does the addition of the present prospective data disclosure actually quantitatively constitute the overall potential value that this type of data is able to provide relative to the recipient . it is worthy to note that the quantity of pre - existing data specifically relevant to the particular item of specific interest ( e . g ., structure , pathway , etc .) reduces the marginal increased value to the overall “ data value ” of the system by approximately the inverse of the square of this quantity of pre - existing data ( assuming both new and existing data are of equal quality . in addition , the degree of “ remoteness ” of the portion of data to be disclosed to the primary objective item ( s ) of value / interest to the recipient also has an exponentially diminishing effect on the value of any such associated data as well ( which may be considered for “ sale ” to that recipient ). given all of the relevant parameters ( which may include but is in no way limited per se to those suggested above ) as indicated , it should be possible to reasonably predict the approximate value to a recipient that a given piece of data slated for prospective acquisition is likely to provide to recipient . thus it is possible to determine ( e . g ., automatically via biosdi ) an appropriate pricing policy that is adaptive to not only the needs of the recipient but also the context of the margin of value that a given piece of data is able to provide in addressing that specific need . as such with the resulting capability to manage and implement not only data disclosure polices , but also pricing polices for both prospective disclosers and recipients in automated fashion , biosdi is positioned to also perform automated negotiation procedures . the details of how such an automated negotiation process could be designed to function within the context of the present system ( using either a single intermediary , i . e ., biosdi or two separate intermediaries , i . e ., assigned representative agents of each of the negotiating entities ) are disclosed in detail in the parent ( pending patent application entitled “ secure data interchange ” and are generally well understood within the relevant field of art . dr . david croson and rachel croson ( professors at the wharton school , university of pennsylvania ) have also done a substantial amount of research work and publications in this general area of agent - based automated negotiations and intermediary - based negotiations . based upon a detailed pricing policy provided by the prospective recipient matched against additional data disclosure policy parameters which are “ negotiable ” subject to price by the prospective discloser , it may be possible for sdi to mediate further higher additional value based trades involving the revelation of data of a somewhat more explicit nature to potential beneficiaries than would otherwise occur without these additional qualifying criteria to the pricing policies of the discloser and recipient and the data disclosure policy of the discloser . as consistent with the general framework &# 39 ; s preferred implementation across its various potential domains , the prospective recipient could also be introduced to the prospective discloser , if desired provided that such an introduction is compatible with the prescribed data disclosure policy of the data discloser . the advantage of such introduction being more detailed exchange of data at a conceptual and creative level as well as identifying the potential mutually advantageous opportunities which may inherently exist between the parties for collaborative research . | 6 |
the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings , in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown . the present invention relates to a rear bumper protection device for a vehicle . the device is particularly suited for any size vehicle having a trunk located in the rear portion of the vehicle . the protective portion of the device is a base layer of hanging flexible material . the base layer can be of any desired size , preferably capable of covering the entire rear bumper of a vehicle . the base layer has a top portion , side portions , and a bottom portion , each of which portions are independently any desired shape or contour . the top portion of the base layer is the portion having a closer proximity to the trunk of the vehicle , whereas the bottom portion of the base layer is the portion having a closer proximity to the ground when the device is installed onto a vehicle . the base layer also has a front portion facing away from the vehicle and a back portion immediately adjacent to the vehicle . the size , shape , thickness , and construction of the base layer must be such as to provide protection to the rear portion of a vehicle . more particularly , the base protective layer is of a sufficient thickness and construction so that it can effectively protect the rear of the vehicle from scratches , dents , and marring caused by vehicle - to - vehicle contact , repair work , collision with an object , weathering , and the like . the base layer is to be distinguished from a sheet or tarpaulin , which are typically too thin to prevent damage due to impact , rubbing , scratching , or abrading . the base protective layer is preferably constructed of a flexible plastic or rubber composition . a polyvinylchloride ( pvc ) construction is particularly preferred . the base layer can be constructed of a single flexible material or a composite of different flexible materials . the thickness of the base protective layer required to make it effective at preventing damage is dependent on the composition and construction of the base layer . the thickness is adjusted according to the composition to make the base layer effective at protecting a vehicle . preferably , the protective layer is a flexible plastic or rubber composition with a minimum thickness of about 3 or 4 millimeters . more preferably , the base layer of such a composition has a minimum thickness of about 6 millimeters . in other embodiments , the base layer can have a minimum thickness of about 8 millimeters or 1 centimeter depending on the size of the vehicle and the type of damage to be prevented . additional padding may be permanently , semi - permanently or temporarily affixed to the back portion of the base protective layer . the bumper protection device contains one or more stabilizing blocks positioned on the top portion of the base layer of the hanging protective material . for most applications , the bumper protection device preferably contains a single stabilizing block . however , in some embodiments it can be preferred to use more than one stabilizing block . in a preferred embodiment , the stabilizing block is in the form of a protrusion or raised edge directed colinearly with or along a contour edge of the top portion of the base layer spanning from one side portion to another side portion of the base layer , and is of sufficient rigidity , thickness , width , and length to reduce curling of the rear bumper protective cover . the stabilizing block is particularly effective in reducing lateral curling or rolling , i . e ., curling , rolling , or flapping roughly parallel with the sides of the vehicle . for example , in one embodiment , a stabilizing block protrudes at least about 8 millimeters above the base layer and has a width of at least about 20 millimeters . in other embodiments , the stabilizing block protrudes at least about 10 , 12 , or 14 millimeters above the base layer and has a width of at least about 20 , 25 , or 30 millimeters . in a preferred embodiment , a stabilizing block protrudes at least about 8 millimeters above the base layer and has a width of at least about 25 millimeters . in one embodiment , the thickness , width , and length is each independently uniform throughout the stabilizing block . in another embodiment , the thickness , width , and length of the stabilizing block is independently variable in order to maximize an anti - curling or other beneficial effect . the stabilizing block can be flush with an upper edge of the top portion of the base layer , and / or flush with the side portions of the base layer . alternatively , there can be a spacing between the upper edge of the top portion of the base layer or the edges of the side portions with the stabilizing block . in a preferred embodiment , the stabilizing block is of the same material as the base layer and is formed of a continuous mold with the base layer . for example , the protective device can include a rubber base layer and rubber stabilizing block constructed from a single mold . alternatively , the stabilizing block can be of the same or a different material than the base layer and be bonded , affixed , or attached by any suitable means to the base layer . in one embodiment , the stabilizing block is uninterrupted by gaps . in another embodiment , the stabilizing block is interrupted by one or more gaps . preferably , a gap in the stabilizing block retains the base layer within the gap . however , the gap in the stabilizing block can also include a gap in the base layer . in particular embodiments , it may be advantageous to increase the thickness and decrease the width , or decrease the thickness and increase the width of the stabilizing block in order to optimize resistance to curling . one or more gaps may be included and positioned appropriately for a similar purpose . the bumper protective device requires the use of one or more securing means to attach the device to the rear portion of a vehicle . in one embodiment , the securing means are part of the final assembled device , while in another embodiment , the securing means are not part of the final assembled device . in either case , the securing means can be either permanently attached to the protective device , or alternatively , an attachable / detachable type of securing means . the securing means can be any securing means known in the art capable of attaching a rear bumper protective cover to a rear portion of a vehicle . the securing means attaches the protective device to any convenient portion of the rear portion of the vehicle so that the protective layer can fit over the rear bumper . for example , the securing means can be made to attach the protective device to a trunk element , door hinge , or wheel well . the securing means may also function by wrapping around some portion of the rear of the vehicle . some examples of suitable non - permanent securing means include latches , clamps , 10 straps , hooks , mechanical fasteners , fabric hook - and - loop fasteners ( e . g ., velcro ), and magnets , as well as elastic , metallic , or fabric bands , loops , or strings . the foregoing examples can also be modified to be permanent . some well - known suitable permanent securing means include use of screw - bolt fasteners , chemical bonding , or gluing . in a preferred embodiment , the securing means include one or more straps extending from the top portion of the bumper protective 15 device . the straps or extensions can be designed by a suitable thickness or with suitable promontories or apertures to render them fixed , wedged , or otherwise immobilized onto the rear of the vehicle when closing the trunk . for example , one or more extensions can include an aperture suitable for securing the device onto a trunk latch . in a preferred embodiment , the securing means is attached to a top portion of the bumper protective device . attachment of the securing means to the top portion of the device can allow for more facile securing of the device to a trunk element of the vehicle . for example , the securing means can attach to an edge or hinge of the trunk lid , or to any suitable edge , hinge , or protrusion inside or outside of the trunk . the bumper protective device may also be attached to a vehicle so as to protect a front bumper without departing from the inventive aspects of the invention disclosed . the invention will now be described by referring to fig1 and 2 . the bumper protective device is generally designated as numeral 1 . fig1 depicts a preferred embodiment of the bumper protective device 1 . a base layer of protective flexible material 2 is preferably attached to securing means 3 along its top portion . one or more stabilizing blocks 4 are attached to the upper portion of the base layer . each block can optionally include one or more gaps , as depicted by the dashed lines within 4 . the base layer can optionally be inscribed , recessed , or cut out according to any suitable shape 5 . the inscription , recess , or cut - out can be useful for holding an item of interest , such as , for example , a license plate or advertisement . the base layer can optionally also include any number of raised portions 6 having any suitable shape . the raised portions can be useful as , for example , locations onto which reflectors , advertisements , or adornments can be affixed . fig2 depicts the bumper protective device 1 installed onto the rear bumper 8 of a vehicle . as shown , the securing means 3 are preferably attached by any suitable means onto or into the trunk portion 7 of the vehicle . while the present invention is illustrated with particular embodiments , it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific and preferred embodiments illustrated and described . | 1 |
the apparatus shown in fig1 comprises an electric motor driven fan assembly 10 having a motor housing 11 , a fan housing 12 and an end plate 13 which is formed with upwardly extending walls 14 defining a rectangular aperture which serves as an air inlet and across which is disposed a perforated plate 15 . a cable c for connection of the motor of the fan assembly 10 to a source of electric current ( not shown ) enters the motor housing 11 through an aperture provided for the purpose . two toggle switches 16 and 17 are mounted in apertures provided on the front of the motor housing 11 , switch 16 being provided for switching on and off of the electric motor and switch 17 being provided for switching on and off of a heater the purpose of which is mentioned below . a track 18 is secured to the rear of the motor housing 11 and extends vertically to a point some distance above the perforated plate 15 . a frame 19 is mounted by means ( not shown ) for vertical movement on the track 18 and means ( also not shown ) are provided to enable the frame 19 to be secured in fixed position of the track 18 . the frame 19 comprises an upper frame member 20 and a lower frame member 21 , the two being hinged together by conventional hinges ( not shown ) provided between opposing faces of each frame member 20 , 21 , at the left - hand side ( as viewed in fig1 ) of the frame 19 so that the two frame members can be parted by movement in the direction shown by the arrow a . two handles 22 and 23 are provided on the right - hand side ( as viewed in fig1 ) of the frame 19 to assist in parting the two frame members 20 and 21 . a conventional screw clamp 24 is provided on the front of the frame 19 to secure the two frame members together in use . a heater assembly 25 is secured to an upper part of the track 18 above the frame 19 . the heater assembly 25 is mounted so as to be vertically fixed but so as to be movable from side - to - side ( in the directions of the arrows b ) to enable easy access to the frame 19 . a knob 26 is provided on the front of the heater assembly 25 to assist in such side - to - side movement . the heater assembly 25 comprises a parallelepipedic housing 27 closed on its four sides and its top but open at its base 28 . housed in the housing 27 is an electrical resistance heating element ( not shown ) connected to a source of electrical current ( not shown ) through the switch 17 by means of electrical wiring concealed by the track 18 in the view shown . use of the apparatus just described for making a mould for use in making an ear insert will now be described . the frame 19 is moved to its lowest position on the frame 18 , in which position the track 19 is supported by the top of the fan assembly 10 , and the heater assembly 25 is moved to one side . using the handles 22 and 23 , after unfastening the clamp 24 , the two frame members 20 and 21 of the frame 19 are parted and a sheet of plastics film is placed on the upper surface of the lower frame member 21 . the two frame members 20 and 21 are then brought together and secured by means of the clamp 24 and the heater assembly is moved back to its previous position . an impression or a number of impressions are then placed on the upper surface of the perforated plate 15 of the fan assembly 25 , after raising the frame 19 to , and securing it at , a desired position a short distance below the heater assembly 25 . the heater assembly , supplied with current by earlier operation of the switch 17 , is then allowed to heat - soften the plastics film in the frame 19 . when softened to the desired degree , the motor of the fan assembly 10 is switched on and the frame 19 is lowered to its maximum extent on the track 18 in which position the lower frame member 21 is sealingly engaged over the air inlet 14 of the fan assembly 10 . the suction of the fan of the fan assembly causes the heat softened plastics film in the frame 19 to be drawn down over the impression ( s ) on the perforated plate 15 and to be deformed to their shape . when so deformed and the film has cooled , the frame 19 is raised , the heater assembly 25 moved to one side , the fan motor switched off , the frame 19 opened and the film removed from the frame 19 together with the impressions which are temporarily retained by the film . the impressions are then pressed out manually leaving cavities in the film which accurately reproduce the shape ( s ) of the impression ( s ). manufacture of an ear insert by a process according to the invention will now be described , by way of example only . an impression of the ear canal of a patient was formed by direct moulding in the patient &# 39 ; s ear using a proprietary rubbery material well - known for use for this purpose ( e . g . &# 34 ; panasil a &# 34 ;). four further identical impressions were taken from the same patient , the five impressions then being placed on the perforated plate 15 of the apparatus shown in the accompanying drawing . the heater assembly 25 of the apparatus was then switched on for 10 minutes . a sheet of polycarbonate resin ( 0 . 060 mm thick ) was then fixed in the frame member 21 and the sheet brought up to the pre - heated assembly 25 . after approximately 3 minutes , the polycarbonate sheet was sufficiently thermosoftened , sagging at its middle by an amount of approximately 1 . 25 cm . the frame 19 was then lowered onto the perforated plate 15 to bring the thermo - softened sheet into contact with the impressions . vacuum drawing resulted causing the sheet of plastics material to be drawn down tightly over the impressions accurately conforming to the shape of each . the frame and sheet were retained in this lowered position and the vacuum applied for a few seconds until the sheet of polycarbonate resin had set . the frame 19 was then raised , the deformed sheet was removed from the apparatus and each impression pressed out of the vacuum - formed sheet of polycarbonate resin to leave five mould cavities . one of the so - formed cavities was cut from the sheet to form a mould which was then filled with a self - curing acrylic resin , e . g . &# 34 ; duro &# 34 ; ( trade mark of eden vale laboratories ) self curing denture base acrylic material . a piece of wire which retained its shape when bent was then inserted into a tube . the wire and tube were then bent to conform to a desired configuration and were then inserted vertically into the resin until they reached the base of the cavity . a tubular plastics barb was then threaded onto the upper end of the wire so as to be partially embedded in the resin . the purpose of these measures is to provide in the finished insert a meatal passage ( when the wire or wire and tube are subsequently removed ) and a barb , connected to the passage , to the projecting end of which barb can be connected a tube for connection to the acoustic output of a hearing aid . the mould was then placed in a warm glycerine bath maintained at approximately body temperature and a suitable pressure , typically 3 . 5 kg / cm 2 ( gauge ), applied . the mould was left to cure in this condition for at least 5 minutes , e . g . 10 minutes , and then the cured acrylic resin material was manually removed from the mould . the resulting moulded insert was found to be highly polished and needed no trimming or further polishing on the surfaces which , in use , contact the ear . the flat surface not in contact with the polycarbonate sheet when insert is in the mould was polished by means conventional in the art . the ear insert was found to fit snugly in the patient &# 39 ; s ear and in use not to give rise to any acoustic feedback . it was also found that , to avoid any possible allergenic response from the patient , the patient &# 39 ; s ear could be protected from contact with the ear insert by first placing the ear insert back in one of the moulds produced by the suction - forming operation , and it was found that when used in this manner the ear insert was equally satisfactory , still providing a snug fit and resulting in no acoustic feedback . fig2 shows the completed insert . the earcontacting surface being uppermost , the meatal passage is indicated at 30 and the tubular barb at 31 . the aperture 32 is formed to reduce the overall weight of the insert and is normally formed by cutting - away a central part of the impression before it has been moulded . alternatively the aperture 32 may be cut out after the ear insert has been moulded , or a former can be placed in the mould cavity prior to moulding . in other embodiments of the invention the pressure deformable sheet of material may be deformed over the impression of the ear canal by the application of an over pressure instead of by the application of a suction . furthermore the ear insert could be drilled after moulding to provide the meatal passage or to enable tubing and / or a tubular barb to be glued into the drilled passage . however it should be realised that it is preferred to mould as opposed to drilling the meatal passage since the meatal passage can be moulded to change directions by gently curving the passage . if the meatal passage is drilled a change of direction can only be made by drilling bores from two different directions , the two drilled bores meeting at an angle . it will of course be appreciated that a gently curving meatal passage is preferred acoustically to an angled meatal passage . the suction generated by the electric motor driven fan assembly 10 for vacuum - drawing the pressure deformable sheet over the impressions could be generated instead by other means . for example if a straight main tube was provided having a branch tube extending at right angles to the main tube , sufficient suction could be generated at the outlet of the branch tube by running tap water through the main tube at a sufficient pressure , e . g . 3 kg / cm 2 ( gauge ). finally it should be realised that any form of insert may be moulded , e . g . solid , shell or skeleton . the insert may be moulded from different materials to have a soft tip or tips with the rest of the material moulded from harder material . alternatively the insert may be moulded completely from soft , semi - soft or semi - hard material . in addition the solidified moulding material may be retained in the mould cavity formed in the sheet material to act as a protective packaging or as a covering , e . g . a non - allergenic covering , in use of the insert . the dashed line in fig2 schematically indicates the sheet material , the insert being retained in the mould cavity formed in the sheet material . the small circles on the sheet in fig2 represent where the sheet material has been drawn into the perforations of the perforated plate 15 during application of the suction to draw the softened sheet material over the impression ( s ) on the plate 15 . although the invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment thereof , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in the method and construction of the body insert may be made without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present invention . | 7 |
no fluid flow is ever perfectly homogenous . small variations in the flow are present that are being transported by the flow at the flow velocity . these small variations , such as localized changes in density , and the characteristics of light absorption and reflectivity , can be detected optically by passing light through the flowing medium and observing the changes in the light intensity . some prior art velocimeters have structure for creating disturbances , such as vortices , then they count vortices passing a reference point ; the number passing in a determined interval of time being indicative of the flow velocity . some instruments of the &# 34 ; time - of - flight &# 34 ; type utilize doppler shift techniques . the instrument disclosed herein is considered to be in the &# 34 ; time - of - flight &# 34 ; category however it functions by the spatial convolution of the light intensity pattern established by an artificially - introduced transfer function co - acting with the variations in the light intensity due to the nonhomogeneities which are transported by the flow medium . this convolution generates a new intensity response function which is periodic and whose base frequency is directly proportional to the flow velocity . fig1 is a pictorial view of a typical embodiment of the invention . in this particular operating embodiment , the flow channel 21 through which the flowing medium 22 is contained as it passes was approximately one square inch in cross section . the absolute dimensions of apparatus of this invention are not critical . those practicing the invention will understand from the following descriptions of embodiments the relative relationships of dimensions with respect to the output characteristics of the devices . in addition they will readily comprehend the light spectral and intensity requirements in connection with the sensitivities of the photodetection means employed and the light transmissibility and reflection characteristics of the medium from which the flow characteristics are being obtained . the output signal on line 23 from the electrical processor unit 24 is an alternating current signal whose frequency is proportional , and linearly related , to the velocity of the flow 22 . this frequency may be read out in a conventional electronic counter display unit 25 in cycles per second or the appropriate time base may be used so that the read - out is directly in feet per second of flow velocity . the counter may be set to up - count for a determined time interval and then down - count for the same time interval and display the difference , which is the change in velocity per unit of time , which is the acceleration of the flowing medium . this usage of electronic counters is conventional and well known . obviously , the frequency of the signal on line 23 may be displayed by instruments other than an electronic counter . any of the well known electrical frequency indicating devices may be used . acceleration characteristics may also be obtained by differentiating a dc analog voltage ( such as obtained from a discriminator circuit ) of the velocity by a conventional electronic differentiator . the details of such display units are well known and are not a part of this invention . the read - out display unit is , however , a component of the combination comprising the invention to provide a complete utilitarian system . this particular embodiment illustrated in fig1 has a heater element 26 which may be used to heat the flowing medium before the medium passes the optical part of the system . with normally very nearly perfectly homogenous flows heating the flow will accentuate the small nonhomogeneities present and decrease the sensitivity required of the optical system . it is to be observed that the system does not utilize turbulence , vortices , or any temperature gradients created by the heater . in the majority of flows , heating will not be required with optical and electronic systems of normal sensitivity . the heating of the flow is not critical , but may be desirable . both ac and dc currents have been used successfully . in the particular embodiment being illustrated and described a conventional nichrome wire heating element dissipating approximately 2 watts of electrical power at five volts 60 hz has proven very satisfactory . the conventional power source 27 supplies the energy requirements of the electronic processing unit 24 and the heater element 26 . a requirement of the optical system of the invention is that it includes an element to provide an artificially - introduced transfer function which intercepts the collimated light traversing the flowing medium . generally the preferred embodiments of the invention comprise a double - faced mirror providing this transfer function , and two photodetectors whose outputs are subtracted to provide a differential light detector system . the optical system of an embodiment having this structure is illustrated schematically in fig2 . a cross - section side view of the mechanical structure is shown in fig3 and an end view of the structure represented by fig3 is shown in fig4 . embodiments having a double - faced mirror are the most compact physically , and embodiments having two photodetectors differentially connected are much less susceptible to extraneous noise components ( from stray light , for example ), thus embodiments having these combinations of elements are generally preferred . referring to fig1 through 4 , the fluid flow 22 , which in a typical instance is the air through which an aircraft is passing , passes first over the heater element 26 which can be energized if necessary , such as might be desirable at high altitudes . generally it is preferable to have the heater element 26 positioned with respect to the rest of the apparatus as shown in fig1 and 4 . it may be placed at right angles to this position as the heater element 26 is shown in fig2 . configuration of the heating element is not critical . a light source 30 ( such as a type mled 910 is suitable ), provides the necessary illumination . the light must be collimated by a lens system 31 so that parallel rays of light 32 traverse the fluid flow 22 substantially at right angles to the direction of flow . in these generally preferred embodiments the lens system 31 simultaneously serves two functions , it collimates the light from the light source 30 into parallel rays , and then it refocuses the light returning from the double - faced mirror 33 onto the two photodetectors 34 and 35 . suitable photodetectors for use with the previously enumerated light source are type ls 400 phototransistors . ( type fpt 102 photodiodes with appropriate preamplifiers may be used .) a typical double - faced mirror may easily be constructed as shown in fig1 a , 13b , 14a , 14b , and 15 . two interdigitated strips of substantially totally reflecting surfaces , with the parallel reflective strips of one surface slightly angled to the parallel reflective strips of the other surface are required . in a typical embodiment the reflective elements are fabricated by conventionally depositing gold on conventional microscope slide glasses . with the previously enumerated light source and photodetectors , gold is the preferred reflecting material due to its spectral characteristics . with other light sources and photodetectors , other surface materials such as silver may be more appropriate to match the spectral characteristics of the particular light used . fig1 a is a front view of the front mirror having a set of parallel , planar , reflective gold strips 131 deposited on a glass microscope side . the equal parallel strips are equally spaced apart a distance equal to their width . fig1 b is a top or edge view of the glass microscope slide 132 showing the front deposited reflective strips 131 . the second set of parallel , planar , strips may be easily , effectively , formed by depositing a gold reflective surface 141 completely over the surface of a second mircoscope glass side 142 and positioning it behind the first slide as shown in fig1 . fig1 b is a top edge view of the coated slide as shown in the front view on fig1 a . any substantially flat transparent medium ( transparent to the light from the source 51 ) may be used in place of the front glass slide . obviously , the rear mirror surface need not be placed on a transparent medium . a thin wedge 151 is placed along one edge between the glass slides to provide an angle of separation 152 . a wedge sufficient to provide approximately 0 . 4 ° of angle has been found to be suitable for the particular embodiments being described in detail . the absolute value of the angle is not critical , only that the correct alignment with the other elements is required . the angle formed between the two reflective surfaces cooperates with the spacing between the photodetectors 34 and 35 , and the lens 31 , such that the light reflected from one surface of strips is brought to focus on one photodetector , by the lens system 31 and the light reflected from the other surface of strips is brought to focus by the lens 31 on the other photodetector . a thin , narrow , strip of gold foil provides a suitable wedge . conventional adhesive bonding of the foil to the microscope slides at the location shown in fig1 has been found satisfactory for maintaining the proper alignment . the foregoing description of a doubly - reflective mirror provides a simple , economical , satisfactory element . it is not required that it be fabricated in this exact form . the requirements of the doubly - reflective mirror are that a first set of a plurality of equally spaced planar reflective elements be interleaved with a second set of a plurality of equally spaced planar reflective elements such that the parallel perpendicular reflections from the first reflective elements make an angle with the parallel perpendicular reflections from the second , such that the reflections may be separately detected . in the operation of the doubly - reflective mirror in this invention , it is to be understood that the doubly - reflective mirror is positioned such that the collimated light rays impinging on the mirror are reflected back , with the angle of incidence equal to the angle of reflection and the angles of reflection are such that the light is brought to focus from one mirror set on one photodetector and the light from the other mirror set is focused on the other photodetector . ( the light rays neither strike or leave the mirror surfaces perpendicularly to the reflective surfaces .) generally , it is desirable to shield the photodetectors 34 and 35 from stray light rays from the light source 30 by positioning a light shield 40 around the light source as shown in fig3 and 4 . the frequency in hz of the output signal on line 23 may be expressed by the relationship f ≈ v / d , where v is the velocity of the flowing medium and d is spacing of the effective sampling period . in the typical embodiment being described the widths of the reflective strips were approximately 0 . 04 inch , which provides approximately 25 pulses per inch of flow travel . this provides a device having a typical calibration characteristic as shown in fig1 . thus in this typical embodiment the period d in feet per cycle is approximately 0 . 08 / 12 , and the velocity of the flowing medium may be expressed as v = hz ( 0 . 0066 ). for example , a 3 khz signal is indicative of approximately a 20 - feet per second flow velocity . fig5 shows schematically in cross section typical mechanical structure for embodiments of the invention using a single photodetector . in these embodiments the light flow is from the light source 51 through the collimating lens 52 , which forms the light into parallel rays 53 traversing the flowing medium 54 , and then through the artificially - introduced transfer function element 55 , then the light rays are focused by the lens 56 on the single photodetector 57 . the electronic processor unit for these embodiments is generally contained in the compartment 58 . the fundamental relationships previously stated for the earlier described embodiments generally apply except for the structure of the transfer function element 55 , and separate individual lens systems are used for the collimating lens and the focusing lens . the physical structures involved in the lens systems are not critical provided the functions of collimating and focusing are obtained . it is generally desirable to include a heater element 59 in these embodiments for the same reason as previously explained . these embodiments do not have a differential photodetecting system hence they are more susceptible to extraneous noise signals . a schematic diagram of a typical optical system for embodiments represented by fig5 is shown in fig6 . the collimating lens system 62 and the focusing lens system 66 are represented schematically as previously by simple lens elements . in this embodiment the artificially - introduced optical transfer function element 67 is a conventional ronchi grating . for embodiments using this structure and having the range of response characteristics that the earlier described embodiments have , the ronchi grating has equal opaque and transparent elements of approximately 0 . 04 inch widths . ( different widths would result in a different calibration .) instead of using a ronchi grating to provide the artificially - introduced transfer function an optical element with a determined variation in optical density may be used . fig7 shows schematically such an optical system . it is similar to the ronchi grating system shown in fig6 except the ronchi grating 67 is replaced with the optical element 77 as shown in fig7 . the requirement on this optical element is that it has a determined pattern in its light transmissibility characteristics that will provide a known light intensity response characteristic . this known light intensity response then is convoluted with the intensity response of the non - homogeneities in the flowing medium to provide a resultant response from which the electronic processor unit derives a signal whose base frequency is proportional to the flow velocity . typical examples of this optical element are variable density optical filters in which the variable density is in the form of a step function , a cosine function , and a pulse train function . the optical density cannot be a constant as a function of distance in the element along the direction of flow , but must have a known variation in density as a function of x , the distance along the element in the direction of flow . the artificially - introduced transfer function may also be generated by an array of photodetectors 87 , as shown schematically in fig8 having alternate detectors connected in parallel such that two signals , one signal on line 81 and one signal on line 82 , are provided to the differential amplifier 88 . the differential amplifier provides an output signal on line 83 to the electronic processor unit which is proportional to the instantaneous differences between the two signals . the signal on line 83 is the effective convolution response of the changes in light intensity due to the nonhomogeneities in the medium and the step function introduced by the detector array and differential amplifier system . element 89 merely represents a thin transparent wall section in the flow channel . a similar functioning embodiment may be provided as shown in fig9 . in these embodiments as represented by this figure fiber optic members 91 are interleaved , along the flow direction , with fiber optic members 92 . each set of fiber optics conduct light to a respective photodetector , i . e ., set 91 to photodetector 93 , and set 92 to photodetector 94 . the other ends of the fiber optic member are extended through the flow channel wall 95 and are flush with the inner wall surface to provide a smooth channel surface for the flowing medium . alternatively , wall member 95 may be a transparent member and the ends of the fiber optic members may be positioned adjacent the transparent wall . fig1 shows a representative block diagram illustrating in block form the major components of the invention . as previously indicated the collimator 101 and the focusing lens system 102 may be one structure providing both functions . the heater 103 , while generally not required for normal operation of the embodiments , is generally desirable for improved operation with some flows . heat may either or not be applied to the medium by activation of switch 104 . the display unit 105 as previously discussed may read either or both velocity and acceleration . fig1 is an electronic schematic diagram of a typical electronic processor unit , ( the light source and photodetectors are also shown for clarity ), that may be used with embodiments of the invention that operate in a differential detection mode . it is applicable to the embodiments illustrated in fig1 , 3 and 4 . it is also suitable for the embodiment illustrated in fig9 with the photodetectors 34 and 35 replaced by those represented at 93 and 94 in fig9 . the operation of the system may readily be understood from the schematic diagram . briefly , the phototransistors 34 and 35 are differentially connected to the conventional difference amplifier 111 . the difference signal from this amplifier is passed through the conventional high pass rc filter 112 to remove low frequency variations and noise from the signal . the conventional phase - lock - loop circuit 113 is used to present a clean uniform alternating current signal to the display unit . the use of a phase - lock - loop circuit is not mandatory but highly desirable . such circuits are well known and in wide usage . a type lm 208 module for amplifier 111 , and a type lm 565 module for the phase locked loop circuit 113 are typical and have proven generally suitable . fig1 is an electronic schematic diagram of a typical electronic processor unit ( included also is the light source and photodetector ) suitable for the embodiments illustrated in fig5 and 7 . by taking the signal on line 83 of the embodiment illustrated in fig8 and feeding it into the amplifier 121 instead of the circuits shown it may also be used with the embodiments illustrated by fig8 . as in the previous electronic schematic diagram , a type ls 400 phototransistor or a type fpt 102 photodiode with a conventional preamplifier may be used for the photodetector 122 . the amplifier 121 is a conventional amplifier . it may also be a type lm 208 as in the previous schematic diagram with the unused input grounded . the light source 123 is typically a type mled 910 light emitting diode . the filter circuit 112 and the phase locked loop circuit 113 are the same and provide the same function as in the previous schematic diagram . in embodiments of this invention the excitation current for the light source is not critical . generally , either ac or dc may be used . with embodiments having a differential mode of operation such as represented by the schematic diagram of fig1 . the frequency of the excitation for the light source is automatically removed from the output by the differential action of the electronic circuit . for the embodiments of the invention having a photodetector input as represented by the schematic diagram of fig1 it is preferable when an alternating current excitation voltage is used for the light source that the frequency of the excitation voltage be outside the normal operating range of output frequencies of the devices . thus for some low velocity embodiments it will be desirable to use a direct current source of excitation voltage for the light source of these embodiments . fig1 is a copy of an oscilloscope trace 161 of the signal on the output line from the electronic processor unit of a typical operating embodiment of the invention when the velocity of a flowing medium was being measured . fig1 shows the calibration response 171 of this same typical operating embodiment . | 6 |
the present application provides an atm communication network architecture which includes a network interface to multiplex and demultiplex composite information streams onto a single logical connection independent of the host processors connected to the network . fig2 illustrates an exemplary atm communication network 20 incorporating network interfaces 22 between atm switches 24 and a plurality of processors 26 , 28 , 30 and 32 . the atm switches are known in the art . an example of a suitable atm switch is the at & amp ; t univercell . processors 26 , 28 , 30 and 32 may be isochronous information processors , such as digital signal processors and video coders / decoders , or non - isochronous information processors , such as the intel x86 processor line running standard operation systems , such as microsoft windows ®. fig3 illustrates an expanded view of a single network interface connection to the atm based communication network shown in fig2 . in this configuration , there are four processors connected to the network interface 22 . two of the processors are non - isochronous data processors 34 and two are isochronous processors 36 . as shown in fig1 and described above , current atm network technology utilizes a host processor to initiate and manage communications between isochronous data processors connected to the network , as well as managing nonisochronous data communications by the host . utilization of the host processor for such network communication reduces the number of cpu cycles allotted to the host &# 39 ; s data application programs . the network interface of the present invention overcomes the drawback of current atm networks by relieving the host processor of the task of managing isochronous data communications . this is accomplished by connecting the host and isochronous processors to the network interface which then multiplexes and demultiplexes the communications over a single logical connection . referring to fig3 and 5 , the network interface 22 resides between atm switch 24 and the various processors 34 and 36 . the network interface 22 has a multiplexer portion 40 and a demultiplexer portion 42 . the multiplexer portion 40 preferably includes a cell multiplexer controller 48 and buffer memories 50 and 52 . preferably , cell multiplexer controller 48 utilizes a processor 60 , such as the intel model 960 microcontroller or equivalent processor circuitry having similar processing characteristics , and associated memory 62 for storing system and application programs . multiplexing communication circuitry 64 is coupled to the processor 60 to combine the nonisochronous data with the isochronous data and to transfer the data along a single logical connection via an atm based communication network , such as an atm based b - isdn network . such multiplexing communication circuitry is known in the art . fig6 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram for the multiplexing operation according to the present invention . prior to sending data on or receiving data from the atm network , a host processor at the sending end of the network creates a logical connection with the host processor at the receiving end . typically , when transferring data along a communication network , the network defines the parameters on how data is transferred , e . g ., the bandwidth and bit or baud rates . the atm based b - isdn network utilized with the present invention defines the bandwidth for data flow , that is , the network defines how many atm cells may be transferred per second so that the audio and video portions of the isochronous data stream remain synchronized . once the logical connection is established , the host processor is relieved of managing isochronous data flow and the isochronous processors can transmit data therebetween without host processor intervention using the network interface . the network interface 22 receives and stores the isochronous and nonisochronous data for subsequent multiplexing . numerous methods may be utilized to transfer data from the host or isochronous processors 34 and 36 to the network interface . for example , the network interface 22 may periodically poll each processor for data , or the processors could continue to send data to the network interface 22 until the interface transmits a buffer full interrupt to the processor . as data is loaded into the buffer memories 50 and 52 , the network interface 22 at the transmitting end interrogates the isochronous transmit data buffer 50 to determine if the buffer is either full or has reached a predetermined threshold ( steps 610 and 620 ). if the buffer 50 is full , the multiplexer controller 48 retrieves the isochronous data from the buffer and creates an atm cell ( step 630 ). techniques for creating an atm cell are known in the art . when creating the cell , multiplexer controller 48 incorporates cell header information including the channel identifier . the channel identifier is used by the receiving network interface 22 to transfer the payload of the atm cell to the appropriate host or isochronous data processor . once the cell is created the isochronous data can be transferred to the remote processor via the b - isdn network ( step 640 ). alternatively , timing or bandwidth constraints may require the isochronous data cell to be temporarily stored in memory and retrieved and transferred along the network at an appropriate interval . for example , if the bandwidth of the network permits the transfer of five cells per second and every fifth cell is reserved for the isochronous data cell , then the isochronous data cell may have to be stored in memory until the fifth cell is to be transferred along the network . continuing to refer to fig5 and 6 , if the isochronous data transmit buffer 50 is not full , multiplexer controller 48 retrieves nonisochronous data from frame segmentation buffer 52 and segments the data to create a nonisochronous data cell ( step 650 ). once the cell is created , it may be transferred along the atm based b - isdn network ( step 660 ). alternatively , as with isochronous data cells , the nonisochronous data cells may have to be temporarily stored and retrieved as network bandwidth requirements dictate . referring again to fig5 the demultiplexer portion 42 is constructed similar to the multiplexer portion and preferably includes a cell demultiplexer controller 54 which has a processor and associated memory for storing system and application programs , and buffer memories 56 and 58 . cell demultiplexer controller 54 preferably utilizes processor 60 and memory 62 . however , one skilled in the art will recognize that independent processing circuitry may be utilized for each controller 48 and 54 . cell demultiplexer controller 54 also includes demultiplexing communication circuitry 66 coupled to the processor . the communication circuitry 66 extracts the payload and header information from the isochronous and nonisochronous atm cells received from the atm based b - isdn network . as noted , the header information includes the channel identifier . communications received from the b - isdn network are directed to the appropriate isochronous or non - isochronous data processors utilizing the channel identifier . typically , upon creation of the logical connection , a cross - reference table relating to the channel identifier and associated processor is generated by the host processor establishing the virtual channel . the table is stored in memory 62 of the corresponding network interface 22 . once the destination of the isochronous or nonisochronous data is ascertained by the network interface , the data may be transferred to the appropriate processor 34 or 36 using , for example , standard communication backplanes . a suitable backplane configuration is a peripheral component interconnect ( pci ) bus 44 and shared pci bridge 46 , shown in fig5 . fig7 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram for the demultiplexing operation according to the present invention . as noted above , before any communications between processors can occur , a logical connection must be created . data is received from the atm based b - isdn network by the demultiplexer controller 54 which demultiplexes the incoming stream of atm cells , by extracting payload and header information from each cell ( step 710 ). the controller determines which processor 34 or 36 is designated to receive the data using the channel identifier . if the data is isochronous , the controller directs the data to the isochronous data receive buffer 56 ( steps 730 and 740 ). if the data is nonisochronous , the controller directs the data to the frame reassembly buffer 58 ( steps 730 and 750 ). once the data is transferred to the appropriate buffer , the data is then transferred to the appropriate processor ( step 760 or 770 ). numerous methods may be implemented to transfer the data within the buffer to the appropriate processor . for example , the individual processors 34 and 36 may periodically poll the network interface 22 for buffer data designated for that particular processor . however , other known communication techniques may be utilized to transfer the data to the appropriate processor . what has been described is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention . other arrangements and methods can be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention . | 7 |
while this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms , there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated . the present invention and the embodiments described and disclosed within this document , propose to solve the same problems relating to yard waste handling and containment as addressed by the prior art . however , this is accomplished by reinventing the actual bag and handling system verses adding attachments or peripherals to a poorly designed standard yard waste bag . the present invention allows a sole individual to collect or rake leaves and other lawn waste into a novel , reconfigured and conducive to be laid ( horizontally ) on the ground , yard waste bag . this is accomplished by two main features . the first feature or component is the combination lid and raking ramp 1 . the ramp / lid 1 runs the length and parallel to the long side of a traditional shaped yard waste bag , again when in the horizontal position and on the ground , where this bag / container is designed to remain until it is filled completely and ready to be moved to a desired location . the second main feature is the location of the bag / opening 2 . the opening / lid 2 is on the container top and extending the length or a large portion of the upper most horizontal surface parallel to the ramp 1 . this ramp 1 to bag opening 2 configuration allows a sole individual to rake , broom or shovel the desired waste material up and into the four sided bag or box containment area 3 . since the container opening 2 is on the top , not the side , as the debris is added to the container via the ramp 1 or by hand , it may easily be arranged and compacted as the filling process continues . the compacting procedure is simply achieved by stepping down with one &# 39 ; s foot and body weight to compress the leaves , twigs , brush , etc ., once again until the bag / container is filled to its capacity . furthermore , the large opening 2 and access to the containment area allows longer debris such as branches , stalks , etc . to be efficiently loaded and compacted . in one embodiment , after the bag / container is filled , the ramp 1 is collapsed and flipped up 4 ( see fig1 - 3 ) along its living hinged side to now become the lid / top and a means for neatly sealing the bag / container &# 39 ; s contents in and the potential adverse weather conditions out . adverse weather such as wind blowing the loaded debris around or more importantly rain , which could saturate the bag material , along with its contents . this scenario would add significantly more weight , along with the chance of the bag / container falling apart or decomposing before its desired time . additionally , a half filled bag could be closed and stored for further filling at a later date . the lid / top would be secured in its closed position by a number of methods , all commonly known . examples of temporary and permanent sealing methods would be : flaps that fold and tuck into a slit opening 11 as illustrated in fig6 , slits 14 , 15 as illustrated in fig7 , or behind a paper strap as double stick tape or opposing bent surfaces . once the bag / container is filled and the lid / top / cover is closed , carrying handles 5 are now exposed and ready for use . as per the preferred embodiment , these carrying handles would be constructed of the same material as found on a common paper grocery bag , whereas the paper material is doubled up for added strength or they may be constructed of a biodegradable twine or the like . furthermore , the two handles 5 could be joined together and held that way by the addition of a section of tape or a community yard waste sticker 12 , which are sometimes required . when filled , a typical yard waste bag is awkward to handle or carry . the addition of handles 5 would be extremely useful not only to the homeowner while filling the bag , but also to the yard waste hauler when depositing the filled bags into the truck or vehicle . the bag / container itself would be constructed of common to the industry materials used for a typical yard waste bag to compost scenario . the most common being doubled up grocery bag weight paper , but not limited to . in order to add strength and rigidity to the bag / container &# 39 ; s structure , a small amount of very light weight biodegradable cardboard may be required in some key structure locations . the objective would be to construct the most economical yet effective bag / container for this type of recycling application . another embodiment shows a ramp 6 as a separate structure from the containment bag . this application may be desired for a number of reasons . one being if the cost of manufacturing the combination lid and ramp became cost prohibited as a recyclable product . in this case , the ramp 6 alone would be constructed of either a sturdy weather - resistant cardboard or some form of plastic etc ., whereas the recyclable bag with lid would be situated next to the more “ permanent product ” ramp . the ramp 6 would obviously be used repeatedly as intended for this particular application . the ramp 6 would certainly fold and collapse for convenient storage . additionally , when used alone with the disposable lid / ramp , the added ramp 6 would add rigidity to the bag attached lid / ramp , also providing a space for one &# 39 ; s foot to help stabilize the bag while the containment area is being loaded ( see fig8 ). another embodiment , fig5 , shows a traditional shaped yard waste bag with its typically located opening at one end or short side of the elongated bag . the integrated chute / ramp / lid 8 is novel in that it would also be made of the same biodegradable material as the bag itself and would be manufactured along with each bag . as per the drawing , chute / ramp / lid 8 would fold out and open to form a slight ramp with a curb 9 for debris containment . when the desired waste material was swept in and the bag stood up , the ramp 8 would fold up and collapse to form a bag lid or cover , ready for disposal ( see fig7 ). furthermore , the embodiment shows a permanently attached biodegradable handle 5 constructed as previously described in another embodiment , only located differently . one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the terms “ first ,” “ second ,” “ upper ,” “ lower ,” etc . are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments in any way . the term “ plurality ” as used herein is intended to indicate any number greater than one , either disjunctively or conjunctively as necessary , up to an infinite number . the terms “ joined ” and / or “ connected ” as used herein are intended to put or bring two elements together so as to form a unit , and any number of elements , devices , fasteners , etc . may be provided between the joined or connected elements unless otherwise specified by the use of the term “ directly ” and / or supported by the drawings . while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described , numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention , and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims . while some of the prior art may contain some similarities relating to the present invention , none of them teach , suggest or include all of the advantages and unique features as the invention disclosed within this document . | 1 |
referring to fig1 , a side view of a first preferred embodiment of the wheel with flexible spokes of the present invention is shown and generally designated 100 . in fig1 , the side of wheel 100 facing the viewer can be referred to as the right side of the wheel 100 . the side of wheel 100 opposite the right side can be referred to as the left side of the wheel 100 . the wheel 100 has a wheel axis 104 , and a rim 110 which has an inner perimeter 112 and an outer perimeter 114 . still referring to fig1 , with reference to fig3 , distributed symmetrically along inner perimeter 112 are spoke holes 120 . each spoke hole 120 has a spoke hole width 122 . along the outer perimeter 114 are nipple access holes 124 ( not visible in fig1 ), one nipple access hole 124 adjacent each spoke hole 120 . wheel 100 further includes a hub 130 having a right flange 132 and a left flange 134 ( not visible , behind right flange 132 ). each flange 132 and 134 has an inner surface 136 and an outer surface 138 . in each flange 132 and 134 are flange holes 140 , each flange hole 140 corresponding to a unique spoke hole 120 . each flange hole 140 has an inner opening 142 in the corresponding inner surface 136 , and an outer opening 144 in the corresponding outer surface 138 . hub 130 also has a barrel 148 which receives an axle of a bicycle . wheel 100 further includes non - rigid spoke members , or spokes 150 . each spoke 150 has non - rigid fibers 152 ( not visible this figure ) covered by a jacket 154 having an inner diameter 156 ( not visible ) and an outer diameter 158 which is also the width 158 of spoke 150 . each spoke 150 has a length 160 . fibers 152 are substantially continuous along the length 160 of spoke 150 . alternatively , one or more of fibers 152 may be less than continuous along the length of spoke 150 . each spoke 150 has an inner end 162 adjacent hub 130 , and an outer end 164 adjacent rim 110 . each spoke 150 has a tube 170 about its outer end 164 , and each tube 170 is formed with a tapered bore 171 opening away from the midpoint of the spoke . each tube 170 is affixed to its corresponding outer end 164 by inserting the fibers into the tube , and filling the tube with epoxy 175 . once hardened , the epoxy 175 and fibers 152 form a wedge within the tapered bore 171 such that any tension on the spoke draws the hardened wedge against the taper thereby securing the fiber within the tube . alternatively , tube 170 may be affixed to outer end 164 by any other material of similar strength . tube 170 may be equipped with a hexagonal , reinforced head 165 which provides for added strength at the hub - end of the tube 170 . this is helpful in preventing breakage for a non - axial tension on spoke 150 , and facilitates the tightening of spoke 150 . each tube 170 has a tube axis 172 and external spoke threads 174 . each spoke 150 also has an anchor ( or eyelet or ferrule ) 180 about its inner end 162 . each anchor 180 is formed with a tapered bore 181 opening away from the midpoint of the spoke . each anchor 180 is affixed to its corresponding inner end 162 by inserting the fibers into the anchor , and filling the tapered bore 181 with epoxy 163 . once hardened , the epoxy and fibers form a wedge within the tapered bore 181 formed in the anchor 180 such that any tension on the spoke draws the hardened wedge against the taper thereby securing the fiber 150 within the anchor 180 . alternatively , anchor 180 may be affixed to inner end 162 by any other material of similar strength . each flange hole 140 is wider than spoke 150 but narrower than anchor 180 , such that tube 170 about outer end 164 can be passed into inner opening 142 and out of outer opening 144 , and such that the rest of spoke 150 can then be passed through flange hole 140 until anchor 180 comes into contact with inner surface 136 around inner opening 142 , which causes inner end 162 to be retained in flange hole 140 by anchor 180 . wheel 100 also includes nipples 190 . one nipple 190 is shown in fig1 in broken line , inside rim 110 . there is a nipple 190 between each spoke hole 120 and its corresponding nipple access hole 124 . each nipple 190 has a nipple opening 192 , nipple threads 194 inside nipple opening 192 , a collar 196 , and a nipple head 198 . once each spoke 150 is passed through flange hole 140 until anchor 180 comes into contact with inner surface 136 around inner opening 142 , tube 170 is positioned and threaded into the corresponding nipple 190 via inter - engagement of spoke threads 174 with nipple threads 194 . this causes tube 170 to be retained in nipple 190 such that tube axis 172 is perpendicular to wheel axis 104 ( shown in fig1 ). the retention of tube 170 in nipple 190 , and of inner end 162 in flange hole 140 by anchor 180 , causes spoke 150 to be held taut between rim 110 and hub 130 . fig1 shows eight ( 8 ) spokes 150 attached to right flange 132 , and eight ( 8 ) spokes 150 attached to left flange 134 ( not visible , behind right flange 132 ), for a total of sixteen ( 16 ) spokes 150 . wheel 100 may alternatively have more or fewer than sixteen ( 16 ) spokes 150 . for example , wheel 100 may have twelve ( 12 ) spokes 150 , six ( 6 ) spokes 150 attached to each of flanges 132 and 134 . while it is also possible to have different numbers of spokes 150 attached to each of flanges 132 and 134 , having the same number of spokes attached to each of flanges 132 and 134 balances the load on the flanges 132 and 134 . fig2 is a rear view of hub 130 . fig2 shows the angle that one of the spokes 150 is attached to right flange 132 , and the angle that one of the spokes 150 is attached to left flange 134 . in fig2 , the right side of wheel 100 is on the right side of fig2 , and the left side of wheel 100 is on the left side of fig2 . broken line 230 in fig2 represents a plane 230 that bisects wheel 100 between the right side and left side of wheel 100 . plane 230 is perpendicular to wheel axis 104 . each outer surface 138 has the shape of a conical section that has an angle 240 to wheel axis 104 . each spoke 150 extends perpendicularly from the corresponding outer surface 138 . therefore , each spoke 150 extends from outer surface 138 at an angle 250 to plane 230 . this means that the magnitude of angle 260 between spoke 150 attached to right flange 132 and spoke 150 attached to left flange 134 , is twice the magnitude of angle 250 . fig3 shows a partial cross - sectional detail view of a spoke 150 with its inner end 162 retained in flange hole 140 by anchor 180 , and tube 170 about to be received in nipple 190 in rim 110 . fig3 shows how nipple 190 is retained in spoke hole 120 . spoke hole width 122 allows the portion of nipple 190 around nipple opening 192 to pass through spoke hole 120 , but does not allow collar 196 to pass through spoke hole 120 , such that nipple is retained in spoke hole 120 by the tension of spoke 150 on nipple 190 once tube 170 is threaded into nipple 190 . fig3 also shows spoke threads 174 which inter - engage with nipple threads 194 to thread tube 170 into nipple 190 . with tube 170 retained in nipple 190 , tube axis 172 is perpendicular to wheel axis 104 ( not shown ) and intersects the corresponding spoke hole 120 . spoke holes 120 lie in plane 230 . while spoke holes 120 may alternatively be adjacent plane 230 , spoke holes 120 being in plane 230 causes the forces of spokes 150 to be placed on rim 110 where plane 230 intersects rim 110 , which is the middle of the inner perimeter 112 of rim 110 . with spoke holes 120 in plane 230 , and each tube 170 received in the corresponding nipple 190 , tube axis 172 also lies in plane 230 . in fig3 , tube axis 172 coincides with the broken line representing plane 230 . however , because each spoke 150 extends at angle 250 to plane 230 , each spoke 150 extends from its tube 170 at angle 250 to tube axis 172 . this means that there is a bend in spoke 150 at an angle 250 at the point 320 where spoke 150 protrudes from tube 170 . with steel spokes , such a bend would weaken the spoke and ultimately cause the spoke to fail . however , with spokes 150 , such a bend does not damage spokes 150 , because fibers 152 are flexible and resilient yet strong such that spokes 150 retain their integrity and strength even when bent under tension in the manner described . therefore , spokes 150 can bend without weakening or failing . furthermore , each of spokes 150 is three times as strong , and weighs half as much , as a steel spoke that would otherwise be used in its place . this allows the width 153 of each of spokes 150 to be greater than that of a steel spoke that would be used in its place . in the alternative , the width 158 of each spoke 150 may be less than or equal to the width of a steel spoke that would be used in its place ; the strength of each of spokes 150 may be greater or less than three times that of a steel spoke that would be used in its place ; and the weight of each of spokes 150 may be greater or less than half that of a steel spoke that would be used in its place . rim 110 , hub 130 , tube 170 , anchor 180 and nipple 190 , in a preferred embodiment , are made of aluminum . alternatively , any of rim 110 , hub 130 , tube 170 , anchor 180 or nipple 190 may be made of any other material of comparable strength . in a preferred embodiment of the present invention , fibers 152 are a bundle of thermotropic liquid crystal fibers that exhibit high strength , low creep , and weather resistance . for instance , the fibers could be a peso fiber such as zylon ®, a strong yet lightweight fiber , available from toyobo . alternatively , fibers 152 may be made of any other material having comparable weight and strength . jacket 154 is made of rilsan ®, a high - performance polyamide . alternatively , jacket 154 may be made of any other material having comparable weight and strength . each nipple access hole 124 allows access to nipple head 198 so that it can be turned to facilitate the threading of nipple 190 onto tube 170 . for instance , a hexagonal head nut - driver may be positioned over nipple 190 and rotated to tighten spoke 150 in place . fig4 shows a cross - sectional detail view of the inside of a spoke 150 , showing the fibers 152 , and inner diameter 156 of jacket 154 . fibers 152 are gathered in forty - four ( 44 ) bundles 410 of nine - hundred ninety - six ( 996 ) filaments each bundle , for a total of 43 , 824 filaments in spoke 150 . this great number of filaments is one factor contributing to the great strength of spoke 150 , while minimizing the weight of spoke 150 . spoke 150 has a breaking strength of 3 , 600 pounds . alternatively , the number of bundles 410 may be greater or less than 44 ; the number of filaments in each bundle 410 may be greater or less than 996 ; and the breaking strength of spoke 150 may be greater or less than 3 , 600 pounds . referring to fig5 , a cross - sectional view of the first preferred embodiment of the wheel with flexible spokes of the present invention showing cross - sectional portions of the rim and hub is shown . as can be appreciated from fig5 , the width of rim 110 is just slightly wider than the width of nipple 190 . as a result , it is necessary that the nipple be aligned so that the tube extends radically inward from rim 110 . because of this positioning , it is important that spoke 150 be flexible as it leaves tube 190 so as to accommodate angle 250 without any decrease in strength and durability . due to the number of fiber strands contained within spoke 150 , there is no noticeable decrease in strength despite the off - axis tension . when tension is applied to spoke 150 , collar 196 strikes the inside surface of rim 110 and maintains the nipple , and corresponding sleeve , in its perpendicular arrangement . referring now to fig6 through 9 , a number of alternative embodiments of the wheel with high strength flexible spokes of the present invention are shown and include variations on the nipple and rim . referring initially to fig6 , the wheel with high strength flexible spokes of the present invention is shown and includes a shortened nipple generally designated 450 . shortened nipple 450 is sized to be fully received within the rim 110 . nipple 450 includes a nipple head 452 and a collar 460 sized to rest against the interior of the rim 110 and allow nipple opening 456 to pass through spoke hole 120 . shortened nipple 450 is formed with a threaded bore 454 passing longitudinally along axis 172 from nipple opening 456 . threaded bore 454 is sized to threadably receive head tube 170 . shortened nipple 450 is formed with a keyway 462 to receive a key when secured during assembly of the wheel . more specifically , nipple head 452 is formed with a pattern of keyways 462 to receive a correspondingly shaped key to maintain the rotational position of nipple 450 along axis 172 during the installation of spoke 150 . by inserting a key into keyways 462 , the nipple 450 may be held in place while head tube is rotated such that head tube threads 174 enter nipple 450 . as shown in fig6 , spoke 150 may extend away from axis 172 by an angle 250 as described in conjunction with alternative embodiments . referring now to fig7 , a cross - sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the wheel with high strength flexible spokes of the present invention is equipped with a shouldered nipple generally designated 480 . shouldered nipple 480 includes an insert 482 having a diameter 484 which is slightly less than the diameter of spoke hole 120 of rim 110 . shoulder 484 is larger in diameter than insert diameter 484 such that the insert shoulder 484 rests on the inside surface of rim 110 . shouldered nipple 480 is formed with a threaded bore 488 which passes from nipple opening 483 through to nipple head 486 , and includes threads 492 matching threads 174 . threaded bore 488 is sized to threadably receive threads 174 on tube head 170 during the assembly of the wheel with high strength flexible spokes of the present invention . from fig7 it can been seen that shoulder 484 is rounded and corresponds with a mating surface 494 on rim 110 such that the axis 172 of nipple 480 may vary slightly within rim 110 . specifically , the mating surface 494 allows the shouldered nipple 480 to pivot slightly within the rim 110 to accommodate slight angular adjustments within the rim , such that the spoke 150 can extend away at an angle 250 from the nipple 480 and rim 110 . a number of keyways 490 are formed in nipple head 486 such that a corresponding key ( not shown ) can be inserted into keyways 490 to maintain the rotational position of nipple 480 during the threading of tube head 170 into threaded bore 488 , and when tightening the spoke 150 using hexagonal head 165 . also , nipple 480 is sized to be fully received within access hole 124 in rim 100 . referring now to fig8 and 9 , cross - sectional views of an alternative embodiment of wheel with high strength flexible spokes of the present invention showing cross - sectional portions of the rim and hub , and showing a spherical , or rounded , nipple generally designated 500 . rounded nipple 500 is formed with a spherical or near spherical body 502 having a bore 506 along axis 172 and formed with threads 504 from inlet 506 through end 510 . rim 110 is formed with nipple seat 508 that is shaped to receive rounded nipple 500 to retain nipple 500 in position along axis 172 of rim 100 . fig9 depicts the insertion of a spoke 150 into rounded nipple 500 by threadably rotating spoke 150 along axis 518 and advancing the spoke 150 in direction 514 . rounded nipple 500 is formed with a number of keyways 512 sized to receive a key , such as the key 550 shown in fig1 , having a handle 552 and a shaft 554 leading to a head 556 formed with keys 558 positioned and sized to correspond to keyways 512 on rounded nipple 500 . it is to be appreciated that the number , size , positioning of the keys 558 may vary to accommodate keyway size , shapes , and patterns of nipples described herein . head 556 of key 550 is formed to have a diameter 560 that is less than the diameter of access hole 124 . accordingly , key 550 can be inserted into rim 110 during the wheel assembly process to engage keys 558 into keyways 512 to maintain the rotational position of rounded nipple 500 as head tube 170 is threaded into nipple 500 . also from fig9 , the rotation of rounded nipple 500 within rim 110 is shown . rounded nipple 500 rotates within the rim 110 to accommodate the angular positioning of a spoke 150 extending away from the rim 110 with lithe or no angular change with the tube head and spoke . specifically , rounded nipple 500 rests against nipple seats 508 and can rotate about a center of rotation 522 such that the axis 518 of tube head 174 can move within range 520 . this range 520 allows the spoke 150 to maintain a relatively straight line between tube head 174 and anchor 180 of hub 130 . this straightness along axis 518 provides additional strength as all fibers 152 within spoke 150 are stressed similarly along the longitudinal axis of the spoke . referring now to fig1 , an exemplary embodiment of a key tool for tightening the high strength flexible spokes of the present invention is shown and generally designated 550 . key tool 550 includes a handle 552 having a shaft 554 leading to a head 556 formed with a number of keys 558 sized and positioned to cooperatively engage the keyways on nipples of the present invention . the diameter 560 of head 556 is intended to be sized to be insertable through the access hole 124 in the rim 110 as disclosed herein to engage the nipples described to facilitate the high strength flexible spokes of the present invention . it is to be appreciated that the key tool 550 is shown in fig1 to have four keys 558 which , in a preferred embodiment , correspond to the inserts shown to have four keyways . it is to be appreciated further , that the number , size and positioning of keys 558 can vary to accommodate a nipple formed with different configurations of keyways . while the wheel with high strength flexible spokes of the present invention as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated , it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims . | 1 |
the objects , characteristics and effects of the present invention will become apparent with the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the illustration of related drawings as follows . with reference to fig1 for a schematic block diagram of an overvoltage protection circuit in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention , the overvoltage protection circuit 10 is installed between an input voltage v in and a portable electronic device 2 , for performing an overvoltage protection ( ovp ). the internal circuit unit 4 of the portable electronic device 2 is configured with a maximum input voltage tolerable which is also called a rated voltage . therefore , the overvoltage protection circuit can be used for preventing the input voltage v in exceeding the rated voltage from being inputted to the portable electronic device 2 directly or resulting in damages to the internal circuit unit 4 . in addition , the rated voltage is further defined as the maximum operating voltage tolerable of the internal circuit unit 4 of the portable electronic device 2 . in other words , if the input voltage v in received by the portable electronic device 2 does not exceed the rated voltage , the internal circuit unit such as a rectifier circuit , a charge / discharge circuit or a display circuit of the portable electronic device 2 can be operated normally . on the other hand , if the input voltage v in received by the portable electronic device 2 exceeds the rated voltage , the portable electronic device 2 will damage the internal circuit unit , and the portable electronic device 2 may perform wrong operations or may even fail . in addition , the input voltage v in can be an ac voltage obtained from utility power or a rectified dc voltage . the overvoltage protection circuit 10 comprises an input unit 12 , a voltage limiting unit 14 , a voltage dividing module 16 , a comparing module 18 , a switch unit 20 and an output unit 22 . wherein , the input unit 12 is provided for receiving the input voltage v in , and the input voltage v in can be a dc voltage or an ac voltage . the voltage limiting unit 14 has two terminals , wherein one terminal is coupled to the input unit 12 , and the other terminal is coupled to a ground terminal gnd . the input voltage v in produces a corresponding reference voltage v ref through the voltage limiting unit 14 . wherein , the voltage limiting unit 14 is a two - terminal device with a temperature change resisting effect , so that the electric properties of the voltage limiting unit 14 such as a zener diode will not be affected by a change of temperature . in addition , the voltage limiting unit 14 has a default clamping voltage pv provided for the voltage limiting unit 14 to determine whether or not to be conducted according to the received input voltage v in . in other words , if the input voltage v in is applied to the voltage limiting unit 14 , and the input voltage v in is smaller than or equal to the clamping voltage pv , then the voltage limiting unit 14 will output the reference voltage v ref equal to zero voltage ( which represents an off state ); on the other hand , if the input voltage v in is greater than the clamping voltage pv , the voltage limiting unit 14 will output the reference voltage v ref equal to the clamping voltage pv ( which represents an on state ). the aforementioned off state is defined as a state of disconnecting the voltage limiting unit 14 , and the reference voltage v ref is equal to a zero potential ; and the aforementioned on state is defined as a state of the voltage limiting unit 14 constantly outputting the clamping voltage pv , or the reference voltage v ref is equal to the clamping voltage pv . in addition , the selection of the clamping voltage pv of the voltage limiting unit 14 is not related to the rated voltage of the portable electronic device 2 . with reference to fig2 , the zener diode is used as an example of the voltage limiting unit 14 to illustrate the invention . if the default clamping voltage pv of the zener diode is designed to be equal to 4 volts , and the input voltage v in applied to the two terminals of the zener diode is smaller than 4 volts , the reference voltage v ref will be a zero potential ; and if the input voltage v in applied to the two terminals of the zener diode is greater than 4 volts , the reference voltage v ref is equal to the clamping voltage pv . in other words , the output of the reference voltage v ref is equal to 4 volts . compared with a general diode , the zener diode is connected in a reverse direction , wherein an n - terminal of the zener diode is coupled to the input unit 12 , and a p - terminal of the zener diode is coupled to the ground terminal gnd . the voltage dividing module 16 is coupled to the input unit 12 , and the input voltage v in of the input unit 12 produces a partial voltage v vd through the voltage dividing module 12 . in a preferred embodiment , the voltage dividing module 16 includes a first resistor 122 and a second resistor 124 connected in series with each other , and the input voltage v in produces the partial voltage v vd at the second resistor 124 as shown in fig3 . in addition , the ratio of the resistance of the first resistor 122 to the resistance of the second resistor 124 can be adjusted to obtain a partial voltage v vd with a corresponding resistance ratio , and the relation between the partial voltage and the resistance ratio is given below : wherein , r 122 is the resistance of the first resistor 122 , and r 124 is the resistance of the second resistor 124 . in addition , the voltage dividing module 16 is used for setting the rated voltage by the resistance ratio of the first resistor 122 and the second resistor 124 to meet the voltage requirement of the portable electronic device . in other words , if the partial voltage v vd of the second resistor 124 is greater than or equal to ( which is not smaller than ) the reference voltage v ref , the following switch unit 20 is open circuited ( or the off state ). in other words , the input voltage v in cannot be transmitted to the internal circuit unit 4 , and details are described as follows . the comparing module 18 is coupled to the voltage limiting unit 14 and the voltage dividing module 16 , and the comparing module 18 compares the reference voltage v ref with the partial voltage v vd and uses a comparison result to output the corresponding switch signal ss . with reference to fig4 for a schematic view of the comparing module 18 , the comparing module 18 further comprises a first input terminal 182 , a second input terminal 184 , a first control unit 186 and a second control unit 188 . the first input terminal 182 is coupled to the voltage limiting unit 14 for receiving the reference voltage v ref ; and the second input terminal 184 is coupled to the voltage dividing module 16 for receiving the partial voltage v vd . the first control unit 186 is provided for receiving the reference voltage v ref and the partial voltage v vd . after the reference voltage v ref is compared with the partial voltage v vd , the control signal cs is generated and transmitted to the second control unit 184 , such that the control signal cs can control open - circuit and short - circuit conditions of the second control terminal 188 . for example , if the rated voltage of the internal circuit unit 4 is equal to 4 volts , the clamping voltage pv is also equal to 4 volts , and the first resistor 122 has a resistance of 90kω and the second resistor 124 has a resistance of 10kω . if the input voltage v in ( such as 3 volts ) is lower than the rated voltage , the voltage limiting unit 14 has the reference voltage v ref equal to an output voltage of 0 , and the partial voltage v vd is equal to 0 . 3 volts . the comparing module 18 compares the reference voltage v ref with the partial voltage v vd to obtain a comparison result that the partial voltage v vd is higher than the reference voltage v ref . since the input voltage v in is not higher than the rated voltage , therefore the comparing module 18 can control the switch unit 20 to output the input voltage vin to the output unit 22 . in another preferred embodiment , if the input voltage v in is equal to the rated voltage such as 4 volts , the voltage limiting unit 14 has the reference voltage v ref equal to the output voltage of 0 , and the partial voltage v vd is equal to 0 . 4 volts . the comparing module 18 compares the reference voltage v ref with the partial voltage v vd to obtain the same comparison result that the partial voltage v vd is higher than the reference voltage v ref . since the input voltage v in is equal to the rated voltage which still falls within the tolerable range of the internal circuit unit 4 , therefore the comparing module 18 can control the switch unit 20 to output the input voltage v in to the output unit 22 and supply the input voltage v in to the internal circuit unit 4 . in another preferred embodiment , if the input voltage vin exceeds the rated voltage such as 5 volts , the voltage limiting unit 14 outputs a constant voltage which is the clamping voltage pv equal to 4 volts as the reference voltage v ref , and the partial voltage v vd is equal to 0 . 5 volts . the comparing module 18 compares the reference voltage v ref with the partial voltage v vd to obtain a comparison result that the partial voltage v vd is lower than the reference voltage v ref . since the input voltage v in exceeds the tolerable range of the rated voltage of the internal circuit unit 4 , therefore the comparing module 18 controls the switch unit 20 according to the aforementioned comparison result , such that the input voltage vin cannot be supplied to the internal circuit unit 4 . in a preferred embodiment , the second control unit 188 is a three - terminal device , wherein one terminal is coupled to the first control unit 186 for receiving the control signal cs , the other terminal is coupled to the switch unit 20 , and the remaining terminal is coupled to a voltage v or a ground gnd . in other words , the control signal cs received by one terminal of the second control unit 188 can be used to form an open - circuit state or a short - circuit state of the other two terminals according to the control signal cs used in the two terminals . wherein , the second control unit 188 is a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor ( mosfet ). in fig1 , the switch unit 20 is coupled to the input unit 12 , the comparing module 18 and the output unit 22 , and the switch unit 20 drives the input unit 12 to be coupled to the portable electronic device 4 according to the switch signal ss . in a preferred embodiment as shown in fig5 , the switch unit 20 is a three - terminal device having an input terminal 202 , an output terminal 204 and a controlled terminal 206 , wherein the input terminal 202 is coupled to the input unit 12 , and the controlled terminal 206 is coupled to the second control unit 188 , and the controlled terminal 206 is selectively coupled to the input terminal 202 and the output terminal 204 according to the received switch signal ss , so that the input unit 12 can be coupled to the output unit 22 , and the input voltage vin can be supplied to the portable electronic device 4 through the output unit 22 . in a preferred embodiment , if the second control unit 188 is situated at a short - circuit state , the voltage v forms the switch signal ss directly by the switch terminal 188 and the switch signal ss is transmitted to the controlled terminal 206 to control the switch unit 20 , or the second control unit 188 makes use of the ground gnd and controls the switch unit 20 by using the switch signal ss through the controlled terminal 206 . wherein , the switch unit 20 is a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor ( mosfet ). with reference to fig6 for a schematic block diagram of an overvoltage protection circuit in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention , the overvoltage protection circuit 10 ′ further comprises a control interface module 24 , in addition to the input unit 12 , the voltage limiting unit 14 , the voltage dividing module 16 , the comparing module 18 , the switch unit 20 and the output unit 22 of the foregoing preferred embodiment . wherein , the control interface module 24 is coupled to the input unit 12 , the comparing module 14 and the switch unit 20 , and the comparing module 14 generates the corresponding switch signal ss through the control interface module 24 . with reference to fig7 for a schematic diagram of connecting the comparing module 18 , the control interface module 24 and the switch unit 20 as depicted in fig6 , the control interface module 24 is comprised of serial resistors r 1 , r 2 , and the input voltage v in of the input unit 12 generates the switch signal ss at a portion of the serial resistors r 1 , r 2 . the second control unit 188 of the comparing module 18 is a three - terminal device , wherein one terminal is coupled to the first control unit 186 for receiving the control signal cs , the other terminal is coupled to the control interface module 24 , and the remaining terminal is coupled to the ground terminal gnd . if the control signal cs drives the second control unit 188 to a short - circuit state , the input voltage v in generates the switch signal ss through the serial resistors r 1 , r 2 of the control interface module 24 , the second control unit 188 coupled to the ground terminal gnd , the voltage drops voltage v r1 , v r2 of the serial resistors r 1 , r 2 , and the use of the voltage drop v r2 of the serial resistors r 2 , and transmits the switch signal ss to the controlled terminal 206 to control the short circuit of the input terminal 202 and the output terminal 204 , such that the input voltage v in can be supplied to the output unit 22 . on the other hand , if the control signal cs drives the switch terminal 188 to an open - circuit state , the serial resistors r 1 , r 2 do not form an electric circuit , so that the input voltage v in cannot form a voltage drops v r1 , v r2 at the serial resistors r 1 , r 2 . in other words , the control interface module 24 cannot generate the switch signal ss for controlling the input terminal 202 and the output terminal 204 to be in the short - circuit state , and the input voltage v in cannot be supplied to the internal circuit unit 4 through the output unit 2 . with reference to fig8 for a schematic block diagram of an overvoltage protection circuit of a portable electronic device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention , the portable electronic device 2 ′ is provided for receiving an input voltage v in , and the portable electronic device 2 ′ comprises the input unit 12 , the voltage limiting unit 14 , the voltage dividing module 16 , the comparing module 18 , the switch unit 20 and the output unit 22 of the foregoing preferred embodiment . wherein , the internal circuit unit 4 is installed in the portable electronic device 2 . for example , the internal circuit unit 4 is a circuit of a rectification unit , a micro processing unit , a communication unit or a memory unit . the input unit 12 is provided for receiving the input voltage v in . the output unit 22 is coupled to the internal circuit unit 4 for outputting the input voltage v in to the internal circuit unit 4 . the voltage limiting unit 14 is coupled to the input unit 12 for receiving the input voltage v in and restrictively outputting a reference voltage v ref . the voltage dividing module 16 is coupled to the input unit 12 for receiving the input voltage v in and dividing the input voltage v in to produce a partial voltage v vd . the comparing module 16 is coupled to the voltage limiting unit 14 and the voltage dividing module 16 for comparing the reference voltage vref with the partial voltage v vd and generating a switch signal ss according to a comparison result . the switch unit 20 is coupled to the input unit 12 , the output unit 22 and the comparing module 18 for receiving the switch signal ss and the input voltage v in , and the switch signal ss is used for controlling the input voltage v in to be outputted to the output unit 22 through the switch unit 20 . therefore , the overvoltage protection circuit of the present invention can set the rated voltage tolerable for the internal circuit unit of the portable electronic device simply and easily through the voltage dividing module and operates together with voltage limiting unit while the operation is not affected by a change of temperature , so as to supply an input voltage lower than the rated voltage to the portable electronic device successfully , as well as precisely controlling and isolating the input voltage to be inputted to the portable electronic device before an input voltage exceeding the rated voltage ( or known as an over voltage ) is inputted , so as to prevent the internal circuit units of the portable electronic device from being damaged by the input voltage exceeding the rated voltage , and protect the internal circuit units of the portable electronic device from being damaged by a misuse of the input voltage . while the invention has been described by means of specific embodiments , numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention set forth in the claims . | 7 |
according to the first aspect of the present invention , successive bits of data which are to be encoded are cyclically divided into a plurality of groups , and the data in the plurality of groups are input in a plurality of shift registers , respectively . each of the plurality of shift registers simultaneously supplies a part of the m bits of the input to the encoder , synchronizing with the second clock . the above n bits of the output of the encoder is received in parallel in another shift register , and are serially output from the shift register , synchronizing with the first clock . since the m bits of the input to the encoder are supplied from the plurality of shift registers in parallel , the frequency of the clock controlling the operation for supplying the input to the encoder , may be lowered due to the plurality . in addition , since the circuitry in the input side of the encoder can be operated at a low frequency , the cost for constructing the circuitry and the power consumption in operating the construction can be reduced . according to the second aspect of the present invention , successive bits of coded data which are to be decoded are serially input into a serial input circuit synchronizing with the first clock , and the n bits of the input to the decoder are supplied in parallel from the serial input circuit to the decoder . the m bits of the output of the decoder are cyclically divided into a plurality ( r ) of shift registers synchronizing with the second clock , and the original data is obtained in parallel from the plurality of shift registers . since the m bits of the input to the encoder are supplied from the plurality of shift registers in parallel , the frequency of the clock controlling the operation for supplying the input to the encoder , may be lowered due to the plurality . in addition , since the circuitry in the output side of the decoder can be operated with a low frequency , the cost for constructing the circuitry and the power consumption in operating the construction can be reduced . further , both the provisions of the first and second aspects of the present invention are included in the third aspect of the present invention . thus , a high transfer speed is realized in inputting data to be encoded / decoded and outputting encoded / decoded data using a variable frequency oscillator generating a system clock having a low frequency , and therefore , circuitry including the variable frequency oscillator , can be constructed with a low cost , can be operated with a small power consumption , and is stable without complex construction . fig7 shows the construction of an encoding circuit which is used for the first and second embodiments of the present invention . in fig7 reference numeral 40 denotes a clock generator , 41 denotes a variable frequency oscillator , 42 denotes a 1 / 3 frequency divider , 43 and 44 each denote a data buffer , 45 and 46 each denote a shift register , 47 denotes an encoder , 48 denotes a coding table , and 49 denotes a shift register . the variable frequency oscillator 41 generates a coded data shift clock clk1 having a frequency of 54 mhz , and the 1 / 3 frequency divider generates a two - bit shift clock clk2 having a frequency of 18 mhz by dividing the frequency of the coded data shift clock clk1 . fig8 shows timing of the clock signals clk1 and clk2 of 54 mhz and 18 mhz which are generated in the clock generator 40 in fig7 . each of even - numbered bytes of data which is to be written in the rotating disc medium is held in the data buffer 44 , and each of odd - numbered bytes of data which is to be written in the rotating disc medium is held in the data buffer 43 . the outputs of the data buffers 43 and 44 are applied to the shift registers 45 and 46 . the shift registers 45 and 46 each contains eight bits . the connection between the output bits of the buffer registers 43 and 44 and the input bits of the shift registers 45 and 46 in the construction of fig7 are shown in fig9 . in fig9 the output bits of the buffer register 43 are numbered as 15 to 08 from the most significant bit to the least significant bit , and the output bits of the buffer register 44 are numbered as 07 to 00 from the most significant bit to the least significant bit . as shown in fig9 all the even - numbered bits of data which is held in the data buffers 43 and 44 are applied to the shift register 45 , and all the odd - numbered bits of data which is held in the data buffers 43 and 44 are applied to the shift register 46 . the data bits which are applied to the shift registers 45 and 46 , are loaded in parallel in the shift registers 45 and 46 at the timing of the multiplexer control signal ( parallel load signal ). the multiplexer control signal ( parallel load signal ) has a frequency of 2 . 25 mhz ( 1 / 8 of 18 mhz ). the content of each bit of the shift registers 45 and 46 is shifted by one bit in the direction from the most significant bit to the least significant bit , synchronized with the above two - bit shift clock clk2 of 18 mhz . the respective least significant bits in both the shift registers 45 and 46 , which are respectively denoted by b00 and b01 , and the respective second bits from the least significant bits in both the shift registers 45 and 46 , which are respectively denoted by b02 and b03 , are applied to the coding table 48 . the coding table 48 is constructed by a hardware logic circuit , and the above output bits from the shift registers 45 and 46 are applied as an input of the hardware logic circuit . the hardware logic circuit 48 outputs coded data s0 , s1 , and s3 corresponding to the input bits b00 , b01 , b02 , and b03 in accordance with the relationships of fig1 where the above bits b00 , b01 , b02 , and b03 respectively correspond to the bits b0 , b1 , b2 , and b3 in fig1 . the coding table which carries out the conversion in accordance with the relationships of fig1 is explained in the u . s . pat . no . 4 , 488 , 142 to p . a . franaszek and u . s . pat . no . 4 , 866 , 544 to s . hashimoto . the description of the coding tables in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 866 , 544 to s . hashimoto is hereby incorporated by reference herein . the output comprised of the bits s0 , s1 , and s3 of the coding table 48 is loaded in parallel in the shift register 49 , where the shift register 49 contains three bits . the content of the shift register 49 is serially output therefrom synchronized with the coded data shift clock clk1 of 54 mhz , which is also denoted as a coded data shift clock in fig7 . fig1 shows the construction of the shift registers 45 and 46 of fig7 which are used in the first embodiment of the encoding circuit according to the present invention . in fig1 , reference numeral 50 - 0 , 50 - 1 , 50 - 2 , 50 - 3 , 50 - 4 , 50 - 5 , 50 - 6 , 50 - 7 , 50 - 8 , 50 - 9 , 50 - 10 , 50 - 11 , 50 - 12 , and 50 - 13 each denote a multiplexer , 52 - 0 , 52 - 1 , 52 - 2 , 52 - 3 , 52 - 4 , 52 - 5 , 52 - 6 , 52 - 7 , 52 - 8 , 52 - 9 , 52 - 10 , 52 - 11 , 52 - 12 , 52 - 13 , 52 - 14 , and 52 - 15 each denote a flip - flop circuit , and the coding table 48 is the coding table of fig7 . the shift register 45 comprises the multiplexers 50 - 0 , 50 - 2 , 50 - 4 , 50 - 6 , 50 - 8 , 50 - 10 , and 50 - 12 , and the flip - flop circuits 52 - 0 , 52 - 2 , 52 - 4 , 52 - 6 , 52 - 8 , 52 - 10 , 52 - 12 , and 52 - 14 , and the shift register 46 comprises the multiplexers 50 - 1 , 50 - 3 , 50 - 5 , 50 - 7 , 50 - 9 , 50 - 11 , and 50 - 13 , and the flip - flop circuits 52 - 1 , 52 - 3 , 52 - 5 , 52 - 7 , 52 - 9 , 52 - 11 , 52 - 13 , and 52 - 15 . all the flip - flop circuits 52 - 0 , 52 - 1 , 52 - 2 , 52 - 3 , 52 - 4 , 52 - 5 , 52 - 6 , 52 - 7 , 52 - 8 , 52 - 9 , 52 - 10 , 52 - 11 , 52 - 12 , 52 - 13 , 52 - 14 , and 52 - 15 receives the above - mentioned two - bit shift clock clk2 at their edge - triggered input terminals . the flip - flop circuit 52 14 receives the output of the bit of no . 14 from the data buffer 43 . the multiplexer 50 - 12 receives the output of the flip - flop circuit 52 - 14 and the output of the bit of no . 12 from the data buffer 43 , and its output is applied to the flip - flop circuit 52 - 12 . the multiplexer 50 - 10 receives the output of the flip - flop circuit 52 12 and the output of the bit of no . 10 from the data buffer 43 , and its output is applied to the flip - flop circuit 52 - 10 . the multiplexer 50 - 8 receives the output of the flip - flop circuit 52 - 6 and the output of the bit of no . 08 from the data buffer 43 , and its output is applied to the flip - flop circuit 52 - 8 . the multiplexer 50 - 6 receives the output of the flip - flop circuit 52 - 8 and the output of the bit of no . 06 from the data buffer 44 , and its output is applied to the flip - flop circuit 52 - 6 . the multiplexer 50 - 4 receives the output of the flip - flop circuit 52 - 6 and the output of the bit of no . 04 from the data buffer 44 , and its output is applied to the flip - flop circuit 52 - 4 . the multiplexer 50 - 2 receives the output of the flip - flop circuit 52 - 4 and the output of the bit of no . 02 from the data buffer 44 , and its output is applied to the flip - flop circuit 52 - 2 . the multiplexer 50 - 0 receives the output of the flip - flop circuit 5 - 2 and the output of the bit of no . 00 from the data buffer 44 , and its output is applied to the flip - flop circuit 52 - 0 . similarly , the flip - flop circuit 52 - 15 receives the output of the bit of no . 15 from the data buffer 43 . the multiplexer 50 - 13 receives the output of the flip - flop circuit 52 - 15 and the output of the bit of no . 13 from the data buffer 43 , and its output is applied to the flip - flop circuit 52 - 13 . the multiplexer 50 - 11 receives the output of the flip - flop circuit 52 - 13 and the output of the bit of no . 11 from the data buffer 43 , and its output is applied to the flip - flop circuit 52 - 11 . the multiplexer 50 - 9 receives the output of the flip - flop circuit 52 11 and the output of the bit of no . 09 from , the data buffer 43 , and its output is applied to the flip - flop circuit 52 - 9 . the multiplexer 50 - 7 receives the output of the flip - flop circuit 52 - 9 and the output of the bit of no . 07 from the data buffer 44 , and its output is applied to the flip - flop circuit 52 - 7 . the multiplexer 50 - 5 receives the output of the flip - flop circuit 52 - 7 and the output of the bit of no . 05 from the data buffer 44 , and its output is applied to the flip - flop circuit 52 - 5 . the multiplexer 50 - 3 receives the output of the flip - flop circuit 52 - 5 and the output of the bit of no . 03 from the data buffer 44 , and its output is applied to the flip - flop circuit 52 - 3 . the multiplexer 50 - 1 receives the output of the flip - flop circuit 52 - 3 and the output of the bit of no . 01 from the data buffer 44 , and its output is applied to the flip - flop circuit 52 - 1 . the aforementioned multiplexer control signal ( parallel load signal ) of 2 . 25 mhz is applied to the multiplexers 50 - 0 , 50 - 1 , 50 - 2 , 50 - 3 , 50 - 4 , 50 - 5 , 50 - 6 , 50 - 7 , 50 - 8 , 50 - 9 , 50 - 10 , 50 - 11 , 50 - 12 , and 50 - 13 as their control inputs . when the multiplexer control signal ( parallel load signal ) is active , all the multiplexers select their inputs from the data buffers 43 and 44 as their outputs to load the outputs of the data buffers 43 and 44 in parallel in the flip - flop circuits 52 - 0 , 52 - 1 , 52 - 2 , 52 - 3 , 52 - 4 , 52 5 , 52 - 6 , 52 - 7 , 52 - 8 , 52 - 9 , 52 - 10 , 52 - 11 , 52 - 12 , 52 - 13 , 52 - 14 , and 52 - 15 . when the multiplexer control signal ( parallel load signal ) is inactive , all the multiplexers select their inputs from the flip - flop circuits being connected thereto as their outputs so that all the flip - flop circuits 52 - 0 , 52 - 2 , 52 - 4 , 52 - 6 , 52 - 8 , 52 - 10 , 52 - 12 , and 52 - 14 in the shift register 45 are serially connected , and all the flip - flop circuits 52 - 1 , 52 - 3 , 52 - 5 , 52 - 7 , 52 - 9 , 52 - 11 , 52 - 13 , and 52 - 15 in the shift register 46 are serially connected . in the inactive state of the multiplexer control signal ( parallel load signal ), the content of each flip - flop circuit is shifted by one bit in the direction from the flip - flop circuit 52 - 14 to flip - flop circuit 52 - 0 in the shift register 45 , and in the direction from the flip - flop circuit 52 - 15 to flip - flop circuit 52 - 1 in the shift register 46 , when receiving a rising edge of the two - bit shift clock clk2 of 18 mhz . the outputs of the flip - flop circuits 52 - 0 to 52 - 3 , which are the aforementioned bits b00 to b03 , are applied to the coding table 48 . further , in the first embodiment of the present invention , the coding table 48 receives bits b00 and b01 in the next one byte data which is to be written in the rotating disc medium for use in encoding the last pair of bits in the data buffers 43 and 44 respective least significant bits in both the shift registers 45 and 46 . fig1 shows the timing of the first embodiment of the encoding circuit shown fig7 and 10 . in the example shown in fig1 , the data which is expressed by the sixteen bits which are first held in the data buffers 43 and 44 , is &# 34 ; 9222 &# 34 ; in hexadecimal notation . that is , &# 34 ; 1010100100000010 &# 34 ; in binary notation is first held in the data buffers 43 and 44 . the multiplexers 50 - 0 , 50 - 1 , 50 - 2 , 50 - 3 , 50 - 4 , 50 - 5 , 50 - 6 , 50 - 7 , 50 - 8 , 50 - 9 , 50 - 10 , 50 - 11 , 50 - 12 , and 50 - 13 in the shift registers 45 and 46 respectively select their inputs from the data buffers 43 and 44 when the above - mentioned multiplexer control signal ( parallel load signal ) becomes active at the time t0 . the multiplexer control signal ( parallel load signal ) is denoted by parallel load 1 ( mpx control signal 1 ) to distinguish this signal from another multiplexer control signal ( parallel load signal ) which is denoted by parallel load 2 ( mpx control signal 2 ) in the second embodiment . thus , each output bit of the data buffers 43 and 44 is entered in the corresponding flip - flop circuit through the corresponding multiplexer in the shift registers 45 and 46 ( i . e ., the data held in the data buffers 43 and 44 is loaded in parallel in the shift registers 45 and 46 at the time t1 ). from the time t2 to t9 , the content of each flip - flop circuit is shifted by one bit in the direction from the no . 14 bit to the no . 00 bit in the shift register 45 , and the content of each flip - flop circuit is shifted by one bit in the direction from the no . 15 bit to the no . 01 bit in the shift register 46 every time the two - bit shift clock clk2 rises . thus , from the time t2 to t8 , the bit of no . 2i ( i = 0 to 6 ) held in the data buffers 43 or 44 , is applied to the input port b00 of the coding table 48 , after being shifted through the flip - flop circuits 52 - 2i to 52 - 0 . at the same time , the next bit of no . 2 ( i + 1 ) is applied to the input port b02 of the coding table 48 after being shifted through the flip - flop circuits 52 - 2 ( i + 1 ) to 52 - 2 . the bit of no . 2i + 1 ( i = 0 to 6 ) held in the data buffers 43 and 44 , is applied to the input port b01 of the coding table 48 , after being shifted through the flip - flop circuits 52 - 2i + 1 to 52 - 1 . at the same time , the next bit of no . 2 ( i + 1 )+ 1 is applied to the input port b03 of the coding table 48 after being shifted through the flip - flop circuits 52 2 ( i + 1 )+ 1 to 52 - 3 . from the time t8 to t9 , the bit of no . 14 held in the data buffers 43 and 44 , is applied to the input port b00 of the coding table 48 , after being shifted through the flip - flop circuits 52 - 14 to 52 - 0 , and the bit of no . 15 held in the data buffers 43 and 44 , is applied to the input port b01 . of the coding table 48 , after being shifted through the flip - flop circuits 52 - 15 to 52 - 1 . as mentioned before , for decoding the above last pair of bits of nos . 14 and 15 , the bits of nos . 00 and 01 in the next two data bytes which are to be written in the rotating disc medium , are also supplied to the coding table 48 . as shown in fig1 , the next two byte - data &# 34 ; 88cb &# 34 ; in hexadecimal notation is held in the data buffers 43 and 44 between the times t3 and t4 . the multiplexers 50 - 0 , 50 - 1 , 50 - 2 , 50 - 3 , 50 - 4 , 50 - 5 , 50 - 6 , 50 - 7 , 50 - 8 , 50 - 9 , 50 - 10 , 50 - 11 , 50 - 12 , and 50 - 13 in the shift registers 45 and 46 respectively select their inputs from the data buffers 43 and 44 again when the above - mentioned multiplexer control signal 1 ( parallel load signal 1 ) becomes active at the time t8 . thus , each output bit of the data buffers 43 and 44 is entered in the corresponding flip - flop circuit through the corresponding multiplexer in the shift registers 45 and 46 ( i . e ., the data held in the data buffers 43 and 44 is loaded in parallel in the shift registers 45 and 46 at the time t9 ). fig1 shows the construction of the shift registers 45 and 46 of fig7 which are used in the second embodiment of the encoding circuit according to the present invention . since the constructions of the shift registers in fig1 are different from the constructions of the shift registers of fig1 , different reference numerals 45 &# 39 ; and 46 &# 39 ; are used for the shift registers in fig1 . the constructions shown in fig1 and 12 are the same except explained below . in the construction of fig1 , no additional input port is provided in the coding table 48 for receiving the first and second bits in the next byte data , and in the shift registers 45 &# 39 ; and 46 &# 39 ;, the multiplexers 60 - 2 and 60 - 3 the outputs of which are respectively applied to the flip - flop circuits 62 - 2 and 62 - 3 , are each a multiplexer receiving three inputs , where two of the three inputs are the same as the aforementioned two inputs of the multiplexers 50 - 2 and 50 - 3 in the construction of fig1 , the bit of no . 00 is applied as the other input of the multiplexer 60 - 2 , and the bit of no . 01 is applied as the other input of the multiplexer 60 - 3 . the multiplexers 60 - 2 and 60 - 3 are respectively controlled to select the inputs of the bits of nos . 02 and 03 from the data buffers 43 and 44 when receiving an active multiplexer control signal 1 ( parallel load signal 1 ), and are respectively controlled to select the inputs of the bits of nos . 00 and 01 from the data buffers 43 and 44 when receiving an active multiplexer control signal 2 ( parallel load signal 2 ). the multiplexer control signal 2 ( parallel load signal 2 ) is also a periodic signal having a frequency of 2 . 25 mhz , and becomes active one cycle before the multiplexer control signal 1 ( parallel load signal 1 ) becomes active . fig1 shows the timing of the second embodiment of the encoding circuit shown fig7 and 12 . in the example shown in fig1 , the data which is first held in the data buffers 43 and 44 , is again &# 34 ; 9222 &# 34 ; in hexadecimal notation . that is , &# 34 ; 1010100100000010 &# 34 ; in binary notation is first held in the data buffers 43 and 44 . the multiplexers 60 - 0 , 60 - 1 , 60 - 2 , 60 - 3 , 60 - 4 , 60 - 5 , 60 - 6 , 60 - 7 , 60 - 8 , 60 - 9 , 60 - 10 , 60 - 11 , 60 - 12 , and 60 - 13 in the shift registers 45 &# 39 ; and 46 &# 39 ; respectively select their inputs from the data buffers 43 and 44 when the above - mentioned multiplexer control signal 1 ( parallel load signal 1 ) becomes active at the time to in the same manner as the first embodiment . thus , each output bit of the data buffers 43 and 44 is entered in the corresponding flip - flop circuit through the corresponding multiplexer in the shift registers 45 &# 39 ; and 46 &# 39 ; ( i . e ., the data held in the data buffers 43 and 44 is loaded in parallel in the shift registers 45 &# 39 ; and 46 &# 39 ; at the time t1 . from the time t2 to t9 , the content of each flip - flop circuit is shifted by one bit in the direction from the no . 14 bit to the no . 00 bit in the shift register 45 &# 39 ;, and the content of each flip - flop circuit is shifted by one bit in the direction from the no . 15 bit to the no . 01 bit in the shift register 46 &# 39 ; every time the two - bit shift clock clk2 rises . thus , from the time t2 to t8 , the bit of no . 2i ( i = 0 to 6 ) held in the data buffers 43 or 44 , is applied to the input port b00 of the coding table 48 , after being shifted through the flip - flop circuits 62 - 2i to 62 - 0 . at the same time , the next bit of no . 2 ( i + 1 ) is also applied to the input port b02 of the coding table 48 , after being shifted through the flip - flop circuits 62 - 2 ( i + 1 ) to 62 - 2 . the bit of no . 2i + 1 ( i = 0 to 6 ) held in the data buffers 43 and 44 , is applied to the input port b01 of the coding table 48 , after being shifted through the flip - flop circuits 62 - 2i + 1 to 62 - 1 . at the same time , the next bit of no . 2 ( i + 1 )+ 1 is also applied to the coding table 48 through the flip - flop circuits 62 2 ( i + 1 )+ 1 to 62 - 3 , and the input port b03 of the coding table 48 . from the time t8 to t9 , the bit of no . 14 held in the data buffers 43 and 44 , is applied to the input port b00 of the coding table 48 , after being shifted through the flip - flop circuits 62 - 14 to 62 - 0 , and the bit of no . 15 held in the data buffers 43 and 44 , is applied to the input port b01 of the coding table 48 , after being shifted through the flip - flop circuits 62 15 to 62 - 1 . on the other hand , the next two byte - data &# 34 ; 88cb &# 34 ; in hexadecimal notation is held in the data buffers 43 and 44 between the times t3 and t4 . as mentioned above , the multiplexer control signal 2 ( parallel load signal 2 ) becomes active at the time t7 , which is one cycle before the multiplexer control signal 1 ( parallel load signal 1 ) becomes active . corresponding to the above active multiplexer control signal 2 ( parallel load signal 2 ), the bit of no . 00 in the above next data byte is applied through the multiplexer 60 - 2 to the flip - flop circuit 62 - 2 , and the bit of no . 01 in the above next data byte is applied through the multiplexer 60 - 3 to the flip - flop circuit 62 - 3 . then , at the time t8 , the above bits of nos . 00 and 01 are respectively loaded in the flip - flop circuits 62 - 2 and 62 - 3 . thus , at the same time as the above bits of nos . 14 and 15 from the flip - flop circuits 62 - 0 and 62 - 1 , the above bits of nos . 00 and 01 in the next data byte are respectively supplied to the coding table 48 from the flip - flop circuits 62 - 2 and 62 - 3 . all the other operations of the construction of fig1 is the same as the operations of fig1 . fig1 shows the construction of a decoding circuit as the third embodiment of the present invention . in fig1 , reference numeral 80 denotes a clock generator , 81 denotes a variable frequency oscillator , 82 denotes a 1 / 3 frequency divider , 83 denotes a decoder , 84 , 87 , and 88 each denote a shift register , 85 denotes a decoding table , and 89 - 0 to 89 - 7 each denote a flip - flop circuit . the variable frequency oscillator 81 generates a coded data shift clock clk1 having a frequency of 54 mhz , and the 1 / 3 frequency divider generates a two - bit shift clock clk2 having a frequency of 18 mhz by dividing the frequency of the coded data shift clock clk1 . the timing of the clock signals clk1 and clk2 of 54 mhz and 18 mhz which are generated in the clock generator 80 in fig1 , are the same as shown in fig8 . coded data . . . s0 , s1 , s2 , . . . which has been read from a magnetic disc , is serially input into the shift register 84 in the decoder 83 synchronized with the above coded data shift clock clk1 of 54 mhz . the shift register 84 contains three bits , and the parallel output of three bits from the shift register 84 is applied to the decoding table 85 . the decoding table 85 is constructed by a hardware logic circuit , and the above output bits from the shift register 84 are applied as an input of the hardware logic circuit . the hardware logic circuit 85 outputs decoded data b0 and b1 corresponding to the above input bits s0 , s1 , and s3 , using three bits of coded data s - 3 , s - 2 , and s - 1 preceding the above bits s0 , s1 , and s3 , and further three bits s4 , s5 , and s6 following s0 , s1 , and s2 , in accordance with the relationships of fig4 . the decoding table which carries out the conversion in accordance with the relationships of fig4 is explained in the u . s . pat . no . 4 , 488 , 142 to p . a . franaszek and u . s . pat . no . 4 , 866 , 544 to s . hashimoto . the description of the decoding tables in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 866 , 544 to s . hashimoto is hereby incorporated by reference herein . fig1 shows the timing of the decoding circuit as the third embodiment of the present invention . as shown in fig1 , although the input of the decoding table 85 changes synchronized with the coded data shift clock clk1 of 54 mhz , the output bits b0 and b1 are respectively latched in the flip - flop circuits 89 - 7 and 89 - 6 synchronized with the two - bit shift clock clk2 of 18 mhz . the above output bit b0 is serially input into the shift register 87 synchronized with the above two bit shift clock clk2 of 18 mhz , and at the same time , the above bit b1 is serially input into the shift register 88 . in each of the shift registers 87 and 88 , the above bit which is serially input therein is shifted by one bit in the direction from the flip - flop circuit 89 - 7 or 89 - 6 to the flip - flop circuit 89 - 1 or 89 - 0 when the two - bit shift clock clk2 rises . thus , the odd - numbered bits of the decoded data appear in the parallel output of the shift register 87 , and the even - numbered bits of the decoded data appear in the parallel output of the shift register 88 , as shown in fig1 . in the example shown in fig1 , after one byte data is loaded in the shift registers 87 and 88 at the time t4 , the one byte data is latched at the time t5 for being read out . fig1 shows the construction of an encoding and decoding circuit as the fourth embodiment of the present invention . the construction of fig1 functions as an encoding circuit and as a decoder . in fig1 , reference numeral 110 denotes a clock generator , 111 denotes a variable frequency oscillator , 112 denotes a 1 / 3 frequency divider , 113 and 114 each denote a data buffer , 116 and 117 each denote a shift register , 119 denotes an encoding table , 120 denotes a decoding table , and 121 denotes a shift register . the construction of fig1 except the decoding table 120 corresponds to the encoding circuit of fig7 when writing data in the rotating disc medium , the data flows in the direction from the left to the right in fig1 . the construction of fig1 except the encoding table 119 operates in basically the same manner as the decoding circuit of fig1 , except that the shift registers 116 and 117 for loading odd - numbered bits and for loading even - numbered bits respectively contains eight bits as explained later with reference to fig1 and 18 , and the outputs of the shift registers 116 and 117 are held in the data buffers 113 and 114 in the manner as explained later with reference to fig1 . when reading data in the rotating disc medium , the data flows in the direction from the right to the left in fig1 . fig1 and 18 respectively show the constructions of the shift registers 117 and 116 of fig1 . in fig1 , reference numeral 130 - 0 , 130 - 2 , 130 - 4 , 130 - 6 , 130 - 8 , 130 - 10 , 130 - 12 , 131 - 0 , 131 - 2 , 131 - 4 , 131 - 6 , 131 - 8 , 131 - 10 , 131 - 12 , 131 - 14 , 134 - 6 , 134 - 14 , and 135 - 2 each denote an and gate , 132 - 0 , 132 - 2 , 132 - 4 , 132 - 6 , 132 - 8 , 132 - 10 , 132 - 12 , and 132 - 14 each denote an or gate , and 133 - 0 , 133 - 2 , 133 - 4 , 133 - 6 , 133 - 8 , 133 - 10 , 133 - 12 , and 133 - 14 each denote a flip - flop circuit . in fig1 , reference numeral 130 - 1 , 130 - 3 , 130 - 5 , 130 - 7 , 130 - 9 , 130 - 11 , 130 - 13 , 131 - 1 , 131 - 3 , 131 - 5 , 131 - 7 , 131 - 9 , 131 - 11 , 131 - 13 , 131 - 15 , 134 - 7 , 134 - 15 , and 135 - 3 each denote an and gate , 132 - 1 , 132 - 3 , 132 - 5 , 132 - 7 , 132 - 9 , 132 - 11 , 132 - 13 , and 132 - 15 each denote an or gate , and 133 - 1 , 133 - 3 , 133 - 5 , 133 - 7 , 133 - 9 , 133 - 11 , 133 - 13 , and 133 - 15 each denote a flip - flop circuit . in the construction of fig1 , the flip - flop circuits 133 - 2i ( i = 0 to 7 ) respectively receive as their inputs the outputs of corresponding or gates 132 - 2i . the or gates 132 - 2i ( i = 0 to 6 ) respectively receive as their inputs the outputs of corresponding two and gates 130 - 2i and 131 - 2i , and the or gate 132 - 14 receives the outputs of the and gates 131 - 14 and 134 . 14 . the and gates 131 - 2i ( i = 0 to 7 ) receives a parallel load signal a in their one input terminal . when the output bits of the data buffer 113 are numbered as nos . 15 to 08 from its most significant bit to its least significant bit , and the output bits of the data buffer 114 are numbered as nos . 07 to 00 from its most significant bit to its least significant bit , the output bits no . 2i ( i = 0 to 7 ) of the data buffers 113 and 114 are respectively applied to the other input terminals of the and gates 131 - 2i . when the output bits of the data buffer 113 are numbered as nos . 15 to 08 from its most significant bit to its least significant bit , and the output bits of the data buffer 114 are numbered as nos . 07 to 00 from its most significant bit to its least significant bit , the output bits no . 2i ( i = 0 to 7 ) of the data buffers 113 and 114 are respectively applied to the other input terminals of the and gates 131 - 2i . similarly , in the construction of fig1 , the flip - flop circuits 133 - 2i + 1 ( i = 0 to 7 ) respectively receive as their inputs the outputs of corresponding or gates 132 - 2i + 1 . the or gates 132 - 2i + 1 ( i = 0 to 6 ) respectively receive as their inputs the outputs of corresponding two and gates 130 - 2i + 1 and 131 - 2i + 1 , and the or gate 132 - 15 receives the outputs of the and gates 131 - 15 and 134 . 15 . the and gates 131 2i + 1 ( i = 0 to 7 ) receive a parallel load signal a in their one input terminal . the output bits no . 2i + 1 ( i = 0 to 7 ) of the data buffers 113 and 114 are respectively applied to the other input terminals of the and gates 131 - 2i + 1 . in addition , in the constructions of fig1 and 18 , the and gates 131 - 2i ( i = 0 to 6 ) receives the output of the flip - flop circuit 133 - 2 ( i + 1 ) ( i = 0 to 6 ) in their one input terminal , and the and gates 131 - 2i + 1 ( i = 0 to 6 ) receives the output of the flip - flop circuit 133 2 ( i + 1 )+ 1 ( i = 0 to 6 ) in their one input terminal . the and gates 130 - 13 to 130 - 8 further receive a shift a signal in their other input terminals , the and gates 130 - 0 , 130 - 1 , 130 - 4 , and 130 - 5 further receive a shift b signal in their other input terminals , the and gates 130 - 6 , and 130 - 7 further receive a shift c signal in their other input terminals , and the and gates 130 - 6 , and 130 - 7 further receive a shift d signal in their other input terminals . further , in the construction of fig1 , the and gate 134 - 14 receives a read shift a signal and a decoded data bit b0 &# 39 ;, and the and gate 134 - 6 receives a read shift b signal and a decoded data bit b0 &# 39 ;. the or gate 132 - 2 further receives the output of the and gate 135 - 2 , and the and gate 135 - 2 receives a parallel load signal b in its one input terminal , and the output bit no . 00 of the data buffers 114 in the other input terminal . in the construction of fig1 , the and gate 134 - 15 receives a read shift a signal and a decoded data bit b1 &# 39 ;, and the and gate 134 - 7 receives a read shift b signal and a decoded data bit b1 &# 39 ;. the or gate 132 - 3 further receives the output of the and gate 135 - 3 , and the and gate 135 - 3 receives a parallel load signal b in its one input terminal , and the output bit no . 01 of the data buffers 114 in the other input terminal . furthermore , a two - bit shift clock a is applied to the edge - triggered input terminals of the flip - flop circuits 133 - 8 to 133 - 15 , and a two - bit shift clock b is applied to the edge - triggered input terminals of the flip - flop circuits 133 - 0 to 133 - 7 . both the two - bit shift clocks a and b are the same as the aforementioned two - bit shift clock clk2 in the first and second embodiments in the data writing ( encoding ) operation . in the data reading ( decoding ) operation , the two - bit shift clock a becomes active only when the aforementioned shift a signal is active , and the two - bit shift clock b becomes active only when the aforementioned shift b signal is active . the outputs of the flip - flop circuits 133 - 0 and 133 - 2 in the shift register 117 are supplied to the input terminals b00 and b02 of the coding table 119 of fig1 , and the outputs of the flip - flop circuits 133 - 1 and 133 - 3 in the shift register 116 are supplied to the input terminals b01 and b03 of the coding table 119 of fig1 . in the data writing ( encoding ) operation , the above parallel load signal a is the same as the aforementioned parallel load signal 1 , and the above parallel load signal b is the same as the parallel load signal 2 in the first and second embodiment . namely , the parallel load signal a is a periodic signal having a frequency of 2 . 25 mhz , and is supplied to the constructions of fig1 and 18 for loading in parallel the outputs of the data buffers 113 and 114 in the flip - flop circuits 133 - 2i and 133 - 2i + 1 ( i = 0 to 7 ). the parallel load signal b is a periodic signal having a frequency of 2 . 25 mhz , and is supplied to the constructions of fig1 and 18 , at the timing one cycle before the parallel load signal a , so that the bits of nos . 00 and 01 in a data byte next to the data byte the last two bits of which are output from the shift registers 116 and 117 to the coding table 119 at the moment , are respectively applied to the flip - flop circuits 132 - 2 and 132 - 3 . the decoded data bits bo &# 39 ; and b1 &# 39 ; are the output of the decoding table 120 in fig1 . the decoding table 120 in fig1 is the same as the decoding table 85 in fig1 , receives through the shift register 121 at its input terminals s0 &# 39 ;, s1 &# 39 ;, and s2 &# 39 ;, a coded data bit sequence which has been read from a rotating disc medium , and converts the coded data bit sequence to decoded data bit sequence corresponding to the received coded data bit sequence to output the converted result as successive pair of bits synchronized with the system clock clk1 of 54 mhz . the read shift a signal and the read shift signal b are each a periodic signal having a frequency of 4 . 5 mhz , and alternatively become active as shown in fig2 when reading ( decoding coded ) data from the rotating disc medium . the other operations of the constructions of fig1 and 18 including the above shift signals a , b , c , and d are explained below with reference to fig1 and 20 . fig1 shows the timing of the encoding operation in the encoding and decoding circuit of fig1 and 17 as the fourth embodiment of the present invention . in the example shown in fig1 , the data which is first held in the data buffers 113 and 114 , is again &# 34 ; 9222 &# 34 ; in hexadecimal notation (&# 34 ; 1010100100000010 &# 34 ; in binary notation ). at the time t0 , the parallel load signal a becomes active . corresponding to the active parallel load signal a , the output bits nos . 00 to 15 of the data buffers 113 and 114 are entered in parallel in the corresponding flip - flop circuits in the shift registers 116 and 117 through the corresponding and gates 131 - j ( j = 0 to 15 ) and the or gates 133 - j ( j = 0 to 15 ) at the time t1 . during the parallel loading , the shift signals a , b , c , and d are maintained inactive as shown in fig1 . since , as shown in fig1 , the shift a , b , and c signals are active from the time t1 to t8 , and the shift d signal are active from the time t1 to t7 , the content of each flip - flop circuit is shifted by one bit in the direction from the no . 14 bit to the no . 00 bit in the shift register 117 , and the content of each flip - flop circuit is shifted by one bit in the direction from the no . 15 bit to the no . 01 bit in the shift register 116 every time the two - bit shift clocks a and b rise . thus , from the time t2 to t8 , the bit of no . 2i ( i = 0 to 6 ) held in the data buffers 113 or 114 , is applied to the input port b00 - of the coding table 119 , after being shifted through the flip - flop circuits 133 - 2i to 133 - 0 . at the same time , the next bit of no . 2 ( i + 1 ) is also applied to the input port b02 of the coding table 119 , after being shifted through the flip - flop circuits 133 - 2 ( i + 1 ) to 133 - 2 . the bit of no . 2i + 1 ( i = 0 to 6 ) held in the data buffers 113 and 114 , is applied to the input port b01 of the coding table 119 , after being shifted through the flip - flop circuits 133 - 2i + 1 to 133 - 1 . at the same time , the next bit of no . 2 ( i + 1 )+ 1 is also applied to the coding table 119 through the flip - flop circuits 133 - 2 ( i + 1 )+ 1 to 133 - 3 , and the input port b03 of the coding table 119 . from the time t8 to t9 , the bit of no . 14 held in the data buffers 113 and 114 , is applied to the input port b00 of the coding table 119 , after being shifted through the flip - flop circuits 133 - 14 to 133 - 0 , and the bit of no . 15 held in the data buffers 113 and 114 , is applied to the input port b01 of the coding table 119 , after being shifted through the flip - flop circuits 133 - 15 to 133 - 1 . on the other hand , the next two byte - data &# 34 ; 88cb &# 34 ; in hexadecimal notation is held in the data buffers 113 and 114 between the times t3 and t4 . as mentioned above , the parallel load signal b becomes active at the time t7 , which is one cycle before the parallel load signal a becomes active . corresponding to the above active parallel load signal b , the bit of no . 00 in the above next data byte is applied through the and gate 135 - 2 and the or gate 132 - 2 to the flip - flop circuit 133 - 2 , and the bit of no . 01 in the above next data byte is applied through the and gate 135 - 3 and the or gate 132 - 3 to the flip - flop circuit 133 - 3 . then , at the time ts , the above bits of nos . 00 and 01 are respectively loaded in the flip - flop circuits 133 - 2 and 133 - 3 . thus , at the same time as the above bits of nos . 14 and 15 from the flip - flop circuits 133 - 0 and 133 - 1 , the above bits of nos . 00 and 01 in the next data byte are respectively supplied to the coding table 119 from the flip - flop circuits 133 - 2 and 133 - 3 . fig2 shows the timing of the decoding operation in the encoding and decoding circuit of the fourth embodiment of the present invention . in the example shown in fig2 , from the time to t4 , the read shift a signal and the shift a are active . therefore , the decoded data bit b0 &# 39 ; from the decoding table 120 is applied to the flip - flop circuit 133 - 14 through the and gate 134 . 14 and the or gate 132 - 14 , and is latched in the flip - flop circuit 133 - 14 when the two - bit shift clock a rises . at the same time , the decoded data bit b1 &# 39 ; from the decoding table 120 is applied to the flip - flop circuit 133 - 15 through the and gate 134 - 15 and the or gate 132 - 15 , and is latched in the flip - flop circuit 133 - 15 when the two - bit shift clock a rises . the data bits latched in the flip - flop circuits 133 - 2 ( i + 1 ) ( i = 4 to 6 ) in fig1 are shifted to the flip - flop circuit 133 - 2i through the and gate 130 - 2i and the or gate 132 - 2i when the two - bit shift clock a rises next , and the data bits latched in the flip - flop circuits 133 - 2 ( i + 1 )+ 1 (= i = 4 to 6 ) in fig1 are shifted to the flip - flop circuit 133 - 2i + 1 through the and gate 130 - 2i + 1 and the or gate 132 - 2i + 1 when the two - bit shift clock a rises . thus , at the same time t4 , four successive decoded bits b0 &# 39 ; s are held in the flip - flop circuits 133 - 8 to 133 - 14 in fig1 , and four successive decoded bits b1 &# 39 ; s are held in the flip - flop circuits 133 - 9 to 133 - 15 in fig1 . namely , one byte of decoded data is loaded in the upper half bits of the shift registers 117 and 116 at the time t4 . since the above two - bit shift clock a is inactive after the time t4 , the above one byte of decoded data which is loaded in the upper half bits of the shift registers 117 and 116 is maintained until the time t8 . the maintained one byte data is latched in the data buffers 113 of fig1 after the time t5 as shown in fig2 . fig2 shows the connection between the output bits of the buffer registers 113 and 114 and the input bits of the shift registers 116 and 117 in the construction of fig1 . a shown in fig2 , the above one byte data held in the upper halves of the shift registers 117 and 116 is latched in the data buffer 113 . from the time t4 to t8 , the read shift b signal and the shift b are active , instead of the read shift a signal and the shift a . therefore , the decoded data bit b0 &# 39 ; from the decoding table 120 is applied to the flip - flop circuit 133 - 6 through the and gate 134 - 6 and the or gate 132 - 6 , and is latched in the flip - flop circuit 133 - 6 when the two - bit shift clock b rises . at the same time , the decoded data bit b1 &# 39 ; from the decoding table 120 is applied to the flip - flop circuit 133 - 7 through the and gate 134 - 7 and the or gate 132 - 7 , and is latched in the flip - flop circuit 133 - 7 when the two - bit shift clock b rises . the data bits latched in the flip - flop circuits 133 - 2 ( i + 1 ) ( i = 0 to 2 ) in fig1 are shifted to the flip - flop circuit 133 - 2i through the and gate 130 - 2i and the or gate 132 - 2i when the two - bit shift clock a rises next , and the data bits latched in the flip - flop circuits 133 - 2 ( i + 1 )+ 1 ( i = 0 to 2 ) in fig1 are shifted to the flip - flop circuit 133 - 2i + 1 through the and gate 130 - 2i + 1 and the or gate 132 - 2i + 1 when the two - bit shift clock a rises . thus , at the time t8 , four successive decoded bits b0 &# 39 ; s are held in the flip - flop circuits 133 - 0 to 133 - 6 in fig1 , and four successive decoded bits b1 &# 39 ; s are held in the flip - flop circuits 133 - 1 to 133 - 7 in fig1 . namely , one byte of decoded data is loaded in the lower half bits of the shift registers 117 and 116 at the time t8 . since the above two - bit shift clock b is inactive after the time t8 , the above one byte of decoded data which is loaded in the lower half bits of the shift registers 117 and 116 is maintained until the two - bit shift clock b becomes active again . the maintained one byte data is latched in the data buffer 114 of fig1 after the time t8 as shown in fig2 . the combination between the outputs bits of the buffer registers 114 and the input bits of the shift registers 116 and 117 is also shown in fig2 , where the above one byte data held in the lower halves of the shift registers 117 and 116 is latched in the data buffer 114 . in all the above embodiments , all the control signals used therein are periodical , and therefore , are generated from the system clock of 54 mhz by dividing its frequency by suitable frequency dividing ratios , respectively . | 6 |
