Split (3)

train · 25k rows

text stringlengths 1.55k 332k	label int64 0 8
in accordance with the present invention , devices 102 a - g ( fig1 ) of an individual &# 39 ; s device - sphere cooperate to migrate a user &# 39 ; s session from any of devices 102 a - g and 108 to any other of devices 102 a - g and 108 . fig2 shows a simple session involving two applications 202 and 204 on a computer desktop 200 . in this illustrative example , computer desktop 200 is to be migrated from device 102 e to device 102 a . the user has been working on device 102 e , using application 202 ( fig2 ) to edit a text document and application 204 to edit a drawing , and now wishes to continue work using device 102 a using the same applications to edit the same data files . in this illustrative example , the user &# 39 ; s device - sphere includes devices 102 a g , device 108 , and server 110 . devices 102 a - g are coupled to one another through a local area network ( lan ) 104 , which can be owned and operated by the individual user in her home . there are a wide variety of computing devices that can be included in one &# 39 ; s device - sphere ; the devices shown in fig1 are merely illustrative . device 102 a is a laptop computer . device 102 b is a smart phone . device 102 c is a modern , networked television . device 102 d is a networked pvr ( personal video recorder ). device 102 e is a desktop computer . device 102 f is a nas ( network - attached storage ) appliance . device 102 g is a tablet computer . device 108 is remotely located , being connected to lan 104 though a wide area network ( wan ) 106 . in this illustrative embodiment , device 108 connects to lan 104 through wan 106 through a virtual private network ( vpn ) connection . in this illustrative embodiment , wan 106 is the internet . server 110 is also connected to lan 104 though wan 106 . server 110 provides cloud services to the individual user through any of devices 102 a - g and 108 . such cloud services can include e - mail , photo and video hosting and sharing , document editing and hosting , social networking , calendaring , and music streaming , for example . to migrate session 200 ( fig2 ) from device 102 e to device 102 a , device 102 e first saves data representing session 200 in the manner illustrated by logic flow diagram 300 ( fig3 ). the saving of session 200 can be triggered by a request of the user through physical manipulation of one or more user input devices and known gui techniques or can be triggered automatically during shut - down of device 102 e in step 302 , device 102 e creates a session record such as session record 602 ( fig6 ) to represent session 200 ( fig2 ). user identifier 604 specifies the user name under which the current user is logged in within device 102 e . digital fingerprint 606 is a globally unique identifier of device 102 e . digital fingerprints offer the advantage of being more stable and less amenable to spoofing that are ip addresses and mac addresses . digital fingerprints are known and described in u . s . patent application publication 2011 / 0093503 for “ computer hardware identity tracking using characteristic parameter - derived data ” by craig s . etchegoyen ( filed apr . 21 , 2011 ) and that description is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference . time stamp 608 specifies the current time and date and the creation time and date of session record 602 . loop step 304 ( fig3 ) and next step 310 define a loop in which device 102 e processes each of the user - space applications currently in use in session 200 according to steps 306 and 308 . during each iteration of the loop of steps 304 - 310 , the particular application processed by device 102 e is sometimes referred to as the subject application in the context of logic flow diagram 300 . in step 306 , device 102 e creates an application record such as application record 610 ( fig6 ) for the current application . application 612 identifies the subject application . in some embodiments , application 612 is omitted and associations within device 102 a for mime ( multipurpose internet mail extensions ) types , more recently referred to as internet media types . in step 308 ( fig3 ), device 102 e stores uri ( uniform resource identifiers ) and gui ( graphical user interface ) locations for each open file of the subject application . for each open file of the subject application , device 102 e creates an open file record 614 . uri 616 specifies the location of the open file , including the device on which the open file is stored . mime - type 618 specifies a type of data of the open file by mime type . mime types include a type and a subtype and can also include a number of additional parameters . for example , a web page in textual html has the mime type of “ text / html ” wherein the type is “ text ” and the subtype is “ html .” a common additional parameter specifies the particular character set of the web page . gui position 620 specifies the location and size of the window in session 200 ( fig2 ) of the open file of the subject application , including the relative depth of the window so as to indicate the which windows occlude other windows . from step 308 ( fig3 ), processing by device 102 e transfers through next step 310 to loop step 304 to process the next application according to the loop of steps 304 - 310 . when all applications of session 200 have been processed , session record 602 ( fig6 ) represents all open files and gui locations of windows within session 200 ( fig2 ) and processing by device 102 e transfers to step 312 ( fig3 ). in step 312 , device 102 e broadcasts session record 602 ( fig6 ) to all devices in the user &# 39 ; s device - sphere , i . e ., to devices a - g ( excluding itself ) and device 108 . in step 314 , device 102 e stores session record 602 in a location known to all devices in the user &# 39 ; s device sphere . such a location can be in server 110 or device 102 f , which is a nas appliance , at a predetermined url . steps 312 and 314 seem redundant ; however , step 312 avoids reliance on an external server for managing one &# 39 ; s own device - sphere and step 314 provides backup for the situation in which none of the other devices of the user &# 39 ; s device - sphere are powered on or at least connected to a network . in alternative embodiments , the user can specify — through physical manipulation of one or more user input devices and known gui techniques — the device within her device - sphere to which session record 602 should be sent . in these alternative embodiments , session record 602 can be sent by e - mail to device 102 a such that device 102 a can receive session record 602 whenever device 102 a is powered up and connected to the network . after step 314 , processing according to logic flow diagram 300 completes . to complete migration of session 200 ( fig2 ) from device 102 e to device 102 a , device 102 a uses the data representing session 200 to replication session 200 in the manner illustrated by logic flow diagram 400 ( fig4 ). session restoration can be triggered automatically at start - up or can be requested by the user . in step 402 , device 102 a retrieves the most recent of session records 602 ( fig6 ) for which user identifier 604 specifies the user name under which the current user is logged in within device 102 a . time stamp 608 is used by device 102 a to determine which of session records is the most recent . device 102 a collects session records 602 by broadcasting a request for session records for the current user to all devices in the user &# 39 ; s device - sphere and by retrieving a session record from the predetermined url at which session records are stored for the subject user and her device - sphere . in an embodiment in which session record 602 is sent directly to device 102 a by direction from the user , an e - mail address for device 102 a is associated with session saving and restoration and the e - mail address is checked by device 102 a in step 402 ( fig4 ) to retrieve the session record . loop step 404 ( fig4 ) and next step 410 define a loop in which device 102 a processes each of the application records 610 of the session record according to step 406 and 408 . during each iteration of the loop of steps 404 - 410 , the particular application record processed by device 102 a is sometimes referred to as the subject application record in the context of logic flow diagram 400 . in step 406 , device 102 a launches an application identified by application 612 of the subject application record . as described above , application 612 is omitted and associations within device 102 a for mime types in some embodiments . in such embodiments , session record 602 includes only open file records 614 , and device 102 a skips step 406 . in step 408 ( fig4 ), device 102 a processes all open file records 614 ( fig6 ) to send uri 616 and gui position 620 to cause the application to open the file identified by uri 616 in a window located at gui position 620 . in embodiments in which application 612 is omitted , device 102 a uses mime - type 618 to determine an application predetermined to be the one to process the data file type specified in mime - type 618 within the operating system of device 102 a and launches an instance of that application , providing uri 616 and gui position 620 . the result is that a new window opens in a session on device 102 a in which the data file identified by uri 616 at a location specified by gui position 620 for an application qualified to process the data file . this process is illustrated by transaction flow diagram 500 ( fig5 ). in this illustrative example , uri 616 of the subject open file indicates that the file is stored on device 102 f . it should be observed that the open file can be stored on any device at any location that can be specified by uri 616 . in step 502 , device 102 a launches a new application instance using uri 616 and gui position 620 in the manner described above with respect to step 408 ( fig4 ). devices 102 a - g and 108 can vary widely in display dimensions and display resolutions . accordingly , gui positions within the display of each device are approximated and scaled to accommodate opening of multiple windows given each devices display size . in addition , some device , such as smart phones , have such small displays that each new window can use the entire screen in some embodiments . in step 504 ( fig5 ), the newly launched application instance attempts to open the data file identified by the uri . in attempting to open the data file , device 102 a sends a request in step 506 to the device specified in the uri , e . g ., device 102 f in this illustrative example . along with the request , device 102 a sends a list of mime types that device 102 a is capable of handling . for some of the mime types , device 102 a has applications capable of properly processing that mime type . for other mime types , device 102 a is capable of converting a data file from that mime type to one that device 102 a is capable of processing properly . in step 508 , device 102 f sends responsive data representing the data file identified by the uri received in step 506 in a mime type data format that device 102 a supports as indicated by the mime types specified in the request of step 506 . if the requested data file is not in any of the mime types supported by device 102 a , device 102 f converts the data file to a mime type that is supported by device 102 a if device 102 f has the capacity to do so and denies the request otherwise . in some embodiments , device 102 f or device 102 a can determine that the ability to edit the data file in the mime type received should not be edited . such can be the case if the received mime type cannot handle formatting or features of the original format or if device 102 a has no editing applications for the received mime type . in either case , the data file will be opened in a “ read only ” mode on device 102 a . from step 408 ( fig4 ), processing by device 102 a transfers through next step 410 to loop step 404 to process the next application record according to the loop of steps 404 - 410 . when all applications records of session record 602 have been processed , session 200 ( fig2 ) will have been restored on device 102 a and processing by device 102 a of logic flow diagram 400 ( fig4 ) completes . opening a file in step 408 includes using the uri of the file to retrieve the file from a device in the user &# 39 ; s device - sphere and is illustrated in transaction flow diagram 500 ( fig5 ). in step 502 , device 102 a creates a new instance of the application and , in step 504 , the new application instance attempts to open the file using the uri . the retrieval of the file specified by the uri is handled by the operating system of device 102 a , using a device identifier portion of the uri to identify the particular device within which the file is stored . in this illustrative example , the uri identifies device 102 f as the device on which the file is stored . accordingly , device 102 a sends the uri request to device 102 f in step 506 . in addition to the uri request , device 102 a sends data representing all mime types that device 102 a can process . device 102 a determines which mime types it can process by reference to mime - type associations 700 ( fig7 ). mime - type associations 700 includes a number of mime - type records 702 , each of which represents associations for a given mime - type , which is identified by mime - type 704 . each mime - type record 702 includes a number of associations 706 , which represent an application within device 102 a that can process data files of the given mime - type . application 708 identifies the application . priority 710 specifies a relative priority among all associations 706 of a given mime - type record 702 . read only 712 indicates whether ( i ) the application specified by application 708 can process the file in a manner in which the user can modify the file or ( ii ) the application and only display the file . the application identified by application 708 can be merely a conversion application that converts data files of the type specified by mime - type 704 to another type . upon receipt of the uri and mime types supported by device 102 a in step 506 ( fig5 ), device 102 f uses the uri to locate the data file identified by the uri and compares the mime type of the data file to the mime types supported by 102 a . if the mime type of the data file is not one supported by device 102 a , device 102 f uses its own set of mime - type associations 700 to determine whether device 102 f can convert the requested data file to a mime type that device 102 a can process . in step 508 , device 102 f sends the data file , as converted if converted , to device 102 a as the response to the uri request . device 102 a performs transaction flow diagram 500 for each uri to be opened . the end result is that session 200 is saved from device 102 e and restored to device 102 a . the user can thereafter continue editing the word processing document of window 202 and the drawing of window 204 . device 102 a is shown in greater detail in fig8 , which is equally representative of devices 102 b - g and 108 unless otherwise noted here . device 102 a includes one or more microprocessors 802 ( collectively referred to as cpu 802 ) that retrieve data and / or instructions from memory 804 and execute retrieved instructions in a conventional manner . memory 804 can include generally any computer - readable medium including , for example , persistent memory such as magnetic and / or optical disks , rom , and prom and volatile memory such as ram . as used herein , “ computer - readable medium ” excludes any transitory signals but includes any non - transitory data storage circuitry , e . g ., buffers , cache , and queues , within transceivers of transitory signals . cpu 802 and memory 804 are connected to one another through a conventional interconnect 806 , which is a bus in this illustrative embodiment and which connects cpu 802 and memory 804 to one or more input devices 808 , output devices 810 , and network access circuitry 812 . input devices 808 can include , for example , a keyboard , a keypad , a touch - sensitive screen , a mouse , a microphone , and one or more cameras . output devices 810 can include , for example , a display — such as a liquid crystal display ( lcd )— and one or more loudspeakers . network access circuitry 812 sends and receives data through computer networks such as lan 104 ( fig1 ). a number of components of device 102 a are stored in memory 804 . in particular , user space applications 820 , session migration logic 824 logic , and operating system 826 are each all or part of one or more computer processes executing within cpu 802 from memory 804 in this illustrative embodiment but can also be implemented using digital logic circuitry . as used herein , “ logic ” refers to ( i ) logic implemented as computer instructions and / or data within one or more computer processes and / or ( ii ) logic implemented in electronic circuitry . user space applications 820 are applications the user can use to view or edit data files . session migration logic 824 saves and restores sessions in the manner described above . operating system 826 is the operating system of device 102 a . an operating system is logic implemented in a computing device that provides services used by other logic implemented in the computing device . the services typically include management of computer resources such as file systems , peripheral device support , networking services , and computer process management . generally , most users don &# 39 ; t directly use an operating system but rather use logic that in turn uses the operating system to perform various tasks . examples of operating systems in use today include linux , unix , macos , and various incarnations of the windows operating system . in this illustrative embodiment , operating system 826 optimizes data traffic among devices 102 a - g and 108 in the manner described in co - pending , commonly owned u . s . patent application 61 / 770 , 662 filed feb . 28 , 2013 , by craig s . etchegoyen for “ device - specific content delivery ” and that description is incorporated herein by reference . digital fingerprint 822 , data files 830 , and mime - type associations 700 are data stored persistently in memory 804 . digital fingerprint 822 includes data specific to hardware elements of device 102 a , such as serial numbers and parameters of hardware components of device 102 a , to serve as a globally unique identifier of device 102 a . data files 830 includes one or more data files that the user might want to view or edit using any of user space applications 820 on any of devices 102 a - g and 108 . mime - type associations 700 are described above . the above description is illustrative only and is not limiting . the present invention is defined solely by the claims which follow and their full range of equivalents . it is intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations , modifications , permutations , and substitute equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention .	7
an extractor 1 in a furfural refining unit is receiving heavy sweet charge oil by way of a line 4 and furfural solvent by way of a line 7 and providing raffinate to recovery by way of a line 10 , and an extract mix to recovery by way of a line 14 . heavy sweet charge oil is a charge oil having a sulfur content less than a predetermined sulfur content and having a kinematic viscosity , corrected to a predetermined temperature , greater than a predetermined kinematic viscosity . preferably , the predetermined sulfur content is 1 . 0 %, the predetermined temperature is 210 ° f ., and the predetermined kinematic viscosity is 15 . 0 , respectively . the temperature in extractor 1 is controlled by cooling water passing through a line 16 . a gravity analyzer 20 , flash point analyzer 22 and viscosity analyzers 23 and 24 , and a sulfur analyzer 28 sample the charge oil in line 4 and provide signals api , fl , kv 210 , kv 150 and s , respectively , corresponding to the api gravity , the flash point , the kinematic viscosity at 210 ° f . & amp ; 150 ° f ., and sulfur content , respectively . a flow transmitter 30 in line 4 provides a signal chg corresponding to the flow rate of the charge oil in line 4 . another flow transmitter 33 in line 7 provides a signal solv corresponding to the furfural flow rate . a temperature sensor 38 , sensing the temperature of the extract mix leaving extractor 1 , provides a signal t corresponding to the sensed temperature . all signals hereinbefore mentioned are provided to control means 40 . control means 40 provides signal c to a flow recorder controller 43 . recorder controller 43 receives signals chg and c and provides a signal to a valve 48 to control the flow rate of the charge oil in line 4 in accordance with signals chg and c so that the charge oil assumes a desired flow rate . signal t is also provided to temperature controller 50 . temperature controller 50 provides a signal to a valve 51 to control the amount of cooling water entering extractor 1 and hence the temperature of the extract - mix in accordance with its set point position and signal t . the following equations are used in practicing the present invention for heavy sweet charge oil : where h 210 is a viscosity h value for 210 ° f ., kv 210 is the kinematic viscosity of the charge oil at 210 ° f . and c 1 is a constant having a preferred value of 0 . 6 . where h 150 is a viscosity h value for 150 ° f ., and kv 150 is the kinematic viscosity of the charge oil at 150 ° f . where k 150 is a constant needed for estimation of the kinematic viscosity at 100 ° f ., t 150 is 150 , and c 2 through c 4 are constants having preferred values of 6 . 5073 , 460 and 0 . 17937 , respectively . where h 100 is a viscosity h value for 100 ° f . where kv 100 is the kinematic viscosity of the charge oil at 100 ° f . ## equ1 ## where sus is the viscosity in saybolt universal seconds and c 5 through c 12 are constants having preferred values of 4 . 6324 , 1 . 0 , 0 . 03264 , 3930 . 2 , 262 . 7 , 23 . 97 , 1 . 646 and 10 - 5 , respectively . where sus 210 is the viscosity in saybolt universal seconds at 210 ° f . and c 13 through c 16 are constants having preferred values of 1 . 0 , 0 . 000061 , 210 and 100 , respectively . ## equ2 ## where w is the percent wax in the charge oil , and c 43 through c 49 are constants having preferred values of 51 . 17 4 . 3135 , 182 . 83 , 5 . 2388 , 0 . 101 , 6 . 6106 and 0 . 19609 , respectively . ## equ3 ## where c 67 through c 73 are constants having preferred values of 168 . 538 , 0 . 0468 , 3 . 63863 , 0 . 17523 , 0 . 41542 , 0 . 00106 and 0 . 21918 , respectively . vi . sub . dwcp = vi . sub . dwco +( pour ) [ c . sub . 21 - c . sub . 22 1nsus . sub . 210 + c . sub . 23 ( 1nsus . sub . 210 ). sup . 2 ] ( 10 ) where vi dwcp and pour are the viscosity index of the dewaxed charge at a predetermined temperature and the pour point of the dewaxed product , respectively , and c 21 through c 23 are constants having preferred values of 2 . 856 , 1 . 18 and 0 . 126 , respectively . where vi ro and vi rp are the vi of the refined oil at 0 ° f ., and the predetermined temperature , respectively . ## equ4 ## where c 74 through c 79 are constants having preferred values of 503 . 518 , 0 . 04423 , 54 . 58305 , 0 . 00055 , 0 . 03745 and 1 . 38869 . where j is the furfural dosage and c 80 through c 83 are constants having preferred values of 10 . 272 , 1 . 0194 , 0 . 00067611 and 0 . 000004029 , respectively . referring now to fig2 signal kv 210 is provided to an h computer 50 in control means 40 , while signal kv 150 is applied to an h computer 50a . it should be noted that elements having a number and a letter suffix are similar in construction and operation as to those elements having the same numeric designation without a suffix . all elements in fig2 except elements whose operation is obvious , will be disclosed in detail hereinafter . computers 50 and 50a provide signals e 1 and e 2 corresponding to h 210 and h 150 , respectively , in equations 1 and 2 , respectively , to h signal means 53 . k signal means 55 provides a signal e 3 corresponding to the term k 150 in equation 3 to h signal means 53 . h signal means 53 provides a signal e 4 corresponding to the term h 100 in equation 4 to a kv computer 60 which provides a signal e 5 corresponding to the term kv 100 in accordance with signal e 4 and equation 5 as hereinafter explained . signals e 5 and kv 210 are applied to vi signal means 63 which provides a signal e 6 corresponding to the viscosity index . an sus computer 65 receives signal kv 210 and provides a signal e 7 corresponding to the term sus in accordance with the received signals and equation 6 as hereinafter explained . an sus 210 computer 68 receives signal e 7 and applies signal e 8 corresponding to the term sus 210 in accordance with the received signal and equation 7 as hereinafter explained . a w computer 69 receives signals kv 210 , s and api and provides a signal e 9 corresponding to the term w in equation 8 in accordance with the received signals and equation 8 as hereinafter explained . a vi dwco computer 70 receives signal ri , e 9 , api , fl and e 6 and provides a signal e 10 corresponding to the term vi dwco in accordance with the received signals and equation 9 as hereinafter explained . a vi dwcp computer 72 receives a signal e 8 and e 10 and provides a signal e 11 corresponding to the term vi dwcp in accordance with the received signals and equation 10 . subtracting means 76 performs the function of equation 11 by subtracting signal e 11 from a direct current voltage v 9 , corresponding to the term vi rp , to provide a signal e 12 corresponding to the term δvi in equation 11 . an a computer 79 receives signals kv 210 , api , s and fl and provides a signal a corresponding to the term a in equation 12 , in accordance with the received signals and equation 12 as hereinafter explained . a j computer 80 receives signals t , a and e 2 and provide a signal e 13 corresponding to the term j in accordance with the received signals and equation 13 as hereinafter explained to a divider 83 . signal solv is provided to a multiplier 82 where it is multiplied by a direct current voltage v 2 corresponding to a value of 100 to provide a signal corresponding to the term ( solv ) ( 100 ) in equation 14 . the product signal is applied to divider 83 where it is divided by signal e 13 to provide signal c corresponding to the desired new charge oil flow rate . it would be obvious to one skilled in the art that if the charge oil flow rate was maintained constant and the furfural flow rate varied , equation 14 would be rewritten as where so is the new furfural flow rate . control means 40 would be modified accordingly . referring now to fig3 h computer 50 includes summing means 112 receiving signal kv 210 and summing it with a direct current voltage c 1 to provide a signal corresponding to the term [ kv 210 + c 1 ] shown in equation 1 . the signal from summing means 112 is applied to a natural logarithm function generator 113 which provides a signal corresponding to the natural log of the sum signal which is then applied to another natural log function generator 113a which in turn provides signal e 10 . referring now to fig4 k signal means 55 includes summing means 114 summing direct current voltages t 150 and c 3 to provide a signal corresponding to the term [ t 150 + c 3 ] which is provided to a natural log function generator 113b which in turn provides a signal corresponding to the natural log of the sum signal from summing means 114 . subtracting means 115 subtracts the signal provided by function generator 113b from a direct current voltage c 2 to provide a signal corresponding to the numerator of equation 3 . a divider 116 divides the signal from subtracting means 115 with a direct current voltage c 4 to provide signal e 3 . referring now to fig5 h signal means 53 includes subtracting means 117 which subtracts signal e 1 from signal e 2 to provide a signal corresponding to the term h 150 - h 210 , in equation 4 , to a divider 118 . divider 118 divides the signal from subtracting means 117 by signal e 3 . divider 114 provides a signal which is summed with signal e 1 by summing means 119 to provide signal e 4 corresponding to h 100 . referring now to fig6 a direct current voltage v 3 is applied to a logarithmic amplifier 120 in kv computer 60 . direct current voltage v 3 corresponds to the mathematical constant e . the output from amplifier 120 is applied to a multiplier 122 where it is multiplied with signal e 4 . the product signal from multiplier 122 is applied to an antilog circuit 125 which provides a signal corresponding to the term exp ( h 100 ) in equation 5 . the signal from circuit 125 is multiplied with the output from logarithmic amplifier 120 by a multiplier 127 which provides a signal to antilog circuit 125a . circuit 125a is provided to subtracting means 128 which subtracts a direct current voltage c 1 from the signal from circuit 125a to provide signal e 5 . referring now to fig7 vi signal means 63 is essentially memory means which is addressed by signals e 5 , corresponding to kv 100 , and signal kv 210 . in this regard , a comparator 130 and comparator 130a represent a plurality of comparators which receive signal e 5 and compare signal e 5 to reference voltages , represented by voltages r 1 and r 2 , so as to decode signal e 5 . similarly , comparators 130b and 130c represent a plurality of comparators receiving signal kv 210 which compare signal kv 210 with reference voltages ra and rb so as to decode signal kv 210 . the outputs from comparators 130 and 130b are applied to an and gate 133 whose output controls a switch 135 . thus , should comparators 130 and 130b provide a high output , and gate 133 is enabled and causes switch 135 to be rendered conductive to pass a direct current voltage v a corresponding to a predetermined value , as signal e 6 which corresponds to vi . similarly , the outputs of comparators 130 and 130c control an and gate 133a which in turn controls a switch 135a to pass or to block a direct current voltage v b . similarly , another and gate 133b is controlled by the outputs from comparators 130a and 130b to control a switch 135b so as to pass or block a direct current voltage v c . again , an and gate 133c is controlled by the outputs from comparators 130a and 130c to control a switch 135c to pass or to block a direct current voltage v d . the outputs of switches 135 through 135c are tied together so as to provide a common output . referring now to fig8 the sus computer 65 includes multipliers 136 , 137 and 138 multiplying signal kv 210 with direct current voltages c 9 , c 7 and c 5 , respectively , to provide signals corresponding to the terms c 9 ( kv 210 ), c 7 ( kv 210 ) and c 5 ( kv 210 ), respectively in equation 6 . a multiplier 138 effectively squares signal kv 210 to provide a signal to multipliers 140 , 141 . multiplier 140 multiplies the signal from multiplier 139 with a direct current voltage c 10 to provide a signal corresponding to the term c 10 ( kv 210 ) 2 in equation 6 . multiplier 141 multiplies the signal from multiplier 139 with signal kv 210 to provide a signal corresponding to ( kv 210 ) 3 . a multiplier 142 multiplies the signal from multiplier 141 with a direct current voltage c 11 to provide a signal corresponding to the term c 11 ( kv 210 ) 3 in equation 6 . summing means 143 sums the signals from multipliers 136 , 140 and 142 with a direct current voltage c 8 to provide a signal to a multiplier 144 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage c 12 . the signal from multiplier 137 is summed with a direct current voltage c 6 by summing means 145 to provide a signal corresponding to the term [ c 6 + c 7 ( kv 210 ]. a divider 146 divide the signal provided by summing means 145 with the signal provided by multiplier 144 to provide a signal which is summed with the signal from multiplier 138 by summing means 147 to provide signal e 7 . referring now to fig9 sus 210 computer 68 includes subtracting means 148 which subtracts a direct current voltage c 16 from another direct current voltage c 16 from another direct current voltage c 15 to provide a signal corresponding to the term ( c 15 - c 16 ) in equation 7 . the signal from subtracting means 148 is multiplied with a direct current voltage c 14 by a multiplier 149 to provide a product signal which is summed with another direct current voltage c 13 by summing means 150 . summing means 150 provides a signal corresponding to the term [ c 13 + c 14 ( c 15 - c 16 ] in equation 7 . the signal from summing means 150 is multiplied with signal e 7 by a multiplier 152 to provide signal e 8 . referring now to fig1 , there is shown w computer 69 having multipliers 155 , 156 and 157 receiving signal api . multiplier 155 multiplies signal api with signal s to provide a product signal to another multiplier 160 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage c 49 to provide a signal corresponding to the term c 49 ( s ) ( api ) in equation 8 . multiplier 156 effectively squares signal api and provides a signal to another multiplier 163 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage c 47 to provide a signal corresponding to the term ( c 47 ) ( api ) 2 . multiplier 157 multiplies signal api with a direct current voltage c 44 to provide a signal corresponding to the term c 44 ( api ). a divider 166 divides signal api with signal kv 210 to provide another signal to a multiplier 168 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage c 48 which in turn provides a signal corresponding to the term [ c 48 ( api )/( kv 210 )] in equation 8 . a divider 170 divides a direct current voltage c 45 with signal kv 210 to provide a signal corresponding to the term c 45 /( kv 210 ). a multiplier 173 multiplies signal s with a direct current voltage c 46 . summing means 175 sums a direct current voltage c 43 with the signals provided by multipliers 160 , 163 and divider 170 . other summing means 176 sums the signals provided by multipliers 157 , 168 and 173 . subtracting means 179 subtracts the signal provided by summing means 176 from the signal provided by summing means 175 to provide signal e 9 . referring now to fig1 , vi dwco computer 70 includes a multiplier 180 which effectively squares signal kv 210 and provides it to a multiplier 181 where it is multiplied direct current voltage c 68 . multiplier 181 provides a signal corresponding to the term c 68 ( kv 210 ) 2 in equation 9 . a multiplier 182 multiplies signals kv 210 , e 9 to provide a signal to another multiplier 183 where it is multiplied with direct current voltage c 73 . multiplier 183 provides a signal corresponding to the term c 73 ( w ) ( kv 210 ) in equation 9 . a multiplier 184 multiplies signal e 6 with a direct current voltage c 69 to provide a signal corresponding to the term c 69 ( vi ) in equation 9 . another multiplier 185 multiplies signals e 6 , fl to provide a signal to a multiplier 186 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage c 72 . multiplier 186 provides a signal corresponding to the term c 72 ( fl ) ( vi ) in equation 9 . a multiplier 188 multiplies signals e 6 , api to provide a signal to another multiplier 189 where it is multiplied with direct current voltage c 70 . product signals provided by multipliers 183 , 189 are summed with another direct current voltage c 67 by summing means 192 to provide a signal corresponding to the term - c 67 - c 70 ( api ) ( vi )- c 73 ( w ) ( kv 210 ). a multiplier 193 effectively squares signal api and provides it to a multiplier 194 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage c 71 . multiplier 194 provides a signal corresponding to the term c 71 ( api ) 2 in equation 9 . summing means 197 sums the signal from multipliers 181 , 184 , 186 and 196 . subtracting means 199 subtracts the signal provided by summing means 192 from the signal provided by summing means 197 to provide signal e 10 . vi dwcp computer 72 shown in fig1 , includes a natural logarithm function generator 200 receiving signal e 8 and providing a signal corresponding to the term 1nsus 210 to multipliers 201 and 202 . multiplier 201 multiplies the signal from function generator 200 with a direct current voltage c 22 to provide a signal corresponding to the term c 22 1n sus 210 in equation 10 . multiplier 202 effectively squares the signal from function generator 200 to provide a signal that is multiplied with the direct current voltage c 23 by a multiplier 205 . multiplier 205 provides a signal corresponding to the term c 23 ( 1n sus 210 ) 2 in equation 10 . subtracting means 206 subtracts the signals provided by multiplier 201 from the signal provided by multiplier 205 . summing means 207 sums the signal from subtracting means 206 with a direct current voltage c 21 . a multiplier 208 multiplies the sum signals from summing means 207 with a direct current voltage pour to provide a signal which is summed with signal e 9 by summing means 210 which provides signal e 11 . fig1 shows a computer 78 having a multiplier 215 effectively squaring signal kv 210 to provide a signal which is multiplied with a direct current voltage c 75 by a multiplier 216 which provides a signal corresponding to the term c 75 ( kv 210 ) 2 in equation 12 . multiplier 218 multiplies signals kv 210 , s to provide a signal that is multiplied with a direct current voltage c 79 by a multiplier 220 . multiplier 220 provides a signal corresponding to the term c 79 ( kv 210 ) ( s ) in equation 12 . a multiplier 223 multiplies signals api , fl to provide a signal to another multiplier 224 where it multiplies a direct current voltage c 78 . multiplier 224 provides a signal corresponding to the term c 78 ( fl ) ( api ) in equation 12 . summing means 226 essentially sums all of the negative terms in equation 12 by summing the signals from multipliers 216 , 220 and 224 . a multiplier 229 multiplies signal s with a direct current voltage c 76 to provide a signal corresponding to the term c 76 ( s ) in equation 12 . another multiplier 230 effectively squares signal fl and provides it to yet another multiplier 231 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage c 77 . multiplier 231 provides a signal corresponding to the term c 77 ( fl ) 2 . summing means 235 essentially sums the positive terms of equation 12 by summing a direct current voltage c 74 with the signals provided by multipliers 229 and 231 . subtracting means 237 subtracts the signal provided by summing means 236 from the signal provided by summing means 235 to provide signal a . referring now to fig1 , j computer 80 includes a square root circuit 240 receiving signal t and providing a signal to a multiplier 241 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage c 81 to provide a signal to subtracting means 242 . subtracting means 242 subtracts a signal provided by multiplier 241 from signal e 12 to provide a signal corresponding to the term δvi - c 81 √ t in equation 13 . subtracting means 242 provides a signal to another subtracting means 243 which subtracts a direct current voltage c 80 to provide a signal corresponding to the term ( δvi - c 80 - c 81 √ t ) in equation 13 . a multiplier 246 multiplies signal t with a direct current voltage c 82 to provide a signal corresponding to the term c 82 t in equation 13 . another multiplier 250 multiplies signal t with signal a to provide a signal to another multiplier 252 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage c 83 . multiplier 252 provides a signal corresponding to the term c 83 ( a ) ( t ) in equation 13 . subtracting means 255 subtracts the product signal from multiplier 246 from the signal provided by multiplier 252 to provide a signal which is divided into the signal provided by subtracting means 243 by a divider 257 . divider 257 provides signal e 13 . the present invention as hereinbefore described controls a furfural refining unit receiving heavy sweet charge oil to achieve a desired charge oil flow rate for a constant furfural flow rate . it is also within the scope of the present invention , as hereinbefore described , to control the furfural flow rate while the heavy sweet charge oil flow is maintained at a constant rate .	2
formula a can be introduced into any resinous system . one way is to prepare quaternary amine materials by techniques well known in the art . one way is to react tertiary amines with a resinous halide . suitable resinous halides are bromides , chlorides , fluorides and rodides . the resinous halide may be prepared by reacting the hydrogen halide with an ethylenically unsaturated resinous material . suitable resinous materials are acrylics , polyesters , polyethers , alkyds , natural or synthetically prepared resin or rosins providing the polymerized resinous materials contain at least one ethylentically unsaturated group . the oxirane containing materials that can be useful in the preparation of the product of the present invention can be selected from a variety of oxirane containing materials . a class of materials would be epoxy coating compositions . suitable epoxy materials are epoxy resins obtained by reacting a dihydric phenol and an epihalohydrin . suitable reactants include bis ( 4 - hydroxy phenyl ) dimethyl methane ( bpa ) and epichlorohydrin . other suitable dihydric phenols include resorcinol ; bis ( 4 - hydroxy phenyl ) methane ; 1 , 1 - bis ( 4 - hydroxy phenyl ) ethane ; 1 , 1 - bis ( 4 - hydroxy phenyl ) propane ; 1 , 1 - bis ( 4 - hydroxy phenyl ) butane ; 2 , 2 - bis ( 4 - hydroxy phenyl ) butane ; and 1 , 1 - bis ( 4 - hydroxy phenyl ) 2 methyl propane . typical epoxy resins are those having an epoxy equivalent of between about 150 and 4000 . it is preferred that the epoxy material be a solid at ambient temperature and pressure for a dipcoating composition and a liquid for electrocoating composition . illustrative commercial resins that are suitable in the practice of the invention include the following : ______________________________________ epoxide equivalent durrans softeningepoxy resin weight ( approximate ) point ( approximate ) ______________________________________epi - rex 530 c 900 95 - 100 ° c . epon 1004 900 100 ° c . ciba giegy 7014 770 94 ° c . ______________________________________ it is to be appreciated that the phrase &# 34 ; epoxy &# 34 ; is meant to include those resins that contain the oxirane ring in the reactant . it is preferred that the epoxy compound employed be polymeric and that it contain more than 1 epoxy group per molecule , that is , that it have an epoxy equivalent greater than 1 . higher molecular weight epoxy materials can be obtained by reacting the polyglycidyl ether described above with a polyphenol , such as bisphenol - a . while the polyglycidyl ethers of polyphenols may be employed per se , it is frequently desirable to react a portion of the reactive sites ( for example , hydroxyl or in some instances epoxy ) with a modifying material to vary the film characteristics of the resin . for example , the polyepoxide can be esterified with carboxylic acid , especially fatty acid . especially preferred are unsaturated fatty acids . the fatty acids that may be employed are long chain fatty acids containing from 8 to 24 carbon atoms , preferably containing single and multiple sites of unsaturation . the most preferred fatty acids are the conjugated diene fatty acids . a preferred fatty acid is one having high conjugated diene concentration such as products available under the name pamolyn ( trademark of hercules ) especially pamolyn 380 which has a high concentration of unsaturation at positions 9 and 11 of a c 18 fatty acid . suitable fatty acids are caprylic . capric , lauric , myristic , palmitic , palmitoleic , stearic , oleic , ricinoleic , linoleic , linolenic , eleostearic , licanic , arachidic , arachidonic , behenic , clupanodonic , lignoceric , nisinic , and the like . the preferred reaction is between an oxirane containing material and a tertiary amine salt . the reaction product produces a compound containing formula b . formula b is : ## str2 ## wherein z is a hydroxyl group . for further modification of the polymer the hydroxyl group may be converted : ( a ) to a ketone by reacting the product shown in formula b with an oxidizing agent , such as permanganate , a chromic acid and the like , or ( b ) to a hydrogen atom by means of a grignard type reaction such as by reacting the product shown in formula b with hbr to convert the hydroxyl group beta to the nitrogen atom to the bromide form ; then converting the bromide to a grignard reagent by reaction with magnesium and then reacting that product with an alkanol such as methanol or propanol ; or ( c ) to the alkoxy group by reaction with an alkyl halide ; or ( d ) to the acyloxy form by esterification with a carboxylic acid ; or ( e ) to the product containing -- or &# 39 ;] n h by reaction with an alkylene oxide of from two to four carbon atoms ; or ( f ) to -- or &# 39 ;( ch 2 oh )] n oh by reacting with epihalohydrin and the like and then converting to the hydroxyl form by hydrolysis ; or ( g ) to -- or &# 39 ;] n oh by reaction with a glycol , and the like . therefore it can be said that the polymer contains formula b which is of the structure : ## str3 ## wherein z is independently selected from the group consis ting of hydrogen , hydroxyl , alkyl ether of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms acyloxy of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms ; (═ 0 , as in a ketone ), ## str4 ## wherein r &# 39 ; is a saturated alkylene group of from 2 to 4 carbon atoms , and n is a number from 1 to 6 . another useful class of polyepoxide is produced from novolak resins or similar polyphenol resins . also suitable are the similar polyglycidyl ethers of polyhydric alcohols which may be derived from such polyhydric alcohols as ethylene glycol , diethylene glycol , triethylene glycol , 1 , 2 - propylene glycol , 1 , 4 - propylene glycol , 1 , 5 - pentanediol , 1 , 2 , 6 - hexanetriol , glycorol , bis ( 4 - hydroxycyclohexyl ) 2 , 2 - propane and the like . there can also be used polyglycidyl esters of polycarboxylic acids , which are produced by the reaction of epichlorohydrin or similar epoxy compounds with an aliphatic or aromatic polycarboxylic acid such as oxalic acid , succinic acid , glutaric acid , terephthalic acid , 2 , 6 - naphthylene dicarboxylic acid , dimerized linolenic acid and the like . examples are glycidyl adipate and glycidyl phthalate . also useful are olyepoxides derived from the epoxidation of an olefinically unsaturated alicyclic compound . included are diepoxides comprising in part one or more monoepoxides . these polyepoxides are non - phenolic and are obtained by the epoxidation of alicyclic olefins ; for example , by oxygen and selected metal catalysts , by perbenzoic acids , by acetaldehyde monoperacetate , or by peracetic acid , and / or hydrogen peroxide . among such polyepoxides are the epoxy alicyclic ethers and esters which are well known in the art . a class of polyepoxides which may be employed is acrylic polymers containing epoxy groups . preferably these acrylic polymers are polymers formed by copolymerizing an unsaturated epoxy - containing monomer , such as , for example , glycidyl acrylate or methacrylate ( gma ), and at least one other unsaturated monomer . another class of epoxies are the cycloaliphatic epoxies whereby a saturated cycloaliphatic ring ( e . g . 5 or 6 members ) is fused to an oxirane ring , such as the bicyclo [ 4 , 1 , 0 ]- heptane - 7 - oxy or the bicyclo [ 3 , 1 , 0 ]- hexane - 6 - oxy . exemplary acrylic materials that may be employed as a copolymerizable monomer with the gma type are acrylic or methacrylic acids , the alkylesters or hydroxyalkylesters thereof where the alkyl group has from 1 to 18 carbon atoms , such as isobornyl acrylate , methyl ( meth ) acrylate , butyl ( meth ) acrylate , 2 - ethyl - hexyl ( meth ) acrylate , stearyl acrylate or methacrylate and the like , acrylamides , methacrylamides and the like . it is to be appreciated that other copolymerizable monomers may also be reacted with the acrylic material . exemplary ethylenically unsaturated materials are styrene , vinyl toluene ; 3 , 5 - dimethyl styrene , p - tert - butyl styrene , alpha methyl styrene , and the like , unsaturated dicarboxylic acids or anhydrides and the alkylesters thereof from 1 to 18 carbon atoms , such as maleic anhydride , fumaric acid and the like . a preferred class of acrylic reactants are those that contain the acrylic moiety together with an oxirane ring in the same molecule , such as glycidyl acrylate and methacrylate and other similar type materials such as those taught in u . s . pat . no . 3 , 773 , 855 , which is hereby incorporated by reference , such as acrylic and methacrylic esters of the monoglycidyl ether of sulfonyl bisphenol , the monoglycidyl ether of a c 1 to c 10 alkylene bisphenol , the monoglycidyl ether of oxybisphenol , the monoglycidyl ether of thiobisphenol , the monoglycidyl ether of aminobisphenol and the monoglycidyl ether of α , α - bis ( p - hydroxyphenyl ) tolylethane ; the acrylic and methacrylic esters of 3 - oxy - 6 , 7 - epoxyheptanol , 3 - aza - 6 , 7 - epoxyheptanol , or 3 - thia - 6 , 7 - epoxyheptanol ; the reaction products of one mole of acrylic or methacrylic acid with one mole of polyphenylenesulfide diglicidyl ether , polyphenyleneamine diglicidyl ether , or polyphenyleneoxide diglycidyl ether ; the reaction products of one mole or acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with one mole of the polycondensation product of epichlorohydrin with sulfonyl bis ( phenylmercaptan ) or sulfonyl bisphenol ; the reaction products of one mole of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with one mole of the polycondensation product of epichlorohydrin with α , α - bis ( p - hydroxyphenyl ) tolylethane or α , α - bis ( p - thiophenyl ) tolylethane ; the acrylic and methacrylic esters of poly c 1 - c 4 alkyleneoxide glycol ) monoglycidyl ether ; and the like . by &# 34 ; acrylic &# 34 ; material is meant a polymer or copolymer containing therein the polymerized monomer moiety of the formula : while applicant does not wish to be held to any theory as to operability of the invention , it is believed that when the nitrogen containing material is reacted with the oxirane containing material , the nitrogen is introduced into the molecule . that nitrogen can be used to permit the polymeric product to be electrodeposited onto the cathode during an electrodeposition process . when the cathodic substrate is subjected to a heat cure , it is believed that the nitrogen will separate from the remaining portion of the material by virtue of a hoffman elimination reaction along the lines described below . it is believed , therefore , that the nitrogen is a volatile material . it is preferred that the nitrogen product be a quaternary ammonium salt solution of an acid in water . suitable nitrogen containing materials are nitrogen heterocyclic materials containing from 5 to 8 members with from 1 to 3 nitrogen atoms in the ring and may contain other hetero atoms such as oxygen and sulfur . mononuclear as well as polynuclear ring system may be employed . exemplary materials are tertiary amines , are n - alkyl succinimide , n - alkyl pyrrole , n - substituted pyrrolidine , n - substituted indole , pyridine , piperidine , quinoline , acridine , phenanthridine , pyrazole , pyrazine , imidazole , n - substituted hydantoin , isoxazole , thiazole , isothiazole , 1 , 2 - diazine , 1 , 3 - diazine , 1 , 4 - diazine , n - substituted carbazole , pyrimidine , purine , phenazine , n - substituted tropane , n - substituted morpholine and the like and the water soluble or water dispersible alkyl , hydroxy , alkoxy and keto derivatives thereof , wherein the alkyl groups are sufficient to permit water solubility and may contain from 1 to 12 carbon atoms . a preferred means of preparing the nitrogen containing organic material which is to be reacted with the oxirane containing material is to prereact an amine such is that described above with a water solubilizing acid , preferably a carboxylic acid . the amount of nitrogen material that is used together with water generally is a stoichiometric amount . the amount of water ranges from about 1 to 20 equivalents water to one equivalent of nitrogen material . it is to be appreciated that while the amount of solubilizing acid that may be used may vary substantially , it is preferred that the acid be sufficient to solubilize the nitrogen containing material in water . the number of amine equivalent employed in the reaction between the amine and the oxirane containing materials is generally equivalent to the number of unreacted epoxy or oxirane equivalents present in the reaction medium . it may be expressed as : number of amine equivalent = number of oxirane equivalents . it is to be appreciated , however , the the number of amine equivalents can range from about 0 . 1 to about 10 times the number of epoxy equivalents to produce a product which has varying degrees of water solubility as well as having varying degrees of oxirane containing rings . in curing the coating composition of the present invention , it has been found highly desirable that nitrogenous containing cross - linking agents be employed in an effective curing amount . generally the amount of nitrogen containing material that is employed is sufficient to react with the hydroxyl groups present on the polymeric material and / or the number of hydroxyl groups present on formula b contained in the polymeric material . if desired , the amount of fatty acid containing unsaturation may be increased to produce an air dried composition . when a cross - linking agent is employed , it is preferred that a blocked isocyanate or a melamine type containing composition be used as the cross - linking agent . other cross - linking agents may also be used such as urea formaldehyde , phenol formaldehyde , benzoguanamine , amide - imide , polyamide , polybenzimidazole , and the like . suitable isocyanates that may be used in the present invention are as follows : biurets of the formula ## str5 ## where r 10 is an alkylene group having 1 - 6 carbon atoms , especially preferred is the biuret of hexamethylene diisocyanate ; ## str6 ## a number of blocking agents may also be used to produce a blocked isocyanate which could be used as the cross - linking agent . such blocking agents as the phenol type , lactone type , active methylene type , alcohol type , mercaptan type , acid amide type , the imide , the amine type , the urea type , carbamate type , oxime type , sulfate type and the like . most preferably a ketoxime type is preferred , and even more preferably a dialkyl ketoxime of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms per alkyl group . most preferably the ketoxime would be methylethyl ketoxime , methyl - isobutyl ketoxime , and the like . suitable melamine type cross - linking agents are hexamethoxymethyl melamine , alkylated ( melamino - formaldehyde ), butylated melamines , and the like . in order to prepare a coating composition suitable for extensive use other than as a primer and for economic reasons , melamine type agents are desired . to prepare a satisfactory cured product and to maintain a stable bath composition , it is desirable to operate the electrodeposition bath at a basic ph (& gt ; 7 . 0 ). melamine agents will self - cross link and coagulate and precipitate in the electrodeposition bath when the ph is acidic . a distinct advantage of the resin system of the present invention is that they are also stable in a basic bath . in addition prior art basic ph cationic compositions did not produce a hard cured film when malamine was used as a cross linking agent . while applicants do not wish to be restricted to one theory of operation of the invention , it is believed that during the curing of the coated substrate , the quaternary nitrogen is removed . the portion of the coating composition that remains on the coated substrate , accelerates the cure of the composition in the presence of the malamine agent . it is to be appreciated that appropriate acids may be present in the coating composition such as friedel - crafts catalysts as p - toluene sulfonic acid , phosphoric acid , methane sulfonic acid and the like . the coating compositions of the present invention are useful in the cathodic electrodeposition of substrates . generally , the bath ph ranges from about 3 - 9 . the substrate may be any conductive substrate , preferably iron , zinc or aluminum containing substrates such as steel , with or without protective coatings , such as phosphate corrosion resistant coatings . most preferably the coatings of the present invention are applied to metallic substrates , such as steel . in the electrodeposition process , the conductive metallic substrate would be the cathode in the electrical process and an anode would be placed in the electrodeposition bath , with the electrodeposition coating of the present invention being incorporated in the aqueous electrolyte between the anode and the cathode . the electrodeposition process is one that would be conducted at a temperature ranging from about 50 ° f . to 150 ° f ., preferably room temperature . the voltage may vary greatly , although normally it will operate between 0 . 5 and 500 volts . the current density ranges from about 0 . 1 amp to about 15 amps per square foot . the nitrogen containing coating compositions of the present invention are solubilized , dispersed or suspended by means of an acid , such as an organic acid , such as acetic acid , lactic acid , citric acid and the like , although any water solubilizing agent may be used as boric or mineral acids , as hydrochloric acid , and the like . as has been mentioned above , if a high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids are employed , the composition may be air cured . preferably , however , the coating compositions are cured by means of subjecting the coated substrate to a high temperature or a bank of infrared lamps having a temperature ranging from about 225 ° f . ( 107 ° c .) to about 800 ° f . ( 427 ° c . ), preferably between about 300 ° f . ( 149 ° c .) and about 390 ° f . ( 199 ° c .) from a time ranging from about 1 second to 1 hour , preferably 15 minutes to 45 minutes . the shorter times and higher temperatures are used in such industries as the coil coating industry and the like . it is to be appreciated that a curing catalyst may also be added to the coating composition , such as tin compounds as dibutyl tin dilaurate , dibutyl tin diacetate , dibutyl tin oxide , metallic dryers as cobalt and zirconium naphthenate or octoate . when a blocked isocyanate is employed as described above , it is to be appreciated that the blocking agent will decompose at temperatures greater than 50 ° c . which will permit the remaining isocyanate moiety to react with the film forming composition . at less than about 50 ° c ., the blocked isocyanate is substantially stable and is nonreactive with the hydroxyl groups present on the acrylic polymer , or the hydroxyl groups present on formula a moiety . in known manner , catalysts , pigments , anti - oxidants , surfactants or fillers may be added to the coating composition to improve the appearance , texture , gloss and other properties of the cured film . pigments such as carbon black , silica and silicates , titanium dioxide , metal oxides , chromates , sulfates and the like may be used . the amount of cross - linking agent employed will range from about 1 % to about 50 %, preferably about 20 % to about 30 % by weight of the total resin plus cross - linking agent , especially when a melamine resin is used . the cross - linking agent is used ( on an equivalent basis ) especially when an isocyanate cross - linking agent is used in a range of 1 : 0 . 5 - 1 . 5 : oh / nco . to increase adhesion of coating substrates hydroxyl groups are present . on the other hand , an increase in nco content is required for proper cross - linking . having described the invention in general , listed below are embodiments wherein all parts are in parts by weight and all temperatures are in degrees centigrade , unless otherwise indicated . the coating composition was formulated from the ingredients and process described below : ______________________________________ parts by weight equivalents______________________________________epon 829 ( trademark ofshell oil of the reaction 932 . 4 4 . 78product of epichlorohydrinand bp - a ) bisphenol a ( bp - a ) 317 . 6 2 . 78linseed fatty acid 313 . 6 1 . 12triethyl amine 0 . 5butyl cellosolve ( trademarkof union carbide for 460 . 0ethylene gylcol monobutylether ) n - methylmorpholine 88 . 9 0 . 88deionized water 72 . 4 4 . 02acetic acid 39 . 6 0 . 66______________________________________ the epon 829 and bisphenol a were charged to a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer , thermometer , inert gas purge and condenser . the mixture was heated , with stirring , to 140 ° c . over a period of 30 minutes . the temperature was allowed to rise to 175 °- 180 ° c . ( heat of exotherm ) and held for 30 minutes . the linseed fatty acid and triethylamine were charged and the reaction mixture was held at 180 ° until an acid number of less than one was achieved . the butyl cellosolve was then charged and the solution cooled to 95 ° c . the n - methylmorpholine , deionized water and acetic acid were premixed and charged to the reactor and the solution heated to 90 °- 95 ° c . and held for 5 hours ( until a sample was water soluble ). the resin was then cooled to room temperature having a theoretical solids value of 72 . 4 % and an amine value of 29 . a 2 g . sample of the product was placed in an aluminum dish and baked for 30 minutes at 350 ° f . and the cured film was redissolved in tetrahydrofuran and determined to have an amine value of 1 . 2 ( 0 . 021 milliequivalents per gram ), a reduction of about 96 % of amine value . a pigment dispersion was prepared by grinding a mixture of 295 . 8 g . of the above described resin ( resin a ), 256 . 2 g . of isobutyl alcohol , and 48 g . of carbon black in a pebble mill to a hegman n . s . 7 + grind . an electrodepositable composition was prepared by combining 60 g . of the above pigment dispersion with 298 . 5 g . of resin a , 2 . 4 g . of modaflow ( trademark of monsanto for a polyacrylic flowing agent ), 0 . 9 g . of 12 % manganese naphthenate , 0 . 9 g . of 12 % cobolt naphthenate . 1 , 917 . 3 g . deionized water was slowly added , while mixing , to produce a bath containing approximately 10 % solids . the electrodeposition bath had a ph of 7 . 5 and conductivity of 783 micromhos . it had a ford throw power ( box penetrating test ) of 7 . 8 inches . the composition was applied , by electrodeposition , to unpolished bare steel panels and also to zinc phosphated steel panels serving as the cathode . the panels were coated at 325 volts for 2 minutes and baked 10 minutes at 400 ° f . the film builds were 0 . 70 - 0 . 75 mils on the zinc phosphated steel and 0 . 90 mils on bare steel and all exhibited 6 h pencil hardness and 60 ° gloss of 90 - 95 %. after exposure to 336 hours in a salt spray cabinet , the coating on the bare steel showed 3 mm pull from the scribe . after exposure to over 500 hours in a salt spray cabinet , the coating over zinc phosphated steel was unaffected a dip coating composition was formulated from the ingredients and process described below : ______________________________________ parts by weight equivalents______________________________________epon 829 673 . 2 3 . 45bisphenol a 326 . 8 2 . 86butyl cellosolve 355 . 6n - methylmorpholine 50 . 5 0 . 50acetic acid 22 . 5 0 . 38deionized water 200 . 0deionized water 871 . 4______________________________________ the epon 829 and bisphenol a were charged to a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer , thermometer , inert gas purge and condenser . the mixture was heated , with stirring , to 140 ° c . over a 30 minute period and allowed to exotherm to 175 °- 180 ° c ., maintaining this temperature for 30 minutes . butyl cellosolve was then charged and the solution cooled to 95 ° c . a premix of acetic acid , n - methylmorpholine and 200 g . deionized water was charged and the solution heated to 90 °- 95 ° and held until clear ( 1 - 2 hours ). the resin was then reduced with 871 . 4 g . of deionized water to yield a solution containing 28 . 8 % solids and having a ph of 8 . 9 . the solution had a viscosity of 128 cps ( brookfield , # 2 spindle at 50 rpm ) and an amine value of 35 . 6 ( 0 . 634 milliequivalents per gram ). a 2 g . sample was baked for 30 minutes at 350 ° f . and redissolved in tetrahydrofuran and determined to have an amine value of 3 . 2 ( 0 . 057 milliequivalents per gram ), a reduction of about 91 % of amine value . 100 g . of the above solution were combined with 7 . 2 g . cymel 300 ( trademark of american cyanamide for melamine type cross linking agent ), 0 . 4 g . paratoluenesulfonic acid and 20 g . deionized water to produce a solution containing 28 . 5 % solids and having a ph of 7 . 7 . films were applied to unpolished bare steel panels by dipping the substrate into the coating composition formation just described . the coatings were allowed to flash for 5 minutes at room temperature followed by baking for 30 minutes at 385 ° f . the resultant films were glossy , free of film defects , had excellent adhesion , 6 h pencil hardness and withstood 50 double rubs with a cloth saturated with methylethyl ketone . after 336 hours exposure in a salt spray cabinet , the film was still intact , exhibiting only 1 mm creep from the scribe .	2
this description of the preferred embodiments is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings , which are to be considered part of the entire written description of this invention . referring to the schematic diagram of fig1 , a data model representing a multi - model database 100 of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described . the multi - model database 100 is constructed from models data dataset 111 for a plurality of constituent models using dsmls and can represent a wide variety of modeling paradigms . the multi - model database 100 can be constructed by treating each of the constituent models 111 as black boxes that can operate with a set of data items as inputs and produce a set of data items as outputs . the multi - model database 100 is comprised of various entities or datasets . we use the term artifacts to describe these datasets that define the multi - model database 100 . these artifacts include a model registry dataset 112 , the constituent models data dataset 111 , model interfaces dataset 114 , model attributes dataset 113 , model attribute constraints dataset 115 , model data editing tools dataset 122 ( e . g . dsml tools ), notifications dataset 124 , and multi - model execution control dataset 126 . all of the artifacts are stored in a multi - model repository 110 which is preferably version controlled using a version control system 130 . this allows the entire multi - model database 100 to be reconstructed at any point during the evolution and for distributed collaboration via modifications to artifacts in the multi - model repository 110 . the model registry dataset 112 is used to determine membership in the multi - model database 100 . the model registry dataset 112 is a list of a plurality of constituent dsml models that are participating in the multi - model . if a constituent model is removed from the model registry dataset 112 , the artifacts that correspond to that model remain in the multi - model repository 110 , but that model will not participate in the multi - model . each entry in the model registry dataset 112 is a proxy for a corresponding models data dataset 111 . the models data dataset 111 comprises the plurality of the dsml models and is stored in whatever format the model data editing tools dataset 122 choose to maintain the data . although not required , by storing the models data dataset 111 and model editing tools dataset 122 in the multi - model repository 110 , a more complete set of operations is possible . each of the constituent models in the models data dataset 111 can be considered as essentially a mapping operation written in a modeling language , l i , over a set of inputs , that produces a set of outputs . a model , m j , is associated with a set of attributes that are inputs i j ={ a 1 , a 2 , . . . , a n }, which may be empty , and a set of attributes that are outputs o j ={ a ′ 1 , a ′ 2 , . . . , a ′ n }, which may also be empty . we can then represent the model , m j by the tuple m j ( l i , i j , o j ) containing a mapping operation , l i , and the set of input , i j , output , o j , model attributes . this tuple is the interface data that the model exposes to the system by adding it to the model interface dataset 114 of the multi - model repository 110 . a multi - model database 100 , m , can then be defined as a set of models m ={ m 1 , m 2 , . . . , m m }. to synchronize execution of the multi - model , we require that an attribute is owned by a single constituent model and can only be written by the model that owns it . that is , if a i ∈ o j , then a i ∉ o n ∀ o n ≠ j ∈ m . the constituent models can have an attribute constraints dataset 115 associated with their input attributes and output attributes . these attribute constraints can be thought of as triggers on the value of the associated attribute . if a first constituent model has a constraint on input attribute a i associated with or owned by a second model , then the first model is notified when the second model that owns a i outputs a value that violates this constraint . output constraints are used by a model to ensure that the attributes that are written are valid from the point of view of the model that writes them . the model data editing tool dataset 122 artifacts are model - editing tools , or references to them , that correspond to the constituent models . for example , in case of a matlab ® model , the model data editing tool can be either the actual matlab ® software , or a reference to the specific version of matlab ® program used to create the model . a set of notifications dataset 124 artifacts are messages that are sent to the constituent models to inform them of occurrence of defined events . for example , when a modeler edits one of the plurality of dsml models which generates a change to an output attribute that violates some attribute constraint , a notification is sent to the affected models . multi - model execution control dataset 126 artifacts consist of multi - model execution plan , its modifications , and message queues . when a multi - model administrator , who maintains the multi - model repository 110 , makes a change to the execution plan , the resulting plan and the changes are stored in these artifacts . moreover , when the execution co - ordination engine orchestrates the execution , it needs to send and receive messages from the individual models . these artifacts also capture the queues containing those messages . the multi - model database 100 incorporates a version control system 130 , thus incorporating the commonly used basic version control system operations such as check - in , check - out and history examination into the multi - model repository 110 . this can be realized by using a commonly available open source version control system , such as a subversion repository . the use of a source code version control system such as subversion enables versioning of models and their shared concepts ( attributes ) so that exploration of the design space can be accomplished in a systematic and controlled manner . the multi - model database 100 of the present disclosure can provide a sandbox feature so that modelers can interact with the multi - model repository 110 through local copies of the multi - model repository 110 in sandboxes . sandboxes allow modelers to work on local copies of their constituent models without being affected by concurrent changes to the multi - model from other modelers . to interact with a project , modelers checkout local copies of the repository and make modifications . the modifications are communicated to other models by synchronization with the global version of the repository . the concept of the sandbox , sometimes also called a working directory , a test server or a development server , is typically built into version control software such as cvs and subversion , in which developers “ check out ” a copy of the source code tree , or a branch thereof , to examine and work on . the term sandbox generally refers to a testing environment that isolates untested code changes and outright experimentation from the production environment or repository , in the context of software development and revision control . sandboxing protects “ live ” servers and their data , vetted source code distributions , and other collections of code , data and / or content , proprietary or public , from changes that could be damaging to a mission - critical system or which could simply be difficult to revert . sandboxes replicate at least the minimal functionality needed to accurately test the programs or other code under development ( e . g . usage of the same environment variables as , or access to an identical database to that used by , the stable prior implementation intended to be modified ). there are many other possibilities , as the specific functionality needs vary widely with the nature of the code and the application [ s ] for which it is intended . only after the developer has fully tested the code changes in their own sandbox should the changes be checked back into and merged with the multi - model repository 110 and thereby made available to other developers or end users of the software . although the embodiment of the multi - model database 100 shown in fig1 is described in the context of multiple models for a computer system , the scope of the present disclosure is also applicable to other systems that a modeler may design using one of the one or more remote - client computers 10 ( 1 ) . . . 10 ( n ) . for example , a product system can be a glider with no computer system on it . the modeler may design the glider using multiple models , e . g . an aerodynamic model , a reliability model , and a cost model , etc . to help design the glider . the multiple models for the glider would be stored in the multi - model database 100 implemented on a computer database system ( see fig1 ), although the system ( the glider ) being modeled is not a computer system . fig2 shows the organization of the multi - model repository 110 in a file tree format . fig3 through 7 show the layout of the sub - directories of the multi - model repository 110 . the dsml models are preferably stored in separate directories under the “ models ” subdirectory 111 of the multi - model repository 110 as shown in fig6 . attributes are pieces of data that are shared between the constituent models such as the input and output attributes discussed above . attributes are saved in xml files 113 b in the model attributes dataset 113 as shown in fig3 . each attribute uses a schema that defines what kind of data it holds . schema generally refers to a structure of a database system or a data set described in a formal language supported by the database management system . fig8 shows an attribute schema 113 a for simple attributes . the attribute schema 113 a is required at a minimum to support the concept of ownership and a field that holds the value of the attribute . as discussed earlier , although attributes hold data that is shared between the constituent models , an attribute can only be written by a model that owns it and the attribute schema 113 a maintains the ownership information . an example of an attribute file 113 b is shown in fig9 . table 1 describes an example of the fields in a minimal attribute file 113 b . there is no inherent restriction on the types of data an attribute can hold . custom attribute types can be defined with their own schemas , and as long as models that read and write them can understand those schemas . this implies that attributes could hold compound values that contained attributes owned by foreign models . if this is the case , then the attribute schema should be rich enough to also contain the first level dependencies of the attribute . for example , if an attribute contains an entire uml diagram , then any embedded attributes read by the owning model should be included as dependencies . following our basic premise of treating each model as a black box with its own input and output attributes , each model has an interface file that describes which attributes are inputs to the model and which are outputs . fig1 shows the schema 114 b for model interfaces . the interface schema 114 b is kept in a file named “ interface . xsd ” in the interfaces dataset directory 114 , as shown in fig5 . an example xml interface file 114 aa is shown in fig1 . the xml interface file 114 aa is for an excel model named “ test ” that reads the “ system . reliability ” attribute and writes the “ carsignalling . checkpointing . frequency ” attribute . separate directories are kept for each model interface . these directories can optionally hold private xml schemas that may be used to further validate the contents of attribute files . for example , if the interfaces / test directory held a file named “ foo . xsd ”, then the test connector could validate the “ foo ” attribute when reading it . the schema could check for attribute values that are out of bounds for the test model , even though the values were valid for other models . the models registry dataset 112 maintains a list of models participating in a multi - model database . this file 111 b is located in the models data dataset subdirectory 111 along with the schema 111 c . fig1 and fig1 show the representative schema and a corresponding sample of the model registry dataset file 112 . the model registry dataset file 112 maintains information of each model . examples of elements in the model registry file include the name , type and aliases of the model , whether or not it is executable , and a reference to the interfaces file . in the illustrated example , the model registry file contains information on two excel models named “ test model ” and “ test model2 .” fig1 shows an example of a computer database system in which the multi - model database 100 according to the present disclosure is implemented . the computer database system includes one or more remote client computers 10 ( 1 ) . . . 10 ( n ) connected to a server 30 via a communication medium 20 . the communication medium 20 can be a communications link such as the internet , a local - area or wide - area network ( wired or wireless ), or other similar communications link that can provide the function of communication link between the server 30 and the one or more remote client computers 10 ( 1 ) . . . 10 ( n ) for allowing exchange of data . the server 30 comprises a processing unit 32 and a data storage 35 that is accessible by the processing unit 32 . the processing unit 32 executes and coordinates the operation of the server 30 including the communication of data between the server 30 and the one or more remote client computers 10 ( ( 1 ) ) . . . 10 ( ( n ) ) and storing data into and accessing the data from the data storage 35 . the data storage 35 can be any of the storage devices that are available in the industry such as hard drives , ram , rom , or any other appropriate memory devices for storing large quantity of data . in this embodiment , the multi - model database 100 is stored in the data storage unit 32 . the contents and structure of the multi - model database 100 is as described above . the server 30 and the one or more remote client computers 10 ( 1 ) . . . 10 ( n ) typically include other common components of a computer , such as a display , user interface devices ( e . g . mouse , keyboard , touch - screen interface ), etc ., that are not explicitly shown here for sake of simplicity because they are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art . although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments , it is not limited thereto . rather , the appended claims should be construed broadly , to include other variants and embodiments of the invention , which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention .	6
a perforation detection system 10 ( also referred to as a “ body cavity assessment system ”) utilizing principles of the present invention will be described herein as forming part of an rf ablation system used to ablate tissue within a body cavity such as a uterus . however , it should be appreciated that the perforation detection system 10 may be provided with another type of system used for treatment , or it may be provided independently of a larger treatment system . generally speaking , perforation detection system 10 includes a medical ablation device 12 of a type used for tissue ablation , and an rf generator system 14 of the type used to deliver rf ablation energy to an electrode array on ablation device 12 . the rf generator unit , however , is provided with additional components that are used for the body cavity assessment function of the present invention . in particular , the rf generator unit is provided with a fluid / gas source 16 and a body cavity assessment interlock 20 . fluid / gas source 16 is fluidly coupled to ablation device 12 via a source line 22 . the ablation device is positionable within a body cavity bc so as to deliver fluid / gas from source 16 through the source line 22 and the ablation device and into the body cavity . body cavity assessment interlock 20 includes a pressure sensing system 24 fluidly coupled to the medical device via pressure detection / signal line 26 . pressure sensing system 24 monitors the pressure within the body cavity bc while fluid / gas is being ( or after it has been ) delivered to the body cavity , and detects whether elevated pressure can be maintained over a predetermined period of time , within a predetermined window of time . if it cannot , the user is alerted that there may be a perforation in the organ . body cavity assessment interlock 20 further includes an interlock system 28 that prevents treatment with the ablation device 12 unless body cavity assessment has been performed . the rf generator system 14 is additionally provided with a vacuum system 30 coupled to pressure detection / signal line 26 , rf circuitry 27 , and other components needed to perform the ablation function . a footswitch 32 or other input device controls operation of the rf generator system 14 . a microprocessor or programmable logic device 34 within the rf generator system 14 governs various functions , including the body cavity assessment , interlock , and rf ablation procedures . an example of an rf ablation device 12 that may be used with the system 10 is shown in fig2 a and 2b . ablation devices of this type are shown and described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 769 , 880 and u . s . application ser . no . 09 / 103 , 072 , each of which are incorporated herein by reference . a similar device is the novasure ablation device available from novacept , inc ., palo alto , calif . naturally the perforation detection system may be provided in combination with the other medical devices as well such alternative devices include thermal ablation devices in which heated liquid is circulated through a balloon positioned within the body cavity of interest , or other device used for procedures besides ablation . alternatively , the system may be provided with two medical devices , one for use in delivering inflation medium and another for use in treating body tissue . as a further alternative , a treatment device may be provided independent of the system 10 . ablation device 12 is configured to deliver rf ablation energy to the interior surface of a body cavity , while causing moisture ( e . g . steam ) generated during ablation to be withdrawn away from the body tissue — preferably using suction . this moisture transport feature of the device 12 is advantageous in that removing steam from the ablation site minimizes the amount of thermal ablation would otherwise be caused by the steam . greater control over ablation depth is thus achieved by allowing ablation to occur only ( or primarily ) by rf energy rather than by thermal conduction . the device 12 includes an rf applicator head 36 , a sheath 38 , and a handle 40 . the applicator head 36 is slidably disposed within the sheath 38 to give the applicator head 36 a streamlined profile ( fig2 a ) to facilitate insertion of the device into a body cavity ( e . g . the uterine cavity ). once the applicator head 36 has been inserted into the body cavity , handle 40 is manipulated to cause the applicator head 36 to extend from the distal end of the sheath 38 and to expand into the position shown in fig2 a as to make contact with body tissue . referring to fig2 b , in which the sheath 38 is not shown for clarity , applicator head 36 extends from the distal end of a length of tubing 42 which is slidably disposed within the sheath 38 . applicator head 36 includes an external electrode array 44 and an internal deflecting mechanism 46 used to expand and tension the array for positioning into contact with the tissue . the array 44 is preferably formed of a stretchable metallized fabric mesh which is preferably knitted from a nylon and spandex knit plated with gold or other conductive material . in one array design , the knit is formed of three monofilaments of nylon knitted together with single yarns of spandex . each yarn of spandex has a double helix of five nylon monofilaments coiled around it . when in its expanded state , the array 44 includes a pair of broad faces 48 ( one of which is shown in fig2 b ) spaced apart from one another , and narrower side faces ( not shown ) extending between the broad faces 48 along the sides and distal end of the applicator head 36 , and a distal face 52 extends between the broad faces 48 at the distal end of the applicator head 36 . insulating regions ( not shown ) formed by etching other techniques on the applicator head to divide the mesh into electrode regions . the array may be divided by the insulated regions into a variety of electrode configurations . in a preferred configuration the insulating regions divide the applicator head into four electrodes by creating two electrodes on each of the broad faces . deflecting mechanism 46 and its deployment structure is enclosed within electrode array 44 . external hypotube 58 extends from tubing 42 and an internal hypotube 60 is slidably and co - axially disposed within hypotube 58 . flexures 62 extend from the tubing 42 on opposite sides of external hypotube 58 . hypotube 60 is a dual lumen tube that is coupled to the pneumatic subsystem as will be described below . a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures ( not shown ) are formed in each flexure 62 . during use , these apertures allow moisture to pass through the flexures and to be drawn into exposed distal end of hypotube 58 using a vacuum source located in the rf generator system 14 and fluidly coupled to hypotube 58 . each flexure 62 preferably includes conductive regions that are electrically coupled to the array 44 for delivery of rf energy to the body tissue . for example , strips of copper tape ( not shown ) or other conductive material may extend along opposite surfaces of each flexure . conductor leads ( not shown ) are electrically coupled to the strips and extend through tubing 42 to an electrical cable which is attachable to the rf generator . during use , one conductive strip on each conductor is electrically coupled via the conductor leads to one terminal on the rf generator while the other strip is electrically coupled to the opposite terminal , thus causing the array on the applicator head to have regions of alternating positive and negative polarity . it is important to ensure proper alignment between the conductive regions of the flexures ( e . g . the copper strips ) and the electrodes in order to maintain electrical contact between the two . strands of thread ( which may be nylon ) are preferably sewn through the array and around the flexures in order to prevent the conductive regions from slipping out of alignment with the electrodes . during use of the ablation device , the applicator head 36 is inserted into the uterus with the sheath 38 covering the array 44 to compress the applicator head 44 into a streamlined condition . once the applicator head is within the uterus , the handle is used to withdraw the sheath and to open the array into its deployed position . vacuum source 30 ( fig1 ) is activated , causing application of suction to hypotube 60 . suction helps to draw uterine tissue into contact with the array 44 . ablation power is supplied to the electrode array 44 by the rf generator system 14 . the tissue is heated as the rf energy passes from electrodes 56 a - d to the tissue , causing moisture to be released from the tissue . the vacuum source helps to draw moisture from the uterine cavity into the hypotube 60 . moisture withdrawal is facilitated by the apertures formed in flexures , by preventing moisture from being trapped between the flexures and the lateral walls of the uterus . the fluid / gas source 16 , pressure sensing system 24 , and associated components are shown in fig3 . each of the components of the pressure sensing system 24 is preferably coupled to microprocessor 34 of the rf generator system 14 although for clarity the microprocessor is not shown in fig3 . all pressure transducers , solenoid valves , and the vacuum pump are controlled by the microprocessor . it is also important to note that in the embodiment described below the roles of the two lines ( source line 22 and pressure detection / signal line 26 ) play different roles during rf ablation than for perforation detection . specifically , the signal line 26 for perforation detection serves as a suction line for ablation . the source line 22 for perforation serves as a vacuum signal line for ablation . components along the source line 22 will first be described . fluid / gas source 16 is preferably a disposable co 2 cylinder , and may be a 16 gm cylinder providing approximately 850 psi at 25 c . one such example is the linde medical grade 16 gm cylinder . the cylinder is removably attached to a pressure regulator 68 such as the leland model 50033 or equivalent . regulator 68 includes a main shutoff valve 70 and pressure regulation component 72 which has a control pressure of approximately 60 psi . a pressure gauge 74 such as sensym model ascx100dn or equivalent is fluidly coupled to source line 22 . pressure gauge 74 monitors the pressure remaining in the fluid / gas source 16 so as to detect when a low volume of fluid / gas remains , or when the user has failed to open the valve 68 . a solenoid valve 76 is positioned along the source line 22 , downstream of the pressure regulator 68 . valve 76 remains in a closed condition , preventing flow of gas through the line 22 , except when a cavity assessment procedure is being carried out . a second pressure regulator 78 , such as an airtrol r - 920 series regulator , is positioned downstream of the valve 76 so as to reduce pressure in line 22 down to approximately 90 +/− 10 mmhg during a cavity assessment procedure . a flow control orifice 80 , positioned downstream of regulator 78 , limits flow in line 14 to 100 +/− 10 scc / min ( standard cc / min ). a pressure sensor upstream of orifice 80 monitors whether the pressure limit ( of , for example , approximately 100 mm hg ) has been exceeded . if the limit has been exceeded , an output signal from this sensor causes an audible alarm to be triggered and the solenoid valve 76 is turned off . downstream of orifice 80 , source line 22 is coupled , using a flexible tygon tubing for example , to the introducer sheath 38 ( fig2 b ) of the ablation device 12 . the introducer sheath is located at the internal surface of the body cavity bc ( the internal os , for example , in the case of a uterine cavity ) so as to deliver gas into the body cavity bc that is to be treated . turning to the components along the pressure detection line 26 , the pressure signal line 26 is fluidly coupled , using a tygon tubing for example , to the lumen of hypotube 60 . downstream of the medical device 12 is a pressure sensor 84 , such as the sensym acsx05dn . during a cavity assessment procedure , sensor 84 monitors pressure in the pressure signal line 26 and delivers the signal to microprocessor 34 . microprocessor 34 then determines if pressure in the body cavity bc has failed to achieve a predetermined threshold ( indicating a perforation in the body cavity ) or if it has and maintained the threshold for a predetermined time period ( indicating that the body cavity has no perforation ). further downstream of the pressure sensor 84 is a vacuum pump 86 . while not needed for perforation detection , vacuum pump 86 is used to carry out the moisture transport function of the medical device 12 described in the section entitled ablation device above . a second solenoid valve 88 lies upstream of the vacuum pump 86 . valve 88 remains open at all times except during cavity assessment . because the exhaust line of the vacuum pump may not be air - tight when it is not operating ( including during the cavity assessment procedure ) the valve 88 is provided to close the pressure signal line against leaks through the vacuum pump . a simplified state diagram illustrating operation of the system is shown in fig4 . operation begins with valve 76 in the closed condition , and with valve 88 in the opened condition . in preparation for use of the system , a co2 cylinder 16 is connected to the appropriate receiving device on the rf generator &# 39 ; s pneumatic subsystem ( fig3 ). the power to the generator is switched on . pressure gauge 74 detects the pressure in the portion of pressure / monitoring line 22 extending between co 2 cylinder 16 and valve 76 . if the user has failed to open the main co 2 shutoff valve 70 , or if the pressure detected by gauge 74 is less than the specified pressure , an audible alert will sound , indicating a low - gas condition . assuming no low - gas condition is detected , the user will connect the ablation device 12 to the . rf generator system 14 . the system remains in a “ wait for connect ” condition , step 102 , until the user connects the ablation device 12 to the rf generator system . when the ablation device is plugged in , it actuates a microswitch or similar feature , which alerts the microprocessor that the ablation device has been connected . connection of the device automatically starts the “ co2 purge ” cycle , step 104 . during the purge cycle , valve 76 is opened to permit the flow of co 2 through the device to drive air from the device . the purge cycle lasts for a duration sufficient to purge the air from the system , approximately 10 seconds . during the purging cycle the user is alerted by audible and visual indicators not to insert the device into the body cavity in order to prevent air from being delivered into the body . as a safety precaution , the vacuum pump that is part of the rf controller is pulsed every few seconds during purging . if the user has inserted the ablation device into a body cavity during purging , the vacuum pump will draw out air that is delivered to the body . during the purge cycle and device insertion into the body cavity , the ablation device is closed , such that the poles of the electrode array are in contact with each other . a low voltage signal is applied to the ablation device which senses that the poles are in contact by detecting a dc short . after the completion of the purging cycle the system waits for the device to be deployed within the patient , step 106 , by monitoring for the end of the dc short condition . once the user inserts the device into the uterine cavity and opens the array , the system detects that a dc short condition is no longer present . as a safety precaution , the perforation detection cycle cannot be initiated until the dc short condition is eliminated . in this way the last operation to be performed before the application of rf energy is the perforation detection cycle . from the completion of the purge cycle to the initiation of the perforation detection test , a continuous , low level flow of co2 is circulated through the ablation device to keep the source and pressure signal lines open and free from blockage . next , the system waits for the user to depress the footswitch 32 , “ wait for footswitch ”, step 108 . once the footswitch has been depressed , a 30 - second timer is initialized (“ reset timer ”) and the perforation detection test , (“ perform pressure test ”) 110 begins . valve 88 is energized to close off the vacuum pump 86 to avoid loss of pressure through it . if it was not already opened , valve 76 is opened , allowing co 2 to flow into the body cavity via medical device 12 . when the pressure at gauge 84 rises and remains above 50 mmhg for 4 seconds , the test has passed and the system moves to a “ passthrough ” state . ( it should be noted that the system may alternatively pressurize the cavity and then detect whether the monitored pressure falls below a predetermined level within a predetermined time period , indicating that a perforation may be present .) in the “ passthrough ” condition the co 2 is turned off and the vacuum pump is re - enabled by re - opening valve 88 . if the enable button 33 has been pressed ( automatic mode ), rf power 114 (“ apply rf power ”) will be delivered automatically to the array 44 once the cavity assessment cycle has been completed and passed . if the enable button has not been depressed ( semiautomatic mode ), the system moves through the “ passthrough ” state and waits for footswitch actuation 112 (“ wait for footswitch ”). the user must press the button to enable the rf generator and then press the foot switch 32 to deliver rf power 114 . in the event the cavity assessment test is not passed after the 30 second timer has expired , an audible tone sounds and visual indicators flash . the system remains in a test fail state , step 116 , and awaits further action by the user . if the user presses the foot switch , the system is re - sets to the initial ready state , step 108 , with the co 2 flow off . the user may attempt the cavity assessment sequence as many times as desired . alternatively , after one or more cavity assessment procedures has been performed and failed , the user may choose to override the system and cause the system to deliver rf energy despite the cavity assessment test having been failed . to do so , the user will press and hold the enable button 33 for six seconds . note that the pressure check must be attempted at least one time before this feature is available . if the user overrides the cavity assessment , the system moves to the “ passthrough ” state to wait for footswitch step 112 . if at any time during the above sequence , the user should close the ablation device , a dc short will be detected in the electrode array by the rf generator &# 39 ; s dc short detection circuitry . closing the device causes the state of the perforation test to change to fail , and the system resets to the “ wait for deploy ” state , step 106 . the system will then require that cavity assessment be performed again once the array is reopened . this assures that the last step performed before the application of rf energy is the perforation detection test : if the user , after having successfully completing the test , decides to close and remove the device for any reason , the perforation detection test must be performed again - once the device is deployed in the body cavity . this requirement also prevents a user from abusing the system by running cavity assessment with the device outside the body , and then inserting the device , overriding the test , and ablating without having every performed cavity assessment within the body cavity . for additional safety , the perforation detection system preferentially uses co2 , though other gases or liquids , such as normal saline , may be used . the pressure and flow limits follow well known guidance documents for insufflators . in the case of uterine perforation detection , the limits follow hysteroflator guidance documents . though other configurations are possible , the cavity to be assessed should be in series between the source and pressure signal lines . in this manner , any kinked tubing or other problems will not lead to a false test result . additionally , the system is capable of detecting perforations exceeding the range of sizes of devices normally inserted into body cavities ( from say 15 mm down to less than 1 mm diameter ). in order to reliably detect perforations in uterine cavities , the pressure threshold in that case is preferentially kept below the average cracking pressure of the fallopian tubes . there are several features that improve the system &# 39 ; s ease of use . firstly , the physician can start or stop the perforation test at any time in the sequence . secondly microprocessor 34 is capable of distinguishing the difference between a device that is closed versus a device that is undergoing slight motion in the body cavity , thus reducing the likelihood that a passed test condition will be overturned . finally , the system includes a collar assembly 63 in fig2 a which is capable of sealing the entry into the body cavity bc if leaks are determined to exist , thus reducing the likelihood of a false test failure . although the forgoing description is with reference to a perforation detection system having a device usable to ablate tissue within a uterus , the present invention is applicable to perforation detection within other body cavities , and to perforation detection systems having medical devices useful for procedures other than ablation . in addition , although the system is described with reference to a particular embodiment , many other configurations are suitable for implementing the teachings of the invention . those having ordinary skill in the art will certainly understand from the embodiment disclosed herein that many modifications are possible without departing from the teachings hereof . all such modifications are intended to be encompassed within the following claims .	0
fig1 diagrams an embodiment 10 of the invention . spacing is exaggerated for exposition . at the bottom are shown two tubes 20 of a planar array 22 of clear plastic truncate cone - shaped tubes held together by a planar portion 24 between the tubes and integral with the larger ends of the tubes . both ends 26 , 28 of the tubes 20 are open . vacu - formed disposable integral integral arrays 22 are provided , the shape helping the forming . a downward extension 30 of the portion 24 may be used as a handle for sliding the array of tubes into the position shown , suopported by fixed fingers 32 . to draw an equal - volume sample of liquid into each of the tubes 20 for transfer by subsequent ejection from the tubes into respective containers , the tubes are first raised relative to manifold body structure 34 above them , until each tube is directly below a respective cavity 36 of a plurality of cavities equal in number to the number of tubes ( 96 preferred ) in the array 22 of tubes . separating the tubes 20 from the cavities 36 in the raised position ( broken lines ) is a resiliently flexible membrane assembly 38 against which the fingers 32 as a group hermetically clamp the array of tubes . the flexible membrane assembly 38 is shown exaggerated in thickness , for exposition . the flexible membrane assembly 38 comprises preferably two layers cemented together . the bottom layer 40 has holes 42 through it in axial correspondence with the upper ends of the tubes and the cavities . it may be resiliently compressible closed - cell neoprene foam about 1 / 16 inch ( 15 mm ) thick . the top layer 44 is preferably an impervious latex membrane , that may be 0 . 007 inch ( 0 . 2 mm ) thick . a frame 46 holds the flexible membrane in place . suitable microporous material such as porous polyethylene at 45 , 47 defines each cavity structure , which in this embodiment includes a cylindrical bore 48 and a cylindrical plunger 50 with a spherically concave end extending into the bore . in operation , with the lower ends of the tubes 20 respectively dipped in the liquid or liquids to be sampled and with the upper ends of the tubes ( the upper face of the tubular array 22 ) clamped against the undersurface of the flexible membrane assembly 38 , valve 52 is operated to reduce pressure through line 54 and in space 56 within manifold structure 34 . ambient air drawn through the porous material partially evacuates each of the cavities 36 , uniformly raising adjacent parts of the latex membrane into fitting contact within the cavities and drawing liquid samples into the tubes 20 . the uniform action of this provision is effective in prevention of distortion of the membrane by &# 34 ; vacuum dead - spots &# 34 ; and is economical to make as well as precise in operation . volume of liquid drawn into the tubes depends on setting of knob 58 . the knob rests on the exterior of manifold structure 34 and by means of a threaded bore 59 in the knob engages screw 60 that passes from the manifold space 56 through a hole 62 . a gasket 61 under the knob prevents leakage at the hole , and a spring 57 opposes the knob by biasing the screw downwardly . screw 60 is fixed to plate 64 by any suitable means , and setting the height of the screw sets the height of the plate and the plungers 47 extending downward from it . like the other portion 45 defining the cavities , the plungers , and the plate 64 that is integral with them , are preferably of rigid blocks of the microporous material . the exterior walls 66 may be of any suitable impervious thermoplastic or may be of metal such as aluminum . to expel the liquid from the tubes into a second or receiving container - array , replacing a first , or supply container - array ( neither shown in this figure but appearing in later figures ) the valve is operated to release the partial vacuum in the manifold space , permitting the latex membrane to snap back . if desired , air pressure may be applied through a suitable line 68 to accelerate the snap - back . fig2 shows a front elevational view of the system in a second embodiment 200 , like the first embodiment except that there is no cavity - size adjustment ; cavity size is a fixed constant . base 270 supports the array 272 of supply or of receiving containers in a recess 274 . the first or sample supply array or the second or sample receiving array may be the same in structure , and may be tray - like . a way system arises from the base 270 ; this may comprise four parallel rods 276 screwed into the base near the corners . snaprings 278 at the top prevent overtravel of the components slidable along the rods , namely the member 280 integrally fixed to the fingers 232 that support the array 222 of tubes , and the manifold structure 234 . respective compression springs 282 on the lower parts of the rods support the member 280 , with the parallel fingers 232 that in turn support the array 222 of tubes 220 . the array of tubes is shown in a low position for being slidably inserted or else removed after use for replacement with a new array . when in use - position , the fingers 232 clamp the array 222 of the tubes 220 up against the flexible membrane assembly 238 under upward bias of the tension springs 284 , that are attached at the lower end to screws 286 on the member 280 and at the upper end to screws 288 on the manifold structure 234 . cam structure , operated by arm 290 located across the top of the system from side to side and , as will be seen , affixed pivotally to the manifold structure , is forcing apart the member 280 and the manifold structure 234 in the position shown . details appear later of this provision for easy loading and unloading of the array 222 . flexible membrane assembly 238 slides out of slot 292 above frame 246 for replacement when desired . fig3 shows the second embodiment 200 rear view , similar to the front view except that a flange 294 across the back stops the sliding position of container arrays , 272 shown , at the proper point . the containers are of conventional design . a similar flange is not needed for the array of tubes 222 . the comb - like member 280 is preferably proportioned to engage the tubes at the proper sliding position , as shown later . the frame appears at 246 . it may be detachably screwed to the manifold structure 234 . ( 1 ) insert a container in the recess in the base 270 . ( the recess automatically insures proper position ). ( 2 ) push the handle 290 to the rear . ( this pivots the cam ends , 296 shown , about the respective pivot pins , 298 shown , and by pressing on member 280 , separates member 280 from the flexible membrane against the bias of springs 284 . the edges 300 , 302 of the slots in the sides of the manifold structure may advantageously coact as stops for cam positioning .) ( 3 ) slide a new array of tubes in place over the fingers 232 . ( the tapered front ends of the fingers can assist this .) ( 4 ) pull the handle to the front and ( 5 ) press down on it . ( this clamps the array of tubes against the flexible membrane assembly 238 , and positions the tips of the tubes in the container below .) ( 5 ) operate the valve 252 to drawn in or to expel the sample liquid as desired . on each side a stop - screw 304 with a knurled head provides ready adjustment of downward travel of manifold 234 and tube array held by member 280 . fig5 diagrams details of the second or fixed - volume embodiment 200 , preferred for simplicity . the manifold space 256 in manifold 234 is simply a cavity with no moving parts defining it . it is bounded on the top , sides , back and front , by impermeable walls 266 and is bounded on the bottom by microporous block 245 . cavities 236 are closed by the latex layer 244 of the flexible membrane assembly 238 against which the fingers 232 of member 280 can clamp the array 22 of tubes . the frame appears at 246 . fig6 details a preferred relation of the fingers 232 of member 280 to the array 222 of tubes . comblike member 280 contacts the array of tubes slid into position on it and stops travel of the array at the correct position . fig7 shows the relation of the microporous block 245 with cavities 236 ( of embodiment 200 ) to the latex layer 244 and the foam neoprene layer 240 with holes 242 , of the flexible membrane assembly 238 . fig8 shows the relation of the frame 246 supporting the flexible membrane assembly 238 as it slides in or out , and the microporous block 245 above it , for embodiment 200 . holes 306 are for the rods of the way system . holes 308 in the slots 301 are for the cam handle pivot pins . the effective thickness may be about 0 . 25 to 0 . 5 inch ( 10 to 20 mm ), as for block 245 , fig5 ; with other embodiments proportional . the part may be molded for volume production or individually machined from a block . the porous thermoplastic polymer may have a void ratio of 40 % to 60 %, and is obtainable from glassrock products , inc ., porex division , fairburn , ga ., 30213 . a medium grade of chrysler oilite ( tm ) sintered bronze without the oil is an example of suitable microporosity as well as suitable sintered metal . the disposable vacuformed tube arrays may be of rigid pvc , 0 . 012 inch ( 0 . 3 mm ) thick . other material such as polyethylene , preferably bio - degradable , may also be suitable . in conclusion , the overall efficiency , simplicity and economy of this invention will be apparent when compared with other known art . this invention is not to be construed as limited to the particular forms disclosed herein , since these are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive . it is , therefore , to be understood that the invention may be practiced within the scope of the claims otherwise than as specifically described .	1
turning to fig1 to 4 , a vibration simulator 100 in accordance with the present invention is shown . the vibration simulator 100 comprises a base 102 , a movable support in the form of a platform 104 positioned above the base in use , and three individual platform actuation assemblies 106 , 108 , 110 driving the platform 104 relative to the base 102 , as will be described below . the platform 104 is also supported on three support assemblies 192 , 194 , 196 . the base 102 is a flat , plate - like member shaped as an irregular pentagon in profile . the base 102 is in the shape of a triangle having three long sides 112 , 114 , 116 with each corner of the triangle truncated to provide three short sides 118 , 120 , 122 . the base 102 is mounted on a surface ( usually a floor ) in use . alternatively the base can be the floor with the relevant components attached directly thereto . turning to the platform 104 , it is similar to the base 102 in as much that it is an irregular pentagon shape formed from a triangle having long sides 126 , 128 , 130 with truncated corners forming short sides 132 , 134 , 136 . in this embodiment the platform 104 is identically shaped to the base 102 and in a neutral position of the actuator assembles 106 , 108 , 110 , is vertically offset relative thereto . in fig2 the platform 104 is omitted such that the first , second and third actuation assemblies 106 , 108 , 110 are visible . the three actuation assemblies 106 , 108 , 110 are substantially identical ( apart from their orientation relative to the base 102 ) and as such only the first actuation assembly 106 will be described in detail . the first actuation assembly 106 comprises an electric motor 138 having an output shaft 140 which is driven in rotation about a motor axis m by the motor 138 . a motor crank 142 is provided having a first shaft attachment 144 at a first end and a second shaft attachment 146 at a second opposite end . an adjustable link arm 148 is provided , having a first shaft attachment 150 defined at a first end , and a second shaft attachment 152 at a second opposite end . the shaft attachment formations 150 , 152 are formed as spherical rotational joints with multiple rotational degrees of freedom . the adjustable link 148 can be adjusted in length in a known manner , and as required when setting up the simulator 100 . the first actuation assembly 106 comprises a first axle mount 154 and a second axle mount 156 . each axle mount 154 , 156 is attached to the base 106 such that it is rigidly attached thereto . each axle mount 154 , 156 comprises a bearing suitable for receiving an axle . each bearing is a cylindrical joint able to provide movement in a single rotational degree of freedom . the axle mounts 154 , 156 are spaced apart and proximate opposite ends of the long side 112 of the base 102 . the joint axes of the axle mounts 154 , 156 are aligned and parallel with a single joint axis x . the joint axis x is slightly offset from the first long side 112 towards the centre of the base 102 . an axle 158 is provided which generally comprises an elongate tube 160 having stub axles 162 , 164 respectively positioned at either end . a driving crank 166 is positioned and fixed at the axial centre of the axle 158 . the driving crank 166 comprises a first plate 168 and a second plate 170 , which are offset parallel , mirror images of each other . at the free end of the driving crank 166 ( opposite the axle 158 ) there is provided a shaft receiving formation 172 , 174 on each of the plates 168 , 170 respectively . the shaft receiving formation 172 , 174 is connected to the spherical joint attachment formation 152 which allows rotation in all rotational degrees of freedom . at each end of the axle 158 , there is provided a first axle crank 176 and a second axle crank 178 respectively , each projecting radially therefrom . each of the axle cranks 176 , 178 is fixed to the axle 158 and each crank defines a respective spherical joint 180 , 182 at the end opposite the axle 158 . a first adjustable axle tie rod 184 and a second adjustable axle tie rod 186 are provided and are adjustable in length as known in the art . a first tie rod mount 188 and a second tie rod mount 190 are provided and attached to the underside of the platform 104 at respective ends of the first long side 126 . each tie rod mount comprises a spherical joint 189 , 191 respectively . referring to fig3 , the output shaft 140 is connected to the first shaft attachment point 144 on the crank arm 142 such that the crank arm 142 rotates about the motor axis m as the shaft 140 is driven by the motor 138 . the second shaft attachment 146 of the crank arm 142 is attached to the first shaft attachment 150 of the adjustable link 148 via a stub shaft such that the link 148 is free to rotate relative to the crank arm 142 about a first link axis l 1 , as well as perform minor rotations about axes perpendicular to l 1 ( because the attachment 150 is a spherical joint ). it will be noted that the crank arm 142 is configured so as the output shaft 140 does not interfere with a 360 degree rotation of the crank arm 142 , and does not foul on the adjustable link 148 as it rotates through 360 degrees . therefore , the actuator 138 can be continuously driven . the second shaft attachment 152 of the adjustable link 148 is positioned between the shaft receiving formations 172 , 174 of the plates 168 , 170 of the driving crank 166 . the components are attached together such that the adjustable link 148 can rotate about a second link axis l 2 relative to the driving crank 166 ( n . b . the link 148 can also perform minor rotation about other axes because the attachment formation 152 is a spherical joint ). the motor axis m , first link axis l 1 and second link axis l 2 are parallel . the axle 158 is mounted for rotation about the joint axis x which is also parallel to the motor axis m , first link axis l 1 and second link axis l 2 . each of the axle tie rods 184 , 186 is attached to the spherical joints 180 , 182 of the axle cranks 176 , 178 such that the axle tie rods 184 , 186 can rotate relative to the axle cranks 176 , 178 in all three rotational degrees of freedom . the axle tie rods 184 , 186 are positioned next to the respective axle mounts for stiffness . each tie rod 188 , 190 is attached to the underside of the platform 104 . the tie rod mounts 188 , 190 are generally mounted parallel to and offset from the axle 158 such that a line drawn between the tie rod mounts 188 , 190 is parallel to , and offset from , the first long side 126 of the platform 104 and towards the centre of the platform 104 . the tie rods 184 , 186 are parallel and of equal length and thus form a four bar link in the form of a parallelogram at all positions of the platform 104 relative to the base 102 . the platform 104 is thereby always parallel to the base 102 and does not rotate . this range of motion is shown schematically in fig7 a . the four bar link formed by the tie rods 184 , 186 , the base 102 and the platform 104 is characterised in that the rods 184 , 186 are shorter in length than the distance between their respective ends . in other words at both ends , the tie rods 184 , 186 are spaced apart by a distance further than their respective lengths . this provides stability to the mechanism , and stiffness to the simulator 100 , which undergoes very high reaction forces in use . it will also be noted that the tie rods 184 , 186 are not vertical , and are not perpendicular to the respective planes of the base 102 and platform 104 . this also confers stiffness on the simulator 100 . referring to fig5 a and 5 b , operation of the first actuator assembly 106 is shown schematically . fig5 a and 5 b are schematic views from direction v in fig2 . comparing fig5 a and 5 b , fig5 a shows the actuator 106 in its starting , neutral position . the position of the platform 104 once it has moved by a small clockwise rotation of the output shaft 140 of the motor 138 is shown in fig5 b ( with the starting position in hidden line ). as can be seen in fig5 b , rotation of the crank arm 142 pushes the adjustable link 148 , which in turn rotates the driving crank 166 and thereby the axle 158 about its primary axis . the axle cranks 176 , 178 are also rotated in a clockwise fashion thus pulling the axle tie rods 184 , 186 and lowering the platform 104 . as shown in fig2 , each of the three actuator assemblies 106 , 108 , 110 is positioned 120 degrees apart . in other words they are equally spaced about the base 102 and platform 104 . movement provided by the actuator assembly 106 urges the platform 104 in a first direction d 1 . this is clearly at a 120 degree angle to the movement provided by either actuator assembly 108 , 110 ( d 2 and d 3 respectively ). such motion is permitted by the parallelogram linkage made up by the axle 158 , axle tie rods 184 , 186 and the platform 104 . the fact that each actuator assembly 106 , 108 , 110 has a parallelogram linkage means that translational movement in all three degrees of freedom of the platform ( i . e . surge in a fore - aft direction , sway in a side - to - side direction and heave in a vertical direction ) is possible . it will be noted that each of the three actuator assemblies 106 , 108 , 110 can be simultaneously or alternately activated in order to provide motion in one or more of the three translational degrees of freedom . as can be seen in fig2 , the platform 104 is mounted on support assemblies 192 , 194 , 196 . each of the support assemblies 192 , 194 , 196 is substantially identical and as such only the support assembly 192 will be described in detail here . referring to fig3 , the support assembly 192 comprises a base plate 198 which is attached to the base 102 . a shock absorbing cushion 200 extends vertically from , and perpendicular to , the base plate 198 and is connected to a platform mount 202 . the mount 202 is u - shaped , having a base 204 connected to the cushion 200 and two upwardly extending side panels 206 , 208 which terminate in two outwardly extending flanges 210 , 212 which are configured to be mounted to the platform 104 . in order to make the assembly as compact as possible , and to provide adequate support for the platform 104 , each of the platform mounts 202 encloses part of the actuator assembly 106 , specifically the adjustable link 148 which sits between the side panels 206 , 208 within the u - section . the cushions 200 also support the static weight of the payload on the platform 102 . an alternative or additional method of inhibiting yaw rotation ( i . e ., rotation about a vertical axis ) can be seen in fig6 . fig6 shows a yaw inhibiting platform support 214 having a first foot 216 and a second foot 218 configured to be connected to the base 102 . each foot 216 , 218 is connected to a vertical plate - like member 220 , 222 respectively , and each plate member 220 , 222 to a horizontal member 224 , 226 respectively . as such , two legs 228 , 230 are formed which are generally shaped as inverted ‘ l ’ shapes in cross - section . between the legs 228 , 230 there is provided a relatively stiff centre plate 232 which connects the horizontal members 224 , 226 . the centre plate 232 is square and the horizontal members 224 , 226 connect to it along two opposing sides . extending from the remaining sides of the centre plate 232 , there are provided two further horizontal members 234 , 236 which are similar to the horizontal members 224 , 226 , but extend at 90 degrees thereto in a horizontal plane . the horizontal members 234 , 236 are joined to two further vertical members 238 , 240 . the horizontal members and vertical members thereby form two “ l ” shaped arms 242 , 244 respectively . each of the arms 242 , 244 terminates in a platform mount 246 , 248 which connect to the platform 104 . each of the legs 228 , 230 and arms 242 , 244 are constructed from a material selected to be flexible and resilient in bending , but stiff in shear ( such as sheet metal ). as such , each of these members act as a leaf spring . the “ l ” shape of the arms and legs and the fact that they are disposed at 90 degrees to each other , means that the support 214 permits some movement in all three translational directions and also permits rotation of the platform relative to the base about both horizontal axes . the one degree of freedom that is severely constrained by the support 214 is the yaw degree of freedom ; that is rotation about a vertical axis . this is mainly due to the way that the centre plate 232 and horizontal members 224 , 226 , 234 , 236 are horizontally oriented . for example , the tie rod mounts 188 , 190 may be moved to adjust the orientation of the tie rods 184 , 186 . fig7 a , shows the parallel , equal length tie rods which ensure a non - rotating platform 104 ( as described above ). as shown in fig7 b , non parallel , equal length rods which diverge toward the platform results in translational and rotational motion about a point below the platform . this may be useful for e . g . earthquake simulation . as shown in fig7 c , non parallel , equal length tie rods provide rotation about a point above the platform . this may be useful for assessing the vibration of e . g . suspended structures . the embodiments of fig7 d ( non equal lengths , but parallel ) and fig7 e ( non equal lengths and not parallel ) also provide different types of motion . turning to fig8 , a vibration simulator 300 is shown which is similar to the simulator 100 . like the simulator 100 , the simulator 300 comprises a base 302 , a movable support it the form of a platform ( not shown ) positioned above the base in use , and three individual platform actuation assemblies 306 , 308 , 310 driving the platform relative to the base 302 , as will be described below . the platform is also supported on three support assemblies 392 , 394 , 396 . the differences between the simulators 100 and 300 are discussed below . instead of two axle mounts 154 , 156 , the first actuation assembly 306 comprises a first axle mount 354 , a second axle mount 355 , a third axle mount 356 and a fourth axle mount 357 . each axle mount 354 , 355 , 356 , 357 is attached to the base 306 such that it is rigidly attached thereto . each axle mount 354 , 355 , 356 , 357 comprises a bearing suitable for receiving an axle . each bearing is a cylindrical joint able to provide movement in a single rotational degree of freedom . the joint axes of the axle mounts 354 , 355 , 356 , 357 are aligned and parallel with a single joint axis x . a axle 358 is provided . the axle 358 is mounted for rotation about the axis x , and is supported between the first and fourth axle mounts 354 , 357 . the axle is also supported mid - way along by the third and fourth axle mounts 356 , 357 . the second and third axle mounts 355 , 356 are adjacent . like the simulator 100 , a driving crank 366 is positioned and fixed at the mid - point of the axle 358 , either side of the third and fourth mounts 355 , 356 . the driving crank 366 comprises a first plate 368 and a second plate 370 , which are offset parallel , mirror images of each other . at the free end of the driving crank 366 ( opposite the axles 358 , 359 ) there is provided a shaft receiving formation 372 , 374 on each of the plates 368 , 370 respectively . the shaft receiving formations 372 , 374 are connected to a push rod in much the same way as the simulator 100 . provision of two extra supports in the centre of the axle allows for greater stiffness and stability . fig8 also shows six optional , temporary supports , 400 , 402 , 404 , 406 , 408 , 410 . these supports hold the platform in place if any of the actuation assemblies or permanent supports need to be serviced or replaced .	6
the principles and operation of a network according to the present invention may be understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description . the drawings and descriptions herein are conceptual only . in actual practice , a single circuit can implement one or more functions ; alternatively , each function can be implemented by a plurality of components and circuits . in the drawings and descriptions , identical reference numerals indicate those components that are common to different embodiments or configurations . fig4 schematically shows a node 40 according to the present invention . node 40 contains the following functional blocks : a power supply 41 , fed from a power source 52 , which converts incoming power to the voltage , or voltages , required by the node and the node &# 39 ; s components . in addition , power supply 41 may also feed a payload 49 connected to node 40 . if used , this feeding function is carried out by a payload interface 48 . ( for clarity , fig4 omits the individual connections distributing power from power supply 41 to the power - consuming blocks of node 40 .) a payload interface 48 which adapts node 40 to a specific payload 49 . various payload types can be employed , such as sensors , actuators and data units , either analog or digital , functioning either as output or as input . for example : analog sensor . the payload consists of analog sensor used to measure any physical phenomena . in most cases , the payload interface contains an a / d converter . digital sensor . the payload is a switch , button , etc . analog actuator . in most cases , the payload contains a d / a converter controlling the parameters of the analog actuator . data related unit . in the case of digital communication , the payload consists of dte and the payload interface contains a dte interface . non - digital data . data such as video , voice , analog communication or any other of data type . if analog data is input to the node , the payload interface is likely to use an a / d converter . the above examples are not intended to limit in any way the general payload definition . furthermore , multiple devices of various types can be used . in some cases , payload 49 may use power from node 40 . for example , the excitation voltage to analog sensor may be driven from the node power . some nodes in the network may not be connected to a payload , or may not have any payload interface at all . nodes configured in this manner would be used as repeaters only , such as a node 90 in fig8 . repeater nodes can be used , for example , to extend the distance between nodes beyond the regular limit . line couplers 42 and 43 , which interconnect node 40 with up to two other nodes , each via communication media 50 and 51 , respectively ( also referred to as “ lines ”). each communication media supports communication between two nodes of the network . for clarity only , the two ports are designated ‘ left ’- lt and ‘ right ’- rt . the right connection rt uses line 51 and connects via rt line coupler 43 . similarly , the left connection lt uses line 50 and connects via lt line coupler 42 . neither line coupler 42 nor line coupler 43 affects the communication signal . line couplers may include connectors , protection devices , isolation ( e . g . transformer ) and other required functions , which are not normally associated with the communication signal itself . a transmitter 45 , which deals with the data to be transmitted , except for the physical layer functions ( according to the osi interconnection model ). this block can be implemented in hardware ( crc generation circuitry , for example ) by software , or by both hardware and software . a receiver 46 , which deals with the received data , except for the physical layer functions ( according to the osi interconnection model ). this block can be implemented in hardware ( crc error detection circuitry , for example ), by software , or by both hardware and software . a control , logic , and processing unit 47 , which controls and monitors node 40 and network operation . this block interconnects with the controlled blocks in node 40 ( for clarity , some lines are omitted from fig4 ). in addition , control , logic , and processing unit 47 can process data in the network , and also deals with the payload via payload interface 48 . control , logic , and processing unit 47 is furthermore in charge of shifting a repeater / router 44 from one state to another , as detailed below . repeater / router 44 deals with the physical layer characteristics of the communication signal . the repeater / router can be in various states , including a receive - only state and a transmit - only state . the signal is encoded and decoded , and is routed according to the control signals from control , logic , and processing unit 47 . detailed explanation of the repeater / router 44 follows . a node can be stand - alone or integrated into the payload . for example , in the case of personal computer , the node can be housed within the computer enclosure as an add - on card . fig5 a and 5 b describe the various repeater / router functions by means of the possible states of a repeater / router during normal operation . as shown in fig5 a , repeater / router 44 contains two units connected in series . a line receiver 44 b decodes the communication signal in the line into a digital signal which is fed to receiver 46 for analyzing the data - link and higher osi layers . the digital signal is then fed to a line driver 44 a which encodes the communication signal again . the pair consisting of line receiver 44 b and line driver 44 a thus form a communication signal repeater which performs a transparent routing of the communication signal from ‘ left ’ to ‘ right ’. the delay between input and output is negligible , in the order of nano - seconds or micro - seconds . similarly , fig5 b allows for a routing from ‘ right ’ to ‘ left ’. the direction of repeater / router 44 is controlled by control , logic , and processing unit 47 , via control lines ( omitted for clarity from fig5 ). whereas fig5 a and 5 b describe a node which does not generate any data ( but only receives and transfers the data in the network ), fig5 c and 5 d illustrate nodes in the transmitting state . in both cases , the node transmits data to both the right and left connections via the respective line coupler . in fig5 c , two line drivers 44 a are used , one for each direction . in fig5 d , a single line driver 44 a is used , driving both directions from a single unit . both embodiments can be used interchangeably . in most cases , the line driver and line coupler characteristics will be the basis for selecting one configuration in preference over the other . for example , if the line driver is capable of driving a single line only , the configuration of fig5 c should be used . fig6 shows a network 60 according to the present invention . electrically - conducting communication media of lines 61 a , 61 b , 61 c , and 61 d are used to interconnect the nodes . at least two conductors are used in the communication media . for example , coaxial cables or copper twisted - pairs may be used . for clarity only , the figures herein illustrate the use of a single twisted - pair in non - limiting examples . nodes 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 and 66 are all the based on node 40 as described previously . nodes 62 , 65 , and 66 are in ‘ right to left ’ state as illustrated in fig5 b , whereas node 64 is in ‘ left to right ’ state as illustrated in fig5 a . node 63 is the data generating node as in fig5 c and 5 d . the network in fig6 shows one possible state of the network , wherein node 63 is the data - generating node , while all other nodes serve as receivers and repeaters , receiving the data and re - transmitting the data to the next sequential node . in order to support dynamic reconfiguration , nodes can simultaneously have more than one operational mode . in a non - limiting fashion , a node can have : a data - generating operational mode , wherein a node functions as a source of data , and transmits this data to other nodes ; a receiving operational mode , wherein the node receives data from another node ; and a repeating operational mode , wherein the node functions as a repeater of data received from one given node by re - transmitting this data to another given node . while the network is functioning , the current operational mode of a node is selectable from the available operational modes . some operational modes may be mutually exclusive , while others may be selected simultaneously . for example , the data - generating operational mode is exclusive of the repeating operational mode , whereas the receiving operational mode may be selected at the same time as the repeating operational mode . in most applications , more than one node can serve as a data - generating node at different times . in such a case , the network states will be changed as a function of time according to predetermined logic and control , in order to allow each data generating node an opportunity to transmit . however , no more than a single node can serve as data - generating node at a time . while a node is serving as data - generating node , all other nodes states are accordingly set to be repeaters and / or receivers , to allow for data distribution along the network . nodes located ‘ left ’ of the data generating node will be in a ‘ right to left ’ state , while nodes located ‘ right ’ of the data - generating node will be in a ‘ left to right ’ state . it should be clear that , whereas the nodes at the network ends , the ‘ left - most ’ node 62 and the ‘ right - most ’ node 64 could use the same structure as shown in fig4 ( and can be implemented in the same way as all other nodes in the network ), the end nodes utilize only single line connection . thus , these end nodes can be implemented using a single line coupler and single line driver . it should also be clear that one or more of the nodes in the network need not be connected to a payload , as is illustrated for node 65 in fig6 . this may be the case where the attenuation in the line is too high ( e . g . a line is too long ), and a node serves mainly as a repeater . in such a case , payload interface 48 would not be required . fig6 illustrates a network wherein each node is locally powered by a local power source 52 , which supplies electrical power for operating the components of the network . alternatively , the network communication media can be used for power distribution . in one embodiment of the present invention , the power is distributed via dedicated lines , such as by the use of two additional wires within the same cable . in a preferred embodiment , the same wires can be used for both data communication and power distribution . the latter configuration is described in co - pending u . s . patent application ser . no . 09 / 141 , 321 , filed by the present inventor on aug . 27 , 1998 , which is applicable to the network discussed herein and incorporated by reference . fig8 illustrates such a network , allowing for single power - supply to be used for powering the whole network . when the same wires are used for both communication and power , the node 40 should be modified to include a power / data combiner / splitter 71 as shown in fig7 . a node 70 is shown with two power / data combiner / splitters 71 coupled to line couplers 42 and 43 . a node such as node 70 can receive power from either the left or the right sides or from both sides , and carry the power to the non - powered side . being powered from the network , no power source interface will be usually supported for such a configuration . the power source feeding the network can connect thereto via dedicated couplers or via one or more of the nodes , modified to support such capability . while the foregoing description applies the present invention to a linear topology , the present invention can also be implemented using a circular topology for ‘ ring ’ type networks . in one embodiment , both ends of the network are connected to a node which is configured to receive from both sides , hence including two receivers . however , fig8 shows a preferred embodiment of a network 80 . in network 80 , all nodes except the data - generating node are configured to the transparent repeater state , either uniformly ‘ right - to - left ’ or uniformly ‘ left - to - right ’. a node 90 in the data - generating state is modified as illustrated in fig9 a and 9 b . node 90 can transmit to one side and receive from the other . in fig9 a node 90 can transmit to the left side and receive from the right side . similarly , in fig9 b node 90 can transmit to the right side and receive from the left side . either state can be used in circular topology . in fig8 , node 90 is in the state shown in fig9 a . alternatively , node 90 can be in the state shown in fig9 b . all other nodes of fig8 are configured in the ‘ right - to - left ’ direction . in both cases , the data - generating node 90 transmits to one side and receives from the other . the receiving functionality of node 90 can be used for monitoring the network , to insure that the data path is available and is error - free . however , this receiver functionality is an option only , and does not have to be implemented . for compactness , fig8 demonstrates both the power feeding via the network and the circular topology together , but these features are independent and may be implemented separately . as described above , the operation of the network ( either bus or circular topology ) switches from state to state . each state is characterized by having a specific node functioning as data - generating node at a time , while all other nodes serve as repeaters and receivers , routing the data coming from the data - generating node . hence , there is a need for a network controller to determine which node in the network will be the data - generating node . various techniques can be used to implement such a network controller . the network controller can select nodes sequentially , by means of token passing from node to node ( similar to that of the token - ring network ). the network controller can be external to the network , using dedicated communication media . preferably , the network controller will be embedded and will manage the network states via signals transported by the network itself . in most cases , each node should be allocated an address , enabling data routing in the network from arbitrary node to arbitrary node . another popular method of network discipline is ‘ master / slave ’ operation . in another embodiment of the present invention , one of the nodes will be designated as the master node . in the initial state , this node serves as the data - generating node , and while in this state directs other nodes to transmit . during the following state the selected node will serve as the data - generating node . this two - state sequence will be repeated , with a different node selected to be the data - generating node in each subsequent cycle , according to predetermined logic or under external control . the network taught by u . s . pat . no . 5 , 841 , 360 to the present inventor , herein referred to as the “ psic network ”, employs multiple communication links , independent of each other . such a network supports several features which are not available in the previously - described network , such as automatic addressing , fault localization , and circular topology redundancy in the case of single failure . in order to exploit the benefits of both these network types it is possible to construct a network which supports both disciplines , and can be controlled to be either in one discipline or in the other . for example , the network may start as psic network . during this start - up period , automatic addressing and fault localization will be performed . thereafter , the network may configure itself to work according to this application or may use time - sharing and alternately switch between both configurations . fig1 shows a schematic view of a node 100 which is capable of both roles . the state of node 100 is determined by switches 101 , 104 , 102 , and 103 , designated sw 1 , sw 2 , sw 3 and sw 4 respectively . these switches are controlled by control , logic , and processing unit 47 . node 100 employs transmitters 45 a and 45 b , as well as receivers 46 a and 46 b . line driver 44 a serves the right port , while line driver 44 a 1 serves the left connection . similarly , line receivers 44 b and 44 b 1 are connected to the right and left interfaces respectively . fig1 lists the various possible node states for node 100 ( fig1 ). the states in fig1 are given in a node state column , and the switch settings are given in sw 1 , sw 2 , sw 3 , and sw 4 columns . in a ‘ right - to - left ’ state , data received in the right port is handled by line receiver 44 b and fed to line receiver 46 b . simultaneously , the received data is fed to line driver 44 a 1 , which transmits to the left side . thus , the functionality shown in fig5 b is obtained . in a similar way , the ‘ left - to - right ’ state is implemented to achieve a functionality as shown in fig5 a . in the latter case , line receiver 46 a is the active one . in the ‘ transmit both sides ’ state , transmitter 45 a transmits to both ports using line drivers 44 a and 44 a 1 , implementing the functionality shown in fig5 c . in the ‘ receive both sides ’ state , each receiver is connected to single line coupler , and no line driver is activated . this is expected to be the state when the network is idle or as an interim state while switching between states , in order to avoid data collisions caused by two or more transmitters active over the same link . the ‘ transmit right receive left ’ state reflects the state shown in fig9 b . similarly , the ‘ transmit left receive right ’ state reflects the functionality shown in fig9 a . in the ‘ transmit / receive both sides ’ state , the node can receive and transmit in both interfaces simultaneously , thus implementing the full psic network functionality . whereas the foregoing discussion describes a node having two line couplers ( which may be reduced to single interface in the case of an end - unit in a network employing ‘ bus ’ topology ), it is obvious that three or more such interfaces could also be used . in such a case , at least one additional repeater / router must be added for each additional interface . for example , fig1 illustrates a node 110 having three interfaces , where an additional interface is designated as ‘ up ’, and uses a line coupler 112 for interfacing to a line 111 . in order to support the interconnection between all three ports , three repeater / router units 44 are used , each constructed as described previously and suitable for connecting two ports . in some applications , where the connectivity requirements can be reduced , any two out of the three ports may be used . similarly , additional interfaces can be used . furthermore , a network can employ nodes of different interface capacities , which can be freely connected to construct a network of arbitrary topology . in all cases , the basic rule that each communication link connect only two nodes must be observed . furthermore , the network logic embedded in the nodes has to insure that no more than a single node generates data , while all others must be in the transparent repeater / router state , directed from the data - generating node . implementing any of the above schemes is straightforward for anyone skilled in the art . in one embodiment , rs - 485 ( eia - 485 ) is employed for the physical layer . in such a case , line driver 44 a and line receiver 44 b are directly implemented using a common rs - 485 line driver or line receiver , respectively . similarly , the switches illustrated in fig1 can be implemented using manually - activated switches , relays , analog switches , or digital switches / multiplexers . except in the case of manual switches , switching is controlled electronically . repeaters and regenerators are known in both prior - art wan ( wide area network ) and lan ( local area network ) systems , mainly for the purpose of allowing operation over lengthy connections . however , there are major differences between those networks and the present invention . first , most prior - art repeaters employ single input and single output . the present invention allows for multiple ports . second , prior - art repeaters are unidirectional , while the present invention is not restricted to a specific direction of data flow . additionally , the present invention requires a control mechanism ( a network controller ) for determining the data flow direction , whereas prior - art systems , being unidirectional , do not require such control . in most prior - art networks , units in the network can be clearly defined as either payload - associated units or dedicated repeaters . such a distinction is not valid when implementing a network according to the present invention , since each payload - associated unit in the network also includes the repeater functionality . although a network according to the present invention , when configured in circular topology , can be superficially similar to a token - ring network , there are major differences between them . in a token - ring network , there is a single constant direction of data flow . the present invention does not impose single direction of data flow , but the flow may change as part of the network operation . in addition , in token - ring networks the data - generating unit is sequentially allocated according to the network topology . in the present invention , the data - generating node need not be chosen according to any specific rule , although sequential selection of the data - generating node is possible . while the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments , it will be appreciated that many variations , modifications and other applications of the invention may be made .	7