the radiating device 100 shown in fig1 ( a ) contains numerous elements constructed around an led substrate 102 . the leds 104 are mounted to the substrate , preferably in strips . in the example shown , three strips are illustrated , corresponding to an embodiment where full colour printing is achieved via red , blue and green ( rbg ) leds 104 exciting different active elements of a print medium . the substrate 102 is described in more detail below with reference to fig3 . the radiating device 100 is adapted to form part of a larger print head unit which , in combination with appropriate additional mechanical and electrical components , together with a lens system in certain examples , selectively exposes a print medium ( such as photographic paper ) in order to produce a patterned article . in this document , the term led is used to refer to a light emitting diode adapted to radiate light of any wavelength unless otherwise stated , that is , including ultraviolet , visible and infrared ‘ light ’. the substrate 102 is mounted onto a thermal pad 106 which is situated further away from the print medium when in use ( as indicated by fig1 ( a )). this aids the dispersal of heat produced by the leds 104 themselves . without temperature controlling precautions , the leds 104 would heat up in use which would cause a number of unwanted side effects . in particular , the optical properties of the leds and of other elements in the system are temperature dependant , which affects performance . in extreme circumstances excessive heat can cause severe damage to the leds 104 . the thermal pad 106 is in thermal contact with the substrate at least adjacent to the area of the substrate to which the leds 104 are mounted , as this is where the majority of the heat is produced . active temperature control may also be provided as is described in more detail below . below the substrate 102 ( towards the print media ) is another thermal pad 110 . this is similar to the thermal pad 106 , but is shaped so that it does not obscure the light emitted from the leds 104 . the substrate is thus ‘ sandwiched ’ between the two thermal pads 106 , 110 . these heat pads are described in more detail below with reference to fig5 and 6 . above the first heat pad 106 ( further away from the print media ) is a back plate 108 . in the example shown in fig1 , this conforms to the shape of the heat pad 106 . this is made out of a material with a low thermal resistance ( high thermal conductance ) such as aluminium . this acts to guide the heat produced by the leds 104 away from the leds 104 , and to dissipate it into the surrounding environment , or into a further heat sink ( not shown ). below the lower thermal pad 110 ( towards the print media ) is a spacing element 112 ( preferably in the form of a ceramic plate ). this plate 112 is provided with three parallel apertures , and the plate 112 is positioned so that these apertures are located in register with each of the three led strips . this is discussed in more detail below with reference to fig4 . adjacent to the spacing element 112 , further towards the print media , is the radiation modification element 114 . this element 114 modifies the properties of the light passing through the system , which is discussed in more detail below with reference to fig2 . the component shown to be nearest the print media in fig1 is front plate 116 . this adds to the structural rigidity of the device as a whole , and , together with back plate 108 , enables all the components to be securely fastened together by screws 118 . the front plate 116 and back plate 108 are shown in more detail in fig7 and 8 respectively . fig1 ( b ) shows a side view of the assembled radiating device . screws 118 pass through apertures 700 ( shown in fig7 ) provided in the top plate 116 and screw into screw - threaded cavities 800 provided in the back plate 108 . by tightening these screws 118 , the components are secured in place . fig2 shows the radiation modification plate ( or correction plate ) 114 in more detail . in order to correct for inaccurately placed leds 104 , the radiation modification plate 114 is provided with a mask . this mask is an optically opaque material ( for the relevant wavelength ( s ) of light being used ) that is applied onto the plate 114 using physical vapour deposition ( pvd ). this process applies a very thin layer of the opaque material ( several atoms thick ) in a very precise pre - defined pattern . alternatively this could be achieved by chemical vapour deposition ( cvd ), hand coating and / or use of gelatine filters . in any such example , the pattern is to cover the plate 114 whilst leaving uncovered the desired locations of the leds 104 . any misplaced leds will have the light they emit blocked from transmitting further towards the print medium . the power that reaches the print medium from these misplaced leds would be less than accurately placed leds , but by a negligible amount if the misplacement is small . the defects in printing due to errors of this kind are far less serious than the defects created by misalignment and cross - talk between neighbouring leds . in one example , the mask is placed on the side nearest the leds ( furthest away from the print medium ). this reduces the possibility of diffraction and cross talk by minimising the amount of light entering the radiation modification plate 114 . in a further example , the mask might be placed on the other side of the plate 114 . further to this opaque coating , subsequent coatings are applied in a similar manner , either applied on the same side as the mask or on the opposing side . these coatings alter the properties of the light which could affect the quality of the final printed product , namely the emission spectrum of the leds . these filters may again be applied onto the plate using pvd , cvd , hand coating and / or use of gelatine filters . in the example shown , there are three strips of leds ; red , blue and green . it is important that each led is of the same colour as the others in the strip . this is because the print media has a wavelength dependent sensitivity . even if leds are produced in identical conditions , their peak wavelength may vary by up to 20 nm , which is enough to produce noticeable errors in the final printed product . furthermore , the leds may produce light with a spectrum which extends into other active areas of the print media . for example , in the rbg example given , the wavelength response of some media is such that part of the ‘ green ’ sensitive area can be activated by the tail of the spectrum from a blue led . there is therefore a need to constrain the wavelength of the leds within a tight window . band pass filters which block light of unwanted wavelengths are employed for this purpose . the filters are deposited onto the specified areas of the radiation modification plate 114 , for example , a filter for blue light is applied over the areas through which the blue light is radiated . alternatively , a single filter with ‘ windows ’ at each of the relevant wavelength bands could be applied , covering each of the three different colour led strips . this would mean fewer pvd iterations , and potentially less additional material through which the light needs to pass . in the rbg example , there may not be a need for a ‘ red ’ filter as there is negligible overlap between the red sensitive spectrum of the media with that of other colours . in this case , only green and blue filters would be necessary . the filters shown in fig2 ( d ) are illustrated schematically and in reality are ‘ bandpass ’ filters , which cut off wavelengths above or below a certain wavelength . they will also not have perfectly sharp edges , rather have a steep drop off and a small ‘ tail ’. this is described in more detail below with reference to fig2 ( d ). the radiation modification plate 114 , in one example , is a sheet of glass , approximately 0 . 5 mm - 1 mm thick , preferably around 0 . 69 mm thick . in one example , the glass used is optical grade glass so that there is less scattering or attenuation and that a broader spectrum of light can be transmitted through it . however it is also possible to use standard glass . in a preferred example , the radiation modification plate 114 is a sheet of ‘ glass fibres ’, or an ‘ optic fibre plate ’ as shown by fig2 ( c ). this is a collection of optical fibres collected or bundled and fused together . this would also be approximately 0 . 5 mm - 1 mm thick , preferably around 0 . 69 mm . fig2 ( c ) shows a magnified view of such a construction . the plate 114 is comprised of a large number of individual optical fibres 200 which have been bundled and fused together . in one example each optical fibre 200 is around 18 - 20 μm in diameter . typically the plate is formed by “ salami - slicing ” or shaving off a section of a length of fused optical fibres thereby forming the plate 200 . each optical fibre 200 consists of cladding 202 and a core 204 . this construction provides a number of advantages over a sheet of glass . in particular , there is less scope for cross - talk between neighbouring leds , and scattering in the radiation modification plate 114 is reduced . the fibres 200 have a low numerical aperture ( na ), meaning that there is less ‘ cross talk ’ between neighbouring leds . the light is also guided down much more accurately through the plate 200 . the fibres 200 guide the light directly down , whereas a glass plate would allow some spreading , which would eventually lead to errors on the final printed item . the use of a fibre plate is also preferable when using a ‘ fibre taper ’ as discussed below as the fibre - to - fibre interface results in less scattering and other losses than a glass - to - fibre interface . fig2 ( d ) shows the spectrum of leds , medium response sensitivity and filters , illustrating the function of the filters . in an ideal system , each led would emit a single wavelength of light which exactly corresponds with a single wavelength to which the media is sensitive . in real systems this is not the case as the leds emit light in a range of wavelengths , and the media is sensitive to a range of wavelengths . as shown in fig2 ( d ), the radiation from certain leds can excite the media in a range of varying colours . this is best seen with the ‘ blue led spectrum ’ overlapping with the ‘ media response sensitivity to green light ’ curves . the result of such overlap means that led light that is meant to activate ‘ blue ’ in the media , also activates ‘ green ’ ( and vice versa ). this leads to errors in the final colour of the printed item . to overcome this , filters are employed so that only light that activates the correct colour on the print media is transmitted to the print medium . these band - pass filters are shown schematically by dashed blocks in fig2 ( c ), indicating the wavelength range that is allowed to propagate . there is a trade off between letting more light through and avoiding overlap which is dependent on a number of factors such as the speed and quality of printing required . fig3 ( a ) shows a more detailed view of the front face ( light emitting side ) of the led substrate 102 . there are approximately 100 individual leds 104 in each strip , each 0 . 4 mm wide , which together span a width of approximately 40 mm . in another example , leds with a die size of between 0 . 3 mm and 1 mm are used . the leds are mounted to the substrate using surface mounting techniques . each set of 100 leds 104 - 1 , 104 - 2 , 104 - 3 are arranged in two rows of 50 so that the emission profiles of adjacent leds 104 in each row overlap to such a degree that components of an image , pattern or mark printed on a photo - sensitive medium and attributable to adjacent leds are not readily resolvable . in an alternative example , the leds might be arranged in a single row in a non - overlapping fashion . the different rows 104 - 1 , 104 - 2 , 104 - 3 are shown to be linearly offset from one another ; this is to avoid ‘ banding ’ where errors in the movement of the print head results in under or over exposure between print swathes . this linear offset means that the join between adjacent swathes of the final image resulting from exposure of the photographic medium by the red row 104 - 1 ( say ) occurs at a different location on the photosensitive medium to joins between adjacent swathes of that image which are attributable to the blue and green rows 104 - 2 , 104 - 3 . in an alternative example , the different rows 104 - 1 , 104 - 2 , 104 - 3 are arranged with their ends substantially aligned . further details relating to the led array are provided in wo2007138318 , published 6 dec . 2007 with the title ‘ improvements relating to optical printers ’ which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference . in the example of an rbg array , the wavelengths of the different rows 104 - 1 , 104 - 2 and 104 - 3 would be 690 - 700 nm ( r ), 430 - 440 nm ( b ) and 540 - 550 nm ( g ). in addition to the passive temperature management elements described above , in certain examples , active cooling control is provided . the wavelength and power of light emitted from the leds varies depending on the ambient temperature , and in one example , temperature control of the leds within a range of 0 . 5 ° c . is necessary . in one example , the active cooling elements are in the form of a peltier element and / or an air - blower situated outside the radiating device 100 . in one example , in addition to the leds 104 , there are also thermistors 302 mounted on the substrate 102 . these are preferably spaced as close to the led strips 104 - 1 , 2 , 3 as possible , in one example , between the strips . the placement of thermistors 302 enables accurate temperature measurements of the leds 104 to be taken . these measurements can be fed to the active cooling elements to effect feedback temperature control of the substrate 102 . fig3 ( c ) shows a more detailed view of the rear face of the led substrate 102 . this shows a number of connectors 300 which enable the individual leds to be connected via wire - bonding to further circuitry to control individually the power and timing of each of the leds . in one example application specific integrated circuits ( asics ) or field programmable gate arrays ( fgpas ) are used for this purpose . in certain examples , two connectors 300 for each led , and two for each thermistor 302 are provided . in one example , a printed circuit board or motherboard is provided which is connectable to the connectors , and the location holes 304 are provided to guide this board into place . fig4 shows the spacing element 112 described above with reference to fig1 . in the example shown there are three parallel apertures 400 which are locatable in register with the three rows of leds 104 - 1 , 104 - 2 , 104 - 3 . this plate acts as a spacer so that the leds and wire bonds are protected from being damaged when pressed against the other components in the device . in other systems , leds and wire bonds are coated with epoxy in order to protect them . this epoxy can damage the connectors themselves upon application and in use , and also introduces another source of scattering for the light . the introduction of the spacing element 112 thus offers better protection for the leds and wire bonds and improves the optical properties of the system . in a preferred example , this plate 112 is less than 1 mm thick , and preferably 0 . 51 mm thick . the plate 112 is preferably ceramic , due to its advantageous thermal properties . ceramic materials have a low thermal conductance , which means that heat produced by the leds is not transferred to the radiation modification plate 114 which could adversely affect its optical properties of the plate 114 . fig5 and 6 show the thermal pads which were described above in relation to fig1 . the front thermal pad 110 is shaped to correspond with the shape of the substrate 102 . it has an aperture large enough to accommodate the ceramic plate 112 and the radiation modification plate 114 . the back thermal pad 106 is similarly sized , but has two apertures which correspond in size and position to the connectors 300 provided on the rear face of the substrate 102 . each pad has a high thermal conductivity so as to draw heat from the substrate 102 ( where the leds 104 are producing heat ) and conduct it to the front 116 and back 108 plates respectively , which dissipate the heat into the surroundings . the pads 110 , 106 are in thermal contact with both the substrate 102 and the front 116 or back 108 plate . in a preferred example , they are less than 1 mm thick , and preferably 0 . 67 mm thick . fig7 and 8 show the top plate 116 and back plate 108 of the radiating device . the faces of these plates have a size larger than the that of the other components , but correspond with one another . this is so that screws 118 can pass through holes 700 and fasten into corresponding screw - threaded cavities 800 in the back plate 108 without interfering with intermediate components . the act of tightening these screws 118 secures the components together , thereby ‘ sandwiching ’ them in place . to avoid damaging the components , a gasket may be introduced between the front and back plates , and / or between any other pair of layers within the ‘ sandwich ’. the front plate has an aperture 702 of a size corresponding to that of the radiation modification plate 114 and ceramic plate 112 . the aperture 702 is preferably shaped so that the top ( print medium facing ) edge protrudes slightly so as to hold the plates 114 , 112 in place when secured . this is shown in fig1 ( b ). alternatively or in addition the plates may be secured together in some other manner , for example , they may be glued together . the back plate 108 has two apertures 802 which are shaped so as to allow access to the electrical connectors 300 of the substrate plate 102 . fig8 ( b ) and ( c ) show that the back plate 108 has a depth far greater than any other component , preferably 10 mm thick . this is to aid in its role as a heat sink . the plate 108 is made from a material with a high thermal conductance , preferably aluminium . the extra depth provides greater heat capacity and thus serves as a more efficient heat sink . the above description mainly focuses on one example of a radiating device . there are of course numerous alternatives and modifications that can be made and still remain within the scope of the invention . for example , although the above description and corresponding figures describe an rbg macro - led array as being the light source , other arrangements are possible , and preferable in certain circumstances . an alternative arrangement would be to have an led array of infra red ( ir ) and / or ultra violet ( uv ) leds . this arrangement would enable the device to print onto optically sensitive media . the examples shown above all describe a distinct print head radiating device , but it is envisaged that a plurality of such radiating devices will be coupled together to form part of a much larger print head , that is , a bar - like structure . in an led printhead , the light produced at the bottom of the radiating device as described above is often not of a small enough spot size to generate high resolution images on the print media . in order to rectify this , the radiating device is attached to an apparatus which reduces the spot size . this could be in the form of a ‘ tapered fibre ’, details of which are described in wo0135633 published 17 may 2001 with the title ‘ digital photographic reproduction apparatus ’ which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference . alternatively , this reduction could be performed by a lens system as described below . in order to get the required resolution for the final printed article , the accurate control of exposure to the medium is required . the size of an area which is exposed by a single led is called the ‘ spot size ’ and is often the limiting factor of the resolution of the printed article . for this reason , reduction of the spot size is an essential function of a high resolution led printer . as discussed above , one solution is to use a ‘ fibre taper ’. this is a bundle of optical fibres which are heated and pulled to form an hourglass shaped bundle which is then cut in half . this generates a device which focuses light entering the bundle down onto a smaller spot size . an alternative solution is to use a telecentric lens system as described below . in the description that follows , the object aperture of the lens system is the aperture which is to be illuminated by the leds and the image aperture is the aperture of the lens system which projects the image onto the print medium . fig9 shows a schematic ray diagram of a bi - telecentric lens system . telecentric lenses are different from standard lens systems as they correct for perspective . for this reason they are used in the imaging of objects such as apertures or objects which are vibrating . the correction for perspective in these situations allows a user to accurately measure the size of an aperture or vibrating object , which would be difficult when using a standard lens due to magnification changes or distortion due to lack of focus . the property which allows these effects is that for a range of distances there is effectively a constant magnification . this means that the spot size produced by an led illuminating a telecentric lens will be substantially constant for a range of distances away from the image aperture . this range of distances is called the ‘ depth of field ’ of the system . conventional lens systems have a very limited depth of field , which results in large errors when a part of the print medium is at a different distance from the previous part . for example , the depth of field of the ‘ fibre taper ’ described above is in the micron range whereas for a typical telecentric lens system it is in the millimetre range . the image lens 950 can be adjusted in the system , moved longitudinally along the axis of the lens so as to ‘ fine tune ’ the magnification factor . this may be necessary as two telecentric lenses produced to the same specification may have slightly different magnification factors . in order to correct for this , a grid is imaged through a lens , and matched up to a calibration grid by altering the position of the image lens 950 via bevel adjuster 906 ( fig1 ). in one example , the lens 950 can be adjusted by up to 0 . 5 mm using the bevel adjuster 906 . the depth of field of a telecentric lens is determined by two factors — the tolerable error in magnification and the ‘ telecentric slope ’ of the lens by the following formula : δm = change in spot size radius ( in the same units as dof ) for example , if the medium can be placed with an accuracy of 1 mm ( required dof ) of the lens and the telecentricity of the lens is 0 . 15 °, the change in spot size radius is 2 . 6 μm over that 1 mm range . for the system as described herein , where the final spot size diameter is 80 μm , this is error of around 3 %. this error increases linearly with increasing telecentricity , so a lower limit on the quality of the telecentric lens can inferred from the maximum error tolerable . a more general formula for determining the error in spot size as a percentage of the final spot size is given by : for example , if the error tolerable in a system as shown in fig1 and table 1 below is 5 %, and the required dof is 1 mm , the highest telecentricity the lens could have would be 0 . 23 °. in a preferred embodiment , the lens has a telecentricity of below 0 . 2 °, even more preferably below 0 . 15 °. in one example , where uv leds 104 are used the lens is preferably constructed from uv transparent materials such as fused quartz or fused silica . a corollary of using such materials , and to a lesser extent , standard glass , is that the transmission properties are significantly improved . in one example , the intensity of light is increased by 95 % compared to a fibre taper . fig1 shows an example telecentric lens 900 adapted for use with the rbg led radiating device 100 described above . the print medium 904 and an illumination source 902 have been included in order to show relative distances . table 1 below describes preferred properties and characteristics of this example : in one example , shown schematically in fig1 , the telecentric lens 900 described above is used in combination with the led radiating device 100 , also described above , to produce a media exposure device . the telecentric lens 900 is optically coupled to the radiating device 100 by mechanically connecting the radiating device 100 to the lens 900 using a mechanical coupling 912 , in the form of a cage mount 912 . a base portion 911 of the cage mount 912 is attached to a flange 910 which is itself attached to the top of the telecentric lens 900 . this cage mount 912 houses the radiating device 100 and a plurality of controlling motherboards 908 . the radiating device 100 fits into a recess provided in the base portion 911 of the cage mount 912 . the radiating device 100 is shown expanded for clarity . the motherboards 908 contain the necessary electronics to power , control and cool the leds 104 . the motherboards 908 are connected to the connectors 300 on the substrate 102 via a further printed circuit board having push connectors , extended pins , or other suitable connecting means , which pass through the apertures in the back plate 108 and rear thermal pad 106 . in one example , the lens 900 is mounted 5 mm below ( closer to the print medium 904 ) the led substrate 102 for optimum operation . fig1 shows a diagram of two such lenses 900 and cage mounts 912 as described above . an advantage of having multiple devices on the same printhead is that each swathe of print is wider , resulting in faster printing . for this to be possible , accurate alignment of the swathes is necessary , which is discussed in below with reference to fig1 and 14 . fig1 shows a diagram of two lenses 900 which during an alignment process . the first lens 900 is attached to a mounting bar 913 using a ‘ key - slot mount ’ 914 - 1 . this aligns the lens vertically ( i . e . at the correct distance from print medium ) and ensures it is orthogonal to the print medium . the mounting bar 913 in one example is a print bar along which the print head moves when producing a swathe of print . the second lens is attached to the same print bar 913 by a second key - slot mount 914 - 2 . this is set back longitudinally along the bar 913 by a preset amount , and also laterally offset perpendicular to the bar 913 by a preset amount . this lateral distance sets the distance between the swathes , and must be very accurate otherwise ‘ banding ’ will occur as discussed above . the longitudinal distance it is set back along the bar 913 does not affect this so does not necessarily need to be finely controlled . the process of aligning the second swathe from the second lens 900 - 2 with respect to the first is described in detail below . a micrometer 916 is attached to the underside of the cage mount 912 and contacts the lens 900 - 2 . the bolts securing the lens 900 - 2 to the cage mount 912 are loosened or removed . this allows the cage mount 916 ( and hence the position of the leds 104 ) to be moved relative to the lens 900 - 2 . in one example , the bolt holes are slots so that the bolts can be loosened , then the adjustment to position can be made , then re - tightened . this movement is focused by the lens 900 - 2 , so a 0 . 1 mm movement of the micrometer results in a 20 μm movement of the swathe at the print medium ( for a lens with a magnification factor of 5 : 1 ). this allows for the accurate positioning of the second swathe . the second lens 900 - 2 is positioned as accurately as possible to begin with using the key - slot mount 914 - 2 , as only a limited amount of movement can be achieved using the micrometer 916 before the leds 104 move out of the lens &# 39 ; field of view . although fig1 and 13 show two lenses 900 - 1 , 900 - 2 , any number may be arranged onto a print bar using the method described . a physical limit on the number of lenses may occur however when the weight of additional lenses may make it quicker and more accurate to print using multiple passes of smaller swathes rather than in one large swathe . fig1 shows a flow diagram of the method used to align an additional swathe with the previous swathe . in step s 1 , the first lens 900 - 1 , together with its radiating device 100 ( not shown ) is mounted onto the print bar 913 using the key - slot mount 914 described above . the second lens 900 - 2 is then mounted in a similar fashion in step s 2 , offset laterally and longitudinally from the first lens 900 - 1 . a micrometer 916 is attached to the lower panel of the cage mount 911 adjacent to the second lens 900 - 2 and contacts the second lens 900 - 2 itself in step s 3 . the bolts securing the lens 900 to the cage 911 are loosened / removed in step s 4 so that adjustment of their relative positions can take place in step s 5 . this step involves moving the cage 911 ( and hence leds 104 ) relative to the lens 900 - 2 so that the swathes coincide . in the example of the rbg led strips 104 - 1 , 104 - 2 , 104 - 3 above , this is where the ‘ g ’ strip coincides with the ‘ r ’ strip from the neighbouring array . in one example , there may be some overlap as when the apparatus is in use it expands due to the raised temperature . such calibration can be worked out once and then used for all subsequent alignments . step s 6 indicates the feedback loop used to effect the alignment of the swathes . the swathes may be compared by exposing a photosensitive media , or by passing the heads over a camera . when the swathes are suitably aligned , the bolts are tightened in step s 7 and the micrometer 916 is removed in step s 8 . if the printhead is complete ( step s 9 ), the process terminates , if another lens 900 is to be added , the process returns to step s 2 . table 2 shows example properties of a telecentric lens adapted for use with uv leds . although the above lenses are described as bi - telecentric , it is envisaged that a lens with just image - space telecentricity may be used . this would suffice as the positioning of the leds relative to the object aperture of the lens ( distance c ) can be controlled to a great degree of accuracy and reproducibility , and does not change once mounted . conversely , the image side distance d is subject to variation as the print medium is moved for example . it is thus far more important to have image - space telecentricity than object - space telecentricity . it will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example , and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention . reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims | 7 |
in the following , embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings . [ 0060 ] fig1 is a block diagram of an idlc system including a subscriber - system transmission apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention . in fig1 the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 is connected to tr303 - type digital switches 2 a , 2 b , and 2 c corresponding to respective vendors a , b , and c . this connection is established via optical - fiber transmission lines based on ds 1 interface . further , the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 is connected to analog switches 4 a , 4 b , and 4 c corresponding to respective vendors a , b , and c via optical - fiber transmission lines and a center - station - system transmission apparatus 5 . the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 covers a plurality of isdn subscriber terminals 7 via nt 1 ( network - terminal - apparatus - 1 ) apparatuses 6 . each user of the subscriber terminals 7 belongs to his / her choice of a service - provider network where service - provider networks adopt switches manufactured by vendors of their own choice . when a user attempts to transmit or receive a call , he / she establishes connection with the service - provider network to which he / she belongs . a control console 10 connected to the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 is comprised of a personal computer or the like , which is used for making various settings to the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 in terms of switch options and the like . in this manner , the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 is provided with the ds 1 interface for the idts ( integrated digital terminals ), and includes an eoc interface unit and a cross - connect unit therein for switching between the 3ds 0 time - division - multiplexing scheme and the 4 : 1 time - division - multiplexing scheme . this makes it possible to assume an idlc configuration based on the 4 : 1 time - division - multiplexing scheme . further , this system can be regarded as the 3ds 0 - scheme system having an additional configuration based on the 4 : 1 time - division - multiplexing scheme . a mode - switch unit is provided to operate under control of the operation system to switch between the 3ds 0 time - division - multiplexing scheme and the 4 : 1 time - division - multiplexing scheme . because of such a configuration , this system can be connected to both the switches of 3ds 0 time - division - multiplexing scheme and the switches of the 4 : 1 time - division - multiplexing scheme . [ 0065 ] fig2 is a block diagram of a relevant portion of the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 according to this embodiment for the purpose of explaining an eoc path during the 4 : 1 time - division - multiplexing mode . as show in fig2 the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 includes a common shell 11 and narrow band shells 12 . the common shell 11 includes a multiplexing / demultiplexing card 13 , a cross - connect card 14 , a sw - interface unit 15 , and an eoc control card 16 . the multiplexing / demultiplexing card 13 is comprised of a hc 1 a / ho 10 unit , a ts 1 a unit , mc 1 o unit , etc . the cross - connect card 14 is comprised of a ts 1 c unit or the like , and the sw - interface unit 15 includes an ep 1 c unit or the like . the eoc control card 16 includes an emlc unit or the like . the narrow band shells 12 are provided as many as 10 units in parallel , and are connected to the cross - connect card 14 of the common shell 11 . each narrow band shell 12 includes a multiplexing / demultiplexing card 17 and 48 isdn channel cards 18 . the multiplexing / demultiplexing card 13 of the common shell 11 is connected to the optical - fiber transmission lines via various interfaces such as oc 3 / oc 12 , oc 3 / d 3 / sts 1 , or ds 1 . main signals 2 b + d demultiplexed by the multiplexing / demultiplexing card 13 are supplied to the cross - connect card 14 during a period when the 4 : 1 time - division - multiplexing scheme is selected . in an opposite direction , the main signal 2 b + d multiplexed by the cross - connect card 14 are supplied to the multiplexing / demultiplexing card 13 . an eoc signal demultiplexed by the multiplexing / demultiplexing card 13 is supplied to the cross - connect card 14 as an internal eoc after passing through the sw - interface unit 15 and the eoc control card 16 . in the opposite direction , the internal eoc multiplexed by the cross - connect card 14 is supplied to the multiplexing / demultiplexing card 13 via the eoc control card 16 and the sw - interface unit 15 . the narrow band shells 12 attend to eoc / eoc conversion processing and eoc / i - bit conversion processing , and supply or receive the 2 b + d and m channels at the u - point interface . in fig2 showing the eoc path during the 4 : 1 time - division - multiplexing mode , signals transmitted to or received from oc 3 / oc 12 are exchanged with the cross - connect card 14 via the multiplexing / demultiplexing card 13 . on the other hand , the eoc ( e . g ., eoc bit + i bit ) during the 4 : 1 time - division - multiplexing mode is exchanged between the multiplexing / demultiplexing card 13 and the narrow band shells 12 via the sw - interface unit 15 and the eoc control card 16 where sw - interface unit 15 provides necessary interface , and the eoc control card 16 attends to eoc control . as shown in fig1 the switch system employing the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 does not require the related - art center - station ( cot ) transmission device 5 when it is connected to the tr303 - type digital switches 2 a through 2 c . that is , the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 is connected to the tr303 - type digital switches 2 a through 2 c via interface such as ds 1 . since interface specifications ( e . g ., isdn alarm detection ) differ from vendor to vendor who manufacture the tr303 - type digital switches 2 a through 2 c , a method of notifying an isdn alarm is changed depending on the types of the tr303 - type digital switches 2 a through 2 c . to this end , the control console 10 connected to the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 is used for making settings to switch options swopt . these settings make it possible to perform isdn - alarm notification that complies to each of the switches . in the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 , the switch options swopt may define that the companies a and c correspond to swopt 1 and that the company b correspond to swopt 2 . the control console 10 serving as a switch - option setting unit is used for setting appropriate data to the sw - interface unit 15 , the eoc control card 16 , and the isdn channel cards 18 , thereby complying to the requirements of the switch to be connected . switch option swopt 3 is not in use because there is no vendor corresponding to this option . however , operation is guaranteed based on software specifications prior to correction of problems , so that backward compatibility is secured so as not to cause malfunction in apparatuses having only the emlc unit thereof updated . [ 0074 ] fig3 is a block diagram showing details of a portion relevant to settings of switch options in the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 . fig3 is used for explaining a method of controlling alarm when the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 is connected to all the switches . in fig3 the tr303 - type digital switch 2 a is made by the manufacturer a , and is connected to the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 via ds 1 . the switch setting is swopt 1 . the tr303 - type digital switch 2 b is made by the manufacturer b , and is connected to the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 via oc 3 . the switch setting is swopt 2 . the tr303 - type digital switch 2 c is a product of the manufacturer c , and is connected to the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 via oc 12 . the switch setting is swopt 1 . the sw - interface unit 15 of the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 includes three sw - interface units 151 through 153 corresponding to the respective tr303 - type digital switches . the sw - interface units 151 through 153 can be set to the switch option swopt 1 , swopt 2 , or swopt 3 by using the control console ( swopt setting unit ) 10 . in this example , the sw - interface units 151 and 153 respectively connected to the tr303 - type digital switches 2 a and 2 c are set to the switch setting ( switch option ) swopt 1 , and the sw - interface unit 152 connected to the tr303 - type digital switch 2 b is set to the switch option swopt 2 . the sw - interface units 151 through 153 attend to conversion resembling language conversion , as will be described later , which corresponds to specifications of each of the tr303 - type digital switches 2 a through 2 c . the eoc control card 16 includes three eoc - control units 161 through 163 , which correspond to the sw - interface units 151 through 153 of the sw - interface unit 15 , respectively . the eoc - control units 161 through 163 are set to the switch option swopt 1 , swopt 2 , or swopt 3 to conform to the switch - option settings of the sw - interface units 151 through 153 set by the control console 10 . in the example shown in fig3 the eoc - control unit 161 has the switch option thereof set to swopt 1 in conformity with the switch option setting of the sw - interface unit 151 , and controls the eoc supplied from the sw - interface unit 151 via an eoc - termination unit 164 . further , the eoc - control unit 161 exchanges the internal eoc with the isdn channel cards 18 via an internal - eoc - exchange unit 165 . the eoc - control units 161 through 163 convert alarm formats to conform to the specifications of the tr303 - type digital switches 2 a through 2 c , which will be described later . the cross - connect card 14 is provided between the eoc control card 16 and the isdn channel cards 18 , and attends to cross - connect processing . under the remote control of the control console 10 , the cross - connect card 14 can switch between the 4 : 1 time - division - multiplexing scheme and the 3ds 0 time - division - multiplexing scheme with respect to each subscriber , and can establish a cross - connect between a given subscriber and any given subscriber number of any given switch . further , the cross - connect card 14 has service statuses ( e . g ., used / unused statuses of the b 1 and b 2 channels ) and provisioning ( e . g ., settings of 4 : 1 tdm and 3ds 0 tdm ) thereof set through remote controlling . each of the isdn channel cards 18 has 2 channels , each of which is connected to a corresponding one of the subscriber terminals ( te ) 7 via the nt 1 apparatus 6 . each channel of each isdn channel card 18 includes three alarm - control units 181 through 183 , an internal - eoc - exchange unit 184 , and a u - point - termination unit 185 . the alarm - control units 181 through 183 are set to the switch option swopt 1 , swopt 2 , or swopt 3 . the internal - eoc - exchange unit 184 is equipped with the function of eoc / eoc conversion and the function of eoc / i - bit conversion . [ 0082 ] fig4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the u - point - termination unit 185 . the u - point - termination unit 185 includes a u - point - synchronization - deviation - detection unit 1851 , a nt 1 - power - supply - disconnection - detection unit 1852 , a t - point - synchronization - deviation - detection unit 1853 , alarm - control - switching unit 1854 . the u - point - synchronization - deviation - detection unit 1851 detects loss of synchronization when synchronization is lost at the u point serving as connection interface with the nt 1 apparatus 6 . the nt 1 - power - supply - disconnection - detection unit 1852 detects disconnection of power supply to the nt 1 apparatus 6 . the t - point - synchronization - deviation - detection unit 1853 detects loss of synchronization when synchronization is lost at the t point . the alarm - control - switching unit 1854 selectively connects to one of the alarm - control units 181 through 183 . the alarm - control - switching unit 1854 is almost permanently connected to one of the alarm - control units 181 through 183 . this connected one of the alarm - control units 181 through 183 has the switch option swopt thereof set to conform to a tr303 - type digital switch that is employed by the network to which the user of the channel belongs . in the example of fig3 the channel ch 1 of the isdn channel card 18 is used by a user who belongs to a service - provider network that employs the tr303 - type digital switch 2 a manufactured by the manufacturer a . in order to connect the channel ch 1 to the tr303 - type digital switch 2 a , the control console 10 is used to make connection settings to the cross - connect card 14 . after this connection is established , the channel ch 1 is set by the eoc control card 16 such as to carry out alarm control of the switch option swopt 1 . [ 0086 ] fig5 through fig7 are tables showing isdn - alarm - notification commands and values thereof that are transmitted in response to the switch option settings corresponding to each switch vendor . fig5 shows a case in which the alarm condition indicates loss of synchronization at the u point . fig6 shows a case where the power supply to the nt 1 is disconnected . fig7 shows a case in which synchronization is lost at the t point . with respect to the switch venders a and c , a notification command that corresponds to the switch option swopt of 1 is used . with respect to the switch vendor b , a notification command that corresponds to the switch option swopt of 2 is used . since the switch option swopt of 3 does not correspond to any vendor , it is not currently used . however , operation is guaranteed based on software specifications prior to correction of problems , so that backward compatibility is secured so as not to cause malfunction in apparatuses having only the em 1 c unit thereof updated . what is shown in the figure is an eop report that the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 transmits to the switch 2 . ltoh represents m bits directed downstream at the u point , and ntoh represents m bits directed upstream at the u point . in the case of loss of synchronization at the point u as shown in fig5 the alarm status change report is transmitted if the switch setting is swopt 1 corresponding to the vendor a . in this case , if the switch setting is swopt 2 corresponding to the vendor b , the alarm status change report and the nt 1 overhead change report are transmitted . in this case , where “ x ” is the same value as one observed before loss of synchronization at the u point . if the switch setting is a default setting swopt 3 corresponding to no vendor , the alarm status change report is transmitted . in this case , in this manner , the u - point - synchronization - deviation - detection unit detects loss of synchronization at the u point , and notifies the switch of the alarm status . in so doing , only the alarm status change report should be sent to the switch if the switch is a product of the vendor a or c corresponding to the switch option swopt 1 . further , the act bit of ltoh should be set to 0 , and all bits of ntoh should be set to 0 . if the switch is a product of the vendor c corresponding to the switch option swopt 2 , both the alarm status change report and the nt 1 overhead change report should be sent . in this case , the act bit of ltoh should be set to 0 . further , the act bit , the ps 1 bit , the ps 2 bit , and the sai bit of ntoh should be set to 0 . in the case of disconnection of power supply to the nt 1 as shown in fig6 the alarm status change report is transmitted if the switch setting is swopt 1 corresponding to the vendor a . in this case , if the switch setting is swopt 2 corresponding to the vendor b , the alarm status change report and the nt 1 overhead change report are transmitted . in this case , where “ x ” is the same value as one observed before disconnection of power supply to the nt 1 . if the switch setting is a default setting swopt 3 corresponding to no vendor , the alarm status change report is transmitted . in this case , in this manner , the status of disconnection of power supply to the nt 1 is the same as the status of loss of synchronization at the u point , resulting in transmission of the same messages . in the case of loss of synchronization at the t point as shown in fig7 the nt 1 overhead change report is transmitted if the switch setting is swopt 1 corresponding to the vendor a . in this case , where “ x ” is the same value as one observed before loss of synchronization at the t point . if the switch setting is swopt 2 corresponding to the vendor b , the nt 1 overhead change report are transmitted . in this case , where “ x ” is the same value as one observed before loss of synchronization at the t point . if the switch setting is a default setting swopt 3 corresponding to no vendor , the nt 1 overhead change report is transmitted . in this case , in this manner , the t - point - synchronization - deviation - detection unit detects loss of synchronization at the t point , and notifies the switch of the alarm status . the switch corresponding to the switch setting swopt 1 detects loss of synchronization at the t point if the act bit of ltih is 1 and the act bit of ntoh is 0 . on the other hand , the switch corresponding to the switch setting swopt 2 detects loss of synchronization at the t point if the act bit of ltoh , the act bit of ntoh , and the sai bit are 1 , 0 , 0 , respectively . because of this , values as shown in fig7 are transmitted to let the switches properly detect loss of synchronization at the t point . [ 0118 ] fig8 through fig1 are tables showing isdn alarm notification commands and values thereof transmitted in response to switch settings of the eoc - control unit of the eoc control card 16 . fig8 shows a case in which no isdn channel card is in a card slot . fig9 shows a case in which synchronization is lost at the u point . fig1 demonstrates a case where the power supply to the nt 1 is disconnected . fig1 exhibits a case in which synchronization is lost at the t point . when no isdn channel card is in a card slot as shown in fig8 for example , only the m event report for isdn - line - termination purposes should be transmitted if the switch setting is swopt 1 . if the switch setting is swopt 2 , however , the m event report for isdn - framing - path - termination - change purposes in the overhead bit report should be transmitted in addition to the m event report for isdn - line - termination purposes . the m event report for isdn - framing - path - termination - change purposes in the overhead bit report should include data of ltoh ad ntoh as shown in fig8 . [ 0120 ] fig1 through fig1 are tables showing standards of isdn alarm messages that are transmitted in response to switch settings of the sw - interface unit of the sw - interface unit 15 . fig1 shows isdn alarm messages where the switch option is swopt 1 corresponding to the vendor a . fig1 illustrates isdn alarm messages where the switch option is swopt 2 corresponding to the vendor b . fig1 exhibits isdn alarm messages where the switch option is set to a default value swopt 3 corresponding to no existing vendor . the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 operates as follows based on the mechanism as described above . in the following , it is assumed that the subscriber terminal 7 covered by the channel ch 1 of the isdn channel cards 18 belongs to the service - provider network employing the tr303 - type digital switch 2 a of the vendor a , and that the subscriber terminal 7 covered by the channel ch 2 belongs to the service - provider network employing the tr303 - type digital switch 2 b of the vendor b . as a consequence , the alarm - control - switching unit 1854 of the u - point - termination unit 185 for the channel ch 1 is controlled so as to select the alarm - control unit 181 that corresponds to the switch setting swopt 1 of the vendor - a switch . further , the alarm - control - switching unit 1854 of the u - point - termination unit 185 for the channel ch 2 is controlled so as to select the alarm - control unit 182 that corresponds to the switch setting swopt 2 of the vendor - b switch . when the isdn channel card 18 is taken out of the slot , for example , the eoc - control units 161 and 162 of the eoc control card 16 transmits alarm messages to the tr303 - type digital switches 2 a and 2 b , respectively , thereby notifying the inoperative statuses of the channels ch 1 and ch 2 . when synchronization is lost at the u point of the channel ch 1 in the isdn channel card 18 , for example , the u - point - termination unit 185 of the channel ch 1 detects loss of synchronization at the u point . in response , the alarm - control unit 181 transmits an alarm - notification command that conforms to the switch option swopt 1 , and this command is supplied to the tr303 - type digital switch 2 a from the internal - eoc - exchange unit 184 via the cross - connect card 14 , the eoc control card 16 , and the sw - interface unit 15 . this tr303 - type digital switch 2 a corresponds to the switch option swopt 1 . when synchronization is lost at the u point of the channel ch 2 , for example , the u - point - termination unit 185 of the channel ch 2 detects loss of synchronization at the u point . in response , the alarm - control unit 182 transmits an alarm - notification command that conforms to the switch option swopt 2 , and this command is supplied to the tr303 - type digital switch 2 b from the internal - eoc - exchange unit 184 via the cross - connect card 14 , the eoc control card 16 , and the sw - interface unit 15 . this tr303 - type digital switch 2 b corresponds to the switch option swopt 2 . when synchronization is lost at the t point of the channel ch 1 in the isdn channel cards 18 , the nt 1 apparatus 6 connected to the channel ch 1 sends a m - bit message indicative of loss of t - point synchronization to the channel ch 1 of the isdn channel cards 18 by passing the message through the u point . the alarm - control unit 181 then uses an alarm - notification command to transmit the eoc where the alarm - notification command conforms to the requirements of the vendor a . in the following , operation of the u - point - termination unit 185 will be described in detail with reference to fig4 . as was previously described , the u - point - termination unit 185 includes the u - point - synchronization - deviation - detection unit 1851 , the nt 1 - power - supply - disconnection - detection unit 1852 , and the t - point - synchronization - deviation - detection unit 1853 . it should be noted here that the number of m bits used for reporting loss of synchronization at the t point varies depending on the types of nt 1 apparatuses . some notify by use of the act bit that is 0 , and others notify by use of the sai bit that is 0 . there are still some others that notify by use of the act bit and sai bit that are both zero . in order to detect loss of t - point synchronization with respect to any variation of these , the t - point - synchronization - deviation - detection unit 1853 of the u - point - termination unit 185 detects loss of t - point synchronization by checking if either one of the act bit and the sai bit is 0 . when the m - bit message is supplied to the switch without any processing thereof , the switch cannot properly detect the loss of t - point synchronization . because of this reason , the alarm - control unit 181 attends to conversion into ltoh and ntoh values that conform to the requirements of the vendor - a switch . this ensures that any type of a switch can be properly notified of loss of t - point synchronization regardless of the type of the nt 1 that is connected to the isdn channel card . in the description provided above , the switches connected to the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 have been referred to as the tr303 - type digital switches . if the switches of a network - service provider to which subscriber terminals belong are tr08 - type digital switches , then , connection is established by using the tr08 - type - switch mode . by the same token , if analog switches are used , connection is established by using the analog - switch mode . for connection during the tr08 - type - switch mode , none of the sw - interface unit 15 and the eoc control card 16 of the subscriber - system transmission apparatus 1 are used . signals from the tr08 - type digital switch are provided from the multiplexing / demultiplexing card 13 to the cross - connect card 14 , which has switched to the 3ds 0 time - division - multiplexing scheme . the alarm - control unit of the isdn channel card 18 in this case is comprised of only one type of alarm - control unit that conforms to the specifications of the tr08 - type digital switch . for connection during the analog - switch mode , the nt 1 apparatus 6 of the subscriber terminal 7 is connected via the u - point - termination unit 185 of the isdn channel card 18 directly to the cross - connect card 14 , which has switched to the 3ds 0 time - division - multiplexing scheme . this connection is established without having the alarm - control units 181 through 183 or the internal - eoc - exchange unit 184 as intervening units . further , the connection is extended from the cross - connect card 14 to the center - station - system transmission apparatus 5 via an analog - switch multiplexing / demultiplexing unit 19 and the optical - fiber transmission line . as described above , according to the present invention , no special work such as exchange of modules is necessary when there is a need to connect with switches operating based on the 4 : 1 time - division - multiplexing scheme . a relatively simple configuration includes the eoc - interface unit , the 4 : 1 tdm - cross - connect unit , the eoc / eoc -& amp ;- eoc / i - bit - conversion unit , etc ., which is all that is necessary to implement the isdn service providing connections with digital switches based on 4 : 1 time - division - multiplexing scheme in addition to rendering of the 3ds 0 time - division - multiplexing service . further , the same configuration as in the conventional art is used with regard to mux / dmux interface , u - point interface , line structures , etc ., thereby making it possible to cope with switches of the 4 : 1 time - division - multiplexing scheme without requiring major changes that may affect existing services . further , the present invention is not limited to these embodiments , but various 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 . 2000 - 076034 filed on mar . 17 , 2000 , with the japanese patent office , the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference . | 7 |
the following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention . this description is not to be taken in a limiting sense , but is made merely for purposes of illustrating the general principles of the invention . referring to fig1 inventive carabiner 10 is shown linking climbing rope 12 to webbing 14 looped around rock 16 . fig1 exemplifies one of the many ways that a carabiner can be used to link climbing aids together . referring to fig2 carabiner 10 includes body 20 and gate 50 . the inventive locking mechanism is contained within gate 50 , only button 70 protrudes externally . body 20 and gate 50 are fabricated from a lightweight , high strength material , for example aluminum alloy type 7075 heat treated to condition t 6 . the simplest , and preferred , configuration of the inventive locking mechanism is illustrated by fig2 - 12 . referring to fig5 gate 50 is slotted at both ends by parallel slots 52 and 34 . leg ends 22 and 24 of body 20 nest loosely within the confines of slots 32 and 34 respectively . gate 30 is hinged to body 20 by pin 36 which transverses slot 32 through a slip - fitting hole in leg end 22 . referring to fig3 and 5 , the opening end of gate 30 includes pin 38 which transverses slot 34 . when gate 30 is closed , pin 38 rests against the top of notch 28 in body 20 , thereby limiting the closing movement of gate 30 . notch 28 also serves to capture pin 38 when high tensile loads deform bodily 20 , thereby enabling gate 30 to carry part of the load transmitted through body 20 . alternate means of limiting the travel of gate 30 are possible . for example , forming the end of gate 30 to abut directly against a mating recess of body 20 can eliminate pin 38 . as another alternative , the end of gate 30 and the associated leg of body 20 can be formed or machined to provide an interlocking relationship that transmits tensile loads . referring to fig5 gate 30 is held in the closed position by the combined action of compression spring 40 , spring pin 50 and link 60 . compression spring 40 and spring pin 50 are loosely contained within hole 42 . hole 42 opens into slot 32 and the axis of hole 42 is approximately parallel to the axis of gate 30 . as best seen in fig6 hole 42 has an oblong cross section . compression spring 40 is typically fabricated by coiling a corrosion resistant material , for example 17 - 7 ph stainless steel spring wire . machining or forcing a corrosion resistant material , for example brass , is a typical way to fabricate spring pin 50 . machining and swaying a corrosion resistant material , for example type 316 stainless steel wire , is a typical way to fabricate link 60 . compression spring 40 , in conjunction with spring pin 50 , applies a force in one direction against abutment 44 in hole 42 and in the other direction against joint 62 between spring pin 50 and link 60 . link 60 transmits the force to notch 26 on body 20 . notch 26 is adjacent but offset inward from the center of hinge pin 36 . the offset distance provides the leverage which forces gate 30 closed . when gate 30 opens , link 60 pushes spring pin 50 into hole 42 , compressing spring 40 . when gate 30 is open , the force of spring 40 against link 60 urges gate 30 to return to the closed position . referring again to fig3 and 5 , lock button 70 is located within slot 32 adjacent leg 22 of body 20 . lock button 70 transverses the width of gate 30 . referring to fig5 and 7 , link 60 passes loosely through hole 72 , which transverses lock button 70 , thereby retaining lock button 70 within slot 32 . the longitudinal axis of lock button 70 is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of gate 30 , and intersects the longitudinal axis of hole 42 . sufficient clearance is provided between slot 32 and lock button 70 so that lock button 70 can move without binding . referring to fig8 lock button 70 can be pushed either in or out as depicted by the outline arrows “ a ” and “ b ” respectively . moving lock button 70 in one direction or the other pushes against link 60 at the location where link 60 passes through hole 72 . one end of link 60 is restrained axially by notch 26 , however link 60 is free to pivot around notch 26 thereby moving joint 62 between link 60 and spring pin 50 . moving button 70 in the direction of arrow “ a ” causes link 60 , spring 40 and spring pin 50 to move to the unlocked position shown in fig8 . moving lock button 70 in the direction of arrow “ b ” causes link 60 , spring 40 and spring pin 50 to move to the locked position shown in fig4 and 5 . referring to the locked position shown in fig4 and 5 , shoulder 52 of spring pin 50 abuts shelf 46 in hole 42 . the engagement of shoulder 52 with shelf 46 blocks the opening movement of spring pin 50 and thereby immobilizes gate 30 . referring to the unlocked position shown in fig8 the movement of button 70 in direction “ a ” has moved shoulder 52 away from shelf 46 . without the engagement of shoulder 52 with shelf 46 , spring pin 50 is free to move axially within hole 42 ; therefore gate 30 can be opened as shown in fig1 . in fig1 , the outline arrow depicts the force opening gate 30 . referring to fig5 end 54 of spring pin 50 passes through hole 48 at the bottom of hole 42 . sufficient clearance is provided between spring pin 50 and hole 48 so that spring pin 50 can move axially without binding . the difference between the diameters of hole 42 and hole 48 provide abutment 44 for one end of spring 40 . hole 48 provides guidance for the axial movement of spring pin 40 . alternately , hole 48 can be eliminated , spring pin 50 shortened , and guidance of spring pin 50 provided by spring 40 itself . the location of abutment 44 with respect to notch 26 , and the dimensions of hole 42 are chosen to enable spring pin 50 and link 60 to have two stable positions , either locked or unlocked . as such , spring pin 50 and link 60 operate as an over - center switch that can be changed from one stable position to the other by moving button 70 . movement from the locked to the unlocked position , and the opposite , produces an audible “ snap ” that can be heard by the climber . in addition , the position of button 70 , either up or down , provides a visual and tactile indication of the state of the inventive locking mechanism . [ 0080 ] fig9 is a free - body diagram of spring 40 , spring pin 50 and link 60 showing the forces acting on the assembly when in the locked position . f 44 is the force against spring 40 from abutment 44 . f 26 is the force against link 60 from notch 26 . because the forces f 44 and f 26 are offset upward when in the locked position , joint 62 between spring pin 50 and link 60 will buckle upward , which is resisted by f 46 from shelf 46 . similarly , fig1 is a free - body diagram of spring 40 , spring pin 50 and link 60 showing the forces acting on the assembly when in the unlocked position . f 44 is the force against spring 40 from abutment 44 . f 26 is the force against link 60 from notch 26 . because the forces f 44 and f 26 are offset downward when in the unlocked position , joint 62 between spring pin 50 and link 60 will buckle downward , which is resisted by f 42 from the sidewali of hole 42 . climbers are often in precarious positions in which only one hand is available to insert a climbing aid or rope into a carabiner ( typically the other hand is occupied holding on to another climbing aid or the rock surface ). under such circumstances it may be imperative that the carabiner be easily unlocked and opened and subsequently relocked with only one hand . because the inventive locking carabiner of fig3 - 12 has two stable positions , either locked or unlocked , and lock button 70 can be easily moved with one finger , a climber can first unlock the carabiner , open and close gate 30 as many times as need , and when appropriate , relock the carabiner , all with the use of one hand . as described supra , when shoulder 52 engages shelf 46 , gate 30 cannot move . for the inventive carabiner to be assembled and function properly , manufacturing tolerances must be controlled so that shoulder 52 lines - up with shelf 46 when gate 30 is closed . referring to fig1 , the distance d 61 of link 60 plus the shouldered portion of pin 50 must equal the distance between notch 26 and shelf 46 when gate 30 is closed . if link 60 is fabricated so that d 61 is too short , some opening movement of gate 30 will occur even when shoulder 52 and shelf 46 are engaged . conversely , if d 61 is fabricated overlong , it will not be possible to engage shoulder 52 with shelf 46 . these problems are avoided by the alternate configuration of fig1 . [ 0084 ] fig1 shows the configuration of fig5 but spring pin 50 has been replaced by threaded rod 51 and nut 55 . nut 55 provides shoulder 52 that engages shelf 46 . threaded rod 51 and nut 55 are adjusted to compensate for dimensional variations of the various components . screwing rod 51 in or out with respect to nut 55 adjusts the location of joint 62 a , thereby lengthening or shortening distance d 61 to precisely match the distance between shelf 46 and notch 26 . screwdriver slot 55 facilitates adjustment of d 61 after the carabiner has been assembled . during assembly of the inventive carabiner , threaded rod 51 is overly threaded into nut 53 to provide ample clearance between the various components . after the inventive carabiner is assembled , threaded rod 51 is screwed outward until shoulder 52 just makes contact with shelf 46 . at the point when shoulder 52 makes contact with shelf 46 , gate 30 will be unable to open unless lock button 70 is moved to the unlocked position . furthermore , other means of adjustment can be conceived . for example , the location of notch 26 can be adjusted by utilizing a setscrew , or the like , threaded at an angle into body 20 adjacent the proper location of notch 26 ( see fig2 ). this adjustment configuration will be described in more detail following . fig1 - 23 shows alternate configurations of the instant invention . referring to fig1 , lock release 71 is located within hole 73 in the top of gate 30 . the center axis of hole 73 is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of gate 30 , and intersects the center axio of hole 42 . sufficient clearance is provided between hole 73 and lock release 71 so that lock release 71 can move axially within hole 75 without binding . lock release 71 is retained within hole 75 by spring 40 at one end ; and by indenting or peening outside corner 75 ( see fig1 ) to provide an interference fit that allows only a part of lock release 71 to protrude beyond the top surface of gate 30 . lock release 71 is preferably a rigid sphere fabricated of a corrosion resistant material , for example a type 316 stainless steel ball bearing . alternately , lock release 71 can be a short cylindrical shape , or the like , for example a stepped cylindrical lock release 77 as shown in fig2 . referring to fig1 and 14 , pin 45 is inserted through the top wall of gate 30 and extends approximately to the center of hole 42 . the center axis of pin 45 is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of gate 30 ; and intersects the center axis of hole 42 . pin 45 is firmly attached to gate 30 by press - fit , welding , bonding , or the like . pin 45 is preferably a hard , rigid , corrosion resistant material , for example a type 316 stainless steel rivet . referring again to fig1 and 14 , the length of pin 45 is adjusted so that pin end 47 just barely passes through hole 63 in link 61 . sufficient clearance is provided between hole 63 and pin 45 so that pin 45 can slip in and out of hole 63 without binding . when pin 45 is engaged with hole 63 , movement of gate 30 is impossible because movement of link 61 , and subsequent compression of spring 40 , is blocked . without the movement of link 61 , gate 30 cannot open . [ 0091 ] fig1 shows lock release 71 pushed inward ( the force pushing lock release 71 inward is depicted by the outline arrow ). inward movement of lock release 71 forces spring 40 , and link 61 with it , to the other side of the oblong cross section of hole 42 . consequently , end 47 of pin 45 is disengaged from hole 63 , freeing link 61 to move , and therefore gate 30 can be opened as shown in fig1 ( the outline arrow depicts the force opening gate 30 .) note that after gate 30 opens a small amount , hole 63 no longer lines up with pin 45 and consequently the force applied against lock release 71 is no longer needed . [ 0092 ] fig1 is a free - body diagram of spring 40 and link 61 showing the forces acting on the assembly . f 49 is the force against spring 60 from end 49 of hole 42 . f 26 is the force against link 61 from notch 26 on body 20 . because the forces f 49 and f 26 are offset , joint 65 between spring 40 and link 61 will buckle upward , which is resisted by force f 47 from end 47 of pin 45 . the force of spring 40 against link 61 urges gate 30 to return to the closed position . when gate 30 returns to the closed position , the buckling force will automatically move joint 65 upward as soon as hole 63 lines - up with pin 45 , reengaging pin 45 with hole 63 , which immediately blocks the opening movement of gate 30 . as described supra , when link 61 is at the locked position , gate 30 cannot move because . pin 45 engages hole 63 , which blocks movement of link 61 . for this configuration to be assembled and function properly , manufacturing tolerances must be controlled so that hole 63 lines - up with pin 45 when gate 30 is closed . referring to fig2 , the distance d 61 on link 61 between hole 63 and its end adjacent notch 26 must equal the distance between pin end 47 and notch 26 when gate 30 is closed . if link 61 is fabricated so that d 61 is too short , some opening movement of gate 30 will occur even when pin 45 and hole 65 are engaged . conversely , if d 61 is fabricated overlong , it may not be possible to properly assemble the carabiner . these problems are avoided by the alternate inventive carabiner configuration of fig2 . referring to fig2 , setscrew 90 provides the means to adjust for dimensional variations of the various components . setscrew 90 is threaded at an angle into body 20 adjacent the proper location of notch 26 . the angle of the central axis of the thread is chosen so that the intersection of the surface of body 20 with the tip of setscrew 90 forms a notch for link 61 . setscrew 90 has slot 92 , or the like , to facilitate adjustment . by adjusting setscrew 90 in or out , the location of notch 26 will move so that it is possible to precisely locate notch 26 with respect to dimension d 61 . the use of standard off - the - shelf components will lower manufacturing costs . costs are kept low when fabricating the alternate configuration shown in fig1 - 17 by using a standard ball bearing for lock release 71 , and a standard rivet for pin 45 , however , lock release 71 requires that hole 73 be machined in the side wall of gate 30 . fig1 - 22 shows another alternate configuration of the instant invention that eliminates the need for hole 73 . referring to fig1 - 22 , lock release 80 is an approximately l - shaped bracket having hole 82 in one leg . as best seen in fig1 and 20 , the holed leg of lock release 80 is positioned in hole 42 between link 61 and the wall of gate 30 . pin 45 loosely passes through hole 82 . the other leg of lock release 80 protrudes outward from slot 32 adjacent lee end 22 of body 20 . the engagement of hole 82 with pin 45 holds lock release 80 at its proper location . lock release 80 is typically fabricated by stamping and bending a corrosion resistant , rigid flat material , for example 316 stainless steel strip stock . [ 0098 ] fig2 and 22 show lock release 80 pushed inward ( the force pushing lock release 80 inward is depicted by the outline arrow in fig2 .) inward movement of lock release 80 forces link 61 to the other side of the oblong cross section of hole 42 , which disengages end 47 of pin 45 from hole 63 , with link 61 free to move , gate 30 can be opened as shown in fig2 ( the outline arrow depicts the force opening gate 30 .) note that after gate 30 moves a small amount , hole 63 no longer lines up with pin 45 and consequently the force applied against lock release 80 is no longer needed . the function and operation of the configuration of fig1 - 22 is the same as the function and operation of the configuration of fig1 - 18 . the only difference is lock release 71 and associated hole 73 have been replaced with lock release 80 , which does not require hole 73 because it is located in the gap between the hinge of gate 30 and body 20 . fig2 - 27 show yet another alternate configuration of the instant invention that eliminates the need for pin 45 . referring to fig2 and 25 , shelf 46 is cut into the opening of hole 42 . shelf 46 serves the same function as pin 45 . extension 69 of link 67 extends upward a sufficient distance to engage shelf 46 when gate 30 is closed . movement of link 67 is blocked when extension 69 engages shelf 46 , [ 0101 ] fig2 shows lock release 71 pushed inward ( the force pushing lock release 71 inward is depicted by the outline arrow ). inward movement of lock release 71 forces spring 40 , and link 67 with it , to the other side of the oblong cross section of hole 42 . consequently , extension 69 of link 67 is disengaged from shelf 46 , freeing link 67 to move , and therefore gate 30 can be opened as shown in fig2 ( the outline arrow depicts the force opening gate 30 .) note that after gate 30 opens a small amount , extension 69 no longer lines up with shelf 46 and consequently the force applied against lock release 71 is no longer needed . referring again to fig2 , another configuration of the instant invention replaces lock release 71 with lock release 88 . lock release 88 is a stubby l - shaped member located adjacent leg 22 of body 20 . lock release 88 is held adjacent leg 22 by shoulder 89 , which will abut against wall 41 should lock release 88 attempt to escape outward . lock release 88 functions similarly to lock release 80 . lock release 88 is fabricated from a lightweight , rigid material , for example aluminum alloy type 6061 . [ 0103 ] fig2 shows yet another configuration of the instant invention that eliminates the need for a separate lock release component . link 61 has l - shaped leg 96 extending downward from notch 26 under hinge pin 36 . when leg 96 is pushed sideways ( depicted by the outline arrow ) go shown in fig2 , link 61 pivots around notch 26 and hole 63 disengages from pin 45 . the arrangement of fig2 can be applied to the configurations of fig2 as well . in contrast to the configuration of fig4 which has two stable positions : locked or unlocked , the configurations illustrated by fig1 - 28 are always locked unless the release component is being pushed . furthermore , the configurations illustrated by fig1 - 28 automatically lock as soon as gate 30 closes . however , as illustrated by fig4 , a climber can simultaneously unlock and open gate 30 with one hand . in fig4 , gate 30 is shown being pinched between the thumb and index finger so that the lock release is depressed ( in fig4 , the force that moves the lock release is depicted by an outline arrow ) thereby unlocking and opening gate 30 . fig2 - 32 show yet another alternate configuration of the instant invention . referring to fig2 , compression spring 40 and pin 150 are loosely contained within gate 30 . compression spring 40 in conjunction with pin 150 and link 160 applies a force against body 20 adjacent but off - set inward from the center of hinge pin 36 , thereby holding gate 30 closed . as best seen in fig2 and 30 , gate 30 is transversed by hole 138 . the size of hole 138 is chosen so that the strength of gate 30 is not compromised . locking member 170 is carried by gate 30 in hole 138 . sufficient clearance is provided between hole 138 and member 170 so that member 170 can move axially within hole 138 without binding . referring to fig3 , at the intersection of pin 150 with locking member 170 , member 170 is transversed by elongated slot 178 . slot 178 allows end 158 of pin 150 to extend into member 170 . fin 150 in conjunction with slot 178 limits the axial movement of member 170 within hole 138 . end 158 of pin 150 abuts against surface 172 within slot 178 of member 170 when member 170 is in the locked position as shown by fig2 . member 170 is maintained in the upright or locked position by spring 176 pushing the face of piston 174 against end 158 of pin 150 . piston 174 and compression spring 176 are loosely contained within locking member 170 . during the course of opening gate 30 , link 160 pushes against and consequently moves pin 150 toward locking member 170 . the movement of pin 150 compresses spring 40 . the countering force of spring 40 against pin 150 , and subsequently link 160 , urges gate 30 to return to the closed position . [ 0110 ] fig2 pictures the inventive carabiner when it is locked . when the inventive carabiner is locked , gate 30 is prevented from pivoting around pin 26 because the abutment of pin end 158 against surface 172 of member 170 blocks movement of pin 150 . without the movement of pin 150 , gate 30 cannot open . referring to fig3 , when a force is applied to member 170 in the direction of the outline arrow , member 170 will move relative to gate 30 to the position depicted in fig3 . movement of member 170 compresses spring 176 against piston 174 , which bears against end 158 of pin 150 . preferably , pushing member 170 will first move it to the unlocked position and continued force will subsequently open gate 30 . this sequence is accomplished by sizing spring 176 so that its compressive force is overcome before the closing force of spring 40 is overcome . conversely , if an opening force is applied to gate 30 before member 170 moves to the unlocked position , end 158 of pin 150 will be jammed against surface 172 of member 170 . when end 158 of pin 150 is jammed against surface 172 of member 170 , member 170 will be unable to move to the unlocked position . movement of member 170 to the unlocked position shown in fig3 moves surface 172 away from end 158 of pin 150 , freeing pin 150 for axial movement . continued force against member 170 or gate 30 in the direction of the outline arrow of fig3 will cause pin 150 to slide further into slot 178 of member 170 , thereby opening gate 30 . fig3 is a close - up view of the relationship of the various components when the gate is opening . as described supra , when member 170 is at the locked position , gate 30 cannot move because member 170 blocks movement of pin 150 and consequently link 160 . for this configuration to be assembled and function properly , manufacturing tolerances must be tightly controlled . for example , if one or more of the components are too short and there is a gap between end 158 and surface 172 , excessive opening movement of gate 30 will occur even when locking member 170 is at the locked position . conversely , if any one of the components is fabricated oversize , it may not be possible to properly assemble the carabiner . these problems are avoided by the alternate inventive carabiner configuration of fig3 . the alternate inventive carabiner configuration of fig3 incorporates setscrew 190 and ball 192 . setscrew 190 is threaded to gate 30 adjacent slot 178 of member 170 . referring to fig3 , ball 192 is carried by member 170 within the widest part of keyhole shaped slot 178 . ball 192 is a rigid sphere , for example a stainless steel ball bearing . alternately , ball 192 can be replaced with a short cylindrical pin , or the like . ball 192 serves as a link between setscrew 190 and end 158 of pin 150 . end 158 of pin 150 abuts against ball 192 when member 170 is at the locked position . member 170 is maintained in the upright or locked position by spring 174 pushing the face of piston 174 against end 158 of pin 150 . ball 192 abuts against the end of setscrew 190 . ball 192 serves the same function as face 172 of the configuration depicted by fig2 . setscrew 190 can be adjusted to compensate for dimensional variations of the various carabiner components . during assembly of the inventive carabiner , setscrew 190 is backed out to provide clearance between the components . after the inventive carabiner is assembled , setscrew 190 is threaded inward , pushing ball 192 until it just makes contact with end 158 of pin 150 . at the point when ball 192 just makes contact with end 158 of pin 150 , gate 30 will be unable to open unless member 170 is moved to the unlocked position . referring to fig3 , locking member 170 is shown at the unlocked position ; therefore ball 192 is no longer located between setscrew 190 a end 158 of pin 150 . as a consequence of the opening movement of gate 30 , pin 150 has moved into the space formally occupied by ball 192 . [ 0120 ] fig3 shows another alternate configuration of the inventive carabiner . cantilever spring 180 , located on top of and external to gate 30 , replaces internal spring 176 and piston 174 . as best seen in fig3 and 37 , cantilever spring 180 is fabricated from rectangular spring stock , or alternately , can be formed or molded from plastic , for example nylon . cantilever spring 180 is firmly attached at end 184 to gate 30 . the other end of cantilever spring 180 is loosely attached to member 170 by rivet 182 . loose attachment of cantilever spring 180 to member 170 is preferable to prevent binding when member 170 moves . alternately , rivet 182 can be a screw , or - the - like , or can be a peened extension of member 170 . referring to fig3 , ball 192 is carried by member 170 within the widest part of keyhole shaped slot 178 . referring to fig3 , setscrew 190 provides the means to adjust for dimensional variations of the various components as described supra . the incorporation of cantilever spring 180 eliminates the need for a cavity in member 170 to house spring 176 and piston 174 . consequently , member 170 is less costly to fabricate and , also , can have a smaller cross - section . furthermore , unlocking and opening the inventive cgrabiner with a single finger or a rope is facilitated because member 170 can be pushed to the unlocked position by applying force , not only to the protruding end of member 170 but also by applying force anywhere along the exposed surface of cantilever spring 180 . [ 0124 ] fig4 is a partial cross section of a typical prior art , non - locking carabiner . a comparison of the preferred inventive configuration of fig4 with fig4 will reveal that only two ( 2 ) additional components are needed to convert the prior art . a conversion to the preferred inventive locking configuration requires the addition of lock release 70 and spring pin 50 , both of which are easy to fabricate . with respect to fabricating gate 30 to accommodate the added components , hole 42 must be elongated . because the gate return spring provides the force that , in addition to closing the gate , holds the inventive locking mechanism either in the locked or unlocked states , the new components and accompanying modifications can be incorporated with little addition to the manufacturing cost of a basic carabiner . consequently , a carabiner incorporating the preferred inventive locking mechanism can be sold for a relatively small price increase over the cost of a non - locking version . the figs . illustrate , a number of inventive locking configurations , all of which have several characteristics in common : all are contained within the carabiner gate , all function by blocking the opening movement of the gate return spring mechanism , and all are controlled by an unobtrusive button , or - the - like , which protrudes from the gate . other variations on the shape and / or relative locations of the carabiner body , gate , spring , linkage and lock release are contemplated . it is understood that those skilled in the art may conceive of modifications and / or changes to the invention described above . any such modifications or changes that fall within the purview of the description are intended to be included therein as well . this description is intended to be illustrative and is not intended to be limitative . the scope of the invention is limited only by the scope of the claims appended hereto . | 8 |
reference will now be made in detail to the subject matter disclosed , which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings . the scope of the invention is limited only by the claims ; numerous alternatives , modifications and equivalents are encompassed . for the purpose of clarity , technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the embodiments has not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description . referring to fig1 , a block diagram of a computer apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown . in at least one embodiment , a bridge paving device includes a processor 100 , memory 102 connected to the processor 100 for storing computer executable program code and a data storage element 104 configured to store a bridge paving profile . the processor 100 may also be connected to an antenna 106 . the antenna 106 may be configured to receive location data from a surveying instrument such as a total station . alternatively , or in addition , the antenna 106 may receive a satellite based location signal such as a gps signal for determining the location of the bridge paving device . furthermore , a second antenna 106 may also be connected to the processor 100 ; the second antenna 106 may receive a second satellite based location signal such that the known difference in location between the first antenna 106 and the second antenna 106 may be used to determine an orientation of the bridge paving device . alternatively , or in addition , the processor 100 may receive orientation information through the antenna 106 from a separate surveying instrument . the processor 100 may correlate the location and orientation information to the bridge paving profile . the processor 100 thereby knows the location and orientation of the bridge paving device as it pertains to a desired location and orientation defined in the bridge paving profile . the processor 100 may actuate one or more hydraulic actuators 108 , 110 , 112 , 114 , for example through a hydraulic control system , to adjust the position and orientation of the bridge paving device to conform to parameters defined by the bridge paving profile . the processor 100 may receive updated location and orientation information through the antenna 106 , and periodically correlate the updated location and orientation information to the bridge paving profile . the processor 100 continuously adjusts the hydraulic actuators 108 , 110 , 112 , 114 to maintain the bridge paving device within the defined parameters as the bridge paving device moves linearly along the surface being paved . furthermore , the processor 100 may be connected to one or more powered transition adjusters 116 connected to portions of the bridge paving device . in at least one embodiment , the powered transition adjusters 116 are configured to adjust the shape of the main support structure of the bridge paving device to create or adjust a crown or inversion in the paved surface . alternatively , the height of a bridge paving carriage may vary along both the width of the paved surface and the length of the bridge span as defined by the bridge paving profile according to desired run - off parameters . referring to fig2 , a perspective environmental view of a bridge paving device according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown . in at least one embodiment , a bridge paving device 200 includes a power and control unit 204 configured to power and control hydraulic actuators 208 , 210 , 212 , 214 associate with the linear movement elements that move the bridge paving device linearly along a bridge structure to be paved . linear movement elements may include tracks , wheels , bogies or any other suitable device for producing linear movement in the bridge paving device . the power and control unit 204 also controls the motion of a paving carriage 202 which may comprise a cylinder finisher and in at least one embodiment , one or more powered transition adjusters 216 configured to adjust the shape of the main support structure . different shapes of the main support structure may alter the shape of a crown or inversion in the paved surface . furthermore , different shapes of the main support structure coupled with adjustments to the paving carriage 202 may allow the power and control unit 204 to apply continuous , variable slopes to the paved surface . the power and control unit 204 may also include an antenna configured to receive location data from a surveying instrument such as a total station 220 . alternatively , or in addition , the power and control unit 204 may receive a satellite 218 based location signal such as a gps signal for determining the location of the bridge paving device 200 . the bridge paving device 200 may be equipped with reference features such as surveying prisms , or gps receivers or both , sufficient to locate and orient the bridge paving device 200 with reference to a bridge paving profile . the power and control unit 204 may actuate one or more hydraulic actuators 208 , 210 , 212 , 214 associated with the linear movement elements that drive the bridge paving device 200 to adjust the position and orientation of the bridge paving device 200 to conform to parameters defined by the bridge paving profile . the power and control unit 204 may receive updated location and orientation information and periodically correlate the updated location and orientation information to the bridge paving profile . the power and control unit 204 continuously adjusts the hydraulic actuators 208 , 210 , 212 , 214 to maintain the bridge paving device 200 within the defined parameters as the bridge paving device 200 moves linearly along the surface being paved . in at least one embodiment , a bridge paving device 200 may be configured to distribute the load of the bridge paving device 200 on the bridge structure by directing the linear movement elements on one side of the bridge paving device 200 to maintain a relative position further along the bridge with reference to the linear movement elements on the other side . the bridge paving device 200 is thereby skewed in the direction of linear travel . where a bridge paving profile includes complex crown or inversion features , such complexity is significantly increased where the bridge paving device 200 is skewed . such complexity may require the power and control unit 204 to maintain intricate control and interrelation of the paving carriage 202 movement and powered transition adjuster 216 . referring to fig3 , a front environmental view of a bridge paving device according to the present invention is shown . in at least one embodiment , a bridge paving device 300 includes a power and control unit 304 configured to power and control hydraulic actuators 308 , 312 , associate with the linear movement elements that move the bridge paving device linearly along a bridge structure to be paved , the motion of a paving carriage 302 and in at least one embodiment , one or more powered transition adjusters 316 configured to apply a crown 318 to a surface being paved . the power and control unit 304 may include an antenna configured to receive location data from a surveying instrument or a satellite based location signal for determining the location of the bridge paving device 300 with reference to a bridge paving profile . the bridge paving profile may include a crown 318 or inversion that may vary along the length of the bridge span . the powered transition adjusters 316 may alter the shape in the main support structure of the bridge paving device 300 to create or adjust a crown 318 or inversion in the paved surface . alternatively , a paving carriage 302 may be raised and lowered according to the bridge paving profile . the height of the bridge paving carriage 302 , including a cylinder finisher , may vary along both the width of the paved surface and the length of the bridge span as defined by the bridge paving profile according to desired run - off parameters . referring to fig4 , a front environmental view of a bridge paving device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown . in at least one embodiment , a bridge paving device 400 includes a power and control unit 404 configured to power and control hydraulic actuators 408 , 410 , 412 , 414 associate with the linear movement elements that move the bridge paving device linearly along a bridge structure to be paved . the power and control unit 404 also controls the motion of a paving carriage 402 which may comprise a cylinder finisher and in at least one embodiment , one or more powered transition adjusters 416 , 420 configured to change the shape of the main support structure of the bridge paving device 400 . different shapes of the main support structure may alter the shape of a crown or inversion in the paved surface . also , where a first powered transition adjuster 416 is configured to alter the shape of a first portion of the main support structure and a second powered transition adjuster 420 is configured to alter the shape of a second position of the main support structure , the power and control element 404 may induce a disparity of shapes in the main support structure to produce a desired frame shape and thereby a desired paved surface slope . furthermore , different shapes of the main support structure coupled with adjustments to the paving carriage 402 may allow the power and control unit 404 to apply continuous , variable slopes to the paved surface . while fig4 shows a bridge paving device 400 with two powered transition adjusters 416 , 420 , more than two powered transition adjusters 416 , 420 are contemplated . more than two powered transition adjusters 416 , 420 may be useful for producing a paved surface having a complex design profile . complex design profiles may include multiple crowns or inversions to achieve desired drainage characteristics , banked portions , or any other features that require shape alterations to the main support structure that are unachievable with two powered transition adjusters 416 , 420 . referring to fig5 , another environmental view of a bridge paving device according to the present invention is shown . in at least one embodiment , a bridge paving device 500 includes a power and control unit 504 configured to power and control hydraulic actuators 508 , 512 associate with the linear movement elements that move the bridge paving device linearly along a bridge structure to be paved 518 , the motion of a paving carriage 502 including a cylinder finisher and in at least one embodiment , one or more powered transition adjusters 516 configured to adjust the shape of the main support structure according to a desired paving profile to apply a crown or inversion to the surface being paved 518 . the power and control unit 504 may also include an antenna configured to receive location data from a surveying instrument such as a total station 520 . alternatively , or in addition , the power and control unit 504 may receive a satellite based location signal such as a gps signal for determining the location of the bridge paving device 500 . the bridge paving device 500 may be equipped with reference features such as surveying prisms , or gps receivers or both , sufficient to locate and orient the bridge paving device 500 with reference to a bridge paving profile . the linear movement elements that move the bridge paving device 500 linearly along the bridge structure to be paved 518 may run on guide elements 522 positioned according to the paving profile during construction of the bridge structure to be paved . in at least one embodiment , the tolerances for the location of the guide elements 522 are significantly less rigid as compared to the prior art . referring to fig6 , a flowchart of a method for controlling a bridge paving device according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown . in at least one embodiment , a bridge paving device receives 600 a bridge design profile that defines the necessary location of the bridge paving device , and in at least one embodiment , a variable crown or inversion to be applied to the paved surface . the bridge paving device also receives 602 location data corresponding to the position of the bridge paving device and orientation data 604 corresponding to the orientation of the bridge paving device . the bridge paving device correlates 606 the location and orientation data to the bridge design profile and adjusts 608 one or more hydraulic actuators to bring the location and orientation of the bridge paving device in line with the parameters of the bridge design profile . during paving , the bridge paving device continuously monitors 610 the location and orientation of the bridge paving device , either through continuously receiving updated data or adjusting the known location and orientation based on operations executed by the bridge paving device or both . based on the updated location and orientation data , and the parameters of the bridge design profile , the bridge paving device may periodically adjust 612 one or more hydraulic actuators or one or more powered transition adjusters or both simultaneously . a person skilled in the art may appreciate that while the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein describe hydraulic actuators , additional embodiments are envisioned . for example , linear mechanical actuators , screw jacks or other substantially equivalent mechanisms are contemplated . it is believed that the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description of embodiments of the present invention , and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form , construction , and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages . the form herein before described being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof , it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes . | 4 |
it is a discovery of the present inventors that the channel inhibitory properties of the r domain of cftr protein can be separated from the channel activating properties . thus activating polypeptides can be used to treat cftr defective cells , without concern for inhibition at certain concentrations . activating polypeptides may also be used to enhance the activity of normal cftr , including that delivered by gene transfer . a polypeptide for use in treating cftr - defective cells contains a 22 amino acid sequence , glxisxxinxxxlkxxffxxxx , as shown in seq id no : 6 . the amino terminal residue is acetylated and the carboxy terminal residue is amidated . the residue x , at positions 3 , 6 , 7 , 10 , and 11 is either glutamic acid or glutamine ; at position 12 is aspartic acid or asparagine ; at position 15 is glutamic acid or glutamine ; at position 16 is cysteine or serine ; at positions 19 or 20 is aspartic acid or asparagine ; at position 21 is methionine or norleucine ; at position 22 is either glutamic acid or glutamine . the amino acid residue at position 16 is more preferably serine . the amino residue at position 21 is more preferable norleucine . the polypeptide of seq id no : 6 has a net negative charge . the net negative charge is preferably within the ranges of 1 - 8 , 2 - 8 , 3 - 8 , 4 - 8 , 5 - 8 , 6 - 8 , or 7 - 8 . the polypeptide more preferably has the sequence of seq id no : 1 , gleiseqinqqnlkqsffndle , wherein l at position 21 is norleucine . the amino terminal residue of the polypeptide is preferably acetylated and the carboxy terminal residue is preferably amidated . the polypeptide may also be present in a composition with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier . pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are well known to those in the art . pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include , but are not limited to , large , slowly metabolized macromolecules , such as proteins , polysaccharides , polylactic acids , polyglycolic acids , polymeric amino acids , amino acid copolymers , and inactive virus particles . the composition can also contain liquids , such as water , saline , glycerol , and ethanol , as well as substances such as wetting agents , emulsifying agents , or ph buffering agents . buffering agents include hanks &# 39 ; solution , ringer &# 39 ; s solution , or physiologically buffered saline . it may be desirable that the polypeptide be fused to another polypeptide to provide additional functional properties . for example , fusion to another protein such as keyhole limpet hemocyanin can be used to increase immunogenicity . another desirable fusion partner is a membrane - penetrating peptide . such peptides include vp - 22 ( seq id no : 3 ), as well as the peptides shown in seq id no : 4 and seq id no : 5 . such peptides can be used to facilitate the uptake of the polypeptide by target cells . the polypeptides of the invention may also be fused to proteins that cause specific targeting to lung epithelial cells . for instance , the peptide thalwht directs dna to human airway epithelial cells . single chain antibody variable domains may be used to do the same . a cftr protein can be activated by the polypeptide . the cftr protein can be in a cell , preferably in the cell membrane and the cftr protein forms a camp - regulated chloride channel . an effective amount of a polypeptide that comprises the sequence of seq id no : 6 can be administered to the cell , and administration of the polypeptide activates the cftr protein . the polypeptide administered more preferably comprises the sequence of seq id no : 1 . the cells may be any cells that contain or express a cftr protein . the cells may naturally express the cftr protein , such as lung epithelial cells , or the cells may express the cftr protein after transient or stable transformation . the cells may be primary cells isolated from individuals that express a wild - type cftr protein , or may be primary cells isolated from individuals that express a mutant cftr protein . the cells may also be of a stable cell line . the cells may also exist in the body . the cftr protein is a wild type or a mutant cftr protein . the mutant cftr protein is a cftr protein that is expressed by the cells and that is transported to the cell surface . the mutant cftr protein also forms a camp - regulated chloride channel . the mutant cftr protein may contain alterations that are known and characterized , or may contain alterations that have not yet been discovered . a mutant cftr protein that fails to undergo full activation is a cftr protein that does not conduct ions to the same degree as wild - type cftr . the mutant cftr protein may not conduct ions at all . the mutant protein may also conduct ions to a similar extent as wild type cftr but be present in the membrane in substantially lower amounts than is true for normal individuals . activated is defined as any increase in conductance by the cftr protein . an increase in conductance may result when the opening of the cftr channel occurs with greater frequency than previously observed . an increase in cftr conductance may result when the duration of opening is increased each time the cftr channel opens . an increase in conductance may also result due to greater ability to conduct ions each time the cftr protein channel is open . the increase in open probability of the cftr protein is preferably at least 25 %, at least 50 %, at least 75 %, at least 100 %, at least 125 %, at least 150 %, at least 175 %, at least 200 %, or at least 300 %. an effective amount is any amount of polypeptide that is sufficient to activate the cftr protein , as activate is defined above . preferably , the polypeptide is administered to achieve a concentration of 0 . 5 to 14 μm . more preferably , the polypeptide is administered to achieve a concentration of 4 - 6 μm . the polypeptide may be administered by any means acceptable in the art . for instance , the polypeptide may be administered in vitro , or to cells in culture , by addition to the medium . the polypeptide may be administered in vivo , to a patient , by any route including intravenous , intrathecal , oral , intranasal , transdermal , subcutaneous , intraperitoneal , parenteral , topical , sublingual , or rectal . most preferably , the polypeptide is administered to a patient in an aerosol . the aerosolized polypeptide can be co - administered with an expression vector that encodes wild type cftr protein . an expression vector may be linear dna that encodes wild type cftr protein , or a plasmid or human artificial chromosome that expresses wild type cftr protein . the vector may be administered as naked dna or may be administered complexed to lipid molecules such as with liposomes , short polypeptides such as the thalwht polypeptide , or polycations such as polylysine , with or without stabilizing agents and / or receptor ligands . the dna may also be administered in a viral vector . viral vectors are known in the art . several nonlimiting examples include retroviruses , adenoviruses , adeno - associated viruses , lentiviruses , and herpes simplex virus . the gene encoding the wild type cftr protein may additionally comprise a promoter sequence to drive expression of the cftr gene . any promoter known in the art may be used . promoters include strong promoters such as the promoters of cytomegalovirus , sv40 , or rous sarcoma virus . the promoter may also be a tissue specific promoter . preferably the tissue specific promoter is a lung specific promoter . lung specific promoters include the promoters of surfactant protein a , keratin 18 , du clara cell secretory protein , and the promoter of cftr . a cftr protein can also be activated by applying an effective amount of a polypeptide to a cftr protein in a lipid bilayer . the polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of seq id no : 6 . the polypeptide more preferably comprises the amino acid sequence of seq id no : 1 . activating a cftr protein in a lipid bilayer is useful to the art for screening agents for the treatment of cystic fibrosis . a cftr protein in a lipid bilayer may be a cftr protein that is expressed in cells in culture . the cells may express the cftr protein without manipulation , or may be stably or transiently transfected to express the cftr protein . the lipid bilayer may also be such artificial preparations as , without limitation , a microsome preparation , a lipid - bilayer vesicle preparation , or liposomes . the polypeptide may be applied to the protein by its addition to cell culture media , or solution in which the lipid bilayers are maintained . a change in conductance may be measured by any means known in the art , such as patch clamping . a cftr activating polypeptide can be synthesized by sequentially linking units of one or more amino acid residues to form a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of seq id no : 6 . preferably the polypeptide has the amino acid sequence of seq id no : 1 . synthesis of the cftr polypeptide can be performed using solid - phase synthesis , liquid - phase synthesis , semisynthesis , or enzymatic synthesis techniques . preferably the polypeptides are synthesized by solid - phase synthesis . more preferably the peptides are synthesized by f - moc synthesis . the polypeptide of the invention may alternatively comprise the sequence of seq id no : 2 , gleiseqinqqnlkqsffndme . the polypeptide of seq id no : 2 is not modified . it is similar to the sequence of seq id no : 1 , but for a methionine at position 21 , rather than a norleucine . like seq id no : 1 and seq id no : 6 , it may be fused to a membrane penetrating polypeptide . nucleic acid molecules comprise a nucleotide sequence that encodes the polynucleotide sequence of seq id no : 2 . one of skill in the art will recognize that many sequences will encode the polypeptide , as more than one codon can specify a given amino acid . the nucleic acid may further comprise regulatory sequences that enhance the expression of the polypeptide . promoters may be strong constitutive promoters , as discussed above , or may be tissue - specific promoters . preferably the tissue - specific promoter is a lung - specific promoter . the nucleic acid molecules may further comprise a vector . the vector can be any suitable vector for the delivery of the polynucleotide sequence into the lungs of a patient , resulting in expression of the polypeptide in the lungs of the patient . a cftr protein can be activated by expression of a polynucleotide . a nucleic acid comprising a sequence encoding a polypeptide according to seq id no : 2 is administered to a cell comprising the cftr protein . the polypeptide is expressed and the cftr protein is thereby activated . the polynucleotide may be administered by any acceptable means in the art . preferably the polynucleotide is administered as an aerosol . the administration of the polypeptides of the present invention are most useful in treatment of a class of mutations that encode cftr proteins that are properly delivered to the plasma membrane but that are residually or minimally active . minimally or residually active cftr proteins have the ability to mediate or modulate channel conductance . however , channel conductance is insufficient to sustain the healthy , not cystic fibrotic phenotype . residually or minimally active includes proteins for which the activity of the cftr can be recorded but may be at a level that is barely detectable . this invention will also be useful for cftr mutants that are , to a large extent , misprocessed and thus reach the plasma membrane in much lower quantities than normally processed cftr , and for cftr mutants that are , to a large extent , improperly spliced , but retain production of some properly spliced cftr . known mutants of cftr are listed in table 1 . in addition to its utility in the activation of mutant forms of cftr , this invention will be a useful adjunct to gene therapy for cystic fibrosis . by enhancing the per - cftr molecule chloride transport activity , this peptide will increase the chloride transport activity obtained at any level of expression of cftr , thereby increasing its effective efficacy . the above disclosure generally describes the present invention . a more complete understanding can be obtained by reference to the following specific examples which are provided herein for purposes of illustration only , and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention . development of a polypeptide that exerts only an activating effect on cftr the activating peptide of q4n2neg2 was created by substituting glutamine residues for glutamic acid residues at four sites and asparagines for aspartic acid residues at two sites of the authentic neg2 peptide sequence gleisfeineedlkecffddme ( seq id no : 7 ). in addition , a serine residue was substituted for cysteine , to prevent peptide dimerization , and norleucine was substituted for methionine , to prevent oxidation . these changes create a peptide with reduced chemical reactivity and high predicted helical structure , confirmed by circular dichroism , as well as reduced net negative charge ( from − 9 to − 3 ). attempts to eliminate negative charge completely resulted in an insoluble peptide . when this peptide was added to the cis ( intracellular ) side of cftr channels captured in the planar lipid bilayer , at concentration ranging 0 . 5 to 14 μm , marked dose - related stimulation of channel activity was observed . at concentrations of 4 - 6 μm po of cftr doubles . no inhibitory activity was seen in any experiment at any concentration of peptide . to test whether the q4n2neg2 polypeptide is responsible for increasing the open probability of the cftr channel , synthetic q4n2neg2 , a 22 amino acid peptide , was added to the cis - intracellular side of single cftr channels captured in the planar lipid bilayer ( fig1 ). the diary plot of open probability as a function of time shows the activity of a single wt - cftr channel during the course of the experiment ( fig1 a ). during stimulation , the open probability doubles and more transitions are observed between the open and closed states ( fig1 b ). the open probability observed in 5 experiments at 4 μm concentration q4n2neg2 is shown to be increased by about two - fold in the graph ( fig1 c ). the q4 n2 neg2 peptide sequence has been tested on one mutant form of cftr , g551d , which reaches the plasma membrane . in the planar lipid bilayer , q4n2neg2 increased the open probability of g551 by about threefold . thus , this peptide is useful to stimulate channel activity in mutant forms of cftr that reach the plasma membrane . the neg2 sequence can also be rendered inhibitory , with no stimulatory activity , by scrambling the sequence such that the resulting peptide is predicted to not have helical tendencies , as confirmed by circular dichroism measurements , but retains the full net negative charge of − 9 . this peptide , called scrambled neg2 , inhibits channel activity by about 90 % at 6 μm concentration , with no stimulation observed at any concentration . in addition , insertion of a proline residue into the middle of the neg2 sequence also results in a peptide which inhibits channel activity by about 60 %, but does not stimulate . proline residues are known to disrupt helical structures . the wt cftr cdna was subcloned into an epstein - barr virus - based episomal eukaryotic expression vector , pcep4 ( invitrogen , san diego , calif . ), between the nhe1 and xho1 restriction sites . a human embryonic kidney cell line ( 293 - ebna hek ; invitrogen ) was used for transfection and expression of the cftr proteins ( ma et al ., 1997 , ma et al ., 1996 , xie et al ., 1995 ). the hek - 293 cell line contains a pcmv - ebna vector , which constitutively expresses the epstein - barr virus nuclear antigen - 1 ( ebna - 1 ) gene product and increases the transfection efficiency of epstein - barr virus - based vectors . the cells were maintained in dulbecco &# 39 ; s modified eagle medium with 10 % fbs and 1 % l - glutamine . geneticin ( g418 , 250 ( g / ml ) was added to the cell culture medium to maintain selection of the cells containing the pcmv - ebna vector . lipofectamine reagent ( life technologies , inc ) in optimem media ( serum - free ) was used to transfect the hek - 293 cells with pcep4 ( wt ). after 5 hours , serum was added to the media ( 10 % final serum concentration ). twenty - four hours after transfection , the transfection media was replaced with fresh media . the cells were harvested two days after transfection and microsomal membrane vesicles were prepared for single channel measurements in the lipid bilayer reconstitution system . hek - 293 cells transfected with pcep4 ( cftr ) were harvested and homogenized using a combination of hypotonic lysis and dounce homogenization in the presence of protease inhibitors ( ma et al ., 1997 , ma et al ., 1996 , xie et al ., 1995 ). microsomes were collected by centrifugation of postnuclear supernatant ( 4500 × g , 15 min ) at 100 , 000 × g for 20 min and resuspended in a buffer containing 250 mm sucrose , 10 mm hepes , ph 7 . 2 . the membrane vesicles were stored at − 75 ° c . until use . lipid bilayer membranes were formed across an aperture of ˜ 200 ( m diameter with a mixture of phosphatidylethanolamine : phosphatidylserine : cholesterol in a ratio of 5 : 5 : 1 . the lipids were dissolved in decane at a concentration of 33 mg / ml . the recording solutions contained : cis ( intracellular ), 200 mm cscl , 1 mm mgcl 2 , 2 mm atp , and 10 mm hepes - tris ( ph 7 . 4 ); trans ( extracellular ), 50 mm cscl , 10 mm hepes - tris ( ph 7 . 4 ). vesicles ( 1 - 4 ( 1 ) containing wild - type cftr were added to the cis solution . the pka catalytic subunit was present at a concentration of 50 units / ml in the cis solution unless noted otherwise . single channel currents were recorded with an axopatch 200a patch clamp unit ( axon instruments ). the currents were sampled at 1 - 2 . 5 ms / point . single channel data analyses were performed with pclamp and tips softwares . anderson , m . p ., berger , h . a ., rich , d . p ., gregory , r . j ., smith , a . e ., and welsh , m . j . ( 1991 ). nucleoside triphosphates are required to open the cftr chloride channel . cell 67 , 775 - 784 . bear , c . e ., li , c ., kartner , n ., bridges , r . j ., jensen , t . j ., ramjeesingh , m ., and riordan , j . r . ( 1992 ). purification and functional reconstitution of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator ( cftr ). cell 68 , 809 - 818 . carson , m . r ., travis , s . m ., and welsh , m . j . ( 1995 ). the two nucleotide - binding domains of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator ( cftr ) have distinct functions in controlling channel activity . j . biol . chem . 270 , 1711 - 1717 . cheng , s . h ., rich , d . p ., marshall , j ., gregory , r . j ., welsh , m . j ., and smith , a . e . ( 1991 ). phosphorylation of the r domain by camp - dependent protein kinase regulates the cftr chloride channel . cell 66 , 1027 - 1036 . cotten , j . f . and welsh , m . j . ( 1997 ). covalent modification of the regulatory domain irreversibly stimulates cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator . j . biol . chem . 272 , 25617 - 25622 . dulhanty , a . m . and riordan , j . r . ( 1994 ). phosphorylation by camp - dependent protein kinase causes a conformational change in the r domain of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator . biochemistry 22 , 4072 - 4079 . gadsby , d . c . and nairn , a . c . ( 1994 ). regulation of cftr channel gating . trends biochem . sci . 19 , 513 - 518 . geourjon , c . and deleage , g . ( 1995 ). sopma : significant improvements in protein secondary structure prediction by consensus prediction from multiple alignments . cabios 11 , 681 - 684 . gunderson , k . l . and kopito , r . r . ( 1995 ). conformational states of cftr associated with channel gating : the role of atp binding and hydrolysis . cell 82 , 231 - 239 . higgens , c . f . ( 1992 ). abc transporters : from microorganisms to man . annu . rev . cell biol . 8 , 67 - 113 . ma , j . and davis , p . b . ( 1998 ). what we know and what we do not know about cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator . clinics in chest medicine 19 , 459 - 471 . ma , j ., tasch , j . e ., tao , t ., zhao , j ., xie , j ., drumm , m . l ., and davis , p . b . ( 1996 ). phosphorylation - dependent block of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator chloride channel by exogenous r domain protein . j . biol . chem . 271 , 7351 - 7356 . ma , j ., zhao , j ., drumm , m . l ., xie , j ., and davis , p . b . ( 1997 ). function of the r domain in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator chloride channel . j . biol . chem . 272 , 28133 - 28141 . picciotto , m . r ., cohn , j . a ., bertuzzi , g ., greengard , p ., and nairn , a . c . ( 1992 ). phosphorylation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator . j . biol . chem . 267 , 12742 - 12752 . quinton , p . m . ( 1986 ). missing cl − conductance in cystic fibrosis . am . j . physiol . 251 , c649 - c652 . rich , d . p ., berger , h . a ., cheng , s . h ., travis , s . m ., saxena , m ., smith , a . e ., and welsh , m . j . ( 1993 ). regulation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator cl − channel by negative charge in the r domain . j . biol . chem . 268 , 20259 - 20267 . rich , d . p ., gregory , r . j ., anderson , m . p ., manavalan , p ., smith , a . e ., and welsh , m . j . ( 1991 ). effect of deleting the r domain on cftr - generated chloride channels . science 253 , 205 - 207 . riordan , j ., rommens , j ., kerem , b .- s ., noa , a ., rozmahel , r ., grzelczak , z ., zielenski , j ., lok , s ., plavsic , n ., chou , j .- l ., drumm , m ., iannuzzi , m ., collins , f ., and tsui , l .- c . ( 1989 ). identification of the cystic fibrosis gene : cloning and characterization of complementary dna . science 245 , 1066 - 1073 . rost , b . and sander , c . ( 1993 ). prediction of protein structure at better than 70 % accuracy . j . mol . biol . 232 , 584 - 599 . rost , b . and sander , c . ( 1994 ). combining evolutionary information and neural networks to predict protein secondary structure . proteins 19 , 55 - 72 . tabcharani , j . a ., chang , x .- b ., riordan , j . r . and hanrahan , j . w . ( 1991 ). phosphorylation - regulated c − channel in cho cells stably expressing the cystic fibrosis gene . nature 352 , 628 - 631 . tao , t ., xie , j ., drumm , m . l ., zhao , j ., davis , p . b ., and ma , j . ( 1996 ). slow conversions among subconductance states of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator chloride channel . biophys . j . 70 , 743 - 753 . vankeerberghen , a ., wei , l ., jaspers , m ., cassiman , j .- j ., nilius , b ., and cuppens , h . ( 1998 ). characterization of 19 disease - associated missense mutations in the regulatory domain of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator . hum . mol . genet . 7 , 1761 - 1769 . welsh , m . j . and smith , a . e . ( 1993 ). molecular mechanisms of cftr chloride channel dysfunction in cystic fibrosis . cell 73 , 1251 - 1254 . winter , m . c . and welsh , m . j . ( 1997 ). stimulation of cftr activity by its phosphorylated r domain . nature 389 , 294 - 296 . xie , j ., drumm , m . l ., ma , j ., and davis , p . b . ( 1995 ). intracellular loop between transmembrane segments iv and v of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator is involved in regulation of chloride channel conductance state . j . biol . chem . 270 , 28084 - 28091 . zielenski , j . and tsui , l . c . ( 1995 ). cystic fibrosis : genotypic and phenotypic variations . annu . rev . genetics 29 , 777 - 807 . ile arg val thr val cys glu gly lys asn leu leu gln arg ala asn | 0 |
the following examples set forth techniques for the synthesis of polymers in accordance with the invention , and various uses thereof . it is to be understood that these examples are provided by way of illustration only and nothing therein should be taken as a limitation upon the overall scope of the invention . acetone ( 111 ml ), maleic anhydride ( 20 g ), vinyl acetate monomer ( 19 ml ), and the radical source initiator di - tertbutyl peroxide ( 2 . 4 ml ) were stirred together under inert gas ( such as nitrogen or argon ) in a reactor . the reactor provided included a suitably sized glass spherical flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer , an inert gas inlet , a contents temperature measurement device in contact with the contents of the flask , and a removable reflux condenser . this combination of materials was heated in a hot water bath with stirring at an internal temperature of about 70 ° c . for five hours . at that point , the contents of the flask were evaporated ( by removing the condenser with continued heating ) to a thick oil , and 100 ml of water was added . then , 18 g of granular sodium hydroxide ( naoh ) was added to the above dispersion . the resulting mixture was heated again to about 100 ° c . and allowed to reflux for about two hours . the mixture was then allowed to evaporate by removal of the condenser to a slightly viscous mass . this mass was precipitated by adding the evaporated mixture to about 0 . 5 liters of ethanol while stirring was continued . the solids were recovered and then dried . the resulting product was a white - colored powder . these reactions proceeded as follows : this reaction was carried out similarly to that of example 1 . however , in this case the following quantities of ingredients were used : acetone ( 50 ml ), maleic anhydride ( 44 g ), vinyl acetate monomer ( 42 ml ), and di - tertbutyl peroxide ( 8 . 3 ml ). this mixture was heated in a hot water bath with stirring at an internal temperature of about 70 ° c . for five hours . the contents of the reactor flask were then evaporated to a thick oil and 100 ml of water was added . next , 57 g granular naoh was added . this mixture was heated again to about 100 ° c . and allowed to reflux for about one hour . after refluxing , the mixture evaporated to a slightly viscous mass . this mass was precipitated by adding it , with stirring to 0 . 9 liters of ethanol . the solids were then recovered and dried . the resulting product was a tan - colored powder . this reaction was also carried out as in example 1 . however , the following quantities of ingredients were used : acetone ( 273 . 0 ml ), maleic anhydride ( 49 g ), vinyl acetate monomer ( 46 ml ), and di - tertbutyl peroxide ( 5 . 9 ml ). this mixture was heated in a hot water bath with stirring at an internal temperature of about 70 ° c . for five hours . the contents of the flask were then evaporated into a thick oil ( once again by removing the condenser ), and 250 ml of water was added . following the water addition , 63 g of granular naoh was added . the resulting mixture was heated to about 100 ° c . again , and allowed to reflux for about one hour . this mixture was then evaporated to a slightly viscous mass . the mass was precipitated with stirring into about 2 liters of ethanol . solids were recovered and dried and the product was a very bright white powder . in this example , copper was complexed with the polymer isolated in example 1 . five grams of the example 1 polymer was mixed with 50 g ( dry weight ) of ion exchange resin ( strong acid macro reticular , 4 . 9 meq / gram dry ) which had been soaked in water until the mixture was fluid . the acid form of the polymer was then washed out with several aliquots of water . the resultant water - polymer mixture was then mixed with 6 g of cuso 4 pentahydrate . the aqueous solution containing the copper complex was then evaporated to dryness and the material was collected . one gram of the polymer prepared and isolated in example 1 was dissolved into 20 ml of room temperature water . 1 . 3 g sodium bisulfate was added to this dispersion with stirring . while stirring was continued , 0 . 5 g of ferric sulfate ( fe 2 ( so 4 ) 3 ) tetrahydrate was added slowly with stirring . this product was isolated by evaporating the water from the solution to dryness . thereafter , the isolated dry material was collected . the resultant product was an iron complex of the polymer of example 1 . in this example , 1 g of the polymer prepared and isolated in example 1 was added to 20 ml of room temperature water . sulfuric acid ( 98 %) was added to the dispersion with stirring , until the ph dropped to about 2 . 1 . 5 g of manganese dichloride tetrahydrate was added slowly to the dispersion with vigorous stirring . the material ( a manganese complex of the example 1 polymer ) was then evaporated to dryness and the material was collected . five grams of the polymer prepared and isolated in example 1 was dissolved in 100 ml of water . sulfuric acid ( 98 %) was added until the ph dropped to about 2 . 7 g of zinc sulfate heptahydrate was added slowly with vigorous stirring to the dispersion . the resulting solution had the product ( a zinc complex of the example 1 polymer ) isolated by evaporating the water to dryness and was collected thereafter . water ( 30 g ), and maleic anhydride ( 20 g ) is put into the reactor with stirring under inert gas , such as nitrogen or argon . during this time , the anhydride is converted to the acid form . di - tertbutyl peroxide ( 2 . 4 ml ) is added to the flask . the resulting mixture is heated and refluxed until the reflux head temperature gradually rises to about 100 ° c . at this point , vinyl acetate monomer ( 19 ml ) is gradually added to the reaction at about the same rate that it is consumed . the reaction is carried out until substantially all monomer is consumed . the product of this synthesis is then hydrolyzed as in example 1 . this example demonstrates that the preferred polymerization may be carried out in an aqueous medium . the product of the reaction described in example 8 is refluxed overnight at about 100 ° c . and then subjected to a short - path distillation under inert atmosphere in order to remove the acetic acid hydrolysis product . due to the high temperature and high product concentration , lactone formation is minimized , and the fraction of dicarboxylic acid functional groups that are available is maximized . the desired product is isolated by spray - drying the aqueous solution to give a white amorphous powder . this example is similar to that described in example 8 ; however , water is replaced with a 1 : 1 ( w / w ) mixture of water and ethanol . 20 g of maleic anhydride is added to this mixture . next , di - tertbutyl peroxide ( 2 . 4 ml ) is added to the reactor and the resulting mixture is heated to reflux until the reflux head temperature rises to about 100 ° c . vinyl acetate monomer is then gradually added to the reaction at about the same rate it is consumed . once again , 19 ml of vinyl acetate monomer is used . the reaction is carried out until substantially all of the monomer is consumed . the resulting product is then refluxed overnight and subjected to a short - path distillation under inert atmosphere in order to remove the acetic acid hydrolysis product . once again , due to the high temperature and high product concentration , lactone formation is minimized and the fraction of dicarboxylic acid functional groups is maximized . the desired product is then isolated by spray - drying the aqueous solution to give a white amorphous powder . this example demonstrates that the polymerization may be carried out using uv free radical initiation instead of peroxide . water ( 30 g ) and maleic anhydride ( 20 g ) is mixed in the reactor under inert gas . a 10 watt lamp emitting uv radiation at the 190 - 210 nm wavelength range is immersed in the reaction vessel . the mixture is heated to reflux until the reflux head temperature gradually rises to about 100 ° c ., at which point 19 ml of vinyl acetate monomer is gradually added to the reaction at about the same rate as it is consumed . the reaction is carried out until substantially all of the monomer is consumed . once synthesis ( copolymerization ) is substantially complete , the resultant product is hydrolyzed as in example 1 . in this example , polymerization is carried out using uv free radical initiation in a mixture of organic solvent and water . the experiment is carried out as in example 11 , but water is replaced with a 1 : 1 ( w / w ) mixture of water and ethanol . the isolation and hydrolysis procedures are substantially the same as those used in examples 8 and 9 . in this example , the procedure of example 8 is carried out except that 1 ml of hydrogen peroxide ( 30 % w / w ) is used instead of di - tertbutyl peroxide . this example demonstrates acid hydrolysis in an aqueous medium . to the product of the reaction described in example 8 , 0 . 2 g 98 % of sulfuric acid is added and the mixture is refluxed overnight at about 100 ° c . next , the mixture is subjected to a short - path distillation under inert gas to remove the acetic acid hydrolysis product . due to the acidity , high temperature and high product concentration , lactone formation is minimized , and the fraction of dicarboxylic acid functional groups is maximized . the product is isolated by spray drying the aqueous solution to give a white amorphous powder . an aqueous solution composed of 40 g water , 11 . 6 g maleic acid and 8 . 1 g zinc oxide is formed . the oxide slowly reacts and dissolves to give zinc maleate derivative solution . this is used as a monomer source in a polymerization such as that described in example 8 where equimolar amounts of maleate and vinyl acetate were used . after that , a hydrolysis is performed using the procedures described in example 14 . the reaction proceeded as follows : an aqueous solution composed of 40 g water , 11 . 6 g maleic acid , and 11 . 5 g manganese carbonate is prepared . the carbonate slowly reacts and dissolves to give manganese maleate derivative solution . this manganese maleate solution is used as a monomer source in a polymerization such as that described in example 8 , wherein equimolar amounts of maleate and vinyl acetate were used . after that , a hydrolysis is performed using the procedures described in example 14 . the reaction proceeded as follows : an aqueous solution composed of 40 g water , 11 . g maleic acid , and 5 . 6 g very fine iron dust is formed . the metal slowly reacts and dissolves to give iron maleate derivative solution . this solution is used as a monomer source in a polymerization reaction such as that described in example 8 , wherein equimolar amounts of maleate and vinyl acetate were used . after that , a hydrolysis is performed using the procedures described in example 14 . this reaction proceeded as follows : a continuous reactor is provided including an in - line motionless tube mixer , pumps , thermostatted tubes , and associated valves , fittings , and controls . maleic anhydride ( 50 % w / w in acetone ), vinyl acetate and di - tertbutyl peroxide are pumped into the in - line tube mixer and then into the thermostatted tube . the mixture &# 39 ; s residence time in the tube is about 3 hours . the tube temperature is about 70 ° c . the flow rates are : maleic anhydride solution — 100 g / min ; vinyl acetate — 43 g / min ; and di - tertbutyl peroxide — 3 g / min . hydrolysis is performed using the procedures described in example 14 . aqueous dispersions containing 10 , 50 and 100 ppm of the copper , manganese and zinc copolymers formed in examples 4 , 6 and 7 were applied to the foliage of plum , maple and sweetgum trees , respectively , in order to obtain substantially uniform foliage coverage . prior to this application , the trees visually exhibited characteristic deficiency symptoms for each of the three micronutrients . this treatment alleviated the visual symptoms of the micronutrient deficiency in about 7 - 10 days . bluegrass was treated with aqueous dispersions of the iron copolymer from example 5 ( 20 , 50 and 100 ppm concentrations of iron copolymer ) and compared to an untreated control which received no iron copolymer . these foliar iron treatments were applied at three different times as pretreatments before bluegrass was harvested . photos of the plants were taken two weeks after the last treatment . the results ( table 1 ) clearly show that the bluegrass responded to the iron copolymer application . the total harvest weights for each of the three iron copolymer bluegrass test groups were at least twice that of the control bluegrass . as the amount of copolymer applied increased , harvest weight also increased . in this example , the effect of iron copolymer treatment on lisintus was determined . the iron copolymer of example 5 was used for this experiment . the first control group of plants received no iron copolymer treatment , the second group was foliarly treated with an aqueous dispersion containing 50 ppm of the iron copolymer on three different occasions before harvest , and the third group was similarly treated with an aqueous dispersion containing 100 ppm iron copolymer three times before harvest . the lisintus was harvested and analyzed ( by digestion followed by atomic absorption spectroscopy ) for iron concentration , and by spad meter to determine photosynthetically active chlorophyl levels . the results of this experiment are given in table 2 which shows that application of iron copolymer resulted in a higher iron concentration in the lisintus leaves . however , the amount of iron copolymer applied to the lisintus did not have an appreciable effect on ultimate iron concentration ( i . e . spad meter readings between lisintus treated with 50 ppm iron copolymer and 100 ppm iron copolymer did not differ significantly ). therefore , the most efficient treatment may occur at levels below 50 ppm . in this experiment , different amounts of the copolymer formed in example 1 were used in conjunction with phosphate fertilizer in soil , in order to test the effect of using the polymer with the fertilizer . in particular , the test was conducted on ryegrass grown in growth bags . the growth bags contained soil , water and a conventional , commercially available 8 - 14 - 9 n pk liquid fertilizer . one growth bag ( the control ) had no copolymer added . one bag labeled 0 . 5 × was treated with a fertilizer mixture containing 25 ppm of the copolymer ( the copolymer was added to the liquid fertilizer prior to addition thereof to the growth bags ). the bag labeled 1 × was treated with a liquid fertilizer mixture containing 50 ppm of copolymer . the fertilizer solution in the growth bags were replenished uniformly on an as - needed basis . after the grass was harvested , it was dried and weighed . results of this experiment are given in table 3 which shows no response to the 0 . 5 × copolymer application . the 1 × copolymer application resulted in a 25 % increase in dry weight . in this test , the copolymer from example 1 was tested with phosphate fertilizers in high phosphate - fixing soils in corn growth tests . the test was designed to determine the effect of the copolymer on the plant availability of phosphate based fertilizer in the soil . for this experiment , monoammonium phosphate ( map ) was tested although it is understood that similar results would occur with any phosphate based fertilizer . two soils were utilized in the study , an acid soil ( ph 4 . 5 - 4 . 7 ) from sedgewick county , ks and a calcareous soil ( ph 8 . 0 - 8 . 3 ) from the vicinity of tribune , ks . the acid soil is high in available p but owing to the high exchangeable al and fe content of the soil , p availability is limited . the calcareous soil was lower in available p . containers ( flats ) approximately 75 cm × 40 cm were used for the study . these flats held approximately 8 kg of soil filled to a depth of approximately of 7 . 5 cm , and allows planting in rows with band placement of the fertilizer material , beside the row or in seed contact if desired . multiple rows within each container were used as replications . the containers served as individual treatment for each crop and were rotated to eliminate any possible variables of light and / or temperature . corn was used as the test crop . the seeds were planted in rows , thinned to a constant population per row . only a single variety of corn was used for each crop . corn was taken to approximately the 6 - leaf stage before the whole plant was harvested for dry weight and plant composition analysis . in the corn test , four plants per row per replication were used , thinned back from ten plants . conventional cargill map fertilizer was used , with the fertilizer being coated with the copolymer product of example 1 at rates of 1 g copolymer / 100 g map ( p1 ×) and 2 g copolymer / 100 g map ( p2 ×). the map particles were sized prior to copolymer application to insure that the individual particles were of approximately the same size . in all instances , a single rate of application of 20 ppm phosphorus calculated as p 2 o 5 was employed . in addition , a no - phosphorus control was also included in the study for each crop on each soil . other nutrients were supplied at constant rates . the fertilizer - copolymer map product was applied in a banded fashion with a constant number of phosphate material particles utilized per row ( 63 particles per each 10 inch row section ). this procedure placed the experimental products close to the rows for maximum availability in the phosphate - fixing conditions , and allowed comparison of the effect of the copolymer with each phosphorus fertilizer . after harvesting , the plants were tested for dry weight , phosphorus concentration and phosphorus uptake . sas was utilized to analyze variance of the data . in this test , the effects of polymers on nitrogen volatilization was tested . a urea was sized by screening to a uniform size and was treated to form a 5 % by weight coating of a polymer in accordance with the present invention . the coating was prepared by solubilizing 5 grams of polymer in 3 ml of water . the mixture was then added uniformly to 95 g of urea . to the mixture , 7 g of clay was added which dried the mixture and provided a clay coating . the mixture was then applied to soil for comparison . there were two polymers tested , one which was 50 % calcium and 50 % hydrogen saturated and the other which was 100 % calcium saturated . each of these polymer mixtures were compared to an untreated urea . soil samples were taken and cumulative nitrogen losses were determined after 16 days . as shown in table 5 , coating the urea with clay or a polymer and clay combination greatly reduced nitrogen volatilization . untreated urea lost 37 . 4 % of its total nitrogen . the polymers , calcium / hydrogen mixtures and calcium alone , lost only 20 . 6 % and 19 . 5 % respectively . unexpectedly , the polymer combination significantly reduced nitrogen volatilization . this experiment determined the effects of polymers in accordance with the invention on phosphorus fertilizer availability . an acid soil ( ph 4 . 7 ) and a calcareous soil ( ph 7 . 8 ) treated as in example 23 were collected . these soils were chosen for their p fixing characteristics , preformed by fe and al in the acid soil and ca in the calcareous soil . all treatments involved four replication . soil samples were collected from the area of banded p beside the corn row after the plants had been harvested . the phoshporus material was map ( although it is understood that all fertilizers should have similar results ) with and without an experimental coating of 1 . 0 % on the exterior of the map particles . the coating was prepared using the procedures described above in example 24 . phosphorus rates were 5 , 10 and 20 ppm p205 banded beside the seed ( 1 inch to the side , 1 inch below ) of corn in flats containing 7 kilograms of soil . composited cores from each treatment were processed and analyzed using conventional testing procedures . a single weak acid extractant ( bray p - 1 ) was utilized for both the acid and calcareous soils . the p fertilizer had been in contact with the soil for approximately 5 weeks at the time of sampling . results of this experiment are given below in table 6 . coating map with the experimental product produced consistently higher soil test p values indicating that the extractability of the p was increased . therefore , normal soil p fixation had not progressed as rapidly in the presence of the polymer . the results from the acid soil displayed more differentiation that those of the calcareous soil , perhaps due to the tendency of the weak bray extractant to react with free calcium carbonate in the calcareous soil . plant growth data also demonstrated similar indications of greater p availability . thus , polymers in accordance with the present invention have significant effects on p availability from ammonium phosphate fertilizers . furthermore , these polymers may be of substantial value in improving p use efficiency from applied fertilizers on both acid and calcareous soils with p fixation capacities . in this example , a representative polymer in accordance with the invention was employed as a coating on granular fertilizer , in order to determine the effect of the polymer on increasing the abrasion resistance of the fertilizer . abrasion resistance is the resistance to the formation of dust and fines as a result of granule - to - granule and granule - to - granule equipment contact . increasing abrasion resistance reduces material losses from handling , storage and during application , and also decreases pollution and consequent need for pollution control equipment . in each case , conventional granular map fertilizer was used , and tests were run with no coating , a commercially available dust control coating ( arr - maz kga500 ) and a sodium - saturated polymer in accordance with example 1 ( 40 % solids ). the fertilizer samples were prepared by first screening the fertilizer over 3 . 35 and 1 . 00 mm sieves to obtain a 100 cm 3 portion . individual 20 g samples of the screened fertilizer were then coated by mixing the arr - max - kga500 and polymer of the invention at the levels set forth in table 7 below . after coating and drying , the samples were placed in respective 100 ml rectangular polyurethane bottles , along with 10 stainless steel 7 . 9 mm diameter balls . all sample bottles were taped together into one block and shaken for five minutes . at the end of the shaking , the balls were removed manually , and the bottle contents examined . fines were separated manually and weighed , and the percentage of dust after the shaking test was calculated . table 7 sets forth the results of this experiment . these results demonstrated that the polymers of the invention are highly useful as coatings for solid fertilizer products in order to enhance the abrasion resistance of the products . | 2 |