fig1 illustrates a detail from a memory circuit according to the invention . the memory circuit has a memory cell array 1 , in which memory cells 2 are arranged at word lines wl and bit line pairs blp . the memory cells 2 are arranged in such a way that a memory cell 2 is in each case arranged only at crossover points between word lines wl and one of the bit lines bl of a bit line pair blp . the memory cells 2 in each case have a memory transistor t and a storage capacitance c . the information of the memory cell 2 is stored as charge information in the storage capacitance c with respect to a center potential applied to the storage capacitance . the storage capacitance c can be connected to one of the bit lines bl of the bit line pair blp via the memory transistor t . the memory transistor t is connected to the corresponding word line by its control input . upon the activation of the word line wl , i . e . upon a transition from a low potential to a high potential on the word line wl , the memory transistor t is switched to the on state , so that the storage capacitance c is connected to the bit line bl . the charge stored in the storage capacitance c flows onto the relevant bit line bl and brings about a charge difference between the two bit lines bl of the bit line pair blp . the activation of the word lines wl is carried out by a word line decoder 3 , which decodes a word line address and activates one of the word lines wl in accordance with the word line address in order thus to address the memory cell at the bit line pair blp . the word line wl is activated each time the memory cell 2 is read from and written to . each bit line pair blp is connected to a sense amplifier 4 , which , after the activation of the memory cell 2 to be read , amplifies the charge difference existing on the bit lines bl . the sense amplifier 4 is configured in such a way as to pull the bit line bl which exhibits the higher potential of the two bit line potentials in the direction of a high charge potential and to pull the potential of the bit line bl which exhibits the lower of the two bit line potentials to a lower charge potential . this increases the charge difference on the two bit lines bl of the bit line pair blp . the word line wl remains activated until the amplification operation is essentially concluded , so that the charge of the storage capacitance c , which is initially lost on account of flow away onto the corresponding bit line , is charged to the corresponding charge potential again in the course of the amplification by the sense amplifier 4 . only then is the word line wl deactivated , so that the charge information , which has then been written back to the memory cell 2 , is preserved . at the same time , the sense amplifier 4 outputs the potential difference on two data lines 5 , so that the datum corresponding to the charge information of the memory cell read can be output externally via a data bus . once the addressed word line wl has been deactivated and the information read out has been read out via the data lines 5 , the bit lines bl of the bit line pair blp have to be returned to a common center potential in order subsequently to enable an evaluation of the same or of a next memory cell 2 at the bit line pair blp . in this case , the center potential must lie within a potential range in which the sense amplifier 4 can optimally detect a small charge difference on the two bit lines bl and can amplify it in a positive and negative direction . therefore , the charge difference in the range of the center potential should be able to be amplified to a sufficient magnitude both in the direction of a lower voltage potential and in the direction of a higher voltage potential . the high and low charge potentials for the sense amplifier 4 are provided by a control circuit 6 , which , for this purpose , is connected to the sense amplifier 4 via a first potential line 7 for the low charge potential and a second potential line 8 for the high charge potential . a ground potential is preferably supplied as the low charge potential via the first potential line 7 . once the charge information has been written to the storage capacitance c after a read - out operation or a write operation , the storage capacitance loses charge through leakage currents . the leakage currents have the effect that the charge of the storage capacitance c approaches the center potential , so that less charge can flow onto the relevant bit line when the memory transistor is activated . below a specific threshold value of the potential difference between the bit lines of the bit line pair , the sense amplifier 4 cannot then detect and reliably amplify the excessively small charge difference on the bit lines bl . particularly if a positive charge is stored in the storage capacitance c , which pulls the connected bit line bl to a higher potential , the leakage currents are particularly large in contrast to a storage capacitance c which has stored a negative charge ( with respect to the center potential ) which pulls the bit line in the direction of a lower charge potential . before the charge of the storage capacitance c therefore falls below a specific threshold value , it is therefore necessary to refresh the charge information in the memory cell 2 . during the refresh , in the same way as during a read - out or write operation , the word line wl connected to the memory cell 2 is activated . this has the effect that the residual charge in the storage capacitance c flows onto the connected bit line bl and the sense amplifier 4 pulls apart the charge potentials of the bit lines bl of the bit line pair blp . that is to say that , usually , one of the potentials is pulled to a low charge potential and the potential of the respective other bit line is pulled to a high charge potential . the low and the high charge potential are prescribed for the sense amplifier 4 by the control circuit 6 . the memory cells 2 are refreshed at periodic time intervals in which one word line wl after the other is activated in order to refresh the memory cells 2 situated thereon . the word line decoder 3 and also other peripheral circuits ( not shown ) are driven during the refresh with the corresponding refresh frequency resulting from the refresh period . this brings about , in the word line decoder 3 and the other peripheral circuits , a current consumption which is essentially dependent on the refresh frequency . it is an aim of this invention to reduce the refresh frequency , so that it is possible to reduce the current consumption of the memory circuit . this is achieved in that , during the refresh of the memory cells 2 , the sense amplifier 4 is supplied with a low refresh potential and a high refresh potential via the first and second potential lines 7 , 8 . the high refresh potential , in particular , is greater than the high charge potential since a positive charge , in particular , in the storage capacitances is subject to higher leakage currents than a negatively stored charge in the storage capacitances c . the low refresh potential preferably essentially corresponds to the low charge potential , so that it is not necessary to provide a potential source for providing a separate low refresh potential . for this reason , the memory circuit 6 has a first potential source 9 and a second potential source 10 . the first potential source 9 supplies the high charge potential with which the sense amplifier 4 is supplied if a charge information item is intended to be read out from a memory cell 2 . if no charge information is intended to be read out , rather only the contents of the memory cells situated at the bit line pair are refreshed , then the second potential source 10 is connected to the second potential line 8 in order to make the high refresh potential available to the sense amplifier 4 . a changeover switch 11 is arranged between the second potential line 8 and the first and second potential sources 9 , 10 , which changeover switch changes over between a read / write mode and a refresh mode in accordance with a control signal from a refresh circuit 13 . during the read / write mode , the high charge potential present at the sense amplifier 4 is upwardly limited by the fact that a fast access time to the memory cells is intended to be possible . the larger than charge difference into which the sense amplifier amplifies the potentials of the bit lines bl , the longer the time needed for the charge potentials of the bit line to be equalized to a common center potential again . this restricts the rapidity with which a memory cell can be accessed after a previous access to a memory cell at the same bit line . for this reason , in present - day customary memory circuits , the high charge potential is limited to approximately 1 . 8 volts . since the access time is essentially unimportant during the refresh operation , it is desirable in the refresh mode to increase the charges stored in the storage capacitance c with respect to the charge that is normally stored in the read / write mode , and in doing so to accept that the equalization of the charge potential on the bit lines bl will thereby be lengthened . this is not critical since it is possible to lengthen the time period between the periodic refreshing , thereby also lengthening the time duration between the activation of the individual word lines . the refresh circuit 13 is activated in accordance with an externally prescribed refresh command and is connected to the word line decoder 3 in order to prescribe refresh addresses , in accordance with the word line wl , at which memory cells 2 are intended to be activated for refreshing . the control unit 6 furthermore controls an equalization transistor 12 , which is connected between the bit lines of each bit line pair blp and connects the bit lines to one another in accordance with an equalization signal , thereby equalizing the charges on the bit lines . as a result , a center voltage vbleq is generally assumed , which is in the center between the bit line having the higher charge potential and the bit line having the lower charge potential . fig2 illustrates a timing diagram indicating the temporal signal profiles between the word line activation signal and the potentials on the bit lines of the bit line pair . it can be seen that , after the activation of the word line wl , i . e . the word line wl is set from a low potential to a high potential , the memory transistor t connected to the corresponding bit line pair blp is activated , so that the potential of the bit line bl to which the memory cell 2 is connected rises given a correspondingly high charge of the storage capacitance with respect to the center potential vbleq , while the potential of the complementary bit line / bl with respect thereto remains unchanged at the center potential . at an instant t a , the sense amplifier 4 begins to amplify the detected charge difference and pulls the bit line having the lower charge potential , i . e . the bit line at which the memory cell is not arranged , in the direction of a low charge potential , e . g . the ground potential , and the bit line at which the higher charge potential is present in the direction of the high charge potential v blh . the word line remains activated until the charge potentials on both bit lines have essentially reached the desired value prescribed by the bit line of the sense amplifiers 4 , so that the potential is written back in the form of a charge to the storage capacitance c . as soon as the word line is deactivated , the charge information stored in the storage capacitance is maintained , independently of the fact that the potentials of the bit lines are equalized again after deactivation . the equalization is effected with the aid of the equalization transistor 12 ( see fig1 ) driven by the control circuit 6 . the time duration until deactivation of the word lines is called t ras and the time duration between deactivation of the word line and the reaching of the center potential of the two word lines is called t rp . fig3 illustrates the word line activation signal and the charge potentials of the bit lines bl of the bit line pair blp during the refresh operation in accordance with the method according to the invention . fig3 illustrates the signal profiles of word line activation signal and charge potentials on the bit lines for a customary memory module in a dashed manner . the dashed illustration essentially corresponds to the signal profile according to fig2 . as a result of the high charge potential being increased to the high refresh potential by a difference voltage value δv , first of all the center potential vbleq changes , which is assumed upon activation of the equalization transistor 12 on the bit lines bl . proceeding from there , the charge information of the storage capacitance c is applied to the bit line and the sense amplifier 4 is subsequently activated , i . e . at the instant t a , so that the potential of the bit line with the higher charge potential is pulled to the high read - out potential and the potential of the bit line with the lower charge potential is pulled to the low read - out potential , which corresponds to the low charge potential in the example shown . the deactivation of the word line wl essentially ends the process of writing the charge information back to the storage capacitance c . this can be effected as soon as the high or the low refresh potential has been reached on the bit line . however , it can also already be effected before the high refresh potential is reached and after the instantaneous potential on the bit line exceeds the high charge potential . as a result of the high refresh potential , the gradient of the voltage profiles on the bit lines is essentially higher , so that the high charge potential is reached or exceeded in a shorter time . this furthermore makes it possible to shorten the activation time of the word line activation signal and thus to reduce the time duration in which leakage currents flow away from the word line during the activation duration ( by a time labeled as δx ). this , too , enables a contribution to be made to reducing the current consumption of the memory circuit . fig4 illustrates how the retention time t ref , which is the time duration during which the charge information of the memory cell — given a storage charge greater than the center voltage — can be read out reliably and without any errors or can be refreshed reliably and without any errors , depends on the high charge potential or on the high refresh potential . it can be seen that the increase in the high refresh potential with respect to the high charge potential v blh results in a not insignificant increase in the retention time by δt , during which the charge information of the memory cell is maintained . the cause of the increase in the time duration t ref is that the bit line potential resulting from the minimal potential difference between the bit lines after the memory cell has been connected onto one of the bit lines is undershot only after a longer time duration . an increase in the charge potential of the memory cell thus leads to a lengthening of the retention time t ref by a difference time δt . what is essential in the case of embodiments of the invention is to increase the distance between the center voltage v bleq and the high refresh potential , thereby increasing the voltage range by which the charge potential of the storage capacitance is permitted to decay . for one embodiment , this is made possible by virtue of the high charge potential being increased to a high refresh potential during the refresh . the center voltage v bleq likewise being increased as in the circuit diagram illustrated in fig1 , essentially results from the equalization of the high charge potential and the low charge potential . as a result , the voltage difference by which the charge potential of the memory cell is permitted to decay more is increased by about half the difference between the high refresh potential and the high charge potential . fig5 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention . in this embodiment , the center potential is not reached by means of an equalization transistor 12 by equalization of the charge potentials of the bit lines after deactivation of the corresponding word line , but rather the center potential is prescribed by a fixed potential source . this is essentially effected by means of two further equalization transistors 14 , the control terminals of which are connected to the control unit 6 , and the two further equalization transistors 14 are thus simultaneously activated or turned off in accordance with a corresponding control signal . the further equalization transistors 14 are connected in series , with a center potential from a third potential source 15 being applied between the transistors 14 . the third potential source 15 provides a center potential to which the bit lines of each bit line pair are charged in the read / write mode after deactivation of the word line . a fourth potential source 16 is provided , which can be connected to the further equalization transistors 14 in the same way as the third potential source 15 via a further change switch 17 . the fourth potential source 16 provides an equalization center potential , which is less than the center potential provided by the third potential source 15 . the further changeover switch 17 is connected in under the control of the refresh circuit 13 such that , during the refresh , the bit lines are charged to the reduced refresh center potential as soon as the respective word line wl has been deactivated . it is also possible , in accordance with a further embodiment , to increase the high refresh potential with respect to the high charge potential , but to keep the center potential at the same potential level both during the read / write operation and during the refresh operation . this likewise makes it possible to increase the voltage range over which the charge potential of the storage capacitance c is permitted to decay during the refresh operation . in either case , what is involved is essentially a mater of increasing the potential range in which the memory cell can still be read correctly during the refresh . while the current consumption for charge reversal of the bit lines may be increased by virtue of an increased high refresh potential , this increased current consumption is compensated for again by the lengthened refresh period and thus fewer refresh accesses per unit time . therefore , one potential advantage of the method for refreshing the memory cell resides in the saving of current in peripheral circuits which drive the memory cell array 1 . a typical current distribution in the case of a conventional memory module with and without the refresh method according to the invention is specified in the following table 1 : the values specified relate to a memory circuit in which the high charge potential would be increased by 0 . 1 volt . in the example shown , this leads to a lengthening of the refresh period by 10 % and thus results in a reduction of the overall current saving of approximately 4 %. when changing between read / write operation and refresh operation , the refresh period is permitted to be lengthened in accordance with the increased refresh voltage only when the high refresh potential has been written at least once to all the memory cells which are intended to be refreshed . in particular , it is advantageous to carry out the method according to the invention during a self - refresh mode . during the self - refresh mode , the control of the refresh operation is performed by the memory circuit , in particular by the refresh circuit 13 , and is not prescribed externally . in order to control the self - refresh mode , a start signal and a stop signal are sent from a control circuit to the memory module , with no other instructions being sent to the memory module between the start signal and the stop signal . if , in the self - refresh mode , a refresh is executed during the time - critical ending of the refresh mode , then a conventional refresh operation with the customary timings may be executed in order to avoid timing conflicts resulting therefrom . while the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention , other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof , and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow .	6
fig1 shows a temperature - conditioning unit 10 ( e . g ., a ptac unit ) that includes a blower 12 and a heat exchanger 14 for heating , cooling and / or ventilating a comfort zone 16 , such as a room or other area in a building . a control system 18 , shown in fig2 , controls the operation of unit 10 . control system 18 includes a first controller 20 installed in unit 10 , and a second controller 22 installed in a remote thermostat 24 . a pair of wires 30 , comprising a first wire 30 a and a second wire 30 b , conveys dc electrical power and digital communication signals between controllers 20 and 22 . first controller 20 provides one or more control functions that may include , but are not necessarily limited to , energizing blower 12 , energizing a compressor or valves associated with heat exchanger 14 , receiving a feedback signal 26 from thermostat 24 , transmitting an output signal 28 to thermostat 24 , and receiving various input signals 32 from temperature sensors , pressure sensors , manual input switches , etc . that are installed in the general vicinity of unit 10 . feedback signal 26 received from thermostat 24 via wires 30 may include , but is not limited to , temperature set points , room temperature reading , system parameters , and various other inputs 34 . output signal 28 transmitted from controller 20 to thermostat 24 via wires 30 may include , but is not limited to , temperature set points , outdoor air temperature reading , temperature reading of supply air 36 , temperature reading of return air 38 , system faults and error messages , and system parameters . second controller 22 provides one or more control functions that may include , but are not necessarily limited to , receiving output signal 28 from first controller 20 , transmitting feedback signal 26 to controller 20 , receiving various input signals 34 from temperature sensors , pressure sensors , manual input switches , etc . that are installed in the general vicinity of thermostat 24 . second controller 22 can also provide an output signal 40 that can be used for controlling a visual display 42 on thermostat 24 . display 42 can indicate various conditions occurring at unit 10 and / or thermostat 24 . examples of such conditions include , but are not limited to , the temperature of return air 38 , the temperature of supply air 36 , a setpoint temperature , a diagnostic message 44 pertaining to unit 10 , the room temperature in the vicinity of thermostat 24 , setup parameters of unit 10 , etc . a power supply line 46 of the building can supply electrical power to unit 10 and its controller 20 . wires 30 convey some of that electrical power to energize thermostat 24 and its controller 22 , thus wires 30 convey both communication and electrical power , but not at the same time . fig2 shows wire 30 a connecting a first terminal - a 48 on first controller 20 to a second terminal - a 50 on second controller 22 . wire 30 b is shown connecting a first terminal - b 52 on first controller 20 to a second terminal - b 54 on second controller 22 . wires 30 a and 30 b , however , can be crossed without creating a problem for the conveyance of communication signals or electrical power . wire 30 a , for instance could be installed to connect first terminal - a 48 to second terminal - b 54 , and wire 30 b could connect first terminal - a 52 to second terminal - a 50 . this feature helps ensure that controllers 20 and 22 are properly connected regardless of how wires 30 a and 30 b are installed . to ensure reliable communication between controllers 20 and 22 , control system 18 employs a current loop circuit that is inherently noise immune and tolerant of wire impedance . to avoid signal interference , control system 18 selectively operates in three distinct modes : a power mode for conveying electrical power along wires 30 , an output mode for conveying output signal 28 , and a feedback mode for conveying feedback signal 26 . electrical power , output signal 28 and feedback signal 26 are each conveyed independently of the others . in a currently preferred embodiment , first controller 20 includes a conventional microprocessor 56 that determines which operating mode is in effect , and second controller 22 includes another conventional microprocessor 58 that responds accordingly . in addition to microprocessor 56 , first controller 20 includes a current source circuit 60 , a current interrupter 62 , and a signal converter 64 . a conventional voltage regulator provides 12 - vdc at a point 66 , and 5 - vdc at points 68 and 70 . in this particular example , circuit 60 can deliver about 15 ma of current to first terminal - a 48 . during the power mode , wires 30 convey that current to power second controller 22 . that current is also used for charging an energy storage circuit 72 that powers second controller 22 while the current from circuit 60 is interrupted during the output mode or feedback mode . in the output mode , current interrupter 62 responds to an output signal 28 ′ from microprocessor 56 to controllably interrupt the current through wires 30 , whereby wires 30 can transmit data ( corresponding to output signal 28 ′) in a standard asynchronous , 19 , 200 - baud method . the “ start ” and “ 0 ” valued bits can be defined as current generally less than 7 ma . the “ stop ” and “ 1 ” valued bits can be defined as current generally greater than 7 ma . signal converter 64 senses the current level and converts it to standard logic levels . second controller 22 includes microprocessor 58 , energy storage circuit 72 , a current limiter 74 , a current interrupter 76 , and a signal converter 78 . in this example , energy storage circuit 72 includes a conventional voltage regulator 80 operating in conjunction with one or more power storage capacitors 82 and 84 ( e . g ., 220 uf each ). voltage regulator 80 has a voltage input 86 , a regulated dc voltage output 88 ( e . g ., 3 . 3 vdc ), on / off switch input 90 and a ground 92 . if desired , additional capacitors ( e . g ., 0 . 1 uf ) can be added to drain high frequency noise and voltage transients from point 88 to point 92 . as explainer earlier , energy storage circuit 72 is charged during the power mode by at least some of the 15 ma from current source 60 , the stored power can then be used for powering second controller 22 ( including microprocessor 58 ) during the output mode and feedback mode . as wires 30 convey current from controller 20 to controller 22 , current limiter 74 and zener diode 94 help regulate that current at about 15 ma . to guard against voltage spikes , transient voltage suppression diodes 96 and 98 can be installed between wires 30 a and 30 b . second controller 22 includes a full wave bridge rectifier 100 that allows the communication and power link between controllers 20 and 22 to be insensitive to the wiring polarity of wires 30 . in response to feedback signal 26 ′, current interrupter 76 interrupts the current in wires 30 in order to communicate feedback signal 26 to first controller 20 . the “ start ” and “ 0 ” valued bits can be defined as current less than 7 ma . the “ stop ” and “ 1 ” valued bits can be defined as current greater than 7 ma . signal converter 78 detects the presence and absence of current as a serial data stream and converts it to the logic levels required by the remote thermostat &# 39 ; s controller 22 . although the actual circuit of control system 18 may vary , in a currently preferred embodiment , system 18 includes resistors r 1 - r 18 . resistors r 1 and r 2 are 100 - ohms , resistors r 3 and r 4 are 47 . 5 - ohms , and resistors r 5 - r 18 are each 11 kilo - ohms . fig3 provides more detail as to what is actually occurring with individual elements of control system 18 selectively operating in the power mode , output mode and feedback mode . with the exception of transistors q 6 and q 9 , which are used for limiting the current to 15 ma , the other transistors q 1 - q 5 , q 7 , q 8 , and q 10 - q 12 are used as switching transistors generally operating in a binary on / off state . in the chart of fig3 , “ on - off ” indicates a transistor that changes from being on ( saturated ) to off with every pulse of signal 26 ′ or 28 ′, and “ off - on ” indicates a transistor that changes from being off to on with every pulse of signal 26 ′ or 28 ′. in that same chart , “ hi ” and “ lo ” represent relative high and low voltage , respectively . “ hi - lo ” indicates a voltage drop with every pulse of signal 26 ′ or 28 ′, and “ lo - hi ” indicates an increase in voltage with every pulse of signal 26 ′ or 28 ′. in the power mode , microprocessor 56 does not provide any pulsed signal at a main transmit point 102 , and microprocessor 58 does not provide any pulsed signal at a remote transmit point 104 , thus a remote receive point 106 and a main receive point 108 remain at a generally constant level of “ hi ,” whereby generally no communication occurs between controllers 20 and 22 . in the power mode , first terminal - a 48 remains relatively “ hi ” to charge energy storage circuit 72 . in the output mode , output signal 28 ′ is communicated from main transmit point 102 of microprocessor 56 to remote receive point 106 on microprocessor 58 . at point 106 , output signal 28 ′ is read as output signal 28 ″. in the output mode , the chart of fig3 shows that remote receive point 106 goes from “ hi ” to “ lo ” with every “ hi - lo ” pulse of main transmit point 102 . the pulsed information of output signal 28 , 28 ′ or 28 ″ can represent temperature set points , outdoor air temperature reading , temperature reading of supply air 36 , temperature reading of return air 38 , system faults and error messages , and system parameters . the pulsed information of output signal 28 , 28 ′ or 28 ″ can also be a means for providing second microprocessor 58 with permission to transmit feedback signal 26 ′. in the feedback mode , feedback signal 26 ′ is communicated from remote transmit point 104 of microprocessor 58 to main receive point 108 on microprocessor 56 . at point 108 , feedback signal 26 ′ is read as feedback signal 26 ″. in the feedback mode , the chart of fig3 shows that main receive point 108 goes from “ hi ” to “ lo ” with every “ lo - hi ” pulse of remote transmit point 104 . although pulses 26 ′ and 26 ″ are 180 - degrees out of phase , the feedback information is conveyed nonetheless . in some embodiments , the electrical power conveyed by wires 30 has a dc voltage amplitude that is substantially equal to that of communication signals 26 and 28 . although the invention is described with respect to a preferred embodiment , modifications thereto will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art . control system 18 , for instance , does not necessarily have to be used for controlling a ptac unit , but could be applied to any type of hvac equipment . therefore , the scope of the invention is to be determined by reference to the following claims .	5
referring to fig1 and 3 , air conveyors 10 , 10 &# 39 ; in accordance with the invention are generally shown . air conveyor 10 comprises a deck plate 12 , 12 &# 39 ;; a plenum chamber 14 ; and a plurality of article conveying apertures 16 , and a plurality of protuberances 18 formed in and extending from deck plate 12 . deck plate 12 , 12 &# 39 ; forms one side of plenum chamber 14 . pressurized air within plenum chamber 14 may be directed , as indicated by arrows 20 , toward articles 22 ( fig2 and 5 ) to transport them atop deck plate 12 generally along a transport path in the direction of arrow 24 ( fig1 only ). pressurized air may be provided to chamber 14 by a blower or the like ( not shown in any figure ). plenum chamber 14 may conveniently be constructed from deck plate 12 , 12 &# 39 ; and a lower wall 26 formed to define the desired chamber area . appropriately shaped end walls ( not shown in any figure ) are preferably also provided to enclose plenum chamber 14 . brackets 28 including guide rails 32 are mounted adjacent transport surface 30 , 30 &# 39 ; on deck plate 12 , 12 &# 39 ;. also connected to brackets 28 above guide rails 32 are arms 34 for receiving hold down plate 36 . hold down plate 36 aids in preventing articles 22 from tipping over on deck plate 12 , 12 &# 39 ;. preferably , hold down plate 36 is provided with holes 38 permitting air exiting plenum chamber 14 to convey articles 22 in the direction of the conveyor path substantially uniformly across deck plate 12 , 12 &# 39 ;. preferably , article conveying apertures 16 are disposed in deck plate 12 , 12 &# 39 ; in a plurality of conveying rows 40 . most preferably , conveying rows 40 are aligned substantially along the transport path . apertures 16 are preferably substantially all spaced apart a distance x from each other within each of conveying rows 40 . similarly , protuberances 18 are preferably arranged on deck plate 12 , 12 &# 39 ; in a plurality of protuberance rows 42 . most preferably , protuberance rows 42 are aligned substantially along the transport path . protuberances 18 , however , are preferably substantially all spaced apart a distance of about one half times x from each other within each of protuberance rows 42 . preferably at least one , and most preferably two , of protuberance rows 42 are arranged between adjacent ones of conveying aperture rows 40 . preferably also , at least one protuberance row 42 is arranged on both sides of every row 40 of conveying apertures 16 . preferably , article conveying apertures 16 in each of conveying rows 40 is disposed in deck plate 12 , 12 &# 39 ; offset by a distance of about one half times x along the direction of the transport path from conveying apertures 16 in adjacent conveying rows 40 . preferably , adjacent protuberances 18 in adjacent protuberance rows 42 are arranged along lines 44 aligned substantially perpendicular to the transport path . most preferably , conveying aperture rows 40 and protuberance rows 42 are arranged such that apertures 16 also lie along lines 44 . preferably , adjacent protuberance rows 42 are spaced apart a distance of about one half times x . most preferably , protuberances 18 are arranged in a rectangular grid spaced apart at intervals of about one half times x . the magnitude of x is selected with reference to the area a ( indicated by dashed lines in fig3 ) of the bottom surface 46 of articles 22 . protuberances 18 are preferably spaced apart such that at least three , and most preferably four , protuberances support articles 22 substantially at all times . the combination of conveying apertures 16 and protuberances 18 disclosed in fig1 and 3 permit air conveyors 10 , 10 &# 39 ; more reliably to function in environments where the conveyor may accumulate material forming a residue which increases sliding resistance between the conveyors 10 , 10 &# 39 ; and articles 22 . prior art air conveyors generally have not reliably functioned in such environments because the increased sliding resistance renders them inefficient and eventually useless . such sliding resistance increasing materials may include particulates or liquids , especially viscous or sticky liquids . such materials may be carried on or in articles 22 , or may be deposited on transport surfaces 30 , 30 &# 39 ; by other machinery on line with conveyors 10 , 10 &# 39 ;. referring now to fig5 protuberances 18 extend a distance h from transport surface 30 , 30 &# 39 ; of deck plate 12 , 12 &# 39 ; to support bottom surface 46 of articles 22 out of contact with accumulated residue 50 of sliding resistance increasing material 52 . the magnitude of h will depend upon the amount of material 52 that may accumulate in the particular environment in which conveyor 10 , 10 &# 39 ; operates . preferably as shown in fig1 and 3 , protuberances 18 are substantially hemispherical or round and support lower surfaces 46 of articles 22 in substantially point contacts to reduce the area of contact between deck plate 12 , 12 &# 39 ; and articles 22 . reducing the area of contact between articles 22 and deck plate 12 , 12 &# 39 ; reduces the area over which slide resistance increasing material may contact articles 22 . other shapes , however , are possible for providing the preferred point contacts with bottom surfaces 46 of articles 22 . further , as illustrated in fig4 other shapes such as oblong protuberances 18 &# 39 ; are possible although they do not provide the preferred substantially point contacts with articles 22 . such other shapes , such as oblong protuberances 18 &# 39 ;, however , may still reduce the area of contact between deck plate 12 , 12 &# 39 ; and articles 22 . referring again to fig1 and 2 , deck plate 12 includes a plurality of article lifting apertures 54 . article lifting apertures 54 direct air , as indicated by arrows 56 , outwardly from plenum chamber 14 toward bottom surfaces 46 of articles 22 passing thereover . by &# 34 ; article lifting &# 34 ; is meant that apertures aid in lifting articles 22 . preferably , air exits apertures 54 along a direction substantially perpendicularly to both transport surface 30 and the transport path . referring now to fig2 protuberances 18 extending from transport surface 30 of deck plate 12 define a gap 58 between bottom surface 46 of articles 22 and transport surface 30 of air conveyor 10 . air exiting plenum chamber 14 through article lifting apertures 54 substantially fills gap 58 to form an air cushion 60 . air cushion 60 aids in further reducing friction between articles 20 and deck plate 12 or protuberances 18 . returning again to both fig1 and 2 , article lifting apertures 54 are preferably disposed in deck plate 12 in a plurality of lifting rows 62 . most preferably , lifting rows 62 are aligned substantially along the transport path . preferably , article lifting apertures 54 are spaced apart substantially the distance x in each of lifting rows 62 . preferably , lifting rows 62 are disposed between adjacent conveying rows 40 ; most preferably , lifting rows 62 are disposed between both adjacent conveying rows 40 and protuberance rows 42 . preferably , adjacent lifting rows 62 are spaced apart substantially the distance x . preferably , lifting apertures 54 are also disposed along lines 44 substantially perpendicular to the transport path . most preferably , lifting apertures 54 are disposed in a rectangular grid . preferably , conveying rows 40 and protuberance rows 42 are arranged in groups 64 including a conveying row 40 and a protuberance row 42 on each side of conveying row 40 . a lifting row 62 is preferably disposed between groups 64 . air cushion 60 enables air conveyor 10 to convey relatively heavy articles 22 at a relatively low speed . in prior art air conveyors , relatively heavy articles may generally only be conveyed , if at all by increasing plenum chamber pressure . increased pressure , however , may cause the articles to be conveyed at excessive speeds and thus to be damaged upon accumulation . air cushion 60 aids in lifting articles 22 making them easier to transport on an air conveyor and at lower speeds . for articles 22 such as metal cups containing cutting fluid , protuberances 18 not only prevent the cups from sticking by spilled fluid to deck plate 12 , but also enable the relatively heavy metal cups to be conveyed at a relatively low speed through lifting provided by air cushion 60 . although the invention has been described with reference to particular arrangements of parts , particular features , and the like , these are not intended to exhaust all possible parts arrangements or features , and indeed many other modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art .	1
the invention herein is particularly adaptable to a double - acting stirling cycle hot gas engine of a kind having a plurality of engine cylinders , each receiving a reciprocating piston therein dividing the engine cylinder into an upper chamber containing gas at a high temperature level and a lower chamber containing gas at a low temperature level . each of the pistons have integrally connected thereto one or more pumping pistons , which during operation of the engine , reciprocate in an axial direction . according to the prior art of stirling double - acting piston engines , these pumping pistons extend into an adjacent pumping cylinder provided with two check valves to control gas conduits , one gas conduit leading from the lower chamber of the respective engine cylinder to the pump cylinder , and the other gas conduit operating to assist in the alleviation of gases from the pump cylinder . the pumping pistons , working in the pumping cylinder , together with the appertaining conduits and valves , constitute an arrangement whereby it is possible to vary the quantity of working gas employed in the engine in order to vary the power output of the engine . in an engine of the type described , it is common to connect the conduit leading from the pumping cylinder to a gas storage tank ( reservoir ) and to include a stop valve in said conduit to stop the gas flow as soon as a predetermined pressure is reached in the tank . each pumping piston will be operating on an enclosed volume of gas behaving as a gas spring . several disadvantages result from such an arrangement , among which include the drawback that the piston rings , working in the pumping cylinder , will be exposed to severe stresses whenever the engine is operating , even during periods when the pumping pistons are not pumping fluid to the tank . in addition , the cost and weight related to the use of such pumping cylinders and pumping pistons , are undesirable when making an automotive application of such engine . turning now to fig1 the closed working fluid system 10 of a regenerative stirling engine comprises a plurality of cylinders 11 , 12 , 13 and 14 , each divided respectively by reciprocating pistons 15 , 16 , 17 and 18 into two chambers , spaces or volumes ( see 11a , 11b , 12a , 12b , 13a , 13b , 14a and 14b ). chambers 11a , 12a , 13a and 14a may be considered a hot or high temperature chamber for purposes of expansion and the others 11a , 12b , 13b and 14b may be considered a cold or low temperature chamber for purposes of compression . each of the cold chambers are connected by a first means 19 to an adjacent hot chamber in progressive series . the means 19 includes for each pair of hot and cold chambers a conduit 20 , a cooling mechanism 21 for extracting heat from the closed working gas and a regenerator 22 for storing heat units of the gas passing therethrough or for releasing heat units upon fluid movement in the reversed direction . the fluid in the closed working circuit may preferably be hydrogen maintained at a relatively high mean pressure to present excellent thermal conductivity . the fluid in conduits 20 is heated by an external heating circuit 23 surrounding a substantial portion of each of said conduits 20 , promoting heat transfer to the gases therein and elevating the gas temperature to about 1300 ° f . assembly 5 is a means for deriving work energy from the system 10 , such as mechanical swash plate assembly . due to the separation of each pair of hot and cold chambers by a piston , both ends of the dividing piston act as a work surface , hence the term double - acting piston arrangement . the pistons are all connected to a common mechanical driven means 24 , which assure that the pistons will be operating 90 ° out of phase with the next most leading or trailing piston . in automotive applications , the shaft torque of the engine must be varied over a large range during normal operation of the vehicle . torque control or power control is accomplished by changing the mean cycle pressure of the working gas within the variable volume chambers 11a , 11b , 12a , 12b , 13a , 13b , 14a and 14b . such pressure variations are usually from a pressure minimum of 25 atmospheres to a pressure maximum of over 200 atmospheres . this invention proposes to connect the compression spaces ( cold spaces 11b , 12b , 13b and 14b of adjacent cylinders in a manner which will allow engine compression strokes by way of said pistons 15 , 16 , 17 and 18 to work consecutively to produce a sufficient pressure head to fill a gas reservoir means 25 used in the pressure regulation of the closed working system 10 . the reservoir means 25 contains two separate reservoirs 25a and 25b for additional novel purposes herein ; a novel valve 27 responsive to high and low ranges of the mean pressure in the working system 10 serves to regulate the pressures in the two reservoirs . when the closed working system 10 is substantially filled with high pressure gas , leaving the reservoirs substantially depleted and at their low end of a predetermined pressure range , such as may occur at full throttle for the engine , any change of pressure from this condition must involve transfer of gas from the cylinders to the reservoir . to this end , a first means 26 provides a one - way fluid communication to the reservoirs 25 . means 26 comprises conduits 28 , 29 , 30 and 31 respectively leading from each of the cold chambers and which commonly connect to passage 32 ; to insure one - way communication from the cold chambers , check - valves 33 , 34 , 35 and 36 are interposed respectively in conduits 28 - 31 . the passage 32 will be referred to as the pmax . line , always containing the maximum pressure in the cold chambers except during a transient change of mean pressure during deceleration or acceleration of the vehicle . pmax . is assured by the orientation of said check valves 33 - 36 permitting flow only to the reservoirs . similarly , passage 50 acts as a p min . or minimum chamber pressure line , always containing the minimum pressure in the cold chambers as assured by the opposite orientation of one - way valves 52 - 55 permitting flow only to the cold chambers from the reservoirs by way of a passage or conduit path including 39 or 40 , 57 , 56 , 91 and 95 . valve 27 directs fluid in passage 32 to one of the two reservoirs 25a or 25b . valve 27 comprises a valve housing 37 defining a cylindrical bore 38 in which is slidable a closely fitting spool valve 39 . passage 32 by way of passage 57 connects with a center position of the bore 38 and passages 39 and 40 connect with off - center positions of said bore . passage 39 connects also with the low pressure range reservoir 25a and passage 40 connects with high pressure range reservoir 25b . one end 27a of spool valve 27 receives a high reservoir pressure force from passage 40 via conduit 43 causing the spool to be biased to the left ; the other end 27a is biased to the right by force of a spring 44 and the force of the minimum pressure in the working cylinders via passage 50 and conduit 45 . the minimum pressure results from the one - way communication to the cold chambers provided by conduits 46 , 47 , 48 and 49 commonly connected to passage 50 which in turn connects at 51 to said conduit 45 ; the one - way check valves 52 , 53 , 54 and 55 insure fluid flow only into said cylinders causing the pressure in passage 50 to be at about the minimum cycle pressure for the system except during transient changes in mean pressure in the cold chambers . a second means 41 is employed to direct fluid from the reservoirs and inject said fluid into one cylinder at any one moment by a timed valve 42 for purposes of increasing the mean working pressure in response to a demand for more engine torque . means 41 comprises conduit 56 which connects also to passage 57 at 58 . a gate valve assembly 59 , responsive to a change in engine torque demand , directs fluid to flow through first means 26 or through second means 41 . the assembly has a gate valve 60 interrupting passage 32 and a gate valve 61 interrupting conduit 56 . fluid flow permitted through conduit 56 is carried by passage 62 to the timed valve 42 . timing of the injection of reservoir fluid into any one cylinder is important to reduce or eliminate negative work on the added fluid by the associated piston . to this end the injection is timed to occur at the end of the compression cycle and substantially during the expansion cycle . obviously this requires a control to orchestrate this type of injection among the several cylinders each operating at a different phase from the other . the timing of injection of reservoir pressure into only one cylinder at any one moment is modified in one respect . it has been found that the disadvantage of negative work , which would occur if all cold chambers were injected simultaneously is outweighed by the disadvantage of slow engine response when the mean pressure reaches a certain level . thus , a switch - over valve assembly 90 is employed to permit injection simultaneously into all of the cold chambers by a path through conduits 39 or 40 , 57 , 56 , 91 , 95 , 45 , 50 and each of 46 , 47 , 48 and 49 when the mean pressure is sensed to be above a middle level . during the initial stage of acceleration , the mean pressure will be below the middle level and valve 90 will be in the other position blocking communication to 95 , but permitting communication to 94 which in turn is blocked by one - way valves 33 - 36 from entering the cold chambers . timed valve 42 has a valve element 63 which causes to rotate at a speed synchronous with phase changes in the cylinders 11 - 14 , whereby fluid communication between passage 62 and one of the passages 64 , 65 , 66 or 67 is permitted through opening 63a at the precise moment when injection of higher pressure fluid is best to effect a desired torque change . one - way check valves 68 , 69 , 70 and 71 insure injection of fluid into the cylinders . a third means 72 interconnects the cold spaces in a most important manner . means 72 comprises pairs of conduits 73 - 74 , 75 - 76 , 77 - 78 , and 79 - 80 , each pair of conduits connect separately to the interior cylinder 83 of a timed valve 81 . the timed valve has a rotor valve member 82 which rotates in synchronous phase with the phase changes of the cylinders 11 - 14 so that a communication through valve opening 82a and through any one pair of passages is permitted at the precise time when one of the cold chambers associated with the pair of passages is undergoing compression or has completed compression . the latter is preferable to provide the greatest opportunity for a particular cold space to transfer fluid to the reservoir means before a communication is established to allow transfer to the next trailing cold chamber . complete cut - off of the communication between cold chambers can be established by the sizing of the opening 82a ; however , as a practical matter , the check valves 6 , 7 , 8 and 9 will function to limit the communication . thus , the cold spaces are connected in sequential series so that the pistons 15 - 18 may perform one or more phase pumping functions to increase pressure beyond the maximum cycle pressure . the increased pressure is permitted to flow back to the reservoirs for restoring pressure therein . the third means 72 is made to operate in conjunction with the opening of passage 32 by actuating gate valves 84 , 85 , 86 and 87 and gate valve 60 through a linkage 88 to open and close simultaneously . when the demand for engine shaft torque is reduced , indicated by a reduced throttle opening or position , the mean cycle pressure ( p mean ) must be reduced by transferring fluid ( hydrogen ) from the engine to the reservoir means . gate valve 60 is opened and gate valve 61 is closed . during a portion of a cycle at some operating condition where the maximum cycle pressure ( p max .) is greater than the reservoir pressure ( p r ), fluid will flow through one of the check valves 33 - 36 and gate valve 60 , directly to the reservoirs 25 . when p max . is less than p r , fluid cannot flow from the reservoirs to the cold chambers through passage 32 ( p max .) because of the check valves 33 - 36 ; fluid will flow into the adjacent trailing compression space during or at the end of the associated compression stroke of the cold space from which fluid is flowing . the latter is permitted for each cold space in series timing as controlled by valve 81 . such transferred fluid will then be further compressed to an even higher pressure head and allowed to flow to the reservoir system when p max . is instantaneously greater than p . sub . r , in any subsequent cold chamber , or again to the next adjacent trailing compression space . the timed valve 81 may be constructed as shown with a valve seat arranged as circular interior cylinder having openings equi - circumferentially arranged thereabout . each set of adjacent openings are fluidly connected to adjacent compression spaces , said sets being arranged in an order according to the series connections of cylinders . the central rotor valve rotates within the cylinder at a speed so that a valve or opening 82a ( having a dimension effective to span two adjacent passage openings ) will connect a set of openings substantially during the compression phase of one of the associated cold spaces . actuation of rotor valve 82 can be by mechanical drive train or by hydraulic means pulsing said member in phase with the pressure variations of the cold spaces . a simpler mode of making the valve 81 may be use of a groove 97 in the upper end of each piston rod 96 ( see fig2 ). when the piston rod substantially reaches bottom dead center at or near the completion of the compression stroke , a communication through groove 97 and passage 98 is established . passage 98 ( and one - way valve 99 ) act as any of the passages 73 , 76 , 78 , 80 with a respective check - valve 6 , 7 , 8 or 9 . passage 98 leads to the next trailing cold chamber . phase timing is achieved by the action of the piston rod . the reservoir system 25 stores all of the hydrogen gas or fluid required to raise the engine mean cycle pressure from the minimum level of about 25 atmospheres to a maximum in excess of 200 atmospheres . the pressure will range from slightly above p min . ( that pressure which exists in an expanded cold space ) to the highest engine operating pressure , depending upon the reservoir system volume . with a simple reservoir system according to the prior art employing a single bottle , the h 2 would , in the most difficult situation , have to be compressed 200 atmospheres resulting in the imposition of extremely high forces on anyone pumping piston . to overcome this , a dual reservoir system is employed . this reservoir system has a shuttle or spool valve assembly 27 which distributes pressure to one of two reservoirs 25a and 25b . reservoir 25b is utilized for the high pressure range of the engine when the engine mean cycle pressure is high . reservoir 25a is used for the low pressure range , when the mean cycle pressure is low . this reduces the maximum operating pressure ratio ( imposed on the integral series pumping system ) during compression and also reduces the work of compression . the balance of such forces on opposite ends of the spool valve determines the position of the spool valve to communicate passage 57 with either passage 39 for reservoir 25a or passage 40 for reservoir 25b .	5
the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents . it includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary . accordingly , those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention . also , descriptions of well - known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness . the terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings , but , are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention . accordingly , it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents . it is to be understood that the singular forms “ a ,” “ an ,” and “ the ” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise . thus , for example , reference to “ a component surface ” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces . by the term “ substantially ” it is meant that the recited characteristic , parameter , or value need not be achieved exactly , but that deviations or variations , including for example , tolerances , measurement error , measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art , may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide . a way to generate and transmit / receive an s - sch for distinguishing a cell identification ( id ) in an institute of electrical and electronics engineers ( ieee ) 802 . 16m wireless communication system using an orthogonal frequency division multiple access ( ofdma ) scheme according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is proposed below . an exemplary structure of the ieee 802 . 16 in wireless communication system and a function of the s - sch are described below . fig3 is a diagram illustrating a base station ( bs ) and a mobile station ( ms ) of an ieee 802 . 16m wireless communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention referring to fig3 , in order for the ieee 802 . 16m ms 300 and the ieee 802 . 16m bs 310 to perform communication , the ieee 802 . 16m ms 300 has to acquire a cell id of the ieee 802 . 16m bs 310 through an s - sch signal transmitted by the ieee 802 . 16m bs 310 . here , the cell id includes a segment id . fig4 is a diagram illustrating positions of a primary sch ( p - sch ) and a secondary sch ( s - sch ) in an ieee 802 . 16m frame structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig4 , in the ieee 802 . 16m frame structure , a super - frame has a time interval of 20 msec , and includes four frames each having a time interval of 5 msec . in an exemplary implementation , one p - sch symbol and three s - sch symbols may be positioned at intervals of 5 msec within one super - frame . the p - sch symbol is positioned within a super - frame header ( sfh ). here , although the p - sch symbol and the s - sch symbols are changed in number and position , it is undoubted that the proposal of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is substantially identically applicable . a method for determining a subcarrier set corresponding to each segment id according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described below . in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention , a length ( n ssch ) of a sequence for an s - sch is varied depending on a size of fft . the length ( n ssch ) of the sequence for the s - sch is equal to ‘ 144 ’ at a 512 - fft size , ‘ 288 ’ at a 1024 - fft size , and ‘ 576 ’ at a 2048 - fft size , respectively . the subcarrier set corresponding to each segment id is determined in equation 1 below : in equation 1 , ‘ sschcarrierset n ’ denotes an n - th subcarrier set , and ‘ n ’ denotes an index of a subcarrier set corresponding to a segment id and has a value of ‘ 0 ’, ‘ 1 ’, or ‘ 2 ’. assuming that there exist all three segments and each of the segments is expressed as ‘ segment 0 ’, ‘ segment 1 ’, or ‘ segment 2 ’, ‘ segment 0 ’ uses a subcarrier set ( sschcanierset 0 ), ‘ segment 1 ’ uses a subcarrier set ( sschcarrierset 1 ), and ‘ segment 2 ’ uses a subcarrier set ( sschcarrierset 2 ). ‘ k ’ denotes a miming index having a value of ‘ 0 ’ to ‘ n ssch − 1 ’ depending on an fft size . a position of a direct current ( dc ) subcarrier in the subcarrier set is equal to ‘ 256 ’ at a 512 - fft size , ‘ 512 ’ at a 1024 - fft size , and ‘ 1024 ’ at a 2048 - fft size , respectively . fig5 , 6 , and 7 each are diagrams illustrating subcarrier sets each corresponding to segment ids at a 512 - fft size , a 1024 - fft size , and a 2048 - fft size according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention . as illustrated in fig5 , 6 , and 7 , in the left and right regions centering on a dc subcarrier , subcarrier sets each corresponding to segments are comprised of subcarriers each having three intervals . near the dc subcarrier , a subcarrier set is comprised of subcarriers each having four intervals . a description is made below in detail by way of an example with respect to fig5 . at a 512 - fft size , a subcarrier set ( sschcarrierset 0 ) used in a ‘ segment 0 ’ has subcarrier indexes of ‘ 40 ’, ‘ 43 ’, ‘ 46 ’, ‘ 49 ’, . . . , ‘ 247 ’, ‘ 250 ’, ‘ 253 ’, ‘ 257 ’, ‘ 260 ’, ‘ 263 ’, . . . , ‘ 464 ’, ‘ 467 ’, and ‘ 470 ’. that is , in each of the left and right regions centering on a dc subcarrier index of ‘ 256 ’, the subcarrier set ( sschcanierset o ) is comprised of subcarriers whose indexes increase by ‘ 3 ’. an interval between the subcarrier indexes of ‘ 253 ’ and ‘ 257 ’ near the dc subcarrier is equal to ‘ 4 ’. if a subcarrier set is determined as above , a three - time repetition pattern of the ieee 802 . 16e sch of the related art does not appear in a time domain . this feature is advantageous in that , in a coexistence mode in which an ieee 802 . 16m bs supports all of an ieee 802 . 16e ms and an ieee 802 . 16m ms , there exists only one type of symbol in which a three - time repetition pattern appears in a time domain and thus , each ms easily acquires timing synchronization . a method for determining a sequence corresponding to a cell id according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described below . an exemplary embodiment of the present invention proposes to use all of 768 cell ids ( idcell ). a value of the cell id has a range of ‘ 0 ’ to ‘ 767 ’, and is determined by a segment id ( n ) and a running index ( idx ) as in equation 2 below . here , the segment id ( n ) has a value of ‘ 0 ’, ‘ 1 ’, or ‘ 2 ’, and the limning index ( idx ) has a value of ‘ 0 ’ to ‘ 255 ’. an s - sch sequence corresponding to the cell id determined through equation 2 above is configured using eight sequence blocks ( s 0 , s 1 , . . . , s 7 ). lengths of sequences included in each sequence block ( s 0 , s 1 , . . . , s 7 ) are equal to ‘ 72 ’. fig8 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of each sequence block in a frequency domain depending on an fft size according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig8 , in the case of a 512 - fft size , a sequence corresponding to a running index ( idx ) is sequentially selected from sequence blocks s 0 and s 1 , and the sequentially selected sequence is modulated into a power - boosted bpsk signal and is sequentially mapped to a subcarrier set corresponding to a segment id ( n ). in the case of a 1024 - fft size , a sequence corresponding to a running index ( idx ) is sequentially selected from sequence blocks ( s 2 , s 0 , s 1 , and s 3 ), and the sequentially selected sequence is modulated into a power - boosted bpsk signal and is sequentially mapped to a subcarrier set corresponding to a segment id ( n ). in the case of a 2048 - fft size , a sequence corresponding to a running index ( idx ) is sequentially selected in sequence blocks ( s 4 , s 5 , s 2 , s 0 , s 1 , s 3 , s 6 , and s 7 ), and the sequentially selected sequence is modulated into a power - boosted bpsk signal and is sequentially mapped to a subcarrier set corresponding to a segment id ( n ). a structure of fig8 in which s - sch signals are overlapped depending on a frequency bandwidth is referred to as a scalable structure . as such , an s - sch signal is comprised of sequences having a feature of scalability for a variety of fft sizes and thus , there is an advantage that an s - sch may support a variety of mss each supporting different bandwidths . table 1 below is a hexadecimal expression of an example of a sequence corresponding to a running index ( idx ) by sequence block . a length of each sequence is equal to ‘ 72 ’. in an exemplary implementation , the number of cell ids used may be equal to ‘ 768 ’. however , in case that the number of cell ids used is less than or is greater than ‘ 768 ’, a part or the whole of sequences of table 1 may be used . fig9 is a graph illustrating a papr of an s - sch signal corresponding to a cell id at each fft size according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention . in fig9 , a horizontal axis denotes a nulling index ( idx ) constituting a cell id , and a vertical axis denotes a papr of an s - sch signal corresponding to the running index ( idx ). s - sch signals corresponding to three different cell ids having the same ‘ idx ’ but having different segment ids ( n ) have the same papr . in the case of a 512 - fft size , the maximum papr is equal to 6 . 27 db . in the case of a 1024 - fft size , the maximum papr is equal to 6 . 74 db . in the case of a 2048 - fft size , the maximum papr is equal to 7 . 06 db . as such , an s - sch symbol corresponding to a cell id has a very low papr and thus , an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may efficiently boost a transmit power when transmitting the s - sch symbol . an operation of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention based on the aforementioned description is described below in detail . fig1 is a block diagram illustrating a construction of a transmitter for transmitting an s - sch in an ieee 802 . 16m wireless communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention . as illustrated in fig1 , the transmitter includes a sequence generator 1000 ; a modulator 1002 , a subcarrier mapper 1004 , an ifft operator 1006 , a cyclic prefix ( cp ) adder 1008 , a digital to analog converter ( dac ) 1010 , and a radio frequency ( rf ) transmitter 1012 . referring to fig1 , the sequence generator 1000 generates a sequence dependent on a cell id from an upper controller ( not shown ). for example , the sequence generator 1000 includes a memory table such as table 1 above , and may acquire a sequence dependent on an input cell id , from the memory table . for another example , the sequence generator 1000 stores only a sequence dependent on a cell id corresponding to a bs , and may generate the stored sequence under control of the upper controller ( not shown ). the modulator 1002 modulates the sequence from the sequence generator 1000 according to a determined modulation scheme . for example , the modulator 1002 modulates the sequence into a power - boosted bpsk the subcarrier mapper 1004 maps the modulated sequence from the modulator 1002 to subcarriers of a subcarrier set corresponding to a segment id . for example , the subcarrier set may be configured as in fig5 , 6 , or 7 described above depending on an fft size and a segment id . the ifft operator 1006 ifft - operates a signal mapped to subcarriers by the subcarrier mapper 1004 and outputs time domain sample data . the cp adder 1008 adds a guard interval ( e . g ., a cp ) to the sample data from the ifft operator 1006 and generates an s - sch signal ( or an s - sch symbol ). here , the ifft operator 1006 and the cp adder 1008 may be constructed as one ofdm modulator . the dac 1010 converts the s - sch symbol from the cp adder 1008 into an analog signal . the rf transmitter 1012 converts the baseband analog signal from the dac 1010 into an rf signal and transmits the rf signal through an antenna . on the other hand , an ms acquires a cell id using an s - sch signal received from a bs . at this time , the ms may acquire the segment id by measuring a receive power on a per - segment basis , and may acquire a running index ( idx ) through sequence detection in a frequency domain from a receive signal of a subcarrier set corresponding to the acquired segment id . fig1 is a block diagram illustrating a construction of a receiver for receiving an s - sch in an ieee 802 . 16 in wireless communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention . as illustrated in fig1 , the receiver includes an rf receiver 1100 , an analog to digital converter ( adc ) 1102 , a cp eliminator 1104 , an fft operator 1106 , a subcarrier extractor 1108 , a demodulator 1110 , and a sequence demodulator 1112 . referring to fig1 , the rf receiver 1100 converts an rf signal received from an antenna into a baseband analog signal . the adc 1102 samples the baseband analog signal from the rf receiver 1100 and converts the sampled analog signal into a digital signal the cp eliminator 1104 eliminates a guard interval that is inserted into the signal from the adc 1102 . the fft operator 1106 performs an fft operation for the signal from which the guard interval is eliminated by the cp eliminator 1104 , thereby outputting a frequency domain signal from a time domain signal . here , the cp eliminator 1104 and the fft operator 1106 may be constructed as one ofdm demodulator . the subcarrier extractor 1108 acquires a segment id by measuring a receive power on a per - segment basis , and extracts only signals of a subcarrier set corresponding to the acquired segment id , from the frequency domain signal from the fft operator 1106 . the demodulator 1110 demodulates the signals of the subcarrier set extracted by the subcarrier extractor 1108 , in a method corresponding to a modulation method used in the modulator 1002 . the sequence demodulator 1112 includes the same memory table as table 1 above , determines a correlation value between a sequence detected by the demodulation of the demodulator 1110 and all sequences of the memory table , and determines a running index ( idx ) corresponding to a sequence having the maximum correlation value . also , the sequence demodulator 1112 outputs a cell id that , in equation 2 , is determined from the segment id already acquired and the running index ( idx ) determined through the correlation value determination . fig1 is a flow diagram illustrating a procedure for transmitting an s - sch in an ieee 802 . 16m wireless communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig1 , a transmitter ( i . e ., a bs ) generates a sequence dependent on its own cell id in step 1201 . at this time , the transmitter generates a sequence based on an fft size and table 1 above . in step 1203 , the transmitter modulates the sequence . for example , the transmitter may modulate the sequence into a power - boosted bpsk in step 1205 , the transmitter maps the modulated sequence to subcarriers of a subcarrier set corresponding to a segment id of the cell id . at this time , the subcarrier set may be configured as shown in fig5 , 6 , or 7 depending on an fft size and a segment id . in step 1207 , the transmitter ofdm - modulates the subcarrier - mapped sequence and generates an s - sch signal ( i . e ., an s - sch symbol ). here , the ofdm modulation includes an ifft operation , a cp addition , etc . in step 1209 , the transmitter rf - processes and transmits the generated s - sch signal to an ms . at this time , the s - sch signal may be transmitted at the front sub - frame within a frame , and may be transmitted at determined time intervals . fig1 is a flow diagram illustrating a procedure for receiving an s - sch in an ieee 802 . 16m wireless conununication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention referring to fig1 , a receiver ( i . e ., an ms ) receives an s - sch signal from a bs in step 1301 . at this time , the s - sch signal may be received at the front sub - frame within a frame , and may be received at determined time intervals . in step 1303 , the receiver ofdm - demodulates the received s - sch signal . here , the ofdm demodulation includes a cp elimination , an fft operation , etc . in step 1305 , the receiver acquires a segment id by measuring a receive power on a per - segment basis , and extracts only signals of a subcarrier set corresponding to the acquired segment id , from the ofdm - demodulated signal . in step 1307 , the receiver demodulates the extracted signals of the subcarrier set in a method corresponding to a modulation method used in a bs , and detects a sequence . in step 1309 , the receiver determines correlation values between the sequence detected by the demodulation and all sequences of a memory table , and determines a running index ( idx ) corresponding to a sequence having the maximum correlation value . in step 1311 , the receiver determines a cell id through equation 2 above using the segment id already acquired and the running index ( idx ) determined through the correlation valuedetermination . as described above , exemplary embodiments of the present invention proposes an s - sch for making cell id distinguishment possible in an ieee 802 . 16m wireless communication system . the exemplary embodiments of the present invention may advantageously support a variety of mss each supporting different bandwidths because the s - sch of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes sequences having a feature of scalability for a variety of fft sizes . also , the exemplary embodiments of the present invention may advantageously support a femto cell by supporting many cell ids . while the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents .	7
the present invention is a nectar feeder 10 as shown in fig1 - 9 . the nectar feeder 10 contains a float 120 and a stopper 130 which together regulate the flow of nectar feed 160 a container 20 and into a base tray 30 . the float 120 and stopper 130 either prevent or allow the flow of nectar feed 160 depending upon the volume of nectar feed 160 contained in the base tray 30 . moreover , the nectar feeder 10 allows the nectar feed 160 to be poured directly into the container 20 of the feeder 10 which obviates the need to detach the container 20 each time the feeder 10 needs to be refilled . this avoids the mess associated with refilling nectar feeders of the prior art . referring to fig1 , the nectar feeder 10 of the present invention is shown . an exploded view of the present invention of fig1 is shown in fig2 . the nectar feeder 10 includes a container 20 for storing nectar feed 160 , the base tray 30 and the float 120 containing the stopper 130 . the container 20 is attached to the base tray 30 and is in fluid communication with the base tray 30 . the float 120 containing the stopper 130 is positioned between the 20 and the base tray 30 . when the nectar feed 160 flows through the container 20 and into the base tray 30 , the float 120 rises until the stopper 130 prevents nectar feed 160 from flowing through the container 20 and into the base tray 30 . by having the float 120 and stopper 130 regulate the flow of nectar feed 160 , the nectar feeder 10 requires less maintenance , reduced spillage of nectar feed 160 , and self - regulation of the nectar feed 160 . details of the stopper 130 construction are discussed in detail below . referring to fig2 , the container 20 has a top end 22 and a bottom end 24 in which both ends of the container 20 have at least one thread ( 21 , 20 a , 20 b ) positioned thereupon in different locations . the container 20 has a volume sufficient to hold enough nectar feed 160 to fill the base tray 30 and , as a result , allow the float 120 to rise . in one embodiment , the container 20 defines a shape of a bottle . however , it should be noted that the container 20 may define shapes other than a bottle type shape . it should also be noted that a design or shape other than a bottle may be used for the present invention . the bottom end 24 of the container 20 is partially closed off and it defines a spout 149 with at least one exit port 150 ( fig7 ), which may be tapered , for nectar feed 160 to exit the container 20 into the base tray 30 . in a preferred embodiment , there is one exit port 150 but alternative embodiments may contain two or more exit ports 150 . it should be noted that the size of the exit port 150 may be adjusted according to the viscosity of the liquid and the desired flow rate of the nectar feed 160 from the container 20 to the base tray 30 . the container 20 is removably attached to the base tray 30 . in a preferred embodiment , the container is threadably attached to the base tray 30 . more importantly , the container 20 is attached without first inverting the container 20 or the base tray 30 . the benefit is that the container 20 maintains an upright or vertical position during refilling which is easier and prevents spillage of nectar feed 160 . it should be noted that alternative methods known in the art for attaching the container 20 to the base tray 30 are also suitable . for example , the container 20 may be fixedly attached to the base tray 30 without the use of threads . referring to fig3 , the top end 22 of the container 20 has a cap 50 which is attached to the top end 22 of the container 20 . in one embodiment , the cap 50 is threadably attached to the top end 22 of the container 20 . the top end 22 of the container 20 is open and has at least one thread 21 positioned on an inner surface of the top end 22 . the cap 50 is easily removed to allow full access to the interior of the container 20 for cleaning it should be noted that other methods for attaching caps to containers may be used other than threads . for example , the cap 50 may be fixedly attached to the container 20 using adhesives or other fasteners . a lid 60 is , for example , hingedly connected to the cap 50 . the hinge 70 allows the lid 60 to be opened and closed for easier refilling of the container 20 . the lid 60 , when in an open position ( fig3 ), allows a user to refill the container 20 with nectar feed 160 without having to invert the container 20 or base tray 30 . the lid 60 , when in a closed position ( fig1 ), prevents unwanted insects and debris from gaining access to the nectar feed 160 in a reservoir 170 of the container 20 . in addition , the lid 60 has a finger tab 80 to facilitate manipulation of the lid 60 from an open position ( fig3 ) to a closed position ( fig1 ). it should be noted that the lid may be removably attached to the top of the container 20 in ways other than a hinged connection . referring to fig4 , the base cover 40 has a support 100 or perch extending from an upper surface of the base cover 40 . the raised support 100 , in one embodiment , is a raised peripheral support 100 attached by six support arms ( 100 a - 100 f ) to the base cover 40 . it should be noted that the raised support 100 may extend from various portions of the base cover 40 besides the periphery . the support 100 allows birds to rest while feeding on nectar feed 160 through a feed port ( 90 a - 90 f ). the base cover 40 , as mentioned above , also contains at least one feed port 90 a - 90 f which are defined through the base cover 40 . the feed ports 90 a - 90 f are respectively positioned over the nectar 160 so that feeding birds are aligned thereover for optimum access to the nectar 160 therein . it is contemplated that the feed ports 90 a - 90 f may be positioned anywhere on the base cover 40 so long as the float 120 does not prevent access to the nectar feed 160 within base tray 30 . the feed ports 90 a - 90 f are preferably configured to appear as flowers , or other structures , to further attract birds to the feeder 10 . the feed ports 90 a - 90 f are respectively positioned above the base tray 30 so that feeding birds are aligned thereover for optimum access to the nectar feed 160 therein . referring to fig5 , a base cover 40 is attached to the container 20 . the base cover 40 defines a base cover hole 44 for receiving the lower periphery 25 of the container 20 . an inner periphery of the base cover hole 44 forms at least one thread 40 a , preferably partial thread , for threadably engaging at least one thread 20 a , preferably partial thread , on the lower periphery 26 of the container 20 . it should be noted that other methods for attaching the base cover 40 to the container 20 may be used other than threads . for example , the base cover 40 may be fixedly attached to the container 20 using adhesives or other fasteners known in the art . referring to fig6 , a base tray 30 has a top surface 30 a and a bottom surface 30 b . the top surface 30 a has a wall 31 raised along a periphery of the top surface 30 a of the base tray 30 . the wall 31 has sufficient height to contain the nectar feed 160 therein . in a preferred embodiment , the width of the base tray 30 is greater than the height of the base tray 30 . the base tray 30 contains at least one vertical member 32 , 34 extending from the top surface 30 a of the base tray 30 . in a preferred embodiment , the base tray 30 contains two vertical members 32 , 34 which are mirror images of one another and arc - shaped . however , more than two vertical members may be used . it is contemplated that the vertical members 32 , 34 may be integrally formed within the base tray 30 or may be attached by means known in the art . referring to fig2 , 6 and 7 , the container 20 has an upper periphery 25 and a lower periphery 26 with at least one thread ( 20 a ) on an outside surface of the lower periphery 26 . in a preferred embodiment , the lower periphery 26 has one thread 20 a on the outside surface of the container 20 for threadably engaging with at least one thread ( 34 a , 32 a ) on the vertical members 32 , 34 of the base tray 30 and at least one thread 40 a on an inner periphery of the base cover 40 respectively . in addition , the threads ( 34 a , 32 a ) on the base tray 30 and the thread 40 a on the base cover 40 allows for easy removability and makes it easier cleaning or replacement of worn components of the nectar feeder 10 . cleaning the components of the nectar feeder 10 is essential to preventing any contamination of the nectar feed 160 which may become harmful to birds if not maintained properly . the vertical members 32 , 34 may be configured to receive less than the total surface area of the bottom end 24 . for example , a first vertical member 32 may provide a seat for less than 180 degrees of the circumference of the bottom end 24 of the container 20 . a second vertical member 34 , which is a mirror image of the first vertical member 32 , may also provide a seat for less than 180 degrees of the circumference of the bottom end 24 of the container 20 . when the bottom end 24 of the container 20 rests within the middle portions 32 b , 34 b of the vertical members 32 , 34 , it provides sufficient support to hold the container 20 in a vertical position . the benefit of holding the container 20 in a vertical position is that it prevents the spillage of nectar feed . the vertical members 32 , 34 also have a top portion 32 a , 34 a for threadably engaging the thread 20 b located on the lower periphery 25 of the container 20 . in a preferred embodiment , two vertical members 32 , 34 have a partial thread located on an inner surface of the top portion 32 a , 34 a to cooperate together to provide a female threading . the two vertical members 32 , 34 threadably attaching to at least one thread 20 b located on the lower periphery 25 of the container 20 . it should be noted that the container 20 may be attached to the vertical members 32 , 34 by structures or mechanisms other than threads . for example , the container 20 may be fixedly attached to the vertical members 32 , 34 using adhesives or fasteners although this is not preferred . a float 120 is positioned between the bottom end 25 of container 20 and the base tray 30 . the float 120 defines a circular shape with an outer circumference suitable for resting within the base tray 30 . the float 120 is constructed and made of material that provides buoyancy in the presence of nectar feed 160 . the float 120 is preferably made of plastic material which is easy to clean . it can be a sealed hollow member with air trapped therein . most importantly , the float 120 is sized to permit a bird to retrieve nectar feed 160 through the feed ports 90 a - 90 f without interference from the float 120 . the float 120 is respectively positioned below the base cover 40 which has feed ports 90 a - 90 f defined therethrough . when the bird retrieves nectar feed 160 through the feed ports 90 a - 90 f , there must not be any obstruction from blocking access to the nectar feed 160 . if the feeder ports 90 a - 90 f are positioned proximal the peripheral raised support 100 , the float 120 should have at least have a diameter less than the base tray 30 . the diameter of the float 120 should also accommodate the feed ports 90 a - 90 f to prevent any interference by the float 120 with the bird feeding on the nectar 160 through the feed ports 90 a - 90 f . alternative configurations of feed ports 90 a - 90 f may necessitate additional shapes or changes in the float 120 to accommodate the direct access of the nectar feed 160 to the birds . the float 120 defines at least one float hole 120 a , 120 b through the float 120 for slidably engaging the vertical member 32 , 34 . in a preferred embodiment , there are two float holes 120 a , 120 b . the float holes 120 a , 120 b are keyed to an outer profile or shape of the vertical members 32 , 34 to prevent independent rotation of the float 120 in any direction . of course , the float holes 120 a , 120 b may be adjusted to define a shape similar to the overall shape and design of the vertical members 32 , 34 . to facilitate the slidably engagement of the float 120 with the vertical members 32 , 34 , the float 120 has a thickness less than the depth of the base tray 30 . also , the height of the float 120 is less than the height of the vertical members 32 , 34 . the float 120 contains a stopper 130 with a flat to surface , which may be incorporated together in a single structure . however , it should be noted that valves other than stoppers or sealing - type plugs may be used for the present invention . the stopper 130 is seated in a stopper seat 140 on a central portion of the float 120 . the stopper seat 140 is either integrally formed or attached to the central portion of the float 120 . the stopper 130 rests within the stopper seat 140 . when the float 120 rises due to the filling of an interior of the base tray 30 with nectar feed 160 , the stopper 130 engages the spout 149 and closes off the exit port 150 to prevent the flow of nectar feed 160 through the exit port 150 and into the base tray 30 . as shown along vertical axis b , the stopper 130 is respectively positioned below the exit port 150 on the bottom end 25 of the container 20 . because the top surface of the stopper 130 is flat and relatively larger compared to the preferably tapered spout 149 and exit port 150 , a sealing engagement between the stopper 130 and spout 149 is improved if the nectar feeder 10 is canted , tipped or the float 120 is otherwise not aligned squarely on the spout 149 . the stopper 130 and the exit port 150 can be adjusted according to the dimensions and quantity of each . referring to fig8 , in operation , a user opens the lid 60 ( fig3 ) and fills ( or refills ) the container 20 with nectar feed 160 . there is no need to invert the container 20 to refill which is a substantial advantage over the prior art . when the container 20 is sufficiently filled with nectar feed 160 , nectar feed 160 begins to accumulate inside the container 20 . when the volume of the nectar feed 160 is sufficient , the nectar feed 160 gradually begins to flow through the exit port 150 of the spout 149 and into the base tray 30 . as the base tray 30 fills with nectar feed 160 , the float 120 begins to rise in correlation to the volume of nectar feed 160 occupying the interior of the base tray 30 . when the base tray 30 fills with nectar feed 160 , the float 120 gradually rises thus forcing the stopper 130 to sealingly engage the exit port 150 on the spout 149 located on the bottom end 25 of the container 20 . when the base tray 30 is substantially full , the float 120 will further rise to sealingly engage the stopper 130 within the exit port 150 of the spout 149 , which prevents the further flow of nectar feed 160 through the exit port 150 of the spout 149 . when the exit port 150 is completely blocked by the stopper 130 , the nectar feed 160 is prevented from moving through the exit port 150 and into the base tray 30 . as a result , leakage or overflow of the nectar feed 160 , such as through the feed ports 90 a - 90 f , is prevented . in addition , the nectar feed 160 is preserved inside the container 20 and used when necessary to refill the base tray 30 . if any contamination occurs inside the base tray 30 , it does not contaminate the nectar feed inside the reservoir 170 of the container 20 . a user can clean the base tray 30 , when it has contaminated nectar feed 160 , without impacting the entire supply of nectar feed 160 inside the container 20 . referring to fig9 , during the normal course of use of the nectar feeder 10 , the nectar feed 160 is consumed by the birds through the feeding ports 90 a - 90 f . when the birds consume the nectar feed 160 , the nectar feed level in the base tray 30 drops . as the nectar feed 160 is depleted from the base tray 30 , the float 120 will eventually drop or lower thus taking upward pressure off the stopper 130 to permit the entry of additional nectar feed or other liquids into the base tray 30 . as a result , the float 120 disengages the stopper 130 from the exit port 150 to once again allow the flow of nectar feed 160 to flow into the base tray 30 . the feeder 10 permits the easy and convenient refilling of the feeder 10 even if the container 20 is not completely empty . by allowing nectar feed 160 to be flow directly from the container 20 and into the base tray 30 , there is no disassembly required for eventual refilling of the base tray 30 by the container 20 . this is a continual and gradual process until the nectar feed 160 is completely depleted from the container 20 . furthermore , as seen in fig1 - 3 , a hanger 110 is also attached to the cap 50 for securing the nectar feeder 10 to a stationary object . the hanger is an example but there are other structures or mechanisms for securing the nectar feeder 10 to another object may also be used . for example , suction cup mounts , wall mounts , and post mounts may also be used and attached to the cap 50 or other components of the nectar feeder 10 . in one embodiment , the nectar feeder 10 is made of materials known in the art . preferably , the nectar feeder 10 is made of plastics . various colors of the plastics may be used to attract birds to the present invention . structures or mechanisms other than threads may be used to attach the components of the nectar feeder 10 . in view of the foregoing , a new and novel improved nectar feeder 10 is provided for easy and efficient refilling . the present invention contains a float 120 and stopper 130 which regulates the flow of nectar feed 160 through the container 20 and into the base tray 30 . more specifically , a container 20 is attached to the base tray 30 and in fluid communication with the base tray 30 . the float 120 contains the stopper 130 which is positioned between the container 20 and the base tray 30 . when the nectar feed 160 flows through the container 20 and into the base tray 30 , the float 120 rises until the stopper 130 prevents nectar feed 160 from flowing through the container 20 and into the base tray 30 . the nectar feeder 10 of the present invention can also be filled without inverting the base tray 30 or container 20 which conserves the nectar feed . in addition , the nectar feeder 10 is easier to clean than prior art nectar feeders due to the removability of various parts . therefore , while there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention , it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims .	0
embodiments of the present invention are described using a pixel circuit having a light emitting device , such as an organic light emitting diode ( oled ), and a plurality of transistors , such as thin film transistors ( tfts ), arranged in row and column , which form an amoled display . the pixel circuit may include a pixel driver for oled . however , the pixel may include any light emitting device other than oled , and the pixel may include any transistors other than tfts . the transistors in the pixel circuit may be n - type transistors , p - type transistors or combinations thereof . the transistors in the pixel may be fabricated using amorphous silicon , nano / micro crystalline silicon , poly silicon , organic semiconductors technologies ( e . g . organic tft ), nmos / pmos technology or cmos technology ( e . g . mosfet ). in the description , “ pixel circuit ” and “ pixel ” may be used interchangeably . the pixel circuit may be a current - programmed pixel or a voltage - programmed pixel . in the description below , “ signal ” and “ line ” may be used interchangeably . the embodiments of the present invention involve a technique for generating an accurate threshold voltage of a drive tft . as a result , it generates a stable current despite the shift of the characteristics of pixel elements due to , for example , the pixel aging , and process variation . it enhances the brightness stability of the oled . also it may reduce the power consumption and signals , resulting in low implementation cost . a segmented timing schedule and a parallel timing schedule are described in detail . these schedules extend the timing budget of a cycle for generating the threshold voltage v t of a drive transistor . as described below , the rows in a display array are segmented and the operating cycles are divided into a plurality of categories , e , g ., two categories . for example , the first category includes a compensation cycle and a v t - generation cycle , while the second category includes a current - regulation cycle and a driving cycle . the operating cycles for each category are performed sequentially for each segment , while the two categories are executed for two adjacent segments . for example , while the current regulation and driving cycles are performed for the first segment sequentially , the compensation and v t - generation cycles are executed for the second segment . fig2 illustrates an example of the segmented timing schedule for stable operation of a light emitting display , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention . in fig2 , “ row k ” ( k = 1 , 2 , 3 , . . . , j , j + 1 , j + 2 ) represents a kth row of a display array , an arrow shows an execution direction . for each row , the timing schedule of fig2 includes a compensation voltage generation cycle “ c ”, a v t - generation cycle “ vt - gen ”, a current - regulation cycle “ d ”, and a driving cycle “ p ”. the timing schedule of fig2 extends the timing budget of the v t - generation cycle “ vt - gen ” without affecting the programming time . to achieve this , the rows of the display array to which the segmented addressing scheme of fig2 is applied are categorized as few segments . each segment includes rows in which the v t - generation cycle is carried out consequently . in fig2 , row 1 , row 2 , row 3 , . . . , and , row j are in one segment in a plurality of rows of the display array . the programming of each segment starts with executing the first and second operating cycles “ c ” and “ vt - gen ”. after that , the current - calibration cycle “ p ” is preformed for the entire segment . as a result , the timing budget of the v t - generation cycle “ vt - gen ” is extended to j . τ p where j is the number of rows in each segment , and τ p is the timing budget of the first operating cycle “ c ” ( or current regulation cycle ). also , the frame time τ f is z × n × τ p where n is the number of rows in the display , and z is a function of number of iteration in a segment . for example , in fig2 , the v t generation starts from the first row of the segment and goes to the last row ( the first iteration ) and then the programming starts from the first row and goes to the last row ( the second iteration ). accordingly , z is set to 2 . if the number of iteration increases , the frame time will become z × n × τ p in which z is the number of iteration and may be greater than 2 . fig3 illustrates an example of the parallel timing schedule for stable operation of a light emitting light display , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention . in fig3 , “ row k ” ( k = 1 , 2 , 3 , . . . , j , j + 1 ) represents a kth row of a display array . similar to fig2 , the timing schedule of fig4 includes the compensation voltage generation cycle “ c ”, the v t - generation cycle “ vt - gen ”, the current - regulation cycle “ p ”, and the driving cycle “ d ”, for each row . the timing schedule of fig3 extends the timing budget of the v t - generation cycle “ vt - gen ”, whereas τ p is preserved as τ f / n , where τ p is the timing budget of the first operating cycle “ c ”, τ f is a frame time , and n is the number of rows in the display array . in fig3 , row 1 to row j are in a segment in a plurality of rows of the display array . according to the above addressing scheme , the current - regulation cycle “ p ” of each segment is preformed in parallel with the first operating cycles “ c ” of the next segment . thus , the display array is designed to support the parallel operation , i . e ., having capability of carrying out different cycles independently without affecting each other , e . g ., compensation and programming , v t - generation and current regulation . fig4 illustrates an example of an example of an amoled display array structure for the the timing schedules of fig2 and 3 . in fig4 , sel [ a ] ( a = 1 , . . . , m ) represents a select signal to select a row , ctrl [ b ] ( b = 1 , . . . , m ) represents a controlling signal to generate the threshold voltage of the drive tft at each pixel in the row , and vdata [ c ] ( c = 1 , . . . , n ) represents a data signal to provide a programming data . the amoled display 10 of fig4 includes a plurality of pixel circuits 12 which are arranged in row and column , an address driver 14 for controlling sel [ a ] and ctrl [ b ], and a data driver 16 for controlling vdata [ c ]. the rows of the pixel circuits 12 ( e . g ., row 1 , . . . , row m − h and row m − h + 1 , . . . , row m ) are segmented as described above . to implement certain cycles in parallel , the amoled display 10 is designed to support the parallel operation . fig5 illustrates an example of a pixel circuit to the segmented timing schedule and parallel timing schedule are applicable . the pixel circuit 50 of fig5 includes an oled 52 , a storage capacitor 54 , a drive tft 56 , and switch tfts 58 and 60 . a select line sel 1 is connected to the gate terminal of the switch tft 58 . a select line sel 2 is connected to the gate terminal of the switch tft 60 . the first terminal of the switch tft 58 is connected to a data line vdata , and the second terminal of the switch tft 58 is connected to the gate of the drive tft 56 at node a 1 . the first terminal of the switch tft 60 is connected to node a 1 , and the second terminal of the switch tft 60 is connected to a ground line . the first terminal of the drive tft 56 is connected to a controllable voltage supply vdd , and the second terminal of the drive tft 56 is connected to the anode electrode of the oled 52 at node b 1 . the first terminal of the storage capacitor 54 is connected to node a 1 , and the second terminal of the storage capacitor 54 is connected to node b 1 . the pixel circuit 50 can be used with the segmented timing schedule , the parallel timing schedule , and a combination thereof . v t - generation occurs through the transistors 56 and 60 , while current regulation is performed by the transistor 58 through the vdata line . thus , this pixel is capable of implementing the parallel operation . fig6 illustrates an example of a timing schedule applied to the pixel circuit 50 . in fig7 , “ x 11 ”, “ x 12 ”, “ x 13 ”, and “ x 14 ” represent operating cycles . x 11 corresponds to “ c ” of fig2 and 3 , x 12 corresponds to “ vt - gen ” of fig2 and 3 , x 13 corresponds to “ p ” of fig2 and 3 , and x 14 corresponds to “ d ” of fig2 and 3 . referring to fig5 and 6 , the storage capacitor 54 is charged to a negative voltage (- vcomp ) during the first operating cycle x 11 , while the gate voltage of the drive tft 56 is zero . during the second operating cycle x 12 , node b 1 is charged up to − v t where v t is the threshold of the drive tft 56 . this cycle x 12 can be done without affecting the data line vdata since it is preformed through the switch transistor 60 , not the switch transistor 58 , so that the other operating cycle can be executed for the other rows . during the third operating cycle x 13 , node a 1 is charged to a programming voltage v p , resulting in v gs = v p + v t where v gs represents a gate - source voltage of the drive tft 56 . fig7 illustrates another example of a pixel circuit to the segmented timing schedule and the parallel timing schedules are applicable . the pixel circuit 70 of fig7 includes an oled 72 , storage capacitors 74 and 76 , a drive tft 78 , and switch tfts 80 , 82 and 84 . a first select line sel 1 is connected to the gate terminal of the switch 11 ′ 1 s 80 and 82 . a second select line sel 2 is connected to the gate terminal of the switch tft 84 . the first terminal of the switch tft 80 is connected to the cathode of the oled 72 , and the second terminal of the switch tft 80 is connected to the gate terminal of the drive tft 78 at node a 2 . the first terminal of the switch tft 82 is connected to node b 2 , and the second terminal of the switch tft 82 is connected to a ground line . the first terminal of the switch tft 84 is connected to a data line vdata , and the second terminal of the switch tft 84 is connected to node b 2 . the first terminal of the storage capacitor 74 is connected to node a 2 , and the second terminal of the storage capacitor 74 is connected to node b 2 . the first terminal of the storage capacitor 76 is connected to node b 2 , and the second terminal of the storage capacitor 76 is connected to a ground line . the first terminal of the drive tft 78 is connected to the cathode electrode of the oled 72 , and the second terminal of the drive tft 78 is coupled to a ground line . the anode electrode of the oled 72 is coupled to a controllable voltage supply vdd . the pixel circuit 70 has the capability of adopting the segmented timing schedule , the parallel timing schedule , and a combination thereof . v t - generation occurs through the transistors 78 , 80 and 82 , while current regulation is performed by the transistor 84 through the vdata line . thus , this pixel is capable of implementing the parallel operation . fig8 illustrates an example of a timing schedule applied to the pixel circuit 70 . in fig8 , “ x 21 ”, “ x 22 ”, “ x 23 ”, and “ x 24 ” represent operating cycles . x 21 corresponds to “ c ” of fig2 and 3 , x 22 corresponds to “ vt - gen ” of fig2 and 3 , x 23 corresponds to “ p ” of fig2 and 3 , and x 24 corresponds to “ d ” of fig2 and 3 . referring to fig7 and 8 , the pixel circuit 70 employs bootstrapping effect to add a programming voltage to the stored v t where v t is the threshold voltage of the drive tft 78 . during the first operating cycle x 21 , node a 2 is charged to a compensating voltage , vdd - v oled where v oled is a voltage of the oled 72 , and node b 2 is discharged to ground . during the second operating cycle x 22 , voltage at node a 2 is changed to the v t of the drive tf 1 78 . the current regulation occurs in the third operating cycle x 23 during which node b 2 is charged to a programming voltage v p so that node a 2 changes to v p + v t . the segmented timing schedule and the parallel timing schedule described above provide enough time for the pixel circuit to generate an accurate threshold voltage of the drive tft . as a result , it generates a stable current despite the pixel aging , process variation , or a combination thereof . the operating cycles are shared in a segment such that the programming cycle of a row in the segment is overlapped with the programming cycle of another row in the segment . thus , they can maintain high display speed , regardless of the size of the display . a shared signaling addressing scheme is described in detail . according to the shared signaling addressing scheme , the rows in the display array are divided into few segments . the aging factor ( e . g ., threshold voltage of the drive tft , oled voltage ) of the pixel circuit is stored in the pixel . the stored aging factor is used for a plurality of frames . one or more signals required to generate the aging factor are shared in the segment . for example , the threshold voltage v t of the drive tft is generated for each segment at the same time . after that , the segment is put on the normal operation . all extra signals besides the data line and select line required to generate the threshold voltage ( e . g ., vss of fig1 ) are shared between the rows in each segment . considering that the leakage current of the tft is small , using a reasonable storage capacitor to store the v t results in less frequent compensation cycle . as a result , the power consumption reduces dramatically . since the v t - generation cycle is carried out for each segment , the time assigned to the v t - generation cycle is extended by the number of rows in a segment leading to more precise compensation . since the leakage current of a - si : tfts is small ( e . g ., the order of 10 − 14 ), the generated v t can be stored in a capacitor and be used for several other frames . as a result , the operating cycles during the next post - compensation frames are reduced to the programming and driving cycles . consequently , the power consumption associated with the external driver and with charging / discharging the parasitic capacitances is divided between the same few frames . fig9 illustrates an example of the shared signaling addressing scheme for a light emitting light display , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention . the shared signaling addressing scheme reduces the interface and driver complexity . a display array to which the shared signaling addressing scheme is applied is divided into few segments , similar to those for fig2 and 3 . in fig9 , “ row [ j , k ]” ( k = 1 , 2 , 3 , . . . , h ) represents the k th row in the j th segment , “ h ” is the number of row in each segment , and “ l ” is the number of frames that use the same generated v t . in fig9 , “ row [ j , k ]” ( k = 1 , 2 , 3 , . . . , h ) is in a segment , and “ row [ j − 1 , k ]” ( k = 1 , 2 , 3 , . . . , h ) is in another segment . the timing schedule of fig9 includes compensation cycles “ c & amp ; vt - gen ” ( e . g . 301 of fig9 ), a programming cycle “ p ”, and a driving cycle “ d ”. a compensation interval 300 includes a generation frame cycle 302 in which the threshold voltage of the drive tft is generated and stored inside the pixel , compensation cycles “ c & amp ; vt - gen ” ( e . g . 301 of fig9 ), besides the normal operation of the display , and l - 1 post compensation frames cycles 304 which are the normal operation frame . the generation frame cycle 302 includes one programming cycle “ p ” and one driving cycle “ d ”. the l - 1 post compensation frames cycle 304 includes a set of the programming cycle “ p ” and the driving cycle “ d ”, in series . as shown in fig9 , the driving cycle of each row starts with a delay of τ p from the previous row where τ p is the timing budget assigned to the programming cycle “ p ”. the timing of the driving cycle “ d ” at the last frame is reduced for each rows by i * τ p where “ i ” is the number of rows before that row in the segment ( e . g ., ( h - 1 ) for row [ j , h ]). since τ p ( e . g ., the order of 10 μs ) is much smaller than the frame time ( e . g ., the order of 16 ms ), the latency effect is negligible . however , to minimize this effect , the programming direction may be changed each time , so that the average brightness lost due to latency becomes equal for all the rows or takes into consideration this effect in the programming voltage of the frames before and after the compensation cycles . for example , the sequence of programming the row may be changed after each v t - generation cycle ( i . e ., programming top - to - bottom and bottom - to - top iteratively ), fig1 illustrates an example of a pixel circuit to which the shared signaling addressing scheme is applicable . the pixel circuit 90 of fig1 includes an oled 92 , storage capacitors 94 and 96 , a drive tft 98 , and switch tfts 100 , 102 and 104 . the pixel circuit 90 is similar to the pixel circuit 70 of fig7 . the drive tft 98 , the switch tft 100 , and the first storage capacitor 94 are connected at node a 3 . the switch if is 102 and 104 , and the first and second storage capacitors 94 and 96 are connected at node b 3 . the oled 92 , the drive tft 98 and the switch tft 100 are connected at node c 3 . the switch tft 102 , the second storage capacitor 96 , and the drive tft 98 are connected to a controllable voltage supply vss . fig1 illustrates an example of a timing schedule applied to the pixel circuit 90 . in fig1 , “ x 31 ”, “ x 32 ”, “ x 33 ”, “ x 34 ”, and “ x 35 ” represent operating cycles . x 31 , x 32 and x 33 correspond to the compensation cycles ( e . g . 301 of fig9 ), x 34 corresponds to “ p ” of fig9 , and x 35 correspond to “ d ” of fig9 . referring to fig1 and 11 , the pixel circuit 90 employs a bootstrapping effect to add the programming voltage to the generated v t where v t is the threshold voltage of the drive tft 98 . the compensation cycles ( e . g . 301 of fig9 ) include the first three cycles x 31 , x 32 , and x 33 . during the first operating cycle x 31 , node a 3 is charged to a compensation voltage , vdd - v oled . the timing of the first operating cycle x 31 is small to control the effect of unwanted emission . during the second operating cycle x 32 , vss goes to a high positive voltage v1 ( for example , v 1 = 20 v ), and thus node a 3 is bootstrapped to a high voltage , and also node c 3 goes to v1 , resulting in turning off the oled 92 . during the third operating cycle x 33 , the voltage at node a 3 is discharged through the switch tft 100 and the drive tft 98 and settles to v2 + v t where v t is the threshold voltage of the drive tft 98 , and v2 is , for example , 16 v . vss goes to zero before the current - regulation cycle , and node a 3 goes to v t . a programming voltage v pg is added to the generated v t by bootstrapping during the fourth operating cycle x 34 . the current regulation occurs in the fourth operating cycle x 34 during which node b 3 is charged to the programming voltage v pg ( for example , v pg = 6v ). thus the voltage at node a 3 changes to v pg + v t resulting in an overdrive voltage independent of v t . the current of the pixel circuit during the fifth cycle x 35 ( driving cycle ) becomes independent of v t shift . here , the first storage capacitor 94 is used to store the v t during the v t - generation interval . fig1 illustrates the pixel current stability of the pixel circuit 90 of fig1 . in fig1 , “ δv t ” represents the shift in the threshold voltage of the drive tft ( e . g ., 98 of fig1 ), and “ error in 1pixel (%)” represents the change in the pixel current causing by δv t as shown in fig1 , the pixel circuit 90 of fig1 provides a highly stable current even after a 2 - v shift in the v t of the drive tft . fig1 illustrates another example of a pixel circuit to which the shared signaling addressing scheme is applicable . the pixel circuit 110 of fig1 is similar to the pixel circuit 90 of fig1 , and , however , includes two switch tfts . the pixel circuit 110 includes an oled 112 , storage capacitors 114 and 116 , a drive tft 118 , and switch tfts 120 and 122 . the drive tft 118 , the switch tft 120 , and the first storage capacitor 114 are connected at node a 4 . the switch tfts 122 and the first and second storage capacitors 114 and 116 are connected at node b 4 . the cathode of the oled 112 , the drive tft 118 and the switch tft 120 are connected to node c 4 . the second storage capacitor 116 and the drive tft 118 are connected to a controllable voltage supply vss . fig1 illustrates an example of a timing schedule applied to the pixel circuit 110 . in fig1 , “ x 41 ”, “ x 42 ”, “ x 43 ”, “ x 44 ”, and “ x 44 ” represent operating cycles . x 41 , x 42 , and x 43 correspond to compensation cycles ( e . g . 301 of fig9 ), x 44 correspond to “ p ” of fig9 , and x 45 correspond to “ d ” of fig9 . referring to fig1 and 14 , the pixel circuit 110 employs a bootstrapping effect to add the programming voltage to the generated v t . the compensation cycles ( e . g . 301 of fig9 ) include the first three cycles x 41 , x 42 , and x 43 . during the first operating cycle x 41 , node a 4 is charged to a compensation voltage , vdd - v oled . the timing of the first operating cycle x 41 is small to control the effect of unwanted emission . during the second operating cycle x 42 , vss goes to a high positive voltage v1 ( for example , v1 = 20 v ), and so node a 4 is bootstrapped to a high voltage , and also node c 4 goes to v1 , resulting in turning off the oled 112 . during the third operating cycle x 43 , the voltage at node a 4 is discharged through the switch tft 120 and the drive tft 118 and settles to v2 + v t where v t is the threshold voltage of the drive tft 118 and v2 is , for example , 16 v . vss goes to zero before the current - regulation cycle , and thus node a 4 goes to v t . a programming voltage v pg is added to the generated v t by bootstrapping during the fourth operating cycle x 44 . the current regulation occurs in the fourth operating cycle x 44 during which node b 4 is charged to the programming voltage v pg ( for example , v pg = 6 v ). thus the voltage at node a 4 changes to v pg + v t resulting in an overdrive voltage independent of v t . the current of the pixel circuit during the fifth cycle x 45 ( driving cycle ) becomes independent of v t shift . here , the first storage capacitor 114 is used to store the v t during the v t - generation interval . fig1 illustrates an example of an amoled display structure for the pixel circuit of fig1 . in fig1 , gsel [ a ] ( a = 1 , . . . , k ) corresponds to sel 2 of fig1 , sel 1 [ b ] ( b = 1 , . . . , m ) corresponds to sel 1 of fig1 , gvss [ c ] ( c = 1 , . . . , k ) corresponds to vss of fig1 , vdata [ d ] ( d = 1 , . . . , n ) corresponds to vdata of fig1 . the amoled display 200 of fig1 includes a plurality of pixel circuits 90 which are arranged in row and column , an address driver 204 for controlling gsel [ a ], sel 1 [ b ] and gvss [ c ], and a data driver 206 for controlling vdata [ s ]. the rows of the pixel circuits 90 are segmented as described above . in fig1 , segment [ 1 ] and segment [ k ] are shown as examples . referring to fig1 and 15 , sel 2 and vss signals of the rows in one segment are connected together and form gsel and gvss signals . fig1 illustrates an example of an amoled display structure for the pixel circuit of fig1 . in fig1 , gsel [ a ] ( a = 1 , . . . , k ) corresponds to sel 2 of fig1 , sel 1 [ b ] ( b = 1 , , m ) corresponds to sel 1 of fig1 , gvss [ c ] ( c = 1 , . . . , k ) corresponds to vss of fig1 , vdata [ d ] ( d = 1 , . . . , n ) corresponds to vdata of fig1 . the amoled display 210 of fig1 includes a plurality of pixel circuits 110 which are arranged in row and column , an address driver 214 for controlling gsel [ a ], sel 1 [ b ] and gvss [ c ], and a data driver 216 for controlling vdata [ s ]. the rows of the pixel circuits 110 are segmented as described above . in fig1 , segment [ 1 ] and segment [ k ] are shown as examples . referring to fig1 and 16 , sel 2 and vss signals of the rows in one segment are connected together and form gsel and gvss signals . referring to fig1 and 16 , the display arrays can diminish its area by sharing vss and gsel signals between physically adjacent rows . moreover , gvss and gsel in the same segment are merged together and form the segment gvss and gsel lines . thus , the controlling signals are reduced . further , the number of blocks driving the signals is also reduced resulting in lower power consumption and lower implementation cost . fig1 illustrates a further example of a pixel circuit to which the shared signaling addressing scheme is applicable . the pixel circuit of fig1 includes an oled 132 , storage capacitors 134 and 136 , a drive tft 138 , and switch tfts 140 , 142 and 144 . a first select line sel is connected to the gate terminal of the switch if 1 142 . a second select line gsel is connected to the gate terminal of the switch tft 144 . a gcomp signal line is connected to the gate terminal of the switch tft 40 . the first terminal of the switch tft 140 is connected to node a 5 , and the second terminal of the switch tft 140 is connected to node c 5 . the first terminal of the drive tft 138 is connected to node c 5 and the second terminal of the drive tft 138 is connected to the anode of the oled 132 . the first terminal of the switch tft 142 is connected to a data line vdata , and the second terminal of the switch tft 142 is connected to node b 5 . the first terminal of the switch tft 144 is connected to a voltage supply vdd , and the second terminal of the switch tft 144 is connected to node c 5 . the first terminal of the first storage capacitor 134 is connected to node a 5 , and the second terminal of the first storage capacitor 134 is connected to node b 5 . the first terminal of the second storage capacitor 136 is connected to node b 5 , and the second terminal of the second storage capacitor 136 is connected to vdd . fig1 illustrates an example of a timing schedule applied to the pixel circuit 130 . in fig1 , operating cycles x 51 , x 52 , x 53 , and x 54 form a generating frame cycle ( e . g ., 302 of fig9 ), the second operating cycles x 53 and x 54 form a post - compensation frame cycle ( e . g ., 304 of fig9 ). x 53 and x 54 are the normal operation cycles whereas the rest are the compensation cycles . referring to fig1 and 18 , the pixel circuit 130 employs bootstrapping effect to add a programming voltage to the generated v t where v t is the threshold voltage of the drive tft 138 . the compensation cycles ( e . g . 301 of fig9 ) include the first two cycles x 51 and x 52 . during the first operating cycle x 51 , node a 5 is charged to a compensation voltage , and node b 5 is charged to v ref through the switch tft 142 and vdata . the timing of the first operating cycle x 51 is small to control the effect of unwanted emission . during the second operating cycle x 52 , gsel goes to zero and thus it turns off the switch tft 144 . the voltage at node a 5 is discharged through the switch tft 140 and the drive tft 138 and settles to v oled + v t where v oled is the voltage of the oled 132 , and v t is the threshold voltage of the drive tft 138 . during the programming cycle , i . e ., the third operating cycle x 53 , node b 5 is charged to v p + v p where v p is a programming voltage . thus the gate voltage of the drive tft 138 becomes v oled + v t + v p . here , the first storage capacitor 134 is used to store the v t + v oled during the compensation interval . fig1 illustrates an example of an amoled display array structure for the pixel circuit 130 of fig1 . in fig1 , gsel [ a ] ( a = 1 , . . . , k ) corresponds to gsel of fig1 , sel [ b ] ( b = 1 , . . . , m ) corresponds to sel 1 of fig1 , gcmp [ c ] ( c = 1 , . . . , k ) corresponds to gcomp of fig1 , vdata [ d ] ( d = 1 , . . . , n ) corresponds to vdata of fig1 . the amoled display 220 of fig1 includes a plurality of pixel circuits 130 which are arranged in row and column , an address driver 224 for controlling sel [ a ], gsel [ b ], and gcomp [ c ], and a data driver 226 for controlling vdata [ c ]. the rows of the pixel circuits 130 are segmented ( e . g ., segment [ 1 ] and segment [ k ]) as described above . as shown in fig1 and 19 , gsel and gcomp signals of the rows in one segment are connected together and form gsel and gcomp lines . gsel and gcomp signals are shared in the segment . moreover , gvss and gsel in the same segment are merged together and form the segment gvss and gsel lines . thus , the controlling signals are reduced . further , the number of blocks driving the signals is also reduced resulting in lower power consumption and lower implementation cost . fig2 illustrates a further example of a pixel circuit to which the shared addressing scheme is applicable . the pixel circuit 150 of fig2 is similar to the pixel circuit 130 of fig1 . the pixel circuit 150 includes an oled 152 , storage capacitors 154 and 156 , a drive tft 158 , and switch tfts 160 , 162 , and 164 . the gate terminal of the switch 164 is connected to a controllable voltage supply vdd , rather than gsel . the drive tft 158 , the switch tft 162 and the first storage capacitor 154 are connected at node a 6 . the switch tft 162 and the first and second storage capacitors 154 and 156 are connected at node b 6 . the drive tft 158 and the switch tfts 160 and 164 are connected to node c 6 . fig2 illustrates an example of a timing schedule applied to the pixel circuit 150 . in fig2 , operating cycles x 61 , x 62 , x 63 , and x 64 form a generating frame cycle ( e . g ., 302 of fig9 ), the second operating cycles x 63 and x 64 form a post - compensation frame cycle ( e . g ., 304 of fig9 ). referring to fig2 and 21 , the pixel circuit 150 employs bootstrapping effect to add a programming voltage to the generated v t where v t is the threshold voltage of the drive tft 158 . the compensation cycles ( e . g . 301 of fig9 ) include the first two cycles x 61 and x 62 . during the first operating cycle x 61 , node a 6 is charged to a compensation voltage , and node b 6 is charged to v ref through the switch tft 162 and vdata . the timing of the first operating cycle x 61 is small to control the effect of unwanted emission . during the second operating cycle x 62 , vdd goes to zero and thus it turns off the switch tft 164 . the voltage at node a 6 is discharged through the switch tft 160 and the drive tft 158 and settles to v oled + v t where v oled is the voltage of the oled 152 , and v t is the threshold voltage of the drive tft 158 . during the programming cycle , i . e ., the third operating cycle x 63 , node b 6 is charged to v p + v ref where v p is a programming voltage . it has been identified thus the gate voltage of the drive tft 158 becomes v oled + v t + v p . here , the first storage capacitor 154 is used to store the v t + v oled during the compensation interval . fig2 illustrates an example of an amoled display array structure for the pixel circuit 150 of fig2 . in fig2 , sel [ a ] ( a = 1 , . . . , m ) corresponds to sel of fig2 , gcmp [ b ] ( b = 1 , . . . , k ) corresponds to gcomp of fig2 , gvdd [ c ] ( c = 1 , . . . . , k ) corresponds to vdd of fig2 , and vdata [ d ] ( d = 1 , . . . , n ) corresponds to vdata of fig2 . the amoled display 230 of fig2 includes a plurality of pixel circuits 150 which are arranged in row and column , an address driver 234 for controlling sel [ a ], gcomp [ b ], and gvdd [ c ], and a data driver 236 for controlling vdata [ c ]. the rows of the pixel circuits 230 are segmented ( e . g ., segment [ 1 ] and segment [ k ]) as described above . referring to fig2 and 22 , vdd and gcomp signals of the rows in one segment are connected together and form gvdd and gcomp lines . gvdd and gcomp signals are shared in the segment . moreover , gvdd and gcomp in the same segment are merged together and form the segment gvdd and gcomp lines . thus , the controlling signals arc reduced . further , the number of blocks driving the signals is also reduced resulting in lower power consumption and lower implementation cost . according to the embodiments of the present invention , the operating cycles are shared in a segment to generate an accurate threshold voltage of the drive tft . it reduces the power consumption and signals , resulting in lower implementation cost . the operating cycles of a row in the segment are overlapped with the operating cycles of another row in the segment . thus , they can maintain high display speed , regardless of the size of the display . the accuracy of the generated vt depends on the time allocated to the v t - generation cycle . the generated v t is a function of the storage capacitance and drive tft parameters , as a result , the special mismatch affects the generated vt associated within the mismatch in the storage capacitor for a given threshold voltage of the drive transistor . increasing the time of the v t - generation cycle reduces the effect of special mismatch on the generated v t . according to the embodiments of the present invention , the timing assigned to v t is extendable without either affecting the frame rate or reducing the number of rows , thus , it is capable of reducing the imperfect compensation and spatial mismatch effect , regardless of the size of the panel . the v t - generation time is increased to enable high - precision recovery of the threshold voltage v t of the drive tft across its gate - source terminals . as a result , the uniformity over the panel is improved . in addition , the pixel circuits for the addressing schemes have the capability of providing a predictably higher current as the pixel ages and so as to compensate for the oled luminance degradation . according to the embodiments of the present invention , the addressing schemes improve the backplane stability , and also compensate for the oled luminance degradation . the overhead in power consumption and implementation cost is reduced by over 90 % compared to the existing compensation driving schemes . since the shared addressing scheme ensures the low power consumption , it is suitable for low power applications , such as mobile applications . the mobile applications may be , but not limited to , personal digital assistants ( pdas ), cell phones , etc . the present invention has been described with regard to one or more embodiments . however , it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims .	6