it is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention , while eliminating , for the purposes of clarity , many other elements found in typical interactive and application programming interface ( api ) systems and methods . those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other elements are desirable and / or required in order to implement the present invention . however , because such elements are well known in the art , and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention , a discussion of such elements is not provided herein . fig1 is a block diagram illustrating a home having resident therein at least one television set having associated therewith at least one digital video recording unit ( hereinafter “ dvr ”). as defined herein , a dvr preferably includes at least one memory unit , such as a hard drive , ram , flash memory , or the like , at least one communication access point , the capability to read metadata received via one of the communication access points , and the capability to write metadata related to a user &# 39 ; s use of the dvr . such communication access points may include one or more of , for example , satellite communication , coaxial cable communication , wifi communication , wimax communication ( such as sprint / nextel , tier 1 , and clearwire , tier 3 ), other wireless lan ( local area network ) communication , telephonic or dsl communication , t - 111 or ethernet communication , or the like . further , the dvr preferably includes an operating environment that has associated therewith at least one application program interface ( api ). the at least one api allows for a programmer to write applications consistent with the operating environment . the api preferably includes a set of routines , protocols , and / or tools to allow for programmers to create software applications consistent with the operating environment , as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art . programs consistent with the api may be pushed or pulled to or by the dvr over the one or more communication access points in response to or as a command to the operating environment . the dvr of the present invention may thus have accessible thereto a plurality of communication media types , including , but not limited to , cable television channels , satellite television channels , the worldwide web , email capabilities , data ( including video and audio ) libraries , and the like , each of which communication media types may form the basis for the creation of a “ program play ,” in which one or more programs ( audio or video ) are presented to a user . in prior embodiments , television programs that play through the dvr have associated therewith a limited amount of metadata that is indicative only of “ thematic ”, principally outerclip aspects of the television program , such as time of the program play , length of the program play , title of the program play , description of program play and significant actors or actresses associated with the program of the program play . the limited metadata associated with the program play received over one or more of the respective communication access points is then made available , in the prior art , for limited manipulation by the user with regard only to those aspects of the program play with which the thematic metadata is associated . because the api of prior art dvr technology is closed , programmers are not universally afforded the opportunity to make greater use of information in any respective program play . the present invention provides , via an open api dvr , an accessibility by the dvr to program plays or applications over any of a plurality of communication access point types mentioned hereinabove , as well as to play program plays of any communication media type as also mentioned hereinabove . as such , a myriad of applications may be written by programmers for operation on or in any of the variety of communication media , and for operation over nearly any communication access point type , and such applications may be pushed , pulled , or accessible over any of the aforementioned communication access points . further , such application may allow for pushing or pulling for numerous interactivity types , including server interactivity , peer interactivity ( including point - to - point sharing ), and program play feed interactivity , for example . such interactivity may be via an accessing of exposed application hooks to the aforementioned metadata . such applications written for the open api of the present invention may provide improved interactivity by , for example , exposing via the application metadata associated with each and every aspect of the program play on any given communication media . for example , metadata may be associated with each word spoken , sound made , and picture shown in any given program play , such as a television or radio program , and as such programmers may expose via the open api information not merely contained within or directly associated with the program play , but that is rather associated with the metadata associated with the program play . the metadata employed in the present invention is discussed further hereinbelow with respect to fig2 and 3 . the metadata may be made accessible to the user via , for example , application software in the form of a program play overlay , in which an overlay - user interface is placed at the forefront of the program play currently in view of the user , which program play is a television program in the example immediately hereinabove . such an overlay may take the form of , for example , an overlay that provides links , dropdown menus , windows , or other readily accessible user interfaces . further , it will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art that applications may be written that provide multiple windows , menus , or the like simultaneously to a single user , wherein each window plays over a television interface and provides a different program play , and consequently a different overlay , to the user , thereby providing an enhanced version of the known “ picture in picture ” program plays . as mentioned hereinabove , the metadata associated with a particular program play of a particular communication media may allow for a “ hook ” to accessibility of any aspect of the program play , including , but not limited to , externally accessible media , such as other program plays starring the same actor , other program plays starring the same musician , advertising related to goods illustrated in the program play , purchasing points for goods illustrated in the program play , external information , such as world wide web ( www or web ) information regarding items illustrated in the program play , and the like . such external information may be accessible via a user activation of aspects of an overlay on the program play , or the accessing of certain aspects of an overlay or the program play itself may lead the user to menus , windows , or the like outside the program play , and the desired information may be accessible from such menus , windows , or the like . in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention , the open api dvr may allow for an application having an ebay ® overlay to be placed on a particular television show , such as “ the antiques roadshow ”, and the user may thereby access , via the overlay , similar items available on ebay ® to those items being illustrated in the show . alternatively , rather than the ebay ® overlay being placed upon the antiques roadshow ( the program play of the communication media television ), which is received by the dvr via the communication access point cable or satellite , ebay ®, an affiliate , or a third party programmer may create a unique channel for reception by the dvr over a different communication access point , which ebay channel shows still photographs , videos , audio , or the like , that relate to items of frequent interest to buyers of ebay ® goods , and the ebay ® overlay may be placed thereover to allow a user to access further information with regard to those goods or access points of purchase , such as by moving the user to the world wide web upon activation by the user of aspects of the overlay . as such , ebay ® may create its own unique communications media channel for display over television and may send this new channel for communication to the dvr via wimax or the like , and as such new “ television channels ” can be created for access via communication access points not generally used currently by televisions . in an additional exemplary embodiment , a user may be viewing a highly fashion - related program play , such as desperate housewives on abc , in which different fashions or accessories are highly prevalent . if all such information associated with that program play is metatagged , the user may access information on the fashions being worn , or the accessories being used , and such information may include accessibility to other external information , such as comments from fashion editors , available purchase points of the items of interest , and external payment sites to allow for the purchase of those items of interest . in an additional exemplary embodiment , a user may enter , to an application pulled to the dvr via the open api , a list of that user &# 39 ; s fantasy sports players . the present invention may make available to that user a menu listing those fantasy sports players , and the location at which those fantasy sports players may be watched , recorded , or auto - recorded , on any communication media via any communication access point , in real time . additionally , certain players may be highlighted , such as when that particular player &# 39 ; s team possesses the ball , so that the user may switch between communication media or communication access points to , in a targeted manner , allow that user to watch , record , or auto - record that user &# 39 ; s players . additionally and alternatively with regard to this exemplary embodiment , an application may allow the user to open multiple windows to watch multiple of that user &# 39 ; s players in real time , and may maintain in each window an overlay , or may display in a separate window the menu of fantasy players , or may allow the user to toggle between the menu and the video or audio of the games being played . thus , for example , a user may select what events certain actions by the dvr are to trigger on , such as autorecording certain events , such as each time a football running back entered into the fantasy football menu interface scores a touchdown . as such , a user can create his or her favorite , or most frequently accessed , metatags , and the metatags may be placed on all content , and on the user &# 39 ; s accessing of all content . in a broader sense , these exemplary embodiments illustrate that one or more applications pulled or pushed via the open api to the dvr may allow the user to assess , in real time , and / or watch , or auto - record , multiple programs , portions of programs , snippets , ads , or the like of interest , inside or outside of any program play ( such as via a selectable toolbar generated in accordance with a unique application ), use multiple windows of interest simultaneously , be presented with multiple overlays of interest , be presented with multiple menus of interest , all of which may allow the user to access multiple pieces of information or external information not currently available to the user via a television program play . further for example , as discussed hereinabove , the user may use any application , such as a software overlay , while watching a football game for example , to access any information related to all or any portion of that program play , such as information on the types of shoes worn by that user &# 39 ; s favorite player , where the user may buy the jersey worn by that user &# 39 ; s favorite player , may access an online purchase point for those shoes or that jersey , and / or may pay using an on - line point of payment account , such as paypal , all from the dvr of the present invention . as such , the present invention may also provide a highly targeted marketing tool for advertisers , in that each user will access information of interest to that particular user , thereby ensuring that an advertiser &# 39 ; s advertisement is played to a user that is most interested in the item being sold . thereby , advertisers will have less need to place ads in program plays in which 99 % of the viewers of the program play are not interested in the item being sold . further , the present invention will allow such commerce interaction by each user to be uniquely tracked . not only will the addition of metadata add more targeted marketing opportunities , such as to make television ads into drill downs rather than just thirty second videos , but additionally the addition of metadata will allow “ add - on programming ” associated with television shows , which is presently found on line on the web , to be brought back to the television media . for example , on line universes that are created for association with shows on television may , via metadata , menus , and / or overlays that access the metadata , allow for those on - line universes to be brought back on to television . further , the applications written for the dvr are of the present invention may , as do present dvr &# 39 ; s , collect metadata on use by the user of the dvr , as mentioned hereinabove . without violation of privacy laws , such information may , using the applications for the open api discussed herein , be passed to third parties and the metadata may be collected , thereby allowing third parties to generate yet more targeted advertising , more targeted programs plays , and more communication media ( such as communication channels ) of interest to the highest number of users . in light of that discussed hereinabove , the open api of the dvr of the present invention may provide hooks into all items of interest and into the operating environment of the dvr , and the exposure of those hooks via the open api will allow third parties to tie into those hooks . further , users can access applications associated with those hooks via the metadata tags associated with those hooks . such metadata tags may allow , for example , applications that make use of overlays , video overlays , water marking , auto pause , auto record , toolbars , menus , and the like . the applications so generated may be locally processed on the dvr ( such as for certified applications ), or can be streamed to the dvr , or can be associated with entirely new , externally generated communication channels . additionally , as discussed hereinabove , although the dvr may have associated therewith some local storage , vast quantities of remote storage may be made available , such as at external sites accessible via wimax or the like . as such , a user may be charged for any level of desired storage for programming , and will not be limited for storage by the hardware of the dvr resident within the user &# 39 ; s home . thus , the present invention may make available any of a variety of communication channels , and any of a variety of applications for accessing metatags associated with the communication media being played on any of those communication channels . for example , a real estate channel may be made available , and the real estate available on the real estate channel may be targeted to the preferences entered by the user of interest . alternatively , a completely interactive gaming channel may be made available wherein trivia games , casino games , or the like may be made available in accordance with user preferences , and actions undertaken by the user may be received by the dvr as metadata that may be made available to third parties . alternatively , complex interfaces may be made available via a metadata feed . for example , a user may watch a nature show on the discovery channel , and may hear or see mention of an animal of interest to that user . the user may then access , such as via an overlay , a link associated with that animal of interest . that link may provide the user with access to , for example , google earth , which may allow for illustration to the user of all animals of that type , anywhere in the world , that have been tagged and placed back into the wild and that are open to sponsorship by a user . the user may be then given the option to sponsor one of the animals in a location of interest to the user , and in the event the user selects an animal to sponsor , an on - line payment interface , such as paypal , may be accessible to the user for payment of the sponsorship fee . alternatively , either within the program play on the discovery channel , or after drilling down to the animal of interest , the user may be presented with a mention of a country of interest to the user , such as botswana . the user may pause , and either exit the program play via the overlay , or may exit the google earth interface displaying the animals of interest , and may redirect to find information , such as on wikipedia , on “ botswana .” after the user has redirected a sufficient number of times to receive the information of interest to the user with regard to botswana , the user may elect to be redirected back to the initial location of interest , which in this example is either the program play or the information on the animal of interest . the present invention may also include social networking . such social networking may include videoconferencing , video messaging , or placement of personal information or personal ads on line , or placement of video or audio generated by a user that the user would like to make accessible to third parties , from the communication access points accessible to the user via the open api dvr , thus making the user “ the star of ” his or her own show . the present invention may additionally include , for example , a mobile dvr , wherein dvr features accessed via mobile televisions , televisions not within the home residence , navigation screens within vehicles , or the like , accessible to any of the aforementioned communication access points , and such mobile dvr may communication with the home , open api dvr . more specifically with regard to the above - referenced metatagging , the metatagging of the present invention is typically to take place interclip , and may be thematically or non - thematically related . more specifically , the tagging may be done interclip and interframe , and / or frame - by - frame , and may relate to words , pictures , and the like that occur within the frame , whether or not related to the thematic nature of the programming . such tags may be associated with the interframe programming by , for example , the automatic nature of the application then running , may be inserted remotely at the programming for the programming displayed , or may inserted by the users as the programming is viewed . further , such tagging allows for actions to be taken on discrete portions of an overall program play , unlike the actions made available by the prior art . additionally , such metatags may be streamed in - content , or in a separate metastream tied to the program play , as discussed with particularity immediately hereinbelow . as will be apparent to those skilled in the art , a metatag as used herein is a computer - readable language , such as xml , html , or the like , syntax statement that may be sent along with a program play , such as by being sent as a secondary stream fed to a user along with a streamed program play , or that may be sent as part of a program play , such as in the “ header ” information that describes the computing characteristics of the program play . the metatag may convey information about that with which it is associated ( i . e . the program play in this example ), and such information may or may not actually be found within such a program play . for example , such metatags may be hooks , such as for user commands , or may make requests of the user , or may be used as keywords in searching of program plays or program play portions . each such metatag must be given a unique name , or tag , and have associated therewith unique content . such association of keywords and content may be done automatically , such as by an automated search of a document , such as a script of a program play , or such as by spider searching , or such as by index searching , or may be done manually . further , metatags included within frames may be linked and / or correlated to other metatags , within or outside of the program then within view . for example , correlation may be performed from metatag to metatag , in frame , or from metatag to metatag from a frame of one program play to a frame in a separate program play , or from metatag to content stream , for example . alternatively , correlation of metatag to metatag may occur from a frame within one program play to another frame within the same program play , or interframe between program plays . correlation may be employed using authoring standard techniques and / or languages , such as synchronized multimedia integration language ( smil ) or microsoft synchronized accessible media interchange ( sami ), among others , which may be separate from , and in a different syntax than , the program play stream ( s ). further or alternatively , correlation functions and correlation branching known to those skilled in the art of mathematics may be employed by the applications programmed into the open api of the present invention , with regard to each frame , or frame portion , of every program play accessible to the open api dvr . in certain exemplary embodiments , watermarking techniques typically employed for embedding correlated audiovisual interaction information may be used to correlate frames , inter - frames , or program plays in the present invention , with or without modification to the typical metatag data stream or headers ( see , e . g ., “ stream based interactive video language authoring using correlated audiovisual watermarking ,” xu , et al ., icita &# 39 ; 05 proceedings , ieee ). further , as such , upon placement into or into association with the program play , inframe metatags may have correlated therewith not only aspects of inframes of other program plays , but additionally any of the number of functions to be performed by the respective applications discussed herein throughout . the association of metatags to other metatags may , in fact , create “ clickable video .” clickable video provides true interactivity to a watcher of any program play that presents the video to the user . as such , for example , the user may pause the video and use display objects known to those skilled in the art , such as a mouse cursor , to interact with portions of the video , or may call up such an interactive cursor to interact with the video while the video is playing . further , metatagging may allow for variations in the mouse cursor that correspond to those aspects of the video currently playing when the mouse cursor is brought up on the screen . for example , if a portion of the video includes an actor in the video drinking a can of coke , the mouse cursor , if called during that portion of the video , might display as a miniature can of coke . thus , once the metastream is defined , clickable video frames can be created , correlation to the same or other metastreams may be performed , and passive processing may be performed with third party api &# 39 ; s . such third party processing may include , for example , remote commands such as dvr commands , that may , for example , allow for the taping of certain snippets of interest within larger program shows . the manner of metatagging used in the present invention may , for example , be any methodology of metatagging known to those skilled in the art . further , a program play may be metatagged before initial broadcast , before rebroadcast , or during the streaming of a broadcast stream . as such , rights in such metatagging may be available and divisible by pre - initial broadcast , in - broadcast , and rebroadcast , for example . the present invention may be hierarchically organized as shown in fig2 . fig2 illustrates , as the focal point of the present invention , a video which will be displayed to the user as a program play . the video is metatagged as shown , and the hierarchy outside , but associated with , the metatags may then communicate with and using the metatags via a message bus . surrounding the message bus may be a variety of filters , and surrounding the filters may be a variety of applications . the applications may access any of a number of the filters , and both the applications and the filters may have accessible thereto the message bus . the message bus may make available a variety of operation commands for interaction with the metatags , and the metatags may provide interoperability of the commands with the video . the filters may be mapped into a variety of commands made available in the message bus , and thus the filters may be of a variety of types . for example , filters may include key word filters , commerce - type filters , location filters , geolocation filters , correlation filters , insertion filters such as for secondary feeds , and social filters , programmatic publishing filters , automatic publishing filters , and the like . the mapping o f user commands performed by the filters , and performed by the applications that run the filters , may cause the application of one filter type to be a causation for application of a filter of another type . as such , applications can likewise feed one another , such as wherein an application of one type , such as a search application , accesses an application of another type , such as a wikipedia engine , whereby answers to a user inquiry into a search engine can be obtained . further , for example , one application and / or filter may allow the saving of certain aspects of a program based on the application of another application indicating that the user wishes to seek certain snippets associated with certain topics . further , once such snippets are saved , yet another application may allow the shipment of the frames or snippets of interest , based on the metadata illustrating that such frames are of interest , between users , such as via email programs , internet mail or wifi for example . additionally , as mentioned hereinabove , the open api aspects of the dvr of the present invention may allow for programmatic publishing , wherein an application actively publishes certain metadata or certain information received into the programming via , for example , automatic publishing ( wherein such publishing occurs passively ). in a more specific example illustrated in fig3 , certain applications and / or filters interact with the message bus . as illustrated , the applications and / or filters may have associated therewith core applications , and may be surrounded by metatags in a manner similar to the base video of interest . in an exemplary embodiment , the metatags of the application into which the user expresses interest in the location of certain animals of the world may come from a mapping application , wherein interaction b , as shown , interacts with the message bus based on the interaction b from the user . the metatag reached by interaction b may be a geographic location within a program then within view of the user , and may lead to interaction a reaching out to make other assessments of the user &# 39 ; s mapped location of interest . for example , a different application may then be accessed by the first application based on the correlation of interactions a and b , and this different application may assess a variety of different animals , available animal sponsorships , records of national disasters , phone books , flora , or the like , that are resident in that particular geographic location . such information may then be fed back to the user via the message bus interface , or the interest from the user may simply be written to the external application , and may be tracked by the application programmer . as such , multiple applications may collaborate as between the applications , may correlate as between the applications , and may filter as between the applications , and such actions may occur automatically , via programmatic publishing , and / or may be based on certain permissions . the filtering and applications of the present invention made available via the open api dvr interface may thus be dependent on the capability to create an instream metastream that is not necessarily thematically related to any of the programs shown to the user . such an instream metastream may include a metastream associated with any instream programming , which may include not only the programming of interest but also advertising associated with , or accessible from , the programming of interest . although the invention has been described and pictured in a preferred form with a certain degree of particularity , it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made by way of example , and that numerous changes in the details of construction and combination and arrangement of parts and steps may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . | 7 |
in fig1 a curve labeled 111 schematically illustrates a transmission spectrum for o 2 having a transmission minimum ( absorption maximum ) at 1849 . 38 a , and a half - width of about 0 . 1 a . a second curve labelled 113 represents the atomic emission line of hg which is centered at 1849 . 50 a ( which will hereinafter be designated as &# 34 ; λ cg &# 34 ;, the center - of - gravity of the hg emission spectra ). this hg emission line is a superposition of emission ( or absorption ) lines generated by each of the hg isotopes which are present in the lamp . in a preferred embodiment , the isotope mixture is that occurring in a natural sample of hg . it is also possible to utilize a &# 34 ; synthetic &# 34 ; isotope mix which permits more precise control of spectral content . in fig2 the relative positions of the naturally occurring isotope lines are indicated by arrows labeling the isotopic state and hyperfine state where applicable . by passing the radiation emitted by an hg lamp through a cell containing an isotope which absorbs at a wavelength below λ cg a spectrum can be obtained whose center - of - gravity will be displaced to a wavelength longer than λ cg . this is illustrated in fig3 a for the particular case in which the filter cell contains the isotope 198 hg . in this case incident radiation 313 is passed through the filter cell having an absorption curve 317 to produce an emergent radiation spectrum 319 having a central wavelength λ ls ≈ 1849 . 51 a , which is &# 34 ; long - shifted &# 34 ; relative to λ cg . in fig3 b , on the other hand , a natural mercury emission spectrum 313 is passed through a filter containing 204 hg vapor having an absorption spectrum 321 to produce a resultant &# 34 ; short - shifted &# 34 ; emission spectrum 323 whose central wavelength is λ ss ≈ 1849 . 49 a . fig4 shows the higher wavelength edge of o 2 transmission curve 411 on a scale expanded from the scale of fig1 . also shown are the long - shifted and short - shifted hg emission curves 419 and 423 , respectively . because of the steepness of the o 2 transmission curve 411 , there will be an appreciable difference between the transmission of the long - shifted and short - shifted mercury emissions when these are passed through a sample containing o 2 . however , other uv absorbers such as h 2 o will display an absorption curve which is essentially flat over the small wavelength region encompassing λ ss and λ ls ( δl ≈ 0 . 02 a ). such a curve is schematically illustrated in fig4 by the line labelled 425 . thus , in a sample containing o 2 and other broadband uv absorbers , the other absorbers will absorb the long - shifted radiation 419 and short - shifted radiation 423 about equally , while the o 2 will absorb these differentially . a measurement of the difference in the percent absorption of these two lines will therefore give an indication of the amount of o 2 which is present in the sample . it should be noted that u . s . pat . no . 3 , 869 , 613 issued mar . 4 , 1975 to w . t . link , et al . discloses a device for detecting a specific gas using an infra - red beam which is alternately passed through different filter cells containing different isotopes of the specific gas to be detected . the beam emerging from each filter cell will have had removed the wavelength corresponding to the isotope in that cell . in the patent the isotopes are selected as those which occur in different proportions in the specific gas to be detected . thus , the two beams will be absorbed differently by the sample ( containing different proportions of the isotopes ), but will be absorbed about equally by other absorbers . for the detection of o 2 this technique would entail the use of a broadband uv source ( in place of an infrared source ) generating a beam to be passed through filter cells containing different isotopes of o 2 . such a procedure does not appear to be useful for the detection of o 2 , because any band of uv radiation sufficiently narrow to have essentially constant absorption of interfering gases over that band will be too narrow to allow wavelength shifting by oxygen isotopes . the present o 2 detection device differs from that disclosed in the above - referenced patent in various respects : no broadband uv source is used ; instead a narrow line source from an atomic transition of an element ( e . g . mercury ) is employed . further , no isotopes of the specific gas to be detected ( i . e . o 2 ) are used , rather ; the present invention employs isotopes of only the radiation source element . fig5 shows a simple system for implementing the oxygen detection scheme discussed above . a mercury vapor lamp 527 emits a spectrum characteristic of the atomic transistions of hg , including a radiation line centered about 1849 . 5 a . this particular transition line includes radiation from the various isotopes shown in fig2 . radiation from mercury lamp 527 is passed through a monochromator 529 which filters out all of the mercury emission except a small bandwidth centered on the 1849 . 5 a line . for example , an acton research corporation 185 - n filter ( acton , ma ) may be used which has a half - width of about 275 a . the mercury radiation which has passed through monochromator 529 is then passed through a filter wheel 531 which includes filter cells 533 and 535 each containing a single isotope of mercury whose absorption peak lies on one side or the other 1849 . 5 a emission line . the hg isotope in the cell preferably consists of a small amount of liquid hg in equilibrium with its vapor . for example , one cell may contain 198 hg and the other cell 204 hg . cells 533 and 535 should provide a pathlength greater than about two millimeters to provide adequate absorption . filter wheel 531 is rotated to present alternately one or the other of cells 533 and 535 in the path of the emission from lamp 527 . thus , in accordance with the discussion above , radiation having passed through one cell or the other will display a short - shifted or long - shifted emission spectrum . the radiation emergent from filter wheel 531 is incident upon a beamsplitter 537 such as a quartz plate with a thin aluminum coating so that a portion of the radiation is directed to a &# 34 ; reference &# 34 ; detector 539 while another portion of the radiation is directed through a sample cell 541 to a &# 34 ; sample &# 34 ; detector 543 . in order to prevent the occurrence of spurious signals arising from ambient o 2 which may be present in the vicinity of the filter wheel , sample cell etc ., the optical path length from beamsplitter 537 to reference detector 539 should be equal to the optical path length from beamsplitter 537 to sample detector 543 , less the length of sample cell 541 . alternately , the system can be hermetically sealed to prevent any spurious o 2 from entering the system . sample cell 541 contains a gas to be analyzed including an amount of oxygen to be determined by the measurement , so that sample detector 543 provides an indication of the intensity of the long - shifted and short - shifted radiation transmitted through the oxygen - containing sample . reference detector 539 on the other hand provides an indication of the intensity of the long - shifted and short - shifted emission spectra which has not been subject to absorption by the sample . use of a beamsplitter and reference detector therefore renders the detection scheme insensitive to sources of long - term drift , such as temperature variations , power variations etc . if these are insignificant in a given system , the reference detector can be omitted . in accordance with the discussion above , the difference in the amounts of the long - shifted and short - shifted emission spectra detected by detectors 539 and 543 therefore gives an indication of the amount of oxygen present in sample cell 541 . to make the detection scheme discussed above more precise consider the following definitions : i ls , r = signal amplitude at reference detector due to light which passed through the 198 hg cell . i ss , r = signal amplitude at reference detector due to light which passed through the 204 hg cell . in terms of these quantities the following amplitudes i 1 , r through i 4 , r can be measured at the reference detector 539 ; ## equ1 ## consider now the radiation passing through sample cell 541 containing a certain partial pressure of oxygen defined as &# 34 ; p0 2 &# 34 ;. this amount of o 2 will produce an attenuation of the short - shifted and long - shifted spectra by a factor of exp (- k ss po 2 ) and exp (- k ls po 2 ) respectively , where k ss and k ls are attenuation coefficients characteristic of the two spectra . additional attentuation due to absorption by water , scattering , deflections , etc . will also occur , and is accounted for by a factor of exp (- c ), where c is the same constant for both the short - shifted and long - shifted radiation ( see the discussion of fig4 ). thus , analagously to the reference amplitudes i 1 , r - i 4 , r , the following amplitudes can be measured at sample detector 543 : ## equ2 ## a ratio r can now be formed and manipulated , preferably by means of an associated digital electronics processor 545 , as follows : ## equ3 ## since beamsplitter 537 does not alter the ratio of long - shifted to short - shifted light incident upon the reference detector 539 and the sample cell 541 , ## equ4 ## thus , ## equ5 ## from which the partial pressure of oxygen is given by ## equ6 ## in an alternate embodiment the oxygen absorption curve may be differentially detected using two separate isotopic lines of the mercury ultraviolet emission line close to 1849 . 5 a . in this embodiment , shown in fig6 two separate sources are provided , each containing a pure mercury isotope . for example , fig6 shows a lamp 627 containing substantially pure 204 hg . thus , each of the lamps will display an emission spectrum near the 1849 . 5 a hg line which is characteristic of the pure isotope contained in that lamp . these spectra are switched into a beam combining element 631 similar to beamsplitter 537 in fig5 . the switching may be accomplished mechanically , for example by using a rotating wheel 630 as shown . alternatively , electrical beam switching could be accomplished by electrically modulating the intensities of lamps 627 and 628 . the combined beam is directed through a monochromator 629 such as the monochromator 529 in fig5 having a passband centered on 1849 . 5 a . the remaining elements of the system including a beamsplitter 637 , sample cell 641 , reference detector 639 , and sample detector 643 are the same as the equivalent elements in fig5 . operation of the device of fig6 is governed by the same equations as described above with respect to the device of fig5 . however , since the two slightly different hg spectra are here provided by the two different pure isotope lamps 627 and 628 , the amount of oxygen present in the sample cell will ultimately be determined by the equation ## equ7 ## where k 198 and k 204 represent the oxygen absorption coefficients for the 198 hg and 204 hg isotope emission lines , respectively . in an alternate embodiment each lamp can be a &# 34 ; natural &# 34 ; hg lamp having an associated isotope filter , in which case the above discussion yields an expression similar to equation 14 where k 198 and k 204 are replaced by k ss and k ls , as earlier defined . in fig7 there is shown an embodiment in which a sample detector 743 and a reference detector 745 are silicon photodetectors , such as a model uv100b manufactured by eg & amp ; g company in salem , massachusetts . the silicon surface of reference detector 745 is highly reflective to the uv radiation utilized in the present o 2 detection scheme . it is thus possible to use the surface of reference detector 745 to deflect a portion of the optical beam through sample cell 741 , while absorbing another portion of the beam as a reference signal . in this embodiment the requirement for a separate beamsplitter is eliminated . to facilitate implementation of the oxygen detector in a compact and inexpensive package some preferred embodiments of the invention may utilize techniques other than or in addition to a monochromator for eliminating the mercury atomic emission lines other than the 1849 a line . this may be accomplished pursuant to fig8 which shows the hg atomic emission lines in the ultraviolet . the line labeled 845 is the 1849 a line which overlaps the oxygen absorption spectra . a low intensity line labelled 847 occurs at a wavelength of 1942 a and a high intensity line labeled 849 occurs at a wavelength of 2537 a . fig8 also shows a transmission curve 851 for a nominal 3 mm thickness of h 2 o and another transmission curve 853 for a nominal 3 mm thickness of vycor ®, a 96 % pure quartz material which does not transmit short wavelength ultraviolet light . from fig8 it can be seen that if radiation from a mercury lamp is passed through a cell containing h 2 o , the 1849 a line will be filtered out of the emission spectra . similarly , if the mercury radiation is passed through a vycor ® element all emission lines having wavelengths shorter than 2500 a ( including the 1849 a line ) will be filtered out . the relationships among the mercury emission lines and the transmission characteristics of water or vycor ® illustrated in fig8 may be exploited in a device according to the present invention by observing that ## equ8 ## where i total is the total hg intensity of the hg atomic emission spectrum , i 1849 is the intensity of the atomic emission at 1849 a and i other is the combined intensities of all other hg emission lines at wavelengths longer than 1849 a . this relationship can also be expressed as ## equ9 ## thus , i 1849 may be inferred by measuring the total mercury emission and also measuring the mercury emission having the 1849 a line eliminated . the difference of these will be i 1849 . if the radiation is passed through the 198 hg and 204 hg filters as discussed above in connection with fig3 an emergent radiation is governed by the equivalent relationships for long - shifted and short - shifted emissions : ## equ10 ## fig9 shows a schematic representation of a filter system for the determination of i 1849 , ls and i 1849 , ss according to the equations above . a beam of radiation 955 is emitted from a mercury source ( not shown ). radiation beam 955 is incident upon four cells 957 , 959 , 961 and 963 , two of which contain 198 hg ( cells 957 and 959 ), and two of which contain 204 hg ( cells 961 and 963 ). the entry and exit windows 964 and 965 of cell 957 are of a material which transmits all of the wavelengths in the mercury ultraviolet emission spectrum ; e . g . suprasil ® quartz windows are suitable . thus , the radiation emergent from cell 957 will contain all mercury emission lines including specifically the 1849 a line . however , because of the presence of the 198 hg isotope in cell 957 the 1849 a line will be long - shifted , as was discussed above in connection with fig3 . the radiation emergent from cell 957 will therefore have an intensity of i 1849 , ls + i other . cell 959 includes at least one window , e . g . an exit window 967 , of a material such as vycor ® which effectively blocks transmission of the mercury 1849 a line . thus , the radiation emitted from cell 959 will have an intensity i other ( in an alternate embodiment , h 2 o could be incorporated into the cell in lieu of the vycor ® window , which would also yield a spectrum in which the 1849 a line would be absent ). in a similar manner radiation passing through cell 961 containing 204 hg and suprasil ® windows 869 will emerge having an intensity of i 1849 , ss + i &# 39 ; other , while radiation passing through cell 963 having a vycor ® window 971 will emerge with an intensity i &# 39 ; other . to make the oxygen measurement each of the beams emerging from the filter cells in fig9 is directed to the sample and reference detectors as described above in connection with fig5 . for example , the various cells of fig9 may be configured in a rotating filter wheel such as the one illustrated in fig5 . the intensities measured at the sample and reference detectors are electronically stored , e . g . in a digital calculating apparatus and are combined according to equations 17 and 18 . note that if extreme accuracy is required , it may be necessary to account for small differences in transmissivity between e . g . cells 957 and 959 , so that i other exactly cancels in equation 16 . this can be accomplished e . g . by calculating a normalizing coefficient based on a comparison of the intensities of radiation passing through the two cells when i 1849 is blocked . the normalized combined intensity values are then inserted into equation 13 to indicate the partial pressure of o 2 in the sample cell . | 6 |
fig1 shows a module 11 with the cover removed to show the various components including an evaporator coil 12 , a condenser coil 13 , a plurality of evaporator blowers 14 and associated drive motors 16 , and a condenser fan motor 17 for driving a condenser fan ( see fig3 ). outside the module 11 is a compressor 18 which is driven by a motor drive 19 to pump refrigerant from the compressor 18 through refrigerant line 21 to the condenser coil 13 and eventually to the evaporator coil 12 by way of an expansion valve 22 ( see fig3 ). the refrigerant vapor then passes back to the compressor 18 by way of refrigerant line 23 . the drive engine 19 is also operatively connected to an electrical generator 15 , ( or alternator , if desired ) for providing electrical power to the module by way of line 25 . also shown in fig1 is an electrical resistance heater 24 which is downstream of the evaporator coil 12 such that , for periods of heating , the air is drawn by the evaporator blower 14 through the evaporator coil 12 and the heater 24 such that the air being delivered to the passenger compartment of the bus is heated . the electrical power to the heater 24 , as well as to the evaporator blower motor 16 and the condenser fan motor 17 , is provided by way of the electrical line 25 receiving dc power from the generator 15 . the heater 24 can be powered by either dc or ac currents with the heat output being independent of the speed of the drive engine 19 . with the module as shown in fig1 , dc power is available to power all of the motor components and is therefore preferred for the heater 24 . referring now to fig2 , a modified module 26 is shown to include all of the components as described hereinabove . further , it includes a horizontal rotary compressor 27 which is operatively interconnected between the evaporator coil 12 and the condenser coil 13 so as to circulate refrigerant in a manner similar as described hereinabove . the difference over the earlier described system , however , is that the hermetic compressor 18 is driven by an internal electric motor 20 , with the power being provided by way of the generator 29 , driven by the main engine 19 , and an inverter / controller 28 as shown in fig3 . the inverter / controller 28 , which receives input from various control sensors 30 and which includes a rectifier and an inverter , receives ac power from a generator or alternator 29 and provides , by way of the inverter , controlled ac power to the evaporator blower motor 16 , the condenser blower motor 17 , the compressor drive motor 20 and the heater 24 . since the invertor / controller 28 is capable of providing controlled ac power , each of the motors are ac motors , thereby ensuring a more maintenance free system . with the inverter / controller providing controlled ac power , a preferred type of heat 24 is a positive temperature coefficient ( pic ) heater wherein electrical resistance increases relatively fast as the temperature increases . whereas this type of heater is relatively expensive in it initial installation , it acts as a self limiter and does not require a thermostat to maintain a safe temperature limit . referring now to fig4 , the module is shown with the various components as described hereinabove enclosed within a housing 29 and including a condenser fan 31 . also shown are the various openings in the housing 29 , including a return air opening 32 , a condenser outlet opening 33 and a condenser / fresh air intake opening 34 . a fresh / return / exhaust air flap 36 is provided between the condenser coil 13 and the evaporator coil 12 to control the mix of air passing to the evaporator coil 12 , depending on the particular demands of the system , as well as the existing ambient conditions . the air flow pattern , as indicated by the arrows , is thus controlled by the condenser fan 31 , the evaporator fan 14 and the position of the air flap 36 . as the return air enters the return air opening 32 , it is caused to flow out the condenser outlet air opening and / or through the evaporator coil 12 depending on the position of the air flap 36 . similarly , the fresh air coming in the intake opening 34 passes through the condenser coil 13 and then out the condenser outlet air opening 33 and / or , depending on the position of the air flap 36 , it is allowed to pass through the evaporator coil 12 . thus , with the use of the air flap 36 it is possible to have all of the return air pass through the condenser air outlet opening 33 , with all fresh air passing into the air intake opening 34 and then through the evaporator coil 12 , or when the flap 36 is placed in the other extreme position , all of the return air passes through the evaporator coil 12 and all of the fresh air entering the air intake opening 34 passes through the condenser coil 13 and out the condenser outlet air opening 33 . a more likely operating condition , however , is an intermediate position of the air flap 36 wherein a selective mix of return air and fresh air are passed through the evaporator coil 12 . as will be seen , a filter 37 is positioned in the air flow stream which enters the fresh air intake opening 34 and passes through the evaporator coil 12 . its purposes is to filter out any debris that may be in the air stream entering the air intake opening 34 . after passing through the evaporator coil 12 , the conditioned air is caused to flow by the evaporator blower 14 out a supply air opening 38 as shown . considering now the manner in which the module 11 is positioned on the rooftop in such a way as to interface with the existing air path openings on the rooftop , reference is made to fig5 a – 5 c . as will be seen , the position of the various openings on a bus can vary substantially from application to application . for example , in a wide bus application as shown in fig5 a , the supply air duct 39 is located near the outer side of the bus , whereas the return air duct 41 is disposed at a substantial distance from the longitudinal center line thereof . in a narrow bus application as shown in fig5 b , the supply air duct 42 is moved a small distance inwardly from the outer side of the bus , and the return air duct is located adjacent the longitudinal centerline as shown . in a curved - roof bus as shown in fig5 c , the supply air duct 44 is moved slightly more inwardly from the outer side of the bus , and the return air duct 46 is located in an intermediate position , somewhat outwardly of the longitudinal centerline , but not as far as for a wide bus application . of course , in all of the bus applications , a balanced arrangement is provided wherein each side of the bus is provided with both a supply air duct and a return air duct , in a substantially mirror image arrangement as shown . thus , the modules are placed in back - to - back relationship , with the space therebetween being varied to accommodate the individual application requirements . for example , for the wide bus application of fig5 a , there is a substantial space between the two modules wherein for the narrow bus application of fig5 b , they are substantially in an abutting relationship . for the curved roof bus application , they are somewhat angled from a true horizontal position , with the spacing therebetween being at an intermediate degree as shown . it should be understood that the three types of installations shown are presented as a sampling of the possible installation requirements , and there are also others that have heretofore required unique designs in order to meet the particular requirements . the present design , on the other hand , provides a single module which will meet the needs of all of the various applications of rooftop air conditioners . as will be seen , the supply air opening is relatively small , and in each of the three cases described above , the module 11 is placed in such a position that the supply air opening 38 is located substantially over the individual supply air ducts 39 , 42 and 44 . the return air opening 32 , on the other hand is relatively large and therefore can accommodate the various positions of the return air ducts 41 , 43 and 46 as shown . in order to describe the length ( i . e ., the extent that it spans a lateral dimension of the bus ), of the return air opening 32 , it is necessary to briefly review the design features , including the exhaust air flap 36 as shown in fig6 a – 6 c . in fig6 a , the fresh / return / exhaust air flap 36 is placed in such a position that all of the return air coming into the return air opening 32 passes through the evaporator coil 12 as shown , and with all of the fresh air entering the fresh air intake opening 34 passing through the condenser coil 13 and out the outlet air opening 33 . in fig6 b , the fresh / return / exhaust air flap 36 is placed in the other extreme position wherein none of the return air passing into the return air opening 32 is passed to the evaporator coil 12 and the only air entering the evaporator coil 12 is the fresh air , a portion of which passes through the evaporator coil 12 and a portion of which passes through the condenser coil 13 as shown . in fig6 c , the fresh / return / exhaust air flap 36 is placed in an intermediate position wherein a portion of the return air passes through the evaporator coil 12 , and a portion thereof is diverted to pass through the condenser coil 13 . in this case , fresh air is also diverted from the air intake opening 34 and mixed with the return air as it passes through the evaporator coil 12 . in all of the three positions of the fresh / return / exhaust air flap 36 as shown , and for any other position thereof , the return air opening 32 of the module is rather extensive in length , with the length thereof being represented by the designation l 1 . it is because of this substantial length l 1 , of the return air opening 32 that the module 11 can accommodate the various installation requirements as described hereinabove . the relative size of l 1 , can be established by a convenient comparison with the overall length l 2 of the module . that is the ratio of longitudinal length l 1 , of the opening to the longitudinal length l 2 of the module is it is therefore greater than 45 % and close to 50 %. another reference point is the width of the bus rooftop or more appropriately , the half width of a bus . a wide bus has a half width of approximately 51 inches and a narrow bus has a half width of approximately 48 inches . thus , for a wide bus ( fig5 a ), the ratio of the length l 1 to the bus half width l 3 ( i . e . the dimension between a longitudinal centerline thereof and the outer side of the bus ) is for a narrow bus ( fig5 b ) it is in fig7 – 10 , there is shown various pairings of modules as installed on various locations of the bus rooftop . in fig7 , a pair of modules are positioned in back - to - back relationship near the longitudinal center of the bus . in fig8 , there are two such pairings ( i . e ., four modules ) in back - to - back relationship near the longitudinal center of the bus , and in fig9 there are shown three such pairings . in fig1 , there is shown a pair of modules in back - to - back relationship , but with a substantial space therebetween , both near the longitudinal center of the bus and near the trailing end thereof with all being aligned along lines parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the bus . in addition to those shown , it should be understood that various other installations can be accommodated with the module as described herein . | 8 |
the synthesis of the peptides of general formula i , including derivatization , activation , and coupling of protected amino acid residues , and their purification , and the analytical methods for determining identity and purity are included in the general body of knowledge of peptide chemistry , as described in houben weyl &# 34 ; methoden der organische chemie &# 34 ; vol . 16 , parts i & amp ; ii ( 1974 ) for solution - phase synthesis , and in &# 34 ; solid phase peptide synthesis &# 34 ; by stewart and young ( 1984 ) for synthesis by the solid - phase method of merrifield . any chemist skilled in the art of peptide synthesis can synthesize the peptides of general formula i by standard solution methods or by manual or automated solid - phase methods . the symbols and abbreviations used for amino acids , their derivatives and protecting groups , and peptides and their salts are those customarily used in peptide chemistry ( biochem . j . 126 : 773 , 1972 , the journal reference is hereby incorporated by reference .). for convenience several abbreviations are defined in table iii reproduced below . all amino acid residues , except gly , described in the specification but not the claims are of the l - configuration unless otherwise specified . table iii______________________________________abbreviations for amino acid residues______________________________________aib alpha - aminoisobutyric acidazt azetidine - 2 - carboxylic acidcdf para - chloro - d - phenylalanineclf para - chloro - l - phenylalaninehphe homo - phenylalaninehyp 4 - hydroxy - prolineinip isonipecotic acidmdy o -- methyl - d - tyrosinenal beta -( 2 - naphthyl )- alanineδpro 2 , 3 - dehydroprolinepal beta -( 3 - pyridyl )- alaninephg alpha - phenylglycinesar sarcosinethi beta -( 2 - thienyl )- alaninethz thiazolidine - 2 - carboxylic acid______________________________________ ( all other abbreviations follow the iupac standards for amino acid residues ) the following examples are illustrative of compounds of this invention with general formula i and are not limitative . all percentages and ratios are by weight when solids are involved and by volume when only liquids are involved . a mixture of 6 . 4 gm of tertiary butyloxy carbonyl - ( g - paratoluene sulfonyl )- arg [ boc - arg ( tos )]( 15 mmole ) and 183 mg of n , n - dimethylaminopyridine ( 1 . 5 mmole ) was dissolved in a mixture of 20 ml of dimethylformamide ( dmf ) and 125 ml of dichloromethane ( dcm ). fifteen g of hydroxymethyl - polystyrene - divinyl benzene ( 1 % crosslinked , containing 0 . 74 mmole of free hydroxyl group per g of resin ) was added , followed by 60 ml of a 0 . 25 m solution of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide ( dcc ) in dcm at room temperature . the suspension was stirred at room temperature overnight , filtered , and the resin was washed three times with 60 ml of dcm , three times with 60 ml of methyl alcohol ( meoh ), and reswollen in 120 ml of dcm . the coupling of another portion of boc - arg ( tos ) was conducted on the resin as above . after filtering and washing the resin it was reswollen in 120 ml of dcm , and 2 . 1 ml of benzoyl chloride and 1 . 5 ml of triethylamine ( et 3 n ) were added . after stirring the suspension for 30 minutes at room temperature the resin was filtered , washed three times with 60 ml portions of dcm , meoh , washed three times with 60 ml portion of meoh and finally washed three times with 60 ml portions of dcm . the resin was air dried to constant weight to give 18 . 5 gm of boc - arg ( tos )- hydroxymethyl - resin , with an actual amino acid content of 0 . 272 millimoles of arg per g of resin as determined by quantitative amino acid analysis of a sample of the amino acid resin following hydrolysis ( 4 hr , 130 ° c .) in 6n hcl / propionic acid . the resin , 1 . 5 gm containing a total of 0 . 4 mmole of arg , was placed in the reaction vessel of an automatic solidphase synthesizer ( beckman model 990 ) and subjected to one cycle of addition for the coupling of boc - phe as follows ; the resin was washed three times with 20 ml portions of dcm . the resin was then equilibrated with 20 ml of a 1 : 3 ratio of trifluoroacetic acid ( tfa ) in dcm containing 0 . 1 % indole for 1 . 5 minutes . the equilibration was then repeated for 30 minutes . the resin was then washed six times with 20 ml portions of dcm followed by neutralization with a 10 % solution of ( et 3 n ) in dcm for one and one half minutes , then the neutralization step was repeated . the resin was washed six times with 20 ml of dcm and then equilibrated with a solution of 1 . 0 mmole of boc - phe in dcm for one and one half minutes . then four ml of 0 . 25n dcc in dcm was added and the mixture stirred for two hours . then the resin was washed three times with 20 ml portions of dcm . a second cycle of addition was performed according to program b : the procedure of program a through neutralization and following washes was repeated . then 1 . 0 mmole of dcc in 4 ml of dcm was added and the resin and solution were mixed for one and one - half minutes . then 1 . 0 mmole of boc - d - phe in 12 ml dcm was added and the resin and solution were mixed for two hours . the resin was then washed six times with 20 ml portions of dcm . the n - terminal protecting group was removed according to the following sequence : the procedure of program a up to the neutralization with triethylamine was repeated . the resin was then washed 6 times with 20 ml portions of ethyl alcohol and the peptide - resin was air dried giving 1 . 66 gm of dphe - phe - arg - resin as the trifluoroacetic acid salt . synthesis was continued with 410 mg of the dphe - phe - arg - resin tfa salt . the next residue was added according to program d . the peptide - resin salt was first washed three times with 20 ml portion of dcm , then neutralized with 10 % et 3 n dcm for 1 . 5 minutes . the neutralization step was then repeated and the peptide - resin - salt was washed six times with 20 ml portions of dcm . the peptide - resin was then equilibrated with a solution of 1 . 0 mmole of boc - ser ( 0 bzl ) in dmf for 1 . 5 minutes . four ml of 0 . 25n dcc in dcm was added and mixed with the resin for two hours . the product was washed three times with dcm . the following amino acid derivatives were added to the growing peptide chain according to the listed programs : boc - phe ( a ), boc - gly ( a ), boc - pro ( a ), boc - pro ( a ), followed by recouple of boc - pro ( d ), boc - arg ( tos )( dissolved in 2 ml dmf + 9 ml dcm ), ( a ), followed by program c . this gave 530 mg of protected nonapeptide - resin as the tfa salt . a 510 mg portion of the peptide - resin above was suspended in 10 ml of liquid anhydrous hf containing 1 ml of anisole at - 70 ° c . and stirred 45 min . at 0 ° c . hf and anisole were removed by vacuum ( 1 hr water pump , 1 hr vacuum pump ), the peptide plus resin was washed three times with 20 ml portions of ethyl ether ( et 2 o ) and the peptide extracted into glacial acetic acid using three 6 ml extractions . the acetic acid solution was lyophilized to give 185 mg of crude deprotected peptide . the peptide was purified by countercurrent distribution ( ccd ) ( 100 upper phase transfers in a post ccd apparatus ) in the solvent system nbuoh : 1 % tfa ( 1 : 1 ). the content of the tubes corresponding to the main peptide - containing peak , as determined by the quantitative sakaguchi reagent , was collected , the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure , the residue dissolved in glacial acetic acid ( acoh ) and lyophilized to give 140 mg of peptide with a partition coefficient ( k ) from the ccd of 5 . 7 . repeating the countercurrent distribution in the solvent system nbuoh : acoh : h2o ( 4 : 1 : 5 ) gave , upon detection and workup as described above , 73 mg of arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - ser - dphe - phe - arg as the tfa salt ( k = 0 . 2 ). thin layer chromatographs ( tlc ) on merck glass precoated silica gel plates in the solvent systems nbuoh : acoh : h2o ( 8 : 3 : 4 ) and etoac : pyridine : acoh : h2o ( 5 : 5 : 1 : 3 ) gave rf ( 834 ) of 0 . 17 and rf ( 5513 ) of 0 . 36 for the pure peptide , as visualized by the chlorine - tolidine peptide identification spray . quantitative amino acid analysis ( beckman 120 instrument ) after acid hydrolysis ( 17 hr in sealed glass vials under n 2 at 110 ° c . in 2 ml 6n hcl containing 2 drops 2 - mercaptoethanol and 40 microliters of phenol ) gave the following ratios of amino acids : arg ( 2 . 12 ); pro ( 1 . 93 ); gly ( 1 . 01 ); phe ( 2 . 98 ); ser ( 0 . 96 ). this peptide was prepared by the method in example 1 , except that boc - beta - 2 - thienyl - d - ala ( boc - dthi ) was used in place of boc - dphe : k ( 415 )= 0 . 24 ; arg ( 2 . 02 ), pro ( 2 . 18 ), gly ( 1 . 00 ), phe ( 1 . 99 ), ser ( 0 . 89 ), thi ( 0 . 99 ). this peptide was prepared by the method in example 1 , except that boc - 2 - pyridyl - dala ( boc - dpal ) was used in place of boc - dphe : k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 22 ; arg ( 2 . 03 ), pro ( 2 . 01 ), gly ( 1 . 02 ), phe ( 1 . 99 ), pal ( 1 . 02 ). this peptide was prepared by the method in example 1 , except that boc - dphe was used in place of boc - ser ( bzl ): k ( 415 )= 1 . 3 ; arg ( 2 . 12 ), pro ( 1 . 94 ), gly ( 1 . 00 ), phe ( 3 . 94 ). this peptide was prepared by the method in example 1 , except that boc - dphe was used in place of boc - ser ( bzl ) and boc - pcl - d - phe ( boc - cdf ) was used in place of boc - dphe : k ( 415 )= 0 . 82 ; arg ( 1 . 98 ), pro ( 1 . 93 ), gly ( 0 . 97 ), phe ( 3 . 10 ), cdf ( 1 . 02 ). this peptide was prepared by the method in example 1 , except that boc - beta - 2 - thienyl - ala ( boc - thi ) was used in the two addition cycles in which boc - phe was used in example 1 : k ( 415 )= 0 . 21 ; arg ( 1 . 98 ), pro ( 1 . 94 ), gly ( 1 . 04 ), phe ( 1 . 04 ), ser ( 0 . 96 ), thi ( 2 . 05 ). this peptide was prepared by the method in example 6 , except that boc - dthi was used in place of boc - dphe : k ( 415 )= 018 ; arg ( 2 . 07 ), pro ( 2 . 08 ), gly ( 1 . 00 ), ser ( 0 . 93 ), thi ( 2 . 88 ). this peptide was prepared by the method in example 6 , except that boc - dpal was used in place of boc - dphe : k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 15 ; arg ( 2 . 00 ), pro ( 2 . 20 ), gly ( 1 . 09 ), ser ( 0 . 89 ), thi ( 1 . 92 ), pal ( 0 . 89 ). preparation of arg - pro - pro - gly - thi - dphe - cdf - thi - arg ( thi 5 , 8 dphe 6 cdf 7 - bk ). this peptide was prepared by the method in example 5 , except that boc - thi was used in two cycles of addition in place of boc - phe : k ( 415 )= 0 . 75 ; arg ( 1 . 89 ), pro ( 2 . 08 ), gly ( 1 . 06 ), phe ( 1 . 02 ), thi ( 1 . 88 ), cdf ( 1 . 07 ). this peptide was prepared by the method in example 1 , except that one additional cycle using boc -( tos )- darg was performed with program a followed by terminal deprotection with program c : k ( 1 : 1 )= 3 . 55 ; arg ( 2 . 89 ), pro ( 2 . 07 ), gly ( 1 . 02 ), phe ( 3 . 05 ), ser ( 0 . 98 ). preparation of darg - arg - pro - dpro - gly - phe - ser - dphe - phe - arg ( darg 0 pro 3 dphe 7 - bk ). this peptide was prepared by the method in example 10 , except that boc - dpro was used in place of boc - pro in the first addition of boc - pro : k ( 415 )= 0 . 15 ; arg ( 3 . 12 ), pro ( 1 . 90 ), gly ( 1 . 05 ), phe ( 3 . 02 ), ser ( 0 . 92 ). preparation of arg - pro - dpro - gly - thi - dphe - cdf - thi - arg ( dpro 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 6 cdf 7 - bk ). this peptide was prepared by the method in example 9 , except that boc - dpro was used in place of boc - pro in the first addition of boc - pro : k ( 415 )= 0 . 18 ; arg ( 2 . 00 ), pro ( 1 . 98 ), gly ( 1 . 04 ), phe ( 0 . 99 ), thi ( 1 . 89 ), pcf ( 1 . 11 ). this peptide was prepared by the method in example 1 except that two additional cycles of addition were performed with boc -( e - clz ) lys , the first with program d , the second with program a followed by program c : k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 52 ; arg ( 2 . 04 ), pro ( 1 . 99 ), gly ( 0 . 96 ), phe ( 3 . 00 ), ser ( 0 . 96 ), lys ( 2 . 01 ). this peptide was prepared by the method in example 13 , except that boc - thi was used in place of boc - phe in the two cycles of addition of boc - phe : k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 33 ; arg ( 1 . 98 ), pro ( 1 . 97 ), gly ( 1 . 01 ), phe ( 1 . 03 ), ser ( 0 . 97 ), thi ( 1 . 96 ), lys ( 2 . 08 ). preparation of darg - arg - pro - pro - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( darg 0 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ). this peptide was produced by the method in example 6 , except that one additional cycle of addition with boc -( tos ) darg was performed with program d , followed by program c : k ( 1 : 1 )= 2 . 33 ; arg ( 3 . 00 ), pro ( 1 . 99 ), gly ( 0 . 96 ), phe ( 0 . 99 ), ser ( 0 . 95 ), preparation of darg - arg - pro - dpro - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( darg 0 dpro 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ). this peptide was produced by the method in example 15 , except that boc - dpro was used in place of boc - pro in the first addition of boc - pro : k ( 415 )= 0 . 22 ; arg ( 2 . 10 ), pro ( 1 . 96 ), gly ( 1 . 05 ), phe ( 0 . 98 ), ser ( 0 . 94 ), thi ( 1 . 96 ). this peptide was prepared by the method in example 13 , except that boc -( 4 - hydroxy )- pro ( boc - hyp ) was used in place of boc - pro in the first addition of boc - pro : k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 35 ; arg ( 2 . 00 ), pro ( 1 . 03 ), gly ( 1 . 00 ), phe ( 3 . 08 ), ser ( 0 . 94 ), lys ( 1 . 95 ), hyp ( 1 . 01 ). preparation of arg - hyp - pro - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( hyp 2 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ). this peptide was produced by the method in example 6 , except that boc - hyp was used in place of boc - pro in the second addition of boc - pro , including the recoupling with program d : k ( 1 : 1 )= 2 . 45 ; arg ( 2 . 03 ), pro ( 0 . 98 ), gly ( 1 . 06 ), phe ( 1 . 05 ), ser ( 0 . 95 ), thi ( 1 . 97 ), hyp ( 0 . 95 ). preparation of lys - lys - arg - hyp - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( lys - lys - hyp 2 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ). this peptide was produced by the method in example 18 , except that two additional cycles of addition with boc -( e - clz ) lys were performed , the first with program d , the second with program a followed by program c : k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 27 ; arg ( 2 . 07 ), pro ( 0 . 92 ), gly ( 0 . 99 ), phe ( 1 . 03 ), ser ( 0 . 93 ), thi ( 1 . 92 ), lys ( 2 . 06 ), hyp ( 1 . 10 ). preparation of arg - pro - hyp - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( hyp 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ). this peptide was produced by the method in example 6 , except that boc - hyp was used in place of boc - pro in the first addition of boc - pro : k ( 1 : 1 )= 2 . 23 ; arg ( 2 . 08 ), pro ( 0 . 98 ), gly ( 1 . 04 ), phe ( 1 . 01 ), ser ( 0 . 99 ), thi ( 1 . 95 ), hyp ( 0 . 94 ). preparation of darg - arg - pro - hyp - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( darg 0 - hyp 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ). this peptide was produced by the method in example 20 , except that one additional cycle of addition with boc -( tos ) darg was done with program d , followed by program c : k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 18 ; arg ( 3 . 01 ), pro ( 1 . 02 ), gly ( 0 . 98 ), phe ( 1 . 02 ), ser ( 0 . 92 ), thi ( 2 . 07 ), hyp ( 0 . 97 ). preparation of arg - hyp - hyp - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( hyp 2 , 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ). this peptide was produced by the method in example 6 , except that boc - hyp was used in place of boc - pro in those cycles where boc - pro had been used : k ( 1 : 1 )= 1 . 56 ; arg ( 2 . 04 ), gly ( 1 . 06 ), phe ( 1 . 02 ), ser ( 1 . 01 ), thi ( 1 . 94 ), hyp ( 1 . 93 ). preparation of arg - hyp - hyp - gly - thi - dphe - cdf - thi - arg ( hyp 2 , 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 6 cdf 7 - bk ). this peptide was produced by the method in example 9 , except that boc - hyp was used in place of boc - pro in those cycles where boc - pro had been used : k ( 415 )= 0 . 89 ; arg ( 2 . 06 ), gly ( 1 . 00 ), phe ( 1 . 03 ), pcf ( 1 . 05 ), thi ( 1 . 92 ), hyp ( 1 . 93 ). preparation of arg - pro - pro - gly - leu - gly - dphe - leu - arg ( gly 6 leu 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ). this peptide was produced by the method in example 1 , except that boc - leu was used in place of boc - phe in those cycles where boc - phe had been used , and boc - gly was used when boc -( obzl ) ser had been used : k ( 415 )= 0 . 30 ; arg ( 2 . 04 ), pro ( 2 . 05 ), gly ( 1 . 98 ), phe ( 0 . 98 ), leu ( 1 . 95 ). the following examples were prepared by methods identical to the methods described above for similarly substituted peptides , and are not limitative : 25 . arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - ser - dnal - phe - arg ( dnal 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 37 ; arg ( 2 . 09 ), pro ( 2 . 02 ), gly ( 0 . 98 ), phe ( 2 . 06 ), ser ( 0 . 96 ), nal ( 0 . 95 ). 26 . arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - ser - mdy - phe - arg ( mdy 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 4 . 88 ; arg ( 2 . 10 ), pro ( 1 . 91 ), gly ( 0 . 96 ), phe ( 2 . 08 ), ser ( 0 . 94 ), mdy ( 1 . 04 ). 27 . arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - ser - dphg - phe - arg ( dphg 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 3 . 55 ; arg ( 2 . 01 ), pro ( 1 . 90 ), gly ( 1 . 03 ), phe ( 2 . 07 ), ser ( 0 . 99 ), 28 . arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - ser - dhis - phe - arg ( dhis 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 30 ; arg ( 2 . 04 ), pro ( 2 . 09 ), gly ( 0 . 94 ), phe ( 2 . 00 ), ser ( 1 . 00 ), his ( 0 . 93 ). 29 . arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - ser - dtrp - phe - arg ( dtrp 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 30 ; arg ( 2 . 04 ), pro ( 1 . 95 ), gly ( 1 . 02 ), phe ( 2 . 05 ), ser ( 0 . 95 ), trp ( 0 . 98 ). 30 . arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - ser - dtyr - phe - arg ( dtyr 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 2 . 70 ; arg ( 1 . 94 ), pro ( 1 . 88 ), gly ( 1 . 04 ), phe ( 2 . 10 ), ser ( 0 . 97 ), tyr ( 1 . 08 ). 31 . arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - ser - dhphe - phe - arg ( dhphe 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 37 ; arg ( 1 . 99 ), pro ( 1 . 94 ), gly ( 0 . 97 ), phe ( 2 . 02 ), ser ( 0 . 88 ), hphe ( 1 . 20 ). 32 . arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - dphe - dthi - phe - arg ( dphe 6 dthi 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 59 ; arg ( 2 . 14 ), pro ( 1 . 87 ), gly ( 1 . 00 ), phe ( 3 . 01 ), thi ( 0 . 98 ). 33 . arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - dthi - dthi - phe - arg ( dthi 6 , 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 54 ; arg ( 2 . 04 ), pro ( 2 . 00 ), gly ( 1 . 01 ), phe ( 2 . 04 ), thi ( 1 . 91 ). 34 . arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - dphe - dnal - phe - arg ( dphe 6 dnal 7 - bk ): k ( 415 ) = 1 . 04 ; arg ( 2 . 02 ), pro ( 2 . 04 ), gly ( 1 . 01 ), phe ( 2 . 94 ), nal ( 0 . 99 ). 35 . arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - dphe - mdy - phe - arg ( dphe 6 mdy 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 59 ; arg ( 2 . 11 ), pro ( 1 . 90 ), gly ( 0 . 97 ), phe ( 3 . 02 ), mdy ( 1 . 01 ). 36 . arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - dphe - dpal - phe - arg ( dphe 6 dpal 7 - bk ): k ( 415 ) = 0 . 16 ; arg ( 1 . 86 ), pro ( 2 . 12 ), gly ( 1 . 07 ), phe ( 2 . 90 ), pal ( 1 . 05 ). 37 . arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - gly - dval - phe - arg ( gly 6 dval 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 20 ; arg ( 2 . 08 ), pro ( 2 . 00 ), gly ( 1 . 96 ), phe ( 1 . 98 ), val ( 0 . 98 ). 38 . arg - hyp - pro - gly - phe - ser - dphe - phe - arg ( hyp 2 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 3 . 76 ; arg ( 2 . 00 ), pro ( 0 . 93 ), gly ( 1 . 02 ), phe ( 3 . 16 ), ser ( 0 . 94 ), hyp ( 0 . 94 ). 39 . arg - pro - hyp - gly - phe - ser - dphe - phe - arg ( hyp 3 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 3 . 35 ; arg ( 1 . 96 ), pro ( 0 . 97 ), gly ( 1 . 01 ), phe ( 3 . 10 ), ser ( 0 . 94 ), hyp ( 1 . 02 ). hyp ( 40 arg - hyp - hyp - gly - phe - ser - dphe - phe - arg ( hyp 2 , 3 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 2 . 33 ; arg ( 2 . 03 ), gly ( 1 . 02 ), phe ( 3 . 10 ), ser ( 0 . 94 ), hyp ( 1 . 91 ). 42 . arg - pro - pro - gly - thi - dthi - dthi - thi - arg ( thi 5 , 8 dthi 6 , 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 37 ; arg ( 2 . 08 ), pro ( 2 . 08 ), gly ( 0 . 99 ), thi ( 3 . 86 ). 43 . arg - pro - pro - gly - thi - dthi - dpal - thi - arg ( thi 5 , 8 dthi 6 dpal 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 70 ; arg ( 1 . 93 ), pro ( 2 . 11 ), gly ( 1 . 08 ), thi ( 2 . 86 ), pal ( 1 . 02 ). 44 . arg - pro - pro - gly - thi - dthi - dnal - thi - arg ( thi 5 , 8 dthi 6 dnal 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 59 ; arg ( 2 . 19 ), pro ( 2 . 08 ), gly ( 1 . 00 ), nal ( 0 . 93 ), thi ( 2 . 88 ). 45 . arg - pro - pro - gly - thi - dthi - cdf - thi - arg ( thi 5 , 8 dthi 6 cdf 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 54 ; arg ( 2 . 16 ), pro ( 1 . 97 ), gly ( 1 . 00 ), pcf ( 1 . 06 ), thi ( 2 . 81 ). 46 . ar g - pro - pro - gly - thi - dphe - dala - thi - arg ( thi 5 , 8 dphe 6 dala 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 32 ; arg ( 2 . 06 ), pro ( 1 . 89 ), gly ( 0 . 97 ), phe ( 1 . 02 ), ala ( 0 . 96 ), thi ( 2 . 12 ). 47 . arg - pro - pro - gly - thi - cdf - dala - thi - arg ( thi 5 , 8 cdf 6 dala 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 39 ; arg ( 1 . 96 ), pro ( 1 . 93 ), gly ( 1 . 00 ), ala ( 0 . 99 ), thi ( 2 . 05 ), pcf ( 1 . 08 ). 48 . thi - arg - pro - pro - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( thi 0 - thi 5 , 8 - dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 27 ; arg ( 2 . 16 ), pro ( 1 . 89 ), gly ( 1 . 03 ), phe ( 1 . 04 ), ser ( 0 . 93 ), thi ( 2 . 95 ). 49 . darg - arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - ser - dphg - phe - arg ( darg 0 - dphg 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 2 . 03 ; arg ( 3 . 05 ), pro ( 2 . 00 ), gly ( 0 . 97 ), phe ( 2 . 04 ), ser ( 0 . 94 ), phg ( 1 . 00 ). 50 . darg - arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - ser - dtrp - phe - arg ( darg 0 - dtrp 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 4 . 88 ; arg ( 3 . 07 ), pro ( 1 . 99 ), gly ( 1 . 00 ), phe ( 2 . 04 ), ser ( 0 . 89 ), trp ( 0 . 97 ). 51 . darg - arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - ser - dtyr - phe - arg ( darg 0 - dtyr 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 1 . 56 ; arg ( 2 . 96 ), pro ( 2 . 09 ), gly ( 1 . 03 ), phe ( 1 . 99 ), ser ( 0 . 90 ), tyr ( 1 . 04 ). 52 . darg - arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - ser - dhis - phe - arg ( darg 0 - dhis 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 18 ; arg ( 3 . 08 ), pro ( 1 . 99 ), gly ( 1 . 02 ), phe ( 2 . 07 ), ser ( 0 . 89 ), his ( 0 . 96 ). 53 . darg - arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - ser - dhphe - phe - arg ( darg 0 - dhphe 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 18 ; arg ( 3 . 06 ), pro ( 1 . 98 ), gly ( 0 . 95 ), phe ( 2 . 05 ), ser ( 0 . 86 ), dhphe ( 1 . 11 ). 54 . lys - lys - arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - ser - dphe - phe - arg ( lys - lys - dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 52 ; arg ( 2 . 04 ), pro ( 2 . 01 ), gly ( 0 . 96 , phe ( 3 . 00 ), ser ( 0 . 96 ). 55 . lys - lys - arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - ser - dtrp - phe - arg ( lys - lys - dtrp 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 67 ; arg ( 2 . 01 ), pro ( 2 . 00 ), gly ( 1 . 01 ), phe ( 2 . 03 ), ser ( 0 . 91 ), trp ( 0 . 88 ), lys ( 2 . 03 ). 56 . lys - lys - arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - ser - dtyr - phe - arg ( lys - lys - dtyr 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 21 ; arg ( 2 . 01 ), pro ( 2 . 11 ), gly ( 0 . 99 ), phe ( 2 . 02 ), ser ( 0 . 97 ), tyr ( 1 . 02 ), lys ( 1 . 90 ). 57 . lys - lys - arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - ser - dhis - phe - arg ( lys - lys - dhis 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 08 ; arg ( 1 . 91 ), pro ( 2 . 06 ), gly ( 0 . 94 ), phe ( 2 . 08 ), ser ( 0 . 93 ), his ( 0 . 95 ), lys ( 2 . 12 ). 58 . lys - lys - arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - ser - dhphe - phe - arg ( lys - lys - dhphe 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 1 . 13 ; arg ( 1 . 99 ), pro ( 1 . 93 ), gly ( 0 . 98 ), phe ( 2 . 06 ), ser ( 0 . 92 ), dhphe ( 1 . 11 ), lys ( 2 . 01 ). 59 . arg - pro - dpro - gly - phe - ser - dphe - phe - arg ( dpro 3 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 27 ; arg ( 2 . 07 ), pro ( 1 . 97 ), gly ( 0 . 98 ), phe ( 3 . 02 ), ser ( 0 . 95 ). 60 . arg - pro - dpro - gly - phe - cdf - dala - phe - arg ( dpro 3 cdf 6 dala 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 59 ; arg ( 1 . 99 ), pro ( 2 . 03 ), gly ( 0 . 97 ), phe ( 2 . 02 ), ala ( 0 . 99 ), pcf ( 1 . 02 ). 61 . arg - pro - dpro - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( dpro 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 22 ; arg ( 2 . 10 ), pro ( 1 . 96 ), gly ( 1 . 05 ), phe ( 0 . 98 ), ser ( 0 . 94 ), thi ( 1 . 96 ). 62 . darg - arg - pro - pro - gly - thi - dphe - dala - thi - arg ( darg 0 - thi 5 , 8 dphe 6 dala 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 4 . 00 ; arg ( 2 . 89 ), pro ( 1 . 95 ), gly ( 1 . 03 ), phe ( 0 . 98 ), ala ( 1 . 01 ), thi ( 2 . 14 ). 63 . darg - arg - pro - pro - gly - thi - cdf - dala - thi - arg ( darg 0 - thi 5 , 8 cdf 6 dala 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 19 ; arg ( 3 . 00 ), pro ( 1 . 99 ), gly ( 1 . 00 ), ala ( 0 . 96 ), thi ( 2 . 03 ), pcf ( 1 . 02 ). 64 . darg - arg - hyp - pro - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( darg 0 hyp 2 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 1 . 50 ; arg ( 3 . 11 ), pro ( 0 . 97 ), gly ( 1 . 03 ), phe ( 1 . 04 ), ser ( 0 . 95 ), thi ( 1 . 88 ), hyp ( 1 . 02 ) 65 . darg - arg - hyp - hyp - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( darg 0 - hyp 2 , 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 96 ; arg ( 3 . 19 ), gly ( 0 . 97 ), phe ( 0 . 98 ), ser ( 1 . 00 ), thi ( 1 . 95 ), hyp ( 1 . 90 ) 66 . thi - arg - hyp - pro - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( thi 0 - hyp 2 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ) 67 . thi - arg - pro - hyp - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( thi 0 - hyp 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ) 68 . thi - arg - hyp - hyp - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( thi 0 - hyp 2 , 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ) 69 . arg - hyp - pro - gly - thi - dphe - cdf - thi - arg ( hyp 2 thi 5 , 8 dphe 6 cdf 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 1 . 04 ; arg ( 2 . 02 ), pro ( 1 . 01 ), gly ( 1 . 00 ), phe ( 1 . 01 ), pcf ( 1 . 09 ), thi ( 1 . 89 ), hyp ( 0 . 98 ) 70 . arg - pro - hyp - gly - thi - dphe - cfd - thi - arg ( hyp 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 6 cdf 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 96 ; arg ( 2 . 01 ), pro ( 1 . 11 ), gly ( 0 . 97 ), phe ( 1 . 06 ), thi ( 1 . 86 ), pcf ( 1 . 06 ), hyp ( 0 . 95 ) 71 . arg - hyp - dpro - gly - thi - dphe - cdf - thi - arg ( hyp 2 pro 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 6 cdf 7 - bk ) 72 . lys - lys - arg - hyp - pro - gly - phe - ser - dphe - phe - arg ( lys - lys - hyp 2 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 37 ; arg ( 1 . 99 ), pro ( 0 . 96 ), gly ( 0 . 99 ), phe ( 3 . 13 ), ser ( 0 . 94 ), hyp ( 0 . 98 ), lys ( 2 . 00 ) 73 . lys - lys - arg - hyp - hyp - gly - phe - ser - dphe - phe - arg ( lys - lys - hyp 2 , 3 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 28 ; arg ( 2 . 03 ), gly ( 0 . 95 ), ser ( 0 . 94 ), phe ( 3 . 08 ), lys ( 2 . 08 ), hyp ( 1 . 92 ) 74 . lys - lys - arg - pro - pro - gly - thi - ser - dthi - thi - arg ( lys - lys - thi 5 , 8 dthi 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 22 ; arg ( 2 . 07 ), pro ( 2 . 01 ), gly ( 1 . 04 ), ser ( 0 . 89 ), thi ( 3 . 02 ), lys ( 1 . 96 ) 75 . lys - lys - arg - pro - pro - gly - thi - ser - dpal - thi - arg ( lys - lys - thi 5 , 8 dpal 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 06 ; arg ( 2 . 12 ), pro ( 1 . 94 ), gly ( 1 . 01 ), ser ( 0 . 87 ), thi ( 1 . 81 ), pal ( 0 . 98 ), lys ( 2 . 22 ) 76 . lys - lys - arg - pro - pro - gly - thi - dphe - cdf - thi - arg ( lys - lys - thi 5 , 8 dphe 6 cdf 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 11 ; arg ( 2 . 02 ), pro ( 2 . 00 ), gly ( 1 . 02 ), phe ( 1 . 00 ), pcf ( 1 . 06 ), thi ( 1 . 85 ), lys ( 2 . 06 ) 77 . lys - lys - arg - pro - hyp - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( lys - lys - hyp 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 22 ; arg ( 2 . 05 ), pro ( 0 . 96 ), gly ( 1 . 04 ), phe ( 1 . 03 ), ser ( 0 . 94 ), hyp ( 1 . 10 ), thi ( 1 . 84 ), lys ( 2 . 04 ) 78 . lys - lys - arg - hyp - hyp - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( lys - lys - hyp 2 , 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 0 . 15 ; arg ( 2 . 00 ), pro ( 2 . 06 ), gly ( 1 . 01 ), phe ( 1 . 03 ), ser ( 0 . 94 ), thi ( 1 . 92 ), hyp ( 2 . 04 ) 79 . lys - lys - arg - hyp - pro - gly - thi - dphe - cdf - thi - arg ( lys - lys - hyp 2 thi 5 , 8 dphe 6 cdf 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 6 . 69 ; arg ( 1 . 96 ), pro ( 1 . 14 ), gly ( 0 . 96 ), phe ( 1 . 03 ), thi ( 1 . 77 ), pcf ( 1 . 06 ), lys ( 1 . 93 ), hyp ( 1 . 14 ) 80 . lys - lys - arg - pro - hyp - gly - thi - dphe - cdf - thi - arg ( lys - lys - hyp 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 6 cdf 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 6 . 14 ; arg ( 2 . 04 ), pro ( 0 . 97 ), gly ( 1 . 01 ), phe ( 0 . 98 ), pcf ( 1 . 06 ), thi ( 1 . 89 ), hyp ( 1 . 01 ), lys ( 2 . 05 ) 81 . lys - lys - arg - hyp - hyp - gly - thi - dphe - cdf - thi - arg ( lys - lys - hyp 2 , 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 6 cdf 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 4 . 88 ; arg ( 2 . 02 ), gly ( 0 . 99 ), phe ( 0 . 96 ), pcf ( 1 . 10 ), thi ( 1 . 84 ), hyp ( 2 . 01 ), lys ( 2 . 06 ) 82 . arg - thz - pro - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( thz 2 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 24 ; arg ( 1 . 97 ), pro ( 1 . 04 ), gly ( 1 . 02 ), phe ( 1 . 06 ), thi ( 1 . 91 ) 83 . arg - pro - thz - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( thz 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 5 . 25 84 arg - thz - thz - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( thz 2 , 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 1 : 1 )= 6 . 69 85 . arg - aib - pro - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( aib 2 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 18 86 . arg - pro - aib - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( aib 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 24 ; arg ( 2 . 09 ), pro ( 0 . 99 ), gly ( 1 . 05 ), ser ( 0 . 95 ), phe ( 1 . 07 ), thi ( 1 . 94 ), aib ( 0 . 91 ) 87 . arg - aib - aib - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( aib 2 , 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 4 . 00 88 . arg - azt - pro - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( azt 2 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 18 ; arg ( 2 . 07 ), pro ( 0 . 99 ), gly ( 1 . 02 ), phe ( 1 . 04 ), ser ( 0 . 95 ), thi ( 1 . 97 ), azt ( 0 . 99 ) 89 . arg - pro - azt - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( azt 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ) 90 . arg - azt - azt - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( azt 2 , 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ) 91 . arg - inip - pro - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( inip 2 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 21 92 . arg - pro - inip - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( inip 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 18 ; arg ( 2 . 10 ), pro ( 0 . 95 ), gly ( 1 . 04 ), phe ( 1 . 03 ), ser ( 0 . 93 ), thi ( 1 . 95 ) 93 . arg - inip - inip - gly - thi - ser - dphe - thi - arg ( inip 2 , 3 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ): k ( 415 )= 0 . 18 the bradykinin antagonists were assayed on isolated rat uterus in natural or induced estrus and on guinea pig ileum , according to the commonly accepted assay methods for bradykinin and related kinins as described by trautschold ( handbook of expt . pharmacol . vol 25 , springer verlag , pp 53 - 55 , 1970 ) for inhibition of the myotropic activity of bradykinin . the inhibition potencies , as determined according to the commonly accepted manner described by schild for antagonists of biologically active compounds ( br . j . pharmacol . 2 : 189 , 1947 ), are determined on isolated rat uterus ( rut ) and isolated guinea pig ileum ( gpi ). in the assays , a dose - response curve is determined for the reference substance bradykinin . the dose of bradykinin which produced a half maximal contraction of tissue is the ed50 dose . an amount of bradykinin equivalent to twice the ed50 dose is administered to the tissue 30 seconds after the start of incubation of the tissue with a dose of antagonist . doses of antagonist are increased in this protocol until pre - incubation with a dose of antagonist reduces the contraction in response to the double ed50 dose of bradykinin to response of a single ed50 dose of bradykinin . the pa2 value represents the negative logarithm of the molar concentration of antagonist necessary to reduce the response of a double ed50 dose of bradykinin to that of an ed50 dose . one unit of pa2 value represents an order of magnitude change in potency . for comparison , the negative log of the dose of bk , the dose which causes half maximal contraction of the tissues , is commonly known as the pd2 value . the pd2 value for bradykinin is 7 . 9 on the rat uterus and 7 . 4 on the guinea pig ileum . ______________________________________potency of bradykinin antagonistsex - am - ple # structure pa2 / rut pa2 / gpi______________________________________ 1 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 5 . 0 2 dthi . sup . 7 -- bk 4 . 6 3 dpal . sup . 7 -- bk 5 . 0 4 . 8 4 dphe . sup . 6 , 7 -- bk 5 . 2 5 dphe . sup . 6 cdf . sup . 7 -- bk 4 . 9 5 . 8 6 thi . sup . 5 , 8 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 6 . 5 6 . 3 7 thi . sup . 5 , 8 dthi . sup . 7 -- bk 4 . 2 5 . 8 8 thi . sup . 5 , 8 dpal . sup . 7 -- bk 4 . 210 darg . sup . 0 -- dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 5 . 611 darg . sup . 0 -- dpro . sup . 3 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 4 . 013 lys -- lys -- dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 5 . 114 lys -- lys -- thi . sup . 5 , 8 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 6 . 0 5 . 315 darg . sup . 0 -- thi . sup . 5 , 8 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 5 . 5 6 . 116 darg . sup . 0 -- dpro . sup . 3 thi . sup . 5 , 8 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 5 . 218 hyp . sup . 2 thi . sup . 5 , 8 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 5 . 619 lys -- lys -- hyp . sup . 2 thi . sup . 5 , 8 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 5 . 820 hyp . sup . 3 thi . sup . 5 , 8 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 7 . 0 4 . 721 darg . sup . 0 -- hyp . sup . 3 thi . sup . 5 , 8 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 7 . 222 hyp . sup . 2 , 3 thi . sup . 5 , 8 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 6 . 723 hyp . sup . 2 , 3 thi . sup . 5 , 8 dphe . sup . 6 cdf . sup . 7 -- bk 6 . 564 darg . sup . 0 -- hyp . sup . 2 thi . sup . 5 , 8 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 5 . 765 darg . sup . 0 -- hyp . sup . 2 , 3 thi . sup . 5 , 8 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 7 . 172 lys -- lys -- hyp . sup . 2 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 5 . 677 lys -- lys -- hyp . sup . 3 thi . sup . 5 , 8 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 6 . 7______________________________________ the specificity of bradykinin antagonists of this invention is demonstrated by their ability to inhibit the myotropic activity of bradykinin ( bk ) and two physiologically important bk - related kinins , kallidin ( kal , lys - bk ) and methionyl - lysyl - bk ( mk - bk ), but not the myotropic activity induced by non kinin - related peptides , such as angiotensin - ii ( ang ) or substance - p ( sp ). in each case , as shown , the bk - related antagonists inhibited contractions produced by bk - related agonists , but had no effect on the non - kinin myotropic peptide substances . the inhibition potencies are listed as pa2 values as described above . __________________________________________________________________________specificity of bradykininantagonists in guinea pig ileum assay guinea pig ileumexample # structure bk kal mk - bk ang sp__________________________________________________________________________ 1 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 5 . 0 5 . 6 6 . 0 no no 6 thi . sup . 5 , 8 dphe -- bk 6 . 3 6 . 4 5 . 2 no no10 darg . sup . 0 -- dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 5 . 6 6 . 0 6 . 3 no no15 darg . sup . 0 -- thi . sup . 5 , 8 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 6 . 1 6 . 7 6 . 4 no no__________________________________________________________________________ the in vivo effects of bradykinin antagonists on blood pressure in the anesthetized rat are determined according to the assay described by roblero , ryan and stewart ( res . commun . pathol . pharmacol . 6 : 207 , 1973 ). when compounds # 6 ( thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 -- bk ), # 10 ( darg 0 - dphe 7 - bk ) and # 15 ( darg 0 - thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk ) are infused at a rate of 25 ug / min , the response to a 25 mm depressor dose ( ed25 mm ) of bradykinin is reduced from 25 mm to 10 mm . the depressor effect of bradykinin returns to a normal response within 5 minutes of terminating the infusion of antagonist . the antagonists also produce inhibition of the bradykinin response when injected as a bolus admixture of bradykinin plus antagonist by either the ia or iv route of administration . examples of conferring resistance to enzymatic degradation by extension at the n - terminal of bradykinin analog the ability of bradykinin analogs to withstand enzymatic degradation ( for example by kininases ) in vivo can be conveniently assessed , for example , by determining residual vasodepressor activity of a particular analog after a single pass in the pulmonary circulation in the anesthetized rat ( j . roblero , j . w . ryan , and j . m . stewart , res . commun . pathol . pharmacol . 6 : 207 , 1973 ) following intraaortic and intravenous administration . in this system , using n - terminal substituted bradykinin analogs ( agonists ), the following results are obtained : ______________________________________rat pulmonary destruction of bk analogsmodified at the n - terminalpeptide structure % destruction______________________________________bradykinin ( bk ) 98lys -- bk 95darg -- bk 92dlys -- bk 89lys -- lys -- bk 0thi . sup . 5 , 8 -- bk 95lys -- lys -- thi . sup . 5 , 8 -- bk 0______________________________________ the resistance of n - terminal - extended bk analogs to kininase degradation , especially those with lys - lys - extensions , suggests that long - acting antagonists of bk activity would be obtained by modifying the [ d - phe 7 ]- bk inhibitors with a lys - lys - extension . additionally , observations that a d - arg residue added to the n - terminal of bk agonists tends to increase uterine potency without effecting ileum activity prompted the synthesis of d - arg - extended d - phe 7 bk analogs as tissue - specific inhibitors . n - terminal extension of d - phe 7 bk with lys - lys - or with the d - arg residue reduced agonist potency in the uterus assay but has no effect on the antagonism seen in the ileum assay . similarly , the inhibitory effect of thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 bk was diminished on the uterus with the addition of either lys - lys - or d - arg to the n - terminal . in the ileum assay addition of d - arg to the very potent thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 bk antagonist had little effect on inhibitory potency . examples of conferring tissue selectivity by modification of bradykinin antagonists at position 2 and 3 bradykinin agonists produced by modification of the bradykinin nonapeptide sequence exhibit similar potencies in the classic rat uterus ( rut ) and guinea pig ileum ( gpi ) assays relative to bradykinin . recently , dissociation of smooth muscle activities towards significantly higher uterine activity vs ileum activity has been reported in bradykinin analogs containing aminoisobutyric acid ( aib ) in position 7 ( r . j . vavrek & amp ; j . m . stewart , peptides 1 : 231 , 1980 ), and in bradykinin analogs with multiple d - amino acid substitutions in position 6 and 7 ( r . j . vavrek & amp ; j . m . stewart , in kinins 1984 , l . m . greenbaum , ed , plenum press , ny , 1985 ). the addition of a d - amino acid residue to the n - terminus of the ileum - selective bradykinin antagonist dphe 7 - bk ( i . e ., darg ) does not change selectivity for inhibiting bradykinin activity on the ileum ( i . e ., darg 0 - dphe 7 - bk ). modification of dphe 7 - bk at position 3 by the substitution of a dpro residue ( i . e ., dpro 3 dphe 7 - bk ) eliminates antagonist activity in the ileum assay and destroys agonist activity in the uterus assay . replacement of the pro residue at position 3 of darg 0 - dphe 7 - bk reverses the spectrum of smooth muscle activity towards uterine - selective antagonism , with complete loss of antagonism of bradykinin in the ileum assay . likewise , substitution of the pro residue at position 3 of the nonspecific antagonist darg 0 thi 5 , 8 dphe 7 - bk with a dpro residue eliminates antagonism of bradykinin action on the ileum , but full antagonist activity in the uterine assay is retained . ______________________________________antagonist specificity in smooth muscleassays by modification of position 3ex - am - ple # structure rut gpi______________________________________ 1 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk ( 1 % ag ) pa . sub . 2 = 5 . 010 darg . sup . 0 -- dphe . sup . 7 -- bk ( 0 . 1 % ag ) pa . sub . 2 = 5 . 059 dpro . sup . 3 -- dphe . sup . 7 -- bk 0 011 darg . sup . 0 -- dpro . sup . 3 -- dphe . sup . 7 -- bk pa . sub . 2 = 4 . 6 015 darg . sup . 0 -- thi . sup . 5 , 8 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk pa . sub . 2 = 5 . 2 pa . sub . 2 = 6 . 116 darg . sup . 0 -- dpro . sup . 3 thi . sup . 5 , 8 dphe . sup . 7 -- bk pa . sub . 2 = 5 . 2 0______________________________________ ag = agonist potency relative to bk = 100 . pa . sub . 2 is the inhibition potency as defined by schild ( br . j . pharmacol . 2 : 189 , 1947 ). tissue selectivity of bradykinin analogs can also be altered by modification of the pro at position 2 . it has been found that substitutions of val , sar , pro , ala , hyp and aib ( alpha - aminoisobutyrate ) at position 2 confer differential tissue selectivity of selected bradykinin analogs in an assay of myotropic activity determined on guinea pig ileum versus rat uterus ( r . j . vavrek and j . m . stewart , peptides , 231 - 235 , 1980 ). the tissue selectivity conferred upon various bradykinin analogs by such substitutions at position 2 suggests that similar substitution in any bradykinin analog , including those with antagonist activity , will confer tissue selectivity . theraputic applications of the novel bradykinin antagonists include not only treatmemt for the production of bradykinin or related kinins by the animal but also the injection of bradykinin related peptides into an animal as a result of bites and stings . topical application alone or in combination with subcutaneous utilization of the bradykinin antagonists of the invention can be employed to treat the effects of bradykinin - related peptides causing pain , inflammation and swelling . the therapeutic use of bradykinin antagonists of this invention for other traumatic , inflammatory or pathological conditions which are known to be mediated by bradykinin or exacerbated by an overproduction of bradykinin can also be achieved . these conditions include local trauma such as wounds , burns and rashes , angina , arthritis , asthma , allergies , rhinitis , shock , inflammatory bowel disease , low blood pressure , systemic treatment of pain and inflammation , and low sperm motility which produces male infertility . the present bradykinin antagonists , as discussed may be advantageously administered in a variety of ways including sublingual absorption as with nitroglycerine or patch administration using agents for assisting absorption through the skin such as for the treatment of angina . based upon the pa 2 and ed 50 data disclosed in this invention and in the prior art related to agonist potency , it is possible for one skilled in the art to make a determination of the dosage of the novel bradykinin antagonists of the invention . it is therefore estimated that the dosage range for typical application in such conditions as the pain and inflammation of wound , burns and rashes would be 0 . 1 - 5 mg / ml ; for a nasal spray formulation suitable for treating rhinitis , allergies and asthma suitable dosage range would be 0 . 1 - 5 mg / ml ; for intravenous formulation suitable for the treatment of systemic inflammation , shock , arthritis , allergies , asthma and for increasing sperm motility , a suitable dosage range would be 0 . 1 - 10 mg / kg ; for an oral formulation for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease or general pain and inflammation a suitable dosage range would be 10 - 100 mg / kg . bradykinin antagonists can also be administered intravaginally , intrarectally , intrabuccally or any other accepted internal application . as will be recognized by those skilled in the art the present invention has a wide range of applicability to providing competitive inhibitors to the biological activities of bradykinin produced by the body in illness , injury and shock . the advantages of the invention in substituting the l - pro position 7 with amino acids of the d - configuration to convert bradykinin agonists to antagonists provide a wide variety of specific and competitive antagonists for reducing the known effects of bradykinin . the additional advantages of the invention of modifying the l - pro position 7 in conjunction with modifications at the other positions of the novel bradykinin antagonists provides a variety of useful compounds . it will further be appreciated the present invention is susceptible to these and other modifications within the parameters of the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims . | 0 |
the present invention provides an n - phenyl - 3 - cyclopropylpyrazole - 4 - carbonitrile of formula i , above . unless otherwise specified , “ compounds of formula i ” includes all the embodiments thereof hereinafter described . surprisingly , it has now been found that compounds of formula i may be useful in the fields of veterinary medicine and livestock husbandry and in the maintenance of public health against ectoparasites and their infection or infestation . as used in this specification and the appended claims , the term halogen designates f , cl , br or i , and the term heteroaryl designates a c 5 - c 10 aromatic ring system containing 1 , 2 or 3 heteroatoms , which may be the same or different , selected from n , o or s . such heteroaryl ring systems include pyrrolyl , azolyl , oxazolyl , thiazolyl , imidazolyl , furyl , thienyl , quinolinyl , isoquinolinyl , indolyl , benzothienyl , benzofuranyl , benzisoxazolyl and the like . the term aryl designates a carbocyclic aromatic ring system such as phenyl , naphthyl , anthracenyl or the like . the term haloalkyl as used herein designates a c n h 2n + 1 group having from one to 2n + 1 halogen atoms which may be the same or different and the term haloalkoxy as used herein designates an oc n h 2n + 1 group having from one to 2n + 1 halogen atoms which may be the same or different . in the specification and claims , when the terms c 1 - c 6 alkyl , c 2 - c 6 alkenyl , c 2 - c 6 alkynyl , c 3 - c 7 cycloalkyl , aryl or heteroaryl are designated as being optionally substituted , the substituent groups which are optionally present may be one or more of those customarily employed in the development of veterinary or pharmaceutical compounds or the modification of such compounds to influence their structure / activity , persistence , absorption , stability or other beneficial property . specific examples of such substituents include halogen atoms , nitro , cyano , thiocyanato , cyanato , hydroxyl , alkyl , alkanediyl , haloalkyl , alkoxy , haloalkoxy , amino , alkylamino , dialkylamino , formyl , alkoxycarbonyl , carboxyl , alkanoyl , alkylthio , alkylsulphinyl , alkylsulphonyl , carbamoyl , alkylamido , phenyl , phenoxy , benzyl , benzyloxy , heterocyclyl or cycloalkyl groups , preferably halogen atoms or lower haloalkyl or lower haloalkoxy groups . typically , 0 - 3 substituents may be present , preferably 1 or 2 . when any of the foregoing substituents represents or contains an alkyl substituent group , this may be linear or branched and may contain up to 12 , preferably up to 6 , more preferably up to 4 carbon atoms . optionally substituted c 1 - c 6 alkyl includes methyl substituted by c 2 - c 6 alkanediyl , i . e . includes c 3 - c 7 cycloalkyl . compounds of the invention may exist as one or more stereoisomers . the various stereoisomers include enantiomers , diastereomers , atropisomers and geometric isomers . one skilled in the art will appreciate that one stereoisomer may be more active or may exhibit beneficial effects when enriched relative to the other stereoisomer ( s ) or when separated from the other stereoisomer ( s ). additionally , the skilled artisan knows how to separate , enrich or selectively prepare said stereoisomers . accordingly , the present invention comprises compounds of formula i , the stereoisomers thereof and the tautomers thereof . the compounds of the invention may be present as a mixture of stereoisomers , individual stereoisomers , or as an optically active or enantiomerically pure form . compounds of formula i may exist in one or more tautomeric forms that may give rise to geometric isomers around the tautomeric double bond . one skilled in the art will recognize that said tautomers often exist in equilibrium with one another . as these tautomers interconvert under environmental and physiological conditions , they provide the same useful biological effects . the present invention includes mixtures of such tautomers as well as the individual tautomers of compounds of formula i . preferred compounds of the invention include compounds of formula i wherein r is halogen or haloalkyl . another group of preferred compounds are those formula i compounds wherein r 1 is h , halogen or nr 9 r 10 . a further group of preferred compounds are those of formula i wherein r 5 and r 6 are h . more preferred compounds of the invention include formula i compounds wherein r is halogen or haloaklyl ; n is 3 ; and r 2 is h , halogen , methyl or optionally substituted phenyl . another group of more preferred compounds are those of formula i wherein r is cl or cf 3 ; n is 3 ; r 2 is cl or ch 3 ; and r 1 is h or cl . especially preferred compounds include those having the formula i set forth above , but with the further proviso that r 3 , r 4 , r 5 and r 6 are not all — h , unless r 1 is halogen . compounds of formula i may be prepared using conventional synthetic techniques and , if required , standard separation and isolation techniques . in one preferred embodiment of the method of this invention , compounds of formula i wherein r 1 is nh 2 ( ia ) may be prepared by reacting a phenyl hydrazine of formula ii with a cyclopropylcarboxylic acid of formula iii to give the intermediate of formula iv ; reacting the formula iv intermediate with a chlorinating agent such as thionyl chloride to give the chloroenamine of formula v ; and reacting the formula v enamine with malononitrile to give the desired product of formula ia . this method is shown in flow diagram i . the compounds of formula ia may be used as chemical intermediates to prepare the other compounds having formula i using standard derivatization procedures . for instance , the compounds having formula ia may be used to prepare the other compounds having formula i in which r 1 is nr 9 r 10 by standard methods of converting primary amines into secondary amines and tertiary amines , for example , by standard alkylation procedures . in the compounds having formula i in which r 1 is nr 9 r 10 , r 9 and r 10 are preferably independently selected from h and c 1 - c 6 alkyl . the compounds of formula i in which r 1 is nr 9 r 10 ( including the compounds having formula ia ) may be recovered in the form of their free bases or in the form of their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts . the compounds of formula ia and those having formula i in which r 1 is nhr 10 , r 10 being an optionally substituted c 1 - c 4 alkyl group , may be used to prepare the compounds having formula i in which r 1 is nr 11 cor 12 by standard methods of converting primary amines into amdes and imides and secondary amines into amides . such methods may use reactive derivatives of the carboxylic acid r 12 co 2 h where r 12 is as defined above . r 12 is preferably c 1 - c 6 alkyl or c 3 - c 7 cycloalkyl . similarly to the aforesaid derivitization , using formula ia as substrate and employing the procedures described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 814 , 652 or journal of heterocyclic chemistry , 2000 , 37 , 1617 , compounds of formula i wherein r 1 is nchor 13 or nchnr 9 r 10 , respectively , may be prepared . the compounds of formula ia may be used as chemical intermediates to prepare the compounds having formula i in which r 1 is halogen or nitro via diazonium salts as intermediates . for instance , the compounds having formula i in which r 1 is nitro may be prepared in known manner by treatment of diazonium salts with sodium nitrite in the presence of cuprous ions in neutral or alkaline solution . the compounds having formula i in which r 1 is fluorine may be prepared via diazonium salts by the balz - schiemann reaction . the other compounds of formula i wherein r 1 is halogen ( ib ) may be prepared by reacting the formula ia compound with , in the case wherein the halogen is cl , concentrated hcl , nano 2 and cucl 2 . this reaction is shown in flow diagram ii wherein hal represents cl , br or i . compounds of formula i wherein r 1 is h may be prepared using conventional deamination techniques such as reacting a compound of formula ia with amylnitrite or n - pentylnitrite , as described in ep 303118 . advantageously , it has now been found that an n - phenyl - 3 - cyclopropylpyrazole - 4 - carbonitrile compound of formula i may be used to effectively control , prevent or ameliorate infection and infestation of ectoparasites on homeothermic animals , such as cattle , sheep , horses , goats , pigs , camels , water buffalo , donkeys , rabbits , fallow deer , reindeer , minks , chinchillas , raccoons , chickens , geese , turkeys , ducks , dogs , cats and the like . ectoparasites against which a compound of formula i is useful include biting and sucking ectoparasitic insects such as diptera , muscidae , acarina or siphonáptera , in particular , diptera : muscidae such as musca autumnalis ( face flies ), haemtobia irritans ( horn flies ) stomoxys calcitrans ( stable flies ), heel flies , tsetse flies , blow flies and the like ; diptera : hippoboscidae ( louse flies ) such as melophagus ovinus ( sheep ked ); acarina , including ticks , e . g ., ixodes spp ., boophilus microplus , amblyomma spp ., hyalomma spp ., rhipicephalus spp ., e . g , rhipecephalus sanguineus , rhipicephalus appendiculatus , haemaphysalis spp ., dermacentor spp ., e . g . dermacentor variables , and the like ; the phthiraptera families , including trichodectidae such as bovicola bovis ( important cattle - biting louse ), b . ovis ( sheep - biting louse ), b . equi ( horsebiting louse ), haematopinidae such as haematopinus suis ( hog louse ), and h . asini ( horse sucking louse ), linognathidae such as linognathus stenopsis ( goat sucking louse ) and l . vituli ( long - nosed cattle louse ), and the like ; and the siphonáptera families , including pulicìdae such as archaeopsyllnìae ( cat and dog fleas ), spilopsyllìnae ( rabbit fleas ), and the like . accordingly , the present invention provides a method for the prevention , amelioration or control of ectoparasitic infection or infestation in a homeothermic animal which comprises providing to a homeothermic animal in need thereof a prophylactically , therapeutically or pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of formula i as described hereinabove . the term “ providing ” as used herein with respect to providing a compound or substance embraced by the invention , designates either directly administering or applying such a compound or substance , or administering or applying a prodrug , derivative or analog which forms an equivalent amount of the compound or substance at the locus of administration or application or within the body of the target ectoparasite . protection of homeothermic animals from the infestation of ectoparasites , particularly of the orders diptera , acarina , phthiraptera or siphonáptera may be achieved by the application or administration of a prophylactically , therapeutically or pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of formula i . in actual practice , the formula i compound may be applied to the animal as a dip , spray , pour - on , spot - on , ear tag , collar , medallion , backrubber , oiler , dustbag , powder , lotion , parenteral injection , or the like , preferably as a topical application such as a spray , pour - on or spot - on . the effective amount of the formula i n - phenyl - 3 - cyclopropylpyrazole - 4 - carbonitrile compound to be used in the method of invention will vary according to the specific compound used , the mode of application used , the identity of the ectoparasite to be controlled , the degree of infestation , the extent of the ectoparasitic insect population , the nature of the target host , the weather conditions or the like . effective dosages in the practice of this invention typically will range from 0 . 1 mg / kg to 100 mg / kg , preferably about 1 . 0 mg / kg to 50 mg / kg based on body weight . naturally , quantities greater than the effective amounts of the formula i compound may be administered , but are not required for the protection of the target animal from the ectoparasite . the present invention also provides a veterinary composition which comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and an ectoparasiticidally effective amount of a compound of formula i . the composition of the invention may be formulated as an aqueous dip for animals such as cattle , sheep , goats or the like or the inventive composition may be prepared as a wettable powder , emulsifiable concentrate , aqueous flowable or the like , which are dispersed in a suitable solvent and applied as sprays to the fur or hide of the animals . such sprays usually contain about 0 . 1 ppm to 5000 ppm and preferably about 0 . 5 ppm to 1000 ppm of the active formula i compound . also preferred is a range of about 0 . 2 ppm to 20 . 0 ppm . advantageously , the compounds of formula i may also be prepared as pour - on formulations and poured on the backs of the animals such as cattle , sheep or companion animals to protect them against infestation by arthropod ectoparasites . the pour - on compositions of the invention are generally prepared by dissolving , suspending or emulsifying the formula i compound in a suitable nontoxic pharmaceutically acceptable diluent for pour - on administration . the diluent must be compatible with the ectoparasiticidal compound and should not be a source of irritation or damage to the animal &# 39 ; s skin or hair . such diluents include mono and polyhydric alcohols , vegetable oils , spreading oils , aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons , lower alkyl ketones , esters and fatty acids ; such diluents are well - known in the art . those skilled in the art will readily be able to identify suitable diluents for use in this invention . in one embodiment of this invention , a pour - on formulation comprises about 0 . 5 % to 30 % by weight of the compound of formula i , about 0 . 5 to 30 % by weight of a spreading oil , 30 % to 60 % by weight of an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon , mono or polyhydric alcohol , lower alkyl ketone or mixtures thereof and 0 % to 20 % by weight of a vegetable or mineral oil . a more preferred embodiment thereof comprises about 10 % to 25 % by weight of the compound of formula i , about 20 to 30 % by weight of a spreading oil , 40 % to 50 % by weight of an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon , mono or polyhydric alcohol , lower alkyl ketone or mixtures thereof and 5 % to 15 % by weight of a vegetable or mineral oil . in another embodiment of this invention , a pour - on formulation comprises 45 % by weight of xylene , 25 % by weight of cyclohexanone , 15 % by weight of said antagonist compound , 10 % by weight of corn oil or mineral oil and 5 % by weight of other pharmaceutically acceptable diluents such as surfactants , spreading agent , antifoam agents or the like . among the spreading oils that can be utilized in pour - on formulations of this invention are fatty acids , fatty acid esters , triglycerides and fatty alcohols including : isopropyl myristate , capryl / caproic acid esters of saturated ( c 12 - c 18 ) fatty alcohols with waxy fatty acid esters , isopropyl palmitate and the like . useful alcohols , glycols and ketones in the practice of this invention include : ethyl alcohol , isopropyl alcohol , propylene glycol , dipropylene glycol , benzyl alcohol , dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether , cyclohexanone , methylethyl ketone , methylisobutyl ketone , n - butoxybutylethoxyethanol and the like . also , the vegetable oils that may be utilized in these formulations include : corn oil , olive oil , peanut oil , sunflower oil , cottonseed oil , soybean oil , and the like . hydrocarbons that can be used in the formulation of this invention include : xylene , toluene , and the like . surfactants may also be utilized in the formulations if desired . those skilled in the art will readily be able to determine which surfactants known in the art will be suitable in the practice of this invention , and will understand how to incorporate such surfactants into formulations of this invention . in order to present a more clear understanding of the invention , the following specific examples are set forth below . these examples are merely illustrative and are not to be understood as limiting the scope and underlying principles of the invention in any way . indeed , various modifications of the invention , in addition to those illustrated and described herein , will become apparent to persons skilled in the art from the following examples and the foregoing description . such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims . the terms hnmr and thf designate proton nuclear magnetic resonance and tetrahydrofuran , respectively . unless otherwise noted , all parts are parts by weight . a mixture of 2 , 6 - dichloro - 4 -( trifluoromethyl ) phenyl hydrazine ( 25 g , 102 mmol ) and 2 , 2 - dichloro - 1 - methylcyclopropylcarboxylic acid ( 17 g , 102 mmol ) in ch 2 cl 2 is treated portion - wise over a 15 min . period with 1 -[ 3 -( dimethylamino ) propyl ]- 3 - ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride ( 20 g , 102 mmol ), stirred at room temperature for 18 h , diluted with water , stirred for 0 . 5 h and filtered . sthe filtercake is dried , washed with 1 : 1 mixture of ether : hexanes and dried in vacuo to afford the title product as a white solid , 33 g ( 82 % yield ), mp 174 - 175 ° c ., identified by hnmr and mass spectral analyses . a stirred mixture of 2 , 2 - dichloro - 1 - methylcyclopropyl carboxylic acid , n ′-[ 2 , 6 - dichloro - 4 -( trifluoromethyl ) phenyl ] hydrazide ( 9 . 4 g , 23 . 7 mmol ) in toluene is treated dropwise with thionyl chloride ( 7 . 0 ml , 95 mmol ), heated at reflux temperature for 3 h , cooled to room temperature and concentrated in vacuo . the resultant oil residue is purified through a short bed of silica gel using hexanes as eluent to afford the title product as a tan solid , 9 . 1 g ( 93 % yield ), identified by hnmr and mass spectral analyses . a solution of malonitrile ( 7 . 23 ml , 115 mmol ) in thf is treated with nah ( 2 . 30 g , 57 . 5 mmol ), cooled to 0 ° c ., treated with a solution of [ ex . 2 ] ( 9 . 10 g , 23 mmol ) in thf over a 0 . 5 h period , stirred at 0 ° c . for 1 h , warmed to 20 ° c ., stirred for 0 . 5 h and diluted with water and ether . the phases are separated . the organic phase is washed with brine , dried over na 2 so 4 and concentrated in vacuo . the resultant residue is purified by flash chromatography ( silica gel , 40 % ether in hexanes as eluent ) to afford the title product as a white solid , 6 . 15 g ( 60 % yield ), mp & gt ; 200 ° c ., identified by hnmr and mass spectral analyses . a mixture of 5 - amino - 3 -( 2 , 2 - dichloro - 1 - methylcyclopropyl )- 1 -[ 2 , 6 - dichloro - 4 -( trifluoromethyl ) phenyl ]- 1h - pyrazole - 4 - carbonitrile ( 5 . 00 g , 11 . 3 mmol ) in concentrated hcl ( 30 ml ) at 0 ° c . is treated portion - wise with nano 2 ( 7 . 80 g , 113 mmol ) over a 15 min . period , stirred for 1 h at 0 ° c ., treated with cucl 2 ( 2 . 24 g , 22 . 6 mmol ), heated slowly to 55 ° c ., stirred at 55 ° c . for 1 h , cooled to room temperature and decanted . the remaining solid is dispersed in a mixture of water and ether . the phases are separated . the organic phase is dried over na 2 so 4 and concentrated in vacuo . the resultant residue is purified by flash chromatography to afford the title product as a red resin , 3 . 40 g ( 65 % yield ), identified by hnmr and mass spectral analyses . using essentially the same procedures described in the foregoing examples 1 - 4 and employing the appropriate hydrazine and cyclopropylcarboxylic acid , the compounds shown in table i are obtained and identified by hnmr and mass spectral analyses . table i ex . mp no . ( r ) n r1 r2 r3 r4 ° c . 5 a 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 h ch 3 cl cl 97 - 98 . 5 6 2 , 4 , 6 - tri - cl h ch 3 cl cl 119 - 121 7 a 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 h ch 3 cl cl 123 - 125 8 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 h ch 3 h h — 9 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 h 4 - ch 2 o — c 6 h 4 h h — 10 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 h 4 - cl - c 6 h 4 h h — 11 2 , 4 , 6 - tri - cl h ch 3 h h — 12 2 , 4 , 6 - tri - cl h 4 - cl — c 6 h 4 h h — 13 2 , 4 , 6 - tri - cl h 4 - ch 3 o — c 6 h 4 h h — 14 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 h ch 3 br br — 15 2 , 4 , 6 - tri - cl h ch 3 br br — 16 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 h 4 - ch 3 — c 6 h 4 h h — 17 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 h 2 , 4 - di - cl — c 6 h 3 h h — 18 2 , 4 , 6 - tri - cl h 2 , 4 - di - cl — c 6 h 3 h h — 19 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 nh 2 ch 3 cl cl & gt ; 200 20 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 cl ch 3 br br 95 - 98 21 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 nh 2 ch 3 br br 233 - 235 dec 22 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 br ch 3 br br 110 - 114 23 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 h h h h 102 - 106 24 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 nh 2 h h h 158 - 159 25 2 , 4 , 6 - tri - cl nh 2 ch 3 cl cl 185 - 190 26 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 cl h h h — 27 2 , 4 , 6 - tri - cl cl ch 3 cl cl 128 - 132 28 2 , 4 , 6 - tri - cl br ch 3 cl cl 133 - 134 29 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 br ch 3 cl cl 123 - 124 30 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 no 2 ch 3 cl cl resin 31 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 i ch 3 cl cl 128 - 130 32 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 n ( ch 3 ) 2 ch 3 cl cl 114 - 115 33 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 n ( c 2 h 5 ) 2 ch 3 cl cl 122 - 123 34 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 nhcot - bu ch 3 cl cl & gt ; 220 35 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 n ( co - cyclopropyl ) 2 ch 3 cl cl 162 - 164 36 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 nhco - cyclopropyl ch 3 cl cl — 37 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 n ═ choch 3 ch 3 cl cl 89 - 91 38 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 n ═ chn ( ch 3 ) 2 ch 3 cl cl 133 - 134 39 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 n ═ chonc 3 h 7 ch 3 cl cl oil 40 2 , 6 - di - cl - 4 - cf 3 n ═ choc 2 h 5 ch 3 cl cl 82 - 84 the contact activity of a test compound against ctenocephatides felis , adult cat fleas , is evaluated in a coated , glass vial assay . in this evaluation , a solution of test compound in acetone is allowed to dry on the interior surface of a 20 ml vial . ten unfed adult cat fleas are added to the treated vial and mortality is assessed periodically for up to 48 h . all treatments are replicated 2 times . the data are averaged . the results are shown in table ii . table ii test compound conc . % mortality ( ex . no .) ( ug / cm2 ) 4 h 24 h 4 2 100 100 4 0 . 2 60 100 4 0 . 002 20 100 5 2 0 33 7 2 0 100 14 2 10 100 15 2 10 80 19 2 0 10 20 2 20 100 21 2 0 0 22 2 0 100 26 2 100 100 27 2 10 100 28 2 0 10 29 2 50 100 29 0 . 2 20 100 29 0 . 02 10 100 30 2 0 100 31 2 20 100 32 2 0 100 33 2 20 100 37 2 10 100 39 2 0 70 40 2 0 100 standard 1 2 30 100 standard 1 0 . 2 10 100 standard 1 0 . 02 0 100 control 2 0 0 0 the contact activity of a test compound against rhipacephalus sanguineus , adult ticks evaluated in a coated glass vial assay . in this evaluation , a solution of test compound in acetone is allowed to dry on the interior surface of a 20 ml vial . five unfed adult ticks are added to the treated vial and mortality is assessed periodically for up to 48 h . all treatments are replicated 2 times . the data are averaged . the results are shown in table iii . table iii test compound conc . % mortality ( ex . no .) ( ug / cm2 ) 4 h 24 h 4 7 . 80 60 100 4 0 . 78 60 100 7 7 . 80 10 80 7 0 . 78 0 10 14 7 . 80 50 80 14 0 . 78 40 40 19 7 . 80 40 70 19 0 . 78 0 20 20 7 . 80 20 50 20 0 . 78 0 20 21 7 . 80 0 40 21 0 . 78 10 10 22 7 . 80 0 60 22 0 . 78 20 30 29 7 . 80 20 60 29 0 . 78 0 40 31 7 . 80 50 50 31 0 . 78 10 20 32 7 . 80 0 30 32 0 . 78 0 60 standard 1 7 . 80 100 100 standard 1 0 . 78 90 100 control 2 0 0 3 the efficacy of a test compound against newly emerged larvae of lucilia sericata , blowfly , is evaluated using a treated paper / serum bioassay . in this evaluation , a solution of test compound in acetone is applied to a filter paper disc and the disc is allowed to dry . bovine serum and about 20 newly emerged blowfly larvae are added to the treated paper disc and the mortality is assessed at 24 h and 48 h . the data are averaged . the results are shown in table iv . table iv test compound conc . % mortality ( ex . no .) ( ppm ) 24 h 48 h 4 20 . 0 100 100 4 2 . 0 100 100 4 0 . 2 100 100 6 20 . 0 70 70 6 1 . 0 10 10 7 20 . 0 77 90 7 2 . 0 0 0 9 20 . 0 0 0 10 20 . 0 0 0 11 20 . 0 0 0 13 20 . 0 0 0 14 20 . 0 95 100 14 2 . 0 100 100 14 0 . 2 50 50 15 20 . 0 90 90 15 2 . 0 95 95 15 0 . 2 0 0 17 20 . 0 0 0 18 20 . 0 0 0 19 20 . 0 75 95 19 2 . 0 100 100 19 0 . 2 0 0 20 20 . 0 100 100 20 2 . 0 100 100 20 0 . 2 0 0 21 20 . 0 90 100 21 2 . 0 95 100 21 0 . 2 0 0 22 20 . 0 100 100 22 2 . 0 100 100 22 0 . 2 0 0 24 10 . 0 0 0 25 20 . 0 5 5 25 10 . 0 0 0 26 20 . 0 97 97 26 10 . 0 0 50 26 2 . 0 0 0 27 20 . 0 100 100 27 2 . 0 100 100 27 0 . 2 0 0 28 20 . 0 100 100 28 2 . 0 95 100 28 0 . 2 0 0 29 20 . 0 100 100 29 2 . 0 100 100 29 0 . 2 15 15 30 20 . 0 20 20 30 10 . 0 10 50 31 20 . 0 97 100 31 2 . 0 95 100 31 0 . 2 0 0 32 20 . 0 91 96 32 2 . 0 0 0 32 0 . 2 0 0 33 20 . 0 100 100 33 2 . 0 90 90 33 0 . 2 0 0 34 20 . 0 0 0 35 20 . 0 0 0 36 20 . 0 10 10 36 10 . 0 0 — 37 20 . 0 100 100 37 2 . 0 0 0 38 20 . 0 0 0 39 20 . 0 100 100 39 2 . 0 70 70 39 0 . 2 0 0 40 20 . 0 100 100 40 2 . 0 0 0 standard 1 20 . 0 100 100 standard 1 2 . 0 100 100 standard 1 0 . 2 0 100 control 2 0 0 0 tables ii , iii and iv show considerable efficacy for the compounds of the invention . those compounds displaying zero activity at all tested levels will need to be tested at higher doses to ascertain their effective concentrations . | 0 |
this invention relates to developing nanofiber - supported catalysts and applying them as additives to create a reinforced layer that in turn can be used in conjunction with non - reinforced layers that together make up multilayer fuel cell membranes . by applying thin ( for example , less than 1 - 2 μm ) coatings via multiple passes , the nanofiber additives in the reinforced layers may be substantially maintained in the in - plane direction to optimize the strengthening effect in the deposited plane . the nanofiber materials may be organic ( e . g ., polymer ( such as polyvinylidene fluoride ( pvdf ) or polyether sulfone ( pes )) or inorganic ( e . g ., carbon , metal , ceramic oxide and composites ( e . g ., ceo 2 , mno 2 , tio 2 , zro 2 , or cezro 4 )). the nanofiber materials can be electrically conductive ( e . g ., carbon , or metal ) or non - conductive ( e . g ., ceramic oxide and composites ). as shown below , an mea made with such a multilayer membrane having reinforced and non - reinforced layers demonstrates improved chemical and mechanical durability in fuel cell tests . referring first to fig1 and 2 , one example of the nanofiber - supported catalyst 1 includes a carbon nanofiber 1 a that provides support for a pt particle catalyst 1 b . the inventors prepared a nanofiber - supported catalyst 1 b with 10 % pt supported on carbon nanofiber 1 a . a 1 g quantity of carbon ( which was pre - treated in 5m hno 3 acid at 80 ° c . for 24 hours ) nanofibers and 0 . 3 g chloroplatinic acid hydrate ( h 2 ptcl 6 . 6h 2 o ) was mixed in 600 to 1200 ml ethylene glycol for the above 10 wt % target . the mixed solution was sonicated for 1 hour for full dispersion and dissolution , after which its ph value was adjusted from 9 to 11 using 1m sodium hydroxide ( naoh ) in ethylene glycol . the solution was stirred at room temperature under n 2 flow for 24 hours , and subsequently heated up to 130 ° c ., followed by holding at the final temperature for approximate 10 hours . the resulting pt - coated nanofiber was filtered , washed with deionized water , and dried in an oven at 80 ° c . for 24 hours . the resulting nanofiber - supported catalyst 1 was examined by scanning electron microscopy ( sem ), as shown . the size of carbon nanofiber 1 a was about 150 nm in diameter , and the pt particles 1 b distributed on the nanofibers 1 a had particle size of less than 10 nm . referring with particularity to fig2 , a procedure for constructing a notional three - layer 20 membrane configuration with alternating layers 10 , 15 of reinforced and non - reinforced material is shown . it will be apparent from the remainder of the disclosure that configurations with only two layers ( not shown , specifically , a single layer of reinforced material 10 and a single layer of non - reinforced material 15 ), as well as those with larger numbers ( not shown ) of both reinforced and non - reinforced layers 10 , 15 are also within the scope of the present invention . in the first part of the procedure , randomly - oriented nanofibers 1 a and a noble metal catalyst precursor p ( for example , chloroplatinic acid hydrate ( h 2 ptcl 6 . 6h 2 o ) or potassium hexachloroplatinate ( k 2 ptcl 6 )) are mixed in a solvent such as ethylene glycol or alcohol to make up ink precursor dispersion 2 . in one form , the mixing is achieved by stirring 3 or by any other suitable method . for example , the ink precursor dispersion 2 may be sonicated ( e . g ., for about 1 hour ) to achieve full dispersion and dissolution . the ph value of the ink precursor dispersion 2 can be adjusted to a desired value by adding acidic ( e . g ., hno 4 , h 2 so 4 ) or basic ( e . g ., naoh ) ingredients as needed . after sonication , the ink precursor dispersion 2 is stirred ( e . g ., for about 24 hours ) at temperature ( e . g ., room temperature ) and gas purge ( e . g ., n 2 ) conditions . the reaction under this second stirring may be performed at other desired conditions ( e . g ., at higher temperature ( e . g ., 70 - 180 ° c .)) as needed . the chemical reduction reaction results in the formation of a nanofiber - supported catalyst 1 that is filtered 4 , washed 5 with deionized water , and dried or heat treated 6 ( for example , at about 80 ° c ., in air , for about 24 hours ), although it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the drying / heat treating conditions are not critical , and that any suitable conditions may be used . in the second part of the procedure , two different coating solutions 8 include the coating solution 8 a containing the nanofiber - supported catalyst 1 from the previous part of the procedure , as well as the coating solution 8 b that is devoid of the reinforcement . both solutions 8 a and 8 b include an ionomer ( not separately shown ); in one form , the ionomer is nafion ®- based , although other equivalents may also be used . it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the precise makeup of the coating solutions 8 a , 8 b ( as well as the aforementioned ink precursor dispersion 2 ) may be tailored to specific requirements ; for example , types and amounts of solvents , as well as the use of organic or inorganic additives . the concentration of nanofiber - supported catalysts 1 and ionomer , as well as the weight ratio between them can be adjusted by adding different amounts of solvent or other liquid . in this example , the resulting ink solution 8 a has a ratio of nanofiber - supported catalyst 1 to ionomer in the range from about 1 : 20 to about 1 : 2 by weight , to get about 5 to about 35 wt % of nanofiber - supported catalyst 1 in the dry reinforced layers . diluted nafion ® solution 8 b without additive reinforcements were also prepared with 5 - 20 wt % concentration . in the third part of the procedure , membranes 20 can be made by coating alternating layers of the unreinforced ionomer solution 8 b and the nanofiber - supported catalyst - reinforced ionomer solution 8 a onto a backer film that in turn can be deposited layer - by - layer , or by a single step procedure with the coating height adjusted for each layer . in either scenario , the resulting membrane 20 takes on multilayer attributes , as the non - homogeneity of the alternating reinforced and non - reinforced layers tends to be preserved , even in situations where subsequent membrane processing ( involving one or more of heat and compression , for example ) would have a tendency to blend or otherwise at least partially homogenize the stacked layers 10 , 15 . in one exemplary form , the present inventors used a 50 μm polytetrafluoroethylene ( ptfe ) backer film from saint - gobain as the backer film . an erichsen coater with 10 inches by 15 inches of active membrane coating area was used . the thickness of each layer 10 , 15 of the membranes 20 can be controlled by one or both of the amount of respective solution 8 a , 8 b applied , as well as the concentration of the same . a bird applicator ( such as available from paul e . gardner co .) with selected slot thickness ( in the range of 25 - 150 μm ) was used to coat each specific membrane layer 10 , 15 . the thickness of each membrane layer 10 , 15 was controlled by the height of the bird applicator slot , which determined the amount of respective solution 8 a , 8 b applied , as well as the concentration of the coating solution 8 a , 8 b . for the layer - by - layer procedure , multiple coating passes ( also known as ramps ) were conducted for the reinforced layer 10 to ensure the in - plane direction of the nanofiber - supported catalyst 1 , and that the thickness of each pass was less than 2 μm after drying . so long as the orientation of the fibers was substantially within the plane of the deposited layer ( rather than oriented in a through - the - thickness direction ), neither coating layer deposition nor the distribution within the plane fiber orientation was taken into consideration for the built - up reinforcing layers . once each of the layers 10 , 15 are deposited , the membranes are then dried ( typically at about room temperature for at least a half an hour after each layer or pass of coating ); afterward , once all of the layers 10 , 15 or the whole membrane 20 are coated , they are heat treated ( typically between 250 ° f . to 300 ° f . for 1 to 24 hours ). in one particular form , the heat treatment was conducted at 140 ° c . for 12 hours . for comparative purposes , single layer membranes ( not shown ) were also prepared without nanofiber additives . the thickness of all of the membranes in this example were controlled to the same value ( about 20 μm ), although as shown in fig2 , at least one of the layers 15 may be made to have a different thickness , depending on the need . referring next to fig5 , a fuel cell 40 with anode bipolar plate 50 , cathode bipolar plate 60 , anode ccdm 70 and cathode ccdm 80 is shown . membrane 20 ( such as that prepared from the steps of fig2 described above ) is shown disposed between adjacent ccdms 70 , 80 in general , and between the catalytically - active electrode layers 75 ( anode electrode layer ), 85 ( cathode electrode layer ) that form part of the respective ccdms 70 , 80 in particular . although shown presently in a ccdm - based configuration ( where the creation of the work - producing external electric current extends between catalytic layers of the ccdms ), it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is equally applicable to a ccm - based configuration ( where the creation of the work - producing external electric current extends between catalytic layers formed on the outer opposing surfaces of the membrane ). the arrangement may optionally include a subgasket ( for example , an 8 μm layer of kapton , not shown ) positioned between it and the ccdms 70 , 80 on one or both sides . the subgasket has the shape of a frame , and the size of the window is smaller than the footprint of the membrane 20 and the ccdms 70 , 80 . pt / vulcan was used to form the electrocatalyst layer . as will be understood by those skilled in the art , pt / vulcan or pt / v is a type of catalyst used in fuel cells . when preparing electrode layers , pt / v may be mixed with ionomer in a solvent to form catalyst / ionomer inks , after which the inks may be coated on gdm with controlled loadings to form ccdms . in the present invention , the inventors used a pt loading ( weight of a normal metal ( for example , pt ) per unit area of mea ) of 0 . 4 mg / cm 2 at the cathode and 0 . 05 mg / cm 2 at the anode . in one form , the reinforced layer 10 of membrane 20 may be biased toward the cathode ccdm 80 ; such construction compensates for the faster travel of the crossover hydrogen by having them traverse a longer path than the crossover oxygen . chemical catalytic reaction of hydrogen and oxygen from crossover takes place at a pt active surface inside of the membrane thereby reducing reactant gas crossover . meas made up of membranes 20 with ccdms 70 , 80 were tested for mechanical and chemical durability . meas made from membranes without reinforcement were also prepared . in one form , the mechanical durability testing was based on rh cycling . in the rh cycling tests , the portion conducted without loads was used to evaluate the mechanical durability of meas containing membranes with and without reinforced layers . for each test , 50 cm 2 active area graphite plates with 2 mm width straight channels and lands were used for the cell build . the rh cycling test was conducted at 80 ° c ., and ambient outlet gas pressure , while 2 slpm constant flow rate of air was introduced in both the anode and cathode of the cell in a counter - flow format . the air supplies to the anode and cathode were periodically by - passed or passed through humidifiers controlled at 90 ° c ., to achieve 150 % rh and 0 % rh with a duration of 2 min at each condition . the mea failure criteria was arbitrarily defined as 10 sccm crossover gas leak between from anode to cathode or vice versa . the target of the rh cycling test for a mea is at least 20 , 000 rh cycles with less than 10 sccm crossover gas leak . the results of rh cycling tests are shown in fig3 , where the meas containing the membrane without the reinforced layer failed with significant leakage at fewer than 20 , 000 cycles , whereas the meas containing the multilayer membranes 20 with reinforced layer passed the test criteria . as such , the present inventors have inferred that the reinforced layers containing nanofiber - supported pt catalyst additives improved fuel cell durability by enhancing membrane mechanical stability . the meas were also subjected to chemical durability tests under open circuit voltage ( ocv ) conditions . some of the meas were configured as having multilayer membrane containing nanofiber - supported pt catalysts in the reinforced layer , while others were configured as comparison membrane samples without a reinforced layer ; each were individually assembled in fuel cell hardware and tested for chemical durability under various ocv conditions , including a standard test procedure at 95 ° c ., and 50 % rh for 100 hours duration , and then at 95 ° c ., 25 % rh for another 100 hours duration . under these conditions , the meas were subject to chemical degradation due to the production of oxidants including hydroxyl radical (• oh ) and h 2 o 2 . during this test , the fuel cell ocv , as well as the fluoride release rate ( frr ), were evaluated and recorded . as shown in fig4 , the mea containing nanofiber - supported pt catalysts in the reinforced layer of the membrane demonstrated better durability than the membrane without the reinforced layer : it has smaller ocv loss and lower averaged frr throughout the test duration . in the mea with the reinforced layer , the pt reduced crossover of reactant gases ( e . g ., h 2 , o 2 ) and by - product ( e . g ., h 2 o 2 ), therefore , provided protection to the membrane for improved membrane durability . it is noted that terms like “ generally ,” “ commonly ,” and “ typically ,” when utilized herein , are not utilized to limit the scope of the claimed embodiments or to imply that certain features are critical , essential , or even important to the structure or function of the claimed embodiments . rather , these terms are merely intended to identify particular aspects of an embodiment or to emphasize alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment . further , it is noted that recitations herein of a component of an embodiment being “ configured ” in a particular way or to embody a particular property , or function in a particular manner , are structural recitations as opposed to recitations of intended use . more specifically , the references herein to the manner in which a component is “ configured ” denotes an existing physical condition of the component and , as such , is to be taken as a definite recitation of the structural factors of the component . for the purposes of describing and defining embodiments herein it is noted that the terms “ substantially ,” “ significantly ,” and “ approximately ” are utilized to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison , value , measurement , or other representation , and as such may represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue . having described embodiments of the present invention in detail , and by reference to specific embodiments thereof , it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the embodiments defined in the appended claims . more specifically , although some aspects of embodiments of the present invention are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous , it is contemplated that the embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects . | 7 |
the method according to the disclosure is described in an exemplary and non - limiting manner in fig1 to 6 . in this case , the same reference signs are used for corresponding structural parts or components in the figures . fig1 shows a carrier plate 10 that can be part of a fluidic , in particular a microfluidic , device . in accordance with the method according to the disclosure , in a first step said carrier plate 10 is shaped in an injection - molding machine in a mold for injection - compression molding . for this purpose , an injection unit can inject a plastic into a mold , or into a mold for injection - compression molding . in this case , the plastic used is preferably a transparent plastic , such as , for instance , a cycloolefin polymer ( cop ). the carrier plate 10 can be shaped by the action of a structured compression ram into the mold . a compression pressure of ≦ 200 bar is particularly preferred for this purpose . in this case , the carrier plate 10 can be shaped with little distortion , that is to say dimensionally stably . a film gate that forms can subsequently be cut off and removed from the injection - molding machine or from the mold for injection - compression molding . in this case , the mold and / or the ram of the injection - molding machine are / is preferably shaped in such a way that the carrier plate 10 produced is structured , that is to say has structures for the desired function of the fluidic device to be produced . said structures can comprise , for example , a receptacle 12 for an analysis component , such as a sensor , for instance , or a receptacle 14 for a component of a pump , as is shown with reference to fig2 . moreover , further receptacles are conceivable for further functional elements to be arranged in the fluidic device . furthermore the structures can comprise a channel system 16 , in which the fluid can be guided during the operation of the fluidic device . furthermore , an undercut 34 can be formed , in particular during the process of shaping or structuring the carrier plate 10 , which undercut can be engaged by a cover plate 30 in the later course of the method , as can be discerned with reference to fig6 . this is possible by virtue of the provision of at least one , preferably a plurality of webs 18 . the web 18 can be part of the mold for injection - compression molding and can therefore form a cutout in the carrier plate 10 . the at least one web 18 can be initially maintained in further method steps in order to provide for increased stability during the arrangement of further functional elements . in a next step , the surface of the shaped and advantageously structured carrier plate 10 can be treated using a plasma . for this purpose , a plasma gun can aim into the open mold and thus enable a plasma to act on the surface of the carrier plate 10 . the surface of the carrier plate 10 can be cleaned and activated in this way . in the completed fluidic connection , this step improves the adhesion of a cover plate 30 to the carrier plate 10 and thus the stability of the fluidic device as such . subsequently , for example by means of a handling system , various functional elements can be arranged on the carrier plate 10 and , if appropriated , fixed there . exemplary functional elements comprise an analysis component 20 , such as a sensor , for instance , or a pump element 22 , as can be discerned in fig2 . fixing of the functional elements can be realized by providing a suitable adhesive , for example . in a next step , as further functional element , a pump membrane 24 can be arranged on the carrier plate 10 , as is shown in fig3 . in this case , the pump membrane 24 serves for conveying a fluid to be treated in the fluidic device and is expediently expandable . in this case , the pump membrane 24 can be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer ( tpe ), a thermoplastic polyurethane ( tpu ), a thermoplastic vulcanizate ( tpv ) or else a thermosetting elastomer . expediently , as further functional element , an intermediate plate 26 , also designated as control plate , is subsequently arranged above the pump membrane 24 , in accordance with fig4 . in this case , the intermediate plate 26 is preferably structured at its underside , the structures 28 being indicated schematically in fig4 . in this case , the structures 28 are expendiently adapted to the structures of the channel system 16 in such a way that the pump membrane 24 can at least partly move into these structures 28 during a conveying process , for instance as a result of a vacuum being applied . a pump system that is well suited to a fluidic system is provided in this way . the intermediate plate 26 in turn can be produced in another injection - compression molding process carried out in the injection - molding machine in a mold for injection - compression molding . the intermediate plate is advantageously molded from a cost - effective plastic having little distortion . particularly preferred plastics from which the intermediate plate 26 can be molded comprise , for example , polyphenylene sulfide , in particular with a mineral filler , such as quartz sand or chalk , for instance . in the above mentioned steps of the method according to the disclosure , the at least one web 18 can advantageously be arranged in the mold in order to stabilize the applied functional elements . for the next method step , the at least one web 18 is removed from the mold . the mold for injection - compression molding in the injection - molding machine can then be closed and a further plastic can be injected into the mold in order to shape a cover plate 30 , as is shown in fig5 and 6 . for this purpose , the injected plastic preferably comprises a cycloolefin copolymer or else polyphenylene sulfide , in particular with one or more mineral fillers . in this case , the mineral fillers can comprise glass fibers , glass beads or mineral fillers such as quartz sand or chalk . once this plastic has been injected into the mold , a preferably planar ram is pressed into the mold , thereby compressing the second plastic onto the carrier plate 10 . a cover plate 30 is shaped in the process by virtue of the configuration of the mold and of the compression ram . the film gate produced can thereupon be removed . the plasma treatment of the surface of the carrier plate 10 carried out in an earlier step gives rise to a good support of the cover plate 30 on the carrier plate 10 , such that the fluidic device produced becomes very stable . if , as described with reference to fig1 , a web 18 or a plurality of webs 18 was / were used , said web ( s ), as already explained , was / were removed prior to the process of shaping the cover plate 30 . this cavity is subsequently filled by a holding region 32 of the cover plate 30 . this can be discerned in fig6 . as a result of a suitable structuring of carrier plate 10 and cover plate 30 , the carrier plate 10 has an undercut 34 , into which engages a lug 36 of the cover plate 30 for fixing the cover plate 30 to the carrier plate 10 in a positively locking manner . in this case , the size , shape and geometry of the undercut 34 and / or of the lug 36 are dependent on the corresponding mold and / or ram of the injection - compression molding machine in which the carrier plate 10 and the cover plate 30 are shaped . particularly preferably , the method according to the disclosure is carried out completely under clean room conditions . for this purpose , by way of example , the two - component injection - molding machine or the mold for injection - compression molding and the handling system can be completely integrated in a clean room . in this case , the method according to the disclosure is particularly well suited to producing microfluidic devices for high - precision analytical , preparative or medical applications . | 1 |
referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and first , particularly , to fig1 thereof , there is shown a perspective view of a refrigerator equipped with door - opening sensors according to the present invention . the refrigerator has two doors 50 , 51 each closing , for example , a normal refrigerating compartment and a chiller compartment or a normal refrigerating compartment and a freezer compartment 52 , 53 . a door - opening sensor 54 is disposed on the front side of the housing of the refrigerator , beneath each of the compartments 52 , 53 , such that it is directed toward a bottom periphery of the respective door 50 , 51 . the door - opening sensors 54 are disposed approximately centrally on the front side of the housing of the refrigerator , with the result that they have the same level of sensitivity irrespective of the side of the housing on which the doors 50 , 51 are hinge - mounted . a magnet which is to be sensed in each case by the door - opening sensor 54 is incorporated in the door 50 , 51 in a position which is located opposite the door - opening sensor 54 . it would , of course , also be possible for the door - opening sensors 54 to be disposed at other locations on the front side of the housing of the refrigerator , in particular also in openings made in the inner container of the refrigerator . fig2 shows a section through a door - opening sensor 54 in a horizontal plane in relation to the configuration of the door - opening sensors 54 which are shown in fig1 . fig3 shows a section through the same door - opening sensor along a vertical plane . the section plane of fig3 is designated iii — iii in fig2 , and the section plane of fig2 is designated ii — ii in fig3 . the door - opening sensor 54 is essentially constructed from three parts : a reed switch 1 , a printed circuit board 2 , on which the reed switch 1 is soldered , and a housing 3 , which accommodates the printed circuit board 2 with the reed switch 1 . the housing 3 , which is produced in one piece from plastic , has a substantially cuboidal body 17 , which is open on the rear side and is enclosed on four side walls by an encircling collar 8 . narrow side walls 18 of the body 17 have on their inside , as is shown in fig3 , a groove 19 which tapers from the open rear side to the closed front side of the body 17 and serves for guiding and securing of the printed circuit board 2 . the printed circuit board 2 is retained by these grooves 19 in an essentially play - free manner in the region of the front side and with freedom of movement in the region of the rear side . on the open rear side , the body 17 is extended by two flexible arms 20 , which extend from the edges between one of the broad side walls 21 and the narrow side walls 18 and each bear a latching hook 24 at their free ends . the arms 20 can be displaced outward when the printed circuit board 2 is pushed into the groove 19 and are adapted to the length of the printed circuit board 2 such that the latching hooks 24 engage behind the rear edge 22 of the printed circuit board 2 when the front edge 23 of the latter reaches the narrow front end of the grooves 19 . it is thus possible to latch the printed circuit board 2 in the housing 3 . the shape of the latching hook 24 engaging behind the rear edge 22 of the printed circuit board 2 is selected , in adaptation to the freedom of movement of the printed circuit board in the rear region of the groove 19 , such that , in any position which the printed circuit board 2 can assume , the engagement between the latching hook 24 and the rear edge 22 is not lost without the arm 20 being bent at the same time . the printed circuit board 2 bears the reed switch 1 on a surface that is directed away from the arms 20 . conductor tracks 6 extend over the surface of the printed circuit board 2 from the connections of the reed switch 1 to conductor surfaces 7 on the rear edge 22 of the printed circuit board 2 , these conductor surfaces being wider than the conductor track 6 and serving as plug - in contacts for the electrical contact with the plug - in bushing illustrated in fig3 and 4 . the narrow side walls 18 bear , on their outer sides , two clasps or clips 14 which can be pressed together in the plane of fig2 . as will become clear in a later stage in the text , these serve for the releasable fastening of the housing 3 by latching in an opening . fig4 and 5 each show a section through a plug - in bushing 32 which is installed in an opening 30 of a wall 4 of the refrigerator and is provided in order to push the housing 3 into the same and to make contact with the reed switch 1 . the plug - in bushing 32 , which is formed from plastic , is constructed from two approximately cuboidal , hollow portions , referred to as plug - in portion 33 and wire - feed portion 34 . the plug - in portion 33 has an open front side that is directed toward the wall 4 and is enclosed by an encircling flange 35 . the flange 35 is adhesively bonded firmly to the inside of wall 4 . the cavity of the plug - in portion 33 is higher and wider than an opening 30 behind which it is disposed . broad side walls 36 of the plug - in portion 33 , of which one can be seen from the view in fig4 , bear a plurality of ribs 15 and 16 , which project into the interior of the cavity of the plug - in portion 33 . two of these ribs , the ribs 16 , extend over the entire depth of the plug - in portion 33 , and their height is dimensioned such that the broad side walls 21 of the housing 3 introduced into the plug - in portion 33 are retained in a play - free manner , or subjected to a slight clamping - in action , by them . the shorter ribs 15 are of such a length that they do not reach the rear side of the housing 3 , once introduced , and of such a height that they guide the rear edge of the printed circuit board 2 between them , and direct it into an accommodating slot 37 of a contact component 5 , when the printed circuit board is plugged in . as can be seen in fig5 in particular , the contact component 5 is retained in a sleeve 40 that is formed in a wall 39 that separates the portions 33 , 34 off from one another . in order to fix the contact component 5 in the plug - in direction of the housing 3 , on the one hand , use is made of two latching hooks 41 , which are connected to two of the short ribs 15 via flexible tongues 42 and can be displaced to the side when the contact component 5 is pushed into the sleeve 40 . on the other hand , a shoulder 43 formed in the sleeve 40 limits the movement capability of the contact component 5 in the direction of the opening 30 and thus prevents the contact component from being drawn out together with the printed circuit board 2 if the door - opening sensor has to be exchanged . two wires 44 for the contact - connection of the reed switch 1 extend from the contact component 5 , through the wire - feed portion 34 , to a non - illustrated lead - through , at which they pass out of the wire - feed portion 34 into an insulating - foam layer 13 , which encloses the outer sides of the plug - in bushing 32 . the lead - through is formed by one or two cutouts in a side wall of the wire - feed portion 34 which are adjacent to a rear wall 31 , which is separate from the rest of the wire - feed portion 34 . the door - opening sensor according to the invention is installed , in the first instance , by the flange 35 of the plug - in bushing 32 being adhesively bonded to the inside of the wall 4 , enclosing the opening 30 . at this point in time , it is possible for the contact component 5 already to be provided with connection wires and to be latched in the sleeve 40 and for the rear wall 31 to be fitted on the wire - feed portion 34 ; however , it is also possible for the contact component 5 and the rear wall 31 to be fitted only when the plug - in bushing 32 has been installed on the wall 4 . the rear wall 31 secures the wire - feed portion 34 against the penetration of the foam 13 when the door - opening sensor is encapsulated by the foam . once the plug - in bushing 32 has been installed on the wall 4 , the housing 3 can be introduced into the plug - in portion 33 through the opening 30 . fig6 and 7 show , once again in sections taken along two planes which are perpendicular to one another , and correspond to the planes ii — ii and iii — iii , the door - opening sensor installed on the wall 4 of the refrigerator . the clips 14 , which are pressed together when the housing 3 is pushed in to the opening 30 , have returned to their original configuration , with the result that the housing 3 is fixed on the wall 4 by clamping between the collar 8 and the clips 14 . fig6 shows a sealing ring 9 clamped in - between the collar 8 and the wall 4 . the sealing ring may be provided as required if there is a high risk of moisture penetrating into the plug - in portion 33 , e . g . because the region of the wall 4 in which the opening 30 is located may be subjected to wetting by defrosting water forming in the interior of the refrigerator . in order to exchange the door - opening sensor in the case of malfunctioning , it is sufficient for the front region of the housing 3 , this region projecting beyond the outer surface of the wall 4 , to be gripped , e . g . using pliers , and drawn out of the opening 30 . it is then possible , by virtue of the arms 20 being bent , for the printed circuit board 2 to be removed from the housing 3 and exchanged . all that is then required is for the housing 3 to be pushed into the opening 30 again . | 7 |
the controlling agent of the present invention comprises , as an active ingredient , a compound represented by the following formula ( 1 ) and having pyrazole bonded to the 4 - position of the piperidine ring via an oxygen or sulfur atom . wherein r 1 is a halogen atom , a c 1 - 4 haloalkyl group , a cyano group , a nitro group , or a c 1 - 4 alkoxycarbonyl group ; r 2 , r 3 , r 4 , r 5 , r 6 , r 7 , r 8 , and r 9 are each a hydrogen atom or a c 1 - 4 alkyl group ; each pair of r 2 and r 8 , and r 4 and r 6 , may join to form a c 1 - 4 alkylene group ; r 10 is a hydrogen atom ; a c 1 - 20 alkyl group ; a c 3 - 8 cycloalkyl group ; a c 2 - 6 alkenyl group ; a c 2 - 6 alkynyl group ; a c 1 - 6 haloalkyl group ; a c 2 - 6 haloalkenyl group ; a c 1 - 6 alkylcarbonyl group ; a c 1 - 6 alkoxycarbonyl group ; a benzoyl group optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with 1 to 5 halogen atoms ; a phenyl group optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen , c 1 - 4 alkyl , and c 1 - 4 haloalkyl ; a heterocyclic group optionally substituted on the heterocyclic ring with one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen , c 1 - 4 alkyl , c 1 - 4 haloalkyl , and optionally substituted heterocyclic groups ; or a c 1 - 4 alkyl group optionally substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of optionally halogen - substituted c 3 - 8 cycloalkyl , cyano , nitro , formyl , c 1 - 6 alkoxy , c 1 - 4 haloalkoxy , benzyloxy , phenoxy , — con ( r 12 )( r 13 ), phenyl optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more halogen atoms , and heterocyclic groups optionally substituted on the heterocyclic ring with one or more c 1 - 4 alkyl groups ; wherein r 12 and r 13 are each a c 1 - 4 alkyl group , or r 12 and r 13 may join to form a c 2 - 7 alkylene group ; r 11 is a halogen atom ; a c 1 - 6 alkyl group ; a c 1 - 4 haloalkyl group ; a c 1 - 4 hydroxyalkyl group ; a c 1 - 4 alkoxycarbonyl group ; a c 1 - 4 alkylcarbonyl group ; a mono or di ( c 1 - 4 alkyl ) aminocarbonyl group ; a nitro group ; a cyano group ; a formyl group ; — c ( r 14 )═ no ( r 15 ); a phenyl group optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen , c 1 - 6 alkyl , c 1 - 4 haloalkyl , c 1 - 6 alkoxy , c 1 - 4 haloalkoxy , c 1 - 4 alkylthio , cyano , and nitro ; or a heterocyclic group optionally substituted on the heterocyclic ring with one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen , c 1 - 4 alkyl , and c 1 - 4 haloalkyl ; wherein r 14 is a hydrogen atom or a c 1 - 4 alkyl group , and r 15 is a hydrogen atom , a c 1 - 4 alkyl group , or a benzyl group ; x is an oxygen atom , a sulfur atom , or — so 2 —; m is an integer of 1 to 4 , and when m is an integer of 2 or more , the r 1 &# 39 ; s , the number of which is represented by m , may be the same or different ; and n is an integer of 1 or 2 , and when n is 2 , the two r 11 &# 39 ; s may be the same or different . examples of the halogen atom include fluorine , chlorine , bromine , and iodine atoms . examples of the c 1 - 4 haloalkyl group include linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and substituted with 1 to 9 , preferably 1 to 5 , halogen atoms . specific examples thereof include fluoromethyl , chloromethyl , bromomethyl , iodomethyl , difluoromethyl , trifluoromethyl , chlorodifluoromethyl , bromodifluoromethyl , dichlorofluoromethyl , 1 - fluoroethyl , 2 - fluoroethyl , 2 - chloroethyl , 2 - bromoethyl , 2 - iodoethyl , 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluoroethyl , 2 , 2 , 2 - trichloroethyl , pentafluoroethyl , 1 - fluoroisopropyl , 3 - fluoropropyl , 3 - chloropropyl , 3 - bromopropyl , 4 - fluorobutyl , 4 - chlorobutyl , 4 , 4 , 4 - trifluorobutyl , and like groups . examples of the c 1 - 4 alkoxycarbonyl group include groups formed by the bonding of a linear or branched alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms to a carbonyl group . specific examples thereof include methoxycarbonyl , ethoxycarbonyl , n - propoxycarbonyl , isopropoxycarbonyl , n - butoxycarbonyl , sec - butoxycarbonyl , tert - butoxycarbonyl , and like groups . examples of the c 1 - 4 alkyl group include linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms , such as methyl , ethyl , n - propyl , isopropyl , n - butyl , isobutyl , sec - butyl , and tert - butyl . examples of the c 1 - 4 alkylene group include linear or branched alkylene groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms , such as methylene , ethylene , trimethylene , tetramethylene , propylene , and ethylethylene . examples of the c 1 - 6 alkyl group include linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms , such as n - pentyl , isopentyl , neopentyl , tert - pentyl , n - hexyl , isohexyl , and 2 - ethyl - n - butyl , in addition to those mentioned as examples of the c 1 - 4 alkyl group . examples of the c 1 - 20 alkyl group include linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms , such as n - heptyl , n - octyl , n - nonyl , n - decyl , n - undecyl , n - dodecyl , n - tridecyl , n - tetradecyl , n - pentadecyl , n - hexadecyl , n - heptadecyl , n - octadecyl , n - nonadecyl , and n - icosyl , in addition to those mentioned as examples of the c 1 - 4 alkyl group and c 1 - 6 alkyl group . examples of the c 3 - 8 cycloalkyl group include cyclic alkyl groups having 4 to 8 carbon atoms , such as cyclopropyl , cyclobutyl , cyclopentyl , cyclohexyl , cycloheptyl , and cyclooctyl . examples of the c 2 - 6 alkenyl group include linear or branched alkenyl groups containing 2 to 6 carbon atoms and having at least one double bond at any position . specific examples thereof include vinyl , 1 - propenyl , allyl , isopropenyl , 2 - butenyl , 3 - butenyl , 1 - methyl - 2 - propenyl , 1 , 3 - butadienyl , 1 - pentenyl , 2 - pentenyl , 3 - pentenyl , 4 - pentenyl , 1 , 1 - dimethyl - 2 - propenyl , 1 - ethyl - 2 - propenyl , 1 - methyl - 2 - butenyl , 1 - methyl - 3 - butenyl , 1 - hexenyl , 2 - hexenyl , 3 - hexenyl , 4 - hexenyl , 5 - hexenyl , 1 , 1 - dimethyl - 2 - butenyl , 1 , 1 - dimethyl - 3 - butenyl , and like groups . examples of the c 2 - 6 alkynyl group include linear or branched alkynyl groups containing 2 to 6 carbon atoms and having at least one triple bond at any position . specific examples thereof include ethynyl , 2 - propynyl , 1 - methyl - 2 - propynyl , 1 , 1 - dimethyl - 2 - propynyl , 1 - butynyl , 2 - butynyl , 3 - butynyl , 1 - pentynyl , 2 - pentynyl , 3 - pentynyl , 4 - pentynyl , 1 - methyl - 2 - butynyl , 1 - methyl - 3 - butynyl , 1 , 1 - dimethyl - 2 - butynyl , 1 , 1 - dimethyl - 3 - butynyl , 1 - methyl - 3 - pentynyl , 1 - methyl - 4 - pentynyl , and like groups . examples of the c 1 - 6 haloalkyl group include linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and substituted with 1 to 13 , preferably 1 to 7 , halogen atoms . specific examples thereof include 5 - chloropentyl , 5 - fluoropentyl , 6 - chlorohexyl , and 6 - fluorohexyl , in addition to those mentioned as examples of the c 1 - 4 haloalkyl group . examples of the c 2 - 6 haloalkenyl group include c 2 - 6 linear or branched alkenyl groups having at least one double bond at any position and substituted with 1 to 13 , preferably 1 to 7 , halogen atoms . specific examples thereof include 2 , 2 - dichlorovinyl , 2 , 2 - dibromovinyl , 3 - chloro - 2 - propenyl , 3 , 3 - difluoro - 2 - allyl , 3 , 3 - dichloro - 2 - allyl , 4 - chloro - 2 - butenyl , 4 , 4 , 4 - trifluoro - 2 - butenyl , 4 , 4 , 4 - trichloro - 3 - butenyl , 5 - chloro - 3 - pentenyl , 6 - fluoro - 2 - hexenyl , and like groups . examples of the heterocyclic group include thienyl , furyl , tetrahydrofuryl , dioxolanyl , dioxanyl , pyrrolyl , pyrrolinyl , pyrrolidinyl , oxazolyl , isoxazolyl , oxazolinyl , oxazolidinyl , isoxazolinyl , triazolyl , isothiazolyl , thiazolinyl , thiazolidinyl , isothiazolinyl , pyrazolyl , pyrazolidinyl , imidazolyl , imidazolinyl , imidazolidinyl , oxadiazolyl , oxadiazolinyl , thiadiazolinyl , triazolyl , triazolinyl , triazolidinyl , tetrazolyl , tetrazolinyl , pyridyl , dihydropyridyl , tetrahydropyridyl , piperidyl , oxazinyl , dihydroxazinyl , morpholino , thiazinyl , dihydrothiazinyl , thiamorpholino , pyridazinyl , dihydropyridazinyl , tetrahydropyridazinyl , hexahydropyridazinyl , oxadiazinyl , dihydrooxadiazinyl , tetrahydrooxadiazinyl , thiadiazolyl , thiadiazinyl , dihydrothiadiazinyl , tetrahydrothiadiazinyl , pyrimidinyl , dihydropyrimidinyl , tetrahydropyrimidinyl , hexahydropyrimidinyl , pyrazinyl , dihydropyrazinyl , tetrahydropyrazinyl , piperazinyl , triazinyl , dihydrotriazinyl , tetrahydrotriazinyl , hexahydrotriazinyl , tetrazinyl , dihydrotetrazinyl , indolyl , indolinyl , isoindolyl , indazolyl , quinazolinyl , dihydroquinazolyl , tetrahydroquinazolyl , carbazolyl , benzoxazolyl , benzoxazolinyl , benzisoxazolyl , benzisoxazolinyl , benzothiazolyl , benzisothiazolyl , benzisothiazolinyl , benzimidazolyl , indazolinyl , quinolinyl , dihydroquinolinyl , tetrahydroquinolinyl , isoquinolinyl , dihydroisoquinolinyl , tetrahydroisoquinolinyl , pyridoindolyl , dihydrobenzoxazinyl , cinnolinyl , dihydrocinnolinyl , tetrahydrocinnolinyl , phthalazinyl , dihydrophthalazinyl , tetrahydrophthalazinyl , quinoxalinyl , dihydroquinoxalinyl , tetrahydroquinoxalinyl , purinyl , dihydrobenzotriazinyl , dihydrobenzotetrazinyl , phenothiazinyl , furanyl , benzofuranyl , benzothienyl , and like groups . these heterocyclic groups include those substituted at any substitutable position with an oxo or thioketone group . these heterocyclic groups further include those optionally substituted at any substitutable position with 1 to 5 ( preferably 1 to 3 ) substituents , such as halogen atoms , c 1 - 4 alkyl groups , c 1 - 4 haloalkyl groups , or substituted heterocyclic groups ( e . g ., 3 - chloropyridin - 2 - yl , 4 - trifluoromethyl - 1 , 3 - thiazol - 2 - yl , and 5 - trifluoromethylpyridin - 2 - yl ). among these heterocyclic rings , thienyl , furyl , tetrahydrofuryl , dioxolanyl , dioxanyl , oxazolyl , isoxazolyl , thiazolyl , pyrazolyl , pyridyl , and piperidyl are preferable . thienyl , tetrahydrofuryl , dioxolanyl , dioxanyl , thiazolyl , and pyridyl are particularly preferable . examples of the optionally halogen - substituted c 3 - 8 cycloalkyl group include cyclic alkyl groups having 3 to 8 carbon atoms , such as the above - mentioned c 3 - 8 cycloalkyl groups that are optionally substituted at any position with one to the maximum substitutable number of ( preferably 1 to 5 , and more preferably 1 to 3 ) halogen atoms . examples of the c 1 - 6 alkoxy group include linear or branched alkoxy groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms , such as methoxy , ethoxy , n - propoxy , isopropoxy , cyclopropyloxy , n - butoxy , sec - butoxy , tert - butoxy , n - pentyloxy , isopentyloxy , neopentyloxy , tert - pentyloxy , n - hexyloxy , and isohexyloxy . examples of the c 1 - 4 haloalkoxy group include linear or branched alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and substituted with 1 to 9 , preferably 1 to 5 , halogen atoms . specific examples thereof include fluoromethoxy , chloromethoxy , bromomethoxy , iodomethoxy , dichloromethoxy , trichloromethoxy , difluoromethoxy , trifluoromethoxy , chlorodifluoromethoxy , bromodifluoromethoxy , dichlorofluoromethoxy , 1 - fluoroethoxy , 2 - fluoroethoxy , 2 - chloroethoxy , 2 - bromoethoxy , 2 - iodoethoxy , 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluoroethoxy , 2 , 2 , 2 - trichloroethoxy , pentafluoroethoxy , 1 - fluoroisopropoxy , 3 - fluoropropoxy , 3 - chloropropoxy , 3 - bromopropoxy , 4 - fluorobutoxy , 4 - chlorobutoxy , and like groups . examples of the c 1 - 4 alkylthio group include linear or branched alkylthio groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms , such as methylthio , ethylthio , n - propylthio , isopropylthio , and tert - butylthio . examples of the c 2 - 7 alkylene group include ethylene , trimethylene , tetramethylene , pentamethylene , hexamethylene , heptamethylene , and the like . these alkylene groups may contain an optionally substituted nitrogen , oxygen , or sulfur atom , or a phenylene group . examples of such alkylene groups include — ch 2 nhch 2 —, — ch 2 nhch 2 ch 2 —, — ch 2 nhnhch 2 —, — ch 2 ch 2 nhch 2 ch 2 —, — ch 2 nhnhch 2 ch 2 —, — ch 2 nhch 2 nhch 2 —, — ch 2 ch 2 ch 2 nhch 2 ch 2 ch 2 —, — ch 2 och 2 ch 2 —, — ch 2 ch 2 och 2 ch 2 —, — ch 2 sch 2 ch 2 —, — ch 2 ch 2 sch 2 ch 2 —, and like groups . these alkylene groups may be substituted at any position or on the nitrogen atom . examples of such substituents include c 1 - 4 alkyl , c 1 - 6 alkoxycarbonyl , hydroxy , and like groups . examples of the c 1 - 4 alkylcarbonyl group include linear or branched alkylcarbonyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms , such as methylcarbonyl ( acetyl ), ethylcarbonyl ( propionyl ), n - propylcarbonyl ( butyryl ), isopropylcarbonyl ( isobutyryl ), n - butylcarbonyl ( valeryl ), isobutylcarbonyl ( isovaleryl ), sec - butylcarbonyl , and tert - butylcarbonyl . examples of the mono - or di ( c 1 - 4 alkyl ) aminocarbonyl group include alkylaminocarbonyl groups in which nitrogen atoms of the aminocarbonyl groups are mono - or di - substituted with linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms , such as methylaminocarbonyl , dimethylaminocarbonyl , ethylaminocarbonyl , methylethylaminocarbonyl , diethylaminocarbonyl , n - propylaminocarbonyl , isopropylaminocarbonyl , n - butylaminocarbonyl , sec - butylaminocarbonyl , tert - butylaminocarbonyl , and dibutylaminocarbonyl . examples of the hydroxyalkyl group include linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and substituted with 1 or 2 hydroxy groups , such as hydroxymethyl , 2 - hydroxyethyl , 1 - hydroxy - 2 - propyl , 3 - hydroxypropyl , 4 - hydroxybutyl , and 3 , 4 - dihydroxybutyl . the n - pyridylpiperidine compound represented by formula ( 1 ) includes n - pyridylpiperidine compounds represented by the following formulas ( 1a ), ( 1b ), and ( 1c ): wherein r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , r 4 , r 5 , r 6 , r 7 , r 8 , r 9 , r 10 , r 11 , x , m , and n are as defined above . the n - pyridylpiperidine compound of formula ( 1 ), wherein r 2 and r 8 join to form a c 1 - 4 alkylene group may exist as , for example , cis - trans isomers represented by the following formulas ( 1d ) and ( 1e ). the n - pyridylpiperidine compound of the invention represented by formula ( 1 ) includes such isomers . wherein r 1 , r 3 , r 4 , r 5 , r 6 , r 7 , r 9 , r 10 , r 11 , x , m , and n are as defined above , and y is a c 1 - 4 alkylene group . the n - pyridylpiperidine compound of formula ( 1 ), wherein r 4 and r 6 join to form a c 1 - 4 alkylene group may exist as , for example , cis - trans isomers represented by the following formulas ( 1f ) and ( 1g ). the n - pyridylpiperidine compound of the invention represented by formula ( 1 ) includes such isomers . wherein r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , r 5 , r 7 , r 8 , r 9 , r 10 , r 11 , x , m , and n are as defined above . the n - pyridylpiperidine compound of formula ( 1 ), wherein at least one of r 2 , r 3 , r 4 , r 5 , r 6 , r 7 , r 8 , and r 9 is a c 1 - 4 alkyl group may exist as stereoisomers in relation to the 4 - position of the piperidine ring . the n - pyridylpiperidine compound of the invention represented by formula ( 1 ) includes such isomers . the n - pyridylpiperidine compound represented by formula ( 1 ) may exist as n - oxides formed by oxidation of the nitrogen atom of the pyridine ring or piperidine ring of the n - pyridylpiperidine compound . the n - pyridylpiperidine compound of the invention represented by formula ( 1 ) includes these n - oxides . in this specification , for convenience , n - oxide formed by oxidation of the nitrogen atom on the pyridine ring is called n - pyridyl oxide , whereas n - oxide formed by oxidation of the nitrogen atom on the piperidine ring is called n - piperidyl oxide . the n - pyridylpiperidine compound represented by formula ( 1 ) has basic properties , and therefore can form salts with , for example , inorganic acids , such as hydrochloric acid , sulfuric acid , and phosphoric acid ; organic acids , such as formic acid , acetic acid , fumaric acid , oxalic acid , and sulfonic acid ; and acid salts , such as sodium hydrogen sulfate and potassium hydrogen sulfate . the n - pyridylpiperidine compound of the invention represented by formula ( 1 ) includes these salts . among the n - pyridylpiperidine compounds represented by formula ( 1 ), those wherein r 1 is a c 1 - 4 haloalkyl group , a cyano group , or a nitro group are preferable , and those wherein r 1 is a c 1 - 4 haloalkyl group are more preferable . specifically , those wherein r 1 is a trifluoromethyl group are particularly preferable . preferable among the n - pyridylpiperidine compounds represented by formula ( 1 ) are those wherein r 10 is a c 1 - 20 alkyl group ; a c 2 - 6 alkenyl group ; a c 1 - 6 haloalkyl group ; a c 1 - 6 alkylcarbonyl group ; a phenyl group ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably one or two substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen , c 1 - 4 alkyl , and c 1 - 4 haloalkyl ); a heterocyclic group ( optionally substituted on the heterocyclic ring with one or more , and preferably one or two substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of c 1 - 4 alkyl and c 1 - 4 haloalkyl ); or a c 1 - 4 alkyl group substituted with one or more , and preferably one or two substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of c 1 - 6 alkoxy , phenyl ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably one or two halogen atoms ), and heterocyclic groups . more preferable are those wherein r 10 is a c 1 - 6 alkyl group ; a c 2 - 6 alkenyl group ; a phenyl group ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably one or two halogen atoms or c 1 - 4 alkyl groups ); a pyridyl group ( optionally substituted on the pyridine ring with one or more , and preferably one or two c 1 - 4 alkyl groups ); or a c 1 - 4 alkyl group substituted with one or two substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of c 1 - 6 alkoxy , phenyl ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably one or two halogen atoms ), and 1 , 3 - dioxolan - 2 - yl . particularly preferable are the compounds wherein r 10 is a c 1 - 6 alkyl group , a pyridyl group , a 2 , 2 - dimethoxyethyl group , or a ( 1 , 3 - dioxolan - 2 - yl ) methyl group . preferable among the n - pyridylpiperidine compounds of the invention represented by formula ( 1 ) are those wherein r 11 is a c 1 - 6 alkyl group , a c 1 - 4 haloalkyl group , a phenyl group ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably one to three substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen , c 1 - 4 alkyl , nitro , c 1 - 4 haloalkyl , and c 1 - 4 haloalkoxy ), or a heterocyclic group ( optionally substituted on the heterocyclic ring with one or more , and preferably one or two halogen atoms ). more preferable are those wherein r 11 is a trifluoromethyl group or a phenyl group ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one to three halogen atoms ). preferable among the n - pyridylpiperidine compounds of the invention represented by formula ( 1 ) are those wherein x is an oxygen atom . more preferable are compounds of formula ( 1 ) wherein r 1 is a c 1 - 4 haloalkyl group , a cyano group , or a nitro group ; r 10 is a c 1 - 20 alkyl group ; a c 2 - 6 alkenyl group ; a c 1 - 6 haloalkyl group ; a c 1 - 6 alkylcarbonyl group ; a phenyl group ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably one or two substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen , c 1 - 4 alkyl , and c 1 - 4 haloalkyl ); a heterocyclic group ( optionally substituted on the heterocyclic ring with one or more , and preferably one or two substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of c 1 - 4 alkyl and c 1 - 4 haloalkyl ); or a c 1 - 4 alkyl group substituted with one or more , and preferably one or two substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of c 1 - 6 alkoxy , phenyl ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably one or two halogen atoms ), and heterocyclic groups ; r 11 is a c 1 - 6 alkyl group , a c 1 - 4 haloalkyl group , a phenyl group ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably one to three substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen , c 1 - 4 alkyl , nitro , c 1 - 4 haloalkyl , and c 1 - 4 haloalkoxy ), or a heterocyclic group ( optionally substituted on the heterocyclic ring with one or more , and preferably one or two halogen atoms ); and x is an oxygen atom . among these preferable compounds , particularly preferable are those wherein r 1 is a c 1 - 4 haloalkyl group ; r 10 is a c 1 - 6 alkyl group ; a c 2 - 6 alkenyl group ; a phenyl group ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably one or two halogen atoms or c 1 - 4 alkyl groups ); a pyridyl group ( optionally substituted on the pyridine ring with one or more c 1 - 4 alkyl groups ); or a c 1 - 4 alkyl group substituted with one or two substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of c 1 - 4 alkoxy , phenyl ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably one or two halogen atoms ), and 1 , 3 - dioxolan - 2 - yl ; r 11 is a trifluoromethyl group or a phenyl group ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one to three halogen atoms ); and x is an oxygen atom . among the n - pyridylpiperidine compounds of the invention represented by formula ( 1 ), those represented by formulas ( 1a ), ( 1b ), and ( 1f ) are preferable , and those represented by formulas ( 1a ) and ( 1f ) are more preferable . wherein r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , r 5 , r 7 , r 8 , r 9 , r 10 , r 11 , x , m , and n are as defined above . among the n - pyridylpiperidine compounds of the invention represented by formulas ( 1a ) and ( 1f ), those wherein r 1 is a c 1 - 4 haloalkyl group or a cyano group are preferable , and those wherein r 1 is a c 1 - 4 haloalkyl group are more preferable . specifically , the compounds wherein r 1 is a trifluoromethyl group are particularly preferable . among the n - pyridylpiperidine compounds of the invention represented by formulas ( 1a ) and ( 1f ), preferable are those wherein r 10 is a c 1 - 20 alkyl group ; a c 2 - 6 alkenyl group ; a c 1 - 6 haloalkyl group ; a c 1 - 6 alkylcarbonyl group ; a phenyl group ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably one or two substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen , c 1 - 4 alkyl , and c 1 - 4 haloalkyl ); a heterocyclic group ( optionally substituted on the heterocyclic ring with one or more , and preferably one or two substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of c 1 - 4 alkyl and c 1 - 4 haloalkyl ); or a c 1 - 4 alkyl group substituted with one or more , and preferably one or two substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of c 1 - 6 alkoxy , phenyl ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably one or two halogen atoms ), and heterocyclic groups . more preferable are those wherein r 10 is a c 1 - 6 alkyl group ; a c 2 - 6 alkenyl group ; a phenyl group ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably one or two halogen atoms or c 1 - 4 alkyl groups ); a pyridyl group ( optionally substituted on the pyridine ring with one or more , and preferably one or two c 1 - 4 alkyl groups ); or a c 1 - 4 alkyl group substituted with one or two substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of c 1 - 6 alkoxy , phenyl ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably one or two halogen atoms ), and 1 , 3 - dioxolan - 2 - yl . particularly preferable are compounds wherein r 10 is a c 1 - 6 alkyl group , a pyridyl group , a 2 , 2 - dimethoxyethyl group , or a ( 1 , 3 - dioxolan - 2 - yl ) methyl . among the n - pyridylpiperidine compounds of the invention represented by formulas ( 1a ) and ( 1f ), preferable are those wherein r 11 is a c 1 - 6 alkyl group , a c 1 - 4 haloalkyl group , a phenyl group ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably one to three substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen , c 1 - 4 alkyl , nitro , c 1 - 4 haloalkyl , and c 1 - 4 haloalkoxy ), or a heterocyclic group ( optionally substituted on the heterocyclic ring with one or more , and preferably one or two halogen atoms ). more preferable are compounds wherein r 11 is a trifluoromethyl group or a phenyl group ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one to three halogen atoms ). among the n - pyridylpiperidine compounds of the invention represented by formulas ( 1a ) and ( 1f ), those wherein x is an oxygen atom are preferable . more preferable are compounds of formulas ( 1a ) and ( 1f ) wherein r 1 is a c 1 - 4 haloalkyl group or a cyano group ; r 10 is a c 1 - 20 alkyl - group ; a c 2 - 6 alkenyl group ; a c 1 - 6 haloalkyl group ; a c 1 - 6 alkylcarbonyl group ; a phenyl group ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably one or two substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen , c 1 - 4 alkyl , and c 1 - 4 haloalkyl ); a heterocyclic group ( optionally substituted on the heterocyclic ring with one or more , and preferably one or two substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of c 1 - 4 alkyl and c 1 - 4 haloalkyl ); or a c 1 - 4 alkyl group substituted with one or more , and preferably one or two substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of c 1 - 6 alkoxy , phenyl ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably one or two halogen atoms ), and heterocyclic groups ; r 11 is a c 1 - 6 alkyl group , a c 1 - 4 haloalkyl group , a phenyl group ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably 1 to 3 substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen , c 1 - 4 alkyl , nitro , c 1 - 4 haloalkyl , and c 1 - 4 haloalkoxy ), or a heterocyclic group ( optionally substituted on the heterocyclic ring with one or more , and preferably one or two halogen atoms ); and x is an oxygen atom . among these preferable compounds , particularly preferable are those wherein r 1 is a c 1 - 4 haloalkyl group , r 10 is a c 1 - 6 alkyl group ; a c 2 - 6 alkenyl group ; a phenyl group ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably one or two halogen atoms or c 1 - 4 alkyl groups ); a pyridyl group ( optionally substituted on the pyridine ring with one or more , and preferably one or two c 1 - 4 alkyl groups ); or a c 1 - 4 alkyl group substituted with one or two substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of c 1 - 6 alkoxy , phenyl ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one or more , and preferably one or two halogen atoms ), and 1 , 3 - dioxolan - 2 - yl ; r 11 is a trifluoromethyl group or a phenyl group ( optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with one to three halogen atoms ); and x is an oxygen atom . among the n - pyridylpiperidine compounds of the invention represented by formula ( 1a ), preferable are those wherein any one of r 4 , r 5 , r 6 , and r 7 is a c 1 - 4 alkyl group that is positioned trans to the x on the 4 - position of the piperidine ring . particularly preferable are compounds wherein the c 1 - 4 alkyl group is a methyl group . the n - pyridylpiperidine compound represented by formula ( 1 ) can be produced , for example , by the method described in wo 2008 / 026658 . the animal ectoparasite - controlling agent of the present invention characteristically comprises the n - pyridylpiperidine compound represented by formula ( 1 ) as an active ingredient . the controlling agent of the present invention is effective against fleas , mites , lice ( cattle lice , horse lice , sheep lice , linognathus vituli , head lice , etc . ), biting lice ( trichodectes canis , etc . ), and the like that live in the body surface of host animals . in particular , the controlling agent of the present invention has the beneficial effect of preventing mites . in addition , the controlling agent of the present invention is effective against blood - sucking dipteran insects , such as flies , biting midges , black flies , and stable flies . fleas refer to ectoparasitic wingless insects belonging to siphonaptera , specifically fleas belonging to pulicidae , ceratophyllus , or the like . examples of fleas belonging to pulicidae include ctenocephalides canis , ctenocephalides felis , pulex irritans , echidnophaga gallinacea , xenopsylla cheopis , monopsyllus anisus , nosopsyllus fasciatus , etc . mites are , for example , ticks . examples thereof include haemaphysalis longicornis , haemaphysalis japonica , dermacentor reticulatus , dermacentor taiwanesis , haemaphysalis flava , ixodes ovatus , ixodes persulcatus , boophilus microplus , etc . examples of host animals for which the controlling agent of the present invention is effective include pets , such as dogs , cats , mice , rats , hamsters , guinea pigs , squirrels , rabbits , ferrets , and birds ( e . g ., pigeons , parrots , myna birds , paddy birds , parakeets , lovebirds , and canaries ); livestock , such as cattle , horses , pigs , and sheep ; poultry , such as ducks and chicken ; and the like . ectoparasites are parasitic and live on the back , infra - axillary region , lower abdominal region , inner thigh region , etc ., of these host animals . the controlling agent of the present invention may be used as it is , without the addition of any other components . alternatively , the controlling agent can be mixed with various suitable carriers in the form of liquids , solids , or gases , optionally followed by addition of surfactants and other auxiliary materials for preparation of formulations , and then formulated into granules , fine granules , tablets , powders , capsules , premix formulations , solutions , emulsions , and other dosage forms . the amount of the compound of the present invention as an active ingredient in such formulations can be suitably selected from a wide range , depending on various conditions including the type of formulation , place of application , etc . such formulations usually contain the compound in an amount of about 0 . 01 to 95 wt . %, and preferably about 0 . 1 to 50 wt . %. the aforementioned suitable carriers may be those generally used in animal feed drugs . examples thereof are lactose , sucrose , glucose , starch , wheat flour , corn flour , soybean oil cake , defatted rice bran , calcium carbonate , and other commercially available feed raw materials . examples of the surfactant include anionic surfactants ( e . g ., alkali stearate , sodium abietate , alkyl sulfate , sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate , sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate , and fatty acids ), cationic surfactants ( e . g ., water - soluble quaternary ammonium ), nonionic surfactants ( optionally selected from polyoxyethylenated sorbitan esters , polyoxyethylenated alkyl ethers , polyethylene glycol stearate , polyoxyethylenated derivatives of castor oil , polyglycerol esters , polyoxyethylenated fatty alcohols , polyoxyethylenated fatty acids , copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide , etc . ), amphoteric surfactants ( e . g ., lauryl - substituted betaine compounds ), and the like . examples of auxiliary materials for preparation of formulations include fixing agents , dispersing agents , thickeners , preservatives , anti - freezing agents , stabilizers , adjuvants , and the like . examples of fixing agents and dispersing agents include casein , gelatin , polysaccharides ( e . g ., starch , gum arabic , cellulose derivatives , and alginic acid ), lignin derivatives , bentonite , sugars , water - soluble synthetic polymers ( e . g ., polyvinyl alcohol , polyvinylpyrrolidone , and polyacrylic acids ), and the like . examples of thickeners include water - soluble polymer compounds , such as xanthan gum and carboxymethyl cellulose , high - purity bentonite , white carbon , and the like . examples of preservatives include sodium benzoate , p - hydroxybenzoic acid ester , and the like . examples of anti - freezing agents include ethylene glycol , diethylene glycol , and the like . examples of stabilizers include pap ( acidic isopropyl phosphate ), bht ( 2 , 6 - di - tert - butyl - 4 - methylphenol ), bha ( a mixture of 2 - tert - butyl - 4 - methoxyphenol and 3 - tert - butyl - 4 - methoxyphenol ), vegetable oils , mineral oils , surfactants , fatty acids and esters thereof , and the like . examples of adjuvants include soybean oil , corn oil , and like vegetable oils , machine oil , glycerin , polyethylene glycol , and the like . such formulations may be colored with an organic or inorganic dye . the thus - obtained formulations can be used as they are or after being diluted with water or the like . however , fine granules , granules , etc ., are generally used as they are , without being diluted . when emulsions , wettable powders , flowable formulations , etc ., are used after being diluted with water or the like , the active ingredient concentration is generally 0 . 0001 to 50 wt . %, and preferably about 0 . 001 to 10 wt . %. in addition , the controlling agent of the present invention may be previously mixed with other agents , such as insecticides , nematocides , acaricides , fungicides , antifungals , antibacterial agents , anti - inflammatory agents , antiprotozoan drugs , synergists ( e . g ., piperonyl butoxide ), or the like , and then formulated . alternatively , the formulations of the present invention and other such agents may be used in combination when used . when the controlling agent of the present invention is mixed with other animal drugs , the proportion of n - pyridylpiperidine compound and other animal drugs is not particularly limited , but is generally 100 : 0 to 1 : 99 ( weight ratio ). although the dose of the controlling agent of the present invention varies depending on the administration method , the purpose of administration , disease symptoms , etc ., the controlling agent of the present invention may generally be administered to a host animal in a dose of 0 . 01 mg or more and 100 g or less , and preferably 0 . 1 mg or more and 10 g or less , per kg of body weight of the host animal . the controlling agent of the present invention is orally or parenterally administered to a host . when orally administered , for example , the controlling agent of the present invention is mixed with feed of a host animal , and then administered together with the feed ; or tablets , solutions , capsules , wafers , biscuits , minced meat , etc ., containing the controlling agent of the present invention are administered . when parenterally administered , for example , the controlling agent of the present invention is formed into suitable formulations , and then incorporated into the body by intravenous infusion administration , intramuscular administration , intracutaneous administration , subcutaneous administration , spot - on treatment , pore - on treatment , or the like ; or resin pieces , etc ., containing the controlling agent of the present invention are implanted under the skin of a host animal . the present invention is described in more detail below with reference to test examples of the controlling agent of the present invention ; however , the present invention is not limited thereto . test example : mortality of ixodid ticks by filter paper clipping method among the compounds disclosed in wo 2008 / 026658 , compound nos . 1a - 16 , 1a - 17 , 1a - 62 , 1a - 75 , 1a - 76 , 1a - 174 , 1a - 201 , 1a - 208 , 1a - 234 , 1a - 251 , 1a - 262 , 1a - 267 , 1a - 268 , 1a - 274 , 1a - 302 , 1f - 38 , and 1f - 39 were used as test compounds 1 to 17 . acetone was added to each of test compounds 1 to 17 so that the concentration was 0 . 5 mg / ml , thereby preparing solutions . although test compound 15 , which was not dissolved in acetone , formed a heterogeneous suspension , the suspension was used as it was . each of the above prepared solutions was added dropwise in an amount of 1 ml to a square filter paper ( 5 × 10 cm ; area : 50 cm 2 ), and dried on aluminum foil at room temperature for 24 hours . then , each filter paper was folded double on the long side , and both sides were secured with bulldog clips into a bag shape . about 20 ixodid ticks were placed in the bag - like filter paper , and the opening was sealed with a bulldog clip . after 72 hours , the number of dead ticks was calculated . thereafter , the surviving ticks were killed in a freezer , and the total number of ticks was calculated . as a result , a mortality of 70 % or more was achieved by all of test compounds 1 to 17 . | 0 |
a solid - state relay 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in fig1 . the solid - state relay 100 includes : a light emitting diode 101 : a light receiving element ( phototriac ) 102 : a driving triac 103 ; a resistance 104 : and a normally - on driving element 105 coupled in series to the driving triac 103 . now , a case will be considered in which , an inductive load 106 which gives rise to a load current whose phase is shifted substantially by 90 ° with respect to a supply voltage is coupled to the solid - state relay 100 , the load being driven with an electric power which is half of that required in a full - phase on - driving mode , first , phase control which may be performed in a conventional solid - state relay 900 ( fig9 ) will be described . as illustrated in fig8 a , input currents are applied to a light emitting element 902 at respective times t 1 , t 2 , t 3 and t 4 approximately corresponding to 90 ° phase points of a current waveform , so as to activate the solid - state relay 900 . a load current li 1 approximately has its peak values at times t 1 , t 2 , t 3 and t 4 . accordingly , a substantial inrush current may occur at each of these times , thereby adversely affecting the device . moreover , a supply voltage dv 1 approximately has its peak values at the off - points , i . e ., at t 81 , t 82 , t 83 and t 84 , so that a commutation failure may be caused in the solid - state relay 900 due to its ( dv / dt ) c characteristics . next , referring to fig8 b , an operation of the solid - state relay 100 ( fig1 ) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described , in which the load 106 is activated with a half amount of electric power in comparison to that of a full - phase on - driving mode . it is assumed that input current pulses i 5 , i 6 , i 7 and i 8 for turning on the driving triac 103 are applied to the light emitting diode 101 at times t 5 , t 6 , t 7 and t 8 , respectively , approximately corresponding to 0 ° phase points of the load current phase and that trigger pulses tg 9 , tg 10 tg 11 and tg 12 for turning off the normally - on driving element 105 are applied to the normally - on driving element 105 at times t 9 , t 10 , t 11 and t 12 , respectively , approximately corresponding to 90 ° phase points . under such conditions , an inrush current can be prevented since the phase of a load current l 12 in the on - states , i . e ., at times t 5 , t 6 , t 7 and t 8 . is approximately at 0 °. moreover , the phase of a supply voltage dv 2 is approximately at 0 ° in the off - states , i . e ., at times t 9 , t 10 , t 11 and t 12 . thus , no steep overvoltage is applied to the device , thereby preventing commutation failures . therefore , since the solid - state relay 100 is capable of turning itself off with a predetermined timing , it is possible to achieve a stable operation of the load 106 . fig2 illustrates a structure of a solid - state relay 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention in which a normally - on driving element 105 a includes a mosfet 205 . like reference numerals to those of the solid - state relay 100 according to the previous embodiment of the present invention discussed with reference to fig1 denote like elements in the present embodiment , and will not be further described below . the normally - on driving element 105 a , which is coupled in series to a driving triac 103 , includes a light emitting diode 101 a and the normally - on mosfet 205 . when the solid - state relay 200 is turned on , an input current is applied to a light emitting diode 101 associated with a light receiving element 102 / driving triac 103 so as to activate the driving triac 103 . when the solid - state relay 200 is turned off afterward at a predetermined time , an input current is applied to the light emitting diode 101 a associated with the mosfet 205 so as to turn off the normally - on mosfet 205 . therefore , it is possible to prescribe the timing for turning off , as well as turning on , the solid - state relay 200 . fig3 illustrates a structure of a solid - state relay 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention in which a normally - on driving element 105 b is a mechanical relay . like reference numerals to those of the solid - state relay 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention previously discussed with regard to fig1 denote like elements , and will not further be described below . the normally - on driving element 105 b coupled in series to a driving triac 103 includes a normally - on mechanical relay 305 . when the solid - state relay 300 is turned on , an input current is applied to a light emitting diode 101 so as to activate the driving triac 103 . when the solid - state relay 300 is turned off afterward at a predetermined time , a trigger pulse is applied to the normally - on mechanical relay 305 , that is , an input current is applied to a coil 306 so as to turn off the normally - on mechanical relay 305 . therefore , it is possible to prescribe the timing for turning off , as well as turning on , the solid - state relay 300 . fig4 illustrates a structure of a solid - state relay 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention in which a temperature detecting circuit 406 is provided associated with a light emitting diode 101 a which controls a normally - on mosfet 205 . like reference numerals to those of the solid - state relay 100 according to the previous embodiment of the present invention discussed with regard to fig1 denote like elements in the present embodiments , and will not be further described below . a normally - on driving element 105 a , which is coupled in series to a driving triac 103 , includes the light emitting diode 101 a and the normally - on mosfet 205 . the light emitting diode 101 a controls the mosfet 205 . the solid - state relay 400 further includes the temperature detecting circuit 406 coupled in series to the light emitting diode 101 a . by preconditioning the solid - state relay 400 so that an input current will flow into the light emitting diode 101 a ( which controls the normally - on , mosfet 205 ) when an abnormality occurs , e . g ., an ambient temperature rises to an extremely high level , the normally - on mosfet 205 is turned off , thereby compulsorily turning off the solid - state relay 400 . accordingly , it is possible to prevent an abnormal operation of the solid - state relay 400 at high temperatures , for example . fig5 illustrates a structure of a solid - state relay 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention , in which a resistance element 507 having a negative temperature coefficient is coupled in series to a light emitting diode 101 a . a normally - on driving element 105 a coupled in series to a driving triac 103 includes the light emitting diode 101 a and a normally - on mosfet 205 . the light emitting diode 101 a controls the normally - on mosfet 205 . the solid - state relay 500 further includes the resistance element 507 coupled in series to the light emitting diode 101 a . the resistance element 507 has a negative temperature coefficient . by preconditioning the solid - state relay 500 so that an input current sufficient to turn off the normally - on mosfet 205 will flow into the light emitting diode 101 a ( which controls the normally - on mosfet 205 ) by reducing a resistance value of the resistance element 507 having a negative temperature coefficient when an abnormality occurs , e . g ., an ambient temperature rises to an extremely high level , the normally - on mosfet 205 is turned off , thereby compulsorily turning off the solid - state relay 500 . accordingly , it is possible to prevent an abnormal operation of the solid - state relay 500 at high temperatures , for example . fig6 illustrates a structure of a solid - state relay 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention , in which a light emitting diode 101 associated with a driving triac 103 is coupled to a light emitting diode 101 a associated with a normally - on driving element 105 a via an ic 608 having a delay function . the normally - on driving element 105 a coupled in series to the driving triac 103 includes the light emitting diode 101 a and a normally - on mosfet 205 . the light emitting diode 101 a controls the normally - on mosfet 205 . the solid - state relay , 600 further includes the ic 608 coupled in series to the light emitting diode 101 and the light emitting diode 101 a . the ic 608 has a delay function . therefore , when a phase control is performed , the solid - state relay 600 can maintain a stable on - state during the time delay provided by the integrated circuit 608 . accordingly , it is possible to facilitate the design of the device by using the integrated circuit 608 . fig7 illustrates a structure of a solid - state relay 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of normally - on driving elements 105 are coupled in series to a driving triac 103 . the solid - state relay 700 includes the plurality of normally - on driving elements 105 coupled in series to the driving triac 103 . for example , as shown in fig7 two normally - on driving elements 105 may be coupled in series to the driving triac 103 . in this case , one of the normally - on driving elements 105 may be dedicated to the “ off controlling ” of the device , and the other may be dedicated to the compulsory shutting off of the device operation , at high temperatures , for example . as a result , it is possible to realize a device which is capable of being controlled so as to be on / off with a predetermined timing and , moreover , it is possible to compulsorily turn off the solid - state relay 700 when the solid - state relay 700 is abnormally heated , for example . although the above embodiment illustrates an example in which two driving elements 105 are coupled together , the present invention is . not limited thereto . three or more driving elements 105 may be coupled to the driving triac 103 . although the above - described embodiments of the present invention illustrate examples directed to the solid - state relays , the present invention is not limited thereto . the present invention is applicable to any optocoupler which incorporates a thyristor or triac as a driving element , e . g ., a photothyristor , a phototriac coupler , etc . as described above , the present invention provides an optocoupler capable of preventing an increase in inrush current or commutation failure . the present invention further provides an optocoupler whose off - timing can be controlled . the present invention further provides an optocoupler capable of compulsorily turning itself off when an abnormality occurs , e . g ., an ambient temperature rises to an extremely high level . accordingly , there is provided an optocoupler such as a solid - state relay , etc ., which can be not only turned on , but also turned off , with a predetermined timing . thus , when the optocoupler is employed for driving a load while performing a phase control , an increase in inrush current or commutation failure can be prevented . moreover , it is possible to compulsorily turn off the device when an abnormality occurs , e . g ., an ambient temperature rises to an extremely high level . various other modifications will be apparent to and can be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention . accordingly , it in not intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the description as set forth herein , but rather that the claims be broadly construed . | 7 |
referring to fig1 , a wireline logging tool ( 106 ) is suspended from an armored cable ( 108 ), and may have optional centralizers ( not shown ). the cable ( 108 ) extends from the borehole ( 104 ) over a sheave wheel ( 110 ) on a derrick ( 112 ) to a winch forming part of surface equipment , which may include an analyzer unit ( 114 ). well known depth gauging equipment ( not shown ) may be provided to measure cable displacement over the sheave wheel ( 110 ). the tool ( 106 ) may include any of many well known devices to produce a signal indicating tool orientation . processing and interface circuitry within the tool ( 106 ) amplifies samples and digitizes the tool &# 39 ; s information signals for transmission and communicates them to the analyzer unit ( 114 ) via the cable ( 108 ). electrical power and control signals for coordinating operation of the tool ( 106 ) may be generated by the analyzer unit ( 114 ) or some other device , and communicated via the cable ( 108 ) to circuitry provided within the tool ( 106 ). the surface equipment includes a processor subsystem ( 116 ) ( which may include a microprocessor , memory , clock and timing , and input / output functions — not separately shown ), standard peripheral equipment ( not separately shown ), and a recorder ( 118 ). the logging tool ( 106 ) is representative of any logging device that may be used in accordance with principles described herein . it will be understood by those of skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the gas separation and detection tool described in detail below can be implemented as a wireline , mwd , lwd , or other type of tool , including but not limited to tools mounted in the formation or mounted in a completion of the borehole to perform ongoing measurements over time . referring to fig2 , an embodiment of the gas separation and detection tool includes a separation module ( 200 ) and a detection module ( 202 ). a test chamber ( 204 ) may also be defined between the separation module and detection module . gas that is present in a borehole fluid in a flowline ( 206 ) enters the chamber via the separation module , i . e ., the gas is separated from the fluid in the flowline . differential pressure between the flow line and the chamber may facilitate gas separation . the detection module subjects the separated gas in the chamber to a testing regime which results in production of an indicator signal ( 208 ). the indicator signal is provided to interpretation circuitry ( 210 ) which characterizes the gas sample , e . g ., in terms of type and concentration . referring to fig2 and 3 , the separation module may include a membrane ( 300 ). the membrane has characteristics that inhibit traversal by all but one or more selected compounds . one embodiment of the membrane ( 300 ) is an inorganic , gas - selective , molecular separation membrane having alumina as its base structure , e . g ., a ddr type zeolite membrane . nanoporous zeolite material is grown on the top of the base material . examples of such membranes are described in us20050229779a1 , us6953493b2 and us20040173094a1 . the membrane has a pore size of about 0 . 3 - 0 . 7 nm , resulting in a strong affinity towards specific gas compounds such as co2 . further enhancement of separation and selectivity characteristics of the membrane can be accomplished by modifying the surface structure . for example , a water - impermeable layer such as a perfluoro - based polymer ( e . g . teflon af or its variations ), polydimethyl siloxane based polymer , polyimide - based polymer , polysulfone - based polymer or polyester - based polymer may be applied to inhibit water permeation through the membrane . other variations of the separation membrane operate as either molecular sieves or adsoption - phase separation . these variations can formed of inorganic compounds , inorganic sol - gel , inorganic - organic hybrid compounds , inorganic base material with organic base compound impregnated inside the matrix , and any organic materials that satisfy requirements . the chamber ( 204 ), if present , is defined by a rigid housing ( 302 ). the membrane ( 300 ) occupies an opening formed in the housing ( 302 ). the housing and membrane isolate the chamber from the fluid in the flowline , except with respect to compounds that can traverse the membrane . as already mentioned , when partial pressure of gas compounds is greater in the flowline than in the chamber , differential pressure drives gas from the flowline into the chamber . when the partial pressure is greater in the chamber than in the flowline , differential pressure drives gas from the chamber into the flowline . in this manner the chamber can be cleared in preparation for subsequent tests . operation of the detector module ( 202 ) may be based on techniques including but not limited to infrared ( ir ) absorption spectroscopy . an ir absorption detector module may include an infrared ( ir ) light source ( 304 ), a monitor photodetector ( pd ) ( 306 ), an ir detector ( 308 ), and an optical filter ( 310 ). the ir source ( 304 ) is disposed relative to the optical filter ( 310 ) and ir detector ( 308 ) such that light from the ir source that traverses the chamber ( 204 ), then traverses the filter ( unless filtered ), and then reaches the ir detector . the module may be tuned to the 4 . 3 micrometer wavelength region , or some other suitable wavelength . the monitor pd ( 306 ) detects the light source power directly , i . e ., without first traversing the chamber , for temperature calibration . if multi - wavelength spectroscopy is used , e . g ., for multi - gas detection or baseline measurement , several leds or lds can be provided as light sources and a modulation technique can be employed to discriminate between detector signals corresponding to the different wavelengths . further , spectroscopy with nir and mir wavelengths may alternatively be employed . in each of these variant embodiments the absorbed wavelength is used to identify the gas and the absorption coefficient is used to estimate gas concentration . fig4 illustrates embodiments of the invention both with and without a test chamber . these embodiments may operate on the principle of measuring electromotive force generated when the gas reacts with a detecting compound , i . e ., the gas sensor module ( 202 ) includes a compound that reacts with the target gas . because the electromotive force resulting from the reaction is proportional to the gas concentration , i . e ., gas partial pressure inside the system , gas concentration in the flowline can be estimated from the measured electromotive force . alternatively , these embodiments may operate on the principle of measuring resistivity change when the gas reacts with the detecting compound . because the resistivity change is proportional to the gas concentration , i . e ., gas partial pressure inside the system , gas concentration in the flowline can be estimated from the measured resistivity change . other features which enhance operation may also be utilized . for example , a water absorbent material ( 400 ) may be provided to absorb water vapor that might be produced from either permeation through the membrane or as a by product of the reaction of the gas with a detecting compound . examples of water absorbant material include , but are not limited to , hygroscopic materials ( silica gel , calcium sulfate , calcium chloride , montmorillonite clay , and molecular sieves ), sulfonated aromatic hydrocarbons and nafion composites . another such feature is a metal mesh ( 402 ) which functions as a flame trap to help mitigate damage that might be caused when gas concentration changes greatly over a short span of time . another such feature is an o - ring seal ( 404 ) disposed between the housing and the flowline to help protect detection and interpretation electronics ( 406 ). materials suitable for construction of components of the gas sensor module include sno2 , doped with copper or tungsten , gold epoxy , gold , conductive and non - conductive polymer , glass , carbon compounds and carbon nanotube compounds for the purpose of proper sealing , maintaining good electrical connection , increasing sensitivity and obtaining stable measurements . the housing may be made of high performance thermoplastics , peek , glass - peek , or metal alloys ( ni ). referring to fig5 and 6 , various features may be employed to help protect the membrane from damage , e . g ., due to the force caused by the pressure differential where the chamber contains only gas . one such feature is an integrated molecular separation membrane . the integrated membrane can include a water impermeable protective layer ( 500 ), a gas selective membrane ( 502 ), an inorganic base layer ( 504 ) and a metal support layer ( 506 ). the metal support layer increases the mechanical strength of the membrane at high - pressure differentials . gas permeates through the molecular separation layer and goes into the system via small holes in the metal support . in another embodiment the integrated molecular separation membrane includes a molecular separation membrane / layer bonded to a metal support layer and sealed with epoxy ( 508 ) or any other sealant . the epoxy can be a high temperature - resistant , non - conductive type of epoxy or other polymeric substances . the molecular separation layer can act as a water / oil separation membrane . gas permeates through the molecular separation layer and goes into the system via small holes in the metal support . in another embodiment the integrated separation membrane includes a molecular separation membrane / layer bonded to a metal support layer and sealed with epoxy ( 508 ). the metal support is designed to accommodate insertion of the molecular separation membrane . the epoxy or sealant can be a high temperature , non - conductive type of epoxy or other polymeric substances . gas permeates through the molecular separation layer and goes into the system via small holes in the metal support . referring to fig7 , in an alternative embodiment the integrated membrane includes a molecular separation membrane / layer ( 700 ) bonded between porous metal plates ( 702 , 704 ). in addition to integrating the gas separation and pressure balancing functions into one mechanical assembly , this alternative embodiment provides support for the membrane both at a pressure differential where flowline pressure is greater than chamber pressure and at a pressure differential where chamber pressure is greater than flowline pressure . referring to fig8 , an alternative embodiment utilizes an incompressible liquid buffer ( 800 ) to help prevent membrane damage due to pressure differential . the liquid buffer ( 800 ) may be implemented with a liquid material that does not absorb the target gas . because the liquid buffer is incompressible , buckling of the membrane due to the force caused by higher pressure in the flowline than in the chamber is inhibited when the chamber is filled with liquid buffer . a bellows ( 803 ) can be provided to compensate for small changes in compressibility within the chamber due to , for example , introduction or discharge of the target gas . the bellow is one example of a pressure compensator . fig8 illustrates a membrane ( 804 ) and a spectrometer module ( 806 ), to which the above embodiments of fig2 - 7 can be applied either alone or in combination . fig8 illustrates an optical window ( 801 ), an input optical path ( 802 ) and an output optical path ( 805 ). fig9 illustrates an alternative embodiment that is different from the above embodiments of fig2 - 7 in utilizing a solid state chamber ( 900 ). the solid state chamber is formed by filling the cavity defined by the housing with a nanoporous solid material ( 901 ). suitable materials include , but are not limited to , tio 2 , which is transparent in the nir and mir range . the target gas which traverses the membrane enters the nanospace of the solid material . since the chamber is solid state , buckling of the membrane due to higher pressure in the flowline than in the chamber is inhibited . however , because the chamber is porous , gas can be accommodated . fig9 illustrates a spectrometer module ( 902 ). fig9 illustrates an alternative embodiment that is different from the above embodiments of fig2 - 7 in utilizing a solid state chamber ( 900 ). the solid state chamber is formed by filling the cavity defined by the housing with a nanoporous solid material . suitable materials include , but are not limited to , tio 2 , which is transparent in the nir and mir range . the target gas which traverses the membrane enters the nanospace of the solid material . since the chamber is solid state , buckling of the membrane due to higher pressure in the flowline than in the chamber is inhibited . however , because the chamber is porous , gas can be accommodated . fig1 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the gas separation and detection tool . the tool includes a non h2s - scavenging body ( 1000 ) with a gas separation module ( 200 ) which may include a membrane unit ( 1002 ) as illustrated in fig2 - 9 . the separated gas enters a test chamber defined by the body and membrane unit due to differential pressure . a monochromator including optical fibre is used to facilitate gas detection . in particular , light from a lamp source ( 1004 ) is inputted to an optical fibre ( 1006 ), which is routed to one side of the chamber . a corresponding optical fibre ( 1008 ) is routed to the opposite side of the chamber , and transports received light to a receiver ( 1010 ). a microfluidic channel fibre alignment feature ( 1012 ) maintains alignment between the corresponding fibres ( 1006 , 1008 ). the arrangement may be utilized for any of various gas detection techniques based on spectroscopy , including but not limited to infrared ( ir ) absorption spectroscopy , nir and mir . in each of these variant embodiments the absorbed wavelength is used to identify the gas and the absorption coefficient is used to estimate gas concentration . while the invention is described through the above exemplary embodiments , it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that modification to and variation of the illustrated embodiments may be made without departing from the inventive concepts herein disclosed . moreover , while the preferred embodiments are described in connection with various illustrative structures , one skilled in the art will recognize that the system may be embodied using a variety of specific structures . accordingly , the invention should not be viewed as limited except by the scope and spirit of the appended claims . | 6 |
referring now to the drawings , and particularly to fig1 and 6 , there is shown in top perspective and plan views an automatic doughnut making machine according to the present invention including a rectangular tank 10 having the conventional bottom wall 11 and front , back and side walls . suspended from the top edge of the back wall is a control box 12 containing conventional automatic thermostatic control means for an electrical heating element 13 along with an on - off switch , temperature selection dial , pilot light , etc ., all as are well known . also suspended from the back wall of the tank is an electric motor and gear box 14 with a readily disconnected coupling 15 to a pump 16 for circulating cooking medium within the tank as hereinafter more fully described . another electric motor and gear box 17 is suspended from the tank for driving the turn - over and discharge means , as hereinafter more fully described . a dough extruder is movably and detachably mounted above the tank 10 by means of a bracket 20 secured to one upper corner of the tank from which a support arm 21 is pivotally secured at one end 22 at the top of a vertical post or standard raising the extruder to the required height . the opposite end 23 of arm 21 pivotally supports a bracket 24 to which are fixedly secured the funnel - like hopper 25 of the dough extruder and electric motor and gear box 26 for driving the extruder . the hopper 25 serves as a repository for dough to be extruded into the cooking tank . in operative position , the extruder is positioned over the upstream end of the doughnut flow path , as seen in fig1 and 2 . the dough extruder has a diminshing conical or funnel portion at its lower end terminating in a circular opening 27 which functions as an extruding die . a vertically reciprocable rod or shaft 28 is disposed within the hopper sliding in a spider 29 disposed in the narrow throat of the hopper . the bottom end of shaft 28 carries a circular cutting disc or plate 30 which forms the dough into doughnut shape coacting with opening 27 . a dough advancing plate 31 is slidably mounted on shaft 28 . an adjusting screw 32 threadably engages the top end of shaft 28 . handle or knob 33 facilitates adjustment of the stroke of the extruder plate 30 . reciprocation of the dough extruder shaft is by virtue of an actuating arm 35 pivotally supported intermediate of its ends at 36 by bracket 24 . one end of actuating arm 35 has a pair of vertically spaced apart fingers 37 and 38 which engage a crank arm 39 driven by the electric motor within motor and gear box 26 . the opposite end of actuating arm 35 includes a pair of horizontally spaced apart arm extensions 40 and 41 detachably secured by virtue of wing nut and bolt 42 for ready disengagement for cleaning of the extruder . each arm extension 40 and 41 has a longitudinal slot 43 which engages the ends of a pin 44 carried by adjusting screw 32 . as best seen in fig3 rotation of crank arm 39 causes rocking movement of actuating arm 35 on its pivot 36 . the rocking movement is translated into reciprocatory movement of shaft 28 by virtue of engagement of pin 44 with the actuating arm extensions . a removable guide insert , indicated generally at 45 , is supported within tank 10 by virtue of flanges 46 - 48 which engage the top edges of the front and side walls , respectively , of the tank . the guide insert includes a bottom wall 50 spaced from the bottom wall 11 of the tank above the heating element to permit the bottom of the tank to function as a sump for recirculating of the cooking medium . the guide insert includes a plurality of elongated parallel spaced apart vertical plates 51 - 56 which define a plurality of flow channel segments 57 - 61 between each adjacent pair of wall members . alternate vertical walls are interconnected by vertical semi - circular walls 62 - 65 to define a continuous serpentine flow path . thus , vertical walls 51 and 53 are connected by semi - circular wall 62 to interconnect flow channel segments 57 and 58 ; the opposite ends of walls 52 and 54 are similarly connected by vertical wall 63 to interconnect channel segments 58 and 59 ; etc . to facilitate partial submersion of the channel insert into a tank of cooking medium , a plurality of holes 66 are provided in bottom wall 50 , as seen in fig6 . each hole 66 is covered by a pivotable flap 67 which functions as a check valve during operation of the machine . the discharge of pump 16 is provided with an outwardly flaring nozzle 70 covered with a screen 71 and of width corresponding generally to that of flow channel segment 57 and height corresponding generally to the intended depth of cooking medium within that channel . screen 77 is partially covered by a flap 72 which divides the flow from pump 16 into a surface flow through slot 73 and a submerged flow through the shielded screen opening . the cooking medium is circulated , being drawn from the sump below floor 50 and discharged through nozzle 70 . during operation , the dough extruder is positioned above the upstream end of channel segment 57 immediately downstream from the pump nozzle . the initial raw dough is carried along the surface of the cooking medium in that channel segment . it passes from channel segment 57 into channel segment 58 and thence downstream through the successive flow channel segments to the discharge . as it travels , that portion of the dough which is submerged in the cooking medium cooks and browns . at the aproximate midpoint of the flow channel , the partially cooked doughnut is turned over to complete the cooking on the other side . an open wire basket 77 is disposed within flow channel segment 59 fixed to a shaft 78 journaled in walls 53 and 54 . a toothed pinion 79 is fixed to shaft 78 and is engaged by a toothed rack 80 carried by rod 81 supported for sliding movement in guides 82 and 83 supported by the top edge of wall 54 . as rod 81 is reciprocated , as explained in greater detail hereinafter in connection with the doughnut discharge and ejector , shaft 78 is rotated through about 120 ° to lift a partially cooked doughnut received therein , turn it over and discharge in on the opposite side of the backet . to prevent interference by successively following partially cooked doughnuts with the return movement of the turn - over basket , hold - back means are provided in the form of a transverse plate 86 supported from a rectangular wire frame 87 which in turn is pivotally supported from shaft 78 by means of a pair of spaced apart arms 88 . one end of a coil spring 89 is connected to the frame 87 by means of clip 90 and the opposite end of the spring is anchored at 91 to the floor 50 of the guide channel insert . as best seen in fig8 when turn - over basket 77 is in its downward doughnut - receiving position , the bottom of the basket bears against the hold - back means stretching spring 89 and holding plate 86 out of the flow path of the doughnuts . when basket 77 is operative to turn over a doughnut , as the basket is lifted the tension of spring 89 causes frame 87 to rotate on arms 88 bring plate 87 into position to hold back the next succeeding doughnut until the basket returns to doughnut receiving position . similar basket means 95 are provided to remove the fully cooked doughnut from the cooking medium . basket 95 is fixed to shaft 96 journaled in vertical walls 55 and 56 defining the final downstream flow channel segment 61 . pinion 97 is fixed to shaft 96 and is engaged by rack 98 carried by reciprocating rod 99 guided in slides 100 and 101 mounted on the top edge of vertical wall 56 . shafts 78 and 96 are rotated in unison to operate baskets 77 and 95 in unison by virtue of a connecting bar 102 whose opposite ends are affixed to rods 81 and 99 . intermediate of its ends , bar 102 is connected to one end of an actuating arm 103 whose opposite end is connected to a crank arm 104 driven by motor and gear box 17 . another hold - back means 86a is provided which is similar in all material respects to that already described . the operation of the discharge basket and hold - back means are likewise similar to the operation of the turn - over basket and its hold - back means . as seen in fig1 and 13 , a discharge chute is provided at the extreme downstream end of the serpentine flow path defined by vertical walls 108 and 109 . a rectangular wire ejector slide 110 is fixed to a shaft 111 whose ends are journaled in chute walls 108 and 109 . a lifter plate 112 is secured to the under - side of slide 110 . a lifter arm 113 is journaled on shaft 96 to rotate with hold - back means 86a - 88a . the free end of arm 113 bears against plate 112 and supports slide 108 in an inclined position when basket 95 is in the down position . as discharge basket 95 rotates with its shaft 96 , arm 113 also rotates with the hold - back means . as hold - back means 86a raises , the free end of arm 113 is lowered . as support is withdrawn from slide 110 , it pivots downwardly on its shaft 111 to a horizontal position . thus , the doughnut is discharged from basket 95 onto the top surface of slide 110 . then , as basket 95 is returned to its original position , pushing down hold - back means 86a , the free end of arm 113 is lifted and in turn lifts slide 110 to its inclined position . the completely cooked doughnut then slides off into a waiting receptacle . a transverse weir plate 120 is provided at the downstream end of the last flow channel segment . a perforated crumb collector receptacle 121 is provided immediately adjacent to the weir 120 . any crumbs discharged from the cooking doughnuts and circulated downstream with the circulating cooking medium are collected in receptacle 21 and the cooking medium is recirculated by pump 16 . in the normal operation of the doughnut making machine , according to the present invention , the tank 10 is filled to the appropriate level with cooking fat or oil and the heating element is turned on . pump 16 may also be turned on to circulate the cooking medium to hasten bringing the oil to the proper uniform temperature . the extruder hopper is filled with dough and the variable speed extruder drive motor is set at the proper speed depending upon the desired volume of doughnuts to be produced . when the oil is at the proper temperature , the extruder motor and the turn - over and discharge motor are turned on . the time required to cook each doughnut completely remains substantially constant , independent of the volume of production . in order for the doughnuts to cook properly , it is necessary to hold back a certain number of doughnuts at the turning point between channel segments 58 and 59 until they cook to the desired degree , according to the following schedule : ______________________________________doughnuts held back dozen per hour______________________________________1 52 103 154 205 256 307 358 409 4510 5011 5512 60______________________________________ and so on , holding back one doughnut for each dozen per hour desired . each time an adjustment in speed is made to vary the volume of production , then it is necessary to adjust the number of doughnuts held back accordingly , following the table . as each doughnut is cooked on one side , it is turned over and cooked on the other side as it flows toward the discharge . it is discharged onto the ejector slide and ejected from the machine . all parts which come into contact with the dough or the cooking medium or the cooked doughnuts , including the dough extruder , the circulating pump , the guide insert , crumb collector , etc ., are detachable and removable for easy cleaning . it is apparent that many modifications and variations of this invention as hereinbefore set forth may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof . the specific embodiments described are given by way of example only and the invention is limited only by the terms of the apended claims . | 0 |
referring to the figures generally , and in particular to fig1 there is illustrated in perspective view the sandwich container or package 10 . sandwich container 10 is illustrated in a closed , latched position and is composed of a first or bottom compartment 12 , a second or top compartment 14 and an insert 16 , which in this case is an insulating platform . first or bottom compartment 12 is composed of a bottom portion or wall 18 and side portions 20 , which in this case are upwardly extending side walls that terminate with an outwardly extending lip surface 22 , as better illustrated in fig5 . side portions 20 , as illustrated in fig3 extend slightly outwardly as they extend upwardly . in the illustrated embodiment , bottom portion 18 includes a trough 24 extending around the periphery of the interior of bottom portion 18 . trough 24 serves to collect any fluids that may drain from the contents and raise bottom portion 18 to facilitate removal of the contents . bottom portion 18 could also be ribbed ( not shown ) in addition or in place of trough 24 for providing a space between the contents and bottom portion 18 as well as for providing for airflow and fluid collection . top compartment 14 includes a top surface 26 and side portions 28 which in this case are downwardly extending side walls that terminate at a lip surface 30 that is complementary to lip surface 22 of bottom compartment 12 . bottom and top compartments 12 and 14 are joined together by a hinge section 32 which can be integrally formed in the material of which bottom and top compartments 12 and 14 are formed . such a hinge is well known in the art , for example , see u . s . pat . no . 4 , 132 , 344 , the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto . hinge 32 is almost as wide as sandwich container 10 , which promotes stability of and facilitates closing of container 10 . front wall portions 34 and 34a of bottom and top compartments 12 and 14 , respectively , have structure that defines a latch mechanism 36 . latch mechanism 36 includes a locking aperture 38 in top compartment 14 and a locking latch 40 that extends from lip surface 22 of bottom compartment 12 . locking aperture 38 is dimensioned to receive locking latch 40 therein . such a latch mechanism is well known in the art and thus is not described in detail . for example , such a latch is illustrated in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 132 , 344 . hinge 32 allows top compartment 14 to be folded over and onto bottom compartment 12 to close sandwich container 10 as illustrated in fig1 . hinge 32 also permits the container to be opened by lifting and pivoting top compartment 14 about hinge 32 to an open position , as illustrated in fig5 for example . insert 16 , which in this case is an insulating platform forms part of sandwich container 10 and is more completely illustrated in fig2 . insert 16 generally corresponds to the open portion of bottom and top compartments 12 and 14 , respectively , as illustrated in fig6 . insert 16 also includes a support tab 42 and a gripping tab 44 , which extends the periphery of insert 16 beyond the otherwise generally corresponding shape described above . gripping tab 44 may be embossed or otherwise labelled with a suitable legend , such as &# 34 ; pull &# 34 ; as illustrated in fig1 and 2 . insert 16 can be of any desired shape . a slot or slots complementary to such support tab or tabs could also be provided in appropriate locations of the container side portions to allow insertion and removal of the support tab ( s ). support tab 42 is insertable into a complementary slot 46 that is located in side portion 28 of top compartment 14 , as illustrated in fig3 - 5 , which restrains movement of insert 16 relative to side portion 28 . when so inserted , support tab 42 rests on side portion 28 of top compartment 14 . complementary slot 46 can be about the same width and / or height as the width and / or thickness of support tab 42 to provide a snug fit of support tab 42 in complementary slot 46 . gripping tab 44 preferably extends beyond at least one of side portions 28 and 20 of container 10 to facilitate removal of insert 16 from container 10 when container 10 is in a closed position , as illustrated in fig1 and 3 . fig3 illustrates in sectional view along lines 3 -- 3 of fig1 sandwich container 10 which contains a hamburger sandwich h therein . hamburger sandwich h is composed of a bun crown bc , condiments c , which in this case include tomato slices t , lettuce pieces l and a slice of cheese ch . bun crown bc and condiments c are contained within top compartment 14 of sandwich container 10 . a hamburger patty hp and a bun heel bh are contained within bottom compartment 12 as illustrated in fig3 . in the illustrated embodiment , the contents of the bottom compartment are relatively hot and the contents of the top compartment are relatively cool . as illustrated in fig3 insert 16 serves to separate and insulate bottom compartment 12 and its contents from top compartment 14 and its contents . moreover , insert 16 carries the weight of the contents of top compartment 14 since the contents , in this case bun crown bc and condiments c rest on insert 16 . the weight of the contents of top compartment 14 and the weight of insert 16 is at least partially carried by side portions 20 and 28 of container 10 . the support formed by support tab 42 and gripping tab 44 which transmits at least a portion of the weight to the side portions of sandwich container 10 restrain insert 16 from being displaced into bottom compartment 12 . this has the effect of preventing or substantially preventing insert 16 from contacting and deforming the contents of bottom compartment 12 , which in this case are hamburger patty hp and bun heel bh . support tab 42 and gripping tab 44 provide other advantages as hereinafter described . when the consumer desires to assemble and consume hamburger sandwich h , insert 16 is removed from container 10 merely by grasping gripping tab 44 and pulling insert 16 in the direction of arrow r without handling by the consumer . fig4 illustrates sandwich container 10 with insert 16 removed . the effect of removal of insert 16 is to assemble the sandwich by causing the contents of top compartment 14 to contact the contents of bottom compartment 12 . in this case , bun crown bc and condiments c of hamburger sandwich h contact hamburger patty hp . upon opening sandwich container 10 by releasing latch mechanism 36 and lifting and pivoting top compartment 14 , hamburger sandwich h is presented in a configuration ready for removal and consumption ( not shown ). the loading and packaging of hamburger sandwich h into sandwich container 10 is illustrated in fig5 - 7 . in fig5 sandwich container 10 is in the open position and bun crown bc and condiments c have been placed with the condiments c face up in top compartment 14 . bun heel bh and hamburger patty hp are placed in bottom compartment 12 with hamburger patty hp facing upwardly . after bun crown bc and condiments c are placed in top compartment 14 , insert 16 can be placed over top compartment 14 , as illustrated in fig6 . insert 16 is placed in position by inserting support tab 42 into complementary slot 46 and otherwise placing insert 16 so that it covers or substantially covers the opening of top compartment 14 . placing insert 16 in position can occur either before or after the loading of bun heel bh and hamburger patty hp , as will be readily appreciated . after hamburger sandwich h has been loaded into container 10 , and insert 16 is in place , container 10 is ready for closing . closing of container 10 is illustrated in fig7 where a human operator ho grasps gripping tab 44 and lip surface 30 between thumb t and finger f . top compartment 14 is lifted and rotated about hinge 32 in the direction of arrow r &# 39 ; while gripping gripping tab 44 and lip surface 30 as aforesaid until top compartment 14 is over bottom compartment 12 and sandwich container 10 is closed . thereafter , latch mechanism 36 can be engaged by inserting locking wedge 40 into locking aperture 38 . sandwich container 10 with hamburger sandwich h contained therein is ready for storage or delivery to a customer . sandwich container 10 can be constructed of materials as desired . suitable materials include polystyrene , which may be foamed as well as other foamed material . foamed material is advantageous because of its insulating properties . other materials can be of course used as those skilled in the art will recognize . for example , other plastics , paper , cardboard and similar materials can be used . compartments 12 and 14 can be fabricated from a single piece of material as disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 132 , 344 . the specific embodiments shown and described are only illustrative of the present invention . changes in the structure and method of the present invention would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art . for example , a sandwich container in accordance with the invention can be formed of separate top and bottom compartments that are not connected by a hinge but could be connected by , for example , a pair of latch mechanisms which could be similar to latch mechanism 36 , one on either side of the container . the shape of the container in accordance with the invention can of course be as desired . in describing various embodiments herein , the compartments and portions of the container are sometimes referred to as top and bottom . it is to be understood that such relative positions can be reversed or could be otherwise described and the particular orientations utilized herein are for convenience and are not to be construed as a limitation upon the invention . while the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments , it is to be understood that the invention is capable of numerous modifications , rearrangements and changes and such modifications , rearrangements and changes are intended to be covered by the scope of the appended claims . | 8 |
the workstation of the invention is comprised of a rectangular , parallelepiped sheet metal cabinet 8 which includes a front side or panel 10 , a first lateral side panel 12 , a second lateral side panel 14 , and a back panel 16 . the panels 10 , 12 , 14 , and 16 define a rectangular parallelepiped cabinet with an open front to which a hinged door 18 is preferably attached . a bottom panel 20 reinforces the connected side panels 10 , 12 , 14 , 16 . the first lateral side panel 12 includes first and second wheels 24 and 26 attached thereto . affixed to the bottom panel 20 on each of the bottom corners of the cabinet is an adjustable foot , for example foot 28 , which may be used to adjust the height of the cabinet . the top of the cabinet is open . attached to the open top of the cabinet is a tool support plate 30 . the support plate 30 is typically a wood or composite material rather then a metal material inasmuch as the plate 30 may be drilled with holes for attachment for a power tool such as the circular saw 32 in fig1 . preferably , the plate 30 has a generally rectangular shape as illustrated in fig1 and 3 , for example , and is preferably in the range of ½ to 1 inch thick . in the preferred embodiment , the plate 30 includes a rectangular or four - sided insert 34 on which a tool is mounted . the insert 34 rests on a flange 36 defined in and extending around the periphery of a congruent opening 38 in the plate 30 . the opening 38 typically is four sided or rectangular in shape and the flange 36 is likewise four sided or rectangular to thereby support the congruent insert 34 . manually actuated fasteners 40 and 42 are provided to retain the insert 34 in place in the opening 38 on the flange 36 . the insert 34 has a thickness , which renders the top of the insert 34 coplanar with the top of plate 30 when placed in the opening 38 . this is the preferred embodiment of the invention . the insert 34 , as well as the plate 30 , are typically fabricated from wood , or composite material which may be drilled or otherwise worked in order to facilitate attachment of a power tool and in order to provide openings therethrough for passage of dust to a bin 44 within the interior of the cabinet . the bin 44 is attached by means of a flexible hose 46 to a dust recovery system of the type typically found in wood shops and the like . the insert 34 may itself include a further auxiliary panel insert 50 for support of a tool such as a router thereon , or alternatively the plate 30 may include a special panel insert 52 with a centered opening 54 therethrough . a router ( not shown ) could then be mounted on the underside of the panel insert 52 with a router blade extending through the opening 54 for exposure to work a work piece passing over the surface of the plate 30 and panel insert 52 . as depicted in fig6 a number of separate power tools and other tools such as a vice , drill press , etc . may each be mounted on a separate insert 34 and stored on separate shelves of a cabinet 60 . the cabinet 60 is typically an open sided cabinet with multiple spaced horizontal shelves 61 . access to the tools stored in the cabinet is thus rendered easy and the tool desired for use in combination with a workstation may be easily removed for placement in the congruent opening 38 of plate 30 . sawdust or other material resulting from a power tool operation can then be collected in the bin 44 , for example , and directed through a tube 46 to the work shop exhaust system and dust collection system . preferably the plate 30 extends beyond the edges of the cabinet defined by the panels 10 , 12 , 14 , and 16 . this provides a handhold for tilting of the cabinet when movement of the cabinet is desired . additionally , this provides for protection of the worker that is using the tool and also provides improved access around the sides of the cabinet . further , since the corners 33 , 34 of the plate 30 are radiused or chamfered , a worker will not be exposed to a sharp corner when moving about the circumference of the workstation as the tool at the station is being used . the shape of the plate 30 may be varied in other respects to accommodate needs of the workstation operator and the tool room in which the work stations are situated . for example , as shown in fig5 a specially configured plate 35 is designed to permit placement of a workstation cabinet in a corner . thus the plate 35 includes five sides with the backsides 64 and 66 at right angles for placement in a corner . the front side 68 is parallel to the cabinet front panel and the lateral sides 70 and 72 of plate 35 define an angle so that an adjacent rectangular work station plate 30 will fit against the side . latch 42 typically comprises a rotatable stem 43 mounted in plate 30 with a projecting lug 45 for holding insert 34 in place upon rotation by griping handle 47 . further features of the modular cabinets include a plate 30 or insert 34 which includes a pattern of passages or openings 79 to facilitate collection of sawdust , grit and shavings in a dust collection bin on the inside of the cabinet from a sander , for example , or a drill . additionally , the openings 80 may receive dogs or stops that maintain a work piece . thus , an insert 34 may include a pattern of openings or recesses for mounting work piece dogs or stops 82 which are adjustable . the storage cabinet 60 may or may not include access doors . storage cabinet 60 may include adjustable shelves or opposed support flange members 85 in fig6 for support of inserts 34 with a tool mounted thereon . the storage cabinet and a plurality of cabinets 8 in combination with inserts 34 may be arrayed in a workroom in a desired and efficient array which is adjustable inasmuch as the cabinets 8 are mounted on wheels and the inserts 34 with assorted tools may all be moved easily . as depicted in fig4 a supplemental work support stand 90 may be attached to a cabinet 8 by bolting support arms 92 to the top bolt openings 94 of cabinet 8 . the stand 90 thus includes a vertical leg 96 , horizontal arms 92 and a top work platform 98 . various modifications of the construction may be implemented . that is , the height of the sheet metal cabinet may be varied . the arrangement and position of doors and shelves may be varied . the particular plate fastener such as fasteners 40 and 42 may be varied . thus the invention is to be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof . | 1 |
fig1 shows diagrammatically a teletext transmission system to explain the method according to the invention . the system comprises a transmission station 1 , a transmission medium 2 and a receiver 3 . the transmission station comprises a television signal generator 11 , a teletext signal generator 12 , a teletext inserter 13 and a modulator 14 . the television generator . 11 generates a picture signal tv , the teletext generator 12 generates a teletext signal tx . both signals are combined in teletext inserter 13 to a video signal which is applied to the modulator 14 and transmitted via transmission medium 2 . the receiver 3 comprises a tuner 31 for demodulating the video signal . the demodulated video signal cvbs is applied for further processing and display to a television monitor 32 . the video signal is also applied to a teletext decoder 33 . this decoder decodes the teletext signal accommodated therein and applies a teletext picture signal rgb to the television monitor 32 . the teletext signal comprises for each transmitted teletext page a plurality of data packets which are accommodated in further known manner in picture lines of the video signal during the field retrace period . fig2 shows some possible forms of these data packets in greater detail . as has been attempted to show in this figure , each data packet comprises 45 bytes of 8 bits each . the first 2 bytes having a fixed value 1010 .. 10 are referred to as &# 34 ; clock - run - in &# 34 ; and are denoted by cri in the figure . the third byte is referred to as the &# 34 ; framing code &# 34 ; f and also has a fixed value . the next 2 bytes comprise a 3 - bit magazine number m and a 5 - bit row number r . the significance of the other 40 bytes is dependent on the value of the row number r . if the row number r has one of the values 1 - 25 , as assumed in fig2 b , then the 40 bytes constitute a text row of 40 characters for display on a display screen in the level 1 display format . if the row number r has the value 0 , as is assumed in fig2 a , the data packet constitutes a header of a teletext page . the series of 40 bytes of such a header starts with two digits t ( tens ) and u ( units ) of the page number , a sub - code sc and a plurality of control bits c . the digits t and u each comprise four bits and may thus assume the values 0 - f ( in the hexadecimal numerical system ). the remaining part of the header comprises 24 character positions with a page header hdr and 8 character positions for display of the current time . the transmission of a teletext page starts with , and implies , the header of this page and subsequently comprises the relevant text rows . generally , a series of teletext pages is transmitted in a repetitive cycle . the 3 - digit page number is constituted by the magazine number m , tens t and units u . the basic pages which can be called by the user have a decimal page number in the range between 100 and 899 . for extension pages a hexadecimal page number is often used , of which at least one digit t or u has a value in the range between a and f . one of the transmitted teletext pages is a top page ( table of pages ). fig3 shows a possible example . as described hereinbefore , the page comprises 25 rows of 40 characters each . the character positions are numbered horizontally from 0 to 39 and vertically from 0 to 24 . two consecutive characters constitute a code cc , one of which is denoted in the figure by the reference numeral 30 . the code cc indicates , for example for a teletext page whether this page is actually transmitted or whether it is the first of a group of pages about a given subject , or whether it is a rotating page , and the like . the top page shown in fig3 comprises only the codes for the teletext pages of one magazine . it will be assumed that this is the magazine in which the top page itself is transmitted . in fig3 in which the top page has the number 1ff , all codes thus relate to the teletext page numbers 100 - 1ff . the top page shown in fig3 forms a table . there is an unambiguous relation between the coordinates of the elements of the table and a teletext page number . for the purpose of explanation , fig4 shows an example of the table indicating the corresponding teletext page numbers . the table comprises 14 rows ( r = 0 - 13 ) and 20 columns ( c = 0 - 19 ). the corresponding page numbers are indicated by means of two digits in the range between 00 and ff . the first digit ( i . e . the magazine number ) is identical for all pages , viz . 1 . the top page of other magazines is divided in a corresponding manner . as is shown in fig4 the table comprises a field 41 of 5 rows ( r = 0 .. 4 ) in which the codes are accommodated for the decimal pages 100 - 199 . a further field 42 of 3 rows ( r = 6 - 8 ) comprises the codes of a portion of the hexadecimal pages . more particularly , the first row of this field corresponds to the pages 1a0 - 1a9 and 1b0 - 1b9 , the second row corresponds to the pages 1c0 - 1c9 and 1d0 - 1d9 , and the third row corresponds to 1e0 - 1e9 and 1f0 - 1f9 . this division is , as it were , a continuation of the division of the first field . in the horizontal direction , the numerical sequence of 0 - 9 of the units of the page numbers is maintained and in the vertical direction the series of tens in the hexadecimal range a - f is continued . the codes for the remaining pages are accommodated in a third field 43 . as is known , empty text rows of teletext pages ( i . e . rows having 40 spaces ) need not be transmitted . in fact , non - transmitted text rows are automatically provided with spaces by a teletext decoder ( hexadecimal code 20 ) when the page is erased . the division of the table shown in fig4 benefits therefrom . in practice , only a limited number of hexadecimal teletext pages is transmitted . by arranging that a space code in the table has the significance of absence of the corresponding page in the transmission , the transmission of text rows for the fields 42 and 43 in fig4 may be dispensed with in many cases . this yields an efficient transmission of the top page ( s ). fig5 shows in greater detail the teletext decoder denoted by 33 in fig1 . the decoder comprises a data slicer 51 for regaining the data packets from the video signal cvbs , an acquisition circuit 52 for selecting the data packets of a desired page , a memory 53 for storing the selected data packets and a character generator 54 for displaying a page . the decoder further comprises a microprocessor 55 . said microprocessor may read and write the memory 53 via a communication bus 56 . particularly , the microprocessor may read the received top pages and use the codes accommodated therein for reserving memory space for extension pages . the operation of the teletext decoder shown in fig5 is determined by a control programme which is stored in the microprocessor . fig6 shows the flow chart of a control program for computing the teletext page number corresponding to a code cc at position ( r , c ) in the top page ( see fig3 ). in a step 60 of the control program the row number r ( 1 ≦ r ≦ 14 ) and the character position c ( 0 ≦ c ≦ 39 ) are converted into a row number r ( 0 ≦ r ≦ 13 ) and column number c ( 0 ≦ c ≦ 19 ), respectively , of the table ( see fig4 ). for computing the page number , a distinction is made in a step 61 between r ≦ 7 ( the fields 41 and 42 shown in fig4 ) on the one hand and r & gt ; 7 ( field 43 ) on the other hand . for r ≦ 7 the tens t and the units u of the page number are computed in a step 62 by means of the following operations . here , int ( c / 10 ) and mod ( c / 10 ) are the quotient and the remainder , respectively , of the division c / 10 . for r & gt ; 7 , the following operations are performed in a step 63 : in a step 64 the page number p is composed from the magazine number m of the top page ( in this case 1 ), the tens t and the units u . fig7 shows the flow chart of a further control program being a control program for reading , in the top page , of the code cc for a given page number . in a step 70 of the control program the magazine number m , the tens t and the units u are determined for the page number p . in a step 71 the control programme checks whether the units u constitute a decimal number ( u ≦ 9 ). in that case the following operations are performed in a step 72 : a position ( r , c ) in one of the fields 41 or 42 of the table ( see fig4 ) is obtained thereby . in the other case the operations are performed in a step 73 . a position ( r , c ) in field 43 of the table is obtained thereby . in a step 74 the table position ( r , c ) is converted into a character position ( r , c ) of the top page and the code is read at this and the subsequent character position . | 7 |
the following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention , and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements . various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art , and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention . thus , the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown , but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein . additionally , as used herein , the term “ substantially ” is to be construed as a term of approximation . fig1 is a cross - sectional view of a subterranean production tool 10 embodying features of the present invention , and specially configured as a reservoir comingling tool . tool 10 may comprise several sections . in the embodiment illustrated , tool 10 comprises a top sub 100 , a computer section 200 , a valve assembly 300 , and a sensor assembly 400 . the names of the sections and assemblies are merely for convenience and not intended to completely describe , require , or limit the contents of any section of tool 10 , and as used here , do not . it is known that the beginnings and ends of the sections may be located to include or exclude certain equipment . it is also known that certain teachings of the present invention can be applied to other subterranean tools besides a comingler . top sub 100 may be connected to computer section 200 by means of a non - threaded , and non - rotated connection 500 . connection 500 may be described as a linear key - slot connection 500 . such connections 500 are not known to have been used previously in the connection of tubulars for subterranean production . computer section 200 is connected to valve assembly 300 by key - slot connection 500 . similarly , valve assembly 300 is connected to sensor assembly 400 by key - slot connection 500 . fig2 is a cross - sectional view of top sub 100 of tool 10 of fig1 . top sub 100 comprises a tubular having a threaded pin connection 102 for connection to a production string component 20 , such as a submersible pump . top sub 100 has a hollow center 104 . an electrical connector 230 is sealed in place inside hollow center 104 of top sub 100 by a bushing 232 . in this manner , electrical connections can be passed between the interior of computer section 200 and top sub 100 for connection to a power source , such as an electrical submersible pump , without passing environmental conditions and contaminants past bushing 232 . the lower end of top sub 100 has a male connector flange 110 having a circular exterior . a first groove 112 extends circumferentially over the circular exterior of male connector 110 . in an optional embodiment , first groove 112 does not extend over the full circumference of the exterior surface male connection 110 . computer section 200 has a female connector 210 having a circular interior locatable over male connector 110 of top sub 100 . a second groove 212 extends circumferentially over a portion of the female connector interior . in the preferred embodiment , second groove 212 does not extend over the full circumference of the interior surface of female connector 210 . in the embodiment illustrated , top sub 100 includes one or more dowel holes 120 for receiving a portion of a dowel 570 . computer section 200 includes one or more dowel holes 220 for receiving the opposite portion of dowel 570 . dowel 570 serves to align top sub 100 with computer section 200 so that first groove 112 and second groove 212 are in matching alignment . in matching alignment , first groove 112 and second groove 212 form a keyway 516 . fig3 is a cross - sectional view of a non - threaded , non - rotatable key - slot coupling system that is suitable for use with tool 10 . as best seen in this cross section , a male connector 510 has a circular exterior . a first groove 512 extends circumferentially over a portion or all of the circular exterior of male connector 510 . optionally , first groove 512 does not extend over the full circumference of the exterior surface male connection 510 , and an ungrooved portion 514 remains . a female connector 520 has a circular interior , and is locatable over male connector 510 . a second groove 522 extends circumferentially over a portion of the interior of female connector 520 . second groove 522 does not extend over the full circumference of the interior surface of female connector 520 . an ungrooved portion 524 is provided . an electrical passage 590 extends laterally through ungrooved portion 524 of female connector 520 . fig4 is an isometric view of key 540 , as used in coupling assembly 500 of the present invention , and as illustrated in fig8 . as seen in fig4 , key 540 may have a threaded hole 542 through it . key 540 has a curved outer surface 546 and a curved inner surface 544 . key 540 has a curved inner surface 544 for sliding relationship with external groove 512 of male flange 510 . key 540 has a curved outer surface 546 designed for sliding relationship with inner groove 522 of female flange 520 . outer surface 546 and inner surface 544 are parallel . key 540 has a pair of opposing end surfaces 548 and 550 . in the preferred embodiment , end surfaces 548 and 550 are not parallel . referring to fig5 , complementary dowel slots 568 are provided in male connector 510 and female connector 520 . when male connector 510 is located inside female connector 520 , dowels 570 are located in slots 568 to provide alignment such that first groove 512 and second groove 522 align to form a keyway 516 . referring back to fig3 , a first surface access relief 532 is provided on the surface of female connector 520 to provide passage to keyway 516 . a plurality of keys 540 is insertable through access relief 532 for sliding fit in keyway 516 . optionally , a second surface access relief 534 is provided . second access relief allows entry of a tool to push keys 540 out through first access relief 532 , and vice - versa , for disassembly of tool 10 . a fastener hole 528 is provided on female connector 520 for receiving a fastener 530 . one or more keys 540 has a threaded hole 542 for receiving fastener 530 in threaded engagement . connection of fastener 530 to key 540 locks key 540 in position inside keyway 516 . in this manner , male connector 510 of a first section of tool 10 , and female connector 520 of a second section of tool 10 are locked in engagement , without the use of a conventional threaded connection . dowels 570 resist relative rotation between male connector 510 of a first section of tool 10 , and female connector 520 of a second section of tool 10 . keys 540 prevent lateral separation of male connector 510 of a first section of tool 10 , and female connector 520 of a second section of tool 10 . a second fastener hole 530 can also be provided on the opposite side of ungrooved portion 524 . locating a second fastener hole 530 creates a stop for the remaining keys 540 to stack against . alternatively , ungrooved portion 514 and / or ungrooved portion 524 may be used as an end - stop when inserting keys 540 . fig5 is a cross - sectional side view of one embodiment of key - slot coupling system 500 illustrated in which a single male flange 510 is used to couple female flanges 520 a and 520 b of adjacent tubular sections of tool 10 . as illustrated , seals 562 are located in seal grooves 560 to create a sealed relationship between male flange 510 and female flanges 520 a and 520 b . also as shown , a dowel 570 can be located in matching dowel holes 568 between female flanges 520 a and 520 b as well as between male flange 510 and female flange 520 . receiving grooves 584 are shown on male flange 510 for receiving set screws 582 through threaded holes 580 ( see example in fig9 ) in female flanges 520 a and 520 b . fig6 and 7 are cross - sectional views of computer section 200 of tool 10 . as seen in fig3 , computer section 200 is connected to valve assembly 300 by key - slot connection system 500 . in the embodiment illustrated , computer section 200 and valve assembly 300 are joined together over a gear insert 280 . gear insert 280 provides the male connector for each key - slot connection 500 to which computer section 200 and valve assembly 300 are connected . as seen in fig6 , a threaded hole 580 is located through the female connector of computer section 200 . the male connector of gear insert 280 has a receiving groove 584 ( see fig5 ) for receiving the tip of a set screw 582 located in threaded hole 580 . another threaded hole 580 is located in the female connector of valve assembly 300 over the male connector of gear insert 280 for receiving a set screw 582 for engagement with a second receiving groove 584 on the male connector of gear insert 280 . optionally , a drill point may be used in place of receiving groove 584 . fig7 illustrates tool 10 rotated 90 degrees from the orientation illustrated in fig3 . computer section 200 has a chamber 240 for housing a circuit board 242 . as used herein , circuit board 242 includes a computer or processor or other electrical system device for controlling tool 10 . circuit board 242 is electrically connected to electrical connector 230 by electrical wiring ( not shown ). bushing 232 seals electrical connector 230 to maintain an atmospheric pressure inside chamber 240 for the protection of circuit board 242 . an electrical passage 244 intersects the lower end of chamber 240 . a longitudinal electrical passage 250 also intersects chamber 240 . electrical passage 250 is located near the outer diameter of tubular computer section 200 and runs substantially parallel to the centerline of computer section 200 . a motor 260 is located inside computer section 200 . motor 260 is electrically connected to circuit board 242 through electrical passage 244 . an electrical connector 246 may be located between circuit board 242 and motor 260 . electrical connector 246 may be sealed to computer section 200 to maintain the atmospheric ( or near atmospheric ) pressure condition inside chamber 240 . a gearbox 262 is connected to motor 260 . gearbox 262 converts the speed of motor 260 into torque . a harmonic drive 264 may be connected to gear box 262 to further convert the speed of motor 260 into torque . an electrical passage 350 is located near the outer diameter of tubular valve section 300 . electrical passage 350 is aligned with electrical passage 250 to form a continuous electrical passage for electrical connection of devices in valve section 300 with circuit board 242 . a spool seal 290 provides sealed connection of electrical passage 250 to electrical passage 350 . fig8 and 9 are cross - sectional side views of valve section 300 of tool 10 . fig9 illustrates tool 10 rotated 90 degrees from the orientation illustrated in fig8 . referring to fig8 , a shaft 362 is connected to harmonic drive 264 . the opposite end of shaft 362 is connected to a rotatable valve 370 . rotatable valve 370 has a vented opening 372 . valve 370 rotates over a stationary valve body 380 that has a body opening 382 . valve assembly 300 has an outlet port 306 connecting the exterior of tool 10 with the interior valve assembly 300 when valve 370 is open . valve 370 is opened by aligning vented opening 372 between outlet port 306 and valve body opening 382 . a resolver 360 is positioned over shaft 362 . resolver 360 is electrically connected to circuit board 242 through electrical passage 350 and electrical passage 250 . resolver 360 is a condition monitoring device , used to determine the position of shaft 362 and thus the position of valve 370 . resolver 360 communicates this information along data wires electrically connected to circuit board 242 . a computer or processor on circuit board 242 can be used to control the amount that valve 370 is opened as well as the opening and closing of valve 370 . advantageous to the present invention is the ability to open valve 370 in any partially rotated amount . this gives tool 10 the ability to fully control the amount of fluid flow from the lower reservoir that is comingling with the production of the upper reservoir . fig1 is a cross - sectional side view of sensor section 400 of tool 10 . sensor section 400 is connected to valve section 300 by key - slot connection system 500 . an electrical passage 450 is located near the outer diameter of tubular sensor section 400 . electrical passage 450 is aligned with electrical passage 350 to form a continuous electrical passage for electrical connection of devices in sensor section 400 with circuit board 242 . fig1 is a cross - sectional side view of the connection between valve section 300 and sensor section 400 , illustrating the continuous sealed coupling of electrical passages 350 and 450 . in this embodiment , a spool bore 352 is provided at the end of each electrical passage 350 and 450 . a spool seal 390 is inserted in spool bores 352 . spool seal 390 has a seal groove 394 on each end , and a spool o - ring 396 is located in each seal groove 394 . spool o - rings 396 seal spool seal 390 to each of electrical passages 350 and 450 to provide a sealed connection of electrical passage 350 to electrical passage 450 . as a result , the environmental conditions inside electrical passage 450 are controlled to be the same as for chamber 240 . fig1 is a side cross - sectional view of the analog to digital chamber of sensor section 400 of tool 10 . an analog to digital board 460 is located inside chamber 462 . chamber 462 has a cover 464 that provides an environmentally protective enclosure for chamber 462 . an electrical passage 466 ( see fig1 ) connects electrical passage 450 to sensor board chamber 462 located beneath cover 464 . fig1 is a side cross - sectional view of a casing sensor chamber 472 of sensor section 400 of tool 10 . a casing sensor 470 is located inside sensor chamber 472 , in communication with annulus between the production casing and tool 10 . in this position , casing sensor 470 can measure environmental conditions such as pressure of the production zone flow outside of tool 10 . chamber 472 has a cover 474 that provides an environmentally protective enclosure of chamber 472 . an electrical passage 476 connects chamber 470 with chamber 462 to provide a path for electrical connection of casing sensor 470 with analog to digital board 460 . fig1 is a side cross - sectional view of a tubing sensor chamber 442 of sensor section 400 of tool 10 . a tubing sensor 440 is located inside sensor chamber 442 , in communication with annulus between the production tubing and tool 10 . in this position , tubing sensor 440 can measure environmental conditions such as pressure of the production zone flow inside tool 10 . chamber 442 has a cover 444 that provides an environmentally protective enclosure of chamber 442 . an electrical passage 446 connects chamber 440 with chamber 462 to provide a path for electrical connection of tubing sensor 440 with analog to digital board 460 . as described herein above , the unique and novel features of tool 10 provide the beneficial ability to electronically connect electronic devices located in separate tool sections with a continuous electrical connector without the use of exposed plug connectors . further , the unique and novel features of tool 10 provide the beneficial ability of maintaining an atmospheric pressure condition within tool 10 across several tool section connections 500 , where external conditions down hole include extreme pressures . references to section names , such as “ upper ” and “ lower ” or “ computer ,” “ valve ,” or “ sensor ,” are merely for convenience and not intended to completely describe , require , or limit the contents of any section of tool 10 , and as used here , do not . it is known that the beginnings and ends of the sections may be variously located to include or exclude certain equipment . it is also known that certain teachings of the present invention can be applied to other subterranean tools besides a comingler . unique to the present inventions , among other aspects , is the non - threaded , and non - rotated coupling of contiguous sections 200 , 300 and 400 . connection system 500 may be described as a linear key - slot connection . such connections 500 are not known to have been used previously in the connection of tubulars for subterranean production . computer section 200 is connected to valve assembly 300 by key - slot connection 500 . similarly , valve assembly 300 is connected to sensor assembly 400 by key - slot connection 500 . as seen in fig2 , top sub 100 comprises a tubular having a threaded pin connection 102 for connection to a production string component 20 , such as a submersible pump . top sub 100 has a hollow center 104 . the submersible pump has electrical power supplied to it . power wiring from the submersible pump is connected to electrical connector 230 in top sub 100 to power tool 10 . electrical connector 230 is sealed in place inside hollow center 104 of top sub 100 by a bushing 232 . bushing 232 seals chamber 240 in computer section 200 from the environmental pressure on the other side of bushing 232 . key - slot connection 500 is fully detailed above , and only selected features are further detailed here . as described above , contiguous sections of tool 10 can be combined with a male flange 510 and a female flange 520 . they can also be combined as in fig5 , with abutting female flanges 520 a and 520 b over an internal male flange 510 . dowels 570 serve to align the internal grooves 512 and external grooves 522 to form keyways 516 . dowels 570 sections also serve to prevent relative rotation between the connecting sections of tool 10 . as seen in fig3 , keys 540 must slip into access relief 532 . excessively large or excessively small keys 540 are undesirable , as they become difficult and time consuming to assemble , and lack body strength to accept fastener 530 , or support the tensile loads between the sections of tool 10 . to strike a balance between access and function , the preferred number of keys is between about 8 and 11 , although a few more or less can be conveniently used . set screws 582 are located in threaded holes 580 and intersect receiving grooves 584 to axially bias the load between the connecting sections of tool 10 ( such as computer section 200 and gear insert 280 ) such that keys 540 support the primary tensile load between the connecting sections of tool 10 . as illustrated in fig5 , seals 562 can be located in seal grooves 560 to create a sealed relationship between male flange 510 and female flanges 520 a and 520 b . dowels 570 , set screws 582 intersecting receiving grooves 584 , and seals 562 can be combined with the system of keys 540 in keyways 516 to form a more durable , linear , non - rotated , key - slot connection system 500 . it will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that individual components of this system can be modified or substituted without departing from the teaching , suggestion , spirit , and scope of the invention . for example , receiving grooves may be replaced with drill points , or simply not included . a fundamental advantage of the use of key - slot connection 500 is that it enables tool 10 to incorporate a system of environmentally controlled electronic passages ( 250 , 350 , 450 ) and chambers ( 240 , 442 , 462 , 472 ) connected by secondary passages ( 446 , 466 , 476 ). by use of key - slot connection 500 , the interconnected chamber and passage system ( collectively “ 600 ”) can be created as between multiple sections ( e . g ., 200 , 300 , 400 ). in particular , it is both unconventional and challenging to provide small diameter electronic passages such as 250 , 350 , and 450 in the cylinder wall portion of a tubular body section of a subterranean tool . referring fig3 , electrical passage 590 extends laterally through ungrooved portion 524 of female connector 520 of key - slot connection 500 . as seen in fig1 , a seal , such as spool seal 390 is inserted in spool bores 352 . spool seal 390 provides a sealed connection between the electrical passages ( e . g ., 250 and 350 ; 350 and 450 ) in contiguous sections 200 , 300 and 400 . as a result , the environmental conditions inside interconnected chamber and passage system 600 is protected . referring to fig7 , circuit board 242 receives electrical power through electrical connector 230 in top sub 100 ( fig2 ). the submersible pump is the source of the electrical power . circuit board 242 can send and receive data to the surface , through wiring connected to electrical connection 230 . electrical connection 230 may be four wire connections and may include a fifth wire for ground . additional connections may be provided . as stated above . circuit board 242 includes a computer or processor as necessary to operate tool 10 . circuit board 242 provides power through wiring in secondary passage 244 to connector 246 which is sealed to the body of computer section 200 to maintain the environmental integrity of chamber and passage system 600 . electrical connector 246 provides the connection for power to motor 260 for rotating valve 370 . gearbox 262 converts the speed of motor 260 into torque . a harmonic drive 264 may be connected to gearbox 262 to further convert the speed of motor 260 into torque , transmitted through shaft 362 to operate valve 370 . resolver 360 is electrically connected to circuit board 242 through electrical passage 350 and electrical passage 250 . resolver 360 determines the position of shaft 362 and thus the position of valve 370 , and communicates this information to circuit board 242 . the lower end of tool 10 is connected to a packer set between the upper and lower producing zones . tool 10 has an inlet orifice 402 near the lower end of tool 10 , for receiving a fluid from the lower producing zone into the inside 404 of sensor section 400 . tubular sensor 440 obtains pressure and temperature data from the lower zone fluid inside tool 10 , and transmits the data to analog to digital board 460 . casing sensor 470 obtains pressure and temperature data from the production fluid outside tool 10 , and transmits the data to analog to digital board 460 . analog to digital board 460 converts the analog readings from the sensors and transmits the data to circuit board 242 , which transmits the information to the surface . an outlet port 306 extends through the cylindrical wall of sensor section 400 , adjacent to valve 370 . valve 370 has a vented portal 372 . by instructions from the surface to circuit board 242 , valve 370 is controllably rotatable between an open position in which vented portal 372 is aligned with the outlet port 306 so that lower zone fluid inside tool 10 may flow through outlet port 306 . lower zone fluid flowing through outlet port 306 is thus comingled with the upper zone fluid and pumped together by the submersible pump . when valve 370 is rotated to a closed position , vented portal 372 is not aligned with outlet port 306 , and the flow of lower zone production fluid through outlet port 306 is blocked by valve 370 . in the preferred embodiment , valve 370 valve is positionable to select any desired degree of alignment between the vented portal 372 with outlet port 306 to selectively control the rate of flow of lower zone fluid to be comingled with the upper zone fluid . a computer or processor on circuit board 242 can be used to control the amount of opening and closing of valve 370 , based on instructions from the surface , or based on a preprogrammed algorithm that responds to data from sensors 440 , 470 , or other input . advantageous to the present invention is the ability to open valve 370 in any partially rotated amount . this provides tool 10 with the desirable ability to fully control the amount of fluid flow from the lower reservoir that is comingling with the production of the upper reservoir . as described herein above , the unique and novel features of tool 10 provide the beneficial ability to electronically connect electronic devices located in separate tool sections with a continuous electrical connector without the use of exposed plug connectors . further , the unique and novel features of tool 10 provide the beneficial ability of maintaining an atmospheric pressure condition within tool 10 across several tool section connections 500 , where external conditions downhole include extreme pressures . having thus described the exemplary embodiments , it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations , modifications , changes , and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and , in some instances , some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features . many such variations and modifications may be considered desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments . accordingly , it is contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention . | 4 |
by taking as an example a splitting and sticking process of a stress film in a cmos structure , preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings . fig1 is a schematic cross - sectional view of an essential part of a mosfet formation step . a basic cmos structure having an n - mosfet 10 and a p - mosfet 20 as shown in fig1 is first formed according to a normal process . the cmos structure is , formed , for example , using a p - type si substrate 1 . the n - mosfet 10 and the p - mosfet 20 are subjected to element isolation by a shallow trench isolation ( sti ) 2 . the n - mosfet 10 is formed as follows . within the si substrate 1 for forming the n - mosfet 10 , a p - type well region 11 is formed , for example , using a p - type impurity such as boron ( b ). on such an si substrate 1 , a gate electrode 13 made of polysilicon is formed through a gate insulating film 12 made of silicon oxide ( sio 2 ). on side walls of the gate insulating film 12 and the gate electrode 13 , a sidewall 14 made of sio 2 is formed . within the si substrate 1 on both sides of the gate electrode 13 , a source drain extension region 15 and a source drain region 16 are formed using an n - type impurity such as phosphorus ( p ) or arsenic ( as ). on a surface layer of the gate electrode 13 as well as on a surface layer of the source drain region 16 , silicide layers 17 are formed . no well region 11 may be formed within the si substrate 1 of the n - mosfet 10 . the p - mosfet 20 is formed as follows . within the si substrate 1 for forming the p - mosfet 20 , an n - type well region 21 is formed , for example , using p or as . on such an si substrate 1 , a gate electrode 23 made of polysilicon is formed through a gate insulating film 22 made of silicon oxide ( sio 2 ). on side walls of the gate insulating film 22 and the gate electrode 23 , a sidewall 24 made of sio 2 is formed . within the si substrate 1 on both sides of the gate electrode 23 , a source drain extension region 25 and a source drain region 26 are formed using a p - type impurity such as b . on a surface layer of the gate electrode 23 as well as on a surface layer of the source drain region 26 , silicide layers 27 are formed . the cmos structure ( substrate ) including the n - mosfet 10 and p - mosfet 20 each having the above - described structure is formed according to a normal process . herein , a film thickness and impurity concentration of each portion in this cmos structure are arbitrarily set in response to demand characteristics of the cmos structure . by way of example , the gate electrodes 13 and 23 are each formed to a gate length of about 30 to 40 nm and a gate height of about 100 nm . the sidewalls 14 and 24 are each formed to a width of about 50 nm . fig2 is a schematic cross - sectional view of an essential part of a tensile stress film deposition step . after formation of the n - mosfet 10 and the p - mosfet 20 , a tensile stress film 3 made of sin and having a film thickness of about 70 nm is deposited over the whole surface of the substrate . the tensile stress film 3 is deposited , for example , using a chemical vapor deposition ( cvd ) method . in the method , silane gas ( sih 2 cl 2 , sih 4 , si 2 h 4 , si 2 h 6 ) is used as an si material and ammonia ( nh 3 ) gas is used as an n material . during the deposition , a flow rate of the silane gas is set in the range of 5 to 50 sccm and a flow rate of the nh 3 gas is set in the range of 500 to 10000 sccm . further , nitrogen gas ( n 2 ) or argon ( ar ) gas is used as a carrier gas and a flow rate thereof is set in the range of 500 to 10000 sccm . a chamber for introducing each gas is controlled to have an inner pressure of 0 . 1 to 400 torr and a temperature of 400 ° c . to 450 ° c . herein , the flow rate unit sccm is a reduced value of the flow rate ml / min at 0 ° c . and 101 . 3 kpa . 1 torr is about 133 . 322 pa . the tensile stress film 3 deposited under such conditions has a tensile stress of about 400 to 500 mpa . in the formed tensile stress film 3 , hydrogen ( h ) usually remains . herein , after the deposition of the tensile stress film 3 over the whole surface of the substrate , the process proceeds to the next step without performing the uv irradiation to the film 3 . fig3 is a schematic cross - sectional view of an essential part of an oxide film deposition step . after depositing the tensile stress film 3 over the whole surface of the substrate , a sio 2 film 4 is deposited on the film 3 . the sio 2 film 4 is deposited to a film thickness of about 25 nm , for example , using a plasma cvd method . on this occasion , for example , a mixed gas composed of sih 4 and oxygen ( o 2 ) is used and a substrate temperature is set to about 400 ° c . the sio 2 film 4 herein formed functions as an etching stopper in etching the after - mentioned compressive stress film 6 ( see fig8 ). fig4 is a schematic cross - sectional view of an essential part of an oxide film etching step . after the deposition of the sio 2 film 4 , a resist mask 5 is formed on the n - mosfet 10 side and the sio 2 film 4 deposited on the p - mosfet 20 side is removed by etching . the etching of the sio 2 film 4 is performed , for example , by a reactive ion etching ( rie ) method using a c 4 f 8 / ar / o 2 gas . fig5 is a schematic cross - sectional view of an essential part of a tensile stress film etching step . after the etching of the sio 2 film 4 , the tensile stress film 3 deposited on the p - mosfet 20 side is removed by etching using the same resist mask 5 . the etching of the film 3 is performed , for example , by the rie method using a chf 3 / ar / o 2 gas . after the etching of the tensile stress film 3 on the p - mosfet 20 side , the resist mask 5 is removed . through the etching of the sio 2 film 4 shown in fig4 as well as the etching of the tensile stress film 3 shown in fig5 , the tensile stress film 3 and the sio 2 film 4 are left only on the n - mosfet 10 . to a channel region of the n - mosfet 10 , a tensile stress is applied by this tensile stress film 3 . fig6 is a schematic cross - sectional view of an essential part of a uv irradiation step . after the removal of the resist mask 5 shown in fig5 , uv irradiation is performed to the tensile stress film 3 which remains on the n - mosfet 10 . using a uv irradiation apparatus capable of performing the uv irradiation while controlling a chamber inside to a predetermined environment , the uv irradiation is performed , for example , under conditions where the irradiation temperature is about 450 ° c . and the irradiation time is about 20 minutes . the irradiated uv transmits the thin sio 2 film 4 to reach the tensile stress film 3 under the film 4 . the tensile stress film 3 irradiated with uv is increased in the tensile stress as well as is cured as compared with that before the uv irradiation . this results from the fact that hydrogen which remains in the tensile stress film 3 is removed by the uv irradiation . by this uv irradiation , the tensile stress which is about from 400 to 500 mpa before the uv irradiation can be improved to about 2 gpa . in order to improve a tensile stress , the uv irradiation to the tensile stress film 3 may be performed over the whole surface of the film 3 after the deposition of the film 3 over the whole surface of the substrate shown in fig2 . in this case , however , the tensile stress film 3 is cured with the improvement of the tensile stress . therefore , when subsequently removing by etching the film 3 from the p - mosfet 20 surface ( see fig5 ), it becomes difficult to remove the film 3 with high accuracy as well as with no damage to a foundation layer of the film 3 . accordingly , by performing the uv irradiation after the etching of the film 3 as shown in fig6 , the removal by etching of the film 3 is made easy and at the same time , an improvement of the tensile stress can be attained . in the case of performing uv irradiation over the whole surface of the tensile stress film 3 after the deposition of the film 3 shown in fig2 , the uv irradiation is performed , for example , under conditions where the irradiation temperature is about 450 ° c . and the irradiation time is about 25 minutes . in other words , in order to obtain a constant improvement effect of the tensile stress , since the film 3 is formed over the whole surface of the substrate , uv irradiation for a longer time is required . on the contrary , when performing uv irradiation after the etching of the tensile stress film 3 as shown in fig6 , since the film 3 is formed only on the n - mosfet 10 , uv irradiation for a shorter time is enough . in the uv irradiation step shown in fig6 , uv is irradiated not only to the tensile stress film 3 which remains on the n - mosfet 10 but also to the p - mosfet 20 which is exposed by the removal of the film 3 in the step shown in fig5 . however , no characteristic deterioration of the p - mosfet 20 due to this uv irradiation is recognized . accordingly , by performing the uv irradiation , an improvement in the tensile stress of the film 3 which remains on the n - mosfet 10 can be attained without exerting any influence on the p - mosfet 20 . a sidewall of a mosfet is generally formed using sio 2 or sin . in the n - mosfet 10 and the p - mosfet 20 , the sidewalls 14 and 24 are preferably formed using sio 2 as described above . the reason is that in the uv irradiation step shown in fig6 , uv is irradiated not only to the tensile stress film 3 on the n - mosfet 10 but also to the sidewall 14 of the n - mosfet 10 or to the sidewall 24 of the p - mosfet 20 . in other words , when the sidewalls 14 and 24 are formed using sin , a tensile stress may occur on the sidewalls due to the uv irradiation , depending on the composition of the sidewalls . when the tensile stress occurs on the sidewall 14 of the n - mosfet 10 , the tensile stress is applied to a channel region of the n - mosfet 10 from the tensile stress film 3 as well as from the sidewall 14 . on the other hand , when the tensile stress occurs on the sidewall 24 of the p - mosfet 20 , the tensile stress is applied to a channel region of the p - mosfet 20 . therefore , even when the compressive stress film 6 is formed on the p - mosfet 20 as described later , an effect of the film 6 is reduced . it is also technically possible to form the sidewall 14 using sin and to form the sidewall 24 using sio 2 . however , considering that the tensile stress of the uv - irradiated tensile stress film 3 sufficiently increases , there is no need to form the sidewalls 14 and 24 using different materials . therefore , it is simple and effective to form both of the sidewalls 14 and 24 using sio 2 . fig7 is a schematic cross - sectional view of an essential part of a compressive stress film deposition step . after the uv irradiation to the tensile stress film 3 on the n - mosfet 10 , the compressive stress film 6 made of sin and having a film thickness of about 70 nm is deposited over the whole surface of the substrate where the film 3 and the sio 2 film 4 remain . the compressive stress film 6 is deposited , for example , using the cvd method . in the method , sih 4 gas is used as an si material and nh 3 gas is used as an n material . during the deposition , a flow rate of the sih 4 gas is set in the range of 100 to 1000 sccm and a flow rate of the nh 3 gas is set in the range of 500 to 10000 sccm . further , nitrogen ( n 2 ) gas or argon ( ar ) gas is used as a carrier gas and the flow rate thereof is set in the range of 500 to 10000 sccm . a chamber for introducing each gas is controlled to have an inner pressure of 0 . 1 to 400 torr and a temperature of 400 to 450 ° c . rf power is about 100 to 1000 w . the compressive stress film 6 deposited under such conditions has a compressive stress of about 3 gpa . fig8 is a schematic cross - sectional view of an essential part of a compressive stress film etching step . after depositing the compressive stress film 6 over the whole surface , a resist mask 7 is formed on the p - mosfet 20 side . using the sio 2 film 4 as an etching stopper , the compressive stress film 6 deposited on the n - mosfet 10 side is removed by etching . the etching of the compressive stress film 6 is performed , for example , by the rie method using a chf 3 / ar / o 2 gas . after the etching of the compressive stress film 6 on the n - mosfet 10 side , the resist mask 7 is removed . fig9 is a schematic cross - sectional view of an essential part of an interlayer insulating film deposition step . after removing the resist mask 7 , a teos oxide film 8 as an interlayer insulating film is deposited over the whole surface . using tetra - ethoxysilane ( teos , si ( oc 2 h 5 oh ) 4 ) as a raw material , the teos oxide film 8 is deposited using the plasma cvd method . the teos oxide film 8 is first deposited over the whole surface to a film thickness of about 600 nm . then , the film 8 is flattened using a chemical mechanical polishing ( cmp ) method and finally reduced to a film thickness of about 350 nm . through the steps so far , there is completed the cmos structure in which the tensile stress film 3 and the compressive stress film 6 are split and stuck on the n - mosfet 10 and the p - mosfet 20 , respectively . thereafter , a contact electrode and a wiring layer are formed according to a normal process . thus , a device having the cmos structure is completed . as described above , in the first embodiment , the tensile stress film 3 is formed over the whole surface . then , the film 3 is removed by etching from the p - mosfet 20 surface while being left on the n - mosfet 10 . further , uv irradiation is performed to the remaining film 3 . thereafter , the compressive stress film 6 is formed on the p - mosfet 20 . therefore , the etching of the tensile stress film 3 is performed with ease and with high accuracy as well as the tensile stress film 3 having a large tensile stress can be formed on the n - mosfet 10 . accordingly , there can be realized a high - performance and high - quality cmos device in which a large tensile stress is applied to the channel region of the n - mosfet 10 and a large compressive stress is applied to the channel region of the p - mosfet 20 . the uv irradiation to the tensile stress film 3 removes hydrogen which remains in the film as described above . accompanying with the removal , a tensile stress of the film 3 is improved and as a result , an improvement in an electron mobility in the n - mosfet 10 is attained . further , by the removal of hydrogen from the tensile stress film 3 , negative bias temperature instability ( nbti ) in the cmos device may be suppressed . in the second embodiment , the same elements as those shown in the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment and the detailed description is omitted . the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the following point . in the second embodiment , the tensile stress film 3 and the compressive stress film 6 are formed on the n - mosfet 10 and the p - mosfet 20 , respectively . then , uv irradiation is collectively performed to both of the tensile stress film 3 and the compressive stress film 6 . more specifically , deposition of the tensile stress film 3 shown in fig2 , formation and etching of the sio 2 film 4 shown in fig3 and 4 , and etching of the tensile stress film 3 shown in fig5 are performed on the cmos structure shown in fig1 . then , without performing the uv irradiation , the process proceeds to the deposition step of the compressive stress film 6 shown in fig7 . further , the film 6 on the film 4 is removed by etching and then , a resist mask 7 is removed as shown in fig8 . in the second embodiment , when the patterning of the films 3 and 6 is thus completed , uv irradiation is performed to the films 3 and 6 . fig1 is a schematic cross - sectional view of an essential part of a uv irradiation step to a tensile stress film and a compressive stress film . when removing the resist mask 7 after the etching of the compressive stress film 6 shown in fig8 , a state as shown in fig1 is obtained . that is , the tensile stress film 3 before the uv irradiation is formed on the n - mosfet 10 and the compressive stress film 6 before the uv irradiation is formed on the p - mosfet 20 . then , uv irradiation is collectively performed to both of the tensile stress film 3 and the compressive stress film 6 . using a uv irradiation apparatus capable of performing uv irradiation while controlling a chamber inside to a predetermined environment , the uv irradiation is performed for example , under conditions where the irradiation temperature is about 450 ° c . and the irradiation time is about 20 minutes . by this uv irradiation , the tensile stress in the film 3 , which is about from 400 to 500 mpa before the uv irradiation , can be improved to about 2 gpa . during the uv irradiation , uv is irradiated to the tensile stress film 3 as well as to the compressive stress film 6 . the uv irradiation to the compressive stress film 6 leads to reduction in the compressive stress . however , when depositing the film 6 under the above - described conditions ( see the description of fig7 ), the amount of reduction in the compressive stress due to uv irradiation can be suppressed to 200 mpa or less ( the compressive stress in the film 6 before the uv irradiation is about 3 gpa ). after the uv irradiation shown in fig1 , the teos oxide film 8 having a predetermined film thickness is formed as shown in fig9 . thus , there is completed the cmos structure in which the tensile stress film 3 and the compressive stress film 6 are split and stuck on the n - mosfet 10 and the p - mosfet 20 , respectively . thereafter , a contact electrode and a wiring layer are formed according to a normal process . thus , a device having the cmos structure is completed . in this second embodiment , the tensile stress film 3 is first deposited over the whole surface . then , the film 3 deposited on the p - mosfet 20 side is removed by etching so as to be left on the n - mosfet 10 . thereafter , the compressive stress film 6 is deposited over the whole surface . then , the film 6 deposited on the n - mosfet 10 side is removed by etching so as to be left on the p - mosfet 20 . a deposition order of the tensile stress film 3 and the compressive stress film 6 may be reversed . more specifically , the compressive stress film 6 is first deposited over the whole surface . then , the film 6 deposited on the n - mosfet 10 side is removed by etching so as to be left on the p - mosfet 20 . thereafter , the tensile stress film 3 is deposited over the whole surface . then , the film 3 deposited on the p - mosfet 20 side is removed by etching so as to be left on the n - mosfet 10 . also in this case , after completion of the etching to remove from the p - mosfet 20 side the tensile stress film 3 deposited over the whole surface and to leave the film 3 on the n - mosfet 10 surface , uv irradiation under the predetermined conditions may be collectively performed to the tensile stress film 3 and the compressive stress film 6 . as described above , in the second embodiment , after completion of the etching of the tensile stress film 3 and compressive stress film 6 deposited under the predetermined conditions , the uv irradiation is collectively performed to the films 3 and 6 . therefore , the etching of the tensile stress film 3 is performed with ease and with high accuracy as well as the tensile stress film 3 having a large tensile stress can be formed on the n - mosfet 10 . further , the tensile stress of the compressive stress film 6 is kept large even after the uv irradiation . accordingly , there can be realized a high - performance and high - quality cmos device in which a large tensile stress is applied to the channel region of the n - mosfet 10 and a large compressive stress is applied to the channel region of the p - mosfet 20 . the collective uv irradiation to the tensile stress film 3 and the compressive stress film 6 removes hydrogen which remains in the films 3 and 6 , as described above . when hydrogen is removed from the films 3 and 6 , the nbti in the cmos device may be suppressed . in the above description , the splitting and sticking process of the tensile stress film and the compressive stress film in the cmos structure is described by way of example . the above - described method for performing the uv irradiation to the tensile stress film after completion of the etching can be similarly applied to a forming process of the cmos device as well as of various devices having an n - mosfet . more specifically , there may be employed a method for depositing over the whole surface of the substrate having formed thereon the n - mosfet the tensile stress film having the tensile stress , removing by etching the film while leaving it on the n - mosfet , and performing uv irradiation to the tensile stress film which remains on the n - mosfet . in the above description , the tensile stress film having a certain level of tensile stress is previously deposited on the n - mosfet . then , uv irradiation is performed to the tensile stress film to increase the tensile stress of the film . in addition , there may be employed , for example , a method for depositing the compressive stress film having a certain level of compressive stress and performing uv irradiation to the film to produce the compressive stress . also to a case of performing the uv irradiation to the compressive stress film for the purpose of modification and nbti suppression , the above - described method for performing the uv irradiation after the etching can be applied . in the present invention , the stress film is formed on the substrate having formed thereon a transistor , the stress film is removed while being left on the transistor and then , uv irradiation is performed to the remaining stress film . therefore , removal of the stress film can be performed with high accuracy . as a result , there can be realized the high - performance and high - quality semiconductor device having a transistor in which the carrier mobility is improved by the stress film . the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the present invention . further , since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art , it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and applications shown and described , and accordingly , all suitable modifications and equivalents may be regarded as falling within the scope of the invention in the appended claims and their equivalents . | 7 |
the pest repellent of the present invention may be the active ingredient of imiprothrin itself , but providing imiprothrin as a formulation is generally standard . more specifically , a formulation wherein imiprothrin is supported on an appropriate carrier is standard . sheet formulations , formulations wherein imiprothrin is kneaded into a resin , emulsifiable concentrates , oil formulations , wettable powders , flowable formulations , granules , dusts , enmicrocapsulated formulations , aerosols , heat volatile formulations , and so on are examples of possible formulations . the sheet materials are not especially restricted when the pest repellent is formulated as a sheet . papers , synthetic resins , cloths , and so on are set forth as examples of the said sheet materials . the formulated sheet may generally comprise about 0 . 01 to 10 g of imiprothrin for every 1 m 2 of the said sheet . furthermore , in the event the pest repellent takes the formulation of emulsifiable concentrates or oil formulation , the said formulations generally comprise about 0 . 01 to 10 % by weight of imiprothrin . in addition to imiprothrin , any other pest repelling ingredient may be incorporated to the pest repellent . examples of the other pest repelling ingredients that may be additionally incorporated are n , n - diethyl - m - toluamide , carane - 3 , 4 - diol , 1 - methylpropyl 2 -( 2 - hydroxyethyl )- 1 - piperizinecarboxylate , p - menthane - 3 , 8 - diol , pest repelling plant essential oils and so on . the pest repellent is generally utilized by disposing the pest repellent at the targeted area of pest repelling . the typical household , warehouse , dining areas , and so on areas wherein the pest may invade are examples of objective areas wherein the pest repellent generally may be disposed . it is especially effective to repel pests such as cockroaches by setting the sheet formulation of the pest repellent under intricate machinery such as a personal computer , copy machine , and telephone , or under vending machines , or so on . the pest repellent may also be utilized to repel pests such as mosquitoes ( culicidae ), black flies ( simuliidae ), stable flies ( stomoxyidae ) by disposing onto the body or clothes when the pest repellent is formulated as an ethanol solution , isopropanol solution , lotion or cream formulation , or so on . the pest repellent may further be utilized to repel or stop the invasion of pests such as ants , pill bugs , sow bugs , millipedes ( anamorpha ), millipedes ( epimorpha ), centipedes , and so on by dispersing around the perimeter of a typical household , warehouse , dining areas , and so on . when the pest repellent is formulated as emulsifiable concentrates , wettable powders , flowable formulations , enmicrocapsulated formulations , and so on , a water dilution is applied . when the pest repellent is formulated as granules , dusts , aerosols , oil formulations , or so on , the pest repellent is applied by itself . the amount of imiprothrin employed for the pest repellent does vary with the objective location , utilization method , variation of formulation , targeted pest , and so on , but usually is about 0 . 01 g to 10 g for 1 m 2 . the pest repellent of the present invention may be employed in various methods but , a method wherein the pest is exposed with the present invention either directly or by previously preparing the pest repellent in an area that is possible for the pest to be exposed to the pest repellent is preferable . more specifically , the pest repellent may be applied in a pest repelling method such as dispersal , spraying , spreading , placing , pasting , or so on . in addition , the pest repellent may also be employed in a pest repelling method wherein the pest repellent is supported on the ingredients of household items by means of incorporation such as spreading , soaking , kneading and mixing , dripping / dropping , and so on before the said ingredient is formed to an household item . the utilization of the household item that was formed from the said ingredients that preserve the pest repellent will repel pests and is also a method to repel pests . the pest repellent is not limited to repel just dictyoptera such as german cockroach ( blattella germanica ), smokybrown cockroach ( periplaneta fuliginosa ), american cockroach ( periplaneta americana ), brown cockroach ( periplaneta brunnea ), oriental cockroach ( blatta orientalis ), and so on ; lepidoptera such as casemaking clothes moth ( tinea pellionella ), webbing clothes moth ( tineola bisselliella ), indian mean moth ( plodia interpunctella ), and so on ; diptera such as culex spp ., anopheles spp ., aedes spp ., muscidae , small fruit flies or vinegar flies ( drosophilidae ), moth flies or sand flies ( psychodidae ), phoridae , and so on ; coleoptera such as the maize weevil ( sitophilus zeamais ), adzuki bean weevil ( callosobruchus chinensis ), black carpet beetle ( attagenus unicolorjaponicus ), varied carpet beetle ( authrenus verbasci ), anobiidae , powderpost beetle ( lyctus brunneus ), robe beetle ( paederus fuscipes ), and so on ; hymenoptera such as ants ( formicidae ), bethylidae , and so on ; siphonaptera such as human flea ( pulex irritans ), cat flea ( ctenocephalides felis ), and so on ; lice ( anoplura ) such as body louse ( pudiculus humanus ), crab louse ( pthrius pubis ), and so on , isoptera such as reticulitermes speratus , formosan subterranean termite ( coptotermes formosanus ), and so on ; and so on harmful insects , but is also efficacious in repelling mites and ticks ( acarina ) such as house dust mites ( for example , acaridae , dermanyssidae , pyroglyphidae , chetyletidae , and so on ), ticks ( for example , boophilus microplus ), ornithonyssus spp ., and so on ; spiders ; scorpions ( scorpionida ); oniscoidea such as pillbugs and sow bugs ; millipeds ( chilopoda ) such as anamorpha , epimorpha , centipede , and so on ; gastropoda such as slugs and snails ; leeches ; and so on . namely , the pests include arthropod , mollusca , annelida , and so on . a shelter was prepared by constructing an entrance / exit into a paper box ( length 7 cm × width 10 cm × height 2 cm ). a sheet formulation ( 7 . 6 cm × 2 . 6 cm ) was then prepared by spreading 0 . 4 ml of an acetone solution comprising of 0 . 25 % by weight of imiprothrin onto a glass slide and then drying the formulation . the said sheet formulation was then located in a position on the floor in the said shelter wherein the said formulation follows the entrance / exit . food , water , the obtained shelter containing the sheet formulation , and 10 male and female adult cockroaches were deposited into a plastic case ( length 30 cm × width 20 cm × height 8 cm ). the quantity of cockroaches in the said shelter was counted 24 hours later . in addition , a shelter containing the sheet formulation was preserved for 2 weeks at 25 ° c . and wherein the humidity was at 60 %. food , water , the preserved shelter , and 10 male and female adult cockroaches were re - deposited into the emptied plastic case . the quantity of cockroaches in the said shelter was counted 24 hours later . furthermore , empenthrin and n , n - diethyl - m - toluamide ( deet ) were similarly tested for the ability to repel german cockroaches from the shelter . a control was also performed by utilizing a shelter without repellent disposal . the results are given in table 1 . within the table , a &# 34 ;-&# 34 ; represents that the invasion rate of cockroaches into the shelter was less than 30 %, a &# 34 ;+&# 34 ; represents 30 % or more to less than 50 %, and a &# 34 ;++&# 34 ; represents 50 % or more . table 1______________________________________ results right after disposal results 2 weeks later______________________________________imiprothrin - - empenthrin + ++ deet - ++ no compositional ++ disposal______________________________________ the insect repellent of the present invention is effective in repelling insects such as cockroaches . imiprothrin was able to repel insects 2 weeks after disposal while other well known pest repellents such as empenthrin and n , n - diethyl - m - toluamine were ineffective after such an elapse of time . the ability of imiprothrin to sustain repelling activity after a long period of time negates the necessity to tediously continue pest repellent disposal to efficaciously repel pests . in addition , the ability of imiprothrin to repel a difficult pest such as the cockroach also deems imiprothrin as an excellent repellent against a variety of pest . | 8 |
in view of the above , the present invention through one or more of its various aspects and / or embodiments is presented to provide one or more advantages , such as those noted below . referring to fig1 , a system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated . a router 128 , asynchronous transfer mode ( atm ) switch 132 , digital subscriber line access multiplexer ( dslam ) 104 , dsl modem 134 , and customer premises equipment ( cpe ) 136 provide connectivity between the user and the internet 110 . a digital subscriber line access multiplexers ( dslam ) is a mechanism at a phone company &# 39 ; s central location that links many customer dsl connections to a single high - speed atm line . when the phone company receives a dsl signal , an adsl modem with a plain old telephone service ( pots ) splitter detects voice calls and data . voice calls are sent to the public switched telephone system ( pstn ), and data are sent to the dslam , where the data passes through the atm to the internet , then back through the dslam and adsl modem before returning to the customer &# 39 ; s personal computer ( pc ). the dslam records atm cell counts for each line and stores them in memory . the dslam 104 is coupled to the internet 110 and couples to a plurality of dsl lines such as illustrated dsl lines 120 , 122 , and 124 . the dslam receives signals from the dsl lines and connects them to the internet using well known multiplexing techniques . the present invention comprises a digital subscriber line ( dsl ) control system processor 102 coupled to the internet 110 , a line profile database storage 108 , and a historical dsl performance database storage 106 . the line profile database comprises a variety of data objects storing performance parameters related for each dsl line , such as dsl lines 120 , 122 , and 124 . performance parameters can include , among others , bit rates , signal attenuation , signal to noise ratios , observed crosstalk , observed echo due to taps , and bit loading anomalies due to bonding or grounding impairments that have a high degree of uniformity at a neighborhood level . the historical dsl performance database 106 maintains the history of dsl performance parameters associated with a customer &# 39 ; s communication line . the dsl control system processor 102 includes a decision model 130 for correlating performance parameters . the dsl control system 102 can be used to correlate performance parameters for a plurality of selected dsl lines . the dsl lines may be related as physically existing in the same general area such as the same street or neighborhood . dsl lines having degraded performance parameters may alternatively be determined based on historical performance data 106 . the dsl control system 102 may be implemented as a computer system that includes software to execute the decision model 130 and the dsl control system . the dsl performance database 106 and the line profile database 108 may be implemented with standard computer database technology . the dsl control system 102 collects data from one or all of the modem , cpe , atm switch , and router . data can be collected non - intrusively that is , data can be collected while an application is running over the dsl line for which data is being collected . the decision model selects data from the collected data . as is well known , adsl service architecture generally relies on pre - existing lines of the telephone distribution network . preexisting lines generally comprise copper wire connections . equipment is generally designed to operate at several levels of the network , from equipment designed to handle large quantities of communication lines to equipment designed for an individual user . at higher levels , a distribution plant serves multiple customers ( generally from 20 , 000 to 40 , 000 phone lines ). at a local level , an adsl serving terminal generally serves about 25 phone lines . customer lines connected to the same serving terminal are expected by general adsl performance guidelines to have similar loop lengths ( usually about 1000 feet ) and to have performance parameters displaying similar performance . adsl service rate and performance characteristics are a function of loop length , levels of attenuation , noise , observed crosstalk , etc . fig2 shows a flowchart 200 of the present invention . specific adsl performance parameters are recorded as shown in box 201 . dsl performance parameters include but are not limited to upstream and downstream bit rates and error counts . parameters can be collected , for example , during an initiation sequence for establishing an internet connection between modem 134 and dslam 104 , also known as “ handshaking ”, and are compiled most often in a periodic fashion , such as once a day or once a week . these performance parameters are stored in data objects within a relational database such as the line profile database 108 . as discussed in box 203 , data objects are selected according to selection criteria chosen by an operator . a useful selection criteria is to select data objects representing lines that are physically “ close ” to the problematic line , i . e ., share the same zip code , street , city block , etc . physically close lines are “ related ” lines sharing a same general location . other types of relationships such as similar performance parameters can be used to associate a group of “ related ” communication lines . any standard method for selecting from a database , such as structured query language ( sql ), can be used to perform the selection . in one aspect of the present invention , selection can be made via a web based graphical user interface . as discussed in box 205 , performance parameters of the selected lines are correlated . in one instance , correlation can be a comparison of performance parameters among the selected data objects representing performance data for related communication lines . if another one of the selected lines exhibits similar behavior , the operator may wish to address both problems in one truck roll ( i . e ., one field maintenance operation ). on the other hand , the operator may be alerted that a problem is not that of the individual customer , but is a result of equipment failure serving many customers . the operator can then alter a field maintenance plan appropriately to service the larger equipment failure rather than the individual line . such correlation can lead to more proactive and efficient service . fig3 shows a screenshot of an input screen 300 in one aspect of the present invention . an operator inputs a relevant selection criteria 302 , i . e ., the phone number of a customer reporting a network - related problem . fig4 shows a display screen 400 showing one possible result of performing a selection using the selection criteria input in fig3 . the selection criteria 302 is a dsl customer line . the search will return phone numbers of related dsl lines 412 proximate to the dsl line input 302 . proximate includes but is not limited to lines on the same street , in the same neighborhood or served by the same equipment . the returned proximate lines are “ related ” lines . as shown in fig4 performance parameters including , but not limited to , downstream bit rate 402 , downstream maximum attainable bit rate 404 , estimated loop length 406 and downstream relative capacity 408 for each of the related adsl lines . in the example of fig4 , related lines are those lines used by customers along the same street 410 as the input phone number 302 . a correlation can then be made of adsl performance of these related adsl lines . grouping the adsl lines by physical street address and performance enables identifying and pinpointing the common causes of adsl line performance degradation . since performance parameters are expected to behave similarly for related lines , empirical evidence of line performance for a single line can be the leading indicator of performance for related lines . assuming that an adsl line &# 39 ; s performance is tightly coupled ( highly correlated ) to a group of proximate related lines , if a related line is observed to have degradation of performance , then related adsl lines may likewise experience the same degradation . if this related adsl degradation is observed , a proactive maintenance treatment can be performed on the related adsl lines . for example , when an adsl customer calls in to report a technical problem , a service technician can retrieve information on related lines . if many of these related lines show similar performance degradation , the technician can treat these related lines in one service call rather than many individual calls to each line separately . as a result , not only is greater customer satisfaction achieved by proactive treatment related lines exhibiting the same problem before their users call or even disconnect , but also it is possible to reduce the amount of trouble tickets and truck rolls . thus , the present invention enables a single maintenance operation to benefit multiple lines . this reduces operation cost and labor cost . in addition , it is possible to normalize higher level performance for related lines with a single integrated maintenance operation . if one or more adsl lines is observed to have much a higher performance level than related adsl lines , the present invention enables an operator to normalize related lines to higher performance levels . in another aspect of the present invention , historical performance data can be maintained that statistically validates performance association or coupling between related lines ( tightly coupled or loosely coupled ) over time . if the performance parameters of related lines are found to diverge over time , a correlation can be made to factors within an individual living unit which can drive the divergence ( e . g ., inside wire , splitter or levels of micro - filter at a home , cpe differences ). thus , a determination can be made as to whether a degradation of service is attributable to an event occurring on a single line ( i . e ., installation of a new modem or cpe ) or if the problem is related to a network component addressing many related network connections , such as a dslam or a router . fig5 - 7 illustrate screenshots of data collected and displayed from a real - time loop performance analyzer in one aspect of the present invention . a real time loop performance analyzer collects performance data for a customer &# 39 ; s communication line , such as an adsl line . some of the performance data categories collected shown as dsl line attributes are : downstream speed 502 , upstream speed 504 , noise levels 506 for upstream noise 508 and downstream 510 and cell counts for upstream 514 and downstream 512 . displaying raw data collected from a selected customer line , line analysis as shown in fig5 . fig6 shows an analysis of the condition of a line , and a historical tracking of upstream 704 and downstream 702 line code violations and upstream 708 and downstream 706 errors ( fig7 ), which displays raw data recorded over time . as an example of an analysis output from the decision model ( 130 in fig1 ), fig6 displays a message ( 610 ) alerting the technician to unusual attenuation on the line as well as possible reasons for the attenuation . this analysis enables a technician to resolve a problem with improved efficiency and effectiveness . in another aspect of the present invention , data can be used to affect product marketing and promotion processes . usually , in order to raise a line to a higher speed , its line capacity is measured and analyzed . this is usually done on line - by - line basis . using the present invention , marketing and sales representatives can retrieve performance data on related lines . if some of the lines have already been running at higher speed tiers and operating without technical problems , related lines can most likely also be raised to higher speed tiers as well . marketing can therefore be targeted in a more focused manner . although the invention has been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments , it is understood that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration , rather than words of limitation . changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims , as presently stated and as amended , without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in its aspects . although the invention has been described with reference to particular means , materials and embodiments , the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed ; rather , the invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures , methods , and uses such as are within the scope of the appended claims . in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention , the methods described herein are intended for operation as software programs running on a computer processor . dedicated hardware implementations including , but not limited to , application specific integrated circuits , programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement the methods described herein . furthermore , alternative software implementations including , but not limited to , distributed processing or component / object distributed processing , parallel processing , or virtual machine processing can also be constructed to implement the methods described herein . it should also be noted that the software implementations of the present invention as described herein are optionally stored on a tangible storage medium , such as : a magnetic medium such as a disk or tape ; a magneto - optical or optical medium such as a disk ; or a solid state medium such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more read - only ( non - volatile ) memories , random access memories , or other re - writable ( volatile ) memories . a digital file attachment to e - mail or other self - contained information archive or set of archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium . accordingly , the invention is considered to include a tangible storage medium or distribution medium , as listed herein and including art - recognized equivalents and successor media , in which the software implementations herein are stored . although the present specification describes components and functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols , the invention is not limited to such standards and protocols . each of the standards for internet and other packet switched network transmission ( e . g ., tcp / ip , udp / ip , html , http ) represent examples of the state of the art . such standards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions . accordingly , replacement standards and protocols having the same functions are considered equivalents . | 7 |
in accordance with the foregoing summary , the following presents several examples of actuators of various geometries which are considered to be the best modes of the invention for the embodiments they represent . actuators that may be used in accordance with the present invention three example applications of the electromagnetic forming actuator have been built and tested for experimental purposes . fig2 shows a plan view of an actuator in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention . fig2 shows schematically the primary or simplest geometry for an actuator 20 of the present invention , consisting of three straight prismatic bar conductors of the same cross section , i . e ., 0 . 375 by 0 . 750 inch . fig2 shows central conduit 21 which is split to form return conduits 22 and 23 substantially parallel thereto . the conduits 21 , 22 and 23 are mounted co - planar on the 0 . 375 inch sides and parallel on the 0 . 750 inch sides with a 0 . 375 inch separation between conductors . the structural and electrical connection is made at one end of the assembly by a through bolt using separation spacers of the same bar stock ( not shown ). the other end of the assembly is connected by right angle conductor pieces , to the double buss bar of the capacitor bank ( not shown ). the longer center conduit 21 is connected to the positive buss and the two shorter return conduits 22 and 23 are connected to the negative buss . current direction is indicated by arrows 24 and the polarity indicated by the plus (+) and minus (-) signs . the total assembly length is approximately twenty ( 20 ) inches . the central twelve inches of the actuator is surrounded on three sides by a aluminum support channel ( not shown ) which reacts to the repulsive forces generated between the conducting bars of the actuator . the support channel is insulated from the actuator by 0 . 125 inch thick polycarbonate sheet . the top side of the actuator is flush with the top of the support channel assembly and covered by a 0 . 010 inch thick sheet of mylar to insulate the actuator assembly from the work piece sheet which is placed atop the assembly . in this embodiment , the form tool for the test is then positioned on the test sheet centrally over the actuator assembly and weighted down with several heavy , one inch thick rubber pads prior to discharging the capacitor bank . it is also possible to incorporate such an actuator into a mold body by using a central conduit and a single return conduit in the form of a conductive body that surrounds the central conduit on two or three adjacent sides , leaving a side to face the work force area . in such an embodiment , the current pulse is &# 34 ; split &# 34 ; by being diffused into the mass of the single return conduit in at least two divergent directions , ultimately returning to the negative bus . fig2 a shows a cross - sectional view of the actuator 20 taken along line 2a -- 2a of fig2 . fig2 a shows a cross section of central conduit 21 and return conduits 22 and 23 . fig2 a also shows a general indication of the magnetic force distribution as indicated by magnetic force lines 25 . fig2 a shows that the maximum displacement would not be effected in a work piece 26 as reflected by the magnetic force lines 25 when attempting to deform the work piece 26 as indicated by dotted lines 27 . fig2 also shows die 28 against which the work piece 26 may be formed ( as may be the case with any of the embodiments of the present invention shown in the drawings ). an alternative embodiment , a coil assembly similar in construction to that of fig2 is constructed , except that its working length is forty inches , has a face width of 1 . 5 inches and is curved in a plane perpendicular to the working face , to form a 120 degree included angle with a six inch radius at the angle apex . the coil is mounted in a plywood housing consisting of a sandwich of four thicknesses of 0 . 75 inch ( nominal ) finish grade interior plywood which is contoured to match the coils curvature . the coil is supported by the two center sheets of plywood which also react the primary pressure pulse generated by the coil . the two outer plywood sheets extend up along the sides of the outer coil conductors to react the separation forces between the three coil conductor and are contoured to be approximately flush with the working face of the coil assembly . the plywood sheets held together by several through bolts which also provide clamping pressure to secure the coil assembly in the channel formed by the shorter center sheets and longer outer sheets of plywood . the form tool is clamped in a similar way in a plywood laminate assembly which forms a conjugate to the coil holder . the coil holder and tool holder are held together during forming by four threaded tie rods , nuts and simple , straight angle iron tie brackets . the assembled coil half and tool half form a rectangular plywood block approximately 24 by 36 inches and 3 inches thick . this experimental electromagnetic forming tool accepts a 40 inch long aluminum strip up to 6 inches wide and forms it into a 120 degree angle bracket with an integral stiffening rib along the center . the center rib has a cross - sectional shape defined by the form tool mounted in the upper plywood housing . both stretch ribs ( outside of the bracket ) and compression ribs ( inside of the bracket ) can be formed by selecting the proper plywood halves to mount the coil and the form tool . fig3 shows actuator coil 30 which has central conduit 31 which splits into two return conduits 32 and 33 which form inward turning coils . these coils may be co - planar with the return conduit and preferably are co - planar with the exception that the straight portions extending from the interior of each coil toward the negative (-) pole are shown as extending below the plane of the coils of the return conduits 32 and 33 . the conduit 31 is connected to the positive bus and the return conduits 32 and 33 are connected to the negative bus . current direction is indicated by arrows 34 . fig3 a shows a cross section taken along 3a -- 3a of fig3 . this figure shows central conduit 31 and portions of return conduits 32 and 33 . the magnetic field produced in the work - force area is indicated by general magnetic field lines 35 . fig3 a shows that the maximum displacement would be effected in a work piece 36 when attempting to deform the work piece 36 as indicated by dotted lines 37 . as in fig1 a and 2a , fig3 a indicates the direction of current flow by a single dot to indicate current flow out of the plane of the paper as presented to the reader while an asterisk design (*) indicates current flow into the plane of the drawing as viewed by the reader . also , the work force area is that area generally perpendicular to the plane defined by the dotted lines and above ( or below , as the case may be ) the actuator indicated by the position of the work pieces in these figures . fig4 shows yet another alternative embodiment of a geometry of an actuator coil in accordance with the present invention . fig4 shows an actuator coil 40 comprising central conduit 41 which is split twice to form return conduit coils 42 , 43 , 42a and 43a . in this embodiment all four return coils are shown as being co - planar with the straight portions extending toward the negative bus from the interior of each coil extending below the plane of the four return coils . such an embodiment gives a greater work force area but maintains the maximum displacement through the center of the work force area similar to the field shown in fig3 a as described above . yet another coil follows the fundamental principle of the present invention , that of splitting the pulse current in order to generate a magnetic field having a central high flux area . such a coil is shown in plan view in fig5 . in this embodiment , the work piece is to be formed so as to have an asymmetric bulge , 1 . 5 inches high and having an approximately isosceles triangular plan with two 6 inch edges 54 and 55 and one 7 inch edge 56 . the coil for this shape was constrained to lie entirely within the plan view of the bulge . the coil 50 was cut in one piece from a 0 . 375 inch thick copper plate . the central conduit 51 of the coil is about 0 . 500 inch wide and bisected the angle between the 6 . 0 inch edges 52 and 53 starting at the 7 . 0 inch edge . just short of the apex the conductor branched forming separate legs running parallel to each 6 . 0 inch plan edge . at the 7 . 0 inch plan edge the return conduits 52 and 53 turn back toward the central conduit along a line parallel to the 7 . 0 inch edge . the legs approach the within 0 . 375 inch of the central conduit 51 and then turn parallel to it . each return conduit essentially forms a 270 degree coil within itself maintaining a 0 . 375 spacing from the outer loop . the input and output leads are brazed at the ends of the branch legs and start of the central leg and are perpendicular to the plane of the coil . the coil was imbedded into a 3 . 0 inch thick layered plywood base 58 such that the face of the coil was flush with the top plywood sheet surface and the brazed lead bars extended from the bottom . four straight legs supported the coil - base assembly at the proper height above the buss bars to allow unstrained connection of the lead bars to the busses with bolted angle bracket connectors . a female form tool ( not shown ) was positioned and secured by two tie rods running through the assembly outside of the test blank nesting area . the tie rods also provided the work piece clamping force required to restrain sheet draw - in and flange wrinkling . fig6 shows still another coil 60 following another fundamental principle of the present invention , that of reversing the direction of the pulse current in the plane of the actuator coil in order to generate a magnetic field having a central high flux area . the piece to be formed by this actuator coil was to have an asymmetric bulge , 1 . 5 inches high and having an approximately equilateral triangular plan with 6 inch edges 61 and 62 , with one side further bordering upon the longest side of a trapezoidal shape having a long side of about 6 inches , a shorter opposing side 63 of about 4 inches and lateral sides 64 and 65 of about 2 inches . the coil was constrained to lie entirely within the plan view of the bulge . the coil was cut in one piece from a 0 . 375 inch thick copper plate . as can be appreciated from fig6 this coil provides that the pulse ( indicated by the directional arrows ) running through those portions of the coil intersecting a line 66 between the input lead 67 and the output lead 68 are substantially parallel , causing there to be generated a magnetic field having a high flux in this central area ( i . e ., one that is substantially uninterrupted by zones having little or no flux ). the input and output leads are brazed at the ends of the branch legs and start of the central leg and are perpendicular to the plane of the coil . the coil was imbedded into a 3 . 0 inch thick layered plywood base 69 ( as may any actuator coil of the present invention ) such that the face of the coil was flush with the top plywood sheet surface and the brazed lead bars extended from the bottom . four straight legs supported the coil - base assembly at the proper height above the buss bars to allow unstrained connection of the lead bars to the busses with bolted angle bracket connectors . a female form tool ( not shown ) was positioned and secured by two tie rods running through the assemble outside of the test blank nesting area . the tie rods also provided the work piece clamping force required to restrain sheet draw - in and flange wrinkling . to illustrate the advantages of the present invention over the prior art , the stresses in electromagnetic forming and the velocity vs . time profiles have been accurately predicted for expanding ring experiments using solenoid coils . computer codes that can model more complex two dimensional problems are also available . cale , a &# 34 ; c &# 34 ; language based code , originally developed at lawrence livermore national laboratory as an astrophysics code , is now being used to model these forming processes and the subsequent material response . fig7 shows an example of a cale simulation of a sheet forming problem . a flat spiral coil is used to form a clamped metal sheet . the irregular lines indicate lines of magnetic flux around the current - carrying elements ( shown in cross section ) in the simulation . two views from the simulation are shown as they would be at 90 and 300 microseconds . it is observed that the deformation begins at the edges of the sheet and progresses towards the center . the predicted time - profile of the deformation agrees with the profile obtained with a high speed camera in a real experiment reported by others under similar conditions . cale accurately simulates the trajectory and profile of the deforming sheet metal work piece . fig8 shows a profile of the sheet through the deformation process simulated in fig7 . though there are no fundamental limitations to the size of the parts that can be made by electromagnetic forming in accordance with the present invention , larger parts require more energy which translates into larger capacitor banks and higher initial capital expenditure . as a result , hybrid forming processes are also being considered where electromagnetic and electrohydraulic forming may be used in such a hybrid process . accordingly , the present invention may also be used in a matched tool set with electromagnetic coils built into sharp corners and other difficult - to - form contours , to form such parts . the matched tools would form the parts of the work piece which can be easily formed at low velocities using mechanical energy from the press . this semi - formed work piece would then be subjected to high rate forming with the electromagnetic coils to complete the forming operation . a schematic of such a process is shown in fig9 . fig9 shows hybrid matched tool - electromagnetic forming apparatus 90 including capacitor bank 91 , inner ram 92 , outer ram 93 with blank holder and die 94 ( on press bolster 100 . stage 1 punch 95 partially forms work piece 96 leaving one or more portions partially formed . the actuator coils of the present invention , such as 97 , powered by coaxial power distribution lines 99 , may then be applied to fill out the remaining portions ( indicated by voids such as 98 ), to reach the final desired shape of the work piece . similarly , a quasi static , fluid pressure process with an electrical discharge in the fluid at the end of the pressure cycle to form the sharp corners and bends could represent another embodiment of the hybrid method of making difficult parts . actuators of the present invention may find application in many industries that involve the formation of shaped metal pieces , such as in the making of parts for the automobile industry and the boating industry . other applications may be found in the making of specially shaped parts in a wide variety of other industries as well . if it is accepted as a primary motivation that the automotive industry is committed to reducing the weight of passenger automobiles by the extensive use of aluminum , then the specific character of the problem can be defined and potential solutions investigated . for example any forming method proposed must be basically capable of the production rates common for current practice [ du bois 1996 , henry 1995 ]. this production rate requirement is a severe restriction for two of the three processes which can extend the forming limits of aluminum beyond matched tools forming . these two are fluid pressure forming , described previously and super - plastic forming , which has been omitted for reasons stated previously . conversely , the high velocity , pulsed electric power methods , described previously , operate on a much shorter time scale than matched tool stamping while providing extended forming limits . however , with the exception of axisymmetric clinching , the electric pulse energy methods are not used by auto makers since no one has yet provided a means to apply it efficiently to large , high production parts . on the other hand , fluid pressure forming is marginally employed by the auto industry . its use has been principally restricted to experimental and special low production of aluminum parts . in such applications , the tooling cost saving provided by the single surface tools is no longer minor in comparison to the production rate penalty . in addition , cycle time in fluid pressure forming is related to the peek pressure requirements and might be improved by combination with a pulse energy method . not to be neglected is the capital cost of new press machines which would be required by the adopting of a fluid pressure forming method to produce aluminum parts . a hybrid method based principally on conventional matched tools would likely not require extensive replacement of the present , installed , press machines . however , unless aluminum alloys are developed that have the plastic strain behaviors comparable to draw steels , conventional matched tool forming will need to be abandoned or integrated with another method to meet the forming performance goals required to efficiently mass produce aluminum auto bodies . the present invention provides a well - designed combination of high velocity forming integrated with a quasi - static conventional forming process to meet the requirements for a reliable , cost effective method for the mass production of aluminum auto body and other commercial parts . there is ample evidence in the literature , as reported previously , that support the claim of extended plasticity , for many alloys , at deformation velocities above 50 m / sec . support for reduced springback and wrinkling at high deformation velocities can also be found [ astme 1964 , maha 1996 ]. the literature also reports on the problems involved in producing large deep shells exclusively by a high velocity , electric pulse energy process . due to the existence of an upper deformation velocity limit ( see fig1 ) and practical limits strength of tooling materials and capacitor bank size , the power pulses cannot be made arbitrary large in order to affect deformation over larger part areas . for example , if a very large single pulse were used , the sheet deformation velocity nearest the pulse generator would likely exceed the upper limit causing the local sheet ductility to fall off sharply . the use of an array of pulse generators to provide lower peak power per individual event and more uniform distribution of deformation forces is an obvious variation of the straight high rate forming concept . however , the actual methods of implementation and effective control of such pulse generator arrays is not obvious . in any case , the probability is still high that the forming of the larger parts by high power pulses would involve multiple sequential discharges which will obviously tend to lengthen the total cycle time . in addition , the form tools used in a straight high power pulse forming process requires a greater shock resistance capacity which generally means more massive construction . this is especially true for the electro - hydraulic discharge process . using the high power pulses only for final forming and only at the local areas of the part which require it , reduces the overall shock resistance requirements of the tools and subsequently , the construction costs . in order to reduce the discharge energy requirements for large parts , either multiple discharges were used or simple pre - forms were made by conventional quasi - static methods and the complex features and final sizing accomplished by high velocity methods [ astme , 1964 ]. high velocity processes generally exhibit sheet stretching over draw - in during part generation . the result can be undesirable thickness variation in deep shell geometries . the inertial forces generated by the mass of the sheet in the blank holder area , outside the energy pulse zone , increase the resistance to draw - in . concurrently the sliding friction between the work piece sheet and the blank holder surface is reduced due to the increase in the draw - in velocity . for simple axisymmetric type part geometries , these conflicting effects can counter - act , resulting in very similar draw - in performance for both high and low velocity processes [ kaplan , and kulkarni 1972 ]. however , sheet draw - in is more consistent and predictable and thus can be more finely controlled in a low velocity process . the potential benefits from the combination of the complementary attributes of static and dynamic forming methods are clear , providing that the attributes are , in practice , additive . another possible hybrid process is the combination of conventional matched tool stretch - draw forming with localized electromagnetic pulse forming . in this hybrid forming process , the part would be preformed , to some optimum extent by the conventional draw - in and stretch action of the match tooling . final forming of tight corners , sharper details and sizing would be accomplished by electromagnetic repulsion forces generated at the required areas of the part by a set of electromagnetic coils embedded in the tool halves . this hybrid method will be referred to as matched tool - electro - magnetic and will be abbreviated as mt - em , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention . a concept schematic of a mt - em process system is shown fig1 . a embodiment of the present invention is the combination of a quasi - static fluid pressure process with localized shock events generated by electro - magnetically driven shock wave tube devises instead of electric arc discharges . since there is some evidence that shock tubes are more efficient than arc discharges in diaphragm expansion , a hybrid method using electromagnetic shock tubes may be more commercially viable than one using arc discharges [ vafiadakis et al , 1964 ]. this hybrid forming method of the present invention concept could be technically considered a combination of the fluid pressure , electro - hydraulic and electromagnetic processes . however its sheet forming characteristics should be quite similar to fp - eh forming although its system and energy requirements will differ . it will therefore not be given a separate name here and will be lumped with fp - eh for the remainder of this discussion . there are no fundamental reasons to dismiss any of these hybrid sheet forming concepts . moreover , these three process concepts are by no means exhaustive , only the more obvious combinations . one of the common central principles of these embodiments of the present invention is the combination of a relatively low power process to generate the bulk of the sheet deformation with localized high power pulses which provide the final forming , where required . the gross effect can be viewed as combining a pre - form step and a final form step into a single operation with additional process design freedom provided by virtue of the different physical processes . at a more specific level , a hybrid forming process should be able to demonstrate increased forming capability of auto body size parts with localized hyperplastic effects while avoiding the problems attendant to large energy , high power pulse events . the hybrid process of the present invention which combines a quasi - static fluid pressure forming method with multiple , distributed , electro - hydraulic discharges ( fp - eh ) has , by several measures , the greatest general performance potential . in terms of broadness of application , a fp - eh process can be used on many different types of sheet materials . for example , it is not restricted to materials which are good electrical conductors as is required by the electromagnetic forming process . the nature of the event ( submerged arc discharge ) allows it to be located further from the sheet and with less precision then the coils of a electromagnetic process . fp - eh requires only one form tool ( usually the female die ). the electrode / bridge wire assemblies in a fp - eh system would be part of the press machine and not integrated into the tool as will be the coils of a matched tool - electromagnetic ( mt - em ) hybrid process . the fact that each mt - em application requires a unique set of coils further increases the general complexity and cost of the process tooling of mt - em over fp - eh . further , mt - em requires a pair of form tool surfaces compared to the one for the fp - eh process . finally , the precision with which the work piece conforms to the coil face effects the magnetic pulse pressure generated and hence the forming energy efficiency . the repulsive sheet driving force drops rapidly (˜ 1 / r 4 ) as the sheet is moved away from the coil surface since the pressure on the sheet is proportional to the square of the flux density , b , which in turn , diminishes as the inverse of the squared distance from the current element [ plonus , 1978 ]. in contrast , the pressure pulse forming effectiveness of an electro - hydraulic discharge diminishes only as the inverse of the distance squared from the discharge , (˜ 1 / r 2 ) [ caggiano et al 1963 ] thus , much less rapidly with sheet deflection . the slower attenuation of available forming pressure makes the use of sequential discharges more practical in fp - eh than mt - em processes . in fact , a series of smaller discharges in place of a single event of much higher energy was reported to be the preferred method for producing large parts [ cadwell , 1968 ]. although the fp - eh process concept has several advantages for broad application over mt - em , it also has several significantly greater practical application hurdles to overcome . the principle development hurdle for the fp - eh process is that it cannot be easily implemented in the types of press machines existing in the auto industry . providing the quasi - static , fluid pressure pre - form stage requires a significant amount of specialized hydraulic machine components . moreover , the structure of many conventional presses , currently in use , may prove too light . the structural loads , at even the lower forming pressure range , when applied over the plan area of auto body panels , can be tremendously high . a tooling system which attempted a self - contained conversion of large double acting conventional presses to fluid pressure forming was patented but demonstrated only very limited success due to pressure induced structural deflection . [ hydro - stretch 1990 , henry , 1991 ]. the requirement of a specialized press machine for the fp - eh process represents a significant economic road block to acceptance by industry in the near term , although it remains technically feasible . another technical hurdle to the development of a fp - eh process is the modeling of multiple interacting discharge events and their effect on deformation of the part sheet . this topic has not been investigated to any significant extent . rinehart and pearson [ 1963 ] briefly discusses the topic with respect to multiple synchronized charges for explosive forming . they suggest the use of superposition principles in the analysis of multiple charges in under water explosive forming were the shock pressures are less than 69 mpa ( 10000 psi .). a robust design method for fp - eh would require a more thorough knowledge of multiple interacting events . however , modeling even a single eh discharge event is not trivial . the electro - hydraulic discharge event begins with the complex physics involved with the generation of the high temperature ( 5000 - 10000 k ) plasma kernel of the arc path . within a few micro seconds the expanding plasma generates shock waves whose propagation , reflection , refraction and interferences cannot be neglected in order to accurately predict the process actions . thus fp - eh employs generally more complex and harder to model physical phenomena than mt - em with electromagnetic pulse events . moreover , the simple existence of the intervening liquid medium required to transfer the deformation energy in the electro - hydraulic event , adds to the potential variability and complexity of the fp - eh process . the mt - em process may not have the broader applicability of the fp - eh process but , for several reasons , is a better choice for an initial hybrid process development . first , the mt - em process can be implemented using conventional mechanical or hydraulic , single or double acting presses . in principle , only minor alterations to existing presses themselves should be required for retrofitting . the lack of a liquid medium to transfer the deformation energy to the part not only reduces the overall complexity of the system , it also eliminates the maintenance overhead of an additional hydraulic system . the reduced development advantage of mt - em over fp - eh is exemplified by the requirements for electrode assemblies of a fp - eh process . high energy arcs can quickly erode electrode tips which in turn change the pressure pulse characteristics of the discharge . electrode problems accounted for a good deal of the trouble encountered with the old eh machines . it was found that variations in the location arc at end of the coaxial &# 34 ; spark plug &# 34 ; electrode used in one of the early systems could cause unacceptable variations in the parts . moreover , the spark plugs required rebuilding after only 100 discharges . the systems which used bridge wires to initiate the arc had much better repeatability but the wires required manual installation before each discharge . [ daughtery 1995 , fronabarger 1995 , bennetts 1995 ]. another point is that , at least for axisymmetric geometries , electromagnetic forming has been more fully development in terms of application , tooling and coil design [ belyy , et al 1988 , gilbert and lawrence , 1969 .]. this more organized knowledge , some available in handbook form , provides additional motivation for developing the mt - em process . further , electromagnetic forming developed a non - aerospace , industrial niche in axisymmetric swaging . this small commercial market supported continued work on metal deformation behavior using electromagnetic pulse energy after the military aerospace efforts ceased . although still incomplete , this existing body of knowledge is also more current than electro - hydraulic discharge forming [ daehn et al , 1995 ]. thus the literature of em forming provides a slightly higher level to start the development a hybrid process . the hyperplasticity effect of high velocity deformation is fairly well documented and the fundamental mechanism model of inertial stabilization has not been seriously challenged [ wood , 1963 , bruno , 1968 , balanethiram and daehn , 1992 ]. this fundamental phenomena that hybrid sheet forming processes will be utilizing to realize extended plasticity will be described here in greater detail to support the description of the sheet coupon tests to follow . the inertial effect of the sheet &# 34 ; particle &# 34 ; mass which provides a force resisting the localization of strain as a necking plastic flow instability tries to form . hu and daehn [ 1 ] extended the understanding of the phenomena by means of a simple and rather elegant one dimensional ridged - plastic , dynamic finite element analysis of a uniaxial tension and ring expansion test specimens ( fig1 ). the essence of the analysis formulation was simply the inclusion of a elemental mass and acceleration term in the nodal force balance ( eq . 1 . 1 below ) which added to the internal nodal force terms obtained from the derivative of the plastic work of the element with respect to the nodal displacements ( eq . 1 . 2 below ). ## equ1 ## equation 1 . 3 is the power law of the rigid - plastic , holloman type constitutive relationship used in their analysis . although thermal effects due to rapid plastic stains were ignored a 1 % taper in the specimen geometry was included to provide a defect like inhomegeneity . in the above equations , m is the element mass , u is the displacement ( axial or circumferential ), ak is the initial cross - sectional area of the element , l is initial element length . the results of this simple one dimensional model illustrated the basic effect of mass inertia on the extended ductility at high deformation velocities . fig1 shows the graphical results presented by hu and daehn , most pertinent to the present invention . fig1 illustrates that the influence of inertia is less as n and m becomes large but contributes to extending ductility for any fixed &# 34 ; n &# 34 ; or &# 34 ; m &# 34 ; as seen by the increase of the dynamic to static strain ratio with increasing velocity . this simple model also predicts a strong coupling between total strain at failure an deformation velocity . the inertia effect macroscopically resembles the ductility enhancing effect of strain rate hardening which is one reason that high velocity forming is suited to the working of stain rate insensitive , aluminum alloys . to qualitatively describe the suppression of localized neck formation by inertial effects as predicted by the hu and daehn model , consider the following . initially the velocity distribution of material elements in uniaxial extension varies linearly from the crosshead input velocity to zero at the fixed end of the sample . as a neck starts to form , the velocity distribution approaches a step function as the material velocity between the neck and the fixed end goes to zero while the specimen material between the neck area and the crosshead assume the crosshead velocity . in order to accommodate the velocity discontinuity the material in the necking region must experience an increasingly large acceleration . the force required to accelerate the mass of a material element outward from the neck area must be transmitted though the material outside of the necking region , thus the necking tendency is diffused . this effect is , of course , always present but only significant at high deformation velocities . the results from the simple , one dimensional model cited above , included minor geometry variations which indicates that the inertial drag suppression of necking is not critically sensitive to sheet flaws or thinning . however , variations in sheet hardness was not addressed in that model or in any other articles reviewed . information on the effects of these parameters on the maximum attainable strains in hybrid forming is of interest . from the preceding , one may expect that inertial effects at high deformation velocities will only extend plastic behavior of sheet materials whose dominant failure mode is necking . metals which exhibit little or no necking before fracture at low velocities are not expected to show a significant increase in ductility at high velocities unless there is phenomena other than inertial drag forces at work . the direct effect of this prediction to the present work is that the fully hard aluminum alloys are not expected to perform as well as a solutionized or a lightly worked condition . in the case of hybrid forming , the inertial drag model of neck suppression will thus be confounded by the various levels and distributions of pre - strain introduced into the sheet material during the quasi static initial forming stage of the process . in most cases , the pre - strain will introduce work hardening into the material . the work hardening thus introduced will , in general be non - uniformly distributed across the initial - form part . in addition , variation in sheet thickness could be considerable . the extent of the variations in sheet hardness and thickness will , in practice , depend heavily on the geometry of the initial - form . a variety of experiments were conducted to elucidate the relationship between the level and distribution of pre - existing strain and subsequent material strength variations and the amount of additional useful plasticity that can be obtained under high velocity deformation conditions . in addition , the foregoing indicates that one should correlate inertial controlled plasticity effects with deformation velocity rather than strain rate especially for comparisons between different geometries . the simple reason is that deformation velocity varies with gage length which means that high strain rates can generated by low deformation velocities if the initial gage length is small enough . the tendency to equate high strain rates with high deformation velocities in the literature is due to the fact that nearly all researchers are conducting investigations with identical specimen geometry for which strain rate and deformation velocity are uniquely related . the plastic behavior of any metal is temperature sensitive at to some extent . if local work sheet temperatures become high enough during forming to cause thermal softening , then neck formation can be promoted due to the subsequent strength variation in the load path . the particular case of aluminum , the deleterious effect of thermal softening is , at least partially , offset by the fact that the strain rate hardening effect (&# 34 ; m &# 34 ; in the simple power law model ,) increases with increasing temperature . the mt - eh process can induce a considerable amount of electrical joule heating as well as adiabatic heating due to dynamic plastic deformation . sheet temperature , local to the discharge event in space and time is a process variable of interest and importance to the prediction of the mt - em performance . the transient time - temperature data local to the forming pulse is difficult to measure directly due the micro - second time scale of the event alone . however , changes in sheet hardness is a process variable more directly related to plastic flow which can be measured easily . care must be exercised however in the use of superficial sheet hardness due to the confounded effects of adiabatic and joule heating with the temperature induced increase in strain rate hardening of aluminum . a simple analytic model of adiabatic joule heating can be employed to obtain an upper bound of the sheet temperature in the eddy current path . the induced eddy - current in the sheet can be estimated from the measured work coil current - time history . obviously , the numerical simulation of the high velocity event , to be discussed later , will need to provide an accurate estimate of the sheet temperature distribution to accurately model the over all process . the data of principle importance to the assessment of the mt - em process are the failure strain levels , distributions , and deformation velocity for the aluminum alloy sheet material acceptable for auto body use . the present investigation will be restriction the two basic aluminum alloy types , precipitation hardening and non - precipitation hardening . the specific alloys chosen are 6111 - t4 and 5754 these alloys are both currently used in auto body applications . the fundamental metallurgical differences between these aluminum alloys will result in some performance variations in the mt - em process . the variations are expected to be in rough proportion to static measured ductility and should not confuse the resulting assessment of the mt - em process for all similar alloys . further , if the extended dynamic plasticity effect is largely an inertial effect , then it is reasonable to expect that static - dynamic strain relationships should be found to be applicable to whole alloy groups . the high velocity sheet forming performance cited in the literature is almost entirely for fully dynamic deformations starting from flat blanks or uniform tubes . the state of initial cold work for these cases were at least uniform and often close to zero . the material cold work condition in a hybrid process after the quasi static forming stage will definitely be non - uniform to some extent . depending on the part geometry and static process , the cold work condition could vary widely . the early high velocity forming literature provides considerable information on static strengths of certain alloys after dynamic , high rate , forming which has been nicely summarized by a . a . ezra in the last chapter of his &# 34 ; principles and practices of explosive metalworking &# 34 ;, [ 1973 ]. the chief concern of the aerospace researchers of that time was to determine if the high rate forming processes degraded the structural properties of their alloys . extended plasticity was recognized but less of a concern since multiple forming cycles with intermediate annealing operations are common practice in aerospace fabricating . therefore , the literature contains quasi static stress - strain data after dynamic pre - straining for certain aerospace alloys . nothing was found concerning the reverse sequence of deformations . by the path dependency of plastic deformations , it would not be expected that the combined effect of static and dynamic deformations of a sheet material is symmetric or independent of application sequence . from the data currently available it would be reasonable to expect that , assuming modest initial stage strains , that a static - dynamic sequence would produce greater elongation than a dynamic - static . interestingly , the data summarized by ezra , [ ezra1971 ], shows that a dynamic - static process , in comparison to a straight quasi - static process , will reduce the total elongation for mild steels and increases it for both 5052 - 0 and 5456 - 0 aluminum . the material test results reviewed by ezra warn against too broad a generalization of the forming performance from hybrid forming experiments with any particular metal type to another . based upon the examples given herein the experimental results will provide predictive understanding of the relation between initial cold work and allowable final strains for process design purposes . how the process designer divides up the total strain required to form a desired part feature between the static and dynamic regimes determines the part shape at the end of the quasi - static forming stage and the subsequent pulse energy required . a significant enhancement has been demonstrated , the basics of which are discussed herein . with this knowledge in hand , one of ordinary skill will be able to design specific apparatus and practice methods in accordance with the present inventions . conventional matched tool forming , is itself such a complex process that analytic models have been developed for only simple axisymmetric geometries and those that can be accurately represented in one or two spatial dimensions . the sheet is generally assumed to behave as a simple membrane with bending corrections possibly included . there are a number of texts covering these analytic methods such as references [ hosford and cadell , mielnik 1991 ]. luckily the past ten years have seen a good deal of effort spent in the development of computer codes and microprocessors which are demonstrating impressive capabilities in the modeling of the conventional low velocity deep shell sheet forming processes . the design of a mt - em in accordance with the present invention typically will employ such computer codes and microprocessors to assist in defining the best obtainable pre - form part geometry . ideally , such computer codes and microprocessors will allow one to measure , assess and control full dynamic , electromagnetic and thermodynamic characteristics , as well as material constitutive relations capable of accurately predicting local necking and fracture . a preferred numerical modeling tool should be capable of simulating the entire mt - em process for the designer . although the ideal unified mt - em simulation code is not presently commercially available , there are codes that can model separate aspects of the process . it should not be assumed that hybrid forming process and mt - em in particular can only be applied if powerful simulation tools are available . if this were the case then the commercial viability of the hybrid processes would be quite questionable despite any extended forming capacity . in fact it is quite unnecessary that a means of approximating the requirements of a mt - em system exist and be outlined . a system which requires a computer simulation before anything can be known about its gross size and energy requirements is typically untenable . such approximate design calculations are available and can suffice to produce a functioning system without substantial additional experimentation . the final consideration in the development of a mt - eh process concerns the physical system design . the requirements of the electromagnetic pulse coils must be combined with those of the forming tool with which it / they cooperate or in which it / they are imbedded . the fatigue strength of the tool material must be sufficient to withstand the reaction forces generated by the coil pulses over the production life of the tool . since , the electrical conductivity of the tool material effect the energy efficiency of the coil , standard iron and steel matched tool materials may not be optimum for mt - em tools . the coils themselves must structurally absorb internal magnetic pressure , often of similar magnitude to the forming pulse . a means of replacing damaged coils with minimum down time must be considered the same as for the high wear insert sections / components of conventional tools . the replacement of coils during the production life requires reliable electrical connectors capable of peak currents of one half million amps or more . any arcing in coil connections causes rapid deterioration at the connection interface leading to catastrophic failure in a few cycles . alterations to existing press machines will be minimal , which is one advantage of mt - em over the other hybrid methods , as stated above . as an issue much subordinate to the forming performance and tool design aspects , press machine alterations will be discussed in only broad terms . the press machine must accommodate the energy storage capacitor sub - system either entirely or at least the ingress of the pulse power cables . stamping plant floor space is generally at a premium which indicates that the capacitors , charging , control and pulse energy distribution will preferably be integrated into the press machine volume . typically , the power systems for such retrofits can be accommodated in a home freezer size box next to an existing press . safety of a new industrial process is an issue to be addressed at the fundamental level early , in the development cycle . the main components of the safety issue of the mt - em process concern the high containment of the high power electrical pulses , possible high velocity debris , eye damage from arcs at connection failures and noise levels . none of the major safety concerns represent conditions or phenomena new to manufacturing or the automobile industry in particular . these hazards all currently exist in many manufacturing environments and standard practices are in place to deal with each one . the design and safety issues involve in the development of mt - em forming will be described briefly herein . in order to elucidate the mt - em process of the present invention , two demonstration trials involving actual , full size automotive body panels were undertaken . attempting full scale applications allows one to test practical design methods and to provide preview and feed - back to process development on real application problems . the inherent simplification of a system when scaled to convenient laboratory size can inadvertently mask real application problems . a prime example is in the estimation of the process energy requirements . arbitrarily constructed laboratory test system can generally be designed small enough that the equipment capacity becomes a non - issue and serious weakness in the estimation method can be glossed over . similar arguments can be proffered for the design of the driver coils and electrical bus work . ideas which seem to work fine at a few kilo joules and kilo amperes can literally come apart at much higher energy and current levels . in particular , direct experience was desired concerning the design of full scale work coils operated at near limit energy levels and their integration into the match tooling . two major deviations from standard automotive stamping practice were accommodated for these full - scale trials . first , there was no attempt to install the mt - em process into a press machine . the pre - forms were stamped out and transferred to tools containing the work coils were the em phase was performed as a second operation . second , the tools used for the em phase were not made of a malleable grade of cast iron , standard for production tools . except for the imbedded coils , the trial tools were made from a special iron filled plastic material recently developed for prototype stamping tools . this material is referred to by the acronym stamp , and is commercially available from itt industries . the deviations from what might be considered standard stamping practice conditions are not deemed to affect the applicability of the trial experiences to the application of the apparatus and methods of the present invention to actual mt - em automotive parts forming . the full scale trial part problems were chosen by a group of engineers from the major american automobile manufacturers and consisted of a hood feature line and a door inner panel lock face . the two parts and the sections of those parts chosen for mt - em application were considered to span the geometries most troublesome to currently produce in aluminum by the conventional matched tool method . the hood feature line trial was the less ambitious of the two and was undertaken first . simple applications utilizing relatively inexpensive tooling may not require a high degree of process optimization at the design stage in any case . to arrive at a good initial design point and to predict at least a lower bound on the energy requirements of an application , a good pencil and paper design method is needed . ideally , the method is simple enough that an unprogrammed hand calculator is sufficient to conduct a few preliminary design iterations and accurate enough to render the results dependable , if only as upper or lower bounds . approximate design methods for the quasi - static , conventional matched tool forming portion of the mt - em process have been available for many years . these methods will not be discussed here but can be found in many texts books on metal forming such as those by w . f . hosford and e . m . mielnik [ hosford and caddell , 1981 ] [ mielnik , 1991 ]. only a brief experience with the design space of em portion of mt - em applications is required to recognize that there actually are no time invariant factors in the process except mass . even the simple inductively coupled rlc circuit used in the present invention becomes quite complicated when the inductance capacitance and resistance are all taken as time dependent variables . additionally , the deformation mechanics of the work piece during the em phase are complicated by the fact that temperature effects are present and the inertial terms of the force balance equations are significant , even dominant . however , assuming constant circuit parameters does allow coarse predictions of the system response using simplified geometries and energy balances . the simplifying assumption which underlies the method must be kept in mind . adding insupportable layers of sophistication in an attempt to improve the accuracy should be avoided . a computer simulation method should be employed when the detail and accuracy of the preliminary design methods are insufficient . two questions that must be addressed early in any new application design are : &# 34 ; is the general level of plastic deformation required to finish the feature from the pre - form shape available through em pulse forming ?&# 34 ; and &# 34 ; how much energy will be required from the capacitor bank ?&# 34 ; the first question is best answered by previous experience with the alloy of the part in question . as a very general rule of thumb , the total useful strain available to the mt - em process is about 50 % greater than the quasi - static limit strain for the alloys commonly used for stamped parts . the distribution of the strain will be dictated to an appreciable extent by the geometry of the coil and the eddy current density . the second question is , of course , related to the first in that the plastic work is part of the energy required from the bank . however it is usually the smallest fraction . both of the questions will lead back to a new pre - form design iteration if the answers lie beyond the capabilities of em forming . the assessment of the em energy required will quickly becomes the prime issue of the early stage of an mt - em process design . to address this question , the simple geometry and energy method outlined below was developed . the method was generally based on others applied to axisymmetric parts presented in the literature [ bruno , 1968 ] [ gilbert & amp ; lawrence , 1969 ][ baines et al , 1965 ][ al - hassani et al , 1974 ] [ belyy i . v ., et al , 1996 ]. however , nowhere in the literature was found a method directly applicable to the mt - em conditions or presented as a clear step by step procedure . to apply the following method of estimating em energy requirements , some preliminary information is require . it is required to have in hand : 4 ) the geometry and material properties of a preliminary coil design . 7 ) the effective resistance and inductance of the capacitor bank up to the coil lead connection bus . the basis of the method is the first law of thermodynamics edited for this problem . the energy audit , for the capacitor bank system during discharge , can be written as : for frequencies below 500 khz , the radiation energy can be ignored [ terman , 1947 ]. a simplifying assumption used for this analysis is that the majority of the work done and energy expended occurs within the first current cycle . this assumption is common in the literature and is also supported by the high speed array camera images of the coupon expansion tests using the methods of the present invention . accepting the truncation approximation , the energy terms can be expanded as follows for first current cycle of the discharge : ## equ2 ## where c b = effective bank capacitance once the system is assembled the effective system parameters can be calculated directly from measured current - time data . in order to estimate δe b before building the system , the parameters of 5 . 1 b can only be approximated . the accuracy and completeness of the parameter estimations , along with the time invariant assumption , limit the predicted bank energy such that , even with care , significant error can be expected . however , this level of accuracy can be sufficient in the initial process design stage . the real value of such a rough model lie more in assessing relative merits of competing designs than accurate predictions . the estimation of l e and r e proceeds by expanding the parameters into their major constituent parts for separate evaluation . the effective system parameters are constructed as : where the subscripts b , c and l stand for bank , coil and leads . the coil induction will include the effect of the coupling with the work piece and therefore indirectly also includes the work piece resistance effect . work piece resistance generates and additional energy loss term due to eddy currents which increases the effective resistance of the system as seen by the bank . this proximity resistance is represented by the p subscript term . it is important to keep the parameters for the bank - coil connecting leads separate from the coil since the leads are not affected by the presence of the work piece and can be a major source of hidden inefficiency if not properly designed . it will be assumed the parameters of the capacitor bank including the bus are known from shunted tests . what remains is to estimate the coil and lead parameters by methods consistent with the required accuracy of the bank energy prediction . the sequence of the following calculation steps are not critical as long as the prerequisite values are available . given the initial design geometry and material of the coil and leads , the formulas found in grover [ grover ,] or other older electrical engineering handbooks can be applied . curved coils ( not doubled back ) can be flattened and the inductance of more complicated branching geometries can be assembled as series or parallel combinations of simpler geometries . unless specified otherwise , the inductance calculated by these formula are for isolated coils and transmission lines . the effect of the work piece and any surrounding conductive , non magnetic , material will be to lower the inductance of the coil as seen by the bank . close proximity of ferromagnetic material will have a smaller effect , but tends to increase the inductance of the coil . in either case , the effect is fairly small after a few centimeters and is therefore any change in coil inductance is chiefly due to the presence of the worksheet . unless the leads are closely surrounded by a metal duct or conduit , their open inductance value can be used . texts and handbooks such as grover provide methods for calculating the mutual inductance of the surrounding metal bodies and net effect on the coil or bus inductance . however , these calculations can become quite tedious and much better results can be obtained from commercial electromagnetic analysis programs with similar levels of effort . two other options are available for finding component inductance values . first , the flat plan of the coil work face can be translated from the design to a thin sheet of metal with electrical properties similar to the proposed coil . the inductance of this flat coil mock - up can be measured while covered by a plastic or paper layer and metal sheet simulating the work piece . the inductance measurement instrument used must be able to measure in the micro henry range and supply an excitation signal of approximately the same frequency as expected from the completed system . if the coil is easily to prototype , more accurate results can be obtained if not constrained by the accuracy of the induction meter . a simpler method is to use existing data from several coil face geometries and sizes that are candidates for the general type of em which have been mocked - up and measured as described above . examination of data generated from an inductance test for a mock - up similar in plan to the door trial coil as a general class of the trial parts , show that the ratio of covered to open inductance , for intermediate frequencies around 10 k hz , is approximately 0 . 25 for open inductance of 2 . 0 micro henry or less . the ratio drops to about 0 . 12 for open inductance of about 8 . 0 micro henry . using the open coil inductance and the bank capacitance and the frequency relation ## equ3 ## the best ratio can be quickly found . using eq . 5 . 2 , the estimated system inductance , l e , can now be assembled and the system undamped frequency , required for the next step , can be calculated . with the system undamped frequency , ω 0 approximating the actual damped frequency , ω d , the coil and leads skin depth of the current can be estimated with eq . 5 . 5 which is the same as 3 . 17 but in terms of resistivity ρ . ## equ4 ## the resistance of the coil are calculated by the standard conductor resistance equation ## equ5 ## were l is the conductor length and a e is the effective conductor cross sectional area given by the product of cross section perimeter and the skin depth . note that eq . 5 . 6 gives good estimates for conductor cross section aspect ratios & lt ; 2 . at higher aspect ratios 5 . 6 will under estimate the conductor resistance since the current will not be evenly distributed around the conductor perimeter . in wide thin conductors , the current will concentrate at the farthest edges of the conductor so as to minimize the number of magnetic flux lines encircling the current [ terman , 1947 ]. just as for the inductance estimations , the resistance of the more complicated branched coils such as a 3 - bar or multi - element leads , the effective component resistance is formulated as series of parallel combinations of sub elements . the general form for combining resistive ( or inductive ) elements can be found in any elementary text on electric circuits and is provided here for completeness . ## equ6 ## proximity resistance is the increase in effective system resistance seen by the bank , due to the energy supplied to resistance heating of the work piece . the power loss per unit area of surface with conductance , σ , and incident magnetic field , h s , is given by stoll [ stoll , 1974 ] as ## equ7 ## which can be written in terms of flux density , b i , and eddy current area a e and related to part of the effective resistance by the coil current . ## equ8 ## where σ is the conductance of the work piece i c is the coil current generating the eddy current through b i in area a e . if the work piece is within a few millimeters of the coil face a e can be approximated by the area of the coil elements facing the work piece . except for branched coils like a 3 - bar , the coil current is the same as the bank current . this system resistance term will generally be small in comparison with the others and can therefore often be neglected , at least initially . if this term is included its assessment will be more direct when the required flux and current are determined . the estimation of i b is the key to this method since it is the common factor in the inductive and resistive energy groups . estimation of i b requires quantities calculated in four sub steps to be acquired first . given the initial pre - form geometry and the final desired part shape , the energy needed for plastic deformation can be estimated using : ## equ9 ## where proportional loading and uniform condition , such as plane strain is assumed . the full details of choosing a constitutive equation , determining the limits of integration etc . are available in any good text on metal forming . in many cases , a plane strain condition can be assumed and the final strain level can be approximated by using a simple change in line length , ignoring redundant work . a constitutive equation which is simple , fairly accurate , includes prestrain and whose constants , n and k , are available for many alloys of interest is given by : if the plane strain condition is assumed , the strain energy can be written as : ## equ10 ## equation 5 . 9 will produce acceptable results if the required strain is rather small , less than static failure strain . however , em forming will often be used to produce plastic deformations beyond the static failure strain where eq . 5 . 9 and 5 . 10 are not defined . applying eq . 5 . 9 in such cases will likely seriously over estimate the plastic work . one reason for the over estimation is that the energy levels required to obtain the high plastic strains will likely induce local current heating with a corresponding reduction in flow stress . a solution to this problem might be to use a constitutive equation , such as the johnson - cook relation , ## equ11 ## which accounts for thermal effects and larger strains [ johnson , 1983 ]. the attended complexity involved with using such relations would however violate the simplicity tenet set down for this pencil and paper analysis . the development of constitutive relations for plastic flow in the em regime may be further explored . for these reasons the purpose of this rough model may best be served by using an elementary , ideal plastic relation for assessing plastic work . assuming ideal plastic behavior eq . 5 . 7 becomes ## equ12 ## determining a proper value for constant flow stress is an obvious source of additional error . in the absence of material data , the average of the yield and ultimate strengths might be used to take rough account of the thermal softening . step 3b : determination of the kinetic energy desired for work piece . free form coupon test data indicated that for ductile aluminum alloy , a velocity of about 200 . m / sec . will be sufficient to ensure the benefits of inertial suppression of local necking . the kinetic energy is approximated by considering the deforming sheet area as a free body , ignoring the restraining forces of the tensile stress in the sheet along the boundaries of the deformation area . this approximation assumes the energy in the work piece at any time during deformation is the superposition of kinetic and strain energies . the boundary is defined as the contour line representing some arbitrarily small iso - strain . this contour line will usually be close to the perimeter of the coil . the kinetic energy term is then given using the coil face area , a c , the sheet density , d , and thickness t s , by the familiar relation : ## equ13 ## during deformation , after the acceleration period , the kinetic energy is transferred into plastic work . if the acceleration is large , the period is short and the strain produced during it will be small . the magnetic energy absorption of the work piece can then be considered as a serial transfer process of magnetic field energy to kinetic energy which is dissipated by plastic work and other non - conservative terms ( which are ignored ). this implies a constant mechanical energy term such that ; accepting this analysis provides a means to determine minimum work piece velocity . ## equ14 ## from experience it is seen that velocity should not be less than 100 m / sec to maintain a minimum level of neck stabilization . the total energy of the work piece at any time during deformation , e s + e k , must be supplied by the magnetic field generated by the coil . initially the magnetic field or flux is confined , by the opposing field of the eddy currents , to the stand - off volume between the work sheet and the coil . this compression of the magnetic flux generates a pressure , analogous to a fluid pressure but acting only on the sheet and the coil . the magnetic pressure is define as : ## equ15 ## where b i and b o is the flux density on the coil and opposite side of the sheet . b o can be determined if the penetration of the magnetic field into the sheet is known . the differential equation which describes the diffusion of a magnetic field into a conductor has the same form as heat diffusion ( the laplace equation ); the form of the solution is therefore also the same . the instantaneous value of magnetic field in the sheet at depth y as a function of the surface value , skin depth ( δ ), frequency is , from a derivation by stoll [ stoll , 1974 ] as ; h = h s e - | y |/ δ cos ( ωτ -| y |/ δ ). this equation indicates that the magnetic flux density , b , ( b = μh ) in the sheet has a logarithmic decay and lags the coil side surface by | y |/ δ radians . if the skin depth is equal a fourth of the sheet thickness the flux magnitude will be less than 2 % of the coil side . however , this condition will seldom be met when forming thin gage sheets with large coils . fortunately because the flux density appears as a square term in 5 . 11 a , fairly high flux leakage can be accepted . a 25 % flux leakage through the sheet will reduce p m by only about 6 %. if it is desired to take leakage into account a estimated leakage ratio , can be included such that b o = ηb i and η ≅ e - t / δ so that the magnetic pressure becomes : ## equ16 ## p m can also be defined in terms of the force require to accelerate the work piece to the chosen kinetic energy velocity , v , and a selected interval . for a heuristic argument , it is noted that experimental evidence in free forming indicates that the usual em event scenario is a rise to peak velocity deceleration period . during deceleration , the remaining kinetic energy is dissipated into plastic work , gas compression and heat . if the work piece strikes a die face , there will be additional losses due to impact . in this first approximation of required bank energy , gas compression , deformation heating and die impact are considered negligible . assuming uniform acceleration over the first 1 / n current cycle , ## equ17 ## fixes the required magnetic pressure in terms of velocity v , sheet thickness t s , sheet density , d and damped frequency at : ## equ18 ## the magnetic pressure acting on the sheet during the deformation represents the energy that the coil is feeding into the sheet which is required to be equal to the kinetic and strain energy terms . the form of this relation is analogous to that for an ideal gas : ## equ19 ## where δv is the volume swept out by the sheet while p m is acting . however , the coil must first fill the stand - off gap volume v g , with flux to generate p m initially . the energy density of a magnetic field is given by ## equ20 ## so that magnetic energy in the initial gap is : ## equ21 ## therefore , the portion of the coil flux energy e c t , used to generate the velocity and strain of the work piece is the sum of the initial gap energy plus the &# 34 ; flow work &# 34 ; of the sheet displacement ## equ22 ## by combining eq . 5 . 15 , 5 . 16 and 5 . 17 to eliminate the common terms gives a relationship between coil energy and system parameters . ## equ23 ## note that eq . 5 . 16 estimates only the fraction of the total coil energy that is generating the pressure on the sheet . the remainder is contained in the rest of the magnetic field surrounding the coil . total energy of an inductor can be found if the product of magnetic field and differential volume is integrated over the volume that the field occupies , ## equ24 ## the field volume integral can be broken into the sum of the work gap volume and the remainder . ## equ25 ## the coil field fraction k c , is the ratio of the field energy supplied to the work piece to the total energy of the coil during the first cycle which can be written as : ## equ26 ## 5 . 18 simply states that if the work piece completely surrounds the coil all the coil energy can be used . however , for most sheet forming not more than half the field can be applied in which case the coil field energy will be twice that given by eq . 5 . 16 so that the total required coil energy is estimated by ## equ27 ## step 4 : assembly of the estimate the energy required from capacitor bank . with e c and l c the effective discharge current , i b , can be calculated using the inductor energy relation . ## equ28 ## i b is the same for all elements in the circuit so that the estimated bank energy is given by : ## equ29 ## to assess the eddy current resistance losses a value for r p , is required . however , it will be more accurate to isolate the eddy current resistive energy term and to limit it to the acceleration period so that ; ## equ30 ## redefining it using equations 5 . 7 , 5 . 13b and 5 . 14 produces equations 5 . 23b and 5 . 24 . ## equ31 ## if careful assessments are made of the component values of 5 . 23 , the predicted energy required should be a lower bound due to the truncation of the current to a single cycle . this estimate should be dependable enough to help in initial design decisions , especially if used as a comparative measure for evaluating alternative coil and lead designs . users should keep clearly in mind the simplifying approximations of this analysis : the em forming energy prediction method presented above was applied to the automobile hood and door inner part feature trials . the details of the part feature geometry , process and tooling design and trial results will be presented in sections . for discussion of the estimation method only , selected results of the analysis with comparisons to data taken during the trials are presented here . table 5 . 2 summarizes the predicted and measured system response characteristics . both parts were fabricated from 1 . 0 mm thick 611 1 - t4 alloy . the capacitor bank parameters used , including the bus system , measured at 10 kj discharge are : table 5 . 2__________________________________________________________________________em forming parameters for bank energy estimatepart . sup . parl . sub . c , h l . sub . 1 , h r . sub . c , 1 / 2 r . sub . l , 1 / 2 k . sub . c η n ε a . sub . c , m . sup . 2 v . sub . g , m . sup . 3__________________________________________________________________________hood 1 . 00e - 7 5 . 9e - 8 6 . 20e - 4 1 . 57e - 4 0 . 5 0 . 36 4 0 . 05 1 . 12e - 2 1 . 12e - 5door a * 1 . 93e - 7 2 . 59e - 7 1 . 06e - 3 4 . 2e - 4 0 . 5 0 . 36 2 0 . 25 4 . 06e - 2 4 . 06e - 5door b11 . 04e - 7 2 . 28e - 7 4 . 43e - 4 4 . 2e - 4 0 . 5 0 . 36 4 0 . 21 1 . 74e - 2 1 . 74e - 5door b21 . 50e - 7 1 . 22e - 7 9 . 0e - 4 2 . 0e - 4 0 . 5 0 . 36 4 0 . 21 1 . 74e - 2 1 . 74e - 5__________________________________________________________________________ table 5 . 3______________________________________comparison of calculated and measured responses value ω . sub . d , r / 2l δe . sub . b i . sub . bpart type rad / sec rad / sec joules amps______________________________________hood calc . 58600 . 5150 . 16800 . 187000 actual 59800 . 5070 . 27000 . * 313700 % error - 2 . 0 1 . 6 - 37 . - 40door i calc . 41800 . 3150 . 68400 . 275000 . actual 43000 4190 . 43200 .+ 188700 . % error - 2 . 8 - 25 . 58 . 45 . 7door iia calc . 47060 . 3327 . 33000 . 225000 . actual na na 48000 .+ na % error na na 31 .+ nadoor iib calc . 50500 4090 . 22600 . 187000 . actual 46200 . 7896 . 24000 .+ 199000 . % error 9 . - 48 . - 6 - 6 . ______________________________________ + limited die strike ; * hard die strike to add some clarification to the data in table 5 . 3 , it should be noted that the hood shown indications of significant impact velocity in much of the forming area which would require energy not accounted for in the analysis . at a discharge level of 18 kj , the hood feature was substantially formed with much less impact indicated . the error between the prediction and the 18 kj test is - 7 % for energy and - 6 % for rms current . the door i preform geometry inner panel did not under go the 0 . 25 true plane strain that was calculated by line length change between the pre - form and desired geometries . the analysis assumes only stretching occurs during deformation . even minor amounts of draw - in from surrounding material will reduce the strain levels in the em forming area . draw - in was evident in the door inner trials which reduced the measured strain to an average of approximately 0 . 16 . the predicted bank energy required for this level of uniform plane strain is 41 kj which reduces the predicted error to - 5 % for energy and 12 % for rms current . door iia and iib used different coil designs with the same preform geometry . coil b1 was a 3 - bar while iib was a 2 turn with the same face area of iia . three bar coils have lower efficiency which is clear from the results listed in table 5 . 3 . moreover , the method is considerably farther off in predicting the required energy in this case than for the hood . one consideration is that in the case of the hood , the metal requiring the most strain was covered more completely by the high pressure area generated by the coil which is not true for the door 3 - bar coil . however , this condition is more nearly met by the iia coil design and might therefore account for the better prediction . the method may have produced better results if closer attention was given to assessing the value of the coil ratio k , which describes the fraction of the total coil field energy that is transferred to the work piece . in addition to providing an estimate of bank energy and its general distribution in the system , this method provides a means of assessing the internal impulse forces in coil and the coil reaction against its support structure once the system current is estimated . for example , if the coil bar cross section are round or some what square , the force generated between coil elements can be roughly estimated by using the relation for the force per unit length , l , generated between parallel current filaments i 1 and i 2 , d length units apart given by : ## equ32 ## of course , if the coil bars are rectangular and close together , 5 . 25 will give a very poor estimate of the force between them . more accurate relationships for various cross section geometries can be found in older texts and handbooks of electric power engineering such as grover [ grover , 1947 ]. the energy estimation method presented here is intended only as a tool to aid in the early stages of a mt - em process design . like any other tool it has limitations which can be accepted and possibly improved if clearly understood . in addition the results available with such a tool are dependent , to some extent on the skill of the user . the real value of such approximations lie in their use in comparing competing design ideas . additionally , estimation methods often aid in the generation of new ideas from which solutions follow . initial coupon tests indicated a synergistic effect increasing limit plastic strain levels was possible in combining quasi - static and high velocity forming methods for aluminum alloy stamping . experimentation with coil geometries and materials produced results that further supported the expectation of success at full auto body panel size parts . alloy 6111 - t4 hoods were in production at the time of the trial . the original design intention was that the valley creases would run from each side of the wind screen , down the hood and around the nose to each side of the grill insert . during the prototype phase of production tool development , the valley crease could not be run to the grill area without producing wrinkles in the hood nose . the problem was correctly identified as bucking caused by unsupported compression of the material as the tool attempts to shorten the line length at the bottom of the crease traversing the hood nose . the object of this trial was to design and build an em tool which could extend the crease valley feature line ( s ) around the nose of the hood as originally intended . the extended feature valley crease could not exhibit buckling or restrict marks where the extended feature blended with the first form area . the amount of plastic strain required to complete the hood crease was only a few percent . the fact that the sheet could not be supported by tool surfaces during compression was the problem to be solved with em pulse forming . various options for constraining the high pressure area of the magnetic field over the narrow path of the valley crease were considered . high magnetic pressure outboard of the crease area would likely leave a impact mark in the sheet similar to a restrike mark in matched tools . the solution arrived at was the 3 - bar coil concept . the 3 - bar coil concept was subsequently also used in coupon tests . the coils for the hood and coupon tests are similar electrically in that the center bar carries the total current and the each of the two outer bars return half the total current . the 3 - bar coil configuration is not as energy efficient as a single turn coil consisting of the outer bars of the coil only . however the 3 - bar design is well suited to forming very high aspect ratio features which are not very deep . a simple straight , flat , trial coil , 4 . 75 cm × 30 . 00 cm was built of rectangular yellow brass bar stock and tested to validate the fundamental concept . the coil was pulsed against a flat sheet 6111 - t4 , ( 8 . 0 cm × 35 . 0 cm × 0 . 08 cm ) at 12 . kj , backup by a 2 . 5 cm thick sheet of neoprene ( 60 durometer ) about twice as wide as the test sheet . the result was a bead the same width as the center bar ( 1 . 0 cm ), formed in the sheet the same length as the center bar , approximately 0 . 5 cm high and having a nearly parabolic cross section . the sheet outboard of the bead had a slight dihedral away from the bead but no wrinkles . a question remained as to how well a 3 - bar would form a feature similar to the hood crease around a radius like the nose curvature of the hood . since the 3 - bar design was inexpensive and easily made from bar stock , a second trial coil fixture was built and tested . the second three bar coil , 4 . 75 cm wide by 92 . 0 cm long was constructed with a 15 cm radius through a 120 degree bend at the mid - point . a first trial coil was prepared with a test bead sheet and the second , mounted in a two half , plywood fixture , also with a test sheet . the top half of the second coil fixture carried a plastic die insert to form the test sheets against . either stretch or compression beads could be produced by interchanging the coil and the die insert from the male half to the female . the results of the 3 - bar trial coil tests provided an empirical basis for the design of the hood crease feature coil along with an expectation of its efficiency . geometrically , the hood coil was quite similar to the curved trial coil with a few notable exceptions . first , the hood coil was not planely curved . second , it was not level across the bars in cross section . the coil face needed to carry the same contours as the hood valley crease area to be reformed within approximately 1 . 0 mm to maintain good magnetic field coupling . last , the hood coil needed to be structurally self sufficient capable of resisting the internal forces generated during operation with minimal reliance on containment by tool material in which it was embedded . this last condition was supported by the trial coil tests which indicated loss of efficiency when surrounded too closely by a contiguous , conducting , support form material such as steel or aluminum . conversely , epoxies and other polymers in heavy section had alone , neither adequate stiffness or toughness to contain the internal coil impulse forces attendant with the estimated pulse energy levels . fig1 a , 19b and 19c show an approximate schematic of the geometry of the hood coil . contact between the outer bars through the steel clamps was allowed since the outer bars are at very nearly the same potential . since the steel clamps were thin and parallel to the magnetic field they developed very little eddy current and therefore did not reduce the coil force on the hood . using the simple energy analysis presented above , the peak coil current were estimated and applied to determining peak internal forces of the coil . it is these forces which size the clamping plates or tie rods used to maintain structural integrity of the coil . as reported earlier , a principal structural design rule for mt - em coils is sufficient strength to handle discharge forces independent of the surrounding tool material . the peak current was predicted to be 264000 amperes by the method presented in the previous section . internal forces of the coil , tending to spread the coil bars apart , at peak current were estimated at 210 kn . steel clamps were designed so that the span strength of the coil bars matched the load capacity of the clamps . the arrangement and size of the clamps shown in fig1 a , 19b and 19c resulted from the analysis of coil current and forces with an additional safety margin provided by the tooling material . the finished em tools with the imbedded coil used for the em restrike of the hood feature are made from the new , iron filled castable product which is a room temperature cured , epoxy like material . this material is currently being used in place of low melt temperature zinc alloys such as kirksite for prototype and short run production . cost of producing mt - em tools for auto body parts using the new iron filled epoxy is significantly lower than alternative constructions including the soft zinc metals . additional advantages of the material are that eddy currents are arrested due to the small particle size of the iron filler while the mass , is about 70 % that of iron . mass is a desirable property in mt - em tools as it supplements the tool material stiffness in providing local resistance to deflection at high work piece impact velocities . greater detail of the construction process for these castable mt - em tools will be given in the section describing the door inner panel trial . the automobile hood trial demonstrates that the apparatus and methods of the present invention allows sheet metals to be compressed without wrinkling , permits a formed panel to be restruck from an original / precursor shape to a final shape . the automobile door trial demonstrates that the apparatus and method of the present invention allows one to extend the forming limits of such metals as aluminum by forming a softened corner ( i . e . approximately 4 &# 34 ;× 4 &# 34 ;), and that the em forming may be used to finish the shape with higher strains . these trials demonstrate that the apparatus and methods of the present invention may be made commercially viable in the formation of actual commercial metal parts . with respect to the example of the automobile hood mock - up it was found that the subject shape could be achieved with a 3 - bar coil which was both robust and simple to manufacture . a feature of about 40 &# 34 ; in length could be formed at about 12 kj . it was also shown that a bead could be made in compression . the 3 - bar copper , wrapped coil was fabricated to conform to the hood contour and had internal clamps to react to forces on the coil during operation ( see fig2 ) the coil was embedded in general motors stamp metal / polyester composite , as was the balance of the top and lower die . over 30 discharges on a single embedded coil could be done without damage . the portion ( s ) of the mold requiring the em coil preferably was cut out to form cassettes that allowed iterative try - out and proofing , as well as modification and maintenance . in some applications the same cassette space could be provided with cassettes having different coil numbers , variations and arrangements for restriking . vacuum ports were provided on the top tool ( the side that defines the sheet shape ). with vacuum grease a vacuum of about 20 torr could be obtained . with respect to the automobile door trial , a geometry such as that shown in fig2 could be produced by locking the panel fully and forming the angled hinge face . this precursor shape was then reformed electromagnetically . this geometry was formed using only about 35 kj . high velocity forming after traditional forming can provide significantly enhanced total strains ( about 30 % in plane strain ). also , high levels of quasi - static pre - strain maximize total available strain . thermal softening was found to be an unexpected source of reduction in strain . thermal notching could be mitigated by protecting the work piece from heat with a copper driver foil . a good coil design , preferably one avoiding notches normal to stretch direction , and uniform current density , also reduced thermal notching . the use of 5000 series aluminum may less subject to such problems . the use of intermittent em pulses during die forming or other mechanical forming is shown to be useful in distributing strain in the forming process . the geometry of fig2 was found to be simpler to form as compared to that in fig2 . a 3 - bar coil was used to form this geometry . due to the relatively high lead inductance and low coil efficiency , this panel could not be taken to failure at energies over 40 kj , but significant forming was obtained . the corner of a j - car door inner , whose hinge face was largely formed traditionally , is softened to avoid tearing , and em forming is used to finish the shape , as shown in the schematics in fig2 . fig2 shows where an embedded coil may be supplied as a cassette . fig2 shows an em forming coil as it resides behind a mold face which is adapted to form a metal sheet into a precursor shape followed by finishing with em forming . fig2 shows an operator holding a cassette , containing an em forming coil , that fits into the balance of a correspondingly shaped portion of a mold body . as it resides behind a mold face which is adapted to form a metal sheet into a precursor shape followed by finishing with em forming . fig2 shows a plan view of an electromagnetic actuator coil used in accordance with the present invention . fig2 shows coil body 26 fig2 is a sectioned elevational view of an electromagnetic actuator coil with inner and outer coil leads . fig2 is a sectioned view of the electromagnetic actuator coil along a -- a of fig2 . fig2 , 26 and 27 show coil body 71 bearing coil body insulating tape 72 . also shown are flat outer insulating spacer 73 and flat inner insulating spacer 74 ; and curved outer insulating spacer 89 and flat inner insulating spacer 88 . fig2 also shows outer coil lead 81 and inner coil lead 82 , and corresponding negative bus lead 84 and positive bus lead 84 . also shown is coil lead insulator plate 83 and bus lead insulator plate . there is also a short tie rod insulator sleeve 79 and washer 76 which , together with hex nut 78 , hold short tie rod 80 in short tie rod insulator sleeve 79 . fig2 also shows bus lead insulator plate 90 . fig2 shows washer 76 and hex nut 78 holding long tie rod 77 in long tie rod insulator sleeve 75 , with flat inner insulating spacers 74 between portions of the coil body 72 , and flat outer insulating spacers 73 between portions of the coil body 72 and the washer 76 and hex nut 78 . fig2 shows a side elevational view of the coil , lead and bus assembly shown in fig2 , showing coil body 72 , coil lead insulator plate 83 , 0 . 25 - 20 nc × 0 . 88 soc hd scr 86 and 0 . 25 hard washer 87 . in view of the foregoing disclosure , it will be within the ability of one of ordinary skill in the art to make modifications to the present invention , such as through equivalent alternative mechanical arrangements and / or the integration or separation of component parts , without departing from the spirit of the invention as reflected in the appended claims . | 8 |
referring to fig1 for a method for producing a carbon nanotube electrode according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention , the carbon nanotube electrode 2 so produced as shown in fig2 can be used for a field emitting display or a light emitting device , etc . in the meantime , referring to fig2 and 3 for the carbon nanotube electrode 2 , which comprises a ceramic substrate 21 , an electrode unit 24 formed on the ceramic substrate 21 and an emitter source 23 formed on the ceramic substrate 21 . the ceramic substrate 21 is an integrated ceramic substrate comprising at least two vias 211 for an electrical connection and an internal circuit 213 formed between two ceramic tapes 212 and a plurality of vias 211 . the internal circuit also can be substituted by adopting a conductive layer produced by an electrically conductive material . the electrode base 24 is produced by an electrically conductive material such as a silver paste and electrically connected to the internal circuit 213 and thus applying the voltage onto the emitter source 23 . a carbon nanotube paste ( which is made by a carbon nanomaterial and a silver paste containing silver nanopowder ) are used for the screen printing method to produce an emitter source 23 having a circular shape and a width ranging from 50 μm to 400 μm . when a voltage is applied onto the electrode base 24 , each carbon nanotube in the carbon nanomaterial can be sued as an electron emitter . a macroscopic view of the structure of the carbon nanotube field emitter will be described briefly as follows first , and the manufacturing method and related experiment results will be elaborated in details . referring to fig1 , the fabrication of the carbon nanotube electrode 2 including the preparation of a carbon nanotube paste containing a plurality of carbon nanotubes . in this embodiment , the chemical vapor deposition process is applied to synthesize the carbon nanotubes , in the process , a carbon - based precursor such as xylene , cyclohexene , methylbenzene , benzene or n - hexane is mixed with ferrocene as a catalyst and thiophene as a promoter to synthesize multi - wall carbon nanotubes with a diameter in the range of 20 ˜ 250 nm . a silver paste , containing silver powder with a particle diameter of 0 . 15 ˜ 5 μm , which is commercial available in the market ( this invention adopts the mep - ag - ptg - 5575 ) is mixed uniformly with a silver nanopowder having a particle diameter of 30 ˜ 150 μm to produce a mixture . the silver content in the silver paste is 30 ˜ 100 wt % ( percentage by weight ). finally , the carbon nanomaterial with the additive amount of 1 ˜ 15 wt % is mixed with the silver paste ( containing silver nanopowder ) ( with the additive amount of 99 ˜ 85 wt %). a surfactant ( triton x - 100 in this invention ) with the amount ranging from 0 . 8 to 1 . 8 ml / g is used to produce the nanotube paste . of course , it is not compulsory to produce the carbon nanomaterial on your own . any multi - wall nanotube having a diameter of 20 ˜ 150 nm or any carbon nanofiber having a diameter of 50 ˜ 500 nm may be used as the carbon nanomaterial for this invention . in addition , the reactive surfactant is not limited to triton x - 100 , but any solvent with equivalent functions can be used as a substitute . on the other hand , process 12 can be carried out for producing a highly integrated ceramic substrate 21 . in the low temperature cofire ceramic ( ltcc ) process , a mixture of glass and aluminum oxide powder or a mixed compound material of aluminum oxide fibers is adopted as the material to produce a ceramic paste , and then a plurality of thin ceramic tapes is formed by the tape casting method , and a plurality of tape vias 211 are produced by laser . after the vias are filled , an electrically conductive material such as a silver paste is screen printed to produce an internal circuit ( or an electrically conductive layer ) 213 . finally , these screen printed internal circuits ( or electrically conductive layers ) 213 go through the process of stacking the ceramic tapes 212 , and the hot pressing and annealing processes are then applied to fabricate the ceramic substrate 21 by a low - cost and precise manufacturing process , so that the ceramic substrate 21 not only has highly integrated internal circuits ( or electrically conductive layers ) for integrating various different components , but also offers a high temperature resisting to bear with the follow - up thermal processes . then , another process 13 is carried out to form a circular emitter source 23 on the ceramic substrate 21 by screen printing the carbon nanotube paste prepared in the process 11 , and the external diameter of the circular emitter source 23 is in the range of 1200 μm ˜ 2000 μm and the width in the range of 150 μm ˜ 1500 μm . a silver paste is used as the material to form an electrode base 24 . it is noteworthy that the shape of the emitter source is not limited to the circular shape , and any rectangular , triangular or polygonal shapes can be used to achieve the expected effect of the present invention . a circular shape with a radius in the range of 500 ˜ 5000 μm can also achieve the expected result . a heat treatment process 14 is performed in the atmospheric environment at the temperature of 110 ˜ 220 ° c . for 10 ˜ 60 minutes first , and then at a temperature of 200 ˜ 300 ° c . for 30 ˜ 120 minutes . finally , a sintering process 15 is performed under oxygen / argon atmosphere with the concentration ratio of 3 ˜ 30 vol % ( by volume ) under a temperature in the range of 500 ˜ 900 ° c . and a pressure in the range of 100 ˜ 700 torrs for 10 ˜ 60 minutes . the foregoing processes are thus carried out to produce the carbon nanotube electrode 2 . it is noteworthy that after the circular emitter source 23 is formed , a substance capable of guiding the movement of electrons or a substance having a high dielectric constant including platinum , palladium , iron , cobalt and nickel metals , or an alloy consisting these metal elements can be used to fill the space enclosed by the circular emitter source 23 for affecting the movement of electrons in order to enhance the field emission efficiency . the carbon tube paste without mixing silver nanopowder ( such as the commercialized silver paste ) and the carbon nanotube paste mixed with silver nanopowder according to the present invention are used . after the screen printing , a soft baking , sintering , and annealing processes as described in the processes 14 and 15 are applied . it is obvious that the dispersion of the carbon tube paste without being mixed with silver nanopowder , as shown in fig4 and 5 , indicates non - uniform distribution of carbon nanotubes in silver particles . the dispersion of the silver nanotube paste mixed with silver nanopowder according to the present invention as shown in fig6 and 7 , indicates an uniform distribution . the uniformity of carbon nanotube paste can improve the electrical conductivity of the electrode . referring to fig8 . the carbon nanotube paste with silver nanopowder according to the present invention definitely perform a better field emission efficiency . referring to fig9 and 10 , the fabricated carbon nanotube electrode 2 according to the present invention is used as cathode , and indium tin oxide ( ito ) glass coated with a fluorescent powder is used as an anode . fig9 and 10 show the light emission performance of the light emitting device measured at the operating voltages of 300v and 400v , respectively . it is obvious that a larger light emitting area is obtained by the circular field emitter 23 according to the present invention . based on the results shown in fig1 , the carbon nanotube electrode produced by a carbon nanotube paste containing 10 wt % of carbon nanotube with an external diameter of 3 . 1 mm and a width of 0 . 25 mm shown has an outstanding field emission efficiency . in summation of the description above , since the carbon nanotube has a high inertia , a high electrical conductivity , and very small radius of curvature , therefore it is very suitable to be used as a material for fabricating a field emitter . the present invention adopts ceramic plate as the substrate and prepares multi - wall carbon nanotubes paste . the screen printing process for producing electron emitter source on carbon nanotube electrode is performed . the present invention not only fabricates a carbon nanotube electrode with highly integrated internal circuits , but also produces a carbon nanotube electrode having lower threshold voltage and better field emission efficiency . the present invention also involves simple manufacturing processes , low production cost for the field emitter manufacturing process for fabricating carbon nanotube electrode with high field emission efficiency . while the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of a preferred embodiment , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto . to the contrary , it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements and procedures , and the scope of the appended claims therefore should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements . | 1 |
this invention relates generally to engines and more particularly to recirculating of blow - by gases and a portion of the exhaust gas into the combustion system of the engine for reducing the pollution emitted from the engine . generally the engine is a naturally aspirated version of an internal combustion engine . the burning of hydrocarbon fuels in engines causes the engines to emit oxides of nitrogen ( nox ) and soot as a by - product of the combustion cycle . these particles are emitted through the exhaust system . many systems have been developed for recycling a portion of the exhaust gas through the engine thereby reducing the emission of these components into the atmosphere . the same engine also produces blow - by gases which escape past the piston rings and into the crankcase . the blow - by gases include unburned carbon which becomes coated with oil from the crankcase . blow - by gases are recycled to the intake manifold where they are mixed with incoming air and ingested into the engine combustion system . the recirculation of a portion of exhaust gas and blow - by is used to reduce pollutions emitted to the atmosphere . the combination of the hot exhaust gas and the oily carbon particles of the blow - by if left together over a period of time causes a negative reaction which can result in the engine malfunctioning . the heat of the exhaust will cause the oily carbon to cake along the walls of the intake passages and near the intake valves . the caking near the valves will cause the valve seat to overheat and crack resulting in oil leakage past the seat and into the intake passage . such oil compounds the caking problem by combining with the caking mixture forming a build - up which becomes excessive to the point where the engine malfunctions . the present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above . in one aspect of the present invention an exhaust gas and blow - by recirculation system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed . the engine includes a crankcase and a cylinder head which has an intake passage . also included with the engine is an intake manifold connected to the passage , means for directing a portion of the engine exhaust into the intake manifold , and a crankcase ventilation valve in communication with the crankcase . the improvement of the recirculation system is comprised of means for communicating the blow - by gases from the crankcase to the passage in the cylinder head through the crankcase ventilation valve . the invention as decribed above overcomes the caking of the oily carbon particles along the walls of the intake passages and enables the exhaust gases to be recirculated reducing oxides of nitrogen and prevents the caking problem as discussed earlier . fig1 is a front elevational view of an internal combustion engine embodying the exhaust gas and blow - by recirculation system of this invention ; fig2 is a partial sectional view disclosing a portion of the exhaust gas and blow - by recirculation system ; fig3 is a sectional view through the cylinder head disclosing a portion of the exhaust gas and blow - by recirculation system ; and fig4 is a sectional view of the sealing means shown in a nonassembled condition . in reference to fig1 an exhaust gas and blow - by recirculation system 10 for an internal combustion engine 12 is shown . although the engine 10 , as shown , is a naturally aspirated internal combustion engine , the scope of the invention should not be limited to this configuration . the engine 10 has a crankcase 14 and a cylinder head 16 . the cylinder head 16 has an air intake passage 18 for transmitting combustible air into one of a plurality of combustion chambers , and a bore 20 entering the passage 18 . also shown is an intake manifold 22 connected to the passage 18 and a means 23 for directing a portion of the engine exhaust into the intake manifold . the means 23 includes an exhaust manifold 24 connected to the cylinder head 16 , an exhaust pipe 26 , a valve mechanism 28 of conventional construction is disposed between the exhaust manifold 24 and the exhaust pipe 26 . also included with the means 23 is a tube 30 connects the valve mechanism 28 with the intake manifold 22 . a crankcase ventilation valve 32 is in communication with the crankcase 14 as is well known in the art . as shown in fig3 a director tube 34 has a straight portion 36 and a curved portion 38 . the straight portion 36 is located partially outside the cylinder head 16 and extends through the bore 20 in the cylinder head 16 . the curved portion 38 is located within the passage 18 and is oriented to direct the flow of blow - by in the same direction and into the fluid stream within the cylinder head 16 . as shown in fig2 and 3 , a fastening means 40 is rigidly connected to the director tube 34 and orientates the tube in line with the intake air flow . the fastening means 40 includes a strap 42 rigidly connected to the director tube 34 . the strap 42 has an end 44 and a notch 48 located on the end 44 of the strap 42 . a securing means 50 includes a tubular spacer 52 located between the strap 42 and the cylinder head 16 , a bore 54 in the strap 42 and a bolt 56 extends through the bore 54 and spacer 52 . a means 60 for sealing is provided between the director tube 34 and the cylinder head 16 as shown in fig3 . the means 60 includes a seal 62 which has a bore 64 sealably fitted around the director tube 34 . a first sealing surface 66 contacts the cylinder head 16 and a second sealing surface 68 contacts the fastening means 40 . as shown in fig4 the first sealing surface 66 has a plurality of annular concentric protrusions 70 thereon . a concentric extension 72 is longer than the protrusions and extends between the bore 20 and the director tube 34 . the first sealing surface 66 is at an angle of substantially 3 ° to the second surface 68 . the top surface of the cylinder head 16 has a cast surface which has a taper of approximately 3 ° required by conventional casting techniques . the relationship of the 3 ° angles of the cylinder head 16 and the sealing surface 66 are orientated by a tab 76 protruding from the second surface 68 and fitting within the notch 48 in the strap 42 . a means 78 for connecting the director tube 34 to the crankcase ventilation valve 32 is shown in fig1 . the means 78 includes a tube 80 , positioned between the director tube 34 and the crankcase ventilation valve 32 , and a plurality of couplings 82 . the couplings 82 attach the end portions of the formed tube 80 with the valve 32 and the director tube 34 forming a sealed passage 84 between the valve 32 and the director tube 34 . also shown in fig1 is a means 86 for communicating the blow - by gases from the crankcase 14 to the passage 18 in the cylinder head 16 through the crankcase ventilation valve 32 . the means 86 for communicating includes the bore 20 , the director tube 34 , means 40 for fastening the director tube 34 to the cylinder head 16 , means 60 for sealing between the director tube 34 and the cylinder head 16 and means 78 for connecting the director tube 34 to the crankcase ventilation valve 32 . the exhaust gas and blow - by recirculation system 10 for the internal combustion engine 12 reduces the pollution emitted from the engine 12 . the exhaust gases emitted from the engine 12 pass through the exhaust manifold 24 to the valve mechanism 28 connected between the exhaust manifold 24 and the exhaust pipe 26 . the valve mechanism 28 directs a portion of the exhaust through the tube 30 and into the intake manifold 22 at a location away from the passage 18 . inside the intake manifold 22 the exhaust gases are combined with intake air and directed into the combustion chambers through the cylinder head . the blow - by is collected in the crankcase 14 of the engine 12 . from the crankcase 14 , the blow - by enters the crankcase ventilation valve 32 . the blow - by passes through the formed tube 78 and into the director tube 34 . the director tube 34 is positioned within the passage 18 of the cylinder head 16 in such a manner so that the stream of blow - by is in line with the fluid flow going into the engine combustion chamber . the air entering the combustion chamber from the intake manifold 22 passes by the director tube 34 and into the combustion chamber . the director tube 34 orientates the flow of the blow - by in the same direction as the flow of the intake air . the director tube 34 reduces the size of the passage and increases the velocity of the air flowing around the tube 34 in the passage . the velocity of the air within the passage 18 is therefore high and reduces the time for mixing of the blow - by with the intake and exhaust mixture . the mixture is drawn directly into the combustion chamber preventing the caking of the oily blow - by and hot exhaust along the walls of the passage 18 . with the invention as disclosed above , the exhaust gas and blow - by recirculation system 10 reduces the amount of pollution added to the atmosphere and prevents the build - up and caking of materials within the engine 12 . the caking within the intake passage is prevented by locating the blow - by inlet or director tube 34 within the passage 18 of the cylinder head 16 . since the passage 18 is located in close proximity to one of the plurality of combustion chambers , the caking near the valves is reduced because of the high velocity with which the incoming air within the passage 18 is traveling . this high velocity reduces the time that the mixture of hot exhaust and oily blow - by resides along the walls of the passages 18 thereby preventing caking . other aspects , objects and advantages will become apparent from a study of the specification , drawings and appended claims . | 5 |