fig1 shows an overview of a typical audio - visual ( av ) production and transmission system . at the production site 11 , one standard program view is produced in high resolution , e . g . 4k , and transmitted via some kind of transmission network 12 to end users . all of these users may have the same kind of set - top boxes 13 - 15 ( or receivers , more generally ), but different displays 16 - 18 . as user a has a matching display 16 , so that the user a can view the original content in full resolution ( e . g . 4k ). for other users b and c , who have lower resolution displays 17 - 18 , their respective set - top box 14 - 15 ( or receivers ) working according to the invention can convert the signal . as a result , the lower resolution displays 17 - 18 display the content according to the individually selected view , but in their respective resolution ( e . g . hd ). in fig2 , a user &# 39 ; s set - top box 14 receives the standard video stream , and a user view generation unit 24 generates a user view for the connected display 17 according to control information received from the user through a user interface . thus , the user can control the user view generation process . fig3 shows different possible user views . fig3 a ) shows the default view with higher resolution , wherein the full size video is shown . e . g . a 4k image is shown on a 4k display . fig3 b )- e ) show different ways how a user defined view may look like at a lower resolution . the video in fig3 b ) is just downsampled , i . e . the full video is shown in lower spatial resolution , such as high definition ( hd ) or standard definition ( sd ). the video in fig3 c ) is “ zoomed centered ”, i . e . zoomed towards the center of the display . the spatial resolution is similar or equal to the spatial resolution of the input video , but edges ( upper , lower , left and right edge ) of the video are cropped and not displayed . in the “ zoomed centered ” mode , the center of the image is maintained and substantially the same amount of edges on the left and the right side , and on upper and lower side respectively , are cropped ( assuming constant aspect ratio ). the video in fig3 d ) is zoomed only a little , and panned for centering outside the original center of the video . the panning may move the view on any region of interest , e . g . a person or an important object . panning means that different amount of edges on the left and the right side ( and / or on the upper and lower side , respectively ) are cropped , so that the center of the image is shifted . the view in fig3 e ) is zoomed very far , so that the spatial resolution may be higher than in the input video ( as obtained e . g . by spatial interpolation ), and panned on the person ( or on important object ). the panning may be done interactively or by using metadata for pre - produced proposed view settings . proposed view settings may be created in a studio , applicable e . g . for sd displays with a particular given resolution lower than provided by the currently used format . another example of user - defined views is shown in fig4 . fig4 a ) shows the input video , which is the default view at high resolution for user a . fig4 b )- d ) show different ways how a user - defined view may look like at a lower spatial resolution . while the video in fig4 b ) is just downsampled , so that the full video is visible , the video in fig4 c ) is zoomed centered and the one in fig4 d ) is zoomed and panned , in order to move the view on an important object 41 . thus , it may happen that other objects 42 are outside the visible area 40 and thus not displayed any more due to the cropping . the zoomed and panned view is particularly useful if the cropped portion of the video outside the visible area does not show any objects of interest . fig5 shows some images f 1 - f 6 from a produced video sequence in temporal order . this sequence is input to the set - top box according to the invention . the sequence begins with a first view f 1 - f 2 taken from a first camera cam # 1 . at some point in time t 1 , the view changes from the first camera cam # 1 to a second view from a different second camera cam # 2 , and images f 3 - f 5 of the second view are displayed . somewhat later , at a time t 2 , the view switches back to the first camera cam # 1 , and further pictures f 6 of the first view are displayed . in the process of ( manual or automatic ) scene change detection , a scene change detection processing block 51 receives a current image to detect a scene change . a camera recognition module 52 is configured to ( re -) identify cameras . already known ( e . g . previously identified ) cameras are managed in an internal list 53 . according to one aspect of the invention , a user may define different user view settings for at least some of or each of the views . e . g . the user defines the first view in frames f 1 - f 2 to be displayed e . g . in a 30 % zoomed centered view . the user - defined settings for the first view corresponding to a first camera cam # 1 are stored , e . g . in a memory together with a list of detected cameras or separately . the camera cam # 1 may be implicitly assumed , or an identifier of the camera may be transmitted and received as metadata of the video stream . the camera recognition according to image analysis or according to a metadata identifier may be done in the camera recognition module 52 . note that the frames shown in fig5 do not necessarily represent single video frames , but may also be understood as shots or scenes . at the time t 1 , the input video switches to the second view in frames f 3 - f 5 . the scene change is detected by a scene change detection module 51 . the second view corresponds to a second camera cam # 2 . the second camera cam # 2 may be implicitly assumed , or an identifier of the camera may be transmitted and received as metadata , as described above . the user defines the second view to be displayed e . g . in a 50 % zoomed and 20 % panned view . the user - defined settings for the second view corresponding to the second camera are also stored in the memory , like the user settings for the first view . at the time t 2 , the input video switches back to the first view in frame f 6 ( and following frames , not shown ). the scene change is detected by the scene change detection module 51 . the camera recognition module 52 detects that the view corresponds to the first camera cam # 1 . the detection may be done e . g . by image analysis , recognizing a strong similarity between frames f 1 - 2 and f 6 , or by using an identifier of the camera that may be transmitted and received as metadata . various image features may be analyzed for detecting the similarity , such as contours , colors , motion , faces ( through face recognition ) etc . after detecting that the view of frame f 6 corresponds to the first view , the user - defined settings for the first view are retrieved from the storage and applied to the display . thus , the user settings that were defined for the frames f 1 - f 2 are automatically used also for the frame f 6 . the user may also use a downsampled full view , and modify the user - defined settings at any time . in one embodiment , the user - defined settings relating to any particular user are valid only for a single current display . in a case where an input video is displayed simultaneously on two or more displays , separate user - defined settings can be applied for each of the displays . e . g . if a received video is sent from the stb to a user &# 39 ; s high - resolution large screen display and simultaneously to the user &# 39 ; s portable device display , a first set of user - defined settings is applied for the portable device and a different second set of user - defined settings is applied for the large screen . both sets can be defined , stored and modified in the stb . an advantage is that the stream sent to the portable device may have a reduced data rate if only a part of the original image is displayed . fig6 shows the structure of an apparatus for displaying a video . it comprises a user interface module 66 ( such as a keyboard , gui , remote controller etc .) configured to enable a user to define first view settings , a first memory 63 configured to store the first view settings , a video image processor 65 configured to apply the first view settings to images of a first view of a first video scene , a camera recognition module 62 ( such as a camera recognition module 52 , a processor adapted by a suitable software , or a metadata extracting and interpreting unit ) configured to detect a first camera corresponding to the first view , a scene change detection module 61 ( such as a scene change detection module 51 , a processor adapted by a suitable software , or a metadata extracting and interpreting unit ) configured to detect scene changes and to detect if a new scene after a scene change corresponds to the first view , and a controller 64 configured to retrieve the first view settings from the first memory and to control the video image processor to apply the first view settings for displaying the new scene if the new scene corresponds to the first view . when a video stream v in enters the apparatus , the camera recognition module 62 determines a first view corresponding to a first camera , and ( initially ) the video image processor 65 provides the full view video at v out to a display or any subsequent processing ( not shown ). when a user selects first view settings through the user interface module 66 , the controller 64 interprets the first view settings and controls the video image processor 65 to generate a view according to the first view settings . further , the controller 64 associates the first view settings with the first view determined by the camera recognition module 62 and stores the view settings and their relation to the first view in the first memory 63 . when the scene change detection module 61 ( which may also be an integrated part of the camera recognition module 62 ) detects that a new scene starts , the camera recognition module 62 in one embodiment compares the view of the new scene with previous views ( whose characteristic parameters it may have stored , either in the first memory 63 or in a different memory 67 ). in another embodiment , the camera recognition module 62 receives metadata identifying the camera or view of the new scene . if the new scene uses a view for which view settings have been defined and stored previously , the view settings are retrieved from the memory 63 and provided to the video image processor 65 for processing the new scene accordingly . if the new scene uses a view for which no view settings have been defined and stored yet , the user may enter new view settings , or the video image processor 65 may use default view settings for the current display , or the video image processor 65 may skip processing the video and output the full view video at v out . the user may select or modify view settings at least for the currently displayed view at any time through the user interface module 66 . in one embodiment , the user may also select or modify view settings for other views than the currently displayed view , e . g . through a gui . characteristic parameters suitable for comparing and recognizing views may be contours , colors , motion , faces ( through face recognition ) etc . examples for contours are a horizon line , the shape of a soccer field , the shape of an object such as a house , or any background objects . it is noted that the apparatus for displaying a video is suitable for performing the method according to the first embodiment as well as the method according to the other embodiments mentioned above . it is also possible that proposed view settings are pre - generated in a studio for certain display types , which therefore may apply for a plurality of viewers . such proposed view settings can be distributed as metadata within the video stream or attached to the video stream . the proposed view settings can also be distributed through other channels , such as the internet . a user device extracts the metadata that it needs , i . e . that matches its display &# 39 ; s capabilities . also metadata indicating a scene change can be distributed as metadata within the video stream or attached to the video stream . in one embodiment , a metadata extraction module at the viewer &# 39 ; s site ( e . g . within a stb ) extracts metadata that are within the video stream or attached to the video stream . fig7 a ) shows a flow - chart of a method for displaying a video , or for preparing a video for being displayed . the method comprises steps of enabling a user to define 71 first view settings , applying 72 the first view settings to a first view of a first video scene , determining 73 a first camera corresponding to the first view , storing 74 the first view settings , after a scene change towards a new scene detecting 76 that the new scene corresponds to the first view , and automatically applying 78 the first view settings for displaying the new scene . an additional step 77 may be searching the first view settings in the storage where they were stored and retrieving them . in one embodiment , the method further comprises a step of detecting 75 a scene change , wherein metadata are used that were received within the video or otherwise associated with the video ( e . g . through a separate channel ). in one embodiment where the method further comprises a step of detecting 75 a scene change , the scene change is detected using image analysis . fig7 b ) shows a flow - chart of a method for displaying a video , or for preparing a video for being displayed . the method comprises steps of enabling a user to define 71 first view settings , applying 72 the first view settings to a first view of a first video scene , determining 73 a first camera corresponding to the first view , and storing 74 the first view settings . in one embodiment , further steps are detecting 75 a first scene change , detecting 781 that the scene after the first scene change corresponds to a second view different from the first view , enabling a user to define 782 second view settings , applying 783 the second view settings to the second view of the second video scene , storing 784 the second view settings , and determining 785 a second camera corresponding to the second view . in one embodiment , the method comprises further steps of detecting 786 a second scene change , detecting 76 that the scene after the second scene change corresponds to the first view , finding and retrieving 77 the stored first view settings , and automatically applying 78 the first view settings for displaying the scene after the second scene change . one feature of the present invention is that the user can select an individual part of the enhanced ( e . g . higher resolved ) content to be shown on any particular ( his or her ) display device , or plurality of display devices . the view selection in the above description uses mainly the features pan , tilt and zoom for defining the individualized spatial part that is cropped and zoomed , based on parameters . however , other features that can in principle be regarded as “ higher resolved ”, like highdynamicrange , 3d , colorgamut , may also benefit from this approach and thus may be used . e . g ., a user may set 3d display parameters for a certain camera view different than for another camera view . the above - mentioned metadata may be received inside the same stream like the video , e . g . like videotext in unused parts of the image , or in the encoded digital stream , or as an extra stream e . g . in a hybrid approach ( selling the metadata as extra stream via another transmission channel , such as broadcast and ip ), or through other channels . if the metadata is received in the encoded digital stream , it may be embedded in the visible content of the first frame after each change , e . g . as special pixel pattern , e . g . black and white qr code , using a special detection pattern to identify frames with information . only a small amount of information is required , e . g . 4 bit ( i . e . 4 black and white pixels ) for 16 cameras are sufficient . this will not be visible because the pixels will be shown only 1 / 25 s , or removed by any image correction . the metadata may also be embedded as a video watermark , or in the audio video stream as an audio watermark . the above - mentioned scene detection can be done by extracting transmitted metadata providing an identifier of the current camera . if no transmitted metadata are available , an identifier of the current camera has to be estimated in the viewer &# 39 ; s device ( e . g . stb ). the customers device creates a list of detected cameras . the camera list is maintained , and reset e . g . after a program change as detected from a tuner , decoder , remote control receiver or epg . in one embodiment , a special “ default / others ” camera is used for assembling all views that cannot be identified . scene cut detection tries to identify the point of change , and scene analysis is necessary to distinguish the multiple cameras . in one embodiment , the scene analysis uses a viewing angle or other visible information . in one embodiment , the scene analysis uses metadata e . g . to indicate scene changes and / or identify different cameras or views . as described above , the invention provides a solution for the question what to use as new individual view after a camera change . in one embodiment , a semi - automatic view selection is used . in another embodiment , an individual view per camera is interactively defined . in the semi - automatic view selection approach , the defined view ( virtual user view ) is reset at each scene cut : at the occurrence of a scene / camera change coming from the broadcast stream , the virtual user view will be moved to a default position . there are several default positions possible , for example : reset to center with a default zoom 1 ×, cropping borders but showing highest possible resolution , or letting the user define selection of a variable point between the two variants ( user defined standard zoom ), e . g . via some profile . it is also possible to provide more detailed information about a good starting position together with the metadata sent to identify the change . therefore a default view description is sent together with the metadata . the metadata can describe at least one of a pan / tilt / zoom or crop / zoom virtual camera description , an area of interest describing an important rectangle / polygon / freeform of the image , etc . multiple areas are possible and selectable by user profile or menu . eventually this can lead to a complete guided viewing recommendation , in which a default view is sent for all images . even multiple default views can be provided for selection by the viewer . in the individualized view per camera approach , the individualized user view is stored for each camera if camera identifiers are available . the user starts to configure his or her individualized view for the current camera . when the camera changed , the user may individually modify also the new view . if the broadcast stream switches back to a previously used camera , the last configured user value is used . if multiple cameras are configured ( but only one is visible at the moment ), the user can select a mode to show the last image ( and / or a typical image ) of the other configured cameras using the picture - in - picture mode . in that view , it may be possible to configure all cameras , even those that are not visible at the moment . in one embodiment , the method according to the invention is performed within a display device instead of a stb . the principles of the present invention can be used e . g . during a migration phase from any commonly used ( standard ) television broadcasting format towards an advanced higher resolution format ( including advanced temporal resolution ). generally , the principles of the present invention are particularly advantageous where a format or resolution of a received video stream provides format or resolution information that is beyond the capabilities of a display device . however , the principles of the present invention can also be used where a format or resolution of a received video stream match a format or resolution of a display device . in this case , at least individual view selection that works beyond scene changes is provided to the viewer . while there has been shown , described , and pointed out fundamental novel features of the present invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof , it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the apparatus and method described , in the form and details of the devices disclosed , and in their operation , may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention . although the present invention has been disclosed with regard to video , one skilled in the art would recognize that the method and devices described herein may also be applied to any still picture display . it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention . substitutions of elements from one described embodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated . it will be understood that the present invention has been described purely by way of example , and modifications of detail can be made without departing from the scope of the invention . each feature disclosed in the description and ( where appropriate ) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination . features may , where appropriate be implemented in hardware , software , or a combination of the two . connections may , where applicable , be implemented as wireless connections or wired , not necessarily direct or dedicated , connections . 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
with small sspcs , only one or a small number of mosfets in parallel are needed to carry current to a load , to handle fault handling energy , and to handle dissipation of inductively stored energy on a load or a bus . the need for larger sspcs has resulted in the use of a larger number of mosfets in parallel to provide the necessary current carrying capacity . the use of many mosfets connected in parallel is premised on the mosfets in the parallel current paths sharing current evenly when they are turned on and also sharing current evenly when dissipating inductive stored energy from the load when the sspc opens a circuit to turn off current to the load . in practice , however , variances in mosfets can occur , so that one of the mosfets carries a larger portion of the dissipation energy during turn - off . if one of the mosfets carries substantially more of the current than others during turn - off , it can be exposed to very high peak power dissipation levels and can be damaged . the main reason one mosfet may carry more current than others in an sspc with parallel current supply paths is that the gate - to - source threshold voltage of a mosfet varies from part - to - part and is also a function of temperature . if the mosfets being used in the sspc are not all from the same die lot , they may have different gate - to - source threshold voltages . in some cases , different mosfets are not exposed to the same temperature during operation , which can also result in a shift of gate - to - source threshold of one mosfet with respect to others . if one mosfet has a much lower gate - to - source threshold voltage , then it will carry much more current than others during turn off . when a fault is sensed or a command has been received to turn - off power to the load , the controller of the sspc will provide the signal to the mosfets in the parallel current supply paths to cause them to turn off . prior to the turn - off signal , the fets will all be turned on and operating in fully - on saturated state so that the voltage drop across the mosfet will be based on the drain - to - source resistance in the on state ( rds - on ). current flows between the power bus and the load through the turned - on saturated mosfets . with an inductive load , the current flowing through the load produces magnetic flux that stores energy . when the sspc attempts to the open the load , the inductance of the inductive load tries to continue the current flow . this results in a voltage reversal across the load which causes current flow to continue until the energy in the flux storage has collapsed . as the mosfets attempt to turn - off , they transition from the saturated on operating state to the linear operating region in which both substantial current can flow through the mosfets and substantial voltage drop can occur across the drain - to - source . the mosfet remains turned on because the reversal of voltage across the load will appear at the source of the mosfet and can produce a gate - to - source voltage difference that is greater than the gate - to - source threshold voltage of the mosfet . if one mosfet has a much lower threshold voltage , then it will carry much more current than the other mosfets located in the other current carrying paths . the total current will be split among the current carrying paths depending upon the resistance in each current path . if one mosfet has a much lower threshold voltage , then it will carry much more current than the other mosfets as the load voltage starts to drop below the drive voltage . the lowest threshold mosfet starts to conduct first and has to carry enough current to result in adequate gate - to - source voltage for other mosfets to turn - on as well . since the gate voltage - to - drain current slope is very flat , this results in a wide separation between the currents carried by the mosfets with different gate - to - source threshold voltages . the present invention reduces the difference in current drawn by mosfets with different gate - to - source threshold voltages by effectively changing the slope of the current - to - voltage ratio so that as the current in the mosfet increases , the voltage drop from the bus to the load increases faster than it would with just the mosfet on resistance . this more quickly brings the gate voltage of other mosfets to the point where they will also conduct part of the current . this present invention is accomplished by placing a small balance resistor in series with the drain of each mosfet only during the turn - off time . this is controlled by having a low voltage ultra - low on resistance mosfet short the small balance resistor when the channel is fully on and only turn off when the channel turns off . the small balance resistor in series with each main switching fet could stay there except for the extra steady state voltage drop and power dissipation when carrying a load so the low on resistance fet acts as a shunt during normal operation to keep the total power dissipation and voltage drop low . another way to describe how the balance resistor helps to balance the turn - off current is that as the current through an individual resistor increases and its voltage drop increases , it raises the source voltage and thereby reduces the gate - to - source voltage thus “ pinching off ” the channel of the mosfet until it reaches a balance point with the other channels . fig1 is a schematic diagram showing multiple mosfet sspc 10 , which controls the supply of current power bus 12 to load 14 . sspc 10 includes controller 16 , driver 18 , a plurality of parallel current supply paths 20 a - 20 n , current sense resistor 22 , zener diode 24 , blocking diode 26 , and resistors 28 , 30 , and 32 . each current supply path 20 a - 20 n includes main power switching fet 34 and balance circuit 36 , which includes secondary fet 38 and balance resistor 40 . sspc 10 provides electrical current from power bus 12 to load 14 . the current is divided among parallel current paths 20 a - 20 n . the more current paths provided , the larger the total current capacity of sspc 10 . load 14 may be an inductive load . in other words , load 14 can have an impedance that includes an inductive component . as a result , when the sspc turns off , the inductance within load 14 has stored energy in the form of magnetic flux . load 14 will resist a change in the current flow when turn - off occurs , and will exhibit a voltage reversal . if power bus 12 is a dc bus with a positive voltage , load 14 will exhibit a negative going voltage during turn - off of current paths 20 a - 20 n . the operation of current paths 20 a - 20 n is controlled by controller 16 based upon command signals that determine whether load 14 should be on or off , as well as a current sense feedback signal that represents the voltage across current sense resistor 22 . the output of controller 16 is provided to driver 18 , which provides fet control signals to main power switching fets 34 and secondary fets 38 of current paths 20 a - 20 n . the output of driver 18 is supplied to the gates of main power switching fets 34 through resistor 28 and resistors 30 . the output driver 18 is also supplied to the gates of fets 38 through resistors 32 . zener diode 24 and blocking diode 26 are connected between power bus 12 and resistors 30 to limit source - drain voltage by forcing fets 34 on as needed through resistors 30 . the output of driver 18 simultaneously turns on main power switching fets 34 and secondary fets 38 . as a result , when main power switching fets 34 are turned on , balance resistors 40 are shunted by secondary fets 38 . fet 38 is a low voltage ultra - low on - resistance fet that is turned on whenever main power switching fet 34 is on . when fets 34 and 38 are turned on , they are in the fully saturated operating mode , thus the voltage drop across fet 34 is determined by rds - on of fet 34 . the voltage across balancing circuit 36 when fet 38 is on is based upon rds - on of fet 38 . in other words , balance resistor 40 is shunted by secondary fet 38 when current paths 20 a - 20 n are on and power is being provided to load 14 . during turn - off , the drive signal from driver 18 goes low , and therefore the voltage and the gates of main fets 34 and secondary fets 38 go low . as a result , secondary fets 38 turn - off , which introduce balance resistors 40 into current paths 20 a - 20 n . the gate - to - source threshold voltages of main fets 34 can differ significantly . differences in threshold voltage can be as much as 2 volts at room temperature from fet to fet . if one of main power switching fets 34 turns on before the rest of the fets 34 as a result of load 14 pulling the source voltage of fet 34 down a very large amount of power can be applied to the one main fet 34 that is turned on and damage to that fet can occur . balancing circuits 36 counteract the unbalance in current distribution caused by differences in gate - to - source threshold voltages in main fets 34 . during turn - off , balancing resistors 40 force more source voltage on those fets that are carrying more current . the larger the current flow through balancing resistor 40 , the higher the voltage in the upper end of balancing resistor 40 , which is connected to the source of main fet 34 . the added voltage provided by the voltage drop across balance resistor 40 modulates the source voltage of main fet 34 to counteract current unbalance caused by threshold voltage differences . in other words , balancing resistors 40 help to pinch off the channel between drain and source of main power switching fet 34 to reduce the current flow through fet 34 . as a result , a balancing of current among current carry channels 20 a - 20 n is produced by the insertion of balancing resistors 40 in series with main power switching fets 34 during turn - off . an improvement in leading edge switching power can be accomplished by adding a small inductor in series with the source of main switching fet 34 . fig2 shows sspc 10 a , which is similar to sspc 10 of fig1 except for the addition of small inductor 42 in series between the source of main fet 34 and balancing circuit 36 in each current path 20 a - 20 n . current can rise very rapidly on a fault induced turn - off , and inductors 42 can provide some time for secondary fets 38 to turn - off so that balance resistor 40 takes over . this avoids a very short , high current / power narrow pulse in the time in which main power switching fets 34 are not sharing current well . in fig1 and fig2 , sspc 10 and sspc 10 a have been described in the context of a power distribution system using a dc power bus . the balancing circuitry shown in fig1 and fig2 can also be used in sspc applications where power is being delivered from an ac power bus . in those application , current paths will be provided for both positive half cycle and negative half cycle of the negative ac power . furthermore , although mosfets have been described and shown in fig1 and 2 , other types of fets or other devices could be used . it is also useful to note that if a small delay is added on the turn - on of mosfets 38 when the sspc is first turned on then this same balance resistor method can also help protect the sharing of the mosfets 34 when supplying inrush current to capacitive loads . the operation of the protection mechanism is very much the same as it is for when the sspc is turned off into an inductive load . this delay can be accomplished by the controller with separate driver 18 a for fet &# 39 ; s 38 ( as shown in fig3 ) or by a non - linear drive instead of resistors 32 from the driver to fet &# 39 ; s 38 or by other signal delays means . while the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment ( s ), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention . in addition , many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof . therefore , it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment ( s ) disclosed , but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims .	7
as shown in fig1 , monitoring equipment 10 is located at a monitoring site 12 and includes a tuner 14 which tunes to a channel contained in a signal received by a signal acquisition device 16 . the signal acquisition device 16 may be a modem , a satellite dish or other antenna , or the like and acquires signals transmitted by transmission sources . the signal carried in the channel to which the tuner 14 is tuned is supplied to a meter 17 which includes a media link detector 18 and a signature extractor 20 . the media link detector 18 is arranged to detect media links in a manner which is similar to present metering equipment that detect other ancillary codes , such as amol codes . in the present case , however , the media link detector 18 is arranged to decode the signal carried in the channel to which the tuner 14 is tuned in order to detect a media link . when the media link detector 18 detects a media link , it causes the media link to be stored in a log 22 . in the event that a media link is not contained in a program which is carried in the channel to which the tuner 14 is tuned , the signature extractor 20 extracts one or more broadcast signatures from the program . broadcast signatures are likewise stored in the log 22 . signatures may be extracted in a manner disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 677 , 466 . this patent discloses example conditions which initiate signature extraction . however , although specific conditions are disclosed , it should be understood that other conditions may be used to initiate signature extraction . for example , a signature may be extracted from each nth frame of a program . moreover , any suitable techniques may be used to collect the data that form the signatures . a clock 24 is associated with the log 22 so that the time and date that each media link is detected by the media link detector 18 may be stored along with the corresponding media link . similarly , the time and date that each broadcast signature is extracted by the signature extractor 20 may be stored along with the broadcast signature . also , the channel to which the tuner 14 is tuned at the time that a media link is detected by the media link detector 18 or a signature is extracted by the signature extractor 20 may be stored in the log 22 along with the corresponding media link or broadcast signature . periodically , the data stored in the log 22 is transmitted by communication equipment 26 from the monitoring site 12 to a remotely located central facility 28 over a communication medium 30 . the communication equipment 26 may be arranged to periodically transmit the data stored in the log 22 to the central facility 28 . alternatively , the communication equipment 26 may be arranged to transmit the data stored in the log 22 when the log 22 has a predetermined amount of data stored therein . as a still further alternative , the communication equipment 26 may be arranged to respond to polls from the central facility 28 in order to initiate the transfer of data to the central facility 28 . still other alternatives and combinations of alternatives are possible . the communication medium 30 may be any communication medium which supports the transfer of information between remote locations . for example , the communication medium 30 may be a public telephone network , air accessed by radiating antennas such as satellite , cellular , and terrestrial antennas , over cables such as the rf return over a cable plant , the internet , or the like . a computer 32 is located at the central facility 28 . the computer 32 may be arranged to identify programs from the media links and broadcast signatures transmitted to it by the communication equipment 26 . for example , in the case of media links , the computer 32 may be arranged to compare the media links received from the monitoring site 12 to a library of media links which contain both the media links and the titles and / or other identifying information corresponding to the programs from which the media links were detected by the media link detector 18 . accordingly , when the computer 32 is provided with a media link from the monitoring site 12 , it can identify and / or verify the program which contains that media link and which was transmitted by a transmission source . the computer 32 can also determine , if desired , that the program containing the media link was transmitted at a particular time , on a particular day , and on a particular channel from the channel , time , and date information transmitted to the central facility 28 along with the detected media link . in some cases , the programs may be completely identified from the media link itself . in this case , there is no need to use the look up table in the identification process . in other cases , particularly where a program has been transmitted for the first time , no information is provided in the look up table from which the program may be identified . in this case , the media link may be used to access the web site or content associated with the media link in order to discover the identity of the program , or the program may be viewed by personnel of the central facility 28 in order to discover the identity of the program . then , the identity of the program may be entered into the look up table under the media link for future identifications . the computer 32 may also be arranged to identify and / or verify programs which do not contain media links . for example , the computer 32 may be arranged to compare the broadcast signatures received from the monitoring site 12 to a library of reference signatures which contain both the reference signatures and the titles and / or other identifying information corresponding to the programs from which the reference signatures were extracted . accordingly , when the computer 32 is provided with broadcast signatures from the monitoring site 12 , it can identify programs and / or verify the transmission of programs by matching these broadcast signatures with the reference signatures stored in the reference signature library . the computer 32 can also determine , if desired , that the programs containing the extracted broadcast signatures were transmitted at particular times , on particular days , and on particular channels from the channel , time , and date information transmitted to the central facility 28 along with the extracted broadcast signatures . alternatively , the computer 32 may use both detected media links and extracted broadcast signatures , where available from the same program , in order to increase certainty that a program is properly identified and / or verified . as a still further alternative , the computer 32 may identify and / or verify a program from the media links in the event that the computer 32 is unable to first identify and / or verify the program from the extracted broadcast signatures . the meter 17 operates in accordance with a software routine 50 shown in fig2 . the software routine 50 , at a block 52 , determines from the output of the tuner 14 whether a program of interest is received . for example , the software routine 50 at the block 52 may operate in accordance with the above mentioned u . s . pat . no . 4 , 677 , 466 in order to determine the start of a program of interest . ( alternatively , the software routine 50 at the block 52 may be arranged to simply detect when the tuner 14 is on and is tuned to a channel in which there is content . in this case , the output of the tuner 14 is continuously monitored for media links , and broadcast signatures are extracted from the output of the tuner 14 on a continuous basis .) a program of interest may be a commercial , regular programming material , a documentary , and / or the like . if a program of interest is not detected at the block 52 , the software routine 50 waits for a program of interest . however , if a program of interest is detected , the software routine 50 at a block 54 determines whether a media link is detected by the media link detector 18 from a segment of the current program . for example , this segment may have a determinate length , such as n frames of the current program . alternatively , this segment may have an indeterminate length determined by conditions of the program signal as disclosed in the above mentioned u . s . pat . no . 4 , 677 , 466 . if a media link is detected from the current segment of the current program at the block 54 , the media link is logged at a block 56 . because a media link is detected in the program of interest , it may not be necessary to save any broadcast signatures which may have been extracted from the current program prior to the time at which the media link is detected . if so , the software routine 50 at a block 58 deletes from the log only the broadcast signatures extracted by the signature extractor 20 from the current program , and program flow thereafter returns to the block 52 to wait for the next program of interest . on the other hand , if a media link is not detected from the current segment of the current program at the block 54 , the software routine 50 at a block 60 extracts a broadcast signature from the current program appearing at the output of the tuner 14 . the software routine 50 at a block 62 logs the broadcast signature extracted by the signature extractor 20 at the block 60 . the software routine 50 then determines at a block 64 whether an end to the current program is detected . for example , the software routine 50 at the block 52 may operate in accordance with the above mentioned u . s . pat . no . 4 , 677 , 466 in order to determine the end of the current program . if an end to the current program is not yet detected , program flow returns to the block 54 in order to search for a media link from the next segment of the current program . on the other hand , if an end of the current program is detected at the block 64 , program flow returns to the block 52 in order to process a next program . in this case , the current program contained no media link and the current program will be identified by the computer 32 from the extracted broadcast signatures . instead of identifying a program from a media link , the media link may be used to better focus the search for reference signatures which match broadcast signatures . this use of a media link is particularly valuable in those instances where the media link is not unique , i . e ., where the media link is used in more than one program and , therefore , does not uniquely identify a program . in addition to a media link , other information which is ancillary to the program content contained in the program signal , such as closed captioning information , may be used for this reference signature search focusing . accordingly , media links , closed captioning information , or other such ancillary information may be referred to herein as content ancillary information ( cai ). a software routine 100 , which is illustrated in fig3 and 4 , uses content ancillary information in order to focus the search for reference signatures that are to be compared to broadcast signatures during the process of identifying a program . the communication equipment 26 may employ , in addition to a transmitter , a computer in order to execute the software routine 100 . the software routine 100 , at a block 102 , determines from the output of the tuner 14 whether a program of interest is received , as before . if a program of interest is not detected at the block 102 , the software routine 100 waits for a program of interest . however , if a program of interest is detected , the software routine 100 at a block 104 determines whether content ancillary information is detected by the media link detector 18 from a segment of the current program . if content ancillary information is detected from the current segment of the current program at the block 104 , the content ancillary information is logged at a block 106 . on the other hand , if content ancillary information is not detected from the current segment of the current program at the block 104 , or after the content ancillary information is logged at a block 106 , the software routine 100 at a block 108 extracts a broadcast signature from the current segment of the current program . the software routine 100 at a block 110 logs the broadcast signature extracted by the signature extractor 20 at the block 108 . the software routine 100 then determines at a block 112 whether an end to the current program is detected . if an end to the current program is not yet detected , the software routine 100 at a block 114 waits for the next segment . when the next segment occurs , program flow returns to the block 104 . when the end of a current program is detected at the block 112 , a set of broadcast signatures has been extracted and stored for that program . also , content ancillary information , if detected , is also stored for that program . this set of broadcast signatures is compared to reference signatures stored in a reference signature library as described below in an attempt to identify the program corresponding to this set of broadcast signatures . thus , if an end of the current program is detected at the block 112 , the software routine 100 at a block 116 determines whether content ancillary information was detected in the program just processed by the blocks 102 - 114 . if content ancillary information was detected in the program just processed by the blocks 102 - 114 , a search of the reference signatures stored in the reference signature library is made at a block 118 in order to find reference signatures corresponding to the content ancillary information . such reference signatures were previously extracted from a program containing the same content ancillary information and were loaded into the reference signature library in association with the corresponding content ancillary information . if content ancillary information was not detected in the program just processed by the blocks 102 - 114 , hash codes corresponding to the broadcast signatures extracted at the block 108 may be computed at a block 120 . a search of the reference signatures stored in the reference signature library is made at a block 122 in order to find reference signatures corresponding to the hash codes computed at the block 120 . ( alternatively , the broadcast signatures extracted at the block 108 may be compared to all reference signatures in the reference signatures library .) the reference signatures found at the block 118 or at the block 122 are compared at a block 124 to the broadcast signatures extracted from the program at the block 108 . if a sufficient match is found at the block 124 , the identification of the program stored in the reference signature library along with the matching reference signatures is saved at a block 126 for later transmission to the central facility 28 . the time at which the program was received , the length of the program as detected , the channel in which the program was detected , and other relevant information may also be stored at the block 126 along with the program identification . if a match is not found at the block 124 , the broadcast signatures extracted from the program at the block 108 and the content ancillary information , if any , for the program are saved at a block 128 for later clustering and transmission to the central facility 28 so that the program can be identified during new program discovery . the time at which the program was received , the length of the program as detected , the channel in which the program was detected , and other relevant information may also be stored at the block 128 along with the broadcast signatures extracted at the block 108 and the content ancillary information , if any , detected at the block 104 . after the identification is saved at the block 126 , or after the broadcast signatures and content ancillary information are saved at the block 128 , program flow returns to the block 102 to process the next program of interest . content ancillary information can also be used during clustering performed by the monitoring equipment 10 and / or by the central facility 28 in order to cluster broadcast signatures corresponding to unknown programs . unknown programs are those programs whose broadcast signatures did not favorably compare to any reference signatures stored in the reference signature library and / or which did not contain a program identifying code such as a media link . accordingly , to implement clustering , the computer employed in the communication equipment 26 and / or the computer 32 of the central facility 28 may execute a software routine 200 shown in fig5 . the time for clustering is determined at a block 202 . for example , clustering by the monitoring equipment 10 and / or by the computer 32 may be performed periodically , such as once a day , or in response to an event such as a poll or an instruction from a user , or the like . when it is time for clustering as determined at the block 202 , the broadcast signatures corresponding to one unknown program are compared to the broadcast signatures corresponding to other unknown programs at a block 204 based upon the content ancillary information associated with each set of broadcast signatures . thus , all sets of broadcast signatures corresponding to the same first content ancillary information ( e . g ., cai 1 ) are compared to one another . duplicates are then eliminated so that only one set of broadcast signatures corresponding to content ancillary information cai 1 is kept . similarly , all sets of broadcast signatures corresponding to the same second content ancillary information ( e . g ., cai 2 ) are compared to one another , and duplicates are then eliminated so that only one set of broadcast signatures corresponding to content ancillary information cai 2 is kept . this process is repeated for each of the remaining content ancillary information . then , each set of broadcast signatures which did not have a content ancillary information associated therewith is compared at a block 206 to all other remaining sets of broadcast signatures , including those remaining sets of broadcast signatures having content ancillary information associated therewith , and any duplicates are eliminated . as a result of the processing at the blocks 204 and 206 , the remaining sets of broadcast signatures are unique and the software routine 200 ends . as a result , it is necessary to view an unknown program only once during new program discovery . certain modifications of the present invention have been discussed above . other modifications will occur to those practicing in the art of the present invention . for example , the tuner 14 may be a tuner which tunes to a single channel so that a tuner 14 is required for each channel to be monitored . in this case , a multiplexer may be arranged to multiplex signals from some or all of the instances of the tuner 14 to the meter 17 so that each multiplexed output of the instances of the tuner 14 is processed in turn by the monitoring equipment 10 . alternatively , instead of multiplexing , each tuner 14 may be provided in its own set of monitoring equipment 10 . on the other hand , the tuner 14 may be a scanning tuner for tuning to each of the channels available at the monitoring equipment 10 , or the channels may be divided up between several scanning tuners or between a combination of scanning tuners and non - scanning tuners . also , as discussed above , the signature extractor 20 is arranged to extract signatures from the programs to which the tuner 14 is tuned . however , other program identifying data may be captured instead of , or in addition to , signatures . for example , amol codes may be detected . also , the monitoring equipment may be arranged to prompt audience members to manually input a program identification in the event that a media link is not found in a program . in this case , the non - media link program identifying datum is the manually entered program identification . moreover , it is not necessary to delete from the log those broadcast signatures which are extracted from a program from which a media link is also detected . in this case , the block 58 may be eliminated . furthermore , as described above , the meter 17 operates in accordance with the software routine 50 . however , the meter 17 may be implemented in hardware , in a combination of software or hardware , or the like . in addition , detected media links as described above may be used to identify the programs received by a receiver and / or to verify that the programs have been transmitted as intended . however , the detection of media links may have many other uses . for example , the detection of media links also may be used to verify that the correct media links were transmitted in the correct programs , over the correct channels , at the correct times , in the correct numbers , etc . accordingly , the description of the present invention is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention . the details may be varied substantially without departing from the spirit of the invention , and the exclusive use of all modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims is reserved .	7
it is to be understood that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different features of various embodiments . in one embodiment , a self - organizing list machine may be implemented on a semiconductor platform such as a field - programmable gate array ( fpga ). in another embodiment , a self - organizing list machine may be implemented on a semiconductor platform such as an application specific integrated circuit ( asic ), or any other customizable integrated circuit . specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure . these are , of course , merely examples and are not intended to be limiting . in the implementation of a self - organizing list ( sol ) machine 10 shown in the block diagram of fig1 , there is an array of symbol index generators 20 ( designated individually as 20 - 0 , 20 - 1 , . . . 20 - n ). each of the symbol index generators 20 has a specific and unique location in the array between 0 and n − 1 inclusive , where n is the total number of symbols in a symbol alphabet . each of the symbol index generators 20 also has a symbol id ( sid ) that can be assigned during initialization or hardwired as required for the specific implementation . the sid corresponds to a specific and unique symbol value that is presented on symbol_in input line during normal operation . there is a one - to - one correspondence between symbol index generator sids , and the number of possible unique symbols . for example , if there are 256 symbols in the symbol alphabet , a minimum of 256 symbol index generators are required , each with a unique sid . additional symbol index generators can be present , but unused . the sid of each unused symbol index generator does not match any possible value on symbol_in input line . should the sol machine 10 be reconfigured at a later time , each previously unused symbol index generator can be assigned a sid , according to the needs of a new symbol alphabet . the symbol alphabet can be any length , and does not need to be a power of two . however , each symbol input to the symbol index generators 20 must be a sufficient number of bits to ensure that there is no ambiguity in the value of the symbol . prior to a list update operation , each of the symbol index generators 20 must be initialized . initialization involves loading an initial index value into each of the symbol index generators 20 . each of the symbol index generators 20 must have a unique positional identity ( pid ), sid , and initial index value . the pid is fixed , unique , and cannot be changed during operation . each one of the symbol index generators is assigned a pid . there are many options for initialization . one initialization method could be to program each of the symbol index generators 20 via an external initialization source 30 like a random access memory ( ram ), read - only memory ( rom ), a counter , a microprocessor , or any other suitable external source . this might be beneficial if the high probability symbols are known in advance or if the incoming symbol data has been profiled such that a more optimal initial sequence can be used . a first multiplexer ( mux ) 40 selects the external initialization source 30 via some command signal on cmd_in input line during initialization . the first mux 40 is a 2 : 1 multiplexer . there are other initialization methods for selecting the external initialization source 30 that would not change the overall behavior of the sol machine 10 . in one implementation , there could be more symbol index generators than possible symbol values on symbol_in input line , or ( for some implementation specific reason ) the symbol index generator does not have a pid that matches the symbol value that it represents . in this case , a sid - to - pid translator 50 is needed . when a sid - to - pid translation is made and presented on a select - line of a second mux 60 , the second mux 60 passes the index value from the corresponding one of the symbol index generators 20 to symbolindex_out output line . the second mux 60 is an “ n : 1 ” multiplexer , where “ n ” is the total number of symbols in the symbol alphabet , as already mentioned above . in another implementation , the sid and the initial index value could be made to equal the pid . in other words , symbol index generator 0 would have sid = 0 , and initial index value = 0 ; symbol index generator 1 would have sid = 1 , and initial index value = 1 , etc . when sid = pid , the sid - to - pid translator 50 is not required . accordingly , there is a one - to - one correspondence between the symbols and the sids , and the sid - to - pid translator 50 is optional and could be omitted . for example , if the symbol value on symbol_in input line is presented on a 4 - bit signal , and there are 16 sids ( i . e ., 2 4 ), the sol machine 10 could be designed such that the symbol index generator with pid = 0000 would be selected when the symbol_in value =‘ 0000 ’, symbol index generator with pid =‘ 0001 ’ is selected when symbol_in value =‘ 0001 ’, etc . once the sol machine 10 is initialized , it can begin a list update operation . during step one of a list update operation , a symbol value is placed on symbol_in input line , and a command signal is placed on cmd_in input line . the symbol value selects one of the symbol index generators 20 . more specifically , each of the symbol index generators 20 decodes the symbol value on symbol_in input line to determine if it is the selected symbol index generator . the output of the selected symbol index generator is thereby selected via the first mux 40 . accordingly , the output of the current index value of the selected symbol index generator is placed on symbolindex_out output line . the signal on symbolindex_out output line is fed back to each of the symbol index generators 20 via the first mux 40 . in another implementation , the symbol value on symbol_in input line could be decoded externally to select the active symbol index generator . this is an implementer &# 39 ; s choice and has no impact on the function of the sol machine 10 . it is also the implementer &# 39 ; s choice to use an n : 1 multiplexer or some other technique to output the index value of the selected symbol index generator . in the first step of the list update operation , the symbol value is input to the sol machine 10 via symbol_in input line , and the index value associated with that symbol value is output on symbolindex_out output line . during step two of the list update operation , each of the symbol index generators 20 responds to the current command signal on cmd_in input line and the current index value on symbolindex_out output line to update its own internal index value . with all of the symbol index generators 20 simultaneously updating their internal index storage elements , the entire list is updated in a single operation . the sol machine 10 is then ready to repeat step one of the list update operation with the next input symbol value . to better understand how each of the symbol index generators 20 updates its internal index storage element , a couple of examples are described hereinbelow using known self - organizing list heuristics . assume that the symbol alphabet consists of the symbols “ a , b , c , d , e , f ” and that the initialization sequence results in the initial conditions shown on the left of fig2 . now consider the input sequence of “ fabcd ”. fig2 shows the remaining states as these symbols are inputted , indexes are outputted , and the list is updated . not shown but implied , the sid - to - pid translator 50 is required to translate “ a ” into pid 0 , “ b ” into pid 1 , etc . when the command signal on cmd in input line indicates “ move - to - front ”, the logic in each of the symbol index generators 20 behaves as described in the following pseudo - code : the end result of the sol machine 10 using the mtf heuristic is an output sequence of 5 , 1 , 2 , 2 , 4 . assuming the same alphabet and the same input sequence described above for the mtf example , fig3 depicts the sequential changes to the list using the m1ff heuristic . when the command signal on cmd_in input line indicates “ m1ff ”, the logic in each symbol index generator behaves as described in the following pseudo - code : if ( symbol_in == mysid ) // if my symbol is selected if (( myindex == 1 // and my symbol is at index 0 or 1 or ( myindex == 0 )) myindex = 0 // then my index goes to 0 else myindex = 1 // else move my index one from front endif elsif (( my_index == 0 ) // if my symbol is at front and the ... and ( index_in == 1 )) myindex = 1 // new symbol is adjacent , then move elsif ( index_in & gt ; myindex ) // if my index is displaced myindex = myindex + 1 // then move down the list endif // else my symbol was not displaced the end result of the sol machine 10 using the m1ff heuristic is an output sequence of 5 , 0 , 2 , 3 , 4 . it should be apparent that the above - described implementation has at least one multiplexer operatively connected to an array of symbol index generators and co - operating with the array of symbol index generators to provide an output sequence of a self - organizing list machine . more specifically , a first multiplexer is operatively connected to the array of symbol index generators to select an external initialization source in response to a command signal during initialization of the self - organizing list machine , and a second multiplexer is operatively connected to the array of symbol index generators to pass through an index output value from a corresponding symbol index generator of the array of symbol index generators in response to a symbol input signal . in the disclosed implementation , each symbol index generator is responsive to the command signal and the symbol input signal to provide an index output value that is applied to an input of the second multiplexer . also , the index output value that has passed through the second multiplexer is fed back to an input of the first multiplexer . optionally , a translator processes the symbol input signal before the second multiplexer is responsive thereto . it should further be apparent that the list update operation of the above - described sol machine 10 can be easily changed by changing the behavior of the symbol index generators 20 with essentially no change in performance . performance is essentially constant . it should also be apparent that the above - described hardware - based approaches are user - definable and customizable to fit a particular environment . user - definable initialization methods provide a flexible and customizable solution for updating self - organizing lists . this is a significant enhancement when compared to known software - based approaches for updating self - organizing lists . moreover , the hardware - based approaches allow a list to be initialized in any suitable manner . hardware can be programmed to perform many self - organizing heuristics , including , but not limited to mtf and m1ff described in the above examples . it should further be apparent that the above - described hardware - based approaches overcome drawbacks of known software - based approaches in updating self - organizing lists . the hardware - based approaches use an array of small processing elements that together resolve the erratic data - dependent performance of a self - organizing list when a software - based approach is used . the hardware - based approaches provide a self - organizing list with an essentially constant average case access time of “ 1 ”. it should also be apparent that the above hardware configurations provide hardware components that facilitate a new approach to creating a self - organizing list for use in computer science applications . it is conceivable that hardware components may be applied to facilitate the new approach to creating a self - organizing list for use in any type of system which is other than a computer system . although the above description describes use of the first mux 40 shown in fig1 for initialization , it is conceivable that the machine &# 39 ; s initialization be hardwired or fixed ( i . e ., cannot be changed without rebuilding the machine ). in such an implementation , the first mux 40 would not be needed , and the feedback signal symbolindex_out would be connected directly to the input of each of the symbol index generators 20 . the above description depicts process serialization to facilitate an understanding of disclosed embodiments and is not necessarily indicative of serialization of operations being performed . in various embodiments , processing in each of the example pseudo - codes described above may be performed in varying order . the illustrative hardware block diagram shown in fig1 depicts blocks that may represent modules , electrical circuits , or portions of modules that include one or more electrical circuits . although the particular examples illustrate specific hardware implementations , many alternative implementations are possible and may be made by simple design choice . the specific hardware implementation described herein is not limited to any particular embodiment . for example , any integrated - chip set , any fpga arrangement , or any combination thereof , executing on any number of processors may be implemented . also , although disclosed embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing description , it will be understood that embodiments are not limited to the disclosed examples , but are capable of numerous rearrangements , modifications , and substitutions without departing from the disclosed embodiments as set forth and defined by the following claims . for example , the capabilities of the disclosed embodiments can be performed fully and / or partially by one or more of the blocks , modules , processors or memories . 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 . many other embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims .	6
while the specification concludes with the claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel , it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawings figures , in which like reference numerals are carried forward . as required , detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein ; however , it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention , which can be embodied in various forms . therefore , specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting , but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure . further , the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention . the terms “ a ” or “ an ”, as used herein , are defined as one or more than one . the term “ another ”, as used herein , is defined as at least a second or more . the terms “ including ” and / or “ having ” as used herein , are defined as comprising ( i . e . open transition ). the term “ coupled ” or “ operatively coupled ” as used herein , is defined as connected , although not necessarily directly , and not necessarily mechanically . fig1 depicts a hole drilling and pipe installation process through a concrete floor slab 102 . the sequence of steps , as shown in fig1 , are presently used in the construction industry to core drill through the concrete floor slab 102 in a construction project , and fitting and fire - proofing the plumbing pipes and electrical conduit installed on the project . pipe fitting on a construction project may begin with drilling out a core 110 from the concrete floor slab 102 , as shown in fig1 a . during this step , a mechanical construction crew may drill out the core 110 required by the plumbing design . this is accomplished with a special machine utilizing a diamond coring bit 104 that accurately and repeatedly cores holes that are normally in one inch increments , i . e ., 2 ″, 3 ″, 4 ″, 5 ″ etc . the machine will cut through not only the concrete but steel reinforcing and corrugated steel floor pans 108 that normally support the poured concrete slab and the core 110 falls to the floor below . referring to fig1 b , after the holes are drilled , the hole may be covered to protect people from stepping into the holes and from tools or other objects from falling through the hole and injuring someone beneath . typically , the job site carpenters fabricate individual plywood and lumber hole covers 112 by hand , sometimes for as many as tens of thousands of holes on a larger job site . these covers stay in place , sometimes for as long as ten months , until the pipe fitters are ready to install the pipes through the hole . when the pipe fitters are ready to install a pipe 114 through the hole , the hole cover 112 is removed and discarded . following this , the pipe 114 is positioned and connected to the adjoining fittings required for the plumbing design , as shown in fig1 c . typically , the hole is several pipe diameters wide to provide good clearance around the pipe . referring to fig1 d , the building code often requires fire retardant caulking to be placed in the perimeter hole around the pipe 114 in the clearance area so that in the event of a fire , the fire doesn &# 39 ; t spread between floors through the open floor penetrations . to support the caulking that is normally an inch or so thick , the pipe fitters pack mineral wool 118 around the perimeter of the pipe 114 . the mineral wool 118 may create a toroidal ( donut shaped ) mass around the pipe 114 , as shown in fig1 e . this may seal it against the concrete wall of the hole to permit application of the fire retardant caulking 120 that is hand - applied with a caulking gun . the caulking may be one to two inches thick . fig2 a and 2b depict an exemplary deformable concrete hole plug 202 according to an embodiment of the present invention . the deformable concrete hole plug 202 may include a compliant / elastomeric top cover 204 with flexible gasket ridges that may deform to provide a water seal against the wall of the hole . further , the elastomeric top cover 204 may be molded with an integral standard size hex nut protrusion 208 , or any other fastening device , on the top surface that may engage a standard wrench . the elastomeric top cover 204 may be attached to the lower conformable hole plug 210 by a coarse thread 214 , as shown in fig2 b . the elastomeric top cover 204 and the lower conformable hole plug 210 may be screwed together by the hex nut 208 . the lower conformable hole plug 210 may have a microencapsulated adhesive or a peel away protected adhesive on the outside surface that may contact the concrete side - wall of the penetration . sandwiched between the lower conformable hole plug 210 and the elastomeric top cover 204 and affixed 218 to the concrete hole plug 202 may be a molded ring of fire retardant sealant 212 that is conformable with pressure . fig3 depicts exemplary steps of securing the deformable concrete hole plug 202 according to an embodiment of the present invention . the deformable concrete hole plug 202 may provide safety protection for a cored hole in a concrete slab . further , the deformable concrete hole plug 202 may seal the penetration in a watertight manner with the help of the elastomeric top cover 204 . before inserting the deformable concrete hole plug 202 in the hole , the peel away protected adhesive 308 on the outer surface 302 of the lower conformable hole plug 210 may be activated by peeling the peel away protection layer . this may activate a time delay adhesive 308 or simply expose an adhesive . following this , the concrete hole plug 202 may be positioned into the hole and pressure 304 may be applied to push the lower conformable hole plug 210 into the hole and then engage the elastomeric top cover 204 , deforming the thin flexible gasket ridges against the wall of the hole to create a water tight and fire - retardant seal . in embodiments , the pressure 304 may be applied by pressing the concrete hole plug 202 with a foot , as shown in fig3 a . however , in other embodiments , the concrete hole plug 202 may be inserted in the hole by applying pressure 304 using a hammer , a weight or other such means . pressure 304 is applied on the concrete hole plug 202 until the point the flange of the elastomeric top cover 204 is substantially flush with the upper concrete floor surface , as shown in fig3 b . now , the flange being substantially flush with the upper concrete floor surface and the hex nut 208 or other fastener being below the upper surface , the adhesive 308 may act over time to bond the concrete hole plug 202 to the concrete wall of the hole . after the concrete hole plug 202 is bonded with the wall of the hole , the concrete hole plug 202 may be dismantled to remove the elastomeric top cover 204 from the lower conformable hole plug 210 using a wrench or other tool , as shown in fig3 c . following this , a pipe may be inserted in the hole and may be made to pass through the lower conformable hole plug 210 . the coarse thread 214 of the lower conformable hole plug 210 may adapt to the diameter of the pipe to provide a desirable fit . in embodiments , the hole in the preformed ring of the fire retardant sealant 212 may be larger than the diameter of the pipe and may be tamped into firm contact with the pipe . fig4 a and 4b depict an exemplary deformable concrete hole plug 402 according to another embodiment of the present invention . the deformable concrete hole plug 402 may include a rigid top cover 404 . further , the rigid top cover 404 may be molded with an integral standard size hex nut protrusion 408 , or other fastener , on the top surface that may engage a standard wrench . the rigid top cover 404 may be attached to a lower conformable hole plug 410 by a coarse tapered thread 414 , as shown in fig4 b . the rigid top cover 404 and the lower conformable hole plug 410 may be screwed together by the hex nut 408 , or other fastener , on the top cover . the lower conformable hole plug 410 may be pressurized by the tapered thread 414 and expand against the wall of the hole creating a water tight seal . the lower conformable hole plug 410 may have a microencapsulated adhesive or a peel away protected adhesive on the outside surface that may contact the concrete wall of the hole . sandwiched between the lower conformable hole plug 410 and the rigid top cover 404 and affixed 418 to the hole plug may be a molded ring of fire retardant sealant 412 that is conformable with pressure . fig5 depicts exemplary steps of securing the deformable concrete hole plug 402 according to an embodiment of the present invention . the deformable concrete hole plug 402 may provide safety protection for a cored hole in a concrete slab per code requirements during the duration of its dormancy ( non - use ). further , the deformable concrete hole plug 402 may seal that hole in a water tight manner using an expandable compliant plug technology for that period while leaving behind upon removal the lower conformable hole plug 410 that accommodates the intended pipe installation and sets a pre - molded fire - resistant caulk pipe perimeter seal , that may be required by code , that can be tamped into a fire retardant seal around the installed pipe . the peel away protected adhesive 508 on the outer surface of the lower conformable hole plug 410 may be exposed or activated by peeling the peel away protection layer . further , the lower conformable hole plug 410 may be positioned into the hole and a wrench 504 may be used to screw the rigid top cover 404 into the lower conformable hole plug 410 , as shown in fig5 a . as the rigid top cover 404 is screwed to the lower conformable hole plug 410 , the lower conformable hole plug 410 expands against the wall of the hole . as a result of this , the adhesive 508 may be pressed against the wall to achieve a good bond . this also ensures a water tight seal between the wall of the hole and the lower conformable hole plug 410 . when the rigid top cover 404 has been fully fastened with the lower conformable hole plug 410 , the lower conformable hole plug 410 may take an orientation as shown in fig5 b . in this orientation , the flange of the rigid top cover 404 may be substantially flush with the concrete floor and the nut 408 or other fastener may be below that surface . further , the lower conformable hole plug 410 may be expanded 510 against the wall of the hole creating a water tight seal . also , the pressure created because of the expansion of the lower conformable hole plug 410 helps in achieving a good bond between the wall of the hole and the lower conformable hole plug 410 . once the lower conformable hole plug 410 is bonded with the wall of the hole , the rigid top cover 404 may be dismantled from the lower conformable hole plug 410 using the wrench 504 . dismantling the rigid top cover 404 and the lower conformable hole plug 410 may leave behind the lower conformable hole plug 410 adhered to the wall of the hole , as shown in fig5 c . following this , a pipe may be inserted in the hole and may be made to pass through the lower conformable hole plug 410 . the coarse tapered thread 414 of the lower conformable hole plug 210 may adapt to the diameter of the pipe to provide a desirable fit . in embodiments , the hole in the preformed ring of the fire retardant sealant 412 may be larger than the diameter of the pipe and may be tamped into firm contact with the pipe . it may be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications to the design of the concrete hole plug 402 may be possible without deviating from the scope of the invention . for example , in embodiments , the adhesive 508 on the outside surface of the lower conformable plug hole 410 may be replaced by any other means for bonding the lower conformable plug hole 410 with the wall of the hole . one such modification has been described in conjunction with fig6 . fig6 depicts an exemplary concrete hole plug 602 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention . the concrete hole plug 602 may include an upper portion 604 and a lower portion 608 . the upper portion 604 and the lower portion 608 may be attached by a coarse thread 624 in a similar manner as described in other embodiments . the coarse thread 624 may be a partial thread , i . e . a quarter thread or a half thread . the lower portion 608 may include multiple fins 610 along the circumference of an outer surface 612 of the lower portion 608 . now , when the concrete hole plug 602 is pushed into the hole , these fins 610 may deform and may provide the necessary bonding / locking between the lower portion 608 and the wall of the hole . in embodiments , a lower wall 614 of the lower portion 608 may include creases or dents or mechanically stamped thin outlines 618 . these creases or dents or mechanically stamped thin outlines 618 may act as stress lines and may facilitate tear - out of the lower wall 614 to accommodate a pipe during fittings . now , when the pipe is to be fitted in the hole and is made to pass through the lower portion 608 of the concrete hole plug 602 , a hole of corresponding diameter may be punched or peeled out from the lower wall 614 . for example , in case of a pipe of 3 inch diameter being inserted in the hole , a user may punch out a circular portion of 3 inch diameter from the lower wall 614 . the circular portion may be easily punched out because of the presence of the creases or dents or mechanically stamped thin outlines 618 . when the user applies force to tear the circular portion using a pull tab 620 , a stress may be accumulated along these creases 618 . as a result of this stress , the circular portion may be punched out with ease . in embodiments , the lower wall 614 may be fabricated from rubber , plastic , thin metal material or the like . further , the lower portion 608 may provide a well 622 . the well 622 may hold fire - resistant sealant to form a perimeter seal on the installed pipe . the specific embodiments provided and illustrated herein are meant only by way of description and are not intended to be comprehensive or exhaustive of all possible embodiments thereof . for example , not only can the covers of the present plugs include standard size nuts for operation with standard tools , but may include non - standard or other securing mechanisms which in some cases prevent unauthorized opening of the penetrations and securing removal or loss of the plugs . for example , hex nuts ( or other configurations of nuts ) can be used so that only a specialized custom tool can operate the hole plug . also , allen wrench operation using standard or non - standard wrench sizes is possible . in addition , the use of other materials in the fabrication of the present devices is possible . in addition , the frictional surfaces may be provided with special surface features to enhance the operation of the plugs . the plugs can furthermore be easily constructed to be color - coded or include written symbols , words , or other indicia of their use ( e . g ., red plugs designating fuel line penetrations ). additionally , the plugs can include auxiliary attachments and features to enhance their operation . for example , including a lanyard or cord or chain that is attached at one end to the upper portion of the plug and the other end being attached to another portion such as a lower portion of the plug . the lanyard being of finite length , such as eight inches long , that prevent the loss of a cover for a temporarily - opened plug device where the cover portion thereof might be discarded or swept away or kicked away accidentally if left lying on the floor . other embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure are comprehended within the scope of the present invention and disclosure and can be appreciated by those skilled in the art . many other systems , methods , objects , features , and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated . all such systems , methods , object , features , and advantages are within the scope of the present disclosure . while the invention has been disclosed in connection with certain preferred embodiments , those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize other embodiments , and all such variations , modifications , and substitutions may be intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure . thus , the invention may be to be understood in the broadest sense allowable by law .	5
referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to similar or identical parts throughout the several views , and more specifically to fig1 - 5 , 15 and 16 thereof , there is shown an endoscope 10 for a patient . the endoscope 10 comprises means 102 for producing light , such as a light source 51 . the endoscope 10 comprises an optical fiber array 28 comprising a plurality of optical fibers 8 adapted to be disposed in the patient . the optical fiber array 28 transmits the light from the producing means , preferably including a light source 51 , into the patient , and transmits the light reflected by the patient out of the patient . the plurality of the optical fibers 8 of the array 28 is in optical communication with the light producing means 102 . the endoscope 10 comprises a detector d for receiving the light from the array 28 and analyzing the light . the plurality of the optical fibers 8 of the array 28 is in optical communication with the detector d . preferably , the endoscope 10 includes a tube 53 about which the plurality of optical fibers 8 are disposed . the tube 53 preferably has grooves 54 that extend longitudinally along the tube 53 , as shown in fig1 . one of the plurality of optical fibers 8 is disposed in each of the grooves 54 . preferably , the endoscope 10 includes a probe tip 55 , as shown in fig1 , having a reflector 56 disposed in each groove which reflects light from the optical fiber 8 in the groove when the reflector 56 is in the patient and reflects light from the patient to the optical fiber 8 when the array 28 is in the patient . the light source 51 preferably includes a coherent light source 51 and means 57 for guiding the light from the light source 51 to the plurality of optical fibers 8 of the array 28 . preferably , the optical fiber 8 is single mode , has a core 118 with cladding 120 disposed about the core 118 , and has a lens 122 at its tip which focuses the light from the core 118 to the reflector 56 and light from the reflector 56 to the core 118 , as shown in fig1 and 13 . the array 28 preferably includes a transparent cover 7 . preferably , the light source 51 comprises an input arm 58 , the array 28 comprises a sample arm 59 , the detector d comprises a reference arm 60 and a detector arm 61 ; and the input arm 58 , the detector arm 61 , the sample arm 59 and the reference arm 60 together form an interferometer . the reference arm 60 preferably uses rsod to introduce depth scanning and dispersion compensation to the interferometer . preferably , the endoscope 10 includes an opto - coupler 62 which optically couples corresponding optical fibers 8 of the input arm 58 , sample arm 59 , reference arm 60 and detecting arm together . the detector d preferably determines structural information about the patient from the intensity of an interference signal from reflected light from corresponding fibers of the sample arm 59 and the reference arm 60 having a same bypass length . preferably , the probe tip 55 includes a scanning head 1 which holds n optical fibers 8 , where n is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer , as shown in fig1 - 22 c . the n optical fibers 8 are preferably arranged around the scanning head 1 in parallel and equal spacing . preferably , the probe tip 55 includes a mechanism 134 for moving the scanning head 1 so each of the optical fibers 8 scan an angular range of n / 360 degrees . the moving mechanism 134 preferably includes a mechanism 9 for linear motion which causes the scanning head 1 to rotate . preferably , the linear motion mechanism 9 includes a fiber shaft holder having a shaft channel 31 extending axially along the holder , and n fiber channels 32 are arranged around the holder in parallel with the shaft channel 31 , and a twisting shaft that fits in and conforms with the shaft channel 31 , as the shaft moves in the channel , the holder rotates . the scanning head 1 preferably has a socket head that conforms with the shaft and causes the scanning head 1 to rotate . preferably , the probe tip 55 includes a guide wire holder 2 disposed on the scanning probe 50 which receives and follows a guide wire when the guard wire is in a blood vessel , biliary tract , and possible gu tract . a guide wire is not necessary in the gi tract . preferably , the endoscope 10 includes a spring disposed between the scanning head 1 and the fiber shaft holder which forces the shaft back after the shaft has moved forward . the present invention pertains to a method for imaging a vessel , gu , gi or biliary tract of a patient . the method comprises the steps of transmitting light from a light source 51 into an optical fiber array 28 comprising a plurality of optical fibers 8 in the patient . there is the step of transmitting the light reflected by the patient out of the patient . there is the step of receiving the light from the array 28 at a detector d . there is the step of analyzing the light with the detector d . preferably , there are the steps of reflecting light from each optical fiber 8 with a corresponding reflector 56 associated with the fiber , and reflecting light from the patient to the associated fiber with a reflector 56 . there is preferably the step of moving each of n optical fibers 8 comprising the optical fiber array 28 an angular range of n / 360 degrees . preferably , there is the step of applying a linear motion to cause each of the n optical fibers 8 of the optical fiber array 28 to move the angular range . the step of applying the linear motion preferably includes the step of moving axially forward in parallel with the n optical fibers 8 a twisting shaft through a shaft channel 31 extending axially along a fiber shaft holder having n fiber channels 32 arranged around the holder in parallel with the shaft channel 31 which causes the holder to rotate . each of the n optical fibers 8 is disposed in a respective fiber channel 32 of the n fiber channels 32 . the twisting shaft fits in and conforms with the shaft channel 31 , as the shaft moves in the channel . preferably , there is the step of guiding the optical fiber array 28 along a guide wire which is received by a guide wire holder 2 when the guide wire is in a blood vessel , biliary tract , and possibly gu system , but not in the gi tract . the present invention pertains to an apparatus for studying an object . the apparatus comprises means for producing light . the apparatus comprises means for analyzing the light that has reflected from the object based on polarization , space , position or angle . the means for analyzing is preferably described in the figures , where polarization is found in fig3 , position in fig1 - 30 , space in fig3 , and angle in fig3 . the present invention pertains to an apparatus for studying an object . the apparatus comprises means for producing light . the apparatus comprises means for analyzing the light that has reflected from the object based on polarization . the present invention pertains to an apparatus for studying an object . the apparatus comprises means for producing light . the apparatus comprises means for analyzing the light that has reflected from the object based on space . the present invention pertains to an apparatus for studying an object . the apparatus comprises means for producing light . the apparatus comprises means for analyzing the light that has reflected from the object based on angle . the present invention pertains to a method for studying an object . the method comprises the steps of producing light . the method comprises the steps of analyzing the light that has reflected from the object based on polarization , space , position or angle . the present invention pertains to a method for studying an object . the method comprises the steps of producing light . the method comprises the steps of analyzing the light that has reflected from the object based on polarization . the present invention pertains to a method for studying an object . the method comprises the steps of producing light . the method comprises the steps of analyzing the light that has reflected from the object based on space . the present invention pertains to a method for studying an object . the method comprises the steps of producing light . the method comprises the steps of analyzing the light that has reflected from the object based on angle . in the operation of the invention , a near infrared broadband light source 51 sends a light beam into the input arm 58 of the array 28 type interferometer . the beam profile from the light source 51 is a circular gaussion . the optics before connector 1 makes the beam profile linear and focuses it into the connector 1 . the array 28 type interferometer consists of multiple fiber - based interferometer that has four fiber arms connected to an opto - coupler 62 . incoming light into the input arm 58 is divided to the sample and reference arms 59 , 60 , respectively . in the sample arm 59 , optical fibers 8 are distributed like an annular ring , and light will be focused at the target vessel perpendicular to the optical axis . in the reference arm 60 , rsod introduces depth scanning and dispersion compensation . when the reflected light from both arms have the same light path length , strictly speaking within a coherence length , interference occurs . the intensity of the interference signal represents the structural information of a sample . more specifically , in regard to the input arm 58 , and referring to fig1 and 3 , a single beam comes out of s 1 and will be collimated by l 1 . at this point , the beam diameter is big enough to project across all of c 1 &# 39 ; s area , but the beam is still circular . cl 1 and cl 2 , circular lenses , change the beam profile to a linear shape , which means that the beam is not circular anymore , but it looks narrow from fig2 and the same shape with the beam after l 1 on fig3 . ml 1 focuses all light onto c 1 . light source s 1 has a fiber tip from which light departs into air . l 1 is a collimating lens 122 , so the fiber tip of the light source 51 should be located at the back of the focal point of l 1 in order to collimate the light . cl 1 , 2 are cylindrical lenses . separation between two is the sum of each cylindrical lens 122 focal length . they work as a telescope which decrease beam size only in one direction . in other words , the size of the beam does not change from fig3 . ml 1 is a micro lens array 28 , which has a lot of small lenses . each of the small lenses is positioned to have a focal point at each fiber entrance of c 1 . c 1 should be located at the focal point of ml 1 . all micro lenses have same focal length . c 1 is a linear fiber array 28 . in an alternative embodiment of the input arm 58 , as shown in fig4 , known as a fiber based solution : light source s 1 is connected to a single mode fiber , which is connected to fiber splitter ( 50 : 50 ), s 1 . the first fiber splitter is 1 by 2 . each output end of the 1 * 2 fiber splitter is connected to 1 * 4 splitter , sp 1 . each output end of the 1 * 4 splitter , 2 nd layer , is connected to another 1 * 4 splitter , 3 rd layer , sp 2 . at the output of the 3 rd layer , the number of fiber is 32 . 32 fiber comprises a linear fiber array 28 , sp 3 . each fiber is a single mode fiber , which can have a different cutoff frequency . the cutoff frequency is dependent on the center wavelength of the light source 51 . usually , 850 nm or 1300 nm of center wavelength for the light source 51 are used . each fiber is attached to another so that all together they form a linear fiber array 28 . c 1 is connected to multiple interferometers . each interferometer consists of four fiber arms and opto - coupler 62 . at each end of each arm , there is a linear array 28 fiber connector ( c 1 , c 2 , c 3 c 4 ). incoming light will be divided by the opto - coupler 62 into the sample and reference arms 59 , 60 , respectively . with respect to the sample arm 59 , this sample arm 59 , as shown in fig5 , 7 , 8 and 17 , goes into the target vessel . c 2 is connected to a linear fiber array 28 which is of an annular shape at the other end . the total length of the arm will be around 2 ˜ 3 m . when the light leaves the annular tip f , it will be collimated by l 1 and then reflected by l 2 outward from the probe . reflected light from tissue will follow back to l 2 and l 1 and be gathered by the fiber tip . later , two reflected lights from the sample and reference arms 59 , 60 , respectively , will make interference , which will be detected by the array 28 detector d at the detection arm . the sample arm 59 is supposed to go through a target vessel , gi , gu or biliary tract . c 2 is connected to a linear fiber array 28 which has an annular shape at the other end ( probe tip 55 ) ( fig8 ). total length of the sample arm 59 is about 1 . 5 m . the fiber array 28 will be molded by a transparent cover 7 material ( ex : silicon resin or polymers ). at the annular probe tip f shown in fig9 , each fiber is glued at a groove of a cylindrical polymer tube 53 . the shape of each groove is shown at fig1 and 11 . each groove end has a reflector 56 which is 45 ° oblique to axial direction . the groove will be made by micro fabrication technique . each fiber has a lens 122 at the tip , which can be manufactured by splicing a multimode fiber with the same diameter of the cladding 120 of the single mode fiber and then melting the end of multimode fiber in order to get curvature ( fig1 and 13 ). when the light leaves the fiber tip , the light will be reflected outward by the reflector 56 at the end of the groove , and then will be focused at the target tissue area . reflected light from the tissue will follow back the same path as the incoming light , and go to the detection arm . micromachining or micro - electro - mechanical systems ( mems ) and nanotechnology are becoming increasingly popular for the development of improved biomaterials and devices ( macilwain c ., “ us plans large funding boost to support nanotechnology boom ,” nature , 1999 ; 400 : 95 , incorporated by reference herein ). similar to manufacturing methods used for computer microchips , mems processes combine etching and / or material deposition and photolithographic - patterning techniques to develop ultrasmall devices ( madou , m ., “ fundamentals of microfabrication ,” crc press : boca raton , 2002 , incorporated by reference herein ). mems has been proven promising in medicine for its small mass and volume , low cost , and high functionality . successful mems devices in medicine include smart sensor for cataract removal , silicon neurowells , microneedles for gene and drug delivery , and dna arrays ( polla , d . l ., erdman , a . g ., robbins , w . p ., markus , d . t ., diaz - diaz , j ., rizq , r ., nam , y ., brickner , h . t ., wang , a ., krulevitch , p ., “ microdevices in medicine ,” annu . rev . biomed . eng ., 2000 ; 02 : 551 - 76 ; mcallister et al ., 2000 , both of which are incorporated by reference herein ). however , most of the mems processes are planar in nature for two - dimension ( 2d ) micro - features and primary for processing silicon material . other micromachining processes include laser beam micromachining ( lbm ), micro - electrical discharge machine ( micro - edm ), and electron beam machining ( ebm ) ( madou , m ., “ fundamentals of microfabrication ,” crc press : boca raton , 2002 ), incorporated by reference herein . micro - fabrication and micro - device development using metals , metal alloys , silicon , glass , and polymers are described in the following . ( chen , s . c ., cahill , d . g ., and grigoropoulos , c . p ., “ transient melting and deformation in pulsed laser surface micro - modification of ni - p disks ,” j . heat transfer , vol . 122 ( no . 1 ), pp . 107 - 12 , 2000 ; kancharla , v . and chen , s . c ., “ fabrication of biodegradable microdevices by laser micromachining of biodegradable polymers ,” biomedical microdevices , 2002 , vol . 4 ( 2 ): 105 - 109 ; chen , s . c ., kancharla , v ., and lu , y ., “ laser - based microscale patterning of biodegradable polymers for biomedical applications ,” in press , international j . nano technology , 2002 ; zheng , w . and chen , s . c ., “ continuous flow , nano - liter scale polymerase chain reaction system ,” transactions of namrc / sme , vol . 30 , pp . 551 - 555 , 2002 ; chen , s . c ., “ design and analysis of a heat conduction - based , continuous flow , nano - liter scale polymerase chain reaction system ,” becon , 2002 , all of which are incorporated by reference herein ). for the array 28 , a stainless steel cylinder is chosen with a diameter of 1 . 5 mm as the base material . the diameter is 1 . 0 mmm for vascular applications , larger for gu , gi and biliary applications , up to 3 . 0 mm , if desired . both the micro - grooves 54 ( or micro - channels of 200 microns wide ) and the reflecting surfaces are machined by micro - electrical discharge machining ( micro - edm ) or micro - milling using focused ion machined tool . to enhance the reflectivity of the reflecting surface , the stainless steel cylinder are coated with evaporated aluminum using electron - beam evaporation . in regard to the reference arm 60 , shown in fig1 , light is collimated by l 1 after leaving connector c 4 , and be spectrally distributed by a grating ( g 1 ) and will be focused to a mirror ( ga 1 ). by vibrating ga 1 , the light path length will be changed in order to achieve depth scanning . there are many options to build the reference arm 60 applying existing techniques . a very simple form of the reference arm 60 has just a mirror attached onto a voice coil that is driven by a function generator with sine wave . the light reflects back by the mirror and the mirror position changes the light path length . this path length change provides depth scanning of the target tissue because interference occurs only when both arms have the same light path length . preferably , the reference arm 60 is more complicated than the simple one . that is called rapid - scanning optical delay ( rsod ) which can provide fast depth scanning and dispersion compensation . linear array type beam launches from c 4 , and is collimated by l 1 . a mirror ( m 1 ) reflects the beam to a grating ( g 1 ) which spectrally distributes the broadband source light . spectrally distributed light will be focused on a galvono - scanning mirror ( ga 1 ) by a lens ( l 2 ). separation between g 1 and l 2 determines the amount of chromatic dispersion degree so any material dispersion can be compensated for usually caused by fibers . the beam offset from the scanning mirror center determines the fringe frequency that will show up after interfering two reflected lights . the reflected light from the ga 1 goes to l 2 , g 1 , and to m 2 . and then the light reflected following back incoming path and will be coupled back to c 4 . referring to the detection arm , as shown in fig1 and 16 , light is collimated by l 1 after leaving connector c 3 , and is circular . combination of cl 1 and cl 2 makes the beam look linear in one plane ( horizontal ). micro - lens array ml 1 makes the light focus on the array 28 detector d . as shown in fig1 , 19 a , and 19 b , the scanning probe 50 is comprised of a scanning head 1 , a fiber - shaft holder 3 , a twisted shaft 4 , a transparent cover 7 , a guide wire holder 2 , and a mechanism 9 for linear motion . in this embodiment , the scanning head 1 is adapted to hold a fiber bunch that contain 20 optical fibers 8 , which are arranged around the scanning head 1 in parallel and equal spacing . in operation , each of the fibers is set to scan an angular range of 18 degrees ( 360 °÷ 20 = 18 °). reflective surfaces 11 are formed on the scanning head 1 and are oriented 45 ° degrees to the central axis of each respective optical fibers 8 , such that they would guide the light from the fiber bunch and direct the light through the transparent cover 7 . the scanning head 1 is designed to provide an 18 degrees &# 39 ; back - and - forth rotation . the back - and - forth rotation realizes the scanning function required by the oct system . the mechanism of this back - and forth rotation is described below . the fiber - shaft holder is substantially a multi - tubular structure . it is formed with one shaft channel 31 extending along the central axis of the fiber - shaft holder and 20 fiber channels 32 arranged around the fiber - shaft holder 3 in parallel . the optical fibers 8 extend through respective fiber channels 32 . the shaft channel 31 has a round cross - sectional area . at the upper end of the shaft channel 31 , the shaft channel 31 is an opening , but the geometry of the opening is reduced from the round cross - sectional area to a rectangular cross - sectional hole 311 . the reason for this structural design will be described along with the description of the twisted shaft 4 . the twisted shaft 4 has a rectangular cross - section area , which is identical in geometry to the rectangular cross - sectional hole of the fiber - shaft holder 3 . indicated by its name , the shaft 4 is partially twisted along the shaft central axis and can be divided into a non - twisted part 41 and a twisted part 42 . in assembly , the shaft 4 is passed through the rectangular cross - sectional hole of the fiber - shaft holder 3 , and it is enabled to slide back - and - forth via the rectangular cross - sectional hole . the relative motion of the surfaces of the rectangular cross - sectional hole and the twisted shaft 4 form the mechanism that realizes a back - and - forth rotation . the reason is that when the twisted part 42 of the shaft 4 slides through the rectangular cross - sectional hole , the shaft 4 itself is forced to rotate along the shaft central axis to fit the matching of both the surfaces of the rectangular cross - sectional hole and the twisted shaft 4 . particularly , the shaft 4 and the holder 3 compose a mechanism 9 that can transmit a linear motion into a rotational motion . the description is now focused on the scanning head 1 . the scanning head 1 has a rectangular socket 12 , which has a cross - section area identical to that of the twisted shaft 4 . the rectangular socket 12 provides a channel covering the non - twisted part 41 of the twisted shaft 4 and lets the non - twisted part 41 exert the back - and forth motion inside the rectangular socket 12 . the moving range of the shaft 4 is constrained such that the twisted part 42 does not pass into the scanning head &# 39 ; s rectangular socket 12 ( that will result in a geometric mismatch ), but the twisted part 42 only interacts with the fiber - shaft holder &# 39 ; s rectangular cross - sectional hole . according to the description above , the motion of the shaft 4 is comprised of a linear component ( v ) and an angular component ( ω ). referring to the geometry of the rectangular socket 12 and non - twisted part 41 of the shaft 4 , the shaft motion &# 39 ; s linear component ( v ) would not contribute to the motion of the scanning head 1 ( regardless of the friction between the surfaces ), but the angular component ( ω ) does . the scanning head 1 rotates back and forth with the rotational motion of the twisted shaft 4 , which in turn results from the twisted shaft &# 39 ; s linear back - and - forth movement relative to the fiber - shaft holder 3 . as a result , the scanning head 1 provides a back - and - forth rotational motion transmitted from the back and forth linear motion provided by the twisted shaft 4 . a guide wire holder 2 is a module used to guide the scanning probe 50 toward the investigated section of the detected blood vessel , biliary duct , and possibly gu application . for the gi tract , a guide wire is generally not used . in operation , a guide wire 01 , or “ guide tissue ”, is previously disposed along a specific route of human vessels , such that a track for the scanning probe 50 of the oct system can be formed . the guide wire holder 2 constrains the scanning probe 50 such that it can only slide along the track formed by the guide wire 01 . the scanning probe 50 is therefore guided to the patient section to be investigated . guide wire holder 2 and holder 5 function as bearings of the scanning head 1 . they constrain the movement of the scanning head 1 and stabilize it . as well , a compressive spring 6 is disposed between the scanning head 1 and the fiber - shaft holder 3 . the spring 6 is mildly compressed in assembly , such that it pushes the scanning head 1 against the holder 5 and eliminates any potential axial movement of the scanning head 1 that may result in axial positioning errors ( δd ). it is preferable that the spring 6 supplies torque between the scanning head 1 and the fiber - shaft holder 3 . the spring 6 has its both ends , respectively , fixed on the scanning head 1 and the fiber - shaft holder 3 . the spring 6 is mildly twisted in assembly . by this means , the spring can provide a torque to the back - and - forth rotational mechanism , such that the backlash ( resulting from , for example , the tolerance between the rectangular cross - sectional hole and the shaft ) of the rotational mechanism , as well as the resultant angular positioning errors ( δθ ), are eliminated . note that , the cross - section geometry of the shaft channel 31 is circular . with respect to the shaft channel 31 , the twisted shaft 4 is formed with a cylinder part 43 at its end of the twisted part 42 . the cylinder part 43 and the shaft channel 31 performs a motion like a piston . in an upward movement of the twisted shaft 4 , due to the geometric difference , the cylinder part 43 would be blocked at the edge 33 of the rectangular cross - sectional hole of the fiber - shaft holder 3 and provide an upper stopper for the twisted shaft 4 . on the other hand , a lower stopper 34 is placed to block the cylinder part 43 in a downward movement . the function of the upper and lower stoppers is helpful in controlling the movement of the twisted shaft 4 , as well as controlling the angular motion of the scanning head 1 . there are many methods in the prior art that are able to provide the power for the mechanism to push and pull the twisted shaft 4 to generate the linear movement . however , hydraulic force , particularly fluidic pressure , is preferred due to the following advantages : 1 . electricity is not required to be transmitted into the scanning head 1 to energize a hydraulic linear mechanism 9 . some of the mechanisms , such as electromagnetic systems ( or more particularly , some micro - motors ), require not only electricity to be energized , but also additional components , e . g ., coils or magnets , installed to the scanning head 1 to transform the electrical energy into mechanical momentum . the use of electricity is not preferable for medical issues ; and the requirement of additional components would increase the technical difficulty in manufacturing and the complexity of the whole system . some of the other mechanisms , like those comprising piezoelectric materials , can be composed with little space and simple structure , but they still need to receive a large voltage to generate the required momentum . 2 . a hydraulic mechanism 9 takes little space . the structure of the hydraulic mechanism 9 is illustrated in fig1 a and 18 b . the hydraulic mechanism 9 can be simply a liquid conduit that guides liquid , such as water , to push or pull the piston system comprised of the cylinder part 43 and the shaft channel 31 . considering that leakage through the gap of a piston system may result in undesirable problems , the hydraulic mechanism 9 is , preferably , comprised of a micro - balloon 91 made by a polymeric thin film . as shown in fig1 a and 18 b , the twisted shaft 4 is in its lower position when the balloon 91 is flat ( fig1 a ). as water is pumped into the piston system , the balloon 91 becomes turgid , and the twisted shaft 4 is pushed toward its upper position with an 18 degree spin ( fig1 b ). the required back - and forth motion can be generated by switching the flat and turgid states of the micro - balloon 91 . for a single fiber oct system , a scan rate of 6 rev / sec ( 6 hz ) is satisfactory [ andrew m . rollins et al ., “ real - time in vivo imaging of human gastrointestinal ultrastructure by use of endoscopic optical coherence tomography with a novel efficient interferometer design ”, optics letters , vol . 24 , no . 19 , oct . 1 , 1999 , incorporated by reference herein ]. that means in one second the oct system should be able to provide at least 6 pictures illustrating the cross - sectional data of the vessel . the scanning probe 50 has 20 fibers , so the satisfactory scan rate can be reduced to 0 . 3 hz ( 6 ÷ 20 = 0 . 3 ), which is much slower and much easier to be realized by the hydraulic actuating system . ideally , 15 pictures / sec . is required for optimal image resolution . rather than continuous rotation , the scanning probe 50 operates in a back - and - forth manner , so that the angular speed of the scanning head 1 will not be constant even when the whole system reaches its steady state . during operation , therefore , detecting the angle of the scanning head 1 , as well as figuring out the angular position that the scanned data belongs to , are important issues . the angle of the scanning head 1 can be simply approximated by comparing the output effort of the pumping system with a reference curve obtained from previous experiments . more precise detection can be reached by the analysis of the feedback of the optical signals . for example , analyzing the light doppler effect [ volker westphal at al ., “ real - time , high velocity - resolution color doppler optical coherence tomography ”, optics letters , vol . 27 , no . 1 , jan 1 , 2002 , incorporated by reference herein ] of the feedback signals is another method . the twisted shaft 4 can be formed by precise cnc machining that is well known in the industry . a thin round shaft , minimum diameter 1 . 0 mm , may be used as the intrinsic material before the machining . for production , two ends of the round shaft are clamped , its central portion is precisely milled and four orthogonal planes on the central portion are generated . the planes define the rectangular cross - section of the twisted shaft 4 ( forming a long shaft in this step ), as shown in fig2 a . following the milling , one of the two clamps holding the shaft is rotated relative to the other clamp to twist the shaft a specific angle about its central axis . the twisted part of the twisted shaft 4 being formed . following the twisting step , the rotated clamp is released to free the elastic distortion of the shaft ( with its plastic distortion remaining ), and then the clamp is tightened again . at the next step , as shown by fig2 b , the shaft is milled again at one side of its still - round portion , thereby generating another rectangular portion that is untwisted . the cylindrical portion ( serves as a piston ) is formed from the round portion of the shaft . a precise lathering could further be used to fix the central axis and diameter of the cylindrical part . as shown in fig2 c , only a short portion of the shaft is required . the excess portion of the shaft part is cut off . as shown in fig2 a , the fiber - shaft holder 3 can be combined with two parts , a and b . the part a is actually the body of the catheter . the cross - section of the catheter is shown in fig2 b ; the catheter could be manufactured by the cable extrusion technique that generally is applied in fiber optics industry [ refer to the homepage of optical cable corporation .] note that the central channel of the catheter is used to be the conduit for the guidance of actuating liquid mentioned previously . there are also several conduits used to guide air flowing in and out the probing tip to balance the air pressure inside the oct system ( during operation , the free volume inside the probing tip changes while the twisted shaft 4 is moving ). the diameter of the conduit is equal to that of the cylinder part 43 of the twisted shaft 4 . part b in fig2 a is simply a plate having fiber holding edges ( b 1 ) and a rectangular central opening ( b 2 ). this part could be made from metal by using punching technology as is commonly applied in the industry . in assembly , part a and part b are connected with glue such as epoxy . the lower stopper , which is required to constrain the twisted shaft 4 at its lower position , is formed together with the formation of the micro - balloon . micro - molding with polymeric material ( such as sbs ) could be used to fabricate the scanning head 1 . the process of micro - molding requires a set of micro - molds . in this case , the fiber grooves 54 and the reflective surface 11 at the end of the fiber grooves 54 can be realized by a set of micro - molds comprised of 18 edges ( fig2 a ), each of which has the geometry shown in fig6 b . as well , the central rectangular channel could be molded by a rectangular shaft made by the equipment for the fabrication of the twisted shaft 4 . for the convenience of assembly , the scanning head 1 could be previously provided with the geometry shown in fig2 c . the excess parts of the scanning head 1 would provide guidance and help with the alignment for the optical fibers 8 . uv glue could be used to fix the position of the optical fibers 8 . the excess portion of the scanning head 1 could be cut off after the assembly of the optical fibers 8 . in another embodiment , laser beams heat at least three different locations on the surface of the micro - mirror 210 , which is shown as a disk in fig2 - 25 , successively . the micro - mirror 210 will provide a wabling corresponding to this kind of un - symmetric heating process , and an incident light ( other than the heating laser ) can be redirected in a swaying manner . the heating process corresponds to the rotation period of the micro - mirror 210 as required . the micro - mirror 210 comprises two layers : a first layer 212 and a second layer 214 ( fig2 ). at least one of the two layers can generate structural deformation ( contraction or expansion ) by the application of laser light . if the case is that both of the layers are deformable by laser light , the sensitivities of the two layers to a same laser light would be set different to each others . fig2 shows the perspective view of the micro - mirror 210 . when the micro - mirror 210 is irradiated with a laser beam , there will be expansion or contraction in the layers . because the expansion or contraction within the layers is of different degrees ( only one layer is deformed or the two layers are deformed with different degrees ), the structure of the whole micro - mirror 210 will be twisted . for example , in fig2 , when the section marked with the pie is irradiated with a laser beam , there is a deformation generated as shown in fig2 . the material of the first and second layers 212 , 214 could be metals or photosensitive polymers . in the case of metal layers , for example , the first layer 212 is poly - silicon and the second layer 214 is gold . the mechanism of the expansion or contraction within the layers is thermal expansion . the metals will absorb the energy of a laser beam and be heated . due to different thermal expansion coefficients of the two layers , the structure will be twisted or bent . this will result in turning the mirror , as shown in fig2 . in the case of photosensitive polymers , for example , liquid crystal materials , the mechanism of the expansion or contraction inside the layers is a phase change of the materials . under the irradiation of a laser beam , the molecules of the polymeric materials will undergo phase change , wherein the chemical structures of the materials are deformed , and a structural deformation occurs . next , similar to the case of metal layers , the degrees of deformation of the two layers are different , and there will be a twisting or bending effect in the structure of the micro - mirror 210 , and the effect in fig2 is reached . when the structure is twisted or bent by the application of laser energy , the surface of the mirror , shown in fig2 , can be tiled to a specific direction . therefore , one can control the direction of the micro - mirror 210 by controlling the laser energy input . the way to control the application of the laser light is to select the location on the micro - mirror 210 to be irradiated by the laser beam , and control the intensity of the laser . by controlling the location , one can control the tilting direction of the mirror ; and by controlling the intensity , one can control the tilting angle of the micro - mirror 210 . referring to fig2 and fig2 , by continuously changing the laser - shining location ( fig2 ), the tilting direction of the micro - mirror 210 can be continuously changed ( fig2 ). that is , the micro - mirror 210 could be rotated by changing the location of the laser - shining . this is the mechanism for the rotation of the laser - actuated micro - mirror 210 . as to the assembly of the whole oct system ( fig2 ), the micro - mirror 210 is mounted on a base 21 b connected to the tip end of the probe cover . there is no object between the fibers and the mirror . fiber 1 , which is used to guide the detecting light , is the same fiber used in other embodiments of the oct probe . the detecting light is redirected by the tilting surface of the micro - mirror 210 , such that it can scan around by means of the tilting and rotating mirror . the fibers 2 are used to guide the actuating - laser light . as shown , at least three fibers 2 are needed . the fibers 2 fire lasers in turns , such that they can generate continuous tilting effect as shown in fig2 and fig2 . the other features of the laser - actuating oct probe are the same as those described in other embodiments . for instance , the fiber , and fibers 2 are disposed in a fiber shaft holder 3 . after the fabrication by semiconductor technique , which is well known by those skillful in the art , the mirror is formed on a substrate ( usually silicon substrate ). the substrate material forms the base . then a small piece is cut from the base that carries the mirror from the substrate with a dicer . the small piece is mounted on to the tip &# 39 ; s end by glue ( epoxy , for example ). only one fiber 1 is enough to transmit the detecting light in this embodiment . during operation , a circular scanning profile of the detecting laser is realized . in this embodiment , illustrated in fig3 , the detecting laser is not centered to the mirror &# 39 ; s center . instead , the following remain constant : ( 1 ) d , the distance between the mirror center and the axis of the detecting light . ( 2 ) alfa , the angle between the mirror surface and the axis of the detecting light . an open - loop system is used for position feedback to properly arrange the periodical change of the laser powers from the three fibers 2 to realize the constant alfa and d . the position control is more complex than single - fiber 2 actuation . particularly , the micro - mirror 210 needs a period of time to respond mechanically to the laser energy coming from the fiber 2 . even though it is known when and which of the fibers 2 are firing the laser power , the exact direction of the mirror surface information cannot be assured . the absolute position of the mirror is actually not necessary . instead , speed - control is used to control the rotation of the scanning mirror . for example , in the case of the mirror driven by a transmission cable rotated from outside , the exact position of the mirror ( which may be affected by a delay of cable transmission due to the cable &# 39 ; s compliance ) is not of concern ; the rotation period of the mirror is controlled so that the “ relative position ” of the mirror is known . after receiving a continuous data stream from the reflected detecting laser , the cross - section image of the vessel is constructed by simply matching the data series to the rotating period . in this embodiment , the operation will be similar . what is different is that the micro - mirror 210 is not actuated by a rotator but by three bimorph heat - deformable cantilever beams . this makes the control more complex . if only one of the fiber 2 fires at one time , it will be very different if not impossible for the mirror to scan a circular profile needed . instead , the three fibers 2 are needed to fire together , with different powers , to bend the three cantilevers at different status at one time to match a circular scanning profile . the three cantilevers are actuated individually by the three fibers 2 such that they cooperate with specific bending patterns that realize a circular scanning profile on the wall of the vessel . in an alternative embodiment regarding the micro - mirror 210 , the fibers 1 and the fibers 2 are reversed so healing energy comes from a single fiber 2 disposed preferably along the central axis of the tube . the plurality of fibers 1 are disposed about the circumference of the tube . when the micro - mirror 210 is irradiated by the laser beam from the fiber 2 , the laser energy causes the mirror to bend . by changing the intensity of the laser or pulsing the laser , motion can be imported to the micro - mirror 210 which wires the probe tip to which it is attached , to move back and forth , and thus the plurality of fibers 1 for scanning the interior of the area of the patient in question . thermal expansion material normally can generate ˜ 5 % of elongation for a temperature rise of 100 ° c . the length of the material inside the oct is originally 20 mm , which can therefore generate a thermal elongation of 1 mm . polymers , including photosensitive polymers and shape memory polymers are able to generate & gt ; 100 % of photo - induced elongations or shrinkages . the material inside the oct is originally 1 mm , which can therefore generate a thermal elongation of another 1 mm . optical tomographic instrumentation may be specified by spectrally resolved bandwidth , which is equivalent to number of spectrally resolvable cells . each spectrally resolvable cell has a width δν , such that number of cells resolvable by the instrument is n instrument = δν / δν , where δν is the available optical bandwidth of source light . the range of group - time delays the optical tomographic instrument can resolve is given by : δτ instrument = 1 / δν . the smallest resolvable group - time delay the optical tomographic instrument can resolve is δτ coherence = 1 / δν . number of spectrally resolvable cells the optical tomographic instrument may resolve is given by : for 1 oct a - scan into the object being imaged , the requirement for number of spectrally resolvable cells is − n a - scan = δz / l c , lc ˜ c g / δv , δz = imaging depth , l c ( coherence length ), and c g is the group velocity of light in the object . where δτ a - scan = δz / c g is the round - trip propagation time for light to propagate from the most superficial and deepest position ( to be imaged ) in the object . for some optical tomographic imaging instruments ( e . g ., those that employ narrow linewidth tunable laser sources or high resolution spectrometers ), the above condition can be stated in three manners : a ) the number of spectrally resolvable cells for the instrument ( n instrument ) is much greater than that required for one a - scan ( n a - scan ); 2 ) the range of group time delays the instrumentation is capable of resolving ( δτ instrument ) is much greater than the group - time delay for a single a - scan ( δτ a - scan ); 3 ) available optical bandwidth of source light ( δν ) is much greater than spectral width of each resolvable cell of the instrumentation ( δν ). because the instrument can resolve many more cells than that required for one a - scan , multiplexing techniques are presented here to efficiently utilize the information carrying capacity ( bandwidth ) afforded by optical tomographic imaging instruments . selection criteria of multiplexing techniques employed may be derived in part by the ratio n instrument / n a - scan = δτ instrument / δτ a - scan = δν / δν . larger ratios provide a wider selection of possible multiplexing techniques and more candidate domains ( polarization , space , angle , temporal ) to multiplex into . moreover , multiplexing spectral information into just one domain ( e . g . spatial ) is not the only envisioned approach . generally , additional spectral information may be resolved into multiple domains ( e . g ., polarization and spatial ). a . polarization : the additional spectral cells may be used to record information in the polarization domain using a system indicated in fig3 . at least two incident polarization states 90 ° apart on the poincare sphere are input into the interferometer . the polarization signature of the light reflected from the sample , such as a vessel wall or nerve fiber layer , is compared to known polarization signatures of materials , such as plaques or a diseased nerve fiber layer . the reflected light and thus the material from which it was reflected is then identified . the fiber delivery system described in pct patent application number pct / us2004 / 012773 , incorporated by reference herein , can be used . the theory of operation of this approach is described using mueller matrices or the spectrally - resolved jones calculus . by inserting a fospi in the detection path of the spectral domain optical coherence tomography ( sd - oct ) instrumentation , the full set of stokes parameters of light backscattered at the specific depth in the specimen can be obtained without any other polarization controlling components in reference / sample / detection path of the interferometer and the prior knowledge of the polarization state of the light incident on the sample . in this configuration , two factors determine the spectral modulation . one is optical path length difference between the reference and sample surface , ( δ ( ν )), introduced by the common - path sdoct and the other is phase retardations , φ 1 ( ν ) and φ 2 ( ν ) generated by the retarder system in the fospi . therefore , output from the presented single channel polarization sensitive ( ps ) sd - oct in the time - delay domain is the convolution of the output from fospi and that from sd - oct . where the first two terms are the stokes parameters of light from the reference and sample path , respectively , and the last term is the contribution of interference . consider the birefringent sample with phase retardation δ and fast - axis oriented at angle of α . then , the stokes parameters of the light from the sample ( s i , 2 ) and interference ( s i , i ) are calculated in terms of the stokes parameters of light from the reference , s 0 , 1 , s 1 , 1 , s 2 , 1 , s 3 , 1 . s 1 , 2 r s 2 ( cos 2 2α + cos δ sin 2 2α ) s 1 , 1 + r s 2 ( 1 − cos δ ) sin2α cos2 αs 2 , 1 − r s 2 sin δ sin2 αs 3 , 1 s 2 , 2 = r s 2 ( 1 − cos δ ) sin2α cos2 αs 1 , 1 + r s 2 ( sin 2 2α + cosδ cos 2 2α ) s 2 , 1 + r s 2 sin δ sin2 αs 3 , 1 s 3 , 2 = r s 2 sin δ sin2 αs 1 , 1 − r s 2 sin δ cos2 αs 2 , 1 + r s 2 cosδs 3 , 1 ( 1 ) s 0 , i = 2 ⁢ r s ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ δcos ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 0 , 1 + 2 ⁢ r s ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ δ ⁢ ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ ( cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 1 , 1 + sin ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 2 , 1 ) ⁢ ⁢ s 1 , i = 2 ⁢ r s ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ δ ⁡ ( cos ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 1 , 1 - sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 3 , 1 ) + 2 ⁢ r s ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ δ ⁢ ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 0 , 1 ⁢ ⁢ s 2 , i = 2 ⁢ r s ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ δ ⁡ ( cos ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 2 , 1 + sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 3 , 1 ) + 2 ⁢ r s ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ δ ⁢ ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 0 , 1 ⁢ ⁢ s 3 , i = 2 ⁢ r s ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ δ ⁡ ( sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 1 , 1 - sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 2 , 1 + cos ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 3 , 1 ) ( 2 ) with a reflection coefficient of the sample r s and an optical path length difference between the sample and reference path δ . here , the terms including trigonometric functions of δ represent the interference between the light from reference and sample paths . the measured intensity from sdoct passing through the fospi for a birefringent sample , then , is i out , i ⁡ ( v ) = r s ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ δ ⁢ ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 0 , 1 + r s ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ δ ⁢ ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ ( cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 1 , 1 + sin ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 2 , 1 ) + 1 2 ⁢ r s ⁡ [ ( cos ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 1 , 1 - sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 3 , 1 ) ⁢ cos ⁡ ( δ - φ 2 ) + sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 0 , 1 ⁢ sin ⁡ ( δ - φ 2 ) ] + 1 2 ⁢ r s ⁡ [ ( cos ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 1 , 1 - sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 3 , 1 ) ⁢ cos ⁡ ( δ + φ 2 ) + sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 0 , 1 ⁢ sin ⁡ ( δ + φ 2 ) ] + 1 4 ⁢ r s ⁡ [ ( cos ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 2 , 1 + sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 3 , 1 ) ⁢ cos ⁡ ( δ - φ 2 + φ 1 ) + { sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁡ ( s 0 , 1 + s 1 , 1 ) - sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 2 , 1 + cos ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 3 , 1 } ⁢ sin ⁡ ( δ - φ 2 + φ 1 ) ] + 1 4 ⁢ r s ⁡ [ ( cos ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 2 , 1 + sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 3 , 1 ) ⁢ cos ⁡ ( δ + φ 2 - φ 1 ) + { sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁡ ( s 0 , 1 + s 1 , 1 ) + sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 2 , 1 - cos ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 3 , 1 } ⁢ sin ⁢ ( δ - φ 2 - φ 1 ) ] - 1 4 ⁢ r s ⁡ [ ( cos ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 2 , 1 + sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 3 , 1 ) ⁢ cos ⁡ ( δ + φ 2 + φ 1 ) + { sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁡ ( s 0 , 1 + s 1 , 1 ) - sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 2 , 1 + cos ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 3 , 1 } ⁢ sin ⁡ ( δ + φ 2 + φ 1 ) ] ( 3 ) for the interference signal . fourier transform of equation ( 3 ) gives seven components in the positive optical path length difference domain which are centered at δ , δ ± φ 2 , δ ±( φ 2 − φ 1 ), δ ±( φ 2 + φ 1 ), respectively . inverse fourier transforms of each component are as follows . δ ⁢ : ⁢ 1 2 ⁢ r s ⁢ ⅇ ⅈδ ⁢ { cos ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 0 , 1 - i ⁢ ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ ( cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 1 , 1 + sin ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 2 , 1 ) } ( 4 ) δ + φ 2 ⁢ : ⁢ 1 4 ⁢ r s ⁢ ⅇ ⅈφ ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⅇ ⅈδ ⁢ { ( cos ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 1 , 1 - sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 3 , 1 ) - i ⁢ ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 0 , 1 } ( 5 ) δ + φ 2 - φ 1 ⁢ : ⁢ 1 8 ⁢ r s ⁢ ⅇ ⅈ ⁡ ( φ 2 - φ 1 ) ⁢ ⅇ ⅈδ ⁡ [ ( cos ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 2 , 1 + sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 3 , 1 ) - i ⁢ { sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁡ ( s 0 , 1 - s 1 , 1 ) + sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 2 , 1 - cos ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 3 , 1 } ] ( 6 ) δ + φ 2 + φ 1 ⁢ : - 1 8 ⁢ r s ⁢ ⅇ ⅈ ⁡ ( φ 2 + φ 1 ) ⁢ ⅇ ⅈδ ⁡ [ ( cos ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 2 , 1 + sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 3 , 1 ) - i ⁢ { sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁡ ( s 0 , 1 + s 1 , 1 ) - sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 2 , 1 + cos ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 3 , 1 } ] ( 7 ) comparing with equation ( 2 ), real part of equation ( 4 ) gives s 0 , i / 4 and real part of equation of ( 5 ) after shifting the phase by − φ 2 gives s 1 , i / 8 . likewise , s 2 , i / 8 and s 3 , i / 8 can be obtained by taking the real part of subtraction of ( 7 ) from ( 6 ) and the imaginary part of addition of ( 6 ) and ( 7 ) after the appropriate phase shift , −( φ 2 − φ 1 ) and −( φ 2 + φ 1 ) for ( 6 ) and ( 7 ), respectively . moreover , simple arithmetic gives phase retardation due to the birefringence of the sample , δ , without knowledge of incident polarization state . the real part of ( 4 ), imaginary part of ( 5 ), the imaginary part of subtraction of ( 7 ) from ( 6 ) are 1 2 ⁢ r s ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ s 0 , 1 ( 8 ) - 1 4 ⁢ r s ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ cos ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 0 , 1 ( 9 ) - 1 4 ⁢ r s ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 ⁢ sin ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ α ⁢ ⁢ s 0 , 1 ( 10 ) after the phase shift by − δ , −( δ + φ 2 ), −( δ + φ 2 − φ 1 ) and −( δ + φ 2 + φ 1 ), respectively . with a trigonometric identity , the following can be obtained tan ⁢ ⁢ δ 2 = 2 ⁢ ( 9 ) 2 + ( 10 ) 2 ( 8 ) . ( 11 ) phase retardation due to birefringence [ fig3 ] and fast - axis angle [ fig3 ] of the birefringent sample were estimated from interference between the back surface of the glass window and the back surface of the birefringent sample by using eqs . above . for this measurement , the birefringent sample was rotated in 5 ° increments from 0 ° to 90 °. an estimated single - pass phase retardation of 34 . 06 °± 2 . 68 ° is consistent with a value deduced from the manufacturer &# 39 ; s specification ( 31 . 4 °). the estimated fast - axis angle is shown in fig4 ( b ) and is plotted with respect to orientation of the birefringent sample . b . space or lateral position : the additional spectral cells may be used to record information in the space or lateral position domain using a system indicated below . 1 . existing multifiber approach : ( described above ) 2 . spatially scanned light : the schematic of the experimental setup of a fiber - based spatially multiplexed swept source oct ( sm - ss - oct ) system is depicted in fig3 using the system described in pct patent application number pct / us2004 / 012773 , incorporated by reference herein , where the top is preferably rotated at least 100 times for each position . a tunable laser and spectrum analyzer ( tlsa 1000 , precision photonics , inc .) that operates in the 1520 - 1620 nm wavelength range ( λ 0 = 1570 nm ) with fwhm spectral line width specified at 150 khz is used as the illuminating source and is equipped with an optical isolator to protect the laser from spurious reflections . the laser output is coupled into one arm of a 2 × 2 fiber - based coupler ( interferometer ). the 50 %- 50 % coupler splits this beam into two nearly equal parts , used in the reference and sample arms , respectively . the reference arm has a fixed path length , and simply consists of a fixed mirror that reflects the entire light incident upon it back into the fiber - based coupler . the light exiting the sample arm of the interferometer is collimated , and scanned across the sample by a scanning galvanometer and a focusing lens . the scanning galvanometer and focusing lens is used to rapidly scan the lateral positions of the tissue . the tlsa 1000 completes one complete wavelength sweep in approximately one second . within this time , the galvanometer is programmed to sweep all lateral positions of the tissue several hundred times . light returning from the sample interferes with the light from the fixed reference in the fiber - based interferometer , and the resultant spectral interference signal ( due to path length variations between sample and reference reflections ) is detected by a photodetector placed in the detection arm of the system . the electrical output is digitized , and a non - uniform fourier transform ( nuft ) of each a - line spectral data gives the depth profile of the sample reflectance . fig3 and 35 are images of a 100 micron thick slide recorded with the spatially multiplexed oct system . the images are of the same object ( microscope cover glass ) only for one image ( fig3 ) the intensity of the light returning from the sample is displayed on a linear greyscale while in the other image ( fig3 ) is displayed according to logarithm of the intensity . c . angle : the additional spectral cells may be used to record information in the angle domain using a system indicated in fig3 . fig3 depicts a multi fiber angle - domain oct system . the output of the frequency - swept source a is split into n fibers through the splitter b . the light passes through the circulators c , is collimated , focused through a lens , contacts the tissue , and then is reflected into any of the multiplicity of fibers . a reference reflector for each path is introduced into each fiber segment . for example , the reference reflector can be positioned at the terminal end of each fiber segment . for each i &# 39 ; th input fiber segment , interference is formed between light backscattered from the tissue and into the j &# 39 ; th fiber and the reference reflection from the j &# 39 ; th fiber . for n fibers , n 2 interference fringes are formed each corresponding to an incident ( α i ) and backscattered angle ( β j ). light intensity in the spectral domain is then converted to a voltage through a photoreceiver , which outputs to an adc board , which is read into a computer . this system allows phase - sensitive angle resolved imaging of discrete light paths in and out - of the specimen . using a space - spatial frequency transformation ( e . g ., two - dimensional fourier transformation ) lateral structures can be imaged with sub - wavelength resolution . d . space - angle combinations ( e . g . x dimension − space , y dimension − angle ): the space and angle dimensions may be combined to form systems that use the additional spectral cells image both space and angles . for example , additional spectral cells may be used to record position information in one dimension ( e . g . x ) and angle information in the orthogonal dimension ( y ). although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments for the purpose of illustration , it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention except as it may be described by the following claims .	0
fig1 is a function block diagram showing the structure of a debugging system 100 relating to the present embodiment . the debugging system 100 is composed of terminals 1 to 3 and a debugging device 10 . the terminals 1 to 3 are connected to the debugging device 10 with respective communication lines . each of the terminals 1 to 3 has a function of outputting various commands to the debugging device 10 via the respective communication line , receiving a processing result from the debugging device 10 based on the particular output command , and displaying the result on a display unit ( not illustrated ). the debugging device 10 has a function of loading an application program to a physical address space in a ram 12 in accordance with an application program execution command from any of the terminals 1 to 3 , executing a task by executing the application program under the control of a multitask os 11 , and transmitting the execution result to the one of the terminals 1 to 3 that requested execution of the application program . if a command received from the one of the terminals 1 to 3 is an execution instruction for an application program that is a debugging target , the debugging device 10 creates a break instruction by rewriting an original instruction that is recorded in an address , in a physical address space of the ram 12 , that is associated with an address in a logical address space registered in a break setting table ( described later ). the debugging device 10 then runs the application program that is a target of debugging under the control of the multitask os 11 , and when the break instruction is detected , stops the application , and transmits a processing result to the one of the terminals 1 to 3 . fig1 shows a specific example of a task 1 running as a result of input of an application program execution command from the terminal 1 , a task 2 running as a result of input of an application program execution command from the terminal 2 , and a task 3 running as a result of input of an application program execution command from the terminal 3 . fig1 also shows that task 1 , task 2 and task 3 share a memory area in the ram 12 . fig2 is a function block diagram showing the structure of the debugging device 10 . the debugging device 10 is composed of a multitask os unit 101 , a break setting unit 102 , a break cancellation unit 103 , a communication unit 104 , an application storage unit 105 , a page table storage unit 106 , a task management information storage unit 107 , and a break setting table storage unit 108 . the multitask os unit 101 is composed of a cpu , an mmu ( memory management unit ), and a rom / ram 12 that includes the multitask os 11 . the multitask os unit 101 has a function of executing application programs and performing time division control of execution of tasks caused by the application programs . the mmu has a function of converting logical addresses to physical addresses , and managing the rom / ram 12 . the application storage unit 105 has a function of storing application programs that are a target of debugging and application programs that are not a target of debugging . the page table storage unit 106 has a function storing a page table . the page table is a table that is created and managed by the multitask os unit 101 , and is for converting a logical address referenced by an running task into a physical address in the ram 12 . more specifically , the multitask os unit 101 segments the logical address space range referenced by tasks into a plurality of blocks ( hereinafter , each block is called a “ logical page ”) based on ranges of logical addresses , and allocates physical address ranges ( hereinafter , called a “ physical pages ”) of a size corresponding to the block units . the page table shows , for each task , the correlation between each logical page and the head physical address ( hereinafter , called the “ base address ”) in the physical page allocated to the logical page . one example of the size of each logical page is 4 kbytes . in such a case , the base address of the corresponding physical page is the lowest 12 bits of the logical address are added to the base address of the corresponding physical page as an offset value , based on which conversion from the logical address to the physical address is performed . fig4 is a visual representation of the page table . as shown in fig4 , the logical page that each logical address belongs to is specified based on the logical address range , and each specified logical page is allocated a physical page of the same size in the ram 12 . fig6 is a visual representation of the address conversion process performed by the multitask os unit 101 . fig6 shows a specific example of a process for converting a logical address k referenced by task 1 to a physical address . as shown in fig6 , in the process performed with respect to the logical address k reference by task 1 ( 601 in fig6 ), the page table ( 602 in fig6 , for convenience assumed to be identical in content to the page table in fig4 ) is used to specify the logical page l 1 to which the logical address k belongs ( 603 in fig6 ), and the page table is further used to specify the base address 1 in the physical page ph 1 that is associated with the logical page l 1 ( 604 in fig6 ). finally , the physical address corresponding to the logical address k is calculated based on the specified base address 1 and the offset value of the logical address k ( 605 in fig6 ). the task management information is information expressing sets of the following correlated items : an identifier of a task that is a target of time division control ; status information showing the run status of the task ; a value of a stack pointer showing the save - destination of the context of the task ; and a task priority showing the run priority of the task at the current point in time . the task management information is created and managed by the multitask os unit 101 . fig5 shows a specific example of the task management information . the break setting unit 102 performs break setting registration processing and break setting processing . break setting refers to designating an instruction for stopping a running application program part way through and the point to stop the application program , according to a logical address . when a registration command for registering a break setting is input by one of the terminals 1 to 3 via the communication unit 104 , the break setting unit 102 analyses the registration command , specifies the task identifier , the logical address set as a break , and the break type designated by the registration command , and registers the specified task identifier , logical address , and break type in the break setting table . a plurality of break settings may be registered in the break setting table with respect to one task . the break setting table is a table expressing sets of the following correlated items : a task identifier , the logical address of a break setting set with respect to the task , and the break type . the break type is an identifier showing whether the type of the break setting is a software break or a hardware break . a software break is a break setting whereby a running application program is stopped by rewriting an original instruction in the application program at a specified logical address into an instruction for stopping the application program ( hereinafter , an instruction for stopping the application program is called a “ break instruction ”). a hardware break is a break setting whereby a logical address that shows a stop position in the application program ( hereinafter , this logical address is called a “ break address ”) is set in the cpu register , and when the cpu references the set logical address or executes the instruction at this logical address , the running application program stops part way through . when the break setting is a software break , the original instruction rewritten with the break instruction is saved to the break setting table , and stored in the break setting table in association with the corresponding task identifier and logical address . when the multitask os unit 101 newly runs a task or switches tasks , the break setting unit 102 obtains , from the multitask os unit 101 , the task identifier of the next task to be run , specifies the task identifier of the next task to be run , and judges whether or not the specified task identifier is registered in the break setting table ( described later ). if the task identifier is registered , the multitask os unit 101 further judges , based on the break type associated with the task identifier in the break setting table , whether or not the break setting is a hardware break or a software break . if the break setting is a hardware break , the multitask os unit 101 sets the registered logical address in the register . if the break setting is a software break , the multitask os unit 101 obtains the physical address in the ram 12 corresponding to the logical address registered in the break setting table , saves the original instruction stored at the physical address to the break setting table , and writes a break instruction at the physical address . the break cancellation unit 103 performs break setting deletion processing and break setting cancellation processing . when a deletion command for deleting a break setting is input from one of the terminals 1 to 3 via the communication unit 104 , the break cancellation unit 103 analyses the deletion command , specifies the task identifier , logical address and break type specified by the deletion command , and deletes the break setting having the specified task identifier , logical address and break type from the break setting table . when the multitask os unit 101 switches tasks , the break cancellation unit 103 obtains the task identifier of the stopped task from the multitask os unit 101 , and judges whether or not the obtained task identifier is registered in the break setting table . if the obtained task identifier is registered in the break setting table , the break cancellation unit 103 further judges , based on the break type associated with the break identifier in the break setting table , whether the registered break setting is a software break or a hardware break . if the registered break setting is a hardware break , the break cancellation unit 103 cancels the setting of the break address in the register . if the registered break setting is a software break , the break cancellation unit 103 obtains , from the multitask os unit 101 , the physical address in the ram 12 corresponding to the logical address registered in the break setting table , and writes the original instruction that was saved to the break setting table to the physical address in the ram 12 . this cancels the break setting . the communication unit 104 receives various commands input from the terminals 1 to 3 , and outputs each command to the multitask os unit 101 , the break setting unit 102 , the break cancellation unit 103 or the communication 104 , as appropriate . the break setting table storage unit 108 stores the break setting table . one specific example of the break setting table is that shown in fig3 . fig8 is a flowchart showing operations for break setting registration processing performed by the break setting unit 102 . when a registration command for registering a break setting is input from one of the terminals 1 to 3 via the communication unit 104 ( step s 801 ), the break setting unit 102 analyzes the registration command ( step s 802 ), specifies the task identifier , the logical address of the break setting and the break type designated by the registration command ( step s 803 ), and registers the specified task identifier , logical address , and the break type in the break setting table ( step s 804 ). fig2 is a flowchart showing operations for break setting deletion processing performed by the break cancellation unit 103 . when a deletion command for deleting a break setting is received from one of the terminals 1 to 3 ( step s 2101 ), the break cancellation unit 103 analyses the deletion command ( step s 2102 ), specifies the task identifier , logical address and break type designated by the deletion command ( step s 2103 ), and deletes the specified task identifier , logical address and break type from the break setting table ( step s 2104 ). fig7 is a flowchart showing operations for task switch processing a performed by the multitask os unit 101 . when a dispatch ( task switch ) occurs ( step s 701 ), the multitask os unit 101 stops the running task ( step s 702 ), and stores the context ( register set , program counter , status register , and so on ) of the running task to a memory area ( stack area ) allocated to the task in the ram 12 , thereby saving the context ( step s 703 ). the multitask os unit 101 then rewrites , with the value of the save destination stack pointer , the value of the stack pointer associated with the task identifier in the task management information stored in the task management information storage unit 107 , updates the task priority and the status information of the task , and moves control to the break setting unit 102 which it causes to execute break setting processing a ( described later , step s 704 ). after further moving the control to the break cancellation unit 103 and causing it to execute break cancellation processing a that is described later ( step s 705 ), the multitask os unit 101 refers to the task priorities in the task management information to select the task having the highest task priority as the task to be run next , reads the context of the selected task from the save destination of the context showing the stack pointer of the selected task , restores the context ( step s 706 ), and runs the task ( step s 707 ). fig9 is a flowchart showing operations of break setting processing a performed by the break setting unit 102 . the break setting unit 102 obtains , from the multitask os unit 101 , the task identifier of the next task to be run , specifies the task identifier of the next task to be run , and refers to the break setting table stored in the break setting table storage unit 108 to make a search as to whether or not a break setting is registered for the task identifier ( step s 901 ) if a break setting is registered for the task identifier ( step s 902 : y ), the break setting unit 102 judges whether or not the break type of the break setting is a software break ( step s 903 ) if the break type is a software break ( step s 903 : y ), the break setting unit 102 notifies the logical address at which the break setting is set to the multitask os unit 101 , causes the multitask os unit 101 to specify the physical address in the ram 12 of the logical address , obtains the specified physical address from the multitask os unit 101 , and saves the original instruction stored at the physical address , by storing the original address and the task identifier and logical address of the break setting in association in the break setting table ( step s 904 ). the break setting unit 102 then performs break setting by writing a break instruction in the physical address of the original instruction ( step s 905 ), and judges whether or not the break setting table has been searched for all break settings registered with respect to the obtained task identifier ( step s 907 ). if the search is complete ( step s 907 : y ), the break setting unit 102 ends the break setting processing a . if the search is not complete ( step s 907 : n ), the break setting unit 102 moves to the processing at step s 901 . if the judgment is negative at step s 903 ( step s 903 : n ), the break setting unit 102 sets the break address in a register of the cpu ( step s 906 ). if the judgment is negative at step s 902 ( step s 902 : n ), the break setting unit 102 ends the break setting processing a . fig1 is a flowchart showing operations for break cancellation processing a performed by the break cancellation unit 103 . the break cancellation unit 103 obtains the identifier of a stopped task from the multitask os unit 101 , and refers to the break setting table stored in the break setting table storage unit 108 to make a search as to whether or not a break setting is registered for the task identifier ( step s 101 ). if a break setting is registered for the task identifier ( step s 102 : y ), the break cancellation unit 103 judges whether or not the break type of the break setting is a software break ( step s 103 ). if the break type is a software break ( step s 103 : y ), the break cancellation unit 103 notifies the logical address of the break setting to the multitask os unit 101 , causes the multitask os unit 101 to specify the physical address in the ram 12 of the logical address , obtains the specified physical address from the multitask os unit 101 , and writes the original instruction saved in the break setting table with respect to the break setting to the obtained physical address , thereby restoring the original instruction ( step s 104 ). the break cancellation unit 103 then judges whether or not the break setting table has been searched for all break settings registered with respect to the identifier of the stopped task ( step s 106 ). if the search is complete ( step s 106 : y ), the break cancellation unit 103 ends the break cancellation processing a . if the search is not complete ( step s 106 : n ), the break cancellation unit 103 moves to the processing at step s 101 . if the judgment is negative at step s 103 ( step s 103 : n ), the break cancellation unit 103 cancels the break address setting in the register of the cpu ( step s 105 ). if the judgment is negative at step s 102 ( step s 102 : n ), the break cancellation unit 103 ends the break cancellation processing a . in the debugging system 100 of the first embodiment , break setting processing and break cancellation processing are performed each time a tasks witch occurs . however , in a debugging system 200 of the second embodiment , when a break setting has been made for the next task to be run that is the same as the break setting for the directly preceding stopped task , break setting processing and break cancellation processing when task switching occurs are omitted . this enables task switch processing to be performed quickly . note that the debugging system 200 differs from the debugging system 100 of the first embodiment only in terms of structure described below , and other compositional elements are identical . consequently , a function block diagram showing the structure of the debugging system 200 is omitted . this also applies to debugging systems 300 , 400 and 500 described later . the following omits a description of the compositional elements that are the same as in the debugging system 100 in the first embodiment , and focuses on those that differ . fig2 is a function block diagram showing the structure of a debugging device 20 . the debugging device 20 is composed of a multitask os unit 201 , a break setting unit 202 , a break cancellation unit 203 , the communication unit 104 , the application storage unit 105 , the page table storage unit 106 , the task management information storage unit 107 , and the break setting table storage unit 108 . in fig2 , the compositional elements that are the same as those in the debugging device 10 of the first embodiment have the same reference numbers thereas . the differences from the first embodiment in the functions of the multitask os unit 201 , the break setting unit 202 and the break cancellation unit 203 are described later . the following description focuses on differences from the first embodiment , and omits operations that are the same as the first embodiment . fig1 is a flowchart showing operations for task switch processing b performed by the multiplex os unit 201 . as shown in fig1 , the task switch processing b differs from the task switch processing a in the first embodiment in terms of the contents of the break setting processing and the break cancellation processing at step s 114 and step s 115 . fig1 is a flowchart showing operations for break setting processing b performed by the break setting unit 202 . in the break setting processing b , the processing at step s 121 to step s 125 differs from the break setting processing a of the first embodiment , and the processing at step s 126 to step s 130 is the same as the processing at step s 903 to step s 907 in the break setting processing a of fig9 . the following describes the processing at step s 121 to step s 125 , and omits a description of the other processing . the break setting unit 202 obtains , from the multitask os unit 201 , the respective task identifiers of the stopped task and the task that is to be run next , specifies the two task identifiers , and refers to the break setting table stored in the break setting table storage unit 108 to make a search as to whether or not a break setting is registered for both the task identifiers ( step s 121 ). if a break setting is registered for both the task identifiers ( step s 122 : y ), the break setting unit 202 notifies the respective logical addresses of the break settings to the multitask os unit 201 , obtains the respective physical addresses to which the logical addresses belong , from the multitask os unit 201 , and judges whether or not the two share a physical page ( step s 123 ). here , the multitask os unit 201 refers to the page table stored in the page table storage unit 106 to specify the physical addresses associated with the notified logical addresses , and notifies the physical addresses to the break setting unit 202 . at step s 123 , if the logical addresses share a physical page ( step s 123 : y ), the break setting unit 202 judges whether or not the respective offset values of the logical addresses match ( step s 124 ). if the offset values match ( step s 124 : y ), the break setting unit 202 moves to the processing at step s 130 , and if the offset values do not match ( step s 124 : n ), the break setting unit 202 moves to the processing at step s 126 . at step s 123 , if the logical addresses share a physical page ( step s 123 : n ), the break setting unit 202 moves to the processing at step s 126 . if it is judged that a break setting is not registered for both the task identifiers at step s 122 ( step s 122 : n ), and if a break setting is registered only for the next task to be run ( step s 125 : y ), the break setting unit 202 moves to the processing at step s 126 . if the judgment at step s 125 is negative ( step s 125 : n ), the break setting unit 202 ends the break setting processing b . fig1 is a flowchart showing operations for break cancellation processing b performed by the break cancellation unit 203 . in break cancellation processing b , the processing at step s 131 to step s 135 differs from the break cancellation processing a of the first embodiment , and the processing at step s 136 to step s 139 is the same as the processing at step s 103 to step s 106 in the break cancellation processing b of fig1 . the following describes the processing at step s 131 to step s 135 , and omits a description of the other processing . the break cancellation unit 203 obtains , from the multitask os - unit 201 , the respective task identifiers of the stopped task and the next task to be run , and refers to the break setting table stored in the break setting table storage unit 108 to make a search as to whether or not a break setting is registered for both the task identifiers ( step s 131 ). if a break setting is registered for both the task identifiers ( step s 132 : y ), the break cancellation unit 203 notifies the respective logical addresses of the break settings to the multitask os unit 201 , obtains the respective physical pages to which the logical addresses belong , from the multitask os unit 201 , and judges whether or not the two share a physical page ( step s 133 ). here , the multitask os unit 201 refers to the page table stored in the page table storage unit 106 to specify the respective physical pages associated with the notified logical addresses , and notifies the physical pages to the break cancellation unit 203 . at step s 133 , if the logical addresses share a physical page ( step s 133 : y ), the break cancellation unit 203 judges whether or not the respective offset values of the logical addresses match ( step s 134 ). if the offset values match ( step s 134 : y ), the break cancellation unit 203 moves to the processing at step s 139 , and if the offset values do not match ( step s 134 : n ), the break cancellation unit 203 moves to the processing at step s 136 . at step s 133 , if the logical addresses do not share a physical page ( step s 133 : n ), the break cancellation unit 203 moves to the processing at step s 136 . if it is judged that a break setting is not registered for both the task identifiers at step s 132 ( step s 132 : n ), and if a break setting is registered only for the next task to be run ( step s 135 : y ), the break cancellation unit 203 moves to the processing at step s 136 . if the judgment at step s 135 is negative ( step s 135 : n ), the break cancellation unit 203 ends the break cancellation processing b . in the debugging system 100 of the first embodiment , break setting processing and break cancellation processing are performed each time a task switch occurs . however , in the debugging system 300 of the third embodiment , when a task switch occurs , all break settings registered in the break setting table are performed first , and then all of the break settings whose physical address differs from that of the task to be run next are cancelled . the following omits a description of the compositional elements that are the same as in the debugging system 100 in the first embodiment , and focuses on those that differ . fig2 is a function block diagram showing the structure of a debugging device 30 included in the debugging system 300 . the debugging device 30 is composed of a multitask os unit 301 , a break setting unit 302 , a break cancellation unit 303 , the communication unit 104 , the application storage unit 105 , the page table storage unit 106 , the task management information storage unit 107 , and the break setting table storage unit 108 . in fig2 , the compositional elements that are the same as those in the debugging device 10 of the first embodiment have the same reference numbers thereas . the differences from the first embodiment in the functions of the multitask os unit 301 , the break , setting unit 302 and the break cancellation unit 303 are described later . the following description focuses on differences from the first embodiment , and omits operations that are the same as the first embodiment . fig1 is a flowchart showing operations for task switch processing c performed by the multitask os unit 301 . as shown in fig1 , the task switch processing c differs from the task switch processing a in the first embodiment in terms of the contents of break setting processing and break cancellation processing shown at step s 704 and step s 705 , respectively . fig1 is a flowchart showing operations for break setting processing c performed by the break setting unit 302 . the break setting unit 302 makes a search of the break settings registered in the break setting table ( step s 141 ), and , for each one of the break settings found as a result of the search , judges whether or not the break setting is a software break , based on the break type of the break setting ( step s 142 ). if the break is a software break ( step s 142 : y ), the break setting unit 302 notifies the logical address set for the break setting to the multitask os unit 301 , causes the multitask os unit 301 to specify the physical address in the ram 12 of the logical address , obtains the specified physical address from the multitask os unit 301 , and saves the original instruction stored in the logical address , by storing the original address and the task identifier and logical address of the break setting in association in the break setting table ( step s 143 ). the break setting unit 302 then performs break setting by writing a break instruction to the physical address of the original instruction ( step s 144 ), and judges whether or not the break setting table has been searched for all registered break settings ( step s 146 ). if the search is complete ( step s 146 : y ), the break setting unit 302 ends the break setting processing c . if the search is not complete ( step s 146 : n ), the break setting unit 302 moves to the processing at step s 141 . if the judgment is negative at step s 142 ( step s 142 : n ), the break setting unit 302 sets the break address in a register of the cpu ( step s 145 ). fig1 is a flowchart showing operations for break cancellation processing c performed by the break cancellation unit 303 . the break cancellation unit 303 obtains the identifier of the next task to be run from the multitask os unit 301 , and refers to the break setting table stored in the break setting table storage unit 108 to make a search as to whether or not a break setting is registered for a task identifier other than the task identifier of the next task to be run ( step s 161 ). if a break setting is registered for another task identifier ( step s 162 : y ), the break cancellation unit 303 notifies , to the multitask os unit 301 , the respective logical addresses of the break setting of the other task identifier and the task identifier of the next task to be run , obtains the respective physical pages to which the logical addresses belong , from the multitask os unit 301 , and judges whether or not the two share a physical page ( step s 163 ). here , the multitask os unit 301 refers to the page table stored in the page table storage unit 106 to specify the physical pages associated with the notified logical addresses , and notifies the physical pages to the break cancellation unit 303 . at step s 163 , if the logical addresses share a physical page ( step s 163 : y ), the break cancellation unit 303 judges whether or not the respective offset values of the logical addresses match ( step s 164 ). if the offset values match ( step s 164 : y ), the break cancellation unit 303 moves to the processing at step s 168 , and if the offset values do not match ( step s 164 : n ), the break cancellation unit 303 judges whether or not the break type is a software break ( step s 165 ). if the break type is a software break ( step s 165 : y ), the break cancellation unit 303 notifies the logical address at which the break setting is set to the multitask os unit 301 , causes the multitask os unit 301 to specify the physical address in the ram 12 of the logical address , obtains the specified physical address from the multitask os unit 301 , and writes the original instruction saved to the break setting table with respect to the break setting to the obtained physical address , thereby restoring the original instruction ( step s 166 ). the break cancellation unit 303 then judges whether or the break setting table has been searched for all break settings registered with respect to all identifiers other than the identifier of the next task to be run ( step s 168 ). if the search is complete ( step s 168 : y ), the break cancellation unit 303 ends the break cancellation processing c . if the search is not complete ( step s 168 : n ), the break cancellation unit 303 moves to the processing at step s 161 . if the judgment is negative at step s 165 ( step s 165 : n ), the break cancellation unit 303 cancels the break address setting in the register of the cpu ( step s 167 ). if the judgment is negative at step s 162 ( step s 162 : n ), the break cancellation unit 303 ends the break cancellation processing c . if the judgment is affirmative at step s 164 ( step s 164 : y ), the break cancellation unit 303 moves to the processing at step s 168 . if the judgment is negative at step s 163 ( step s 163 : n ), the break cancellation unit 303 moves to the processing at step s 165 . in the debugging system 100 of the first embodiment , break cancellation processing is performed each time a task switch occurs . however , in the debugging system 400 in the fourth embodiment , break setting is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment when a task switch occurs , and if the next task to be run and the stopped task do not share a physical page , break cancellation processing is omitted . this lightens the processing load for break cancellation processing . the following omits a description of the compositional elements that are the same as in the debugging system 100 in the first embodiment , and focuses on those that differ . fig2 is a function block diagram showing the structure of a debugging device 40 included in the debugging system 400 . the debugging device 40 is composed of a multitask os unit 401 , the break setting unit 102 , a break cancellation unit 403 , the communication unit 104 , the application storage unit 105 , the page table storage unit 106 , the task management information storage unit 107 , and the break setting table storage unit 108 . in fig2 , the compositional elements that are the same as those in the debugging device 10 of the first embodiment have the same reference numbers thereas . the differences from the first embodiment in the functions of the multitask os unit 401 and the break cancellation unit 403 are described later . the - following description focuses on differences from the first embodiment , and omits operations that are the same as the first embodiment . fig1 is a flowchart showing operations for task switch processing d performed by the multitask os unit 401 . as shown in fig1 , the task switch processing d differs from the task switch processing a in the first embodiment in terms of the contents of break cancellation processing a shown at step s 705 . fig1 is a flowchart showing operations for break cancellation processing d performed by the break cancellation unit 403 . the break cancellation unit 403 obtains the respective task identifiers of the stopped task and the next task to be run from the multitask os unit 401 , then , via the multitask os unit 401 , specifies physical page allocated to the next task to be run and the physical page allocated to the stopped task , and compares the respective specified physical pages ( step s 181 ), to judge whether the two tasks share a physical page ( step s 182 ). if the two tasks share a physical page ( step s 182 : y ), the break cancellation unit 403 refers to the break setting table to make a search as to whether or not a break setting is registered for the task identifier of the stopped task ( step s 183 ). if a break setting is registered for the task identifier of the stopped task ( step s 184 : y ), the break cancellation unit 403 judges whether or not the break setting for the stopped task identifier is a software break ( step s 185 ). if the break setting is judged to be a software break ( step s 185 : y ), the break cancellation unit 403 notifies the logical address at which the break setting is set to the multitask os unit 401 , causes the multitask os unit 401 to specify the physical address in the ram 12 of the notified logical address , obtains the specified physical address from the multitask os unit 401 , and writes the original instruction saved to the break setting table with respect to the break setting to the obtained physical address , thereby restoring the original instruction ( step s 186 ). the break cancellation unit 403 then judges whether or the break setting table has been searched for all break settings registered with respect to the identifier of the stopped task ( step s 188 ). if the search is complete ( step s 188 : y ), the break cancellation unit 403 ends the break cancellation processing d . if the search is not complete ( step s 188 : n ), the break cancellation unit 403 moves to the processing at step s 181 . if the judgment is negative at step s 185 ( step s 185 : n ), the break cancellation unit 403 cancels the break address setting in the register of the cpu ( step s 187 ). if the judgment is negative at step s 182 ( step s 182 : n ), the break cancellation unit 403 ends the break cancellation processing d . if the judgment is negative at step s 184 ( step s 184 : n . ), the break cancellation unit 403 ends the break cancellation processing d . in the debugging system 100 of the first embodiment , when a task switch occurs , break setting processing is first performed , and then when a break setting is made with respect to a stopped task , break cancellation processing is performed . however , in the debugging system 500 of the fifth embodiment , when a task switch occurs , first all break settings registered in the break setting table are cancelled , and then break setting processing is performed . the following omits a description of the compositional elements that are the same as in the debugging system 100 in the first embodiment , and focuses on those that differ . fig2 is a function block diagram showing the structure of the debugging device 50 included in the debugging system 500 . the debugging device 50 is composed of a multitask os unit 501 , the break setting unit 102 , a break cancellation unit 503 , the communication unit 104 , the application storage unit 105 , the page table storage unit 106 , the task management information storage unit 107 , and the break setting table storage unit 108 . in fig2 , the compositional elements that are the same as those in the debugging device 10 of the first embodiment have the same reference numbers thereas . the differences from the first embodiment in the functions of the multitask os unit 501 and the break cancellation unit 503 are described later . the following description focuses on differences from the first embodiment , and omits operations that are the same as the first embodiment . fig1 is a flowchart showing operations for task switch processing e performed by the multiplex os unit 501 . as shown in fig1 , the task switch processing e differs from the task switch processing a in the first embodiment in that the order of the break setting processing and the break cancellation processing shown at step s 704 and step s 705 is reversed , and in terms of the content of the break cancellation processing shown at step s 705 . fig2 is a flowchart showing operations for break cancellation processing e performed by the break cancellation unit 503 . the break cancellation unit 503 makes a search of the break settings registered in the break setting table ( step s 201 ), and judges , for each break setting found as a result of the search , whether or not the break type is a software break , based on the break type shown by the break setting ( step s 202 ). when the break setting is judged to be a software break at step s 202 ( step s 202 : y ), the break cancellation unit 503 notifies the logical address at which the break setting is set to the multitask os unit 501 , causes the multitask os unit 501 to specify the physical address in the ram 12 of the logical address , obtains the specified physical address from the multitask os unit 501 , and writes the original instruction saved to the break setting table with respect to the break setting to the obtained physical address , thereby restoring the original instruction ( step s 203 ), and canceling the break setting . the break cancellation unit 503 then judges whether or not all break settings registered in the break setting table have been cancelled ( step s 205 ), and if all have been cancelled ( step s 205 : y ), ends the break cancellation processing e . if not all have been cancelled ( step s 205 : n ), the break cancellation unit 503 moves to the processing at step s 201 . if the judgment at step s 202 is negative ( step s 202 : n ), the break cancellation unit 503 cancels the break address setting in the register of the cpu ( step s 204 ). the present invention is not limited to the described first to fifth embodiments . ( 1 ) in the first to fifth embodiments , debugging processing is performed in a multitask environment by rewriting an original instruction into a break instruction . however , debugging processing may be performed by rewriting an original instruction not into a break instruction , but into another instruction . alternatively , debugging processing may be performed by rewriting data at a specific physical address . here , when a task switch occurs , debugging processing is performed instead of the break setting processing described in the first to fifth embodiments , and instead of the break cancellation processing , the debugging processing is cancelled by rewriting the rewritten instruction or data to an original instruction or data . ( 2 ) in the first to fifth embodiments , break setting registration processing , break setting deletion processing and debugging are performed as a result of a command input from any of the terminals 1 to 3 . however , alternatively an input unit may be provided in the debugging device , and aforementioned processing and debugging performed as a result of input from the input unit . as a further alternative , instead of command input , break setting registration processing and break setting deletion processing may be performed by designating an identifier , logical address and break type pertaining to a break setting to be registered or cancelled , via a gui ( graphic user interface ). ( 3 ) in the fourth embodiment , break setting processing a is performed when a task switch occurs . however , break setting processing c maybe performed instead of break setting processing a , and then break cancellation processing d ′ may be performed instead of break processing d for each task other than the next task to be run . fig2 is a flowchart showing operations of break cancellation processing d ′ performed by the break cancellation unit 403 in the described case . although the present invention has been fully described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings , it is to be noted that various changes and modification will be apparent to those skilled in the art . therefore , unless otherwise such changes and modifications depart from the scope of the present invention , they should be construed as being included therein .	6
fig1 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a semiconductor substrate in one embodiment according to the present invention . the semiconductor substrate shown in fig1 is characterized in that it is designed and manufactured to comprise a test element group ( teg ) for analyzing a short between contact wiring lines ( cws ). the test element group includes contact wiring lines ( cws ) formed in contact holes or via holes . the contact holes or via holes are repetitively formed so that a semiconductor layer and first insulating films are alternately exposed . the contact wiring lines being formed of a metal material such as w ( tungsten ) to bury the contact holes or via holes . a more detailed description will be given below . a semiconductor substrate s shown in fig1 comprises a teg which includes : a p - well 2 formed on a surface layer of a p - type semiconductor substrate ; insulating films 6 provided at predetermined intervals p 1 on a surface layer of the p - well 2 ; an n +- type impurity diffused layer 4 formed on the surface layer of the p - well 2 between the insulating films 6 ; an insulating film ( e . g ., sio2 ) 22 formed to cover the p - well 2 , the n +- type impurity diffused layer 4 and the insulating films 6 ; contact holes ch provided in the insulating film 22 at intervals p 2 ; and contact wiring lines cw formed to bury the contact holes ch . the interval p 2 between the contact holes ch is half of the interval p 1 between the insulating films 6 , and the adjacent contact holes ch are disposed so that the n +- type impurity diffused layer 4 is exposed at the bottom of one of the adjacent contact holes ch while the insulating films 6 are exposed at the bottom of the other . thus , the contact wiring lines cw are formed in an alternately repetitive manner in a plane view so that one of the adjacent contact wiring lines cw is grounded to the semiconductor substrate via the n +- type impurity diffused layer 4 and the p - well 2 and the other of the adjacent contact wiring lines cw is insulated from the semiconductor substrate . in the present embodiment , the p - well 2 corresponds to , for example , a semiconductor layer , the insulating films 6 correspond to , for example , first insulating films , and the insulating film 22 corresponds to , for example , a second insulating film . in addition , the p - well 2 formed on the surface layer of the p - type semiconductor substrate is explained as one example of the semiconductor layer in the present embodiment , but this is not a limitation , and it should be understood that , for example , an n - type semiconductor substrate may be used as one example of the semiconductor layer . one embodiment of an inspection apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to fig2 . fig2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an inspection apparatus in the present one embodiment . the inspection apparatus shown in fig2 comprises an electron gun 51 , a suppressor electrode 53 , an extraction electrode 55 , a condenser lens 57 , a wien filter ( top ) 59 , an aperture 61 , a beam scanning deflector 63 , a wien filter ( bottom ) 65 , an objective lens 67 , a top ( gnd potential ) electrode 69 , a charge control electrode 71 , a focus control electrode 73 , a substrate stage 79 , a secondary electron detector 81 , a signal processing unit 83 , a control computer 85 , a memory 86 , a display unit ( crt ) 87 , and a direct - current power source 89 . the electron gun 51 generates an electron beam , and irradiates this electron beam as a primary electron beam eb to the semiconductor substrate s . the suppressor electrode 53 , the extraction electrode 55 , the condenser lens 57 , the wien filters 59 and 65 , the aperture 61 , the beam scanning deflector 63 , the objective lens 67 , the top ( gnd potential ) electrode 69 , the charge control electrode 71 and the focus control electrode 73 constitute a electronic optical system to control the size , track , focal position , etc . of a flux of the primary electron beam eb . the control computer 85 reads a file corresponding to an inspection target from a recipe file stored in the memory 86 , and controls the electron gun 51 and the electronic optical system via various unshown controllers , thereby carrying out an inspection . the direct - current power source 89 applies a direct - current voltage to the focus control electrode 73 to control the focus of the primary electron beam eb . moreover , the direct - current power source 89 applies direct - current voltages ( positive and negative ) to the charge control electrode 71 , and extracts from or pushes back to the surface of the semiconductor substrate s a secondary electron , a reflection electron and a back scattering electron ( hereinafter simply referred to as secondary electrons , etc . es ) obtained from the surface of the semiconductor substrate s , thereby controlling the charging state ( positive charging and negative charging ) of the surface of the semiconductor substrate s . the semiconductor substrate s including the teg shown in fig1 is mounted on the substrate stage 79 . the primary electron beam eb emitted from the electron gun 51 is converged by the suppressor electrode 53 , the extraction electrode 55 and the condenser lens 57 , and enters the wien filter 59 . the wien filter 59 causes the incident primary electron beam eb to travel straight without deflection to enter the objective lens 67 . the objective lens 67 converges the primary electron beam eb to focus the primary electron beam eb on the surface of the semiconductor substrate s . the converged primary electron beam eb is deflected by the beam scanning deflector 63 , and the semiconductor substrate s is scanned with this primary electron beam eb . in response to the scanning with the primary electron beam eb , the secondary electrons , etc . es are released from the surface of the wiring lines formed on the semiconductor substrate s , accelerated by an electric field formed between the semiconductor substrate s and the objective lens 67 to enter the wien filter 65 , and deflected by this wien filter 65 and drawn into the secondary electron detector 81 . the secondary electron detector 81 outputs a signal indicating the amount of the detected secondary electrons , etc . es , and the signal processing unit 83 converts the received signal into an image signal and supplies the image signal to the control computer 85 . the control computer 85 executes predetermined processing for the image signal received from the signal processing unit 83 , and displays an image showing the state of the surface of the semiconductor substrate s by use of the display unit ( crt ) 87 . this image is called a potential contrast image because it has contrast corresponding to a potential distribution on the surface of the teg . from the signal intensities within the potential contrast image obtained as described above , the control computer 85 judges by a procedure described later whether the semiconductor substrate s is defective or nondefective . a principle on which an inspection method using the inspection apparatus in fig2 is based will be described below . when the primary electron beam eb is irradiated to , for example , the surface of the insulating film 22 of the semiconductor substrate s including the teg shown in fig1 , the surface of the insulating film 22 is charged . an emission efficiency δs of secondary electron of a silicon oxide film due to the electron beam irradiation at an incident voltage of about 900 ev is greater than 1 , so that the surface of the insulating film 22 is positively charged ( ebδsα ). here , α is a coefficient of the secondary electron pushed back onto the insulating film 22 . it is presumed that the electron also flows into the substrate as a leak current within the insulating film 22 so that the neutralization and accumulation of the charge in the insulating film 22 are kept in parallel . fig3 shows a model of charge transfer in a nondefective product . in the nondefective product , there are repetitively arranged a structure ( see css in fig1 ) in which a contact wiring line cw 1 is connected to a p - type semiconductor substrate via the n +- type impurity diffused layer 4 and the p - well 2 , and a structure ( see csi in fig1 ) in which the insulating films 6 exist at the bottom of a contact wiring line cw 2 . it is presumed that when the negatively charging electron beam eb is irradiated to the surface of the contact wiring line cw 1 of the nondefective product so that the electric resistance of an equivalent circuit ( diode ) d shown in fig3 decreases ( forward direction ), the negative charge can transfer to the substrate . moreover , when the negatively charging electron beam eb is irradiated to the surface of the contact wiring line cw 2 of the nondefective product , the resistance value of the contact to the substrate is much higher than the resistance value of the adjacent contact wiring line cw 1 . as a result , it is anticipated that the amount of negative charge accumulation increases as shown in fig3 . the transfer of the negative charge results in a difference in charge - up amount , so that the surface of the contact wiring line cw 1 of the nondefective product is observed as a dark contrast image ( see a left half of an image gc 1 in fig4 ), while the surface of the contact wiring line cw 2 of the nondefective product is observed as a bright part ( see a right half of the image gc 1 in fig4 ). thus , dark parts and bright parts are repetitively observed in the nondefective product , as shown in fig4 . a model of charge transfer in a defective product is shown in fig5 . in the defective product , there is a void in the insulating film 22 between adjacent contact holes ch 5 and ch 6 , and a short st is caused between the contact wiring lines . it is presumed that when the negatively charging electron beam eb is irradiated to the surface of the contact wiring line cw 5 of the defective product so that the electric resistance of the above - mentioned equivalent circuit ( diode ) d decreases ( forward direction ), the negative charge can transfer to the substrate . moreover , it is presumed that when the negatively charging electron beam eb is irradiated to the surface of the contact wiring line cw 6 of the defective product , the negative charge can transfer to the substrate via the short st . the transfer of the negative charge results in a difference in charge - up amount in comparison with a nondefective product , so that the surface of the contact wiring line cw 5 of the defective product is observed as a dark contrast image ( see a left half of an image gc 5 in fig6 ), while the surface of the contact wiring line cw 6 of the defective product is also observed as a dark part ( see a right half of the image gc 5 in fig6 ). thus , both of the contact wiring lines cw 5 and cw 6 are observed as the dark contrast images in the defective product , as shown in fig6 . in this manner , a defective product can be recognized from a difference image of the potential contrast images obtained from the surfaces of the wiring lines in the nondefective product ( a region of cw 2 in fig4 ) and the defective product ( a region of cw 6 in fig6 ). specifically , a teg is prepared , which is formed so that it repeats the sequence of being grounded to and insulated from a foundation semiconductor layer , and the semiconductor substrate including such a teg is scanned with the primary electron beam to acquire a potential contrast image . when the teg is nondefective , the surface of the contact wiring line adjacent to the contact wiring line having a bright part is observed to have a dark part and to be different in terms of contrast even in visual observation , as shown in the potential contrast image gc 1 in fig4 . on the contrary , in the case of a defective product ( e . g ., leak current value : ˜ e - 5a ) in which there is , for example , a void in the insulating film 22 between the adjacent contact holes and a short is caused between the contact wiring lines cw 5 and cw 6 , for example , as shown in fig5 , the charge ( negative ) on the surfaces of the contact wiring lines cw 5 and cw 6 can transfer to the p - well 2 via the shorted portion st . therefore , there is no difference in the amount of charge on the surfaces of the contact wiring lines cw 5 and cw 6 . consequently , the surfaces of the contact wiring lines cw 5 and cw 6 are visually observed to be the same in terms of contrast on the potential contrast image gc 5 , as shown in fig6 . thus , according to the semiconductor substrate in the present embodiment , a defect can be recognized from the value of a difference between signal intensities because the difference of signal intensities between the nondefective product and the defective product is produced between corresponding regions within the potential contrast image . this makes it possible to easily inspect for a fault or defect . one embodiment of the semiconductor substrate inspection method according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to fig7 and 8 . fig7 is a flowchart showing a schematic procedure of the substrate inspection method in the present embodiment . first , the semiconductor substrate s to be inspected is placed onto the substrate stage 79 of the substrate inspection apparatus in fig2 ( step s 1 ). as shown in fig1 , the semiconductor substrate s comprises a teg for analyzing a short between contact wiring lines in which there are repetitively arranged a structure css where a semiconductor layer 2 exist at the bottom of a contact hole ch and a structure csi where the insulating films 6 exist at the bottom of the adjacent contact hole . next , conditions of the electron beam are set in accordance with the structure of the semiconductor substrate ( step s 2 ). the semiconductor substrate s used in the present embodiment has a structure including the n +- type impurity diffused layer 4 , the p - well 2 and the p - type semiconductor substrate . therefore , taking into consideration the charge transfer model for the short between the contact wiring lines , electrode beam conditions including , for example , an incident voltage of about 900 ev , a probe current of 60 na and a charge control voltage of − 40 v are employed , under which the charge applied to the surface of the contact wiring line becomes a negative charge capable of transferring to the p - type semiconductor substrate . subsequently , the control computer 85 selects , from the memory 86 , a previously created recipe file including information on an inspection target region and information necessary for the defect inspection , and starts an inspection after the alignment of a wafer . the surface of the contact wiring line to be inspected in the semiconductor substrate s is scanned with the primary electron beam eb while the substrate stage 79 is being actuated ( step s 3 ), and the secondary electrons , etc . obtained from the surface of the contact wiring line are detected to acquire a potential contrast image ( step s 4 ). the acquired potential contrast image is processed by a cell - to - cell image comparison inspection method or a die - to - die image comparison inspection method , and defect position coordinates are extracted from a difference image . the flow shown in fig7 employs the cell - to - cell image comparison inspection method . in the present embodiment , the luminance ( gradation ) of an image of a nondefective cell a and the luminance ( gradation ) of an image of a defective cell b are plotted on a two - dimensional histogram , and a reference value ( threshold value ) for defect judgment is set in the histogram to extract the position of a defect ( steps s 5 to s 7 ). for example , suppose that the image gc 1 in fig4 is the image of the cell a and that the image gc 5 in fig6 is the image of the cell b . in addition , in the two - dimensional histogram , for example , a vertical axis indicates the luminance ( gradation ) of the image of the cell b ( defective ), and a horizontal axis indicates the luminance ( gradation ) of the image of the cell a ( nondefective ), as shown in fig8 . in this case , the surface of the contact wiring line cw 1 of the nondefective product shown in fig3 is observed as a dark part ( see fig4 ), and the value of its luminance is , for example , 10 in gradation sequence . on the other hand , the surface of the contact wiring line cw 5 of the defective product shown in fig5 is observed as a dark part , and the value of its luminance is also 10 in gradation sequence . these luminance values are plotted on the two - dimensional histogram ( a point pa in fig8 , step s 5 ). moreover , the surface of the contact wiring line cw 2 of the cell a ( nondefective ) shown in fig4 is observed as a bright part , and the value of its luminance is 120 in gradation sequence . on the other hand , the surface of the contact wiring line cw 6 of the cell b ( defective ) in fig5 is observed as a dark part , and the value of its luminance is 10 in gradation sequence . these luminance values are similarly plotted on the two - dimensional histogram in fig8 ( a point pb in fig8 , step s 5 ). furthermore , if the reference value ( threshold value ) for defect judgment on the two - dimensional histogram is set by , for example , two straight lines l 1 and l 2 whose original points are 0 in gradation sequence ( step s 6 ), the cell b can be extracted as a cell having the contact wiring line containing a defect ( short ) because the point pb is included in a point group located outside the straight lines l 1 and l 2 . in addition , if the luminance values contain position coordinates , it is possible to identify the coordinates of the position of the defect ( step s 7 ). an example is shown in fig9 in which the section of the cell b is analyzed in accordance with the information on the defect position coordinates identified as described above . a void is produced among contact wiring lines cw 4 to cw 6 as shown in fig9 , such that it has been confirmed that a defect due to the short between the contact wiring lines is present as indicated by the signs st in fig9 . according to the present embodiment , it is possible to achieve a defect inspection with high accuracy as described above , and also to significantly reduce a defect analysis cycle period ( tat : turn around time ). fig1 shows results of a comparison of the tats in a hole formation process in the middle of the manufacture of a semiconductor device between a method according to a prior art and the inspection method in the present embodiment . as shown in fig1 , according to the inspection method of the present embodiment , the tat can be reduced by about one month ( 26 days ) than that of the prior art . when the semiconductor substrate according to the present invention described above is used and the semiconductor substrate inspection method according to the present invention described above is used in a process of manufacturing a semiconductor device , a defect inspection can be achieved with high accuracy and in a short tat , such that the semiconductor device can be manufactured with higher yield and throughput . more specifically , the semiconductor substrate is extracted per production lot , and a teg in the extracted semiconductor substrate is inspected by the inspection method described above . when the semiconductor substrate is judged as a nondefective product as a result of the inspection , the rest of the manufacturing process is continuously executed for the whole production lot to which the inspected semiconductor substrate belongs . on the other hand , when the semiconductor device is judged as a defective product as a result of the inspection and can be reworked , rework processing is executed for the production lot to which the semiconductor substrate judged as the defective product belongs . when the rework processing is finished , the semiconductor substrate is extracted from the production lot and again inspected for defect . if the extracted semiconductor substrate is judged as a nondefective product as a result of the reinspection , the rest of the manufacturing process is executed for the production lot finished with the rework processing . in addition , when the rework processing is impossible , the production lot to which the semiconductor substrate judged as the defective product belongs is disposed of . when the cause of the defect can be analyzed , results of the analysis are fed back to a person in charge of designing , a person in charge of an upstream process or the like . while some of the embodiments of the present invention have been described above , it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above , and can be modified in various manners within the technical scope thereof and carried out . the cases have been described in the above embodiments where the electron beam is used as a charged particle beam , but the present invention is not limited thereto , and , for example , an ion beam can also be used as the charged particle beam .	7
fig1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the disclosed sheave 10 . the sheave comprises a grooved sheave body 14 . the sheave body 14 comprises a groove 18 , and a sheave bore 22 with an inner diameter id h . the sheave body has an outer diameter od h . a sheave sleeve 26 has an outer diameter od ss and a sleeve bore 30 with an inner diameter id ss . the sheave sleeve 26 is configured to fit in the sheave body bore 22 . od ss may be sized with the respect to the id h such that the sheave sleeve 26 may be press fit into the sheave body 14 . in other embodiments , the sheave sleeve 26 may have an interference fit with the sheave bore 22 , or the sheave sleeve 26 may be otherwise attached to the sheave bore 22 , such as but not limited to a tack weld . in this embodiment of the disclosed sheave 10 , the sheave sleeve 26 is configured to allow a bearing 34 , such as but not limited to a roller bearing , to be press fit into the sleeve bore 30 . the bearing has an outer diameter od b . in one embodiment the bearing 34 may be fitted directly onto a shaft . the bearing has an inner diameter id b . in other embodiment , a bearing insert 38 may be rotatedly attached to the bearing &# 39 ; s id b , and be non - rotatably attached to a shaft via the bearing insert &# 39 ; s inner diameter id bi . the bearing insert 38 will also have an outer diameter od bi . the bearing insert 38 may also be known as a bearing race . in other embodiments , optional grease retainers 42 , 46 , each with an outer diameter of od gr will fit within the sheave sleeve bore 30 , and are configured to retain lubricant within the sleeve bore 30 , thus providing for lubrication to the bearing 34 . in this disclosure a bearing shall be defined to be a device that allows constrained relative motion between two or more parts , typically rotation or linear movement , and shall include , but is not limited to : cylindrical roller bearings with and without inner races ; sleeve bearings of all materials ( also including bushings ), metallic and non - metallic ; ball bearings ; and tapered rollers bearings . fig2 shows a cross - sectional view of the sheave 10 above , assembled and with the sheave in rotatable communication with a shaft 62 . fig3 shows an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the disclosed sheave 50 . the sheave 50 comprises a grooved sheave body 14 . the sheave body 14 comprises a groove 18 , and a sheave bore 22 with an inner diameter id h , the sheave body has an outer diameter od h . a sheave sleeve 26 has an outer diameter od ss and a sleeve bore 30 with an inner diameter id ss . the sheave sleeve 26 is configured to fit in the sheave bore 22 . od ss may be sized with the respect to the id h such that the sheave sleeve 26 may be press fit into the sheave body 14 . in other embodiments , the sheave sleeve 26 may have an interference fit with the sheave bore 22 , or the sheave sleeve 26 may be otherwise attached to the sheave bore 22 , such as but not limited to a tack weld . in this embodiment of the disclosed sheave 10 , the sheave sleeve 26 is configured to allow a sleeve bearing 54 , such as but not limited to a bronze sleeve bearing , to be press fit into the sleeve bore 30 . the sleeve bearing 54 has an outer diameter od bu and an inner diameter id bu . the sleeve bearing 54 has a bore 58 configured to allow a shaft to be in rotatable communication with the sleeve bearing 54 , and located within the sleeve bearing 54 . in one embodiment the sleeve bearing 54 may be fitted directly onto a shaft , via the id bu . fig4 shows a cross - sectional view of the sheave 50 above , assembled and with the sheave 50 in rotatable communication with a shaft 62 . in one example of use of the disclosed invention , various sized grooved sheave bodies will be available ( the various sized grooved sheave bodies may have different outer diameters , and groove sizes , as well as other differing specifications ), however , each of the different sized grooved sheave bodies will have the same id h . thus , one may have a plurality of 12 inch sheaves ( 12 inch od h ), and a plurality of 6 inch sheaves ( 6 inch od h ). however , both the 12 inch sheaves and the 6 inch sheaves will have the same id h . thus , in order to fit the sheaves onto different sized shafts , one simply uses a sheave sleeve with an od ss that is configured to fit in the id h of either the 12 inch sheave or the 6 inch sheave , with the sheave sleeve being sized to have an id ss to accommodate the bearing , or sleeve bearing that will fit over the shaft . table 1 , above , shows the variety of sheaves that a sheave manufacture may be required to produce for a customer . the first column is the diameter of various rope sizes that may be required to fit in the groove of the sheave . in this document , the word rope shall be broadly defined to mean a long slender flexible length of material that can be used for pulling , but is not normally useful for pulling , and shall include , but is not limited to rope , cable , line , wire and chain the second column is the outer diameter of the shaft that may attached to a sleeve bearing , such as but not limited to a bronze sleeve bearing , or to a bearing , such as but not limited to a roller bearing . thus , for a ⅜ inch rope , the shaft sizes that should be available to a customer range from about 1 . 000 inch to about 2 . 250 inches . the third through sixth columns indicate that sheaves with ods ranging from 6 ″ to 12 ″ are available with bronze sleeve bearings to accept all indicated shaft sizes ( 1 . 000 to 2 . 250 ) for a rope size of ⅜ inch . the seventh through tenth columns indicate that sheaves with ods ranging from 6 ″ to 12 ″ are available to fit roller bearings that can accept shaft sizes of 1 . 5 to 2 inches ( as shown by the xs ). the table shows four sheave sizes ( 6 ″ od , 8 ″ od , 10 ″ od , and 12 ″ od ), five common rope sizes ; seven popular shaft sizes with bronze sleeve bearings ; and four popular shaft sizes with roller bearings . these sizes lead to 220 configurations of sheaves that may be specified by a customer . thus , without the invention full stocking for quick delivery requires a supply of 220 sheave configurations . however , with the invention , full stocking for quick delivery requires : 20 common bore sheaves ( 5 rope sizes × 4 sheave ods ); 5 sleeves ; 7 bronze sleeve bearings ; 4 roller bearings , a total of 36 components to be able to make any of the 220 sheave configurations . if a prudent sheave manufacture wants to be able to immediately ship out 10 of any type of sheave , then without the invention , the manufacturer would have to carry 2 , 220 sheaves , as opposed to only 360 components ( with the invention ). it can be seen from table 1 , that there is a ratio of sheave outer diameters to sleeve bearing inner diameters that range from about 6 to about 2 . 67 for column 3 , from about 8 to about 3 . 56 for column 4 , from about 10 to about 4 . 44 for column 5 , and from about 12 to about 5 . 33 for column 6 . additionally , it can be seen from table 1 , that there is a ratio of sheave outer diameters to bearing inner diameters that range from about 4 to about 3 for column 7 , from about 5 . 33 to about 4 for column 8 , from about 6 . 67 to about 5 for column 9 , and from about 8 to about 6 for column 10 . thus , the inventory cost for using the disclosed invention is much lower than if one had to assemble sheaves according to customer specification without the disclosed invention . for example , if a manufacturer were to provide for sheave sizes of 6 , 8 , 10 and 12 inches ( od h ), and the capacity to handle rope sizes of ½ , 9 / 16 , ⅝ , ¾ and 1 inch ( the rope will communicate with the sheave via the groove 18 ), and 7 different bore sizes ( the bore sizes corresponding to the size of the bore required to accept the shaft , in one example this would be the inner diameter of the sleeve bearing 54 , or in another example , this would be the inner diameter of the roller bearing insert 38 , this would lead to 390 combinations of unique sheaves . in order to make 10 units of any particular sized sheave , using the disclosed invention , the inventory costs to stock the sheaves , sleeves , and bearings would be less than $ 10 , 000 . however , without the invention , the inventory costs to be able to make 10 units of any particular sized sheaves out of the 390 different possible combinations would be over $ 750 , 000 , due to the number of parts required to have on hand to be able to produce the variety sheaves that may be required by users . without using the disclosed invention , one must have in stock a different sized sheave , each sheave having a specific groove size , specific outer diameter , and a specific inner diameter to fit a specific bearing size and / or sleeve bearing size . referring now to fig5 , a method of the invention is disclosed . at act 100 a user determines the outer diameter of the sheave body . at act 104 , the user determines the rope size . the user may include the end user of the sheave system , or a salesman filling an order for a customer , or a technician building the sheave system , or a combination of the previously listed or other users . at act 108 , the user selects the sheave body . the sheave body to be selected may be based on the information obtained at acts 100 and 104 , and thus selects the proper sized sheave body . at act 112 the user determines the outer diameter of the shaft . at act 116 the user determines the bearing type to be used in the sheave system . at act 120 , a bearing is selected . the bearing may be selected based on the information obtained at act 112 . at act 124 , the user selects the sheave sleeve . the sheave sleeve may be selected based on the information obtained at act 120 , and thus selects the properly sized sheave sleeve . at act 128 , the sheave sleeve is attached to the sheave body . the sheave sleeve may be generally permanently attached to the sheave body . in one method , the sheave sleeve may be pressed fit into the sheave body . in other embodiments , the sheave sleeve may be pressed fit into the sheave body and also using an adhesive to attach the sheave sleeve inside the sheave body , such an adhesive may include loctite ®. at act 132 the bearing may be attached to the sheave sleeve . the bearing may be removably attached to the sheave sleeve , in order to replace the bearing if and when the bearing wears out or fails . the disclosed sheave and sheave system has many advantages . it allows one to produce sheaves according to a variety of specifications , at a much lower inventory cost . using the disclosed invention , one need not stock sheaves with many different sizes of inner diameters , but rather just one or a few inner diameters would be necessary , because one would vary the size of bearing or sleeve bearing that the sheave could hold by using different sized sheave sleeves . the invention shortens the lead time to manufacture a sheave to about 72 hours or less . with the invention , sheave manufacturer can have a variety of sheaves stocked in his inventory , i . e . sheaves with different od &# 39 ; s , sheave body widths , and groove types , but each of the variety of sheaves will have the same inner diameter to fit a sheave sleeve . additionally , the sheave manufacturer can have a variety of sheave sleeves with different sized bores ( the inner bore size of the sleeve that the customer specified ) in his inventory . using this system of sheaves and sheave sleeves , will allow the manufacturer to maintain a manageable inventory of sheave sizes , sheave sleeve sizes , and bearings . thus , by simply combining the proper sheave with the proper sheave sleeve and the proper bearing , a manufacturer can produce the specified sheaves for a client much quicker with inventory on hand , as opposed to having to custom manufacture each sheave order , which can take up to 4 to 26 weeks . in the example discussed above , the invention reduces the number of sheaves from 220 to 20 . the invention increases manufacturing efficiencies because 20 different sheaves ( for example ) have fewer set - ups and longer runs than 220 different sheaves ( for example ). the invention facilitates customization for special requirements . special sleeves can be made on a custom basis to provide for a wider bearing , ball bearings , and special sleeve bearings . the cost and lead - time savings over a 100 % custom sheave are large . another advantage of the disclosed system is that two parameters — sheave body outer diameter and rope size — may be isolated from two other parameters — shaft size and bearing type . a new element , the sheave sleeve , is available to marry these two sets of parameters . the sheave body inner diameter and the sheave sleeve outer diameter may have a common nominal dimension throughout a family of sheaves . thus , for example , for a 6 ″ through 12 ″ family this nominal diameter may be about 2 and 9 / 16 inches . for a 12 ″ through 16 ″ family of sheaves , the nominal diameter may be about 5 and ¼ inches . it should be noted that the terms “ first ”, “ second ”, and “ third ”, and the like may be used herein to modify elements performing similar and / or analogous functions . these modifiers do not imply a spatial , sequential , or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated . while the disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure . in addition , many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof . therefore , it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure , but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims .	5
with continued reference to the drawing , a fuel injector 10 is provided including a body 11 having an axial bore or pressure chamber 12 connected to a counterbore 13 by a shoulder 14 . such shoulder has a central recess 15 defining the lower portion of a diaphragm expansion cavity . a diaphragm 16 is positioned within the couterbore 13 so that the outer periphery of the diaphragm engages the shoulder 14 and is held in intimate contact therewith by a guide sleeve 17 which is mounted within the counterbore 13 . a retainer 18 threadedly engages the body 11 and bears against the sleeve 17 to seal the periphery of the diaphragm against the shoulder 14 . the lower end of the sleeve 17 is provided with a central upwardly extending recess 19 defining the upper portion of the diaphragm expansion cavity . an axially disposed guide bore 22 and a plurality of passages 23 extend from the diaphragm expansion cavity entirely through the sleeve 17 in generally parallel relationship with each other . the upper ends of the passsages 23 are connected together by a circular groove 24 ( fig2 ) and communicate with the bore 22 by means of a plurality of radial grooves 25 . the retainer 18 has an axially disposed oil inlet passage 26 and one or more downwardly inclined branch passages 27 which provide communication between the oil inlet passage 26 and circular groove 24 in the upper surface of the sleeve 17 . the upper end of the oil inlet passage 26 communicates with an oil inlet passage 28 of a connector 29 which is supplied with oil under a predetermined constant pressure from a source ( not shown ). the lower portion of the body 11 is provided with an inlet passage 30 for a combustible fuel such as gasoline , diesel oil , or the like and such passage communicates at one end with the bore or pressure chamber 12 of the body . the other end of the passage 30 is in alignment with a fuel inlet passage 31 of a connector 32 . the connector 32 is connected to a source of fuel under pressure which is intermittently operated , such as a fuel pump ( not shown ). it is noted that the fuel could be a combustible mixture of gasoline and air or could be raw gasoline which is mixed with air from another source within the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine . at the lower end , a nozzle 33 is attached to the body 11 in any desired manner , as by a nozzle retaining nut 34 ; however , it is contemplated that the nozzle could be attached to the body by welding , solder , adhesives and the like , or the nozzle could be integrally formed with the body . the nozzle 33 is provided with an axial bore or pressure chamber 35 located in axial alignment with and forms an extension of the bore 12 of the body 11 and such nozzle bore terminates in a tapered frusto - conical valve seat 36 which communicates with a hollow dome - shaped nipple 37 having one or more orifices 38 . an injection needle 40 having a head 41 and a stem 42 connected by a shoulder 43 is mounted for limited axial movement within the body 11 . the head 41 is slidably received within the guide bore 22 of the sleeve 17 and the stem 42 extends through an opening 44 in the diaphragm 16 . in order to seal the central portion of the diaphragm to the shoulder 43 of the needle 40 , a nut 45 is threadedly mounted on the upper portion of the stem 42 and rotation of the nut in one direction forces the central portion of the diaphragm into sealing engagement with the shoulder 43 . the lower end of the stem 42 terminates in a conical valve member 46 of a configuration which is complementary to the valve seat 36 and prevents the flow of fluid from the nozzle when in engagement . in the operation of the device , oil or other lubricating liquid under a constant pressure is introduced through the connector 29 and the oil passage 26 and passes through the branch passages 27 and the passages 23 into the upper portion of the diaphragm cavity defined by the recess 19 and the upper surface of the diaphragm 16 . the oil under pressure lubricates the guide bore 22 and simultaneously the oil within the upper portion of the diaphragm cavity urges the central portion of the diaphragm downwardly so that the valve member 46 at the lower end of the needle 40 is in intimate engagement with the valve seat 36 of the nozzle 33 so that no fluid within the bores or pressure chambers 12 and 35 can be discharged through the orifices 38 . periodically a combustible fuel such as gasoline or the like is introduced through the inlet passages 28 and 30 into the bores 12 and 35 under the influence of a pressurizing member such as a fuel pump or the like . the pressure of the fuel being introduced is higher than the pressure of the oil in the upper portion of the diaphragm expansion cavity . when the high pressure fuel enters the bore 12 , such bore is filled and the pressurized fuel enters the lower portion of the diaphragm expansion cavity defined by the recess 15 and the lower surface of the diaphragm 16 and exerts an upward force on the diaphragm 16 to move the central portion of the diaphragm and the needle 40 upwardly against the pressure of the oil in the upper portion of the expansion cavity . upward movement of the diaphragm and the needle separates the valve member 46 from the seat 36 so that the fuel under high pressure is discharged through the orifices 38 at the bottom of the nozzle 33 . as long as the pressure of the fuel within the pressure chambers 12 and 35 remains higher than the pressure of the oil in the upper portion of the expansion cavity , such as during the power stroke of a fuel pump , the valve member remains open and fuel continues to be discharged . at the end of the power stroke of the fuel pump , the pressure of the fuel within the pressure chambers 12 and 35 is reduced as the fuel is discharged until pressures on opposite sides of the diaphragm pass equilibrium and the constant pressure in the upper portion of the expansion cavity overcomes the pressure within the chambers 12 and 35 and moves the needle 40 downwardly so that the valve member 46 engages the valve seat 36 and interrupts the flow of fuel through the nozzle . in this structure the diaphragm 16 preferably is made of metal such as stainless steel or the like and is provided with concentric undulating rings which permit ease of flexibility of the central portion of the diaphragm but which is strong enough to resist external forces without rupturing in the event that the fuel within the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine should backfire while the valve is open .	5
one aspect of the invention provides a process for preparing a compound of formula 5 : under suitable de - chlorination conditions to form a compound of formula 2 : another embodiment further comprises the step of treating the compound of formula 2 with suitable amide formation conditions to form a compound of formula 3 : another embodiment further comprises the step of reducing the compound of formula 3 under suitable reduction conditions to form a compound of formula 4 : yet another embodiment further comprises the step of cyclizing a compound of formula 4 with h 2 nnh 2 . h 2 o under suitable cyclization conditions to form the compound of formula 5 . in one embodiment , the de - chlorination conditions comprise adding a palladium catalyst ( such as pd ( oac ) 2 ), pph 3 , a suitable base ( such as et 3 n ), and a suitable acid ( such as formic acid hcooh ). in some embodiments , this reaction is done in dmf under n 2 atmosphere . the reaction can be monitored by analysis of aliquots taken from the reaction mixture , such as with 1 hnmr analysis . in some embodiments , if the reaction is incomplete , more catalyst and hcooh / et 3 n can be added and the reaction can be stirred for longer . in some embodiments , the reaction is done at a temperature below 60 ° c . in some embodiments , at 50 ° c . in some embodiments , the reaction mixture , upon completion , is cooled to about 0 ° c ., to which water is added . in some embodiments , the reaction mixture is then filtered through celite . the reaction mixture is basified to ph 9 ( using a base such as 30 % aq naoh ) and is subsequently washed with an organic solvent ( such as etoac ). the mixture is then acidified to ph 1 ( using an acid such as 12n hcl ) and the mixture is then washed with sat . nacl . in some embodiments , the organic phase is concentrated under reduced pressure to give 88 % yield of a beige solid which can be used in the next step without further purification . suitable amide formation conditions from a carboxylic acid are known to those skilled in the art . in one embodiment , the amide formation condition comprises a two - step process . in the first step , an acid chloride is generated ( formula 2 - 1 ). in the second step , ammonia ( nh 3 ) is added . acid chlorides can be formed from carboxylic acids via a variety of reagents that are known to one of skill in the art . examples of such reagents include , but are not limited to , oxalyl chloride and thionyl chloride . in some embodiments , such chlorination reactions are done in the presence of dmf and dcm . in some embodiments , a solution of the carboxylic acid is cooled in a solution of dmf and dcm to about 0 ° c . before the chlorinating reagent is added . in some embodiments , the resultant reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature until the reaction has gone to completion . in some embodiments , the resultant reaction mixture is concentrated in vacuo to form the acid chloride . in the second step , ammonia is typically bubbled into a solution that contains the acid chloride and a suitable solvent . suitable solvents include , but are not limited to , aprotic solvents . an aprotic solvent is a solvent which cannot donate a hydrogen bond . examples of aprotic solvents include dioxane , tetrahydrofuran , ether , ch 2 cl 2 , and chloroform . suitable reduction conditions are known to one of skill in the art . in one embodiment , the reduction conditions comprise adding tfaa dropwise to a cooled ( e . g ., 0 ° c .) suspension of the 2 - chloro - 5 - fluoronicotinamide , et 3 n and dcm . the reaction mixture is stirred for about 90 minutes at 0 ° c . upon completion , the reaction mixture is diluted with a suitable solvent ( e . g ., dcm ), washed with sat . aq . nahco 3 and brine , and dried with a suitable drying agent ( e . g ., na 2 so 4 , mgso 4 ). the organic layer is filtered and concentrated to provide the desired compound . in some embodiments , the desired compound is purified via column chromatography . suitable cyclization conditions are known to one of skill in the art . in one embodiment , 2 - chloro - 5 - fluoronicotinonitrile is refluxed with hydrazine monohydrate in butanol . in some embodiments , said reaction is refluxed for about 4 hours . the mixture is then cooled to room temperature and concentrated . the precipitate can then be successively washed on filter with water , et 2 o , and dried in vacuo overnight to provide the desired compound . the compound of formula 5 may be used to prepare compounds of formula i as described herein . another embodiment provides a process for preparing a compound of formula i : r x and r y are taken together with their intervening atoms to form a fused aromatic or non - aromatic 5 - 8 membered ring having 0 - 3 ring heteroatoms selected from oxygen , sulfur , or nitrogen , wherein any substitutable carbon on said fused ring formed by r x and r y is substituted by t - r 3 , and any substitutable nitrogen on said ring formed by r x and r y is substituted by r 4 ; r z is h , halo , or c 1 - 6 aliphatic , wherein the aliphatic is optionally substituted with 1 - 5 groups selected from halo , — cn , and — or ; each t and t 1 is independently a bond or a c 1 - 4 alkylidene chain ; t 2 is independently a bond or a c 1 - 4 alkylidene chain wherein up to three methylene units of the alkylidene chain are optionally replaced by — o —; — c (═ o )—, — s ( o )—, — s ( o ) 2 —, — s —, or — n ( r 4 )—; ring d is a 4 - 7 membered monocyclic ring or 8 - 10 membered bicyclic ring selected from a heterocyclyl , aryl , heteroaryl , or carbocyclyl ring ; said heterocyclyl or heteroaryl ring having 1 - 4 ring heteroatoms selected from nitrogen , oxygen or sulfur , wherein each substitutable ring carbon of ring d is independently substituted with oxo , or — r 5 and any substitutable ring nitrogen is independently substituted with — r 4 ; r 1 is selected from - halo , — cn , — no 2 , t - v — r 6 , phenyl , 5 - 6 membered heteroaryl ring , 5 - 6 membered heterocyclyl ring , or c 1 - 6 aliphatic group , said phenyl , heteroaryl , and heterocyclyl rings each optionally substituted by up to three groups independently selected from halo , oxo , or — r 8 , said c 1 - 6 aliphatic group optionally substituted with halo , cyano , nitro , or oxygen , or r 1 and an adjacent substituent taken together with their intervening atoms form said ring fused to ring d ; v is — o —, — s —, — so —, — so 2 —, — n ( r 6 ) so 2 —, — so 2 n ( r 6 )—, — n ( r 6 )—, — co —, — co 2 —, — n ( r 6 ) co —, — n ( r 6 ) c ( o ) o —, — n ( r 6 ) con ( r 6 )—, — n ( r 6 ) so 2 n ( r 6 )—, — n ( r 6 ) n ( r 6 )—, — c ( o ) n ( r 6 )—, — oc ( o ) n ( r 6 )—, — c ( r 6 ) 2 o —, — c ( r 6 ) 2 s —, — c ( r 6 ) 2 so —, — c ( r 6 ) 2 so 2 —, — c ( r 6 ) 2 so 2 n ( r 6 )—, — c ( r 6 ) 2 n ( r 6 )—, — c ( r 6 ) 2 n ( r 6 ) c ( o )—, — c ( r 6 ) 2 n ( r 6 ) c ( o ) o —, — c ( r 6 )═ nn ( r 6 )—, — c ( r 6 )═ n — o —, — c ( r 6 ) 2 n ( r 6 ) n ( r 6 )—, — c ( r 6 ) 2 n ( r 6 ) so 2 n ( r 6 )—, or — c ( r 6 ) 2 n ( r 6 ) con ( r 6 )—; each r 3 and r 10 is independently selected from — r , - halo , — or , — c (═ o ) r , — co 2 r , — cocor , — coch 2 cor , — no 2 , — cn , — s ( o ) r , — s ( o ) 2 r , — sr , — n ( r 4 ) 2 , — con ( r 7 ) 2 , — so 2 n ( r 7 ) 2 , — oc (═ o ) r , — n ( r 7 ) cor , — n ( r 7 ) co 2 r ″, — n ( r 4 ) n ( r 4 ) 2 , — n ( r 7 ) con ( r 7 ) 2 , — n ( r 7 ) so 2 n ( r 7 ) 2 , — n ( r 4 ) so 2 r , or — oc (═ o ) n ( r 7 ) 2 ; each r is independently selected from hydrogen or an optionally substituted group selected from c 1 - 6 aliphatic , c 6 - 10 aryl , a heteroaryl ring having 5 - 10 ring atoms , or a heterocyclyl ring having 4 - 10 ring atoms ; each r is optionally substituted with 0 - 5 r 9 or j ; each r 4 is independently selected from — r 7 , — cor 7 , — co 2 r ″, — con ( r 7 ) 2 , or — so 2 r 7 , or two r 4 on the same nitrogen are taken together to form a 3 - 8 membered heterocyclyl or heteroaryl ring ; wherein said heterocyclyl or heteroaryl ring is optionally substituted by 0 - 3 j 4 ; each r 5 is independently selected from — r , halo , — or , — c (═ o ) r , — co 2 r , — cocor , — no 2 , — cn , — s ( o ) r , — so 2 r , — sr , — n ( r 4 ) 2 , — con ( r 4 ) 2 , — so 2 n ( r 4 ) 2 , — oc (═ o ) r , — n ( r 4 ) cor , — n ( r 4 ) co 2 r ″, — n ( r 4 ) n ( r 4 ) 2 , — c (═ nh ) n ( r 4 ) 2 , — c (═ nh )— or , — n ( r 4 ) con ( r 4 ) 2 , — n ( r 4 ) so 2 n ( r 4 ) 2 , — n ( r 4 ) so 2 r , or — oc (═ o ) n ( r 4 ) 2 ; each r 6 is independently selected from hydrogen or c 1 - 4 aliphatic group optionally substituted with 0 - 3 j 6 ; or two r 6 groups on the same nitrogen atom are taken together with the nitrogen atom to form a 5 - 6 membered heterocyclyl or heteroaryl ring , wherein said heterocyclyl or heteroaryl ring is optionally substituted with 0 - 4 j 6 ; each r 7 is independently selected from hydrogen or r ″; or two r 7 on the same nitrogen are taken together with the nitrogen to form a 5 - 8 membered heterocyclyl or heteroaryl ring , wherein said heterocyclyl or heteroaryl ring is optionally substituted with 0 - 4 j ″; each r 8 is independently selected from — or 6 , — sr 6 , — cor 6 , — so 2 r 6 , — n ( r 6 ) 2 , — n ( r 6 ) n ( r 6 ) 2 , — cn , — no 2 , — con ( r 6 ) 2 , — co 2 r 6 , or a c 1 - 4 aliphatic group , wherein said c 1 - 4 aliphatic group is optionally substituted with 0 - 3 j 8 ; each r 9 is — r ′, - halo , — or ′, — c (═ o ) r ′, — co 2 r ′, — cocor ′, coch 2 cor ′, — no 2 , — cn , — s ( o ) r ′, — s ( o ) 2 r ′, — sr ′, — n ( r ′) 2 , — con ( r ′) 2 , — so 2 n ( r ′) 2 , — oc (═ o ) r ′, — n ( r ′) cor ′, — n ( r ′) co 2 ( c 1 - 6 aliphatic ), — n ( r ′) n ( r ′) 2 , — n ( r ′) con ( r ′) 2 , — n ( r ′) so 2 n ( r ′) 2 , — n ( r ′) so 2 r ′, — oc (═ o ) n ( r ′) 2 , ═ nn ( r ′) 2 , ═ n — or ′, or ═ o ; each r ′ is independently hydrogen or a c 1 - 6 aliphatic group optionally substituted with 0 - 4 j ′; or two r ′, together with the atom ( s ) to which they are attached , form a 3 - 6 membered carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl wherein said carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl is optionally substituted with 0 - 4 j ′ and wherein said heterocyclyl contains 1 - 2 heteroatoms selected from o , n , or s ; each r ″ is independently c 1 - 6 aliphatic optionally substituted with 0 - 4 j ″; and each j 4 , j ′, and j ″ is independently nh 2 , nh ( c 1 - 4 aliphatic ), n ( c 1 - 4 aliphatic ) 2 , halogen , c 1 - 4 aliphatic , oh , o ( c 1 - 4 aliphatic ), no 2 , cn , co 2 h , co 2 ( c 1 - 4 aliphatic ), o ( haloc 1 - 4 aliphatic ), or haloc 1 - 4 aliphatic ; each j 6 and j 8 is independently - halo , — or , oxo , c 1 - 6 aliphatic , — c (═ o ) r , — co 2 r , — cocor , coch 2 cor , — no 2 , — cn , — s ( o ) r , — s ( o ) 2 r , — sr , — n ( r 4 ) 2 , — con ( r 7 ) 2 , — so 2 n ( r 7 ) 2 , — oc (═ o ) r , — n ( r 7 ) cor , — n ( r 7 ) co 2 ( c 1 - 6 aliphatic ), — n ( r 4 ) n ( r 4 ) 2 , ═ nn ( r 4 ) 2 , ═ n — or , — n ( r 7 ) con ( r 7 ) 2 , — n ( r 7 ) so 2 n ( r 7 ) 2 , — n ( r 4 ) so 2 r , or — oc (═ o ) n ( r 7 ) 2 ; or 2 j 6 or j 8 groups , on the same atom or on different atoms , together with the atom ( s ) to which they are bound , form a 3 - 8 membered saturated , partially saturated , or unsaturated ring having 0 - 2 heteroatoms selected from o , n , or s ; comprising the step of synthesizing a compound of formula 5 and combining it with a compound of formula 6 : wherein lg is a suitable leaving group ; and r x , r y , z 2 , and ring d are as defined herein for compounds of formula i ; under suitable reaction conditions to form a compound of formula i . in some embodiments , said ring d has one or two ortho substituents independently selected from — r 1 , any substitutable non - ortho carbon position on ring d is independently substituted by — r 5 . another embodiment provides a process for preparing a compound of formula i : comprising the step of synthesizing a compound of formula 5 and combining it with a compound of formula 6 : wherein lg is a suitable leaving group ; and r x , r y , z 2 , and ring d are as defined below for compounds of formula i ; under suitable reaction conditions to form a compound of formula i ; wherein z 2 is n or cr z ; r x is t 1 - r 3 ; r y is t 2 - r 10 ; or r x and r y are taken together with their intervening atoms to form a fused aromatic or non - aromatic 5 - 8 membered ring having 0 - 3 ring heteroatoms selected from oxygen , sulfur , or nitrogen , wherein any substitutable carbon on said fused ring formed by r x and r y is substituted by t - r 3 , and any substitutable nitrogen on said ring formed by r x and r y is substituted by r 4 ; r z is h , halo , or c 1 - 6 aliphatic , wherein the aliphatic is optionally substituted with 1 - 5 groups selected from halo , — cn , and — or ; each t and t 1 is independently a bond or a c 1 - 4 alkylidene chain ; t 2 is independently a bond or a c 1 - 4 alkylidene chain wherein up to three methylene units of the alkylidene chain are optionally replaced by — o —, — c (═ o )—, — s ( o )—, — s ( o ) 2 —, — s —, or — n ( r 4 )—; ring d is a 4 - 7 membered monocyclic ring or 8 - 10 membered bicyclic ring selected from a heterocyclyl , aryl , heteroaryl , or carbocyclyl ring ; said heterocyclyl or heteroaryl ring having 1 - 4 ring heteroatoms selected from nitrogen , oxygen or sulfur , wherein each substitutable ring carbon of ring d is independently substituted with oxo or — r 5 and any substitutable ring nitrogen is independently substituted with — r 4 ; each r 3 and r 10 is independently selected from — r , - halo , — or , — c (═ o ) r , — co 2 r , — cocor , — coch 2 cor , — no 2 , — cn , — s ( o ) r , — s ( o ) 2 r , — sr , — n ( r 4 ) 2 , — con ( r 7 ) 2 , — so 2 n ( r 7 ) 2 , — oc (═ o ) r , — n ( r 7 ) cor , — n ( r 7 ) co 2 r ″, — n ( r 4 ) n ( r 4 ) 2 , — n ( r 7 ) con ( r 7 ) 2 , — n ( r 7 ) so 2 n ( r 7 ) 2 , — n ( r 4 ) so 2 r , or — oc (═ o ) n ( r 7 ) 2 ; each r is independently selected from hydrogen or an optionally substituted group selected from c 1 - 6 aliphatic , c 6 - 10 aryl , a heteroaryl ring having 5 - 10 ring atoms , or a heterocyclyl ring having 4 - 10 ring atoms ; each r is optionally substituted with 0 - 5 r 9 ; each r 4 is independently selected from — r 7 , — cor 7 , — co 2 r ″, — con ( r 7 ) 2 , or — so 2 r 7 , or two r 4 on the same nitrogen are taken together to form a 3 - 8 membered heterocyclyl or heteroaryl ring ; each r 5 is independently selected from — r , halo , — or , — c (═ o ) r , — co 2 r , — cocor , — no 2 , — cn , — s ( o ) r , — so 2 r , — sr , — n ( r 4 ) 2 , — con ( r 4 ) 2 , — so 2 n ( r 4 ) 2 , — oc (═ o ) r , — n ( r 4 ) cor , — n ( r 4 ) co 2 r ″, — n ( r 4 ) n ( r 4 ) 2 , — c (═ nh ) n ( r 4 ) 2 , — c (═ nh )— or , — n ( r 4 ) con ( r 4 ) 2 , — n ( r 4 ) so 2 n ( r 4 ) 2 , — n ( r 4 ) so 2 r , or — oc (═ o ) n ( r 4 ) 2 ; each r 7 is independently selected from hydrogen or r ″; or two r 7 on the same nitrogen are taken together with the nitrogen to form a 5 - 8 membered heterocyclyl or heteroaryl ring , wherein said heterocyclyl or heteroaryl ring is optionally substituted with 0 - 4 j ″; each r 9 is — r ′, - halo , — or ′, — c (═ o ) r ′, — co 2 r ′, — cocor ′, coch 2 cor ′, — no 2 , — cn , — s ( o ) r ′, — s ( o ) 2 r ′, — sr ′, — n ( r ′) 2 , — con ( r ′) 2 , — so 2 n ( r ′) 2 , — oc (═ o ) r ′, — n ( r ′) cor ′, — n ( r ′) co 2 ( c 1 - 6 aliphatic ), — n ( r ′) n ( r ′) 2 , — n ( r ′) con ( r ′) 2 , — n ( r ′) so 2 n ( r ′) 2 , — n ( r ′) so 2 r ′, — oc (═ o ) n ( r ′) 2 , ═ nn ( r ′) 2 , ═ n — or ′, or ═ o ; each r ′ is independently hydrogen or a c 1 - 6 aliphatic group optionally substituted with 0 - 4 j ′; or two r ′, together with the atom ( s ) to which they are attached , form a 3 - 6 membered carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl wherein said carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl is optionally substituted with 0 - 4 j ′ and wherein said heterocyclyl contains 1 - 2 heteroatoms selected from o , n , or s ; each r ″ is independently c 1 - 6 aliphatic optionally substituted with 0 - 4 j ″; and each j ′ and j ″ is independently nh 2 , nh ( c 1 - 4 aliphatic ), n ( c 1 - 4 aliphatic ) 2 , halogen , c 1 - 4 aliphatic , oh , o ( c 1 - 4 aliphatic ), no 2 , cn , co 2 h , co 2 ( c 1 - 4 aliphatic ), o ( haloc 1 - 4 aliphatic ), or haloc 1 - 4 aliphatic . in some embodiments , the compound of formula 5 is synthesized according to the methods described herein . in some embodiments , lg is selected from halogen groups ( such as f , cl , br , or i ); electronegative sulfonyl groups ( such as arylsulfonyloxy , alkylsulfonyloxy , trifluoromethane - sulfonyloxy , alkylsulfonyl ( such as methylsulfonyl ), and alkylsulfoxide ( such as methyl sulfoxide ). in other embodiments , lg is halogen . in some embodiments , lg is chloro . in some embodiments , z 2 is n . in some embodiments , cr z . in some embodiments , the process is used to prepare a compound of one of the following formulae : in some embodiments , ring d is a 5 - 10 membered cycloaliphatic or a 5 - 10 membered heterocyclyl where said heterocyclyl contains 1 - 2 heteroatoms selected from o , n , or s ; wherein the cycloaliphatic or heterocyclyl is optionally substituted with 1 - 5 — r 5 . in some embodiments , 1 - 2 — r 5 . in some embodiments , ring d is bonded to the pyrimidine via a carbon atom . in some embodiments , said cycloaliphatic or heterocyclyl is optionally substituted with 1 - 2 — r 5 wherein — r 5 is halo or c 1 - 4 alkyl . in some embodiments , — r 5 is fluoro or methyl . in some embodiments , ring d is a 4 - 7 membered monocyclic cycloaliphatic or heterocyclyl ring or an 8 - 10 membered bicyclic cycloaliphatic or heterocyclyl ring . in other embodiments , ring d is a 5 - 7 membered cycloaliphatic . in some embodiments , ring d is cyclopropyl , cyclobutyl , cyclopentyl , cyclohexyl , or cycloheptyl , or adamantyl . in other embodiments , ring d is a 5 - 7 membered heterocyclyl containing 1 heteroatom . in yet other embodiments , ring d is a 6 - membered heterocyclyl containing one oxygen atom . in some embodiments , ring d contains at least one nitrogen atom . in some embodiments , ring d is an optionally substituted ring selected from piperidinyl , piperazinyl , pyrrolidinyl , morpholinyl , 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroisoquinolinyl , 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroquinolinyl , 2 , 3 - dihydro - 1h - isoindolyl , 2 , 3 - dihydro - 1h - indolyl , or isoquinolinyl . in some embodiments , ring d is optionally substituted tetrahydronaphthyl , benzodioxinyl , indanyl , indolinyl , or isoquinolinyl . in another embodiment , ring d is tetrahydro - 2h - pyran . in another embodiment , ring d is a 5 - 7 membered monocyclic aryl or heteroaryl ring , said heteroaryl ring having 1 - 4 ring heteroatoms selected from nitrogen , oxygen or sulfur . in some embodiments , ring d is an optionally substituted ring selected from phenyl , pyridinyl , quinolinyl , or naphthyl . in other embodiments , ring d is phenyl , pyridinyl , pyrimidinyl , pyridazinyl , pyrazinyl , or 1 , 2 , 4 - triazinyl ring . in yet other embodiments , ring d is phenyl or pyridinyl . in some other embodiments , ring d is phenyl , imidazolyl , pyrazolyl , pyridyl , pyridazinyl , pyrazinyl , naphthyl , benzimidazolyl , benzthiazolyl , quinolinyl , quinazolinyl , isobenzofuran , indolyl , or indazolyl . in some embodiments , ring d is optionally substituted . in some embodiments , ring d is phenyl , wherein the phenyl is optionally substituted with 1 - 5 — r 5 . in other embodiments , ring d has one or two ortho substituents independently selected from — r 1 ; and any substitutable non - ortho carbon position on ring d is independently substituted with — r 5 . in yet other embodiments , two adjacent substituents on ring d are optionally taken together with their intervening atoms to form a fused , unsaturated or partially unsaturated , 5 - 6 membered ring having 0 - 3 heteroatoms selected from oxygen , sulfur or nitrogen , wherein said fused ring is optionally substituted with halo , oxo , or — r 8 . in some embodiments , r 1 is selected from - halo , — cn , — no 2 , t - v — r 6 , phenyl , 5 - 6 membered heteroaryl ring , 5 - 6 membered heterocyclyl ring , or a c 1 - 6 aliphatic group ; wherein said phenyl , heteroaryl , and heterocyclyl ring is each optionally substituted with up to three groups independently selected from halo , oxo , or — r 8 ; wherein said c 1 - 6 aliphatic group is optionally substituted with halo , cyano , nitro , oh , or oxo . in other embodiments , r 1 and an adjacent substituent taken together with their intervening atoms form said ring fused to ring d . according to another embodiment , r 1 is - halo , an optionally substituted c 1 - 6 aliphatic group , phenyl , — cor 6 , — or 6 , — cn , — so 2 r 6 , — so 2 nh 2 , — n ( r 6 ) 2 , — co 2 r 6 , — conh 2 , — nhcor 6 , — oc ( o ) nh 2 , or — nhso 2 r 6 . in some embodiments , r 1 is - halo , a c 1 - 6 haloaliphatic group , an optionally substituted c 1 - 6 aliphatic group , phenyl , or — cn . in other embodiments , r 1 is - halo , — cn , or a c 1 - 4 aliphatic group optionally substituted with halogen . in some embodiments , r 1 is - halo ; in some embodiments , chloro . in some embodiments , r 1 is chloro or cf 3 . in some embodiments , r 1 is - halo , a c 1 - 6 haloaliphatic group , an optionally substituted c 1 - 6 aliphatic group , phenyl , or — cn and r y is azetidine . in some embodiments , said c 1 - 6 aliphatic group is optionally substituted with halo . in some embodiments , ring d is a 3 - 8 membered cycloalkyl optionally substituted with 1 - 2 halo . in some embodiments , said halo is chloro or fluoro . in some embodiments , each r 6 is independently selected from hydrogen or c 1 - 4 aliphatic group optionally substituted with 0 - 3 j 6 ; or two r 6 groups on the same nitrogen atom are taken together with the nitrogen atom to form a 5 - 6 membered heterocyclyl or heteroaryl ring , wherein said heterocyclyl or heteroaryl ring is optionally substituted with 0 - 4 j 6 . in other embodiments , each r 8 is independently selected from — or 6 , — sr 6 , — cor 6 , — so 2 r 6 , — n ( r 6 ) 2 , — n ( r 6 ) n ( r 6 ) 2 , — cn , — no 2 , — con ( r 6 ) 2 , — co 2 r 6 , or a c 1 - 4 aliphatic group , wherein said c 1 - 4 aliphatic group is optionally substituted with 0 - 3 j 8 . in yet other embodiments , each j 6 and j 8 is independently - halo , — or , oxo , c 1 - 6 aliphatic , — c (═ o ) r , — co 2 r , — cocor , coch 2 cor , — no 2 , — cn , — s ( o ) r , — s ( o ) 2 r , — sr , — n ( r 4 ) 2 , — con ( r 7 ) 2 , — so 2 n ( r 7 ) 2 , — oc (═ o ) r , — n ( r 7 ) cor , — n ( r 7 ) co 2 ( c 1 - 6 aliphatic ), — n ( r 4 ) n ( r 4 ) 2 , ═ nn ( r 4 ) 2 , ═ n — or , — n ( r 7 ) con ( r 7 ) 2 , — n ( r 7 ) so 2 n ( r 7 ) 2 , — n ( r 4 ) so 2 r , or — oc (═ o ) n ( r 7 ) 2 ; or 2 j 6 or j 8 groups , on the same atom or on different atoms , together with the atom ( s ) to which they are bound , form a 3 - 8 membered saturated , partially saturated , or unsaturated ring having 0 - 2 heteroatoms selected from o , n , or s . in some embodiments , r x is h or c 1 - 6 aliphatic , wherein the aliphatic is optionally substituted with 1 - 5 halo . in other embodiments , r x is h or c 1 - 4 alkyl . in some embodiments , the alkyl is methyl , ethyl , cyclopropyl , or isopropyl . in some embodiments , the halo is fluoro . in yet other embodiments , r x is hydrogen , c 1 - 4 aliphatic , or halo . in some embodiments , r x is hydrogen , fluoro , methyl , or ethyl . in other embodiments , r x is hydrogen . in another embodiment , r y is t 2 - r 10 wherein t 2 is a bond . in some embodiments , r y is piperidinyl , piperazinyl , pyrrolidinyl , or morpholinyl . in other embodiments , r y is c 1 - 4 alkyl optionally substituted with 0 - 2 r 9 . in some embodiments , r 9 is oh or f . in some embodiments , r y is ch 3 , cf 3 , cl , or c ( ch 3 ) 2 oh . in other embodiments , r y is halo ; in some embodiments , chloro . in other embodiments , r x and r y are both o 1 - 4 alkyl . in some embodiments , r x and r y are methyl . in other embodiments , r x is hydrogen and r y is not hydrogen . in some embodiments , r x is hydrogen and r y is t 2 - r 10 wherein t 2 is a bond , wherein r 10 is not hydrogen . in some embodiments , r x is hydrogen and r y is ch 3 , cf 3 , cl , or c ( ch 3 ) 2 oh . in other embodiments , r y is represented by formula ii - a : in some embodiments , t 2 is a bond . in some embodiments , r 9 is — r 7 , — cor 7 , — co 2 r ″, — con ( r 7 ) 2 , or — so 2 r 7 . in another embodiment , r z is h or c 1 - 4 alkyl . in another embodiment , r z is h or methyl . in some embodiments , r 10 is an optionally substituted azetidine . in another embodiment , r y is represented by formula i : 2 . in yet another embodiment , r y is represented by formula iii : in some embodiments , r y is azetidine and ring d is an optionally substituted ring selected from phenyl , pyridinyl , pyrimidinyl , pyridazinyl , pyrazinyl , 1 , 2 , 4 - triazinyl , imidazolyl , pyrazolyl , benzimidazolyl , benzthiazolyl , quinazolinyl , isobenzofuran , indolyl , indazolyl , quinolinyl , or naphthyl . another embodiment provides a process for preparing a compound of formula i wherein c 1 - 4 alkyl optionally substituted with 0 - 2 j ; or a 6 membered heterocyclyl containing 1 - 2 heteroatoms selected from o , n , or s ; j is halo , oh , or c 1 - 4 aliphatic ; ring d is phenyl , c 3 - 10 cycloalkyl , or 5 - 7 membered heterocyclyl containing 1 - 2 heteroatoms selected from o , n , or s ; r 1 is c 1 - 4 alkyl , cf 3 , or halo ; r 5 is h ; wherein the remaining variables are as defined herein . another embodiment provides a process for preparing a compound of formula i wherein methyl , cf 3 , cl , morpholinyl , or c ( ch 3 ) 2 oh ; ring d is phenyl , tetrahydro - 2h - pyran , adamantyl , cyclopropyl , cyclobutyl , cyclopentyl , cyclohexyl , or cycloheptyl ; r 1 is methyl , cf 3 , or halo ; r 5 is h ; another embodiment provides a process for preparing a compound of formula i wherein below are various schemes that show how to make compounds of this invention using the 5 - fluoro - 1h - pyrazolo [ 3 , 4 - b ] pyridin - 3 - amine intermediate . scheme i above shows a general synthetic route that is used for preparing the compounds i - 5 . compounds of formula i - 5 can be prepared from intermediate i - 1 . the formation of amidine i - 2 is achieved by treating nitrile derivative i - 1 with hcl in the presence of methanol and then treating the intermediate imidate with nh 3 in ethanol . intermediate i - 2 is then treated with the corresponding beta - ketoester via reflux in etoh . the corresponding hydroxypyrimidine intermediate is treated with pocl 3 to yield chloroderivative i - 4 . this reaction is amenable to a variety of amidines ( i - 3 ). the chloropyrimidine i - 4 is treated with 5 - fluoro - 1h - pyrazolo [ 3 , 4 - b ] pyridin - 3 - amine in the presence of dipea and nai to yield the final compound i - 5 . scheme ii above shows a general synthetic route that is used for preparing the compounds ii - 5 wherein r y is bonded to the pyrimidine via a nitrogen atom . compounds of formula ii - 5 can be prepared from intermediate ii - 3 . the formation of intermediate ii - 3 is achieved by reacting diethyl malonate ( ii - 1 ) with the corresponding amidine ( ii - 2 ) in the presence of etona as a base in refluxing ethanol . the crude is then treated with pocl 3 to yield dichloropyrimidine intermediate ii - 3 . the dichloropyrimidine intermediate is sequentially treated with 1h - pyrazolo [ 3 , 4 - b ] pyridin - 3 - amine and r y amine derivatives to yield final compounds ii - 5 . these two reactions sequence are amenable to a variety of amines ( r y ), such as heterocyclic and alkyl amines . scheme iii above shows a general synthetic route that is used for preparing the compounds iii - 5 . compounds of formula iii - 5 can be prepared from intermediate iii - 1 . the formation of chloropyridine derivative iii - 2 is achieved by treating the corresponding pyridine iii - 1 with m - cpba in etoac followed by conversion of the corresponding n - oxide to the chloropyridine by treating it with pocl 3 . intermediate iii - 2 is then reacted with the corresponding boronic acid derivative to yield compound iii - 3 using suzuki coupling conditions well known for those skilled in the art . this reaction is amenable to a variety of boronic acid derivatives . the pyridine iii - 3 is then converted in a chloropyridine derivative iii - 4 using the same two step procedures as used in step 1 , m - cpba oxidation followed by pocl 3 treatment . intermediate iii - 4 is then treated with 5 - fluoro - 1h - pyrazolo [ 3 , 4 - b ] pyridin - 3 - amine in the presence of pd as a catalyst to yield the final compound iii - 5 . scheme iv above shows a general synthetic route that is used for preparing the compounds of formula iv - 5 . compounds of formula 5 can be prepared from intermediate iv - 1 . the formation of derivative iv - 2 is achieved by treating intermediate iv - 1 with meldrum &# 39 ; s acid in the presence of cdi , after coupling and decarboxylation the resulting acid is esterified by treating the crude mixture with refluxing ethanol . intermediate iv - 2 is then treated with amidine under reflux in etoh and the corresponding hydroxypyrimidine intermediate is treated with pocl 3 to yield intermediate iv - 4 . this reaction is amenable to a variety of amidines iv - 3 . the chloropyrimidine iv - 4 is treated with 5 - fluoro - 1h - pyrazolo [ 3 , 4 - b ] pyridin - 3 - amine in the presence of dipea and nai and finally treated with tfa to remove the protecting group to yield the final compound iv - 5 . other optionally substituted azetidines intermediates can be made according to the methods described in wo 2007 / 056221 . compounds of this invention include those described generally above , and are further illustrated by the classes , subclasses , and species disclosed herein . as used herein , the following definitions shall apply unless otherwise indicated . for purposes of this invention , the chemical elements are identified in accordance with the periodic table of the elements , cas version , handbook of chemistry and physics , 75 th ed . additionally , general principles of organic chemistry are described in “ organic chemistry ”, thomas sorrell , university science books , sausalito : 1999 , and “ march &# 39 ; s advanced organic chemistry ”, 5 th ed ., ed . : smith , m . b . and march , j ., john wiley & amp ; sons , new york : 2001 , the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference . as described herein , a specified number range of atoms includes any integer therein . for example , a group having from 1 - 4 atoms could have 1 , 2 , 3 , or 4 atoms . as described herein , compounds of the invention may optionally be substituted with one or more substituents , such as are illustrated generally above , or as exemplified by particular classes , subclasses , and species of the invention . it will be appreciated that the phrase “ optionally substituted ” is used interchangeably with the phrase “ substituted or unsubstituted .” in general , the term “ substituted ”, whether preceded by the term “ optionally ” or not , refers to the replacement of hydrogen radicals in a given structure with the radical of a specified substituent . unless otherwise indicated , an optionally substituted group may have a substituent at each substitutable position of the group , and when more than one position in any given structure may be substituted with more than one substituent selected from a specified group , the substituent may be either the same or different at every position . combinations of substituents envisioned by this invention are preferably those that result in the formation of stable or chemically feasible compounds . the term “ stable ”, as used herein , refers to compounds that are not substantially altered when subjected to conditions to allow for their production , detection , recovery , purification , and use for one or more of the purposes disclosed herein . in some embodiments , a stable compound or chemically feasible compound is one that is not substantially altered when kept at a temperature of 40 ° c . or less , in the absence of moisture or other chemically reactive conditions , for at least a week . the term “ aliphatic ” or “ aliphatic group ”, as used herein , means a straight - chain ( i . e ., unbranched ) or cyclic , branched or unbranched , substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon chain that is completely saturated or that contains one or more units of unsaturation that has a single point of attachment to the rest of the molecule . unless otherwise specified , aliphatic groups contain 1 - 20aliphatic carbon atoms . in some embodiments , aliphatic groups contain 1 - 10aliphatic carbon atoms . in other embodiments , aliphatic groups contain 1 - 8 aliphatic carbon atoms . in still other embodiments , aliphatic groups contain 1 - 6aliphatic carbon atoms , and in yet other embodiments aliphatic groups contain 1 - 4aliphatic carbon atoms . suitable aliphatic groups include , but are not limited to , linear or branched , substituted or unsubstituted alkyl , alkenyl , or alkynyl groups . specific examples include , but are not limited to , methyl , ethyl , isopropyl , n - propyl , sec - butyl , vinyl , n - butenyl , ethynyl , and tert - butyl . the term “ cycloaliphatic ” ( or “ carbocycle ” or “ carbocyclyl ” or “ cycloalkyl ”) refers to a monocyclic c 3 - c 8 hydrocarbon or bicyclic c 8 - c 12 hydrocarbon that is completely saturated or that contains one or more units of unsaturation , but which is not aromatic , that has a single point of attachment to the rest of the molecule wherein any individual ring in said bicyclic ring system has 3 - 7 members . suitable cycloaliphatic groups include , but are not limited to , cycloalkyl and cycloalkenyl groups . specific examples include , but are not limited to , cyclopropyl , cyclobutyl , cyclopentyl , cyclohexyl , cycloheptyl , cyclopropenyl , and bridged systems , such as bicyclodecane or bicycloheptane . the term “ heterocycle ”, “ heterocyclyl ”, or “ heterocyclic ” as used herein means non - aromatic , monocyclic , bicyclic , or tricyclic ring systems in which one or more ring members are an independently selected heteroatom . in some embodiments , the “ heterocycle ”, “ heterocyclyl ”, or “ heterocyclic ” group has three to fourteen ring members in which one or more ring members is a heteroatom independently selected from oxygen , sulfur , nitrogen , or phosphorus , and each ring in the system contains 3 to 7 ring members . suitable heterocycles include , but are not limited to , 3 - 1h - benzimidazol - 2 - one , 3 -( 1 - alkyl )- benzimidazol - 2 - one , 2 - tetrahydrofuranyl , 3 - tetrahydrofuranyl , 2 - tetrahydrothiophenyl , 3 - tetrahydrothiophenyl , 2 - morpholino , 3 - morpholino , 4 - morpholino , 2 - thiomorpholino , 3 - thiomorpholino , 4 - thiomorpholino , 1 - pyrrolidinyl , 2 - pyrrolidinyl , 3 - pyrrolidinyl , 1 - tetrahydropiperazinyl , 2 - tetrahydropiperazinyl , 3 - tetrahydropiperazinyl , 1 - piperidinyl , 2 - piperidinyl , 3 - piperidinyl , 1 - pyrazolinyl , 3 - pyrazolinyl , 4 - pyrazolinyl , 5 - pyrazolinyl , 1 - piperidinyl , 2 - piperidinyl , 3 - piperidinyl , 4 - piperidinyl , 2 - thiazolidinyl , 3 - thiazolidinyl , 4 - thiazolidinyl , 1 - imidazolidinyl , 2 - imidazolidinyl , 4 - imidazolidinyl , 5 - imidazolidinyl , indolinyl , tetrahydroquinolinyl , tetrahydroisoquinolinyl , benzothiolane , benzodithiane , and 1 , 3 - dihydro - imidazol - 2 - one . cyclic groups , ( e . g . cycloaliphatic and heterocycles ), can be linearly fused , bridged , or spirocyclic . the term “ heteroatom ” means one or more of oxygen , sulfur , nitrogen , or phosphorus , ( including , any oxidized form of nitrogen , sulfur , or phosphorus ; the quaternized form of any basic nitrogen or ; a substitutable nitrogen of a heterocyclic ring , for example n ( as in 3 , 4 - dihydro - 2h - pyrrolyl ), nh ( as in pyrrolidinyl ) or nr + ( as in n - substituted pyrrolidinyl )). the term “ unsaturated ”, as used herein , means that a moiety has one or more units of unsaturation . the term “ alkoxy ”, or “ thioalkyl ”, as used herein , refers to an alkyl group , as previously defined , attached to the principal carbon chain through an oxygen (“ alkoxy ”) or sulfur (“ thioalkyl ”) atom . the terms “ haloalkyl ”, “ haloalkenyl ”, “ haloaliphatic ”, and “ haloalkoxy ” mean alkyl , alkenyl or alkoxy , as the case may be , substituted with one or more halogen atoms . the terms “ halogen ”, “ halo ”, and “ hal ” mean f , cl , br , or i . the term “ aryl ” used alone or as part of a larger moiety as in “ aralkyl ”, “ aralkoxy ”, or “ aryloxyalkyl ”, refers to monocyclic , bicyclic , and tricyclic ring systems having a total of five to fourteen ring members , wherein at least one ring in the system is aromatic and wherein each ring in the system contains 3 to 7 ring members . the term “ aryl ” may be used interchangeably with the term “ aryl ring ”. the term “ aryl ” also refers to heteroaryl ring systems as defined hereinbelow . the term “ heteroaryl ”, used alone or as part of a larger moiety as in “ heteroaralkyl ” or “ heteroarylalkoxy ”, refers to monocyclic , bicyclic , or tricyclic ring systems having a total of five to fourteen ring members , wherein at least one ring in the system is aromatic , at least one ring in the system contains one or more heteroatoms , and wherein each ring in the system contains 3 to 7 ring members . the term “ heteroaryl ” may be used interchangeably with the term “ heteroaryl ring ” or the term “ heteroaromatic ”. suitable heteroaryl rings include , but are not limited to , 2 - furanyl , 3 - furanyl , n - imidazolyl , 2 - imidazolyl , 4 - imidazolyl , 5 - imidazolyl , benzimidazolyl , 3 - isoxazolyl , 4 - isoxazolyl , 5 - isoxazolyl , 2 - oxazolyl , 4 - oxazolyl , 5 - oxazolyl , n - pyrrolyl , 2 - pyrrolyl , 3 - pyrrolyl , 2 - pyridyl , 3 - pyridyl , 4 - pyridyl , 2 - pyrimidinyl , 4 - pyrimidinyl , 5 - pyrimidinyl , pyridazinyl ( e . g ., 3 - pyridazinyl ), 2 - thiazolyl , 4 - thiazolyl , 5 - thiazolyl , tetrazolyl ( e . g ., 5 - tetrazolyl ), triazolyl ( e . g ., 2 - triazolyl and 5 - triazolyl ), 2 - thienyl , 3 - thienyl , benzofuryl , benzothiophenyl , indolyl ( e . g ., 2 - indolyl ), pyrazolyl ( e . g ., 2 - pyrazolyl ), isothiazolyl , 1 , 2 , 3 - oxadiazolyl , 1 , 2 , 5 - oxadiazolyl , 1 , 2 , 4 - oxadiazolyl , 1 , 2 , 3 - triazolyl , 1 , 2 , 3 - thiadiazolyl , 1 , 3 , 4 - thiadiazolyl , 1 , 2 , 5 - thiadiazolyl , purinyl , pyrazinyl , 1 , 3 , 5 - triazinyl , quinolinyl ( e . g ., 2 - quinolinyl , 3 - quinolinyl , 4 - quinolinyl ), and isoquinolinyl ( e . g ., 1 - isoquinolinyl , 3 - isoquinolinyl , or 4 - isoquinolinyl ). the term “ protecting group ” and “ protective group ” as used herein , are interchangeable and refer to an agent used to temporarily block one or more desired reactive sites in a multifunctional compound . in certain embodiments , a protecting group has one or more , or preferably all , of the following characteristics : a ) is added selectively to a functional group in good yield to give a protected substrate that is b ) stable to reactions occurring at one or more of the other reactive sites ; and c ) is selectively removable in good yield by reagents that do not attack the regenerated , deprotected functional group . exemplary protecting groups are detailed in greene , t . w ., wuts , p . g in “ protective groups in organic synthesis ”, third edition , john wiley & amp ; sons , new york : 1999 ( and other editions of the book ), the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference . the term “ nitrogen protecting group ”, as used herein , refers to an agents used to temporarily block one or more desired nitrogen reactive sites in a multifunctional compound . preferred nitrogen protecting groups also possess the characteristics exemplified above , and certain exemplary nitrogen protecting groups are also detailed in chapter 7 in greene , t . w ., wuts , p . g in “ protective groups in organic synthesis ”, third edition , john wiley & amp ; sons , new york : 1999 , the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference . in some embodiments , one or more methylene units of an alkyl or aliphatic chain can be optionally replaced with another atom or group of atoms . examples of such atoms or groups would include , but are not limited to , — nr —, — o —, — s —, — co 2 —, — oc ( o )—, — c ( o ) co —, — c ( o )—, — c ( o ) nr —, — c (═ n — cn ), — nrco —, — nrc ( o ) o —, — so 2 nr —, — nrso 2 —, — nrc ( o ) nr —, — oc ( o ) nr —, — nrso 2 nr —, — so —, or — so 2 —, wherein r is defined herein . unless otherwise specified , the optional replacements form a chemically stable compound . optional replacements can occur both within the chain and at either end of the chain ; i . e . both at the point of attachment and / or also at the terminal end . two optional replacements can also be adjacent to each other within a chain so long as it results in a chemically stable compound . the optional replacements can also completely replace all of the carbon atoms in a chain . for example , a c 3 aliphatic can be optionally replaced by — nr —, — c ( o )—, and — nr — to form — nrc ( o ) nr — ( a urea ). unless otherwise specified , if the replacement occurs at the terminal end , the replacement atom is bound to an h on the terminal end . for example , if a methylene unit of — ch 2 ch 2 ch 3 were optionally replaced with — o —, the resulting compound could be — och 2 ch 2 , — ch 2 och 3 , or — ch 2 ch 2 oh . unless otherwise indicated , structures depicted herein are also meant to include all isomeric ( e . g ., enantiomeric , diastereomeric , and geometric ( or conformational )) forms of the structure ; for example , the r and s configurations for each asymmetric center , ( z ) and ( e ) double bond isomers , and ( z ) and ( e ) conformational isomers . therefore , single stereochemical isomers as well as enantiomeric , diastereomeric , and geometric ( or conformational ) mixtures of the present compounds are within the scope of the invention . unless otherwise indicated , all tautomeric forms of the compounds of the invention are within the scope of the invention . unless otherwise indicated , a substituent can freely rotate around any rotatable bonds . for example , a substituent drawn as additionally , unless otherwise indicated , structures depicted herein are also meant to include compounds that differ only in the presence of one or more isotopically enriched atoms . for example , compounds having the present structures except for the replacement of hydrogen by 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 . it will also be appreciated that the compounds of the present invention can exist in free form for treatment , or where appropriate , as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt , salts , or mixtures thereof . as used herein , the term “ pharmaceutically acceptable salt ” refers to salts of a compound which are , within the scope of sound medical judgment , suitable for use in contact with the tissues of humans and lower animals without undue toxicity , irritation , allergic response and the like , and are commensurate with a reasonable benefit / risk ratio . pharmaceutically acceptable salts are well known in the art . for example , s . m . berge et al ., describe pharmaceutically acceptable salts in detail in j . pharmaceutical sciences , 1977 , 66 , 1 - 19 , incorporated herein by reference . pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of this invention include those derived from suitable inorganic and organic acids and bases . these salts can be prepared in situ during the final isolation and purification of the compounds . acid addition salts can be prepared by 1 ) reacting the purified compound in its free - based form with a suitable organic or inorganic acid and 2 ) isolating the salt thus formed . examples of pharmaceutically acceptable , nontoxic acid addition salts are salts of an amino group formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid , hydrobromic acid , phosphoric acid , sulfuric acid and perchloric acid or with organic acids such as acetic acid , oxalic acid , maleic acid , tartaric acid , citric acid , succinic acid or malonic acid or by using other methods used in the art such as ion exchange . other pharmaceutically acceptable salts include adipate , alginate , ascorbate , aspartate , benzenesulfonate , benzoate , bisulfate , borate , butyrate , camphorate , camphorsulfonate , citrate , cyclopentanepropionate , digluconate , dodecylsulfate , ethanesulfonate , formate , fumarate , glucoheptonate , glycerophosphate , glycolate , gluconate , hemisulfate , heptanoate , hexanoate , hydroiodide , 2 - hydroxy - ethanesulfonate , lactobionate , lactate , laurate , lauryl sulfate , malate , maleate , malonate , methanesulfonate , 2 - naphthalenesulfonate , nicotinate , nitrate , oleate , oxalate , palmitate , palmoate , pectinate , persulfate , 3 - phenylpropionate , phosphate , picrate , pivalate , propionate , salicylate , stearate , succinate , sulfate , tartrate , thiocyanate , p - toluenesulfonate , undecanoate , valerate salts , and the like . salts derived from appropriate bases include alkali metal , alkaline earth metal , 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 . base addition salts can be prepared by 1 ) reacting the purified compound in its acid form with a suitable organic or inorganic base and 2 ) isolating the salt thus formed . base addition salts include alkali or alkaline earth metal salts . representative alkali or alkaline earth metal salts include sodium , lithium , potassium , calcium , magnesium , and the like . further pharmaceutically acceptable salts include , when appropriate , nontoxic ammonium , quaternary ammonium , and amine cations formed using counterions such as halide , hydroxide , carboxylate , sulfate , phosphate , nitrate , lower alkyl sulfonate and aryl sulfonate . other acids and bases , 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 or base addition salts . in order that this invention be more fully understood , the following preparative examples are set forth . these examples are for the purpose of illustration only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way . as used herein , the term “ hplc rt ( min )” refers to the hplc retention time , in minutes , associated with the compound . unless otherwise indicated , the hplc method utilized to obtain the reported retention time is as follows : column : ace c8 column , 4 . 6 × 150 mm gradient : 0 - 100 % acetonitrile + methanol 60 : 40 ( 20 mm tris phosphate ) flow rate : 1 . 5 ml / minute detection : 225 nm . as used herein , the term “ lcms rt ( min )” refers to the lcms retention time , in minutes , associated with the compound . mass spec . samples are analyzed on a micromass quattro micro mass spectrometer operated in single ms mode with electrospray ionization . samples are introduced into the mass spectrometer using chromatography . mobile phase , for all mass spec . analyses consists of 10 mm ph 7 ammonium acetate and a 1 : 1 acetonitrile - methanol mixture , column gradient conditions are 5 %- 100 % acetonitrile - methanol over 3 . 5 mins gradient time and 5 mins run time on an ace c8 3 . 0 × 75 mm column . flow rate is 1 . 2 ml / min . the overall synthetic scheme for the synthesis of 5 - fluoro - 1h - pyrazolo [ 3 , 4 - b ] pyridin - 3 - amine ( 5 ) is depicted below . to a round - bottomed flask under a n 2 atmosphere were added degassed dmf ( 270 ml ), pd ( oac ) 2 ( 0 . 05 eq , 2 . 7 g , 11 . 9 mmol ), pph 3 ( 0 . 1 eq , 6 . 2 g , 23 . 8 mmol ) and degassed et 3 n ( 6 eq , 200 ml , 1428 . 6 mmol ). the mixture was stirred 20 minutes then hcooh ( 3 eq , 28 ml , 714 . 3 mmol ) was added followed after 5 minutes by 2 , 6 - dichloro - 5 - fluoronicotinic acid ( 50 g , 238 . 1 mmol ) and the mixture was stirred at 50 ° c . the reaction was followed by analysis ( 1h nmr ) of a worked - up aliquot . when all starting material was consumed ( 24 h ), the mixture was cooled to 0 ° c . and water ( 500 ml ) was added . after 20 minutes , the mixture was filtered through a pad of celite that was rinsed with water . the mixture was basified to ph 9 with 30 % aq . naoh and washed with etoac ( 2 ×). hcl ( 12 n ) was added slowly to ph 1 and the solution was saturated with nacl . the mixture was extracted with etoac ( 3 ×). the combined organic extracts were washed with brine , dried ( na 2 so 4 ) and concentrated under reduced pressure to give 37 g ( 88 %) of a beige solid used in the next step without further purification . 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ): δ 8 . 16 ( dd , 1h ); 8 . 58 ( d , 1h ). to a solution of 2 - chloro - 5 - fluoronicotinic acid 6 ( 50 g , 285 mmol ) and dmf ( 2 ml , 28 mmol ) in dcm ( 400 ml ) at 0 ° c . was added oxalyl chloride ( 64 ml , 741 mmol ) dropwise . the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and concentrated in vacuo . the resulting yellow liquid was dissolved in 1 , 4 - dioxane ( 600 ml ), cooled at 0 ° c . and nh 3 ( g ) was bubbled through the solution for 30 minutes . the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight . the resulting mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated to give compound 3 ( 44 g , 89 %) as a beige solid . 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ): δ 7 . 84 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 96 ( dd , 1h ), 8 . 09 ( s , 1h ), 8 . 49 ( d , 1h ). a suspension of crude compound 3 ( 65 g , 372 . 4 mmol ) and et3n ( 114 ml , 819 . 2 mmol ) in dcm ( 700 ml ) was cooled to 0 ° c . and tfaa ( 57 ml , 409 . 6 mmol ) was added dropwise . the resulting yellow solution was stirred for 90 minutes at 0 ° c ., diluted with dcm , washed with sat . aq . nahco 3 and brine , and dried ( na 2 so 4 ). the mixture was filtered and concentrated . kugel rohr distillation of the residue (˜ 70 ° c ./ 1 mbar ) gave 50 g ( 86 %) of compound 4 as a beige solid . compound 4 can also be purified by column chromatography ( sio 2 , 8 : 1 heptane : etoac ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 300 mhz ): δ 7 . 78 ( dd , 1h ); 8 . 49 ( d , 1h ). to a solution of compound 4 ( 50 g , 321 . 7 mmol ) in 1 - butanol ( 1 l ) was added hydrazine monohydrate ( 150 ml , 3 . 2 mol ), and the mixture was refluxed for 4 h . the mixture was cooled to room temperature and concentrated . the precipitate was successively washed on filter with water ( 2 ×) and et 2 o ( 2 ×) and dried in vacuo overnight to give compound 5 ( 44 g , 88 %) as a yellow solid . 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 300 mhz ): δ 5 . 53 ( s , 2h ); 7 . 94 ( dd , 1h ); 8 . 35 ( dd , 1h ); 12 . 02 ( s , 1h ). hnmr ( 400 mhz , dmso ) 2 . 31 - 2 . 45 ( 2h , m ), 4 . 00 - 4 . 11 ( 4h , m ), 6 . 80 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 38 - 7 . 60 ( 4h , m ), 8 . 38 - 8 . 45 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 50 - 8 . 58 ( 1h , m ), 10 . 10 ( 1h , s ), 13 . 11 ( 1h , brs ). hnmr ( 400 mhz , dmso ) 0 . 39 - 0 . 69 ( 4h , m ), 1 . 37 - 1 . 52 ( 1h , m ), 3 . 89 - 4 . 16 ( 4h , m ), 6 . 35 ( 1h , brs ), 7 . 38 - 7 . 67 ( 4h , m ), 8 . 34 - 8 . 45 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 51 - 8 . 59 ( 1h , m ), 10 . 24 ( 1h , s ), 13 . 16 ( 1h , s ). hnmr ( 400 mhz , dmso ) 0 . 25 - 0 . 52 ( 4h , m ), 1 . 13 - 1 . 31 91h , m ), 3 . 72 - 3 . 94 ( 4h , m ), 5 . 71 ( 1h , s ), 6 . 80 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 33 - 7 . 63 ( 4h , m ), 8 . 28 - 8 . 40 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 49 - 8 . 61 ( 1h , m ), 10 . 16 ( 1h , s ), 13 . 13 ( 1h , s ). ( 400 mhz , dmso ) 1 . 08 - 1 . 92 ( 10h , m ), 2 . 26 - 2 . 58 ( 3h , m ), 3 . 89 - 4 . 06 ( 4h , m ), 6 . 50 ( 1h , brs ), 8 . 32 - 8 . 62 ( 2h , m ), 9 . 79 ( 1h , s ), 13 . 03 ( 1h , s ). ( 400 mhz , dmso ) 1 . 10 - 1 . 96 ( 10h , m ), 2 . 56 - 2 . 69 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 65 ( 1h , brs ), 8 . 27 - 8 . 39 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 58 ( 1h , s ), 10 . 72 ( 1h , s ), 13 . 34 ( 1h , s ). ( dmso ) 0 . 87 - 1 . 22 ( 5h , m ), 1 . 40 - 1 - 62 ( 5h , m ), 2 . 04 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 20 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 25 ( 1h , quin ), 7 . 67 ( 1h , dd ), 8 . 40 ( 1h , dd ), 8 . 91 ( 1h , s ), 13 . 13 ( 1h , s ). ( 400 mhz , dmso ) 1 . 77 - 2 . 14 ( 8h , m ), 2 . 35 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 75 - 2 . 87 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 41 ( 1h , brs ), 8 . 26 - 8 . 38 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 52 - 8 . 62 ( 1h , m ), 10 . 22 ( 1h , s ), 13 . 22 ( 1h , s ). ( 400 mhz , dmso ) 1 . 44 - 1 . 67 ( 4h , m ), 2 . 18 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 35 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 59 - 2 . 70 ( 1h , m ), 3 . 22 - 3 . 37 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 71 - 3 . 82 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 73 - 7 . 83 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 52 - 8 . 59 ( 1h , m ), 9 . 10 ( 1h , s ), 13 . 33 ( 1h , s ). ( 400 mhz , dmso ) 1 . 74 - 1 . 86 ( 1h , m ), 1 . 91 - 2 . 05 ( 1h , m ), 2 . 16 - 2 . 27 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 30 - 2 . 43 ( 5h , m ), 3 . 49 - 3 . 62 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 38 ( 1h , brs ), 8 . 30 - 8 . 41 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 52 - 8 . 62 ( 1h , m ), 10 . 24 ( 1h , s ), 13 . 20 ( 1h , s ). ( 400 mhz , dmso ) 1 . 38 - 1 . 81 ( 10h , m ), 1 . 85 - 1 . 97 ( 1h , m ), 2 . 33 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 73 - 2 . 84 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 25 - 7 . 41 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 29 - 8 . 38 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 49 - 8 . 60 ( 1h , m ), 10 . 11 ( 1h , s ), 13 . 15 ( 1h , s ). ( 400 mhz , dmso ) 1 . 52 - 2 . 00 ( 8h , m ), 2 . 33 ( 3h , s ), 3 . 04 - 3 . 16 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 36 ( 1h , brs ), 8 . 25 - 8 . 41 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 49 - 8 . 62 ( 1h , m ), 10 . 17 ( 1h , s ), 13 . 19 ( 1h , s ). h nmr ( 500 mhz , meod ) 8 . 54 ( s , 1h ), 8 . 22 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 80 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 9 - 1 . 1 ( m , 10h ) ( 400 mhz , dmso ) 1 . 26 - 1 . 67 ( 10h , m ), 1 . 71 - 1 . 83 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 18 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 34 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 55 - 2 . 66 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 75 - 7 . 89 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 50 - 8 . 59 ( 1h , m ), 9 . 00 - 9 . 15 ( 1h , m ), 13 . 26 ( 1h , s ). ( 400 mhz ., dmso ) 1 . 75 - 1 . 85 ( 4h , m ), 2 . 35 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 79 - 2 . 91 ( 1h , m ), 3 . 31 - 3 . 48 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 87 - 3 . 97 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 40 ( 1h , brs ), 8 . 24 - 8 . 39 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 54 - 8 . 63 ( 1h , m ), 10 . 21 ( 1h , s ), 13 . 22 ( 1h , s ). h nmr ( 500 mhz , dmso - d6 ) 13 . 73 ( s , h ), 8 . 64 ( s , 1h ), 8 . 25 ( s , 1h ), 1 . 89 - 1 . 1 ( m 12 , h ), 0 . 85 ( d , j = 7 . 9 hz , 3h ), 0 . 74 ( d , j = 12 . 7 hz , 1h ). ( 400 mhz , dmso ) 1 . 63 - 1 . 78 ( 6h , m ), 1 . 84 - 2 . 06 ( 9h , m ), 2 . 34 ( 3h , s ), 7 . 30 ( 1h , brs ), 8 . 27 - 8 . 39 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 52 - 8 . 62 ( 1h , m ), 10 . 03 ( 1h , s ), 13 . 19 ( 1h , s ). ( 400 mhz , dmso ) 0 . 88 - 0 . 98 ( 4h , m ), 1 . 94 - 2 . 04 ( 1h , m ), 2 . 30 ( 3h , s ), 7 . 30 ( 1h , s ), 8 . 25 - 8 . 35 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 54 - 8 . 62 ( 1h , m ), 10 . 07 ( 1h , s ), 13 . 17 ( 1h , s ). ( dmso ) 1 . 20 - 1 . 39 ( 3h , m ), 1 . 40 ( 6h , s ), 1 . 50 - 1 . 61 ( 2h , m ), 1 . 63 - 1 . 92 ( 5h , m ), 2 . 63 ( 1h , quin ), 5 . 15 ( 1h , s , oh ), 7 . 14 ( 1h , br s ), 8 . 33 ( 1h , dd ), 8 . 56 ( 1h , dd ), 10 . 12 ( 1h , s ), 13 . 18 ( 1h , s ). ( dmso ) 7 . 36 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 48 - 7 . 51 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 60 - 7 . 64 ( 2h , m ), 8 . 31 ( 1h , s ), 8 . 43 ( 1h , d ), 8 . 56 ( 1h , s ), 10 . 61 ( 1h , s ), 13 . 17 ( 1h , s ). ( dmso ) 1 . 92 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 33 ( 3h , s ), 7 . 37 - 7 . 45 ( 3h , m ), 7 . 55 - 7 . 57 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 82 ( 1h , s ), 8 . 35 ( 1h , dd ), 8 . 49 ( 1h , s ), 9 . 81 ( 1h , s ), 12 . 86 ( 1h , s ). ( dmso ) 2 . 38 ( 3h , s ), 6 . 90 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 42 - 7 . 44 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 53 - 7 . 56 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 75 ( 1h , s ), 8 . 39 - 8 . 41 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 51 ( 1h , dd ), 9 . 87 ( 1h , s ), 12 . 93 ( 1h , s ). ( dmso ) 2 . 26 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 32 ( 3h , s ), 6 . 89 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 27 - 7 . 35 ( 3h , m ), 7 . 45 ( 1h , d ), 7 . 83 ( 1h , dd ), 8 . 45 ( 1h , s ), 8 . 67 ( 1h , s ), 13 . 07 ( 1h , s ). ( dmso ) 2 . 11 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 33 ( 3h , s ), 7 . 40 - 7 . 45 ( 5h , m ), 7 . 78 ( 1h , s ), 8 . 39 ( 1h , d ), 8 . 50 ( 1h , s ), 9 . 71 ( 1h , s ), 12 . 85 ( 1h , s ). dmso d6 : 2 . 28 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 43 ( 3h , s ), 7 . 28 - 7 . 37 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 40 - 7 . 46 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 93 ( 1h , dd ), 8 . 49 ( 1h , s ), 9 . 28 ( 1h , br s ), 13 . 39 ( 1h , br s ). dmso d6 : 1 . 23 ( t , 3h ), 2 . 53 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 85 ( q , 2h ), 7 . 40 ( dd , 1h ), 7 . 45 ( dd , 1h ), 7 . 48 ( dd , 1h ), 7 . 56 ( d , 1h ), 7 . 96 ( dd , 1h ), 8 . 51 ( s , 1h ) the following compound was made according to methods described in wo 2004 / 013140 . h nmr ( 500 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) 13 . 25 ( s , 1h ), 10 . 42 ( s , 1h ), 8 . 54 ( dd , j = 1 . 5 , 2 . 6 hz , 1h ), 8 . 29 ( dd , j = 2 . 4 , 8 . 9 hz , 1h ), 7 . 82 - 7 . 58 ( m , 5h ), 2 . 42 ( s , 3h ) compounds of this invention may be tested according to the methods described in wo2004 / 013140 and wo2002 / 022607 , incorporated herein by reference . 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