fig2 is a simplified block diagram of the rom address arrangement of the present invention . address output terminals of processor 10 are connected to processor address bus 12 , which are coupled to one input of multiplexer 30 . the output of multiplexer 30 feeds rom address signals to rom 20 via rom address bus 16 . the bit width of the rom address input , rom bus address , and multiplexer output are the same and in excess of the bit width of the processor address bus 12 . the maximum number of rom addresses thus exceeds the address capacity of the processor address bus . merely by way of example , a 16 bit processor address bus would have an address capacity in excess of 64 kbytes of memory , while a 24 bit rom address bus would have an address capacity in excess of 16 mbytes of memory . data bus 14 is connected between the rom and the processor for conveying data accessed from the rom to the processor and for loading data from the processor to counter 70 . the bit width of the data bus is significantly smaller than the bit width of the rom access bus . each time that the rom is addressed in a read mode , data equal in number to the data bus bit width is accessed . processor address bus 12 is also connected to the input of decoder circuit 40 , the output of which is connected to logic circuit 50 . logic circuit 50 is connected to counter 70 for actuation and control of the counter . counter 70 has an input connected to data bus 14 and an output connected to another input of multiplexer 30 . the contents of the counter contain the same number of bits as the rom address bus . logic circuit 50 is also connected the multiplexer 30 for applying a control signal thereto . logic circuit 50 has inputs for receiving signals such as read enable and write enable signals from the processor 10 . these inputs are not shown for simplicity of illustration . in a rom read operation , the processor outputs an address to address bus 12 , which applies the address to both multiplexer 30 and decoder 40 . as to be more fully explained below , decoder 40 has been set to a specific address that is associated with a sequential access mode of read operation . if the address output by the processor is the specific decoder address , the decoder outputs an enable signal to the logic circuit 50 . in response , the logic circuit applies a read control signal to the multiplexer 30 that is indicative of the sequential access mode . the multiplexer thereupon applies the contents of counter 70 to the rom address bus . logic circuit 50 contains a pulse delay circuit for thereafter applying a clock signal to the counter to increment the counter contents . subsequent output of the same specific address by the processor will be acted upon by the decoder , logic circuit , counter and multiplexer in the same manner to output the incremented counter contents , i . e ., the next sequential rom address , to the rom . successive output of the sequential mode address enables high speed data access . output of a random mode address by the processor does not match the decoder and the sequential access mode is not initiated . as no enable signal is generated by the decoder , the multiplexer is set to the random access mode of operation . the processor address output is applied by the multiplexer from the processor address bus to the rom address bus . in order to accommodate the greater number of multiplexer output lines that match the bit width of the rom address bus , the number of multiplexer output bit lines in excess of the number of processor address bus lines are tied to either a binary high or low state , depending on design considerations . preferably , the excess lines can be at the high end or low end of the rom address , although other terminal groupings can be tied if beneficial to a particular application . in system operation , the processor is responsive to an input signal , received at a terminal 15 , for implementing one of the modes of rom access . in a vehicle diagnostics device , the signal may be developed manually or automatically in response to vehicle parameter conditions . for example , in a diagnostic procedure , the sequential rom storage may include textual explanation for each of a plurality of possible conditions to aid the operator in performing the diagnostic service . upon occurrence of a condition , a signal may be applied to input 15 for accessing the relevant sequential string of data , the information for which can then be displayed for the operator . alternatively , the operator may issue a command signal to access the sequential rom storage to display explanatory text and / or graphics for reference purposes . while input 15 is illustrated as a single input for purposes of simplifying explanation , it should be realized that diagnostic applications are varied and that any number of interfacing connections may be made with the processor as appropriate to the particular application . fig3 is a more detailed block diagram of the sequential read mode elements in accordance with the present invention . in the sequential mode , the contents of counter 70 are applied by the multiplexer 30 to the rom address bus . the total number of counter output bits thus is equal to the bit width of the rom address bus . data representing the first rom address of a sequence of rom addresses are written into the counter from the data bus 14 . the writing operation is initiated in response to a write enable signal { overscore ( w )} output by the processor . the counter 70 may comprise any well known specific counter arrangement . in the preferred embodiment shown , the counter comprises a plurality of interconnected stages 72 , 74 76 , each having a bit width equal to the bit width of the data bus . the term “ counter ” as used herein is intended to likewise include a plurality of counter stages . to accommodate a complete rom address , the number of counter stages is equal to the rom address bit width divided by the data bus bit width . three counter stages are illustrated to correspond to the above described example of a twenty four bit width rom and an eight bit width data bus . while the bit width of the data bus typically may be one byte , design considerations for particular applications may indicate a different size . decoder 46 comprises a plurality of decoder stages 42 , 44 and 46 , each corresponding to a respective counter stage . the term “ decoder ” as use herein is intended to likewise include a plurality of decoder stages . logic circuit 50 comprises a plurality of logic elements connected as follows . and gate 52 has a first input connected through an inverter to decoder stage 42 . and gate 54 has a first input connected through an inverter to decoder stage 44 . and gate 56 has a first input connected through an inverter to decoder stage 46 . a second input of each of the and gates is connected through an inverter to the write enable line of the processor . the output of and gate 52 is connected to counter stage 72 . the output of and gate 54 is connected to counter stage 74 . the output of and gate 56 is connected to counter stage 76 . and gate 58 has a first input connected through an inverter to the output of decoder stage 42 and a second input connected through an inverter to the read enable signal line . the output of and gate 58 is connected to the multiplexer . pulse delay circuit 60 is connected between the output of and gate 58 and the multiplexer . each counter stage is activated in response to a signal received through logic circuit 50 and decoder 40 . counter stage 72 is activated in response to a signal received from its connection to and gate 52 . counter stage 74 is activated in response to a signal received from its connection to and gate 54 . counter stage 76 is activated in response to a signal received from its connection to and gate 56 . each decoder stage is connected to the address bus and is set to a unique one of the sequential mode addresses . in the write operation , the first sequential rom address is loaded into each counter stage in a succession of write commands from the processor . the processor generates a write enable signal and applies a sequential mode address to the address bus . for an address that matches decoder stage 42 , the decoder outputs an enable signal . and gate 52 , having high level signals at the decoder input and the write enable input , outputs a signal to activate counter stage 72 . one byte of data , representing one third of the first sequential rom address is output by the processor to the data bus and loaded into the activated counter stage 72 . data are loaded in the same manner to counter stages 74 and 76 . the address for each decoder is output and the appropriate data loaded from the data bus . during the write operation the rom is inactive as there is neither a read enable signal nor output enable signal output by the processor . thus no stored rom data can be overwritten . the read operation is initiated by generation of a read enable pulse signal by the processor . for the sequential read mode , the processor outputs the address to which decoder 42 is set to produce an output signal from the decoder . and gate 58 , in response to the decoder output signal and read enable signal at its inputs outputs a read control signal to the multiplexer . the multiplexer switches the counter contents received from the counter input to the rom address bus . the first sequential rom address is thereby input to the rom . as the read enable signal is also applied to the rom , in a manner well known in the art , a byte of data identified by the applied rom address is output to the data bus . the read enable pulse , conveyed through and gate 58 , is delayed by pulse delay circuit 60 for a period sufficient for the data to be accessed and then applied to a clk input of counter stage 72 to increment the counter stage . this operation is repeated for each successive output by the processor of the same address . in a manner well known in the art , all counter stages may be tied together so that , when the maximum count is reached by counter stage 72 ( taken as the least significant byte ), after the next read a carry signal is applied to increment the next counter stage while counter stage 72 rolls to zero . it is to be understood , also , that the address for decoder stage 42 is exemplified as the sequential mode address for simplicity of illustration and description . any of the other decoder stage addresses may be so utilized for the read mode sequence . as a further alternative , each of the decoder stages may be connected through appropriate logic circuitry to activate the sequential read operation in response to output by the processor of its corresponding address . in random access mode , the number of output lines ( 16 ) exceeds the width of the processor address bus ( 12 ). the multiplexer ( 30 ) input lines for the random access mode in excess of the number of processor address lines ( 12 ) are tied to fixed logic levels presenting sufficient input lines for each mix stage . in the random access read mode , an address is output by the processor that does not match any of the decoder stage addresses . while a read enable signal is also generated , gate 58 does not receive an output from a decoder stage and thus does not switch states . the multiplexer , therefore , will not switch its output from the process address bus to the counters . as the read enable pulse signal is not conveyed to the pulse delay circuit , no incrementation of the counter occurs . the illustrated address decoder may comprise any decoder well known in the art . a preferred arrangement is illustrated in fig4 . for ease of illustration and explanation , a four bit input is represented . it is to be understood that , for the 16 bit address bus example of fig3 or any other bit width input , the decoder stage is appropriately expanded . decoder 48 comprises a nand gate having four input terminals connected to lines a 0 - a 3 , which may correspond to individual address bit lines . when all input terminals are at a high level the nand gate outputs a low level signal . all of the input terminals of the gate can be set , or programmed , to be at a high level for any one of the sixteen possible combinations of inputs at lines a 0 - a 3 , by connecting one or more inverters at appropriate input terminals . in the illustration , inverter 49 is connected in the least significant bit line , while the remaining input lines are directly connected to the nand gate inputs . an address of 1 - 1 - 1 - 0 , a hexidecimal value e , would result in all nand input gates attaining a high level and an output signal of a change state ( low ). for any of the other fifteen possible input addresses , at least one of the gate inputs would be at a low level and the output of the gate , thus , at a high level . the illustrated arrangement is thus a decoder for hexidecimal e . the nand gate has been illustrated for correspondence with the negative level logic described for the embodiment of fig3 . as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art , positive logic can be used without changing the spirit of the invention . with this alternative , the nand gate would be replaced with an appropriate and gate . while the foregoing has described what are considered to be preferred embodiments of the invention it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the invention may be implemented in various forms and embodiments , and that it may be applied in numerous applications , only some of which have been described herein . for example , the described embodiment of fig3 permits a string of rom data to be read in sequential manner in response to successive outputs of a single address by the processor . it should be understood that a plurality of rom data portions can be defined for such sequential operation . for any such sequential string of rom data the same combination of counters and decoders can be used . the decoder starting address , loaded into the counters , for each string can be set to a respective one of a plurality of rom addresses to activate the sequential reading mode as well as to load the respective counter . each counter is output to a respective multiplexer input . through the use of appropriate logic circuitry , in accordance with a decoder output the appropriate counter output can be applied by the multiplexer to the rom bus address . it is further within the contemplation of the present invention that the rom consist of eeprom storage wherein data may be written to the memory . the dual random address mode / sequential address mode operation disclosed herein may be utilized for writing to memory having a greater number of address locations than the processor address bus bit width limit . decoders and counters may be correlated in the same manner to identify the expanded number of addresses to the rom address bus . the described preferred embodiments employ a plurality of decoder stages and counter stages . the plurality of counter stages can be replaced by an appropriately connected single counter stage . likewise , a single decoder may be employed with appropriate logic interconnections to the counter to successively load data to the counter . it is intended by the following claims to claim all such modifications and variations which fall within the true scope of the invention . | 6 |
as is apparent from fig1 an idealized qrs complex consists of a relatively high - amplitude oscillation that initially guides the ecg signal , in the q spike , away from the zero line 1 in a negative direction . afterwards the ecg signal is guided , in the r spike , into the positive range with a steep rise and with a subsequent steep drop back into the negative range while forming the s spike . in reality the ecg signal is accompanied by a certain level of noisiness , as indicated in fig1 by the dashed signal curve . if this noisy signal is now sampled and converted into discrete signal values in chronological order , the sign of each signal value can be determined and a check can be performed as to whether a zero crossing of the ecg signal though the zero line 1 has taken place between these signal values . outside the qrs complex a high number of zero crossings occurs in a defined segment n 1 , whereas a much lower number of zero crossings is detected during sampling of a segment n 2 in the qrs complex . the count of the number of zero crossings may thus be used to detect a qrs complex . the ecg signal is sampled and converted into discrete signal values x ( n ) in chronological order . the sampling rate may be f = 360 hz , for example , i . e ., the ecg signal is converted into a sequence of 360 measuring values per second . the detailed sequence of the inventive evaluation method will now be explained in more detail based on fig2 . according to that structural diagram , the sampled ecg signal x ( n ) is subjected , on the input side , to a band - pass filtering that serves to remove all signal components that do not belong to the qrs complex . this includes the p and t waves , as well as high - frequency noise that may originate , for example , from the bioelectrical muscle activity . this furthermore suppresses the base line drift and moves the ecg to the zero line 1 . the applied filter bp is non - recursive , linear - phase and has a band - pass characteristic with the pass frequencies f g1 = 18 hz and f g2 = 27 hz , as well as the limiting cutoff frequencies f g1 = 2 hz and f g2 = 50 hz . the filter order is n = 200 . the group delay of the band - pass filter bp accordingly corresponds to 100 sampling values and must be taken into consideration when determining the time of the occurrence of the qrs complex . the blocking attenuation of the filter is approximately 80 db . the signal values x f ( n ) attained in this manner are subsequently squared in a squaring step qs according to the following relation while maintaining the signs of the given signal values : in an adding phase 2 , a high - frequency sequence b ( n ) with a low amplitude that may be described as follows is subsequently overlaid to the band - pass filtered and squared ecg signal : wherein k ( n )& gt ; 0 . adding is sequence b ( n ) changes the number of zero crossings per segment . the upper limit of the number of zero crossings is the number n of the sampling values of the segment . with this sequence b ( n ) the number of zero crossings is increased to this maximum number in the non - qrs segments , whereas the ( lower ) number of zero crossings is maintained in the qrs complex . to attain this goal , a suitable value for the coefficients k ( n ) is adaptively estimated from the signal values x fq ( n ). the band - pass filtered and squared signals are determined flowingly for this purpose over a defined averaging interval of p sampling values according to the following equation : 〈 | x j q | 〉 ( n ) = 1 / p · ∑ i · 0 p - 1 | x f q ( n - i ) | the averaging time essentially determines the adaptation speed of this estimate and both , averaging segments that are too short , as well as averaging segments that are too long may impact the effectiveness of the signal evaluation method . during the occurrence of qrs complexes the adaptation is paused since the sequence b ( n ) is intended to only influence the zero crossings during the non - qrs segments . in fig2 the process complex that pertains to the determination of the coefficients k ( n ) has been marked as as . the multiplication of the basic function — indicated in fig2 as a kind of “ flip flop function ” with “+ 1 , − 1 , + 1 , − 1 , . . . ”— with the amplitude k ( n ) has been indicated in the form of the multiplication step 3 . the above discussed signal values are now subjected to the actual zero crossing count ndz . counting the zero crossings is principally performed per segment according to the following relation : d ( n ) = ∑ i = 0 n - 1 d ( n - i ) if d ( n )= 1 , this means “ zero crossing detected ”, d ( n )= 0 means “ no zero crossing detected .” in this manner a high number of zero crossings per segment results for high frequencies and accordingly fewer for low frequencies . from a signal technology point of view , counting the zero crossings essentially corresponds to a low - pass filtering ; in practice counting the zero crossings may be implemented with a filter having a square - pulse response , i . e ., the filter pulse response a i = 1 with i = 0 . . . n − 1 produces the number of zero crossings d ( n ). the advantage of this filter results from the implementation with n − 1 shift operations , which is favorable from a computing point of view , and feedback without multiplication . the filter function is , in fact , defined as follows : h ( z ) = ∑ i - 0 n - 1 z - 1 = ( 1 - z - ( n - 1 ) ) / ( 1 - z - 1 ) a further advantage of this implementation lies in the fact that the number of zero crossings takes exclusively whole - number values , the range of which is determined by the segment length n . this feature can be advantageously utilized in the subsequent decision phase es . the filter order n furthermore significantly influences the robustness of the sign evaluation method with respect to noise . larger filter orders increase the robustness , however , filters that are too long , on the other hand , due to the prolonged averaging interval , may lead to false - negative detection errors (“ false negative ” means that even though a qrs complex is present in the ecg signal , it was not detected .) in the present embodiment , the filter order n = 10 is used . the threshold value of the number of zero crossings that is significant for the detection of a qrs complex is determined by comparison with an adaptive threshold . the latter is determined from the average of the 0 . 1 and 0 . 5 quantiles of the frequency distribution f ( m ) of d ( n ). the statistical size “ quantile ” is used because it has a greater robustness , compared to average and variance , with respect to statistic freak values . in the present case it is very easy to calculate , as the signal values can take only whole - number values between 0 ≦ d ( n )≦ n . the frequency distribution f ( m ) with 0 ≦ m ≦ n is determined adaptively in two steps , namely : wherein a memory factor 0 & lt ; λ & lt ; 1 is used . for the numerical example briefly shown at the end of this description , this memory factor was selected as λ = 0 . 01 . it is now easy to determine from the frequency distribution the quantiles and from them , in the manner described above , the adaptive threshold . if d ( n ) is below the threshold , a qrs complex has been detected , otherwise not . in fig2 the process segment of the threshold estimation has been marked with sws . in other respects , the band - pass filtered and squared signal x fq ( t ) is used to determine the exact time of the occurrence of the r spike of a qrs complex . for this purpose the maximum in this signal is searched in a search interval around the starting point of a qrs complex , the occurrence of which is set as the time of the occurrence of the r spike . simultaneous with the actual detection of qrs complexes and to determine the time of the occurrence of the r spike , two additional variables are estimated in the evaluation process for the purpose of evaluating the signal , namely the useful signal strength p qrs and the noise signal strength p noise . one of the two variables is updated with each detected result . when a qrs complex is detected , the estimated useful signal strength is updated , otherwise the estimated interfering signal strength is updated . for this purpose the value | x fq ( t )| max is used in a suitable interval around the instant at which the number of zero crossings d ( n ) falls below the threshold value , with one exponential windows used in each case in the present implementation . this means the following derivation applies for the estimated useful and interfering signal strengths : p qrs ( i + 1 )=( 1 − λ qrs )· p qrs ( i )+ λ qrs ·| x fq ( t )| max p noise ( i + 1 )=( 1 − λ noise )· p noise ( i )+ λ noise ·| x fq ( t )| max the memory factors λ in the above two equations were selected as follows : lastly , a detection strength is calculated from the estimated signal strengths according to the following relation , the value of which provides information as to whether an event that would normally be qualified as a qrs complex is indeed a useful signal that should be attributed to a qrs complex for the signal evaluation method . the detection strength is calculated as follows : ds = (| x fq ( t )| max − p noise )/( p qrs − p noise ) in the present example a detected peak is classified as an interfering signal if the detection strength is less than 0 . 01 . in that case the interfering signal strength is updated . otherwise it is a qrs complex , after which the useful signal strength is updated accordingly . lastly , a time window of 75 ms is used in the signal evaluation . if multiple qrs complexes are detected within this time window , only the first complex is evaluated and the other complexes are extracted . this relatively short refractory time was selected to ensure a swift resumption of the normal detection in case of false - positive detections of a qrs complex , and to thus reduce false - negative recognition errors . the inventive signal evaluation method as described in detail above was tested and validated with the aid of a database with the designation “ mit / bih arrhythmia data base ” that is sold commercially for test purposes . this database contains 48 two - channel ecg signals with a length of approximately 30 minutes each . these ecg signals are ranged into classes , so that the location of the qrs complexes is known . the signal evaluation method was performed on a personal computer , with a frequency f used as the sampling rate . to evaluate the efficiency of the present method , the so - called sensitivity se and specificity + p were determined according to the following condition : wherein the number of correctly detected qrs complexes is included as tp , the number of false - negative detections is included as fn , and that of the false - positive detections is included as fp . a qrs complex was assumed detected correctly if it was detected within a time window of +/− 75 ms around the actual location of the time of its occurrence . the results of this simulation example are listed in the appended table 1 . from this table it can be seen that the sensitivity se and specificity + p were significantly higher than 99 % for the large majority of data sets — the so - called “ tapes ”— and in some instances exactly 100 %. only in very few cases of very noisy signals , such as in tapes no . 105 and 108 were these values lower , however , still high enough for good results to be obtained there as well . the simulation example is also shown graphically in fig3 by way of example . the signal curve 4 , for example , reflects the actual ecg signal . it clearly shows the r spike 5 , the immediately adjacent q and s spikes 6 , 7 are only implied . also entered is the adaptive threshold 8 for distinguishing between qrs and non - qrs segments . based thereon , the curve 9 reflects the course of the number of zero crossings of the ecg signal values . it is apparent how , after the occurrence of a qrs complex , the number of zero crossings breaks in with a delay t g that corresponds to the group delay time in the sampling and filtering of the ecg signal . this is reflected in the downward pointing spikes in the curve 9 . synchronously , the threshold value 8 is adapted after the occurrence of a qrs complex , as is apparent from the saw - tooth shaped curve of the threshold value 8 in fig3 . | 8 |
referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first , particularly , to fig1 thereof , there is seen an exemplary embodiment of a sheet - fed printing press 1 which includes six printing units 2 , a varnishing unit 3 disposed downstream of the printing units 2 , two driers 4 disposed downstream of the varnishing unit 3 and a stamping / embossing unit 5 . in the context of the present application , the printing units 2 , the stamping / embossing unit 5 and the varnishing unit 3 are referred to as production units . in addition , the printing press 1 includes a delivery 6 where the finished printing material is deposited and a feeder 7 at the entrance of the printing press 1 for feeding new printing material to the printing units 2 . in the printing press 1 , all of the printing units 2 , the varnishing unit 3 and the stamping / embossing unit 5 are mechanically coupled by a gear train . the gear train is driven by a main drive motor of the printing press 1 . it is likewise possible to provide an individual drive for every printing unit 2 , stamping / embossing unit 5 or varnishing unit 3 . in order to implement the present invention , however , it is sufficient to provide an individual drive motor 10 for a cylinder 8 in the varnishing unit 3 and in the stamping / embossing unit 5 , as seen in fig5 . these units are substantially formed of the cylinder 8 for receiving varnishing formes or stamping / embossing formes and an associated impression cylinder 9 . the separate drive motor 10 ensures that the cylinder 8 in the stamping / embossing unit 5 and in the varnishing unit 3 may be driven while mechanically uncoupled from the printing units 2 and from the impression cylinders 9 in the varnishing unit 3 and in the stamping / embossing unit 5 . thus , the stamping / embossing cylinder 8 in the stamping / embossing unit 5 and the varnishing cylinder in the varnishing unit 3 can be rotated relative to the associated impression cylinders 9 through the use of the associated electric drive motor 10 . fig2 illustrates a point of contact between the stamping / embossing forme on the cylinder 8 and the printing material on the impression cylinder 9 in the stamping / embossing unit 5 . in the varnishing unit 3 , the situation is similar , with the only difference being that the cylinder 8 does not carry a stamping / embossing forme but instead a varnishing forme made of a soft material . in the stamping / embossing unit 5 , the pressure between the cylinder 8 and the impression cylinder 9 is high since it is required for stamping / embossing . for this reason , no slip may occur between the cylinder 8 and the impression cylinder 9 . when the cylinder 8 and the impression cylinder 9 have a different circumference , they cannot rotate at the same rotational speed . therefore , in order to be able to start correctly for every sheet at every revolution , the angular offset between the cylinder 8 and the impression cylinder 9 caused by the different diameters must be compensated for . this correction of the angle of rotation , also referred to as a differential angle , is shown in fig3 . as can be seen , at the beginning of a new revolution and at the beginning of a new image , the differential angle starts at zero and increases to 2 . 5 degrees up until a gap of the impression cylinder 9 . as soon as the gap of the impression cylinder 9 is reached , the differential angle is re - set to zero by a corresponding modification of the rotational speed of the stamping / embossing cylinder 8 . this modification is achieved by suitably actuating the drive motor 10 and the cylinder 8 . fig4 illustrates a closed - loop control operation in which an optimum lead angle of 1 . 5 degrees is set by the control unit 11 in the power electronics of the drive motor 10 of the cylinder 8 . the closed - loop control is shown to be based on the detection of the motor torque or motor current . the first step is to detect that an increased torque of + 10 nm occurs . the ideal lead angle of 1 . 5 degrees results when there is no slip , i . e . when the motor torque is 0 nm . for this purpose , a counteracting motor torque of − 10 nm is applied to the drive motor 10 of the cylinder 8 to attain the desired lead angle of 1 . 5 degrees in the third revolution at 0 nm . this automatic adjustment by a control 11 of the drive motor 10 of the cylinder 8 is based on the detection of the respective motor torque and angle of rotation . in a closed - loop control operation based on the motor torque , the drive motor 10 is actuated on the basis of the measurement of the motor torque , which is then either increased or reduced depending on whether a lead angle or a lag angle is desired or required . if the differential angle is ideal , the motor 10 runs at the lowest torque . consequently , the lead or lag angle does not have to be set by the operator . instead , it can be automatically set by the control or power electronics 11 of the drive motor 10 of the cylinder 8 . fig5 illustrates the basic structure of the control loop for actuating the drive motor 10 for the stamping / embossing cylinder 8 . in this context , it is sufficient if the varnishing unit 3 and the stamping / embossing unit 5 include a control loop 11 in which the drive motor 10 includes detecting means such as a sensor 13 for sensing the motor torque and in which this torque is controlled to be as low as possible . alternatively , it is possible to detect the differential angle using a motor encoder of the motor 10 and an angular transmitter 12 on the impression cylinder 9 , for instance when an additional lead or lag is desired such as in a varnishing operation to achieve printing length correction . in this case the operator may set an additional desired correcting angle for printing length correction in the control of the printing press 1 . this correcting angle is then transmitted to the power electronics 11 of the drive motor 10 and is set on the basis of the detected angle of the impression cylinder 9 and the cylinder 8 . | 1 |
the feedstocks that can be used in this invention include hydrocarbon fractions rich in c 4 - c 6 normal paraffins . the term &# 34 ; rich &# 34 ; is defined to mean a stream having more than 50 % of the mentioned component . preferred feedstocks are substantially pure normal paraffin streams having from 4 to 6 carbon atoms or a mixture of such substantially pure normal paraffins . other useful feedstocks include light natural gasoline , light straight run naphtha , gas oil condensate , light raffinates , light reformate , light hydrocarbons , field butanes , and straight run distillates having distillation end points of about 77 ° c . ( 170 ° f .) and containing substantial quantities of c 4 - c 6 paraffins . the feed stream may also contain low concentrations of unsaturated hydrocarbons and hydrocarbons having more than 6 carbon atoms . the concentration of these materials should be limited to 10 wt . % for unsaturated compounds and 20 wt . % for heavier hydrocarbons in order to restrict hydrogen consumption and cracking reactions . hydrogen is admixed with the feed in an amount that will provide a hydrogen to hydrocarbon ratio equal to or less than 0 . 05 in the effluent from the isomerization zone . the hydrogen to hydrocarbon ratio of 0 . 05 or less at the effluent has been found to provide sufficient excess hydrogen for operation of the process . although no net hydrogen is consumed in the isomerization reaction , the isomerization zone will have a net consumption of hydrogen often referred to as the stoichiometric hydrogen requirement which is associated with a number of side reactions that occur . these side reactions include cracking and disproportionation . other reactors that will also consume hydrogen include olefin and aromatics saturation . for feeds having a low level of unsaturates , satisfying the stoichiometric hydrogen requirements demand a hydrogen to hydrocarbon ratio for the inlet stream of between 0 . 03 to 0 . 1 . hydrogen in excess of the stoichiometric amounts for the side reactions is maintained in the reaction zone to provide good stability and conversion by compensating for variations in feed stream compositions that alter the stoichiometric hydrogen requirements and to prolong catalyst life by suppressing these side reactions . if left unchecked , the side reactions reduce conversion and lead to the formation of carbonaceous compounds , usually referred to as coke , that foul the catalyst . it has now been found that the amount of hydrogen needed for suppressing coke formation need not exceed dissolved hydrogen levels . the amount of hydrogen in solution at the normal conditions of the isomerization zone effluent will usually be in a ratio of from about 0 . 02 to less than 0 . 01 . the amount of excess hydrogen over the stoichiometric requirements that is required for good stability and conversion is in a ratio of hydrogen to hydrocarbons of from 0 . 01 to less than 0 . 05 as measured at the effluent of the isomerization zone . adding the dissolved and excess hydrogen proportions show that the 0 . 05 hydrogen to hydrocarbon ratio at the effluent will satisfy these requirements for most feeds . when the hydrogen to hydrocarbon ratio exceeds 0 . 05 , it is not economically desirable to operate the isomerization process without the recycle of hydrogen to the isomerization zone . as the quantity of hydrogen leaving the product recovery section increases , additional amounts of c 4 and other product hydrocarbons are taken by the fuel gas stream from the product recovery section . the value of the lost product or the additional expense associated with recovery facilities to prevent the loss of product do not justify operating the process without recycle at hydrogen to hydrocarbon ratios above 0 . 05 . hydrogen may be added to the feed mixture in any manner that provides the necessary control for the addition of small hydrogen quantities . metering and monitoring devices for this purpose are well known by those skilled in the art . as currently practiced , a control valve is used to meter the addition of hydrogen to the feed mixture . the hydrogen concentration in the outlet stream or one of the outlet stream fractions is monitored by a hydrogen monitor and the control valve setting position is adjusted to maintain the desired hydrogen concentration . the direct effluent from the reaction zone contains a relatively high concentration of chlorides that can attack metal components of the monitor . thus , the monitor preferably measures the concentration of hydrogen in a stream that has undergone caustic treatment for chloride removal such as a stabilizer off gas stream . the hydrogen concentration at the effluent is calculated on the basis of total effluent flow rates . the hydrogen and hydrocarbon feed mixture is contacted in the reaction zone with an isomerization catalyst . the isomerization catalyst consists of a high chloride catalyst on an aluminum base containing platinum . the aluminum is an anhydrous gamma - alumina with a high degree of purity . the catalyst may also contain other platinum group metals . the term platinum group metals refers to noble metals excluding silver and gold which are selected from the group consisting of platinum , palladium , germanium , ruthenium , rhodium , osmium , and iridium . these metals demonstrate differences in activity and selectivity such that platinum has now been found to be the most suitable for this process . the catalyst will contain from about 0 . 1 to 0 . 25 wt . % of the platinum . other platinum group metals may be present in a concentration of from 0 . 1 to 0 . 25 wt . %. the platinum component may exist within the final catalytic composite as an oxide or halide or as an elemental metal . the presence of the platinum component in its reduced state has been found most suitable for this process . the catalyst also contains a chloride component . the chloride component termed in the art &# 34 ; a combined chloride &# 34 ; is present in an amount from about 2 to about 10 wt . % based upon the dry support material . the use of chloride in amounts greater than 5 wt . % have been found to be the most beneficial for this process . there are a variety of ways for preparing the catalytic composite and incorporating the platinum metal and the chloride therein . the method that has shown the best results in this invention prepares the catalyst by impregnating the carrier material through contact with an aqueous solution of a water - soluble decomposable compound of the platinum group metal . for best results , the impregnation is carried out by dipping the carrier material in a solution of chloroplatinic acid . additional solutions that may be used include ammonium chloroplatinate , bromoplatinic acid or platinum dichloride . use of the platinum chloride compound serves the dual function of incorporating the platinum component and at least a minor quantity of the chloride into the catalyst . additional amounts of the chloride must be incorporated into the catalyst by the addition or formation of aluminum chloride to or on the platinum - aluminum catalyst base . an alternate method of increasing the halogen concentration in the final catalyst composite is to use an aluminum hydrosol to form the aluminum carrier material such that the carrier material also contains at least a portion of the halogen . halogen may also be added to the carrier material by contacting the calcined carrier material with an aqueous solution of the halogen acid such as hydrogen chloride , hydrogen fluoride , or hydrogen bromide . it is generally known that high chlorided platinum - alumina catalysts of this type are highly sensitive to sulfur and oxygen - containing compounds . therefore , the feedstock must be relatively free of such compounds . a sulfur concentration no greater than 0 . 5 ppm is generally required . the presence of sulfur in the feedstock serves to temporarily deactivate the catalyst by platinum poisoning . activity of the catalyst may be restored by hot hydrogen stripping of sulfur from the catalyst composite or by lowering the sulfur concentration in the incoming feed to below 0 . 5 ppm so that the hydrocarbon will desorb the sulfur that has been adsorbed on the catalyst . water can act to permanently deactivate the catalyst by removing high activity chloride from the catalyst and replacing it with inactive aluminum hydroxide . therefore , water , as well as oxygenates , in particular c 1 - c 5 oxygenates , that can decompose to form water , can only be tolerated in very low concentrations . in general , this requires a limitation of oxygenates in the feed to about 0 . 1 ppm or less . the feedstock may be treated by any method that will remove water and sulfur compounds . sulfur may be removed from the feed stream by hydrotreating . a variety of commercial dryers are available to remove water from the feed components . adsorption processes for the removal of sulfur and water from hydrocarbon streams are also well known to those skilled in the art . operating conditions within the isomerization zone are selected to maximize the production of isoalkane product from the feed components . temperatures within the reaction zone will usually range from about 40 °- 235 ° c . ( 100 °- 455 ° f .). lower reaction temperatures are generally preferred since they usually favor equilibrium mixtures of isoalkanes versus normal alkanes . lower temperatures are particularly useful in processing feeds composed of c 5 and c 6 alkanes where the lower temperatures favor equilibrium mixtures having the highest concentration of the most branched isoalkanes . when the feed mixture is primarily c 5 and c 6 alkanes temperatures in the range of from 60 ° to 160 ° c . are preferred . when it is desired to isomerize significant amounts of c 4 hydrocarbons , higher reaction temperatures are required to maintain catalyst activity . thus , when the feed mixture contains significant portions of c 4 - c 6 alkanes most suitable operating temperatures are in the range from 145 ° to 225 ° c . the reaction zone may be maintained over a wide range of pressures . pressure conditions in the isomerization of c 4 - c 6 paraffins range from 7 barsg to 70 barsg . preferred pressures for this process are in the range of from 20 barsg to 30 barsg . the feed rate to the reaction zone can also vary over a wide range . these conditions include liquid hourly space velocities ranging from 0 . 5 to 12 hr . - 1 , however , space velocities between 1 and 6 hr . - 1 are preferred . operation of the reaction zone also requires the presence of a small amount of an organic chloride promoter . the organic chloride promoter serves to maintain a high level of active chloride on the catalyst as low levels are continuously stripped off the catalyst by the hydrocarbon feed . the concentration of promoter in the reaction zone is maintained at from 30 to 300 ppm . the preferred promoter compound is carbon tetrachloride . other suitable promoter compounds include oxygen - free decomposable organic chlorides such as propyldichloride , butylchloride , and chloroform to name only a few of such compounds . the need to keep the reactants dry is reinforced by the presence of the organic chloride compound which may convert , in part , to hydrogen chloride . as long as the process streams are kept dry , there will be no adverse effect from the presence of small amounts of hydrogen chloride . fig1 shows a two - reactor system with a first stage reactor 28 and a second stage reactor 30 in the reaction zone . the catalyst used in the process is distributed equally between the two reactors . it is not necessary that the reaction be carried out in two reactors but the use of two reactors confer several benefits on the process . the use of two reactors and specialized valving ( not shown ) allows partial replacement of the catalyst system without taking the isomerization unit off stream . for the short periods of time during which replacement of catalyst may be necessary , the entire flow of reactants may be processed through only one reaction vessel while catalyst is replaced in the other . the use of two reaction zones also aids in maintaining lower catalyst temperatures . this is accomplished by having any exothermic reaction such as hydrogenation of unsaturates performed in the first vessel 28 with the rest of the reaction carried out in a final reactor stage at more favorable temperature conditions . fig1 demonstrates this type of operation where the relatively cold hydrogen and hydrocarbon feed mixtures taken by line 32 are passed through a cold feed exchanger 34 that heats the incoming feed against the effluent from the final reactor 30 . line 36 carries the feed from the cold feed exchanger to the hot feed exchanger 38 where the feed is heated against the effluent carried from the first reactor 28 by line 40 . line 42 carries the partially heated feed from hot feed exchanger 42 through an inlet exchanger 44 that supplies any additional heat requirements for the feed and then into a first reactor 28 . effluent from first reactor 28 is carried to the second reactor 30 by line 40 after passage through exchanger 38 as previously described . line 46 carries the isomerization zone effluent from second reactor 30 through cold feed exchanger 34 as previously described and into separation facilities . at minimum , the separation facilities divide the reaction zone effluent into a product stream comprising c 4 and heavier hydrocarbons and a gas stream which is made up of lighter hydrocarbons and hydrogen . suitable designs for rectification columns and separator vessels are well known to those skilled in the art . the separation section may also include facilities for recovery of normal isoalkanes . normal isoalkanes recovered from the separation facilities may be recycled to the isomerization reaction zone to increase the conversion of normal alkanes to isoalkanes . the figure shows separation facilities comprising a stabilizer section 18 . line 46 carries the effluent from second reactor 30 to a stabilizer column 48 . stabilizer column 48 is operated to deliver a bottoms fraction containing c 4 and heavier hydrocarbons and an overhead fraction c 3 hydrocarbons and lighter boiling compounds . the stabilizer column includes a reboiler loop 50 from which the c 4 + product stream is withdrawn by line 52 . products taken by line 52 pass through a product exchanger 54 that heats the reactor effluent before it enters column 48 . cooled product is recovered from exchanger 54 via product line 20 . c 3 and lighter hydrocarbons and any excess hydrocarbons from the reaction zone are taken overhead from stabilizer column 48 through line 56 , cooled in condenser 58 and separated into a gas stream and reflux by separator vessel 60 . line 62 returns reflux from vessel 60 to the top of column 48 and line 22 carries the net gas from separator drum 60 to scrubber section 24 . scrubber section 24 contacts gas from drum 60 with a suitable treatment solution for neutralizing and / or removing acidic components that may have originated with the chloride addition to the isomerization zone and may be present in the gas stream . typically , the treatment solution will be a caustic that is pumped around a contacting vessel 64 in a loop 66 . spent caustic is withdrawn and fresh caustic is added to the scrubber section by a line 68 . after treatment in the scrubber section 24 , the net gas is removed from the process via line 26 . gas recovered by line 26 will usually be put to use as a fuel . the process of this invention is characterized by high conversion , high selectivity , and good stability as can be seen from the following example . in this example , a hydrocarbon feed having an average composition given in the table was charged to a two reactor zone system of the type shown generally in fig1 . before entering the reaction zone , hydrogen was admixed with the hydrocarbon feed to provide indicated hydrogen to hydrocarbon ratios as given in fig2 and ranging from 0 . 7 to 0 . 1 at the outlet of the reaction zone . each reaction zone contained an alumina catalyst having 0 . 25 wt . % platinum and 5 . 5 wt . % chlorine . table______________________________________compositionin wt . % reactor charge______________________________________sp . gr . 0 . 65ic . sub . 4 0 . 3nc . sub . 4 4 . 5ic . sub . 5 25 . 7nc . sub . 5 25 . 5cp 1 . 422dmb 0 . 923dmb 1 . 52mp 9 . 63mp 6 . 5nc . sub . 6 15 . 7mcp 6 . 0bz 1 . 4ch 0 . 5c7 + 0 . 1______________________________________ the catalyst was prepared by vacuum impregnating an alumina base in a solution of chloroplatinic acid , 2 % hydrochloric acid , and 3 . 5 % nitric acid in a volume ratio of 9 parts solution to 10 parts base to obtain a peptized base material having a platinum to base ratio of approximately 0 . 9 . the resulting mixture was cold - rolled for approximately 1 hour and evaporated until dry . afterward , the catalyst was oxidized and the chloride content adjusted by contact with a 1m hydrochloric acid solution at 525 ° c . at a rate of 45 cc / hour for 2 hours . the catalyst was then reduced in electrolytic hydrogen at 565 ° c . for 1 hour and was found to contain approximately 0 . 25 wt . % pt and approximately 1 wt . % chloride . impregnation of active chloride to a level of approximately 5 . 5 wt . % was accomplished by sublimating aluminum chloride with hydrogen and contacting the catalyst with the sublimated aluminum chloride for approximately 45 minutes at 550 ° c . the hydrocarbon feed mixture entered the first reaction zone at a temperature of approximately 160 ° c . the feed mixture at a temperature of approximately 175 ° c . was taken from the first reaction zone and after heat exchange with the incoming feed entered the second reaction zone at a temperature of approximately 140 ° c . the exit temperature of the second reaction zone was maintained at approximatey 140 ° c . and the feed passed through the reaction zones at a liquid hourly space velocity of about 2 . 4 hr . - 1 . an average pressure of about 31 barsg was maintained in both reaction zones . the effluent from the second reaction zone was recovered at a temperature of about 140 ° c . at the beginning of the run , the h 2 / hc ratio at the outlet was kept at about 0 . 7 which corresponds to the typical range for a low h 2 / hc ratio as practiced in the prior art . over a period of several months , the h 2 / hc ratio was lowered to the ratio of this invention . average values for the isopentane to c 5 hydrocarbon ratio , 2 , 2 - dimethylbutane to c 6 hydrocarbon ratio and research octane in the effluent were plotted at selected h 2 / hc ratios over the course of this run . as the data shows , the process of this invention was able to maintain substantially consistent values for these parameters as the h 2 / hc ratio was decreased . at the time of writing this application , the reactor system had experienced over 1200 hours of operation at a h 2 / hc ratio of about 0 . 05 without any appreciable loss of normal paraffin conversion or octane number reduction in the recovered effluent . therefore , it has been shown that the process of this invention , using the catalyst as herein described , will provide a stable conversion of normal paraffins to isoparaffins at hydrogen addition levels that leave a ratio no more than 0 . 05 h 2 to hydrocarbon in the effluent . | 2 |
in the following detailed description , certain specific terminology will be employed for the sake of clarity and particular embodiments described , but it is to be understood that the same is not intended to be limiting and should not be so construed inasmuch as the invention is capable of taking many forms and variations within the scope of the appended claims . this invention describes an improved process and apparatus for forming lines of weakness in an automotive trim piece for an airbag door installation in a way that improves the accuracy of the process , the trim piece quality , the airbag deployment performance , and , also , reduces trim piece production costs . the process will be described with respect to an instrument panel airbag door installation , but it is also applicable to other automotive and non - automotive installations , with or without an airbag . typical airbag installations include driver side airbags , front passenger airbags , side impact airbags , headliner airbags , knee airbags , and rear passenger airbags . the process will also be described in terms of a laser beam , but is also applicable to other cutting beams as described below . [ 0022 ] fig1 shows a first embodiment of a trim piece scoring apparatus 10 according to the invention . this includes a cutting beam source 12 which generates a cutting beam such as a laser beam which is used to carry out controlled scoring of a surface 14 on one side 14 of an instrument panel trim piece 16 that would overlie an airbag installation when installed . the trim piece 16 is positioned on a fixture 18 . a first sensor 20 is provided to determine the depth of scoring produced by the laser cutting beam onto the surface 14 of the trim piece 16 to weaken the same . the first sensor 20 and the cutting beam generator 12 are connected to a beam combining device 22 . the beam combining device 22 is designed to combine separately generated sensing beam or beams emanating from the first sensor 20 and the laser cutting beam downstream beam into segments an aligned collinear relationship so as to direct the combined signal beam b and cutting beam a to impinge the same precise spot on the trim piece surface 14 . this beam combining device 22 will also redirect any reflected returned beam or beams required for sensor operation from the trim piece surface 14 back to the first sensor 20 in carrying out the process . the trim piece 16 is moved relative to the cutting beam source 12 , as well as the first sensor 20 and the beam combining device 22 via a motion actuator 24 to cause tracing of a particular scoring pattern and to achieve a precisely controlled rate of scoring . the motion actuator 24 can directly move the trim piece 16 itself or move an optional fixture 18 onto which the trim piece 16 is mounted . alternatively , the motion actuator 24 could be used to move the laser beam source 12 and the first sensor 20 relative to the trim piece 16 . a second sensor 26 may be located on the side of the trim piece 16 opposite the first sensor 20 , a second sensor beam emanating therefrom , directed at the outer surface 28 of the trim piece 16 and aligned opposite the same trim piece point as is the laser cutting beam and the first sensor beam or beams are directed in order to control the scoring cutting so as to produce a programmed thickness of material remaining after scoring . this is done by combining signals generated by both sensors 20 , 26 to create a feedback signal corresponding to the thickness of the remaining material . the apparatus 10 is operated via one or more industrial controllers 30 that control the scoring effected by the laser and / or the movement of the motion actuator based on a particular program and feedback signals provided by the sensor 20 , 26 . lasers are particularly desirable for carrying out this type of scoring processes and they can be of the carbon dioxide , excimer , solid state , argon gas , or diode type . however , based on the primary trim piece materials utilized ( polymers , fabrics , wood , leather ), the carbon dioxide laser is likely to be the most preferable in terms of operability , efficiency and cost . the laser can be operated either continuously or in a pulsed mode . different type of sensors can be utilized to measure the extent of material removed or remaining during scoring of the trim piece . for the first sensor 20 , connected to the beam combining device 22 , a preferred type is a closed loop device that sends and receives a specific beam of electromagnetic radiation in order to determine the depth of scoring effected by the laser . the conoprobe sensors offered by optimet and based on the technique of conoscopic holography , is one such sensor commercially available . in this type of sensor , an emitted laser beam and reflected return beams of visible light have segments also traveling in a collinear relationship with each other and the laser beam . another type of sensor that could be utilized is one that detects reflected light beams such as a high speed ccd camera . in this application , the reflected beam will be reflected from the trim piece surface being scored by the cutting beam . for the second sensor 26 aimed at the outside surface of the trim piece , which is generally smooth and accessible , there are more numerous options including , infrared , laser , ultrasonic , conoscopic , ccd camera , proximity and contact type sensors . the signal spot size of the sensor selected can vary significantly . generally the smaller the spot size the better . for the first sensor , the preferred size would be not to exceed the size of the scoring produced on the trim piece by the cutting laser beam . for the second sensor , if surface finish variations , so called grain , are significant , its spot size should preferably not exceed 300 microns . the are numerous ways for combining the separately originated laser beam and sensor beam to create collinear segments . fig2 shows the inner details of the beam combining device 22 which combines the separate the laser beam a and the first sensor beam b to create collinear segments which impinge the trim piece surface 14 . the beam combining device 22 includes a reflector 32 having coatings causing reflection of light having the wavelength of the sensor beam a from its inclined surface while allowing the laser beam b to be transmitted . such coated selective reflectors are commercially available . this of course requires that the laser and sensor beams be of different wavelengths . a side entrance tube 29 directed at the reflector 32 is connected to the first sensor 20 . the main tube 31 mounts the reflector 32 , main tube 31 having an end opening 33 directed at the trim piece 16 . the segment of sensor beam a reflected from the reflector 32 aligned and coextensive with the laser beam 13 after , with both collinear segments then impinging the surface 14 at the same precise point . [ 0035 ] fig2 a shows a second form of a beam combining device 22 a having an inclined reflector 32 b having coatings causing reflection of the wavelength of the laser beam b while allowing transmission of the wavelengths of the sensor beam a to be transmitted therethrough to reverse the relationship shown in fig2 . [ 0036 ] fig2 b is a simplified diagrammatic view of another form of the beam combining device 22 b combining the laser beam b and the first sensor beam a to produce collinear downstream segments . this embodiment includes a simple mirror reflector 36 having a through hole 34 . the hole 34 is small in diameter relative to the diameter of the laser beam b in order to minimize or eliminate the effect that the presence of the hole 34 may have on reflecting the laser beam from the mirror reflector 36 to redirect the laser beam a . such a mirror does not require coatings that are wavelength - selective such as those shown in fig2 and 2a in order to combine segments of the beams into a collinear relationship . in this particular arrangement , the first sensor 20 could be a ccd camera receiving beams reflected from the trim piece surface being scored by the laser beam . the trim piece can be any of many automotive parts including instrument panels and / or their components ( skins , substrates , foams , scrims , etc . ), driver side airbag covers , door panels , seat covers , headliners , bumpers and seat belts . the scoring can be applied on either side of the trim piece but is preferably applied from the inside so that is substantially invisible from the outside surface facing the passenger . as shown in fig3 the scoring does not penetrate the outer surface 28 of the trim piece 16 shown as an instrument panel and would be essentially invisible to the passenger . different materials could be utilized in a trim piece including metals , polymers ( tpus , tpos , pvc , tpes , etc . ), leather , fabrics , wood and wood composites . as shown in fig4 through 6 , the trim piece 16 , 16 a , 16 b may consist of one or more layers of similar or dissimilar materials . in multilayer constructions , the scorings 40 , 40 a , 40 b could be applied to any one layer or any combination thereof as shown . manufacturing of the trim piece can be done in several ways using different materials . many of these materials can be formed in a solid state or in a cellular state . polymeric trim pieces can be formed by processes such as extrusion , injection molding , low pressure insert molding , blow molding , casting , thermoforming , lamination and foaming . the scoring applied can be in any shape , including a u , h , i , t , x , w , s and y pattern , required to form an opening for the airbag to deploy . the opening could include one or more door panels . the scoring can be either continuous or discontinuous including grooves , blind holes and dashes . furthermore , the cut orientation can be straight or offset . for successful and consistent airbag deployments , the degree of precision of cutting is particularly important to ensure that the amount of material remaining along the predetermined pattern is as intended . the penetration or depth of scoring , for an invisible airbag door application , can be up to about 95 % of the trim piece thickness . in order to apply the complete scoring pattern , the trim piece is preferably moved relative to the laser beam and / or the sensors . the relative motion can be applied by a number of motion actuators including robots and x - y tables . during cutting , the sensor thickness data can also be used to control the movement of the motion device in order to apply the scoring along the predetermined pattern . the trim piece may be held directly by the motion device or be attached to a holding fixture held by the motion device . the holding fixture may be shaped to match the shape of the trim piece and / or be designed to register specific surface features of the trim piece . vacuum or clamps could also be applied to the holding fixture to hold the trim piece surface in better contact with the fixture 18 . the fixture 18 can be designed to allow the second sensor 26 to have physical and / or optical access to the surface 26 of the trim piece ( i . e ., transparent fixture wall , opening in fixture wall , etc .). the process controller 30 is designed to control the operation of the laser and / or motion actuator based on the feedback signals provided by the two sensors 20 , 26 which , from opposites sides or surfaces of the trim piece 16 , monitor the location being scored . the two sensors 20 , 26 working in tandem determine the remaining thickness of the trim piece 16 at any point they are directed to . during laser scoring at a given point , the two sensors 20 , 26 provide signals from which a measurement of the material thickness remaining after the scoring can be derived by the control device 30 . based on this real - time thickness determination , the control device 30 controls the operation of the cutting beam source 12 to effect only the desired extent of material removal intended for any given point on the trim piece 16 . the remaining thickness data can also be used to control the motion actuator 24 to move the trim piece to the next desired location along the predetermined scoring pattern . due to the collinearity of the impinging segments of the first sensor beam and the cutting beam , several advantages are realized that could not be attained by any of the existing processes . since the first sensor beam and the laser beam are always impinging on the same point of the trim piece , the process becomes insensitive to a large number of key variables , including the angle of cutting , the depth of the penetration , the trim piece thickness , the configuration of the weakening pattern and , to a large extent , the speed of cutting . also , the combination of the two sensors provides for a direct remaining thickness measurement , superior scoring precision and excellent part to part repeatability . in addition , the process enables the user to overcome variations in trim piece thickness , material properties such as density , color , voids and surface grain . these and other benefits are obtained while operating with rapid adaptive control in a single - pass mode . a second embodiment of the apparatus 44 according to the invention is shown in fig7 where the outer surface 42 of the trim piece 16 is in intimate contact with the inner fixture wall 46 . in this arrangement , the distance between the first sensor 48 and the fixture inner wall 46 , along the predetermined scoring pattern , can be measured prior to starting the scoring operation . if this distance can be maintained constant from pass to pass , then the second outside sensor would not be necessary while still running the process in a single - pass , adaptive control mode . [ 0044 ] fig8 shows another embodiment of the apparatus 50 where the first sensor 52 is mounted immediately alongside the cutting beam source 12 so that both beams a , b are substantially collinear with each other to approximate the effect of using the beam combining device 22 described . the laser cutting beam may also function as the sensor . this arrangement also maintains the collinear configuration as the sensing signals and the laser beam are generated by the same laser . under this approach , the laser beam characteristics and control would be manipulated to conduct sensing measurements during or between cutting intervals ( i . e ., sensing after a preset number of cutting pulses ). | 1 |
fig1 illustrates a conventional , modern upwind wind turbine 24 according to the so - called “ danish concept ” with a tower 36 , a nacelle 25 and a rotor with a substantially horizontal rotor shaft . the rotor includes a hub 23 and three wind turbine blades 2 extending radially from the hub 23 , each having a wind turbine blade root 1 nearest the hub 23 and a wind turbine blade tip 32 furthest from the hub 23 . as seen from fig2 , the wind turbine blade 2 comprises a root region 26 with a substantially circular profile closest to the hub , an airfoil region 27 with a lift generating profile furthest away from the hub , and a transition region 28 between the root region 26 and the airfoil region 27 , the profile of the transition region 28 changing gradually in the radial direction from the circular profile of the root region 26 to the lift generating profile of the airfoil region 27 . the lift generating profile is provided with a suction side and a pressure side as well as a leading edge 34 and a trailing edge 33 . the airfoil region 27 has an ideal or almost ideal blade shape , whereas the root region 26 has a substantially circular cross section . the airfoil region 27 has an airfoil profile with a chord plane extending between the leading edge 34 and the trailing edge 33 of the wind turbine blade 2 . it should be noted that the chord plane does not necessarily run straight over its entire extent since the wind turbine blade 2 may be twisted and / or curved , thus providing a chord plane with a correspondingly twisted and / or curved course . the width of the transition region 28 increases substantially linearly with the increasing distance from the hub 23 . the wind turbine blade 2 is manufactured by bonding two shell parts together along a bonding region substantially following the leading edge 34 and the trailing edge 33 of the wind turbine blade 2 , such that each of the shell parts represents substantially either the pressure side or the suction side . preferably , the bonding region extends throughout the root region 26 , the transition region 28 and the airfoil region 27 . fig3 , 3 a , 3 b , 3 c , 3 d and 3 e show cross - sectional views of embodiments according to the invention . the shown cross - sectional views are all located in the root region 26 as shown in fig2 as a , but the concept of the invention also applies to any other cross section of the root region 26 , transition region 28 and airfoil region 27 , but only cross - sectional views of the root region are shown for simplicity . furthermore , it should be noted that the cross - sectional views have been made for illustrative purpose and thus should not be taken as an exact representation of the embodiments . the cross - sectional views in fig3 a , 3 b , 3 c , 3 d and 3 e are all part of cross - sectional views corresponding to the encircled portion b shown in fig3 . the resistive heating means 50 could be one or more conductive wires , and examples of material for the resistive heating means 50 could be a metal , such as steel . preferably , the resistive heating means is arranged along the entire bonding region and is preferably arranged so that the one or more conductive wires are substantially parallel with the longitudinal extension of the bonding region . fig3 shows a first embodiment according to the invention , where a first shell part 10 and a second shell part 15 are bonded together in a bonding region between the first shell part 10 and the second shell part 15 by a curable bonding means 40 . preferably , the first shell part 10 and the second shell part 15 are formed in a fibre - reinforced polymer . in at least the proximity of the bonding means , the first shell part 10 and / or the second shell part 15 comprises conductive fibres in the fibre reinforcement that functions as resistive heating means . the conductive fibres are not shown in fig3 as they form an integral part of the fibre - reinforcement . fig3 a and 3b show a second and third embodiment according to the invention , where the resistive heating means 50 is arranged either in the first shell part 10 or in the second shell part 15 , but in the proximity of the bonding means 40 . the resistive heating means 50 is provided by resistive wires 50 . the energy released from the resistive heating means 50 must be sufficiently high to heat the side of the bonding means proximal to the shell part not being provided with a heating means and to reach the opposite side of the bonding means . fig3 c shows a fourth embodiment according to the invention , where the resistive heating means 50 is arranged inside the bonding means 40 , preferably substantially at the centre of the bonding means so that a symmetrical heating of the bonding region is obtained . fig3 d shows a fifth embodiment according to the invention , where the resistive heating means 50 is arranged both in the first shell part 10 and in the second shell part 15 and in the proximity of the bonding means 40 . the resistive heating means 50 is provided by resistive wires 50 . this embodiment also provides a substantially symmetrical heating of the bonding region . fig3 e shows a sixth embodiment according to the invention , which is a combination of the fourth and the fifth embodiment and thus also provides a substantially symmetrical heating of the bonding region . the examples have been described according to advantageous embodiments . however , the invention is not limited to these embodiments and thus , the number of resistive wires may be altered , and also the thickness of the wires and their internal alignment may be modified without deviating from the scope of the invention . fig4 , 5 , 6 and 7 show cross - sectional views of additional embodiments according to the invention . the shown cross - sectional views are all located in the root region 26 as shown in fig2 as a , but the concept of the invention also applies to any other cross section of the root region 26 , transition region 28 and airfoil region 27 , but only cross - sectional views of the root region are shown for simplicity . furthermore , it should be noted that the cross - sectional views have been made for illustrative purpose and thus should not be taken as an exact representation of the embodiments . in all embodiments , the filaments 60 are preferably small enough to be considered as fibres so that they can interact properly and effectively with the bonding means 40 . dependent on the material and design of the filaments 60 , the filaments 60 can be flexible or rigid enough to carry their own mass . preferably , the thickness of the filaments 60 , e . g . diameter , is larger than 5 micrometres . the filaments 60 may comprise steel wires having a cross - sectional dimension in a range between 0 . 05 millimetres and 1 . 0 millimetres , or in a range between 0 . 07 and 0 . 75 millimetres , or in a range between 0 . 1 and 0 . 5 millimetres . the filaments 60 may also be chamfered in the end extending into the bonding means 40 so that the filaments 60 can cut through the bonding means 40 even when the bonding means 40 are fibre - reinforced . fig4 shows a first embodiment according to the invention , where a first shell part 10 and a second shell part 15 are bonded together in a bonding region between the first shell part 10 and the second shell part 15 by a curable bonding means 40 . preferably , the first shell part 10 and the second shell part 15 are formed in a fibre - reinforced polymer . the first shell part 10 comprises an end surface 11 facing and bonded to the bonding means 40 . the first shell part 10 further comprises a number of filaments 60 extending from the end surface 11 of the first shell part 10 or into the bonding means 40 and being bonded to both the bonding means 40 and the first shell part 10 from which the filaments 60 extend . fig5 and 6 show a second and a third embodiment according to the invention , where a first shell part 10 and a second shell part 15 are bonded together in a bonding region between the first shell part 10 and the second shell part 15 by a curable bonding means 40 . preferably , the first shell part 10 and the second shell part 15 are formed in a fibre - reinforced polymer . the first shell part 10 comprises an end surface 11 facing an end surface 16 of the second shell part 15 . the end surfaces face the bonding means 40 and are bonded thereto . the first and the second shell part 10 , 15 further comprise a number of filaments 60 extending from the end surfaces 11 , 16 into the bonding means 40 and being fastened to both the bonding means 40 and the respective shell part 10 , 15 from which the filaments 60 extend . further , fig6 discloses a modified bonding means 41 being essentially t - shaped and seen in a cross - sectional view , whereby flange portions of the bonding means are bonded to the respective inner surfaces of the first and second shell part 10 , 15 . fig7 shows a fourth embodiment according to the invention , where a first shell part 10 and a second shell part 15 are bonded together in a bonding region between the first shell part 10 and the second shell part 15 by a curable bonding means 42 . the bonding means is essentially l - shaped as seen in a cross - sectional view , whereby a flange portion of the bonding means is bonded to an inner surface of the first shell part 10 . preferably , the first shell part 10 and the second shell part 15 are formed in a fibre - reinforced polymer . the first and the second shell part 10 , 15 comprise an end surface 11 , 16 facing and being bonded to the bonding means 42 . the first and the second shell part 10 , 15 further comprise a number of filaments 60 extending from the end surfaces 11 , 16 into the bonding means 42 and being fastened to both the bonding means 42 and the respective shell part 10 , 15 from which the filaments 60 extend . it is clear from the previous description that the first and the second shell parts 10 , 15 may form substantially the pressure side and the suction side of the blade , respectively ( or an upper and lower blade shell that are glued together ). | 1 |
fig1 generally illustrates an engine starter equipped with a starter motor which is constructed according to the present invention , and the upper half of the drawing illustrates the starter at its inoperative state while the lower half of the drawing illustrates the starter at its operative state . this starter 1 produces a torque which is necessary for cranking and starting an internal combustion engine , and comprises an electric motor 3 equipped with a planetary gear reduction gear unit 2 , an output shaft 4 connected to the electric motor 3 via the reduction gear unit 2 , a one - way roller clutch 5 and a pinion 6 which are slidably mounted on the output shaft 4 , a switch unit 7 for selectively opening and closing the electric power line leading to the electric motor 3 , and a solenoid device 9 for axially moving a moveable contact 8 of the switch unit 7 as well as the pinion 6 . the electric motor 3 consists of a known commutator type dc electric motor , and its rotor shaft 10 carrying a motor armature 52 is pivotally supported in a central recess of a bottom plate 11 at its right end , and pivotally supported in a central recess provided in a right end surface of the output shaft 4 , which is coaxially disposed with respect to the rotor shaft 10 , at its left end . the bottom plate 11 closes a right end of a cylindrical motor casing 44 . the reduction gear unit 2 is provided in a recess defined on the inner surface of the top plate 12 of the electric motor 3 which closes the left end of the motor casing 44 . the top plate 12 may consist of synthetic resin material . the reduction gear unit 2 comprises a sun gear 13 which is formed in a part of the rotor shaft 10 adjacent to the output shaft 4 , a plurality of planetary gears 14 meshing with the sun gear 13 , and an internal teeth ring gear 15 formed along the outer periphery of the recess defined on the inner surface of the top plate 12 to mesh with the planetary gears 14 . a support plate 16 supporting the planetary gears 14 is attached , by press fitting , to the right end of the output shaft 4 which is pivotally supported in a central opening of the top plate 12 . to the top plate 12 is attached a pinion housing 17 which also serves as a securing bracket for mounting the starter to the engine . the left end of the output shaft 4 is pivotally supported in a central recess defined on the inner surface of the left wall of the pinion housing 17 . the outer circumferential surface of a middle part of the output shaft 4 engages the inner circumferential surface of a clutch outer member 18 of the oneway roller clutch 5 via a helical spline 19 . the clutch outer member 18 is normally urged to the right by a return spring 21 interposed between an annular shoulder defined in a cylindrical sleeve 18a extending from the clutch outer member 18 toward the electric motor 3 and a stopper plate 20 secured to a left end portion of the output shaft 4 . the right extreme end of the cylindrical sleeve 18a engages the helical spline 19 formed in the output shaft 4 . the clutch outer member 18 engages a clutch inner member 22 of the one - way roller clutch 5 in an axially fast but rotationally free relationship ( which depends on the direction of relative rotation ). the outer circumferential surface of the left end of the clutch inner member 22 is integrally formed with the aforementioned pinion 6 which meshes with the ring gear 23 of the engine to drive the same . the clutch inner member 22 integrally formed with the pinion 6 is fitted on the left end of the output shaft 4 in a both rotationally and axially free relationship . in an intermediate part of the pinion housing 17 is secured an energization coil 24 which surrounds the output shaft 4 made of non - magnetic material such as stainless steel . the energization coil 24 is surrounded by a yoke defined by a cup - shaped holder 25 having an internal flange 25a surrounding the output shaft 4 and an annular disk 26 . in a gap defined between the inner circumferential surface of the energization coil 24 and the outer circumferential surface of the output shaft 4 is disposed an armature outer member 27 and an armature inner member 28 , both made of ferromagnetic material , in a mutually coaxially nested and axially slidable relationship . the left ends of the armature members 27 and 28 oppose the axially inner surface of a central part of the internal flange 25a of the holder 25 , and the central part of the internal flange 25a serves as a magnetic pole for the armature members 27 and 28 . the first part of the armature or the armature outer member 27 is connected at its right end to a connecting plate 29 , and , via a connecting rod 30 passing through the top plate 12 of the electric motor 3 , to the moveable contact 8 of the switch unit 7 placed adjacent the commutator 31 of the electric motor 3 . the moveable contact 8 is mounted to the connecting rod 30 in an axially moveable manner , and is supported by a coil spring 32 in a floating relationship so as to be selectively engaged to and disengaged from a fixed contact 34 of the switch unit 7 which is fixedly secured to a brush stay 33 provided around the commutator 31 . in other words , the moveable contact 8 is linked to the armature outer member 27 via a lost motion mechanism . the armature outer member 27 is always urged to the right by a return spring 35 interposed between the armature outer member 27 and the internal flange 25a provided in the holder 25 of the energization coil 24 , but is normally at its neutral or rest position separating the moveable and fixed contacts 8 and 34 from each other . the second part of the armature or the armature inner member 28 is always urged to the left with respect to the top plate 12 by a coil spring 36 which is weaker that the return spring 21 of the clutch outer member 18 . the armature inner member 28 is connected to a shifter member 37 made of non - magnetic material , such as synthetic resin material , having a left end engaging the right end of the clutch inner member 22 . the energization coil 24 is electrically connected to an ignition switch not shown in the drawing via a connector 38 ( see fig2 ) provided in the switch unit 7 . the fixed contact 34 of the switch unit 7 is electrically connected to the positive terminal of a battery not shown in the drawings , and a pair of pigtails 40 connected to a pair of positive pole brushes 39 are attached to the fixed contact 34 by spot welding also as illustrated in fig2 . a pair of negative pole brushes 41 are provided in a line - symmetrically opposing positions with respect to the positive pole brushes 39 . the pigtails 42 for these negative pole brushes 41 are connected to a center plate 43 which is described hereinafter , and is connected to the negative terminal of the battery via the pinion housing 17 and the vehicle body which is not shown in the drawings . the switch unit 7 is provided in a space flanked by the positive pole brushes 39 . the brushes 39 and 41 are supported in a known manner by a brush stay 33 which is made of electrically insulating material . an annular metallic center plate 43 is interposed between the brush stay 33 and the top plate 12 to separate the reduction gear unit 2 from the electric motor 3 . a central part of the center plate 43 is provided with a cylindrical portion 43a which projects toward the commutator 31 with its inner circumferential surface receiving the outer circumferential surface of the rotor shaft 10 defining a small gap therebetween . the free end of the cylindrical portion 43a is received in a recess 31a formed in an axial end surface of the commutator 31 to prevent grease from leaking out of the reduction gear unit 2 to the commutator 31 . the switch unit 7 is located at a top part of the starter 1 , and the contacts , or the fixed contact 34 secured to the brush stay 33 and the moveable contact 8 , are covered by the brush stay 33 and a switch cover 45 to prevent any particulate foreign matters that may be produced from the brushes from getting into the switch unit 7 . at least a pair of permanent magnets 46 are arranged circumferentially along the inner circumferential surface of the motor casing 44 of the electric motor 3 , and the inner circumferential surface of the permanent magnets 46 is covered by a magnet cover 47 . the magnet cover 47 comprises a cylindrical main portion 47a which engages the inner circumferential surface of the permanent magnets 46 , a flange portion 47b extending in the shape of letter l radially from one of the cylindrical main portion 47a into abutting engagement with the inner circumferential surface of the motor casing 44 , and a large diameter portion 47c which is formed as a slightly enlarged section at the other axial end of the cylindrical main portion 47a so as to extend closely along a tapered sections of the permanent magnets 46 . the flange portion 47b is provided with a pair of holes 49 for passing set bolts 48 which extend in the axial direction to integrally join the pinion housing 17 , the top plate 12 , the motor casing 44 and the bottom plate 11 . each of the set bolts 48 is passed through a hole formed in the top plate 12 , and the interior of the motor casing 44 , and the free end of each set bolt 48 is provided with a threaded section which is received in a corresponding threaded hole formed in the pinion housing 17 . the set bolts 48 are circumferentially arranged at diagonally opposite positions , and are received in recesses defined between adjacent side edges of the permanent magnets 46 . the magnet cover 47 is made of malleable metallic material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy , and the large diameter portion 47c is initially provided with a diameter which is even smaller than that of the main portion 47a thereof as illustrated in fig3 . the outer diameter of the main portion 47a of the magnet cover 47 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the permanent magnets 46 arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the motor casing 44 . the magnet cover 47 is press fitted , with the large diameter portion 47c first , into the inner space defined by the permanent magnets 46 from the open end of the bottom plate 11 . the bolt passing holes 49 of the magnet cover 47 are each provided with a cylindrical guide collar 50 by a burring process or a stretch flanging process , and the length of each of the guide collars 50 is longer than the pitch of the thread of the set bolt 48 . therefore , when each of the set bolts 48 is passed into the bolt passing hole 47 from the open end of the bottom plate 11 as a step of assembling the motor 3 , the set bolt 48 is favorably guided by the guide collar 50 . now the operation of the above described embodiment is described in the following . in the inoperative condition , because no electric current is supplied to the energization coil 24 , the armature outer member 27 is at its rightmost position under the spring force of the return spring 35 , and the moveable contact 8 which is connected to the armature outer member 27 is spaced from the fixed contact 34 . at the same time , the clutch outer member 18 which is urged by the return spring 21 is at its rightmost position along with the clutch inner member 22 which is integral with the pinion 6 , the shifter member 37 and the armature inner member 28 with the result that the pinion 6 is disengaged from the ring gear 23 . when the ignition switch is turned to the engine start position , electric current is supplied to the energization coil 24 to magnetize the same . as a result , a magnetic path for conducting a magnetic flux is established in the armature inner and outer members 27 and 28 thereby moving the armature inner and outer members 27 and 28 to the left . the armature outer member 27 , as it is closer to the central part ( pole ) of the internal flange 25a of the holder 25 than the armature inner member 28 , moves before the armature inner member 28 does . as a result , the moveable contact 8 is moved to the left by the armature outer member 27 via the connecting plate 29 and the connecting rod 30 , and comes into contact with the fixed contact 34 . this in turn causes the electric power of the battery to be supplied to the electric motor 3 , and the rotor shaft 10 to be turned . because the moveable contact 8 comes into contact with the fixed contact 34 before the armature outer member 27 moves its full stroke , and the moveable contact 8 is mounted on the connecting rod 30 in an axially floating relationship , the pressure of the coil spring 32 is applied between the two contacts 8 and 34 . at this point , the armature outer member 27 comes to a stop with a certain gap defined between the left end surface of the armature outer member 27 and the central part of the internal flange 25a because of the presence of an external flange 27a integrally formed at the right end of the armature outer member 27 , serving as a stopper , comes into contact with the annular disk 26 . as the rotor shaft 10 turns , this rotation is reduced in speed by the reduction gear unit 2 , and is transmitted to the output shaft 4 . because of the inertia of the clutch outer member 18 which engages with the output shaft 4 via the helical spline 19 , the axial force owing to the helical spline 19 is applied to the clutch outer member 18 , causing it to move to the left . at the same time , the armature inner member 28 , which is subjected to the leftward attractive force by the energization coil 24 and the pressure from the coil spring 36 , starts moving to the left . in particular , because of the preceding movement of the armature outer member 27 , the magnetic gap is reduced , and this increases the magnetic attractive force acting on the armature inner member 28 . this force is applied to the clutch outer member 18 as an axial force via the shifter member 37 . according to the present embodiment , this axial force pushes the clutch outer member 18 leftward against the biasing force of the return spring 21 , and the pinion 6 , which is integral with the clutch inner member 22 and is therefore integrally engaged with the clutch outer member 18 , is also pushed leftward . once the clutch outer member 18 engages with the stopper plate 20 , and the pinion 6 comes into full mesh with the ring gear 23 , the rotation of the output shaft 4 is transmitted to the ring gear 23 , and starts the engine . at this point , the left end surface of the armature inner member 28 engages the central part of the internal flange 25a of the holder 25 , and a small gap is defined between the left end surface of the shifter member 37 which has integrally moved with the armature inner member 28 and the clutch outer member 18 . because the armature inner member 28 receives a maximum attractive force of the energization coil 24 as it engages the central part of the internal flange 25a of the holder 25 , even when the pinion 6 is subjected to a force which tends to disengage it from the ring gear 23 , the rightward movement of the clutch outer member 18 is prevented by the shifter member 37 , and the pinion 6 is prevented from dislodging from the ring gear 23 . the electric current that is required to keep the armature inner and outer members 27 and 28 stationary after they have moved the full stroke is substantially smaller than that required for starting the movement of the armature inner and outer members 27 and 28 . in other words , by making use of the axial force owing to the helical spline 19 for starting the movement of the one - way roller clutch 5 including the pinion 6 , the output requirement of the energization coil 24 can be reduced , and the size of the energization coil 24 can be accordingly reduced . once the engine has started and the rotational speed of the engine exceeds that of the pinion 6 , the pinion 6 will start turning freely by virtue of the one - way roller clutch 5 in the same manner as in the conventional engine starter . when the supply of electric current to the energization coil 24 ceases , owing to the biasing force of the return spring 21 acting upon the clutch outer member 18 and the biasing force of the return spring 34 acting upon the armature outer member 27 , the pinion 6 is disengaged from the ring gear 23 and the moveable contact 8 is separated from the fixed contact 32 , thereby stopping the electric motor 3 . in the above described embodiment , the cylindrical guide collars 50 were formed around the bolt passing holes 49 by a burring process , but other processes may be used for forming such guide collars . for instance , as illustrated in fig5 and 6 , it is also possible to make diagonal cuts at each position for forming the bolt passing hole 49 , and lifting the triangular pieces 51 formed by cuts away from the surface of the flange 47 , in the direction of passing the bolts 48 , so that the bolt passing holes 49 and the cylindrical guide collars 51 may be formed at the same time . thus , according to the present invention , the set bolts can be readily and accurately passed into the motor casing so as to allow the free ends of the set bolts to be threaded into the associated threaded openings . in particular , the cylindrical guide collars favorably assist the proper alignment of the set bolts . thereby , the assembly work is simplified for the assembling personnel , and is better adapted to automatic assembly processes . although the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments thereof , it is possible to modify and alter details thereof without departing from the spirit of the present invention . | 7 |
the best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its erred embodiment , herein depicted within the figures . referring now to fig1 a constant volume air conditioning / heat pump efficiency improvement apparatus 20 is shown , according to the present invention , for installation in a home or office building having a heat pump / air conditioning system . it is envisioned that a constant volume air conditioning / heat pump efficiency improvement apparatus 20 would be marketed and packaged as a kit for aftermarket installation by qualified professionals or could be made an integral part of a heat pump / air conditioning system at the factory . for purposes of disclosure , the aftermarket version is discussed . also , it is envisioned that a constant volume air conditioning / heat pump efficiency improvement apparatus 20 could be adapted for use in any environment that uses a heat pump / air conditioning type cooling system such as automobiles , airplanes , buses and trucks . it is stressed that this teaching implies no limitation on the possible application on the possible uses of the present invention . referring to fig2 a front view of a constant volume air conditioning / heat pump efficiency improvement apparatus 20 is shown connected to an otherwise conventional heat pump / air conditioning system 10 via piping 201 and 20m . piping 201 is connected to system piping 8 on the low pressure side of compressor 1 while piping 20m is connected to system piping 9 on the high pressure side of compressor 1 . fig2 shows the direction of flow of freon (™) in system 10 when it is in the cooling mode . as is well know , a heat pump / air conditioning system has two modes . in the cooling mode , heat is removed from within a structure and transferred to the atmosphere . the other mode reverses this cycle by removing heat from the atmosphere and transferring it to the structure to heat it . the constant volume air conditioning / heat pump efficiency improvement apparatus 20 works with both modes increasing the thermal efficiency therein . the distinctions on how the constant volume air conditioning / heat pump efficiency improvement apparatus 20 works in both modes will be explained further herein . the basic theory behind how the constant volume air conditioning / heat pump efficiency improvement apparatus 20 works and why it increases the thermal efficiency of the heat pump / air conditioning cycle requires an explanation on how the refrigeration / cooling cycle works . basically , it is a sealed system composed of copper tubing , some electronics , and three basic components : a compressor , a condenser , and an evaporator . the compressor 1 compresses a refrigerant , typically freon (™), into high pressure vapor . the refrigerant vapor enters the outside coil 2 ( condenser ) where a fan blows air across it . this condenses the refrigerant into a liquid by cooling it and removing the latent heat of vaporization . the refrigerant which is now liquid is pushed along the refrigerant line to the inside coil ( evaporator ) 7 where it encounters a metering device . the metering device 6 limits the amount of refrigerant entering the inside coil ( evaporator ) and creates a pressure drop across it . this allows the refrigerant to expand from a small diameter tube to a larger one . at this coil , a fan 3 blows air across it and the refrigerant absorbs the heat in the air regaining the previously lost latent heat of vaporization . this effectively cools the air exiting the coil 7 and the heat evaporates the refrigerant back to vapor . from here the refrigerant vapor returns to the compressor 1 to start the cycle over again . what is inherent in the foregoing is that as the refrigerant moves from one point in the cycle to another its temperature and pressure vary as does the volume of that point in the system . it is generally known that temperature , pressure , and volume are inversely proportional . when the system is initially charged with refrigerant it is pressurized to a pressure that is deemed optimal . but this only takes into consideration the pressure at the time of pressurization since the pressure will fluctuate with temperature . for example , the initial internal pressure in the system when pressurized on a 85 ° c . day will not be the same as the initial internal pressure if pressurized on a 60 ° c . day . so as the ambient temperature fluctuates the internal pressure of the system fluctuates somewhat as well so that the system does not operate at the optimum pressures throughout if the ambient temperature is not the same as at the time it was pressurized . the theory behind the present invention is to maintain the optimum operating pressure in the heat pump / air conditioning cooling cycle by monitoring the internal pressure of the refrigerant and either adding or removing refrigerant to maintain a constant volume and hence pressure throughout the system . as previously discussed , refrigerant is either added or removed from the cooling cycle via piping 20l and 20m tapped onto the low and high pressure lines respectively , on the both sides of compressor 1 . piping 20l and 20m are routed into a housing 20a and are connected on one side of and terminate at first solenoid valve 20k and second solenoid valve 20i , respectively , which control the flow of refrigerant into or out of the system . housing 20a contains the majority of the components of the apparatus 20 . housing 20a is designed to be mounted on a wall in a utility room where other household appliances such as the furnace or water heater are typically located and is sealed closed by housing cover 20b . the other side of first solenoid valve 20k and second solenoid valve 20i are connected to a common manifold 20p which is connected to manifold piping 20c connected to refrigerant reservoir 25 . refrigerant reservoir 25 is filled with the same refrigerant as the heat pump / air conditioning system and is for dispensing and receiving refrigerant . refrigerant reservoir 25 is connected to manifold 20p via piping 20c . a quick disconnect coupling allows easy removal and attachment refrigerant reservoir 25 to manifold piping 20c . a pressure switch 20h is in constant fluid communication with piping 201 connected to the low pressure line 8 of the air conditioning and heat pump system 10 . in this manner , when pressure in system 10 is higher than optimal , a signal from pressure switch 20h will open first solenoid valve 20i , normally closed , and refrigerant from the high pressure side of system 10 will flow into refrigerant reservoir 25 until the optimal pressure is achieved . conversely , when pressure in the system is lower than optimal , a signal from pressure switch 20h will open second solenoid valve 20k , normally closed , and refrigerant from the low pressure side of the system 10 will flow into refrigerant reservoir 25 until optimal pressure is achieved . a heating coil wrapped around refrigerant reservoir 25 warms the refrigerant therein when it is necessary to raise the total internal pressure of the refrigerant to meet the demands of system 10 when the total internal pressure of system 10 drops significantly . in order to prevent first solenoid valve 20i and second solenoid valve 20k from overcycling , in other words , operating for every small fluctuation of system 10 pressure , a timer 20d is used to control the amount of time either first solenoid valve 20i or second solenoid valve 20k is open . when the system 10 pressure drops requiring additional refrigerant to be added to the system 10 , timer 20d will keep first solenoid valve 20i open slightly longer to ensure that more than adequate refrigerant is added to prevent small perturbations in the system 10 pressure from triggering first solenoid valve 20i . similarly , timer 20d will keep second solenoid valve 20k open slightly longer to ensure that more than adequate refrigerant is added to prevent small perturbations in the system 10 pressure from triggering second solenoid valve 20k . of course , the extra time that timer 20d will keep first solenoid valve 20i and second solenoid valve 2k open is variable and will require adjustment when the constant volume air conditioning / heat pump efficiency improvement apparatus 20 is initially installed . pressure switch 20h also can be variably set to trigger first solenoid valve 20i when the system pressure falls below a pre - selected pressure or trigger second solenoid valve 20k when the pressure rises above a certain pre - selected pressure . also located in housing 20a is a transformer 20e for converting conventional 120 vac current to 24v dc current for powering first solenoid valve 20i and second solenoid valve 20k , timer 20d , and pressure switch 20h . a bus 20g and junction box 20f is also located therein for distributing power to the various aforementioned components . referring to fig3 shown is a front view of a constant volume air conditioning / heat pump efficiency improvement apparatus 20 identical to that shown in fig2 in almost all respects except that it is configured for use as a heat pump . the aim of the heat pump cycle , like that of the refrigeration cycle , is to move heat from one location to another . the only difference is that in the case of the heat pump cycle , the objective is to move the heat from a cool location ( outside ) to a warmer location ( inside ). the components are identical in the heat pump cycle , but their location is reversed . that is , the condenser which gives off heat is placed within the space to be heated , and the evaporator is placed outside so that it may pick up heat from the cooler surroundings . the heat pump cycle is far more efficient and cost effective than electric resistance heating common in baseboard and other heating units . in order for heat pumps to work effectively , the outside temperature must be higher than the temperature of the outside heat exchanger . heat pumps usually do not provide effective heating when the outside temperature is below 45 ° f . ( 72 ° c . ). in order for heat pump units to provide year - round functionality , electric resistance heating is often added , for use when the heat pump cycle itself does not provide satisfactory heating . the difference between fig2 and 3 is that fig3 shows the heat pump in heat mode . the difference in the two diagrams is the reversing valve 2 directs the compressed refrigerant to the inside coil 4 first . this makes the inside coil the condenser 4 and releases the heat energy . this heated air is ducted to the home or office . the outside coil 7 is used to collect the heat energy . this now becomes the evaporator . a metering valve 6 must also now be located on the inlet to coil 7 on the liquid refrigerant line 5 side to limit the amount of refrigerant flowing into coil 7 and effect the pressure drop as in the cooling cycle . referring to fig4 shown is an enlarged front view of a constant volume air conditioning / heat pump efficiency improvement apparatus 20 showing in greater detail the major components previously described . a pressure gauge 20n in fluid communication with the low pressure side piping 20l is also located therein to give visual indicia of the internal pressure of the heat pump / air conditioning system 10 to allow adjustment of timer 20d and pressure switch 20h . referring to fig5 shown are the electrical schematics interconnecting the various electronic components of a constant volume air conditioning / heat pump efficiency improvement apparatus 20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention . the foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention . the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims . | 1 |
according to the invention , it has been found that short - contact tazarotene therapy yields surprisingly improved and beneficial results in the treatment of acne . it has further been found that the short - contact tazarotene therapy actually reduces and even reverses the effects of sun - induced aging ( photoaging ). &# 34 ; short - contact tazarotene therapy &# 34 ;, as used herein , is intended to distinguish over conventional , or extended - contact , treatment ( s ) with tazarotene , wherein tazorac ™ gel is applied to a patient &# 39 ; s skin ( typically once a day ) and left on the skin indefinitely or until routine washing or showering occurs after a prolonged period of time ( typically overnight ). in accordance with the invention , short - contact tazarotene therapy thus comprises the steps of applying a tazarotene composition to an affected area of the skin for a brief time period followed by rinsing of the skin / affected area . in the case of acne , the usual contact time is of from about 30 seconds to about 15 minutes , preferably for a period of from about 2 to about 5 minutes . in the case of photoaging , the usual contact time is from about 30 seconds to about 10 minutes , preferably for about 1 to about 3 minutes . immediately following the prescribed period of time , the skin is rinsed thoroughly , typically with lukewarm water . in accordance with the invention and as used herein , a &# 34 ; tazarotene composition &# 34 ; comprises acetylenic retinoid compounds , or pharmaceutically - acceptable salts thereof , in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier . the acetylenic retinoids of the invention are the compounds of formula i as represented by ## str2 ## wherein x is s , o , or nr &# 39 ; where r &# 39 ; is hydrogen or lower alkyl ; r is hydrogen or lower alkyl ; a is pyridinyl , thienyl , furyl , pyridazinyl , pyrimidinyl or pyrazinyl ; n is 0 - 2 ; and b is h , -- cooh or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt , ester or amide thereof , -- h 2 oh or an ether or ester derivative , or -- cho or an acetal derivative , or -- cor 1 or a ketal derivative where r 1 is --( ch 2 ) m ch 3 where m is 0 - 4 . hence the tazarotene compositions of the invention are not limited only to tazarotene but rather may contain any acetylenic retinoid , and preferably contains those represented by formula i . the term &# 34 ; ester &# 34 ; as used here refers to and covers any compound falling within the definition of that term as classically used in organic chemistry . where a is -- cooh , this term covers the products derived from treatment of this function with alcohols . where the ester is derived from compounds where a is -- ch 2 oh , this term covers compounds of the formula -- ch 2 oocr where r is any substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic , aromatic or aliphatic - aromatic group . preferred esters are derived from the saturated aliphatic alcohols or acids of ten or fewer carbon atoms or the cyclic or saturated aliphatic cyclic alcohols and acids of 5 to 10 carbon atoms . particularly preferred aliphatic esters are those derived from lower alkyl acids and alcohols . here , and where ever else used , lower alkyl means having 1 - 6 carbon atoms . also preferred are the phenyl or lower alkylphenyl esters . the term &# 34 ; amide &# 34 ; has the meaning generally accorded that term in organic chemistry . in this instance it includes the unsubstituted amides and all aliphatic and aromatic mono - and di - substituted amides . preferred amides are the mono - and di - substituted amides derived from the saturated aliphatic radicals of ten or fewer carbon atoms or the cyclic or saturated aliphatic - cyclic radicals of 5 to 10 carbon atoms . particularly preferred amides are those derived from lower alkyl amines . also preferred are mono - and di - substituted amides derived from the phenyl or lower alkylphenyl amines . unsubstituted amides are also preferred . acetals and ketals includes the radicals of the formula -- ck where k is (-- or ) 2 . here , r is lower alkyl . also , k may be -- or 1 o -- where r 1 is lower alkyl of 2 - 5 carbon atoms , straight chain or branched . a pharmaceutically acceptable salt may be prepared for any compound of this invention having a functionality capable of forming such salt , for example an acid or amine functionality . a pharmaceutically acceptable salt may be any salt which retains the activity of the parent compound and does not impart any deleterious or untoward effect on the subject to which it is administered and in the context in which it is administered . the preferred acetylenic retinoid compounds of this invention are those where the ethynyl group and the b group are attached to the 2 and 5 positions respectively of a pyridine ring ( the 6 and 3 positions in the nicotinic acid nomenclature being equivalent to the 2 / 5 designation in the pyridine nomenclature ) or the 5 and 2 positions respectively of a thiophene group respectively ; n is 0 ; and b is -- cooh , an alkali metal salt or organic amine salt , or a lower alkyl ester , or -- ch 2 oh and the lower alkyl esters and ethers thereof , or -- cho and acetal derivatives thereof . the most preferred compound is ethyl 6 -( 2 -( 4 , 4 - dimethylthiochroman - 6 - yl ) ethynyl )- nicotinate , also known as tazarotene . the compounds of the invention can be made by methods known in the art . one means to make such compounds is provided in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 089 , 509 which is incorporated herein by reference . the &# 34 ; tazarotene composition &# 34 ; contains an acetylenic retinoid compound in an amount suitable for topical use on humans . such compositions may be in the form of a gel , cream , lotion , ointment , cleanser or solution and include a variety of preservatives , carriers and other inactive or active ingredients . as demonstrated by the following examples , surprisingly good results are obtainable using short - contact tazarotene therapy . not only does it appear that there is no loss of effectiveness of the active tazarotene ingredient ( as compared with conventional extended - contact therapy ), but also that the effectiveness may be enhanced in some instances . even more important , the adverse reactions are substantially reduced to tolerable or even negligible levels , thereby resulting in the ability and willingness of the user to adhere to the novel regimen . this combination of effects , i . e ., equal or enhanced effectiveness , reduction in adverse reactions , and regimen adherence , yields surprisingly improved therapeutic efficacy . twenty ( 20 ) acne patients were treated with tazorac ™ ( 0 . 05 % or 0 . 1 %). they applied the gel to the facial skin once or twice daily for two to five minutes . immediately following treatment , the treated skin was thoroughly washed with lukewarm water ( the use of washcloth was not recommended , both because of its abrasiveness and tendency to retain the gel ). the results following four weeks of therapy were as follows ; 1 . signs of retinization ( slight reddening , peeling , and irritation ) occurred in 11 of 20 patients during the first 2 weeks of short - contact tazarotene therapy . 10 of these 11 reported only minor discomfort , but one reported marked redness and irritation . 2 . subjective improvement of acne occurred in 18 of 20 patients , usually by 2 to 3 weeks of therapy . one patient with recalcitrant acne of ten years duration had an 80 % reduction in lesion counts within 3 weeks . 8 of 20 patients had greater than 75 % reduction in lesion counts , 6 of 20 had greater than 50 % reduction in lesion counts , and 4 of 20 had greater than 25 % reduction in lesion counts after 4 weeks or more of short - contact tazarotene therapy . 3 . one patient with adult acne and photoaging noted subjective improvement in skin texture and pigmentation after 4 weeks of therapy . 4 . 19 of 20 patients viewed the short - contact tazarotene therapy as pleasant and convenient . as noted in example 1 , at least one of the patients noticed the improvement of skin damaged by the effects of photoaging . similar effects are observed in other patients following the short - contact tazarotene therapy . the contact period is from 30 - seconds to ten minutes , preferably one to three minutes , followed immediately by rinsing . once or , preferably , twice per day treatment is recommended . in addition to the patient noted in example 1 , two other patients have been treated with short - contact tazarotene therapy for photoaging , for a period of six weeks or longer . all three patients were examined and photographed at several intervals , and were found to have noticeable improvement in skin texture and pigmentation , a reduction in fine wrinkling and apparent diminution of solar keratoses , which are believed to be precancerous lesions . | 8 |
now in keeping with the objects of this invention , the method for forming the stacked capacitor with increased capacitance is covered in detail . the sequence of fabrication steps of this embodiment are shown in fig1 to 8 . this storage capacitor can be fabricated on a n - channel mosfet structures which are currently used in the manufacture of drams . therefore , only a brief description of the mosfet structure is given , sufficient for understanding the current invention . it should also be well understood by one skilled in the art that by including additional process steps , in addition to those described in this embodiment , other types of devices can also be included on the dram chip , for example , p channel mosfets can be formed by providing n - wells in the p substrate and complementary metal - oxide - semiconductor ( cmos ) circuits can also be formed therefrom . referring now to fig1 a cross - sectional view of the substrate 10 having a partially completed dram cell formed on and in the substrate surface , is schematically shown . the preferred substrate is composed of a p - type single crystalline silicon having a & lt ; 100 & gt ; crystallographic orientation . a relatively thick field oxide ( fox ) 12 is formed around the active device regions to isolate these individual device regions . this field oxide , only partially shown in fig1 is formed by depositing a thin silicon oxide ( pad oxide ) and a thicker silicon nitride layer as an oxidation barrier layer . conventional photolithographic techniques and etching are then used to remove the barrier layer in areas where a field oxide is desired while retaining the silicon nitride in areas where active devices are to be fabricated . the silicon substrate is then oxidized to form the field oxide . the preferred thickness is between about 4500 to 5500 angstroms . the semiconductor device is then formed in the active device regions after removing the silicon nitride barrier layer and pad oxide in a wet etch . the most commonly used device for dynamic random access memory is the metal - oxide - semiconductor field - effect transistor ( mosfet ). this device is formed by first thermally oxidizing the active device region to form a thin gate oxide 18 . the preferred thickness being from about 90 to 200 angstroms . an appropriately doped polysilicon layer 20 and an insulating layer 22 are deposited and conventional photolithographic techniques and etching are used to pattern the insulating layer 22 and polysilicon layer 20 . this forms the gate electrode 20 for the mosfet in the active device regions and conducting patterns elsewhere on the substrate with the insulating layer 22 thereon . these conducting patterns form the word lines that electrically connect the mosfet gate electrode to the appropriate peripheral circuits on the dram chip . the lightly doped source / drain 16 are formed next , usually by implanting a n - type dopant species such as arsenic or phosphorus . for example , a typical implant might consist of phosphorus p 31 at a dose of between 1 e 13 to 10 e 13 atoms / cm 2 and an energy of between about 30 to 80 kev . after forming the lightly doped source / drain , sidewall spacers 24 are formed on the gate electrode 20 sidewalls . these sidewall spacers are formed by depositing a low temperature silicon oxide and anisotropically etching back to the silicon surface . for example , the silicon oxide could be a chemical vapor deposition using tetraethoxysilane ( teos ) at a temperature in the range of about 650 ° to 900 ° c . and the etch back performed in a low pressure reactive ion etcher . the n + source / drain implantation is used to complete the source / drain regions 17 . for example , arsenic ( as 75 ) can be implanted at a dose of between 2 e 15 to 1 e 16 atoms / cm 2 and energy of between about 20 to 70 kev . alternatively , the source / drain contacts can be completed at a later process step whereby the dopant is out diffused from a doped polysilicon layer . the remainder of this embodiment relates more specifically to the objects of this invention , which addresses now in detail the method of forming a fin - shaped bottom electrode for increasing the electrode area . the invention utilizes a patterned multilayer of alternating dissimilar insulating layers and an isotropic etching to form a series of recesses in the sidewall of the multilayer for forming the fin - type bottom electrode . referring now to fig2 a first polysilicon layer 30 is deposited over the mosfet formed in the active device area and over the word lines elsewhere on the substrate and making electrical contact to the source / drain area of the mosfet . the insulating layer 22 and the sidewall spacers 24 providing electrical isolation of the gate electrode 20 and word lines from polysilicon layer 30 . the preferred thickness of the first polysilicon layer 30 is between about 200 to 1000 angstroms and the deposition process of choice is a low pressure chemical vapor deposition ( lpcvd ). the polysilicon layer 30 is then doped n - type by implantation using arsenic ions ( as 57 ). the preferred implantation dose is from between about 1 e 14 to 1 e 16 atoms / cm 2 and at implantation energy between about 40 to 100 kev . more specifically , the thickness of layer 30 is 500 angstroms and the implantation dose is 5 e 15 atoms / cm2 having an implantation energy of 50 kev . this first polysilicon layer 30 forms a portion of the bottom electrode of the stacked capacitor that makes the capacitor node contact to the source / drain area 17 of the mosfet . referring now to fig3 a multilayered structure 36 is deposited over the first polysilicon layer 30 and consisting of alternate layers of dissimilar insulator types , as labeled a and b in fig3 . the two insulator types having substantially different etch rates in a given solution or vapor phase etchant . the preferred materials are silicon oxide for layers labeled a and silicon nitride for layers labeled b . alternatively , other dissimilar insulator types having large etch rate differences can also be used . for example , phosphosilicate glass ( psg ) can be used as an alternative for silicon oxide and silicon oxynitride as an alternative for silicon nitride . the preferred method for depositing the silicon oxide and silicon nitride is an in situ multi - step deposition process where the alternate layers are deposited sequentially by changing the deposition gas mixture in the process chamber . for example , an applied materials corp . model p5000 deposition system utilizing a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition ( pecvd ) process can be used with a gas mixture of silane ( sih 4 ) and nitrous oxide ( n 2 o ) for depositing the silicon oxide and a gas mixture of silane ( sih 4 ) and ammonia ( nh 3 ) for depositing the silicon nitride . the preferred thickness of the silicon oxide layer labeled a is in the range of about 1000 to 2000 angstroms and more specifically having a thickness of 1500 angstroms and the preferred thickness of the silicon nitride layer labeled b is between about 300 to 1000 angstroms and more specifically having a value of 500 angstroms . for demonstration purposes only four layers are shown in fig3 but it should be well understood by one skilled in the art that additional layers can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . referring still to fig3 a conventional photolithography is used to form a patterned photoresist mask 38 over the multilayered structure 36 and aligned to the source / drain area 17 and having the top surface of the multilayer 36 exposed elsewhere on the substrate . the multi - layer 36 is then anisotropically etched to the surface of the first polysilicon layer 30 and the photoresist is removed by conventional means . as shown in fig4 . the anisotropic etch is preferably performed in a low pressure plasma etcher . one suitable etcher is an ame - 8310 etcher manufactured by applied materials corp . this etch results in an array of structures composed of multilayer 36 over the capacitor node contacts and dram cell areas having vertical sidewalls . only one of an array of cell areas is depicted in fig4 for practical reasons . referring now to fig5 an isotropic etch is used to etch and thereby recess the alternate silicon oxide layers a making up the multi - layer 30 while leaving unetched the silicon nitride layer b . this forms a fin shaped profile in the sidewall of the multi - layer 36 . the preferred etchant is a buffered hydrofluoric acid solution ( bhf ) which etches silicon oxide while leaving essentially unetched the silicon nitride . alternatively , a plasma etch ( dry etch ) can also be used . for example , the isotropic etch can be performed in a plasma mode etcher using a gas mixture of carbon tetrafluoride ( cf 4 ) and hydrogen ( h 2 ) and having an etch rate selectivity of about 20 . this fin shaped surface is now used to form the bottom electrode of the stacked capacitor . now , as shown in fig6 a second polysilicon layer 40 is deposited over the multi - layer 36 , forming a conformal polysilicon layer on and within the recesses of multilayer 36 and on the first polysilicon layer 30 that makes electrical contacting to the source / drain area 17 . the preferred polysilicon layer is deposited using a low pressure chemical vapor deposition ( lpcvd ) process and the polysilicon layer is also in - situ doped using a n - type impurity such a phosphorus . for example , the doping can be achieved by adding the phosphorous halide pocl 3 or phosphine ( ph 3 ) to the lpcvd reactant gas . the preferred thickness of layer 40 is between about 200to 400 angstroms and more specifically having a thickness of 300 angstroms and the preferred dopant concentration being between about 1 e 19 to 1 e21 atoms / cm 3 . conventional photolithographic techniques and reactive plasma etching are then used to patterned the first polysilicon layer 30 and the second polysilicon layer 40 leaving portion over the multilayer 36 and thereby forming the bottom electrode capacitor structure having a fin - like shape , as is also shown in fig6 . the complete removal of polysilicon layers 30 and 40 , by the etching , elsewhere on the substrate also electrically isolates each bottom electrode from the adjacent electrodes of the array of electrodes that are form simultaneously on the substrate . only one bottom electrode structure is shown in fig6 . referring next to fig7 the capacitor interelectrode dielectric layer 44 is formed on the remaining polysilicon layer 40 that forms the capacitor bottom electrode . preferably , the dielectric layer 44 is composed of layers of silicon nitride and silicon oxide ( si3n 4 / sio 2 ) or layers of silicon oxide , silicon nitride and silicon oxide ( ono ). for example , the dielectric layer 44 composed of silicon nitride and silicon oxide can be formed by depositing a silicon nitride layer using lpcvd and a reactive gas mixture of ammonia ( nh 3 ) and dichlorosilane ( sih 2 cl 2 ) followed by oxidation of the silicon nitride layer in wet oxygen at a temperature of about 850 ° c . for about 10 minutes . the preferred total thickness of the interelectrode dielectric is between about 30 to 150 angstroms . now as shown in fig8 a third polysilicon layer 48 is deposited on the interelectrode dielectric layer 44 , forming the top electrode of the storage capacitor and completing the fin shaped storage capacitors . the preferred thickness of polysilicon 48 is from between about 500 to 2000 angstroms and is doped with a n - type impurity , for example , by using a phosphorus species . the preferred concentration being in the range of between about i e 19 to 5 e 20 atoms / cm 3 . for example , low pressure chemical vapor deposition ( lpcvd ) and in - situ doping is used to deposit the conformal polysilicon layer 48 . it should be well understood by one skilled in the art that by including additional process steps the bit line contact and the bit line metallurgy can be formed either prior to or after the stacked storage capacitor is fabricated as is commonly reported in the literature and practice in the industry . in the particular embodiment , of this invention , the formation of the bit line contact and the bit line over the fin - shaped storage capacitor is described . the additional details shown in fig9 and described here are in sufficient detail to complete the fabrication of a dynamic random access memory ( dram ) cell for use in a dram circuit . as shown in fig9 a contact opening is formed to the second of the two source / drain contacts area 19 by photoresist masking and etching the third polysilicon layer 48 and the dielectric layer 44 . a first insulating layer 50 composed of a low flow temperature glass is then deposited and annealed to planarize the surface . the material of choice is a phosphoborosilicate glass ( pbsg ) and the preferred thickness is between about 3000 to 8000 angstroms . a bit line contact mask and an appropriate photolithographic technique are used to open the bit line contact in pbsg layer 50 over and to the second source / drain contact area 19 . a fourth polysilicon layer 54 is deposited and doped n - type , for example , by implanting with arsenic or phosphorus ions . the substrate is then annealed to drive - in the impurity from layer 50 to form the appropriate ohmic contact at the bit line contact area over the source / drain 19 . next , a metal silicide layer , not explicitly shown in fig9 is formed on the bit line polysilicon layer 54 to increase its conductivity . the preferred method is the deposition of a metal layer followed by a low temperature anneal . the preferred silicide being tungsten silicide ( wsi ). then the wsi bit line wiring is patterned using photolithographic techniques and reactive plasma etching and then a second insulating layer 58 is , for example composed of bpsg , is deposited and annealed at elevated temperatures to planarize the surface and complete the dynamic random access memory ( dram ) cell . while the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . | 7 |
the foregoing and other features and advantages of various aspects of the invention ( s ) will be apparent from the following , more - particular description of various concepts and specific embodiments within the broader bounds of the invention ( s ). various aspects of the subject matter introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways , as the subject matter is not limited to any particular manner of implementation . examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes . unless otherwise defined , used or characterized herein , terms that are used herein ( including technical and scientific terms ) are to be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their accepted meaning in the context of the relevant art and are not to be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein . for example , if a particular composition is referenced , the composition may be substantially , though not perfectly pure , as practical and imperfect realities may apply ; e . g ., the potential presence of at least trace impurities ( e . g ., at less than 1 or 2 %, wherein percentages or concentrations expressed herein can be either by weight or by volume ) can be understood as being within the scope of the description ; likewise , if a particular shape is referenced , the shape is intended to include imperfect variations from ideal shapes , e . g ., due to manufacturing tolerances . although the terms , first , second , third , etc ., may be used herein to describe various elements , these elements are not to be limited by these terms . these terms are simply used to distinguish one element from another . thus , a first element , discussed below , could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments . spatially relative terms , such as “ above ,” “ below ,” “ left ,” “ right ,” “ in front ,” “ behind ,” and the like , may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element to another element , as illustrated in the figures . it will be understood that the spatially relative terms , as well as the illustrated configurations , are intended to encompass different orientations of the apparatus in use or operation in addition to the orientations described herein and depicted in the figures . for example , if the apparatus in the figures is turned over , elements described as “ below ” or “ beneath ” other elements or features would then be oriented “ above ” the other elements or features . thus , the exemplary term , “ above ,” may encompass both an orientation of above and below . the apparatus may be otherwise oriented ( e . g ., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations ) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly . further still , in this disclosure , when an element is referred to as being “ on ,” “ connected to ” or “ coupled to ” another element , it may be directly on , connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present unless otherwise specified . the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of exemplary embodiments . as used herein , singular forms , such as “ a ” and “ an ,” are intended to include the plural forms as well , unless the context indicates otherwise . additionally , the terms , “ includes ,” “ including ,” “ comprises ” and “ comprising ,” specify the presence of the stated elements or steps but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements or steps . as shown in the embodiment illustrated in fig1 , a multi - stage membrane - distillation cycle can be carried out in a plurality of vacuum membrane - distillation modules 22 , 24 , each associated with a respective vapor condenser 12 / 16 and a liquid - liquid heat exchanger or “ permeate cooler ” 14 / 18 , all of which are in fluid communication . in the embodiment of fig1 , the vapor condenser 12 / 16 is external to the vacuum membrane - distillation module 22 / 24 . the condenser 12 / 16 can include corrugated metal tubing ( e . g ., from felton machine , niagara falls , n . y .) through which the liquid feed can flow and on which the permeate vapor can condense . a flow of feed liquid ( e . g ., sea water at 27 ° c .) is fed from the source 10 and split into respective portions that pass through the second condenser 12 and the second liquid - liquid heat exchanger 14 . the two portions are then recombined and then again split into respective portions that pass through the first condenser 16 and the first liquid - liquid heat exchanger 18 . these portions are then recombined and heated by a heat input ( q in ) at the heater 20 , which can be , e . g ., a solar heater , before being injected into a first feed - liquid containment chamber 19 in the first vacuum membrane distillation module 22 . in the first vacuum membrane distillation module 22 , water vapor from the feed liquid can permeate from the first feed - liquid containment chamber 19 through the membrane and into a first vapor - permeate containment chamber 21 in the first vacuum membrane distillation module 22 and then passed through the first condenser 16 where the vapor permeate can be condensed to form purified water . the condensed water from the first condenser 16 is then passed through the first liquid - liquid heat exchanger 18 , where heat from the condensed water is transferred to the feed liquid passing through the first liquid - liquid heat exchanger 18 . after passing through the first liquid - liquid heat exchanger 18 , the cooled water is passed through the second liquid - liquid heat exchanger 14 , where additional heat is extracted from the condensed water and transferred to the feed liquid passing through the second liquid - liquid heat exchanger 18 . a concentrated remainder 42 ′ of the feed liquid is extracted from the first feed - liquid containment chamber 19 after the water vapor is extracted and passed to a second feed - liquid containment chamber 23 in the second vacuum membrane distillation module 24 , where water vapor from the concentrated remainder 42 ′ of the feed liquid can permeate from the second feed - liquid containment chamber 23 through the membrane and into a second vapor - permeate containment chamber 25 in the second vacuum membrane distillation module 24 and then passed through the second condenser 12 where the vapor permeate can be condensed to form purified water . the condensed water from the second condenser 12 is then combined with condensed water from first condenser 16 and passed through the second liquid - liquid heat exchanger 14 , where heat from the condensed water is transferred to the feed liquid passing through the second liquid - liquid heat exchanger 14 before being ejected to a permeate outlet 34 ( e . g ., a reservoir of purified water ). a reduced vapor pressure is maintained in the first condenser 16 and a first vapor - permeate containment chamber 21 via a first regulator 28 in a conduit in fluid communication with the vacuum source 26 . likewise , a reduced vapor pressure is maintained in the second condenser 12 and a second vapor - permeate containment chamber 25 via a second regulator 30 in a conduit in fluid communication with the vacuum source 26 . as shown in fig4 and 5 , thermal energy from the brine output 37 of the second vacuum membrane distillation module 24 can be transferred to the initial feed liquid 42 from source 10 before the feed liquid 42 is passed through the condensers 12 and 16 and liquid - liquid heat exchangers 14 and 18 . in the embodiment of fig4 , the feed liquid 42 and brine 37 are both passed through an additional heat exchanger 33 , in which heat from the brine 37 is transferred to the cooler feed liquid 42 . in the embodiment of fig5 , the brine 37 is injected into the conduit carrying the feed liquid 42 at a juncture 35 such that the brine 37 and feed liquid 42 physically mix ( in which case , the brine 37 here as well provides initial heating to the feed liquid 42 ). although two modules 22 and 24 are shown here , many more modules ( with associated condensers and liquid - liquid heat exchangers ) can be incorporated in series with the apparatus shown here to continue to extract additional purified water from the concentrated remainder of the feed liquid at each stage . after the final module , the remaining brine is ejected to a brine outlet 32 . the respective pressure in the vapor - permeate containment chamber in each of up to 20 stages ( i . e ., 20 modules in series ) is shown in fig6 , where the pressure can be seen to range from up to about 75 kpa in the first module down to about 5 kpa in the twentieth module . additionally , in fig7 , the respective temperature of the feed liquid stream in each of the 20 stages is plotted as the feed liquid stream enters the module 52 , as it exits the liquid - liquid heat exchanger 54 , as it exits the condenser 56 , and as it enters the condenser 58 . further still , fig8 plots the temperature of the purified ( permeate ) water streams at each stage of the 20 - stage system as the permeate stream exits the module ( as vapor ) 62 , as it exits the condenser ( as liquid ) 64 , as it enters the liquid - liquid heat exchanger ( after mixing ) 66 , and as it exits the liquid - liquid heat exchanger 68 . the membrane distillation module 22 / 24 is typically made from some polymer material ( e . g ., polypropylene or acetyl ). as shown in fig2 , attached to the housing 36 of the module 22 / 24 is a membrane 38 that is very hydrophobic [ e . g ., formed of polytetrafluoroethylene ( ptfe ), aka teflon , or polyvinylidene fluoride ( pvdf )]. the membrane 38 may or may not have a support layer manufactured onto the active layer of the membrane 38 . the support is typically made from polypropylene , and provides additional mechanical strength to the membrane 38 and adds tearing resistance to tearing . membranes 38 typically have a pore size of 0 . 2 - 0 . 5 micrometers and a thickness of 50 - 200 micrometers . the pore channels can be selected to balance the heat - transfer coefficient ( to minimize temperature polarization ) and pressure drop . on one side of the membrane 38 , a heated saline / contaminated water stream flows , coming from a heating step , as in the case with the first stage , or the reject from a previous membrane - distillation module 22 / 24 , as with subsequent stages . a meniscus forms on the small pores and prevents liquid breakthrough . the water - vapor pressure of the water on the feed side of the membrane 38 increases with increasing temperature of the feed 42 ( the feed 42 provides the latent heat of evaporation ) and with higher molar fractions of water in the feed 42 at the membrane 38 . driven by the pressure differential across the feed and condensate sides of the membrane , a vapor stream 44 from the heated liquid - feed stream evaporates from the surface of the meniscus , through the pores of the membrane 38 , and enters a channel ( to the right of the membrane 28 , as shown ) kept at reduced pressure by a mechanical pump or vapor compressor 26 . pressure is regulated at each stage ( i . e ., with a differential height water column , or other mechanical regulator ). the reduced - pressure channel may also contain a woven screen / mesh 40 acting as a mechanical support against the pressure difference between the contaminated water stream 42 and the reduced - pressure vapor channel leading to the fresh water condensate flow 46 . as shown in fig3 , the membranes 38 can be laid out in parallel ( e . g ., 300 membrane sheets in parallel ) with alternating feed 42 and vapor 46 channels , separated by spacers . the length in the flow direction is typically shorter than other membrane - distillation systems , and a typical aspect ratio may be 5 : 1 . the membranes 38 can be sealed to the polymer housing 36 by adhesive , heat sealing or something similar . the housing 36 can also contain channels guiding liquid and vapor from piping connections to the channels . the vapor then passes to a condenser 12 / 16 , the interior of which is at the same reduced pressure of the attached membrane module 22 / 24 . this is typically a standard steam condenser 12 / 16 , made primarily of copper . the vacuum source 26 , which is powered by an energy input 27 , is connected through the condenser 12 / 16 to eliminate non - condensable vapors , such as air or carbon dioxide , and to maintain reduced pressure . the vacuum source 26 can establish a vacuum pressure sufficient to maintain the terminal temperature difference in the condenser at 3 ° c . the coolant comes from the inlet saline / contaminated stream flowing from the feed source 10 , allowing the latent heat of condensation to pre - heat the stream . pure water from the condensers 12 , 16 is sent to the liquid - liquid heat exchangers 14 , 18 . in stage 2 onward , the permeate joins the cooled permeate from the previous stage , which has been cooled to a temperature close to that of the permeate exiting the current stage . an amount of inlet water is bled off from the condenser 12 / 16 at that stage to act as cooling water for the liquid - liquid heat exchanger 14 / 18 . this amount is determined by balancing the heat capacity rates ( mass flow times specific heat capacity ). in the last stage the permeate exits at the temperature close to the inlet fluid . pressure from each stage is determined by the difference of saturation temperature of water vapor in each stage . the set point pressure is the saturation pressure corresponding to that temperature . the difference in saturation temperature from stage to stage may be in the range of 1 . 5 - 3 degrees celsius . the following figures show the temperature and pressure at each stage . in another embodiment , illustrated in fig9 , the vapor condenser 12 / 16 is integrated with the membrane - distillation module 22 / 24 . this embodiment is similar to the apparatus of fig1 in layout , except the external condenser 12 / 16 of fig1 is eliminated in favor of condensing the vapor that permeates ( as shown with arrows 44 ) through the membrane 38 to form , e . g ., liquid water 76 on a condensation surface 84 directly in the vapor - permeate containment chamber 21 / 25 , wherein the purified water flows 46 out of the base of the chamber 21 / 25 , as shown in fig1 . this can be considered a hybrid of a vacuum membrane distillation module 22 / 24 and an air - gap membrane - distillation module 70 / 72 , as the vapor stream 44 diffuses across and is condensed inside an air gap 74 ( e . g ., having a thickness on the order of 1 mm ), which provides thermal insulation between the hot liquid water stream 46 and the cold condensate 46 . the membrane 38 and module materials are similar to the system with an external condenser 12 / 16 , except a copper or other highly thermally conductive material plate 84 is used to collect condensate 46 . the surface of plate 84 may be enhanced to aid the removal of condensate droplets 76 . the condensate film 76 thickness can be , e . g ., one - tenth the width of the air gap 74 . the membrane 38 and condenser surface 84 are separated with a spacer , and pressure is reduced in this space in the same way it would be for an external condenser system . the copper condenser plate 84 separates the initial contaminated / saline feed liquid stream 78 as it collects the energy of condensation from the condensed water 76 , such that the initial feed liquid 78 acts as a coolant . the coolant 78 gains temperature and is passed to the next stage to again be used as a coolant 78 . it continues being used as a coolant until it reaches the first stage , where it is then passed through a heater 20 and sent to the first feed - liquid containment chamber 19 , where it is treated . an embodiment of a vapor - membrane - distillation / air - gap hybrid module 70 / 72 with a plurality of membranes 38 mounted in parallel is shown in fig1 . in this embodiment , alternating and cross - flowing channels of vaporizing feed liquid 42 and coolant 78 are separated by the parallel membrane 38 and condenser assemblies . in describing embodiments of the invention , specific terminology is used for the sake of clarity . for the purpose of description , specific terms are intended to at least include technical and functional equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar result . additionally , in some instances where a particular embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of system elements or method steps , those elements or steps may be replaced with a single element or step ; likewise , a single element or step may be replaced with a plurality of elements or steps that serve the same purpose . further , where parameters for various properties or other values are specified herein for embodiments of the invention , those parameters or values can be adjusted up or down by 1 / 100 th , 1 / 50 th , 1 / 20 th , 1 / 10 th , ⅕ th , ⅓ rd , ½ , ⅔ rd , ¾ th , ⅘ th , 9 / 10 th , 19 / 20 th , 49 / 50 th , 99 / 100 th , etc . ( or up by a factor of 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 8 , 10 , 20 , 50 , 100 , etc . ), or by rounded - off approximations thereof , unless otherwise specified . moreover , while this invention has been shown and described with references to particular embodiments thereof , those skilled in the art will understand that various substitutions and alterations in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention . further still , other aspects , functions and advantages are also within the scope of the invention ; and all embodiments of the invention need not necessarily achieve all of the advantages or possess all of the characteristics described above . additionally , steps , elements and features discussed herein in connection with one embodiment can likewise be used in conjunction with other embodiments . the contents of references , including reference texts , journal articles , patents , patent applications , etc ., cited throughout the text are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety ; and appropriate components , steps , and characterizations from these references may or may not be included in embodiments of this invention . still further , the components and steps identified in the background section are integral to this disclosure and can be used in conjunction with or substituted for components and steps described elsewhere in the disclosure within the scope of the invention . in method claims , where stages are recited in a particular order — with or without sequenced prefacing characters added for ease of reference — the stages are not to be interpreted as being temporally limited to the order in which they are recited unless otherwise specified or implied by the terms and phrasing . | 8 |
identically numbered elements in the accompanying drawings represent the same element . the term “ switch ” is used in this specification to describe equipment used to direct information over a network based on address information . those skilled in the art will understand that such equipment includes , for example , switches and routers . for example , a switch may direct an information packet based on address information contained within the packet . however , embodiments of the present invention are not limited to use in a switch , but may be used at any point in a network . thus , the term “ network ” as used herein is to be broadly construed to mean any communication system in which carried information has a characteristic subject to monitoring . embodiments are described using positive addends and activity values , but negative numbers may also be used . one embodiment of the present invention is an application specific integrated circuit ( asic ) used in a network switch , such as switch 10 in fig1 . fig2 is a block diagram showing components of switch 10 . as shown , switch 10 contains a plurality of port devices 50 a , 50 b , and 50 c . each individual port device 50 a , 50 b , and 50 c has a plurality of input / output ports represented by arrows 51 a , 51 b , and 51 c respectively . each port in each port device is connected to a particular source , destination , or combined source and destination ( fig1 ). switch 10 contains a data bus ( dbus ) 52 to which port devices 50 a - c are connected . a signal containing a packet may be directed to switch 10 via a particular port 51 d , for example . a signal received by a particular port device can be transferred to dbus 52 and signals on dbus 52 can be accessed by one or more components of switch 10 . for example , switch 10 contains conventional forwarding engine 54 connected to dbus 52 . forwarding engine 54 receives a data signal representing an information packet from dbus 52 and determines the packet &# 39 ; s proper address identification . after determining the packet &# 39 ; s address identification , forwarding engine 54 places a response signal on response bus ( rbus ) 56 , connected to port devices 50 a - c . the response signal directs one of port devices 50 a - c to direct the packet out a port 51 e , for example , towards a destination specified in the packet &# 39 ; s address . the packet information signal may be directed out any port or ports in any port device or devices in switch 10 . in accordance with the present invention , traffic monitor integrated circuit ( ic ) 58 is also connected to dbus 52 and rbus 56 . in the embodiment shown , ic 58 is application specific and contains random access memory ( ram ) 62 and monitor circuits 64 . ic 58 is configured to act as a sampler , a comparator , and a controller to implement a process that provides information regarding traffic flow rates on dbus 52 as described in detail below . the information is stored as a traffic activity table in ram 62 . the activity table contains packet address identification and relative activity values for each address identification in the table . the term “ identification ” as used in describing this embodiment means a source address , destination address , or source / destination address pair for a particular packet . for embodiments described below , conventional media access control ( mac ) addresses are monitored . other addressing protocols or other information signal characteristics may be monitored using embodiments of the present invention . in one embodiment , the table has a depth of 256 records . other table depths may be used , and the significance of table depth is described below . table 1 illustrates an activity table having 256 records . each record contains a field for a packet identification and a separate field for an activity value associated with the packet identification . manipulation of unique packet identifications and their associated activity values within the activity table is described in detail below . fig2 also shows central processing unit ( cpu ) 66 and clock 68 connected to ic 58 . as described below , cpu 66 provides information and instructions to ic 58 , and clock 68 provides clock pulses used during ic 58 operation . in one embodiment the clock is set at 62 . 5 mhz . fig3 a and 3b combined are a flow diagram representing tasks performed by a traffic monitor in accordance with the invention . these tasks correspond to code shown in the accompanying microfiche appendix . referring to fig3 a , a search pointer is initialized in step 102 . next , ram 62 ( fig2 ) is initialized in step 104 . both steps 102 and 104 are performed only once during a particular monitoring session . the remaining steps are performed as the monitor loops through the task flow as described below . all activity value fields are set to zero when ram is initialized . a zero activity value signifies that the record number is considered empty and may receive a new packet identification and associated activity value . as described below , an active packet identification is placed into an empty activity table record and has an activity value assigned during traffic monitor operation . as described below , if a particular packet identification activity ceases , the corresponding activity value eventually decreases to zero , the particular identification is “ timed out ” from the activity table , and a new , more active packet identification is put in its place . details of these procedures are discussed below . in one embodiment the search pointer ( initialized in step 102 ) points to the last activity table record . the exact record at which the pointer begins is not important , as long as the pointer eventually points to each activity table record . the monitor uses the search pointer to sequentially access each record in the activity table as it compares packet identification in the table to packet identifications being received by switch 10 . rather than track activity for every packet switch 10 receives , the monitor periodically samples identifications of received packets . the monitor may sample source , destination , or source / destination pair address identifications . as described in detail below , the monitor compares the sampled identification with the identification stored in each activity table record . thus , the monitor requires one sampled address each time it “ walks through ” all activity table records . the monitor may sample identifications in various ways . in one embodiment the monitor samples a received packet address identification using one of two modes . the monitor selects a sampling mode by referring to a binary bit state in ram 62 as written by cpu 66 in switch 10 ( fig2 ). in the “ fixed ” sampling mode , the monitor samples dbus 52 for a packet address after completing an activity table walk through . if a packet identification exists on dbus 52 at sampling time , the monitor stores the sampled identification in ram 62 , and sets an identification valid flag to true . if no packet signal exists on dbus 52 at the sampling time , the monitor waits for a specified time . if a valid packet arrives on dbus 52 during the specified time , the monitor takes the received identification as a sample , stores the identification in ram , and sets the identification valid flag to true . if no packet has arrived after the specified time expires , however , the monitor sets the identification valid flag to false . after sampling a valid address identification , or having waited the specified time , the monitor once again walks through the table and continues the procedure as described below . in a second , preferred “ random ” sampling mode , the monitor samples dbus 52 for a packet identification at a random time while performing the table walk - through . if a valid address identification is sampled , the identification valid flag is set to true . if no valid address identification is sampled , the monitor sets the identification valid flag to false . as soon as the monitor completes one table walk - through process , the monitor once again walks through the activity table regardless of whether a valid sampled identification exists for comparison . the advantage of the random sampling mode is that it avoids the possibility of sampling a particular packet address coincident with the packet &# 39 ; s periodic arrival time , yet ensures that sampling occurs at a fixed average rate . referring again to fig3 a , in step 106 the monitor samples the packet identification and sets the identification valid flag as appropriate , as just described . when no valid packet address is sampled , the previously sampled address remains in ram ( or the initialization value remains if no identification is sampled immediately after startup ). a false identification valid flag alerts the monitor to ignore the sampled identification during activity table identification comparisons . the traffic monitor sequentially compares the sampled packet identification against each identification stored in the activity table records . the monitor &# 39 ; s search pointer points to each activity table record in turn . the monitor uses a record number counter to indicate that an activity table record has been examined . when the record number counter value reaches the number of table records ( the table depth ), the monitor has examined each table record and then samples a new packet identification . in step 108 the table record counter is set to zero . in addition , in step 108 an “ identification found ” flag and “ empty record ” flag are each set to false . as the monitor walks through the activity table records , the activity table record actively being examined is referred to as the current record . in step 110 the monitor reads the current record and determines the current record &# 39 ; s current identification and current activity value . in step 112 , the monitor checks the current activity value to see if it equals zero . if the activity value does not equal zero , the current record contains information regarding an active traffic identification , and the monitor continues to step 113 . referring now to fig3 a , in step 113 the monitor checks if the sampled identification is valid by checking the identification valid flag status . if the identification is not valid , the monitor proceeds to step 130 which is described below . if valid , the monitor continues to step 114 and compares the sampled identification to the current identification in the current activity table record . if the sampled identification matches the current identification , this signifies that the sampled identification continues to be one of the more active identifications . therefore , an addend is determined in step 116 , and the addend is added to the current activity value in step 118 . in one embodiment , the appropriate addend is selected from a lookup table as shown in table 2 below . the lookup table is stored in ram 62 so that cpu 66 may alter the stored values ( fig2 ). in other embodiments the lookup table values may be stored in nonvolatile memory or in other computer readable storage media . or , the addend may be determined through direct calculation . as shown in table 2 the values in the “ activity value upper limit ” column represent ranges in which the current activity table record &# 39 ; s current activity value may fall . the corresponding value in the “ addend ” column represents the corresponding addend the monitor will use when a current activity value falls within one of the specified ranges . for example , if the current activity value associated with a particular identification in the activity table is greater than 1540 but less than 2048 , the monitor selects 43 as an addend . in the embodiment shown in table 2 , there is no corresponding sampled percent less than 0 . 78 . based on simulations , there is little significant traffic flow rate distinction between activity values less than 256 and those between 256 and 512 . for example , simulations show an identification that is sampled at slightly above 0 . 39 percent nevertheless will often have an activity value of less than 256 . therefore , a 0 . 39 corresponding sampled percent was omitted from this embodiment . other embodiments may include a corresponding sampled percent entry of 0 . 39 or similar number . the addend values to be selected in step 116 are varied to be inversely proportional to the current activity value . in this way , increasingly active packet identifications will have associated activity values that rise in progressively smaller increments . thus , for a constant rate of decrease for the activity value as described below , and for a given rate at which the monitor samples a particular identification , the identification &# 39 ; s associated activity value will stay below a selected upper value . fig4 illustrates monitor operation using values shown in table 2 . fig4 is a graph in which the abscissa represents time ( or sampling intervals ) and the ordinate represents a current record &# 39 ; s current activity value . as shown in interval a , the monitor initially samples a new identification twice so that the corresponding activity value is 511 at point a 1 ( 255 initial value + 256 addend ). the activity value then decreases over time because the monitor does not sample the corresponding identification , as described below , until reaching point a 2 at which time the monitor again samples the matching identification . the current activity value is less than 512 and the monitor once again selects 256 as an addend from the lookup table . the monitor adds the addend to the current activity value so that the new current activity value is in the range 512 to 1024 . this range signifies that the particular identification is being sampled at less than 0 . 78 percent of all packet identifications the monitor samples . still referring to fig4 as the particular packet identification activity increases , the monitor begins to sample the identification more frequently in interval b . the identification &# 39 ; s activity value continues its rising trend as the monitor now selects 128 as the appropriate addend . once the activity value reaches point c 1 , the activity value has crossed the 1024 threshold which now indicates that the particular identification is being sampled at between 0 . 78 and 1 . 6 percent of all identifications being monitored . if the monitor continues to sample this particular identification between 0 . 78 and 1 . 6 percent of the time , the activity value will remain in the range between 1024 and 1540 . if the monitor samples the particular identification more or less frequently , the associated activity value will move into a higher or lower range . both the individual addends and the activity value upper limit values may be varied . as shown for the embodiment in table 2 , the activity values and addends are based on the number of records in the traffic activity table . and as shown , the addends are selected so that the first sampled traffic flow indication occurs at just below one percent . in other embodiments , however , other activity value upper limit and addend values may be chosen to monitor other selected traffic rates . the number of rows in table 2 is selected to provide the number of distinct indications of traffic activity . the number of records therefore represents a granularity of the sampled identifications . in the embodiment shown , the number of intervals is selected as providing an acceptable number of indicated flow rates . in other embodiments , more or fewer ranges may be specified . referring again to fig3 b , the “ identification found ” flag is set to true in step 120 if the sampled identification matches the current identification in the table record . then , in step 122 the current record &# 39 ; s activity value is replaced with either the new increased activity value calculated in step 118 , or the new decreased activity value calculated in step 130 as described below . in the embodiment shown , the current identification is refreshed in step 122 when the associated activity value is written . referring again to step 112 shown in fig3 b , if the current activity value equals zero , the current activity table record is considered empty . the monitor checks the “ empty record ” flag in step 124 . if an empty record has already been found during a previous comparison between the sampled identification and an earlier table record , the monitor moves to step 122 as shown on fig3 b . if an empty record has not been previously found , step 126 sets an offset value equal to the current pointer . the monitor uses the offset value to show the record number of the empty record . then , the monitor sets the empty record flag to true in step 128 , and moves to step 122 . referring again to step 114 shown in fig3 b , if the sampled identification does not match the current identification , the monitor decreases the current activity value by a fixed value , as shown by step 130 . in the embodiments shown in the microfiche appendix , the activity value is decreased by one ( 1 ), but other values may be specified . thus , as the monitor walks through the activity table and examines each table record once per every sample , each activity table record containing a non - matching identification will have its corresponding activity value decreased . referring now to fig3 b , the monitor now performs step 132 and determines if all activity table records have been checked . if not , the monitor increments the table record counter in step 134 , increments the pointer in step 136 , and returns to step 110 to compare the sampled packet identification with the next activity table record using the procedure described above . if the monitor determines in step 132 that all activity table records have been checked , it next determines if the sampled packet identification should be added to the activity table . as shown in step 138 , if the sampled identification was found in an activity table record , the monitor returns to step 106 ( fig3 a ) and gets a new sampled packet identification . if the sampled identification was not found , however , the monitor performs step 140 and checks if the activity table contains an empty record . if the activity table contains an empty record , the monitor refers to the offset determined in step 126 ( fig3 a ) and puts the sampled identification and an initial activity value ( table 2 ) in the empty record . the monitor then returns to step 106 ( fig3 a ), samples another packet identification , and repeats the process as described above . in this way a table of active packet identifications and corresponding activity values is maintained in ram 62 ( fig2 ). the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above . for example , referring to fig5 one embodiment may be a computer 80 configured to implement the process described above using instructions compiled from , for example , source code in the c language . as shown , computer 80 is connected to switch 10 by any conventional means . computer 80 may thus receive information regarding the packet identifications being received by switch 10 or another network device , from source / destination address pairs 18 a and 18 b for example . computer 80 may then implement computer readable instructions to monitor network traffic as described . such computer readable instructions may be contained in memory 81 which may be ram or nonvolatile storage . such computer readable instructions may also be stored on any conventional removable computer storage medium 82 . referring to the microfiche appendices , microfiche appendix a is a code representing a circuit design expressed in conventional verilog language which may , for example , be embodied in ic 58 . the source code is compiled using a synopsys v . 8 . 3 compiler using conventional methods . in one embodiment the code was compiled to be manufactured by international business machines , inc . using standard industry procedures . physical circuits in accordance with embodiments of the invention are conventional . as described above , one embodiment was constructed as an application specific integrated circuit . persons skilled in the art , having reviewed this description , may also construct embodiments of the invention using other conventional techniques and components . persons skilled in the art will therefore realize that the spirit and scope of the present invention exceeds the embodiments described above and that the invention is defined by the claims that follow . | 7 |
throughout all the figures , same or corresponding elements may generally be indicated by same reference numerals . these depicted embodiments are to be understood as illustrative of the invention and not as limiting in any way . it should also be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale and that the embodiments are sometimes illustrated by graphic symbols , phantom lines , diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views . in certain instances , details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted . turning now to the drawing , and in particular to fig1 , there is shown a simplified schematic illustration of a power electronics system according to the present invention , generally designated by reference numeral 1 and explanatory for fig2 to 4 . the power electronics system 1 has a housing 2 comprised of three cuboid housing elements which define an upper cover element 20 , a central element 22 , and a lower cover element 24 . each of these housing elements 20 , 22 , 24 is formed by a cup - shaped housing member 206 , 226 , 246 and an assigned cover member 200 , 220 , 240 . this is shown particularly clearly for the two cover elements 20 , 24 . the upper cover element 20 is arranged with its connection surface 202 on the upper connection surface 222 of the central element 22 and likewise the lower cover element 24 with its connection surface 242 is arranged on the lower connection surface 224 of the central element 22 . the assigned connection surfaces only partially touch one another and are arranged at distances in sections , by providing at least one of the connection surfaces with a surface contour . as a result of this contouring of the surfaces , upper and lower cooling chambers and first connecting channels are formed . the central element 22 furthermore includes an inlet port 50 , an outlet port 52 and at least one second connecting channel 54 , 56 between the upper and lower chamber areas , which includes the respective cooling chambers and first connecting channels there . these elements form the liquid cooling system 5 of the power electronics system 1 . although not shown in detail , seals are , of course , provided and arranged as customary , for sealing the liquid cooling system 5 , in particular on the connection surfaces 202 , 222 , 224 , 242 . the lower cover element 24 accommodates three lower power electronics switching devices 34 . one of these switching devices comprises , in this embodiment , without restricting the generality , a control switching device 64 functionally connected thereto . similarly without restriction , the upper cover element 20 includes a power electronics circuit 30 and two control switching devices 60 non - functionally connected hereto . the central element 22 accommodates a condenser device 4 , which is formed here from three condensers 40 , which are functionally connected to the three lower power electronics switching devices 34 , without this connection being explicitly shown . a plurality of different cooling chamber configurations can essentially be embodied based on this embodiment of the power electronics system 1 . in a first variant of a cooling chamber 500 , 540 , here without restricting the generality , shown with an upper cooling chamber 500 , this is in exclusive thermal contact by means of an assigned cooling surface 522 with a condenser device 4 , in particular with its condensers 40 themselves or alternatively or in addition with its condenser connection elements 410 , 420 . in some embodiments of the power electronics system , the cooling of the condenser connection elements gains considerable significance . as is further shown in fig4 , the housing member 226 is provided with a terminal 600 for providing electrical connections . with a second variant of a cooling chamber 502 , here likewise shown as an upper cooling chamber , this is in thermal contact with the condenser device 4 and a control switching device 6 by means of two cooling surfaces 506 , 524 . with a third variant of a cooling chamber , here shown with an upper 504 and a lower 544 cooling chamber , this is thermal contact with the condenser device 4 by means of a cooling surface 526 , 528 respectively and with a respective power electronics switching device 30 , 34 by means of a further respective cooling surface , here in each case a main cooling surface 508 , 546 , 548 . the respective main cooling surface 508 , 546 , 548 has cooling fingers , as a result of which the cooling output of this main cooling surface is essentially better by at least a factor of two compared with a cooling surface with the same base surface . an increased pressure loss of the cooling liquid generally accompanies this improved cooling output . with a fourth variant of a cooling chamber 542 , here a lower cooling chamber , the single cooling surface 546 is in thermal contact with a power electronics circuit 34 . in order to be able to fulfill the cooling requirements of power electronics circuits , it is advantageous in each instance to embody the cooling surfaces assigned thereto , as shown , as main cooling surfaces . the liquid cooling system of a power electronics system , which , for the sake of clarity , is taken into consideration without control switching devices 60 , 64 , is particularly preferably , see hereto also fig5 , embodied such that the cooling liquid flows through the liquid cooling system 5 in the following order : inlet port 50 ; a lower cooling chamber 540 of the first variant ; connecting channel 54 from below to the upper chamber area ; one or a number of upper cooling chambers 500 of a first variant ; connecting channel 56 from the upper to the lower chamber area a plurality of lower cooling chambers 542 of a fourth variant ; outlet port 52 . it is herewith understandable that if necessary the upper or the lower connecting channels are likewise flowed through . fig2 to 4 show a power electronics system 1 according to this cited embodiment . fig5 shows the cooling liquid and its pressure loss in a power electronics system 1 of this type , wherein the liquid is provided here in corresponding areas of the power electronics system with a stroke following the reference character . the parts of the housing forming the liquid cooling system are thus not shown explicitly , but instead the cooling liquid contained in the liquid cooling system . fig2 shows the inventive power electronics system in a two - dimensional sectional representation along a section a - a according to fig3 , whereas fig3 and 4 show the power electronics system in an exploded view from two different viewing directions . the three - part housing 2 of the power electronics system is shown , consisting of the upper cover element 20 which ( not shown ) has an activation switching device . the upper cover element 20 is embodied like the remaining housing parts as a cup - type housing member 206 with an assigned cover member 200 . a condenser device 4 with condensers 40 and second condenser connection elements 420 for connection with a external dc source , and also with a plurality of first condenser connection elements 410 for connection with power electronics switching devices 34 of the power electronics system , is arranged in the central element 22 . similarly , the inlet port 50 and also the outlet port 52 are likewise arranged in this central element 22 for the cooling liquid to flow through the liquid cooling system 5 . the height extension of the central element 22 , in other words the distance between the upper and lower cover element , is dependent in this embodiment on the capacity of the condenser device 4 and can thus be embodied variably as a function hereof . three power electronics switching devices 34 , embodied in each instance as semibridge circuits , are arranged in the lower cover element 24 . the liquid cooling system 5 of the power electronics system consists , in addition to the inlet 50 and outlet port 52 , of an upper and a lower chamber area , which in each instance comprises cooling chambers and first connecting channels and second connecting channels 54 , 56 connecting the chamber areas . a cooling chamber herewith by definition , in contrast to a first connecting channel , comprises a cooling surface for thermal connection with a component to be cooled , such as a condenser device , a control switching device or a power electronics switching device . basically the cooling chamber and first connecting channel can pass into one another without a change in cross - section . the first chamber area , and / or the cooling chambers and first connecting channels there are embodied by a contouring of the connection surface 202 of the upper cover device 20 and the upper connection surface 222 of the central element 22 . similarly , the second chamber area is embodied by a contouring of the connection surface 242 of the lower cover device 24 and the lower connection surface 224 of the central element 22 . fig5 shows the cooling liquid , as it spreads in the liquid cooling system 5 and the pressure losses developing on account of the various embodiments of the cooling chambers . it can be seen that downstream of the inlet 50 , the cooling liquid flows through a first lower cooling chamber of a first variant , thereby only involving a minimal temperature rise and above all only a low pressure loss . the upper cooling chambers virtually degenerated to form a cooling chamber on account of the corresponding embodiment of the connecting channel are likewise embodied according to the first variant and comprise a comparably low pressure loss like the first lower cooling chamber . the heat input is likewise low here since the condenser device 4 requires a low heat discharge compared with the power electronics switching devices 30 , 34 . nevertheless , the thermal capacity , in particular the desired operating temperature of the condenser device 4 , is significantly lower than that of the power electronics switching devices . for instance , the operating temperature of the condenser device is not to exceed 90 ° c ., whereas the power semiconductor elements of the power electronics switching devices are configured for operating temperatures of up to 150 ° c ., frequently even up to 175 ° c . those cooling chambers , which are in thermal contact with the power electronics switching devices 30 , 34 , have the largest heat input into the cooling liquid , as a result of which the cooling surfaces are embodied as main cooling surfaces with cooling elements , such as cooling fins or cooling fingers . the significantly higher heat input is thus also accompanied by a higher pressure loss . in summary , the cooling chamber which is in exclusive thermal contact with the condenser device has the lowest pressure loss of all the cooling chambers . if such cooling chambers are not provided , the cooling chamber which is in exclusive thermal contact with the condenser device and a control switching device has the lowest pressure loss of all the cooling chambers . by contrast , the cooling chamber which is in exclusive thermal contact with a power electronics switching device has the highest pressure loss of all cooling chambers . this thus means that the last cooling chamber flowed through has a pressure loss which is higher by at least a factor of 1 . 6 , in particular by a factor of 3 , than the first cooling chamber flowed through . while the invention has been illustrated and described in connection with currently preferred embodiments shown and described in detail , it is not intended to be limited to the details shown since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit and scope of the present invention . the embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and practical application to thereby enable a person skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated . what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by letters patent is set forth in the appended claims and includes equivalents of the elements recited therein : | 7 |
the construction of a substrate treating apparatus according to the invention will be described hereinafter . this substrate treating apparatus is designed for removing a reaction product , which is an organic substance , from a substrate . in this embodiment , the apparatus removes a polymer as the reaction product from the surface of a substrate , e . g . a silicon semiconductor wafer , with a film formed thereon . the above polymer results from dry etching of the film under a resist film used as a mask . the resist herein is a photosensitive material , and more particularly a photosensitive material containing an organic substance . the film noted above is , for example , a film of metal such as copper , aluminum , titanium or tungsten , or a film of a mixture of metals such as copper , aluminum , titanium and tungsten , or an insulating film such as a silicon oxide film , a silicon nitride film , an organic insulating film , a low dielectric layer insulating film or a high dielectric layer insulating film . fig1 through 3 are schematic side views of the substrate treating apparatus , respectively . this substrate treating apparatus includes a spin chuck 58 driven by a motor 57 to rotate with a wafer w having a primary surface thereof in horizontal posture , a first nozzle 41 for supplying the removal liquid to the wafer w held by the spin chuck 58 , a second nozzle 42 for supplying deionized water to the wafer w held by the spin chuck 58 , and an annular , vertically movable cup 51 and an annular fixed cup 52 acting as a scatter preventive cup for capturing the removal liquid and deionized water scattering from the wafer w in time of wafer treatment . the first nozzle 41 is connected at a proximal end thereof to a support shaft 43 rotatably supported by a motor 45 . the motor 45 is connected to an air cylinder 48 through a bracket 47 . thus , the first nozzle 41 is driven by the air cylinder 48 to move vertically between a removal liquid supplying position shown in solid lines in fig1 through 3 , and a raised position shown in two - dot chain lines in fig1 through 3 . further , the first nozzle 41 is driven by the motor 45 to swing a distal end thereof between a position opposed to the center of wafer w held by the spin chuck 58 , a position opposed to the vicinity of an edge of wafer w held by the spin chuck 58 , and a position outside the movable cup 51 and fixed cup 52 . the first nozzle 41 is connected to a removal liquid reservoir 62 through a removal liquid circulating and heating mechanism for circulating and heating the removal liquid . the removal liquid circulating and heating mechanism includes a common supply line 63 extending between the removal liquid reservoir 62 and first nozzle 41 , a first circulating line 66 branching from a first branch point 1 on the common supply line and extending to the removal liquid reservoir 62 , and a second circulating line 65 branching from a second branch point 2 on the common supply line between the first branch point 1 and first nozzle 41 and extending to the removal liquid reservoir 62 . the common supply line 63 has , arranged between the removal liquid reservoir 62 and first branch point 1 , a circulating pump 64 in the form of a bellows pump , for example , and a removal liquid heating unit 69 with a heater for heating the removal liquid . the first circulating line 66 has a flow control valve 68 such as a flowmeter with a needle . the common supply line 63 has a filter 70 disposed between the first branch point 1 and second branch point 2 for filtering the removal liquid flowing between the two branch points 1 and 2 . the second circulating line 65 has a flow control valve 67 similar to the flow control valve 68 . an electromagnetic switch valve 71 is disposed between the second branch point 2 and first nozzle 41 . the electromagnetic switch valve 71 is normally closed . in this state , the removal liquid in the removal liquid reservoir 62 , by the action of circulating pump 64 , circulates through the common circulation line 63 and through both the first circulating line 66 and second circulating line 65 . that is , the removal liquid that circulates through the common circulation line 63 and first circulating line 66 , by the action of circulating pump 64 , passes through the removal liquid heating unit 69 to be heated , and flows through the flow control valve 68 to be collected in the removal liquid reservoir 62 . the removal liquid that circulates through the common circulation line 63 and second circulating line 65 , by the action of circulation pump 64 , passes through the removal liquid heating unit 69 to be heated , and after being filtered by the filter 70 , flows through the flow control valve 67 to be collected in the removal liquid reservoir 62 . the electromagnetic switch valve 71 is opened when supplying the removal liquid . in this state , the removal liquid that circulates through the second circulating line 65 is transmitted to the first nozzle 41 through the electromagnetic switch valve 71 to be supplied to the surface of wafer w held and rotated by the spin chuck 58 . the removal liquid feed rate per unit time is adjusted by the flow control valves 67 and 68 . that is , the quantity of the removal liquid circulating through the first circulating line 66 and the quantity of the removal liquid circulating through the second circulating line 65 are adjusted by the flow control valves 67 and 68 . at this time , the quantity of the removal liquid circulating through the first circulating line 66 is set to an appropriate flow rate for maintaining the removal liquid at a proper temperature . the quantity of the removal liquid circulating through the second circulating line 65 is set to such a flow rate that the removal liquid is supplied at a desired rate per unit time from the first nozzle 41 to the surface of wafer w . the removal liquid supplied from the first nozzle 41 to the wafer w may be an organic amine - based removal liquid containing an organic amine such as dimethyl sulfoxide or dimethylformamide , a removal liquid containing ammonium fluoride , or an inorganic removal liquid . specifically , the organic amine - based removal liquid may be a mixed solution of monoethanolamine , water and aromatic triol , a mixed solution of 2 -( 2 - aminoethoxy ) ethanol , hydroxyamine and catechol , a mixed solution of alkanolamine , water , dialkylsulfoxide , hydroxyamine and an amine - based anticorrosive , a mixed solution of alkanolamine , glycol ether and water , a mixed solution of dimethylsulfoxide , hydroxyamine , triethylene - tetramine , pyrocatechol and water , a mixed solution of water , hydroxyamine and pyrogallol , a mixed solution of 2 - amino - ethanol , ether and sugar alcohol , or a mixed solution of 2 -( 2 - aminoethoxy ) ethanol , n , n - dimethylacetamide , water and triethanolamine . the solution containing an ammonium fluoride substance ( called an ammonium fluoride removal liquid ) may be a mixed solution of an organic alkali , sugar alcohol and water , a mixed solution of a fluorine compound , an organic carboxylic acid and an acid / amide - based solvent , a mixed solution of alkylamide , water and ammonium fluoride , a mixed solution of dimethylsulfoxide , 2 - aminoethanol , an aqueous solution of an organic alkali and aromatic hydrocarbon , a mixed solution of dimethylsulfoxide , ammonium fluoride and water , a mixed solution of ammonium fluoride , triethanolamine , pentamethyldiethylene triamine , iminodiacetate and water , a mixed solution of glycol , alkyl sulfate , organic salt , organic acid and inorganic salt , or a mixed solution of amide , organic salt , organic acid and inorganic salt . an inorganic solution ( or inorganic removal liquid ) may be a mixed solution of water and a phosphoric acid derivative . the second nozzle 42 is connected at a proximal end thereof to a support shaft 44 rotatably supported by a motor 46 . the motor 46 is connected to an air cylinder 49 through the bracket 47 . thus , the second nozzle 42 is driven by the air cylinder 49 to move vertically between a deionized water supplying position shown in solid lines in fig1 through 3 , and a raised shown in two - dot chain lines in fig1 through 3 . further , the second nozzle 42 is driven by the motor 46 to swing a distal end thereof between a position opposed to the center of wafer w held by the spin chuck 58 , a position opposed to the vicinity of an edge of wafer w held by the spin chuck 58 , and a position outside the movable cup 51 and fixed cup 52 . the second nozzle 42 is connected by piping to a deionized water source not shown . deionized water fed from the deionized water source is supplied from the second nozzle 42 to the surface of wafer w held by the spin chuck 58 . the vertically movable cup 51 is connected to an air cylinder 54 through a support 53 . thus , the movable cup 51 is driven by the air cylinder 54 to move vertically between a position shown in fig1 for allowing loading and unloading of the wafer w , a deionized water collecting position shown in fig2 , and a removal liquid collecting position shown in fig3 . when the movable cup 51 is in the position shown in fig1 , a transport mechanism not shown may transport the wafer w into or out of the substrate treating apparatus . in the deionized water collecting position shown in fig2 , the movable cup 51 captures the deionized water scattering from the wafer w when the deionized water is supplied to the wafer w for treatment of the wafer w . in the removal liquid collecting position shown in fig3 , the movable cup 51 captures the removal liquid scattering from the wafer w when the removal liquid is supplied to the wafer w for treatment of the wafer w . the fixed cup 52 has a first recess 55 formed circumferentially , and a second recess 56 formed circumferentially and inwardly of the first recess 55 . the first recess 55 is used for collecting the removal liquid captured by the movable cup 51 in the removal liquid collecting position shown in fig3 . the second recess 56 is used for collecting the deionized water captured by the movable cup 51 in the deionized water collecting position shown in fig2 . the first recess 55 is connected to the removal liquid reservoir 62 through piping 61 . the removal liquid collected in the first recess 55 is once stored in the removal liquid reservoir 62 , and thereafter transmitted by the action of circulating pump 64 to the first nozzle 41 again to be supplied to the surface of wafer w held by the spin chuck 58 . the second recess 56 is connected to a deionized water collector 11 . the deionized water collected in the collector 11 is discarded . next , an operation of this substrate treating apparatus for treating a wafer w will be described . fig4 is a flow chart showing the treating operation of the substrate treating apparatus . first , a wafer w to be treated is loaded into the substrate treating apparatus ( step s 1 ). for loading the wafer w into the apparatus , the movable cup 51 is lowered to the position shown in fig1 for allowing loading and unloading of the wafer w . the distal ends of the first nozzle 41 and second nozzle 42 are kept outside the movable cup 51 and fixed cup 52 . after the transport mechanism places the wafer w on the spin chuck 58 , the removal liquid is supplied to the wafer w in the following manner ( step s 2 ). in time of supplying the removal liquid , the movable cup 51 is raised to the removal liquid collecting position as shown in fig3 . thereafter , the air cylinder 48 is operated to raise the first nozzle 41 once to the upper position shown in two - dot chain lines in fig3 , and then the motor 45 is operated to rotate the support shaft 43 , thereby moving the distal end of first nozzle 41 from the position outside the movable cup 51 and fixed cup 52 to the position opposed to the center of the wafer w held by the spin chuck 58 . next , the air cylinder 48 is operated to lower the first nozzle 41 to the removal liquid supplying position shown in solid lines in fig3 . in this state , the motor 57 is operated to spin the spin chuck 58 , and the electromagnetic switch valve 71 is opened to supply the removal liquid to the surface of the spinning wafer w held by the spin chuck 58 . in this way , a process is carried out for removing the reaction product . in time of this removing process , the supply per unit time of the removal liquid from the first nozzle 41 to the surface of wafer w and the rotational frequency of spin chuck 58 are controlled to be predetermined values . that is , in this removing step , the reaction product may be removed with high efficiency by supplying the removal liquid at a rate of 50 ml or more per minute . as noted hereinbefore , even when the removal liquid is heated to a proper temperature to realize a maximum rate of removing the reaction product , the removal liquid actually supplied to the wafer w loses some of its heat to the wafer w . this results in a phenomenon of lowering the efficiency of removing the reaction product . when the removal liquid is continuously supplied to the wafer w at 50 ml or more , the wafer w is heated by the removal liquid to restrain the removal liquid cooling down from the proper temperature . this effectively avoids the phenomenon of lowering the efficiency of removing the reaction product and impairing the quality of treatment of the wafer w . where the wafer w is the 8 - inch type , it is desirable to supply the removal liquid at a rate of 150 ml to 500 ml per minute to the wafer w . where the wafer w is the 12 - inch type , it is desirable to supply the removal liquid at a rate of 200 ml to 1 , 000 ml per minute to the wafer w . by setting the removal liquid supplying rate per unit time of the removal liquid to such values , the reaction product may be removed from the wafer w with increased efficiency . the wafer w described in this specification is a substantially circular semiconductor wafer . the wafer w of the 8 - inch type is a 200 mm wafer specified by semi international standards . the wafer w of the 12 - inch type is a 300 mm wafer specified by semi international standards . according to the dimensions provided by semi international standards , the wafer w of the 8 - inch type is 200 mm ± 0 . 2 mm , and the wafer w of the 12 - inch type 300 mm ± 0 . 5 mm . in the removing step , the reaction product may be removed with high efficiency by setting the rotational frequency of spin chuck 58 to a first speed of at least 100 rpm . when the rotational frequency of spin chuck 58 is lower than the above value , the removal liquid supplied to the wafer w does not spread quickly over the entire surface of wafer w . consequently , the wafer w spinning with the spin chuck 58 is lower in temperature adjacent the edge than adjacent the center of rotation . this causes a phenomenon of the temperature of the removal liquid lowering below the proper temperature adjacent the edge of the wafer w , to lower the efficiency of removing the reaction product decreases . this inconvenience may be avoided by setting the rotational frequency of spin chuck 58 to 100 rpm or higher it is desirable that the rotational frequency of spin chuck 58 at this time does not exceed 3 , 000 rpm . when the rotational frequency of spin chuck 58 exceeds the above value , the removal liquid scattering from the edge of the spinning wafer w could rebound from the movable cup 51 back to the surface of wafer w . since the removal liquid scattering from the edge of wafer w has a reduced temperature , this removal liquid could lower the temperature of the removal liquid supplied from the first nozzle 41 to the surface of wafer w , to lower the efficiency of removing the reaction product . further , contaminants could mix into the removal liquid scattering from the edge of wafer w and rebounding from the movable cup 51 , to affect the results of treatment of the wafer w . such an inconvenience may be avoided by setting the rotational frequency of spin chuck 58 to 3 , 000 rpm or less . the rotational frequency of spin chuck 58 noted above is controlled by controlling the rotational frequency of motor 58 acting as the driving device for spinning the spin chuck 58 . after completing the removal liquid supplying step under the above conditions , a removal liquid scattering step is executed next ( step s 3 ). in this scattering step , the spin chuck 58 is spun at a second speed faster than the above first speed to scatter the removal liquid from the wafer w . the removal liquid scattering from the edge of the wafer w is captured by the lower end of vertically movable cup 51 as indicated by arrows in fig3 , and collected in the removal liquid reservoir 62 through the first recess 55 in the fixed cup 52 . in this way , reuse may be made of the expensive removal liquid . upon completion of the process of removing the reaction product by using the removal liquid , the distal end of first nozzle 41 is moved outside the movable cup 51 and fixed cup 52 . in the removal liquid scattering step also , the rotational frequency of spin chuck 58 , preferably , is 3 , 000 rpm or less . next , a deionized water supplying step is executed ( step s 4 ). for executing the deionized water supplying step , the movable cup 51 is lowered to the deionized water collecting position shown in fig2 . the air cylinder 49 is operated to raise the second nozzle 42 once to the upper position shown in two - dot chain lines in fig2 , and then the motor 46 is operated to rotate the support shaft 44 , thereby moving the distal end of second nozzle 42 from the position outside the movable cup 51 and fixed cup 52 to the position opposed to the center of the wafer w held by the spin chuck 58 . next , the air cylinder 49 is operated to lower the second nozzle 42 to the deionized water supplying position shown in solid lines in fig2 . in this state , the wafer w is spun with the spin chuck 58 , and the deionized water is supplied from the second nozzle 42 to the surface of wafer w to clean the wafer w . at this time , the deionized water scattering from the edge of the wafer w is captured by the side wall of movable cup 51 as indicated by arrows in fig2 , and collected in the deionized water collector 11 through the second recess 56 in the fixed cup 52 . after the cleaning process using the deionized water , a spin - drying step is executed ( step s 5 ). in the spin - drying step , the spin chuck 58 is spun at high speed to spin - dry the wafer w . finally , a wafer unloading step is executed ( step s 6 ). for executing the wafer unloading step , the distal end of the second nozzle 42 is moved outside the movable cup 51 and fixed cup 52 . the movable cup 51 is lowered to the position for allowing loading and unloading of the wafer w . then , the transport mechanism , not shown , unloads the wafer w from the spin chuck 58 . the above embodiment discloses a process for removing a polymer , which is a reaction product generated during dry etching , from the wafer having undergone the dry etching . however , the invention is not limited to the removal from the wafer of a reaction product generated during dry etching . for example , the invention is applicable also to removal from the wafer of a reaction product generated during plasma ashing . when an impurity diffusion process is carried out with a resist film acting as a mask , the whole or part of the resist film changes into a reaction product . the invention includes the case of removing such reaction product also . thus , the invention is applicable also to removal from substrates of reaction products resulting from resists during various processes not limited to dry etching . further , the invention is not limited to removal of the resist - originated reaction product from the substrate , but includes also a case of removing the resist itself from the substrate . for example , a resist may be applied to a substrate to form a resist film thereon , a pattern ( e . g . a wiring pattern ) is exposed on the resist film , and the exposed resist film is developed . the pattern defined by the developed resist film may be used as a mask to perform a lower film process on a film ( which is called a lower film ) present under the resist . the invention is applicable also to removal of the resist film no longer necessary after the lower film process . more particularly , for example , the lower film may be etched after development of the resist film . whether the etching process is wet etching or dry etching such as rie , the resist film becomes unnecessary and should be removed after the etching process . the invention includes also such resist removal following the etching process . further , in a different case of removing a resist itself from a substrate , an impurity diffusion process may be conducted as a lower film process after the resist film is developed . the resist film becomes unnecessary and should be removed after the diffusion process . the invention includes also such resist removal . in these cases , any reaction product resulting from a change in property of the resist film may be removed together with the unwanted resist film . this is advantageous in improving throughput and reducing cost . when , for example , the lower film is dry - etched in the above etching process , a resist - originated reaction product is also generated . as a result , the resist film itself serving as a mask for the lower film during the dry etching and the reaction product resulting from a change in property of the resist film may be removed at the same time . a resist - originated reaction product is generated also when the impurity diffusion process ( e . g . ion implantation ) is conducted on the lower film . consequently , the resist film itself serving as a mask for the lower film during the impurity diffusion process and the reaction product resulting from a change in property of the resist film may be removed at the same time . furthermore , according to the invention , it is possible to remove not only the resist - originated reaction product and the resist itself , but also organic matter not originating from the resist , such as minute contaminants emanating from the human body . 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 . | 8 |
referring to the drawings in greater detail , and first to fig1 , the invention is embodied in a fanout connector , generally designated 20 and which is fabricated of three major components . as best seen in fig4 those components include a base housing , generally designated 22 , and a cover , generally designated 24 , which is slidably mounted onto the base housing in the direction of arrow “ a ”. the base housing and cover form a housing means for receiving a third major component , namely a fanout insert , generally designated 26 . a fiber optic cable 28 includes a plurality of individual optical fibers 30 which extend through the fanout insert and through a plurality of tubes 32 projecting forwardly of the insert . more particularly , base housing 22 of fanout connector 20 includes a through passage , generally designated 34 , for receiving cable 28 and fibers 30 along an axis 36 . the base housing is a one - piece structure unitarily molded of plastic material and includes a bottom wall 38 and a pair of upstanding side walls 40 which define a receptacle 42 which communicates with or is a part of through passage 34 . the receptacle generally is at a front end 44 of the housing , and a bottom lip 46 projects forwardly of front end 44 . an entrance section 48 of through passage 34 opens at a rear end 50 of the housing and through which cable 28 extends . the entrance section is enlarged relative to the dimensions of the cable so that the cable is freely positioned within the enlarged entrance section as best seen in fig3 . an intermediate section is defined by a pair of side walls 52 which gradually slope outwardly or diverge from entrance section 48 to receptacle 42 . a plurality of guide rails 54 are located along the upper edges of side walls 40 of the base housing , with the guide rails opening inwardly toward axis 34 . other features of base housing 22 include an upstanding octagonal mounting post 56 , a rearwardly projecting strain relief tongue 58 , a pair of upwardly opening latch recesses 60 ( fig4 ), a pair of bottom opening mounting holes 62 ( fig2 ) and a pair of cylindrical mounting members 64 , all for purposes described hereinafter . mounting members 64 are joined to one side wall 40 of the base housing by a pair of frangible webs 66 . cover 24 of connector 20 is a generally flat , elongated or rectangular member having guide ribs 68 along opposite edges thereof . the cover is a one - piece structure unitarily molded of plastic material . guide ribs 68 slide beneath guide rails 54 of base housing 22 when the cover is slidably mounted to the housing in the direction of arrow “ a ” ( fig4 ) as described hereinafter . the cover has an upstanding octagonal mounting post 70 similar to upstanding mounting post 56 of the base housing . the cover has a forwardly projecting top lip 72 similar to bottom lip 46 of the base housing . the cover has a rearwardly projecting strain relief shroud 74 which cooperates with strain relief tongue 58 of the base housing to provide a strain relief means for cable 28 , as will be seen hereinafter . referring to fig5 the bottom of cover 24 has a pair of integrally molded latch bosses 76 which latch within recesses 60 ( fig4 ) of the base housing . a stop 78 also projects from the bottom of the cover . finally , the cover includes a transparent window 80 which affords visual inspection of the cable within the connector . the entire cover may be molded of substantially transparent plastic material which is texturized in areas 82 so that substantially the entire cover is opaque except for transparent window 80 . referring to fig4 fanout insert 26 is molded of plastic material and includes a plurality of through holes 84 which receive fibers 30 of cable 28 and which spread the individual fibers apart from each other transversely of axis 36 . the number of through holes does not have to match the number of fibers of the cable . for instance , in the illustrated embodiment , there are sixteen through holes 84 and only fourteen fibers 30 of cable 28 . as stated above , the fibers extend through a plurality of tubes 32 projecting from a front end 86 of the fanout insert . the rear ends of the tubes preferably are fixed , as by epoxy , within the front ends of through holes 84 . the fiber ends project beyond the front ends of the tubes as seen in the drawings . the tubes provide both protection for the projecting fibers as well as means for readily manipulating the fibers . as seen in fig1 - 3 , the tubes , themselves , are protected by forwardly projecting top lip 72 of the cover and bottom lip 46 of the base housing . fig6 shows how a plurality of connectors 20 can be mounted on top of each other in a stacked array . when one connector is mounted on top of another connector , mounting post 56 which projects upwardly from base housing 22 and mounting post 70 which projects upwardly from cover 24 of a bottom connector are inserted into mounting holes 62 ( fig2 ) in the bottom of the base housing of a top connector . therefore , the cover of the bottom connector cannot move relative to the base housing thereof . the mounting posts may be sized for positioning into the mounting holes by a press - fit . although fig6 shows two connectors in a stacked array , of course more than two connectors can be stacked as described . furthermore , the mounting posts 56 and 70 may be press fit into mounting holes in a printed circuit board ( not shown ). fig7 - 10 show how cylindrical mounting members 64 can be brokenaway from base housing 22 for using the connector in applications wherein the connector is not mounted to a supporting structure . in other words , cylindrical mounting members 64 have through holes 88 ( fig7 and 8 ) for receiving therethrough appropriate fasteners , such as rivets , screws or bolts , for fastening the connector to an appropriate support structure . when an application dictates that the connector be used as a stand - alone unit , mounting members 64 are broken - away from base housing 22 . this is accomplished by using frangible webs 66 which join the mounting members to the base housing and which are much smaller than the mounting members . fig7 and 7a show that notches 90 are formed at the tops of the webs immediately adjacent the housing . fig8 and 8a show that notches 92 are formed at the bottoms of the webs immediately adjacent the housing . these notches weaken the junctures between the webs and the housing so that the webs readily break away from the housing leaving fairly clean breaking points as seen in fig9 and 10 . referring to fig1 and 12 in conjunction with fig4 fanout insert 26 includes a plurality of polarizing projections 94 on opposite sides thereof , and base housing 22 includes a plurality of polarizing projections 96 on the opposite sides of receptacle 42 defined by side walls 40 . these complementary interengaging polarizing projections 94 and 96 define a tongue and groove arrangement at the sides of fanout insert 26 and the sides of receptacle 42 to ensure that the fanout insert is positioned in the receptacle only in a given orientation so that the fibers of cable 28 are oriented according to an expected scheme in which they have been threaded through the insert and through tubes 32 . at this point , it can be seen in fig4 and 12 that a small tube or band 98 is positioned about cable 28 at a point where the outer cladding of the cable has been removed to expose individual fibers 30 . this band may be fabricated of heat shrinkable material and heat shrunk about the cable at this point . the band prevents the fibers from fraying the outer cladding of the cable after they have been exposed for spreading by fanout insert 26 . as seen in fig3 the band is free to move within enlarged entrance section 48 . this allows the cable and fibers to move axially of the entire connector within the limits of the band captured in the enlarged entrance section thereby improving temperature cycling performance . stop 78 on the underside of cover 24 defines the forward limit of such movement . after fanout insert 26 , cable 28 , fibers 30 and tubes 32 have been prepared as shown in fig4 and after this subassembly has been inserted and polarized within base housing 22 as shown in fig1 and 12 , cover 24 is assembled to the base housing as shown in fig1 and 14 . specifically , the cover is slidably mounted to the base housing in the direction of arrows “ a ”. during mounting , guide ribs 68 at opposite edges of the flat cover slide beneath guide rails 54 along the top edges of side walls 40 of the base housing . the cover is slidably mounted to the housing until a pair of stops 100 at opposite sides of the cover abut against a pair of stops 102 at opposite sides of the base housing as seen in fig1 . once cover 24 is fully slidably mounted onto base housing 22 with stops 100 and 102 in abutment , two functions occur as best seen in fig1 . first , latch bosses 76 ( fig5 ) on the underside of cover 24 snap into latching interengagement with latch recesses 60 ( fig4 ) in the top of the base housing . second , strain relief tongue 58 at the rear of the base housing enters strain relief shroud 74 at the rear of the cover . this sandwiches cable 28 between the tongue and the cover . as best seen in fig4 and 5 , shroud 74 is flattened and is generally c - shaped to define a pair of bottom , inwardly directed flanges 74 a . tongue 58 also is flat , whereby ribbon cable 28 is sandwiched between the flat tongue and the flat top of the shroud , with flanges 74 a of the shroud interengaging with the bottom of the tongue . the shroud is joined to the cover by a thin web 74 b . with the cover and the base housing being fabricated of plastic material , web 74 b of shroud 74 and tongue 58 are flexible whereby the interengaged strain relief means provide strain relief for the cable . the size and location of latch bosses 76 and latch recesses 60 in relation to tongue 58 and shroud 74 preferably should be such that the tongue enters the shroud before the latch bosses of the cover engage the base housing which , otherwise , might move the tongue and shroud out of alignment . this can be seen in fig1 where tongue 58 has entered shroud 54 before latch bosses 76 engage the housing for movement into the latch recesses . finally , fig1 shows a connector 20 a which does not include mounting post 56 ( fig4 ) on base housing 22 nor mounting post 70 ( fig4 ) on cover 24 . this simply shows that the connector can be made for non - stackable applications . it will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof . the present examples and embodiments , therefore , are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive , and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein . | 6 |
referring now to the drawings , and in particular fig1 a reflective surgical drape generally indicated at 10 is used for covering a surgical patient and reducing heat loss from the patient &# 39 ; s body during a surgical procedure . as shown in fig1 the reflective surgical drape 10 may be fashioned as a blanket which may be wrapped closely about a portion or the entire body of a patient undergoing a surgical procedure . as shown in fig1 and 3 the reflective surgical drape may be fashioned as a cap 12 which serves as a head covering for a surgical patient . those skilled in the art will recognize that the cap may be provided with a peripheral elastic band or other means to ensure the cap remains on the patient &# 39 ; s head . also as shown in fig3 the reflective surgical drape may be fashioned as leggings 14 which comprise an open end for receiving a patient &# 39 ; s leg and an opposite closed end . additionally , as shown in fig3 the reflective surgical drape may be fashioned as a covering 16 for the torso of a patient undergoing a surgical procedure . those skilled in the art will recognize that the reflective surgical drape may be fashioned in any desired conformation to cover any selected portion of the body of a patient undergoing a surgical procedure . as shown in fig2 one embodiment of the drape 10 of the present invention is a four layer drape wherein a core layer 18 comprises non - conductive aluminum and a first and second adjacent layer 20 , 20 &# 39 ; comprise a thermoplastic material . a non - woven layer of absorbent material 22 is attached to the second adjacent layer 20 &# 39 ;. those skilled in the art will recognize that the non - woven layer of absorbent material 22 may be attached to either the first or second adjacent layer 20 , 20 &# 39 ;. preferably , the core layer 18 of non - conductive aluminum is vacuum deposited on the first adjacent layer 20 of thermoplastic material . the core layer 18 of non - conductive aluminum is a vacuum deposit of aluminum preferably having a thickness of from 270 å to 330 å and most preferably a thickness of approximately 300 å . the core layer 18 of non - conductive aluminum is preferably substantially enclosed or sandwiched between the first and second adjacent layers 20 , 20 &# 39 ; of thermoplastic material . the second adjacent layer 20 &# 39 ; of thermoplastic material is preferably laminated to the vacuum deposited core layer 18 of non - conductive aluminum using an adhesive . the adhesive is preferably moisture - proof and is most preferably an acrylic moisture - proof adhesive . alternatively , the second adjacent layer 20 &# 39 ; of thermoplastic material is preferably heat extruded to the vacuum deposited core layer 18 of non - conductive aluminum . the thermoplastic material of the first and second adjacent layers 20 , 20 &# 39 ; must be flexible but need not be transparent . the thermoplastic material of the first and second adjacent layers 20 , 20 &# 39 ; may , preferably , be low - density polyethylene , medium - density polyethylene , polypropylene , polyester or polybutylene . the thermoplastic material of the first and second adjacent layers 20 , 20 &# 39 ;, most preferably , is low - density polyethylene . those skilled in the art will recognize , however , that other flexible thermoplastic materials may be used as the thermoplastic material of the first and second adjacent layer 20 , 20 &# 39 ;. the first and second adjacent layers 20 , 20 &# 39 ; preferably have a thickness of from 0 . 00120 to 0 . 00130 mils and most preferably have a thickness of 0 . 00125 mils . the thermoplastic material of the first and second adjacent layers 20 , 20 &# 39 ; aids in the retention and reflection of body heat and provides puncture resistance to the drape . the non - woven layer of absorbent material 22 may be attached to the first or second adjacent layer 20 , 20 &# 39 ;. the non - woven layer of absorbent material 22 must be able to absorb modest amounts of perspiration so as to not reduce the infrared reflecting properties of the drape . the non - woven layer of absorbent material 22 may accordingly be one or a blend of cotton , polyester , rayon , polypropylene or cellulose . the non - woven layer of absorbent material 22 preferably has a thickness of from 0 . 0015 to 0 . 040 mils and most preferably has a thickness of 0 . 014 to 0 . 016 mils . the non - woven layer 22 is preferably attached to the first or second adjacent layer 20 , 20 &# 39 ; using an adhesive . the adhesive is preferably moisture - proof and is most preferably an acrylic moisture - proof adhesive . the non - woven layer of absorbent material 22 absorbs perspiration to prevent maceration of the skin of the patient and provides general comfort to the patient . in a preferred embodiment of the present invention , the second adjacent layer 20 &# 39 ; is omitted and the non - woven layer of absorbent material 22 is attached to the core layer 18 of non - conductive aluminum . the non - woven layer of absorbent material 22 is preferably attached to the core layer 18 of non - conductive aluminum using an adhesive . the adhesive is preferably moistureproof and is most preferably an acrylic moisture - proof adhesive . in another preferred embodiment of the present invention , the non - woven layer of absorbent material 22 is omitted . in this embodiment , the surgical drape of the present invention comprises the core layer 18 of non - conductive aluminum and the first and second adjacent layers 20 , 20 &# 39 ;. the reflective surgical drape of the present invention was tested for conductivity . the tests conducted utilized both 60 cycle per second current ( line power ) and radio frequency current ( electrosurgical power ). contact to the material was made with standard monitoring electrodes as well as by mechanically abrading the surface of the material . at 120 volts 60 cycle per second the resistance was determined to be in excess of 1 megaohm and well within the range of safety . at frequencies common to electrosurgery units it was determined that the material passed less than 1 / 10 the current ( or 1 / 100 the power ) that would pass through a patient at a maximum power of over 100 watts r . f . from an electrosurgical generator . this test simulated a worst case scenario of applying a cutting electrode directly to the reflective surgical drape . the inability of the reflective surgical drape of the present invention to conduct current is attributable to the layer of aluminum that is vacuum deposited on the thermoplastic layer . the aluminum layer would need to be many times thicker to perform as a conductor in a significant manner . these tests indicate that the reflective surgical drape of the present invention poses no problem when used in the presence of line voltage or electrosurgical generators . the reflective surgical drape of the present invention provides many safety features , the most important of which are its nonconductivity and its resistance to puncture . the drape is also inert to alcohol and betadine which insures that the drape maintains its integrity throughout a surgical procedure . the non - woven layer of absorbent material also absorbs perspiration to prevent maceration of the skin of the patient and to maintain the infrared reflecting properties of the drape . patients admitted for elective neurological , maxillofacial , gynecological and urological surgery were randomly assigned to treatment or control groups . control group patients were draped in a conventional manner for the surgical procedure . treatment group patients were draped in the same manner with the addition of the reflective surgical drape of the present invention placed closest to the patient prior to standard draping . all other treatment of the two groups was similar . the body temperature of each patient was systematically recorded with an oropharyngeal thermistor probe placed immediately after induction of general anesthesia . neurological and maxillofacial patients designated group a were draped with a full length section ( shoulder to foot ) of the reflective surgical drape of the present invention while urologic and gynecologic patients designated group b were draped with a half sheet section ( upper chest / abdomen ) and leggings made of the reflective surgical drape of the present invention . the induction temperature for both treatment and control groups was similar ( approximately 36 . 5 ° c ., p & gt ; 0 . 5 ). the average duration of surgery for group a patients was 1 . 75 hours , while the average duration of surgery for group b patients was 7 . 5 hours . the recorded temperature at the end of the procedure for group a patients was 37 . 2 ± 0 . 6 for treatment patients and 35 . 0 ± 0 . 5 for control patients ( p & lt ; 0 . 01 ). the recorded temperature at the end of the procedure for group b patients was 35 . 9 °± 0 . 3 ° c . for treatment patients and 34 . 7 °± 0 . 5 ° c . for control patients ( p & lt ; 0 . 01 ). group a and b control group patients experienced temperature decreases of an average of 1 . 6 ° to 1 . 8 ° c . which was statistically significant . group a and b treatment group patients experienced temperature decreases averaging 0 . 4 ° c ., which was not statistically significant . the results for group a and b patients are found in table i below and are shown graphically in fig4 and 5 , respectively . table 1______________________________________ temp starting ending______________________________________group a ( neurological , maxillofacial ) with drape 36 . 6 ± 0 . 3 37 . 2 ± 0 . 6 ( n = 20 ) without drape 36 . 6 ± 0 . 4 35 . 0 ± 0 . 5 * ( n = 20 ) group b ( gynecological , urological ) with drape 36 . 4 ± 0 . 4 35 . 9 ± 0 . 3 ( n = 20 ) without drape 36 . 5 ± 0 . 3 34 . 7 ± 0 . 5 * ( n = 20 ) ______________________________________ * statistically significant difference from starting temperature ( p & lt ; 0 . 01 ). one can conclude from these results that patients who were draped with the reflective surgical material of the present invention developed significantly less reduction in oropharyngeal temperature compared to control patients . in fact , in the majority of neurosurgical procedures in which the patient was draped with the reflective surgical drape of the present invention all other warming devices ( i . e . humidifier , heating pads , warmed intravenous fluids ) standardly used were discontinued due to maintenance of normal body temperature with the reflective surgical drape alone . no adverse effects were noted in any case in which the reflective drape material was used . while the present invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific examples thereof , it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof . | 1 |
referring to fig1 and 2 in one type of plastic blow molding machine shown in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 549 , 865 , there is disclosed the blow molding apparatus for embodying the invention that comprises a frame 20 in which a shaft 21 is mounted for rotation about horizontal axis by spaced bearings in cantilever fashion . a wheel plate 22 is mounted on the shaft 21 for rotation with the shaft 21 and supports a plurality of circumferentially spaced slide assemblies 23 . a hub 25 is also mounted on the shaft and has a plurality of circumferentially spaced mold supporting surfaces 26 corresponding in number to the number of slide assemblies 23 . each slide assembly 23 comprises mold section mounting means for supporting a section or part 27 of mold and the corresponding surface 26 of the hub 25 supports the second section 28 of a mold . each slide assembly 23 is adapted to move the mold section 27 toward and away from the other mold section 28 to close about a plasticized parison emanating from an extruder head 29 so that the parison can be blown to the shape of the mold cavity defined by the mold sections 27 , 28 as the wheel rotates . the parison is provided from the head 29 of an extruder in the two o &# 39 ; clock position as shown in fig1 . wheel plate 22 is rotated by a gear 30 driven by a motor 31 and meshing with a gear 32 on the periphery of the wheel plate 22 . each slide assembly 23 includes a cam follower 33 which engages a fixed arcuate cam 34 on the frame 20 to move mold section 27 toward and away from mold section 28 . a second cam follower 35 on each slide assembly 23 engages a second fixed cam 36 on frame 20 to hold the mold sections 27 , 28 in closed and clamped position . second cam 36 extends generally from the three o &# 39 ; clock position to just beyond the nine o &# 39 ; clock position as viewed in fig1 . the specific structure of each slide assembly 23 is disclosed and claimed in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 648 , 831 , which is incorporated herein by reference . an air valve assembly 42 is provided on each slide assembly 23 and is actuated by an actuator 43 along the path of the molds that functions to turn the blow air on for blowing the article and another actuator 44 is provided along the path to function to turn the air valve assembly 42 off , thereby cutting off the flow of blow air to the blowing apparatus . each valve assembly 42 includes an on - off valve 45 that functions to control the flow of blow air to a valve block 46 and , in turn , through lines 47 to a blow pin ( not shown ) which functions to provide blow air for blowing the hollow article when the molds are closed , in a manner well known in the art . the valve assemblies 42 and actuator assemblies 43 , 44 are disclosed and claimed in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 523 , 904 , which is incorporated herein by reference . in operation , the plastic material is continuously extruded in tubular form from the head 29 of the extruder and flows downwardly between the mold sections 27 , 28 . as the wheel plate continues to rotate , the mold sections 27 , 28 are brought together for pinching the plastic material , and then air is supplied to the interior of the tubular parison to blow the article in a manner well know in the art . as the article reaches the position when the blow mold is open ( 12 o &# 39 ; clock position as viewed in fig1 ), a fixed actuator 49 contacts an ejector on each mold section 28 to eject the articles onto a conveyor . in accordance with the invention , a vacuum cup conveyor system 60 is positioned to extend between the molds , when the molds are open , and receive the falling containers which have been molded , and grab the containers and move them in an oriented fashion to a delivery conveyor 62 ( fig4 ) to the trimming apparatus which may be of the type shown in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 614 , 018 , incorporated herein by reference . conveyor 62 is also of the endless belt type ( fig3 and 4 ) and , as best seen by the conveyor framework illustrated in fig7 delivery conveyor 62 is adjustable angularly with respect to vacuum conveyor 60 . each container c includes a body portion b and a moil portion m ( fig4 ). referring to fig2 and also to fig3 - 7 , the vacuum cup conveyor 60 comprises an endless belt 64 which supports a plurality of hollow stem vacuum cups 66 ( fig5 ) each of which has a diameter which is substantially less than the diameter of the body portion b of the container c . as shown in fig5 the belt 64 is trained over pulleys 68 , 70 and is supported between the pulleys by a plenum 72 that has an upper wall with openings 74 communicating with associated plenum troughs that in turn communicate with openings in the belt provided by the hollow stems of cups 66 , the troughs extending below the travel path of each vacuum cup 66 . as further shown in fig5 the plenum 72 is positioned so that the lower reach of the belt 64 is below the plenum 72 . vacuum is supplied to the plenum 72 such that the portion of the belt passing over the plenum is supplied with vacuum . preferably , an endless belt 76 ( fig2 and 3 ) is provided for supporting the generally planar moil m of each container as the container accelerates and is moved toward the trimming apparatus . the vacuum cup conveyor 64 is driven in timed relationship with an endless belt delivery conveyor 80 through a timing belt 82 and associated pulleys 84 , 86 , ( fig3 and 4 ) driven by motors d . in ( fig7 ) similar fashion the moil belt 76 is driven in timed relationship . the size and spacing of the vacuum cups is selected such that at least one and preferably two or more vacuum cups contact the body of the container diametrically and at least two and preferably three or more vacuum cups contact the container axially . in addition , the vacuum cups are in substantial tangential relationship . in order to maximize contact , the vacuum cups are provided in rows extending transversely of the conveyor belt and which rows are inclined at an angle to the direction of movement of the vacuum conveyor as best seen in fig4 . as each pair of containers c fall from the open mold when the vacuum is released holding the container in the upper mold , the pair of containers is immediately grabbed by the vacuum cups so that the axes of the containers remain parallel to that of the mold so that any rotation about the axis of the container is prevented . as a result , the moil m remains horizontal as it was in the mold . each pair is thus oriented and spaced for direct delivery on the trimming apparatus such as shown in the u . s . pat . no . 4 , 616 , 018 . | 8 |
referring to fig2 , and 6 , a lifting mechanism and treadmill arrangement 100 is composed of a base frame 10 , a treadbase 20 , two links 30 , a treadbase motor 40 , and a lifting mechanism 50 . the base frame 10 includes two parallel side bars 11 , a transverse bar 12 connected between rear ends of the side bars 11 , a supplementary bar 13 connected between front sections of the side bars 11 , a guide member embodied as guide frame 14 connected between the transverse bar 12 and the supplementary bar 13 and arranged in parallel to the side bars 11 , and a buffer block 15 provided in the guide frame 14 . the guide frame 14 includes two vertical side plates 141 and a bottom plate 142 . the side plates 141 each have a longitudinal sliding slot 143 defining a first dead point 144 and a second dead point 145 . the buffer block 15 is fixedly mounted in the guide frame 14 adjacent to the first dead point 144 . the treadbase 20 includes a treadbase frame 21 and an endless belt 22 . a receiving space 23 is defined between the treadbase frame 21 and a front side of the endless belt 22 . the two links 30 are bilaterally mounted near a front side of the treadbase frame 21 , each having a first coupling end portion 31 and a second coupling end portion 32 . the coupling end portion 31 is connected pivotally with a front end of the side bar 11 of the base frame 10 , defining a respective pivot a . the second coupling end portion 32 is connected pivotally with the front side of the treadmill base 21 , defining a respective pivot b . accordingly , the treadbase 20 can be turned about the pivot a between an operative position p 1 ( see fig2 ) and a non - operative position p 2 ( see fig6 ). the treadbase motor 40 is fixedly mounted in the receiving space 23 of the treadbase 20 and is controlled to rotate the endless belt 22 through a belt transmission mechanism 41 . the lifting mechanism 50 includes an inclining motor 51 , an internally threaded barrel 52 , a push member 53 , and stop means embodied as a stop pin 54 . the inclining motor 51 is mounted pivotally on the treadbase frame 21 . the barrel 52 has an end fixedly mounted to the inclining motor 51 . the push member 53 is a screw rod threaded into the barrel 52 . the stop pin 54 runs through a transverse through hole ( not shown ) at a front end of the push member 53 outside the barrel 52 , having two distal ends respectively inserted through the sliding slots 143 of the vertical side plates 141 of the guide frame 14 ( see fig6 ). when the inclining motor 51 is operated , the push member 53 is rotated in or out of the barrel 52 , thereby causing the stop pin 54 to move along with the push member 53 between the first dead point 144 and the second dead point 145 . the control of the angle of inclination of the treadbase 20 is described hereinafter . as illustrated in fig3 when the treadbase 20 is positioned horizontally , the push member 53 is received in the barrel 52 , the stop pin 54 is stopped at the first dead point 144 and the front end of the push member 53 is stopped against the buffer block 15 . when the treadbase 20 is controlled to lift , as shown in fig4 the inclining motor 51 is driven to rotate the push member 53 out of the barrel 52 . because the front end of the push member 53 is stopped against the buffer block 15 and the links 30 are coupled between the treadbase 20 and the base frame 10 , the push member 53 is rotated out of the barrel 52 and the front side of the treadbase 20 is lifted to change its angle of inclination , as shown in fig5 . when the treadbase 20 is turned to the non - operative position p 2 , the front side of the treadbase 20 is lowered to the position shown in fig3 ( where the push member 53 received in the barrel 52 ), and then a rear side of the treadbase 20 is lifted with hands . when turning the treadbase 20 about the pivots a to lift the rear side of the treadbase 20 , the stop pin 54 is moved along the sliding slots 143 toward the second dead point 145 , and at the same time the inclining motor 51 is rotated for enabling the treadbase 20 to be smoothly turned about the pivots a to the position shown in fig6 where the stop pin 54 is stopped at the second dead point 145 . lock means may be used to lock the treadbase 20 in the non - operative position . because the lock means can easily be obtained from known techniques and is not within the scope of the claims of the present invention , nor further detailed description in this regard is necessary . according to the aforesaid description , the present invention has advantages as follows : 1 . when the treadbase 20 is set horizontally , as shown in fig2 the treadbase motor 40 and the inclining motor 51 are received in the receiving space 23 without interfering each other , i . e . the treadmill does not occupy much vertical storage space when set horizontally . 2 . when the treadbase 20 is set in the operative position p 1 , the lifting mechanism 50 is held horizontally without hindering the front end of the treadbase 20 . 3 . the front side of the treadbase 20 is controlled to stably lift by means of the support of the lifting mechanism 50 , the guide frame 14 of the base frame 10 , and the links 30 . | 0 |
referring now to fig1 there is shown a video / audio simultaneous transmission system embodying the invention . in the figure , an audio signal is supplied from an input terminal 1 to an audio signal encoder 3 , while a video signal is supplied from an input terminal 2 to a sync signal separator 5 and also to a video signal encoder 4 . a clock generator 6 provides an audio sampling clock signal ( a second clock ), which is supplied to the audio signal encoder 3 and also to a time adjusting circuit 71 in a multiplexer circuit 7 . the clock generator 6 also provides a video sampling clock signal ( a first clock ), which is supplied to the video signal encoder 4 and also to a control circuit 72 in the multiplexer circuit 7 . the audio signal encoder 3 samples the audio signal under the control of the audio sampling clock signal and encodes the sampled audio signal . the encoded audio signal data thus obtained is supplied as a signal f to the time adjusting circuit 71 of the multiplexer circuit 7 . the video signal encoder 4 samples the video signal under the control of the video sampling clock signal and encodes the sampled video signal . the encoded video signal data thus obtained is supplied as a signal h to a switching circuit 73 in the multiplexer circuit 7 . the sync signal separator 5 separates the horizontal sync signal contained in the video signal and supplies it as a sync signal a to a sync signal switching circuit 8 , which in turn connected to the control circuit 72 in the multiplexer 7 to supply the same with a signal u . the multiplexer 7 , which receives the individual signals noted above , successively supplies a special code word for word synchronization and encoded audio and video data to a parallel - to - serial converter 10 as will be described later in detail . assuming now that the sync signal switching circuit 8 is omitted and the separator 5 is directly coupled to control circuit 72 as in the prior art mentioned above , when a signal representing the commencement of the horizontal sync signal appears in the signal a ( hereinafter referred to a sync signal ), the control circuit 72 in the multiplexer 7 now receiving the sync signal a instead of the signal u ( modified sync signal ) supplies a signal d indicative of suspension of the encoding of the video signal to the time adjusting circuit 71 and video signal encoder 4 and also supplies a signal b which contains a signal indicative of the sending of special code word and a special code word , to the switching circuit 73 . when the time adjusting circuit 71 receives the signal d indicative of the suspension of the encoding of the video signal , it supplies an encoded audio data having been received within a time interval between the occurrence of the preceding video encoding suspension signal and the occurrence of the instant signal d as a signal g to the switching circuit 73 . when the video encoder 4 receives the video encoding suspension signal d , it stops the encoding of the video signal or stops the sending of the signal h . the switching circuit 73 includes a switch group for switching the signal g , signal h and special code word . when the switching circuit 73 receives the signal e , it supplies the special code word and thereafter the encoded audio data during the period of presence of the signal indicative of the suspension of the encoding of the video signal . when the video signal encoding suspension signal vanishes , the switching circuit 73 then supplies the encoded video data . the multiplexer circuit 7 thus supplies the special code word and encoded audio and video data successively as a signal k . the parallel - to - serial converter 10 receives the signal k , which is a parallel signal , and converts it into a serial signal under the control of a transmission channel clock signal ( a third clock ) fed from the clock generator 6 . the serial signal thus obtained is sent out from an output terminal 11 . fig2 a shows an example of signals appearing at various points in the system of fig1 . at an instant a ( or f ), at which a horizontal sync signal corresponding to an encircled portion in the video signal as shown in fig2 b appears , a pulse of the sync signal a rises , indicating the commencement of the horizontal sync signal . without the sync signal switching circuit 8 , when the control circuit 72 in fig1 receives the sync signal a , it supplies a pulse signal b , which falls at the instant a and rises again at an instant b after the lapse of a predetermined period . the control circuit 72 also supplies a pulse signal d , which falls at the instant a and rises again at an instant e after the lapse of a predetermined period . further , the control circuit 72 supplies a signal c containing a special code word s during a period from the instant a till the instant b . as mentioned earlier , the signal d is supplied to the video encoder 4 and also to the time adjusting circuit 71 in fig1 and the signal e which contains the parallel signals b , c and d is supplied to the switching circuit 73 in fig1 . the special code word s has a code pattern , the use of which is inhibited in the encoded audio and video data , and it is used for establishing word synchronization . when the time adjusting circuit in fig1 receives the signal d , it supplies a signal f , which consists of an encoded audio data vi that has been supplied from the audio encoder 3 between the instant a at which the pulse d falls and an instant at which a preceding pulses d rises , as a multiplexed signal g during a period from the instant a till an instant f . in case when the encoded audio data within the same audio sampling clock period occurs both in the encoded audio data vi from the instant a till the instant f and in an ensuing encoded audio data vj from the instant f , a predetermined dummy code is provided in lieu of the latter encoded audio data . when the video encoder 4 receives the signal d , it supplies encoded video data d as a signal h for a period from the rising till the falling of the pulse of the signal d . in the switching circuit 73 , the switch group is switched according to the signals b and c contained in the signal e . the switching circuit 73 supplies as the signal k the special code word s for a period from the instant a till the instant b , the encoded audio data vi for a period from the instant b till the instant e and the encoded video data d for a period from the instant e till the instant f . the signal k is supplied as a parallel signal having a predetermined number of bits to the parallel - to - serial converter 10 in fig1 for conversion into a serial signal , which is sent out of the output terminal 11 . in the system of fig1 the audio signal encoder 3 may be constituted by an ordinary a / d converter , and the video signal encoder 4 by a dpcm ( difference pcm ) encoder . the control circuit 72 may be constructed as shown in fig3 . more particularly , the sync signal a indicaive of the commencement of the horizontal sync signal is read into a shift register 300 under the control of the first clock . through two nand gates 301 and 302 , the signal b indicative of the generation of the special code is sent onto a line 303 and the suspension signal d is sent onto a line 305 . if the number of bits sent out during one sampling period is 8 , the special code in the form of 8 - bit parallel code will be produced from a pattern generator 306 which is controlled by tap outputs from the first to sixth stages of the shift register 300 . the time adjusting circuit 71 may have a construction as shown in fig4 which operates in accordance with signals shown in fig5 . the encoded audio data f ( in the form of 8 bits , for example ) as shown at 501 in fig5 is written into an input register 400 under the control of the second clock as shown at 500 in fig5 . an output signal as shown at 502 in fig5 is fed to an output register 401 in response to the suspension signal d as shown at 503 in fig5 thereby being brought into synchronization with the timing for the special code . in this synchronization , a phase jump will occur as shown by a hatched pulse in the suspension signal 503 , which phase jump may be corrected by transmission of a specified dummy code . the phase jump can be detected at a phase jump detector 402 by sampling the second clock 500 on the basis of the suspension signal 503 . when the phase jump is detected , a dummy code insertion designating pulse 505 is produced from the detector 402 to control a signal switching circuit 403 . in this switching circuit , a movable contact 403 - 1 is normally transferred to a stationary contact 403 - 2 to pass the encoded audio signal from the output register 401 which is synchronized with the timing for the special code , and at an instant at which the dummy code insertion designating pulse occurs , the movable contact 403 - 1 is transferred to a stationary contact 403 - 3 to ensure that a specified dummy code ( phase jump information ) can be inserted . the switching circuit 73 may be constructed as shown in fig6 . respective output lines 601 to 608 are connected to 1 out of 3 selectors which select one input out of three inputs . normally , contacts 612 - 1 to 612 - 8 are selected so that 8 bits of the encoded video signal h are successively sent to the output lines 601 to 608 . when signal b is in its low level , contacts 610 - 1 to 610 - 8 are sequentially selected to send out &# 34 ; 1111 &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; 0000 &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; 0000 &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; 0000 &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; 0000 &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; 1111 &# 34 ;. after signal b resumes its high level and while signal d is in its low level , contacts 611 - 1 to 611 - 8 are selected so that 8 bits of voice signal g are successively sent to the output lines 601 to 608 . after 8 bits of the encoded audio signal have been sent out , the switching circuit 73 returns to the normal operation in which the contacts 612 - 1 to 612 - 8 are selected . in the foregoing description , the system of fig1 has been described on the assumption that the sync signal switching circuit 8 is omitted . when the sync signal switching circuit 8 is added , it receives the sync signal a from the sync signal separator 5 and also receives the video sampling clock signal from the clock generator 6 to thereby produce a local sync signal and a time window signal . thus , the sync signal switching circuit 8 decides whether the signal that appears first in a predetermined period of time is the sync signal a or the local sync signal , and supplies the signal that appears first as the modified sync signal u to the control circuit 72 in the multiplexer 7 . fig7 is a block diagram showing the sync signal switching circuit 8 . the sync signal a supplied from the sync signal separator 5 passes through a leading edge differntiating circuit 91 in a switching control section 9 and is supplied as a signal l to and gates 95 and 96 . the signal a is also supplied through a &# 34 ; not &# 34 ; gate 93 to an and gate 97 . in a signal generating section 13 , a counter 20 counts clock pulses of the video sampling clock signal supplied from the clock generator 6 , and its count is supplied to a signal generating circuit 21 . the signal generating circuit 21 includes a read only memory ( rom ) and a register . in response to the count data supplied from the counter 20 , data stored in a location of the rom corresponding to the count is read out into the register , whereby signals m and n are provided . the signals m and n are respectively a time window signal and a local sync signal . the signal m is fed to the and gate 95 in the switching section 9 and is also fed through a &# 34 ; not &# 34 ; gate 94 to the and gate 96 . the signal n is passed through a leading edge differentiating circuit 92 in the switching control section 9 to be supplied as a signal p to the and gate 97 . a signal q provided from the and gate 95 is fed as a set input to a flip - flop 99 . signals provided from the and gates 96 and 97 are passed through an or gate 98 to be fed as a reset signal r to the flip - flop 99 . a signal t is supplied from the flip - flop 99 to a signal switching section 12 . the signal switching section 12 receives the signals a and n , and in response to the signal t it supplies either signal a or n as a modified sync signal u to the control circuit 72 in the multiplexer 7 shown in fig1 . the modified sync signal u is also supplied as a reset signal to the couner 20 . fig8 is a waveform chart for explaining an example of the operation of the circuit of fig7 . the sync signal a supplied from the sync signal separator 5 in fig1 is subjected to leading edge differentiation to obtain a signal l . when a pulse of the signal l appears , a pulse appears as the signal q to set the flip - flop 99 in fig7 if the signal m , i . e ., time window signal , is at a high level ( hereinafter referred to as h level ) at this time . as a result , the output signal t of the flip - flop 99 goes to an h level , causing the signal switching section 12 in fig7 to pass the sync signal a as the modified sync signal u . the pulse that appears as the modified sync signal u is fed to the counter 20 in fig7 to reset the same . as a result , the signal m goes to a low level ( hereinafter referred to as l level ). the signal m remains at the l level for a predetermined period t1 ( which ends at an instant t1 ) from the appearance of the pulse as the modified sync signal u . after the lapse of the period t1 , the signal m goes to the h level . thus , the signal m serves as the time window signal . the signal n remains at the l level for a predetermined period t2 of time from the appearance of the pulse of the signal u , and after the lapse of the period t2 ( which ends at an instant t2 ) it goes to the h level . thus , the signal n serves as the local sync signal . when a pulse of the sync signal a appears after the appearance of the pulse of the signal u and before the pulse of the signal n while the signal m is at the l level , a pulse appears as the signal r to reset the flip - flop 99 in fig7 . as a result , the signal t from the flip - flop 99 goes to the l level , causing the signal switching section 12 in fig7 to pass the signal n as the modified sync signal u . that is , the insertion of the pulse of the sync signal a in the modified sync signal u is inhibited , so that the pulse of the modified sync signal u does not appear . if no pulse appears as the sync signal a during the period from the appearance of the pulse of the modified sync signal u till the appearance of the pulse of the signal n , a pulse appears as the signal p , so that a pulse appears as the signal r to reset the flip - flop 99 in fig7 . thus , the signal t from the flip - flop 99 goes to the l level , causing the signal switching section 12 in fig7 to pass the pulse of the signal n as the modified sync signal u . the pulse appearing as the modified sync signal u is also fed to the counter 20 in fig7 to reset the same . as has been described , if the interval ta of pulses appearing as the sync signal a , meets a condition t1 ≦ ta & lt ; t2 , the circuit shown in fig7 passes the sync signal a as the modified sync signal u . if the above condition is not met , the circuit inhibits the pulse of the sync signal a and , instead , supplies the signal n , i . e ., the local sync signal . subsequently , if the time interval tb between the pulse appearing as the modified sync signal u and the following pulse appearing as the sync signal a meets a condition t1 ≦ tb & lt ; t2 , the circuit of fig7 inserts the sync signal a in the modified sync signal u ; while the condition is not met , it inserts the signal n in the modified sync signal u . thus , the time interval tu of pulses of the modified sync signal u supplied to the control circuit 72 in the multiplexer 7 in fig1 always satisfies a condition t1 ≦ tu & lt ; t2 . the periods t1 and t2 are set as follows . if the periods t1 and t2 are so selected as to meet conditions t1 & gt ;( n &# 39 ;- 1 ) tv and t2 & lt ; n &# 39 ; tv , where th is the reference value of the horizontal sync signal period , tv is the audio sampling clock signal period and n &# 39 ; ( being an integer greater than 1 ) is the number of encoded audio data transmitted in one horizontal sync signal period , n &# 39 ; or n &# 39 ;- 1 audio sampling signals can be obtained between individual pulses appearing in the modified sync signal u . a drop - out or a large phase jump in the horizontal sync signal in the video signal usually occurs in the neighborhood of the vertical retrace period . therefore , even if the video encoding suspension period is slightly deviated with the switching over to the local sync signal at the time of the occurrence of a drop - out or large phase jump in the horizontal sync signal , this has no substantial adverse effect on the video reproduction . further , in normal situation without occurrence of any drop - out or large phase jump , the fluctuations of the horizontal sync signal period are very slight and about 0 . 1 % at the most . it will be seen that the period from the instant of switching over to the local sync signal due to a drop - out or large phase jump in the horizontal signal till the instant of switching over to the normal horizontal sync signal again , correspons to tv /( t2 - th ) lines at the most , and the retrace period mentioned above can be reduced by setting the period t1 , i . e ., the local sync signal period , to be equal to the maximum value in the range t2 n &# 39 ; tv . the system of fig1 added with the circuit 8 operates in the same way as the prior art except that the signal provided from the sync signal switching circuit 8 is supplied to the control circuit 72 in the multiplexer 7 . thus , by setting the periods t1 and t2 such as described above , video / audio simultaneous transmission can be obtained without having substantial adverse effect on the video and without possibility of occurrence of a drop - out of the encoded audio data . fig9 is a modification of the sync signal switching circuit 8 . in fig9 the sync signal a supplied from the sync signal separator 5 is fed to one input terminal of an or gate 31 . counters 33 and 34 count pulses of the clock signal supplied from the clock generator 6 and produce the time window signal and local sync signal respectively . more particularly , the counter 33 produces the time window signal , which is at the h level while the count is less than a predetermined small value m and goes to the l level when the count exceeds the value m . the counter 34 produces a local sync signal pulse , which goes to the h level when the count reaches a value n greater than the value m . the local sync signal is supplied to the other input terminal of the or gate 31 , and the output signal of the or gate 31 is fed to one input terminal of an and gate 32 . the time window signal is passed through a &# 34 ; not &# 34 ; gate 35 to be fed to the other input terminal of the and gate 32 . the output signal from the and gate 32 is supplied to the control circuit 72 in the multiplexer 7 in fig1 and also it is fed to the counters 33 and 34 to reset these counters . during the period t1 from the instant when the counter 33 is reset by the pulse supplied to the control circuit 72 till the instant when the count of the counter 33 reaches m , the signal supplied from the &# 34 ; not &# 34 ; gate 35 to the and gate 32 is at the l level . therefore , during this period any sync signal pulse is not passed through the and gate 32 , that is , the transmission of the sync signal is inhibited . during the period ( t2 - t1 ) from the instant after the lapse of the period t1 of resetting of the counters 33 and 34 till the instant when the count of the counter 34 reaches n , the signal supplied from the &# 34 ; not &# 34 ; gate 35 to the and gate 32 is at the h level . thus , a sync signal pulse appearing during this period is passed through the and gate 32 to be fed to the control circuit 72 , while also resetting the counters 33 and 34 . further , if no sync signal pulse appears during the period t2 from the instant of resetting of the counter 34 till the instant when the count reaches n , the local sync signal pulse output of the counter 34 is passed through the and gates 31 and 32 to the control circuit 72 , while also the counters 33 and 34 are rest . with the circuit of fig9 used as the sync signal switching circuit 8 in the system of fig1 the same operation as in the fig7 arrangement thus can be obtained . as has been described in the foregoing , with the video / audio simultaneous transmission system accoding to the invention , it is possible to effect simultaneous transmission of audio signals stably and accurately without need of greatly increasing the scale and complexity of hardware even in a case of a video signal subject to a drop - out or a large phase jump in the horizontal sync signal by allowing a local sync signal to be used when the instant of appearance of the horizontal sync signal deviates from a predetermined time range . further , the &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; state of the video signal can be detected by counting local sync signal pulses for a predetermined period of time , so that it is possible to dispense with the conventional video &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; detection circuit and reduce the scale of the hardware . | 7 |
this invention provides novel compounds , and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof , that are useful as jnk inhibitors . these compounds have the general formula i : r 1 is h , conh 2 , t ( n ) — r , or t ( n ) — ar 2 ; r is an aliphatic or substituted aliphatic group ; n is zero or one ; t is c (═ o ), co 2 , conh , s ( o ) 2 , s ( o ) 2 nh , coch 2 or ch 2 ; each r 2 is independently selected from hydrogen , — r , — ch 2 or , — ch 2 oh , — ch ═ o , — ch 2 sr , — ch 2 s ( o ) 2 r , — ch 2 ( c ═ o ) r , — ch 2 co 2 r , — ch 2 co 2 h , — ch 2 cn , — ch 2 nhr , — ch 2 n ( r ) 2 , — ch ═ n — or , — ch ═ nnhr , — ch ═ nn ( r ) 2 , — ch ═ nnhcor , — ch ═ nnhco 2 r , — ch ═ nnhso 2 r , - aryl , - substituted aryl , — ch 2 ( aryl ), — ch 2 ( substituted aryl ), — ch 2 nh 2 , — ch 2 nhcor , — ch 2 nhconhr , — ch 2 nhcon ( r ) 2 , — ch 2 nrcor , — ch 2 nhco 2 r , — ch 2 conhr , — ch 2 con ( r ) 2 , — ch 2 so 2 nh 2 , — ch 2 ( heterocyclyl ), — ch 2 ( substituted heterocyclyl ), -( heterocyclyl ), or -( substituted heterocyclyl ); each r 3 is independently selected from hydrogen , r , cor , co 2 r or s ( o ) 2 r ; g is r or ar 1 ; ar 1 is aryl , substituted aryl , aralkyl , substituted aralkyl , heterocyclyl , or substituted heterocyclyl , wherein ar 1 is optionally fused to a partially unsaturated or fully unsaturated five to seven membered ring containing zero to three heteroatoms ; q — nh is wherein the h of q — nh is optionally replaced by r 3 ; a is n or cr 3 ; u is cr 3 , o , s , or nr 3 ; ar 2 is aryl , substituted aryl , heterocyclyl or substituted heterocyclyl , wherein ar 2 is optionally fused to a partially unsaturated or fully unsaturated five to seven membered ring containing zero to three heteroatoms ; and wherein each substitutable carbon atom in ar 2 , including the fused ring when present , is optionally and independently substituted by halo , r , or , sr , oh , no 2 , cn , nh 2 , nhr , n ( r ) 2 , nhcor , nhconhr , nhcon ( r ) 2 , nrcor , nhco 2 r , co 2 r , co 2 h , cor , conhr , con ( r ) 2 , s ( o ) 2 r , sonh 2 , s ( o ) r , so 2 nhr , or nhs ( o ) 2 r , and wherein each saturated carbon in the fused ring is further optionally and independently substituted by ═ o , ═ s , ═ nnhr , ═ nnr 2 , ═ n — or , ═ nnhcor , ═ nnhco 2 r , ═ nnhso 2 r , or ═ nr ; wherein each substitutable nitrogen atom in ar 2 is optionally substituted by r , cor , s ( o ) 2 r , or co 2 r . as used herein , the following definitions shall apply unless otherwise indicated . the term “ aliphatic ” as used herein means straight chained , branched or cyclic c 1 - c 12 hydrocarbons , preferably one to six carbons , which are completely saturated or which contain one or moreunits of unsaturation . for example , suitable aliphatic groups include substituted or unsubstituted linear , branched or cyclic alkyl , alkenyl , alkynyl groups and hybrids thereof such as ( cycloalkyl ) alkyl , ( cycloalkenyl ) alkyl or ( cycloalkyl ) alkenyl . the term “ alkyl ” and “ alkoxy ” used alone or as part of a larger moiety refers to both straight and branched chains containing one to twelve carbon atoms . the terms “ alkenyl ” and “ alkynyl ” used alone or as part of a larger moiety shall include both straight and branched chains containing two to twelve carbon atoms . the terms “ haloalkyl ”, “ haloalkenyl ” and “ haloalkoxy ” means alkyl , alkenyl or alkoxy , as the case may be , substituted with one or more halogen atoms . the term “ halogen ” means f , cl , br , or i . the term “ heteroatom ” means n , o or s and shall include any oxidized form of nitrogen and sulfur , and the quaternized form of any basic nitrogen . the term “ aryl ”, used alone or as part of a larger moiety as in “ aralkyl ”, refers to aromatic ring groups having five to fourteen members , such as phenyl , benzyl , 1 - naphthyl , 2 - naphthyl , 1 - anthracyl and 2 - anthracyl , and heterocyclic aromatic groups or heteroaryl groups such as 2 - furanyl , 3 - furanyl , n - imidazolyl , 2 - imidazolyl , 4 - imidazolyl , 5 - imidazolyl , 3 - isoxazolyl , 4 - isoxazolyl , 5 - isoxazolyl , 2 - oxadiazolyl , 5 - oxadiazolyl , 2 - oxazolyl , 4 - oxazolyl , 5 - oxazolyl , 2 - pyrrolyl , 3 - pyrrolyl , 2 - pyridyl , 3 - pyridyl , 4 - pyridyl , 2 - pyrimidyl , 4 - pyrimidyl , 5 - pyrimidyl , 3 - pyridazinyl , 3 - pyridazinyl , 2 - thiazolyl , 4 - thiazolyl , 5 - thiazolyl , 5 - tetrazolyl , 2 - triazolyl , 5 - triazolyl , 2 - thienyl , or 3 - thienyl . aryl groups also include fused polycyclic aromatic ring systems in which a carbocyclic aromatic ring or heteroaryl ring is fused to one or more other rings . examples include tetrahydronaphthyl , benzimidazolyl , benzothienyl , benzofuranyl , indolyl , quinolinyl , benzodiazepinyl , benzothiazolyl , benzooxazolyl , benzimidazolyl , isoquinolinyl , isoindolyl , acridinyl , benzoisoxazolyl , and the like . also included within the scope of the term “ aryl ”, as it is used herein , is a group in which one or more carbocyclic aromatic rings and / or heteroaryl rings are fused to a cycloalkyl or non - aromatic heterocyclyl , for example , indanyl or tetrahydrobenzopyranyl . the term ,“ heterocyclic ring ” or “ heterocyclyl ” refers to a non - aromatic ring which includes one or more heteroatoms such as nitrogen , oxygen or sulfur in the ring . the ring can be five , six , seven or eight - membered and / or fused to another ring , such as a cycloalkyl or aromatic ring . examples include 3 - 1h - benzimidazol - 2 - one , 3 - 1 - alkyl - benzimidazol - 2 - one , 2 - tetrahydrofuranyl , 3 - tetrahydrofuranyl , 2 - tetrahydropyranyl , 3 - tetrahydropyranyl , 4 - tetrahydropyranyl , 2 - tetrahydrothiophenyl , 3 - tetrahydrothiophenyl , 2 - morpholino , 3 - morpholino , 4 - morpholino , 2 - thiomorpholino , 3 - thiomorpholino , 4 - thiomorpholino , 1 - pyrrolidinyl , 2 - pyrrolidinyl , 3 - pyrrolidinyl , 1 - piperazinyl , 2 - piperazinyl , 1 - piperidinyl , 2 - piperidinyl , 3 - piperidinyl , 4 - piperidinyl , 4 - thiazolidinyl , diazolonyl , n - substituted diazolonyl , 1 - phthalimidinyl , benzoxane , benzotriazol - 1 - yl , benzopyrrolidine , benzopiperidine , benzoxolane , benzothiolane , and benzothiane . a compound of this invention may contain a ring that is fused to a partially saturated or fully unsaturated five to seven membered ring containing zero to three heteroatoms . such a fused ring may be an aromatic or non - aromatic monocyclic ring , examples of which include the aryl and heterocyclic rings described above . an aryl group ( carbocyclic and heterocyclic ) or an aralkyl group , such as benzyl or phenethyl , may contain one or more substituents . examples of suitable substituents on the unsaturated carbon atom of an aryl group include a halogen , — r , — or , — oh , — sh , — sr , protected oh ( such as acyloxy ), phenyl ( ph ), substituted ph , — oph , substituted — oph , — no 2 , — cn , — nh 2 , — nhr , — n ( r ) 2 , — nhcor , — nhconhr , — nhcon ( r ) 2 , — nrcor , — nhco 2 r , — co 2 r , — co 2 h , — cor , — conhr , — con ( r ) 2 , — s ( o ) 2 r , — sonh 2 , — s ( o ) r , — so 2 nhr , or — nhs ( o ) 2 r , where r is an aliphatic group or a substituted aliphatic group . an aliphatic group or a non - aromatic heterocyclic ring may contain one or more substituents . examples of suitable substituents on the saturated carbon of an aliphatic group or of a non - aromatic heterocyclic ring include those listed above for the unsaturated carbon , such as in an aromatic ring , as well as the following : ═ o , ═ s , ═ nnhr , ═ nnr 2 , ═ n — or , ═ nnhcor , ═ nnhco 2 r , ═ nnhso 2 r , or ═ nr . a substitutable nitrogen on an aromatic or non - aromatic heterocyclic ring may be optionally substituted . suitable substituents on the nitrogen include r , cor , s ( o ) 2 r , and co 2 r , where r is an aliphatic group or a substituted aliphatic group . compounds derived by making isosteric or bioisosteric replacements of carboxylic acid or ester moieties of compounds described herein are within the scope of this invention . isosteres , which result from the exchange of an atom or group of atoms to create a new compound with similar biological properties to the parent carboxylic acid or ester , are known in the art . the bioisosteric replacement may be physicochemically or topologically based . an example of an isosteric replacement for a carboxylic acid is conhso 2 ( alkyl ) such as conhso 2 me . it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that certain compounds of this invention may exist in tautomeric forms or hydrated forms , all such forms of the compounds being within the scope of the invention . unless otherwise stated , structures depicted herein are also meant to include all stereochemical forms of the structure ; i . e ., the r and s configurations for each asymmetric center . therefore , single stereochemical isomers as well as enantiomeric and diastereomeric mixtures of the present compounds are within the scope of the invention . unless otherwise stated , structures depicted herein are also meant to include compounds which differ only in the presence of one or more isotopically enriched atoms . for example , compounds having the present structures except for the replacement of a hydrogen by a deuterium or tritium , or the replacement of a carbon by a 13 c - or 14 c - enriched carbon are within the scope of this invention . such compounds are useful , for example , as analytical tools or probes in biological assays . one embodiment of this invention relates to compounds of formula i where the xyz - containing ring is an isoxazole , as shown by the general formula ia below : where r 2 is preferably alkyl , such as methyl , or ch 2 ( heterocyclyl ), such as ch 2 ( n - morpholinyl ); g is preferably ar 1 ; and r 1 is preferably t ( n ) — ar 2 or t ( n ) — r , wherein n is most preferably zero . most preferred are those compounds where g , r 1 , and r 2 are as just described , and q — nh is an aminopyridine or aminopyrimidine where the nh is at the 2 position of the ring : table 1 below shows representative examples of ia compounds where q is a pyrimidine , pyridine or pyrazole and r 1 is ar 2 , represented by formula iia . for compounds of formula iia where r 1 is phenyl , preferred phenyl substituents are selected from hydrogen and one or more halo , aliphatic , substituted aliphatic ( preferably haloalkyl ), alkoxy , cn , co 2 h , co 2 ( alkyl ), s ( alkyl ), conh 2 , co ( alkyl ), so 2 ( alkyl ), co ( phenyl ), or no 2 . preferred g groups are phenyl rings optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from alkyl , alkoxy or halogen . examples of compounds of formula iia where r 1 is other than phenyl are shown below in table 2 . preferred iia compounds are those where ar 1 is an unsubstituted phenyl or a phenyl substituted with one or more halo , alkyl or alkoxy . more preferred iia compounds are those where ar 1 is as just described , and ar 2 is a naphthyl or phenyl optionally substituted with one or more halo , alkyl , alkoxy , haloalkyl , carboxyl , alkoxycarbonyl , cyano , or conh 2 , or an indanone ( as in compound iiaa - 11 ). also preferred are iia compounds where r 1 is an optionally substituted alkyl or optionally substituted cycloalkyl , more preferably alkoxyalkyl , alkoxycarbonylalkyl , hydroxyalkyl , pyridinylalkyl , alkoxycycloalkyl , alkoxycarbonylcycloalkyl , or hydroxycycloalkyl . examples of these preferred compounds include iiaa - 24 , iiaa - 33 through iiaa - 36 , iiaa - 38 and iiaa - 40 . one embodiment of this invention relates to compounds of formula ia where q is a pyrimidine ring and r 1 is t — ar 2 where t is selected from co , co 2 , conh , s ( o ) 2 , s ( o ) 2 nh , coch 2 and ch 2 . when r 1 is t — ar 2 , preferred compounds are those where t is c (═ o ), represented by formula iiia . table 3 below shows representative examples of iiia compounds . preferred iiia compounds are those compounds where ar 1 is an unsubstituted phenyl or a phenyl substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from halogen . more preferred iiia compounds are those where ar 1 is just described , and ar 2 is a thienyl , an unsubstituted phenyl or a phenyl substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from halogen , alkyl , alkoxy , co 2 h or co 2 r . examples of other compounds where r 1 is t — ar 1 are shown below where a is n or ch , and t is one of the following : ch 2 ( exemplified by iva - 1 ), s ( o ) 2 ( va - 1 ), conh ( via - 1 ), coch 2 ( viia - 1 ), co , ( viiia - 1 ), and s ( o ) 2 nh ( ixa - 1 ). in other examples of these embodiments the phenyl rings may be optionally substituted as described above . another embodiment of this invention relates to compounds of formula ia where r 1 is t — r , r is a c 3 - c 6 cycloalkyl ring or a c 1 - c 6 straight chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl group optionally substituted by halogen and t is as described above . when r 1 is t — r , preferred compounds are those where t is c (═ o ) as represented by formula xa . table 4 below shows representative examples of xa compounds . preferred r 2 groups of formula i include — ch 2 or , — ch 2 oh , — ch 2 ( heterocyclyl ), — ch 2 ( substituted heterocyclyl ), — ch 2 n ( r ) 2 , and an r group such as methyl . representative examples of compounds wherein r 2 is other than methyl ( formula ixa ) are shown in table 5 below . the xyz - containing ring of formula i may be an isoxazole ring as shown above or it may an isomeric isoxazole or “ reverse ” isoxazole ( ib ). in this embodiment q is preferably a pyrimidine or pyridine ring where a is n or ch , or q is a pyrazole ring , and r 2 is aliphatic or substituted aliphatic . other embodiments of this invention relate to compounds where the xyz - containing ring is a furan ( id ) or a triazole ( ie ). these embodiments are exemplified below where r 1 is phenyl , r 2 ′ is hydrogen , and a is n or ch . for compounds of formula ib - ie , the phenyl rings of ar 1 and ar 2 may be optionally substituted as shown above for the isoxazoles of formula ia . the compounds of this invention may be prepared in general by methods known to those skilled in the art for analogous compounds , as illustrated by the general schemes below and by the preparative examples that follow . scheme i above shows a route for making isoxazoles where q is a pyrimidine ring . the starting benzaldehyde oxime 1 may be converted to the α - chlorobenzaldehyde oxime 2 using n - chlorosuccinimide and a catalytic amount of pyridine . condensation of 2 with 2 , 4 - pentanedione provides the isoxazole 3 which may be treated with dimethylformamide dimethylacetal to obtain the enamine 4 . after an aqueous work - up and without purification , 4 may be cyclized with guanidine hydrochloride to the aminopyrimidine 5 . compounds of formula iia may be obtained from 5 according to step ( e ) using the appropriate arylbromide in the presence of tris ( dibenylideneacetone ) dipalladium . alternatively , 5 may be treated with the appropriate acid chloride in a pyridine / benzene solvent according to step ( f ) to give compounds of formula iva . if the acid chloride is a ar 2 cocl , compounds of formula iiia may be obtained in a similar manner . scheme ii above shows a route for making isoxazoles of this invention where q is a pyrimidine ring and r 2 is modified by various groups . scheme iii above shows a synthetic route for making isoxazoles of this invention where q is a pyridine and r 2 is modified by various groups . in scheme ii and scheme iii , the isoxazole ring is first constructed and then the 2 - position of the pyrimidine or pyridine ring is elaborated with the appropriate nhr 1 substitution . it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that position 2 of the pyrimidine or pyridine ring can be elaborated with the appropriate nhr 1 substitution before the isoxazole ring is constructed . accordingly , isoxazoles of this invention may be obtained by performing step ( b ) using an appropriate intermediate having the formula xii : where a is n or ch ; r 1 and r 2 are as described above ; and pg is hydrogen or a nitrogen protecting group . nitrogen protecting groups are well - known and include groups such as benzyl or co 2 r , where r is preferably alkyl , allyl or benzyl . scheme iv above shows a synthetic route king reverse isoxazoles of this invention q is a pyrimidine ring . scheme v above shows a synthetic route for making reverse isoxazoles of this invention where q is a pyridine ring . scheme vi above shows a general route for preparing compounds of this invention wherein q is a pyrazole ring . scheme vii above shows a general route for preparing compounds of this invention wherein the xyz ring is a pyrazole ring . certain of the intermediates that are useful for making the kinase inhibitors of this invention are believed to be novel . accordingly , one embodiment of this invention relates to compounds xii above and compounds represented by formula xiii : x — y is n — o or o — n providing an isoxazole or reverse isoxazole ring ; a is n or ch ; g is r , aryl or substituted aryl ; r is aliphatic or substituted aliphatic r 2 is selected from hydrogen , — r , — ch 2 or , — ch 2 oh , — ch ═ o , — ch 2 sr , — ch 2 s ( o ) 2 r , — ch 2 ( c ═ o ) r , — ch 2 co 2 r , — ch 2 co 2 h , — ch 2 cn , — ch 2 nhr , — ch 2 n ( r ) 2 , — ch ═ n — or , — ch ═ nnhr , — ch ═ nn ( r ) 2 , — ch ═ nnhcor , — ch ═ nnhco 2 r , — ch ═ nnhso 2 r , - aryl , - substituted aryl , — ch 2 ( aryl ), — ch 2 ( substituted aryl ), — ch 2 nh 2 , — ch 2 nhcor , — ch 2 nhconhr , — ch 2 nhcon ( r ) 2 , — ch 2 nrcor , — ch 2 nhco 2 r , — ch 2 conhr , — ch 2 con ( r ) 2 , — ch 2 so 2 nh 2 , — ch 2 ( heterocyclyl ), — ch 2 ( substituted heterocyclyl ), -( heterocyclyl ), or -( substituted heterocyclyl ); and r 1 is selected from halogen , nh 2 , sr , or so 2 r . the activity of the jnk inhibitors of this invention may be assayed in vitro , in vivo or in a cell line . in vitro assays include assays that determine inhibition of either the kinase activity or atpase activity of activated jnk . for example , see the testing examples described below . alternate in vitro assays quantitate the ability of the inhibitor to bind to jnk and may be measured either by radiolabelling the inhibitor prior to binding , isolating the inhibitor / jnk complex and determining the amount of radiolabel bound , or by running a competition experiment where new inhibitors are incubated with jnk bound to known radioligands . one may use any type or isoform of jnk , depending upon which jnk type or isoform is to be inhibited . the jnk inhibitors or pharmaceutical salts thereof may be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions for administration to animals or humans . these pharmaceutical compositions , which comprise an amount of jnk inhibitor effective to treat or prevent a jnk - mediated condition and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier , are another embodiment of the present invention . the term “ jnk - mediated condition ”, as used herein means any disease or other deleterious condition in which jnk is known to play a role . such conditions include , without limitation , inflammatory diseases , autoimmune diseases , destructive bone disorders , proliferative disorders , cancer , infectious diseases , neurodegenerative diseases , allergies , reperfusion / ischemia in stroke , heart attacks , angiogenic disorders , organ hypoxia , vascular hyperplasia , cardiac hypertrophy , thrombin - induced platelet aggregation , and conditions associated with prostaglandin endoperoxidase synthase - 2 . inflammatory diseases which may be treated or prevented by the compounds of this invention include , but are not limited to , acute pancreatitis , chronic pancreatitis , asthma , allergies , and adult respiratory distress syndrome . autoimmune diseases which may be treated or prevented by the compounds of this invention include , but are not limited to , glomerulonephritis , rheumatoid arthritis , systemic lupus erythematosus , scleroderma , chronic thyroiditis , graves &# 39 ; disease , autoimmune gastritis , diabetes , autoimmune hemolytic anemia , autoimmune neutropenia , thrombocytopenia , atopic dermatitis , chronic active hepatitis , myasthenia gravis , multiple sclerosis , inflammatory bowel disease , ulcerative colitis , crohn &# 39 ; s disease , psoriasis , or graft vs . host disease . destructive bone disorders which may be treated or prevented by the compounds of this invention include , but are not limited to , osteoporosis , osteoarthritis and multiple myeloma - related bone disorder . proliferative diseases which may be treated or prevented by the compounds of this invention include , but are not limited to , acute myelogenous leukemia , chronic myelogenous leukemia , metastatic melanoma , kaposi &# 39 ; s sarcoma , multiple myeloma and htlv - 1 mediated tumorigenesis . angiogenic disorders which may be treated or prevented by the compounds of this invention include solid tumors , ocular neovasculization , infantile haemangiomas . infectious diseases which may be treated or prevented by the compounds of this invention include , but are not limited to , sepsis , septic shock , and shigellosis . viral diseases which may be treated or prevented by the compounds of this invention include , but are not limited to , acute hepatitis infection ( including hepatitis a , hepatitis b and hepatitis c ), hiv infection and cmv retinitis . neurodegenerative diseases which may be treated or prevented by the compounds of this invention include , but are not limited to , alzheimer &# 39 ; s disease , parkinson &# 39 ; s disease , amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( als ), epilepsy , seizures , huntington &# 39 ; s disease , traumatic brain injury , ischemic and hemorrhaging stroke , cerebral ischemias or neurodegenerative disease , including apoptosis - driven neurodegenerative disease , caused by traumatic injury , acute hypoxia , ischemia or glutamate neurotoxicity . “ jnk - mediated conditions ” also include ischemia / reperfusion in stroke , heart attacks , myocardial ischemia , organ hypoxia , vascular hyperplasia , cardiac hypertrophy , hepatic ischemia , liver disease , congestive heart failure , pathologic immune responses such as that caused by t cell activation and thrombin - induced platelet aggregation . in addition , jnk inhibitors of the instant invention may be capable of inhibiting the expression of inducible pro - inflammatory proteins . therefore , other “ jnk - mediated conditions ” which may be treated by the compounds of this invention include edema , analgesia , fever and pain , such as neuromuscular pain , headache , cancer pain , dental pain and arthritis pain . the compounds of this invention are also useful as inhibitors of src - family kinases , especially src and lck . for a general review of these kinases see thomas and brugge , annu . rev . cell dev . biol . ( 1997 ) 13 , 513 ; lawrence and niu , pharmacol . ther . ( 1998 ) 77 , 81 ; tatosyan and mizenina , biochemistry ( moscow ) ( 2000 ) 65 , 49 . accordingly , these compounds are useful for treating diseases or conditions that are known to be affected by the activity of one or more src - family kinases . such diseases or conditions include hypercalcemia , restenosis , hypercalcemia , osteoporosis , osteoarthritis , symptomatic treatment of bone metastasis , rheumatoid arthritis , inflammatory bowel disease , multiple sclerosis , psoriasis , lupus , graft vs . host disease , t - cell mediated hypersensitivity disease , hashimoto &# 39 ; s thyroiditis , guillain - barre syndrome , chronic obtructive pulmonary disorder , contact dermatitis , cancer , paget &# 39 ; s disease , asthma , ischemic or reperfusion injury , allergic disease , atopic dermatitis , and allergic rhinitis . diseases that are affected by src activity , in particular , include hypercalcemia , osteoporosis , osteoarthritis , cancer , symptomatic treatment of bone metastasis , and paget &# 39 ; s disease . diseases that are affected by lck activity , in particular , include autoimmune diseases , allergies , rheumatoid arthritis , and leukemia . compounds of formula ii - a and i - b wherein . ar 2 is aryl are especially useful for treating diseases associated with the src - family kinases , particularly src or lck . in addition to the compounds of this invention , pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives or prodrugs of the compounds of this invention may also be employed in compositions to treat or prevent the above - identified disorders . a “ pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or prodrug ” means any pharmaceutically acceptable salt , ester , salt of an ester or other derivative of a compound of this invention which , upon administration to a recipient , is capable of providing , either directly or indirectly , a compound of this invention or an inhibitorily active metabolite or residue thereof . particularly favored derivatives or prodrugs are those that increase the bioavailability of the compounds of this invention when such compounds are administered to a mammal ( e . g ., by allowing an orally administered compound to be more readily absorbed into the blood ) or which enhance delivery of the parent compound to a biological compartment ( e . g ., the brain or lymphatic system ) relative to the parent species . pharmaceutically acceptable prodrugs of the compounds of this invention include , without limitation , esters , amino acid esters , phosphate esters , metal salts and sulfonate esters . pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of this invention include those derived from pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic and organic acids and bases . examples of suitable acid salts include acetate , adipate , alginate , aspartate , benzoate , benzenesulfonate , bisulfate , butyrate , citrate , camphorate , camphorsulfonate , cyclopentanepropionate , digluconate , dodecylsulfate , ethanesulfonate , formate , fumarate , glucoheptanoate , glycerophosphate , glycolate , hemisulfate , heptanoate , hexanoate , hydrochloride , hydrobromide , hydroiodide , 2 - hydroxyethanesulfonate , lactate , maleate , malonate , methanesulfonate , 2 - naphthalenesulfonate , nicotinate , nitrate , oxalate , palmoate , pectinate , persulfate , 3 - phenylpropionate , phosphate , picrate , pivalate , propionate , salicylate , succinate , sulfate , tartrate , thiocyanate , tosylate and undecanoate . other acids , such as oxalic , while not in themselves pharmaceutically acceptable , may be employed in the preparation of salts useful as intermediates in obtaining the compounds of the invention and their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts . salts derived from appropriate bases include alkali metal ( e . g ., sodium and potassium ), alkaline earth metal ( e . g ., magnesium ), ammonium and n + ( c 1 - 4 alkyl ) 4 salts . this invention also envisions the quaternization of any basic nitrogen - containing groups of the compounds disclosed herein . water or oil - soluble or dispersible products may be obtained by such quaternization . pharmaceutically acceptable carriers that may be used in these pharmaceutical compositions include , but are not limited to , ion exchangers , alumina , aluminum stearate , lecithin , serum proteins , such as human serum albumin , buffer substances such as phosphates , glycine , sorbic acid , potassium sorbate , partial glyceride mixtures of saturated vegetable fatty acids , water , salts or electrolytes , such as protamine sulfate , disodium hydrogen phosphate , potassium hydrogen phosphate , sodium chloride , zinc salts , colloidal silica , magnesium trisilicate , polyvinyl pyrrolidone , cellulose - based substances , polyethylene glycol , sodium carboxymethylcellulose , polyacrylates , waxes , polyethylene - polyoxypropylene - block polymers , polyethylene glycol and wool fat . the compositions of the present invention may be administered orally , parenterally , by inhalation spray , topically , rectally , nasally , buccally , vaginally or via an implanted reservoir . the term “ parenteral ” as used herein includes subcutaneous , intravenous , intramuscular , intra - articular , intra - synovial , intrasternal , intrathecal , intrahepatic , intralesional and intracranial injection or infusion techniques . preferably , the compositions are administered orally , intraperitoneally or intravenously . sterile injectable forms of the compositions of this invention may be aqueous or oleaginous suspension . these suspensions may be formulated according to techniques known in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents . the sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non - toxic parenterally - acceptable diluent or solvent , for example as a solution in 1 , 3 - butanediol . among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water , ringer &# 39 ; s solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution . in addition , sterile , fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium . for this purpose , any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono - or di - glycerides . fatty acids , such as oleic acid and its glyceride derivatives are useful in the preparation of injectables , as are natural pharmaceutically - acceptable oils , such as olive oil or castor oil , especially in their polyoxyethylated versions . these oil solutions or suspensions may also contain a long - chain alcohol diluent or dispersant , such as carboxymethyl cellulose or similar dispersing agents which are commonly used in the formulation of pharmaceutically acceptable dosage forms including emulsions and suspensions . other commonly used surfactants , such as tweens , spans and other emulsifying agents or bioavailability enhancers which are commonly used in the manufacture of pharmaceutically acceptable solid , liquid , or other dosage forms may also be used for the purposes of formulation . the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention maybe orally administered in any orally acceptable dosage form including , but not limited to , capsules , tablets , aqueous suspensions or solutions . in the case of tablets for oral use , carriers commonly used include lactose and corn starch . lubricating agents , such as magnesium . stearate , are also typically added . for oral administration in a capsule form , useful diluents include lactose and dried cornstarch . when aqueous suspensions are required for oral use , the active ingredient is combined with emulsifying and suspending agents . if desired , certain sweetening , flavoring or coloring agents may also be added . alternatively , the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be administered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration . these can be prepared by mixing the agent with a suitable non - irritating excipient which is solid at room temperature but liquid at rectal temperature and therefore will melt in the rectum to release the drug . such materials include cocoa butter , beeswax and polyethylene glycols . the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may also be administered topically , especially when the target of treatment includes areas or organs readily accessible by topical application , including diseases of the eye , the skin , or the lower intestinal tract . suitable topical formulations are readily prepared for each of these areas or organs . topical application for the lower intestinal tract can be effected in a rectal suppository formulation ( see above ) or in a suitable enema formulation . topically - transdermal patches may also be used . for topical applications , the pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated in a suitable ointment containing the active component suspended or dissolved in one or more carriers . carriers for topical administration of the compounds of this invention include , but are not limited to , mineral oil , liquid petrolatum , white petrolatum , propylene glycol , polyoxyethylene , polyoxypropylene compound , emulsifying wax and water . alternatively , the pharmaceutical compositions can be formulated in a suitable lotion or cream containing the active components suspended or dissolved in one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers . suitable carriers include , but are not limited to , mineral oil , sorbitan monostearate , polysorbate 60 , cetyl esters wax , cetearyl alcohol , 2 - octyldodecanol , benzyl alcohol and water . for ophthalmic use , the pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated as micronized suspensions in isotonic , ph adjusted sterile saline , or , preferably , as solutions in isotonic , ph adjusted sterile saline , either with or without a preservative such as benzylalkonium chloride . alternatively , for ophthalmic uses , the pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated in an ointment such as petrolatum . the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may also be administered by nasal aerosol or inhalation . such compositions are prepared according to techniques well - known in the art of pharmaceutical formulation and may be prepared as solutions in saline , employing benzyl alcohol or other suitable preservatives , absorption promoters to enhance bioavailability , fluorocarbons , and / or other conventional solubilizing or dispersing agents . the amount of jnk inhibitor that may be combined with the carrier materials to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon the host treated , the particular mode of administration . preferably , the compositions should be formulated so that a dosage of between 0 . 01 - 100 mg / kg body weight / day of the inhibitor can be administered to a patient receiving these compositions . it should also be understood that a specific dosage and treatment regimen for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors , including the activity of the specific compound employed , the age , body weight , general health , sex , diet , time of administration , rate of excretion , drug combination , and the judgment of the treating physician and the severity of the particular disease being treated . the amount of inhibitor will also depend upon the particular compound in the composition . according to another embodiment , the invention provides methods for treating or preventing a jnk - mediated condition comprising the step of administering to a patient one of the above - described pharmaceutical compositions . the term “ patient ”, as used herein , means an animal , preferably a human . preferably , that method is used to treat or prevent a condition selected from inflammatory diseases , autoimmune diseases , destructive bone disorders , proliferative disorders , infectious diseases , degenerative diseases , neurodegenerative diseases , allergies , reperfusion / ischemia in stroke , heart attacks , angiogenic disorders , organ hypoxia , vascular hyperplasia , cardiac hypertrophy , and thrombin - induced platelet aggregation , or any specific disease or disorder described above . depending upon the particular jnk - mediated condition to be treated or prevented , additional drugs , which are normally administered to treat or prevent that condition , may be administered together with the inhibitors of this invention . for example , chemotherapeutic agents or other anti - proliferative agents may be combined with the jnk inhibitors of this invention to treat proliferative diseases . those additional agents may be administered separately , as part of a multiple dosage regimen , from the jnk inhibitor - containing composition . alternatively , those agents may be part of a single dosage form , mixed together with the jnk inhibitor in a single composition . in order that the invention described herein may be more fully understood , the following examples are set forth . it should be understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting this invention in any manner . benzaldehyde oxime . to benzaldhyde ( 10 . 0 g , 94 mmol ) in ethanol ( 50 ml ) was added hydroxylamine hydrochloride ( 6 . 5 g , 94 mmol in h 2 o ( 50 ml ) followed by na 2 co 3 in h 2 o ( 50 ml ). reaction solution was stirred for 2 hr . poured into brine and extracted twice with diethyl ether . combined extracts were dried over mgso 4 . evaporation afforded benzaldehyde oxime ( 11 . 0 g , 96 . 5 % yield ) as a colorless oil . 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 ) δ 7 . 40 - 7 . 50 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 60 - 7 . 70 ( m , 2h ), 8 . 22 ( s , 1h ), 9 . 1 ( bs , 1h ). α - chlorobenzaldehyde oxime ( benzoyl chloride oxime ). to benzaldehyde oxime ( 12 . 2 g , 0 . 1 mol ) in chloroform was added catalytic amount of pyridine , followed by n - chlorosuccinimide ( 13 . 35 g , 0 . 1 mol ) at room temperature . the reaction mixture was stirred for 1 . 5 h , then saturated aqueous nacl was added . the organic phase was washed with saturated aqueous nacl ( twice ) and dried with mgso 4 . the solvent was removed under reduced pressure . 13 . 85 g α - chlorobenzaldehyde oxime was obtained . the yield was 87 %. 1 -( 5 - methyl - 3 - phenyl - isoxazol - 4 - yl )- ethanone ( compound 3 ). to a solution of pentane - 2 , 4 - dione ( 13 . 23 g , 0 . 132 mol ) and triethylamine ( 13 . 35 g , 0 . 132 mol ) in ethanol was added α - chlorobenzaldehyde oxime ( 13 . 70 g , 0 . 088 mol ) at room temperature . the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature . to the reaction was added ethyl acetate and saturated aqueous nacl . the organic phase was washed with saturated aqueous nacl ( twice ) and dried with mgso 4 , and the organic solvent was removed under reduced pressure to provide 17 . 7 g of the title compound . the yield was 100 %. 4 -( 5 - methyl - 3 - phenyl - isoxazol - 4 - yl )- pyrimidin - 2 - ylamine ( compound 5 ). the above compound 3 ( 17 . 7 g , 0 . 088 mol ) and dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal ( dmf . dma ) ( 160 g , 0 . 132 mol ) were refluxed overnight . to the reaction mixture was added ethyl acetate and saturated aqueous nacl . the organic phase was washed with saturated aqueous nacl ( twice ) and dried ( mgso 4 ). the organic solvent was removed under reduced pressure , and the crude product material was dissolved in 200 ml methanol . to the solution was added guanidine hydrochloride ( 10 . 5 g , 0 . 110 mol ) in 100 ml methanol , followed by sodium methoxide ( 6 . 17 g , 0 . 114 mol ) in 100 ml methanol . the reaction mixture was refluxed overnight and then was cooled to room temperature . the reaction solvent was concentrated to approximately 100 ml total volume , and the precipitated product was filtered . the filtration cake afforded the title compound ( 9 . 3 g ). the overall yield for two steps was 46 %. [ 4 -( 5 - methyl - 3 - phenyl - isoxazol - 4 - yl )- pyrimidin - 2 - yl ]- phenyl - amine ( compound iia ). to a solution of 50 mg ( 0 . 2 mmol ) of 4 -( 5 - methyl - 3 - phenyl - isoxazole - 4 - yl )- pyrimidin - 2 - ylamine in 1 ml of toluene was added successively 63 μl ( 0 . 6 mmol ) of bromobenzene , 10 mg of tris ( dibenzylideneacetone ) dipalladium , 10 mg of binap and 39 mg ( 0 . 4 mmol ) of sodium tert - butoxide . the mixture was heated at reflux for 16 h , diluted with ethyl acetate , filtered , washed successively with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and brine , dried ( mgso 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo . the residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel eluted with ethyl acetate - hexanes 1 : 3 , to afford 24 mg ( 36 %) of the title compound as a yellow oil . 5 - methyl - 3 - phenyl - isoxazole - 4 - carboxylic acid methyl ester . an ethanol solution of freshly prepared benzoyl chloride oxime ( 14 . 0 g , 90 mmol ) ( 100 ml ) was added dropwise , at 5 ° c . to methyl acetoacetate ( 11 . 18 g , 96 mmol ) and triethyl amine ( 13 ml , 103 mmol ) in ethanol ( 50 ml ) after stirring for 12 hr at ambient temperature , the solution was diluted with ch 2 cl 2 , washed with 1n hcl . saturated nahco 3 , brine , dried over mgso 4 and evaporated togive amber oil . flash chromatography ( silica ) with 10 % ethyl acetate in hexanes afforded the title compound ( 7 . 56 g , 39 % yield ) as a white solid : ms m / z mh + 218 ( 100 ); 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 ) δ 2 . 78 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 81 ( s , 3h ), 7 . 45 - 7 . 55 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 65 - 7 . 69 ( m , 2h ). 5 - methyl - 3 - phenyl - isoxazole - 4 - carboxylic acid . to 5 - methyl - 3 - phenyl - isoxazole - 4 - carboxylic acid methyl ester ( 0 . 853 g , 3 . 69 mmol ) in methanol ( 12 ml ) was added 2n naoh ( 8 ml ) the reaction solution was stirred at ambient temperature for 60 hr . the solution was dilute with waterand extracted twice with ethyl acetate . the combined extract was washed with brine and dried over mgso 4 and concentrated . recrystallization ( hexanes / ethyl acetate ) afforded a white solid ( 0 . 540 g , 72 % yield ). 5 - methyl - 3 - phenyl - isoxazole - 4 - carbonyl chloride . 5 - methyl - 3 - phenyl - isoxazole - 4 - carboxylic acid ( 0 . 54 g , 2 . 56 mmol ) was treated with socl 2 ( 2 ml ) at 70 ° c . for 1 hr . concentration in vacuum gave a yellow oil which was used without purification . 3 -( 5 - methyl - 3 - phenyl - isoxazol - 4 - yl )- 3 - oxo - propionitrile . to cyanoacetic acid ( 0 . 43 g , 5 . 12 mmol ) in thf at − 78 ° c ., containing one crystal of 1 , 1 ′- bipyridyl was added n - butyl lithium ( 6 . 4 ml , 10 . 24 mmol ). the temperature was allowed to warm to 0 ° c . resulting in a pink colored solution . after cooling to − 78 ° c ., 5 - methyl - 3 - phenyl - isoxazole - 4 - carbonyl chloride ( 0 . 567 g , 2 . 56 mmol ) in thf ( 5 ml ) was added dropwise . the mixture was stirred at − 78 ° c . for 1 hr . and at ambient temperature for an addition 1 hr . the reaction was quenched with 1n hcl ( 13 ml0 and extracted twice with ch 2 cl 2 . combined extracts were washed with saturated nahco 3 , brine , dried over mgso 4 to give the title compound ( 0 . 391 g , 67 % yield ). n -[ 5 -( 5 - methyl - 3 - phenyl - isoxazol - 4 - yl )- 2h - pyrazol - 3 - yl ]- benzamide . 3 -( 5 - methyl - 3 - phenyl - isoxazol - 4 - yl )- 3 - oxo - propionitrile ( 0 . 391 . g , 1 . 73 mmol ) in ethanol ( 3 ml ) was treated with hydrazine ( 0 . 168 ml , 3 . 46 mmol ) and heated to reflux . evaporation in vacuum gave 5 -( 5 - methyl - 3 - phenyl - isoxazol - 4 - yl )- 2h - pyrazol - 3 - ylamine used without purification . to the resulting amine ( 0 . 039 . g , 0 . 16 mmol ) in dioxane was added triethyl amine followed by benzyl chloride ( 0 . 019 ml , 0 . 16 mmol ). the reaction was stirred at 10 ° c . for 1 hr and 2 hr at ambient temperature . the solution was diluted with water extracted with ethyl acetate , washed with saturated nahco 3 , brine , dried over mgso 4 and concentrated in vacuum . hplc purification afforded 1 . 4 mg of title compound . 1 - benzyloxy - 3 -( 2 - methylsulfanylpyrimidin - 4 - yl )- propan - 2 - one ( compound 7 ). to a stirred solution of 4 - methyl - 2 - methylsulfanylpyrimidine ( 9 . 60 g , 68 . 5 mmol ) in thf ( 150 ml ) at − 78 ° c . was added lda ( 2 . 0 m thf / hex , 41 . 1 ml , 82 . 2 mmol ) dropwise over 10 min . the solution was stirred at − 78 ° c . for 15 minutes , warmed to 0 ° c . for 10 minutes and recooled to − 78 ° c . for 15 minutes . then , a solution of 3 - benzyloxy - n - methyl - n - methoxyacetamide ( 17 . 2 g , 82 . 2 mmol ) in thf ( 30 ml ) was added dropwise over 45 minutes . after 15 min . at − 78 ° c ., the solution was warmed to 0 ° c . and stirred for 30 min . the reaction was quenched with hcl ( 1m , 85 ml ) and stirred for 1 h . the solution was poured into saturated nahco 3 ( 300 ml ), extracted with et 2 o ( 3 × 200 ml ), dried ( mgso 4 ), filtered and concentrated . flash chromatography ( sio 2 , 20 % etoac - hexanes ) provided the title compound ( 13 . 75 g , 47 . 7 mmol , 69 % yield ). 4 -[ 5 - benzyloxymethyl - 3 -( 4 - fluoro - phenyl )- isoxazol - 4 - yl ]- 2 - methylsulfanyl - pyrimidine ( compound 8 ). to a stirred solution of the above compound 7 ( 13 . 75 g , 47 . 7 mmol ) and et 3 n ( 14 . 6 ml , 105 mmol ) in etoh ( 200 ml ), was added a solution of 4 - fluoro - benzoylchloride oxime ( 56 mmol ) in etoh ( 50 ml ) over 30 min . the solution was stirred at 25 ° c . for 15 min . then , the solution was heated to reflux for 90 min . the solution was cooled to 25 ° c . additional et 3 n ( 7 . 