an embodiment of the present invention is described hereinbelow by referring to the accompanying drawings . the cosmetics brush a in accordance with the present invention can prevent loss of brush fibers and apply cosmetics uniformly over a wide area . as shown in fig1 to 5 , the cosmetics brush in accordance with the present invention comprises a rod 10 , a ferrule 11 for fibers , a fiber bundle 20 , and a fixing piece 30 . the cosmetics brush is engaged with a cosmetics container r with screw threads with the rod 10 and the fiber bundle 20 stored inside of the cosmetics container r to improve portability and enable application of cosmetics simply by separating the container cap 40 , because the fiber bundle is dipped in and coated with the cosmetics . according to the present invention , the rod 10 is formed with a plastic resin by injection molding at a length fit to be stored inside of a cosmetics container r and coated with cosmetics in the container . the head portion of the rod is wider to be press - fitted inside of the container cap 40 and the lower portion of the rod is provided with the ferrule 11 which is formed in integration . the ferrule 11 maintains the fiber bundle 20 in a spread formation , preferably formed in integration with the rod 10 by injection molding and with a fiber bundle insertion groove 111 from the tip of the rod 10 inwardly by a certain depth . the fiber bundle insertion groove 111 is formed in a rectangular shape whose transverse width w is longer than the longitudinal width w ′ so that the shape of the fiber bundle 20 is maintained in a flat , broad form enabling uniform application and reduced consumption of cosmetics . while the shape of the fiber bundle insertion groove 111 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is a rectangle , the shape is not limited to a rectangle but also can be a polygonal , a circle , or any other form as appropriate . the fiber bundle 20 , which is coated with the cosmetics in the cosmetics container r , comprises approximately 1000 filaments of raw fiber 21 , maintained in a spread form , made of polyamide and formed with a diameter of between from about 0 . 05 to 0 . 09 mm . more preferably , the number of the raw fibers 21 should be between from about 980 to 1020 . this range of raw fibers provides good adhesive property of cosmetics in liquid status , without separation and excellent result or response in make - up tests . the fiber bundle 20 is folded by the fixing piece 30 at its middle portion , inserted in the ferrule 11 and fixed or bound to the ferrule to prevent the fibers from being separated from the bundle . referring to fig7 , to produce the fiber bundle 20 , raw fiber 21 wound on a roll 110 is unwound from the roll , cut at a predetermined length by a cutting blade 220 on the cutting device 210 , and bundled in hundreds of filaments . the steel sheet 430 wound on another steel sheet roll 420 is unwound and cut by a steel sheet cutting device 440 into fixing pieces 30 . a pushing piece 510 pushes the fixing piece to the middle portion of the raw fiber bundle 20 so that the bundle is folded at the middle and inserted into the ferrule 11 of the rod 10 . then , the ends of the fibers of the bundle 20 exposed out of the ferrule 11 of the rod 10 is finished with a finish cutting device 610 . the fixing piece 30 folds the fiber bundle 20 at the middle portion and inserts it into the insertion groove 111 of the ferrule 11 of the rod 10 and prevents the bundle 20 from being separated from the ferrule . to this end , both sides of the bundle is latched on the inner side of the groove 111 when inserted in the groove 111 . the fixing piece 30 , which is made by cutting steel sheet 430 wound on a roll 420 with steel sheet cutting device 440 , is preferably fed automatically in the forward direction of the pushing piece 510 with a feeder which is not shown . the fixing piece 30 is formed with a length longer than the transverse with w of the ferrule 11 so that the fixing piece 30 cannot be separated from the ferrule 11 by itself . for this , the fixing piece 30 is formed with inclined insertion guides 31 on its both side ends . the insertion guides 31 of the fixing piece 30 facilitates insertion into the bundle insertion groove 111 and prevents the fiber bundle from being separated in reverse direction because the end of the insertion guide 31 is caught in the inner wall of the bundle insertion groove 111 when engaged in the groove . while the fixing piece 30 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention has inclined insertion guides 31 on both side ends , the shape of both ends of the fixing piece 30 is not limited to an inclined surface but also can be a rectangular or flat surface . in this case , both side ends of the fixing piece 30 is engaged in both sides of the bundle insertion groove 111 by nearly a force fitting . in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention , the fiber bundle 20 is folded by a fixing piece 30 at the middle portion and inserted in the ferrule to be prevented from being separated in reverse direction , the constitution does not limit the scope of the present invention , and more preferably , the ferrule is compressed by punching 710 so that an inner part of the ferrule 11 is formed inwardly into a compressing protrusion 12 which compresses the fiber bundle 20 to prevent separation . here , the compressing protrusion 12 can be formed on one or both sides of the ferrule 11 to be engaged in a zigzag arrangement . the rod 10 in accordance with the present invention is , in normal condition , coupled with a cosmetics container r containing liquid cosmetics with a container 40 cap formed with screw - threaded coupling guide 41 . as shown in fig6 and 7 , the raw fiber 21 wound on a roll 110 is unwound and fed to a cutting device 210 in the feeding step s 100 , and the raw fiber 21 fed to the cutting device 210 is cut with a cutting blade 220 , formed into a bundle of fibers 20 and placed on the guide 410 in the raw fiber cutting step s 200 . in the raw fiber feeding step s 100 , the roll 110 on which the raw fiber is wound can be provided in a plural number to allow a plurality of raw fibers cut to form fiber bundles 20 at a high speed . in the raw fiber cutting step s 200 , the diameter and the number of the raw fibers 21 constituting a fiber bundle 20 are preferably between from about 0 . 05 mm to 0 . 09 mm and from 980 to 1020 . if the diameter of the raw fiber is less than 0 . 05 mm , the elasticity of the fiber bundle 20 is insufficient and can be deflected when impregnated with cosmetics , causing difficulty in application of cosmetics . on the other hand , if the diameter of the raw fiber is greater than 0 . 09 mm , the elasticity of the fiber bundle 20 is sufficient . but the fibers become difficult to be coated with cosmetics and the cosmetics brush cannot apply cosmetics uniformly over a wide area , that is , loss of adhesive property . in the rod feeding and fixing step s 300 , the ferrule 11 of the rod 10 is fed close to the rod fixing portion 310 , at the middle portion of the guide 410 on which the bundle 20 of the cut war fibers is placed , and the fixing piece 30 is fed to the guide 410 in the direction corresponding with the ferrule 11 of the rod 10 , in the fixing piece feeding step s 400 . in the rod feeding and fixing step s 300 , the rod 10 is preferably formed at an end in integration with the fiber insertion groove 111 , preferably in a rectangular shape , in an injection molding process . in the fixing piece feeding step s 400 , it is more preferable to cut the fixing piece 30 from steel sheet with a cutting device into a pin - shape formed with inclined , sharp ends on both sides , and the cut ends each are formed with an inclined insertion guide 31 . in the fixing piece insertion step s 500 , the fixing piece 30 is compressed with a pushing piece 510 so that the fixing piece 30 folds the middle portion of the fiber bundle 20 and inserts the folded bundle into the ferrule 11 of the rod 10 . in the fiber finishing step 600 , when the pushing piece 510 has returned to its original position , the tips of the bundle of fibers 20 exposed out from the ferrule 11 of the rod 10 are finish cut with a finish cutting device 610 to obtain a cosmetics brush . in addition , the method for manufacturing a cosmetic brush a is further comprised of a step s 700 of compressing the fiber bundle 20 , after the finishing step s 600 of the raw fibers , wherein a part of the ferrule 11 is formed into a compressing protrusion 12 by punching 710 the ferrule 11 , so that the compressing protrusion 12 can compress the fiber bundle 20 to prevent from being separated from the ferrule . here , the compressing protrusion 12 can be formed inwardly on one or both sides of the ferrule 11 and can be formed in a plurality .	0
the following description is provided , alongside all chapters of the present invention , so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention . various modifications , however , will remain apparent to those skilled in the art , since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a clogging rate monitor . in the following detailed description , numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention . however , those skilled in the art will understand that such embodiments may be practiced without these specific details . reference throughout this specification to “ one embodiment ” or “ an embodiment ” means that a particular feature , structure , or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention . thus , the appearances of the phrases “ in one embodiment ” or “ in an embodiment ” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or invention . furthermore , the particular features , structures , or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments . lastly , the terms “ comprising ”, “ including ”, “ having ”, and the like , as used in the present application , are intended to be synonymous . the term ‘ plurality ’ refers hereinafter to any integer number equal or higher than 1 the term ‘ fluid ’ and / or ‘ water ’ refers interchangeably hereinafter to a fluid selected from a group consisting , in a non - limiting manner , any flowing matter , especially fine particles , powders , nano - and micrometric - scale aggregates , milled fibers , corpuscles and other blood products , liquids , water immiscible solutions , water miscible solutions , water , water suspensions , emulsions , milk and milk products , blood , body fluids , beverages , brewed liquids , fermented liquids , juice , wine and beer , distillates , petroleum products , medicaments , brines , fortified spirits , alcohols , gasses , and any mixture thereof . the invention comprises a method of directly measuring clogging rate . as a filter becomes more clogged with particles , the pressure difference across it will increase . the invention consists of measuring the pressure difference across a cleaned standard filter , and timing the interval required until it has clogged enough to cause a given threshold pressure to develop across it . when this pressure difference has reached a given threshold ( e . g . 5 mm hg pressure difference from upstream side of the filter to downstream side of the filter ) a given amount of clogging has occurred in the filter . the amount of time required for this amount of clogging to occur is indicative of the ‘ clogginess ’ of the water , and directly relates to the clogging rate of any other element in the system that may clog such as taps , filters , nozzles , etc . the filter is returned to its original unclogged state by running water through the filter in the reverse direction . once the threshold pressure difference has been reached , it is cleaned by means of this reversed flow . this is achieved by use of electronically activated valves , such that human intervention is not required at any stage . in the preferred embodiment of the invention , clogging rate information is displayed locally , and is also sent from the system in the form of an sms message to a cell phone . this information consists of the time interval between the last filter - cleaning to the time at which the threshold pressure difference has been reached . the apparatus is comprised of the following elements : a water filter , a differential pressure transducer with taps placed up - and down - stream of the filter , a control computer , a plurality of electronically activated valves , and a cellular phone modem . reference is now made to fig1 . the water inlet 101 in normal operation supplies water at a nominal pressure . the valve 102 will normally be open , while valves 103 and 104 will normally be closed . this forces water through pipe 112 and past the filter 105 . in normal operation valve 106 is closed while valves 107 and 108 are open , allowing water to exit through pipes 109 and 110 . the heart of the device lies in the differential pressure monitor 115 . pressure transducers upstream 113 and downstream 114 of the filter 105 constantly monitor the pressure drop over the filter . by so doing the system senses the pressure drop over the filter . if this pressure drop is too great a series of corrective actions can be taken . in one embodiment of the invention the water flow is reversed across the membrane for a brief period to unclog the filter . this is accomplished by closing valve 102 , 107 , 108 and opening valves 104 , 106 . it will be seen from the figure that this will result in reversing the flow through filter 105 . this reversed flow will generally contain much sediment and is thus conducted through the bypass pipe 116 , and through the sediment trap 117 . 1 . a constant rate of flow is provided across a standard filter 105 . 2 . the pressure difference across the filter is monitored continuously by the control computer by means of the differential pressure transducer 115 and is compared to a threshold . once the measured pressure difference is greater than the threshold , a series of steps is taken : a ) an sms message is sent to a cellular phone number previously entered in the control computer , the message consisting of the elapsed time since the threshold pressure was last reached until the current time . b ) the valves 102 , 107 , 108 are closed . c ) the valves 104 and 106 are opened . at this point the water flow through the membrane has been reversed . by means of this flow reversal the particles clogging the filter are removed into the water flow . water will flow through bypass line 116 and past the trap 117 . d ) a preset amount of time is allowed to elapse . e ) the valves 104 and 106 are closed . f ) the valves 102 , 107 , 108 are opened . at this point the water flow through the filter is returned to its original direction . in a second embodiment of the invention , the filter 105 is simply replaced instead of being subjected to reversed flow . the time taken for 5 mm hg pressure gradient threshold to develop across a standard filter ( time - to - clog ) in the preferred embodiment exemplified in fig1 is illustrated in table 1 below : the standard flow rate used in the above example is a constant 500 liters of water per hour . this is the flow rate established for standard determinations of clogging rates in agricultural water supplies . for non standard or special cases where water quality evaluations must be made , lower or higher constant flow rates can be used and the time taken for about 5 mm hg pressure gradient threshold to develop across a standard filter ( time - to - clog ) is established accordingly . according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention , clogging rate is measured by measuring the time required until a given pressure difference as measured by a standard differential pressure transducer , develops over a standard filter under constant flow rate conditions . according to a preferred embodiment of the invention , continuous operation is achieved by reversing the flow through the membrane once the threshold pressure is achieved . according to a preferred embodiment of the invention , the clogging rate is transmitted over a wireless or cellular network to a remote party . according to an alternative embodiment of the invention , the clogging rate is detected by measurement of the time rate of change of pressure difference across the membrane . according to another embodiment of the invention , the method is used with a set of standard filters each of different mesh porosity and each with its own differential pressure transducer . in this way the clogging rates of different particle sizes can be determined . according to another alternative embodiment of the invention , the total suspended solids and / or suspended particle size distribution in the flow is determined in realtime by means of a video camera ( see fig4 ), connected to the control computer . in the top frames 4 a , 4 b side views are given along axes a , b . these axes are indicated in the isometric view of fig4 c . here one sees the apparatus of the imaging system 1 including a light source 3 and sample cell 2 . in another embodiment of the invention , further provision is made for automated replacement of clogged filters . in one embodiment , when it is detected that a filter has been clogged , the filter in question is removed from the line . it will be clear to one skilled in the art that upstream and downstream valves will be preferentially closed automatically during this operation . a clean filter from a magazine provided is placed inline and the upstream and downstream valves reopened . the apparatus for this embodiment further provides a filter magazine , electronically controlled valves upstream and downstream of the filter , and means for automatic removal and replacement of the filter . the method for this embodiment is comprised of the following steps : 1 . a constant rate of flow is provided across a standard filter . 2 . the pressure difference across the filter is monitored continuously by the control computer by means of the differential pressure transducer and is compared to a threshold . once the measured pressure difference is greater than the threshold , a series of steps is taken : a ) valves upstream and downstream of the filter are closed . b ) the clogged filter is removed . c ) a new filter is placed inline d ) the upstream and downstream valves are opened . this embodiment is illustrated in fig6 . the magazine 601 contains a plurality of filters 602 . when the inline filter 605 is clogged ( as detected by the differential pressure transducer 604 ), the inline filter is removed and the next filter is placed into the fluid line 603 . in one example of this embodiment , the magazine holds around 20 filters of cylindrical form , about 10 cm in length and of a diameter slightly less than the fluid line . the fluid line is fitted with a section of pipe adapted for accepting these cylindrical filters . in another embodiment of the invention , instead of replacing filters , the filter itself comprises a segment of a long roll of filter material . when it is detected that the filter has become clogged or requires replacement , the roll is simply turned and a new segment of filter material is thereby introduced into the line . with reference to fig5 this embodiment is illustrated in an exemplary manner . the differential pressure sensor 505 detects when the filter should be replaced . when this occurs , the release roll 501 and uptake roll 502 are caused to rotate about their axes , for example due to a motor mounted on the uptake roll . the filter band 503 is thereby shifted and a new segment is introduced into the fluid line 504 . since the release and uptake rolls can hold a considerable length of filter , the maintenance of the system is minimised . when the roll is entirely used , the used roll is removed and a fresh filter roll introduced onto the release spindle replacement of the rolls at the end of this lifetime is simple . one possible embodiment of this filter system comprises a filter strip of length e . g . about 10 meters and width appropriate to the pipe diameter , e . g . about 5 cm if the pipe diameter is about 6 cm . the fluid line is preferably fitted with a section of pipe adapted to accept this filter strip and allow it to be translated without leaking the uptake roll is preferably provided with an electronic mechanism to cause its rotation when the differential pressure sensor senses that the filter should be changed . the roll may be provided with sprockets for ease of advancement . when the differential pressure sensor senses that the filter should be replaced , the filter uptake reel is rotated , pulling a new section of filter strip into place within the fluid stream . this amount of rotation is preferentially made such that the filter strip is translated by about one pipe diameter . the filter strip may be replaced when it is entirely used .	1
referring now to fig1 the method of the present invention comprises the following steps : initially , it is preferable to select extremely sweet , soft and flavorful varieties of sugar cane which have substantially no acidic content . in particular , it is preferred that the raw sugar cane chosen for processing yields a sucrose level of at least 13 . 7 percent . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art of sugar cane processing , that numerous varieties of sugar cane meeting the preferred standards are available in various regions of the world . well known examples of sugar cane varieties which work well with the process of the present invention include : ccsp2000 cenicana columbia sao paolo ; cc8568 cenicana columbia ; cc8592 cinicana columbia ; my74275 mayaguez ; and poj2878 , to name just a few . in the majority of sugar mills around the world , burning the standing sugar cane to facilitate cutting and lifting for transport to the mill is common practice . where mechanical harvesting is employed and equipment is used for both cutting and lifting , the step of burning is almost always required . unfortunately , sugar cane burning introduces ash byproduct which alters the natural flavor of the sugar cane juice and cannot be entirely eliminated . consequently , in the method of the instant invention , it is preferable to avoid the step of burning . to avoid the need for sugar cane burning , it is preferred that the sugar cane chosen for use with the present invention is manually cut approximately two inches from the stool , removing all green and dry leaves . it is also preferable that the sugar cane tops , commonly referred to as “ cogollos ,” are cut off ; thereby avoiding the introduction of their pasty taste which is difficult to eliminate in processing without the use of chemical additives . once the sugar cane has been manually cut , it should be manually lifted into a vehicle for transportation to a processing facility . avoiding mechanical harvesting provides the further benefit of avoiding the introduction of foreign matter commonly carried into the processing mill along with the sugar cane . the foreign matter , often comprising ten percent or more of the sugar cane weight , primarily consists of soil , sludge , ash , leaves , minerals and cane tops . the introduction of the aforementioned foreign matter has the undesirable effect of altering the natural flavor of subsequently extracted sugar cane juice . the cut sugar cane stalks are initially transferred onto a conveyer table 10 where they are preferably subjected to a standard washing step to reduce impurities on the surface of the stalks . subsequently , the sugar cane stalks are conveyed through a standard chopping apparatus 20 to reduce the stalks into smaller individual pieces for feeding through a series of roller mills , as is well known to those skilled in the art . although sugar cane juice is extracted at each of the mill sites , in the process of the present invention it is preferred that the juice chosen for subsequent processing in accordance with the present invention is limited to quantities extracted during passage through the first two 30 of the series of mills . the balance of the juice extracted by the remaining mills can be pumped into factory tanks for use with subsequent standard sugar extraction processes . many known sugar cane juice extraction methods incorporate hot water maceration to aid in the extraction process . however , in the process of the present invention it is preferable to avoid the addition of hot maceration water to the first two mill sites 30 , since hot water tends to dissolve natural waxes and minerals in the hard , outer cortex of the cane stalk . instead it is preferred that these components are left behind as part of the bagasse . in addition to avoiding the commonly - used step of maceration , it is preferable to limit the head stock hydraulic pressure in the first two mills to about 1 , 500 lbs / in 2 . the limited head stock hydraulic pressure minimizes the undesirable extraction of natural waxes , ferrous compounds and other minerals from the cortex of the sugar cane . initially , the sugar cane juice extracted by the first two mills is subjected to a standard filtration process 40 for removing macro - sized particles from the juice product , as is well known in the industry . for the purpose of the present invention , the term macro - sized particle is used to denote particles having an average diameter on the order of at least approximately 10 − 6 meters . preferably , macro - particle filtration is accomplished by passing the juice extracted by the first two mills through a standard steel screen filter having about 300 - 400 openings / in 2 , followed by passage through a standard vibrating screen filter having 0 . 05 mm diameter holes and a vibration frequency of approximately 800 vibrations / minute . once the macro - sized particles have been substantially removed from the juice , the juice is subjected to a ph stabilization step 50 . precise ph control of the sugar cane juice is critical . the standard procedure in sugar mills is to add calcium hydroxide ( caoh ), also referred to as milk of lime , until the ph level of the limed juice attains a value in the range of 8 . 0 to 8 . 5 . with known sugar cane juice processes , the ph level of 8 . 0 to 8 . 5 is maintained prior to subjecting the juice to a clarification process , such that the resulting ph level following clarification is about 7 . 0 . in the method of the present invention , the quantity of calcium hydroxide added to the sugar cane juice is limited to an amount required to achieve a ph level of about 7 . 5 . consequently , the quantity of calcium hydroxide additive is reduced relative to the quantity typically introduced using existing processes . this reduction is critical for maintaining the natural flavor of the sugar cane juice . in general , retaining the natural flavor of the sugar cane juice in the final product requires minimizing the quantity of juice additives such as calcium hydroxide during processing . following the subsequently performed steps of heating 60 and clarification 70 , the resulting ph level of the sugar cane juice product is maintained at approximately 6 . 8 ; optimal for retaining the natural flavor of the juice . following the step of ph stabilization , the juice product is heated 60 from a temperature of approximately 26 . 7 to 29 . 4 ° c ., to a temperature of approximately 99 ° c . heating is accomplished using a standard heating apparatus as is well known in the industry . for example , one well known type of juice heating apparatus adequate for use with the process of the present invention comprises a vertical or horizontally disposed steel cylinder having plates at opposite ends for supporting juice - communicating tubes therebetween . the flow of juice through the series of tubes is controlled by a series of baffles . low pressure steam is communicated into the cylinder through a series of mechanical valves and connectors , arranged such that the steam is flowed through a specific path , minimizing the formation of non - condensable gas pockets . the condensate is typically extracted from a lower part of the cylinder via a steam trap . following the step of heating , the limed juice product is communicated to a standard clarification apparatus 70 , as is well known in the industry . standard clarification includes the addition of any of a number of commonly - used industrial flocculates . for instance , calgon cane floc r - 200 and storkhausen praestol are two examples of well known industrial flocculates used for clarification . the flocculates attach to impurities in the limed juice and then descend to the bottom of the clarifying apparatus . with known processes , the flocculates are extracted through standard froth pumps , filtered using a standard filter such as an oliver filter , and transferred into storage tanks for subsequent use in raw sugar production . however , in the process of the present invention the juice obtained following froth pump filtration requires further purification to retain the natural flavor of the sugar cane juice . with known extraction processes , a number of non - sugar impurities are retained in the limed juice . the following table illustrates the non - removed impurities present in the limed juice following standard filtration . in a second clarifying step 90 , further clarification is accomplished using a novel clarifying apparatus to remove the majority of remaining non - sugar impurities in the limed juice . the general structure of the novel clarifying apparatus , designed for use with the process of the present invention , is explained in more detail below . preferably , natural agricultural flocculate is diluted with water and then added to the juice product in the novel clarifying apparatus . examples of natural flocculates that can be used include : guasimo ( guazuma ulmifolia lamark ); balso ( ochoma lagopus sw ); and cadillo ( triumfetta lappula l ). prior to being diluted , the natural flocculate is dried and ground into a fine powder . preferably , the powdered flocculate is diluted with water to form a flocculate compound sufficient for removing remaining impurities in the juice . for example , i have found success mixing 225 grams of any of the above natural flocculates in a tank holding 100 gallons of water . the flocculate mixture is subsequently injected 80 along with the juice into the clarifying apparatus . i have found that 10 grams of flocculate per ton of juice provides adequate flocculation . the use of natural flocculates helps maintain the natural flavor of the sugar cane juice . the flocculate mixture combines with the remaining solids and other impurities suspended in the juice to form a glutinous froth , commonly referred to as cachaza , which floats to the surface of the juice for easy separation . although not preferred , this step of the process can be carried out using any of a variety of commercially - available industrial flocculates , including , but not limited to : taloflote , manufatured tate & amp ; lyle , incorporated ; pcs 3106 , manufactured by midland research labs ; and quemifloc 900 , ah 1000 , ap 273 , tb 2634 , vh 1007 , quemiclar vlc , quemifloc 724 , ah 1010 , mpm 1032 , and quemifloc se , all manufactured by quemi international , incorporated . furthermore , clarification can be carried out using any of a number of available anionic and cationic flocculates . referring briefly to fig2 the limed juice and flocculate mixture is injected into the bottom portion of the clarifying tank via conduit 202 controlled by valve 204 . subsequently , the mixture is directed into the tank through conduit extensions 205 an angle of approximately 45 degrees to effect circular rotation of the juice mixture in the tank . the lower section of the tank is provided with a steam coil 226 having a plurality of openings , preferably ⅛ inch in diameter , extending therethrough . the rate at which the steam is released should be just adequate to maintain a juice temperature of approximately 99 ° c . and provide heat aeration to the juice to affect flocculate formation and flotation to the surface . a bubble generating apparatus 208 is provided for enhancing the elevation of froth to the surface of the juice . the bubble generator has a vapor inlet 208 and valve 210 for controlling the flow of vapor into the generator . vapor is released through openings 211 in the generator . a trap 220 is provided at the bottom of the tank for collecting heavy solids that are not carried to the surface . the trap is also used to empty the clarifying apparatus for cleaning . upper and lower sets of paddles , 236 and 230 respectively , are rotated at a rate of approximately 0 . 5 rpm , by motor assembly 240 . the lower paddles 230 produce a mild stirring motion which serves to gently stir the juice and effect flocculate formation . an impurity - rich foam froth is formed at the juice surface where it is subsequently skimmed by upper paddles 236 for removal through slurry conduit 224 . preferably , the upper paddles are provided with curved or bowed surfaces to force the froth over the blades . purified juice product is received through openings 213 in conduit 214 for transport into overfill tank 242 . the purified juice is subsequently communicated through conduit 218 for further processing . following clarification step 90 , the juice product is subject to the step of evaporation 100 . the juice product is transferred to a standard evaporation apparatus through a transfer conduit . a series of sugar mill evaporators are employed to incrementally increase the sugar cane juice concentration . preferably the juice concentrate is subsequently extracted from the evaporators at a brix of 60 degrees . although a significantly higher brix is possible , this is the preferred brix for the additional clarification step 120 . preferably , the juice concentrate is subjected to a further clarifying step 120 . this step is identical to clarification step 90 , with a few exceptions . namely , the concentration of natural flocculate is reduced by approximately 50 percent . for instance , where natural flocculates are employed the flocculate can be introduced at about 5 grams of flocculate powder per ton of juice . at this step of the process , the juice is preferably maintained at a temperature of approximately 60 ° c . following this clarification step , the guarapo juice concentrate is virtually impurity free ; having a purity of approximately 99 . 9 percent . following clarification step 120 , the concentrate , having a brix of 60 degrees , is subjected to a vacuum step 120 for further product concentration wherein the brix is increase to approximately 75 degrees . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this step can be performed with a commercially available sugar vacuum pan . following vacuum step 130 , the sugar cane juice concentrate is pumped into tank 140 for cooling to a temperature below 54 . 5 ° c . the tank is provided with a conical bottom fitted with a small trap for solids . once the sugar cane concentrate having a brix of 75 degrees is adequately cooled , it can be packed for distribution . the product will remain stable for at least six months , provided it is maintained at a temperature below 24 . 5 ° c . while the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described , it will be clear that the invention is not so limited . numerous modifications , changes , variations , substitutions and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described in the claims .	2
this invention unexpectedly provides properties in building materials which are superior to either cementitious materials or foamed resins when used separately . any variety of polymers which can be produced as a foam may be used in the present invention . vinyl polymers such as polystyrene and copolymers such as the urethanes are readily available . however , because of their added strength , condensation polymers of an aldehyde with an aromatic alcohol , an amine or an amide are preferred . these products are classified as thermosetting resins and upon curing or heating form an infinite network of interconnected polymeric chains which result in a very strong rigid material . while originally these products required heating to cure or set they can now be made with promoters for ambient temperature curing . polymers belonging to this group are many and varied . principal polymers include phenol - formaldehyde , urea - formaldehyde and melamine - formaldehyde resins . because the urea - formaldehyde resins are preferred the invention will be described in terms of this class of resins . however , such description does not preclude the use of other foamed resins . uncured urea - formaldehyde resins are available in powder or liquid form which contain promoters and are soluble in water . the resin is mixed with water at ambient temperatures in a weight ratio of resin to water of about 1 : 1 to 1 : 2 and let stand for a period of several hours or overnight . the resin is them further diluted with water such that a 55 gallon drum of water will contain approximately 80 to 120 lbs . of resin with about 100 lbs . being preferred . the concentration of resin will therefore vary between about 15 and 25 %. a frothing or foaming solution is prepared consisting of approximately a 1 to 3 % solution of a detergent . any suitable detergent may be used whether non - ionic , anionic or cationic . most commonly anionic detergents of the sulfonate type are employed . the water used in making the detergent solution must contain calcium or magnesium ions . in other words , hard water is used . this increases the surface tension of the froth or foam bubbles when formed thereby providing a better quality foam and resulting building product . in preparing the foamed resin the detergent solution is mixed with air to form a froth which is then mixed with the resin . the weight ratio of detergent solution to resin solution is approximately 1 : 1 but may vary from 0 . 5 : 1 to 1 . 5 : 1 . the entrapped air in the detergent and the surface tension of the froth causes the mixed resin - detergent mixture to be in the form of a foam which is about 85 to 95 % water and 5 - 15 % resin . a cementitious slurry , described herein in terms of a gypsum slurry , is prepared preferably using a calcined gypsum , by mixing a weight ratio of about 0 . 75 : 1 to 1 . 25 : 1 and preferably about 1 : 1 gypsum to water . the resulting slurry is then combined with the urea - formaldehyde foam in a volumetric ratio of foam to slurry of about 0 . 5 : 1 to 6 : 1 with a ratio of about 2 : 1 being preferred . this mixture of foam and slurry is case or poured into molds and allowed to cure or harden . an initial set occurs after only 3 to 5 minutes and the product is completely cured and ready for use after a period of about 2 to 10 days depending upon temperature . temperatures in excess of 80 ° f . are preferred and minimize the curing time . the dried product will consist of about 0 . 5 to 15 % by weight resin with the remainder being the cementitious material or a combination of cementitious and a filler . various fillers less heavy than the cementitious materials may be used to provide a lighter product which still has excellent strength and insulative properties . suitable materials include perlite , diatoms , cinders , pumice , glass bubbles , fibers and the like . an extender may be substituted for up to 60 % by volume of the cementitious material if desired . the procedure used for forming the cementitious material resin mixture preferably utilizes mixing lines along which the various ingredients are moved by pressure or mechanical means . one line contains the detergent solution . means on the line serves to introduce air into the line in such a manner that a frothy solution of entrapped air is produced . feeding means meter correct proportions of detergent froth and resin solution into a common line where the resin foam is formed . resin foam and the cementitious slurry are metered from their respective lines into a common line where thorough mixing takes place . the entrapped air from the foam , while reduced in volume by as much as 6 to 8 times , creates air pockets in the foam - slurry mixture . because of these air pockets the mixed product has a large surface area which aids in the drying and curing of the resin once it has been poured or cast into a mold . the cured product will generally be in the form of boards or panels having a thickness of from 0 . 5 to ten inches and a density of between about 12 and 56 lbs / ft 3 depending upon the foam to slurry ratio and the amount of fillers or extenders in the cementitious material . in general , panels having a density of from about 24 to 44 lbs / ft 3 are preferred . the panels , while strong and self supporting , are not meant to provide structural or load bearing strength to a building . rather , the panels or board like strips can be combined with metal or wood supports and utilized in conventional building systems . preferably the panels or boards are combined with a support system and assembled as described in copending patent application ser . no . 33 , 962 , filed apr . 27 , 1979 , entitled &# 34 ; method and apparatus for constructing studless walls &# 34 ;. the products formed by this invention can also be cast or formed into other shapes for use as containers , furniture and similar other purposes . when using high ratios of foam to cementitious material the products are especially useful as insulating materials and will not shrink as is often the case with foams alone . it will generally be advantageous to cover the building materials of this invention with a sealant or coating . these may be applied by spraying the formed material or by applying a cementitious plaster to the materials when assembled into a building structure . a 2 % detergent solution was made by combining sufficient amounts of mono lauryl sulfonate with hard water . a resin solution was prepared by adding 98 lbs of an uncured , promoted urea - formaldehyde resin to about 20 gallons of hard water and letting stand overnight and then diluting the resulting mixture to 55 gallons . a gypsum slurry was prepared by mixing equal weights of a calcined gypsum and hard water . all of the above mixtures were prepared and maintained at ambient temperatures . the detergent solution was aerated in a mixing line and metered through a mixing valve with equal volumetric amounts of the urea - formaldehyde solution into a common feed line as a foam . the resin foam thus formed was metered through a second mixing valve where it was combined with the gypsum slurry at a volumetric ratio of foam to slurry of 2 : 1 . the combined slurry - resin foam mixture was poured into strips about 2 &# 34 ;× 6 &# 34 ;× 8 &# 39 ; and allowed to cure and set at ambient temperature for four days . the resulting product had a resin content of about 2 . 2 percent , a density of about 32 lbs / ft 3 and could be cut , sawed , drilled and otherwise handled as a building material . the procedure of example 1 was followed utilizing a phenolformaldehyde resin . the gypsum contained about 25 percent by volume of an expanded perlite filler . the cured product had a resin content of about 3 . 5 percent , a density of about 25 . 5 lbs / ft 3 and was comparable to that made in example i . the procedure and materials of example i was followed except that the ratio of resin foam to gypsum slurry was increased to 6 : 1 . the resulting product had a resin content of about 10 percent , a density of about 12 lbs / ft 3 . this material was easier to cut and was not as strong as the product made in example i but provided to be an excellent insulating material . the procedure of example i was again followed using a melamine - formaldehyde resin and had a resin foam to gypsum slurry ratio of 0 . 5 : 1 . the product formed had a resin content of only about 0 . 2 percent and had a density of about 42 lbs / ft 3 . the product was strong but somewhat more brittle than the product of example 1 . a product was prepared by again following the procedure and proportions of example 1 utilizing a portland cement in place of gypsum . the resin - cement combination contained about 1 percent resin and had a density of about 52 lbs / ft 3 . the curing time was extended to six days . the final product was more difficult to cut than that formed in example 1 but was stronger . the above examples serve to illustrate certain preferred embodiments of the invention but it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the embodiment shown . obviously many variations are possible . for example , mixtures of cementitious materials could be used as could combinations of resins , fillers and the like . the invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof .	2
while the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings , in which aspects of the preferred manner of practicing the present invention are shown , it is to be understood at the outset of the description which follows that persons of skill in the appropriate arts may modify the invention herein described while still achieving the favorable results of this invention . accordingly , the description which follows is to be understood as being a broad , teaching disclosure directed to persons of skill in the appropriate arts , and not as limiting upon the present invention . [ 0041 ] fig2 schematically illustrates the primary components of an animal growing farm 30 of this invention in which the lagoon and spreading fields have been replaced by a wastewater treatment plant 34 . as in the prior art system described above in connection with fig1 manure and urine are periodically flushed from the growing building waste troughs using pumped flushwater . according to the invention , the combined wastes and flushwater are gravity fed to a covered raw waste holding tank 38 which contains the wastewater prior to processing . usually waste is removed and processed in “ real time ”, preferably on the same day that it is deposited in the waste holding tank 38 . however , waste holding tank 38 preferably has capacity to store the accumulated waste of several days to accommodate those times when the treatment plant is shut down for servicing . holding tank 38 preferably is covered to contain emitted fumes . fans ( not shown ) direct these waste gas fumes to a covered waste processor 40 which is discussed in detail , below . if system power is lost , default vents ( not shown ) at tank 38 , always open , allow the fumes to escape to the atmosphere . a coarse slurry of liquid and solid wastes is drawn from waste holding tank 38 into waste processor 40 . here the coarse waste slurry is mixed to a uniform consistency by a comminuter 56 ( fig3 ). the slurry stream then passes through a separator 58 that separates wet solids from the liquid portion . the wet ( manure ) solids are then conveyed to a dewaterer or dryer 80 where the wet solids are dewatered to an acceptable moisture content for burning , for example , 40 % to 70 % water content , using hot flue gases from the incinerator or combustor 120 ( described below ). the liquid waste , having been cleansed of most solid particles , is then conveyed to a deodorizer 94 . after deodorization , the liquids flow out of processor 40 into a clean flushwater reservoir s 0 . during normal plant operation , this deodorized flushwater is taken from reservoir 50 as it is produced . the used flushwater , increased by the daily animal waste output , then returns to the treatment plant &# 39 ; s wastewater holding tank 38 . a “ smart ” solar evaporator 55 connected to clean flushwater reservoir 50 prevents buildup of excess flushwater which would otherwise result from accumulated waste plus precipitation . in north carolina , as in many climates , an exposed body of water would increase in volume over time , as precipitation generally exceeds evaporation . as described in detail below , the “ smart ” solar evaporator 55 of the present invention incorporates a rain gauge , computer algorithms and evaporator controls which enable it to sense rainfall and to reject it . by eliminating the lagoon and spreading fields , the wastewater treatment plant of this invention removes the most difficult regulatory requirements . there are no lagoons to leak or break , no field crops to maintain , and no spreading regulations to follow . under control of the wastewater treatment plant , the entire system complies automatically with environmental regulations . it will be appreciated that hogs range in size from newborn piglets to mature sows of over 600 pounds . they are generally marketed at a grown out weight of 230 - 250 pounds , and the ‘ nominal ’ average weight for all hogs is given as 135 pounds . urine and manure production of the nominal hog is approximately one gallon per day . where one gallon of hog waste is comprised of approximately 7 . 3 pounds of waste liquids and one pound of manure . the daily wastewater volume per hog consists of approximately : 1 gal ( urine + manure moisture )+ 1 gal leaked drinking water + 8 gal flushwater . as collected directly from the hog , fresh manure contains approximately 85 % liquid and 15 % “ bone dry ” volatile solids . thus , a farm of 10 , 000 hogs yields the equivalent of 1 , 500 pounds of bone dry solids per day . one pound of bone dry solids has a heating value of 7 kbtus , for a total potential heating value of 10 . 5 million btus per day . this energy will be utilized to destroy the manure and the fumes and to evaporate a significant portion of the excess wastewater . if electricity were used to provide this much energy at a cost of 3 cents per kbtu , it would cost the farmer $ 115 , 000 per year . this equates to an unthinkable $ 5 . 20 addition to the cost of marketing each hog . thus , without a plan for manure energy utilization , a cleanup of this magnitude could not be achieved under current hog farm economics . an example of a wastewater treatment plant sized to handle a farm of 10 , 000 hogs will now be described in detail with primary reference to fig3 and 6 . as discussed above , fig3 illustrates the major subsystems of the waste processor 40 which converts raw wastewater to clean flushwater while waste solids and gases are burned . the coarse slurry of raw waste is pumped from raw waste holding tank 38 through comminuter 56 which shreds the solids , then mixes them thoroughly with the wastewater . a shredding device used in sewage treatment and deemed suitable for this application is the t18500 taskmaster shredder from franklin miller , inc . of livingston , n . j . [ 0051 ] fig6 illustrates an integrated embodiment of separator 58 and dryer 80 wherein the separator and dryer are encased in joined housings . separator 58 includes a primary filter in the form of a rotating screen separator 60 and a secondary filter in the form of a settling tank 90 . screen separator 60 includes a separator drum sd that is rotated by drum motor m through drum gear g while supported by drum bearing b . a continuous , integrally formed dryer drum dd within dryer 80 receives wet solids from separator drum sd in the manner described below , and rotates with the separator drum . although shown as sharing a single drum , separator 58 and dryer 80 may utilize different drums , or may take other altogether different forms in which they are independent non - rotational subsystems . the mixed waste slurry from comminuter 56 is pumped directly onto the separator drum sd . this rotating drum includes a reinforced screen cylinder 62 with a mesh size appropriate for filtering hog waste . a mesh size on the order of 75 microns has been found suitable . the drum has a slight downward pitch which causes the solids thereon to fall forward ( to the right in fig6 ) at every drum rotation . waste liquids , consisting of urine and flushwater , pass through the screen and fall into settling tank 90 below . waste solids , the manure , advance along to the end of the separator where they enter dryer 80 , with the manure residing on the rotating dryer drum dd . as received directly from the hog , manure has a natural moisture content of approximately 85 %. the agitation and tumbling effect produced in the separator drum drains the free liquid content , leaving the manure at the 85 % moisture level . drum screen 62 is cleaned , preferably by a continuous process throughout every rotation , by a row of forced air jets which are mounted to a bar 74 adjacent to drum sd and which runs the full length of the drum . in addition to cleaning the screen as it rotates over the air jets , solids within the drum are lifted by the forced air , causing a gentle tumbling action which aids in driving off unbound liquids . this “ air scraper ” is mounted at a position to promote best tumbling and drainage , such as approximately 30 degrees after the bottom of the drum . the manure solids are subjected to the agitated tumbling effect for several drum rotations , giving adequate opportunity for optimum liquid drainage . as stated above , the separated wet waste solids from the separation process are dewatered in dryer 80 to reduce the moisture content to an acceptable level prior to incineration . as with the separator , the pitched rotating screen of drying drum dd advances the solids as the drum rotates . as shown in fig6 the cleaning apparatus used with drying drum dd may be the same or similar to the air scraper design used with separation drum sd . dryer 80 preferably is surrounded by a high - temperature enclosure 84 . hot flue gases from the combustor , containing no odorous or noxious components , are returned to the dryer where the gases heat the moist manure , driving off water vapor and waste fumes . if manure enters the combustor at 50 % moisture content , its combustion would be self supporting , therefore requiring no additional support energy to burn . when the drying process does not achieve 50 %, then some support fuel is added to the combustion process . however , as shown immediately below , use of a moderate amount of support fuel has a very slight impact on the cost of taking a hog to market . if a pound of manure contains 0 . 85 pounds of bound water and the ideal moisture level for combustion were 50 %, then the manure must be dried to a water content of 0 . 15 pounds . therefore , 0 . 70 pounds of moisture must be driven out of each pound of manure which requires 700 btus of heat energy . at 0 . 15 pounds of bone dry solids per pound of manure and 7 , 000 btus per pound of bone dry solids , 1 pound of manure contains 1 , 050 btus of heat energy . for an overall flue gas to dryer - stage heat transfer efficiency of 50 %, 1 pound of manure would provide 525 btus of drying heat . propane , the most widely available fuel in agricultural areas , would provide the remaining 175 btus . at $ 0 . 01 per 1000 btus , propane usage would cost $ 0 . 00175 per hog , per day . thus , for an average hog life expectancy of 160 days , the added cost to market would be $ 0 . 28 . all waste which passes through drum screen 62 falls into settling tank 90 where a slow non - turbulent flow permits the small waste particles to settle to the tank bottom . according to the manure settling characteristics of animal waste , more than 50 % of the manure settles out within the first fifteen minutes . to assure relatively complete settling , a settling interval of one hour preferably is provided ; however , shorter or longer intervals may be used . the tapered form of tank 90 permits easy removal of the settled waste solids using a conventional screw feed mechanism 92 . the wet solids from tank 90 are then transferred to the dryer drum dd by a sewage pump ( not shown ). after most solids have been removed , the waste liquid is cleansed , preferably in deodorizer 94 where odors are quickly destroyed . in a preferred embodiment , the deodorizer takes the form of an ozonation tank . ozone provides a reliable , low cost means to oxidize organic compounds . common applications of ozone include treatment of drinking water , swimming pools and municipal wastewater . it oxidizes minerals , kills bacteria , viruses and algae , and removes unwanted color from the water . in this hog wastewater treatment application , ozone eliminates odors from the liquid waste stream in less than one hour . following ozonation , the clarified , odorless liquid is suitable for re - use as flushwater and is stored in the clean flushwater reservoir 50 . operating costs of the ozone generation and distribution system over a 10 , 000 hog farm for the 160 day life of the average hog , the added cost to market would be less than $ 0 . 20 per hog . while various forms of ozonation equipment are commercially available , a model no . do - 20 ozonation device manufactured by finnegan - reztek company of wayne , n . j ., usa is deemed satisfactory . hot gases expelled in the waste drying process at dryer output 82 are a mixture of noxious fumes and water vapor . in a preferred manner of practicing the invention , the water vapor is extracted so that the fumes may be efficiently burned . a distillation - like process employing cooling , rather than heating , is used to extract the water vapor . to this end , a gas condenser 100 is utilized . condenser 100 ( shown in detail in fig7 ) includes a heat exchanger 101 in which flushwater f introduced by pump 103 at ambient temperature is used for a cooling source . condenser 100 is set to operate at 1800 through a temperature control system including a temperature sensor 105 and a temperature controller 109 that has a sensor amplifier , voltage comparator and power switching circuit for enabling pump 103 . the flushwater flow through the condenser is constantly adjusted to hold the temperature of the condensed water effluent ( conduit 111 ) at 180 ° f . waste gases exit the condenser through conduit 115 , also at 180 ° f . while a temperature on the order of 180 ° f . is believed to be optimal for gas separation , it will be appreciated that this temperature may be adjusted according to heuristic determinations of the system designer . waste gases from all sources within the treatment plant 34 are drawn by the combustor intake draft - into a common plenum 110 . specifically , fumes from the covered raw waste holding tank 38 , comminuter 56 , separator 58 , deodorizer 94 and gas condenser 100 are drawn into the plenum from which they are drawn into combustor 120 where they are burned along with the dewatered manure solids from dryer 80 . the preferred combustor minimizes particulate exhaust by employing a dual burn process wherein gases and particulates produced in the first combustion stage become fuel for the second combustion , stage . such a combustor that is deemed suitable is model no . 1250 , manufactured by decton iron works , inc . of milwaukee , wis ., use . [ 0064 ] fig4 shows a representative mass balance analysis for the system described above as used in association with a 10 , 000 hog farm . fig4 details the wastewater treatment plant processes from the waste slurry input to the resulting outputs , namely , clean flushwater and clean stack gases . the daily production of wastewater is approximately 10 gallons per hog , consisting of 1 gal ( urine + manure liquid )+ 1 gal leaked drinking water + 8 gal flushwater . a 10 , 000 hog farm having an excess capacity factor of 20 % would therefore have to process 120 , 000 gallons of waste liquids per day . of all wastewater entering the lagoon , waste solids comprise 1 % of the total . 120 , 000 gallons / day of waste slurry translates to 417 lbs / hr of “ bone dry solids ” in the presence of 41283 lbs / hr of water . the treatment plant &# 39 ; s waste separation drum performs a primary filtering of the waste stream , capturing at least 60 % of the input , or 250 . 2 lb / hr of bone dry solids in the presence of 1417 . 8 lb / hr of bound water , while the free liquids drain into the settling tank . of the 166 . 8 lb / hr of “ bone dry solids ” which escape to the settling tank , at least 60 %, or 100 . 08 lb / hr will settle out within one hour and be recovered . continuous cleaning of the separator screen is achieved by directing streams of compressed air at the rotating drum . as the flow of cleaning air passes through the drum , it combines with odorous gases emitted from the wastes within . the combined gases are then exhausted to the combustor . solids captured by the separation drum plus the solids recovered from the settling tank , amounting to 350 . 3 lb / hr of bone dry solids in 1985 lb / hr of water , is applied to the dryer drum . in the dryer , flue gases at 1500 degrees f mix directly with wet solids , thereby vaporizing about 1500 lb / hr of water . at this point , as the solids head toward the combustor , the moisture content is approximately 58 %. if desired , the moisture may be further reduced by increased residence time of the solids within the dryer . 39 , 298 lb / hr of liquid waste leaves the settling tank carrying 66 . 72 lb / hr of bone dry solid waste . the liquid is then ozonated at deodorizer 94 ( optionally preceded by a secondary filtration process ) before going to flushwater reservoir 50 . flue gases at 1500 degrees f are applied to dryer 80 for dewatering the manure . included in the gas stream is 739 lb / hr of water vapor . as the waste is heated , 1500 lb / hr of moisture is evaporated , resulting in an exiting gas stream which contains 2239 lb / hr of water . waste fumes also add to the gas stream as the wet manure is heated . the water vapor is removed at gas condenser 100 , enabling the waste fumes to be burned . ideally , flushwater reservoir 50 should contain enough water to withstand the longest possible plant shutdown and raw waste holding tank 38 should have the same capacity . in a prolonged shutdown insufficient reserves could result in total loss of flushwater , which would be an unacceptable situation . three alternatives are considered : 1 . provide emergency repair services capable of restoring operation within a limited time period , regardless of the problem . but this implies that replacement parts will always be available , that there would be no catastrophic plant failures , no labor stoppages , etc . 2 . provide sufficient flushwater reserves and waste holding capacity for the longest imaginable problem . but a leakproof reservoir and wastewater holding tank of such great capacity would be very expensive , and are not even likely to be used . 3 . a simple , low cost solution is provided in accordance with the invention . reservoir capacity for a five day supply of clean flushwater is provided which is adequate time for most repairs . if the five day reserves are depleted , flushwater will be drawn from an alternative source , raw waste holding tank 38 , through a manual , emergency enabled flushwater sourcing valve 99 . thus , under temporary emergency circumstances , it is acceptable to utilize the raw waste holding tank as though it were a small lagoon . note that the waste holding tank would be full when the reservoir is empty . as with a lagoon , flushwater would be drawn from a position some distance from where the wastewater is deposited . if sufficient capacity at reservoir 50 is provided to withstand a five day shutdown , then emergency situations requiring recirculation of unprocessed wastewater will be extremely rare . odors generated during the first weeks of shutdown are not produced by anaerobic decomposition , therefore , they are not very objectionable . also , it is unlikely that more than one farm would be down in any one area , therefore , the overall effect as seen by farm neighbors should be acceptable . waste that has accumulated in raw waste holding tank 38 during a plant shutdown should be processed promptly upon resumption of operation . the plant &# 39 ; s processing and evaporation capability therefore is set at least 20 % higher than the daily waste production rate . when the excess capacity is not required for reduction of the waste tank backlog , it may be used in a retrofit installation for draining the discontinued lagoon . as discussed , flushwater reservoir 50 should hold a sufficient supply of clean flushwater to withstand a plant shutdown of several days . the reservoir must also store excess flushwater which has not yet been evaporated . capacity for one month of non - evaporation may be provided . in a preferred embodiment for use with a 10 , 000 hog farm , the total reservoir capacity is determined as follows : 5 days ×( 10 , 000 hogs × 8 gals of flushwater / hog / day × 120 % capacity factor )+ 30 days ×( 10 , 000 hogs × 2 gals of freshwater / hog / day × 120 % capacity factor )= 1 . 1 million gallons . at 327 , 375 gal / acre - ft , a capacity of 3 . 3 acre - feet is required . this is implemented with a 12 foot deep pond having an area of 0 . 28 acres . capacity of wastewater holding tank 38 is simply : 5 days ×( 10 , 000 hogs × 10 gals of wastewater / hog / day × 120 %)= 600 , 000 gallons , or 1 . 83 acre - feet . this is implemented with a 12 foot deep pond having an area of 0 . 15 acres . according to prior art practices ( fig1 ), eighty to ninety percent of the wastewater flushed from the growing buildings consists of flushwater drawn from the lagoon . this flushwater may be regarded as a constant recirculating volume , distinct from all that it flushes from the buildings . the remaining ten to twenty percent of the wastewater consists of urine , derived primarily from drinking water , leaked drinking water , and to a much lesser extent , the fresh water used in washing the pens as hog groups are moved . manure solids comprise approximately one percent of the total . the lagoon level increases primarily due to all fresh water usages . net precipitation , i . e ., rainfall less evaporation , is the second major factor in filling a lagoon . just as a lagoon fills due to accumulated waste and rainfall , the clean flushwater reservoir would also fill . to keep reservoir 50 from overflowing , it is preferable to have a means provided to counter the water accumulation . although the flushwater produced by treatment plant 34 is far cleaner than the wastewater it came from , it still may not be discharged directly to the environment . evaporation , however , is a completely appropriate process for discharging excess flushwater . to this end , a solar “ smart ” evaporator 55 ( fig9 ) is provided which is enabled at all times except during rainfall . the system controller 130 ( fig8 ) enables pump p to transfer clean flushwater from reservoir 50 to the evaporator basin 130 and maintains it at a constant level as evaporation proceeds . operation of evaporator 55 is as follows : when rain is detected , a flushwater return drain gate 132 opens , allowing the evaporator basin contents to drain back into flushwater reservoir 50 via conduit 133 . thus , rainfall cannot cause basin 130 to overflow with a resultant release of flushwater to the surroundings . drain gate 132 remains open until a predetermined amount of rain has fallen to wash the contents of evaporator basin 130 back into reservoir 50 . as flushwater drain gate 132 closes , a rainwater discard gate 136 opens . the rainwater discard gate 136 allows all subsequent rainfall on the evaporator to be discarded to the ground . both drain gate 132 and rainwater discard gate 136 are electrically operated by the system controller 130 . if electricity is lost during a storm , the gates will default to a safe state whereby the evaporator sheds its contents into the flushwater reservoir , not to the environment . available evaporation data for north carolina &# 39 ; s coastal plain hog growing region shows the average evaporation rate during the eight warmer months , march 1 - november 1 , to be 6 . 1 inches per month . note that the flushwater reservoir is designed to have a capacity to allow for a non - evaporation period of up to thirty days permitting use of average evaporation rates in calculating the evaporator area . data available for the four colder months indicates an evaporation rate of approximately 2 . 5 inches per month . it should be noted that the animal &# 39 ; s water usage during cold weather is significantly lower than in the warmer weather . evaporation produced by a five acre solar pond , plus the averaging effect produced by the excess reservoir capacity , allows the evaporation system to keep pace with the total liquid waste production throughout the year . the solar evaporation requirements for a typical 10 , 000 hog farm are set forth in table i , below : table i evaporation : nov - feb excess waste / day = urine + leakage = 14 , 000 gal / day average evap = 2 . 5 inch / month = . 007 ft / day ( note 1 ) evap vol / acre = 2 , 275 gal / day ( note 2 ) 5 acre evap vol = + e , uns 11 , 375 gal / day ( note 3 ) mar - oct excess waste / day = urine + leakage = 20 , 000 gal / day average evap = 6 . 1 inch / month = . 017 ft / day evap vol / acre = 5 , 500 gal / day 5 acre evap vol = 27 , 900 gal / day in a retrofit situation , it may become necessary to drain a discontinued lagoon . one or two acres would then be added to the solar pond area depending on whether the lagoon level is just to be maintained or if it must be lowered . the bottom of the evaporation pond should be graded to a smooth taper , thereby permitting rapid drainage without puddling . it is desirable to hold the average pond depth as small as practical , in order to minimize the energy required to fill the pond and to maximize the aeration effect on liquids flowing through the pond . plastic sheeting , similar to that recommended for liners in new lagoon construction , preferably covers the bottom of the pond . the sheeting prevents sand or clay from the pond &# 39 ; s bottom being flushed into the reservoir every time the evaporator is drained . precision grading with laser - equipped motor graders can achieve an evaporator bottom which is level to within 0 . 1 feet . this capability enables an evaporator having a bottom taper of 4 inches or less . as set forth in table i , a 10 , 000 hog farm requires a five acre evaporator . the cost of clearing and grading an area of this size , if free of boulders , brush and trees , is quite moderate and in keeping with other project expenses . a smooth six inch basin taper gives an average evaporator depth of just three inches , minimizing the volume of water required for filling , thereby keeping pumping costs low . this taper provides good drainage with minimum residual puddling . however , it may be unreasonable to expect all farms to have unutilized five acre parcels flat enough to satisfy these requirements . thus , an alternative smart evaporator 255 ( fig1 a and 10b ) allows for non - contiguous terraced basin segments which may be placed wherever open space permits . each of the individual segments has a six inch taper ; thus , the average depth of the aggregate five acre evaporator is only three inches . a terraced arrangement also keeps construction costs down by minimizing the amount of earth movement required . each basin segment 260 , 262 , 264 , 266 has a drain gate - pair for transfer of its contents to the next segment or , in the case of the last segment 266 , to reservoir 50 . the last segment 266 also has an additional discard providing the capability of directing its contents to reservoir 50 or to the environment . except for the environment discard at segment 266 , all gates preferably are six inches high when fully closed , which is the depth of the tapered basin at that point . thus , the segments cannot overfill , as the gate spillover design limits the amount of water in each segment . the environment discard at segment 266 is slightly higher to prevent unintended spillover . when filling evaporator 255 , flushwater is pumped by pump p to the highest segment 260 . then , depending on layout , water from the highest segment falls directly into the next lower segment , or reaches it via conduit . this cascade continues down to the lowest segment 266 , where the excess water spills over the six inch evaporator drain gate , thus ending its circuit in reservoir 50 where it began . evaporator segments may be distributed over great distances and elevations to take best advantage of the farm topography . when a wastewater treatment plant of the invention replaces the function of a lagoon and spreading fields , the old lagoon should not be completely abandoned . though wastewater no longer flows to it , the lagoon will continue to accumulate precipitation , leading to eventual overflow . also , many existing lagoons are leaking and will continue to do so even after the wastewater treatment plant of this invention has rendered it useless . whether or not an abandoned lagoon is known to be leaking , a plan should be undertaken to reduce its leakage potential . reducing the water level results in a corresponding reduction in the forces which drive the lagoon &# 39 ; s leakage , thereby reducing the lagoon &# 39 ; s leakage rate . with no additional waste going to the abandoned lagoon , continuation of the usual program of field spraying may be used to lower the water level by two thirds within eighteen months after installation of the wastewater treatment plant . thereafter , field spraying is discontinued and the plant &# 39 ; s excess capacity is utilized to slowly drain the remaining lagoon water . the system controller 200 shown in fig8 is programmed for unattended monitoring and control of all key wastewater treatment plant parameters , including : reservoir and waste hold levels , plenum and flue gas flow rates , combustor temperature , condenser temperature , ozone generation level , rainfall rate , evaporator pumping rate , evaporator gate position sensors , battery voltage level , power supply voltages and motor currents . all signals derived from analog sensors are multiplexed to the analog to digital controller 201 which presents them in digital form to the computer 202 . the system controller enables components and subsystems via a bank 206 , of solid state ac switches . operation of the wastewater treatment plant must be in regulatory compliance at all times , including emergency conditions . to maximize reliability the system should self - test frequently and monitor key operating parameters constantly . out of range conditions which cannot be corrected automatically will cause the system controller to send an emergency service alert . then , the entire system will go off - line , in effect defaulting to a passive state . ability of the central service group to call up a real - time graphic display of system status and measurements will greatly assist in problem determination . faster and more precise problem resolutions may be obtained by adding remote system control capabilities to the central service diagnostic routines . reservoir 50 will normally hold five days of clean flushwater . if a prolonged maintenance shut - down occurs , the central service organization must watch for low reservoir conditions , then manually shut the reservoir flushwater valve and open the waste hold flushwater valve . drawing flushwater from the waste holding tank is equivalent to drawing from a lagoon . all system power is provided by an uninterruptible power supply 210 which normally filters line disturbances and regulates the ac voltage . during periods of ac line voltage drop - out , however , the uninterruptible power supply transforms backup battery dc power to full amplitude 60 hz ac power , thereby enabling the system to continue operating . an uninterruptible power supply deemed suitable for this application is the model smart - ups t series , manufactured by american power conversion , inc . of west kingston , r . i . the line voltage drop - out is detected by a circuit on the computer support module 214 which then transmits that information to computer 202 . as most power outages are of very short duration , the computer takes no action for the first 60 seconds . standby mode is enabled after 60 seconds , causing the evaporator pump , deodorizer and condenser pump to be halted . the combustor is set to auto - shutdown mode . the waste hold pump , separator and dryer are purged , washed and shut down . except for the computer support module , all component power may be shut down . minimizing power consumption in standby mode is essential ; therefore , the computer and all circuits are quiesced as much as possible . only the computer support module remains energized . a timer circuit on - the support module issues periodic wake up calls to the computer when its services are required . the computer self - tests periodically in conjunction with the computer support module . when the test result is correct , the computer resets a timer circuit on the support module . if the test result is incorrect , the computer is unable to reset the support module timer . when the timer times out , the computer support circuit uses the dedicated telephone connection 220 to issue an automatic service alert . when functionality of the system controller is in question , the smart evaporator 55 will be automatically commanded to drain . likewise , when the system controller determines that backup battery voltage is becoming marginal , it drains the evaporator . when the evaporator &# 39 ; s drain gate is raised , the evaporator contents are drained into reservoir 50 . similarly , raising the discard gate causes the evaporator contents to be discarded to the environment . it is essential that these gates function properly . a process of pro - actively testing the gates at least once a day greatly reduces the possibility of failure under adverse conditions . raising and lowering an evaporator gate would verify that its electrical and mechanical components are functioning properly ; however , this action would release large volumes of water . while draining evaporator water to the reservoir is of no great concern , unintended discharge of evaporator - contents to the environment is absolutely prohibited . to accommodate the test requirement while minimizing test discharges , a pair of independently actuated gates are utilized for both drain and discard functions . each gate of the pair is equipped with up - limit and down - limit travel sensors . a test starts by observing that the down - limit sensors of the primary and secondary gates are active . the primary gate actuator is then commanded to open , which should result in a response from the primary gate up - limit sensor . the water released by opening the primary gate is stopped by the secondary gate . actuating a command to lower the primary gate should yield a response from its down - limit travel sensor . the secondary gate is then raised and lowered , producing the corresponding travel sensor signals . water trapped between the primary and secondary gates would be released ; however , by placing the gates very close to each other the test discharge could be kept to an absolute minimum . for example , an evaporator depth of 6 inches , a gate width of 6 inches , and a gate - to - gate spacing of 6 inches would produce a test discharge of less than 1 gallon . every refill of the evaporator adds about one and one half cents to the market price of each hog ; therefore , it would be undesirable to overreact to brief showers . the system controller uses a precision rain gauge to calculate rate and duration of rainfall against preset qualifiers ; thus , trading off small rain accumulations against emptying the evaporator too frequently . similarly , rain gauge data enables the controller to determine when sufficient rain has fallen on the empty evaporator basin to ensure that it has been adequately washed . at that point , the evaporator gates are set to discard subsequent rainfall . a precision rainfall detector deemed suitable for this application is contained in model 970 ultrasonic flow & amp ; water quality meter , manufactured by american sigma inc . of medina , n . y . in an alternative embodiment , separator 58 may take the form of a self - feeding , self - cleaning , belt - press filtering system ( not shown ). such a system is exemplified by model 0 . 7 - meter tower press , manufactured by roediger pittsburgh , inc . of allison park , pa ., which is capable of extracting a 30 % concentration of hog manure from a mixed slurry having a 1 % solids concentration . utilizing a combination of polymer flocculants and fine fiber additives , the manure particles are conjoined into a cohesive wet layer which may be pressed without blinding the filter . ( blinding occurs when a mesh becomes irreversibly clogged by the substance it is attempting to filter .) combustion of a 30 % concentration hog manure cake will yield 2100 btus of flue gas energy per pound . combustor 120 requires an approximately 50 % concentration of manure solids to achieve self - sustained combustion . therefore , the filter cake preferably is dewatered in dryer 80 from 30 % to 50 % concentration , requiring removal of 0 . 4 pounds of water . as only 400 btus are required for this dewatering and the available flue gas energy is 2100 btus , this is well within the capability of dryer 80 of fig3 . while the invention has been described in connection with certain illustrated embodiments , it will be appreciated that modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention .	0
the method of forming trench metal oxide transistor according to the present invention is shown in cross - sectional views from fig2 a to fig2 h . referring to fig2 a , an n - type impurity doped silicon carbide substrate 100 a having an impurity doped silicon carbide epi - layer 100 b formed thereon is prepared . the epi - layer 100 b functions as drift layer 100 b . a photoresist pattern 102 is then formed on the epi - layer 100 b to define p - base regions 105 . thereafter , a first ion implant is carried out to implant p - type ions into epi - layer 100 b so as to form p - base regions 105 , using the photoresist pattern 102 as a mask . the p - type ions can be selected from aluminum or bf 2 + ions . the p - base regions 105 are between about 0 . 8 to 5 . 0 μm in depth . in general , the diffusion length of the impurities in silicon substrate is much shorter than in silicon substrate during ion activation process . therefore , the p - base region 180 is formed by multiple implants with different implant energies so as to uniform distribution the impurities . turning to fig2 b , after stripping photoresist pattern 102 , a second and blanket ion implantation implants the epi - layer 100 b with n - type ions to form an n + heavily doped layer 108 . the n + heavily doped layer 108 has a much shallower junction than p - base regions 105 . referring to fig2 c , a hard mask layer formed of metal or oxide 110 is formed on the epi - layer 100 b through a lithographic and an etch step . the hard mask layer 110 is to defined trenches 120 . the silicon carbide epi - layer 100 b is then patterned to form trenches 120 using the hard mask 110 as an etch mask . the trenches 120 have a bottom depth value about the same as the bottom of the p - base regions 105 . worthy to note , the trenches 120 are spaced from the p - base regions 105 by spacing with a width value w . the spacing in between the p - base regions 105 and trenches 120 functions as an accumulation channel . please refer to fig2 d , after the hard mask or the photoresist pattern 110 removal , a gate oxide layer 130 is formed on a bottom and sidewalls of each trench 120 and extended to all surfaces of the epi - layer 100 b . the gate oxide layer 130 is a hto layer formed by thermal deposition or a thermal oxide layer formed by thermal oxidation or a poly - oxide layer by polysilicon deposition and re - oxidation . preferably , the gate oxide layer 130 is between about 50 – 200 nm . afterward , a polycrystalline silicon layer 140 is deposited on all surfaces and filled in the trenches 120 by low - pressure chemical vapor deposition ( lpcvd ) in the meanwhile . the polycrystalline silicon layer 140 is doped through an in - situ doped process or by pocl3 diffusion after deposition . referring to fig2 e , the polycrystalline silicon layer 140 is then patterned to form trench polygates 140 a using a lithographic step and an etch process . the trench polygates 140 a have a width w 1 larger than the trench width w 1 for a purpose of easier to form trench gate contact . referring to fig2 f , a thermal oxidation process is then conducted to form an oxide layer on and enclosed the trench polygates 140 a . certainly , a thinner oxide layer is formed on the surface of silicon carbide substrate 100 to increase the thickness of the gate oxide layer 130 . fig2 g illustrates a cross - sectional view . a photoresist pattern 165 is formed on the resulted surface to define p + heavily doped regions 170 . a third ion implantation is then carried out to implant p - type ions into n + heavily doped layer 108 so as to form p + heavily doped regions 170 using the photoresist pattern 165 as a mask . certainly , the dosage of the third ion implant is much heavier than the second ion implant dosage . for example , the dosage for p + heavily doped regions 170 may be double than that of prior implant for n + heavily doped layer 108 since it requires an electrical compensation with the n + ions . moreover , the p + heavily doped regions 170 , n + heavily doped layer ( herein it become regions 108 ). and the p - base regions 105 are abutting each other so that if a voltage exerted on the source contact , the three regions are at the same voltage level . please refer to fig2 h , the photoresist pattern 165 is removed . then a dielectric layer 180 having a thickness of about 0 . 3 – 1 . 0 μm is formed over all surfaces . afterward , a conventional deposition , lithography and etch steps and photoresist pattern stripping are successively followed to form an insulating layer capping the trench polygates and a portion of n + heavily doped region 180 and form a polygates contact where the polygates contact is near the termination region by patterning the dielectric layer 180 . the dielectric layer 180 may be a teos layer or other oxide layer . thereafter a thermal process is carried out at a temperature of about 1400 – 1600 ° c . for a half hour to 2 hours to activate the conductive impurities . a metal layer is then deposited on the front surface of epi - layer 100 b by sputtering . a patterning process by using a lithography and an etch process are then done to form a source contact metal layer 200 on the p + heavily doped regions 170 , n + heavily doped regions 108 and the insulating layer 180 and form a polygates gate contact metal layer 210 to contact polygates contact . still referring to fig2 h , before forming a drain metal layer , the layers formed over a rear surface of the silicon carbide 100 a are removed firstly . for example the removal may be done by using cmp ( chemical / mechanical polishing ) until the surface of the silicon carbide substrate 100 b is exposed or even more thinning the silicon carbide substrate . finally , a second metal layer 220 on the rear surface is deposited . the second metal layer is functioned as a drain electrode 220 . the schematic topographic diagram of the devices according the present invention is shown in fig2 i . the aforementioned device according to the present invention is an accumulation channel type mosfet . the accumulation channel is abutting the sidewall of the trench polygate . generally , the device with accumulation channel belongs to a normally - on type . that is a current flow will be found if there is a positive voltage drop in between the drain electrode and the source electrode even the gate voltage is zero . the device desired as depicted before aims at a normally - off device . since silicon carbide has a larger energy band gap than silicon , the depleted region of device made of the silicon carbide is thus much larger than that of silicon . and thus easier to make the accumulation channel completely depleted while the gate voltage is grounded electrically . according to a preferred embodiment , a ratio of concentration in the p - base region 105 over the n - drift epi - layer 100 b is controlled at a range between about 10 15 : 10 12 to 10 18 : 10 15 and the accumulation channel is about 0 . 1 – 0 . 8 μm . the electrons flow in accumulation channel will attract more and more electron if the gate voltage is positive and has a positive voltage difference between drain electrode and source electrode . since electrons are majority while they move in the accumulation channel , as a result , the electron mobility decrease is thus alleviated due to less collision . in the situation of high electron mobility , low ron , sp is thus anticipated . fig3 to fig5 show electrical performance simulation results of the device according to the present invention . the simulation proceeding is in accordance with the following conditions : the trench width and depth , are both 2 μm , the ratio of impurity concentration in p - base over in n - drift layer is 10 18 cm − 3 : 10 15 cm − 3 . the accumulation channel width is 0 . 3 – 0 . 5 μm and the source voltage vss = 0v . fig3 shows relation curve of drain current versus drain voltage ( id - vd ). the result shows ron , sp = 11 mω - cm 2 as vg = vd = 10v . fig4 shows simulation results of blocking performance of the device . the curves 410 , 420 , and 430 are respectively , of electron impact ionization integral versus vd , hole impact ionization integral versus vd , and leakage current during reverse bias . the vg ( gate voltage )= vss = 0 . the figure shows electron impact ionization drastically increase as vd = 2 , 100v and reaches an ultimate value ionization integral = 1 while vd = 2 , 200v . it represents the breakdown voltage of the device is 2 , 200v . on the contrary , the hole impact ionization drastically increase at vd = 1 , 800v . however , the curve 430 almost attaches to the horizontal axis . it indicates almost free of leakage current until reaching breakdown voltage , vd = 2 , 200 v . fig5 shows a comparison for breakdown voltage and ron , sp of the device the invention proposed with devices proposed by researching laboratories of other countries . although the breakdown voltage of the device , the invention proposed is lower than that of kepc proposed ( 2200v vs . 6000v ), however , among all of the devices , the invention provides lowest ron , sp . it implies that the heat generated of the device is lowest and thus it provide most stable electron mobility while comparing with the others . in views of the characteristic of silicon carbide , and for ron , sp = 10 − 2 ω - cm 2 is concerned , the device of the present invention proposed is the one whose voltage is the most approaching the theories . in fact , 2 , 200 v breakdown voltage is enough to satisfy most of applications . the device provides high breakdown voltage and lower ron , sp and thus electron mobility performance can keep above a mean level . the leakage current problem is not occurred although it is an accumulation channel type . and the device is a normally - off device too . as is understood by a person skilled in the art , the foregoing preferred embodiment of the present o invention is an illustration of the present invention rather than limiting thereon . it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims , the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structure .	7
in an embodiment as example of the present invention , the system comprises a programmable computational system , provided with a display screen , which also comprises a memory device with a database containing the information units to be sought , the programmable system being configured to perform the functions of the system according to the present invention . said system may comprise a personal computer or a set of computer devices connected to each other by a network . in another embodiment , the system may use an electronic device with dedicated circuitry , provided with a screen , buttons and , for example , a keyboard and / or microphone interface with the user . the system according to the present invention comprises an interface combined with a search engine and a data structure giving it advantages over what was known previously . as stated earlier , in known systems in which the search engine is assisted by a keyword dictionary , the dictionary structure has a strict hierarchy . fig1 illustrates a strict hierarchy between words in a medical and anatomical dictionary . the strict hierarchy implies that each term or keyword can only have one “ parent ” term , and so the branches of the tree describing the hierarchy are necessarily of the single - subject type . fig2 illustrates the same terms but structured by a star hierarchy . as can be seen , each term or keyword may have more than one term from the higher level of the hierarchy . this implies two characteristics that differentiate it from a strict hierarchy : that a keyword may have two terms from separate hierarchies as “ parents ” ( as occurs , for example , with the word “ eye ” in fig2 ) that a keyword may have relations with different branches of a hierarchy ( as occurs with the keyword “ myocardial infarction ” in fig2 ) as is explained later , this , in combination with an interface , for example like the one in fig3 , allows access to keywords without the need to pass through all levels of a hierarchy , or allows a keyword to be reached from different starting points , which is reflected in much greater speed and precision in the information search , and / or makes it possible to dispense with the memory capacity of the search user . fig3 shows a screen interface for a system according to the present invention . a text input zone 1 can be seen in said interface , in this case a text box , a button 2 that can be operated to launch a search for information units ( for example , medical or scientific articles ) and two list display zones ( list boxes ) 3 and 4 . the user inputs a character string , such as “ illness ” for example , in the text box 1 . the system automatically shows the term input and / or terms adjacent thereto in the first list box 3 according to a proximity criterion ( for example , by means of an alphabetic criterion or a distance - related criterion weighted by a numerical value ). in particular , the first list box 3 may be a dynamic list , in other words , it has a pointer that changes position as characters are input in the text box 1 . if the string input does not coincide with a keyword , the ambiguity can be resolved at the time using very well known techniques by which the closest or most probable term is shown in the first list box 3 . when the user selects a term from the first list box 3 ( for example by clicking or moving a pointer ), the system shows the keywords from the dictionary immediately below that of the selected keyword in the hierarchy , in the second list box 4 . for example , according to the hierarchical structure in fig2 , if the keyword “ human body ” is selected , the keywords “ heart ”, “ head ” and “ eye ” will appear in the second list box 4 . similarly , if a keyword is selected from either of the list boxes 3 , 4 , the system fills in the text box 1 with the selected keyword . if a keyword from the second list box 4 is selected , the system shown in the example automatically fills in the text box 1 with the selected keyword , places the cursor of the first list box 3 at the keyword selected by the user and refreshes the second list box 4 with the “ child ” keywords , in other words , keywords from lower in the hierarchy than that selected by the user . this possibility , combined with a star hierarchy dictionary structure , gives the system notably improved functionality over that of currently known systems , and provides notably faster access to information . the system in the example searches for information units from the database only when the user operates the button 2 . to improve search precision , the system may have a checker that always checks that the text string input in the text box 1 coincides with a keyword in the dictionary . the system in the example may also have an advanced search function using operators , such as “+”, “−” in the text box 1 , according to known search and text sequence processing techniques . nevertheless , if the input sequence is a concatenation of words , the system preferably checks the existence in the keyword dictionary of words input individually as well as all of the word sub - strings input , and the search engine searches for information units ( documents ) related to the keywords input in the text box . similarly , presentation of the results may be influenced by a “ distance ” between the keyword and the information unit , for example , according to known techniques . to do this , each information unit must be related to at least one keyword by means of a variable numerical distance value . in an extremely simple version , the dictionary may be a file of records with three fields : a “ code ” field , for example , numeric , a textual “ text ” field and a “ synonym ” field of the same data type as the first item of data and which contains , for each record , the identifiers of other records that are considered synonymous with a keyword . an example is given below : the code field allows multilingual systems to be implemented easily by the system . in addition , the data structure hierarchy can be implemented by means of a table file , such as the one below , reflecting the hierarchy shown in fig2 : using this structure , the system searches the dictionary for the code of the keyword selected in the first list box 3 , searches for the relations defined for that code in the hierarchy table and fills in the second list box with the “ child ” keywords found , easily and quickly and without the need to consume computer resources in searches between information units . in another preferred embodiment , the operation of which has been shown diagrammatically in fig4 , provision has been made for words dictated using a voice capture device , such as a microphone 5 , to be input in the text box 1 . in this case , it is particularly preferable for the system to have a syntactical and semantic analysis module 6 ( for example , a commercially available module ) and an abstraction module 7 based on the star dictionary . the function of the abstraction module 7 consists of transforming the output of the syntactical and semantic module into a text string 61 in the text box 1 , which produces a useful search . in practical terms , the abstraction module 7 , in a basic embodiment , may be a device for comparing terms produced by the syntactical and semantic analysis module 6 with the terms contained in the star dictionary . in more complex embodiments , the abstraction module 7 may add search commands in the text box 1 depending on the result produced by the syntactical and semantic analysis module 6 . in an even more elaborate embodiment , the system may store in memory other search determinants , which may be associated with the text box 1 but may not be visible on the screen , but are nonetheless processed when the user gives the system a search order , for example by pressing the button 2 . thus , if a user gives verbal instructions , the syntactical / semantic / abstractive analysis 6 should be as sophisticated as possible , such that what is displayed in the text box 1 is not necessarily what the user actually said but rather the result of processing by the system search engine on the star dictionary ( which provides a certain level of abstraction ) and based on the analysis produced by the syntactical and semantic analysis module 6 . for example , a user may say “ search for articles about strengthening the immune system using vitamin c ”, but the final text box 1 “ vitamin c and the immune system ” ( since vitamin c and the immune system are terms included in the dictionary ). this helps the user obtain documents that match his interests , before starting the document search and wasting computer resources . when the user reads the text string “ vitamin c and the immune system ” offered by the system , he must confirm it , for example by pressing the button 2 or giving the “ search ” order verbally , so that the system begins to search for the documents , as described above , or he must give an alternative command .	6
the instant invention provides techniques for evaluating human immunodeficiency ( hiv ) drug effectiveness . assays for wild type or mutant hiv integrase are provided , using a set of primers designed for the amplification and analysis of hiv genetic material . the assessment of patient borne viral integrase leads to a better prediction of the drugs suitable for treatment of the strains present in the infected individual . the protocols and products may be used for diverse diagnostic , clinical , toxicological , research and forensic purposes including , drug discovery , designing patient therapy , drug efficacy testing and patient management . the assays described herein may be used in combination with other assays . the results may be implemented in computer models and databases . the products described herein may be incorporated into kits . the instant invention relates to a method for determining the susceptibility of at least one hiv virus to at least one treatment , comprising : i ) obtaining at least one sample of hiv rna , wherein the sample comprises at least one in gene or a portion thereof ; ii ) reverse - transcribing and amplifying the hiv rna with primers specific for in region of the hiv genome to obtain at least one dna construct comprising the at least one in gene or a portion thereof ; iii ) preparing at least one recombinant virus by homologous recombination or ligation between the amplified at least one dna construct and a plasmid comprising the wild - type hiv sequence with a deletion in the in region of the hiv genome , and iv ) determining the phenotypic susceptibility of at least one hiv virus to at least one treatment by monitoring the at least one recombinant virus in the presence of the at least one treatment . in particular , the present invention relates to a method for determining the susceptibility of at least one hiv virus to at least one drug , comprising : i ) obtaining at least one sample comprising hiv rna , wherein the sample comprises at least one in gene or a portion thereof ; ii ) reverse transcribing and amplifying the hiv rna with primers specific for in region of the hiv genome to obtain at least one amplicon comprising the at least one in gene or a portion thereof ; iii ) using nucleic acid amplification to generate a plasmid comprising the wild - type hiv sequence with a deletion in the in region of the hiv genome ; iv ) preparing at least one recombinant virus by homologous recombination or ligation between the amplified at least one amplicon and a plasmid comprising the wild - type hiv sequence with a deletion in the in region , and v ) monitoring the at least one recombinant virus in the presence of the at least one treatment to determine the phenotypic susceptibility of at least one hiv virus to said at least one drug . reverse transcription and amplification may be performed with a single set of primers . alternatively , more than one set of primers may be used in a hemi - nested approach to reverse transcribe and amplify the genetic material . particularly , more than one set of primer is used in a nested approach . following the generation of the recombinant construct , the chimeric virus may be grown and the viral titer determined ( expressed as multiplicity of infection , moi ) before proceeding to the determination of the phenotypic susceptibility . the indicator gene , encoding a signal indicative of replication of the virus in the presence of a drug or indicative of the susceptibility of the virus in the presence of a drug may be present in the culturing cells such as mt - 4 cells . in addition , said indicator gene may be incorporated in the chimeric construct introduced into the culturing cells or may be introduced separately . suitable indicator genes encode fluorescent proteins , particularly green fluorescent protein or mutants thereof . in order to allow homologous recombination , genetic material may be introduced into the cells using a variety of techniques known in the art including , calcium phosphate precipitation , liposomes , viral infection , and electroporation . the monitoring may be performed in high throughput . a human immunodeficiency virus ( hiv ), as used herein refers to any hiv including laboratory hiv strains , wild type hiv strains , mutant hiv strains and any biological sample comprising at least one hiv virus , such as , for example , an hiv clinical isolate . hiv strains compatible with the present invention are any such strains that are capable of infecting mammals , particularly humans . examples are hiv - 1 and hiv - 2 . for reduction to practice of the present invention , an hiv virus refers to any sample comprising at least one hiv virus . as for instance a patient may have hiv viruses in his body with different mutations in the integrase ( in ) gene . it is to be understood that a sample may contain a variety of different hiv viruses containing different mutational profiles in the in gene . a sample may be obtained for example from an individual , from cell cultures , or generated using recombinant technology , or cloning . hiv strains compatible with the present invention are any such strains that are capable of infecting mammals , particularly humans . viral strains used for obtaining a plasmid are preferably hiv wild - type sequences , such as lai or hxb2d . lai , also known as iiib , is a wild type hiv strain . one particular clone thereof , this means one sequence , is hxb2d . this sequence may be incorporated into a plasmid . instead of viral rna , hiv dna , e . g . proviral dna , may be used for the methods described herein . in case rna is used , reverse transcription into dna by a suitable reverse transcriptase is needed . the protocols describing the analysis of rna are also amenable for dna analysis . however , if a protocol starts from dna , the person skilled in the art will know that no reverse transcription is needed . the primers designed to amplify the rna strand , also anneal to , and amplify dna . reverse transcription and amplification may be performed with a single set of primers . suitably a hemi - nested and more suitably a nested approach may be used to reverse transcribe and amplify the genetic material . thus , the phenotyping method of the present invention may also comprise : i ) obtaining at least one sample comprising hiv dna , wherein the sample comprises at least one in gene or a portion thereof ; ii ) amplifying the hiv dna with primers specific for in region of the hiv genome to obtain at least one amplicon comprising the at least one in gene or a portion thereof ; iii ) generating a plasmid comprising the wild - type hiv sequence with a deletion in the in region of the hiv genome characterized in that said deletion is generated using nucleic acid amplification ; iv ) preparing at least one recombinant virus by homologous recombination or ligation between the amplified at least one amplicon and a plasmid comprising the wild - type hiv sequence with a deletion in the in region , and v ) monitoring the at least one recombinant virus in the presence of the at least one drug to determine the phenotypic susceptibility of at least one hiv virus to at least one drug . nucleic acid may be amplified by techniques such as polymerase chain reaction ( pcr ), nucleic acid sequence based amplification ( nasba ), self - sustained sequence replication ( 3sr ), transcription based amplification ( tas ), ligation chain reaction ( lcr ). often pcr is used . any type of patient sample may be used to obtain the integrase gene , such as , for example , serum and tissue . viral rna may be isolated using known methods such as described in boom , r . et al . ( j . clin . microbiol . 28 ( 3 ): 495 - 503 ( 1990 )). alternatively , a number of commercial methods such as the qiaamp ® viral rna kit ( qiagen , inc .) may be used to obtain viral rna from bodily fluids such as plasma , serum , or cell - free fluids . dna may be obtained by procedures known in the art ( e . g . maniatis , 1989 ) and commercial procedures ( e . g . qiagen ). the complete integrase ( in ) or a portion of the in gene may be used . the complete in gene comprises 864 nucleotides ( nt ), coding for a 288 amino acid long integrase . a portion of the in gene is defined as a fragment of in gene recovered from patient borne virus , lab viruses including iiib and nl4 - 3 , or mutant viruses . this fragment does not encompass the complete 864 nt . said fragment may be obtained directly from its source , including a patient sample , or may be obtained using molecular biology tools following the recovery of the complete in sequence . amplicon refers to the amplified , and where necessary , reverse transcribed integrase gene or portion thereof . it should be understood that this in may be of diverse origin including plasmids and patient material . suitably , the amplicon is obtained from patient material . for the purpose of the present invention the amplicon is sometimes referred to as “ dna construct ”. a viral sequence may contain one or multiple mutations versus the consensus reference sequence given by k03455 . said sequence , k03455 , is present in genbank and available through the internet . a single mutation or a combination of in mutations may correlate to a change in drug efficacy . this correlation may be indicative of an altered i . e . decreased or increased susceptibility of the virus for a drug . said mutations may also influence the viral fitness . “ chimeric ” means a construct comprising nucleic acid material from different origin such as for example a combination of wild type hiv with a laboratory hiv virus , a combination of wild type hiv sequence and patient derived hiv sequence . a “ drug ” means any agent such as a chemotherapeutic , peptide , antibody , antisense , ribozyme and any combination thereof . examples of drugs include protease inhibitors including ritonavir , amprenavir , nelfinavir ; reverse transcriptase inhibitors such as nevirapine , delavirdine , azt , zidovudine , didanosine ; integrase inhibitors ; agents interfering with envelope ( such as for example t - 20 , t - 1249 ). treatment or treatment regimen refers to the therapeutic management of an individual by the administration of drugs . different drug dosages , administration schemes , administration routes and combinations may be used to treat an individual . an alteration in viral drug sensitivity is defined as a change in susceptibility of a viral strain to said drug . susceptibilities are generally expressed as ratios of ec 50 or ec 90 values ( the ec 50 or ec 90 value being the drug concentration at which 50 % or 90 % respectively of the viral population is inhibited from replicating ) of a viral strain under investigation compared to the wild type strain . hence , the susceptibility of a viral strain towards a certain drug can be expressed as a fold change in susceptibility , wherein the fold change is derived from the ratio of for instance the ec 50 values of a mutant viral strain compared to the wild type ec 50 values . in particular , the susceptibility of a viral strain or population may also be expressed as resistance of a viral strain , wherein the result is indicated as a fold increase in ec 50 as compared to wild type ec 50 . the ic 50 is the drug concentration at which 50 % of the enzyme activity is inhibited . the susceptibility of at least one hiv virus to a drug may be tested by determining the cytopathogenicity of the recombinant virus to cells . in the context of this invention , the cytopathogenic effect means the viability of the cells in culture in the presence of chimeric viruses . the cells may be chosen from t cells , monocytes , macrophages , dendritic cells , langerhans cells , hematopoetic stem cells or precursor cells , mt4 cells and pm - 1 cells . suitable host cells for homologous recombination of hiv sequences include mt4 and pm - 1 . mt4 is a cd4 + t - cell line containing the cxcr4 co - receptor . the pm - 1 cell line expresses both the cxcr4 and ccr5 co - receptors . all of the cells mentioned above are capable of producing new infectious virus particles upon recombination of the in deletion vectors with in sequences such as those derived from patient samples . thus , they can also be used for testing the cytopathogenic effects of recombinant viruses . the cytopathogenicity may , for example , be monitored by the presence of any reporter molecule including reporter genes . a reporter gene is defined as a gene whose product has reporting capabilities . suitable reporter molecules include tetrazolium salts , green fluorescent proteins , beta - galactosidase , chloramfenicol transferase , alkaline phophatase , and luciferase . several methods of cytopathogenic testing including phenotypic testing are described in the literature comprising the recombinant virus assay ( kellam and larder , antimicrob . agents chemotherap . 1994 , 38 , 23 - 30 , hertogs et al . antimicrob . agents chemotherap . 1998 , 42 , 269 - 276 ; pauwels et al . j . virol methods 1988 , 20 , 309 - 321 ) the susceptibility of at least one hiv virus to at least one drug may be determined by the replicative capacity of the recombinant virus in the presence of at least one drug , relative to the replicative capacity of an hiv virus with a wild - type in gene sequence . replicative capacity means the ability of the virus or chimeric construct to grow under culturing conditions . this is sometimes referred to as viral fitness . the culturing conditions may contain triggers that influence the growth of the virus , examples of which are drugs . the methods for determining the susceptibility may be useful for designing a treatment regimen for an hiv - infected patient . for example , a method may comprise determining the replicative capacity of a clinical isolate of a patient and using said replicative capacity to determine an appropriate drug regime for the patient . one approach is the antivirogram ® assay . the in phenotyping assays of the present invention can be performed at high throughput using , for example , a microtiter plate containing a variety of anti - hiv drugs . the present assays may be used to analyse the influence of changes at the hiv in gene to any type of drug useful to treat hiv . examples of anti - hiv drugs that can be tested in this assay include , nucleoside and non - nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors , nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors , protease inhibitors , membrane fusion inhibitors , and integrase inhibitors , but those of skill in the art will appreciate that other types of antiviral compounds may also be tested . the results may be is monitored by several approaches including but not limited to morphology screening , microscopy , and optical methods , such as , for example , absorbance and fluorescence . an ic 50 value for each drug may be obtained in these assays and used to determine viral replicative capacity in the presence of the drug . apart from ic 50 also e . g . ic 90 or ec 50 ( effective concentrations ) can be used . the replicative capacity of the viruses may be compared to that of a wild - type hiv virus to determine a relative replicative capacity value . data from phenotypic assays may further be used to predict the behaviour of a particular hiv isolate to a given drug based on its genotype . the assays of the present invention may be used for therapeutic drug monitoring . said approach includes a combination of susceptibility testing , determination of drug level and assessment of a threshold . said threshold may be derived from population based pharmacokinetic modelling ( wo 02 / 23186 ). the threshold is a drug concentration needed to obtain a beneficial therapeutic effect in vivo . the in vivo drug level may be determined using techniques such as high performance liquid chromatography , liquid chromatography , mass spectroscopy or combinations thereof . the susceptibility of the virus may be derived from phenotyping or interpretation of genotyping results i . e . virtual phenotyping ( wo 01 / 79540 ). the assays of the present invention may be useful to discriminate an effective drug from an ineffective drug by establishing cut - offs i . e . biological cut - offs ( see e . g . wo 02 / 33402 ). a biological cut - off is drug specific . these cut - offs are determined following phenotyping a large population of individuals containing wild type viruses . the cut - off is derived from the distribution of the fold increase in resistance of the virus for a particular drug . the instant invention also relates to a kit for phenotyping hiv integrase . such kit , useful for determining the susceptibility of at least one hiv virus to at least one drug , may comprise : i ) at least one of the primers selected from seq id n o 1 - 16 , and ii ) a plasmid as described in the present invention . for the purpose of performing the phenotyping assay , such kit may be further completed with at least one inhibitor . optionally , a reference plasmid bearing a wild type hiv sequence may be added . optionally , cells susceptible of hiv transfection may be added to the kit . in addition , at least one reagent for monitoring the indicator genes , or reporter molecules such as enzyme substrates , may be added . the present invention also describes a method for determining the susceptibility of at least one hiv virus to at least one drug , comprising : i ) obtaining at least one sample comprising hiv rna , wherein the sample comprises at least one in gene or a portion thereof ; ii ) reverse - transcribing and amplifying said hiv rna with primers specific for the in region of the hiv genome to obtain an amplicon comprising the in gene or a portion thereof ; iii ) determining the nucleotide sequence of the amplicon or a portion thereof , and iv ) comparing the nucleotide sequence of the amplicon to the sequence of known sequences to determine the susceptibility of at least one hiv virus to at least one drug . this assay protocol is commonly referred to as genotyping . the genotype of the patient - derived in coding region may be determined directly from the amplified dna , i . e . the dna construct , by performing dna sequencing during the amplification step . alternatively , the sequence may be obtained after sub - cloning into a suitable vector . a variety of commercial sequencing enzymes and equipment may be used in this process . the efficiency may be increased by determining the sequence of the in coding region in several parallel reactions , each with a different set of primers . such a process could be performed at high throughput on a multiple - well plate , for example . commercially available detection and analysis systems may be used to determine and store the sequence information for later analysis . the nucleotide sequence may be obtained using several approaches including sequencing nucleic acids . this sequencing may be performed using techniques including gel based approaches , mass spectroscopy and hybridisation . however , as more resistance related mutations are identified , the sequence at particular nucleic acids , codons or short sequences may be obtained . if a particular resistance associated mutation is known , the nucleotide sequence may be determined using hybridisation assays ( including biochips , lipa - assay ), mass spectroscopy , allele specific pcr , or using probes or primers discriminating between mutant and wild - type sequence . for these purposes the probes or primers may be suitably labelled for detection ( e . g . molecular beacons , taqman ®, sunrise primers ). suitably , fluorescent or quenched fluorescent primers are used . the primer is present in a concentration ranging from 0 . 01 pmol to 100 pmol , suitably between 0 . 10 and 10 pmol . the cycling conditions include a denaturation step during 0 . 5 to 10 minutes , suitably , 1 to 5 minutes at a temperature ranging from 85 to 99 ° c . interestingly , the temperature is between 90 and 98 ° c . subsequently , the material is cycled during 14 to 45 cycles , suitably between 20 to 40 cycles , more suitably during 25 to 35 cycles . nucleic acid is denatured at 90 to 98 ° c . during 5 seconds to 2 minutes . suitably , denaturation periods range from 15 seconds to 1 minute . annealing is performed at 40 to 60 ° c ., specifically , between 45 ° c . and 57 ° c . the annealing period is 5 seconds to 1 minute , especially between 10 seconds and 35 seconds . elongation is performed at 60 ° c . to 75 ° c . during 10 seconds to 10 minutes . preferably , the elongation period is 15 seconds to 5 minutes . a selected set of sequencing primers includes seq id 17 - 22 . this particular selection has the advantage that it enables the sequencing of the complete hiv integrase gene . consequently , using this set of primers all possible mutations that may occur in the hiv integrase gene may be resolved . the patient in genotype provides an additional means to determine drug susceptibility of a virus strain . phenotyping is a lengthy process often requiring 2 or more weeks to accomplish . therefore , systems have been developed which enable the prediction of the phenotype based on the genotypic results . the results of genotyping may be interpreted in conjunction with phenotyping and eventually be subjected to database interrogation . a suitable system is virtual phenotyping ( wo 01 / 79540 ). in the virtual phenotyping process the complete in genes may be used . alternatively , portions of the genes may be used . also combinations of mutations , preferentially mutations indicative of a change in drug susceptibility , may be used . a combination of mutations is sometimes referred to as a hot - spot ( see e . g . wo 01 / 79540 ). briefly , in the process of virtual phenotyping , the genotype of a patient derived in sequence may be correlated to the phenotypic response of said patient derived in sequence . if no phenotyping is performed , the sequence may be screened towards a collection of sequences present in a database . identical sequences are retrieved and the database is further interrogated to identify if a corresponding phenotype is known for any of the retrieved sequences . in this latter case a virtual phenotype may be determined . a report may be prepared including the ec 50 of the viral strain for one or more therapies , the sequence of the strain under investigation , biological cut - offs . the present invention also relates to a kit for genotyping hiv integrase . such kit useful for determining the susceptibility of at least one hiv virus to at least one drug may comprise at least one primer selected from seq id n o 1 - 12 and 17 - 22 . optionally , additional reagents for performing the nucleic amplification and subsequent sequence analysis may be added . reagents for cycle sequencing may be included . the primers may be fluorescently labelled . the instant invention provides a method of identifying a drug effective against hiv integrase comprising : i ) obtaining at least one hiv integrase sequence , ii ) determining the phenotypic response of the integrase towards said drug , iii ) using said phenotypic response to determine the effectiveness of said drug . the phenotypic response is determined according to the methods of the instant invention . the methods described in the instant invention may be used in a method of identifying a drug effective against hiv integrase comprising : i ) obtaining at least one hiv integrase sequence , determining the sequence of said hiv integrase , ii ) comparing said sequence with sequences present in a database of which the susceptibility has been determined of the hiv integrase , iii ) using said sequence comparison to determine the effectiveness of said drug . the susceptibility and the sequence of the hiv integrase gene are determined according to the methods disclosed in the instant invention . the genotyping and phenotyping methods as described herein can be used to create a genotypic and phenotypic database of in sequences , comprising : i ) obtaining samples comprising hiv rna comprising the in gene or a portion thereof ; ii ) reverse - transcribing and amplifying said hiv rna with primers specific for the in region of the hiv genome to obtain an amplicon comprising the in gene or a portion thereof ; iii ) determining the nucleotide sequence of the amplicon or portions thereof ; iv ) generating a plasmid comprising the wild - type hiv sequence with a deletion in the in region of the hiv genome characterized in that said deletion is generated using nucleic acid amplification ; v ) preparing recombinant virus by homologous recombination or ligation between the amplicon and a plasmid comprising the wild - type hiv sequence with a deletion in the in region of the hiv genome , characterised in that said deletion is introduced using pcr ; vi ) determining the relative replicative capacity of the recombinant virus in the presence of anti - hiv drugs compared to an hiv virus with a wild - type in gene sequence ; vii ) correlating the nucleotide sequence and relative replicative capacity in a data table . according to the methods described herein a database may be constructed comprising genotypic and phenotypic data of the hiv integrase , wherein the database further provides a correlation between genotypes and between genotypes and phenotypes , wherein the correlation is indicative of efficacy of a given drug regimen . a database of in sequences may be created and used as described in wo 01 / 79540 . for example , such a database may be analysed in combination with pol and pro sequence information and the results used in the determination of appropriate treatment strategies . said database containing a collection of genotypes , phenotypes and samples for which the combined genotype / phenotype are available may be used to determine the virtual phenotype ( see supra ). in addition , instead of interrogating the complete in sequences , particular codons correlating to a change in drug susceptibility of the virus may be interrogated in such database . a primer may be chosen from seq id n o 1 - 23 . a particular set of primers is seq id 1 - 10 , 13 , 15 , and 23 . primers specific for the in region of the hiv genome such as the primers described herein and their homologs are claimed . the primer sequences listed herein may be labelled . suitably , this label may be detected using fluorescence , luminescence or absorbance . the primer for creating a deletion construct may contain a portion that does not anneal to the hiv sequence . that portion may be used to introduce a unique restriction site . interestingly , primers may be designed in which the unique restriction site is partially present in the hiv sequence . the primers are chosen from those listed herein or have at least 80 % homology as determined by methods known by the person skilled in the art such blast or fasta . specifically , the homology is at least 90 %, more specifically , at least 95 %. in addition , primers located in a region of 50 nucleotides ( nt ) upstream or downstream from the sequences given herein constitute part of the invention . especially , said region is 20 nucleotides up or downstream from the position in the hiv genome of the primer sequences given herein . alternatively , primers comprising at least 8 consecutive bases present in either of the primers described here constitute one embodiment of the invention . interestingly , the primers comprise at least 12 consecutive bases present in either of the primers described herein . the present invention comprises the plasmids described in the experimental part and the use of the plasmids in the methods described herein . the hiv sequence incorporated in the plasmid may be based on the k03455 sequence . the complete hiv sequence may be incorporated or only part thereof . a suitable plasmid backbone may be selected from the group including puc , psv or pgem . a plasmid comprising a deleted integrase , wherein the deletion comprises at least 100 bp of the hiv integrase gene is provided herein . suitably , more that 500 bp of the integrase gene are deleted , more suitably the complete in gene is deleted . the deletion may also comprise parts of flanking genes , or eventually more than one gene , e . g . deletion of integrase and protease . to prepare vectors containing recombinant in coding sequences , the patient derived in rna can be reverse transcribed and amplified by the polymerase chain reaction ( pcr ), then inserted into a vector containing the wild type hiv genome sequence but lacking a complete in coding region . initially 36 different primer combinations were used to obtain amplified dna sequences from 16 patient samples . the 5 ′ to 3 ′ sequences and the primers identified by seq id &# 39 ; s no 1 - 10 of primers that can be successfully used to reverse transcribe and pcr amplify in coding regions are listed below in table 1 . a number of reverse transcription and pcr protocols known in the art may be used in the context of the present invention . a nested pcr approach to amplify the patient derived cdna after reverse transcription may be used as described in kellam , p . and larder , b . a . , ( antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy 38 : 23 - 30 ( 1994 )), which is incorporated herein by reference . the nested approach of the instant invention utilizes two sets of primers , the outer primers are 5 ′ egint1 ( seq id no 1 ) and 3 ′ egint 10 ( seq id no 11 ), while the inner primers are 5 ′ egint107 ( seq id no 2 ) and 3 ′ egint11 ( seq id no 12 ). an additional inner 5 ′ primer , 5 ′ egint2 ( seq id no 3 ), may also be used as a “ rescue primer ” to improve the yield of amplified dna . amplification using these primers yields a pcr product encompassing the complete in coding sequence . alternatively , 5 ′ egint3 ( seq id no 4 ) and 3 ′ egint10 ( seq id no 11 ) are used as outer pcr primers , while 5 ′ egint4 ( seq id no 5 ) or 5 ′ egint5 ( seq id no 6 ) and 3 ′ egint6 ( seq id no 7 ) are used as inner primers , yielding a pcr product encompassing a portion of the in coding sequence . to prepare recombinant vectors comprising the amplified patient - derived in sequences , these sequences can be inserted into vectors comprising the wild - type hiv sequence and a deletion of all or part of the in coding region . the wild type hiv sequence can be obtained from a plasmid such as psv40hxb2d that is capable of transfecting lymphocyte cells to produce viable virus particles . a deletion of the entire in coding region on the psv40hxb2d vector may effectively be created by pcr amplifying the plasmid using primers annealing to sequences at or near the ends of the in coding region in the vector . the amplified product can be cleaved with a restriction enzyme introduced into the primers , then re - ligated to create a psv40hxb2d - based in deletion vector with a unique restriction site at the location of the deletion . the in deletion vector can have a deletion of the complete in coding sequence , optionally with part of the preceding rnase and / or subsequent vif coding sequences also deleted . alternatively , a partial deletion of the in coding sequence is created . this restriction site is unique for the complete plasmid including the hiv gene . an example of such restriction site is the smai restriction site . interestingly , the primers for creating a deletion construct are selected from seq id n o 13 - 16 . those of skill in the art will appreciate that several types of hiv vectors and cloning procedures known in the art may be used to create in deletion plasmids for recombination or ligation with patient derived sequences and creation of infectious viruses . generally , such vectors must be created to allow re - insertion of the deleted sequences without disrupting the reading frame of the gag - pol gene . the amplified in sequences may be inserted into the appropriate vector by homologous recombination between overlapping dna segments in the vector and amplified sequence . alternatively , the amplified in sequence can be incorporated into the vector at a unique restriction site according to cloning procedures standard in the art . this latter is a direct cloning strategy . the integrase encoding sequence was amplified from either wildtype hiv - 1 ( iiib ) or nl4 . 3 virus , or hxb2d site - directed mutant viruses containing mutations in integrase ( such as t66i , s153y , m154i , or combinations thereof ) ( hazuda et al ., science 2000 , 287 , 646 - 650 ), or patient samples . starting from rna , extracted from virus supernatant or plasma using the qiaamp ® viral rna extraction kit ( qiagen ), cdna was synthesized by reverse transcription ( expand ™ reverse transcriptase , 30 min at 42 ° c .) with the primer 3 ′ egint 10 ( seq id no 11 ), followed by a nested pcr . the outer pcr was performed with the primers 5 ′ egint1 ( seq id no 1 ) and 3 ′ egint10 ( seq id no 11 ) ( r - in - vif construct ) or 5 ′ egint3 ( seq id no 4 ) and 3 ′ egint10 ( seq id no 11 ) ( in construct ) ( expand ™ high fidelity pcr system ), and 5 μl of the outer product was used for an inner pcr with primers 5 ′ egint2 ( seq id no 3 ) and 3 ′ egint11 ( seq id no 12 ) ( r - in - vif construct ) or 5 ′ egint4 ( seq id no 5 ) and 3 ′ egint6 ( seq id no 7 ) ( in construct ). in a second protocol the outer primers were identical as described above , the inner primers are 5 ′ egint5 ( seq id no 6 ) and 3 ′ egint6 ( seq id no 7 ). the amplicons can be used for genotyping and phenotyping . cycling conditions for both pcrs are denaturation for 3 min at 95 ° c ., followed by 30 cycles of 1 min 90 ° c ., 30 sec 55 ° c ., and 2 min 72 ° c . a final extension was performed at 72 ° c . for 10 min . for recombination , pcr products are purified using the qiaquick ® 96 pcr biorobot kit ( qiagen ), according to the manufacturer &# 39 ; s protocol . if the protocol starts from dna containing the hiv material such as proviral dna , the reverse transcriptase step is not needed . the nested approach is also not needed when starting from proviral dna . the obtained amplicons were sequenced using the primers : in_seq1f ( seq id no 17 ), in_seq2f ( seq id no 18 ), in_seq3f ( seq id no 19 ), in_seq1r ( seq id no 20 ), in_seq2r ( seq id no 21 ), and in_seq3r ( seq id no 22 ). the sequence of the iiib and patient amplicon , and the nl4 . 3 amplicon were identical to the reference iiib and nl4 . 3 sequences respectively ( data not shown ). a r - in - vif or in deletion construct was generated by site - directed mutagenesis on the template psv40hxb2d with the primers mut - in1 ( seq id no 13 ) and mut - in2 ( r - in - vif construct ) ( seq id no 14 ) or mut - in3 ( seq id no 15 ) and mut - in4 ( seq id no 16 ) ( in construct ) ( protocol site - directed mutagenesis kit , stratagene ). after dpni digestion for removal of the methylated template dna , the construct was digested with smai and ligated to circulize the plasmid . the plasmid was transformed into competent cells such as top10 cells , and colonies were screened for the presence of the deletion construct . the in - deletion construct was checked by sequence analysis with primers 5 ′ egint1 ( seq id no 1 ) or 5 ′ egint10 ( seq id no 11 ) and 3 ′ egint10 ( seq id no 11 ) or 3 ′ egint11 ( seq id no 12 ). for use in recombination experiments , large - scale plasmid dna preparations were linearized by smai digestion and recombined with pcr amplified integrase genes from wild type , mutant , or patient viruses . the plasmid containing the integrase deletion ( in ) has been deposited psv40hxb2d - in . the sequence of said plasmid is 14377 nucleotides long . the r - in - vif deletion construct is 13975 nucleotides long . the psv40hxb2d - in was deposited at the belgian coordinated collections of micro - organisms located at the universiteit gent — laboratorium voor moleculaire biologie on aug . 5 , 2002 and the accession number is lmbp 4574 . recombinant virus was produced by co - transfection by electroporation of the smai - linearized in - deletion construct and the integrase amplicon into mt4 cells or mt4 cells equipped with an ltr driven reporter gene construct . production of recombinant virus was evaluated by scoring the cytopathogenic effect ( cpe ) that is induced by hiv - infection of mt4 cells or by the ltr - 5 driven reporter signal induced by hiv infection in mt4 reporter cells . green fluorescent protein was used as the reporter signal . viruses are harvested and titrated at maximum cpe . for recombination the deletion construct psv40hxb2d - in was used . recombination experiments were performed with amplicon from wildtype hiv iiib and nl4 . 3 , and patient sample 146514 generated by both primer sets . for each recombination 2 μg amplicon was co - transfected with 10 μg smai - digested psv40hxb2d - in by electroporation into mt4 - ltr - egfp cells . virus stocks were titrated and tested in an antiviral experiment on a reference panel including nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors ( nrti ), non - nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors ( nnrti ), protein inhibitor ( pr ), entry and integrase ( in ) inhibitors ( table 2 ). recombination was checked by nucleic acid sequence analysis using protocols known to the person skilled in the art . sequencing primers which can be used are in_seq1f ( seq id no 17 ), in_seq2f ( seq id no 18 ), in_seq3f ( seq id no 19 ), in_seq1r ( seq id no 20 ), in seq2r ( seq id no 21 ), and in_seq3r ( seq id no 22 ). the recombinant virus was evaluated in an anti - viral assay with a panel of reference compounds including nucleoside rt inhibitors ( nrti ) zidovudine ( azt ) lamivudine ( 3tc ), didanosine ( ddi ), non - nucleoside rt inhibitors ( nnrti ) nevirapine ( nvp ), 4 -[[ 6 - amino - 5 - bromo - 2 -[( 4 - cyanophenyl ) amino ]- 4 - pyrimidinyl ] oxy ]- 3 , 5 - dimethyl - benzonitrile also referred to as compound 1 , 4 -[[ 6 - amino - 5 - bromo - 2 -[( 4 - cyanophenyl ) amino ]- 4 - pyrimidinyl ] oxy ]- 3 , 5 - dimethyl - benzonitrile , also referred to as compound 2 protease inhibitors ( pr ) saquinavir ( sqv ), amprenavir ( apv ), indinavir ( idv ), [( 1s , 2r )- 3 -[[( 4 - aminophenyl ) sulfonyl ]( 2 - methylpropyl ) amino ]- 2 - hydroxy - 1 -( phenylmethyl )- propyl ]-, ( 3r , 3as , 6ar )- hexahydrofuro [ 2 , 3 - b ] furan - 3 - yl ester carbamic acid also referred to as compound 3 , entry - inhibitors ( entry )( amd3100 , ds5000 , ata ), and integrase inhibitor ( in ) 2 -( 1 - methylethyloxy )- , - dioxo - 5 -( phenylmethyl )- benzenebutanoic acid also referred to as compound 4 . the results are compiled in table 2 . ave means antiviral experiment . type means the type of inhibitor investigated . the fold change is the fold change in ec 50 . wt iii b means that a portion of the wild type iiib strain has been amplified and used in the antiviral experiment , including transfection and generation of recombinant virus . nl 4 - 3 means the integrase gene of this laboratory strain has been amplified and subsequently used for the antiviral experiment . patient 146514 means that the integrase gene of an hiv sample retrieved from said patient has been amplified and used in the antiviral experiment . phxb2d has been used as a control . no recombination has been effected using this hiv clone . phxb2d has been used directly for transfection and antiviral experiment . primer set 3 consist of outer primers 5 ′ egint3 ( seq id no 4 ) and 3 ′ egint10 ( seq id no 11 ), and inner primers 5 ′ egint4 ( seq id no 5 ) and 3 ′ egint6 ( seq id no 7 ). primer set 4 consist of outer primers 5 ′ egint3 ( seq id no 4 ) and 3 ′ egint10 ( seq id no 11 ), and inner primers 5 ′ egint5 ( seq id no 5 ) and 3 ′ egint6 ( seq id no 7 ). other suitable integrase inhibitors include l - 731 , 988 , diketo - acids and s - 1360 . the antiviral activity of these compounds against recombinant virus from wildtype hiv - 1 iiib or nl4 . 3 was identical to the activity against the hiv - 1 iiib and phxb2d control strain , where no recombination has been performed . recombinant virus generated from site - directed mutant virus gave a fold increase in ec 50 against compound 4 of respectively 2 - fold ( t66i mutation ), 5 - fold ( s153y ), 3 - fold ( m154i mutation ), 10 - fold ( t66i / s153y mutations or t66i / m154i mutations ). recombinant virus generated from patient samples without mutations in the integrase coding sequence , displyed analogous results as the wildtype strains in the antiviral assay . the panel of protease and reverse transcriptase inhibitors were included in the list to prove that no background resistance , expressed as a fold increase in ec 50 , was detected . the reverse transcriptase and protease genes present in the antiviral experiments were derived from wild type hiv sequence , which does not confer resistance to the drugs included . the instant results ( table 2 ) indicate that no change in susceptibility for any of these compounds is found . the psv40hxb2d r - in - vif vector has a deletion of the complete in coding sequence as well as part of the preceding rnase and subsequent vif coding sequences . it was constructed by pcr amplification of psv40hxb2d and religation of the amplified fragment . the primers used for amplification were mut in1 ( 5 ′ egg tga caa ctt ttt gtc ttc ctc tat 3 ′; seq id no : 13 ) and in2 ( 5 ′ gga tcc tgc agc ccg gga aag cta ggg gat ggt ttt ata ga 3 ′; seq id no : 23 ), which contain a smai site . primer mut in1 ( seq id no 13 ) anneals to nucleotides 3954 to 3928 , and primer in2 ( seq id no 23 ) anneals to nucleotides 5137 to 5163 . the first 14 nucleotides of in2 ( seq id no 23 ) comprise the sma i tail , which does not anneal to the vector . the amplified product was cleaved with sma i and re - ligated to create psv40hxb2d r - in - vif , with a sma i recognition site at the location of the deletion . b ) amplification of patient derived in sequences for insertion into psv40hxb2d r - in - vif to amplify the complete in coding region and the flanking segments of the rnase and vif coding regions for insertion into the psv40hxb2d r - in - vif vector , a nested pcr method was used . the outer primers were 5 ′ egint1 ( seq id no 1 ) and 3 ′ egint10 ( seq id no 11 ), while the inner set was 5 ′ egint107 ( seq id no 2 ) and 3 ′ egint11 ( seq id no 12 ). an additional inner 5 ′ primer , 5 ′ egint2 ( seq id no 3 ), was used to improve the yield of amplified dna . ( the sequences of these primers are given in table 1 , above .) to create psv40hxb2d in , the psv40hxb2d vector was pcr amplified and re - ligated to effectively delete most of the in coding region , leaving the nucleotides coding for the n - terminal 8 amino acids and the c - terminal 20 amino acids in place . the amplification was performed using the primers mut in3 ( 5 ′ ggg cct tat cta ttc cat cta aaa ata gt 3 ′; seq id no : 15 ) and mut in4 ( 5 ′ gga tcc tgc agc ccg gga tta tgg aaa aca gat ggc a 3 ′; seq id no : 16 ), containing a smai site . primer mut in3 ( seq id no 15 ) anneals to nucleotides 4254 to 4226 , and primer mut in4 ( seq id no 16 ) anneals to nucleotides 5 create 036 to 5057 . the resulting amplified fragment can be cleaved with smai and re - ligated to psv40hxb2d in . d ) amplification of patient derived in sequences for insertion into psv40hxb2d in patient derived in sequences was prepared for insertion into the hiv deletion vector using a nested pcr approach as in part b above . 5 ′ egint3 ( seq id no 4 ) and 3 ′ egint10 ( seq id no 11 ) were used as outer pcr primers , while 5 ′ egint4 ( seq id no 5 ) or 5 ′ 3gint5 ( seq id no 6 ) and 3 ′ egint6 ( seq id no 7 ) were used as inner primers . the sequences and seq id no 4 - 8 of these primers are given in table 1 . the underlined portion of mut in4 ( seq id no 16 ) represents the smai tail that does not anneal to the vector . e ) homologous recombination and ligation to insert the pcr products into the vectors the psv40hxb2d in or psv40hxb2dar - in - vif vectors was linearized with smai . the vectors and the amplified in dna fragments were transfected by electroporation into mt4 cells , mt4 cells equipped with a ltr reporter gene construct ( mt4 - rep ) or pm - 1 cells . by homologous recombination between overlapping portions of the vector and in amplicons , the hiv genome was reconstituted with a patient derived in coding region . the recombinant vectors were capable of producing virus particles in infected cells . virus production was evaluated by scoring the cytopathogenic effect ( cpe ) that was normally induced by hiv infection of mt4 , mt4 - rep , or pm - 1 cells , or was evaluated by the induced ltr - driven reporter signal in mt4 - rep or pm - 1 cells . homologous recombination with wild type in sequences was used as a control . the presence of recombinant in dna and rna sequences in the transfected cells was monitored by reverse transcription and pcr analysis . the presence of pcr products corresponding to correctly inserted in sequences showed that recombination successfully occurred and that viral rna was produced in the cells . patient derived in sequences and wild type controls were alternatively inserted into smai - linearized psv40hxb2d n or psv40hxb2d r - in - vif vectors by a standard restriction digestion and ligation procedure . the in amplicons were modified to create smai cleaved ends and were then inserted by ligation into the smai site on the vectors . rna was isolated from 100 μl of plasma according to the method described by boom et al . ( 1990 ), and reverse transcribed with the geneamp ® reverse transcriptase kit ( perkin elmer ) as described by the manufacturer using an hiv - 1 specific downstream primer . two subsequent nested pcrs were set up using specific outer primers and inner primers , respectively . the outer primer reaction were performed as described in wo97 / 27480 and u . s . pat . no . 6 , 221 , 578 ( which are incorporated herein by reference ). the inner amplification was performed in a 96 well plate as follows : 4 μl of the outer amplification product was diluted to a final volume of 50 μl using a 10 × amplification mix consisting of 5 μl 10 × pcr buffer containing 15 mm mgcl 2 , 1 μl dntp &# 39 ; s ( 10 mm ) 0 . 5 μl each primer ( 0 . 25 μg / ml ), 0 . 4 μl expand ® high fidelity polymerase ( 3 . 5 u / μl ; roche ) and deionized water . amplification was initiated after a short denaturation of the amplification product made using the outer primers ( 2 min at 94 ° c ). ten amplification cycles were run , each consisting of a 15 sec denaturation step at 94 ° c ., a 30 sec annealing step at 60 ° c . and a 2 min polymerization step at 72 ° c . this amplification was immediately followed by 25 cycles consisting of a 15 sec denaturation step at 94 ° c ., a 30 sec annealing step at 60 ° c . and a variable time polymerization step at 72 ° c . the polymerization step was initially run for 2 min and 5 sec , then was increased by 5 seconds in each cycle . amplification was completed by an additional polymerization step of 7 min at 72 ° c . the reactions were held at 4 ° c . until further analysis or stored at − 20 ° c . ( for short periods ) or − 70 ° c . ( for longer periods ). the products can be analysed on dna agarose gels and visualised by uv - detection . the products can be purified using the qiaquick ® 96 - well plate system as described by the manufacturer ( qiagen ). the in coding region present on the amplified fragments were sequenced using techniques known in the art . the sequencing was started by first distributing 4 μl of the primer stocks ( 4 . 0 μm ) over a 96 well plate where each stock was pipetted down the column . in a second step , master mixes were made consisting of 14 μl deionized water , 17 . 5 μl dilution buffer , 7 μl sample ( pcr fragment ) and 14 μl big dye ™ terminator mix ( perkin elmer ). a fraction ( 7 . 5 μl ) of each master mix , containing a specific pcr fragment , was transferred to a specific place into the 96 well plate so that each sample fraction was mixed with a different pcr primer set . samples were pipetted across the rows . samples were placed in a thermal cycler and sequencing cycles started . the sequencing reaction consisted of 25 repetitive cycles of 10 sec at 96 ° c ., 5 sec at 50 ° c . and 4 min at 60 ° c ., respectively . finally , sequence reactions were be held at 4 ° c . or frozen until further analysis . the sequencing reactions were precipitated using a standard ethanol precipitation procedure , resuspended in 2 μl formamide and heated for 2 minutes at 92 ° c . in the thermal cycler . samples were cooled on ice until ready to load . 1 μl of each reaction was loaded on a 4 . 25 % vertical acrylamide gel in a 377 sequencer system and gel was run until separation of the fragments is complete . sample sequences wer imported as a specific project into the sequence manager of sequencher ™ ( genecodes ) and compared to the wild type reference sequence . sequences were assembled automatically and set at 85 % minimum match . secondary peaks were searched and the minimum was set at 60 %. any sequence that extended beyond the 5 ′ end or the 3 ′ end of the reference were deleted . when a region of overlap between sequences from the same strand was reached , the poorest quality of sequence was deleted leaving an overlap of 5 - 10 bases . ambiguous base calls were considered poor matches to exact base calls . the sequence assembly was saved within an editable contig . obtained sequences were edited to facilitate interpretation of the base calls . ambiguous sequences were retrieved and checked for possible errors or points of heterogeneity . when the point of ambiguity appeared correct ( both strands of sequence agreed but were different from the reference sequence ) it was interpreted to be a variant . the reference sequence was used as an aid for building a contig and as a guide to overall size and for trimming . the reference sequence was not used for deciding base calls . a change was only made when both strands agreed . all gaps were deleted or filled , unless they occurred in contiguous groups of multiples of three ( i . e ., insertion or deletion of complete codons ) based on data form both sequence strands . once the editing was complete , the new contig sequence was saved as a consensus sequence and used for further analysis . detailed sequence editing was performed following certain rules : a ) applied biosystems , inc . primer blobs were trimmed at 5 ′ ends where 1 consecutive base remained off the scale , the sequence was trimmed not more than 25 % until the first 25 bases contained less than 1 ambiguity , at least the first 10 bases from the 5 ′ end were removed , and b ) 3 ′ ends were trimmed starting 300 bases after the 5 ′ trim , the first 25 bases containing more than 2 ambiguities were removed , the 3 ′ end was trimmed until the last 25 bases contained less than 1 ambiguity . the maximum length of the obtained sequence fragment after trimming was 550 bases . sequences that failed to align were removed from the assembly and replaced by data retrieved from new sequence analyses . when further failures occur , pcr reactions were repeated . chromatograms were visualised using an ibm software system .	2
with reference to fig1 , a preferred embodiment 100 of the present invention is illustrated in perspective . as shown in a preferred position , a user will apply pressure to the bottle 110 while placing a thumb or a finger over vent hole 141 , thus increasing pressure within the capped 210 bottle 100 above a threshold amount . when this threshold is reached , valve 211 will unseat and provide a precise stream of potable liquid to a user with a high enough flow rate so that the bottle 100 does not have to be substantially tilted . it is contemplated herein that this design is ideal for bicyclist , runners , walkers , skiers , hikers and other sport or outdoor enthusiasts . it should additionally be appreciated that the ergonomic shape and material of sports bottle 110 allow bottle 110 to be squeezed without difficulty by the user . in this exemplary embodiment 100 , the bottle 110 comprises a body portion 140 that further comprises an approximately elliptical shape at its bottom end , as also shown in fig2 d . further , the ergonomic shape of body portion 140 is defined by the body portion at a top end 142 being circular in a horizontal cross - section , as further described herein . this ergonomic and generally oval shape 140 is suited to be carried against the body for sports such as running , golf etc . this shape 140 also coupled to a collar portion 130 facilitates the easy use of bottle 110 . it is to be understood that for other sport activities where bottle 110 might be carried elsewhere than on the body , the preferred shape may be slightly modified . one example would be to modify the shape of the sports bottle 110 to attach to a bicycle . in other embodiments , the shape of bottle 110 , body portion 140 , and collar portion 130 is such that it can be held in an adult hand comfortably and easily . in the preferred embodiments , bottle 110 is composed of a low - density polyethylene , which is also referred to as ldpe . this material allows a comfortable and easy compression or squeezing of body portion 130 of bottle 110 to facilitate the delivery of the liquid to the bottle user or the easy dispensing of liquid from bottle 110 by a user . with regard to fig2 a , a profile view of the preferred embodiment 110 is illustrated generally comprising mouth portion 120 , body portion 140 with a collar portion 130 therebetween . the profile , or side aspect , of body portion 140 may be characterized as straight providing aerodynamic properties for bicycle applications as described herein in more detail . hence , in the side aspect , a width at a bottom of body portion is equal to a width at a top end 142 of body portion 140 of the bottle . it is also apparent that liner 310 raps around inner 121 and outer surface 122 ( fig2 e ) of mouth portion 120 . further , raised textured surface 143 protrudes from the body portion 140 ( and is not etched into body portion 140 ) providing traction to a hand of a user . also with regard to fig2 a , mouth portion 120 , collar portion 130 and body portion 140 together form an integral unit 110 . this combination is distinguishable from other designs in that any collar is not part of a cap that removably connects to the bottle 110 , as may be the case in prior art applications . with reference to fig2 b , the preferred embodiment is coupled to a prior art cap 210 comprising a one - way dispensing valve 211 . more particularly , it is contemplated that the present invention be coupled to a valve introduced by dark , u . s . pat . no . 6 , 616 , 012 , entitled “ fluid dispensing valve and method of use ” the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein . this valve 211 is generally characterized as not unseating until a threshold pressure is achieved so that no fluid is dispensed when a bottle is simply bumped into . additionally , the valve 211 provides a precise laminar stream having a relatively high discharge flow rate so that minimal bottle 110 tilting in required by a user . further , cap 210 comprising valve 211 , additionally comprises a retainer and a dispensing valve body . cap 210 is adapted to engage outer mouth portion 122 and includes a spout that defines a through - conduit having a top opening , a bottom opening , and an interior spout surface shaped to receive the dispensing valve body as can be seen in fig8 through fig1 of dark . the retainer includes at least one flow aperture and an upwardly extending plug having a plug shoulder . the dispensing valve body is bounded by an exterior surface , an interior surface , a valve perimeter , and a dispensing orifice perimeter . when the dispensing valve body is positioned on the retainer , the dispensing orifice perimeter fits securely around and seals against the upwardly extending plug . hence , and the valve perimeter forms a sealing relationship with the interior spout surface . the retainer engages the spout to seal the dispensing valve body within the spout . turning to fig2 c , a front aspect of the preferred bottle 110 is shown . fig2 d and fig2 e meanwhile represent top and bottom views thereof . as shown in fig2 d , the bottom of body portion 140 comprises an elliptical shape having a major 149 and a minor axis . importantly , a width 139 of the collar portion 130 is greater than a width of the mouth portion 120 ; and a width 139 of the collar portion 130 is smaller than the major axis 149 . as stated herein , vent hole 141 is positioned to mate with a thumb , or alternatively an index finger of a user . further to fig2 d , bottom end of body portion 140 further comprises : a ridge 146 protruding around the bottom end , the ridge bisected by the major axis 149 ; and a groove 147 in the ridge 146 in an area bisected by the major axis 149 . additionally , in the preferred embodiments , bottle 110 is made of a light , liquid - tight plastic film that can collapse providing positive pressure to force potable liquid out of liner 310 . inner liner 310 is further comprised of fully biodegradable plastic . in a particular embodiment , the biodegradable inner liner 310 composition is also compostable . with reference to fig3 a , inner liner 310 is removably attached to mouth portion 120 inner 121 and outer surface 122 . additionally , inner liner 310 and mouth portion 120 will be approximately co - axial when assembled for use , as also shown in fig4 a . because of the combination of vent hole 211 , one way valve 141 , and liner 310 being composed of a light deformable plastic , any liquid in liner 310 does not move or slosh within liner 310 and bottle 110 . the liquid in essence behaves like a solid with no air allowed into liner 310 as the liquid is consumed or discarded from bottle 110 . when secured bottle 100 is in contact with a user &# 39 ; s body , the user will experience minimal to no sense that liquid carried in bottle 100 is splashing or sloshing within bottle 100 . also , bottle 100 can be carried in contact with a user &# 39 ; s body by any means the user chooses . examples of such means include in a waist belt possessing a compartment or harness for holding bottle 100 or in a pouch or pocket in the user &# 39 ; s clothing that can accommodate bottle 100 . the bottle 110 in a side aspect , ( fig2 a ) is very aerodynamic for use in a bicycle carrier . inner liner 310 may be removably attached to mouth portion 120 by any means that allows lid 210 to be attached to mouth outer surface 122 . in some embodiments inner liner 310 may be removably attached to mouth 120 by slightly deforming its top opening in such a way that liner fits over outer surface 122 of the mouth portion 120 . in some embodiments , it is contemplated that the attachment of inner liner 310 is the result of a tension of deformation of liner 310 in the area around outer mouth 122 . the removable attachment of inner liner 310 may also be accomplished , for example , by the use of a rigid or elastic ring or tie of approximately the shape and size of outer surface 122 of mouth 120 portion . one skilled in the art will readily recognize that a ring or tie can be adjusted to apply enough pressure on inner liner 310 that it held in position in outer surface 122 of mouth 120 portion . in other embodiments , inner liner 310 may be removably attached to mouth 120 by means of any tacky or removable glue substance placed between the inner liner 310 and outer surface 122 of mouth portion 120 . inner liner 310 may be removably attached to either inner surface 121 or outer surface 122 of mouth portion 120 , depending on the particular embodiment of bottle 110 that is contemplated . one skilled in the art will easily envision that liner 310 can be modified a variety of ways and still be within the scope of the invention . additionally , it is envisioned in some embodiments to have a threaded portion to allow cap 210 to attach to outer mouth surface 122 so that threaded engagement of cap 210 to mouth portion 120 functions to close bottle 110 . cap 210 may also attach to mouth portion 120 by a snug fit , snapping in place over mouth 120 . it is further envisioned that outer surface 122 of mouth 120 in the case of a snap fit would have one or more rings on outer surface 122 to facilitate the snug and secure snap fit of cap 210 . in a separate embodiment , cap 210 is integrally attached to outer mouth 122 by a small tab of ldpe accomplished during the manufacturing process . this allows cap 210 to be removed from mouth portion 120 , however while still be anchored to outer surface 122 . now with regard to fig3 b , inner liner 310 further comprises a front side 311 and a back side 312 connected via edge 314 comprising a fold on lateral side , the back side 312 further connected to the front side 311 via a seam 313 on a bottom side . as stated the inner liner 310 further comprises biodegradable material and ideally compostable material . additionally inner liner 310 is of a slightly smaller circumference or perimeter than inner mouth surface 121 so that inner liner 310 can fit inside of bottle 110 . inner liner 310 is preferably also approximately the same length of depth as bottle 110 so that the volume of liquid that bottle 110 can hold is maximized in terms of the capacity of inner liner 310 . a main function of inner liner 310 is the filling and subsequent collapsing as a user dispenses or removes liquid from bottle 100 or when liquid in liner 310 is otherwise emptied from liner 310 . it should further be noted that the bottle 110 could be realized with various sizes for children or as desired by a user . as an example and not by way of limitation , the size ranges from 6 oz to 30 oz . fig4 a through fig4 c illustrate a preferred method of the present invention . more specifically , the method of installing a liner 310 to a sports bottle comprises the steps of removing the cap 210 on the bottle 110 ; inserting 410 the liner 310 into the bottle 110 ; aligning a logo 345 on the liner 310 with a logo 145 on the outside of the bottle 110 ; rolling 420 the liner over the threads ; placing a mouth up to the bottle 110 opening 120 ; and blowing 430 into the liner 310 ( as if a user were blowing up a balloon ) until the liner 310 expands inside the bottle 110 that will aid in getting a full till of a user &# 39 ; s beverage in the bottle 110 . additional steps comprise : filling the bottle 110 with a user &# 39 ; s favorite beverage ; and securing the cap 210 , ensuring that while tightening the cap 210 , the liner 310 does not rotate causing a misalignment of the logos 145 , 345 . in summary , the principal advantages of the present invention 100 include the prevention of sloshing or annoying noise clue to the one way valve 210 and bottle liner 310 that shrinks as the liquid is used , making it 100 feel more like a solid . also the invention 100 prevents residual bacteria or bad aftertaste due to the disposable and fully biodegradable liner 310 . further the invention 100 removes any necessity to clean bottles . also , the invention 100 boasts an ergonomic shape 120 , 130 , 140 and feel allowing for comfort mile after mile . the preferred embodiment 100 also provides a very flexible and squeezable design enabling you to get your water or favorite mix without even tilting the bottle 100 . and as stated , the side aspect ( fig2 a ) is extremely aerodynamic when turned sideways ( great for on a bicycle ). while the particular ergonomic sports bottle having disposable liner 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 the presently preferred 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 .	8
referring to the drawings in particular , the invention embodied in fig1 and 2 comprises a hand held apparatus generally designated 10 for use in the cleaning of supra and subgingival surfaces of the teeth . apparatus 10 comprises a handle housing in the form of a closed shell having a handle portion 12 connected congruently with a head portion 14 . as best shown in fig2 the axis x - x of handle portion 12 extends at an angle to the axis y - y of the head portion 14 . while this angle is preferably from 15 ° to 45 °, angle 13 may be anywhere from 0 ° to 90 °. the housing of apparatus 10 encloses drive means and a power source for reciprocally rotating a chuck 18 which is mounted for rotation on an axis z - z to the head portion 14 . rotation axis z - z is advantageously perpendicular to head portion axis y - y . a four position slide switch 16 is mounted on one side of the handle housing for use in activating the drive mechanism in the housing . a cleaning tip or tool 20 is detachably connected to chuck 18 and subjected to the reciprocal rotary motion of the chuck . as best shown in fig2 and 3 , the drive means for chuck 18 comprise a small battery driven motor 22 having a pinion gear 24 meshed with a crown gear 26 which is mounted for rotation in the housing . a crank 28 is mounted for rotation to the crown gear 26 at a location 30 which is eccentric with respect to the rotation axis of the crown gear . the opposite end of crank 28 is connected at a universal ball joint 32 to a rack shaft 34 which carries a row of rack teeth 36 that are meshed with a pinion gear 38 mounted for rotation about an axis parallel to the tip axis z - z , in head portion 14 of the handle housing . rotation of gear 38 is transmitted and increased over intermediate gears 40 to a chuck gear 42 which is fixed to chuck 18 . a pair of small ( e . g . aaa ) dc batteries 44 are contained within a compartment in the handle portion 12 which is covered by a removable end cap 46 . the utilization of space within the housing shell is maximized by providing the shell with an oval cross - section having a major axis extending in the plane of fig2 . insulating low friction material encloses rotation shafts for the pinions and forms a linear slide bearing 48 for the rack shaft in head portion 14 , for the free movement of these parts . batteries 44 are connected through switch 16 to motor 22 for powering the motor . this rotates pinion gear 24 which in turn causes rotation of crown gear 26 and a rotary pushing and pulling action on crank 28 . this action is transferred to a pushing and pulling action on the rack shaft 34 which is held for linear motion in the linear bearing 48 fixed in the handle housing . the dimensions and gear ratios for the drive train between the motor 22 and the chuck gear 42 is selected so that with the reciprocal movement of rack shaft 34 in a direction of arrow 50 , chuck 18 makes anywhere from one - quarter to one full turn in one direction and then rotates an equal amount in the opposite direction . the multiple positions for slide 16 correspond to different speeds for the rotary reciprocal movement and / or different amplitudes ( amounts of rotation ) for that movement . to facilitate the more convenient selection of multiple amplitudes , the embodiment of fig4 utilizes a solenoid coil 52 which has a sliding part 54 containing a magnet core . an oscillator circuit 56 is connected to batteries 44 and switch 16 to provide alternating current to coil 42 . according to a selected timing , the alternating current causes reciprocal movement of magnetic core part 54 which is transmitted to a rack shaft 58 meshed with a gear train identical to that shown in fig3 for reciprocally rotating the chuck 18 . to simplify and reduce the number of mechanical parts required . core part 54 and shaft 58 are made of a single piece of flexible material which is curved gently in a rigid tube - like linear bearing 60 which accommodates for the angle between the handle portion 12 and the head portion 14 . advantageously circuit 56 is designed so that with slide switch 16 in a position 1 shown in fig1 shaft 54 , 58 moves sufficiently to rotate chuck 18 ° to 90 ° ( one - quarter turn ) in one direction , and then 90 ° in the opposite direction . with switch 16 in position 2 , chuck 18 rotates 180 ° ( one - half turn ) in one direction , and then 180 ° in the opposite direction . with switch 16 in position 3 , chuck 18 rotates 360 ° ( one full turn ) in one direction , and then 360 ° in the opposite direction . in this way , three distinct settings corresponding to three rotary strokes for the cleaning tip can be selected . the field of solenoids and circuits to drive them is sufficiently developed so that the person with ordinary skill in that field can design the correct drive for this invention . fig5 shows a further embodiment of the invention which is driven by hydraulic or pneumatic fluid rather than by electricity . as with the other figures in the drawings , the same reference numerals are utilized to designate the same or similar parts . in fig5 head portion 14 contains a fluidic oscillator 62 of conventional design which is connected to the forward and reverse ports of a reversible hydraulic or pneumatic motor 64 . chuck 18 ( not shown in fig5 ) is connected directly to the output shaft of motor 64 . the amplitude and frequency of rotary motion for the cleaning tool in the embodiment of fig5 can be adjusted by regulating the pressure of the fluid medium and / or by pulsing the fluid medium . the active element of the invention is the cleaning tip whose reciprocal rotary motion can be used to cleanse away plaque from supra and subgingival surfaces of the tooth . in fig6 tip 20 comprises a one piece plastic structure made of flexible resilient material . the tip includes a handle engagement end 66 which is shaped for engagement into a mating socket 68 in the chuck 18 , for co - rotation of the chuck and tip . a tapered shank 70 having circumferentially spaced axially extending flutes 72 which are shaped for receiving and distributing anti - plaque or other medication , is connected to end 66 . a tuft of fibers 74 is formed at the small insertion end of tapered shank 70 . a small diameter spherical ball 76 is provided at the end of tapered shank 70 . the fibers of tuft 74 are made of the same material as the remainder of the tip 20 and advantageously extend at an angle 73 of from 15 ° to 90 ° from the axis z - z of tip 20 . preferably , this angle is 30 ° to 60 °. the tuft 74 and , to some extents , the flutes of tapered shaft 70 , act as circumferentially spaced radially active scrubbing means for scrubbing supra and subgingival tooth surfaces . to insure firm engagement between the end 66 of the tip and the chuck 18 , end 66 has a flat area 78 which terminates in a raised step 80 . these structures match a surface and recess in socket 68 . being made of resilient material , step 80 is resiliently squeezed to admit end 66 into socket 68 . step 80 then expands into the recess in socket 68 to hold the tip firmly in the chuck 18 . fig7 shows an alternate embodiment of the tip which includes a cylindrical end 86 for engagement into a cylindrical hole in a chuck ( not shown ) designed to receive the tip end . fig7 also shows a large size for tip which typically has a shank length of approximately one inch with a tuft occupying approximately one - quarter to three - quarters of the shank . the tip can be supplied in long , medium or small lengths for different dental needs . fig8 shows a further embodiment of the invention having engagement end 96 in the form of a tapered polygon which can be wedged into a correspondingly shaped socket in a chuck . fig9 and 10 show an embodiment of the invention which has a shank with a polygonal cross - section having circumferentially spaced flutes but no tuft . in this embodiment , the corners of the polygon act as the circumferentially spaced scrubbing means . fig9 a shows an embodiment of the invention having a tapered shank which tapers to a pointed insertion end having no ball structure . fig9 b is a version similar to that of fig9 but including a tuft of fibers only at the very end of the shank . fig9 c is an embodiment of the invention similar to that of fig9 b but with a thinner cross section to the shank near the insertion end and only a few fibers in the tuft . typical diameters for the handle insertion end are from 1mm to 5mm with a preferred range being from 1 . 5mm to 3mm . the examples shown in the figures have a handle engagement end diameter of 2mm . the axially length of the engagement end is 4mm . a typical range is 1mm to 10mm with a preferred range being 3mm to 5mm . the axial length of the tapered shank which forms the working portion of the tip is preferably 19mm for a long tip , 16mm for a medium and 10mm for a short tip . typical tips are from 7mm to 3 . 7cm in length with a preferred length of 10mm to 2 . 5 cm . the taper of the tapered shank is preferably 5 ° to the axis of the tip with a usable range of 0 ° to 45 °. preferred limits for the taper are , however , 3 ° to 10 °. the diameter of the ball at the end of the tip may be 0mm ( for the pointed insertion end ) to 1 . 5mm . the tufts in the embodiment of the tips having tufts , are made of soft fine bristles similar to those found in a fine paint brush . they can be formed by simply fraying the end of the tapered shank . fig1 shows an embodiment of the invention having an engagement end 88 which is polygonal in shape but not tapered . a projection 90 is formed on one side of end 88 which extends into a recess 92 in a socket 98 for receiving the end 88 . socket 98 is formed in a chuck 94 which is otherwise similar to chuck 18 in fig6 . fig1 also illustrates a shank of the type which is useful in cleaning dental implants . for this purpose , the tuft occupies only about one - quarter of a shank length . the technique for using the apparatus of the present invention is illustrated in fig1 to 14 . as shown in fig1 , the tip can be introduced into the gingival gap or sulcus on the facial side of a tooth 100 . in fig1 the lingual side is to the right . area 104 is the contact area with an adjacent tooth and 110 is a pocket . as shown in fig1 , tip 20 can reach deeply into a periodontal pocket 110 for cleaning the supra and subgingival surfaces of the tooth . a similar action can be used for cleaning the lingual sulcus . as shown in fig1 , tip 20 can be introduced into any interproximal pockets for cleaning supra and subgingival interproximal surfaces of the tooth . the diameter and length of the cleaning tip 20 is selected so that it can fit between teeth almost up to the contact region 104 . even more effective cleaning can be achieved by dipping the tip into anti - plaque or other liquid , paste or gel medications . the flutes in the tip help retain the medication until it can be deposited onto the tooth surfaces by the rotation and scrubbing action of the tip . the spherical ball at the end of the tip is provided to avoid damage to the gingival . instead of a tuft of fibers , the end of the tip may be provided with a rough textured surface to achieve the same scrubbing action . in the embodiment of the invention using hydraulic ( e . g . water ) or pneumatic power , an outlet opening can be provided in the housing near the head portion 14 for discharging the fluid into the area being cleaned by the tip . in this way , the fluid is used both to drive the tip and to irrigate the area being cleaned . the tip with flutes but no tuft can also clean away plaque . in this form of the invention the flutes act as the scrubbing means . fig1 shows an embodiment of the invention having a non - mechanical handle 112 with a tip 120 and 122 connected at either end . advantageously , the handle and tips are made of a single piece of plastic with sufficient rigidity to provide strength in the handle and sufficient resiliency to provide flexibility in the tips . the tips include tapered shanks with flutes and other structures similar to those that are shown in the embodiments of fig6 - 11 . tips 120 and 122 are disposed at different angles with respect to the axis of the handle 112 so that at least one of the tips will be at a convenient angle for insertion between the tooth surface and gum . scrubbing action for tips 120 and 122 must be provided manually by the user . while specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention , it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles .	0
referring now to fig1 , 2 , 3 , 4 and 7 , the loose tube flying lead assembly is generally identified by the numeral 20 . the loose tube flying lead assembly includes the following subassemblies : a first cobra head assembly generally identified by the bracket 22 , and a second cobra head assembly generally identified by the bracket 23 , a first bend limiter assembly generally identified by the bracket 24 , a second bend limiter assembly , generally identified by the bracket 25 , an elongate bundle assembly generally identified by the bracket 26 , a first bridle assembly generally identified by the bracket 28 and a second bridle assembly . the first bridle assembly 28 connects to the first cobra head assembly 22 which connects to the first bend limiter assembly 24 which connects to the bundle assembly 26 , as best seen in fig1 . the opposite end of the elongate bundle assembly connects to the second bend limiter assembly 25 , the second cobra head assembly 23 and a second bridle assembly . the second cobra head assembly 23 is a mirror image of the first cobra head assembly 22 . the second bend limiter assembly 25 is a mirror image of the first bend limiter assembly 25 . the apparatus of fig1 actually includes two bridal assemblies . the first bridal assembly 28 is attached to the first cobra head assembly 22 and the second bridal assembly is not shown due to space limitations in the drawings . the two bridle assemblies are mirror images of each other . in combination , the bridal assembly 28 , the cobra head assembly 22 and the bend limiter assembly 24 will support about 10 , 000 pounds of dead weight , if suspended vertically in the air . the bridle assembly 28 includes a first cable 30 attached on one end to a d - ring 32 and on the other end to a shackle 34 . the bridle assembly further includes a second cable 36 attached on one end to the d - ring and on the other end to a second shackle , not shown . the cobra head assembly includes a universal frame 40 , and an interchangeable interface element on one end of the universal frame to secure the stab - plate . in fig1 and 2 the frame is shrouded by a first cover segment 41 and a second cover segment 43 . in fig3 and 4 the covers have been removed to better reveal the construction of the apparatus . the frame 40 is referred to as “ universal ” because different styles of interface elements may be used to attach different brands of stab - plates to the frame 40 all better seen in fig7 and 7a . on the other end of the universal frame is a bend limiter adapter 46 . in between the interface element and the bend limiter adapter , on the universal frame , is an interior conduit termination assembly , better seen in fig7 . the interior conduit termination assembly 48 , best seen in fig1 includes a vertical member 49 and a horizontal member 51 which are welded together from two separate pieces or may be fabricated from a single piece . the interior conduit termination assembly 48 is removable from the frame 40 and slips through the support plate 74 from the bottom . the horizontal member and the support plate are connected by a plurality of nuts and bolts , 53 , 55 , 56 , and 57 or other suitable fastening means . referring now to fig7 , 8 and 11 , the interior conduit termination assembly includes a first finger 50 and a second finger , 52 which define a first gap 54 ; a third finger 56 which in combination with the second finger defines a second gap 58 ; a fourth finger 60 which in combination with the third finger defines a third gap 62 and a fifth finger 64 which in combination with the fourth finger defines a fourth gap 66 . a locking bar 68 is attached to the first finger by first bolt 70 and the fifth finger by a second bolt 72 . the interior conduit termination assembly is attached to the universal frame with a support plate 74 . the elongate bundle includes a plurality of non - constrained elongate interior conduits generally identified by the numeral 76 which are surrounded by the elongate over - hose 78 . fig1 , 2 , and 3 include the plurality of non - constrained elongate interior conduits , but these interior conduits have been omitted from fig4 for clarity . one end of the over - hose is connected to an load bearing over - hose connector 80 and the other end is likewise connected to a second load bearing over - hose connector 81 . both over - hose connectors are mirror images of each other . the bend limiter assembly includes a plurality of bend limiter elements including first bend limiter element 82 , second bend limiter element 84 , third bend limiter element 86 , fourth bend limiter element 88 , fifth bend limiter element 90 , sixth bend limiter element 92 , seventh bend limiter element 94 , eight bend limiter element 96 , ninth bend limiter element 98 , tenth bend limiter element 100 and eleventh bend limiter element 102 . each of the bend limiter elements are mirror images of the others . bend limiter assemblies have about 10 to about 14 elements and limit the bend radius to about 45 ° as better seen in fig4 . the first bend limiter element 82 engages the bend limiter connector 46 on the universal frame 40 . the connections between the cobra head assembly 22 , the bend limiter assembly 24 , the over - hose 78 , the second bend limiter assembly 25 and the second cobra head assembly 23 allow all of these components to rotate freely and independently of each other . the last bend limiter 102 engages the over - hose connector 80 as better seen in fig5 . the universal frame rotates independently of the over - hose connector 80 and the elongate over - hose 78 . each bend limiter element is formed in two halves , a top half 110 and a bottom half 112 . these two halves are held together by a first screw 114 , a second screw 116 , a third screw , not shown and a fourth screw , not shown . each bend limiter element has a rear section 118 , better seen in fig4 , which forms a radial rear flange 120 and a forward section 122 which forms a receptacle 124 sized and arranged to receive the radial rear flange of the next bend limiter element . there is sufficient clearance between the radial rear flange 120 and the receptacle to allow the bend limiters to freely bend to a predetermined bend radius that does not exceed the bend radius of the plurality of interior conduits . each bend limiter element also rotates freely of the other bend limiter elements . fig5 is an enlarged section view of the over - hose connector 80 and a portion of the bend limiter . the over - hose connector includes a conduit 130 which forms a hose barb 132 on one end and a front radial flange 134 on the other end . a circular fitting 136 surrounds the over - hose 78 and the hose barb 132 as shown in the top portion of fig5 . the circular fitting is swaged around the over - hose to securely connect the over - hose to the over - hose adapter as shown in the lower portion 138 of fig5 . fig6 is an enlarged section view of the over - hose 78 and the plurality of interior conduits 76 . fig6 is merely illustrative of the interior conduits , the exact number of which may vary . in this illustration there is first interior conduit 140 , second interior conduit 142 , third interior conduit 144 , fourth interior conduit 146 , fifth interior conduit 148 , sixth interior conduit 150 , seventh interior conduit 152 , eight interior conduit 154 , ninth interior conduit 156 , tenth interior conduit 158 and eleventh interior conduit 160 . the non - constrained interior conduits 140 - 160 occupy from about 75 percent to about 85 percent of the inside cross sectional area of the over - hose , and optimally about 80 percent . the interior conduits may be formed from ½ inch id ⅝ inch of steel tubing , thermoplastic tubing , fiber optic cable and / or electric power cables . in the case of steel tubes , the industry typically uses 2507 super duplex stainless steel tubing for flying leads . other types and sizes may also be suitable for the interior conduits . “ maxtra liquid mud hose ,” an off the shelf product , is suitable for use as the over - hose 78 in the present invention . conventionally , maxtra hose is used for transporting drilling mud between barges and drilling platforms . maxtra liquid mud hose , model number “ 1c11m - 400 maxtra cord ” can be purchased from max coupling and hose corporation located in houston , tex . www . maxcoupling . com . other hoses may also be suitable for use in this application . the over - hose may be produced from a material that is uv stabilized and resistant to chemical attack . the over - hose may be flexible and radially rigid . the over - hose must also have sufficient axial strength to support its weight during installation . for this reason , it is sometimes referred to as load bearing over - hose . referring to fig7 , the universal frame is generally identified by the number 40 . the interface element 42 is suitable for use with the vetco ® stab - plate with 42 connection ports . in the alternative , the interface element 388 , better seen in fig1 , is suitable for use with the vetco ® stab - plate with 12 connection ports . this alternative interface element fits in the slot 45 and an opposing slot 47 . the interface element is then welded in place on the universal frame 40 . the interface element and the frame form a universal mounting assembly that is suitable for many different types of stab - plates . other alternative embodiments of the interface element are shown in fig1 - 19 . the bend limiter adapter 46 is formed on the end of the frame opposite the interface element and connects to the first bend limiter element 82 , better seen in fig4 . the interior conduit termination assembly 48 is shown without any spools in this figure . in the next figure the interior conduit termination assembly 48 is shown full of spools . fig8 is an end view of the interior conduit termination assembly 48 . the spools are attached to the universal frame 40 by the interior conduit termination assembly 48 . the spools may be blank , such as blank spools 174 , 176 , 178 , 180 , 182 and 184 . the spools may also be hollow such as hollow spools 190 , 192 , 194 , 196 , 198 , 200 , 202 , 204 , 206 and 208 . the purpose of the hollow spools is to connect the plurality of interior conduits to the universal frame . the purpose of the blank spools is to fill all the gaps 54 , 58 , 62 and 66 between the fingers 50 , 52 , 56 , 60 and 64 in the interior conduit termination assembly . ( better seen in the preceding figure ) in this fashion , there is no shifting around because all of the spaces in the gaps are full of hollow and / or blank spools as shown in fig8 . in some embodiments , all of the gaps may be filled with hollow spools not shown . a first bridle support 161 and a second bridle support 162 extend from opposite sides of the universal frame 40 . holes , not shown in this figure , are formed in the supports 161 and 162 . a first bolt 163 penetrates the hole in the first bridle support 161 and a second bolt 164 penetrates the hole in bridle support 162 . hardware is stacked in uniform fashion around the first bolt and the second bolt to facilitate attachment of the shackles , better seen in fig3 . the first bolt 163 is stacked from the top as follows : a first shackle element 165 is positioned under the bolt head , a first spacer 166 is positioned between the first shackle element and the first bridle support 161 . the first bolt 161 is stacked from the bottom as follows : a nut 169 is threaded on the bottom of the bolt , a second shackle element 168 is positioned above the nut and a second spacer 167 is positioned between the second shackle element and the bottom of the first bridle support 161 . in similar fashion , the second shackle is attacked to the second bridle support 162 . fig9 is a section view of a hollow spool 190 and an interior conduit 140 . a barrel 212 forms a first radial flange 214 on one end and a second radial flange 216 on the other end of the spool . the barrel is sized and arranged to slip into the gaps in the interior conduit termination assembly . the first radial flange and the second radial flange are sized to engage the fingers of the interior conduit termination assembly . the spools are held in place in the interior conduit termination assembly by the locking bar 68 . one end of the elongate interior conduit 140 is permanently attached to the spool 190 by weld 218 . a first end of an elongate conduit extension 220 is secured to the spool 190 by weld 222 . a space 226 may be formed between the end of the conduit 140 and the end of the conduit extension 220 . the second end 228 of the conduit extension is attached to a coupling 224 , better seen in fig3 . the coupling 224 fits in the stab - plate 44 . stab - plates , are off the shelf products currently sold by a number of different vendors , including but not limited to : unitech offshore as located in bergen , norway , www . unitechoffshore . com ; oceaneering international , inc . of houston , tex ., www . oceaneering . com ; fmc technologies located in houston , tex ., www . fmctechnologies . com ; aker solutions , asa also known as aker kvaerner subsea located in houston , tex ., www . akersolutions . com ; subsea 7 located in the uk , www . subsea7 . com and vetco gray , a ge oil & amp ; gas company located in nailsea , uk www . geoilandgas . com . the aforementioned vendors generally produce three different types of connectors : stab - plates , rov connectors and diver connectors , which are well known to those skilled in the art . stab - plate type connectors are shown in fig1 - 4 and rov type connectors are shown in fig2 - 26 . the stab - plates contain hydraulic , electric and optical couplings . hydraulic couplings are off the shelf products currently sold by a number of different vendors , including but not limited to : national coupling company , inc . located in houston , tex ., www . nationalcoupling ; walther - prazision located in haan , germany , www . walther - praezision . de . electric and optical couplings are off the shelf products , currently sold by a number of different vendors , including but not limited to : ocean design , inc ., a teledyne company located in daytona beach , fla ., www . odi . com ; tronic , a division of the expro group located in ulverston , uk , www . exprogroup . com ; gismo located in neumuenster , germany , www . gismaconnectors . de ; deacon brantner & amp ; associates , inc . located in el cajon , calif ., www . seaconbrantner . com ; compagnie deutsch located in rueil malmaison , france , www . compagnie - deutsch . com . fig1 is a section view of a prior art interior conduit termination assembly generally identified by the numeral 230 . a plurality of fingers extends from an upper cover 232 . one upper finger 234 is shown in this figure . a plurality of lower fingers extends from a frame 236 . one lower finger 238 is shown in this figure . a hollow spool 240 is captured between the upper finger 234 and the lower finger 238 . this figure is for illustrative purposes only . the actual prior art device contained a plurality of spools . an upper block 242 is connected to the upper cover 232 by weld 244 and lower weld 248 . the upper support block serves to capture the tip 254 of the lower finger between the upper support block 242 and the base of the upper finger . the lower support block 246 serves to capture the tip 250 of the upper finger between the lower support block and the base 252 of the lower finger . in this fashion all of the spools were held between the upper cover 232 and the frame 236 of this prior art cobra head assembly . this prior art interior conduit termination assembly 230 was weaker and more cumbersome to fabricate and assembly than the interior conduit termination assembly 48 of the present invention , better seen in fig8 . fig1 is an isometric view of a floatation module generally identified by the numeral 258 installed on a cobra head assembly , not shown . the flotation module includes a first portion 260 and a second portion 262 connected by a plurality of cross bolts 287 - 299 , 310 and 311 . the flotation modules may be formed from syntactic foam , such as that produced by flotation technologies , inc . of biddeford , me ., a sister company to assignee . several bend limiter elements , 82 , 84 , 86 , 88 , 90 , 92 , 94 , 96 , 98 and 100 extend from the bend limiter connector , not shown . the floatation module eliminates the need for prior art detachable floats . the rov bucket 266 is connected to an oceaneering stab - plate 267 . stab - plates from other vendors may also be attached to the universal frame 40 , not shown in this figure . fig1 is a section view of an alternative design for an over - hose connector assembly 420 . the concept is the same as the over - hose connector assembly 80 in fig5 . the over - hose 78 needs to be connected to the bend limiter assembly 24 . the over - hose connectors 420 and 80 allow the over - hose 78 to rotate independently of the bend limiter assembly 24 and the cobra head assembly 22 . this added flexibility makes it easier for the rov to install the loose tube flying lead assembly . the over - hose connector assembly 420 includes a conduit 422 , one end of which forms a hose barb 424 and the other end forms a front terminal flange 426 . in between the hose barb and the front terminal flange , the conduit forms a intermediate radial flange 428 that abuts the end of the over - hose 78 . a plurality of hose bands 430 , 432 and 434 secure the over - hose to the hose barb . referring to fig1 , the interface element 388 is designed to support a vetco ® 12 port stab - plate . the element 338 has eight holes , 392 , 394 , 396 , 398 , 400 , 402 , 404 , and 406 sized and arranged to engage the vetco ® stab - plate . the interface element is designed to be easily installed in the universal frame 40 in place of interface element 42 . interface element 42 , in fig7 is designed to secure the vetco ® 24 port stab - plate to the universal frame 40 . interface element 388 in fig7 is designed to secure the vetco ® 12 port stab - plate to the universal frame 40 . a number of other stab - plates are produced by different vendors , such as oceaneering . other interface elements , not shown may be easily fabricated and installed in the universal frame 40 . fig1 is an alternative embodiment 276 of the interface element for a stab - plate produced by fmc ® technologies , not shown . the interface element 276 has a left lug 272 sized and arranged to engage the left slot 45 in the universal frame 40 . the interface element 276 also has a right lug 274 , sized and arranged to engage the right slot 47 in the universal frame 40 . the interface element 276 has a plurality of holes 278 , 280 , 284 and 886 sized and arranged to engage the fmc stab - plate , not shown . fig1 is an alternative embodiment 300 of the interface element for a stab - plate produced by unitech , not shown . the interface element 300 has a left lug 272 sized and arranged to engage the left slot 45 in the universal frame 40 . the interface element 300 also has a right lug 274 , sized and arranged to engage the right slot 47 in the universal frame 40 . the interface element 300 has a plurality of holes 302 , 304 , 306 and 308 sized and arranged to engage the unitech stab - plate , not shown . fig1 and 18 is an alternative embodiment 320 of the interface element for a stab - plate produced by oceaneering , not shown . the interface element 320 may be fabricated as a single component , or for simplicity it may be fabricated from three components , 322 , 324 , and 324 . the interface element 320 has a left lug 272 sized and arranged to engage the left slot 45 in the universal frame 40 . the interface element 320 also has a right lug 274 , sized and arranged to engage the right slot 47 in the universal frame 40 . the interface element has a plurality of holes 328 , 330 and 332 and a fourth hole , not shown , sized and arranged to engage the oceaneering stab - plate , not shown . fig1 is an alternative embodiment 350 of the interface element for a stab - plate produced by aker kvaerner subsea . the interface element 350 has a left lug 272 sized and arranged to engage the left slot 45 in the universal frame 40 . the interface element 350 also has a right lug 274 , sized and arranged to engage the right slot 47 in the universal frame 40 . the interface element 350 has a number of holes 352 , 354 , 356 , 358 , 360 , 364 , 368 , 370 , and 372 sized and arranged to engage the aker kvaerner stab - plate , not shown . fig2 is an isometric view of the universal frame 40 with the interface element 350 of fig1 . the frame 40 includes a bend limiter connector 46 on the end of the frame opposite the interface element 350 . in between the interface element and the bend limiter is the interior conduit termination assembly 48 , only a portion of which is shown in this drawing . fig2 is an isometric view of the first alternative embodiment 380 of the loose tube flying lead assembly with a load bearing wire rope termination assembly 382 . fig2 is an enlargement of one cobra head assembly 22 of fig2 showing the load bearing wire rope termination assembly 382 in greater detail . there are two primary differences between the loose tube flying lead assembly 1 and the first alternative embodiment 380 shown in fig2 and 22 . first , the alternative embodiment 380 includes a wire rope termination assembly 382 instead of the interior conduit termination assembly 48 . second , the alternative embodiment 380 is designed to be used primarily with thermoplastic hoses 384 as interior conduits instead of steel tubing . these thermoplastic hoses connect direct to the stab - plate . the apparatus of fig2 actually includes two bridal assemblies , although only one is shown in the drawing . the first bridal assembly 28 is attached to the first cobra head assembly 22 and the second bridal assembly is not shown due to space limitations in the drawing . the two bridle assemblies are mirror images of each other . in combination , the bridal assembly 28 , the cobra head assembly 22 and the bend limiter assembly 24 will support about 10 , 000 pounds of dead weight , if suspended vertically in the air . the other bridal assembly , not shown has similar strength capacities . a wire rope 388 extends from the first wire rope termination assembly 382 in the first cobra head assembly 22 to the second wire rope termination assembly 386 in the second cobra head assembly 23 . each wire rope termination assembly is formed from a vertical element 376 and a horizontal element , not shown . the wire rope termination assembly may be formed from two separate pieces or a single element . the wire rope termination assemblies are removable and slip through the frame from the bottom similar to the interior conduit termination assembly 48 . the wire rope termination assemblies are connected to the support plate 74 by a plurality of nuts and bolts , 53 , 55 , 57 and 59 or other connecting means , like the interior conduit termination assembly . each wire rope termination assembly includes a terminal 90 secured to a support plate 74 which is secured to the frame 40 . the terminal has a cutout , not shown , sized and arranged to receive the wire rope 88 . the lock bar is secured to the terminal by a first screw 94 and a second screw 96 or other suitable securing means . the first end 398 of the wire rope is attached to a circular lug 400 . the circular lug 400 and the lock bar 392 prevent the wire rope 388 from slipping out of the first wire rope termination assembly 382 . the second wire rope termination assembly 383 is a mirror image of the first wire rope termination assembly and will not be described in detail for the sake of brevity . referring now to fig2 , 24 25 and 26 which together show a second alternative embodiment of the loose tube flying lead 402 . fig2 is an isometric view of the second alternative embodiment 402 with specialized buoyancy module 406 . fig2 is a top view of the second alternative embodiment 402 with specialized buoyancy module 406 of fig2 . fig2 is an elevation view of the second alternative embodiment 402 with specialized buoyancy module 406 . fig2 is a partial cut away view of the second alternative embodiment of the loose tube flying lead 402 with specialized buoyancy module 406 . some oil field operators do not like to include electrical connections in a stab - plate because they feel that such electrical connections are less reliable than a rov type connector . other customers may simply want one or two supplemental interior conduits in reserve or for expansion . the flying lead 402 is designed to meet the needs of these customers . specifically , a first rov connector assembly 470 is mounted on the left side of the buoyancy module 406 and a second rov connector assembly 472 is mounted on the right side of the buoyancy module 406 . rov connector assemblies 470 and 472 , like stab - plates , are off the shelf items manufactured by a number of different producers listed earlier in the application . these off the shelf items frequently include a length of flexible conduit preassembled with the connector , which is well known to those skilled in the art . these rov connector assemblies 470 and 472 are used primarily to transmit electric power , electric signals and / or fiber optic signals , as is well known to those skilled in the art . the rov connectors 470 and 472 may also be used for fluids , such as hydraulic fluid . rov connectors typically mate with a fixed connector and are secured using a latch mechanism or a collet mechanism , all of which are well known to those skilled in the art . the buoyancy module 406 is formed from a left element 408 and a right element 410 which are held together by a plurality of elongated bolts 412 , 414 , 416 , 438 , 440 , 442 and 444 . the bolts may be placed in any number of locations for manufacturing convenience . syntactic foam such as that produced by flotation technologies , inc . of biddeford , me . may be suitable for the left and right elements of the buoyancy module . the buoyancy module 406 is sized and arranged to surround the universal frame 40 and to allow the bend limiter assemblies room to engage the bend limiter connectors on each frame . the buoyancy module is not designed to be removed from the universal frame during or after installation , unlike prior art flying leads . the present buoyancy module also protects the frame from damage during transport installation and retrieval . the universal frame 40 in fig2 - 26 is configured with a interior conduit termination assembly which receives primarily steel tubes . the universal frame in fig2 - 26 could also be configured with a wire rope termination assembly instead of the interior conduit termination assembly , as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art . as previously mentioned , the wire rope termination assembly allows the flying lead to be composed primarily of thermoplastic tubes instead of steel tubes . the left element 408 of the buoyancy module 406 is formed with a barrel 450 facing away from the frame 40 . a storage receptacle 452 is also formed in the left element 408 . a flexible conduit 454 has a free end 480 and the other end comes off the shelf with a left connector 456 . the free end 480 may be ordered off the shelf with either a jic fitting or a “ dry mate ” connector , not shown , which are well known to those skilled in the art . the term “ dry mate ” means that the connection is made up on the surface , before the apparatus is installed subsea . the jic fitting or the dry mate connector are connected to one end of an interior conduit , not shown . the left rov connector assembly 470 and the right rov connector assembly 472 are mirror images of each other . each assembly has a connector on one end and a free end connected to an interior conduit , as described above . at least a portion of the flexible conduit 454 is coiled in the barrel 450 and the left rov connector 456 is placed in the storage receptacle 452 . the right element 410 of the buoyancy module 406 is formed with a barrel 460 facing away from the frame 40 . a storage receptacle 462 is also formed in the right element 410 . a flexible conduit 464 is connected on one end with one of the interior conduits and on the other end with a right rov connector 466 . at least a portion of the flexible conduit 464 is coiled in the barrel 460 and the right connector 466 is placed in the storage receptacle 462 . one advantage of the embodiment shown in fig2 - 26 is easier installation than conventional flying leads . the embodiment in fig2 - 26 requires the rov to fly over once to make the connection . prior art flying leads require multiple trips , because they are often require several different flying leads , i . e . one flying lead for the stab - plate and a second or third flying lead for the electrical connection . this results in savings during installation and retrieval . the present invention utilizes at least two load bearing assemblies to support the weight of the loose tube flying lead 20 . the first load bearing assembly has two alternative configurations , depending on whether the interior conduits are steel tubes or thermoplastic conduits . the term first load bearing assembly 482 of fig3 and 22 is synonymous with a ) the steel tube load bearing assembly 486 of fig3 and b ) the plastic hose load bearing assembly 488 of fig2 . the first load bearing assembly 482 may be selected from the group consisting of the steel tube loading bearing assembly and the plastic hose load bearing assembly . the first load bearing assembly may also be referred to as a means for supporting the interior conduits . the term second load bearing assembly 484 of fig4 and over - hose load bearing assembly 490 of fig4 are synonymous . the second load bearing assembly may also be referred to as a means for supporting the overhose . a ) steel tube load bearing assembly the steel tube load bearing assembly 486 is formed from the first interior conduit termination assembly 48 , the interior conduits 76 , and the second interior conduit termination assembly , not shown . the interior conduit termination assemblies transfer load to the frame 40 on the first cobra head assembly 22 and the frame 39 on the second cobra head assembly 23 . this configuration uses primarily steel tubes as interior conduits 76 . the second interior conduit termination assembly , not shown , is affixed to the frame 39 on the second cobra head assembly ; the second interior conduit termination assembly is a mirror image of he first interior conduit termination assembly 48 of fig3 , 7 , 8 and 11 . b ) plastic hose load bearing assembly in the alternative , the plastic hose load bearing assembly 488 is formed from the first wire rope termination assembly 382 , the wire rope 388 and the second wire rope termination assembly , not shown . the wire rope termination assemblies transmit load to the frame 40 in the first cobra head assembly 22 and the frame 39 on the second cobra head assembly 23 . the second wire rope termination assembly , not shown , is affixed to the frame 39 on the second cobra head assembly ; the second wire rope termination assembly is a mirror image of the first wire rope termination assembly 382 of fig2 . the second load bearing assembly 484 is formed from the over - hose load bearing assembly 490 , portions of which are best seen in fig . 1 , 4 , 5 , and 21 . the over - hose load bearing assembly includes the elongate over - hose 78 , the first over - hose connector 80 , the second over - hose connector 81 , the first bend limiter assembly 24 and the second bend limiter assembly 25 . the second load bearing assembly transfers the load to the first bend limiter connector 46 on the frame 40 of the first cobra head assembly 22 and transfers load to the second bend limiter connector 25 on the frame 39 of the second cobra head assembly 23 .	4
the inventors have found that a composition can be formulated that when applied to a material including a metal - oxide surface , the surface becomes chemically modified changing is affinity for similarly modified surfaces . when applied to particles including a metal - oxide surface such as particulate metal - oxides , the particles tend to aggregate and / or cling to similarly treated metal - oxide surfaces . in downhole applications , the ability of convert generally free flowing metal - oxide - containing particles into aggregated or agglomerated masses will decrease many downhole problems associated with the accumulation of particles in the well , the formation , production screens , production tubing or other downhole equipment or structures . this invention uses chemicals to alter the aggregation potential or zeta potential of metal oxide surfaces causing the treated particles to attract , forming aggregated structures or agglomerates . these compositions can be applied during a drilling and fracturing or any other type of chemical injection treatment reducing coating the silica particles and formation face keeping the particles from migrating . the present invention provides a method for changing an aggregation potential of a particulate metal oxide - containing solid including the step of treating the particulate metal oxide - containing solid with a composition of this invention under conditions sufficient to acidify the surface of the particulate metal oxide - containing solid forming an acidified particulate metal oxide - containing solid having active surface hydroxyl groups ( sur - oh ). after acidifying the particulate metal oxide - containing solid , the acidified particulate metal oxide - containing solid is treated with a surface modifying agent ( a ), which converts an effective portion of the sur - oh groups of the acidified particulate metal oxide - containing solid into exchangeable surface salt ( sur - o − - ah + ) groups to form a modified particulate metal oxide - containing solid having an effective number of sur - o − - ah + groups . after modifying the particulate metal oxide - containing solid , the modified particulate metal oxide - containing solid is treated with an exchange agent ( z - x ), which converts an effective number of sur - o − - ah + groups into exchanged surface salt ( sur - o − - z + ) groups to form an exchange particulate metal oxide - containing solid having an effective number of sur - o − - z + groups , where z moieties alter an aggregation potential and / or zeta - potential of the of the particulate metal oxide - containing solid . the present invention provides a method for changing an aggregation potential of a particulate metal oxide - containing solid including the step of treating the particulate metal oxide - containing solid with an acidifying agent under conditions sufficient to acidify the surface of the particulate metal oxide - containing solid to form an acidified particulate metal oxide - containing solid having an effective number of active surface hydroyl groups ( sur - oh ). after forming the sur - oh groups , the acidified particulate metal oxide - containing solid is treated with a surface modifying agent ( a ), which converts an effective portion of the sur - oh groups of the acidified particulate metal oxide - containing solid into active surface salts ( sur - o − - ah + ) to form a modified particulate metal oxide - containing solid having a modifying effective amount of sur - o − - ah + groups . if the a moiety alters an aggregations potential and / or zeta potential sufficiently to promote a desired degree of particle aggregation , then no other agents are needed . however , the method optionally and preferably includes a further step of exchanging the a moieties for a z moiety derived from a phase transfer type agent . thus , after forming the sur - o − - ah + groups , the modified particulate metal oxide - containing solid is treated with an exchange agent ( z - x ), which converts an effective portion of the sur - o − - a + groups of the modified particulate metal oxide - containing solid into active surface exchanged salt ( sur - o − - z + ) groups to form an exchanged particulate metal oxide - containing solid having an aggregating effective amount of sur - o − - z + groups , where z moieties alter an aggregation potential and / or zeta - potential of the of the particulate metal oxide - containing solid . the present invention also broadly relates to structures and substrates treated with a composition of this invention , where the structures and substrates include surfaces that are partially or completely coated with a composition of this invention . the structures or substrates can be ceramic or metallic or fibrous . the structures or substrates can be spun such as a glass wool or steel wool or can be honeycombed like catalytic converters or the like that include channels that force fluid to flow through tortured paths so that particles in the fluid are forced in contact with the substrate or structured surfaces . such structures or substrates are ideally suited as particulate filters or sand control media . the present invention provides a method for fracturing a formation including the step of pumping a fracturing fluid including a composition of this invention into a producing formation to enhance productivity at a pressure sufficient to fracture the formation and simultaneously to modify an aggregation potential and / or zeta - potential of formation particles and formation surfaces so that the formation particles aggregate and / or cling to the formation surfaces . the present invention provides a method for fracturing a formation including the step of pumping a fracturing fluid into a producing formation to enhance productivity at a pressure sufficient to fracture the formation . after fracturing , a composition of this invention is pumped into the fractured formation to modify an aggregation potential and / or zeta - potential of formation particles and formation surfaces so that the formation particles aggregate and / or cling to the formation surfaces . the present invention provides a method for fracturing and propping a formation including the step of pumping a fracturing fluid including a proppant and a composition of this invention into a producing formation to enhance productivity at a pressure sufficient to fracture the formation , with the proppant , to prop open the the fractures and , with the composition of this invention , to modify an aggregation potential and / or zeta - potential of formation particles and formation surfaces so that the formation particles aggregate and / or cling to the formation surfaces . the present invention provides a method for fracturing and propping a formation including the step of pumping a fracturing fluid including a proppant into a producing formation to enhance productivity at a pressure sufficient to fracture the formation so that the proppant can prop up the fractures . after fracturing , a composition of this invention is pumped into the fractured formation to modify an aggregation potential and / or zeta - potential of formation particles and formation surfaces so that the formation particles aggregate and / or cling to the formation surfaces . the present invention provides a method for fracturing and propping a formation including the step of pumping a fracturing fluid into a producing formation to enhance productivity at a pressure sufficient to fracture the formation . after fracturing , a proppant is pumped into the fracture formation to prop open fractures formed in the formation . after propping the formation , a composition of this invention is pumped into the propped and fractured formation to modify an aggregation potential and / or zeta - potential of the proppant , formation particles and formation surfaces so that the proppant and / or formation particles aggregate and / or cling to the formation surfaces . the present invention provides a method for drilling including the step of while drilling , circulating a drilling fluid to provide bit lubrication , heat removal and cutting removal , where the drill fluid includes a composition of this invention , which increases an aggregation potential or zeta potential of any particulate metal oxide - containing solid in the drilling fluid or that becomes entrained in the drilling fluid to increase solids removal . the present invention provides a method for drilling including the step of while drilling , circulating a first drilling fluid to provide bit lubrication , heat removal and cutting removal . upon encountering an underground structure that produces undesirable quantities of particulate metal oxide - containing solids , changing the first drilling fluid for a second drilling fluid including a composition of this invention to provide bit lubrication , heat removal and cutting removal and to increase an aggregation potential or zeta potential of any particulate metal oxide - containing solid in the drilling fluid or that becomes entrained in the drilling fluid to increase solids removal . the present invention provides a method for drilling including the step of while drilling , circulating a first drilling fluid to provide bit lubrication , heat removal and cutting removal . upon encountering an underground structure that produces undesirable quantities of particulate metal oxide - containing solids , changing the first drilling fluid for a second drilling fluid including a composition of this invention to provide bit lubrication , heat removal and cutting removal and to increase an aggregation potential or zeta potential of any particulate metal oxide - containing solid in the drilling fluid or that becomes entrained in the drilling fluid to increase solids removal . after passing through the structure that produces an undesired quantities of particulate metal oxide - containing solids , change the second drilling fluid for the first drilling fluid or a third drilling fluid . the present invention provides a method for drilling including the step of while drilling , circulating a drilling fluid to provide bit lubrication , heat removal and cutting removal , where the drill fluid includes a composition of this invention , which increases an aggregation potential or zeta potential of any particulate metal oxide - containing solid in the drilling fluid or that becomes entrained in the drilling fluid to increase solids removal . the present invention provides a method for drilling including the step of while drilling , circulating a first drilling fluid to provide bit lubrication , heat removal and cutting removal . upon encountering an underground structure that produces undesirable quantities of particulate metal oxide - containing solids , changing the first drilling fluid for a second drilling fluid including a composition of this invention to provide bit lubrication , heat removal and cutting removal and to increase an aggregation potential or zeta potential of any particulate metal oxide - containing solid in the drilling fluid or that becomes entrained in the drilling fluid to increase solids removal . the present invention provides a method for drilling including the step of while drilling , circulating a first drilling fluid to provide bit lubrication , heat removal and cutting removal . upon encountering an underground structure that produces undesirable quantities of particulate metal oxide - containing solids , changing the first drilling fluid for a second drilling fluid including a composition of this invention to provide bit lubrication , heat removal and cutting removal and to increase an aggregation potential or zeta potential of any particulate metal oxide - containing solid in the drilling fluid or that becomes entrained in the drilling fluid to increase solids removal . after passing through the structure that produces an undesired quantities of particulate metal oxide - containing solids , change the second drilling fluid for the first drilling fluid or a third drilling fluid . suitable acidifying agents include , without limitation , sulfuric acid , phosphoric acid , hydrochloride acid , nitric acid , carboxylic acids , chlorated carboxylic acids , carbylsulfonic acids , where the carbyl group has between about 1 and 40 carbon atoms and the required hydrogen atoms to satisfy the valence and where one or more of the carbon atoms can be replaced by one or more hetero atoms selected from the group consisting of boron , nitrogen , oxygen , phosphorus , sulfur or mixture or combinations thereof and where one or more of the hydrogen atoms can be replaced by one or more single valence atoms selected from the group consisting of fluorine , chlorine , bromine , iodine or mixtures or combinations thereof , or mixture or combinations thereof . exemplary examples of sulfonic acid type acidifying agents include , without limitation , alkysuflonic acids , arylsulfonic acids , alkarylsulfonic acids , aralkylsulfonic acids , or mixture or combinations thereof . exemplary examples of alkylsulfonic acids having between about between about 1 and 16 carbon atoms and the required hydrogen atoms to satisfy the valence and where one or more of the carbon atoms can be replaced by one or more hetero atoms selected from the group consisting of boron , nitrogen , oxygen , phosphorus , sulfur or mixture or combinations thereof and where one or more of the hydrogen atoms can be replaced by one or more single valence atoms selected from the group consisting of fluorine , chlorine , bromine , iodine or mixtures or combinations thereof , or mixture or combinations thereof . exemplary examples of alkylsulfonic acids include , without limitation , methylsulfonic acid , ethylsulfonic acid , 2 - hydroxyethylsulfonic acid ( oh — ch 2 ch 2 — so 3 h ), propylsulfonic acid ( all isomers ), butylsulfonic acid ( all isomers ), pentylsulfonic acid ( all isomers ), hexylsulfonic acid ( all isomers ), heptylsulfonic acid ( all isomers ), octylsulfonic acid ( all isomers ), nonylsulfonic acid ( all isomers ), decylsulfonic acid ( all isomers ), undecylsulfonic acid ( all isomers ), dodecylsulfonic acid ( all isomers ), c13 sulfonic acid ( all isomers ), c14 sulfonic acid ( all isomers ), c15 sulfonic acid ( all isomers ), c16 sulfonic acid ( all isomers ), or mixture or combinations thereof . exemplary examples arylsulfonic acids include , without limitation , benzene sulfonic acid , naphthalene sulfonic acid , or mixture or combinations thereof . exemplary examples alkarylsulfonic acids include , without limitation , methylbenzene sulfonic acid , ethylbenzene sulfonic acid , propylbenzene sulfonic acid , pentylbenzene sulfonic acid , hexylbenzene sulfonic acid , heptylbenzene sulfonic acid , octylbenzene sulfonic acid , nonylbenzene sulfonic acid , decylbenzene sulfonic acid , undecylbenzene sulfonic acid , dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid , tridecylbenzene sulfonic acid , di and tri - alkyl substituted analogs or mixture or combinations thereof . exemplary examples aralkylsulfonic acids include , without limitation , phenylmethyl sulfonic acid , phenylethyl sulfonic acid , other phenylated alkyl sulfonic acids or mixture or combinations thereof . suitable surface modifying agents include , without limitation , primary , secondary or tertiary amines , primary , secondary , or tertiary phosphines , or mixtures or combinations thereof . preferred amines include , without limitation , primary amines having between about between about 1 and 40 carbon atoms and the required hydrogen atoms to satisfy the valence and where one or more of the carbon atoms can be replaced by one or more hetero atoms selected from the group consisting of boron , nitrogen , oxygen , phosphorus , sulfur or mixture or combinations thereof and where one or more of the hydrogen atoms can be replaced by one or more single valence atoms selected from the group consisting of fluorine , chlorine , bromine , iodine or mixtures or combinations thereof , or mixture or combinations thereof . suitable exchange agents include , without limitation , any phase transfer agent . exemplary examples of exchange agents useful in this invention include , without limitation , ammonium salts having the general formula r 1 r 2 r 3 r 4 n + z − , phosphonium salts having the general formula r 1 r 2 r 3 r 4 p + z − , or mixtures or combinations thereof , where r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , and r 4 are independently a hydrogen atom or a carbyl group having between about between about 1 and 40 carbon atoms and the required hydrogen atoms to satisfy the valence and where one or more of the carbon atoms can be replaced by one or more hetero atoms selected from the group consisting of boron , nitrogen , oxygen , phosphorus , sulfur or mixture or combinations thereof and where one or more of the hydrogen atoms can be replaced by one or more single valence atoms selected from the group consisting of fluorine , chlorine , bromine , iodine or mixtures or combinations thereof and z − is oh − , or − , f − , cl − , br − , i − , hso 4 − , h 2 po 4 − , hso − 3 , h 2 po 3 − , or similar counterions or mixtures or combinations thereof , where r a carbyl group having between about between about 1 and 40 carbon atoms and the required hydrogen atoms to satisfy the valence and where one or more of the carbon atoms can be replaced by one or more hetero atoms selected from the group consisting of boron , nitrogen , oxygen , phosphorus , sulfur or mixture or combinations thereof and where one or more of the hydrogen atoms can be replaced by one or more single valence atoms selected from the group consisting of fluorine , chlorine , bromine , iodine or mixtures or combinations thereof . exemplary examples of phosphonium salts useful in this invention include , without limitation , phosphonium salts having the general formula r 1 r 2 r 3 r 4 p + z − , where r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , and r 4 are independently a hydrogen atom , an alkyl group , an aryl group , an aralkyl group , or an alkaryl group having between about between about 1 and 40 carbon atoms and the required hydrogen atoms to satisfy the valence and where one or more of the carbon atoms can be replaced by one or more hetero atoms selected from the group consisting of boron , nitrogen , oxygen , phosphorus , sulfur or mixture or combinations thereof and where one or more of the hydrogen atoms can be replaced by one or more single valence atoms selected from the group consisting of fluorine , chlorine , bromine , iodine or mixtures or combinations thereof and z − is oh − , or − , f − , cl − , br − , i 31 , hso 4 − , h 2 po 4 − , hso 3 − , h 2 po 3 − , or similar counterions or mixtures or combinations thereof , where r a carbyl group having between about between about 1 and 40 carbon atoms and the required hydrogen atoms to satisfy the valence and where one or more of the carbon atoms can be replaced by one or more hetero atoms selected from the group consisting of boron , nitrogen , oxygen , phosphorus , sulfur or mixture or combinations thereof and where one or more of the hydrogen atoms can be replaced by one or more single valence atoms selected from the group consisting of fluorine , chlorine , bromine , iodine or mixtures or combinations thereof . this example illustrates general procedures used in the preparation and testing of sand treated with an aggregating composition of this invention . 700 grams of 20 / 40 sand were pallet mixed at 1000 rpm in distilled water including 2 wt . % kcl at a sand to solution concentration of 1 lb / gal for 15 minutes . an aggregating composition of this invention was then added to the sand slurry in a concentration ranging from 0 to 8 gptg . the resulting slurry was mixed for 15 minutes at 1000 rpm . the treated sand slurry was then poured into a pvc flow rate cylinder and flushed with at least 5 volumes of fresh 2 wt . kcl . the flow rate of the 2 wt . % kcl solution was then measured through the resulting treated sand pack . this example illustrates the other set of general procedures used in the preparation and testing of sand treated with an aggregating compositions of this invention . 700 grams of 20 / 40 sand was pre - treated with an aggregating composition of this invention at concentration of 1 . 5 , 3 . 0 and 5 . 0 % v / w . the composition was stirred into the dry sand using a spatula for 5 minutes . after dry mixing , a 2 . 0 wt . % kcl solution was added with stirring . the resulting slurry of treated sand was poured into a pvc flow rate cylinder and washed with at least 5 volumes of 2 . 0 wt . % kcl . the flow rate of the 2 wt . % kcl solution was then measured through the sand pack . the following aggregating compositions were prepared and test according to the procedures described in examples 1 and 2 . sg - 1 components wt . % ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 4 . 16 alkylamidomine ( dto / aep ) 7 . 20 fatty acid pitch 14 . 40 deg40 ( diethylene glycol ) 2 . 00 dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid 8 . 00 methyl diethanol amine ( mdea ) bottoms ( oligimers ) 2 . 05 quaternary ammonium chloride formed from 49 wt . % akolidine 1 . 86 11 ( mixture of alkyl pyridines from lonza , inc . ), 25 wt . % benzyl chloride and 26 . 08 wt . % methanol genamin t150 ( tallow amine ( 15 ) ethoxylate ) 0 . 29 nonylphenyl phosphate ester 0 . 19 solvent lpa - 210 60 . 00 sg - 2 components wt . % crude tall oil amide w / aep 21 . 60 isopropyl alcohol 7 . 20 np - 6 0 . 54 genamin t150 ( ethoxylated amine ) 0 . 04 deg40 ( diethylene glycol ) 0 . 14 quaternary ammonium chloride formed from 49 wt . % akolidine 5 . 16 11 ( mixture of alkyl pyridines from lonza , inc . ), 25 wt . % benzyl chloride and 26 . 08 wt . % methanol dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid 2 . 75 bis quat 0 . 17 mdea bottoms ( oligimers ) 1 . 53 amine heads ( dch residues ) 0 . 56 solvent lpa - 210 60 . 00 sg - 3 components description wt . % quaternary ammonium chloride formed from 49 wt . % akolidine 68 . 98 11 ( mixture of alkyl pyridines from lonza , inc . ), 25 wt . % benzyl chloride and 26 . 08 wt . % methanol mdea bottoms ( oligimers ) 7 . 21 nonylphenol ethoxylate 6 . 0 14 . 9 dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid 4 . 37 isopropyl alcohol 3 . 24 water 1 . 30 sg - 4 components wt . % quaternary ammonium chloride formed from 49 wt . % akolidine 60 . 00 11 ( mixture of alkyl pyridines from lonza , inc . ), 25 wt . % benzyl chloride and 26 . 08 wt . % methanol mdea bottoms ( oligimers ) 18 . 00 np - 6 ( nonylphenol ethoxylate 6 . 0 ) 6 . 20 genamin t150 ( ethoxylated amine ) 0 . 46 tmp po / eo block polyol 1 . 60 bis quaternary ammonium salt formed from 50 wt . % coconut oil 2 . 00 dmapa amide , 16 wt . % dichloroethyl ether , 7 . 41 wt . % water 28 . 56 wt . % methanol dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid 4 . 55 water 7 . 64 the zeta potential is defined by the charge that develops at the interface between solid surfaces . zeta potential is therefore a function of the surface charge of the particle , any adsorbed layer at the interface , and the nature and composition of the surrounding suspension medium . in other words zeta potential can be affected by ( 1 ) changes in ph , ( 2 ) conductivity of the medium ( salinity and kind of salt ), and ( 3 ) concentration of particular additives ( polymer , non - ionic surfactants etc .). in order to get the zeta potential using the zetasizer ( nano ) z of malvern by microelectrophoresis the system needs to have solids or colloids in the range between 3 nm and 20 μm . to characterize the influence of different additives in the system , silica flour was used instead of sand 20 / 40 . the amount of silica powder was set at 0 . 25 ppg in order to decrease the settling effects during the tests measurements . on the other hand , the only way to get well defined peaks ( as narrow as possible ) was to add kcl in concentrations of 0 . 5 % or less . tables 1 - 2 show the results of the influence of the additives sg - 1 and sg - 2 on the measured zeta potential values when the additive was added to a silica flour slurry with mixed . it was found that zeta potential values varied with time indicating that increased exposure time allows the additive to absorbs on the particle . for additive sg - 1 , there was not a high degree of variation of zeta potential even at concentrations of 8 gptg . in all the cases the zeta potential measurements were lower than − 30 mv which will reflect that this system is not changing surface charge in the way that allow the silica to agglomerate . table 2 shows that additive sg - 2 has strong influence in the zeta potential increasing the values up to − 16 . 1 mv at a concentration of 3 gptg or higher enough to make the slurry reach a zeta potential measurement lower or close to − 30 mv . zeta potential values comprehended (− 30 and 30 mv ) reflects the effective charge is low enough on the particles that the repulsion between them are lowered to one point where flocculation , particles adhesion can take place . another way to determine that sg - 2 has a real impact in the zeta potential was by observation on how the solution clears out ( decrease in the turbidity ) and how the silica powder gather together once stopped the mixing ( fig1 - 3 ). in this case as long as sg - 2 concentration was higher the water solution gets more clear and the silica powder gather in a more reduced area once settled . at 8 gptg sg - 2 concentration it was observed a flocculation of the silica flour in the slurry ( fig3 ). table 3 shows the result of adding sg - 3 in the silica powder solution . in all the cases although the measured zeta potential values were well in the range between − 30 and 30 mv the measures were not reliable as long as the standard deviation are higher than 250 mv . table 3 shows the effect of pre - treating sand with sg - 1 over the flow rate of the 2 % kcl brine through the sand pack . in this case the drainage tests did show low variation in the flow through the treated sand even at treating concentrations of 8 gptg of sg - 1 . on the other hand table 4 shows the increase of sg - 2 in the slurry system decreases the flow rate of the brine through the sand when it was treated with 3 gptg of sg - 2 and even blocked the flow of the brine when the concentration is higher than 4 gptg . this change in the tendency agrees with what was observed in the zeta potential values ( table 2 ) where it was observed a clear decrease in the absolute value of the zeta potential when the concentration of sg - 2 was higher than 3 gptg in the treating solution . it was determined the influence of the aggregating additives in the flow of 2 % kcl solution through a 20 / 40 pretreated sand . in this case the sand was pre - treated in dry before being mixed with the 2 . 0 % kcl solution . the sand slurry was then poured into a plastic cylinder and after being washed with 5 volumes of 2 % kcl solution . the flow rate through the sand pack was then determine using the brine solution . table 5 shows the effects of additives sg - 1 to sg - 4 in the brine flow when added to dry sand at concentration of 5 % v / w as shown in fig5 . treatment with 5 % v / w of sg - 1 showed an appreciable increase in the flow rate of 2 % kcl solution after 15 hours of treatment as shown in fig5 . in the case of dry sand treating with sg - 2 it was observed again a kind of sand flocculation and therefore blocking of the sand system ( similar when added the additive directly to the sand in water solution ) as shown in fig5 . referring to fig6 , the changes in the zeta potential with the addition of sg - 1 and sg - 2 are shown when added to dry silica flour and later measured in a 0 . 25 ppg of silica flour in 0 . 5 % kcl solution . in this case as it was expected sg - 3 and sg - 7 and sg - 10 not only show zeta potential values between 20 and − 20 mv but also the lowest standard deviation in the measurement . all references cited herein are incorporated by reference . while this invention has been described fully and completely , it should be understood that , within the scope of the appended claims , the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described . although the invention has been disclosed with reference to its preferred embodiments , from reading this description those of skill in the art may appreciate changes and modification that maybe made which do not depart from the scope and spirit of the invention as described above and claimed hereafter .	2
more specifically , this invention provides an improved process for making azasulfonium salt intermediates which are useful for making indoles which are known and which have a wide variety of known uses . according to the process of this invention , a primary or secondary aniline or amino - pyridine starting material , both being referred to hereinafter as an aniline , is first reacted with a source of positive halogen to prepare the n - haloaniline . many sources of positive halogen are known and can be used to form the n - haloanilines . examples of positive halogen sources for this reaction include tertbutyl hypochlorite , n - chloro - succinimide , calcium hypochlorite , sodium hypochlorite , sodium hypobromite , and the like . the n - chloro anilines are preferred for reasons of availability of reactants to make them and cost of materials , but other positive halogen compounds can be used to make useful n - haloanilines for use in this process . the essential features of the process comprise : ( a ) reacting under substantially anhydrous conditions in an organic diluent , at a temperature ranging from the dry - ice / acetone mixture temperatures ( about - 78 ° c ) to about 20 ° c an n - halo - aniline of the formula ## str1 ## wherein r is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon radical free from aliphatic unsaturation containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms : x is -- ch ═ or -- n ═ and is in a position ortho , meta or para relative to the -- n ( r ) a group ; each of y and z is hydrogen or is a substitutent which does not donate electrons more strongly than m - methoxy , m - hydroxy , or a p - acetoxy group , and not more than one of y and z , as a substituent , is ortho to the -- n ( r ) a group position on the ring ; the -- n ( r ) a group position on the ring having at least one ring carbon atom ortho thereto in an unsubstituted state ; with a β - carbonyl sulfide compound or a β - carbonyl sulfide acetal or ketal compound having a formula selected from the group consisting of ## str2 ## wherein r 1 is lower alkyl , or phenyl ; r 2 can be attached to r 3 as part of a cyclic ring system containing 5 to 8 carbon atoms , each r 4 is lower alkyl or the two r 4 radicals are taken together with the ## str3 ## moiety to complete a cyclic ketal or acetal having from 3 to 4 carbon atoms in the ring , for a time sufficient to form an azasulfonium salt having a formula selected from the group consisting of ## str4 ## wherein x , y , z , r , r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , each r 4 and a are as defined above ; ( b ) reacting the azasulfonium salt ( iv ) ( r 3 ═ h ) with a substantially anhydrous base , that is , one whose conjugate acid has a pka greater than about 6 , to effect rearrangement of the azasulfonium salt and to form a thio - ether compound of the formula ## str5 ## wherein x , y , z , r , r 1 , and r 2 are as defined above , and wherein the perforated hexagon containing x , y and z denotes a fused benzo ( phenyl ) or pyridyl ring in which x is in the 4 -, 5 -, 6 - or 7 - position relative to the indole ring nitrogen , when the azasulfonium salt had formula iv , that is , when the azasulfonium salt was derived from the free β - carbonyl sulfide reactant ii ( r 3 ═ h ); or reacting the azasulfonium salt of formula v ( r 3 ═ h ) with substantially anhydrous base to form a compound of the formula vii ## str6 ## wherein the -- c ( r 3 )( sr 1 )[-- c ( or 4 ) 2 r 2 ] radical is ortho to the -- n ( r ) h position on the ring ; ( c ) if compound vii is formed in step ( b ), treating the compound vii with acid , preferably an economical mineral acid such as aqueous hydrochloric acid , sulfuric acid , phosphoric acid , or the like , sufficient in amount and strength to effect hydrolysis of the or 4 ketal ( or acetal ) groups and to form a compound of the formula vi , above ; ( d ) reacting the azasulfonium salt ( iv ) ( r 3 ═ alkyl and r is hydrogen , or r 3 and r 2 connected to form a ring and r is hydrogen ) with a substantially anhydrous base , that is , one whose conjugate acid has a pka greater than about 6 , to effect rearrangement of the azasulfonium salt and to form a thio - ether compound of the formula ## str7 ## when x , y , z , r 1 , r 2 , and r 3 are defined above , and wherein the perforated hexagon containing x , y , and z denotes a fused benzo ( phenyl ) or pyridyl ring in which x is in the 4 -, 5 -, 6 -, or 7 - position relative to the indole ring nitrogen , when the azasulfonium salt had formula iv , that is , when the azasulfonium salt was derived from the free β - carbonyl sulfide reactant ii ( r ═ h , r 3 ═ alkyl , phenyl or benzyl or r 3 connected to r 2 in a ring ); or reacting the azasulfonium salt of formula v ( r ═ h , r 3 ═ alkyl , phenyl or benzyl or r 3 connected to r 2 in a ring ) with substantially anhydrous base to form a compound of the formula vii wherein the -- c ( r 3 )( sr 1 )[- c ( or 4 ) 2 r 2 ] radical is ortho to the -- nh 2 position on the ring ; ( e ) if compound vii ( r ═ h and r 3 ═ alkyl , phenyl or benzyl or r 3 and r 2 connected to form a ring and r ═ h ) is formed in step ( b ), treating the compound vii with acid , preferably an economical mineral acid such as aqueous hydrochloric acid , sulfuric acid , phosphoric acid , or the like , sufficient in amount and strength to effect hydrolysis of the or 4 ketal ( or acetal ) groups and to form a compound of the formula viii , above . ( f ) treating the indole derivative of formula vi from step ( b ) or from step ( c ), or the indolenine derivative of formula viii from step ( d ) or from step ( e ) with a desulfurizing reducing agent , e . g ., with raney nickel or its equivalent , to form a compound having a formula selected from the group consisting of ## str8 ## from the compound of formula vi , and ## str9 ## from the compound of formula viii , wherein in each respective formula x , y , z , r , r 2 and r 3 are as defined above , and the perforated line hexagon has the same meaning as indicated above . as used herein the term &# 34 ; lower alkyl &# 34 ; means a c 1 to c 6 - alkyl radical , e . g ., methyl , ethyl , propyl , isopropyl , n - butyl , isobutyl , tert - butyl , n - pentyl , neopentyl , n - hexyl , and the like . the term &# 34 ; lower alkyloxy &# 34 ; denotes a c 1 to c 6 - alkyl -- o -- group wherein the c 1 to c 6 - alkyl is as exemplified above . the term &# 34 ; lower acyloxy &# 34 ; denotes formyloxy and a c 1 to c 6 - alkyl -- c ( o ) o -- group wherein the c 1 to c 6 - alkyl is exemplified as above . the aniline and aminopyridine compounds which can be used as starting materials in this process are those which have a free , unsubstituted carbon position on the aromatic ring ortho to the amino nitrogen group . such compounds are known or are obtainable by known procedures . many of them are described in publications such as &# 34 ; chem sources &# 34 ;, directories publishing co ., flemington , n . j . 08822 ( 1972 ). the aniline may be unsubstituted or may contain one or more substituents , preferably not more than two substituents on aromatic ring carbon atoms . the substituents should be atoms or groups which do not donate electrons more strongly than say , methoxy , in the meta - position or more strongly than acetoxy in the para or ortho positions . not more than one of such substituents should be ortho to the -- n ( r ) a group position . the -- n ( r ) a group position of the aniline compound must have at least one ring carbon atom ortho thereto in the unsubstituted state . examples of substituents which can be in the ring include halogen ( fluorine , chlorine , bromine , iodine ), nitro , cyano , n , n - di - loweralkylamino , lower alkyl , lower alkyloxy , lower acyloxy , ( especially lower - alkanoyloxy ) a carbonyloxy - lower alkyl and carbonyloxy - phenyl groups . examples of useful starting compounds include aniline , 3 - chloroaniline , 4 - chloroaniline , 3 , 4 - dichloroaniline , 3 - fluoroaniline , 4 - fluoraniline , 3 - bromoaniline , 4 - bromoaniline , 4 - iodoaniline , 3 - nitroaniline , 4 - nitroaniline , 3 - cyanoaniline , 4 - cyanoaniline , the toluidines such as 2 - methylaniline , 3 - methylaniline , 4 - methylaniline , 4 - ethylaniline , 4 - hexylaniline , 3 - propylaniline , 3 - chloro - 4 - methylaniline , the lower alkyloxy - substituted anilines such as 3 - methoxyaniline , 4 - acetoxyaniline , 4 - propionoxyaniline , 4 - hexanoyloxyaniline , the 3 - and 4 - carbonyloxy - lower alkylanilines such as benzocaine ( 4 - ethoxy - carbonylaniline ), 4 - methoxycarbonylaniline , 3 - propoxycarbonylaniline , as well as 3 - phenoxycarbonylaniline , 4 - phenoxycarbonyl - aniline , and the aminopyridines such as 2 - aminopyridine , 4 - methyl - 2 - aminopyridine , 4 - ethyl - 2 - aminopyridine , 4 - hexyl - 2 - amino - pyridine , 4 - methoxy - 2 - aminopyridine , 4 - hexyloxy - 2 - aminopyridine , 3 - aminopyridine , 4 - amino - pyridine , 3 - bromo - 4 - aminopyridine , 3 - iodo - 4 - aminopyridine , 4 - ethoxycarbonyl - 2 - aminopyridine , 4 - chloro - 2 - aminopyridine , and the like . secondary anilines and aminopyridines which may be used include those having a c 1 to c 8 - hydrocarbon group bonded to the amino nitrogen and include the n - c 1 to c 8 - alkylanilines and aminopyridines such as the n - methyl , n - ethyl , n - butyl , n - tert - butyl , n - octylanilines and aminopyridines as well as the n - phenyl , n - tolyl , n - xylylanilines and aminopyridines and the n - cycloalkylanilines and aminopyridines such as n - cyclopropyl , n - cyclobutyl , n - cyclopentyl , n - cyclohexyl and n - cyclooctylanilines and aminopyridines , and such compounds substituted on ring carbon atoms thereof with halogen , nitro , cyano , lower alkyl , lower alkyloxy , lower acyloxy , a carbonyloxy - lower alkyl or a carbonyloxy - phenyl as exemplified above . the β - carbonyl sulfide and β - carbonyl sulfide acetal and ketal reactants of formulas ii and iii above , are exemplified by the acetonyl alkyl sulfides such as acetonyl methyl sulfide , acetonyl ethyl sulfide , acetonyl isopropyl sulfide , acetonyl butyl sulfide , acetonyl hexyl sulfide , and acetonyl phenyl sulfide , the alkylthioacetaldehydes such as the methylthioacetaldehyde , ethylthioacetaldehyde , isopropylthioacetaldehyde , butylthioacetaldehyde , pentylthioacetaldehyde , hexylthioacetaldehyde , phenylthioacetaldehyde , benzylthioacetaldehyde , as well as the alkylthio -, phenylthio - and benzylthio substituted ketones such as methylthiomethyl ethyl ketone , α - ethylthioethyl ethyl ketone , α - propylthio methyl hexyl ketone , α - phenylthio butyl phenyl ketone , α - ethylthio ethyl phenyl ketone , α - methylthio - benzyl phenyl ketone , α - ethylthioethyl benzyl ketone , methyl phenacetyl sulfide , 2 - methylthiocyclohexanone , 2 - methylthio cyclopentanone , 2 - methylthiocycloheptanone , and the like , and the dimethyl , diethyl , dipropyl dibutyl , dipentyl dehexyl and ethylene and propylene glycol acetal and ketal derivatives of such ketones and aldehydes . use of the acetal or ketal form of the β - carbonyl sulfide reactant to form the azasulfonium salt results in the formation of an isolatable intermediate , having general formula vii , when the azasulfonium salt is treated with a base . treatment of this ketal or acetal intermediate vii with an acid to hydrolyze the alkyl ketal or acetal protecting groups from the oxygen results in the formation of the indole thio - ether derivative of structure vi when r 3 ═ hydrogen , and the formation of the indolenine thio - ether derivative of structure viii when r ═ h and r 3 ═ alkyl or r 3 is connected to r 2 to form a ring . in some cases the yields of the indole thio - ether structure compound are higher by isolating the intermediate vii from its reaction mixture , and at least partially purifying it , before treating it with acid to form the indole thio - ether compound or the indolenine thio - ether derivative but it is not necessary to isolate intermediate vii in this process . the reactions in this process up to the point of base addition are preferably conducted at relatively low temperatures , say , from the cooling temperatures obtained by using dry ice / acetone mixtures ( about - 78 ° c ) to about 20 ° c , more preferably below about 0 ° c , although the reaction temperature becomes less critical after the azasulfonium salt is formed . when the base addition is completed the reaction mixtures need not be cooled . the reactions between the aniline and the halogenating agent to form the n - haloaniline , the n - haloaniline and the β - carbonyl sulfide reactant or the acetal or ketal form thereof to form the azasulfonium salt , and between the azasulfonium salt and the base are preferably done in an organic liquid solvent medium at a temperature below 0 ° c . thereafter , the temperature of the mixture can be allowed to rise at room temperature . acid , if necessary to treat the acetal or ketal groups , can be added at any convenient temperature , within the range indicated above , but preferably at say , 0 ° c to 50 ° c . the reactions of this process can be conducted in a wide variety of inert organic solvents and diluents . solvents as extreme in polarity as toluene and methanol can be used . methylene chloride has been most commonly used , but solvents such as tetrahydrofuran , chloroform , acetonitrile and the like can also be used . the azasulfonium halide salt and base treatment steps of the process are conducted under substantially anhydrous conditions ; that is , a reasonable degree of care is taken to avoid the introduction of water into the reaction mixture during these steps , although the introduction of small incidental amounts of water introduced with solvents or reactants is not substantially detrimental to the process . the base which is reacted with the azasulfonium salt , iv or v , can be any base which will cause formation of an ylid intermediate , which will undergo a sommelet - hauser type or rearrangement , and effect hydrogen transfer to produce the indole thio - ether vi or the acetal or ketal vii . bases which can be used for this purpose are those which have a conjugate acid with a pka of greater than about 6 and include , e . g ., alkanolic alkali metal hydroxides such as methanolic sodium hydroxide , potassium hydroxide , lithium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide , as well as sodium methoxide , potassium methoxide , sodium and potassium ethoxides , potassium and sodium carbonates , and organic bases such as lower alkyl amines such as ethylamine , diethylamine , triethyl - amine , tributylamine , and aromatic amines such as pyridine , the lutidines , and the like . treatment of the azasulfonium salt with the base results in rapid conversion of the azasulfonium salt through its unisolated intermediates to the indole derivative having either formula vi or formula viii if a β - carbonyl sulfide reactant had been used , or to the formation of intermediate having formula vii if the β - carbonyl sulfide acetal or ketal had been used . the intermediate produce vii can be isolated , if desired , but this is not necessary . the crude reaction mixture can be treated with acid to form indole derivative of formula vi or viii depending on the nature of r and r 3 . as an example , a typical procedure could involve treating aniline in methylene chloride solution at - 65 ° c with tert - butyl hypochlorite , to form the n - chloroaniline , followed by the addition of methyl thioacetaldehyde at - 65 ° c , to form the azasulfonium salt and then with triethylamine to obtain 3 - methylthio indole in 30 percent yield . similar treatment of 4 - chloroaniline gives 3 - methylthio - 6 - chloroindole in 35 percent yield and 3 - nitroaniline gives 3 - methylthio - 5 - nitroindole in 38 percent yields . these thio - ether products can be isolated and treated with raney nickel to reduce thioether indole derivatives ; or with raney nickel or an alkali metal aluminum hydride , or alkali metal borohydride , e . g ., lithium aluminum hydride , sodium borohydride , or the like to reduce the methylthioindolenine compounds ; or equivalent reducing agents by known procedures to remove the 3 - thiomethyl groups and to form indole , 6 - chlorindole , and 5 - aminoindole , respectively . in the reductions , the nitro substituent is also reduced to the amino group , which can be advantageous for some uses of the indole product . preferred reactants for use in this process are those wherein a n - chloroaniline of an n - chloroaminopyridine is reacted with a lower α - alkylthio ketone or a lower α - alkylthio aldehyde , that is , those α - carbonyl sulfides wherein r 1 is lower alkyl , r 2 is hydrogen lower alkyl or phenyl , and r 3 is hydrogen or lower alkyl . when a ketal or an acetal of the α - carbonyl sulfide is used the preferred compounds are those wherein r 1 is lower alkyl , r 2 is hydrogen lower alkyl or phenyl , r 3 is hydrogen or lower alkyl and each r 4 is lower alkyl or cyclic . r 2 can be bonded to r 3 to form a ring , as indicated above . products produced by the process of this invention can be used for a wide variety of purposes . the 3 - thio - ether indoles can be used as intermediates to make the indoles without the thio - ether group . indole is known to be useful in perfumery in dilute concentrations . these compounds can be used as perfume bases , as intermediates for making plant hormones such as 3 - indoleacetic acid , for making amino acids such as tryptophane , for making indigoid and thioindigoid type compounds which are useful as vat dyes for fabrics , pigments for paints , printing inks , plastics , etc . in addition , compounds produced by the process of this invention can be used as intermediates to prepare serotonin , antiserotonin , and some antipsychotic agents , antihypersive drugs and the like . see for example , a . burger , medicinal chemistry , 3rd edition , j . wiley and sons , new york , n . y . ( 1970 ) pp . 70 , 1038 , 1413 , 1451 - 1455 , 1458 - 59 , 1484 - 85 ; j . amer . chem . soc ., 79 , p . 3561 ( 1957 ); experientia , 23 , p . 298 ( 1967 ); experientia , 16 , 140 ( 1960 ); and m . s . l . d . moustafa , japan journal of tuberc ., 9 , 65 ( 1961 ) for references to products which can be prepared by known procedures from the indoles and indole derivatives from this invention . also , products of the process of this invention can be used to prepare the anti - inflammatory indomethacen and similar compounds disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 3 , 161 , 654 , as well as indoxole , ( an anti - inflammatory agent ) indolmycin , an antibiotic , as well as compounds disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 3 , 686 , 213 which are useful as diuretics , muscle relaxants , tranquilizers and inflammation inhibitors , for making antibacterial agents such as 5 , 6 - dibromo - 3 -( 2 - aminoethyl ) indolenine derivative in tetrahedron letters , ( 1973 ), page 299 . the new compounds produced in the process of this invention are useful as intermediates in this process to prepare indoles and indole derivatives having the above exemplified uses . the invention is further exemplified by the following detailed examples and preparations which are given by illustration only . temperatures herein are in degrees centigrade unless otherwise indicated . methylthioacetaldehyde was obtained by refluxing 13 g . ( 0 . 095 mol ) of methylthio - acetaldehyde dimethylacetal in 40 ml . of a 1 percent aqueous hydrochloric acid solution for 30 minutes . after cooling to room temperature , the solution was neutralized with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and extracted with methylene chloride . the methylene chloride layer , after drying over anhydrous magnesium sulfate , filtering , and evaporating the solvent , gave a residue which was distilled to yield 5 . 24 g . ( 0 . 05 mol , 62 percent ) of methylthioacetaldehyde , b . p . 129 - 134 °; n 25 d 1 . 4810 . method a . - synthesis of indoles from anilines and β - carbonyl sulfides to a vigorously stirred solution of about 0 . 044 mol of the aniline in 150 ml . of methylene chloride at - 65 °, was added dropwise a solution of 0 . 044 mol of tert - butyl hypochlorite in 20 ml . of the same solvent to form the n - chloroaniline . after 5 to 10 minutes , 0 . 044 mol of the β - carbonyl sulfide ( r 3 ═ h ) dissolved in 20 ml . of methylene chloride was added causing an exotherm , and stirring at - 65 ° c was continued for 1 hour to insure complete reaction to form the azasulfonium chloride salt . usually the azasulfonium chloride salt had precipitated . subsequently , 0 . 044 mol of triethylamine in 20 ml . of methylene chloride was added to the azasulfonium salt mixture . after the addition was completed , the cooling bath was removed and the solution was allowed to warm to room temperature . both rearrangement and cyclization to form the 2 - substituted indole were complete at this point . a 50 ml . portion of water was added and the organic layer was separated , dried , filtered and evaporated . the residue was further purified by column chromatography over silica gel using methylene chloride or a methylene chloride / chloroform mixture as the eluent . desulfurization of the 3 - thio - ether indoles were accomplished by stirring a solution of 0 . 5 to 2 . 0 g . of the thio - ether indole in 50 ml . of absolute ethanol with an excess of w - 2 raney - nickel for 30 minutes . filtration and evaporation gave a residue that was redissolved in methylene chloride and dried . after filtration , the solvent was removed leaving the pure de - sulfurized indole in yields varying from 70 to 82 percent . the w - 2 raney nickel used in these experiments was obtained from w . r . grace & amp ; co ., raney catalyst division , south pittsburg , tenn ., as no . 28 raney active nickel catalyst in water . a portion of this was placed in a beaker and washed with distilled water until neutral to ph paper and then several more times with distilled water , three times with 95 % ethanol , and three times with absolute ethanol . the catalyst under absolute ethanol was stored in brown bottles until use . method b . - synthesis of indoles from anilines and β - carbonyl sulfide acetals and ketals to a vigorously stirred solution of a 0 . 044 mol portion of the aniline in 150 ml . of methylene chloride at - 65 ° there was added dropwise a solution of a 0 . 044 mol portion of tert - butylhypochlorite in 20 ml . of the same solvent to form the n - chloroaniline . after 5 to 10 minutes , a 0 . 044 mol portion of the β - carbonyl sulfide acetal or ketal ( r 3 ═ h ) dissolved in 20 ml . of methylene chloride was added causing an exotherm , and stirring at - 65 ° c was continued for about 1 hour to insure complete reaction to form the azasulfonium salt . usually the azasulfonium salt had precipitated . subsequently , a 0 . 044 mol portion of triethylamine in 20 ml . of methylene chloride was added . after the base addition was completed , the cooling bath was removed and the solution was allowed to warm to room temperature . a 50 ml . portion of water was added and the organic layer was separated , dried , filtered and evaporated , leaving an oily residue that mainly consisted of the unrearranged azasulfonium salt . to effect the rearrangement to intermediate compound vii the residue was refluxed in 150 ml . of carbon tetrachloride containing 5 ml . of triethylamine overnight or until rearrangement was complete . when all of the azasulfonium salt was rearranged the solvent was removed and the residue redissolved in 150 ml . of ethyl ether . cyclization of the acetal or ketal intermediate to the indole ring system was effected by stirring this solution for 3 hours with 50 ml . of 2 n hydrochloric acid . after separation of the liquid layers , the ethereal layer was treated with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution , dried , filtered and evaporated . the residue containing the 3 - thio - ether indole product was recovered . further purification can be effected by column chromatography over silica gel using methylene chloride as the eluent . desulfurization of the 3 - thio ether indole was accomplished in the manner indicated above to form the indole compound . the sub - titled compound was obtained from aniline and methylthioacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal following procedure b as far as the rearrangement . the product was purified by removal of the solvent to give an oily residue that was separated by column chromatography ( silica gel - methylene chloride / ether 2 : 1 ) giving 5 . 70 g ( 0 . 025 mol , 57 %) of the sub - titled compound . an analytical sample was obtained by distillation : bp 125 °- 128 ° ( 0 . 15 mm ), n 25 d 1 . 5678 ; pmr ( ccl 4 ) 2 . 82 - 3 . 67 ( 4h , aromatic protons ), 5 . 39 ( 1h , d , j ═ 7 hz ), 6 . 02 ( 1h , d , j ═ 7 hz ), 6 . 17 ( 2h , broad s , nh 2 ), 6 . 65 and 6 . 88 ( 3h , s , diastereomeric och 3 ), and 8 . 22 ( 3h , s , sch 3 ). anal . calcd for c 11 h 17 no 2 s : c , 58 . 12 ; h , 7 . 54 ; n , 6 . 16 ; s , 14 . 11 . found : c , 58 . 01 ; h , 7 . 42 ; n , 6 . 15 ; s , 13 . 66 . b . conversion of the dimethyl acetal from part a to 3 - methylthioindole was accomplished by stirring 0 . 50 g ( 2 . 20 mmol ) of the dimethylacetal dissolved in 25 ml of ethyl ether for 2 hr . with 10 ml of 0 . 5 n aqueous hydrogen chloride . the ethereal layer was separated , treated with a saturated sodium bicarbonate solution , dried , filtered and evaporated to yield 0 . 35 g ( 2 . 14 mmol , 97 %) of the oily 3 - methylthioindole . this 3 - methylthioindole was treated with raney nickel as described to form indole , identified by comparison with an authentic sample . this compound was obtained from n - chloroaniline and methylthioacetone following method a , carried out on a 0 . 022 mol scale , which gave 2 . 68 g ( 0 . 015 mol , 69 %) of the sub - titled product mp 58 °- 59 ° ( recr . from cyclohexane ), bp 140 °- 142 ° ( 0 . 85 mm ); ir 3400 cm - 1 ( nh ); pmr ( ccl 4 ) 2 . 25 - 3 . 20 ( 5h , m , aromatic h ), 7 . 76 and 7 . 83 ( s , 3 , ch 3 and sch 3 ). anal . calcd for c 10 h 11 ns : c , 67 . 75 ; h , 6 . 26 ; h , 7 . 90 . found : c , 67 . 61 ; h , 6 . 19 ; n , 7 . 87 . b . desulfurization of the 2 - methyl - 3 - methylthioindole ( 2 . 86 g , 0 . 022 mol ) gave in 79 % yield 2 - methylindole , identified by comparison with an authentic sample . this compound was obtained from n - chloro - p - toluidine and methylthio - acetone following method a which gave 5 . 05 g ( 0 . 0265 mol , 60 %) of the sub - titled product : mp 110 °- 111 ° ( recr . from cyclohexane ); ir ( kbr ) 3350 cm - 1 ( nh ); pmr ( ccl 4 ), 2 . 78 ( 1h , s , nh ), 2 . 65 and 3 . 20 ( 1 resp . 2h , s , aromatic h ), 7 . 58 , 7 . 79 and 7 . 86 ( 3h , s , ch 3 ). anal . calcd for c 11 h 13 ns : c , 69 . 09 ; h , 6 . 85 ; n , 7 . 33 ; s , 16 . 73 . found : c , 69 . 10 ; h , 6 . 86 ; n , 7 . 25 ; s , 16 . 73 . b . desulfurization of 2 , 5 - dimethyl - 3 - methylthioindole ( 0 . 50 g , 2 . 62 mmol ) with raney nickel gave in 80 % yield 2 , 5 - dimethylindole as indentified by comparison with an authentic sample . this compound was obtained from n - chloro - 4 - acetoxyaniline and methylthioacetone following method a , carried out on a 0 . 022 mol scale , which gave 3 . 55 g ( 0 . 015 mol , 68 %) of the sub - titled product : mp 129 °- 129 . 5 °, ( recr . from methanol ); ir ( kbr ) 3340 ( nh ) and 1710 cm - 1 ( c ═ 0 ); pmr ( ccl 4 ), 1 . 90 ( 1h , s , nh ) 2 . 92 and 3 . 48 ( 1 resp . 2h , s , aromatic h ), 7 . 73 , 7 . 78 and 7 . 94 ( 3h , s , ch 3 ). anal . calcd for c 12 h 13 no 2 s : c , 61 . 25 ; h , 5 . 57 ; n , 5 . 95 ; s , 13 . 63 . found : c , 60 . 91 ; h , 5 . 61 ; n , 5 . 90 ; s , 13 . 57 . b . desulfurization of the 5 - acetoxy - 2 - methyl - 3 - methylthioindole ( 0 . 50g , 2 . 13 mmol ) ( with raney nickel ) gave in 72 % yield 5 - acetoxy - 2 - methyl - indole , mp 129 °- 132 ° ( lit . 128 °- 130 ° ). this compound was prepared from n - chloro - 4 - chloroaniline and methylthioacetone following method a , which gave 6 . 68 g ( 0 . 032 mol , 72 %) of the sub - titled product : mp . 64 °- 64 . 5 ° ( recr . from cyclohexane ir ( kbr ) 3350 cm - 1 ( nh ); pmr ( ccl 4 ), 2 . 42 ( 1h , s , nh ), 2 . 52 and 3 . 15 ( 1 resp . 2h , m , aromatic h ), 7 . 72 and 7 . 90 ( 3h , s , ch 3 and sch 3 ). anal . calcd for c 10 h 10 cins : c , 56 . 73 ; h , 4 . 76 ; n , 6 . 62 ; s , 15 . 14 found : c , 56 . 73 ; h , 4 . 72 ; n , 6 . 56 ; s , 15 . 25 . ( 1 . 0 g , 4 . 73 mmol ) gave in 74 % yield 5 - chloro - 2 - methylindole ( mp 99 °- 100 . 5 °, lit . 117 °- 119 ° ) as confirmed by comparison of its ir spectrum with that of an authentic sample . this compound was obtained from n - chloro - 3 - nitroaniline and methylthioacetone following method a with the modifications that ( a ) tetrahydrofuran ( thf ) was used as the solvent in view of the solubility of ( b ) the mixture was stirred for 1 hr . after addition of the hypochlorite and 2 hr . after addition of the sulfide . in this way 8 . 07 g ( 0 . 036 mol , 82 %) of 4 - nitro - 2 - methyl - 3 - methylthioindole was isolated : mp 148 °- 150 ° recr . from a ccl 4 / chcl 3 mixture ); ir ( kbr ) 3300 cm - 1 ( nh ); pmr ( cdcl 3 ), 1 . 10 ( 1h , s , nh ), 1 . 75 - 3 . 00 ( 3h , m , aromatic h ), 7 . 40 and 7 . 75 ( 3h , s , ch 3 and sch 3 ). anal . calcd for c 10 h 10 n 2 o 2 s : c , 54 . 04 ; h , 4 . 54 ; n , 12 . 60 ; s , 14 . 42 . found : c , 54 . 09 ; h , 4 . 58 ; n , 12 . 62 ; s , 14 . 49 . this compound was obtained from n - chloro - 2 - methylaniline and methylthioacetone following method a , which gave 6 . 04 g ( 0 . 0316 mol , 72 %) of the sub - titled product : mp 59 . 5 °- 60 . 5 ° ( recr . from cyclohexane ); ir ( kbr ) 3360 cm - 1 ( nh ); pmr ( ccl 4 ), 2 . 30 - 3 . 60 ( 4h , m , aromatic h ), 7 . 66 , 7 . 74 and 7 . 85 ( 3h , s , ch 3 , nch 3 , and sch 3 ). anal . calcd for c 11 h 13 ns : c , 69 . 06 ; h , 6 . 85 ; n , 7 . 32 found : c , 69 . 05 ; h , 6 . 85 ; n , 7 . 24 . b . desulfurization of 2 , 7 - dimethyl - 3 - methylthioindole ( 1 . 0 g , 5 . 23 mmol ) gave in 73 % 2 , 7 - dimethylindole , mp 32 °- 33 ° ( lit . 33 °- 35 ° ). this compound was obtained from n - chloro - n - methylaniline and methylthioacetone following method a . in this case , the organic layer was extracted twice with 2n aqueous hydrochloric acid , after it has been hydrolyzed with 50 ml of water . from the acid extracts 1 . 53 g ( 32 . 5 %) of n - methylaniline could be recovered . the organic layer gave in the usual work - up procedure 3 . 02 g ( 0 . 016 mol , 36 %, or 54 % based on unrecovered starting aniline ) of the sub - titled product : mp 59 . 5 °- 60 ° ( recr . from n - hexane ); pmr ( ccl 4 ), 2 . 45 and 2 . 96 ( 1 and 3h , m , aromatic h ), 6 . 62 ( 3h , s , nch 3 ), 7 . 65 and 7 . 87 ( 3h , s , ch 3 and sch 3 ). anal . calcd for c 11 h 13 ns : c , 69 . 06 ; h , 6 . 85 ; n , 7 . 32 . b . desulfurization of 1 , 2 - dimethyl - 3 - methylthioindole ( 1 . 0 g , 5 . 23 mmol ) gave in 76 % yield 1 , 2 - dimethylindole , mp 50 °- 52 ° ( lit . 56 °). this compound was obtained from n - chloroaniline and methyl phenacylsulfide following method a , which gave 8 . 57 g ( 0 . 036 mol , 81 %) of the sub - titled product : mp 106 °- 107 ° ( recr . from 95 % ethanol ); ir ( kbr ) 3300 cm - 1 ( nh ); pmr ( ccl 4 ), 2 . 00 - 3 . 00 ( 10h , m . aromatic h ) and 7 . 84 ( 3h , s , sch 3 ). anal . calcd for c 15 h 13 ns : c , 75 . 28 ; h , 5 . 48 ; n , 5 . 85 . found : c , 75 . 16 ; h , 5 . 50 ; n , 5 . 85 . b . desulfurization of 3 - methylthio - 2 - phenylindole ( 1 . 55 g , 6 . 50 mmol ) gave in 74 % yield 2 - phenylindole , mp 186 . 5 °- 187 . 5 ° ( lit . 186 °), which ir spectrum was identical to that of an authentic sample . this compound was obtained from n - chloroaniline and methylthioacetaldehyde following method a which gave 1 . 06 g ( 6 . 5 mmol ), 30 %) of the sub - titled product : bp 112 . 5 °- 113 ° ( 0 . 15 mm ), n 25 d 1 . 6488 ; ir 3340 cm - 1 ( nh ); pmr ( ccl 4 ), 2 . 40 and 3 . 05 ( 2 resp . 4h , m , aromatic h ) and 7 . 82 ( 3h , s , sch 3 ). anal . calcd for c 9 h 9 ns : c , 66 . 22 ; h , 5 . 56 ; n , 8 . 58 . found : c , 66 . 11 ; h , 5 . 57 ; n , 8 . 52 . b . desulfurization of 3 - methylthioindole ( 1 . 7 g , 0 . 01 mol ) gave indole in 82 % yield , as confirmed by comparison with an authentic sample . this compound was obtained from n , 4 - dichloroaniline and methylthioacetaldehyde following method a , but using tetrahydrofuran as the solvent . on column chromatography 1 . 72 g of the starting aniline could be recovered and 3 . 00 g ( 0 . 0152 mol , 35 %, or 50 % calculated on unrecovered aniline ) of the sub - titled product was isolated ; bp 134 . 5 °- 135 . 5 ° ( 0 . 20 mm ); ir 3370 cm - 1 ( nh ); pmr ( ccl 4 ), 1 . 90 ( 1h , s , nh ), 2 . 37 ( 1h , s , aromatic h ), 2 . 93 ( 3h , m , aromatic h ) and 7 . 72 ( 3h , s , sch 3 ). anal . calcd for c 9 h 8 clns : c , 54 . 68 ; h , 4 . 08 ; n , 7 . 09 ; s , 16 . 22 . this compound was obtained from n - chloro - 3 - nitroaniline and methylthioacetaldehyde following method a , with the modification that tetrahydrofuran was used as the solvent . in addition , the mixture was stirred for 1 hr after addition of the hypochlorite . after hydrolysis with water , the reaction mixture was extracted with 1n aqueous hydrochloric acid to remove any remaining nitroaniline . in this way 3 . 50 g ( 0 . 017 mol , 38 %) of 3 - methylthio - 4 - nitroindole was obtained as a black crystalline material ; mp 123 °- 124 ° ( recr . from ethanol ); ir ( kbr ) 3310 cm - 1 ( nh ); pmr ( cdcl 3 ), 1 . 03 ( 1h , s , nh ), 2 . 20 - 3 . 00 ( 4h , m , aromatic h ), and 7 . 63 ( 3h , s , sch 3 ). anal . calcd for c 9 h 8 n 2 o 2 s : c , 51 . 91 ; h , 3 . 87 ; n , 13 . 45 ; s , 15 . 37 . this compound was obtained from 4 - dichloroaniline and methylthioacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal by method b giving 2 . 00 g ( 0 . 0102 mol , 23 %) of product identical to that in example 11 a . this compound was obtained from n - chloro - 4 - methylaniline and methylthioacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal by method b which gave 2 . 75 g ( 0 . 017 mol , 39 %) this intermediate product , bp 125 °- 126 ° ( 0 . 20 mm ), n 25 d 1 . 6332 ; ir 3340 l cm - 1 ( nh ); pmr ( ccl 4 ), 2 . 45 ( 1h , s , nh ), 2 . 55 ( 1h , s , aromatic h ), 3 . 06 ( 3h , m , aromatic h ), 7 . 57 and 7 . 75 ( 3h , s , ch 3 and sch 3 ). anal . calcd c 10 h 11 ns : c , 67 . 75 ; h , 6 . 26 ; n , 7 . 90 . found : c , 67 . 52 ; h , 6 . 29 ; n , 7 . 90 . b . desulfurization of 5 - methyl - 3 - methylthioindole ( 1 . 0 g , 5 . 65 mmol ) gave an 82 % yield of 5 - methylindole , mp 55 °- 56 . 5 ° ( lit . 58 . 5 ). this compound was obtained from n - chloro - 3 - nitroaniline and methylthioacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal following method b giving 0 . 75 g ( 3 . 6 mmol , 38 %) of the 3 - methylthio - 4 - nitroindole . to a suitable reaction vessel there was added 6 . 07 g ( 0 . 044 mol ) of 4 - nitroaniline dissolved in 300 ml of methylene chloride . the solution was cooled with vigorous stirring to - 65 °, giving a suspension of the nitro compound . a solution of 5 . 75 g ( 0 . 055 mol ) of t - butyl hypochlorite in 10 ml of methylene chloride was added to form the 4 - nitro - n - chloroaniline and subsequently after 3 hr , 7 . 4 g ( 0 . 071 mol ) of methylthio - 2 - propanone in 10 ml of methylene chloride was added , while stirring was continued for 10 hr . to form the azasulfonium chloride salt . the triethylamine , 4 . 4 g ( 0 . 044 mol ), dissolved in 10 ml of methylene chloride was added and the solution was warmed to room temperature to form the 2 - methyl - 3 - methylthio - 5 - nitroindole . a 50 - ml portion of water was added and after separation , the organic layer was extracted thoroughly with a 2n aqueous hydrochloric acid . drying over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and filtration of the organic solution was followed by evaporation , leaving a solid residue that was stirred for several hrs . with 30 ml of benzene . the remaining precipitate was collected by filtration giving 2 . 92 g ( 0 . 013 mol , 30 %) of 2 - methyl - 3 - methylthio - 5 - nitroindole , mp 197 . 5 °- 198 . 5 ° ( recr . from 95 % ethanol ); ir ( kbr ) 3250 cm - 1 ( nh ); pmr ( acetone - d 6 ) 1 . 40 ( 1h , br , s , nh ), 1 . 02 ( 1h , d , j ═ 2 . 0hz , 4 - aryl h ), 2 . 02 ( 1h , dd , j ═ 8 . 0 and 2 . 0 hz , 6 - aryl h ), 2 . 57 ( 1h , d j ═ 9 . 0 hz , 7 - aryl h ) and 7 . 42 and 7 . 73 ( 3h , s , sch 3 and ch 3 ). anal . calcd for c 10 h 10 n 2 o 2 s : c , 53 . 84 ; h , 4 . 58 ; n , 12 . 55 ; s , 14 . 48 . found : c , 54 . 05 ; h , 4 . 54 ; n , 12 . 50 ; s , 14 . 42 . a . following general procedure a above 5 - carboethoxy - 2 - methyl - 3 - methylthioindole was prepared from the n - chloro - derivative of benzocaine and methylthio - 2 - propanone , with the modification that the suspension of benzocaine in 150 ml of methylene chloride was stirred for 30 minutes at - 65 ° with the tert - butyl hypochlorite solution before addition of the sulfide . after addition of the methylthio - 2 - propanone , 100 ml of methylene chloride was added to promote stirring . stirring was continued for 6 hours to insure complete reaction before addition of the base . the oily residue , obtained after work - up of the reaction mixture , was purified by stirring with 50 ml of ethyl ether , giving , upon filtration , 6 . 37 g ( 0 . 026 mol , 58 % yield ) of 5 - carboethoxy - 2 - methyl - 3 - methylthioindole , m . p . 126 °- 127 ° c . ( recrystallized from absolute ethanol ); ir ( kbr ) 3250 ( nh ) and 1650 cm - 1 ( c ═ 0 ); pmr ( cdcl 3 ) 0 . 84 ( 1h , s , nh ), 1 . 35 ( 1h , d , j ═ 1 . 5 hz , 4 - aryl h ), 2 . 16 ( 1h , dd , j ═ 8 . 0 and 1 . 5 hz , 5 - aryl h ), 2 . 89 ( 1h , d j ═ 8 . 0 hz , 7 - aryl h ), 5 . 61 ( 2h , q , j ═ 7 . 0 hz , och 2 ), 7 . 52 and 7 . 80 ( 3h , s , ch 3 and sch 3 ) and 8 . 59 ( 3h , t , j ═ 7 . 0 hz , och 2 ch 3 ). anal . calcd for c 13 h 15 no 2 s : c , 62 . 63 ; h , 6 . 06 ; n , 5 . 62 ; s , 12 . 86 . found : c , 62 . 54 ; h , 6 . 19 ; n , 5 . 63 ; s , 12 . 79 . b . 5 - carboethoxy - 2 - methylindole was obtained by desulfurization of 5 - carboethoxy - 2 - methyl - 3 - methylthioindole , ( 1 . 0 g , 4 . 02 mmol ), by the de - methylthiolation with raney nickel giving 0 . 68 g ( 3 . 35 mmol , 83 %) of 5 - carboethoxy - 2 - methylindole , mp 140 °- 141 ° c . ( recr . from benzene ); ir ( kbr ) 3250 ( nh ) and 1650 cm - 1 ( c ═ 0 ); pmr ( cdcl 3 ) 1 . 66 ( 2h , br , s , nh and 4 - aryl h ), 2 . 13 ( 1h , dd j ═ 8 . 0 and 1 . 5 hz , 6 - aryl h ), 2 . 83 ( 1h , d , j ═ 8 . 0 hz , 7 - aryl h ), 3 . 68 ( 1h , s , 3 - aryl h ), 5 . 60 ( 2h , q , j ═ 7 . 0 hz , och 2 ), 7 . 56 ( 3h , s , ch 3 ) and 8 . 58 ( 3h , t , j ═ 7 . 0 hz , och 2 ch 3 ). anal . calcd for c 12 h 13 no 2 : c , 70 . 92 ; h , 6 . 45 ; n , 6 . 89 found : c , 71 . 07 ; h , 6 . 43 ; n , 6 . 87 . a . following the general procedure a , 5 - carboethoxy - 3 - methylthioindole was prepared by converting benzocaine to n - chlorobenzocaine , and reacting the n - chlorobenzocaine with methylthioacetaldehyde to form the azasulfonium salt therefrom , followed by treating the azasulfonium salt reaction mixture with triethylamine to form the 5 - carboethoxy - 3 - methylthioindole . in the work - up of the reaction mixture 50 ml of water was added after warming to room temperature , the layers were separated and the organic solution was concentrated . the residue was redissolved in 100 ml of ethyl ether , extracted with 2n aqueous hydrochloric acid to remove unreacted benzocaine , treated with sodium bicarbonate solution , dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate , filtered and evaporated , leaving a residue that was subjected to column chromatography ( silica gel ). there was obtained 2 . 58 g ( 0 . 011 mol , 25 %) of 5 - carboethoxy - 3 - methylthioindole mp , 89 . 0 °- 90 . 5 ° ( recr . from ccl 4 ); ir ( kbr ) 3220 ( nh ) and 1650 cm - 1 ( c ═ 0 ); pmr ( ccl 4 ) 0 . 69 ( 1h , s , nh ), 1 . 52 ( 1h , d , j ═ 1 . 5 hz , 4 - aryl h ), 2 . 10 ( 1h , dd j ═ 8 . 0 and 1 . 5 hz , 6 - aryl h ), 2 . 70 ( 2h , m , 2 - and 7 - aryl h ), 5 . 56 ( 2h , q , j ═ 7 . 0 hz , och 2 ), 7 . 67 ( 3h , s , sch 3 ), 8 . 54 ( 3h , t j ═ 7 . 0 hz , och 2 ch 3 ). anal . calcd for c 12 h 13 no 2 s : n , 5 . 95 ; s , 13 . 63 . found : n , 5 . 74 ; s , 13 . 32 . 5 - carboethoxyindole was obtained by desulfurization of 5 - carboethoxy - 3 - methylthioindole , ( 0 . 53 g , 2 . 25 mmol ) in the manner described above giving 0 . 31 g ( 1 . 64 mmol , 73 %) of 5 - carboethoxyindole mp 94 °- 95 ° ( recr . from cyclohexane ); ir ( kbr ) 3320 ( nh ) and 1660 cm - 1 ( c ═ 0 ); pmr ( ccl 4 ) 0 . 68 ( 1h , s , nh ), 1 . 60 ( 1h , br , s , 4 - aryl h ), 2 . 14 ( 1h , dd j ═ 8 . 0 and 1 . 5 hz , 6 - aryl h ), 2 . 70 ( 2h , m , aryl h ), 3 . 48 ( 1h , m , aryl h ), 5 . 62 ( 2h , q j ═ 7 . 0 hz , och 2 ) and 8 . 61 ( 3h , t , j ═ 7 . 0 hz , och 2 ch 3 ). anal . calcd for c 11 h 11 no 2 : c , 69 . 83 ; h , 5 . 86 ; n , 7 . 40 . found : c , 69 . 68 ; h , 5 . 81 ; n , 7 . 34 . a . following the general procedure of a , m - toluidine was converted to the n - chloro - m - toluidine . the n - chloro - m - toluidine was reacted with methylthio - 2 - propanone to form the azasulfonium chloride salt . the azasulfonium chloride salt was reacted with triethylamine to form the mixture of the 2 , 4 - dimethyl - and 2 , 6 - dimethyl - 3 - methylthioindoles . after column chromatography ( silica gel - methylene chloride ) there was isolated 4 . 87 g ( 0 . 026 mol , 58 %) of the substantially pure isomeric mixture ( resp . ratio 41 : 59 ) as an oil : ir 3400 cm - 1 ( nh ); pmr ( ccl 4 ) 2 . 50 - 3 . 60 ( 4h , m , aryl h ), 7 . 20 ( s , 4 , -- ch 3 ), 7 . 65 ( s , 6 , -- ch 3 ), 7 . 08 , 7 . 93 and 7 . 96 ( s , sch 3 and 2 - ch 3 ), all these singlets together account for an intergration of 9h . b . desulfurization of this mixture ( 2 . 52 g , 13 . 2 mmol ) was accomplished by raney nickel reduction procedures giving 1 . 19 g ( 8 . 25 mmol , 62 . 5 %) of a mixture of 2 , 4 - dimethyl - and 2 , 6 - dimethylindole as a solid in a respective ratio of 34 : 66 pmr ( ccl 4 ) 2 . 60 - 4 . 20 ( 5h , m , aryl h ), 7 . 17 , 7 . 62 , 7 . 94 and 8 . 00 ( s , ch 3 and sch 3 ; total intergration for 6h ). both mixtures could not be preparatively separated by available laboratory techniques . to a stirred solution of 2 - aminopyridine ( 4 . 70 g , 0 . 05 mole ) in 100 ml of methylene chloride at - 65 ° was added dropwise a solution of a t - butyl hypochlorite ( 5 . 43 g , 0 . 05 mole ) in 20 ml of methylene chloride cooled in a dry - ice / acetone bath to form the n - chloro - 2 - aminopyridine . the reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hr . thiomethylacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal 1 ( 6 . 80 g , 0 . 05 mole ) in 10 ml of methylene chloride cooled in a dry - ice acetone bath was introduced and stirred for 1 . 5 hr to form the azasulfonium salt . sodium methoxide ( 3 . 0 g , 0 . 055 mole ) in 50 ml of absolute methanol cooled in a dry - ice / acetone bath was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 2 . 5 hr . work - up of the reaction mixture by the standard procedure gave an intermediate which was mixed with potassium t - butoxide ( 5 . 6 g , 0 . 05 mole ) in 300 ml of t - butyl alcohol . the mixture was refluxed for 5 . 5 hr . rearrangement to the desired sulfide was shown to be complete by thin layer chromatography . water was added to the reaction mixture when it was cooled to room temperature and the reaction mixture was extracted with diethyl ether . the combined ethereal extracts were concentrated on the rotary evaporator to give an oil which was taken up in 100 ml of 0 . 1 n aqueous hydrochloric acid and 100 ml of diethyl ether and stirred for 4 . 5 hr at room temperature . the aqueous layer was separated , basified with a saturated aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate , and extracted with diethyl ether . the ethereal extracts were combined , dried , and concentrated to give crude 3 - methylthio - 7 - azaindole ( 6 . 0 g ) which was chromatographed on silica gel ( skelly solve b and ethyl ether ) to give white crystalline titled product ( 3 . 70 g , 45 %), m . p . 115 . 0 °- 115 . 5 °; nmr ( cdcl 3 ) 2 . 36 ( s , 3h ), 7 . 35 ( d of d , 1h ), 7 . 50 ( s , 1h ), 8 . 10 ( d of d , 1h ), 8 . 40 ( d of d , 1h ), and 12 . 72 ( broad s , 1h ). exact mass molecular weight . calcd for c 8 h 8 n 2 s : 164 . 0408 . found : 164 . 0410 anal . calcd for c 8 h 8 n 2 s : c , 58 . 51 ; h , 4 . 91 ; n , 17 . 06 ; s , 19 . 52 . found : c , 58 . 47 ; h , 5 . 20 ; n , 17 . 12 ; s , 19 . 51 . de - methylthiolation with raney nickel gives 7 - azaindole . a . 11 - methylthio - 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydrocarbazolenine was obtained by adding dropwise to a vigorously stirred solution of 0 . 044 mol of aniline in 150 ml of methylene chloride cooled to - 65 ° a solution of 0 . 044 mol of t - butylhypochlorite in 20 ml of the same solvent . after a 5 min . period 0 . 044 mol of 2 - methylthiocyclohexanone in 20 ml of methylene chloride was added causing a slight exotherm and stirring was continued for 1 hr . the intermediate azasulfonium salt did not precipitate . subsequently , 0 . 044 mol of triethylamine in 20 ml of methylene chloride was added and after the addition was completed the cooling bath was removed to allow the solution to warm to room temperature . a 50 - ml portion of water was added and the organic layer was separated , dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate , filtered and evaporated . the residue was subjected to column chromatography ( sio 2 - methylene chloride ), giving 5 . 58 g ( 0 . 0257 mol , 58 %) of 11 - methylthio - 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydrocarbazolenine as an oil that solidified on standing in the refrigerator : mp 48 °- 50 ° ( recr . from n - hexane ), bp . 87 °- 88 ° ( 0 . 05 mm ); ir 1690 cm - 1 ( n ═ c ); pmr ( ccl 4 ) τ2 . 50 - 3 . 20 ( 4h , m , aryl - h ), 7 . 00 - 8 . 95 ( 8h , m , aliphatic h ), 8 . 84 ( 3h , s , sch 3 ). anal . calcd for c 13 h 15 ns : n , 6 . 45 . found : n , 6 . 40 this conversion was achieved by adding to an ice - cooled solution of 634 mg ( 2 . 92 mmol ) of the thio - ether indolenine in 20 ml of anhydrous ether , portion wise 159 mg ( 4 . 18 mmol ) of lithium aluminum hydride . the mixture was stirred for 40 min . at room temperature and then hydrolyzed with 30 ml of 0 . 5 n aqueous sulfuric acid . the layers were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted twice with 30 - ml portions of ether . the combined organic solutions were treated with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution , dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate , filtered and evaporated , leaving 520 mg ( mp . 110 °- 116 . 5 °) of a residue that was purified further by column chromatography ( sio 2 - methylene chloride ). in this way 400 mg ( 2 . 34 mmol , 80 %) of 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydrocarbazole , mp 114 . 5 °- 117 ° ( lit . mp . 116 °), was obtained . this was achieved by refluxing a mixture of 687 mg ( 3 . 17 mmol ) of the thio - ether indolenine and 363 mg ( 9 . 81 mmol ) of sodium borohydride in 20 ml of isopropanol for 16 hr . a 20 - ml portion of water was added and the mixture was extracted twice with 30 - ml portions of methylene chloride . the organic extracts were dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate , filtered , and evaporated , leaving 500 mg ( mp 105 °- 111 °) of a residue , that was purified further over a column ( sio 2 - methylene chloride ). in this manner 438 mg ( 2 . 02 mmol , 64 %) of 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydrocarbazole , mp . 111 °- 114 ° was obtained . this was achieved by stirring 798 mg ( 3 . 67 mmol ) of the thio - ether indolenine in 30 ml of absolute ethanol for 30 min with 2 spoons of ra - ni w - 2 . workup as for the formerly described desulfurizations gave 521 mg ( 3 . 05 mmol , 83 %) of 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydrocarbazole , mp . 115 °- 117 . 5 °. additional compounds which can be prepared by the procedures described above include : the acetal or ketal forms of the β - carbonyl sulfide reactants can be used to prepare the compounds by the method b procedure .	2