3 ml , 52 mmol ) was added followed by dropwise addition of a solution of 4 - fluoro - benzoylchloride oxime ( 38 . 5 mmol ) in etoh ( 50 ml ) over 1 h . to drive the reaction to completion . the solution was refluxed for 1 h . until tlc indicated that all of the starting isoxazole was consumed . the solution was cooled to 25 ° c . and concentrated . the crude material was picked up in ch 2 cl 2 ( 50 ml ) and poured into saturated aqueous nahco 3 ( 150 ml ), extracted with ch 2 cl 2 ( 3 × 150 ml ), dried ( mgso 4 ), filtered and concentrated . flash chromatography ( sio 2 , 20 % etoac - hexanes ) provided the title compound ( 14 . 2 g , 34 . 8 mmol , 60 %) in sufficient purity (& gt ; 85 %) for use in the next reaction . 4 -[ 5 - benzyloxymethyl - 3 -( 4 - fluoro - phenyl )- isoxazol - 4 - yl ]- 2 - methanesulfonyl - pyrimidine ( compound 9 ). to a stirred solution of the above compound 8 ( 2 . 00 g , 4 . 91 mmol ) in meoh ( 50 ml ) at 25 ° c . was added dropwise a solution of oxone ( 7 . 07 g , 11 . 5 mmol ) in h 2 o ( 50 ml ) over 10 min . after 20 h ., the solution was poured into h 2 o ( 75 ml ), extracted with ch 2 cl 2 , ( 3 × 75 ml ), dried ( mgso 4 ), filtered and concentrated . flash chromatography ( sio 2 , 45 % etoac - hexanes ) provided the title compound ( 1 . 60 g , 3 . 64 mmol , 74 %). [ 3 -( 4 - fluoro - phenyl )- 4 -( 2 - methanesulfonyl - pyrimidin - 4 - yl )- isoxazol - 5 - yl ]- methanol ( compound 10 ). to a stirred solution of the above compound 9 ( 750 mg , 1 . 70 mmol ) in chcl 3 ( 8 . 5 ml ) at 0 ° c . was added trimethylsilyl iodide ( 0 . 73 ml , 5 . 1 mmol ). the reaction was stirred at 0 ° c . for 30 min . then , additional trimethylsilyl iodide ( 0 . 48 ml , 3 . 4 mmol ) was added . after 40 min . the solution was warmed to 25 ° c . and stirring was continued for 22 h . the solution was quenched with h 2 o - meoh ( 2 ml ) and stirred for 1 h . the solution was poured into saturated aqueous nahco 3 ( 30 ml ), extracted with etoac ( 3 × 30 ml ), and concentrated . flash chromatography ( sio 2 , 80 % etoac - hexanes ) provided the title compound ( 530 mg , 1 . 52 mmol , 89 %). 4 -[ 5 -( bromomethyl )- 3 -( 4 - fluoro - phenyl )- isoxazol - 4 - yl ]- 2 - methanesulfonyl - pyrimidine ( compound 11 ). to a stirred solution of the above compound 10 ( 250 mg , 0 . 716 mmol ) and cbr 4 ( 473 mg , 1 . 43 mmol ) in ch 2 cl 2 ( 14 ml ) at 25 ° c . was added pph 3 ( 244 mg , 0 . 93 mmol ). after 10 min ., additional pph 3 ( 50 mg , 0 . 19 mmol ) was added to drive the reaction to completion . after 15 min ., the solution was concentrated . flash chromatography ( sio 2 , 50 % etoac - hexanes ) provided the title compound . ( 265 mg , 0 . 643 mmol , 90 %). 4 -[ 3 -( 4 - fluoro - phenyl )- 4 -( 2 - methanesulfonyl - pyrimidin - 4 - yl )- isoxazol - 5 - ylmethyl ]- morpholine ( compound 12 ). to a stirred solution of the above compound 11 ( 41 mg , 0 . 099 mmol ) and et 3 n ( 20 82 l , 0 . 15 mmol ) in ch 3 cn ( 0 . 5 ml ) at 25 ° c . was added morpholine ( 9 . 6 μl , 0 . 11 mmol ). after15 min . the solution was concentrated . preparative thin layer chromatography ( sio 2 , etoac ) provided the title compound ( 29 mg , 0 . 069 mmol , 70 %). 4 -{ 4 -[ 3 -( 4 - fluoro - phenyl )- 5 -( morpholin 4 - ylmethyl )- isoxazol - 4 - yl ] pyrimidin - 2 - ylamino } cyclohexanol ( compound xia - 42 ). a stirred solution of compound 13 ( 29 mg , 0 . 069 mmol ) and trans - 4 - aminocyclohexanol ( 24 mg , 0 . 21 mmol ) in dmso ( 0 . 21 ml ) was heated to 80 ° c . for 4 h . the solution was poured into half - saturated aqueous nahco 3 ( 5 ml ), extracted with etoac ( 5 × 5 ml ), dried ( mgso 4 ), filtered and concentrated . flash chromatography ( sio 2 , 10 % meoh — ch 2 cl 2 ) provided material which was further purified by ion exchange chromatography ( scx resin , eluent : 0 . 25m nh 3 in 50 % meoh — ch 2 cl 2 ) to give the title compound ( 27 mg , 0 . 057 mmol , 83 %). 4 -[ 5 - ethoxmethyl - 3 -( 4 - fluoro - phenyl )- isoxazol - 4 - yl ]- 2 - methylsulfanyl - pyrimidine ( compound 13 ). to a stirred solution of the above compound 8 ( 103 mg , 0 . 27 mmol ) in etoh ( 2 . 0 ml ) at 25 ° c . was added naoet ( 21 % w / v etoh , 0 . 40 ml , 1 . 23 mmol ). after 2 h . the reaction was quenched with saturated aqueous nh 4 cl ( 3 ml ), ch 2 cl 2 ( 3 × 5 ml ); dried ( mgso 4 ), filtered and concentrated . flash chromatography ( sio 2 , 25 % etoac - hexanes ) provided the title compound ( 58 mg , 0 . 17 mmol , 62 %). 4 -[ 5 - ethoxymethyl - 3 -( 4 - fluoro - phenyl )- isoxazol - 4 - yl ]- 2 - methanesulfonyl - pyrimidine ( compound 14 ). this compound was prepared in a manner similar to that described above in example 13 , except starting from the above compound 13 ( 58 mg , 0 . 17 mmol ) to provide the title compound ( 64 mg , 0 . 17 mmol , 100 %) which was used directly in the next reaction without purification or characterization . cyclohexyl -{ 4 -[ 5 - ethoxymethyl - 3 -( 4 - fluoro - phenyl )- isoxazol - 4 - yl ]- pyrimidin - 2 - yl } amine ( compound xia - 43 ) this compound was prepared in a manner similar to that described above in example 17 , starting from the above compound 14 ( 64 mg , 0 . 17 mmol ) and cyclohexylamine ( 58 μl , 0 . 51 mmol ) to provide the title compound as crude product . after hplc purification ( c - 18 , gradient elution , 10 - 90 % h 2 o — ch 3 cn ) and extraction into etoac , the crude product was converted to the hcl salt with hcl - et 2 o ( 1m , 1 ml ). the solvents were removed in vacuo the give the title compound as the hcl salt ( 55 mg , 0 . 13 mmol , 76 % over two steps from compound 13 ). cyclohexyl -{ 4 -[ 5 - benzyloxymethyl - 3 -( 4 - fluoro - phenyl )- isoxazol - 4 - yl ]- pyrimidin - 2 - yl } amine ( compound xia - 44 ) this compound was prepared in a manner similar to that described above in example 17 starting from the above compound 9 ( 500 mg , 1 . 14 mmol ) and cyclohexylamine ( 340 μl , 3 . 42 mmol ). flash chromatography ( sio 2 , 30 % etoac - hexanes ) provided the title compound ( 488 mg , 1 . 06 mmol , 93 %). [ 4 -( 2 - cyclohexylamino - pyrimidin - 4 - yl )- 3 -( 4 - fluoro - phenyl )- isoxazol - 5 - yl ] methanol ( compound xia - 45 ) a stirred solution of the above compound xia - 44 ( 461 mg , 1 . 01 mmol ) in tfa - h 2 o ( 3 : 1 , 8 ml ) was heated to 80 ° c . for 20 h . the solution was concentrated , and the crude mixture was taken up in ch 2 cl 2 ( 25 ml ), poured into saturated aqueous nahco 3 ( 30 ml ), extracted with ch 2 cl 2 ( 3 × 25 ml ), dried ( mgso 4 ), filtered and concentrated . tlc ( 50 % etoac - hexanes ) indicated about 50 % consumption of starting compound xia - 44 . the crude material was dissolved in tfa - h 2 o ( 3 : 1 , 8 ml ) and the resulting solution was heated to 100 ° c . for 22 h . the solution was concentrated , and the crude mixture was taken up in ch 2 cl 2 ( 25 ml ), poured into saturated aqueous nahco 3 ( 30 ml ), extracted with ch 2 cl 2 ( 3 × 25 ml ), dried ( mgso 4 ), filtered and concentrated . flash chromatography ( sio 2 , 40 % etoac - hexanes ) provided the title compound ( 313 mg , 0 . 85 mmol , 84 %). 1 -( 2 - bromo - pyridin - 4 - yl )- propan - 2 - one ( compound 16 ). to a stirred solution of 2 - bromo - 4 - methylpyridine ( compound 15 ) ( 20 . 20 g , 117 . 4 mmol ) in thf ( 250 ml ) at − 78 ° c . was added lda ( 2 . 0 m thf / hex , 70 . 5 ml , 141 mmol ) dropwise over 10 min . the solution was stirred at − 78 ° c . for 35 min . then a solution of n - methoxy - n - methyl acetamide ( 14 . 5 g , 141 mmol ) in thf ( 30 ml ) was added dropwise over 10 min . after 15 min . at − 78 ° c ., the solution was warmed to 0 ° c . and stirred for 1 h . the solution was poured into h 2 o ( 250 ml ), extracted with et 2 o ( 3 × 250 ml ), dried ( mgso 4 ), filtered and concentrated . flash chromatography ( sio 2 , 20 % etoac - hexanes ) provided the title compound ( 16 . 75 g , 78 . 2 mmol , 67 %). 2 - bromo - 4 -( 5 - methyl - 3 - phenyl - isoxazol - 4 - yl )- pyridine ( compound 17a ). to a stirred solution of compound 16 ( 1 . 71 g , 8 . 0 mmol ) and et 3 n ( 2 . 23 ml , 16 mmol ) in etoh ( 16 ml ) was added a solution of benzoylchloride oxime ( 1 . 62 g , 10 . 4 mmol ) in etoh ( 16 ml ) over 90 min . the solution was stirred at 25 ° c . for 90 min . then , the solution was heated to reflux for 24 h . the solution was cooled to 25 ° c . and concentrated . the crude material was taken up in ch 2 cl 2 ( 50 ml ) and poured into saturated aqueous nahco 3 ( 50 ml ), extracted with ch 2 cl 2 ( 3 × 50 ml ), dried ( na 2 so 4 ), and filtered . flash chromatography ( sio 2 , 20 % etoac - hexanes ) provided the title compound ( 1 . 32 g , 4 . 19 mmol , 52 %). 2 - bromo - 4 -( 5 - bromomethyl - 3 - phenyl - isoxazol - 4 - yl )- pyridine ( compound 18a ). a stirred solution of the above compound 17a ( 404 mg , 1 . 28 mmol ), n - bromosuccinimide ( 239 mg , 1 . 35 mmol ) and aibn ( 11 mg , 0 . 064 mmol ) in ccl 4 ( 3 ml ) was heated to reflux and placed under a 300 w lamp for 18 h . the solution was diluted with ch 2 cl 2 ( 15 ml ), extracted with h 2 o ( 3 × 10 ml ), brine ( 40 ml ), dried ( mgso 4 ), filtered and concentrated . flash chromatography ( sio 2 , 15 - 20 % etoac - hexanes ) provided the title compound ( 287 mg , 0 . 728 mmol , 57 %). 2 - bromo - 4 -( 5 - methoxymethyl - 3 -( 4 - fluoro - phenyl )- isoxazol - 4 - yl )- pyridine ( compound 19b ). to the above compound 18b ( 200 mg , 0 . 485 mmol ) was added naome ( 0 . 5 m in meoh , 2 . 0 ml , 1 . 0 mmol ). the solution was stirred at 25 ° c . for 90 min . then , the solution was poured into brine , extracted with etoac ( 4 × 15 ml ), dried ( mgso 4 ), filtered through a silica plug . evaporation of the solvent provided the title compound ( 175 mg , 0 . 482 mmol , 99 %). 4 -( 4 -( 2 - bromo - pyridin - 4 - yl )- 3 - phenyl - isoxazol - 5 - ylmethyl )- morpholine ( compound 20a ). a stirred solution of the above compound 18a ( 484 mg , 1 . 22 mmol ), morpholine ( 0 . 45 ml , 5 . 1 mmol ) and k 2 co 3 ( 340 mg , 2 . 45 mmol ) in anhydrous dmf ( 2 ml ) was warmed to 40 ° c . for 18 h . the solution was poured into brine ( 10 ml ), extracted with ch 2 cl 2 ( 3 × 15 ml ), dried ( mgso 4 ), and filtered . flash chromatography ( sio 2 , 50 % etoac - hexanes ) provided the title compound ( 461 mg , 1 . 15 mmol , 94 %). [ 4 -( 5 - methyl - 3 - phenyl - isoxazol - 4 - yl )- pyridin - 2 - yl ] phenyl - amine ( compound iia - 52 ). to a stirred solution of the above compound 17a ( 20 mg , 0 . 063 mmol ), aniline ( 7 . 0 μl , 0 . 076 mmol ) and binap ( 5 . 6 mg , 0 . 009 mmol ) in toluene ( 0 . 6 ml ) at 25 ° c . was added pd 2 ( dba ) 3 ( 2 . 7 mg , 0 . 003 mmol ) followed by naotbu ( 9 . 1 mg , 0 . 095 mmol ). the solution was heated to 80 ° c . for 2 h . the solution was cooled , filtered and concentrated . preparative thin layer chromatography ( sio 2 , 5 % etoac / ch 2 cl 2 ) provided the title compound ( 12 . 6 mg , 0 . 0385 mmol , 61 %). cyclohexyl -[ 4 -( 5 - methoxymethyl - 3 -( 4 - fluoro - phenyl )- isoxazol - 4 - yl )- pyridin - 2 - yl ]- amine ( compound xia - 29 ). to a stirred solution of the above compound 19b ( 20 mg , 0 . 050 mmol ), cyclohexylamine ( 11 μl , 0 . 13 mmol ), and binap ( 4 . 7 mg , 0 . 0075 mmol ) in toluene ( 0 . 4 ml ) at 25 ° c . was added pd 2 ( dba ) 3 ( 2 . 3 mg , 0 . 0025 mmol ) followed by naotbu ( 12 mg , 0 . 13 mmol ). the solution was heated to 80 ° c . for 15 h . the solution was cooled , poured into h 2 o ( 5 ml ), extracted with etoac ( 4 × 5 ml ), dried ( mgso 4 ), filtered and concentrated . hplc ( gradient elution , 90 - 10 % h 2 o — ch 3 cn ) provided the title compound ( 9 . 1 mg , 0 . 022 mmol , 44 %). 3 - methyl - 5 - phenyl - isoxazole - 4 - carbonitrile ( compound 24 ). to an ethyl alcohol solution of benzoylacetonitrile was added 1 . 5 eq of triethyl amine , followed by 1 . 5 eq of acetylchloride oxime , the reaction mixture was stirred at r . t . for 4 hours . to the reaction mixture was added ethyl acetate and brine . the organic phase was dried with magnesium sulfate and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure . after chromatographic purification the title compound was obtained in 72 % yield . 3 - methyl - 5 - phenyl - isoxazole - 4 - carbaldehyde ( compound 25 ). to a toluene solution of the above compound 24 was added 1 . 2 eq of dibal - h / hax at 0 ° c . the reaction was stirred at 0 ° c . for 3 hours , allowed to warm to room temperature and was stirred at r . t . overnight . the reaction mixture was transfered to 1n hcl slowly and then extracted with ethyl acetate . the organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure . the crude product was purified by chromatograph providing the title compound in 57 % yield . 1 -( 3 - methyl - 5 - phenyl - isoxazol - 4 - yl )- ethanol ( compound 26 ). to the thf solution of the above compound 25 was slowly added 1 . 4 eq of methylmagnesium bromide at room temperature . the reaction mixture was stirred at r . t . for 1 h . to the reaction mixture was added ethyl acetate and 1n hcl . the organic phase was washed with brine and dried over magnesium sulfate . the solvent was removed under reduced pressure , and the crude product , obtained in 96 % yield , was used directly for the next step without purification . 1 -( 3 - methyl - 5 - phenyl - isoxazol - 4 - yl )- ethanone ( compound 27 ). to a dichlordmethane solution of oxalyl chloride was added dmso at − 78 ° c ., the mixture was stirred at − 78 ° c . for 15 min and followed by addition of a dichloromethane solution of compound the above compound 26 . the reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min at − 78 ° c ., then triethylamine was added , after which the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature gradually . to the reaction mixture was added ethyl acetate and brine . the organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate , and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure . the crude product , obtained in 94 % yield , was used directly for the next step without purification . 3 - dimethylamino - 1 -( 3 - methyl - 5 - phenyl - isoxazol - 4 - yl )- propenone ( compound 28 ). a toluene solution of the above compound 27 and excess dmf - dma was refluxed for 20 hours . to the reaction mixture was added ethyl acetate and brine , the organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate , and the solvent was then removed under reduced pressure . the crude product was used for the next step without purification . 4 -( 3 - methyl - 5 - phenyl - isoxazol - 4 - yl )- 2 - methylsulfanyl - pyrimidine ( compound 29 ). a methanol suspension of the above compound 28 , 2 equivalents : of thiourea and 1 . 5 equivalents of sodium methoxide was refluxed for 2 days . to the reaction mixture was added ethyl acetate and 1n hcl , the organic phase was washed with brine and dried over magnesium sulfate , and the solvent was then removed under reduced pressure . the crude product was dissolved in chloroform , to it was added 1 . 5 eq of iodomethane and 1 . 5 eq of pyridine . the reaction mixture was stirred at r . t . for 2 hours . to the reaction mixture was added dichloromethane and 1n hcl , the organic phase was washed with brine and dried with magnesium sulfate . the solvent was removed under reduced pressure , and the crude product was purified by chromatography to provide the title compound . the yield was 32 %. 4 -( 3 - methyl - 5 - phenyl - isoxazol - 4 - yl )- 2 - methanesulfonyl - pyrimidine ( compound 30 ). to a dichloromethane solution of the above compound 29 was added 2 eq of m - cpba , and the reaction was stirred at r . t . for overnight . the reaction mixture was washed with 1n naoh twice and brine twice and dried with magnesium sulfate . the solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the crude product was purified by chromatograph to provide the title compound in 79 % yield . compounds ib . a dmso solution of the above compound 30 and 3 equivalents of desired amine was heated at 80 ° c . for 4 hours . after analytical hplc indicated the reaction was completed , the crude product was purified by reversed hplc to provide the desired compound ib . the yield is generally greater than 80 %. the following examples demonstrate how the compounds of this invention may be tested as protein kinase inhibitors , especially inhibitors of c - jun - n - terminal kinases . a blast search of the est database using the published jnk3α1 cdna as a query identified an est clone , (# 632588 ) that contained the entire coding sequence for human jnk3α1 . polymerase chain reactions ( pcr ) using pfu polymerase ( strategene ) were used to introduce restriction sites into the cdna for cloning into the pet - 15b expression vector at the ncoi and bamhi sites . the protein was expressed in e . coli . due to the poor solubility of the expressed full - length protein ( met 1 - gln 422 ), an n - terminally truncated protein starting at ser residue at position 40 ( ser 40 ) was produced . this truncation corresponds to ser 2 of jnk1 and jnk2 proteins , and is preceded by a methionine ( initiation ) and a glycine residue . the glycine residue was added in order to introduce an ncoi site for cloning into the expression vector . in addition , systematic c - terminal truncations were performed by pcr to identify a construct that give rise to diffraction - quality crystals . one such construct encodes amino acid residues ser40 - glu402 of jnk3α1 and is preceded by met and gly residues . the construct was prepared by pcr using deoxyoligonucleotides : 5 ′ gctctagagctcc atg ggcagcaaaagcaaagttgacaa 3 ′ ( forward primer with initiation codon underlined ) ( seq id no : 1 ) and 5 ′ tagcggatcc tca ttctgaattcattacttccttgta 3 ′ ( reverse primer with stop codon underlined ) ( seq id no : 2 ) as primers and was confirmed by dna sequencing . control experiments indicated that the truncated jnk3 protein had an equivalent kinase activity towards myelin basic protein when activated with an upstream kinase mkk7 in vitro . e . coli strain bl21 ( de3 ) ( novagen ) was transformed with the jnk3 expression construct and grown at 30 ° c . in lb supplemented with 100 μg / ml carbenicillin in shaker flasks until the cells were in log phase ( od 600 ˜ 0 . 8 ). isopropylthio - β - d - galactosidase ( iptg ) was added to a final concentration of 0 . 8 mm and the cells were harvested 2 hours later by centrifugation . e . coli cell paste containing jnk3 was resuspended in 10 volumes / g lysis buffer ( 50 mm hepes , ph 7 . 2 , containing 10 % glycerol ( v / v ), 100 mm nacl , 2 mm dtt , 0 . 1 mm pmsf , 2 μg / ml pepstatin , 1 μg / ml each of e - 64 and leupeptin ). cells were lysed on ice using a microfluidizer and centrifuged at 100 , 000 × g for 30 min at 4 ° c . the 100 , 000 × g supernatant was diluted 1 : 5 with buffer a ( 20 mm hepes , ph 7 . 0 , 10 % glycerol ( v / v ), 2 mm dtt ) and purified by sp - sepharose ( pharmacia ) cation - exchange chromatography ( column dimensions : 2 . 6 × 20 cm ) at 4 ° c . the resin was washed with 5 column volumes of buffer a , followed by 5 column volumes of buffer a containing 50 mm nacl . bound jnk3 was eluted with a 7 . 5 column volume linear gradient of 50 - 300 mm nacl . jnk3 eluted between 150 - 200 mm nacl . 5 mg of jnk3 was diluted to 0 . 5 mg / ml in 50 mm hepes buffer , ph 7 . 5 , containing 100 mm nacl , 5 mm dtt , 20 mm mgcl 2 and 1 mm atp . gst - mkk7 ( dd ) was added at a molar ratio of 1 : 2 . 5 gst - mkk7 : jnk3 . after incubation for 30 minutes at 25 ° c ., the reaction mixture was concentrated 5 - fold by ultrafiltration in a centriprep - 30 ( amicon , beverly , mass . ), diluted to 10 ml and an additional 1 mm atp added . this procedure was repeated three times to remove adp and replenish atp . the final addition of atp was 5 mm and the mixture incubated overnight at 40 ° c . the activated jnk3 / gst - mkk7 ( dd ) reaction mixture was exchanged into 50 mm hepes buffer , ph 7 . 5 , containing 5 mm dtt and 5 % glycerol ( w / v ) by dialysis or ultrafiltration . the reaction mixture was adjusted to 1 . 1 m potassium phosphate , ph 7 . 5 , and purified by hydrophobic interaction chromatography ( at 25 ° c .) using a rainin hydropore column . gst - mkk7 and . unactivated jnk3 do not bind under these conditions such that when a 1 . 1 to 0 . 05 m potassium phosphate gradient is developed over 60 minutes at a flow rate of 1 ml / minute , doubly phosphorylated jnk3 is separated from singly phosphorylated jnk . activated jnk3 ( i . e . doubly . phosphorylated jnk3 ) was stored at − 70 ° c . at 0 . 25 - 1 mg / ml . compounds were assayed for the inhibition of jnk3 by a spectrophotometric coupled - enzyme . assay . in this assay , a fixed concentration of activated jnk3 ( 10 nm ) was incubated with various concentrations of a potential inhibitor dissolved in dmso for 10 minutes at 30 ° c . in a buffer containing 0 . 1 m hepes buffer , ph 7 . 5 , containing 10 mm mgcl 2 , 2 . 5 mm phosphoenolpyruvate , 200 μm nadh , 150 μg / ml pyruvate kinase , 50 μg / ml lactate dehydrogenase , and 200 μm egf receptor peptide . the egf receptor peptide has the sequence krelvepltpsgeapnqallr , and is a phosphoryl acceptor in the jnk3 - catalyzed kinase reaction . the reaction was initiated by the addition of 10 μm atp and the assay plate is inserted into the spectrophotometer &# 39 ; s assay plate compartment that was maintained at 30 ° c . the decrease of absorbance at 340 nm was monitored as a function of time . the rate data as a function of inhibitor concentration was fitted to competitive inhibition kinetic model to determine the k i . for selected compounds of this invention , activity in the jnk inhibition assay is shown in table 8 . compounds having a k i less than 0 . 1 micromolar ( μm ) are rated “ a ”, compounds having a k i between 0 . 1 and 1 μm are rated “ b ” and compounds having a k i greater than 1 μm are rated “ c ”. the compounds were assayed as inhibitors of full length recombinant human src kinase ( from upstate biotechnology , cat . no . 14 - 117 ) expressed and purified from baculo viral cells . src kinase activity was monitored by following the incorporation of 33 p from atp into the tyrosine of a random poly glu - tyr polymer substrate of composition , glu : tyr = 4 : 1 ( sigma , cat . no . p - 0275 ). the following were the final concentrations of the assay components : 0 . 05 m hepes , ph 7 . 6 , 10 mm mgcl 2 , 2 mm dtt , 0 . 25 mg / ml bsa , 10 μm atp ( 1 - 2 μci 33 p - atp per reaction ), 5 mg / ml poly glu - tyr , and 1 - 2 units of recombinant human src kinase . in a typical assay , all the reaction components with the exception of atp were pre - mixed and aliquoted into assay plate wells . inhibitors dissolved in dmso were added to the wells to give a final dmso concentration of 2 . 5 %. the assay plate was incubated at 30 ° c . for 10 min before initiating the reaction with 33 p - atp . after 20 min of reaction , the reactions were quenched with 150 μl of 10 % trichloroacetic acid ( tca ) containing 20 mm na 3 po 4 . the quenched samples were then transferred to a 96 - well filter plate ( whatman , uni - filter gf / f glass fiber filter , cat no . 7700 - 3310 ) installed on a filter plate vacuum manifold . filter plates were washed fourtimes with 10 % tca containing 20 mm na 3 po 4 and then 4 times with methanol . 200 μl of scintillation fluid was then added to each well . the plates were sealed and the amount of radioactivity associated with the filters was quantified on a topcount scintillation counter . the most active compounds in the src assay were found to be those compounds of formula i where g is an optionally substituted aryl and r 1 is ar 2 . the compounds were assayed as inhibitors of lck kinase purified from bovine thymus ( from upstate biotechnology , cat . no . 14 - 106 ). lck kinase activity was monitored by following the incorporation of 33 p from atp into the tyrosine of a random poly glu - tyr polymer substrate of composition , glu : tyr = 4 : 1 ( sigma , cat . no . p - 0275 ). the following were the final concentrations of the assay components : 0 . 05 m hepes , ph 7 . 6 , 10 mm mgcl 2 , 2 mm dtt , 0 . 25 mg / ml bsa , 10 μm atp ( 1 - 2 μci 33 p - atp per reaction ), 5 mg / ml poly glu - tyr , and 1 - 2 units of lck kinase . in a typical assay , all the reaction components with the exception of atp were pre - mixed and aliquoted into assay plate wells . inhibitors dissolved in dmso were added to the wells to give a final dmso concentration of 2 . 5 %. the assay plate was incubated at 30 ° c . for 10 min before initiating the reaction with 33 p - atp . after 20 min of reaction , the reactions were quenched with 150 μl of 10 % trichloroacetic acid ( tca ) containing 20 mm na 3 po4 . the quenched samples were then transferred to a 96 - well filter plate ( whatman , uni - filter gf / f glass fiber filter , cat no . 7700 - 3310 ) installed on a filter plate vacuum manifold . filter plates were washed four times with 10 % tca containing 20 mm na 3 po 4 and then 4 times with methanol . 200 μl of scintillation fluid was then added to each well . the plates were sealed and the amount of radioactivity associated with the filters was quantified on a topcount scintillation counter . the most active compounds in the lck assay were found to be those compounds of formula i where g is an optionally substituted aryl and r 1 is ar 2 . while we have described a number of embodiments of this invention , it is apparent that our basic examples may be altered to provide other embodiments which utilize the compounds and methods of this invention . therefore , it will be appreciated that the scope of this invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than by the specific embodiments which have been represented by way of example . | 2 |
referring now to the drawings , fig1 illustrates a vehicle generally designated 10 including an exposed spare wheel 12 mounted thereon by a bracket or the like discussed later herein . the vehicle 10 , as it is well known , has a self - contained electrical system which includes taillights 14 . the taillights 14 include running light portions 16 which may be selectively turned on and off in response to the vehicle operator actuating a switch . such running lights aid in causing the vehicle to be more visible , especially during hours of darkness . the taillights 14 also include brake light portions 18 which are automatically turned on in response to the vehicle brakes being actuated . the spare wheel 12 has a wheel cover 20 mounted thereon . wheel cover 20 includes an insert member 22 having indicia thereon displaying , for example , a personalized message such as &# 34 ; john and mary ,&# 34 ; generally designated 24 . in fig2 the spare wheel 12 and wheel cover 20 including insert 22 are shown in exploded view . the wheel 12 , as it is well known , includes a tire portion 26 mounted on a wheel rim 28 connected to a bracket 30 by lugs 32 extending through lug holes 34 . the lugs are secured to the rim 28 by lug nuts 36 in the well known manner . also , a light source generally designated 38 is adapted to be mounted on the wheel 12 as will be discussed later in greater detail . in the preferred embodiment of this invention , as illustrated in fig1 and 6 , insert 22 is preferably a rigid disc - like member formed of light - penetrable or translucent material . the insert 22 generally has an annular periphery 40 although this may be varied to other geometric shapes if desired . insert 22 also includes opposite sides 42 , 44 as best shown in fig6 . a synthetic plastic - like material which is capable of being molded and / or cut to desired sizes is preferred , for example , the synthetic resin material sold under the trademark plexiglas . the insert material may also be color tinted or may be of no discernable color if desired . the preferred thickness of the insert 22 is from about 0 . 080 &# 34 ; to about 0 . 125 &# 34 ;. the insert 22 carries indicia 24 thereon . the indicia may display a personalized message as illustrated in fig1 and 2 or may display a pictorial scene or design . of course , a wide range of types and styles of indicia 24 may be applied to insert 22 if desired . as for applying the indicia 24 onto insert 22 , this may be accomplished by a wide variety of well known methods . indicia may be hand - painted , screen - printed or molded into insert 22 in a multi - colored application . also , a well known vinyl pressure - sensitive applied indicia or design may be applied onto insert 22 . the main prerequisite for the indicia is that it be substantially non - light - penetrable or less light - penetrable relative to the insert 22 . it is to be understood however that , alternatively , insert 22 can be substantially non - light - penetrable or less light - penetrable than the indicia 24 . in either case , one or the other of the insert 22 or indicia 24 provides a defined portion through which light may be penetrated to enhance the visibility of indicia 24 . means are provided for attaching insert 22 to spare wheel 12 . such means preferably comprises a flexible wheel cover portion 46 having a pocket 48 formed therein for receiving and retaining insert 22 , see fig2 and 6 . pocket 48 includes flexible means such as flaps 50 , 52 for releasably engaging opposite sides 42 , 44 , respectively , of insert 22 . flexible wheel cover portion 46 is generally provided for the purpose of protecting tire 26 from the elements . the preferred materials for the cover portion 46 are substantially non - porous , flexible , synthetic materials of from about 14 to about 24 gauge , for example , the synthetic vinyl - like material sold under the trademark naugahyd . any suitable rubberized , plasticized , canvas or vinyl - like materials may be used . as shown in fig2 and 6 , cover portion 46 is provided to fit over tire 26 . thus , since many tire sizes are available , cover portion 46 may be provided in various sizes . possibly , however , a single stretch - type cover portion 46 could be provided for a one - size - fits - all situation . cover portion 46 generally comprises a flexible circumferential portion 54 and two opposed sidewall portions 56 , 58 . annular opening 60 of sidewall 58 is peripherally bound by an elastic bead 62 retained thereby . bead 62 may be stretched or expanded to permit removal of cover portion 46 from tire 26 . however , bead 62 will tend to contract as far as permitted by sidewall 58 thus causing cover portion 46 to be retained on tire 26 , see fig6 . sidewall 56 terminates at two opposed flaps 50 , 52 attached to sidewall 56 and defining annular opening 64 peripherally bound by elastic bead 66 retained by flap 50 and elastic bead 68 retained by flap 52 . beads 66 , 68 are similar to bead 62 described above and may be stretched or expanded to permit removal of insert 22 from pocket 48 . however , beads 66 , 68 will tend to contract as far as permitted by flaps 50 , 52 thus releasably engaging opposite sides 42 , 44 , respectively , of insert 22 . in this manner , insert 22 is readily accessible to removal or mounting in cover portion 46 . means are provided for passing or penetrating light through light - penetrable insert 22 for enhancing the visibility of inidicia 24 . such means preferably comprises a light source such as that shown at 38 , fig2 or in a modified form at 38a in fig3 . light source 38 is adapted to be carried by spare wheel 12 and is electrically connected to the electrical system of the associated vehicle 10 . in this manner , light source 38 is adjacent insert 22 when the cover 20 is mounted on wheel 12 . light source 38 may comprise mounting plates 70 , 82 preferably formed of an electrically conductive material and adapted to be mounted on and grounded to wheel rim 28 . to accomplish this , slots 72 are provided in plate 70 and are circumferentially spaced for mating engagement with lugs 32 . thus , plate 70 can be secured to lugs 32 by lug nuts 36 . a commonly available receptacle 74 can be secured to plate 70 by any suitable conventional securing means . a light bulb 76 , preferably having from about 15 to about 32 candlepower illuminating strength , is received in receptacle 74 . such light bulbs are well known for automotive use . also , modified light source 38a , fig3 includes a housing 78 , light bulb receptacle 80 , bulb 88 , mounting plate 82 having a slot 84 for multi - positionable mounting and a reflective cover 86 of a well known plastic or other synthetic material . cover 86 is especially desirable to protect bulb 88 and receptacle 80 from the elements . returning now to fig2 a wire 90 , such as that commonly used in automotive electrical systems , is connected to receptacle 74 . a commonly known male - female quick connect - disconnect device 92 is preferably used to permit the electrical connection of wire 90 to wire 94 . wire 94 , or a similar or the same type as wire 90 , is connected to the automotive electrical system as illustrated in fig1 . preferably wire 94 connects to running light portions 16 so that insert 22 will be illuminated when the automotive lights are switched on . however , it is possible though not preferable to connect wire 94 to brake light portion 18 so that insert 22 will be illuminated only when the vehicle brakes are applied . connection of wire 94 to the automotive electrical system may be accomplished in any well known manner such as splicing , or using alligator - type clips or the like . of course , the desirable objective of this electrical connection is that it can be of temporary or quick connect - disconnect type such as is commonly used in making electrical connection between an automotive vehicle and , for example , a small trailer . thus , it an be seen that there are several well known alternatives available for making such connection . alternatively , it is possible , but not preferable , to mount insert 22 directly on wheel rim 28 by the use of spring stell clips 96 , see fig4 . mounting in this way is similar to mounting a commonly known hub cap to a wheel . light source 38 is mounted on wheel rim 28 adjacent insert 22 . also , as shown in fig5 insert 22 can alternatively be formed as a unit with a substantially rigid wheel cover 100 having an annular circumferential portion 102 for covering tire 26 . such a unit can be mounted by spring steel clips 96 as previously discussed . similarly , light source 38 is mounted on wheel rim 28 adjacent insert 22 . as a further alternative , it is possible to have insert 22 formed as a flexible member rather than a rigid member , see fig7 . in this case , the entire wheel cover 20 could be formed as a flexible unit having cover portion 46 retained on tire 26 by an elastic bead 62 similar to the preferred embodiment of fig6 . however , a flexible insert 22 would not be as readily removable or replaceable relative to cover portion 46 . also , it is believed that a flexible insert 22 would undesirably distort the indicia thereon . in operation , it can be seen that a flexible wheel cover portion 46 can be mounted on spare wheel 12 . a light source such as that shown at 38 or 38a can be mounted on wheel rim 28 adjacent insert 22 and electrically connected to the electrical system of the associated vehicle 10 . flexible pocket 48 having flaps 50 , 52 and elastic beads 66 , 68 releasably engage and retain opposite sides 42 , 44 , respectively , of insert 22 as is best illustrated in fig6 . flexible pocket 48 permits insert 22 to be quickly and easily removed or inserted . a variety of differently designed inserts could be interchangeably used with the same cover portion 46 . also , various colored light bulbs 76 can be interchangeably used to provide varying lighting effects as may be desired . the foregoing has described a vehicle wheel cover for exposed spare wheels . the cover includes a light - penetrable portion having indicia thereon . the light - penetrable portion can be illuminated to enhance the indicia . as a result , the wheel cover usefully provides protective , aesthetic and safety related value . ______________________________________list of elementsilluminated wheel coverfile no . 77 - 103______________________________________10 vehicle 60 opening12 spare wheel 62 elastic bead14 taillights 64 opening16 running light portion 66 elastic bead on 5018 brake light portion 68 elastic bead on 5220 wheel cover 70 mounting plate22 insert member 72 slots24 indicia 74 receptacle26 tire portion 76 light bulb28 wheel rim 78 housing30 bracket 80 receptacle32 lugs 82 mounting plate34 lug holes 84 slot36 lug nuts 86 cover38 light source 88 bulb38a modified light source 90 wire40 periphery of insert 22 92 disconnect device42 side of insert 22 94 wire44 another side of insert 22 96 spring clips46 wheel cover portion 100 rigid wheel cover48 pocket 102 circumferential portion50 flap52 flap54 circumference56 sidewall58 sidewall______________________________________ | 1 |
a feed forward ( ff ) rf amplifier implementing the principles of the invention that significantly cancels distortion while amplifying the dmt ( i . e ., multi - tone ) input signal . as shown in the functional diagram of fig1 a feed forward amplifier embodying the principles of the invention includes three distinct closed loops . an input high frequency multi - tone signal is applied to input coupler 101 and is coupled to a first amplification path 105 via a coupler 103 . input multi - tones are relayed by coupler 101 to a second amplification path 107 via a delay circuit 109 and coupler 123 . a first adjust path 111 couples to the input via coupler 103 and adjusts the phase of the input signal , in phase adjuster 111 by 180 ° degrees and delays the signal in delay circuit 113 to match corresponding delays in the first amplification path 105 . an output of the first amplification path is coupled to coupler 115 , and so is the adjusted and delayed signal output of delay circuit 113 . the coupler combines and applies these two signals to the imd inversion and phase adjustment circuit 117 . circuit 117 applies these signals , just prior to amplification processes , into the second amplification path 107 . phase adjustment and inversion adjusts the delayed input which when combined with the output of the first amplification path has a multi - tone component in phase with the delayed two tone input applied to the second amplification path . imd distortion components are inverted with respect to the imd output of the first amplification path . the outputs of the two amplification paths are combined in output coupler 121 . the output of the first amplification path is delayed in delay circuit 119 to correspond to delays introduced into the signal by the second amplification path 107 and is applied to output coupler 121 . the two processing loops including amplitude and phase adjustment circuits of 111 and 117 accomplish signal adjustments so that the multi - tone signal is increased in amplitude and the imd is canceled at the output coupler 121 . the amplification system of fig1 is shown in schematic form in the fig2 in which the controlling loops of the system are shown as well as the circuit components . the system is configured so that the main terms in the first and second amplification paths are of equal phase and are additive to increase and maximize rf power output . the imd terms are of opposite phase so that they completely cancel . a high frequency multi - tone rf signal is applied to the input 201 of the coupler 211 and is divided into two signal amplification paths . each amplification path includes an identical rf multi - tone amplifier 221 and 231 respectively . amplifier 221 receives the multi - tone rf and amplifies it and in the process generates signal distortions ( i . e ., imd ). this signal is applied , via delay circuit 202 , to an output coupler 223 where it is combined with a processed rf signal from the second amplification path that enhances the multi - tone rf signal and cancels the imd . amplifier 231 receives an input from the coupler 211 , which has been delayed by delay circuit 212 . a distortion correcting input is also applied to the input of amplifier 231 . a distortion cancellation circuit ( described below ) supplies this correcting input . input to distortion control circuitry is derived from multiple control points of the circuitry . a sensing coupler 242 , connected at the input to amplifier 221 , applies a signal representative of the multi - tone input to a first loop imd adjuster device 252 that controls a magnitude and phase of the sensed signal . this adjusted signal is applied to a delay circuit 254 to compensate for delays occurring in the amplifier 221 . this path may be disconnected by opening a normally closed switch 247 if adding the rf input to the signal processing of the loop is not desired . this adjusted signal is combined with a signal sensed by sensing coupler 244 at the output of amplifier 221 . the multi - tone signal plus imd terms from coupler 244 are combined with the multi - tone signal from delay element 254 in coupling device 256 such that the multi - tone signals cancel , leaving only imd at the output of coupler 256 . the amplitude and phase adjustment circuit from device 262 operates to invert the distortion terms sensed from the output of amplifier 221 . this modified signal is applied to the input of the amplifier 231 via coupler 246 . at this point , the input signal to amplifier 231 comprises a multi - tone rf signal accompanied by an inverted multi - one distortion signal . the inverted imd of the input signal counteracts the imd introduced by amplifier 231 ( i . e ., amplifiers 221 and 231 are identical ). the output of amplifier 231 is an amplified multi - tone rf signal with an accompanying inverted multi - tone distortion signal . when this signal is combined with the output of amplifier 221 as delayed by delay circuit 202 the distortion terms cancel and the multi - tone signals are additive . hence , the overall result is a distortion less multi - tone rf signal output at very high efficiency due to the additive effects from both amplifiers , 221 and 231 . it is readily apparent that the various delays must be selected so that the multi - tone rf signals and multi - tone distortion terms are in exact phase alignment whereby the various summing and inversions may properly cancel the distortion terms and enhance the amplitude of the dial tone rf signal . variable attenuators subject to control signals and variable phase shifting circuits subject to control signals may accomplish amplitude and phase adjustment . a signal sensing point is provided at the node 253 to monitor the signal level applied the second rf amplifier . adjustment of the signal component to a minimum at this point assures that the distortion circuitry is operating properly . as shown in the fig2 schematic , the ff rf amplifier includes inputs for injecting spreading signals into the amplification process . a spreading tone injection point 207 accepts a spreading tone just prior to the feedback coupler 244 . this injected spreading tone provides a mechanism to ensure that the adjustment of circuitry 262 provides proper imd cancellation . a spreading tone is also injected into the output of the amplifier 231 at injection point 245 . despreading of the spread tones is performed at the output at detection point 247 by a despreading circuit 249 . by nulling the spread tone signals at the output of despreading circuit 249 , the nulling of the distortion products is assisted . spreading tones are provided by an oscillation system so that spreading tones provided at points 207 and 237 are synchronized with each other as well as the despreading circuit 249 . while a specific embodiment of the invention has been disclosed , it is understood that those skilled in the art thereof may devise variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . | 7 |
compositions , methods to prepare them , and methods to use them are provided in accordance with the invention . to clarify terminology used herein , compound designation mst - 204 represents 4 - methylumbellifer - 7 - yl - α - d - mannopyranoside . mst - 205 represents 4 - methylumbellifer - 7 - yl - - l - rhamnopyranoside . “ glycosylated coumarins ” as used herein describes many of the group of compounds provided by the invention , namely a coumarin linked by an oxygen or sulfur to a monosaccharide such as allose , altrose , glucose , mannose , idose , galactose , talose , gulose , fructose , tagatose , sorvose , psicose , ribulose , xylulose , ribose , arabinose , xylose , lyxose , or deoxyribose . as used herein the singular forms “ a ”, “ and ”, and “ the ” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise . for example , “ a compound ” refers to one or more of such compounds , while “ the enzyme ” includes a particular enzyme as well as other family members and equivalents thereof as known to those skilled in the art . “ alkyl ” is a monovalent , saturated or unsaturated , straight , branched or cyclic , aliphatic ( i . e ., not aromatic ) hydrocarbon group . in various embodiments , the alkyl group has 1 - 20 carbon atoms , i . e ., is a c1 - c20 ( or c 1 - c 20 ) group , or is a c1 - c18 group , a c1 - c12 group , a c1 - c6 group , or a c1 - c4 group . independently , in various embodiments , the alkyl group has : zero branches ( i . e ., is a straight chain ), one branch , two branches , or more than two branches ; is saturated ; is unsaturated ( where an unsaturated alkyl group may have one double bond , two double bonds , more than two double bonds , and / or one triple bond , two triple bonds , or more than three triple bonds ); is , or includes , a cyclic structure ; or is acyclic . exemplary alkyl groups include c 1 alkyl ( i . e ., — ch 3 ( methyl )), c 2 alkyl ( i . e ., — ch 2 ch 3 ( ethyl )) and c 3 alkyl ( i . e ., — ch 2 ch 2 ch 3 ( n - propyl ), — ch ( ch 3 ) 2 ( i - propyl ) and — ch ( ch 2 ) 2 ( cyclopropyl )). “ alkenyl ” is a specie of alkyl group , where an alkenyl group has at least one carbon - carbon double bond . exemplary alkyl groups include c 2 alkenyl ( i . e ., — ch ═ ch 2 ( ethenyl )) and c 3 alkenyl ( i . e ., — ch ═ ch — ch 3 ( 1 - propenyl ), — ch 2 — ch ═ ch 2 ( 2 - propenyl ), and — c ( ch 3 )═ ch 2 ( 1 - methylethenyl )). “ alkynyl ” is a specie of alkyl group , where an alkynyl group has a least one carbon - carbon triple bond . exemplary alkyl groups include — c ≡ ch ( ethynyl )) and — c ≡ c — ch 3 ( 1 - propynyl ), and — ch 2 — c ≡ ch ( 2 - propynyl )). “ cycloalkyl ” indicates a carbocyclic aryl group selected from phenyl , substituted phenyl , naphthyl , and substituted naphthyl . suitable substituents on a phenyl or naphthyl ring include c 1 - c 6 alkyl , c 1 - c 6 alkoxy , carboxyl , carbonyl ( c 1 - c 6 ) alkoxy , halogen , hydroxyl , nitro , — so 3 h , and amino . cycloalkyl can include “ arylenes ” which are polyvalent , aromatic hydrocarbons , ring system . the ring system may be monocyclic or fused polycyclic ( e . g ., bicyclic , tricyclic , etc .). in various embodiments , the monocyclic arylene group is c5 - c10 , or c5 - c7 , or c5 - c6 , where these carbon numbers refer to the number of carbon atoms that form the ring system . the arylene group may be divalent , i . e ., it has two open sites that each bond to another group “ aryl ” is a monovalent , aromatic , hydrocarbon , ring system . the ring system may be monocyclic or fused polycyclic ( e . g ., bicyclic , tricyclic , etc .). in various embodiments , the monocyclic aryl ring is c5 - c10 , or c5 - c7 , or c5 - c6 , where these carbon numbers refer to the number of carbon atoms that form the ring system . a c6 ring system , i . e ., a phenyl ring , is a preferred aryl group . in various embodiments , the polycyclic ring is a bicyclic aryl group , where preferred bicyclic aryl groups are c8 - c12 , or c9 - c10 . a naphthyl ring , which has 10 carbon atoms , is a preferred polycyclic aryl group . “ heteroalkyl ” is an alkyl group ( as defined herein ) wherein at least one of the carbon atoms is replaced with a heteroatom . preferred heteroatoms are nitrogen , oxygen , sulfur , and halogen . a heteroatom may , but typically does not , have the same number of valence sites as carbon . accordingly , when a carbon is replaced with a heteroatom , the number of hydrogens bonded to the heteroatom may need to be increased or decreased to match the number of valence sites of the heteroatom . for instance , if carbon ( valence of four ) is replaced with nitrogen ( valence of three ), then one of the hydrogens formerly attached to the replaced carbon must be deleted . likewise , if carbon is replaced with halogen ( valence of one ), then three ( i . e ., all ) of the hydrogens formerly bonded to the replaced carbon must be deleted . as another example , trifluoromethyl is a heteroalkyl group wherein the three methyl groups of a t - butyl group are replaced by fluorine . “ heteroatom ” is a halogen , nitrogen , oxygen , silicon or sulfur atom . groups containing more than one heteroatom may contain different heteroatoms . a sugar may be a monosaccharide or a disaccharide . monosaccharides are the simplest carbohydrates in that they cannot be hydrolyzed to smaller carbohydrates . they are aldehydes or ketones with two or more hydroxyl groups . the general chemical formula of a monosaccharide is ( c . h2o ) n , with n ≧ 3 . examples of monosaccharides include glucose ( an aldohexose ), fructose ( ketohexose ), and ribose ( an aldopentose ). each carbon atom bearing a hydroxyl group (— oh ), with the exception of the first and last carbons , are asymmetric , making them stereocenters with two possible configurations each ( r or s ). because of this asymmetry , a number of isomers may exist for any given monosaccharide formula . the assignment of d or l is made according to the orientation of the asymmetric carbon furthest from the carbonyl group : in a standard fischer projection if the hydroxyl group is on the right the molecule is a d sugar , otherwise it is an l sugar . glucose can exist in both a straight - chain and ring form . the aldehyde or ketone group of a straight - chain monosaccharide will react reversibly with a hydroxyl group on a different carbon atom to form a heterocyclic ring with an oxygen bridge between two carbon atoms . rings with five and six atoms are called furanose and pyranose forms , respectively , and exist in equilibrium with the straight - chain form . “ azido sugars ” are sugars are sugars wherein an hydroxy grouup has been replaced by an azido , or n 3 group . allose , altrose , glucose , mannose , idose , galactose , talose , gulose , fructose , tagatose , sorbose , psicose , ribulose , xylulose , ribose , arabinose , xylose , lyxose , and deoxyribose . as used herein , and unless otherwise specified , the term heterocyclic encompasses both substituted and unsubstituted carbocyclic and heterocyclic groups . in one embodiment , the substitution present on a carbocyclic or heterocyclic group is selected from alkyl , heteroalkyl , aryl , and heteroaryl , preferably alkyl and heteroalkyl . “ pharmaceutically acceptable salt ” and “ salts thereof ” in the compounds of the present invention refers to acid addition salts and base addition salts . acid addition salts refer to those salts formed from compounds of the present invention and inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid , hydrobromic acid , sulfuric acid , nitric acid , phosphoric acid and the like , and / or organic acids such as acetic acid , propionic acid , glycolic acid , pyruvic acid , oxalic acid , maleic acid , malonic acid , succinic acid , fumaric acid , tartaric acid , citric acid , benzoic acid , cinnamic acid , mandelic acid , methanesulfonic acid , ethanesulfonic acid , p - toluenesulfonic acid , salicylic acid and the like . base addition salts refer to those salts formed from compounds of the present invention and inorganic bases such as sodium , potassium , lithium , ammonium , calcium , magnesium , iron , zinc , copper , manganese , aluminum salts and the like . suitable salts include the ammonium , potassium , sodium , calcium and magnesium salts derived from pharmaceutically acceptable organic non - toxic bases include salts of primary , secondary , and tertiary amines , substituted amines including naturally occurring substituted amines , cyclic amines and basic ion exchange resins , such as isopropylamine , trimethylamine , diethylamine , triethylamine , tripropylamine , ethanolamine , 2 - dimethylaminoethanol , 2 - diethylaminoethanol , trimethamine , dicyclohexylamine , lysine , arginine , histidine , caffeine , procaines , hydrabamine , choline , betaine , ethylenediamine , glucosamine , methylglucamine , theobromine , purines , piperazine , piperidine , n - ethylpiperidine , and the like . briefly , the compounds of the invention derive from a new 1 class of inhibitors of the metalloenzyme carbonic anhydrase ( ca , ec 4 . 2 . 1 . 1 ) 2 , the coumarins . 3 in this patent we describe classes of coumarins that are newly found to be highly efficient , potent , isoform - selective ca ix / xii inhibitors , which also demonstrate efficacy in vivo in reducing the growth of primary tumors and metastases . the compounds of the invention are useful for the preparation of medicaments as well as in a method for the treatment of a hypoxic tumor that has caix or caxii highly overexpressed . the medicament has inhibiting action toward caix , and particularly it is effective for reversing acidification of a hypoxic tumor and its surrounding environment . the compounds of the invention may be compounded with known pharmaceutical excipients such as salts , water , lipids , and / or simple sugars to arrive at a formulation suitable for injection , topical application , or ingestion . pharmaceutically acceptable excipients make a chemical compound stable , tolerable and acceptable for human use . half - life in circulation can be increased , or better biodistribution achieved , by use of pharmaceutical excipients . formulations of the compounds including pharmaceutical excipients are devised , refined , and tested during the preclinical stage of drug development to ensure that the drug is compatible with any solubilizing , stabilizing , lyophilizing , or hydrating agents . the design of any formulation involves the characterization of a drug &# 39 ; s physical , chemical , and mechanical properties in order to choose what other ingredients should be used in the preparation . particle size , polymorphism , ph , and solubility , as all of these can influence bioavailability and hence the activity of a drug . the drug must be combined with inactive additives by a method which ensures that the quantity of drug present is consistent in each dosage unit e . g . each tablet . by the time phase iii clinical trials are reached , the formulation of the drug should have been developed to be close to the preparation that will ultimately be used in the market . stability studies are carried out to test whether temperature , humidity , oxidation , or photolysis ( ultraviolet light or visible light ) have any effect , and the preparation is analysed to see if any degradation products have been formed . in one embodiment , the compounds of the invention are formulated in polyethyleneglycol with ethanol and saline . in one particular embodiment , the formulation consists of 37 . 5 % peg400 , 12 . 5 % ethanol and 50 % saline . as used in this document , tumor may be taken to mean any primary or metastatic cancer , hypoxic tumor tissue , or malignant growth . any tumor susceptible to hypoxia and / or metastases , particularly breast , lung , renal cancers , cervical , pancreatic , colorectal , glioblastoma , prostate and ovarian cancer may be treated according to embodiments of the invention . tumors susceptible to treatment will have elevated levels of caix or caxii with respect to normal tissue . as demonstrated in the data , caix and caxii are associated with hypoxia and metastases . thus a hypoxic and metastatic tumor would not need to be tested to prove elevated levels of caix and caxii to indicate treatment using the compounds of the invention because of the data already supporting the supposition . tumor growth and / or spread may be said to be suppressed by compounds of the invention , or by their use . suppression in this application may mean induction of regression , inhibition of growth , and inhibition of spread , especially as these terms relate to tumors and cancers suffered by mammals , particularly humans . typical chemotherapeutic agents including , but not limited to docetaxel , vinca alkaloids , mitoxanthrone , cisplatin , paclitaxel , 5 - fu , herceptin , avastin , gleevec may be used concommitally or in combination with the compounds of the invention . compounds of the invention may be used preoperatively , perioperatively , or post - operatively . dosage is typically determined by dosing schemes which use patient size and weight to calculate the patient &# 39 ; s body surface area , which correlates with blood volume , to determine initial dosing . starting dosages are generally worked out during clinical testing of therapeutic compounds . the background and current approaches for the clinical approach to tumor treatment may be found in takimoto c h , calvo e . “ principles of oncologic pharmacotherapy ” in pazdur r , wagman l d , camphausen k a , hoskins w j ( eds ) cancer management : a multidisciplinary approach . 11 ed . 2008 , which is available at www . cancernetwork . com / cancer - management - 11 / chapter03 / article / 10165 / 1402628 . the following examples are used to illustrate aspects of the invention , but the invention is not limited to these illustrations . synthesis was done following and adapting procedures described by penverne , c . and ferrières , v . in synthesis of 4 - methylumbellifer - 7 - yl - alpha - d mannopyranoside : an introduction to modern glycosylation reactions j . chem . educ ., 2002 , 79 ( 11 ), p 1353 . although this example is given in the case of the mannose , similar procedures may be used for the synthesis of other sugar derivatives such as those shown below ( glucose , galactose , rhamnose , xylose , sucrose , and ribose ). numbering ( 1 , 2 , 3 , etc .) in the examples below is based on the numbering in the general synthetic scheme preceding this paragraph . as illustrated schematically above , d - mannose pentaacetate ( 1 ) ( 10 . 25 × 10 − 3 mol ) was dissolved in dry ch 2 cl 2 ( 40 ml ). morpholine ( 41 × 10 − 3 mol ) was then added , and the mixture was stirred under n 2 atmosphere at room temperature over night . the mixture was then washed twice with 40 ml of hcl 1n and 3 × 20 ml of water , dried ( mgso 4 ) and concentrated under vacuum to give the 2 , 3 , 4 , 6 - tetra - o - acetyl - d - mannopyranose ( 2 ). compound 2 , 3 , 4 , 6 - tetra - o - acetyl - d - mannopyranose ( 2 ) ( 4 . 31 × 10 − 3 mol ) was dissolved in dry ch 2 cl 2 ( 38 ml ). trichloacetonitrile ( 43 . 1 × 10 − 3 mol ) was added , and the mixture was stirred under n 2 atmosphere at 0 ° c . for 1 h . then diazabicyclo [ 5 . 4 . 0 ] undec - 7 - ene ( dbu ) ( 0 . 86 × 10 − 3 mol ) was added and the mixture was stirred under n 2 atmosphere at 0 ° c . for 30 min and concentrated under vacuum . the crude 2 , 3 , 4 , 6 - tetra - o - acetyl - d - mannopyranosyl trichloroacetimidate ( 3 ) was used without further purification in the next step . the crude 2 , 3 , 4 , 6 - tetra - o - acetyl - d - mannopyranosyl trichloroacetimidate ( 3 ) ( 4 . 31 × 10 − 3 mol ) was dissolved in dry ch 2 cl 2 ( 38 ml ). 7 - hydroxy - 4 - methyl coumarin ( 4 ) ( 4 . 31 × 10 − 3 mol ) and boron trifluoride metherate ( bf 3 . me 2 o ) ( 0 . 86 × 10 − 3 mol ) were then added and the mixture was stirred under n 2 atmosphere at room temperature over night . 20 ml of ch 2 cl 2 were further added and the solution was washed with water , dried over anhydrous mgso 4 and concentrated under vacuum . the crude product ( 5 ) was then purified by crystallization from meoh or by silica gel column chromatography ( ep / acoet v / v 5 / 5 ). the 2 , 3 , 4 , 6 - tetra - o - acetyl - α - d - mannopyranosyl coumarin ( 5 ) ( 0 . 59 × 10 − 3 mol ) was added to a solution of meona ( 0 . 88 × 10 − 3 mol ) in dry meoh ( 5 ml ). the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min . the product ( 6 ) was then purified by crystallization or by silica gel column chromatography ( ep / acoet v / v 5 / 5 ) to provide : overall yield : 51 %; rf : 0 . 24 ( ch 2 cl 2 / meoh 9 / 1 ). mp : 132 - 134 ° c . 1 h - nmr ( 400 . 13 mhz , dmso - d6 ) δ ppm : 2 . 4 ( d , 3h , j = 0 . 8 hz ), 3 . 33 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 47 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 51 ( t , 1h , j = 9 . 4 hz ), 3 . 57 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 69 ( dd , 1h , j = 9 . 2 hz ), 3 . 86 ( d , 1h , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 5 . 53 ( d , 1h , j = 1 . 6 hz ), 6 . 24 ( d , 1h , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 7 . 09 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 11 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz , j = 2 . 4 hz ); 7 . 70 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz ). 13 c - nmr ( 100 mhz , dmso - d6 ) δ ppm 18 . 82 , 61 , 66 . 95 , 70 . 43 , 71 , 76 . 06 , 99 . 48 , 104 . 31 , 112 . 38 , 114 . 38 , 114 . 79 , 127 . 14 , 160 . 80 , 159 . 83 , 155 . 02 , 154 . 05 . ms ( esi + ) m / z : 339 . 24 [ m + h ] + ; 361 . 29 [ m + na ] + ; 699 . 37 [ 2m + na ] + . anal . calcd . for c 16 h 18 o 8 : c , 56 . 80 ; h , 5 . 36 . found : c , 56 . 84 ; h , 5 . 33 . overall yield : 58 %; rf : 0 . 4 ( ch 2 cl 2 / meoh 9 / 1 ). mp : 207 - 209 ° c . 1 h - nmr ( 400 . 13 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ ppm 1 . 14 ( d , 3h , j = 6 . 4 hz ), 2 . 35 ( d , 1h , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 3 . 86 ( q , 1h , j = 5 . 3 hz ), 5 . 10 ( t , 1h , j = 10 hz ), 5 . 42 ( d , 1h , j = 3 . 6 hz ), 5 . 44 ( t , 1h , j = 2 . 3 hz , h 2 ), 5 . 45 ( t , 1h , j = 2 . 2 hz ), 6 . 13 ( d , 1h , j = 0 . 8 hz ), 7 . 02 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 06 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 47 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz ). 13 c - nmr ( 100 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ ppm 21 . 05 , 21 . 11 , 69 , 69 . 27 , 69 . 51 , 70 . 1 , 95 , 104 . 26 , 113 . 23 , 113 . 61 , 125 , 152 . 52 , 155 . 10 , 158 . 61 , 170 . 15 , 170 . 31 . ms ( esi + ) m / z : 345 . 31 [ m + na ] + ; 667 . 39 [ 2m + na ] + . anal . calcd . for c 16 h 18 o 7 : c , 59 . 62 ; h , 5 . 63 . found : c , 59 . 58 ; h , 5 . 65 . overall yield : 60 %; rf : 0 . 45 ( acoet / meoh 8 / 2 ). 1 h - nmr ( 400 . 13 mhz , dmso - d6 ): δ ppm 2 . 38 ( d , 3h , j = 1 . 2 hz ); 3 . 91 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 03 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 70 ( t , 1h , j = 5 . 4 hz ); 5 . 07 ( d , 1h , j = 6 hz ), 5 . 61 ( d , 1h , j = 2 hz ), 6 . 23 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 77 ( d , 1h , j = 2 hz ), 6 . 96 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 4 hz , j = 2 hz ), 7 . 68 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 4 hz ). 13 c - nmr ( 100 mhz , dmso - d6 ): δ ppm 18 . 09 , 62 . 518 , 70 . 40 , 74 . 46 , 84 . 81 , 103 . 27 , 105 . 05 , 111 . 55 , 113 . 36 , 113 . 84 , 126 . 46 , 153 . 32 , 155 . 3 , 159 . 32 , 160 . 05 . ms ( esi + ) m / z : 331 . 26 [ m + na ] + , 639 . 25 [ 2m + na ] + . anal . calcd . for c 15 h 16 o 7 : c , 58 . 44 ; h , 5 . 23 . found : c , 58 . 40 ; h , 5 . 25 . overall yield : 55 %; rf : 0 . 39 ( ch 2 cl 2 / meoh 8 / 2 ). mp : 210 - 212 ° c . 1 h - nmr ( 400 . 13 mhz , dmso - d6 ): δ ppm 2 . 41 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 17 ( dd , 1h , j = 14 . 2 hz , j = 8 . 8 hz ); 3 . 29 ( dd , 2h , j = 11 . 9 hz , j = 7 . 4 hz ), 3 . 40 - 3 . 53 ( m , 2h ), 5 . 08 ( d , 1h , j = 5 . 3 hz ), 6 . 25 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 03 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 05 ( dd , 1h , j = 9 . 2 hz , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 71 ( d , 1h , j = 9 . 2 hz ). 13 c - nmr ( 100 mhz , dmso - d6 ): δ ppm 18 . 35 , 60 . 86 , 69 . 85 , 73 . 35 , 76 . 70 , 77 . 36 , 100 . 21 , 103 . 42 , 111 . 92 , 113 . 60 , 114 . 29 , 126 . 63 , 153 . 56 , 154 . 61 , 160 . 33 , 160 . 37 . ms ( esi + ) m / z : 361 . 38 [ m + na ] + . anal . calcd . for c 16 h 18 o 8 : c , 56 . 80 ; h , 5 . 36 . found : c , 56 . 85 ; h , 5 . 41 . overall yield : 64 %; rf : 0 . 35 ( ch 2 cl 2 / meoh 8 / 2 ). mp : 248 ° c . 1 h - nmr ( 400 . 13 mhz , dmso - d6 ): δ ppm 2 . 41 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 44 ( ddd , 1h , j = 9 . 2 hz , j = 5 . 5 hz , j = 3 . 3 hz ), 3 . 48 - 3 . 65 ( m , 3h ), 3 . 68 ( t , 1h , j = 6 . 3 hz ), 3 . 72 ( t , 1h , j = 3 . 8 hz ), 4 . 99 ( d , 1h , j = 7 . 7 hz ), 6 . 25 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 02 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 05 ( dd , 1h , j = 9 . 1 hz , j = 2 . 4 hz ); 7 . 70 ( d , 1h , j = 9 . 1 hz ). 13 c - nmr ( 100 mhz , dmso - d6 ): δ ppm 18 . 15 , 60 . 39 , 68 . 13 , 69 . 87 , 73 . 22 , 75 . 71 , 100 . 60 , 103 . 15 , 112 . 24 , 112 . 85 , 114 . 79 , 126 . 17 , 153 . 89 , 154 . 75 , 160 . 19 , 160 . 19 . ms ( esi + ) m / z : 361 . 35 [ m + na ] + . anal . calcd . for c 16 h 18 o 8 : c , 56 . 80 ; h , 5 . 36 . found : c , 56 . 75 ; h , 5 . 31 . overall yield : 45 %; rf : 0 . 58 ( ch 2 cl 2 / meoh 8 / 2 ). mp : 223 ° c . 1 h - nmr ( 400 . 13 mhz , dmso - d6 ): δ ppm 2 . 40 ( s , 3h ); 3 . 27 ( d , 2h , j = 2 . 3 hz ), 3 . 40 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 76 ( m , 1h ), 5 . 12 ( d , 1h , j = 3 . 9 hz ), 6 . 25 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 01 ( d , j = 2 . 4 hz , 1h ), 7 . 03 ( dd , 1h , j = 9 . 2 hz , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 70 ( d , j = 9 . 2 hz , 1h ). 13 c - nmr ( 100 mhz , dmso - d6 ): δ ppm 18 . 13 , 62 . 73 , 69 . 27 , 72 . 95 , 76 . 32 , 100 . 32 , 102 . 74 , 112 . 74 , 113 . 36 , 114 . 13 , 126 . 47 , 153 . 32 , 155 . 3 , 159 . 32 , 160 . 05 . ms ( esi + ) m / z : 331 . 32 [ m + na ] + . anal . calcd . for c 15 h 16 o 7 : c , 58 . 44 ; h , 5 . 23 . found : c , 58 . 49 ; h , 5 . 20 . overall yield : 47 %; rf : 0 . 1 ( acoet / meoh 8 / 2 ). mp : 103 - 105 ° c . 1 h - nmr ( 400 . 13 mhz , dmso - d6 ): δ ppm 2 . 41 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 18 ( dd , 1h , j = 25 . 6 hz , j = 13 . 2 hz ), 3 . 32 ( m , 3h ), 3 . 40 ( dd , 2h , j = 10 . 7 hz , j = 6 . 3 hz ), 3 . 55 ( m , 6h ), 4 . 65 ( d , 1h , j = 3 . 4 hz ), 5 . 00 ( d , 1h , j = 7 . 3 hz ), 6 . 26 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 04 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 10 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz , j = 2 . 4 hz ); 7 . 71 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz ). 13 c - nmr ( 100 mhz , dmso - d6 ): δ ppm 20 . 66 , 59 . 99 , 60 . 08 , 68 . 25 , 68 . 35 , 69 . 88 , 70 . 09 , 71 . 14 , 74 . 32 , 75 . 05 , 77 . 26 , 98 . 89 , 100 . 02 , 104 . 67 , 111 . 38 , 112 . 53 , 114 . 23 , 126 . 55 , 154 . 17 , 160 . 28 , 166 . 57 , 173 . 79 . ms ( esi + ) m / z : 523 . 16 [ m + na ] + . anal . calcd . for c 22 h 28 o 13 : c , 52 . 80 ; h , 5 . 64 . found : c , 52 . 75 ; h , 5 . 61 . the huisgen reaction is a very versatile chemical transformation consistent in the coupling of an alkyne or alkene , as diapolarophile , and a 1 , 3 - dipolar compound such as an azide , nitriloxide and diazoalkane . the coupling of an acetylenic coumarin / thiocoumarin scaffold with phenylazide ( scheme 1 below ) and an azido coumarin with acetilenic compounds ( scheme 2 below ) via a copper catalyzed reaction is shown . the syntheses were carried out adapting the procedures reported in brant c . boren , sridhar narayan , lars k . rasmussen , et al ., j . am . chem . soc ., 2008 , 130 , 8923 - 8930 ; li zhang , xinguo chen , peng xue , et al ., j . am . chem . soc ., 2005 , 127 , 15998 - 15999 ; herna &# 39 ; n a . orgueira ,* demosthenes fokas , yuko ( some , et al ., tet . lett ., 2005 , 46 , 2911 - 2914 ; giancarlo cravotto , gianni balliano , silvia tagliapietra , et al ., eur . j . of med . chem ., 2004 , 39 , 917 - 924 ; jacob kofoed , tamis darbre and jean - louis reymond , org . biomol . chem ., 2006 , 4 , 3268 - 3281 ; and andrew fryer in pct publication wo 2008 / 147764 a1 . 7 - hydroxy coumarin 1 ( 1 . 0 g , 1 . 0 eq ), propargyl alcohol ( 1 . 0 eq ) and triphenylphoshine ( 1 . 0 eq ) were dissolved in dry thf ( 90 ml ). then the temperature was lowered to 0 ° c . and diisopropylazadicarboxylate ( 1 . 1 eq ) was added drop - wise under sonication . the orange solution was sonicated at r . t . under a nitrogen atmosphere until starting material was consumed ( tlc monitoring ). solvents were removed under vacuo to give a white solid that was recrystallized from meoh to give 2 as white solid . 7 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one 2 : m . p . 118 ° c . ( lit 120 ° c . ); page : 31 rodighiero , p . ; manzini , p . ; pastorini , g . ; bordin , f . ; guiotto , a ., journal of heterocyclic chemistry , 24 , 2 , 485 - 8 . silica gel tlc r f 0 . 53 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 50 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 , 3310 ( c ≡ c — h ), c2160 ( c ≡ ch ), 1765 ( c ═ o ), 1604 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 3 . 69 ( 1h , t , j 2 . 4 , 3 ′- h ), 4 . 97 ( 2h , d , j 2 . 4 , 1 ′- h 2 ), 6 . 36 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 7 . 03 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 5 , 2 . 3 , 6 - h ), 7 . 09 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 3 , 8 - h ), 7 . 69 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 5 , 5 - h ), 8 . 03 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 4 - h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 161 . 1 ( c - 2 ), 161 . 0 ( c - 7 ), 156 . 0 ( c - 8a ), 145 . 1 ( c - 4 ), 130 . 4 ( c - 5 ), 113 . 9 ( c - 3 ), 113 . 8 ( c - 4 - a ), 113 . 7 ( c - 6 ), 102 . 7 ( c - 8 ), 79 . 8 ( c - 2 ′), 79 . 4 ( c - 3 ′) and 57 . 0 ( c - 1 ′). 7 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one 2 ( 0 . 2 g , 1 . 0 eq ) and lawesson &# 39 ; s reagent ( 1 . 5 eq ) were dissolved in dry toluene ( 10 ml ) and the yellow solution was refluxed until starting material was consumed ( tlc monitoring ). then the solvent was removed under vacuo and the orange residue was partitioned between h 2 o and ethyl acetate . the organic phase was washed with h 2 o ( 2 × 20 ml ), brine ( 3 × 20 ml ), dried over na 2 so 4 , filtered off and concentrated under vacuo to give a red sticky oil that was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 10 % ethyl acetate in n - hexane to give 3 as a yellow solid . 7 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromene - 2 - thione 3 : m . p . 97 - 101 ° c . ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 27 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 10 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 , 3300 ( c ≡ c — h ), 2165 ( c ≡ ch ), 1601 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 3 . 72 ( 1h , t , j 2 . 4 , 3 ′- h ), 5 . 02 ( 2h , d , j 2 . 4 , 1 ′- h 2 ), 7 . 13 ( 1h , dd , j 9 . 2 , 2 . 4 , 6 - h ), 7 . 18 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 3 - h ), 7 . 31 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 80 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 5 - h ), 7 . 90 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 4 - h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 198 . 1 ( c - 2 ), 161 . 8 ( c - 7 ), 158 . 6 ( c - 8a ), 137 . 4 ( c - 4 ), 130 . 6 ( c - 5 ), 127 . 4 ( c - 3 ), 115 . 7 ( c - 4 - a ), 115 . 6 ( c - 6 ), 102 . 3 ( c - 8 ), 80 . 0 ( c - 2 ′), 79 . 2 ( c - 3 ′) and 57 . 3 ( c - 1 ′). anal . calc %. c , 66 . 65 ; h , 3 . 73 ; s , 14 . 83 ; anal . found . c , 65 . 36 ; h , 3 . 71 ; s , 9 . 37 . 7 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromene - 2 - thione 3 ( 0 . 1 g , 1 . 0 eq ) and phenylazide ( 1 . 1 eq ) were dissolved in tert - butoh / h 2 o ( 1 / 1 , 2 . 0 ml ). then tetramethylamonium chloride ( 1 . 0 eq ) and copper nanosize ( 10 % mol ) were added . the mixture was vigorously stirred at r . t . until starting material was consumed ( tlc monitoring ). solvents were removed under vacuo ( temperature has not to exceed 40 ° c .) and the brown residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 50 % ethyl acetate in n - hexane to give 4 as a yellow solid . characterization : 7 -[( 1 - phenyl - 1h - 1 , 2 , 3 - triazol - 4 - yl ) methoxy ]- 2h - chromene - 2 - thione 4 : silica gel tlc r f 0 . 50 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 10 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 , 1604 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 5 . 50 ( 2h , s , 1 ′- h 2 ), 7 . 12 ( 1h , dd , j 9 . 6 , 2 . 4 , 6 - h ), 7 . 26 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 7 . 35 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 58 ( 1h , tt , j 7 . 6 , 1 . 2 , ar — h ), 7 . 70 ( 2h , d , j 7 . 6 , 2 × ar — h ), 7 . 72 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 5 - h ), 7 . 95 ( 2h , d , j 7 . 6 , 2 × ar — h ), 8 . 02 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 4 - h ), 9 . 01 ( 1h , s , 3 ′- h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 198 . 0 ( c - 2 ), 162 . 0 ( c - 7 ), 157 . 0 ( c - 8a ), 146 . 3 ( c - 2 ′), 144 . 0 ( c - 4 ), 136 . 0 , 132 . 0 , 131 . 0 , 1230 , 124 . 6 , 121 . 0 , 115 . 0 , 114 . 0 , 113 . 7 , 103 . 0 ( 0 - 8 ) and 63 . 0 ( c - 1 ′). 7 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one 2 ( 0 . 08 g , 1 . 0 eq ) and phenylazide ( 1 . 1 eq ) were dissolved in tert - butoh / h 2 o ( 1 / 1 , 2 . 0 ml ) and then tetramethylamonium chloride ( 1 . 0 eq ) and copper nanosize ( 5 % mol ) were added . the mixture was vigorously stirred at r . t . until starting material was consumed ( tlc monitoring ). solvents were removed under vacuo ( temperature has not to exceed 40 ° c .) and the brown residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 25 % ethyl acetate in n - hexane to give 5 as a white solid . characterization : 7 -[( 1 - phenyl - 1h - 1 , 2 , 3 - triazol - 4 - yl ) methoxy ]- 2h - chromen - 2 - one 5 : m . p . 170 - 174 ° c . silica gel tlc r f 0 . 11 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 25 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 1750 ( c ═ o ), 1602 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 5 . 40 ( 2h , s , 1 ′- h 2 ), 6 . 35 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 7 . 10 ( 1h , dd , j 9 . 6 , 2 . 4 , 6 - h ), 7 . 24 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 55 ( 1h , tt , j 7 . 6 , 1 . 2 , ar — h ), 7 . 65 ( 2h , d , j 7 . 6 , 2 × ar — h ), 7 . 7 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 5 - h ), 7 . 95 ( 2h , d , j 7 . 6 , 2 × ar — h ), 8 . 04 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 4 - h ), 9 . 04 ( 1h , s , 3 ′- h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 162 . 0 ( c - 2 ), 161 . 2 ( c - 7 ), 156 . 2 ( c - 8a ), 145 . 2 ( c - 2 ′), 144 . 1 ( 0 - 4 ), 138 . 0 , 130 . 9 , 130 . 5 , 129 . 8 , 124 . 1 , 121 . 2 , 113 . 8 , 113 . 7 , 113 . 6 , 102 . 6 ( 0 - 8 ) and 63 . 0 ( c - 1 ′). 7 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one 2 ( 0 . 1 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was dissolved in thf ( 10 ml ) and then cobalt carbonyl ( 1 . 05 eq ) was added . the black solution was stirred at r . t . for 40 min . then sio 2 ( 0 . 3 g ) was added and solvent removed under vacuo to give a black solid that was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 20 % ethyl acetate in n - hexane to give 6 as a red solid . characterization : 7 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one hexacarbonyldicobalt 6 : silica gel tlc r f 0 . 22 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 20 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 1752 ( c ═ o ), 1600 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 5 . 50 ( 2h , s , 1 ′- h 2 ), 6 . 35 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 4 , 3 - h ), 6 . 89 ( 1h , s , 3 ′- h ), 7 . 00 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 8 , 2 . 4 , 6 - h ), 7 . 11 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 70 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 8 , 5 - h ), 8 . 04 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 4 , 4 - h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 200 . 9 ( c ═ o ), 161 . 7 ( c - 2 ), 161 . 0 ( c - 7 ), 156 . 2 ( c - 8a ), 145 . 1 ( c - 4 ), 130 . 5 ( c - 5 ), 113 . 7 , 113 . 6 , 113 . 4 , 102 . 4 ( c - 8 ), 90 . 8 ( c - 3 ′), 73 . 9 and 69 . 4 . 7 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromene - 2 - thione 3 ( 0 . 02 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was treated with cobalt carbonyl ( 1 . 05 eq ) as for the procedure for 6 . the solvent removed under vacuo to gave a black solid that was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 10 % ethyl acetate in n - hexane affording 7 as a red solid . characterization : 7 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromene - 2 - thione hexacarbonyldicobalt 7 : silica gel tlc r f 0 . 13 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 10 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 1750 ( c ═ o ), 1603 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 5 . 55 ( 2h , s , 1 ′- h 2 ), 6 . 90 ( 1h , s , 3 ′- h ), 7 . 09 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 8 , 6 - h ), 7 . 20 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 3 - h ), 7 . 36 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 82 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 8 , 5 - h ), 7 . 90 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 4 - h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 200 . 7 ( c ═ o ), 198 . 3 ( c ═ s ), 166 . 5 , 162 . 4 , 158 . 9 , 137 . 2 , 131 . 0 , 127 . 9 , 115 . 4 , 101 . 9 , 73 . 9 , 69 . 7 and 57 . 4 ; anal . calc %. c , 44 . 12 ; h , 2 . 14 ; s , 6 . 20 . anal . found . 42 . 75 ; h , 1 . 22 ; s , 3 . 94 . propargylamine 8 ( 1 . 0 g , 1 . 0 eq ) and triethylamine ( 1 . 1 eq ) were dissolved in dcm ( 80 ml ). the solution was cooled to 0 ° c . and tert - butyloxycarbonylcarbonate ( 1 . 1 eq ) dissolved in 20 ml of dcm was added drop - wise . the solution was stirred at r . t . for 5 h then was quenched with aqueous hcl 1 . 0m ( 100 ml ) and the organic layer was washed with h2o ( 3 × 50 ml ), brine ( 3 × 20 ml ) and dried over na 2 so 4 , filtered off and concentrated under vacuo to give a brown oil that was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 10 % ethyl acetate in n - hexane to give 9 as a colorless oil . characterization : tert - butyl prop - 2 - ynylcarbamate 9 : silica gel tlc r f 0 . 20 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 10 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 3350 ( c ≡ c — h ), 2170 ( c ≡ ch ), 1760 ( c ═ o ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 1 . 42 ( 9h , s , 3 × ch 3 ), 3 . 08 ( 1h , t , j 4 . 0 , 4 - h ), 3 . 73 ( 2h , m , 2 - h 2 ), 7 . 29 ( 1h , brs , 1 - h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 156 . 6 ( c ═ o ), 82 . 6 , 79 . 1 , 73 . 6 , 30 . 3 ( c - 2 ) and 29 . 9 ( 3 × ch3 ). 7 - amino - 4 - methyl - 2h - chromen - 2 - one 10 ( 0 . 1 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was dissolved in a freshly prepared 40 % solution of concentrated hydrochloric acid in deionised water ( 3 . 0 ml ) and then cooled down to − 5 ° c . then a 2 . 3 m aqueous solution of nano 2 ( 2 . 0 eq ) was added dropwise and the mixture was kept stirring at the same temperature until a persistent pale yellow solution was formed ( 5 - 10 min ). finally a 5 . 0 m aqueous solution of nano 2 ( 2 . 0 eq ) was added drop - wise the mixture was stirred at r . t . for 10 min ., extracted with dcm ( 3 × 25 ml ) and the combined organic layers were dried over na 2 so 4 , filtered off and concentrated under vacuo ( temperature has not to exceed 30 ° c .) to give a 11 as a yellow solid that was used without further purification . characterization : 7 - azido - 4 - methyl - 2h - chromen - 2 - one 11 : silica gel tlc r f 0 . 27 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 20 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 2150 ( n 3 ), 1730 ( c ═ o ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 2 . 45 ( 9h , s , 3 × ch 3 ), 6 . 37 ( 1h , d , j 1 . 2 , 8 - h ), 7 . 16 ( 1h , dd , j 1 . 2 , 6 - h ), 7 . 19 ( 1h , d , j 1 . 2 , 3 - h ), 7 . 81 ( 1h , j 8 . 4 , 5 - h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 160 . 4 ( c ═ o ), 155 . 0 , 153 . 8 , 144 . 2 , 127 . 9 , 117 . 7 , 116 . 5 , 114 . 1 , 107 . 7 and 19 . 0 ( ch 3 ). 7 - azido - 4 - methyl - 2h - chromen - 2 - one 11 ( 0 . 09 g , 1 . 0 eq ) and tert - butyl prop - 2 - ynylcarbamate 9 ( 1 . 0 eq ) were dissolved in tert - butoh / h 2 o ( 1 / 1 , 3 . 0 ml ) and then tetramethylamonium chloride ( 1 . 0 eq ) and copper nanosize ( 5 % mol ) were added . the mixture was vigorously stirred at r . t . until starting material was consumed ( tlc monitoring ). solvents were removed under vacuo ( temperature has not to exceed 40 ° c .) and the brown residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 50 % ethyl acetate in n - hexane to give 12 as a yellow solid . characterization : tert - butyl [ 1 -( 4 - methyl - 2 - oxo - 2h - chromen - 7 - yl )- 1h - 1 , 2 , 3 - triazol - 4 - yl ] methylcarbamate 12 : silica gel tlc r f 0 . 13 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 50 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 1735 ( c ═ o ), 1650 ( c ═ o ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 1 . 44 ( 9h , s , 3 × ch 3 ), 2 . 51 ( 3h , s , ch 3 ), 4 . 32 ( 2h , d , j 4 , 3 ′- h 2 ), 6 . 50 ( 1h , d , j 1 . 2 , 3 - h ), 7 . 43 ( 1h , t , j 4 , n — h ), 8 . 02 ( 3h , m , 5 , 6 , 8 - h ), 8 . 81 ( 1h , s , 1 ′- h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 160 . 4 , 156 . 5 , 154 . 6 , 153 . 6 , 148 . 0 , 139 . 5 , 128 . 1 , 122 . 0 , 120 . 3 , 116 . 3 , 115 . 5 , 108 . 2 , 79 . 0 , 36 . 5 , 29 . 2 and 19 . 0 7 - azido - 4 - methyl - 2h - chromen - 2 - one 11 ( 0 . 05 g , 1 . 0 eq ) and 7 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one 2 ( 1 . 0 eq ) were dissolved in tert - butoh / h 2 o ( 1 / 1 , 1 . 0 ml ) and then tetramethylamonium chloride ( 1 . 0 eq ) and copper nanosize ( 5 % mol ) were added . the mixture was vigorously stirred at r . t . until starting material was consumed ( tlc monitoring ). solvents were removed under vacuo ( temperature has not to exceed 40 ° c .) and the brown residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate in n - hexane from 20 % to 50 % to give 13 as a yellow solid . characterization : 4 - methyl - 7 -( 4 -(( 2 - oxo - 2h - chromen - 7 - yloxy ) methyl )- 1h - 1 , 2 , 3 - triazol - 1 - yl )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one 13 : silica gel tlc r f 0 . 32 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 50 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 1735 ( c ═ o ), 1730 ( c ═ o ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 2 . 11 ( 3h , s , ch 3 ), 5 . 44 ( 2h , s , 3 ′- h 2 ), 6 . 35 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 3 ″- h ), 6 . 53 ( 1h , d , j 1 . 2 , 3 - h ), 7 . 11 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 4 , 2 . 4 , 6 ″- h ), 7 . 25 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 ″- h ), 7 . 71 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 4 , 5 ″- h ), 8 . 06 ( 4h , m , 5 , 6 , 8 , 4 ″- h ), 9 . 22 ( 1h , s , 1 ′- h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 161 . 9 , 161 . 0 , 160 . 3 , 156 . 2 , 154 . 3 , 153 . 7 , 145 . 2 , 144 . 5 , 139 . 3 , 130 . 5 , 128 . 2 , 124 . 4 , 120 . 6 , 116 . 6 , 115 . 8 , 113 . 9 , 113 . 7 , 108 . 6 , 108 . 0 , 102 . 6 , 62 . 5 and 32 . 2 . cinnamic acid ( 1 . 0 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was dissolved in dry dcm ( 20 ml ) and thionyl chloride ( 10 . 0 eq ) was added drop - wise at 0 ° c . the solution was refluxed until starting material was consumed ( tlc monitoring ), solvents removed under vacuo to afford a sticky oily residue that was dissolved in dry pyridine ( 10 ml ) at 0 ° c . and thiophenol ( 0 . 74 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was added drop - wise . the yellow solution was stirred at r . t . for 2 hrs , quenched with h2o ( 30 ml ), extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 × 15 ml ) and the combined organic layers were dried over na 2 so 4 , filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give a residue that was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 5 % ethyl acetate / n - hexane to afford 1 a pale yellow solid . ( e )- s - phenyl 3 - phenylprop - 2 - enethioate 1 ( 0 . 2 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was dissolved in toluene dry ( 5 . 0 ml ) and alcl 3 ( 0 . 56 g , 5 . 0 eq ) was added . the orange solution was stirred at 70 ° c . for 5 hrs ( tlc monitoring ), cooled down to r . t ., quenched with slush and entracte with etyla acetate ( 3 × 20 ml ). the combined organic layers were washed with h2o ( 2 × 20 ml ), dried over na2so4 , filtered off and concentrated in vacuo to give an orange residue that was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 5 % ethyl acetate / n - hexane to afford 2 as a pale yellow solid . ( e )- s - phenyl 3 - phenylprop - 2 - enethioate 1 62 % yield ; 94 - 96 ° c . ( lit 91 - 92 ° c . ); silica gel tlc r f 0 . 17 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 5 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 , 1670 ( c ═ o ), 1515 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 7 . 16 ( 1h , d , j 16 . 0 , 2 - h ), 7 . 49 ( 3h , m , 2 × 6 - h , 7 - h ), 7 . 54 ( 5h , s , s — ar — h ), 7 . 70 ( 1h , d , j 16 . 0 , 3 - h ), 7 . 84 ( 2h , m , 2 × 5 - h ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ), 188 . 0 ( c ═ o ), 142 . 5 , 135 . 4 , 134 . 6 , 132 . 0 , 130 . 5 , 130 . 3 , 130 . 0 , 129 . 9 , 128 . 2 , 125 . 2 . 2h - thiochromen - 2 - one 2 55 % yield ; 95 - 98 ° c . ( lit 91 - 92 ° c . ); silica gel tlc r f 0 . 11 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 5 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 , 1660 ( c ═ o ), 1515 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 6 . 65 ( 1h , d , j 10 . 8 , 3 - h ), 7 . 64 ( 3h , m , 5 - h , 6 - h , 7 - h ), 7 . 92 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 0 , 8 - h ), 8 . 12 ( 1h , d , j 10 . 8 , 4 - h ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ), 185 . 1 ( c ═ o ), 145 . 8 , 137 . 2 , 133 . 0 , 131 . 4 , 127 . 8 , 126 . 8 , 126 . 7 , 124 . 4 ; anal . calc . c , 66 . 64 ; h , 3 . 73 ; s , 19 . 77 . anal . found . c , 62 . 96 ; h , 3 . 63 ; s , 12 . 08 . the proper lactone or thiolactone ( 1 . 0 eq ) was dissolved in dry toluene and treated with lawesson &# 39 ; s reagent ( 2 . 0 eq ). the reaction mixture was refluxed until consumption of the starting material ( tlc monitoring ). then solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue obtained was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate in n - hexane to afford the corresponding thione . 2h - thiochromen - 2 - one 2 ( 0 . 03 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was treated according to the general procedure reported above at 70 ° c . for 12 h . purification of the crude residue by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 10 % ethyl acetate / n - hexane to afford the desired product 3 as a red solid . 2h - thiochromene - 2 - thione 3 : 33 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 20 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 10 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 , 1770 , 1520 , 1230 ; δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 7 . 43 ( 1h , d , j 10 . 0 , 3 - h ), 7 . 61 ( 1h , dt , j 8 . 0 , 1 . 6 , 5 - h ), 7 . 28 ( 2h , m , 6 - h , 7 - h ), 7 . 90 ( 1h , d , j 10 . 0 , 4 - h ), 8 . 00 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 0 , 8 - h ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ), 209 . 7 ( c ═ s ), 140 . 2 , 136 . 9 , 136 . 3 , 133 . 0 , 131 . 9 , 129 . 2 , 128 . 5 , 124 . 6 ; anal . calc . c , 60 . 63 ; h , 3 . 39 ; s , 35 . 97 . anal . found . c , 59 . 48 ; h , 3 . 05 ; s , 21 . 27 . 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( 0 . 5 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was treated according to the general procedure reported above at for 12 h . purification of the crude residue by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 20 % ethyl acetate / n - hexane to afforded the desired product as a yellow solid . 2h - chromene - 2 - thione 4 : 60 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 27 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 20 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 1765 , 1518 , 1220 ; δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 7 . 31 ( 1h , d , j 10 . 0 , 3 - h ), 7 . 61 ( 1h , dt , j 7 . 6 , 1 . 2 , 6 - h ), 7 . 64 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 4 , 5 - h ), 7 . 74 ( 1h , dt , j 7 . 6 , 1 . 2 , 7 - h ), 7 . 85 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 96 ( 1h , d , j 10 . 0 , 4 - h ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ), 198 . 5 ( c ═ s ), 157 . 0 , 137 . 0 , 133 . 6 , 130 . 0 , 129 . 6 , 126 . 8 , 121 . 2 , 117 . 1 ; anal . calc . c , 66 . 64 ; h , 3 . 73 ; s , 19 . 77 . anal . found . c , 66 . 15 ; h , 3 . 43 ; s , 12 . 38 . 7 -( allyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( 0 . 5 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was treated according to the general procedure reported above at for 12 h . purification of the crude residue by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 20 % ethyl acetate / n - hexane to afforded the desired product as a yellow solid . 7 -( allyloxy )- 2h - chromene - 2 - thione 5 : 87 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 32 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 20 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 1760 , 1519 , 1215 ; δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 4 . 77 ( 2h , dt , j 5 . 6 , 1 . 6 , 1 ′- h 2 ), 5 . 35 ( 1h , dq , j 12 . 0 , 1 . 6 , 3 ′- hh ), 5 . 47 ( 1h , dq , j 17 . 2 , 1 . 6 , 3 ′- hh ), 6 . 11 ( 1h , m , 2 ′- h ), 7 . 11 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 8 , 2 . 4 , 6 - h ), 7 . 12 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 3 - h ), 7 . 27 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 77 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 8 , 5 - h ), 7 . 88 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 4 - h ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ), 198 . 2 ( c ═ s ), 162 . 9 , 158 . 9 , 137 . 5 , 133 . 7 , 130 . 6 , 127 . 1 , 119 . 2 , 115 . 8 , 115 . 2 , 102 . 0 , 70 . 0 ; anal . calc . c , 66 . 03 ; h , 4 . 62 ; s , 14 . 69 . anal . found . c , 66 . 56 ; h , 4 . 32 ; s , 9 . 68 . 7 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( 0 . 1 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was treated according to the general procedure reported above at for 12 h . purification of the crude residue by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 10 % ethyl acetate / n - hexane to afforded the desired product as a yellow solid . 7 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromene - 2 - thione 6 : 56 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 27 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 10 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 , 1762 , 1523 , 1210 ; δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 3 . 72 ( 1h , t , j 2 . 4 , 3 ′- h ), 5 . 02 ( 2h , d , j 2 . 4 , 1 ′- h 2 ), 7 . 12 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 8 , 2 . 4 , 6 - h ), 7 . 15 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 3 - h ), 7 . 32 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 79 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 8 , 5 - h ), 7 . 90 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 4 - h ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ), 198 . 1 ( c ═ s ), 161 . 8 ( c - 7 ), 158 . 6 ( c - 8a ), 137 . 4 ( c - 4 ), 130 . 6 ( c - 5 ), 127 . 4 ( c - 3 ), 115 . 7 ( c - 4 - a ), 115 . 6 ( c - 6 ), 102 . 3 ( c - 8 ), 80 . 0 ( c - 2 ′), 79 . 2 ( c - 3 ′), 57 . 3 ( c - 1 ′); anal . calc . c , 66 . 65 ; h , 3 . 73 ; s , 14 . 83 . anal . found . c , 66 . 36 ; h , 3 . 71 ; s , 9 . 37 . ethanolamine ( 10 . 0 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was dissolved in a 1 . 0 m naoh aqueous solution ( 16 . 0 ml ). then a dcm solution ( 60 ml ) of ( boc ) 2 o ( 3 . 93 g , 1 . 1 eq ) was added drop wise at 0 ° c . under vigorous stirring . the mixture was stirred at r . t . for 1 h , quenched with 0 . 1m aqueous hydrochloride acid ( 3 × 20 ml ), 5 % nahco 3 aqueous solution ( 3 × 20 ml ), and then washed with brine ( 2 × 20 ml ), dried over na 2 so 4 , filtered off and solvent removed in vacuo to give an oily residue that was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with an increasing amount of meoh in dcm from 2 . 5 to 5 % to afford 7 a light colorless oil tert - butyl 2 - hydroxyethylcarbamate 7 : 90 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 30 ( meoh / dcm 2 . 5 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 , 3112 ( o — h ), 1770 ( c ═ o ); δ h ( 400 mhz , meod - d 4 ) 7 . 47 ( 9h , s , 3 × ch 3 ), 3 . 18 ( 2h , t , j 6 . 0 , 2 - h 2 ), 3 . 58 ( 2h , t , j 6 . 0 , 1 - h 2 ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 26 . 0 , 44 . 2 . 61 . 9 , 80 . 3 , 157 . 1 . 7 - hydroxy coumarin ( 0 . 44 g , 1 . 0 eq ), tert - butyl 2 - hydroxyethylcarbamate 7 ( 0 . 44 g , 1 . 0 eq ) and triphenylphoshine ( 0 . 72 g , 1 . 0 eq ) were dissolved in dry thf ( 60 ml ). then the temperature was lowered to 0 ° c . and diisopropylazadicarboxylate ( 0 . 55 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was added drop - wise under sonication . the orange solution was sonicated at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere until starting material was consumed ( tlc monitoring ). solvents were removed under vacuo to give a white solid that was recrystallized from h 2 o / meoh to give 8 as white solid . tert - butyl 2 -( 2 - oxo - 2h - chromen - 7 - yloxy ) ethylcarbamate 8 : 45 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 47 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 50 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 , 3120 , 1770 ( c ═ o ), 1520 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 1 . 41 ( 9h , s , 3 × ch 3 ), 3 . 32 ( 2h , appq , j 5 . 6 × 2 ′- h 2 ), 4 . 11 ( 2h , t , j 5 . 6 , 1 ′- h 2 ), 6 . 32 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 6 . 97 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 6 2 . 8 , 6 - h ), 7 . 02 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 8 , 8 - h ), 7 . 07 ( 1h , t , j 5 . 6 , exchange with d 2 o , nh ), 7 . 66 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 6 , 5 - h ), 8 . 03 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 4 - h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ), 162 . 6 ( c ═ o ), 161 . 2 ( c ═ o ), 156 . 6 , 156 . 3 , 145 . 3 , 130 . 5 , 113 . 7 , 113 . 4 , 103 . 1 , 102 . 2 , 78 . 8 , 68 . 1 , 29 . 1 ( ch 3 ), 22 . 8 ; anal . calc . c , 62 . 94 ; h , 6 . 27 ; n , 4 . 59 . anal . found . c , 61 . 90 ; h , 6 . 26 ; n , 4 . 58 . tert - butyl 2 -( 2 - oxo - 2h - chromen - 7 - yloxy ) ethylcarbamate 8 ( 0 . 1 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was suspended in dcm ( 20 ml ) and treated with tfa ( 5 . 0 eq ). the yellow solution was stirred o . n . at r . t . then solvents were removed in vacuo and the white solid residue was dissolved in chcl 3 ( 20 ml ) and treated with dipea ( 3 . 0 eq ). the pale yellow solution was stirred at r . t . for 1 h , diluted with h 2 o ( 50 ml ) and the organic layer was washed with brine ( 5 × 15 ml ), dried over na 2 so 4 , filtered off and solvent evaporated in vacuo to give a sticky yellow oil that was dissolved in dry dcm ( 15 ml ) and treated with 2 , 4 , 6 - pyrilium tetrafluoroborate ( 1 . 5 eq ) at reflux for 1 h . then solvent was removed in vacuo and the tannic residue treated with a 1 . 0 m aqueous solution of naclo 4 ( 3 . 0 eq ) to give a dark precipitate that was collected by filtration and crystallized from h 2 o / meoh to afford the desired product 9 as a white solid . 2 ″, 4 ″, 6 ″- trimethyl - 1 -( 2 -( 2 - oxo - 2h - chromen - 7 - yloxy ) ethyl ) pyridinium perchlorate salt 9 : 20 % overal yield ; v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 , 3112 ( o — h ), 1770 ( c ═ o ), 1522 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 2 . 53 ( 3h , s , 4 ″- ch 3 ), 2 . 93 ( 6h , s , 2 × 2 ″- ch 3 ), 4 . 63 ( 2h , t , j 4 . 8 , 1 ′- h 2 ), 5 . 01 ( 2h , t , j 4 . 8 , 2 ′- h 2 ), 6 . 35 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 3 - h ), 6 . 97 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 6 2 . 8 , 6 - h ), 7 . 07 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 8 , 8 - h ), 7 . 67 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 6 , 5 - h ), 7 . 81 ( 2h , s , 2 × 3 ″- h ), 8 . 02 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 4 - h ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ), 160 . 2 , 158 . 2 , 157 . 0 , 152 . 4 , 147 . 9 , 144 . 2 , 128 . 8 , 128 . 5 , 114 . 2 . 113 . 9 , 110 . 5 , 109 . 6 , 70 . 0 , 45 . 2 , 26 . 3 , 22 . 4 ; anal . calc . c , 55 . 68 ; h , 4 . 92 ; n , 3 . 42 . anal . found . c , 42 . 4 ; h , 4 . 93 ; n , 2 . 56 . 7 - amino - 4 - methylcoumarin ( 0 . 1 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was dissolved in dry pyridine ( 5 . 0 ml ) and the solution cooled down to 0 ° c . then tosylchloride ( 0 . 14 g , 1 . 3 eq ) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at r . t . until starting material was consumed ( tlc monitoring ). the reaction was quenched with slush , and the white precipitate formed was collected by filtration and purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 50 % ethyl acetate / n - hexane to afford the desired product 10 as a white solid . 4 - methyl - n -( 4 - methyl - 2 - oxo - 2h - chromen - 7 - yl ) benzenesulfonamide 10 : 54 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 35 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 50 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 , 3110 , 1770 ( c ═ o ), 1530 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 2 . 37 ( 6h , s , 4 - ch 3 , 4 ′- ch 3 ), 6 . 27 ( 1h , s , 3 - h ), 7 . 06 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 0 , 8 - h ), 7 . 12 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 6 , 2 . 0 , 6 - h ), 7 . 41 ( 2h , d , j 8 . 4 , 2 × 3 ′- h ), 7 . 67 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 6 , 5 - h ), 7 . 77 ( 2h , d , j 8 . 4 , 2 × 2 ′- h ), 10 . 90 ( 1h , brs , exchange with d 2 o , nh ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ), 160 . 7 ( c ═ o ), 154 . 7 , 154 . 1 , 144 . 9 , 142 . 4 , 137 . 3 , 131 . 0 , 127 . 8 , 127 . 6 , 116 . 3 , 115 . 7 , 113 . 6 , 106 . 1 , 22 . 0 , 18 . 9 . alkine ( 1 . 0 eq ) was dissolved in thf dry and then dicobaltooctacarbonyl ( 1 . 05 eq ) was added . the black solution was stirred at r . t . under a nitrogen atmosphere until evolution of carbon monoxide ceased ( 1 - 2 h ). then silica gel was added and the solvent evaporated under vacuo to give a purple residue that was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate / n - hexane to afford the corresponding acetylenehexacarbonyldicobalt complexes as reddish solids . 7 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( 0 . 1 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was dissolved in thf ( 10 ml ) and then cobalt carbonyl ( 1 . 05 eq ) was added . the black solution was treated as described above in the general procedure and the black residue obtained was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 20 % ethyl acetate in n - hexane to give 11 as a red solid . 7 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one hexacarbonyldicobalt 11 : 82 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 22 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 20 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 1752 ( c ═ o ), 1600 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 5 . 50 ( 2h , s , 1 ′- h 2 ), 6 . 35 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 4 , 3 - h ), 6 . 89 ( 1h , s , 3 ′- h ), 7 . 00 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 8 , 2 . 4 , 6 - h ), 7 . 11 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 70 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 8 , 5 - h ), 8 . 04 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 4 , 4 - h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 200 . 9 ( c ═ o ), 161 . 7 ( c - 2 ), 161 . 0 ( c - 7 ), 156 . 2 ( c - 8a ), 145 . 1 ( c - 4 ), 130 . 5 ( c - 5 ), 113 . 7 , 113 . 6 , 113 . 4 , 102 . 4 ( c - 8 ), 90 . 8 ( c - 3 ′), 73 . 9 and 69 . 4 . 7 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromene - 2 - thione 6 ( 0 . 1 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was dissolved in thf ( 10 ml ) and then cobalt carbonyl ( 1 . 05 eq ) was added . the black solution was treated as described above in the general procedure and the black residue obtained was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 10 % ethyl acetate in n - hexane to give 12 as a red solid . 7 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromene - 2 - thione hexacarbonyldicobalt 12 : 79 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 18 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 10 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 1775 ( c ═ o ), 1530 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 5 . 55 ( 2h , s , 1 ′- h 2 ), 6 . 90 ( 1h , s , 3 ′- h ), 7 . 09 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 8 , 2 . 4 , 6 - h ), 7 . 18 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 3 - h ), 7 . 36 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 80 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 8 , 5 - h ), 7 . 90 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 4 - h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ), 200 . 7 ( c ≡ o ), 198 . 3 ( c ═ s ), 166 . 5 , 162 . 4 , 158 . 9 , 137 . 2 , 130 . 0 , 127 . 1 , 115 . 4 , 101 . 9 , 73 . 9 , 69 . 7 , 57 . 4 ; anal . calc . c , 44 . 12 ; h , 2 . 14 ; s , 6 . 20 . anal . found . c , 44 . 75 ; h , 2 . 08 ; s , 3 . 94 . 7 -( pent - 4 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( 0 . 05 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was dissolved in thf ( 10 ml ) and then cobalt carbonyl ( 1 . 05 eq ) was added . the black solution was treated as described above in the general procedure and the black residue obtained was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 20 % ethyl acetate in n - hexane to give 13 as a red solid . 7 -( pent - 4 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one hexacarbonyldicobalt 13 : 92 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 20 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 20 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 1762 ( c ═ o ), 1530 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 2 . 10 ( 2h , quaint , j 6 . 8 , 2 ′- h 2 ), 3 . 09 ( 2h , t , j 6 . 8 , 3 ′- h 2 ), 4 . 28 ( 2h , t , j 6 . 8 , 1 ′- h 2 ), 6 . 33 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 6 . 84 ( 1h , s , 5 ′- h ), 7 . 01 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 8 , 2 . 0 , 6 - h ), 7 . 06 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 0 , 8 - h ), 7 . 66 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 8 , 5 - h ), 8 . 03 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 4 - h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ), 200 . 9 ( c ≡ o ), 162 . 7 ( c ═ o ), 161 . 3 , 156 . 5 , 145 . 4 , 130 . 6 , 113 . 8 , 113 . 5 , 102 . 3 , 98 . 5 , 75 . 5 , 72 . 5 , 68 . 4 , 31 . 8 , 31 . 0 ;; anal . calc . c , 47 . 66 ; h , 2 . 86 . anal . found . c , 46 . 74 ; h , 2 . 27 . 7 - amino - 4 - methylcoumarin ( 0 . 1 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was dissolved in dry meoh ( 2 . 0 ml ) and 2 , 4 , 6 - trimethylpyrilium tetrafluoroborate was added . the mixture was refluxed for 5 h ( tlc monitoring ) the volume was reduced of 1 / 3 and the black residue was treated at r . t . with 1 . 0 m aqueous solution of naocl 4 ( 3 . 0 eq ). the precipitate formed was collected by filtration and crystallized from h 2 o to afford the desired product 14 as a white solid . 7 -( 2 ′, 4 ′, 6 ′- trimethylpyridinium )- 4 - methyl - 2h - chromen - 2 - one perchlorate salt 14 : 25 % yield ; v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 1760 ( c ═ o ), 1540 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 2 . 39 ( 6h , s , 2 × 2 ′- ch 3 ), 2 . 56 ( 3h , s , 4 - ch 3 ), 2 . 66 ( 3h , s , 4 ′- ch 3 ), 6 . 66 ( 1h , s , 3 - h ), 7 . 66 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 4 , 2 . 0 , 5 - h ), 7 . 85 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 0 , 8 - h ), 8 . 00 ( 2h , s , 2 × 3 ′- h ), 8 . 18 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 4 , 6 - h ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 160 . 4 , 159 . 9 , 155 . 6 , 154 . 5 , 153 . 4 , 140 . 9 , 122 . 8 , 128 . 0 , 122 . 7 , 122 . 5 , 117 . 1 , 115 . 9 , 22 . 3 , 22 . 2 , 19 . 0 . halogenoaniline ( 0 . 3 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was dissolved in a solution h 2 o / acoh ( 1 / 2 , 10 ml ) at 0 ° c . nano 2 ( 1 . 4 eq ) was slowly added and the resulting solution was stirred at the same temperature for 1 h . then nan 3 ( 1 . 5 eq ) was added portion - wise and the mixture was stirred ar r . t . until starting material was consumed ( tlc monitoring ). the reaction was quenched with slush , extracted with ethyl acetate ( 2 × 20 ml ) and the combined organic layers were washed with 5 % nahco 3 ( 2 × 20 ml ), dried over na 2 so 4 , filtered off and solvent evaporated in vacuo to afford the corresponding phenylazide which was used without further purification . azide ( 1 . 0 eq ) and alkine ( 1 . 0 eq ) were dissolved in tert - butoh / h 2 o 1 / 1 and then tetramethylamonium chloride ( 1 . 0 eq ) and copper nanosize ( 5 % mol ) were added . the mixture was vigorously stirred at r . t . until starting material was consumed ( tlc monitoring ). solvents were removed under vacuo ( temperature has not to exceed 40 ° c .) and the brown residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate in n - hexane . trimethylsylilazide ( 0 . 058 g , 1 . 0 eq ) and 7 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( 0 . 1 g , 1 . 0 eq ) were dissolved in tert - butoh / h 2 o 1 / 1 ( 2 . 0 ml ) and then tetramethylamonium chloride ( 0 . 048 g , 1 . 0 eq ) and copper nanosize ( 5 % mol ) were added . the mixture was treated as described and the residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 50 % ethyl acetate in n - hexane to afford 15 as a white solid . 7 -[( 1 ′ h - 1 ′, 2 ′, 3 ′- triazol - 4 ′- yl ) methoxy ]- 2h - chromen - 2 - one 15 : 20 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 10 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 50 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 , 1760 ( c ═ o ), 1560 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 5 . 34 ( 2h , s , 1 ″- h 2 ), 7 . 66 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 7 . 06 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 8 , 2 . 4 , 6 - h ), 7 . 19 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 68 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 8 , 5 - h ), 8 . 03 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 4 - h ), 8 . 10 ( 1h , s , 5 ′- h ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 162 . 2 , 160 . 3 , 152 . 4 , 144 . 0 , 143 . 5 , 130 . 0 , 129 . 2 , 115 . 1 , 114 . 2 , 112 . 0 , 108 . 2 , 76 . 2 . 1 - azido - 2 - bromobenzene ( 0 . 44 g , 1 . 1 eq ) and 7 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( 0 . 4 g , 1 . 0 eq ) were dissolved in tert - butoh / h 2 o 1 / 1 ( 2 . 0 ml ) and then tetramethylamonium chloride ( 0 . 4 g , 1 . 0 eq ) and copper nanosize ( 5 % mol ) were added . the mixture was treated as described and the residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 33 % ethyl acetate in n - hexane to afford 16 as a white solid . 7 -[( 1 ′-( 2 - bromophenyl )- 1h - 1 ′, 2 ′, 3 ′- triazol - 4 ′- yl ] methoxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one 16 : 50 % yield ; m . p . 133 - 134 ° c . ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 16 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 33 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 , 1770 ( c ═ o ), 1560 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 5 . 41 ( 2h , s , 1 ″- h 2 ), 6 . 35 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 7 . 11 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 8 , 2 . 4 , 6 - h ), 7 . 26 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 67 ( 4h , m , ar — h ), 7 . 96 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 8 , 2 . 4 , 5 - h ), 8 . 04 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 4 - h ), 8 . 78 ( 1h , s , 5 ′- h ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 162 . 0 , 161 . 2 , 156 . 2 , 145 . 2 , 142 . 9 , 137 . 0 , 134 . 5 , 133 . 0 , 130 . 5 , 129 . 9 , 129 . 7 , 128 . 1 , 119 . 8 , 113 . 9 , 113 . 7 , 113 . 6 , 102 . 6 , 62 . 4 . 1 - azido - 2 - fluorobenzene ( 0 . 44 g , 1 . 1 eq ) and 7 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( 0 . 4 g , 1 . 0 eq ) were dissolved in tert - butoh / h 2 o 1 / 1 ( 2 . 0 ml ) and then tetramethylamonium chloride ( 0 . 4 g , 1 . 0 eq ) and copper nanosize ( 5 % mol ) were added . the mixture was treated as described and the residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 25 % ethyl acetate in n - hexane to afford 17 as a pale yellow solid . 7 -[( 1 -( 2 - fluorophenyl )- 1h - 1 , 2 , 3 - triazol - 4 - yl ] methoxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one 17 : 30 % yield ; 161 - 163 ° c . ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 09 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 25 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 1765 ( c ═ o ), 1530 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 5 . 42 ( 2h , s , 1 ″- h 2 ), 6 . 35 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 7 . 10 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 8 , 2 . 4 , 6 - h ), 7 . 25 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 50 ( 1h , m , ar — h ), 7 . 65 ( 2h , m , ar — h ), 7 . 70 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 8 , 5 - h ), 7 . 90 ( 1h , m , ar — h ), 8 . 04 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 4 - h ), 8 . 84 ( 1h , s , 5 ′- h ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 162 . 0 , 161 . 2 , 156 . 2 , 156 . 0 , 153 . 6 , 145 . 2 , 143 . 6 , 132 . 4 , 132 . 3 , 130 . 5 , 127 . 5 , 126 . 9 , 126 . 5 , 118 . 0 , 113 . 8 , 113 . 7 , 102 . 6 , 62 . 3 . 1 - azido - 2 - chlorobenzene ( 0 . 44 g , 1 . 1 eq ) and 6 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( 0 . 4 g , 1 . 0 eq ) were dissolved in tert - butoh / h 2 o 1 / 1 ( 2 . 0 ml ) and then tetramethylamonium chloride ( 0 . 4 g , 1 . 0 eq ) and copper nanosize ( 5 % mol ) were added . the mixture was treated as described and the residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 33 % ethyl acetate in n - hexane to afford 18 as a light brown solid . 6 -(( 1 -( 2 - chlorophenyl )- 1h - 1 , 2 , 3 - triazol - 4 - yl ) methoxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one 18 : 45 % yield ; m . p . 164 - 166 ° c . ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 10 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 33 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 17562 ( c ═ o ), 1520 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 5 . 35 ( 2h , s , 1 ″- h 2 ), 6 . 55 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 4 , 3 - h ), 7 . 39 ( 2h , m , ar — h , 8 - h ), 7 . 51 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 5 - h ), 7 . 69 ( 3h , m , ar — h ), 7 . 82 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 8 , 2 . 4 , 7 - h ), 8 . 06 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 4 , 4 - h ), 8 . 78 ( 1h , s , 5 ′- h ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 161 . 0 , 155 . 2 , 149 . 0 , 145 . 0 , 144 . 9 , 143 . 4 , 135 . 3 , 132 . 7 , 131 . 5 , 129 . 5 , 129 . 4 , 127 . 9 , 121 . 0 , 120 . 1 , 118 . 4 , 117 . 6 , 113 . 0 , 62 . 4 . 1 - azido - 2 - iodobenzene ( 0 . 44 g , 1 . 1 eq ) and 6 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( 0 . 4 g , 1 . 0 eq ) were dissolved in tert - butoh / h 2 o 1 / 1 ( 2 . 0 ml ) and then tetramethylamonium chloride ( 0 . 4 g , 1 . 0 eq ) and copper nanosize ( 5 % mol ) were added . the mixture was treated as described and the residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 33 % ethyl acetate in n - hexane to afford 19 as a brown solid . 6 -(( 1 -( 2 - iodophenyl )- 1h - 1 , 2 , 3 - triazol - 4 - yl ) methoxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one 19 : 30 % yield ; 162 - 164 ° c . ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 16 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 33 % v / v ); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 1765 ( c ═ o ), 1518 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 5 . 35 ( 2h , s , 1 ″- h 2 ), 6 . 54 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 4 , 3 - h ), 7 . 41 ( 3h , m , ar — h , 8 - h ), 7 . 51 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 5 - h ), 7 . 64 ( 2h , m , ar — h ), 8 . 06 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 4 , 4 - h ), 8 . 14 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 4 , 2 . 4 , 7 - h ), 8 . 69 ( 1h , s , 5 ′- h ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 161 . 0 , 155 . 2 , 149 . 0 , 145 . 0 , 143 . 4 , 140 . 7 , 140 . 6 , 132 . 9 , 130 . 3 , 129 . 0 , 127 . 6 , 121 . 1 , 120 . 2 , 118 . 4 , 117 . 6 , 113 . 1 , 96 . 7 , 62 . 6 . 3 ′- azido - 3 ′- deoxythymidine ( 0 . 07 g , 1 . 0 eq ) and 6 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( 0 . 05 g , 1 . 0 eq ) were dissolved in tert - butoh / h 2 o 1 / 1 ( 2 . 0 ml ) and then tetramethylamonium chloride ( 0 . 024 g , 1 . 0 eq ) and copper nanosize ( 5 % mol ) were added . the mixture was treated as described and the residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with an increasing amount of ethyl acetate in n - hexane from 50 to 100 % to afford 20 as a pale yellow solid . 1 ′″-( 3 ″-( 4 ′-( 2 - oxo - 2h - chromen - 6 - yloxy ) methyl )- 1 ′ h - 1 ′, 2 ′, 3 ′- triazol - 1 ′- yl )- tetrahydro - 5 -( hydroxymethyl ) furan - 2 - yl )- 5 ′″- methylpyrimidine - 2 ′″, 4 ′″( 1 ′″ h , 3 ′″ h )- dione 30 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 21 ( ethyl acetate 100 %); v max ( kbr ) cm − 1 , 3150 ( o — h ), 1760 ( c ═ o ), 1525 ( aromatic ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 1 . 85 ( 3h , s , 5 ″- ch 3 ), 2 . 72 ( 2h , m , 4 ″- h 2 ), 3 . 70 ( 2h , m , ch 2 oh ), 4 . 26 ( 1h , m , 2 ′- h ), 5 . 26 ( 2h , s , 1 ″- h 2 ), 5 . 32 ( 1h , t , j 5 . 6 , exchange with d 2 o , ch 2 oh ), 5 . 43 ( 1h , m , 3 ″- h ), 6 . 47 ( 1h , t , j 6 . 4 , 5 ″- h ), 6 . 54 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 3 - h ), 7 . 32 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 8 , 2 . 4 , 7 - h ), 7 . 35 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 8 , 8 - h ), 7 . 47 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 5 - h ), 7 . 86 ( 1h , s , 6 ′″- h ), 8 . 05 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 4 - h ), 8 . 49 ( 1h , s , 5 ′- h ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 164 . 6 , 161 . 0 , 155 . 2 , 151 . 3 , 149 . 0 , 144 . 9 , 137 . 1 , 125 . 3 , 120 . 9 , 120 . 1 , 118 . 3 , 117 . 6 , 112 . 8 , 110 . 5 , 85 . 3 , 84 . 1 , 62 . 6 , 61 . 7 , 60 . 3 , 38 . 1 , 30 . 5 , 13 . 1 . a solution of 6 - hydroxy - 2h - chromen - 2 - one or 7 - hydroxy - 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( 0 . 5 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was treated at r . t . with tert - butyldimethylsilyl chloride ( 1 . 1 eq ) and et 3 n ( 1 . 0 eq ) in thf . the reaction was stirred at r . t . until starting material was consumed ( tlc monitoring ) then quenched with h 2 o ( 40 ml ) and extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 × 15 ml ). the combined organic layers were washed with h 2 o ( 2 × 20 ml ), dried over na 2 so 4 , filtered - off and concentrated under vacuo to give a residue that was purified by silica gel column cromathography eluting with 20 % ethyl acetate / n - hexane v / v . 6 -( tert - butyldimethylsilyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( mst - 230 ): yield 64 % yield ; δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 0 . 25 ( 6h , s , — si —( ch 3 ) 2 ), 1 . 00 ( 9h , s , — si — c ( ch 3 ) 3 ), 6 . 51 ( 1h , d j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 7 . 13 ( 1h , dd , j 9 . 4 , 2 . 4 , 7 - h ), 7 . 25 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 5 - h ), 7 . 33 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 4 , 8 - h ), 8 . 00 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 4 - h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 161 . 0 ( c ═ o ), 152 . 2 , 149 . 2 , 144 . 8 , 124 . 9 , 120 . 3 , 118 . 6 , 118 . 3 , 117 . 4 , 26 . 4 , 18 . 8 , − 3 . 8 . 7 -( tert - butyldimethylsilyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( mst - 231 ): yield 58 % yield ; δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 0 . 29 ( 6h , s , — si —( ch 3 ) 2 ), 1 . 00 ( 9h , s , — si — c ( ch 3 ) 3 ), 6 . 34 ( 1h , d j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 6 . 88 ( 1h , dd , j 9 . 4 , 2 . 4 , 6 - h ), 6 . 92 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 65 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 4 , 5 - h ), 8 . 04 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 4 - h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 162 . 2 ( c ═ o ), 156 . 4 , 145 . 4 , 130 . 6 , 118 . 1 , 114 . 2 , 112 . 3 , 107 . 9 , 103 . 1 , 26 . 7 , 18 . 7 , − 2 . 3 . 6 -( tert - butyldimethylsilyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( mst230 ) or 7 -( tert - butyldimethylsilyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( mst - 231 ) ( 0 . 5 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was dissolved in dry toluene ( 20 ml ) and treated with lawesson &# 39 ; s reagents ( 1 . 5 eq ) at reflux for 3 h . the mixture was cooled down to r . t ., solvent was removed under vacuo and the residue was partitioned between h 2 o and ethyl acetate . the organic layer was washed with h 2 o ( 3 × 15 ml ), dried over na 2 so 4 , filtered and concentrated in vacuo o give a residue that was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 20 % ethyl acetate / n - hexane v / v . 6 -( tert - butyldimethylsilyloxy )- 2h - chromene - 2 - thione ( mst - 232 ): yield 60 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 40 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 20 % v / v ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 0 . 27 ( 6h , s , — si —( ch 3 ) 2 ), 1 . 01 ( 9h , s , — si — c ( ch 3 ) 3 ), 7 . 25 ( 1h , dd j 9 . 2 , 2 . 8 , 7 - h ), 7 . 29 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 7 . 32 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 8 , 5 - h ), 7 . 55 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 8 - h ), 7 . 90 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 4 - h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 198 . 0 ( c ═ s ), 153 . 3 , 152 . 2 , 136 . 8 , 130 . 1 , 126 . 0 , 122 . 2 , 118 . 4 , 118 . 3 , 26 . 4 , 18 . 8 , − 3 . 8 . 7 -( tert - butyldimethylsilyloxy )- 2h - chromene - 2 - thione ( mst - 234 ): yield 61 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 38 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 20 % v / v ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 0 . 31 ( 6h , s , — si —( ch 3 ) 2 ), 1 . 00 ( 9h , s , — si — c ( ch 3 ) 3 ), 7 . 01 ( 1h , dd j 9 . 2 , 2 . 8 , 6 - h ), 7 . 03 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 8 , 8 - h ), 7 . 17 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 7 . 76 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 5 - h ), 7 . 90 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 4 - h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 198 . 2 ( c ═ s ), 159 . 0 , 158 . 2 , 137 . 2 , 130 . 9 , 127 . 5 , 126 . 1 , 119 . 8 , 115 . 9 , 26 . 3 , 18 . 9 , − 3 . 8 . 6 -( tert - butyldimethylsilyloxy )- 2h - chromene - 2 - thione ( mst - 232 ) or 7 -( tert - butyldimethylsilyloxy )- 2h - chromene - 2 - thione ( mst - 234 ) ( 0 . 3 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was dissolved in thf ( 2 . 0 ml ) and treated at r . t with tbaf 1 . 0 m in thf ( 1 . 1 eq ). the reaction was stirred at r . t . until starting material was consumed ( tlc monitoring ) and then was quenched with 3 . 0 m aqueous hydrochloric acid , extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 × 15 ml ). the combined organic layers were washed with h 2 o ( 3 × 20 ml ), brine ( 3 × 20 ml ) dried over na 2 so 4 , filtered , concentrated under vacuo to give a residue that was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 50 % ethyl acetate / n - hexane v / v . 6 - hydroxy - 2h - chromene - 2 - thione ( mst - 233 ): yield 96 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 35 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 50 % v / v ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 7 . 12 ( 1h , d j 2 . 8 , 5 - h ), 7 . 18 ( 1h , dd , j 9 . 2 , 2 . 8 , 7 - h ), 7 . 25 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 7 . 50 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 8 - h ), 7 . 87 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 4 - h ), 10 . 05 ( 1h , brs , exchange with d 2 o , oh ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 197 . 8 ( c ═ s ), 155 . 8 , 151 . 1 , 137 . 0 , 129 . 9 , 122 . 1 , 121 . 9 , 118 . 2 , 112 . 9 . 6 - hydroxy - 2h - chromene - 2 - thione ( mst - 235 ): yield 55 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 40 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 50 % v / v ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 6 . 93 ( 2h , m , 6 - h , 8 - h ), 7 . 09 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 7 . 68 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 5 - h ), 7 . 85 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 4 - h ), 10 . 96 ( 1h , brs , exchange with d 2 o , oh ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 198 . 1 ( c ═ s ), 163 . 3 , 159 . 0 , 137 . 8 , 130 . 9 , 126 . 0 , 115 . 9 , 114 . 1 , 102 . 8 . hydroxycoumarin ( 1 . 0 g , 1 . 0 eq ), cs 2 co 3 ( 3 . 0 eq ) and allylbromide ( 3 . 0 eq ) were dissolved in dry dmf ( 30 ml ) and the mixture was stirred at 60 ° c . o . n . the reaction was quenched with slush and extracted with dcm ( 3 × 20 ml ). the combined organic layers were washed with brine ( 3 × 20 ml ), h 2 o ( 5 × 20 ml ), dried over na 2 so 4 , filtered and concentrated under vacuo to give a residue that was crystallized from meoh / h 2 o . 4 -( allyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one yield ( mst - 236 ): 70 % yield ; δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 4 . 87 ( 2h , d j 8 . 0 , 1 ′- h 2 ), 5 . 40 ( 1h , dd , j 13 . 2 , 4 . 8 , 3 ′- hh ), 5 . 59 ( 1h , dd , j 15 . 6 , 4 . 8 , 3 ′- hh ), 5 . 96 ( 1h , s , 3 - h ), 6 . 15 ( 1h , m , 2 ′- h ), 7 . 41 ( 1h , m , 7 - h , 8 - h ), 7 . 22 ( 1h , dd , j 8 . 8 , 8 . 4 , 6 - h ), 7 . 89 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 8 , 5 - h ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 165 . 4 ( c ═ o ), 162 . 5 , 153 . 7 , 133 . 7 , 132 . 6 , 125 . 2 , 123 . 8 , 119 . 7 , 117 . 4 , 116 . 1 , 92 . 0 , 70 . 7 . 6 -( allyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one yield ( mst - 237 ): 62 % yield ; δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 4 . 64 ( 2h , d j 8 . 0 , 1 ′- h 2 ), 5 . 32 ( 1h , dd , j 13 . 2 , 4 . 8 , 3 ′- hh ), 5 . 48 ( 1h , dd , j 15 . 6 , 4 . 8 , 3 ′- hh ), 6 . 10 ( 1h , m , 2 ′- h ), 6 . 16 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 7 . 25 ( 1h , dd , j 9 . 2 , 2 . 4 , 7 - h ), 7 . 41 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 5 - h ), 7 . 36 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 8 - h ), 8 . 03 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 4 - h ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 161 . 0 ( c ═ o ), 155 . 4 , 148 . 8 , 144 . 9 , 134 . 3 , 120 . 8 , 120 . 1 , 118 . 7 , 118 . 3 , 117 . 5 , 112 . 7 , 69 . 7 . 7 -( allyloxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one yield ( mst - 238 ): 85 % yield ; δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 4 . 73 ( 2h , d j 8 . 0 , 1 ′- h 2 ), 5 . 32 ( 1h , dd , j 13 . 2 , 4 . 8 , 3 ′- hh ), 5 . 45 ( 1h , dd , j 15 . 6 , 4 . 8 , 3 ′- hh ), 6 . 09 ( 1h , m , 2 ′- h ), 6 . 33 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 7 . 00 ( 1h , dd , j 9 . 2 , 2 . 4 , 6 - h ), 7 . 05 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 67 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 5 - h ), 8 . 03 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 4 - h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 162 . 0 ( c ═ o ), 155 . 0 , 148 . 3 , 144 . 2 , 135 . 1 , 119 . 2 , 118 . 7 , 118 . 5 , 118 . 0 , 117 . 2 , 112 . 6 , 69 . 5 . 4 -( allyloxy )- 2h - chromene - 2 - thione ( mst - 239 ): 61 % yield ; δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 4 . 95 ( 2h , d j 6 . 0 , 1 ′- h 2 ), 5 . 42 ( 1h , dd , j 13 . 2 , 4 . 8 , 3 ′- hh ), 5 . 59 ( 1h , dd , j 15 . 6 , 4 . 8 , 3 ′- hh ), 6 . 15 ( 1h , m , 2 ′- h ), 6 . 97 ( 1h , s , 3 - h ), 7 . 51 ( 1h , t , j 8 . 8 , 7 - h ), 7 . 63 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 8 , 8 - h ), 7 . 80 ( 1h , t , j 8 . 8 , 6 - h ), 7 . 96 ( 1h , d , j 8 . 8 , 5 - h ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 198 . 5 ( c = 5 ), 160 . 9 , 157 . 2 , 134 . 4 , 132 . 5 , 126 . 6 , 123 . 8 , 119 . 9 , 117 . 5 , 117 . 2 , 107 . 6 , 71 . 2 . 6 -( allyloxy )- 2h - chromene - 2 - thione ( mst - 240 ): 62 % yield ; δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 4 . 68 ( 2h , d j 8 . 0 , 1 ′- h 2 ), 5 . 32 ( 1h , dd , j 13 . 2 , 4 . 8 , 3 ′- hh ), 5 . 49 ( 1h , dd , j 15 . 6 , 4 . 8 , 3 ′- hh ), 6 . 09 ( 1h , m , 2 ′- h ), 7 . 30 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 7 . 36 ( 1h , dd , j 9 . 2 , 2 . 4 , 7 - h ), 7 . 38 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 5 - h ), 7 . 59 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 8 - h ), 7 . 89 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 4 - h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 197 . 9 ( c ═ s ), 156 . 3 , 151 . 9 , 145 . 7 , 136 . 8 , 134 . 0 , 130 . 2 , 121 . 9 , 118 . 8 , 118 . 4 , 112 . 1 , 69 . 8 . a mixture of 7 - hydroxy - 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( 0 . 5 g , 1 . 0 eq ), k 2 co 3 ( 5 . 0 eq ), ki ( 1 . 0 eq ) and chloroethanol ( 1 . 0 eq ) in dmf dry ( 10 ml ) was stirred at 60 ° c . for 5 h . the reaction mixture was cooled down to 0 ° c ., quenched with 6m aqueous hydrochloric acid ( 50 ml ) and extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 × 20 ml ). the combined organic layers were washed several timed with h 2 o , dried over na 2 so 4 , filtered - off and concentrated under vacuo to afford a residue that was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 50 % ethyl acetate / n - hexane v / v . 7 -( 2 ′- hydroxyethoxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( mst - 241 ): 72 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 10 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 50 % v / v ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 3 . 78 ( 2h , m , 2 ′- h 2 ), 4 . 13 ( 2h , m , 1 ′- h 2 ), 4 . 97 ( 1h , t , j 5 . 6 , exchange with d 2 o , o — h ), 6 . 30 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 6 . 97 ( 1h , dd , j 9 . 2 , 2 . 4 , 6 - h ), 7 . 02 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 65 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 5 - h ), 8 . 01 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 4 - h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 162 . 8 , 161 . 3 , 156 . 3 , 145 . 3 , 130 . 4 , 113 . 7 , 113 . 4 , 102 . 1 , 71 . 3 , 65 . 9 , 60 . 3 . 7 -( 2 ′- hydroxyethoxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( mst - 241 ) ( 0 . 2 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was dissolved in dry pyridine ( 5 ml ) and treated at 0 ° c . with tscl ( 1 . 1 eq ). the yellow solution was stirred at r . t . until starting material was consumed ( tlc monitoring ) and then quenched with a 1 . 0m aqueous hydrochloric acid at 0 ° c . the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 × 15 ml ) and the combined organic layers were washed with brine ( 3 × 20 ml ), h 2 o ( 3 × 20 ml ) dried over na 2 so 4 , filtered - off and concentrated under vacuo to afford a residue that was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 50 % ethyl acetate / n - hexane v / v . 2 ′-( 2 - oxo - 2h - chromen - 7 - yloxy ) ethyl 4 ″- methylbenzenesulfonate ( mst - 242 ): 35 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 36 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 50 % v / v ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 2 . 44 ( 3h , s , ch 3 ). 4 . 32 ( 2h , m , 1 ′- h 2 ), 4 . 41 ( 2h , m , 2 ′- h 2 ), 6 . 34 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 6 . 87 ( 1h , dd , j 9 . 2 , 2 . 4 , 6 - h ), 6 . 92 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 49 ( 2h , d j 8 . 4 , 2 × 2 ″- h / 3 ″- h ), 7 . 64 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 5 - h ), 7 . 83 ( 2h , d j 8 . 4 , 2 × 2 ″- h / 3 ″- h ), 8 . 02 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 4 - h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 161 . 7 , 161 . 1 , 156 . 1 , 145 . 9 , 145 . 1 , 133 . 1 , 131 . 0 , 130 . 4 , 128 . 6 , 113 . 7 , 113 . 6 , 113 . 5 , 102 . 3 , 69 . 7 , 66 . 9 , 21 . 9 . 2 ′-( 2 - oxo - 2h - chromen - 7 - yloxy ) ethyl 4 ″- methylbenzenesulfonate ( mst - 242 ) ( 0 . 1 g , 1 . 0 eq ) was dissolved in thf ( 1 . 0 ml ) and treated with tbaf 1 . 0m in thf ( 1 . 05 eq ). the yellow solution was stirred at r . t . for 15 min . then solvents were removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 50 % ethyl acetate / n - hexane v / v . 7 -( 2 ′- fluoroethoxy )- 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( mst - 243 ): 40 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 40 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 50 % v / v ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 4 . 36 ( 1h , m , 1 ′- hh ), 4 . 44 ( 1h , m , 1 ′- hh ), 4 . 74 ( 1h , m , 1 ′- hh ), 4 . 87 ( 1h , m , 1 ′- hh ), 6 . 34 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 3 - h ), 7 . 02 ( 1h , dd , j 9 . 2 , 2 . 4 , 6 - h ), 7 . 09 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 68 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 5 - h ), 8 . 03 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 6 , 4 - h ); be ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 162 . 2 , 161 . 1 , 145 . 2 , 130 . 5 , 113 . 63 , 113 . 60 , 113 . 5 , 102 . 3 , 82 . 0 ( d , 1 j c - f 166 , c - 2 ′), 68 . 6 ( d , 2 j c - f 18 , c - 1 ′), δ f ( 376 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) − 222 . 23 ( 1f , s ). a suspension of 7 - amino - 4 - methyl - 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( 0 . 1 g , 1 . 0 eq ) in dcm dry ( 5 . 0 ml ) was treated with acetyl chloride ( 1 . 0 eq ) and et 3 n ( 1 . 0 eq ) under reflux for 7 h . solvents were removed under vacuo and the residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 50 % ethyl acetate / n - hexane v / v . n -( 4 - methyl - 2 - oxo - 2h - chromen - 7 - yl ) acetamide ( mst - 244 ): 73 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 11 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 50 % v / v ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 2 . 14 ( 3h , s , 1 ′- ch 3 ), 2 . 43 ( 3h , s , 4 - ch 3 ), 6 . 29 ( 1h , s , 3 - h ), 7 . 50 ( 1h , dd , j 9 . 2 , 2 . 4 , 6 - h ), 7 . 74 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 5 - h ), 7 . 79 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 10 . 40 ( 1h , brs , exchange with d 2 o , n — h ); δ e ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 170 . 0 , 161 . 0 , 154 . 6 , 154 . 0 , 143 . 5 , 126 . 8 , 115 . 9 , 115 . 7 , 113 . 0 , 106 . 3 , 25 . 1 , 18 . 9 . 7 - amino - 4 - methyl - 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( 0 . 1 g , 1 . 0 eq ) in acetone ( 10 ml ) was treated at reflux with 3 , 5 - dimethyyl isocyanate ( 1 . 0 eq ) and et 3 n ( 1 . 1 eq ) for 24 h . then the solvents were removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 50 % ethyl acetate / n - hexane v / v . 1 -( 3 ′, 5 ′- dimethylphenyl )- 3 -( 4 - methyl - 2 - oxo - 2h - chromen - 7 - yl ) urea ( mst - 245 ): 23 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 22 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 50 % v / v ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 2 . 28 ( 6h , s , 2 × 3 ′- ch 3 ), 2 . 43 ( 3h , s , 4 - ch 3 ), 6 . 25 ( 1h , s , 3 - h ), 6 . 69 ( 1h , s , 4 ′- h ), 7 . 13 ( 2h , s , 2 × 2 ′- h ), 7 . 39 ( 1h , dd , j 9 . 2 , 2 . 4 , 6 - h ), 7 . 65 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 71 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 5 - h ), 8 . 72 ( 1h , s , exchange with d 2 o , n — h ), 9 . 20 ( 1h , s , exchange with d 2 o , n — h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 161 . 1 , 254 . 2 , 153 . 4 , 144 . 5 , 140 . 6 , 140 . 0 , 138 . 9 , 138 . 6 , 126 . 9 , 124 . 9 , 124 . 3 , 117 . 3 , 116 . 8 , 115 . 3 , 22 . 1 , 19 . 0 . a suspension of 7 - amino - 4 - methyl - 2h - chromen - 2 - one ( 0 . 1 g , 1 . 0 eq ) in thf dry ( 2 . 0 ml ) was treated at reflux with di - tert - butyl dicarbonate ( 1 . 0 eq ) and et 3 n ( 1 . 1 eq ) for 24 h . then the solvents were removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 50 % ethyl acetate / n - hexane v / v . tert - butyl 4 - methyl - 2 - oxo - 2h - chromen - 7 - ylcarbamate ( mst - 246 ): 28 % yield ; silica gel tlc r f 0 . 42 ( ethyl acetate / n - hexane 50 % v / v ); δ h ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 1 . 54 ( 9h , s , 3 × 2 ′- ch 3 ), 2 . 42 ( 3h , s , 4 - ch 3 ), 6 . 26 ( 1h , s , 3 - h ), 7 . 44 ( 1h , dd , j 9 . 2 , 2 . 4 , 6 - h ), 7 . 57 ( 1h , d , j 2 . 4 , 8 - h ), 7 . 70 ( 1h , d , j 9 . 2 , 5 - h ), 9 . 92 ( 1h , s , exchange with d 2 o , n — h ); δ c ( 100 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 161 . 0 , 154 . 8 , 154 . 2 , 153 . 4 , 144 . 1 , 126 . 8 , 115 . 1 . 113 . 0 , 105 . 2 . 80 . 9 , 28 . 9 , 27 . 8 , 18 . 9 . metronidazole ( 1 equiv . ), 6 - or 7 - hydroxy - 4 - methyl coumarine ( 1 equiv . ), and triphenylphospine ( 1 . 2 equiv .) are mixed in thf and then diisopropyl azidocarboxylate ( diad ), ( 1 . 2 equiv .) is added dropwise . the reaction is stirred 2 days at room temperature . the precipitate is then filtered , washed two times with cold thf and dried under vacuum . yield 48 %; rf : 0 . 11 ( acoet 8 / et 2 o 2 ); mp : 238 - 240 ° c . ; 1 h nmr ( 400 mhz , dmso ): δ ppm 1 . 55 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 69 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 63 ( t , 2h , j = 5 . 00 hz ), 3 . 91 ( t , 2h , j = 5 . 00 hz ), 5 . 38 ( d , 1h , j = 1 . 05 hz ), 6 . 07 ( dd , 1h , j = 2 . 49 hz , j = 8 . 81 hz ), 6 . 15 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 49 hz ), 6 . 84 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 81 hz ), 7 . 20 ( s , 1h ); 13 c nmr ( 101 mhz , dmso ): δ ppm 14 . 10 , 18 . 08 , 45 . 00 , 67 . 02 , 101 . 28 , 111 . 38 , 112 . 27 , 113 . 45 , 126 . 54 , 132 . 87 , 151 . 71 , 153 . 25 , 154 . 56 , 160 . 00 , 160 . 66 . ms esi + / esi − : m / z 330 . 34 ( m + h ) + , 328 . 38 ( m − h ) − . yield 42 %; rf : 0 . 16 ( acoet 8 / et 2 o 2 ); mp : 190 - 191 ° c . ; 1 h nmr ( 400 mhz , dmso ): δ ppm 1 . 56 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 70 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 57 ( t , 2h , j = 5 . 00 hz ), 3 . 89 ( t , 2h , j = 5 . 00 hz ), 5 . 53 ( s , 1h ); 6 . 32 ( m , 2h ), 6 . 46 ( d , 1h , j = 9 . 70 hz ), 7 . 19 ( s , 1h ); 13 c nmr ( 101 mhz , dmso ): δ ppm 14 . 15 , 18 . 13 , 45 . 19 , 66 . 97 , 108 . 61 , 114 . 72 , 117 . 58 , 120 . 07 , 132 . 93 , 138 . 31 , 147 . 47 , 151 . 83 , 152 . 94 , 154 . 06 , 159 . 76 ; ms esi + / esi − : m / z 330 . 34 ( m + h ) + , 328 . 38 ( m − h ) − . the methods for achieving this data are shown , for example , in maresca , a . et al , j . med . chem . 2010 , 53 , 335 - 344 . for in vivo studies , the inhibitors were administered by intraperitoneal injection . the compounds were solubilized in 37 . 5 % peg400 / 12 . 5 % ethanol / 50 % saline prior to injection . inhibitor concentrations ranged from 4 . 5 mm to 12 mm . the exact concentrations used were dependent on the upper limit of solubility of a particular inhibitor in the peg400 / ethanol / saline vehicle . inhibitor concentrations were converted to mg / kg for in vivo administration and are reported as such in the examples . conversion to mg / kg was based on a 200 μl injection volume for a 20 g mouse . vehicle components were held constant as inhibitor concentrations were varied . inhibitors were administered daily for 5 - 6 days and images were acquired 24 hours following the final dose . all animal procedures were done in accordance with protocols approved by the institution animal care committee at the bc cancer research centre and the university of british columbia ( vancouver , bc , canada ). progression of metastases was monitored and quantified using non - invasive in vivo bioluminescent imaging ( ivis ) as previously described ( lou , y ., preobrazhenska , o ., auf dem keller , u ., et al . ( 2008 ) dev dyn 237 : 2755 - 2768 ). mice were monitored daily and moribund animals were sacrificed in accordance with ethical guidelines . for studies involving experimental lung metastasis , mice were injected intravenously through the tail vein with 2 × 10 5 cells per animal . mice were imaged once per week to follow the establishment and growth of lung metastases . mice were euthanized by 20 days post - injection . tumor burden in the lung was quantified using bioluminescence data acquired by imaging with ivis . results were subjected to statistical analysis using the data analysis toolpack ™ in excel software . two - tailed p values were calculated using student &# 39 ; s t - test . data were considered significant for p & lt ; 0 . 05 . 4t1 cells injected intravenously form robust lung metastases and subject mice have to be euthanized within 3 weeks post injection due to metastatic progression . novel caix inhibitor mst - 204 reduced the formation of metastases by 4t1 mammary tumor cells . in fig1 , the chemical structure of caix inhibitor mst - 204 is shown . representative bioluminescent images of metastases established following intravenous injection of 2 × 10 5 4t1 cells per mouse and treatment with mst - 204 are shown in fig1 b . animals were treated 24 hours post inoculation of cells . the inhibitor was administered daily by i . p . injection for 6 days and the mice were imaged 24 hours following the final dose of inhibitor . mst - 204 was delivered in a vehicle comprised of 37 . 5 % peg400 , 12 . 5 % ethanol and 50 % saline . mice dosed with vehicle alone served as controls . as for quantification of tumor - derived bioluminescence , as shown in fig1 c regions of interest were positioned around metastatic foci and total flux ( photons / sec ) at the mouse surface was calculated . data are reported as the mean ± s . e . m . n = 7 - 8 per group . * p & lt ; 0 . 01 . ** p & lt ; 0 . 005 . mst - 205 inhibits the formation of metastases by 4t1 mammary tumor cells . animals were treated 24 hours post inoculation of cells . the inhibitor was administered daily by i . p . injection for 6 days and the mice were imaged 24 hours following the final dose of inhibitor . mst - 205 was delivered in a vehicle comprised of 37 . 5 % peg400 , 12 . 5 % ethanol and 50 % saline . mice dosed with vehicle alone served as controls . representative bioluminescent images of metastases established following intravenous injection of 2 × 10 5 4t1 cells and treatment with mst - 205 ( fig2 b ). in images of tumor - derived bioluminescence , regions of interest were positioned around metastatic foci and total flux ( photons / sec ) at the mouse surface was calculated . data are reported as the mean ± s . e . m , and shown in the graph in fig2 c . n = 8 per group . * p & lt ; 0 . 004 . ** p & lt ; 0 . 001 . 4t1 cells ( 1 × 10 6 cells / mouse ) were orthotopically implanted into female balb / c mice and tumors were allowed to establish for 14 days . animals then received mst - 205 daily by i . p . injection for 14 days . mst - 205 was delivered in a vehicle comprised of 37 . 5 % peg400 , 12 . 5 % ethanol and 50 % saline . tumor growth was monitored 2 times per week by caliper - based measurement . treatment initiation and termination are indicated by arrows . vehicle - treated animals served as controls . n = 8 for each group . * p & lt ; 0 . 01 , ** p & lt ; 0 . 003 , compared to vehicle controls . results are shown in fig3 . while specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated , such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the invention only and not as limiting the invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying 1 . maresca , a . ; temperini , c . ; vu , h . ; pham , n . b . ; poulsen , s . a . ; scozzafava , a . ; quinn , r . j . ; supuran , c . t . non - zinc mediated inhibition of carbonic anhydrases : coumarins are a new class of suicide inhibitors . j . am . chem . soc . 2009 , 131 , 3057 - 3062 . 2 . supuran , c . t . carbonic anhydrases : novel therapeutic applications for inhibitors and activators . nat . rev . drug discov . 2008 , 7 , 168 - 181 . 3 . vu , h . ; pham , n . b . ; quinn , r . j . direct screening of natural product extracts using mass spectrometry . j . biomol . screen . 2008 , 13 , 265 - 275 . 4 . a ) supuran , c . t . carbonic anhydrases as drug targets — general presentation . in drug design of zinc - enzyme inhibitors : functional , structural , and disease applications , supuran , c . t . ; winum , j . y . eds ., wiley , hoboken ( nj ), 2009 , pp . 15 - 38 ; b ) winum , j . y . ; rami , m . ; scozzafava , a . ; montero , j . l . ; supuran , c . carbonic anhydrase ix : a new druggable target for the design of antitumor agents . med . res . rev . 2008 , 28 , 445 - 463 ; c ) supuran , c . t . ; scozzafava , a . ; casini , a . carbonic anhydrase inhibitors . med . res . rev . 2003 , 23 , 146 - 189 . 5 . a ) alterio , v . ; di fiore , a . ; d &# 39 ; ambrosio , k . ; supuran , c . t . ; de simone , g . x - ray crystallography of ca inhibitors and its importance in drug design . in drug design of zinc - enzyme inhibitors : functional , structural , and disease applications , supuran , c . t . ; winum , j . y . eds ., wiley , hoboken , 2009 , pp . 73 - 138 ; b ) mincione , f . : scozzafava , a . ; supuran , c . t . antiglaucoma carbonic anhydrase inhibitors as ophthalomologic drugs . in drug design of zinc - enzyme inhibitors : functional , structural , and disease applications , supuran , c . t . ; winum , j . y . eds ., wiley , hoboken ( nj ), 2009 , pp . 139 - 154 . 6 . a ) köhler , k . ; hillebrecht , a . ; schulze wischeler , j . ; innocenti , a . ; heine , a . ; supuran , c . t . ; klebe , g . saccharin inhibits carbonic anhydrases : possible explanation for its unpleasant metallic aftertaste . angew . chem . int . ed . engl . 2007 , 46 , 7697 - 7699 ; b ) alterio , v . ; vitale , r . m . ; monti , s . m . ; pedone , c . ; scozzafava , a . ; cecchi , a . ; de simone , g . ; supuran , c . t . carbonic anhydrase inhibitors : x - ray and molecular modeling study for the interaction of a fluorescent antitumor sulfonamide with isozyme ii and ix . j . am . chem . soc . 2006 , 128 , 8329 - 8335 . 7 . ebbesen , p . ; pettersen , e . o . ; gorr , t . a . ; jobst , g . ; williams , k . ; kienninger , j . ; wenger , r . h . ; pastorekova , s . ; dubois , l . ; lambin , p . ; wouters , b . g . ; supuran , c . t . ; poellinger , l . ; ratcliffe , p . ; kanopka , a . ; gorlach , a . ; gasmann , m . ; harris , a . l . ; maxwell , p . ; scozzafava , a . taking advantage of tumor cell adaptations to hypoxia for developing new tumor markers and treatment strategies . j . enzyme inhib . med . chem . 2009 , 24 ( s1 ), 1 - 39 . 8 . schlicker , c . ; hall , r . a . ; vullo , d . ; middelhaufe , s . ; gertz , m . ; supuran , c . t . ; muhlschlegel , f . a . ; steegborn , c . structure and inhibition of the co 2 - sensing carbonic anhydrase can2 from the pathogenic fungus cryptococcus neoformans . j . mol . biol . 2009 , 385 , 1207 - 1220 . 9 . a ) thiry , a . ; dogné , j . m . ; masereel , b . ; supuran , c . t . targeting tumor - associated carbonic anhydrase ix in cancer therapy . trends pharmacol . sci . 2006 , 27 , 566 - 573 ; 9 . b ) svastova , e . ; hulikova , a . ; rafajova , m . ; zatovicova , m . ; gibadulinova , a . ; casini , a . ; cecchi , a . ; scozzafava , a . ; supuran , c . t . ; pastorek , j . ; pastorekova , s . hypoxia activates the capacity of tumor - associated carbonic anhydrase ix to acidify extracellular ph . febs lett . 2004 , 577 , 439 - 445 . 10 . a ) supuran , c . t . diuretics : from classical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors to novel applications of the sulfonamides . curr . pharm . des . 2008 , 14 , 641 - 648 ; 10 . b ) supuran , c . t . ; di fiore , a . ; de simone , g . carbonic anhydrase inhibitors as emerging drugs for the treatment of obesity . expert opin . emerg . drugs . 2008 , 13 , 383 - 392 ; 11 . a ) minakuchi , t . ; nishimori , i . ; vullo , d . ; scozzafava , a . ; supuran , c . t . molecular cloning , characterization and inhibition studies of the rv1284 β - carbonic anhydrase from mycobacterium tuberculosis with sulfonamides and a sulfamate . j . med . chem . 2009 , 52 , 2226 - 2232 ; 11 . b ) nishimori , i . ; minakuchi , t . ; vullo , d . ; scozzafava , a . ; innocenti , a . ; supuran , c . t . carbonic anhydrase inhibitors . cloning , characterization and inhibition studies of a new β - carbonic anhydrase from mycobacterium tuberculosis . j . med . chem . 2009 , 52 , 3116 - 3120 . 12 . s . m . sethna , n . m . shah the chemistry of coumarins . chem . rev . 1945 , 36 , 1 - 62 . 13 . maresca a , supuran c t . coumarins incorporating hydroxy - and chloro - moieties selectively inhibit the transmembrane , tumor - associated carbonic anhydrase isoforms ix and xii over the cytosolic ones i and ii . bioorg med chem . lett . 2010 aug . 1 ; 20 ( 15 ): 4511 - 4 . 14 . winum , j - y ., poulsen , s . a . ; supuran c . t . therapeutic applications of glycosidic carbonic anhydrase inhibitors . med . res . rev . 2009 , 29 , 419 - 35 . 15 . maresca , a ; temperini , c ; pochet , l ; masereel , b ; scozzafava , a ; and supuran , c . deciphering the mechansim of carbonhic anhydrase inhibition with coumarins an thiocoumarins . j med chem 2010 , 53 , 335 - 344 . | 0 |
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