describing now the drawings , it is to be understood that to simplify the showing thereof , only enough of the structure of the switch or control cable arrangement has been illustrated therein as is needed to enable one skilled in the art to readily understand the underlying principles and concepts of this invention . turning now specifically to fig1 of the drawings , the arrangement depicted by way of example and not limitation therein will be seen to comprise a switch or control cable 9 which contains a first switch or control cable section 10 and a second switch or control cable section 11 which are intended to be coupled or decoupled depending on the type of operation to be selected or controlled by means of the switch or control cable arrangement . fixed to the right - hand end of the first switch or control cable section 10 is a first cable head 12 which is fixedly anchored in a bushing 13 . at the left - hand end of the second switch or control cable section 11 , there is fixed a second cable head 14 which , however , is displaceably guided in the bushing 13 . this second cable head 14 possesses a groove 15 into which there project two spherical or ball - shaped locking bodies 16 . furthermore , these locking bodies 16 project into radial bores or holes 17 in the bushing 13 , whereby there is prevented a displacement of the second cable head 14 in the bushing 13 . the two switch or control cable sections 10 and 11 are thus rigidly interconnected by means of the bushing 13 and the two locking bodies 16 . the bushing 13 , in turn , is displaceably guided in a further bushing 18 and consequently , the two switch or control cable sections 10 and 11 can be displaced conjointly with the bushing 13 and the locking bodies 16 . in fig2 there is depicted the left end position of the switch or control cable 9 containing the two switch or control cable sections 10 and 11 . for the following , it will be assumed that a compression spring 19 connected with the first or left - hand switch or control cable section 10 has the tendency to displace the switch or control cable 9 , i . e . at least the first or left - hand switch or control cable section 10 towards the left . it will be further assumed that a schematically illustrated clamping or holding device 20 is provided at the second or right - hand switch or control cable section 11 for clamping or holding or releasing at least the second or right - hand switch or control cable section 11 . as can be seen from fig2 when the clamping arrangement or holding device 20 is released or opened , the switch or control cable 9 including the two switch or control cable sections 10 and 11 is displaced in its entirety towards the left and the compression spring 19 can be released . in accordance with fig1 the further bushing 18 is mounted in a housing 21 and is displaceable therein under the force of a compression spring 23 from a blocking position shown in fig1 to a releasing position shown in fig3 . a sleeve 22 is fastened to this housing 21 and the compression spring 23 is displaceably guided at the sleeve 22 . this compression spring 23 is supported at a collar of the sleeve 22 and via a washer at the further bushing 18 . the compression spring 23 has the tendency to displace the further bushing 18 in the housing 21 towards the left into the releasing position , as will be evident from fig3 . as can be seen in fig3 due to the displacement of the further bushing 18 towards the left and into the releasing position , the aforementioned locking bodies 16 arrive at a groove 24 provided in the inner wall of the further bushing 18 . the second cable head 14 of the second switch or control cable section 11 is thereby released because the locking bodies 16 no longer project into the groove 15 of such second cable head 14 . consequently , this second cable head 14 is freely displaceable in the bushing 13 . thus , the compression spring 19 is enabled to displace the first switch or control cable section 10 conjointly with the bushing 13 , the locking bodies 16 and the further bushing 18 towards the left , as can be seen in fig4 . a pawl 25 , see fig2 serves for releasing the further bushing 18 . the pawl 25 is operable in a manner here not particularly shown , i . e . by hand , by means of a cartridge or any other suitable operating means . in this case , a displacement of the first or left - hand switch or control cable section 10 is rendered possible even if the second or right - hand switch or control cable section 11 is retained by the clamping arrangement or holding device 20 . in accordance with fig5 a further housing 26 is secured to the housing 21 and a sleeve - shaped piston 27 is displaceably guided in such further housing 26 . the further housing 26 is closed by means of a cover 28 . two pressure chambers 29 and 30 are provided for displacing the sleeveshaped piston 27 in the further housing 26 and connected to a here not particularly shown source of hydraulic oil by means of hydraulic conduit connections 31 and 32 . a plunger 33 is displaceably guided in the sleeve - shaped piston 27 and can be prevented from displacement by means of locking bodies 34 . these locking bodies 34 project into a groove 35 of the plunger 33 and into radial bores or holes 36 of the sleeve - shaped piston 27 . a spring 37 is supported at a shoulder of the sleeve - shaped piston 27 and at a shoulder of the plunger 33 . this spring 37 has the tendency to press the plunger 33 against the bushing 13 . as soon as the sleeve - shaped piston 27 is pushed somewhat towards the right in the further housing 26 , see fig5 the locking bodies 34 can enter a wide groove 38 in the further housing 26 and thus no longer project into the groove 35 of the plunger 33 , as shown in fig6 . in accordance with fig6 the piston 27 has been hydraulically displaced completely towards the right and has pushed the further bushing 18 towards the right to such an extent that the compression spring 23 has been compressed and the further bushing 18 has been returned into the blocking position already shown in fig1 . consequently , also the plunger 33 has been displaced in the sleeve - shaped piston 27 , thus compressing the spring 37 . furthermore , the further bushing 18 has been displaced relative to the bushing 13 . as a consequence , the locking bodies 16 have been pushed into the groove 15 of the second cable head 14 of the second switch or control cable section 11 such that the second cable head 14 can no longer be displaced in the bushing 13 . in accordance with fig7 the hydraulic piston 27 was again partly displaced towards the left . however , the further bushing 18 is held by means of the pawl 25 and therefore can no longer be displaced towards the left under the force of the compression spring 23 . as soon as the starting position shown in fig1 is reached again , i . e . when the hydraulic piston 27 has been pushed completely towards the left , then the locking bodies 34 are pushed through the inner wall of the housing 26 back into the groove 35 of the plunger 33 . thus , the plunger 33 can no longer be displaced in the sleeve - shaped piston 27 and likewise the locking bodies 16 are pushed through the inner wall of the further bushing 18 into the groove 15 of the second cable head 14 of the second switch or control cable section 11 , so that this second cable head or body 14 can no longer be displaced in the further bushing 18 . the mode of operation of the switch or control cable 9 containing the coupling constituted by the bushing 13 , the locking bodies 16 and the further bushing 18 , as described hereinbefore , is as follows : in accordance with fig1 the switch or control cable 9 containing the two switch or control cable sections 10 and 11 is displaceable by an amount a in the housings 21 and 26 as soon as the clamping arrangement or holding device 20 is opened and the compression spring 19 can be released . the two switch or control cable sections 10 and 11 of the switch or control cable 9 are coupled to each other because , as previously mentioned , the locking bodies 16 are pressed through the inner wall of the further bushing 18 into the groove 15 of the second cable head 14 of the aforementioned second switch or control cable section 11 . a displacement of the second cable head 14 in the bushing 13 , therefore , is impossible and the first cable head 12 of the aforementioned first switch or control cable section 10 in any case is fixedly anchored in the bushing 13 . the second switch or control cable section 11 is displaceably guided in the sleeve 22 and the first switch or control cable section 10 is displaceably guided in the plunger 33 . in accordance with fig1 and 4 , only the first switch or control cable section 10 is displaceable in the housings 21 and 26 by the amount a as soon as the pawl 25 , see fig2 is operated . when the pawl 25 is operated , the compression spring 23 can displace the further bushing 18 towards the left into the releasing position in which the groove 24 of this further bushing 18 is located in the area or region of the locking bodies 16 , see fig3 . consequently , these locking bodies 16 can enter this groove 24 of the further bushing 18 and , as can be seen in fig3 can be pushed out from the groove 15 of the second cable head 14 of the second switch or control cable section 11 . therefore , the second cable head 14 is freely displaceable relative to the bushing 13 . however , a displacement of the second switch or control cable section 11 and the second cable head 14 is prevented by the clamping arrangement or holding device 20 . conversely , the compression spring 19 can displace the first switch or control cable section 10 conjointly with the first cable head 12 and the bushing 13 fastened thereto by the amount a , see fig1 towards the left as will be evident from fig4 . during this operation , the second cable head 14 is displaced relative to the bushing 13 and secures the locking bodies 16 in their outermost position in which they project into the groove 24 . it will be evident from the mode of operation described hereinbefore that the displacement of the first switch or control cable section 10 by the amount a , see figure 1 , can be achieved either by operating the clamping arrangement or holding device 20 or by operating the pawl 25 , see fig3 . the herein described switch or control cable coupling 13 , 16 , 18 is suited , for instance , for use in a gatling gun which has to be switched - off when encountering a delayed firing of a cartridge as well as after a single shot . in the presence of a delayed firing cartridge , the clamping arrangement or holding device 20 is opened . if a single - shot operation is desired , then the pawl 25 is operated by means of the first cartridge to be fired for releasing the further bushing 18 . in both cases the displacement of the first switch or control cable section 10 has the effect that a series or continuous firing operation of the gun is immediately interrupted . while there are shown and described present preferred embodiments of the invention , it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto , but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims .	8
this invention is , for example a surface treatment for a r -- tm -- x type of permanent magnet comprising the steps , ( 1 ) removing a surface layer of the magnet material , the quality of which is changed by mechanical work . ( 2 ) plating a non - bright nickel - plating to form a 1 to 50 μm thickness of non - bright ni - layer on the magnet material , ( 3 ) plating a semi - bright nickel - plating to form a 0 . 5 to 30 μm thickness of semi - bright ni - layer on the non - bright ni - layer , ( 4 ) chromate treating the double - plated magnet material to form a 1 to 100 μm thickness of chromate layer , and where r represents an element or a mixture of rare - earth elements including yttrium , tm is a mixture , principally of iron , plus transition elements other than iron which can be partially replaced by other metal elements and / or other non - metallic elements , and x is one element or a mixture of elements such as b , n and other elements to enhance the coercive force of the magnet material . in this invention a r -- tm -- x type of permanent magnet is metal plated and then coated by chromates . the chromate protective layer on the metal is very thin but is very adhesive to the underlying metal surface . chromate is very effective for protecting the underlying metal surface from water , because it is amorphous , devoid of pin holes , and is water repellent . it is believed that the underlying metal would be protected even if the chromate film is partially destroyed since , at site of destruction , six charges of chromium ions come out from the chromate to suppress corrosion of the underlying metal . in this invention it is possible to enhance corrosion resistance of the protective layer on a r -- tm -- x type of magnet by the corrosion resistive characteristics of the chromate film . the chromate treatment can be conducted by dipping the metal plated magnets in a chromate solution , after water cleaning of the metal plated magnets . the chromate treatment is preferably conducted at a temperature of from about 20 ° c . to about 80 ° c . with a dipping time of from about 1 to about 10 minutes . a chromate solution is preferably a high acidic solution of chromic acid anhydride or dichromic acid , preferably with a chrome concentration of at least 0 . 01 mol / l . a low acidic chromate solution is not preferable because such a solution produces a non - water repelling chromate film . it is preferable to use a high acidity of chromic acid also in order to produce an active dipping treatment . however , strong acids such as sulfuric acid , hydrochloric acid or nitric acid are omitted from the chromic acid solution . in the prior art , chromate solutions generally including a small amount of strong acid . but inclusion of a strong acid in the chromic acid solution for the present invention would cause too strong an activation of the chromic acid and may deposit a solution on the plated metal film on the magnet surface which would weaken the adhesion of the chromate film to the plated metal film . moreover such a strong acid may corrode the magnet body if it penetrates through pin - holes in the plated metal film . so a strongly acidic chromate solution without using such a strong acid is preferable . it is preferable to follow the chromate treatment by dipping the magnets in an alkaline solution . a preferable alkaline solution is a deliquescent solution containing sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide . an alkaline concentration of 3 wt % or more is sufficient to provide adequate washing ability . the dipping time is preferably from about 1 to about 10 minutes . the temperature of the alkaline solution is preferably from about 20 ° c . to about 80 ° c . then the magnets are then washed in water and dried at a temperature of 20 ° c . to 120 ° c . since excessive heating of the magnets weakens the corrosion resistance of the chromate film , the drying temperature should not exceed about 120 ° c . the neutralization - treatment by alkalines after the chromate treatment produces a stronger adhesion chromate layer to a bonding material which may be used to join the magnet to another part in an equipment . the ni - plating layer is preferably formed by electrolytic plating . the following solution constituents can be used for electrolytic plating . a bath includes from about 50 to about 500 g / l of a nickel salt containing one or a mixture of nickel ammonium sulfate , nickel sulfate , nickel chloride , sulfamic acid nickel , tetrafluoro - nickel borate , from about 10 to about 50 g / l of ammonium chloride , from about 10 to about 50 g / l of boric acid . if necessary , sodium lauryl sulfate or hydrogen peroxide may be included to prevent pits . to make the ni - film semi - bright , the solution includes a first brightener such as benzene , naphthaline , saccharin and other material . to make the nickel film bright the solution includes further a second brightener such as butine - diol , coumarin , thio - urea and similar material . the plating solution preferably has a temperature of 20 ° c . to 70 ° c . and a ph - value of 2 . 0 to 7 . 0 . the cathode current density is preferably from about 0 . 1 to about 10 a / dm 2 ( deci - meters squared ). the ni film produced by the plating solution contains mainly nickel but it can include a minor amount of impurities such as , for example , iron , copper , manganese , zinc , cobalt , carbon , and / or oxygen . the solution can contain alloying salts to produce a ni - alloy film . the plated film can be a ni alloy film including the added metals produced by adding nickel salt and other metal salt in the plating solution . the element to be alloyed with nickel is generally an element or a mixture of sn , cu , zn , co , fe , cr , p , b and other metal elements . since phosphor , a metalloid element , makes a plated ni -- p film amorphous , a ni -- p film is superior to a plated ni film with respect to corrosion resistivity . the ni -- p film also has less pin - holes than a ni plated film . moreover the ni -- p film is mechanically stronger and more resistant to salt and other chemicals . a ni -- p plated film can generally be produced by non - electrolytic plating process . a plating solution may be , for example , a solution of nickel sulphate with hypophosphorous acid as an acetifier and acetate soda as a stabilizer . a ni - base of multiple layers can provide a sacrifice anode effect by an inter - layer corrosion mechanism which is effective to improve the corrosion resistance of the layers . a double layer of ni - plated films is preferable , comprising an underlying layer of non - bright ni - film and an over layer of semi - bright ni - film . a single layer of non - bright ni - plated film is not preferred because the protective layer composed of a single non - bright ni - plated film and an over layer of chromate film is not sufficient to prevent corrosion of the magnet material . a single layer of bright ni - plated film gives satisfactory protection when covered by a chromate film . however , a single bright ni plated layer needs a lot of time to form . the plating time can be shortened using a combination of a non - bright ni - plating followed by a semi - bright ni - plating , because a semi - bright plating needs a shorter plating time than a bright ni - plating . a double layer of a non - bright ni - plated film and a semi - bright ni - plated film also exhibits superior corrosion prevention . the underlying non - bright nickel layer is effective to combine with the magnet surface and with the overlying semi - bright nickel plated film . the overlying semi - bright nickel layer is effective to protect the underlying non - bright nickel layer from humidity , because it has fewer pin holes then does a nonbright nickel layer . the plating time required to form the ni - double layer is shorter than the plating time to form a bright ni - plated layer . adding a chromate film over the ni - double layer remarkably enhances the resistance to corrosion . the corrosion resistance is insufficient when the thickness of the underlying non - bright nickel film is less than 1 μm . on the contrary , the cost of material makes it preferable to keep the thickness of the non - bright nickel film less than 50 μm . a preferable thickness of the non - bright nickel - plating film is from about 5 μm to about 25 μm . a more preferable thickness of the non - bright nickel - plating film is from about 10 μm to about 20 μm . the corrosion resistance is insufficient when the thickness of the overlying semi - bright nickel film is less than about 0 . 5 μm . on the contrary the cost of materials makes it preferable to keep the thickness of the semi - bright nickel film less than 30 μm . a preferable thickness of the semi - bright nickel - plating film is from about 1 μm to about 15 μm . a more preferable thickness of the non - bright nickel - plating film is from about 2 μm to about 10 μm . in order to make a protective film on a magnet surface reliable , it is important to remove a surface layer whose quality has been changed by , for example , working or cutting . such a surface layer generally has a thickness of 5 μm to 20 μm . the surface layer is qualitatively changed by grinding , cutting or similar mechanical operations . previously it was tried to remove such a changed layer and to make the magnet surface active by etching with sulfuric acid or a similar acid before metal plating . this was unsuccessful since corrosion under the plating layer destroyed adhesion and permitted the plated metal film to be removed . in this invention the surface layer is removed by a first etching using from about 0 . 2 to about 10 vol % of nitric acid followed by a second etching using a mixture of from about 0 . 2 to about 10 vol % of oxygenated water and from about 10 to about 30 vol % of acetic acid . it is believed that the nitric acid removes the surface layer of the magnet material whose quality has been changed and that the mixture of oxygenated water and acetic acid makes the magnet surface active . these treatments enhance the adhesion of the metal film formed by a plating process to the magnet surface . copper - plating before the formation of ni - plating layers is preferable to improve the corrosion resistance of the protective film on the surface of magnet material . the copper plating before the nickel plating is effective to reduce the number of pin - holes in the plated nickel film and to improve the uniformity of the plated nickel film . the plated copper layer under the plated nickel film improves plating ability of the nickel - plating solution . for example a complex - shaped magnet can be plated a uniform thickness of nickel because of the plated copper under layer . a plated copper under layer permits nickel plating a ring magnet . a preferable thickness of the plated copper film is from about 0 . 5 μm to about 15 μm . in this invention it is preferable that a corrosion resistant film is formed on surface of a magnet material comprising from about 5 to 40 wt % of r , 50 - 90 wt % of tm and 0 . 2 to 8 wt % of b and including 0 . 5 to 15 wt % of co and 0 . 5 to 5 wt % of aluminum . the grain boundary phase of a r -- fe -- b type of magnet alloy comprises almost a rare - earth rich phase which includes several wt % of fe and small amount of boron and a boron rich phase of r 1 + c tm 4 b 4 when the magnet does not include co nor al . the rare - earth rich phase degrades the corrosion resistance of the magnet due to its high chemical activity . the problem of rare - earth richness at the grain boundaries of a r -- fe -- b type of permanent magnet may be reduced by the addition of co and al to produce a multiple phase in the grain boundaries . by adjustment of the amount of co and al in the permanent magnet , it is possible to enhance the corrosion resistance of the magnet without reducing the magnetic properties . co is effective to enhance its curie temperature , the corrosion resistance of the magnet material and the magnetization value . however , less than 0 . 5 wt % of co is not effective to enhance these properties . an amount of 15 wt % or more of co reduces the coercive force ihc by causing precipitation of the r -- co compound comprising 40 wt % or more of co caused by a high condensation of cobalt at the crystalline boundaries which make reverse of magnetization easier . the preferable range of co amount is from about 0 . 5 wt % to about 15 wt % and most preferably from about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %. aluminum in addition to co is effective to enhance ihc and corrosion resistance by preventing reduction of ihc that would be caused by an increase in the amount of co in the magnet . less than about 0 . 5 wt % of al has reduced effectiveness in enhancing ihc and corrosion resistance . more than about 5 wt % of al causes a sharp reduction in br and ( bh ) max although it is still effective to increase ihc . the most preferable range of al content is from about 0 . 5 wt % to about 5 wt %. in the present invention the transition metal , tm , of the magnet material can include , other than co and al , the elements ga , ti , v , cr , mn , zr , hf , nb , ta , mo , ge , sb , sn bi , ni . the present invention can be applied to permanent magnets produced by a powder metallurgy process or by a process comprising rapidly quenching a molten metal . the latter process generally comprises forming a powder by rapidly quenching the material in a hot atmosphere and compressing the powder to form a compressed body . compressing is followed by hot working to provide the magnet body with a magnetic anisotropy caused by plastic deformation in the hot atmosphere . the formed bulk magnet is characterized by fine crystalline size of 0 . 02 μm to 1 . 0 μm . the magnet to be coated according to the present invention can be produced by the above - described , and any other modified process . in order to improve corrosion resistance of the double nickel - plated layers , it is effective to treat the magnet with a chromate treatment by dipping the nickel - plated magnets in a solution including chromate oxide . the chromate film appears to block the pin holes existing in the nickel layers , thereby significantly reducing the problem of corrosion . nd ( fe 0 . 7 co 0 . 2 bo 0 . 07 ga 0 . 03 ) 6 . 7 , made by an arc - melting process , was pulverized to form a coarse powder by a stand - milling process and then by a disk - milling process . a fine powder of the alloy having an average particle size of 3 . 6 μm ( fsss ) was produced by a jet - milling process using nitrogen gas as the grinding medium . the fine powder was compressed to produce a green body while the powder was exposed to a magnetic field of 18 koe in a direction perpendicular to the compression direction . the pressure for compression was 2 . 3 tons / cm 2 . the green body was sintered in a vacuum for two hours at a temperature of 1100 ° c . the sintered body was cut to produce a test piece having a size of 20 × 12 × 6 mm . the test piece was cooled to near room temperature ( 150 ° c . is satisfactory ) the test piece was heated to a temperature of 900 ° c . for 2 hours in ar atmosphere , and then cooled rapidly to 600 ° c . and then kept at 600 ° c . for one hour . the test piece was surface - treated degreasing its surface with trichloroethane , then etching with a 1 vol % solution of nitric acid and then washing in water . after nitric acid etching , the piece was etched in a mixture of 5 vol % of hydrogen peroxide solution and 20 vol % of ch 3 cooh solution and then washed in water . the etched body was plated to form a 3 μm thickness of copper , a 15 μm thickness of non - bright nickel film and a 5 μm thickness of semi - bright nickel film . the doubly nickel plated magnet was then dipped in a chromic acid anhydride solution having a concentration of 6 . 0 g / l ( ph = 1 . 3 ) for 5 minutes at a temperature of 50 ° c . it can be said that the magnet had excellent magnetic properties . to evaluate the oxidation - resistance of the magnet we investigated the surface of the magnet by keeping it at a temperature of 120 ° c . and in 100 % of humidity ( pct test ) for three days . the term &# 34 ; pct test &# 34 ; refers to an accelerated test procedure called a &# 34 ; pressure cooker test &# 34 ; in which the part is maintained in a pressure cooker at two atmospheres at the conditions noted . after the above treatment , peeling scaling and flaking were tested in a &# 34 ; cross - hatch test &# 34 ;. the surface layers of chromate , nickel and copper were scored in a cross - hatch pattern using a sharp knife . a piece of cellophane adhesive tape was adhered to the scored surface , and pulled away in a direction normal to the surface of the part , and the tape was visually examined for adhering flakes of the coating that may have been peeled off during pulling of the adhesive tape . no peeling or flaking was observed . the surface of the surface was visually examined for evidence of red rust or other changes in the surface . no red rust or other changes were seen . the increase in oxides was only 0 . 002 mg / cm 2 . ( nd 0 . 8 dy 0 . 2 )( fe 0 . 7 co 0 . 2 b 0 . 07 ga 0 . 03 ) 6 . 7 , made by an arc - melting process , was pulverized to form a coarse powder by stand - milling followed by disk - milling . the coarse powder was further ground by jet - milling , using nitrogen gas as grinding medium , to produce a fine powder of the alloy having an average particle size of 3 . 6 μm as measured in a fisher sub - seive sizer ( fsss ). the fsss process is a standard industrial process for measuring particle size , and thus requires no further description . the fine powder was formed into a green body in a magnetic field of 18 koe applied perpendicular to the compression direction . the pressure for compression was 2 . 3 tons / cm 2 . the green body was sintered in vacuum for two hours at a temperature of 1100 ° c . the sintered body was cut to produce test pieces having a size of 20 × 12 × 6 mm . the test pieces were heated to a temperature of 900 ° c . for 2 hours in ar atmosphere , cooled rapidly to 600 ° c ., and then held at 600 ° c . for one hour . the test pieces were cooled and heat treated as in treatment no . 1 above . the test pieces were surface - treated degreased in trichloroethylene , etched in a 3 vol % solution of nitric acid and then washed in water . finally , the pieces were etched in a mixture of 8 vol % of hydrogen peroxide solution and 20 vol % of ch 3 cooh solution and then washed in water . the test pieces were plated to form a 15 μm thickness of non - bright nickel film and a 5 μm thickness of semi - bright nickel film . after water - washing the doubly nickel plated pieces were then dipped in a solution including 10 g / l of cro 3 at a temperature of 50 ° c . for 5 minutes . then they were washed in water and dried . the test pieces were plated to form a 15 μm thickness of non - bright nickel film and a 5 μm thickness of semi - bright nickel film . after water - washing the doubly nickel plated pieces were then dipped in a solution including 15 g / l of na 2 cr 2 o 7 at a temperature of 50 ° c . for 5 minutes . then they were washed in water and dried . the test pieces were plated to form a 20 μm thickness of bright nickel film . then they were washed in water and dried . the test pieces were plated to form a 15 μm thickness of non - bright nickel film and a 5 μm thickness of bright nickel film . after water - washing the doubly nickel plated pieces were dried . these treated pieces were given a corrosion test . the samples were exposed to a temperature of 80 ° c . at one atmosphere of pressure and 90 % of humidity . the surface was thoroughly examined visually for the presence of red rust on the magnets caused by oxidization . no red rust was found on the samples treated by treatment nos . 1 and 2 even after 1000 hours of exposure to the test conditions . the samples treated by the treatment no . 3 showed some stains after 100 hours and red rust points after 200 hours . the samples treated by the treatment no . 4 showed some stains after 150 hours and red rust points after 500 hours . these samples were also examined after a salt water spray test using 5 vol % of nacl solution at a temperature of 35 ° c . for 200 hours . no red rust was observed on the surface of the samples treated by the treatment nos . 1 and 2 after the 200 hours of salt water spray test . on the other hand the samples treated by the treatment no . 3 showed red rust after 12 hours of salt water spray test . the samples treated by the treatment no . 4 showed red rust after 30 hours of salt water spray test . a comparison of the above treatments shows that the presence of the chromate film covering the metal - plated film on the magnet surface improves the resistance to corrosion of the r -- tm -- b magnets . ( nd 0 . 8 dy 0 . 2 )( fe 0 . 7 co 0 . 2 bo 0 . 07 ga 0 . 02 nb 0 . 01 ) 6 . 7 , made by arc melting , was pulverized by stand milling and then by disk - milling to form a coarse powder . the coarse powder was further pulverized by jet milling , using nitrogen gas as grinding medium , to produce a fine powder of the alloy having an average particle size of 3 . 6 μm measured by the fsss process . the fine powder was compressed in a magnetic field of 18 koe , perpendicular to the compression direction , to produce a green body . the pressure for compression was 2 . 3 tons / cm 2 . the green body was sintered in vacuum for two hours at a temperature of 1100 ° c . the sintered body was cut to produce test pieces having a size of 20 × 12 × 6 mm . the test pieces were cooled to about 150 ° c . and ground to shape . the test pieces were heated to a temperature of 900 ° c . for 2 hours in ar atmosphere , and then cooled rapidly to 600 ° c . and then held at 600 ° c . for one hour . the test pieces were surface degreased in trichloroethane , etched in a 5 vol % solution of nitric acid and then washed in water . then the pieces were etched in a mixture of 10 vol % of hydrogen peroxide solution and 20 vol % of ch 3 cooh solution and then washed in water . the test pieces were plated to form a 15 μm thickness of non - bright nickel film and a 5 μm thickness of semi - bright nickel film . after water - washing the doubly nickel plated pieces were dipped in a solution including 10 g / l of cro 3 at a temperature of 50 ° c . for 5 minutes . then they were dipped in a solution including 50 g / l of naoh at a temperature of 20 ° c . for one minute . after water - washing they were dried . the test pieces were plated to form a 15 μm thickness of non - bright nickel film and a 5 μm thickness of semi - bright nickel film . after water - washing , the doubly nickel plated pieces were dipped in a solution including 10 g / l of cro 3 at a temperature of 50 ° c . for 5 minutes . then they were dipped in a solution including 50 g / l of koh at a temperature of 20 ° c . for one minute . after water - washing they were dried . the test pieces were plated to form a 15 μm thickness of non - bright nickel film and a 5 μm thickness of semi - bright nickel film . after water - washing the doubly nickel plated pieces were dipped in a solution including 15 g / l of na 2 cr 2 o 7 at a temperature of 50 ° c . for 5 minutes . then they were dipped in a solution including 50 g / l of naoh at a temperature of 20 ° c . for one minute . after water - washing they were dried . the test pieces were plated to form a 15 μm thickness of non - bright nickel film and a 5 μm thickness of semi - bright nickel film . after water - washing , the doubly nickel plated pieces were dipped in a solution including 10 g / l of cro 3 at a temperature of 50 ° c . for 5 minutes . then they were washed in water and dried . the test pieces were plated to form a 15 μm thickness of non - bright nickel film and a 5 μm thickness of semi - bright nickel film . after water - washing the doubly nickel plated pieces were dipped in a solution containing 15 g / l of na 2 cr 2 o 7 at a temperature of 50 ° c . for 5 minutes . then they were washed in water and dried . the samples treated by the treatment nos . 5 , 6 and 7 exhibited several times the bond strength of samples treated by treatments 8 and 9 . bond strength was tested by scoring a cross hatch pattern of lines through the coating surface with a sharp knife , adhering a strip of cellophane adhesive tape and pulling the tape away perpendicular to the surface . the adhesive tape was examined visually for evidence of particles remaining adhered thereto . it is common industry practice to coat magnets with an epoxy resin film in order to improve their resistance to moisture and corrosion . in one technique , magnets may be coated by electrodeposition with a coating of powerchron 500 epoxy resin available commercially from ppg corp . it has been observed that , absent the final treatment with alkalines , substantial pitting is found in the epoxy coating . in some cases , the pitting penetrates completely through the epoxy coating to the layer below it . such pitting , since it exposes the lower layer , acts contrary to the intention to protect the lower layers against attack by moisture . samples treated by treatment nos . 8 and 9 were coated with an epoxy resin coating by electrodeposition . a visual examination of the epoxy coating on these samples disclosed many pit defects . samples treated by the treatment nos . 5 , 6 and 7 and coated with an epoxy resin by electrodeposition showed a smooth surface with no pit defects in the epoxy coating . it is believed that the chromate coating may be a cause of the pitting observed in the epoxy coating occurring in the absence of alkaline treatment following the chromate coating . the nature of the material below the chromate coating may not affect this phenomenon . thus , chromate coating , alkaline neutralization , followed by epoxy resin electrodeposition may be a useful treatment for metallic substrates other than nickel - plated permanent magnets . permanent magnets produced according to the present invention exhibit excellent resistance to corrosion and also excellent magnetic properties compared to previously known magnets . magnets coated with double layers of a non - bright ni - plated film and a semi - bright ni - plated film are effective to protect the magnet from corrosion . the greatest protection is found when the doubly ni - plated magnet is given a chromate coating . it is believed that the semi - bright film prevents the underlying non - bright nickel film from absorbing humidity under the layer of chromates . having described preferred embodiments of the invention , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments , and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims .	2
referring first to fig1 of the drawings in detail , numeral 10 generally indicates a two - stage exhaust gas recirculation ( egr ) valve in accordance with the invention . valve 10 includes an upper housing 12 enclosing a magnetic coil 14 surrounding an armature 16 reciprocable on an axis 17 within a non - magnetic sleeve 18 . the sleeve 18 extends into a recess 19 in a primary pole piece 20 extending outwardly under the coil 14 and forming a lower wall of the housing 12 . while the armature 16 may be of any suitable shape , it is preferably cylindrical and , in the present instance , includes a small protrusion 22 on its primary lower surface 23 extending axially downward for a purpose to be subsequently described . the housing also includes a secondary pole piece 24 extending across upper portions of the coil 14 . a position sensor 26 may be mounted on the top of the housing having a spring - loaded drive arm 28 engaging the top of the armature to sense its position for control purposes . centrally positioned on the lower side of the primary pole piece 20 is a circular recess 30 in which is received a flanged upper portion 32 of a thin wall drawn metallic seat tube or valve body generally indicated by numeral 34 . the valve body 34 is generally cylindrical although the upper portion 32 is enlarged and includes a stepped portion defining an annular abutment 36 . a floating bushing 38 is received in the upper portion 32 and seats against the abutment 36 . a wave spring 40 between the pole piece 20 and the bushing 38 holds the floating bushing downward against the abutment 36 . below the abutment 36 , the valve body 34 is generally cylindrical , having an inwardly extending valve seat 42 intermediate its ends and an end cap and bushing 44 crimped into its open lower end . the lower portion of the valve body 34 defines internally a valve chamber 46 divided by the valve seat into a lower inlet portion 48 and an upper outlet portion 50 . an inlet opening 52 communicates with the inlet portion to receive exhaust gas from the exhaust system , not shown , of an associated engine . an outlet opening 54 communicates with the outlet portion to deliver recirculated exhaust gas to the intake system , not shown , of the associated engine . within the valve chamber 46 , first and second pintle valves 56 , 58 , respectively , are mounted for reciprocation on the axis 17 . the first valve 56 includes a head 60 adapted to seat against the valve seat 42 . the head connects with a hollow pintle shaft 62 that extends up through a close clearance opening in the floating bushing 38 into a lower portion of the sleeve 18 within the primary pole piece recess 19 . an upper end of the shaft 62 is spaced a predetermined distance below the axially adjacent primary lower surface 23 of the armature 16 for a purpose to be subsequently described . a retainer cap 66 is crimped onto the upper end of the valve shaft 62 and retains a biasing spring 68 extending between the cap 66 and the floating bushing 38 for biasing the first pintle valve in a closing direction toward the valve seat 42 . the second pintle valve 58 is concentrically mounted within the first pintle valve 56 which internally defines a second valve seat 70 at the lower end of the valve head 60 . the valve seat 70 communicates with an axially extending low flow passage 72 that extends upward within the valve shaft 62 to an outlet opening 74 . the second pintle valve 58 includes a relatively smaller valve head 76 that is seatable against the second valve seat 70 in the first pintle valve 56 . valve 58 further includes a pintle shaft 78 that extends axially up through low flow passage 72 in the first valve and upward into close supporting clearance with a reduced diameter portion 80 of the hollow interior of the first pintle shaft 62 . shaft 78 extends upward into contact with the downward protrusion 22 of the armature . below the second valve head 76 , a lower pintle shaft 82 extends downward into a guide opening 84 in the bushing and end cap 44 . shaft 84 engages a second biasing spring 86 which is adjustable by a set screw 88 located at the bottom end of the end cap 44 and closing the lower end of the guide opening 84 . in assembly with an engine , housing 12 is mounted upon an outer surface of an engine component , such as a cylinder head or manifold , and the seat tube or valve body 34 extends downward into an opening within the engine component , not shown . the lower inlet portion 48 of the valve chamber communicates through opening 52 with a passage , not shown , in the exhaust system of the engine and the upper outlet portion 50 of the valve chamber communicates through an outlet opening 54 with a passage not shown in the induction system of the engine . in operation , when only a small amount of exhaust gas recirculation is required , the coil 14 is energized at a low level , causing the armature 16 to move downward a small amount . the downward motion forces protrusion 22 of the armature against the shaft 62 of the second pintle valve 58 , forcing it downward against biasing spring 86 . this opens the low flow passage 78 to flow from the inlet portion 48 of the valve chamber , past the second valve head 76 and through the low flow passage 72 to outlet opening 74 . there , the exhaust gas passes out into the outlet portion 50 of the valve chamber and out through outlet opening 54 into the engine induction system , not shown . this initial downward movement of armature 16 requires a relatively low force to open the second pintle valve 58 because the small size of the valve head 76 limits the force of differential exhaust and inlet pressures acting on the head 76 . if the need for egr flow remains low , the energy of the magnetic coil 14 is controlled at a low level to obtain the desired amount of exhaust gas flow by movement only of the second pintle valve 58 toward and away from its seat 70 located in the head of the first pintle valve . when a greater flow of recirculated exhaust gas is required , the magnetic energy of the coil is increased , causing the armature 16 to move further downward until its primary lower surface 23 engages the retainer cap 66 at the upper end of the first pintle valve shaft 62 . further downward motion of the armature forces the first pintle valve 56 downward , moving the head 60 off its seat and opening the first valve to greater flow past the valve seat 42 from the lower portion 48 to the upper portion 52 of the valve chamber . because opening of the smaller second pintle valve precedes opening of the larger first pintle valve in every case , a flow of exhaust gases through the low flow passage 72 reduces the pressure differential between the inlet and outlet portions of the valve chamber 46 prior to opening of the first pintle valve 56 . the reduced pressure differential results in a reduced requirement for magnetic energy to open the first pintle valve and thus the size of the magnetic coil 14 and armature 16 required for actuating the concentric dual pintle valves of the invention is reduced as compared to a single pintle valve which must be opened against a larger pressure differential between inlet and outlet portions of a valve chamber . the design accordingly allows reduction of the size of the solenoid members of the egr valve 10 , resulting in a more compact construction and a reduction in cost . at the same time , better control is provided of egr flow through the valve by the dual stage operation of the second and first pintle valves . referring now to fig2 numerals 90 , 92 and 94 illustrate various initial positions for the primary lower surface 23 of the armature 16 in the valve closed position relative to the adjacent upper edge 95 of the pole piece 20 of the valve . fig3 presents a graph which compares force exerted by the armature against travel of the armature under the conditions indicated in fig2 and illustrated by corresponding curves 90 , 92 and 94 . it will be seen that in position 90 , the armature extends within and therefore overlaps the pole piece 20 a small amount in the initial position of the armature . in this condition , the curve 90 of fig3 shows a relatively constant relation of force versus travel of the valve with the amount of force decreasing as the amount of valve travel increases . however , the maximum force , which might be applied by the armature , is less than that which is available from the design of the solenoid components . position 92 as shown in fig2 has the main lower surface 23 of the armature 16 aligned with the upper edge of the pole piece 20 . the corresponding curve 92 of fig3 illustrates that the initial motion of the armature occurs at the point of the maximum magnetic force , dropping off rapidly in a relatively constant curve of force versus travel similar to that of curve 90 . for an ordinary single pintle egr valve , this would be the most desirable position for setting of the armature since the maximum magnetic force would be applied at the point of opening of the valve , where maximum force is required to overcome the differential pressure between the exhaust and intake systems acting across the valve head . however , an alternative positioning of the armature 16 relative to the pole 20 in an underlapped condition is illustrated in fig2 by numeral 94 . in this condition , the primary lower surface 23 of the armature is positioned axially outward from the upper edge of the pole piece 20 so that initial motion of the armature occurs with less than the maximum available force . referring to fig3 and line 94 therein , the force versus travel of the underlapped arrangement of fig2 is illustrated . as may be seen , the armature force at initial valve opening is lower but increases to the maximum amount at the peak of the curve , after which it moves downwardly in a relatively constant ratio of force versus travel . it is this latter arrangement which is suggested as preferable for a concentric dual pintle valve of the type shown in fig1 . with this arrangement , the primary lower surface 23 of the armature 16 would be aligned with the upper edge of the primary pole piece 20 at the point where the lower surface 23 engages the upper end of stem 62 of the larger first pintle valve or the retainer cap 66 mounted thereon . thus , initial opening of the smaller valve will be accomplished with a reduced armature force . this is acceptable because of the lower forces acting on the smaller valve which allow armature actuation with less than the maximum available armature force . then , when the smaller valve is fully opened , the armature engages the larger first pintle valve at the point where the armature force is at a maximum and thus opens the larger valve at the armature &# 39 ; s maximum force point . as the armature continues downward , the magnetic force developed is reduced , however it is sufficient to fully open the valve against the biasing spring and allow control of the valve opening to proceed along the curve 94 with a predetermined calibration of valve position versus force developed . use of the curve 94 and the underlapped position of the armature as suggested , requires a dual calibration of the curve for control of armature position and valve opening by the control program providing electric energy to the coil 14 . the first calibration is of the left - hand portion of the curve from the initial opening of the smaller valve to the maximum magnetic energy point at the top of the curve . the second calibration extends from the top of the curve downward to the right along the relatively constant portion of line 94 as shown if fig3 . with these dual calibrations , the position of the armature can be located by a corresponding control program responding to the sensor drive arm 28 so that proper operation of the egr valve can be maintained under all circumstances . referring now to fig4 and 5 , there are shown alternative embodiments of the valve body portions of egr valves generally indicated by numerals 96 and 98 respectively . both valves utilize some of the components from valve 10 of fig1 so that like numerals indicate like parts . in fig4 , valve 96 differs in modification of the first pintle valve 100 to include a balance piston 102 received within a cylinder 104 in a modified floating bushing 106 . the piston 102 has a close clearance in the cylinder 104 and defines a balance chamber 108 which communicates with ambient pressure through clearance 110 between the shaft 112 of valve 100 and a through opening 114 of the bushing 106 . in operation , ambient pressure in chamber 108 approximates exhaust pressure in the lower portion 48 of the valve chamber 46 and thus reduces the pressure differential acting on the first pintle valve 100 so that opening of this valve can be accomplished with less magnetic force than without the balancing piston arrangement . in fig5 valve 98 includes a first pintle valve 116 with a balance piston 102 in cylinder 104 of floating bushing 106 like the corresponding components of the embodiment of fig4 . however , the balance chamber 108 is sealed against exposure to ambient pressure by a shaft seal 118 . instead , when the second pintle valve 58 is open , the balance chamber 108 communicates with the valve chamber lower inlet portion 48 to balance pressures on the first pintle valve 116 and allow it to be opened with a smaller magnetic force than would be needed for an unbalanced valve . the communication of balance chambers 108 is through balance ports 120 in the first pintle shaft 122 , then through increased clearance 124 between the upper portion of the second pintle shaft 78 and a through opening 126 in the first pintle shaft 122 through which the stem 78 extends , and finally through the low flow passage 72 which in turn connects with exhaust pressure in the inlet portion 48 of the valve chamber when the second pintle valve 58 is open . the specific construction of various components of the illustrated embodiments of the invention is intended to be exemplary and not limiting as to the invention . thus , the drawn seat tube or valve body could be replaced by a casting or other suitable structure . similarly the pintles , bushing , end cap and components of the solenoid actuator may be replaced with suitable alternative constructions . also , other forms of actuators , such as stepping motors or pressure devices , could be used instead of a solenoid armature and such known alternative devices should be considered within the scope of the claims . while the invention has been described by reference to certain preferred embodiments , it should be understood that numerous changes could be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described . accordingly , it is intended that the invention not be limited to the disclosed embodiments , but that it have the full scope permitted by the language of the following claims .	5
various techniques will now be described in detail while referencing a few example embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings . in the following descriptions , numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects and / or features described or referenced herein . it will be apparent , however , to one skilled in the art , that one or more aspects and / or features described or referenced herein may be practiced without some or all of these specific details . in other instances , well known process steps and / or structures have not been described in detail in order to not obscure some of the aspects and / or features described or referenced herein . one or more different inventions may be described in the present application . further , for one or more of the invention ( s ) described herein , numerous embodiments may be described in this patent application , and are presented for illustrative purposes . the described embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any sense . one or more of the invention ( s ) may be widely applicable to numerous embodiments , as is readily apparent from the disclosure . these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice one or more of the invention ( s ), and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural , logical , architectural , software , electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the one or more of the invention ( s ). accordingly , those skilled in the art will recognize that the one or more of the invention ( s ) may be practiced with various modifications and alterations . particular features of one or more of the invention ( s ) may be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments or figures that form a part of the present disclosure , and in which are shown , by way of illustration . it should be understood , however , that such features are not limited to usage in the one or more particular embodiments or figures with reference to which they are described . the present disclosure is neither a literal description of all embodiments of one or more of the invention ( s ) nor a listing of features of one or more of the invention ( s ) that must be present in all embodiments . headings of sections provided in this patent application and the title of this patent application are for the sake of the disclosure only , and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way . a description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required . to the contrary , a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of one or more of the invention ( s ). this patent application includes the four main components of the “ mybots . tv helper bot system ,” as follows : 1 . discretion — an agent - aware digital library architecture provides a base of elements upon which to build the helper bot solution . unlike a database , discretion allows for the concept of a digital library of elements which among other things , stores both static and dynamic metadata about the elements . with metadata accessible , the elements may then be much more discretely served to users in accordance with their preferences . 2 . yoursearch ( your own user - directed retrieval )— a suite of next generation search tools and filters that change the internet search paradigm as we know it — bringing us into the next generation where searches are more user - directed , user - architected , personalized services that provide accurate results that directly fulfill our requests . 3 . mybots . tv — an exciting development of helper “ bots ” ( software bound robots or autonomous agents ) that by understanding who we are , are then able to provide a plethora of new and personalized services , applications and products . yoursearch works by itself as a search engine alternative but may also leverage bots to provide more refined , personalized and customized search results . interactive tv interface — an integrated delivery platform that by design , suggests that we upgrade our tv watching experience to include new possibilities . integration of the kinds of elements we view and interact with , the kinds of experiences we expect , the kinds of educational research we can conduct , the kinds of searches , services and applications we can architect , and with this wealth of integrated information , the kinds of products we can create and market . for once , we seek to unify the delivery platform for consumable entertainment and education providing entities and hope that our culture gets the hint . bots that are in communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other , unless expressly specified by way of procedures created with the bot api and / or the context in which they are used . in addition , bots that communicate with each other may communicate directly by messaging or indirectly asynchronously through an intermediary structure such as a blackboard , a cache , a database or a message bus . indirect communication and the passing of intermediate results is necessary in embodiments that utilize context switching . this occurs where one bot begins the execution of a stored procedure , obtains a result and then requires another bot to perform a task that it depends and waits on , obtains a result , then goes back to its original execution flow . each bot is an object that has at least the following base attributes : name , description , and execution script . the execution script has lines of code that are executed by processors . the lines of code can be operating system commands , programming instructions , messages , remote procedure calls , and / or web service calls , and various embodiments of gets , puts , and fetches — depending upon various embodiments of bot services , applications , and / or products . further , although process steps , method steps , algorithms or the like may be described in a sequential order , such processes , methods , stored procedures and algorithms may be configured or programmed to work in alternate orders . hence , any sequence or order of steps that may be described in this patent application does not , in and of itself , indicate a hard requirement that the steps be executed in that order . the steps executed by bot teams while executing a team task or the steps performed by a single bot while processing a customer service request may be performed in any order practical . some steps may be performed simultaneously and / or in parallel despite being described as occurring sequentially or non - simultaneously . moreover , the illustration of a process by its depiction in the drawings does not imply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations , modifications and / or updates . any changes to the drawings to not imply that the illustration of the process as depicted before the changes are in any way invalidated by the changes . although described within the context of internet bot technology , it may be understood that the various aspects and techniques described herein may also be deployed and / or applied in other fields of technology such as robotics , intelligent automated assistants , various applications of autonomous agents , or any other involving human and / or computerized interaction with software or complete automation of the function requiring such interaction . other aspects relating to collaborating teams of software robot technology are disclosed in one or more of the following reference ieee international conference on systems , man , and cybernetics , 1997 citations : ( 2 ) an agent - aware digital library architecture for interactive television ieee computer society press , 1993 paper : a virtual knowledge architecture for intelligent robot planning the helper bot system disclosed herein may be implemented on hardware or a combination of software and either physical or virtual hardware . for example , they may be implemented in an operating system kernel , a web service , set top box , parallel processing machine , client server system , and / or server farms supporting highly trafficked web sites with load balancing , web acceleration and / or ssl termination . in specific embodiments , the architectures disclosed herein may be implemented in software such as an operating system , entertainment operating system or in an application running on the operating systems . according to specific embodiments , at least some of the features and / or functionalities of the various architectures disclosed herein may be implemented one or more general - purpose network host machines such as end - user desktop computer system , network or web server , mobile computing device , gaming system , personal digital assistant , mobile phone , smart phone , laptop , tablet computer , or the like ), entertainment operating system , consumer electronic device , music player , or any other suitable electronic device , router , switch , or the like , or any combination thereof . in at least some embodiments , part or all of the features and / or functions of the helper bot system disclosed herein may be implemented in virtual computing environments . any such embodiment that implements the functions and features disclosed herein by virtue of virtualized computer systems is also covered by this patent application . fig3 is deployment diagram models the physical deployment of mybots . tv as a computing device that processes input from a variety of sources and interfaces , flows through the internet and firewall , and is processed by enabling hardware to produce a response for the user . refer to fig3 , there is shown a block diagram depicting a computing device 3260 suitable for implementing at least a portion of the helper bot system features and / or functionality disclosed herein . computing device 3260 may be , for example an end - user personal computer system , network server or server system , mobile computing device such as a personal digital assistant , mobile phone , smart phone , laptop , tablet computer , or the like ), consumer electronic device , music player , gaming system , or any other suitable electronic device , or any combination or portion thereof . computing device 3260 may be adapted to communicate with other computing devices , such as clients and / or servers , over a communications network such as the internet or an intranet , using known protocols for such communication , whether wireless or wired . in one embodiment , computing device 3260 includes central processing unit ( cpu ) 3262 and message bus 3267 ( such as an enterprise service bus ). when acting under the control of appropriate software or hardware , cpu 3262 may be responsible for implementing specific software functions and / or code written to take advantage of the specifically configured and / or programmed hardware capabilities of a computing device or machine . for example , in at least one embodiment , a user &# 39 ; s smart phone may be configured , designed , or programmed to function as a helper bot system using cpu 3262 . in another embodiment , the helper bot system software implemented in the server platform will specifically be architected , programmed and / or configured to take full advantage of the multi - threading capabilities of cpu 3262 , while still adhering to a service oriented architecture model . in this embodiment , the architecture is a model that combines the processing power of parallel computation with the ease of web service usage . a web service is a service that can be published , located and / or invoked across the web . as service requests come in to mybots . tv , and the avatar 3300 has activated and parameterized the right bots to respond to it , software processes create one or more threads to execute a portion of the bot execution script associated with the process . in order to provide parallel execution , a new thread is first created and started for each web service handling a line of the execution script . in some embodiments , the lines of the bot execution script can be direct calls to web services . each thread in turn then executes the indicated function of the web service with its input parameters . in another embodiment of the same architecture , processes may be deployed at the level of the execution lines within the bot execution scripts . this architectural strategy would potentially optimize performance by giving the operating system threads the ability to find available virtual processors after successfully executing each line — thereby avoiding latency associated with threads waiting to execute because they are dependent on the output of another thread within the process . referring to fig3 , there is a diagram showing what for at least one embodiment of the helper bot system , the internal processing flow within one server in a distributed computer network will look like . 3020 depicts a software process that is dedicated to processing of at least one server request . in one embodiment , each of the individual lines of instruction in each bot execution script is presented to a user thread in the server &# 39 ; s operating system . for the sake of the practice disclosed herein , a one to one mapping of user threads to os threads is shown . however , the architecture is by no means limited to the one - to - one mapping and will consider one to many , many to many , or any suitable mappings as other embodiments of the hardware architecture . based on the one to one mapping in this embodiment , each user thread hands the task over to one operating system kernel thread ( depicted by the circles with k ). fulfilling a multi - threading model , each os thread processes at least one line of the bot execution script and is submitted to the thread scheduler 3040 when ready for further processing by a cpu core . thread scheduler 3040 takes this processor request and fulfills it by passing the task to the processor that is ready and available . cpu 3262 ( also depicted in 3100 ) may include one or more processor ( s ) 3263 such as , for example , a processor from the motorola or intel family of microprocessors or the mips family of microprocessors which feature hyper threading technology ( htt ). these core processors have the ability to execute 2 threads simultaneously while each shares core processor resources . when such a cpu is used that has multiple cores , the operating system thread scheduler will see this as 20 virtual processors if there are 10 cores in the cpu . hence , the os kernel thread scheduler will pass execution line to the virtual processor that is available to process next . in some embodiments , processor ( s ) 3263 may include specially designed hardware ( e . g ., application - specific integrated circuits ( asics ), electrically erasable programmable read - only memories ( eeproms ), field - programmable gate arrays ( fpgas ), and the like ) for controlling the operations of computing device 3260 . in a specific embodiment , a memory 3261 ( such as non - volatile random access memory ( ram ) and / or read - only memory ( rom )) also forms part of cpu 3262 . however , there are many different ways in which memory may be coupled to the system . memory block 3265 or any additional add - on memory space 3420 may be used for a variety of purposes such as , for example , caching and / or storing data , maintaining global variables , storing client settings , intermediate results , programming instructions , and the like . as used herein , the term “ processor ” is not limited merely to those integrated circuits referred to in the art as a processor , but broadly refers to a microcontroller , a microcomputer , a programmable logic controller , an application - specific integrated circuit , and any other programmable circuit . interfaces 3268 are the devices handling all input to the helper bot system . generally , they control the sending and receiving of data packets over a computing network and sometimes support other peripherals used with computing device 3260 . among the interfaces that may be provided are cable interfaces , frame relay interfaces , ethernet interfaces , token ring interfaces , dsl interfaces , and the like . in addition , various types of interfaces may be provided such as , for example , bluetooth ™, serial , firewire , universal serial bus ( usb ), ethernet , pci , parallel , radio frequency ( rf ), near - field communications / magnetics , tcp / ip , wifi , frame relay , isdn , fast ethernet interfaces , gigabit ethernet interfaces , asynchronous transfer mode ( atm ) interfaces , high - speed serial interface ( hssi ) interfaces , point of sale ( pos ) interfaces , fiber data distributed interfaces ( fddis ), and the like . generally , such interfaces 3268 may include ports appropriate for communication with the appropriate media . in some cases , they may also include an independent processor and , in some instances , volatile and / or nonvolatile memory ( e . g ., ram ). although the system shown in fig3 illustrates one specific architecture for a computing device 3260 for implementing the techniques of the invention described herein , it is by no means the only device architecture on which at least a portion of the features and techniques described herein may be implemented . for example , architectures having one or any number of processors 3263 can be used , and such processors 3263 can be present in a single device or distributed among any number of devices . in one embodiment , a single processor 3263 handles communications as well as routing computations . in various embodiments , different types of helper bot features and / or functionalities may be implemented in a helper bot system which includes a client device such as a personal digital assistant ( pda ) or smart phone running client software , and server system ( s ). regardless of network device configuration , the system of the present invention may employ one or more memories or memory modules ( such as , for example , memory block 3420 ) configured to store data , program instructions for the general - purpose network operations and / or other information relating to the functionality of the helper bot system and / or techniques described herein . the program instructions may control the operation of an operating system and / or one or more applications , for example . the memory or memories may also be configured to store data structures , keyword taxonomy information , user profile information , search element metadata , advertisement information , user click and impression information , and / or other specific non - program information described herein . since such information and program instructions may be employed to implement the systems / methods described herein , at least some network device embodiments may include non - transitory machine - readable storage media , which , for example , may be configured or designed to store program instructions , state information , and the like for performing various operations described herein . examples of such non - transitory machine - readable storage media include , but are not limited to , magnetic media such as hard disks , floppy disks , and magnetic tape ; optical media such as cd - rom disks ; magneto - optical media such as floptical disks , and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and perform program instructions , such as read - only memory devices ( rom ), flash memory , memristor memory , random access memory ( ram ), and the like . examples of program instructions include both machine code , such as produced by a compiler , and files containing higher level code that may be executed by the computer using an interpreter . in one embodiment , the system of the present invention is implemented on a standalone computing system . referring now to fig3 , there is shown a block diagram depicting an architecture for implementing at least a portion of a helper bot system standalone computing system , according to at least one embodiment . computing device 3260 includes processor ( s ) 3263 which run software for implementing the helper bot system 3400 . input devices 3212 can be of any type suitable for receiving user input to the interfaces in 3268 , including for example a keyboard , touch screen , microphone ( for voice input ), mouse , touchpad , trackball , five - way switch , joystick , gaming system controller , and / or any combination thereof . output device 3460 can be a screen , speaker , printer , and / or any combination thereof . memory 3420 can be random - access memory having a structure and architecture as are known in the art , for use by processors 3263 in the course of running software . storage device 3460 can be any magnetic , optical , and / or electrical storage device for storage of data in digital form ; examples include flash memory , magnetic hard drive , cd - rom and / or the like . in another embodiment , the system of the present invention is implemented on a distributed computing network , such as one having any number of clients and / or servers . referring now to fig2 , there is shown a block diagram depicting a service oriented architecture for implementing at least a portion of a helper bot system on a distributed network , according to at least one embodiment . in the arrangement shown in fig2 , any number of clients providing input via 3212 is anticipated . each client may run software for implementing client - side portions of the present invention . in addition , any number of servers 2950 can be provided for handling requests received from clients providing these inputs . clients providing inputs 3212 and servers 2950 can communicate with one another via electronic network 3261 , such as the internet . network 3261 may be implemented using any known network protocols , including for example wired and / or wireless protocols . in addition , in one embodiment , servers 2950 can call external services 2250 when needed to obtain additional information or refer to stored data concerning previous interactions with particular users . communications with external services 2250 can take place , for example , via network 3261 . in various embodiments , external services 2250 include web - enabled services and / or functionality related to or installed on the hardware device itself . for example , in an embodiment where helper bot system 3260 is implemented on a smart phone or other electronic device , the helper bot system can obtain information stored in a calendar application , contacts , and / or other sources . in various embodiments , the helper bot system 3260 can control many features and operations of the device upon which it is installed . for example helper bot system 3260 can call external services 2250 that interface with functionality and applications on a device via apis or by other means , to perform functions and operations that might otherwise be initiated using a conventional user interface on the device . such functions and operations may include , for example , setting an alarm , making a telephone call , sending a text message or email message , adding a calendar event , and the like . such functions and operations may be performed as add - on functions in the context of a conversational dialog between a user and the helper bot system by way of the avatar 3300 . such functions and operations can be specified by the user in the context of such a dialog , or they may be automatically performed based on the context of the dialog . one skilled in the art will recognize that the helper bot system 3260 can thereby be used as a control mechanism for initiating and controlling various operations on the electronic device , which may be used as an alternative to conventional mechanisms such as buttons or guis . for example , the user may provide input to helper bot system 3400 such as “ i need to have some 6 th grade level content put together for my son so he can do a report on volcanoes .” once the helper bot system 3400 is engaged and the avatar understands the service request , the helper bot system 3400 can for example , call the researchit bot with a call to the yoursearch web service and parameters having to do with the son &# 39 ; s demographics . yoursearch may either enlist external services or may find a solution in the search transaction database archives of long term memory , retrieve it adapt it and then re - use it . the bot will then deliver search results suitable for a 6 th grader in the form of a neatly formatted notebook consisting of relevant facts , illustrations and / or media elements about volcanoes . the son may take the artifact that his bot provided and use it to create his report . if the service request is ambiguous or in need of further clarification , the avatar will ask for the request again and request that you speak audibly and clearly . the avatar will also attempt to paraphrase your request so user will understand what the avatar believes is his / her request . upon proper interpretation of the request , the right combination of bots and / or external services 2250 will be invoked . when results are obtained after completing execution of a service request or a stored procedure , they are output to the message bus 3267 and prepared for delivery to the client . in some embodiments , financial transactions are securely handled by financial bots . refer to fig3 , there is shown a block diagram depicting a security model 3500 suitable for implementing at least a portion of the bot security system . the security model adheres to the x . 509 itu - t standard for a public key infrastructure ( pki ) and privilege management infrastructure ( pmi ). the standard fulfills helper bot security requirements in that it provides amongst other things , standard formats for public key certificates , certificate revocation lists , attribute certificates , and a certification path validation algorithm . in 3501 bot security will encrypt a transaction with the transaction requestor &# 39 ; s private key and the target transaction service &# 39 ; s public key and submit the request to the bot security service . a smart tunnel is formed between the requesting bot and the bot enabled web service . an x . 509 mutual encrypted tunnel is established in which the user is required to authenticate the communication channel before being granted access to a tcp - ip connection . in 3502 upon receipt of the request in this example of bot security — financial bot will decrypt the message with its trusted service private key and verify that the public key in the message sent matches the public key and account id stored in the database in 3504 for the encrypted request if it matches the decrypted request message will be stored temporarily in memory 3503 and utilized to begin processing of the request and steps in a the requested transaction on behalf of the requestor . after the transaction is complete the temporary memory in 3503 will be destroyed and the results of the transaction returned to the requestor . a bot has intrinsic characteristics ( what it is , what is can do . where it lives and which service it is associated with ). an avatar issues a request to bots that its owner has subscribed to . the bot must be given specific ( permissions ) signed by the owner of the avatar ( entitlements ). for example , owner subscribes to bot service bankofamerica . bot service assigned to its avatar as part of the instantiation of this bot subscription . the owner will first be request to enter their pin or fingerprint to show ownership of their x . 509 certificate then the process of entitlements will be started the owner will then set entitlement criterion . the following are examples of entitlements : allowed to transfer up to $ 1 , 000 within the us and a certain list of accounts . automatic review my accounts activities and notify me if bot security identifies and fraudulent activity for data being stored on - behalf of the owner &# 39 ; s financial bot the data will be encrypted with its trusted service private key and its public key on behalf of the transaction owner and stored on storage devices 3440 . part of the data stored for bot security includes the rights or entitlements themselves . such entitlements are available for add / edit via an interface that is provided to the user by bot security but which is only available to the user once authenticated and working within a secure environment . bot security entitlements can refer to right to access restrictions upon users with regard to what data or functions they access and / or what they want to protect , where they may want to have the protection applied , and / or when this protection begins . entitlements may also apply to the pieces of information themselves with respect to the level of security that is applied to that piece of information . each user will require authentication even to gain access to their personal avatar . in at least one embodiment , bots are called and after execution of their script , deliver results that represent input to another bot that is then called afterwards . this loop can go on for as long as necessary to execute the main service request and / or stored procedure . in at least one embodiment , bots are called and after execution of their script and / or a stored procedure the result array is captured and stored in a storage device for recall at a later time by a similar request for service initiated by either the same or different user . storage devices can in at least one embodiment , include database tables , but results can also be stored for later recall from short term and long term memory modules internal to 3420 . for one or more of the invention ( s ) described herein , the following bot embodiments are described in this patent application , and are presented for illustrative purposes . the described embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any sense . one or more of the bots listed here may be widely applicable to numerous embodiments , as is readily apparent from the disclosure . these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice one or more of the bot invention ( s ), and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural , logical , architectural , software , electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the one or more of these helper bot invention ( s ). accordingly , those skilled in the art will recognize that the one or more of the following bot invention ( s ) may be practiced with various modifications and alterations . it should be clear that features are not limited to usage in the one or more particular bot embodiments or figures with reference to which they are described . the following disclosure of bot embodiments discovered to date is neither a literal description of all bot embodiments , of one or more of the bot invention ( s ) nor a listing of features of one or more of the bot invention ( s ) that must be present in all bot embodiments : millions of helper bots will evolve over time for purposes we can &# 39 ; t even begin to imagine . as the inventor of the helper bot , i enthusiastically present the first twelve . the todolist bot will tell you the things you need to do on any given day . it will maintain your calendar and keep track of everyday activities . it won &# 39 ; t require you to interact with a calendar app rather it will just talk to you — sometimes by messaging , other by way of your avatar . it will communicate with other bots whom will in turn supply additional action items that have to be done . in so doing , it acts as the technical coordinator that runs the main script and calls to other bots for assistance when needed . this bot will also show items that have been done for you by your bot team . the thoughtful bot will know about all the people you care about and their favorite things that they like , their interests , and that which makes them happy . the eventintel bot will know about all significant dates for all the people that you care about — birthdays , anniversaries , christmas , mothers day , fathers day , etc . the buyit bot will know how to complete a purchase transaction on behalf of one of our clients . it will be able to find and purchase items online like people do . it will know about the dollar limits up to which it may purchase an item as opposed to sending an alert to our client that it has found an item of interest . this bot will know your financial information and so we will need bot security . the researchit bot will know how to search for information about a topic using the web and digital libraries . this bot will know how to use the features of yoursearch to ensure that the results it provides will satisfy user preferences . the documentit bot will know how to package and deliver information in a document format and style of interest . this bot will know about all the different types of documents and deliver information in the form of document products . the scan & amp ; organizeit bot will know how to wait for and accept a scanned document , then identify what it is , and file it according to how you have taught it to organize your information . the grocerylist bot ( or tobuylist bot ) will remember your “ grocery ” list ( or list of any items you are about to purchase ) and allow you to manage it by adding and deleting line items and quantities . it will also know how to go to store web sites and find digital coupons for items you have already committed to purchasing and save you money by delivering them to your smart phone right at the point of sale ! the scheduleit bot will monitor your schedule and email and manage your appointments and mail inboxes / outboxes by interacting with you and following guidelines you provide . the serviceit bot will know about all your car maintenance schedule , your appliances , your computer hardware , and any purchased goods for which a well kept maintenance schedule ensures a longer life of usefulness for our clients . all of these maintenance schedules will be kept in one place and your serviceit bot will alert you ahead of time either directly by texting you , by way of your personal avatar , or by putting an action item on your to do list by sending a message to the todolistbot . the expenseintel bot will give you global access to the data behind all of your monthly expenses . it will know how much you spent each month for gas , heat , electricity , water , and any utility of interest . in addition , it will know and understand the usage statistics and calculations that produce the bills . it will respond to questions about consumption , last 6 month average , month by month comparisons and the like . for example , if our clients want to analyze their bill before and after putting in central air conditioning , this bot will enable that task to become much easier . the graphit bot will use the show chart method in the display engine to show charts about analyses of interest to our clients . for example , the graphit bot will team up with the expenseintel bot to produce graphs that depict these analyses . in our last example , where our client wanted to compare the electricity consumption before and after installing central air , the expenseintel bot will gather the information ( from bot - enabled utility company web sites ) and feed it to graphit bot . the graphit bot will in turn process the data on a nice chart with color and the display engine will put it on your big screen tv , smart phone , or laptop / personal computer . beyond the first 12 bot embodiments , the following have likewise been discovered : this bot will maintain your facebook , twitter or any social media page for you . this bot will help a client remember when to take medicine — and can also help a parent to remember their child &# 39 ; s medicine schedule as well . this bot will make sure your email is kept clean and that your rules are followed for where you want email classified . this bot will help you schedule your water changes for fish tanks , your shots for your puppy , remind you to clean the cage for your bird , etc . this bot is aware of digital programs inducted into the digital library at the program level , but is also aware of snippets within these digital entities that can be directly indexed and inducted in their own right . for example , there could be a digital library element that is a show about travel and vacation spots . at the program level , the underlying dl architecture will already serve these to consumers in ranked order by classification or preference . the snippet bot however , will know the smpte code beginning and ending markers for segments within shows so if the travel program had a segment on jamaica , snippet bot will identify this snippet uniquely and pass it to the librarian in the dl architecture for induction as a library element in its own right . after this , this snippet can be retrieved or served to people looking for information on “ jamaica .” this bot enables profiles to be formed for searchers based on their search transactions . this bot identifies opportunities to market bot products or services to users that are likely to be interested in them .	7
the drawings disclose the preferred embodiment of the present invention . while the configurations according to the illustrated embodiment are preferred , it is envisioned that alternate configurations of the present invention may be adopted without deviating from the invention as portrayed . the preferred embodiment is discussed hereafter . with reference first to fig1 , the preferred embodiment of a machine cell , generally referred to as 10 , is illustrated in a perspective view . the machine cell 10 includes an upper gate 100 and a lower nest 200 . it should be understood that the configuration of the machine cell 10 as illustrated is preferred , but is not to be interpreted as limiting as other configurations conceivable to those skilled in the art may also be suitable . the present invention serves to hold two portions of sheet material so that a joining process may be undertaken without the sheet material portions being caused to shift or otherwise move out of position . the two portions of sheet material include a first sheet material a and a second sheet material b . the two sheets a and b , in a combination resulting from joining and forming becomes an integrated component , of which the first sheet material a is the outer part or the skin and the second sheet material b is the inner part or the support structure . ( this latter material is illustrated , by way of example , in fig5 , discussed below .) as illustrated , the first sheet material a and the second sheet material b have a generally square configuration resulting in a generally square - shaped integrated component . however , it is to be understood that other shapes may be suitable for use in the present invention . in brief , the married sheet materials a , b are approximated onto the lower nest 200 . the first sheet material a is then precisionly positioned by means of crowders , which will be discussed below primarily in relation to fig1 . thereafter the upper gate 100 aligns the second sheet material b with respect to the first sheet material a by alignment pins as will be discussed below primarily in relation to fig3 . the first sheet material a is held in place by a vacuum applied to its under side . thus held in place , a forming and joining operation may be effected for clinching the first sheet material a to the second sheet material b . the upper gate 100 is shown in perspective view in relation to the entire machine cell 10 in fig1 , in sectional view in fig2 , and by itself in perspective view in fig3 . as illustrated in these figures , the upper gate 100 includes a main shaft 102 that is attached to a robotic arm or linear slide attachment shaft 101 . the main shaft 102 is fixed in a substantially perpendicular position with respect to the robotic arm attachment shaft 101 . pivotally attached to the main shaft 102 are three substantially parallel contact plunger support shafts 104 , 104 ′, 104 ″. each of the plunger support shafts 104 , 104 ′, 104 ″ is attached to the main shaft 102 by a lockable swivel joint illustrated as lockable swivel joints 106 , 106 ′, 106 ″. the lockable swivel joints 106 , 106 ′, 106 ″ allow the support shafts 104 , 104 ′, 104 ″ to be rotated with respect to the main shaft 102 thereby accommodating a variety of panels of different sizes and shapes . the composition of the shafts 102 , 104 , 104 ′, 104 ″ may be from a range of materials , including steel or aluminum . each of the plunger support shafts 104 , 104 ′, 104 ″ preferably includes at least two contact plunger assemblies for firmly urging the second sheet material b against the first sheet material a . specifically , contact plunger assemblies 108 , 108 ′, 108 ″ are rotatably attached to the plunger support shaft 104 , plunger assemblies 110 , 110 ′ are rotatably attached to the plunger support shaft 104 ′, and plunger assemblies 112 , 112 ′, 112 ″ are rotatably attached to the plunger support shaft 104 ″. each of the contact plunger assemblies 108 . . . 108 ″, 110 , 110 ′, 112 . . . 112 ″ includes a plunger body and an attachment shaft . using plunger assembly 108 ′ as an example and as illustrated in fig4 , a plunger body 114 is pivotally attached to a plunger attachment shaft 116 , with the shaft 116 being rigidly fitted to the rotatable plunger support shaft 104 . it should be noted that while in operation the rotatable plunger support shaft 104 is locked to the swivel joint 106 . however , prior to operation , the swivel joint 106 may be loosened and the rotatable shaft 104 may be rotatably adjusted as needed to provide precise support for the second sheet material b . referring to fig4 , in addition to the plunger body 114 , the plunger assembly 108 ′ includes a plunger unit 118 which is preferably thread - fitted into the plunger body 114 thus allowing adjustability with respect to the plunger body 114 . to safely yet firmly urge the second sheet material b against the first sheet material a , each plunger unit 118 includes a spring - loaded nose 119 . the nose 119 may be made of a variety of materials , but is preferably made from a hard , non - marring material such as nylon . the plunger unit 118 could be of the type available from the vlier company of brighton , mass . in addition to the function of applying pressure to urge the second sheet material b against the first sheet material a , the upper gate 100 also preferably provides an alignment function to align the second sheet material b with respect to the first sheet material a . the alignment function is accomplished by alignment pins acting in conjunction with circular and elongated alignment holes defined in the sheet material ( in this case , sheet material b ), which defines the inner part or the support structure of the resulting joined component . as illustrated in fig3 , certain ones of the plunger assemblies include alignment pins for engagement with the circular and elongated alignment holes of sheet material b . according to the preferred embodiment , the plunger assemblies 108 and 110 ′ each include alignment pins 120 , 120 ′ respectively . the alignment pins 120 , 120 ′ include generally conical or pointed ends and function to engage alignment holes a and b shown in the sample second sheet material b illustrated in fig5 . it should be understood to one skilled in the art that the placement and number of alignment holes may be varied according to need . the lower nest 200 is partially illustrated in perspective view in fig1 in conjunction with the upper gate 100 , is illustrated in sectional view in fig2 as taken along lines 2 - 2 of fig1 , and is shown in perspective view in fig6 without the upper gate 100 , or sheet materials a and b . referring then to fig1 , 2 and 6 , the lower nest 200 generally includes a frame 202 and a vacuum assembly 204 . the frame 202 , also known as an anvil , is configured so as to provide maximum support to the vacuum assembly 204 , thus any one of a variety of configurations suitable for providing needed support may be adapted as known to one skilled in the art . the configuration shown is for illustrative purposes only . the frame 202 may be made from a variety of rigid materials , ranging from hard polymers to steel . the frame 202 includes an upper surface area 206 which provides support during the forming operation of the first sheet material a with the second sheet material b as is known in the art and as discussed further below with respect to the operation of the machine cell 10 . the vacuum assembly 204 includes one or more vacuum pads 208 . each of the vacuum pads 208 includes a series of vacuum channels 210 , 210 ′, 210 ″, 210 ″′. this preferred arrangement allows for the appropriate degree of vacuum to be applied to the first sheet material a when positioned on the vacuum pads 208 . while it is possible that other arrangements may be applied , such as a series of vacuum holes formed in a substantially solid nest surface or a series of vacuum cups , the illustrated arrangement of the vacuum channels 210 , 210 ′, 210 ″, 210 ″′ is preferred . each of the vacuum pads 208 has an upper surface that is shaped to the contour of the first sheet material a . each vacuum pad 208 has a dual purpose — first , to provide a substantially air - tight seal with respect to the first sheet material a and , second , to provide a cushioned surface support for carefully supporting the first sheet material a while preventing its deformation . accordingly , it is preferred that the vacuum pads 208 be composed of an elastic or semi - elastic polymerized material suitable for these purposes . in addition to the vacuum pads 208 , the vacuum assembly 204 includes necessary elements appropriate to the creation of a working vacuum within the channels 210 , 210 ′, 210 ″, 210 ″′. fig2 illustrates the preferred arrangement of vacuum lines for operation of the machine cell 10 . a vacuum source , generally illustrated as 212 , is provided and can be any one of such known sources . the source 212 is fluidly connected to a centrally located plenum 214 . a series of vacuum lines 216 , 216 ′, 216 ″, 216 ″′, respectively fluidly connect the plenum 214 with the vacuum channels 210 , 210 ′, 210 ″, 210 ″′. alignment of the second sheet material b with respect to the upper gate 100 is discussed above and is accomplished by use of alignment pins and alignment holes . alignment of the first sheet material a with respect to the lower nest 200 may also be accomplished . to make the preferred alignment , two or more crowder assemblies 300 , 300 ′, 300 ″, 300 ″′ are provided on the lower nest 200 to correctly align the sheet material a . each of the crowder assemblies 300 , 300 ′, 300 ″, 300 ″′ includes a movable alignment finger to effect alignment . using the crowder assembly 300 ′ as an example , a finger 302 is pivotally provided and is movable between a substantially vertical aligning position , as shown in fig1 and 4 and a substantially horizontal disengaged position , as shown in fig2 . the crowder assemblies 300 , 300 ′, 300 ″, 300 ″′ are pneumatically operated and are each fluidly connected to two pressure sources , one for moving the finger into its substantially vertical aligning position and one for moving the finger into its disengaged position . by way of example , the crowder assembly 300 is fluidly connected to a first air pressure source 304 by a fluid line 306 which operates to hold the finger in its disengaged position . a second air pressure source 308 is connected to the crowder assembly 300 by a fluid line 310 which operates to hold the finger in its aligning position . forming and joining of the first sheet material a with the second sheet material b is accomplished by a known forming unit . as illustrated in fig2 , a die / tabletop steel - type - forming unit 400 may be used . alternatively , or in addition , a roller - tool type of forming unit 402 may accomplish the operation of forming and joining . detail as to the configurations of the forming units 400 , 402 will be omitted as such is well known to those skilled in the art . with reference fig6 and fig7 , the two figures have a similar lower nest 200 that generally includes a frame 202 and an upper surface area 206 which provides support during the forming operation of the first sheet material a with the second sheet material b as is known in the art . they also have similar crowders 300 , 300 ′, 300 ″, and 300 ″′. with reference to fig2 and fig8 , the upper gate 100 is similar , including components 101 , 102 , 106 , 106 ′, 106 ″, 112 ′ and 120 ′. also die / tabletop steel - type - forming unit 400 and roller - tool type forming unit 402 accomplish their operation of forming and joining similarly . the vacuum assembly 204 includes one or more vacuum pads 208 . each of the vacuum pads 208 includes a series of vacuum channels 210 , 210 ′, 210 ″, 210 ′″. the present invention presents a relieved surface 402 that is offset from the panel a surface approximately equal to the radius of ropes 404 and 406 . the ropes 404 and 406 are of urethane or similarly elastic material . the relieved surface 402 has grooves 408 cut into it approximately equal to the radius of the ropes 404 and 406 . the ropes 404 and 406 are laid in grooves 408 and adhered . the top of the exposed ropes 404 and 406 are thus in net contact with panel a throughout its length . a vacuum source is fluidly connected through hole 410 . the peripheral rope 404 forming a closed shape acts as an air - tight seal and the inner rope ( s ) 406 acts as a support for the panel to prevent panel deformation . each rope 404 and 406 thus has an upper surface that is shaped to the contour of the first sheet material a . the ropes rest or are permanently glued into the grooves machined into the stiff lower nest material , generally metal , however other stiff materials work as well such as resins and plastics . this configuration makes the vacuum holding characteristics more ridged than the pads 208 , permitting much less movement when side loading the panel a . moreover , this configuration may be readily adapted to support and immobilize a wide variety of panel sizes and shapes . for example , the lower nest 500 illustrated in fig9 and 10 includes a frame 502 having a material contacting surface 504 along an outer border 506 of the frame 502 . the material contacting surface 504 conforms to an edge of metal panel a for providing support during an edge hemming operation . a relieved surface 508 is located interior and subjacent to the material contacting surface 504 . grooves 510 ( shown in fig1 ) are formed in the relieved surface 508 and receive polymeric seals 512 , 514 in the form of a urethane rope . these seals may be of varying size to fill the space between the relieved surface 508 and the metal panel a , thereby forming an elongated sealed channel 516 . in fig1 , the polymeric seals 512 , 514 are shown to have a generally circular cross - section fitting into a generally semi - circular groove . however , it is contemplated that the polymeric seals used to define the elongated channels may have different configurations including various elliptical cross - sections or various polygonal cross - sections including but not limited to triangular , square , rectangular , trapezoidal and the like . a vacuum source ( shown in fig8 as 212 ) is in fluid communication through passageway 518 with the elongated channel 516 . the vacuum source operates to evacuate the sealed elongated channel 516 for generating a downward clamping force sufficient to immobilize metal panel a during the edge hemming operation in a direction generally parallel to the material contacting surface 504 . with reference now to fig9 , the frame 502 may include a number of numerous elongated sealed channels shown as 516 a - g . the location and shape of these channels 516 are determined by the size , shape and configuration of the metal panel a . for example , channel 516 a - d are configured to circumscribe a sun roof opening formed in a roof panel . likewise , channels 516 e - g would accommodate longitudinally - extending rails typically formed in a roof . a channel 516 may be subdivided within an interior seal such as seal 520 in channel 516 a . the seal 520 functions to provide intermediate support across the width of the channel . seal 520 is located with a groove ( not shown ) similar to that described above with reference to groove 510 and seals 512 , 514 . the frame 502 may also include a fixture or support 522 extending from the relieved surface 508 . the support 522 would be configured to extend into the sun roof opening . in this way , support 522 serves to located panel a onto the nest and further resist lateral movement during the forming operation . the lower nest 600 illustrated in fig1 includes a frame 602 having a material contacting surface 604 along an outer border 606 of the frame 602 . the material contacting surface 604 conforms to an edge of metal panel ( not shown ) for providing support during an edge hemming operation . a relieved surface 608 is located interior and subjacent to the material contacting surface 604 . polymeric seals 610 , 612 extend from the relieved surface 606 to form elongated channels 614 a , 614 b . a vacuum source ( shown in fig8 as 212 ) is in fluid communication through passageways 616 with the elongated channel 614 a , 614 b . the vacuum source operates to evacuate the sealed elongated channels formed by a metal panel and elongated channels 614 a , 614 b for generating a downward clamping force sufficient to immobilize the metal panel in a direction generally parallel to the material contacting surface 604 during a forming operation . the vacuum assembly described herein , which includes the sealed elongated channel conforming to the metal panel and the vacuum source in fluid communication with said elongated channel , replaces conventional fixturing devices such as clamps to immobilize the metal panel in a direction generally parallel to said material contacting surface during the metal forming operation . a distinct advantage of this vacuum assembly is the ability to secure the metal panel to the frame and onto the material contacting surface , while at the same time to enable unobstructed lateral movement of a forming tool to and from the material - contacting area across a boundary defined by the perimeter of the frame . to this point , forming tools 400 , 402 ( as shown in fig2 and 8 ) can move freely about the perimeter of the frame 200 and laterally with respect to the material contacting surface to engage and form the flanges on the metal panels . the operation of the machine cell 10 will now be generally described . as the operation begins the upper gate 100 should already be in its elevated position , assuming that a joining operation has already been completed and the joined part has been removed , thus leaving the lower nest 200 empty . initially , a known quantity of mastic is applied to the approximate surface areas at which the first sheet material a will be joined to the second sheet material b . the mastic is utilized to provide a more complete joining of the sheet materials . the mastic may be joined to one of the sheets or to both as may be desired . known mastics may include glass bead - filled compositions as are known in the art . the machine cell 10 may then be operated by a human operator or by a programmable logic controller as is known in the art . regardless of the form of the operator , reference shall be made hereafter generically to “ the operator .” once the mastic has been selectively applied to the sheets a and b , the operator marries the first sheet material a to the second sheet material b then places the combined sheets on the vacuum pads 208 with the first sheet material a face down ( that is , the outer surface of the sheet material a is placed onto the vacuum pads 208 ). the crowder assemblies 300 , 300 ′, 300 ″, 300 ″′ are then activated by operation of the second air pressure source 308 to advance the alignment fingers to their engaged and aligning positions . so engaged , the first sheet metal a is in alignment relative to the lower nest 200 . this arrangement facilitates positive micro positioning of the first sheet material a . the operator then engages the robotic arm or linear slide ( neither shown ) to lower the upper gate 100 into an engaged position . the robotic control provides that movement of the upper gate 100 with a precise attitude . as the upper gate 100 is lowered , the alignment pins 120 , 120 ′ having generally conical or pointed tips as illustrated in fig3 engage the circular and elongated alignment holes a and b of the sheet material b . the pointed configurations of the alignment pins allow for some degree of initial play with the fit becoming tighter as the upper gate 100 is lowered . accordingly , as the upper gate 100 is lowered , the pins 120 , 120 ′ effect alignment by their engagement with the alignment holes a and b . as the upper gate 100 is lowered and the alignment pins 120 , 120 ′ engage the alignment holes a and b , the second sheet material b is moved into alignment with the first sheet material a . the polymerized noses of the contact plunger assemblies 108 . . . 108 ″, 110 , 110 ′, 112 . . . 112 ″ apply a light pressure about the periphery of the second sheet material b , thus ensuring that the first sheet material a is nested onto the vacuum pads 208 . after the first sheet material a and the second sheet material b are in position , the vacuum source 212 is activated to provide a vacuum between the surface of the first sheet material a and the vacuum channels 210 , 210 ′, 210 ″, 210 ″′. the first sheet material a is thus immobilized . with the combined assembly of the first sheet material a and the second sheet material b secured within the machine cell 10 , the first air pressure source 304 is activated and the fingers of the crowder assemblies 300 , 300 ′, 300 ″, 300 ″′, 300 ″′ are drawn away from their aligning positions to the substantially horizontal positions illustrated in fig2 . thus positioned , the fingers will not interfere with the subsequent forming operation . the joining operation then occurs , by which the upstanding flanges of material a are formed over onto material b resulting in clinched formation c . formation c thus resides around part of or the entire periphery of the joined first sheet material a and the second sheet material b . as noted above , joining of the first sheet material a with the second sheet material b is accomplished by either the die / tabletop steel - type - forming unit 400 or the roller - tool - type - forming unit 402 . regardless of the chosen forming unit , the surface 206 of the frame 202 provides a rigid surface upon which forming operations may take place . once forming and joining of the first sheet material a to the second sheet material b is complete , the upper gate 100 is removed from the second sheet material b and the vacuum source 212 is de - energized causing the first sheet material a to be re - mobilized from the vacuum pads 208 . the joined sheet materials a and b are unloaded from the top of the vacuum pads 208 and the next pair of married sheet materials a and b . is loaded . the forming and joining operation is thus repeated . those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of forms . therefore , while this invention has been described in connection with the particular examples thereof , the true scope of the invention should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings , specification and following claims .	1
in an embodiment as shown in fig1 , a computer system 10 comprises a computer 100 , e . g ., a pc ( personal computer ), or a laptop computer . the computer 100 includes a microprocessor 12 , which is connected to a bus system 14 . the bus system 14 serves as a connection between microprocessor 12 and other components of the computer 100 . an input system 16 comprising and / or interacting with one or several ( internal or peripheral ) input devices 1 , 2 is coupled to the microprocessor 12 to provide input to the microprocessor 12 . examples of input devices 1 , 2 include keyboards , touchscreens , and pointing devices such as mouses , trackballs and trackpads , as well as the — special — computer peripheral device 1 as described in further detail below . programs and data are stored on a mass storage device 18 , which is coupled to the microprocessor 12 . mass storage devices include such devices as hard disks , optical disks , magneto - optical drives , floppy drives and the like . the computer 100 further includes a display 20 , which is coupled to the microprocessor 12 by a video controller 22 . a system memory 24 is coupled to microprocessor 12 to provide the microprocessor 12 with fast storage to facilitate execution of computer programs by the microprocessor 12 . it should be understood that other busses and intermediate circuits can be deployed between the components described above , and the microprocessor 12 to facilitate interconnection between the components and the microprocessor 12 . fig2 illustrates a perspective view of the computer system 10 , and the computer 100 shown in fig1 ( here : a pc ( personal computer )), providing an environment within which the present embodiments can operate . the pc 100 comprises a main chassis 110 containing e . g . the bus system 14 , the input system 16 , the mass storage device 18 , the system memory 24 , etc . coupled through individual connectors on the main chassis 110 are the above display 20 , a keyboard 2 , which constitute — together with the above computer peripheral device 1 , which will be described in further detail below — respective external data input and output devices . a printer 160 is also shown coupled to a parallel port on a rear surface of the main chassis 110 . the parallel port allows the pc 100 to send character or graphical data to the printer 160 for printing thereby . the peripheral devices 1 , 2 , 20 , 160 allow the pc 100 to interact with a user . the above peripheral device 1 — in a first embodiment — might be a mobile , wireless telephone , e . g . a gsm -, or umts - telephone , similar to conventional mobile telephones , but being adapted such as to additionally fulfill the function of a conventional computer mouse . for instance — just as ordinary mobile phones , and as is shown in fig3 — the peripheral device 1 might comprise an elongated body 202 having a gripping portion so as to be hand - held , a speaker portion 201 which is held near the user &# 39 ; s ear , and a microphone portion that is positioned near the user &# 39 ; s mouth when in use , a display 203 , and several keyes 204 , which might correspond to the keys of an ordinary mobile phone , and which are used to control the mobile phone functions of the peripheral device 1 . other than ordinary mobile phones ,— just as ordinary computer mice , and as is shown in fig4 — the peripheral device 1 additionally includes a device movement tracking member , here : a rollerball 205 . after starting a special program stored on a memory of the peripheral device 1 , a first key 204 a , and a second key 204 b of the above keyes 204 ( and , e . g . one or several further keys 204 b )— usually used to control the mobile phone functions of the peripheral device 1 — might be used as input members working correspondingly as input members known from ordinary computer mice . for instance , the first key 204 a might then be used as a first computer mouce click member , the second key 204 b as a second computer mouce click member ( and a third key 204 c as a third computer mouce click member , etc .). the peripheral device 1 might than — just as an ordinary mouse — be used to control the computer 100 , e . g ., by making use of a cursor controlled by the movement of the peripheral device 1 with respect to e . g . a mousepad , or any other kind of surface , and shown on the display 20 of the computer 100 . the data input at the respective keyes 204 a , 204 b , and the data derived from tracking the movement of the peripheral device 1 , e . g . by the device movement tracking member , here : the rollerball 205 , might be sent to the computer 100 , e . g . the above computer input system 16 e . g . correspondingly to what is known for ordinary mice , e . g ., via a respective wire connected between the peripheral device 1 , and the computer 100 , or — advantageously — wireless , e . g ., by use of an ordinary wireless connection usually employed to connect an ordinary mouse to a computer , e . g ., a wireless connection based on infrared light . alternatively , the wireless connection might also be a rf ( radio frequency ) connection , e . g . similar to wireless connections employed by ordinary mobile phones ( e . g ., similar to a gsm -, or umts - connection ), or any other kind of rf - connection ( e . g ., a w - lan connection ), and / or , might be a wireless connection e . g . making use of an antenna provided at the peripheral device 1 ( not shown ), and also used for the transmittal / receipt of data when the peripheral device 1 is used as mobile phone . in the alternative embodiment shown in fig5 , a peripheral device 301 might be built similar to the peripheral device 1 described above , but might not comprise an “ active ” device movement tracking member such as a rollerball ( and — alternatively — might even not be supplied with the above mobile phone capability ). instead , the position and / or movement of the peripheral device 301 is tracked by a position / movement tracking system comprised by the computer 300 , e . g . comprising an rf signal generator 350 , in particular , an rf pulse signal generator , and several ( e . g . three ) triangulated relative phase detectors 351 a , 351 b , 351 c . a first detector 351 a might be located at the display 320 of the computer 300 , and the second and third detector 351 b , 351 c — spaced apart from another — at the front of the chassis 310 of the computer 300 . further , the peripheral device 301 might be equipped with an rf signal reflector 352 , e . g ., a piece of metal . the rf signals , in particular , rf pulse signals sent out by the rf signal generator 350 are reflected by the rf signal reflector 352 , and thus sent back towards the direction of the first , second and third phase detectors 351 a , 351 b , 351 c . from respective phase differences between the signals received by the first , second and third phase detectors 351 a , 351 b , 351 c , in particular , from respective differences in the arrival times of respective , corresponding signal pulses or edges thereof at the first , second and third phase detectors 351 a , 351 b , 351 c , the position and / or movement of the peripheral device 301 might be detected ( e . g ., by use of the above processor 12 , and a respective software program loaded on the storage device 18 , e . g . similar to a position and / or movement detection program as applied in conventional radar systems ). the position and / or movement data ( as e . g . calculated by the processor 12 )— just as the movement data provided by ordinary movement tracking members of ordinary mice — might be used to control the computer 300 , e . g ., by making use of a cursor controlled by the detected position and / or movement of the peripheral device 301 with respect to the computer 300 , in particular , the above phase detectors 351 a , 351 b , 351 c . as is shown in fig6 , in an alternative embodiment , an rf signal generator 450 corresponding to the rf signal generator 350 shown in fig5 might be provided at the peripheral device 401 , instead of at the computer 400 . in this case , the the peripheral device 401 needs not to be equipped with a rf signal reflector . the rf signal generator 450 — corresponding to the rf signal generator 350 — might send out a low - power rf pulse signal every few milliseconds . again , from respective phase differences between the signals received by first , second and third phase detectors 451 a , 451 b , 451 c which correspond to the phase detectors 351 a , 351 b , 351 c shown in fig5 , the position and / or movement of the peripheral device 401 might be detected . the position and / or movement data — just as the movement data provided by ordinary movement tracking members of ordinary mice — might be used to control the computer 400 , e . g ., by making use of a cursor controlled by the detected position and / or movement of the peripheral device 401 with respect to the computer 400 , in particular , the above phase detectors 451 a , 451 b , 451 c . while certain examplary embodiments have been described in detail and shown in the accompanying drawings , it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention . it will thus be recognized that various modifications may be made to the illustrated and other embodiments of the invention , without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims .	7
fig2 illustrates a possible layout of a dialyser 2 for use in a system according to an embodiment of the invention . punctured lines indicates features inside the dialyser . some features typically included in dialysers but which are not relevant in relation to the present invention , have been omitted . although the looks and exterior design of the illustrated dialysers are different from known dialysers , most technical components ( pumps , artificial kidneys , sensors , valves , etc .) are similar and perform similar functions . the main difference being that the flow pathway of the dialysate is designed to re - circulate the dialysate after it has passed through the artificial kidney , which requires some changes in the pipes and pumping . these changes , however , are considered within the abilities of the person skilled in constructing dialysers when being presented with the present description . the dialyser 2 is a haemodialyser having blood inlet 4 and outlet 5 to be connected to the blood system of the patient , as well as a blood pump ( not shown ) and a blood flow indicator 6 . commercially available tubes , needles and artificial kidneys may be used for this purpose . the blood is circulated through one side of the artificial kidney of the haemodialyser ( not shown ), while dialysate is circulated through the other side of the artificial kidney . for this purpose , the dialyser has a dialysate circulating system comprising one or more inlets 7 for receiving dialysate and one or more outlets 10 for leading used dialysate out from the dialyser . inlets and outlets are in fluid connection with inlet / outlet pipes 8 and 11 , respectively , for leading the dialysate to and from the artificial kidney . one pump 9 connected to inlet pipe 9 regulates the inflow of dialysate from connected containers to the artificial kidney , while another pump 12 connected to outlet pipe 11 regulates the flow from the artificial kidney and back to the connected containers 25 for recirculation . the inlets 7 , outlets 10 , pipes 8 and 11 , pumps 9 and 12 , and connected dialysate containers are commonly referred to as the dialysate flow system . the haemodialyser 2 has a keyboard 15 for the patient to enter e . g . the desired dialysis duration and fluid retention elimination , and display 16 for providing feedback , status , and confirmation to the patient . to aid the transportability , the dialyser may have a carrying strap 30 or a handle ( not shown ). the dialyser 2 is adapted to hold the provided dialysate containers 25 , e . g . so that the dialysate containers 25 rest on surface 22 . surface 22 is also connected to a scale for weighing the dialysate containers and their content . thereby , the haemodialyser 2 can automatically estimate the volume of dialysate in the connected containers , both before and after the dialysis . the dialysate containers 25 are preferably flexible and have an input 26 and an output 27 . to ensure dialysate flow through the containers , they are oriented with input 26 connected to outlet 10 of the haemodialyser and output 27 connected to inlet 7 . by making the surface 22 slightly inclining , it is ensured that dialysate in the dialysate container will always collect itself over the output 27 . fig3 is a cross - sectional illustration of a haemodialyser 30 similar to the haemodialyser 2 of fig2 , but with a different layout of the dialysate flow system . here , input 26 and output 27 of the dialysate container 25 are formed in the same , lower end , where the input pipe 9 and output pipe 11 are also formed . in a peritoneal dialyser , the dialysate is traditionally left in the peritoneal cavity to be completely and automatically replaced several times by the dialyser . newer peritoneal dialysers allows for a flow of dialysate by using two lumens into the peritoneal cavity . in the last type , the dialysate can be recirculated with the same advantages as for the haemodialyser . here , instead of recirculating dialysate to the artificial kidney , dialysate is recirculated trough the two lumens to the peritoneal cavity . fig4 - 7 show different layouts of the dialysate flow system . in fig4 , the dialysate containers 25 are connected in parallel with inputs 26 and outputs 27 positioned in opposite ends , which ensures proper mixing of dialysate . in fig5 , the dialysate containers 25 are connected in series with intermediate tubing 28 interconnecting containers . fig6 shows another possible dialysate flow system layout with dialysate containers 25 connected in series . here , the input 26 and output 27 of each dialysate container 25 are positioned in the same end part of the dialysate container , which makes the flow path of the dialysate flow system simpler . in fig7 , the input and output of each dialysate container are provided by one opening , which has the advantage of making the process of interconnecting dialysate containers simpler . in all layouts , it is important that there is room for holding the liquid extracted from the patient . this can be done by providing an empty or partially filled container in the flow system . the dialysate containers may be fabricated in materials such as pvc , which makes them cheap and disposable and renders autoclaving and other cleaning unnecessary . as described previously , the dialysate containers may be filled by centrally prepared dialysate or by dialysate prepared from tap water at the home of the patient . fig8 illustrates a setup with a dialysate container 25 being filled with water from tap 45 through filter 44 and connector 43 . adapters ( not shown ) for connecting the filter to the tap may be included . the setup may also comprise means for supplying additives ( e . g . buffers and electrolytes ) to the filtered water , e . g . by adding additives through opening 42 prior to filling of the container through connector 43 . filters or purifiers suitable for preparation of dialysate from tap water has been described in e . g . u . s . pat . no . 6 , 719 , 745 , which describes a filtering device for producing a quality of water suitable for injection into the human body . in another embodiment , the dialyser is fabricated in two parts which can be separated and transported separately . each part will be considerably lighter than the total apparatus , and which provides improved handling and increased transportability . an example of such dialyser is illustrated in fig9 . in the example , the dialyser has two parts 32 and 34 , with lower part 32 comprising scale 22 , electronic processing unit 36 and interface port 38 with a counterpart ( not shown ) in the upper part 32 . the upper part 32 holds pumps ( 9 , 12 and a blood pump ), tubing and connectors for both the dialysate and blood circuits , as well as conveniently placed keypad 15 and display 16 . the electronic processing unit 36 may be held in the upper part as well . carrying handles may be provided on both parts and a set of wheels 40 may ease transport of the assembled dialyser . since the scale is held by the lower part 34 , the entire upper part may be weighed . this is advantageous , since it does not matter whether the dialysate is in the containers or in the tubing of the dialyser . when the weight of the empty upper part 32 is programmed into the dialyser , the total amount of dialysate can be determined . also a more precise difference between start weight and end weight can be calculated to determine the amount of eliminated liquid , since residual dialysate in tubing is included in the weighing .	0
in preferred embodiments , the glass according to the invention has optical properties which lie within the ranges defined below : the light transmission range thus defined makes the glass according to the invention particularly useful for reducing the dazzling effect produced by the light from automobile headlights when it is used for the rear side windows or as the rear windows of vehicles . the corresponding energy transmission range provides the glass with its high selectivity . in the form of front side windows for vehicles , the glass according to the invention must have a tl of greater than or equal to 70 %. it is therefore used with a thickness of 3 mm so as to meet this requirement . as regards the dominant - wavelength and excitation - purity ranges , these correspond to shades and to an intensity of color which are found to be particularly attractive , especially according to present - day tastes in the architectural and automotive fields . these properties are obtained from the following percentages by weight of coloring agents , the total amount of iron being expressed in the form of fe 2 o 3 : the use of vanadium as coloring agent has the advantage of limiting the production costs of the glass according to the invention because of the inexpensive nature of this element . moreover , vanadium is also beneficial in environmental protection terms , due to its less polluting character , and in obtaining the low ultraviolet radiation transmission value of the glass according to the invention . vanadium also has a high absorption in the infrared radiation range , which helps in obtaining a glass having a low energy transmission and a high selectivity . it is also possible to obtain the same ranges of optical properties from the presence in the glass of the following percentages by weight of coloring agents : the combination of these coloring agents , and in particular the use of chromium , is not unfavorable for preserving the refractory walls of the furnace for manufacturing the glass , there being no risk of corrosion of the said walls by them . according to certain especially preferred embodiments , the glass according to the invention has optical properties lying within the following ranges : glass having optical properties lying within the more restricted ranges defined above is particularly efficient since it combines ideal light and energy - transmission properties for use as the rear side windows and the rear window of a vehicle . in a thickness of 3 mm , it can also be used as a front side window of a vehicle . in its architectural use , it combines its esthetic qualities with a considerable energy saving due to less stress on the air conditioning systems . such properties are obtained from the following percentages by weight of coloring agents , the total amount of iron being expressed in the form of fe 2 o 3 : it is also possible to obtain the same ranges of optical properties from the presence in the glass of the following percentages by weight of coloring agents : preferably , the glass according to the invention has a percentage by weight of feo of less than 0 . 25 . this makes it particularly easy to melt in a conventional glass furnace , compared with glasses which have substantially higher feo contents . the glass according to the invention is preferably used in the form of sheets having a thickness of 3 or 4 mm for the rear side panes and the rear windows of vehicles and thicknesses of more than 4 mm in buildings . the glass according to the invention also preferably has a total light transmission under illuminant c , for a thickness of 5 mm ( tlc5 ) of between 50 and 70 %, which makes it favourable to eliminating the dazzling effect of sunlight when it is used in buildings . the glass according to the invention may be coated with a layer of metal oxides which reduce its heating by solar radiation and consequently that of the space compartment of a vehicle using such a glass as glazing . the glasses according to the present invention may be manufactured by conventional processes . in terms of batch materials , it is possible to use natural materials , recycled glass , scoria or a combination of these materials . the colorants are not necessarily added in the form indicated , but this manner of giving the amounts of coloring agents added , in equivalents in the forms indicated , corresponds to standard practice . in practice , the iron is added in the form of red iron oxide , the cobalt is added in the form of hydrated sulfate , such as coso 4 . 7h 2 o or coso 4 . 6h 2 o , and the chromium is added in the form of dichromate , such as k 2 cr 2 o 7 . as regards vanadium , this is introduced in the form of oxide or sodium vanadate . other elements are sometimes present as impurities in the batch materials used for manufacturing the glass according to the invention ( for example , manganese oxide in proportions of about 100 to 300 ppm ), whether in the natural materials , in the recycled glass or in the scoria , but when the presence of these impurities does not give to the glass properties lying outside the limits defined above , these glasses are regarded as being in accordance with the present invention . the present invention will be illustrated by the following specific examples of optical properties and compositions . table i gives , by way of indication , the base composition of the glass and the constituents of the glass batch to be melted in order to produce the glasses according to the invention . the glass batch may , if necessary , contain a reducing agent such as coke , graphite or slag , or an oxidizing agent such as a nitrate . in this case , the proportions of the other materials are modified so that the composition of the glass remains unchanged . tables iia and iib give the optical properties and the proportions by weight of the coloring agents of a glass containing respectively either vanadium or chromium among its coloring agents . these proportions are determined by x - ray fluorescence of the glass and are converted into the molecular species indicated .	2
the preparation of polyimides is well known in the prior art . polyimides are generally prepared in a two - step process in which a dianhydride and a diamine are first reacted to prepare a polyamic acid which is subsequently converted to a polyimide in a second step . a wide variety of dianhydrides and diamines can be reacted to prepare polyimides that are suitable for use in the present invention . dianhydrides and diamines that can be reacted to yield suitable polyimides as well as processes for preparing such polyimides are disclosed in &# 34 ; polyimides ,&# 34 ; by c . e . sroog , j . polymer science : macromolecular reviews , volume 11 , 161 - 208 ( 1976 ), and u . s . pat . nos . 2 , 710 , 853 , 3 , 179 , 631 , 3 , 179 , 634 , 3 , 356 , 648 , 3 , 959 , 350 , 4 , 592 , 925 and 4 , 645 , 824 which are incorporated herein by reference . the preferred dianhydrides are 3 , 3 &# 39 ;, 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride , 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane dianhydride and pyromellitic dianhydride . the preferred diamines are bis -( 4 - aminophenyl ) ether , 5 ( 6 )- amino - 1 -( 4 &# 39 ;- aminophenyl )- 1 , 3 , 3 - tri - methylindane ( referred to as dapi ), 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 - aminophenyl ) hexafluoropropane ( referred to as 3 , 3 &# 39 ;- 6f diamine ), 2 , 2 - bis ( 4 - aminophenyl ) hexafluoropropane ( referred to as 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- 6f diamine ), 2 -( 3 - aminophenyl )- 2 -( 4 - aminophenyl ) hexafluoropropane , 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 - aminophenyl )- 1 , 1 , 1 - trifluoro - 2 - phenyl - ethane , 2 , 2 - bis ( 4 - aminophenyl )- 1 , 1 , 1 - trifluoro - 2 - phenyl - ethane and 2 -( 3 - aminophenyl )- 2 -( 4 - aminophenyl )- 1 , 1 , 1 - trifluoro - 2 - phenyl - ethane . a variety of solvents can be used for the reaction of the dianhydride with the diamine . suitable solvents are disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 3 , 179 , 634 . preferably , the solvent is dimethyl formamide , dimethyl sulfoxide , n - methyl pyrrolidone or dimethylacetamide , and most preferably is dimethylacetamide . after a polyamic acid is prepared by the reaction of a diamine and a dianhydride , the polyamic acid is converted to a polyimide using thermal or chemical conversion processes . preferably , the polyamic acid is chemically converted employing acetic anhydride in the presence of pyridine . if a fluorinated polyamic acid is involved , it is preferred to employ acetic acid in the presence of beta picoline . the resulting polyimide can be precipitated by water and then filtered and dried . some of the preferred polyimides have repeating units of the formula : ## str1 ## wherein r is a tetravalent organic radical and r &# 39 ; is a divalent organic radical selected from the group consisting of aromatic , aliphatic , cycloaliphatic , heterocyclic , combinations of aromatic and aliphatic , and substituted groups thereof ( e . g . with halogen and methyl substituents and / or other substituents known to those skilled in the art ). in one preferred embodiment , r or r &# 39 ; or both contain fluorine substituents . preferably r is a tetravalent aromatic radical containing at least one ring of six carbon atoms , said ring being characterized by benzenoid unsaturation and the four carbonyl groups being attached directly to separate carbon atoms in a ring of the r radical and each pair of carbonyl groups being attached to adjacent carbon atoms in a ring of the r radical , and preferably r &# 39 ; is a divalent benzenoid radical , or substituted groups thereof , selected from the group consisting of : ## str2 ## wherein r &# 34 ; is selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or alkylene chain having one to three carbon atoms , ## str3 ## wherein r &# 34 ;&# 39 ; and r &# 34 ;&# 34 ; are selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted alkyl and aryl . r may also preferably be a tetravalent aromatic radical , or substituted groups thereof , selected from the group consisting of ## str4 ## wherein r &# 34 ; is defined as above . most preferably , r &# 34 ; above is selected from the group consisting of ## str5 ## in a most preferred polyimide polymer , r is ## str6 ## and r &# 39 ; is ## str7 ## and it can be represented by the general formula : ## str8 ## it is prepared by the reaction of dapi with 3 , 3 &# 39 ;, 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride to produce a polyamic acid . the polyamic acid can be chemically imidized using acetic anhydride and pyridine according to the teachings of u . s . pat . no . 3 , 179 , 634 . the preferred polyimide polymer is sold under the tradename araldite xu 218 and is available from the ciba - geigy corporation . in another most preferred polyimide , r is ## str9 ## and r &# 39 ; is ## str10 ## and preferably r &# 39 ; is ## str11 ## and most preferably r &# 39 ; is ## str12 ## the polyimide wherein r &# 39 ; is ## str13 ## can be represented by the general formula ## str14 ## and may be prepared by reacting 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane dianhydride and a diamine selected from the group consisting of 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 - aminophenyl )- 1 , 1 , 1 - trifluoro - 2 - phenyl - ethane , 2 , 2 - bis ( 4 - aminophenyl )- 1 , 1 , 1 - trifluoro - 2 - phenyl - ethane , and 2 -( 3 - aminophenyl )- 2 -( 4 - aminophenyl )- 1 , 1 , 1 - trifluoro - 2 - phenyl - ethane in accordance with the teachings in u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 356 , 648 and 4 , 645 , 824 . the preferred fluorinated polyimide above wherein r &# 39 ; is ## str15 ## can be represented by the general formula ## str16 ## and may be prepared by reacting 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane dianhydride ( referred to as 6f - da ) and a diamine selected from the group consisting of 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 - aminophenyl ) hexafluoropropane , 2 , 2 - bis ( 4 - aminophenyl ) hexafluoropropane and 2 -( 3 - aminophenyl )- 2 -( 4 - aminophenyl ) hexafluoropropane . preferably , equimolar amounts are reacted and a low - temperature , substantially isothermal polymerization process followed by cyclization is employed . most preferably , substantially analytically pure reactants are utilized . the preparation of this preferred polyimide is described in u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 356 , 648 and 4 , 645 , 824 and in commonly assigned u . s . patent application ser . no . 07 / 217 , 929 , which are incorporated herein by reference . the 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane dianhydride ( 6f - da ) is available from hoechst - celanese corporation in somerville , nj . it is also possible to prepare the films of the present invention from fluorinated polyimides prepared by reacting 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 - aminophenyl ) hexafluoropropane or 2 , 2 - bis ( 4 - aminophenyl ) hexafluoropropane with pyromellitic dianhydride and one or more additional aromatic dianhydrides , preferably a dianhydride having a diaryl nucleus . preferred aromatic dianhydrides include bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) ether dianhydride ( odpa ), 3 , 3 &# 39 ;, 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride ( btda ), 3 , 3 &# 39 ;, 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- diphenyl tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride ( bpda ) and 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane dianhydride ( 6f - da ), with 6f - da being the most preferred dianhydride . such polyimides are soluble in common organic solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone or n - methyl pyrrolidone . the preparation of suitable mixed dianhydride fluorinated polyimides is disclosed in u . s . patent application ser . no . 07 / 217 , 928 , which is incorporated herein by reference . suitable conditions for reacting the diamine and the dianhydrides are disclosed in u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 356 , 648 and 3 , 959 , 350 , which were previously incorporated by reference . in a preferred process for preparing such fluorinated polyimides , the diamine and the mixed dianhydrides are reacted in a suitable solvent such as n - methyl pyrrolidone , gamma - butyrolactone ( blo ), or a mixture of blo and another solvent such as diglyme . the resulting product is a polyamide - acid which is then converted to the desired polyimide by one of several methods : by heating the polyamide - acid solution until imidization is substantially complete , or by combining the polyamide - acid solution and a dehydrating agent , with or without a catalyst , and optionally heating the resulting mixture until imidization is substantially complete . the mixed dianhydrides and the diamine are reacted in approximately equimolar proportions . the relative proportion of the dianhydrides with respect to one another ranges from about 35 to about 75 mole percent pyromellitic dianhydride and correspondingly from about 25 to about 65 mole percent of the co - dianhydride ( e . g . odpa , btda , bpda or 6f - da ). the preferred ratio of the dianhydrides is about 50 mole percent of each of the co - dianhydrides . the 3 , 3 &# 39 ;- 6f diamine and 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- 6f diamine reactants may also be used in admixture with other non - 6f - aromatic diamines in preparing suitable copolyimides . the limit of addition of the additional non - 6f - diamine is determined by solubility factors in that the resulting copolyimide must contain sufficient fluoro substituent groups to remain soluble in the organic solvent . suitable diamines are materials responding to the general formula h 2 n -- r -- nh 2 wherein r is a divalent organic radical . preferably r comprises an aromatic moiety . most preferably , r has a diaryl nucleus , e . g . a phenylene or naphthalene group . generally , the preferred polyimide polymers have molecular weights , m w , greater than about 25 , 000 . in addition , the most preferred fluorinated polyimide polymers have molecular weights , m w , of at least about 75 , 000 . although 1 , 2 , 3 - trichloropropane alone can be employed to cast ultrathin polyimide films , it is preferred to employ a mixture of 1 , 2 , 3 - trichloropropane and ortho - dichlorobenzene . the presence of ortho - dichlorobenzene in the solution used for casting the film tends to make the film more uniform in thickness . suitable solvent ratios are about a 1 : 1 to about a 10 : 1 by volume ratio of 1 , 2 , 3 - trichloropropane : ortho - dichlorobenzene and preferably about a 20 : 7 ratio . the solvent ratios described above should not be altered substantially because if too much ortho - dichlorobenzene is employed , the film may be too thin and fragile to lift from the casting surface . when fluorinated polyimides are employed , propyl acetate or butyl acetate may also be utilized as the casting solvent to prepare ultrathin , pinhole - free films . however 1 , 2 , 3 - trichloropropane and butyl acetate are preferred , with 1 , 2 , 3 - trichloropropane ( and mixtures of 1 , 2 , 3 - trichloropropane and ortho - dichlorobenzene ) being most preferred . the polyimide polymer is first dissolved in a suitable solvent or solvent mixture to prepare a casting solution by stirring the polymers and solvents at a temperature less than 100 ° c . ( e . g . 60 ° c .) for several hours ( e . g . three to seven hours ). the casting solution will contain about two to about twelve percent by weight of the polymer , preferably about four to about ten percent and most preferably about six to about eight percent based upon the total weight of the casting solution . generally , the greater the amount of polymer in the casting solution ; the thicker the films will be that are prepared . conversely , the lower the amount of polymer , the thinner the films will be . however , if the percent by weight is too low , such as below one percent by weight , the film will be too fragile to lift from the casting surface and will contain defects , such as holes . the polymer solution can be employed immediately after preparation or stored in appropriate containers , such as teflon bottles , at room temperature . although the films are generally prepared from a single polyimide , the polyimide films may be cast from a casting solution containing two or more polyimide polymers which are compatible in film form and which can be dissolved in the casting solution . for example , a casting solution wherein the solvent is butyl acetate and wherein the casting solution contains a polyimide having the general formula ## str17 ## and a polyimide having the general formula ## str18 ## yields excellent , ultrathin , pinhole - free polyimide films . the ratio of the polyimides is not critical when such blended films are prepared . the polyimide films may also be cast from a mixed polymer solution containing a polyimide polymer and a minor amount of other non - polyimide polymers which are compatible in film form with the polyimide polymer and which can be dissolved in the casting solution . when other polymers are added , the amount of polyimide employed should be about 80 percent or more by weight based upon the total weight of polymers dissolved in the polymeric solution . before the polymeric solution is cast into films , it is preferred to filter the solution using membranes . filtration of the polymer solution before casting substantially reduces imperfections in the cast films . the solution can be passed through a millipore microfiltration membrane having pores with a diameter of about 0 . 45 micron and available from the millipore corporation . in order to pass the solution through the membrane , it is usually necessary to apply pressure . for example , a millipore stainless 47 mm pressure holder operated at a pressure up to 100 psi argon can be used . the amount of pressure applied will depend upon the viscosity of the solution and the pore size of the membrane . after filtration , the solution is cast on water at or near room temperature . as used herein , the term &# 34 ; water &# 34 ; includes aqueous solutions containing minor amounts ( e . g . one percent or less by weight based upon the total weight of the solution ) of organic solvents ( e . g . lower weight alcohols ) the presence of which does not adversely affect the properties of the film cast on the solution . the addition of such organic solvents may facilitate the removal of the film from the water &# 39 ; s surface . the water is contained in any suitable walled container . for example , an appropriate container is an aluminum container having the dimensions 12 &# 34 ;× 12 &# 34 ;× 3 &# 34 ;. preferably , the walls of the container are sloped outwardly at about a 20 degree incline to reduce reflected surface waves which can damage the film . such waves are produced when the polymeric solution is placed on the water &# 39 ; s surface or by air currents and external vibrations . most preferably , the inside walls of the container are teflon coated so that films are less likely to stick to the sides of the container . the polymeric solution is cast by depositing a drop of the polymer solution upon the water &# 39 ; s surface . the solution usually spreads over the surface of the water in three seconds or less . the solution is allowed to stand until a sufficient amount of the solvent has evaporated to form a free - standing film . as used herein the term &# 34 ; free - standing film &# 34 ; refers to a film which has a physically stable shape and is dimensionally stable on its casting surface and can be removed from the casting surface without having to be supported over most ( e . g . 30 percent or more ) of its surface area . the time of evaporation generally is between 20 and 30 seconds and rarely more than about 60 seconds . after the solvent has evaporated , the film is lifted from the liquid surface using any suitable means , such as a 2 &# 34 ;× 3 &# 34 ;, thin , aluminum plate having a 30 millimeter inner diameter hole in it and a handle on one end of the plate . when the aluminum plate touches the surface of the film , the film adheres to the aluminum plate and may be readily removed from the surface of the water . the films of the instant invention can be rendered insoluble in their casting solvents and made more durable and chemically resistant by any suitable treatment , such as by radiation , photochemical , chemical , or thermal treatment . preferably a thermal treatment is employed . for example , the films can be heated at temperatures in the range of about 250 ° c . to about 350 ° c ., preferably about 290 ° c ., for several hours . when using a thermal treatment , it is preferred to heat and cool the films very gradually in order to avoid film breakage . for example , the films can be heated from room temperature to the desired temperature at a rate of 2 ° c . per minute , held at the desired temperature for about two hours , and then gradually allowed to cool to room temperature . any oven that permits such increments in temperature can be employed . the films of the instant invention are generally round , ultrathin , pinhole - free , uniform films having a diameter of about four to about six inches and a thickness of about 400 angstroms or less , preferably less than about 300 angstroms and most preferably about 150 to about 300 angstroms . as used herein , the term &# 34 ; ultrathin film &# 34 ; refers to a film having a thickness of 400 angstroms or less , and the term &# 34 ; pinhole - free film &# 34 ; refers to a film having no macroscopic holes . the films of this invention can be used in end uses where a controlled release of drugs is needed and can be placed on supports and used as gas separation membranes . the invention is illustrated by the following examples in which all percentages are by weight unless otherwise specified . a polymer solution containing 7 . 4 percent by weight polyimide in a mixture of 20 : 7 by volume 1 , 2 , 3 - trichloropropane : ortho - dichlorobenzene was prepared by dissolving the polymer in the solvent mixture . the polyimide was araldite xu 218 , had a density of 1 . 20 g / cm 3 , was obtained from the ciba - geigy corporation , inc ., and had repeating units of the formula : ## str19 ## the solution was prepared by magnetically stirring the solvents and the polymer at 60 ° c . for about five hours . after the polymer was dissolved in the solvent it was passed through a durapore polyvinylidene fluoride membrane having pores with a diameter of 0 . 45 micron obtained from the millipore corporation . a millipore stainless 47 millimeter pressure holder operated at a pressure sufficient to force the solution through the membrane was employed . after filtration , a drop of the polymer solution was deposited on water contained in a square aluminum container measuring 12 &# 34 ;× 12 &# 34 ;× 3 &# 34 ; and having teflon coated walls which were sloped away from the center at a 20 degree incline . the drop spread rapidly over the surface of the water to form a film having a diameter of about five inches . after 20 seconds , the film was lifted from the surface of the water using a 2 &# 34 ; by 3 &# 34 ; aluminum plate with a 30 mm diameter hole in the middle and a handle at one end . the film was uniform , had a thickness of about 230 angstroms and contained no macroscopic voids . the film was thermally treated by placing the film in a fisher isotemp programmable ashing furnace , model 495 , at room temperature and then increasing the temperature at a rate of 2 ° c . per minute to 290 ° c . the oven was held at 290 ° c . for two hours and then the temperature was reduced gradually back to room temperature to cool the film . the resulting film was not soluble in 1 , 2 , 3 - trichloropropane . example 1 was repeated except that the film was not thermally treated . when a drop of trichloropropane was placed on the film , the film dissolved instantly . example 1 was repeated except that a ten percent by weight solution of the polyimide in 1 , 2 , 3 - trichloropropane was prepared and the film was not thermally treated . the resulting film contained no macroscopic holes and had a thickness of about 350 angstroms . example 1 was repeated except that an eight percent by weight solution of the polyimide polymer in a 4 : 1 by volume mixture of 1 , 2 , 3 - trichloropropane : ortho - dichlorobenzene was prepared . the resulting film had a thickness of about 250 angstroms and contained no macroscopic holes . example 1 was repeated except that a polymer solution containing about 6 . 0 percent by weight of a fluorinated polyimide in a 3 : 1 by volume ratio of 1 , 2 , 3 - trichloropropane : ortho - dichlorobenzene was employed and the film was not thermally treated . the fluorinated polyimide was prepared by reacting 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane dianhydride and 2 , 2 - bis ( 4 - aminophenyl ) hexafluoropropane in accordance with the teachings of u . s . patent application no . 07 / 217 , 929 , which was previously incorporated by reference , and had repeating units of the formula : ## str20 ## the polyimide had a density of about 1 . 47 g / cc and a molecular weight , m w , of about 200 , 000 . the resulting film contained no macroscopic holes and had a thickness of about 230 angstroms . example 5 was repeated except that the fluorinated polyimide was prepared by reacting 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane and 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 - aminophenyl ) hexafluoropropane in accordance with the teachings of u . s . patent application ser . no . 07 / 217 , 929 , which was previously incorporated by reference , and had repeating units of formula : ## str21 ## the polyimide had a density of about 1 . 49 g / cc and a molecular weight , m w , of about 174 , 000 . the resulting film contained no macroscopic holes and had a thickness of less than 400 angstroms . example 5 was repeated except that the polymer solution contained about 6 . 0 percent by weight of the polyimides used in examples 5 and 6 in butyl acetate . equal amounts by weight of the two polyimides were present . the resulting film had a thickness of about 250 angstroms and contained no macroscopic holes . example 7 was repeated except that the polyimide used in example 6 was present at about the 80 percent by weight level and the polyimide used in example 5 was present at about the 20 percent by weight level based upon the total weight of polyimides in the casting solution . the resulting film had a thickness of less than about 200 angstroms and contained no macroscopic holes . as can be seen , thermally treating the films can make them insoluble in their casting solvent and chemically more resistant , and 1 , 2 , 3 - trichloropropane alone or mixtures of 1 , 2 , 3 - trichloropropane and ortho - dichlorobenzene may be employed to cast ultrathin , pinhole - free films .	8
before any embodiments are explained in detail , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings . the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways . also , it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting . the use of “ including ,” “ comprising ,” or “ having ” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items . unless specified or limited otherwise , the terms “ mounted ,” “ connected ,” “ supported ,” and “ coupled ” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings , connections , supports , and couplings . further , “ connected ” and “ coupled ” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings . the following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention . various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art , and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention . thus , embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown , but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein . the following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures , in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals . the figures , which are not necessarily to scale , depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention . skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention . fig1 illustrates an exploded view of a brake caliper assembly 20 . the brake caliper assembly 20 includes a caliper 22 and a caliper bracket 24 , which holds one or more braking devices 26 . when a brake piston 28 activates , the caliper bracket 24 compresses the braking devices 26 , thereby pressing on a disc brake rotor 30 to slow the vehicle . the illustrated brake caliper assembly 20 is depicted to provide context for the embodiments disclosed herein and is not intended to be a limiting application of the braking device 26 . fig2 illustrates a top , front isometric view of an embodiment of the braking device 26 as disclosed herein . the braking device 26 includes a back plate 32 and a friction lining pad 34 attached to the back plate 32 . the back plate 32 may be made of any number of materials including , but not limited to , one or more of steel , aluminum , epoxy - coated metal , copper - coated steel , or any other suitable material ( s ). the friction lining pad 34 may be made of any number of materials including , but not limited to , one or more of ceramic , kevlar , plastic , semi - metallic material , organic material with petroleum - based resin , sintered metal , copper , brass , steel , glass , rubber , high - heat resin , or any other suitable material ( s ). still referring to fig2 , the friction lining pad 34 is shown in two pieces , a first piece 36 and a second piece 38 , separated by a gap 40 . optionally , the friction lining pad 34 may be made of a single , unitary piece or may be separated into multiple pieces . it is envisioned that any number of separate pieces may be used for the friction lining pad 34 . the back plate 32 is shown coupled to the friction lining pad 34 . the back plate 32 may be coupled to the friction lining pad by heat and pressure ( with or without copper coating ), glue , mechanical interlocks , or in any other suitable manner . referring now to fig3 and 8 , the back plate 32 includes a plurality of cooling channels or ridges 42 , which include a plurality of peaks 44 and a plurality of valleys 46 . the plurality of ridges 42 are shown having a generally triangular configuration ; however , any geometric shape is envisioned including , but not limited to , squares , rectangles , circles in the form of a sinusoidal wave , trapezoids , ellipses , pentagons , octagons , any other suitable shape , or any combination of the foregoing shapes and / or other suitable shapes . in the illustrated embodiment , the plurality of ridges 42 form equilateral triangles , as will be described in greater detail hereinafter below . still referring to fig3 , the plurality of ridges 42 are shown parallel to an axis a , which extends longitudinally along a length of the back plate 32 . in an illustrative embodiment , the plurality of peaks 44 and the plurality of valleys 46 are parallel to the axis a , for aerodynamic reasons , as will be described below . it is envisioned that the plurality of peaks 44 and the plurality of valleys 46 could be provided along a different axis along the back plate 32 . now referring to fig4 , a top view of the braking device 26 is illustrated . the back plate 32 may include a first locating tab 48 and a second locating tab 50 , which are used for attaching and centering the braking device 26 within the brake caliper assembly 20 . while the illustrated embodiment includes locating tabs 48 , 50 for holding the braking device 26 in place , one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that any number of locating tabs could be used depending on the vehicle within which the device 26 would be attached . in another embodiment , the braking device 26 need not include locating tabs 48 , 50 . referring to fig5 , and 8 , thicknesses of the back plate 32 and the friction lining pad 34 are depicted . referring to fig5 and 8 , the illustrated back plate 32 has a plate thickness x 1 of between about 1 mm and about 10 mm , or between about 3 mm and about 8 mm , or about 5 mm . the friction lining pad 34 has a pad thickness x 2 of between about 2 mm and about 15 mm , or between about 5 mm and about 12 mm or about 9 mm . when combined , the back plate 32 and the friction lining pad 34 provide a total thickness x 3 of between about 4 mm and about 25 mm , or between about 10 mm and about 20 mm or about 16 . 5 mm for the braking device 26 . as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate , the total thickness x 3 of the device 26 may be limited by the available space within the vehicle and / or the rotor assembly within which the braking device 26 is mounted . as a result , a total thickness x 3 restriction exists within any rotor assembly due to the available space . thus , the plate thickness x 1 and the pad thickness x 2 must be varied to accommodate such a restriction . as the plate thickness x 1 increases , the pad thickness x 2 may necessarily be decreased to accommodate the total thickness x 3 restriction . still referring to fig5 , and 8 , in a typical braking device 26 , based upon values retrieved from www . alibaba . com , the cost in u . s . dollars of a typical friction lining pad 34 is about $ 7 . 80 more than the cost of a back plate 32 . the average cost of a typical friction lining pad 34 is about $ 13 . 00 while the cost of a typical back plate 32 is about $ 5 . 20 . as such , from a cost perspective , reducing the pad thickness x 2 is beneficial to both consumers and producers . the foregoing cost estimates are utilized only to provide a relative cost for a back plate 32 and a friction lining pad 34 . if the thickness x 1 of the back plate 32 increases by about 5 mm , then due to the total thickness x 3 restriction , the thickness x 2 of the friction lining pad 34 necessarily must be decreased by about 5 mm . based upon the aforementioned prices , utilizing less of the friction lining pad 34 reduces the cost of the device 26 . also , due to an increased thickness of the back plate 32 , the height of the plurality of ridges 42 is greater than the height of a brake pad having a flat back plate . further , the plurality of ridges 42 increase the surface are of the back plate 32 , which allows for more contact with air particles that flow across the back plate 32 . as a result , a faster cooling rate is achieved , as will be described below . due to a more efficient cooling rate , the friction lining pad 34 does not wear out as quickly , thus , the life of the thinner brake pad is not reduced . still further , the life of the friction lining pad 34 remains the same as a typical brake pad due to the increased surface area along the back plate 32 , even though the typical brake pad has a thicker lining pad . conversely , increasing the thickness x 2 of the friction lining pad 34 is also beneficial to the consumer and producer . still referring to fig5 , and 8 , because the surface area along the back plate 32 is still greater than if the back plate 32 were flat , and , thus , more heat is expelled , an increased thickness x 2 necessarily increases the life span of the braking device 26 . if the pad thickness x 2 increases , then the friction lining pad 34 has more material , which will wear down at the same rate as a typical brake pad . in this embodiment , the back plate 32 still includes a plurality of ridges 42 that aid in cooling the friction lining pad 34 . more particularly , heat generated at the friction lining pad 34 emanates outwardly to the back plate 32 and dissipates more quickly due to air moving through the ridges 42 . combining the thicker friction lining pad 34 and the more efficient cooling of the back plate 32 , the life of the braking device 26 ( and the friction lining pad 34 ) increases . although this particular embodiment of the braking device 26 may cost more due to the increased thickness x 2 of the friction lining pad 34 , the life span of the braking device 26 increases . thus , consumers benefit because the braking device 26 does not need to be replaced as often . if consumers use a commercial service to change the braking device 26 , they can also save money on labor costs because they need not replace the braking device 26 as often . still referring to fig5 , and 8 , as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate , a thicker back plate thickness x 1 allows for a thinner friction lining pad thickness x 2 due to more efficient heat dissipation . for example , if the back plate thickness x 1 increases , heat from the friction lining pad 34 dissipates more quickly due to an increased surface area of the back plate 32 . the heat released from the device 26 can be modeled with newton &# 39 ; s law of cooling , which states that q = h c a ( t s − t a ), where q is the rate of heat transfer per unit time ( joules ), a is the heat transfer surface area ( m 2 ), h c is the convective heat transfer coefficient ( no unit of measurement ), and ( t s − t a ) is the temperature difference (° c .) between the surface and the air . therefore , in an embodiment having an increased plate thickness x 1 , to maintain a similar brake pad wear rate , a decreased pad thickness x 2 may be utilized because the friction lining 34 pad cools more quickly and wears down more slowly due to the increased rate of heat transfer , q , resulting from the greater surface area of the back plate 32 . as stated above , the plurality of ridges 42 increases the surface area along the back plate . in some embodiments , the plurality of ridges 42 comprise isosceles triangles , and in other embodiments , the triangles are equilateral triangles . using equilateral triangles for the plurality of ridges 42 provides twice the surface area for the back plate 32 . in one non - limiting example , if the back plate 32 is 10 cm wide and 30 cm long , then a flat version of such a back plate has a surface area of about 300 cm 2 ( surface area = 10 cm × 30 cm ). if the back plate 32 includes the plurality of ridges 42 ( total of 100 ) running parallel to the length , then each individual ridge 52 has a base of 0 . 1 cm ( base length = 10 cm / 100 ). further , each side of the equilateral triangle has a length of 0 . 1 cm . as a result , the total surface area of the back plate 32 is 600 cm 2 ( surface area = 100 ridges × 0 . 1 cm × 2 sides / ridge × 30 cm ). referring back to newton &# 39 ; s law of cooling , q = h c a ( t s − t a ), the heat transfer rate is linearly proportional to the surface area . as such , if the surface area doubles , then the heat transfer rate doubles . referring to another example wherein the back plate 32 is 10 cm wide and 30 cm long , using triangles where the first angle θ is more than 60 °, the plurality of ridges 42 provides less surface area for the back plate 32 . if the height of the plurality of ridges 42 in this example remains the same as the previous equilateral triangular ridges , then the height of the ridge is 0 . 087 cm ( height = 0 . 1 cm / 2 *√ 3 ). if the first angle θ at the peak of the ridge is 70 °, then , using the pythagorean theorem , the length of each base of the ridge is 0 . 12 cm and the length of each side of the triangle is 0 . 11 cm long . as a result , about 83 ridges can fit on the 10 cm plate . therefore , the total surface area of the back plate 32 is about 548 cm 2 ( surface area = 83 ridges × 0 . 11 cm / side × 2 sides / ridge × 30 cm ). referring to yet another example , using triangles where the first angle θ is less than 60 ° creates more surface area on the back plate 32 but structural integrity is lost with such triangular ridges . in this example , while still modeling the back plate as a 10 cm wide by 30 cm long plate , if the height of the triangular ridges remains the same as the previous equilateral triangular ridges , then the height of the ridge again is 0 . 087 cm . if the first angle θ at the peak of the ridge is 50 °, then , using the pythagorean theorem , the length of the base is 0 . 080 cm and the length of each side of the triangle is 0 . 096 cm . if each ridge has a base length of 0 . 080 m , then 125 ridges can fit on the 10 cm plate . therefore , the total surface area is 720 cm 2 ( surface area = 125 ridges × 0 . 096 cm / side × 2 sides / ridge × 30 cm ). however , the structural integrity of these ridges is not as strong as the equilateral triangle , wherein the symmetry of the equilateral triangle helps distribute the force applied to the back plate 32 when the brake caliper assembly 20 is activated . as illustrated in fig7 , the first locating tab 48 is coupled with a curved top side 54 and is generally perpendicular to a first lateral side 56 , which joins to a first bottom side 58 . the first bottom side 58 connects to a second bottom side 60 . the second bottom side 60 joins to a curved bottom side 62 , which also connects to a third bottom side 64 . the third bottom side 64 joins to a fourth bottom side 66 . the fourth bottom side 66 intersects a second lateral side 68 . the second lateral side 68 is generally perpendicular to the second locating tab 50 , which connects to the curved top side 54 . still referring to fig7 , the back plate 32 and / or friction lining pad 34 may be any suitable shape , which may or may not be the same as one another . for instance , the friction lining pad 34 may be a square , a rectangle , an oval , or any other suitable shape . the first piece 36 of the friction lining pad 34 may have a first gap face 70 , a first rotor face 72 , a first curved side 74 , and a second curved side 76 . the second piece 38 of the friction lining pad 34 may similarly have a second gap face 78 , a second rotor face 80 , a third curved side 82 , and a fourth curved side 84 . in one embodiment , the gap faces 70 , 78 of the pieces 36 , 38 are formed to mate with the disc brake rotor 30 , such that when the brake caliper assembly 20 is activated , the entire friction lining pad 34 contacts the disc brake rotor 30 to brake the wheel of the vehicle . referring to fig8 , a side view of the braking device 26 is shown . the plurality of peaks 44 and the plurality of valleys 46 are more clearly defined in this view . a first ridge 42 a , which comprises a first peak 44 a , a first valley 46 a and a second valley 46 b , is pointed out for purposes of describing an illustrative embodiment of one of the plurality of ridges 42 . the plurality of ridges 42 may be formed having the same geometric shape , or may have different shapes . for example , a single peak may be in the shape of a triangle , while another peak may be in the shape of a square , while another may be in the shape of a semicircle . however , in an exemplary embodiment , the plurality of peaks 44 and the plurality of valleys 46 are the same shape and are equilateral triangles . equilateral triangles have experimentally been found to be the best option as they provide the strongest structural integrity of the embodiments tested , while maintaining a maximized surface area . referring to fig9 , the first ridge 42 has a height h and a width w . in one embodiment , the plurality of ridges 42 have the same height h and the same width w as the first ridge 42 . the height h may be between about 1 . 00 mm and about 2 . 50 mm , or between about 1 . 50 mm and 2 . 00 mm , or about 1 . 905 mm . the width w may be between about 1 . 50 mm and about 3 . 50 mm , or between about 2 . 00 mm and about 3 . 00 mm , or about 2 . 54 mm . an enlarged view of the first ridge 42 , including the first peak 44 , a portion of the first valley 46 a , and a portion of the second valley 46 b , is illustrated in fig9 . the first ridge 42 has a first leg 94 and a second leg 96 . the first ridge 42 may be further defined by the width w . the width w , as determined by the height of the ridge h and the first angle θ of the first peak 44 a , restricts how many ridges may be disposed along the back plate 32 , and thus , defines the surface area of the back plate 32 . in an illustrative embodiment , dimensions of the legs 94 , 96 and the width w are the same because , together , the legs 94 , 96 and the width w form an equilateral triangle . further , the first ridge 42 , which defines an equilateral triangle , includes a first angle θ , a second angle ω , and a third angle β . the angles θ , ω , and β of the plurality of ridges 42 may be the same or different depending on the shape and / or other dimensions of the plurality of peaks 44 and / or valleys 46 , as described above . in some embodiments , if a triangular peak is followed by a squared peak or a different shaped peak , different angles may be used . in an exemplary embodiment , all three angles , θ , ω , and β , are 60 ° to reflect the preference for the equilateral triangular peaks and valleys . the equal lengths of the legs 94 , 96 and the base 98 and the 60 degree angles θ , ω , and β of equilateral triangles allow for a maximized surface area along the back plate 32 and provide the structural integrity necessary for forces applied to the back plate 32 when the brake caliper assembly is activated . although in one embodiment , all three angles , θ , ω , and ( 3 , are 60 °, these angles can be increased or decreased based upon the desired surface area and / or structural integrity of the back plate 32 . the first angle θ may be between about 15 ° and about 120 °, or between about 30 ° and about 90 °, or about 60 °. because the thickness x 1 of the back plate 32 is pre - determined due to any one of the above mentioned restrictions , the angles utilized determine the lengths of the legs 94 , 96 and the width w . as the first angle θ increases , the lengths of the legs 94 , 96 increase and the length of the width w increases , however , the number of ridges that can be included along the back plate 32 decreases . conversely , as the first angle θ decreases , the lengths of legs 94 , 96 decrease and the width w decreases , however the number of ridges that can be included along the back plate 32 increases . as the lengths of the legs 94 , 96 and the width w are altered , particularly the lengths of legs 94 , 96 , the surface area of the back plate 32 changes . further , as the first angle θ increases above 60 °, the plurality of ridges loses structural integrity . by using equilateral triangles , the structural integrity and the surface area of the plurality of ridges 42 , and , subsequently the back plate 32 , are maximized . the greater surface area of the back plate 32 allows heat to dissipate more quickly from the friction lining pad 34 . the equilateral triangular ridges on the back plate 32 of the preferred embodiment are ideal for strength and for creating the greatest surface area for heat dissipation . the more quickly the friction lining pad 34 cools , the quicker the vehicle can stop with the least wear to the friction lining pad 34 . in previous back plate designs , the back plates are modeled to allow air flow directly across the planar back plate , generally with laminar flow , to cool the back plate and , as a result , the friction lining pad cools due to convection cooling as discussed above . in the embodiments disclosed herein , the plurality of ridges 42 form channels through which air flows over the plurality of valleys 46 and the plurality of peaks 44 of the plurality of ridges 42 . ideally , each of ridges 42 is parallel to the direction of air flow to achieve the most efficient cooling . in the parallel scheme , the air contacts the greatest surface area of the back plate 32 . for example , if the plurality of ridges 42 were perpendicular to the direction of air flow , the first ridge 42 a would form a mountain , and the air flow would be directed above the other channels . due to fluid dynamics , the air flow in this situation does not flow up and down the first ridge 42 a , but rather passes over the remaining plurality of ridges 42 without entering the plurality of valleys 46 . in the preferred design , with the plurality of ridges 42 parallel to the direction of air flow , the air contacts the hot particles in the channels , pushes them out of the brake caliper assembly 20 , and replaces those hot particles with cooler air . in some embodiments , the plurality of ridges 42 are only disposed along a portion of the back plate 32 , wherein a portion of the back plate 32 has a planar surface . multiple road tests were conducted to determine performance characteristics of several brake pads , including a device embodying characteristics of the brake pad device 26 discussed above ( hereinafter , “ brake pad device ”) and a prior art brake pad ( hereafter , “ prior art brake pad ”). temperature profiles and stopping distances were measured to determine the performance of the brake pad device and the prior art brake pad . each of the brake pad device and the prior art brake pad were tested during comparable weather and road conditions . accordingly , the following examples are presented for illustrative purposes and should not be regarded as limiting . road tests were performed on the brake pad device and a prior art brake pad having the following specifications and being tested under the following conditions . the brake pads , i . e . the brake bad device and the prior art brake pad , were separately installed on a 2009 volkswagen routan sel minivan ( vin # 2v8hw54x59r500958 ), weighing 6 , 050 pounds , for each of the tests . for testing , the torque of the wheels of the minivan were set to 100 lb f - ft . static testing temperatures of 150 degrees fahrenheit were consistently reproduced with the rotors using a generator , fans , and temperature gun throughout testing . after each test , a laser gun temperature sensor was used to monitor temperature profiles . additionally , the stopping distances were recorded . the same driver was used during all tests . a first road test (“ road test # 1 ”) was conducted . napa premium brakes ( part # 55 - 8439 - m ) were used to represent the prior art brake pads , and were the only brake pads used during the first road test . during the first road test , the air temperature was 80 degrees fahrenheit , with a humidity level of 81 %, and a pavement temperature of 110 degrees fahrenheit . information on the atmospheric conditions during road test # 1 is shown in table no . 2 . a second road test (“ road test # 2 ”) was conducted . a brake pad device similar to the brake pad device 26 , described in the embodiments above , was installed on the aforementioned minivan and multiple trials were performed . during the road test , the air temperature was 86 degrees fahrenheit , with a humidity level of 82 %, and a pavement temperature of 130 . 2 degrees fahrenheit . information on the atmospheric conditions during road test # 2 is shown in table no . 2 . table no . 1 also lists the different road tests and the type of brake pad used for each road test . during both of the road tests , i . e ., road test # 1 and road test # 2 described above , seven trials were performed for differing braking methods , including : a long stop at 60 mph , a light stop at 35 mph , a hard stop at 30 mph , a panic stop at 30 mph , a panic stop at 60 mph , a light stop - go - stop at 30 mph , and a hard stop - go - stop at 60 mph . during all of the trials , the temperature of the left brake , the right brake , the left rotor , and the right rotor were measured . additionally , the stopping distances for all trials , excluding the stop - go - stop trials , were measured . the results of each of the trials , which were completed during one of the two road tests , are present in table no . 3 and 4 . in order to compare the results , the results from tables no . 3 and 4 are further presented in tables no . 5 and 6 . the temperature profiles of the temperature readings from the left brake pads during each road test are shown in table no . 5 . the temperature profile of the temperature readings from left rotor during each of the road tests are shown in table no . 6 . additionally , table no . 5 is presented graphically in fig1 and table no . 6 is presented graphically in fig1 . further , the stopping distances for minivan during trials from each of the road tests are shown in table no . 7 and are presented graphically in fig1 . when referencing fig1 , 11 , and 12 , it should be noted that the prior art brake pads are referred to as the “ regular pads ” and the braking device similar to the brake pad device 26 is referred to as the “ test pads ”. as previously mentioned , the brake pad device used throughout road test # 2 is similar to the device 26 in that it included a back plate similar to the back plate 32 that had included thereon a plurality of ridges . the plurality of ridges increased the surface area of the back plate and therefore increased the possible surface area from which heat could transfer to the surrounding environment during warming thereof . as provided in the examples above and fig1 , the measured temperatures along the brake pad device were found to be lower than those measured along the prior art device for the trials that included the light stop trial at 35 mph , the long stop trial at 60 mph , the hard stop trial at 30 mph , the stop - and - go stop trial at 30 mph , and the stop - and - go stop trial at 60 mph trials . however , the measured temperatures for the prior art brake pad ( road test # 1 ) were found to be lower for each of the panic stop at 30 mph and the panic stop at 60 mph trials . overall , measured temperatures for the brake pad device were found to be lower for five out of seven braking methods . the results of road tests seem to indicate that the back plate used along the brake pad device allowed for heat to dissipate more quickly from the brake pad device , which resulted in a lower temperature therealong . the results of road test # 1 and road test # 2 show the brake pad device having lower temperature readings for five out of seven readings . these lower temperature readings may be attributed to an increased cooling rate produced by the plurality of ridges that were included on the back plate of the brake pad device . during the two trials where the temperature readings measured along the brake pad device were higher than those measured along the prior art device , i . e ., the panic stop trial at 30 mph and the panic stop trial at 60 mph , the increased temperature could be attributed to ambient conditions during road test # 2 ( when the brake pad device was tested ). during road test # 2 , a higher ambient air temperature and pavement temperature were measured than the measured air and pavement temperatures of the prior art brake pad device trials ( road test # 1 ). with a higher air and pavement temperature , it would be expected that analyzed parts of the car ( including the brake pad device 26 , the rotor 30 , etc .) fr road test # 2 may have had a higher initial or resting temperature than the car parts of road test # 1 . fig1 and table no . 6 depict the temperature profile for the left rotor . the left rotor that utilized the device similar to the brake pad device 26 , had lower temperature readings for the light stop trial at 35 mph , the long stop trial at 60 mph , the hard stop trial at 30 mph , the stop - and - go trial at 30 mph , the stop - and - go trial at 60 mph , and the panic stop trial at 30 mph . it can be gleaned from the results of road test # 1 and road test # 2 that the left rotor utilizing the brake pad device 26 had lower temperature readings for six out of the seven different braking trials outlined above . as previously mentioned , the trial where the temperature readings of the brake pad device were higher than those of the prior art brake pad could be due to the ambient temperature of road test # 2 being higher than that of road test # 1 . fig1 and table no . 7 depict the stopping distances for the trials of the prior art brake pads and the trials of the brake pad device similar to the brake pad device 26 described above . during the following trials , the brake pad device was found to have a shorter stopping distance than the prior art brake pad : the light stop trial at 30 mph , the long stop trial at 60 mph , the panic stop trial at 30 mph , and the panic stop trial at 60 mph . however , the prior art brake pad had a shorter stopping distance for the hard stop at 30 mph . no stopping distances were recorded for the stop - and - go 30 mph and 60 mph trials . overall , the results of road test # 1 and road test # 2 demonstrate that the brake pad device 26 , along with the rotor , generally had lower temperature readings than the prior art brake pads and rotor . as illustrated from the results of the testing , due to the a more effective cooling rate produced by the brake pad device similar to the brake pad device 26 , the friction lining pad thereof would not wear out as quickly as the friction lining pad of a prior art brake device . therefore , the brake pad device 26 would have a longer life span and would not need to be replaced as often as the prior art brake pads . further , as the brake pad device 26 would have a longer life span , the safety of automobile brakes may be increased . additionally , the brake pad device 26 had shorter stopping distances , which would also potentially increase vehicle safety . it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples , the invention is not necessarily so limited , and the numerous other embodiments , examples , uses , modifications and departures from the embodiments , examples , and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto . the entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference , as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein . various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims .	5
fig1 is a side sectional view of the critical portion of the vacuum cleaner having the function of a wet wiping rag according to the present invention . in the drawing , reference numeral 1 indicates a head body , and this head body 1 includes : a tube inserting portion 2 extended from the top toward the rear in an inclined form ; a washing water connecting portion 3 for supplying the washing water and projected from a side thereof ; a brush securing slot 4a and a blade securing slot 4b provided on the bottoms of the frontal and rear portions thereof ; and an opening formed on the bottom thereof . a roller 6 is installed in such a manner that it should extend between the opposite sides of the head body 1 , and the roller 6 is attached with a rag 5 in a detachable manner , while gears 6a are formed on the opposite ends of the roller 6 . at the opposite sides of each of the gears 6a , there are installed wheels 8 on which contacting portions 7 ( made of a soft material in order to prevent slipping ) are attached and which are closely contacted with the gears 6a to be revolved together . the rag 5 is made of a non - woven fibre and is detachable . a cover 9 is installed by being inserted in the bottom of the head body , and this cover 9 is provided with a washing water reservoir 10 at a position opposite to that of the washing water connecting portion 3 , while a supply hole 11 is formed on the bottom thereof in order to supply washing water w to the rag 5 . further , an auxiliary dirty water collecting hole 12 is formed in the cover 9 near the rag 5 in order to suck up the dirty water from the rag 5 , and brush securing slots 4a , 4c are formed on the bottom of the head body and the cover 9 , respectively . the cover 9 and body 1 together form a housing . the cover 9 which is installed on the bottom of the head body 1 includes a dust sucking hole 13 through which dusts and dirty materials are sucked in . a frontal brush 15a and a rear brush 15c are fixedly installed into the brush securing slots 4a , 4c , respectively . as shown in fig2 a , the frontal brush 15a is provided with a plurality of slots on the bottom thereof in order to facilitate the absorption of dusts and other dirty materials . as shown in fig2 b , the rear brush 15c is formed in an arcuate shape , so that it should be easy to collect dusts and other dirty materials . a blade 15b is securely fitted into the blade securing slot 4b , in such a manner that the blade should be able to collect water from the rear portion of the rag 5 , so that the water should be re - absorbed during a reverse advancement . in the drawings , reference numeral 17 indicates a handle in the form of an extended tube connected to the outside of the tube inserting portion 2 and connected to the dust collecting section , 18 indicates a washing water tube fitted into the washing water connecting portion 3 in order to supply water from the washing water reservoir , 19 , 19 &# 39 ; indicate securing protuberanes for installing the cover 9 . the vacuum cleaner having the function of a wet wiping rag according to the present invention as described above can be let to perform cleaning operations by positioning the head body 1 to a place to be cleaned , and by advancing it back and forth , with the extended tube 17 grasped with hands . under this condition , if a sucking force is caused to act on the sucking hole 13 by the function of the driven motor , the dusts and other dirty materials which are detached from the floor by the frontal and rear brushes are sucked into the sucking hole 13 . at the same time , the gears 6a which are closely contacted with the floor contacting portions 7 are revolved in accordance with the revolutions of the wheels 8 , and therefore , the rag 5 which is attached on the roller 6 as shown in fig3 cleans the floor like a wet wiping rag in a frictional relation with the floor . under this condition , the washing water which is filled through the washing water tube 18 into the washing water reservoir 10 is supplied through the discharge hole 11 to the circumferential surface of the roller 6 in a certain amount , so that the floor should be cleaned like with a wet rag . thus , when the wheels 8 are revolved forwardly or rearwardly , the frontal brush 15a collects dusts and other dirty materials from the frontal area to send them through the slots 16 ( formed on the bottom thereof ) to the dust sucking hole 13 . meanwhile , the rear brush 15c which is formed in an arcuate shape further facilitates the collection of the dust and other dirty materials to send them to the sucking hole 13 . meanwhile , the blade 15b scrapes the dusts and other dirty materials which are not detached by the brushes , so that the detached dusts and other dirty materials as well as dirty water should be absorbed into the rag 5 during the rearward advancement , thereby making it possible to remove all the water remaining on the floor . meanwhile , the dirty materials and dirty water which are absorbed into the rag 5 are collected into the dirty water collecting hole 12 which is formed on the cover 9 , and therefore , the rag 5 can be maintained always in a clean state , thereby making the cleaning more efficient . the roller 6 revolves in a direction opposite to that of the wheels 8 because of the existence of the gears 6a , and therefore , during a forward advancement , the friction between the rag 5 and the floor is further increased , thereby increasing the cleaning efficiency further . according to the vacuum cleaner of the present invention having the function of a wet wiping rag , dusts and other dirty materials are sucked into a sucking hole , and at the same time , a revolving rag produces frictions with the floor in order to absorb dirty materials and dirty water , with the result that the cleaning work becomes easy and convenient , that the cleaning time is shortened , and that a thorough cleaning becomes possible by sucking the dusts and other dirty materials detached from the floor by the blade .	0
fig1 shows an example deployment of a wlan 100 . the distribution system 110 includes a first distribution system switch ds 1 112 , a second distribution system switch ds 2 114 , and a distribution system backbone 116 connecting the first distribution system switch ds 1 112 and the second distribution system switch ds 2 114 . in some embodiments , the distribution system switches can support thin access points on at least some ports . a first extended service set network ess 1 120 includes the first distribution system switch ds 1 112 , access point ap 1 a 122 , access point ap 1 b 124 , access point ap 1 c 126 , and station 128 . access point ap 1 a 122 , access point ap 1 b 124 , and access point ap 1 c 126 are connected to the first distribution system switch ds 1 112 by wired links 172 , 174 , and 176 , respectively . station 128 and access point ap 1 a 122 are connected via wireless link 192 , and form a first basic service set network bss 1 140 . a second extended service set network ess 2 130 includes the second distribution system switch ds 2 114 , access point ap 2 a 132 , access point ap 2 b 134 , access point ap 2 c 136 , and station 138 . access point ap 2 a 132 , access point ap 2 b 134 , and access point ap 2 c 136 are connected to the second distribution system switch ds 2 114 by wired links 182 , 184 , and 186 , respectively . station 138 and access point ap 2 b 134 are connected via wireless link 194 , and form a second basic service set network bss 2 150 . station 160 is in process of being handed off between access point ap 1 c 126 of the first extended service set network ess 1 120 and access point ap 2 a 132 of the second extended service set network ess 2 130 , and thereby is associated with two wireless links 196 and 198 to access point ap 1 c 126 and access point ap 2 a 132 , respectively . various embodiments are shown . each shown embodiment can be modified , such as by adding , removing , and / or changing one or more portions , and / or rearranging one or more portions . various types of user roaming can occur from a distribution system switch in the same cluster , with different types of “ recognition ”. in one case , roaming between distribution system switches in the same cluster can use an 802 . 11 reassociation . a reassociation packet includes the address of an access point that the user is roaming from . a distribution system switch has a list ( which can be distributed beforehand ) of all access point addresses , and the particular distribution system switches in that cluster the ap is attached to . a “ roamed - to ” distribution system switch can directly contact a “ roamed - from ” distribution system switch . in another case , a user can send an 802 . 11 associate packet . the distribution system switch can send message to all other cluster members asking if user is known ( how broken clients actually work that don &# 39 ; t send reassociate packet ) ( broadcast everytime user enters system ) fig2 shows an embodiment of a wireless local area network method that includes vlan tunneling between distribution system switches in response to detection of a moving wireless station . in 210 , aaa data are created corresponding to a wireless station . this can occur at least partly prior to communicating data of a first virtual local area network to the wireless station via a first distribution system switch connected to the first virtual local area network . the aaa data corresponding to the wireless station can be stored at the first distribution system switch . the aaa data corresponding to the wireless station can be transferred to a second distribution system switch . the second distribution system switch is connected to an access point which a wireless station moves to . aaa data include authentication data such as keys ; authorization data such as access lists and vlan association information ( i . e . for network security ), and whether or not a user is permitted to connect to a particular distribution system switch and / or access point ; and accounting data , such as a complete or incomplete session history including roams , total packets sent , error packets , etc . in 220 , data of the first virtual local area network are communicated to the wireless station via the first distribution system switch . this occurs at least partly prior to the wireless station moving from a first wireless area of a first access point to a second wireless area of a second access point . both the first access point and the second access point belong to a wireless local area network . in 230 , a moving wireless station is detected . more particularly , it is detected that the wireless station moves in a wireless local area network . the movement is from a first wireless area to a second wireless area . the first wireless area corresponds to a first access point , such that wireless stations in the first wireless area can associate with the first access point . the second wireless area corresponds a second access point , such that wireless stations in the second wireless area can associate with the second access point . the first wireless area and the second wireless area can partly or completely overlap , and / or not overlap . both the first access point and the second access point are access points of a wireless local area network . detection of the movement can be logical detection of movement . for example , the second access point can be said to have detected movement of the wireless station upon successful communication with the wireless station . detection of the movement can be physical . for example , movement of the wireless station can be detected based upon measurements of the radio emissions of the wireless station . the wireless local area network can include an interconnected distribution system , and multiple access points , such as the first access point and the second access point . the interconnected distribution system can include multiple distribution system switches , such as a first distribution system switch and a second distribution system switch . the first distribution system switch is connected to the first access point . the second distribution system switch is connected to the second access point . the wireless station can correspond to at least a first virtual local area network of the wireless local area network . for example , one or more users of the wireless station can be users of the first virtual local area network . the first virtual local area network is connected to at least the first distribution system switch . in 240 , in response to the wireless station moving in the wireless local area network , the first virtual local area network is tunneled to the second distribution system switch . in some embodiments , such tunneling can occur if the second distribution system switch is not connected to the first virtual local area network . one type of tunneling includes layer 3 tunneling of layer 2 virtual local area network data . tunneling can include communicating data of the first virtual local area network to the wireless station via the second distribution system switch . this can occur at least partly after the wireless station moves from the first wireless area to the second wireless area . tunneling can include tunneling the first virtual local area network from the first distribution system switch and / or from a third distribution system switch . the third distribution system switch can be part of the interconnected distribution system of the wireless local area network , along with the first distribution system switch and the second distribution system switch . the third distribution system switch is connected to the first virtual local area network . fig3 shows another embodiment of a wireless local area network method , that includes the transfer of aaa data between distribution system switches in response to detection of a moving wireless station . in 310 , data of the first virtual local area network are communicated to the wireless station via the first distribution system switch . this occurs at least partly prior to the wireless station moving from a first wireless area of a first access point to a second wireless area of a second access point . both the first access point and the second access point belong to a wireless local area network . in 320 , a moving wireless station is detected . more particularly , it is detected that the wireless station moves in a wireless local area network . the movement is from a first wireless area to a second wireless area . the first wireless area corresponds to a first access point , such that wireless stations in the first wireless area can associate with the first access point . the second wireless area corresponds a second access point , such that wireless stations in the second wireless area can associate with the second access point . the first wireless area and the second wireless area can partly or completely overlap , and / or not overlap . both the first access point and the second access point are access points of a wireless local area network . detection of the movement can be logical detection of movement . for example , the second access point can be said to have detected movement of the wireless station upon successful communication with the wireless station . detection of the movement can be physical . for example , movement of the wireless station can be detected based upon measurements of the radio emissions of the wireless station . the wireless local area network can include an interconnected distribution system , and multiple access points , such as the first access point and the second access point . the interconnected distribution system can include multiple distribution system switches , such as a first distribution system switch and a second distribution system switch . the first distribution system switch is connected to the first access point . the second distribution system switch is connected to the second access point . the wireless station can correspond to at least a first virtual local area network of the wireless local area network . for example , one or more users of the wireless station can be users of the first virtual local area network . the first virtual local area network is connected to at least the first distribution system switch and the first distribution system switch . in 330 , in response to the wireless station moving in the wireless local area network , aaa data corresponding to the wireless station are transferred to the second distribution system switch . the aaa data corresponding to the wireless station can be stored at the first distribution system switch . in some embodiments , the aaa data corresponding to the wireless station can be created at least partly prior to communicating data of the first virtual local area network to the wireless station via the first distribution system switch . in 340 , data of the first virtual local area network are communicated to the wireless station via the second distribution system switch . this occurs at least partly after the wireless station moves from the first wireless area to the second wireless area . in some embodiments , communicating data of the first virtual local area network to the wireless station via the second distribution system switch can occur without communicating the data via the first distribution system switch . fig4 shows another embodiment of a wireless local area network method , including recognizing distribution system switches connected and not connected to a vlan , and vlan tunneling between distribution system switches . in 410 , a wireless station attempting to communicate is detected . detection of attempting to communicate can be logical and / or physical detection . more particularly , it is detected that the wireless station is attempting to communicate with a first virtual local area network via a first access point . the first access point is an access point of a wireless local area network . the first access point is connected to a first distribution system switch of the wireless local area network . in response to the wireless station attempting to communicate , one or more events can occur . in 420 , aaa data corresponding to the wireless station are created . the aaa data corresponding to the wireless station can be stored at the first distribution system switch . in 430 , it is recognized that the first distribution system switch is not connected to the first virtual local area network . in 440 , it is recognized that a second distribution system switch is connected to the first virtual local area network . the first distribution system switch and the second distribution system switch are at least part of an interconnected distribution system of the wireless local area network . aaa data corresponding to the wireless station can be transferred to the second distribution system switch . for example , aaa data corresponding to the wireless station can be communicated from the first distribution system switch to the second distribution system switch . in 450 , the first virtual local area network is tunneled from the second distribution system switch to the first distribution system switch . this can occur after communicating aaa data corresponding to the wireless station from the first distribution system switch to the second distribution system switch . the tunneling can include layer 3 tunneling of layer 2 virtual local area network data . in 460 , data of the tunneled first virtual local area network are communicated to the wireless station via the first distribution system switch . this can occur after aaa data corresponding to the wireless station are communicated from the first distribution system switch to the second distribution system switch . fig5 a , 5b , and 5 c show examples of embodiments with vlan tunneling and aaa data transfer . in fig5 a , a wireless station 510 has a wireless link with an access point 1 520 . access point 1 520 is connected to distribution system switch 1 530 . aaa data 540 corresponding to wireless station 510 is at distribution system switch 1 530 . wireless station 510 is associated with a vlan 550 connected to distribution system switch 1 530 . in fig5 b , a wireless station 510 has moved to have a wireless link with another access point 2 560 . access point 2 560 is connected to distribution system switch 2 570 . aaa data 540 corresponding to wireless station 510 is at distribution system switch 2 570 ; aaa data 540 may have been transferred from distribution system switch 1 530 . because distribution system switch 2 570 is not connected to vlan 550 , vlan 550 is tunneled 580 from distribution system switch 1 530 to distribution system switch 2 570 . the tunnel 580 can be a newly created tunnel or an already existing tunnel . this can be layer 3 tunneling of a layer 2 vlan . fig5 a and 5b therefore show a seamless roam of the wireless station 510 from distribution system switch 1 530 to distribution system switch 2 570 , with aaa data vlan connection taken care of . fig5 c shows an alternative to fig5 b . a seamless roam of the wireless station 510 from distribution system switch 1 530 to distribution system switch 2 570 does not require the vlan tunnel 580 to be from distribution system 1 530 . distribution system switch 1 530 , distribution system switch 2 570 , and distribution system switch 3 590 , can be part a cluster mutually sharing information about which vlans are connected to which distribution system switch . vlan 550 is connected to both distribution system switch 1 530 and distribution system switch 3 590 . when wireless station 510 roams from distribution system switch 1 530 to distribution system switch 2 570 , then vlan 550 is tunneled 580 from distribution system switch 3 590 to distribution system switch 2 570 . clusters can also share information about other distribution system switches in the same cluster , such as known ip addresses of other distribution system switches , and / or addresses of attached access points , with other distribution system switches in the same cluster . fig6 a and 6b show an example of an embodiment with vlan tunneling , but no aaa transfer . in fig6 a , distribution system switch 1 630 finds out from other distribution system switches in its cluster which vlans are connected to which distribution system switches . distribution system switch 1 630 thereby has the information that vlan 650 is connected to distribution system switch 2 670 . wireless station 610 forms a wireless link with access point 620 connected to distribution system switch 1 630 . distribution system switch 1 630 determines from aaa data 640 that wireless station 610 should connect to vlan 650 . in fig6 b , distribution system switch 1 630 recognizes that it is not connected to vlan 650 , and that distribution system switch 2 670 is connected to vlan 650 . a vlan tunnel 680 is used from distribution system switch 2 670 to distribution system switch 1 630 for vlan 650 . at the conclusion of fig6 a and 6b , wireless station 610 has a wireless link with distribution system switch 1 630 , and a connection to vlan 650 . fig7 a and 7b show an example of an embodiment with aaa transfer , but no vlan tunneling . in fig7 a , wireless station 710 has a wireless link with access point 710 attached to distribution system switch 1 730 . the wireless station 710 has aaa state 740 at distribution system switch 1 730 . the wireless station 710 is associated with vlan 750 , which is attached to distribution system switch 1 730 . in fig7 b , wireless station 710 roams to access point 2 760 attached to distribution system switch 2 770 . distribution system switch 2 770 recognizes that wireless station 710 is from an access point connected to distribution system switch 1 730 . the aaa state 740 for wireless station 710 is transferred from distribution system switch 1 730 . because vlan 750 is already connected to distribution system switch 2 770 , no vlan tunneling takes place . in another embodiment , a wireless station has a wireless connection to a first access point connected to a first distribution system switch . while a user roams to a second access point connected to a second distribution system switch , packets arrive at the first access point , and are queued , for example on the first access point and / or the first distribution system switch . when a user finishes roaming to the second distribution system switch , packets are extracted from the queue , and inserted into the transmit queue for the user on the second access point attached to the second distribution system switch .	7
examples of the methods and systems discussed herein are not limited in application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings . the methods and systems are capable of implementation in other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways . examples of specific implementations are provided herein for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting . in particular , acts , components , elements and features discussed in connection with any one or more examples are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in any other examples . also , the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting . any references to examples , embodiments , components , elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular may also embrace embodiments including a plurality , and any references in plural to any embodiment , component , element or act herein may also embrace embodiments including only a singularity . references in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods , their components , acts , or elements . the use herein of “ including ,” “ comprising ,” “ having ,” “ containing ,” “ involving ,” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items . references to “ or ” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “ or ” may indicate any of a single , more than one , and all of the described terms . in addition , in the event of inconsistent usages of terms between this document and documents incorporated herein by reference , the term usage in the incorporated references is supplementary to that of this document ; for irreconcilable inconsistencies , the term usage in this document controls . as discussed above , common floating mattresses or lounges have a raised portion at one end of a buoyant member which may serve as a headrest and / or back support , depending on the body position of the user . these fixed headrests or back supports often provide less than optimum comfort . accordingly , a mattress or lounge having an improved back support member is described herein . according to some embodiments , the improved back support member is located within an inner portion of a lounge and may more comfortably conform to the body of a person using the lounge . for example , fig1 is a perspective view of a lounge 10 according to at least one embodiment described herein . the lounge 10 comprises an inflatable , buoyant member 20 constructed in conventional fashion , and shaped in a general “ figure 8 ” configuration . within a first loop 11 of the “ figure 8 ,” a sheet of plastic or fabric ( e . g ., fabric mesh or poplin fabric ), or other thin , flexible material , is attached to the buoyant member 20 to form a seat area 30 . back support member 40 is adjustably attached to the buoyant member 20 within and on each side of the seat area 30 , as described below . in one embodiment , the back support member 40 is inflatable . in another embodiment , the back support member 40 is made of a rigid material , such as foam . in the second loop 13 of the “ figure 8 ,” another sheet of plastic or fabric , or other thin , flexible material , is attached to the buoyant member 20 to form a foot area 90 ( e . g ., as shown in fig8 ). a second , removable support member or cushion 50 , which may be inflatable , may reside in foot area 90 . if desired , lounge 10 may include one or more cup holders 70 formed in inflatable member 20 . the foot area cushion 50 may also include one or more cup holders 70 . handles 80 may be provided on each side of lounge 10 to facilitate portability . fig2 is a side elevational view of the lounge 10 shown in fig1 . fig2 illustrates the adjustability of back support member 40 , which may be rotated from its rearmost upward position , shown here in solid line , to the position shown by the dashed lines 42 , in which the back support member 40 lies flat within seat area 30 . fig3 is a top plan view of the lounge 10 shown in fig1 . fig3 illustrates the lounge 10 with back support member 40 in its rearmost position , the back 41 of the member 40 resting against and being supported by the rear portion 21 of the buoyant member 20 . fig4 is a sectional view of lounge 10 taken along line 4 - 4 of fig3 , the section line 4 - 4 extending through the hinge mechanisms 60 , one on each side of back support member 40 . as seen in more detail in fig5 - 7 , each hinge mechanism 60 is comprised of two interlocking cylindrical members : a female member 62 and a male member 64 . according to one embodiment , each member is a molded and / or machined part made from a material such as thermoform polyvinyl chloride ( pvc ), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ( abs ), or nylon ; however , in other embodiments , each member may be made from another appropriate material . the male member 64 is preferably heat welded to one side of back support member 40 , while the female member 62 is heat welded to buoyant member 20 at an inner edge 31 adjacent the seat area 30 ( see fig3 ). female member 62 , as shown in fig5 and 6 , includes two inner circumferential rings 66 extending from an inner side 65 , while male member 64 has a circumferential rim 68 extending outwardly from its outer edge 67 , as shown in fig5 and 7 . female member 62 and male member 64 may be fitted together by pressing member 64 into member 62 so that , as seen in fig5 , rim 68 on male member 64 rests on the innermost side 69 of the innermost ring 66 of female member 62 , and prevents male member 64 from easily detaching from female member 62 . in one embodiment , because the pvc walls of the two members 62 , 64 are only moderately thick ( for example , approximately 6 mm ), there is enough flexibility in the walls that members 62 and 64 parts may be deformed by hand so as to press - fit them together . according to one embodiment , female member 62 may be approximately 53 mm wide and 10 mm deep , and the male member 64 may be approximately 45 mm wide and 16 mm in length . hinge mechanisms 60 permit the back support member 40 to be rotated into the desired position within seat area 30 , as male members 64 rotate within female members 62 . fig8 is a perspective view of the lounge 10 shown in fig1 . fig8 depicts lounge 10 with foot support cushion 50 removed and positioned adjacent lounge 10 . the person using the lounge may desire to keep the support cushion 50 floating nearby to hold a drink , sunglasses , etc . as described above , the lounge 10 is shaped in a general “ figure 8 ” configuration including a first loop 11 and a second loop 13 ; however , in other embodiments , the lounge 10 may be shaped differently . for example , in some embodiments , the lounge 10 may only include the first loop 11 including the back support member 40 as described above . as also described above , the male member 64 of the hinge mechanism 60 is coupled to the back support member 40 and the female member 62 of the hinge mechanism 60 is coupled to the buoyant member 20 ; however , in other embodiments , the male member 64 may be coupled to the buoyant member 20 and the female member 62 may be coupled to the back support member 40 . as described above , the female member 62 includes two rings 66 ; however , in other embodiments , the female member 62 may include fewer than or more than two rings 66 . as described above , the back support cushion may be moved or rotated , via the hinge mechanisms , between a fully open position in which the cushion extends away from the seat area and preferably rests against the inner back edge of the bladder , and a fully closed position in which the cushion lies flat in the plane of the lounge ; however , in other embodiments , the back support cushion may be moved or rotated , via the hinge mechanisms to any number of different intermediate positions between the fully open and fully closed positions . at least some embodiments described herein provide a mattress or lounge having an improved back support member . according to some embodiments , the back support member , which may be inflatable , is attached to a bladder within a seat area with hinge mechanisms affixed on each side of the back support member and on opposing inner sides of the bladder . the back support member may be moved or rotated via the hinge mechanisms , between an upright position in which the back support member extends away from the seat area and preferably rests against the inner back edge of the bladder , and a lowered position in which the back support member lies flat in the plane of the lounge . having described above several aspects of at least one embodiment , it is to be appreciated various alterations , modifications , and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art . such alterations , modifications , and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure . accordingly , the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only , and the scope of the disclosure should be determined from proper construction of the appended claims , and their equivalents .	1
the present invention is , therefore , a process of removing impurities from phenol by converting these impurities by means of at least one acid catalyst to compounds which can be separated from phenol . the compounds obtained from the impurities by acid conversion are separated from the phenol . the phenol is treated at least one additional time with an acid catalyst . an aspect of the present invention is a process of synthesizing phenol in which the removal of impurities from phenol is accomplished by converting these impurities by means of at least one acid catalyst to compounds which can be separated from phenol . the compounds obtained from the impurities by acid conversion are thermally separated from the phenol . the phenol is treated at least one additional time with an acid catalyst . the advantage of the present process is that , for removal of impurities having the usual composition from phenol obtained from the acid - catalyzed decomposition of cumene hydroperoxide and subsequent working - up of the decomposition products by distillation , it is not necessary to satisfy any limit values with respect to a particular constituent of the impurities . in contrast to conventional processes , the removal of impurities is accomplished by two - stage treatment of the phenol with an acid catalyst , wherein treatment by distillation follows each treatment . even though the process has one more distillation step than the conventional process , the energy consumption can be kept low by recycling the thermal energy employed . by implementation of the present process for the removal of impurities from phenol by means of at least one acid catalyst , it is possible to purify phenol from diverse sources . the phenol can be produced in processes which are performed for synthesis or phenol or in processes in which phenol is used as a raw material . preferably the phenol is a so - called crude phenol , which is obtained in the thermal work - up of phenol - containing streams . the present process can also be applied to pure phenol streams which are not sufficiently clean . most preferably the crude phenol is obtained from thermal work - up of the decomposition product phase formed during acid - catalyzed decomposition of cumene hydroperoxide . in the thermal work - up of phenol - containing phases , which is usually accomplished by distillation or rectification , phenol fractions are obtained which contain not only phenol , but also impurities that cannot be separated from phenol at all by thermal methods , or can be separated only incompletely in such a way . examples of such impurities include mesityl oxide , isomesityl oxide , methyl isobutyl ketone , hydroxyacetone , acetophenone , methylcyclopentenone , methylstyrene , phenylketones and methylbenzofuran . according to the invention , phenol fractions comprising phenol which contains impurities are treated with an acid catalyst . the acid catalyst can be , for example , an acid ion - exchange resin or a superacid catalyst . any commercial ion - exchange resin can be used as the acid ion - exchange resin . such ion - exchange resins contain , for example , aromatic sulfonic acid groups cross - linked with polystyrene . an example of such an ion - exchange resin is amberlyst 15 , which is available from rohm and haas . as superacid catalysts , all catalysts which have an acid strength greater than that of 100 % sulfuric acid can be used . examples of such catalysts include alcl 3 , sbf 5 and sulfate groups immobilized on salts or oxides . examples of catalysts which exhibit similar properties and thus can also be used in the present process are heteropoly acids of metal oxides of metals such as molybdenum or tungsten . the treatment of the phenol fraction is preferably accomplished with an ion exchanger in a stationary - bed or fluidized - bed reactor , preferably with an ion exchanger in a stationary - bed reactor . depending on the thermal stability of the catalyst , the treatment of the phenol fraction is performed at a temperature ranging from 100 to 200 ° c . or , if ion exchangers are used , preferably at a temperature of 100 to 130 ° c . after the treatment , in which part of the impurities has been converted to other compounds by various acid - catalyzed reactions , these impurities , as well as any water formed during these reactions , are largely separated from phenol . separation can be accomplished mechanically and / or thermally . mechanical separation can be used , for example , when the compounds present as impurities in the phenol have been converted by means of the acid catalyst into compounds that can be separated from one another by phase separation , filtration or similar methods for separation of compounds present in liquid / liquid , liquid / solid or liquid / gaseous phases . examples of thermal separation methods include flash evaporation , distillation or rectification , as well as fractional crystallization or freezing - out of compounds . preferably separation is accomplished by a thermal treatment in a distillation or rectification apparatus , preferably in a distillation column , wherein compounds with lower boiling point than phenol are largely removed by distillation as column overheads and compounds with higher boiling point than phenol remain in the column as bottoms . the phenol separated from the impurities is preferably removed from the column via a sidestream outlet . the phenol obtained by thermal treatment , or the phenol separated by some other method of separation from compounds formed by the treatment with an acid catalyst , is brought to a temperature below 100 ° c . if separation is accomplished by a thermal treatment , the phenol is cooled to a temperature below 100 ° c . cooling of the phenol can be accomplished , for example , in a heat exchanger , in which the thermally treated phenol transfers heat to the phenol yet to be treated with the catalyst . in this way part of the thermal energy needed for the thermal treatment can be recovered . after the phenol which has been largely separated from the compounds formed from the impurities during the treatment with an acid catalyst , as well as from water of reaction , has been brought to a temperature below 100 ° c ., it is treated once again with an acid catalyst . the treatment can also be performed in an ion exchanger , a stationary - bed reactor or a fluidized - bed reactor . preferably the treatment is also repeated once again in an ion exchanger or a stationary - bed reactor . suitable acid catalysts which can again be used include acid ion - exchange resin and / or a superacid catalyst as described hereinabove . this second treatment of the phenol is accomplished preferably at a temperature below 100 ° c ., most preferably at a temperature of 75 to 95 ° c . the phenol treated for the second time with at least one acid catalyst is again fed to mechanical and / or thermal separation , in which compounds formed from the impurities present in the phenol by reaction on at least one acid catalyst are again separated from the phenol . the separation can be performed in apparatuses such as described hereinabove . once again a particularly preferred alternative is thermal separation . by performing thermal separation , the low - boiling compounds , high - boiling compounds and any water of reaction formed are once again separated from the phenol . by means of the separation process , especially thermal separation , there is obtained a phenol fraction which is very largely free of the impurities and can be sent to further processing . it may be advantageous if the ph of the phenol fraction to be treated is increased by addition of a base before at least one of the inventive mechanical and / or thermal separations . preferably the ph of the phenol is increased before thermal separation by addition of an alkali metal hydroxide , and especially preferably by addition of sodium hydroxide , in order to prevent reverse decomposition reactions during thermal separation . in performing the present process it may be advantageous to conduct the thermal separation in distillation columns which permit part of the overhead product and / or part of the bottoms product to return to the column as reflux . it may be advantageous to undertake mechanical separation first and then thermal separation . this procedure can be practical , for example , if phase separation takes place between phenol and at least part of the compounds formed by conversion of the impurities on at least one acid catalyst . in such a case it is advantageous first of all to separate the phases from one another , for example with a phase separator , and then to undertake thermal separation . by the combination of mechanical and thermal separation it is possible to reduce the quantity of energy needed for thermal separation , since the volume or total quantity that must be heated ( distillation ) or cooled ( freezing - out ) is smaller . the present process can be performed batchwise or continuously . preferably the present process is performed continuously . the inventive process can be applied to all phenol streams which contain impurities . in particular , the present process can be applied to phenol streams produced in phenol - synthesis processes such as the hock process , in order to remove impurities from phenol by means of an acid catalyst . most preferably the present process is applied to phenol streams prepared by work - up by distillation of decomposition product formed in the acid - catalyzed decomposition of cumene hydroperoxide . fig1 and 2 illustrate possible embodiments of the present process , although the process is not to be construed as limited to such embodiments . fig1 illustrates one possible embodiment of the present process . in this embodiment the phenol which contains impurities is passed via a line 1 into an ion exchanger a 1 , which contains an acid catalyst . the phenol treated with at least one acid catalyst is passed by line 3 to the distillation column . a base can be mixed in with the phenol via line 5 before it enters distillation column d 1 via line 7 . at the head of distillation column d 1 , low - boiling compounds having a boiling temperature less than that of phenol can be removed via line 9 . from the column bottoms high - boiling components having a boiling temperature higher than that of phenol can be removed via line 11 . the phenol fraction largely freed of high - boiling and low - boiling compounds exits unit d 1 at sidestream outlet 13 and passes via line 15 into a second ion exchanger a 2 . the phenol fraction treated with at least one acid catalyst exits ion exchanger a 2 via line 17 . a base can again be mixed in with this phenol fraction via line 19 before the phenol fraction is passed via line 21 into a second distillation column d 2 . from this distillation column d 2 , in which phenol is again removed by separation from high - boiling and low - boiling compounds , the low - boiling compounds can be removed overhead and sent to processing via line 23 and the high - boiling compounds can be removed from the column bottoms and sent to work - up via line 27 . from the sidestream outlet , via line 25 , a phenol fraction very largely freed of impurities can be withdrawn from the distillation column and sent to further work - up or processing . fig2 shows an alternative embodiment of the inventive process . in this embodiment the phenol which contains impurities is passed via line 31 into an ion exchanger a 1 , which contains an acid catalyst . the phenol treated with at least one acid catalyst is passed via line 33 to the distillation column d 0 . a base is mixed into the phenol via line 35 before it enters distillation column do via line 37 . at the head of distillation column do low - boiling compounds with a boiling temperature lower than phenol can be removed via line 39 . from the column bottoms a stream containing high - boiling compounds and phenol can be passed via line 41 into distillation column d 1 ′. in distillation column d 1 ′ the high - boiling compounds are separated from the phenol . high - boiling compounds , which have a boiling temperature higher than that of phenol , can be removed from the column bottoms via line 43 . the phenol fraction largely freed of high - boiling and low - boiling compounds is passed from the head of distillation column d 1 ′ via line 45 into a second ion exchanger a 2 . the phenol fraction treated with at least one acid catalyst exits ion exchanger a 2 via line 47 . a base can again be mixed in with this phenol fraction via line 49 before the phenol fraction is passed via line 51 into a further distillation column d 2 ′. in distillation column d 2 ′ low - boiling compounds are separated . the low - boiling compounds can be removed overhead via line 53 . a stream which contains the high - boiling compounds and the phenol is removed from the column bottom via line 55 and injected laterally into distillation column d 3 . from this column a phenol fraction very largely freed of impurities can be withdrawn overhead from the distillation column via line 57 , and the fraction can be sent to further work - up or processing . at the bottom of distillation column d 3 , a high - boiling fraction , or in other words compounds with a boiling point above that of phenol , can be removed and sent to further processing via line 59 . having now generally described this invention , a further understanding can be obtained by reference to certain specific examples which are provided herein for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified . a phenol stream containing as impurities 300 ppm by weight mesityl oxide , 3000 ppm by weight hydroxy acetone and 450 ppm by weight methylbenzofuran among others was brought to a temperature of 115 ° c . in a heat exchanger . the phenol stream was passed over a stationary - bed ion exchanger , which was filled with amberlyst 15 ion - exchange resin . the dwell time of the phenol stream in the ion exchanger was 4 hours . to the phenol stream treated in this ion exchanger there was added sufficient sodium hydroxide so that the ph of the phenol stream was about 7 . the phenol stream treated in this way was transferred to a distillation column , in which the phenol stream was thermally treated . the temperature zone in the distillation column were selected such that a phenol fraction could be withdrawn at the sidestream outlet of the column , while predominantly compounds having a boiling temperature lower than that of phenol could be removed overhead and compounds having a boiling temperature higher than that of phenol could be removed at the column bottom . analysis of the phenol fraction obtained from the sidestream outlet revealed the following contents : mesityl oxide & lt ; 10 ppm by weight , hydroxy acetone & lt ; 30 ppm by weight and methylbenzofuran & lt ; 1000 ppm by weight . this phenol fraction was cooled to a temperature of 85 ° c . in a heat exchanger , wherein the heat removed was used to heat phenol to be thermally treated . the phenol fraction prepared in this way was passed through a stationary - bed ion exchanger , which was filled with amberlyst 15 ion - exchange resin . the dwell time of this phenol stream in the ion exchanger was 2 . 5 hours . to this phenol reaction treated with an acid catalyst there was again added sufficient sodium hydroxide so that the ph of the phenol fraction was about 7 . the phenol fraction was heated via a heat exchanger and transferred to a further distillation column . once again the temperature zone in the distillation column was adjusted such that a phenol fraction could be withdrawn at the sidestream outlet of the column , while predominantly compounds with a boiling temperature lower than that of phenol could be removed overhead and compounds with a boiling temperature higher than that of phenol could be removed at the column bottom . analysis of the phenol fraction obtained from the sidestream outlet revealed the following contents : mesityl oxide & lt ; 1 ppm by weight , hydroxy acetone & lt ; 1 ppm by weight and methylbenzofuran & lt ; 10 ppm by weight . on the basis of the results of analysis , it can be recognized very clearly that the contents of impurities in the phenol are much smaller because of the two - stage treatment with an acid catalyst than is the case in the conventional process , in which the treatment is performed only once with an acid catalyst . the disclosure of german priority application no . 19951373 . 2 filed oct . 26 , 1999 is hereby incorporated by reference into the present application . obviously , numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings . it is , therefore , to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims , the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein .	8
with reference to fig1 there is shown a first embodiment of an electrical device mounting assembly 20 according to the present invention . the electrical device mounting assembly 20 includes a mounting frame 22 , two mounting devices including a low voltage mounting plate 24 and a high voltage box 26 , and a trim plate 28 . referring to fig2 - 5 , the mounting frame 22 has walls 30 and 32 including two side walls 30 and two end walls 32 , a back wall 34 extending over a portion of the rear of the mounting frame 22 at its center and two corner walls 35 . several apertures 36 are provided in the back wall 34 . two large open areas 38 are provided on either side of the partial back wall 34 and a plurality of tabs 40 are provided on the mounting frame 22 extending inward from the end walls 32 . the side walls 30 include cable openings 42 therein and the back wall 34 includes bosses 44 that are coincident with the apertures 36 in the back wall . the side walls 30 and end walls 32 of the mounting frame 22 terminate in a planar front face 46 . integral spacers 48 extend outwards from the end walls 32 and each include a flat front face 50 that is planar with the front face 46 of the mounting frame 22 . the integral spacers 48 are preferably ½ - inch in length and thereby enable an installer to rapidly and accurately orient the mounting frame 22 with respect to a stud ( not shown ) in a new work situation in order to properly allow the proper spacing for applying conventional ½ - inch drywall over the stud . a plurality of slots 52 are provided in the side walls 30 and end walls 32 of the mounting frame 22 . the tabs 40 are offset from the corner walls 35 thereby creating a gap 54 there between . as shown in fig4 , the mounting frame 22 includes an enclosure 56 defined by the side walls 30 and end walls 32 and a plurality of braces 58 and second braces 60 extending from each of the side walls 30 into the enclosure 56 . each brace 58 is at an angle of θ 1 with respect to the front face 46 and each second brace 60 is at an angle of θ 2 with respect to the front face 46 . as will be described herein , it is critical to the present invention that the braces 58 and second braces 60 are each at an angle with respect to the front face 46 of the mounting frame 22 as this will insure that multiple component housings ( not shown ) can be mounted within the mounting frame 22 while minimizing the depth of the mounting frame 22 with the depth of the mounting frame 22 being defined as the distance between the front face 46 and the back wall 34 and shown as distance d 1 in fig5 . most preferably , the depth d 1 of the mounting frame 22 according to the present invention is 3 . 8 - inches or less , which depth is kept to a minimum by orienting the mounting devices 24 and 26 at an angle with respect to the front face 46 of the mounting frame 22 . thus , the mounting of the mounting devices 24 and 26 at the desired angle achieves the unexpected results of enabling the fitting of a substantial number of mounting devices 24 and 26 in a mounting assembly 20 that extends a relatively short distance into the wall while still providing space for recessing the installed electrical components and any connected electrical cord plugs . as shown in fig4 , the braces 58 and 60 are formed by substantially triangular - shaped raised areas 62 in the side walls 30 of the mounting frame 22 . the raised areas 62 extend from both the top and bottom side walls 30 and provide the bracing surfaces 58 and 60 thereon . with reference to fig6 - 8 there is shown a low voltage mounting plate 24 that may form a portion of an electrical device mounting assembly according to the present invention . the low voltage mounting plate 24 includes a first frame 64 and a second frame 66 integral with one another at a corner wall 68 . the frames 64 and 66 are at an angle θ 3 with respect to one another , which angle is preferably between 60 and 120 degrees and more preferably is 90 degrees , as depicted in fig8 . a first lip 70 extends at an angle θ 4 from the first frame 64 and two mounting bosses 72 having mounting bores 73 therein extend from the first lip 70 . the second frame 66 also includes a second lip 74 extending there from with the second lip 74 extending at an angle θ 5 from the second frame 66 . when the angle θ 3 of the first frame 64 with respect to the second frame 66 is 90 degrees , the angle θ 4 of the first lip 70 with respect to the first frame 64 is preferably 60 degrees and the angle θ 5 of the second lip 74 with respect to the second frame 66 is preferably 30 degrees . the frames include frame openings 75 therein . component connection points 76 extend into the frame openings 75 and include component bores 78 therein . the component connection points 76 include component bosses 79 extending from the back side 80 of the low voltage mounting plate 24 . a filet 82 is provided on the back side 80 of the low voltage mounting plate 24 extending between the frames 64 and 66 . when the low voltage mounting plate 24 is molded of plastic , the filet 82 is molded integrally with the low voltage mounting plate 24 and adds strength to the plate 24 at the point where the two frames 64 and 66 meet . referring to fig9 - 11 , the high voltage box 26 includes many elements in common with the low voltage frame including a first frame 64 , second frame 66 , first lip 70 , second lip 74 , mounting bosses 72 , and component connection points 76 . the high voltage box 26 also includes a sidewall 84 and end walls 86 that cooperate with the second frame 66 to provide an electrical box enclosure 88 for accepting a high voltage electrical component ( not shown ) therein . a recessed area 90 is provided in each end wall 86 with a knockout 92 provided in each recessed area . reference is made to fig1 for an explanation of the operation of the electrical device mounting assembly 20 of the present invention . the electrical device mounting assembly 20 can be mounted to a wall and configured to hold two high voltage electrical boxes 26 , two low voltage mounting plates 24 , or one high voltage electrical box and one low voltage mounting plate . thus , the electrical device mounting assembly can be configured to provide the proper amount of high and low voltage connection points depending on the needs of the situation . the particular arrangement depicted in fig1 depicts the electrical device mounting assembly 20 being configured to hold one high voltage electrical box 26 and one low voltage mounting plate 24 . the electrical device mounting assembly can be used for either new work , where sheetrock has not been installed over the studs , or old work situations . for an old work installation , a portion of the existing sheetrock is removed , typically between two studs , in the location where electrical services are required . one end of the electrical device mounting assembly 20 is typically secured to a stud 94 with fasteners 96 as shown . after the electrical device mounting assembly 20 is secured at one end to the stud 94 , the assembly may be configured with two low voltage plates , two high voltage boxes , or one of each as desired . the high voltage box 26 and low voltage plate 24 can be installed into the electrical device mounting assembly 20 in any order by sliding the second lip 74 of the second frame 66 into the gaps 54 between the tabs 40 and corner wall 68 . the tabs 40 perform a critical function for the electrical device mounting assembly 20 as they enable an installer to rapidly configure the box with mounting devices 24 and 26 . the tabs 40 enable the mounting device 24 or 26 to easily seat in its proper place in the box assembly 20 as the tabs 40 enable the second lip 74 of the mounting device to slide into the gaps 54 formed by the tabs . brace 58 and second brace 60 of mounting frame 22 brace and support the first frame 64 and second frame 66 respectively of the low voltage mounting plate 24 and high voltage box 26 when they are inserted into the mounting frame 22 and position the frames 64 and 66 at the desired angle with respect to the front face 46 of the mounting frame 22 . the mounting devices 24 and 26 are then secured to the mounting frame 22 by driving fasteners 98 through bosses 72 of mounting devices 24 and 26 into apertures 36 in the back wall 34 of mounting frame 22 . fasteners 98 and bosses 72 therefore form an attachment arrangement 99 for securing the mounting devices 24 and 26 within the enclosure 56 of the mounting frame 22 . in fig1 , the high voltage box 26 is depicted with a duplex receptacle 100 installed therein and low voltage mounting plate 24 is depicted with two catv connector plates 102 installed therein . the installation is completed by securing trim plate to the mounting frame 22 . trim plate 28 includes two end flanges 104 with inner apertures 106 and outer apertures 108 therein . after the mounting frame 22 has been configured , fasteners 110 are driven into bores 112 in each corner of the front face 46 of the mounting frame 22 . the high and low voltage electrical components 100 and 102 will then be accessible through the opening 114 in trim plate 28 . after the trim plate 28 is secured to the mounting frame 22 , mounting fasteners 116 may be driven through the end flange 104 opposite the stud 94 to secure the opposing end of the electrical device mounting assembly 20 to the wall . the completed electrical device mounting assembly 20 is depicted in fig1 . a low voltage mounting plate 24 has been installed in the right side of the assembly and a high voltage box 26 has been installed in the left side of the assembly . if an alternative arrangement of high and low voltage components is desired , the electrical device mounting assembly 20 may be configured with two high voltage boxes or with two low voltage mounting plates in lieu of one of each type electrical mounting device . with reference to fig1 there is shown a second embodiment of an electrical device mounting assembly 120 . mounting assembly 120 includes a mounting frame 22 , low voltage mounting plate 24 , and high voltage box 26 similar to the first embodiment . mounting assembly 120 however includes a trim plate 122 in which the end flanges are nonsymmetrical including a first end flange 124 and a second end flange 126 . as shown in fig1 , the second end flange 126 is wider than the first end flange 124 . trim plate 122 is sized to provide spacing equal to the standard spacing between studs . the spacing , denoted by d 2 in fig1 , is preferably 16 - inches between the outer apertures 108 in the end flanges 124 and 126 to match the conventional center - to - center spacing between adjacent studs . the distance between sidewall 30 of mounting frame 22 and the outer aperture 108 of first end flange 124 is approximately half the width of a conventional stud 94 . thus the mounting frame 22 can be jammed against a stud 94 and secured thereto with fasteners 130 driven through slots 52 in sidewall 30 into stud 94 . after the low voltage mounting plate 24 and high voltage box 26 are installed in the mounting frame 22 , trim plate 122 is secured to the mounting frame 22 by fasteners 110 . the opposite end 132 of the trim plate 122 is then secured to the opposite stud 94 with fasteners 116 . the second embodiment of the trim plate 122 according to the present invention therefore provides the ability to anchor the electrical device mounting assembly 120 to a stud 94 at both ends of the assembly , thereby providing an electrical device mounting assembly 120 that is secured at both ends to the wall . as shown in fig1 , the high voltage box 26 may include a knockout or removable wall portion 92 therein in the recessed area 90 in one of the end walls 86 . the recessed area 90 in the sidewall 86 enables the use of electrical fittings or connectors such as the black button ™ push - in fitting or connector 134 for connecting non - metallic cable to electrical boxes , which connector 134 is available from arlington industries of scranton , pa . the recessed area 90 permits use of the connectors 134 while preventing the connectors from projecting beyond the sidewall 86 and interfering with placement of the electrical device mounting assembly 20 in locations where space is tightly restricted . with reference to fig1 there is shown a third and preferred embodiment of an electrical device mounting assembly 200 according to the present invention . in the figures that depict assembly 200 , the same reference numerals will be used to denote any elements that are in common with those of the first embodiment . the preferred embodiment of the electrical device mounting assembly 200 includes a mounting frame 202 with a brace 58 extending from the sidewall 30 toward a first end 204 of the mounting frame 202 , large ports 206 for entry of low voltage cables ( not shown ) at the second end 208 of the mounting frame 202 , and a trim plate 210 that is secured to an elongated flange 212 that extends from the sidewalls 30 of the mounting frame 202 . the brace 58 can be configured to accept an electrical component mounting device , which , depending on the user &# 39 ; s preference , can be either a low voltage mounting plate 24 ( see fig6 - 8 ) or a high voltage box 26 ( see fig9 - 11 ). the mounting frame 202 in fig1 is depicted as being configured with a high voltage box 26 . referring to fig1 and 17 , the mounting frame 202 of the preferred embodiment of the mounting assembly includes sidewalls 30 , end walls 32 , and a back wall 34 defining an enclosure 56 therein . one large open area 214 is provided in the back wall 34 . one or more tabs 40 are provided on the corner wall 35 at the edge of the open area 214 . a substantially v - shaped ledge 216 extends into the enclosure 56 from the sidewalls 30 at the periphery of the open area 214 . the back wall 34 includes bosses 44 that are coincident with apertures 36 in the back wall and a plurality of slots 52 are provided in one end wall 32 of the mounting frame 202 . to add rigidity between the flanges 212 and the walls of the mounting frame 202 , there are provided a plurality of support arms 218 integral with and extending outward from the sidewalls 30 . the flanges 212 include a rearward - extending lip 220 and a plurality of struts 222 extending between the lips 220 and the sidewalls 30 . with reference to fig1 and 19 , one end wall 32 of the mounting frame 202 includes integral spacers 48 extending outward from the end wall 32 and each include a flat front face 50 that is planar with the front face 46 of the mounting frame 202 . the integral spacers 48 are preferably ½ - inch in length and thereby enable an installer to rapidly and accurately orient the mounting frame 202 with respect to a stud ( not shown ) in a new work situation in order to allot the proper spacing for applying conventional ½ - inch drywall over the stud . the flanges 212 include inner apertures 224 and outer apertures 226 therein . u - shaped ridges 228 extend from the back wall 34 adjacent to the apertures 36 in the back wall . referring to fig2 and 21 , the trim plate 210 includes a frame 230 having a front side 232 and a rear side 234 with a central opening 235 , and a peripheral wall 236 extending from the rear side 234 of the frame 230 around the inner periphery 238 . the peripheral wall 236 includes truncated corners 240 . the frame 230 portion of the trim plate 210 includes inner apertures 242 and outer apertures 244 . the peripheral wall 236 is slightly smaller than the side walls 30 and end walls 32 in the mounting frame ( see fig1 ) and thus will nest within the opening formed by the side walls 30 and end walls 32 of the mounting frame 202 . as shown in fig1 , the electrical device mounting assembly 200 is used to provide electrical services to a flat panel tv or similar wall mounted electronic device . it has the advantages of recessing electrical components and all cables , wiring , and plug ends of cables within the wall . the electrical device mounting assembly 200 is an assembly of the mounting frame 202 , an electrical component mounting device such as a power box 26 , and the trim plate 210 . the mounting frame 202 includes a mounting arrangement 247 for securing the mounting frame to a wall with the mounting arrangement 247 including a plurality of rotatable clamp arms 248 . the rotatable clamp arms 248 are attached to the ends of mounting fasteners 250 that extend through oversize apertures 251 in the flanges 212 and are accessible from the front of the mounting frame . the electrical device mounting assembly 200 is operated by first cutting a hole in the drywall of a building . the hole ( not shown ) is cut of a size and shape to accommodate the outer periphery of the mounting frame 202 . a power box 26 is installed into the mounting frame 202 by sliding second lip 74 of power box 26 between tabs 40 and corner wall 35 of mounting frame 202 and rotating the power box 26 until the first frame 64 is flush against brace 58 and arms 72 of power box 26 nest within the u - shaped ridges 228 on the back wall 34 of the mounting frame 202 . the u - shaped ridges 228 serve as an alignment arrangement 249 ( see fig2 ) for aligning the power box mounting device 26 with the aperture 36 in the back wall 34 of the mounting frame 202 . box fasteners 254 are then driven through arms 72 into the bores 36 of bosses 44 ( see fig2 ) to secure the power box 26 to the mounting frame 202 . the tabs 40 and bosses 44 on the mounting frame 202 , the arms 72 on the mounting device 26 , and the box fasteners 254 form an attachment arrangement 253 ( see fig2 ) for securing the mounting device 26 to the mounting frame 202 . electrical cables ( not shown ) are pulled into the power box 26 on one end of the mounting frame 202 through knockouts 92 and low voltage cables are pulled into the other end of the mounting frame 202 through one or more ports 206 . after power box 26 is secured to the mounting frame 202 , trim plate 210 is secured to the mounting frame 202 by driving plate fasteners 252 through the outer apertures 244 in the trim plate 210 into the outer apertures 226 in the flange 212 of the mounting frame 202 . with trim plate 210 secured to the mounting frame 202 , inner apertures 242 in trim plate 210 line up with the heads of the mounting fasteners 250 in the flange 212 of the mounting frame 202 . as inner apertures 242 in trim plate 210 are of larger diameter than the heads of the mounting fasteners 250 , the mounting fasteners 250 and attached clamp arms 248 can be rotated while the trim plate is secured to the mounting frame 202 . the mounting assembly 200 is then inserted into the hole until trim plate 210 is flush against the wall surface . using a tool such as a screwdriver , the mounting fasteners 250 are then rotated clockwise until clamp arms 248 engage support arms 218 and thereafter with continued rotation are drawn toward flange 212 of mounting frame 202 . mounting fasteners 250 are rotated until clamp arms 248 are securely drawn against the back of the drywall ( not shown ) surrounding the hole in the wall . thus a major advantage of the preferred embodiment of the electrical device mounting assembly 200 is that the mounting assembly can be mounted substantially anywhere on the wall as attachment to wall studs is not required . an operator can simply find the desired place on the wall for locating an electrical device , such as a flat panel tv , and simply cut a hole in the drywall to accommodate the periphery of the mounting frame 202 . the length of the mounting frame 202 from end wall to end wall 32 is approximately 9 - inches , enabling an installer to easily fit the mounting frame 202 anywhere between two studs . if stud anchoring is desired in addition to the clamp arms 248 , the first end 204 of mounting frame 200 can be positioned flush against a stud and fasteners ( not shown ) can be driven through slots 52 in end wall 32 . with reference to fig2 and 23 , the preferred embodiment of the electrical device mounting assembly 200 is depicted with a power box 26 secured therein to the mounting frame 202 . the power box 26 is held to mounting frame 202 by tabs 40 on one end of the box and by box fasteners 254 secured through back wall 34 into bosses 44 integral with the back wall . power box 26 includes connection points 76 for connection of a duplex receptacle ( not shown ) for providing power to the appliance it will be used in conjunction with . audio visual or similar low voltage cables can be pulled into box through low voltage ports 206 . as shown in fig2 , any wires or cables within mounting frame 202 will be recessed well within the wall 256 as well as any plug ends of power cords ( not shown ). as shown in fig2 , u - shaped ridges 228 of mounting frame 202 advantageously provide a seat for the arms 72 of a mounting device 26 to nest therein , thereby assisting in rapidly positioning the mounting device in mounting frame 202 and aligning the arms 72 with the bores 36 ( see fig1 ) in the back wall 34 of the mounting frame . with reference to fig2 there is shown the preferred embodiment of the electrical device mounting assembly 200 installed on a wall with an electrical box 26 and the trim plate 210 secured to the mounting frame 202 . all the required connections for a flat panel tv , including power , such as the duplex receptacle 258 shown , and av cables , will be housed within the enclosure 56 of the mounting assembly 200 . the plug end of electrical cords and all av cables ( not shown ) will advantageously be recessed within the enclosure 56 , thereby enabling a flat panel tv or similar electrical device to be mounted over the mounting assembly 200 and flush against the wall 256 . mounting the duplex receptacle 258 at an angle with respect to the front face of the mounting assembly 200 provides substantial volume within the enclosure 56 for recessing any plug ends of electrical cords that will be plugged into the power receptacle . substantial volume is also provided on the opposite end of the enclosure to accommodate any low voltage cables entering the enclosure 56 through low voltage ports 206 . the rotatable clamp arms 248 advantageously provide a means of rapidly mounting the assembly 200 to a wall 256 as all that is required is cutting a hole in the dry wall and tightening the clamp arms 248 against the drywall 260 . the various portions of the electrical device mounting assembly 200 , including the mounting frame 202 , low voltage mounting plate 24 , high voltage box 26 , and trim plate 210 , may be constructed of metal or plastic . most preferably , the mounting frame 202 , low voltage mounting plate 24 , high voltage box 26 , and trim plate 210 are each molded in one piece of plastic . suitable plastics include polycarbonate and polyvinylchloride . having thus described the invention with reference to a preferred embodiment , it is to be understood that the invention is not so limited by the description herein but is defined as follows by the appended claims .	7
in the above definition of compounds of formula ( i ) the following terms have the preferred meaning indicated : “ alkyl ” refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain radical consisting of carbon and hydrogen atoms , containing no saturation , having one to eight carbon atoms , and which is attached to the rest of the molecule by a single bond , e . g ., methyl , ethyl , n - propyl , i - propyl , n - butyl , t - butyl , n - pentyl , etc . alkyl radicals may be optionally substituted by one or more substitutents such as a halo , hydroxy , alkoxy , carboxy , cyano , carbonyl , acyl , alkoxycarbonyl , amino , nitro , mercapto and alkylthio . “ amino ” refers to a radical of the formula - nh 2 , — nhr a or — nr a r b , wherein r a and r b are as defined above . “ aryl ” refers to a phenyl , naphthyl , indenyl , phenanthryl or anthracyl radical , preferably phenyl or naphthyl radical . the aryl radical may be optionally substituted by one or more substituents such as hydroxy , mercapto , halo , alkyl , phenyl , alkoxy , halo alkyl , nitro , cyano , dialkylamino , aminoalkyl , acyl and alkoxycarbonyl . “ aralkyl ” refers to an aryl group linked to an alkyl group . preferred examples include benzyl and phenethyl . “ acyl ” refers to a radical of the formula - c ( o )— r c or — c ( o )— r d where r c is an alkyl radical and r d is an aryl radical , e . g ., acetyl , propionyl , benzoyl , and the like . other acyl groups are possible . “ cycloalkyl ” refers to a 3 - to 10 - membered monocyclic or bicyclic radical which is saturated or partially saturated , and which consist of carbon and hydrogen atoms . unless otherwise stated specifically in the specification , the term “ cycloalkyl ” is meant to include cycloalkyl radicals which are optionally substituted by one or more substituents such as alkyl , halo , hydroxy , amino , cyano , nitro , alkoxy , carboxy and alkoxycarbonyl . “ fused aryl ” refers to an aryl group , especially a phenyl or heteroaryl group , fused to another ring . “ alkoxy ” refers to a radical of the formula - or a where r a is an alkyl radical as defined above , e . g ., methoxy , ethoxy , propoxy , etc . “ heterocyclyl ” refers to a 3 - to 15 membered ring radical which consists of carbon atoms and from one to five heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen , oxygen , and sulfur , preferably a 4 - to 8 - membered ring with one or more heteroatoms , more preferably a 5 - or 6 - membered ring with one or more heteroatoms . for the purposes of this invention , the heterocycle may be a monocyclic , bicyclic or tricyclic ring system , which may include fused ring systems ; and the nitrogen , carbon or sulfur atoms in the heterocyclyl radical may be optionally oxidised ; the nitrogen atom may be optionally quaternized ; and the heterocyclyl radical may be partially or fully saturated or aromatic . examples of such heterocycles include , but are not limited to , azepines , benzimidazole , benzothiazole , furan , isothiazole , imidazole , indole , piperidine , piperazine , purine , quinoline , thiadiazole , tetrahydrofuran . references herein to substituted groups in the compounds of the present invention refer to the specified moiety that may be substituted at one or more available positions by one or more suitable groups , e . g ., halogen such as fluoro , chloro , bromo and iodo ; cyano ; hydroxyl ; nitro ; azido ; alkanoyl such as a c 1 - 6 alkanoyl group such as acyl and the like ; carboxamido ; alkyl groups including those groups having 1 to about 12 carbon atoms or from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms and more preferably 1 - 3 carbon atoms ; alkenyl and alkynyl groups including groups having one or more unsaturated linkages and from 2 to about 12 carbon or from 2 to about 6 carbon atom ; alkoxy groups having one or more oxygen linkages and from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms or 1 to about 6 carbon atoms ; aryloxy such as phenoxy , alkylthio groups including those moieties having one or more thioether linkages and from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms or from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms ; alkylsulfinyl groups including those moieties having one or more sulfinyl linkages and from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms or from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms ; alkylsulfonyl groups including those moieties having one or more sulfonyl linkages and from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms or from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms ; aminoalkyl groups such as groups having one or more n atoms and from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms or from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms ; carbocyclic aryl having 6 or more carbons , particularly phenyl or naphthyl and aralkyl such as benzyl . unless otherwise indicated , an optionally substituted group may have a substituent at each substitutable position of the group , and each substitution is independent of the other . in the compounds of the invention the [ 6 + 5 ] heteroaromatic moiety can be selected among others from indole , isoindole , benzimidazole , indazole , benzothiophene , benzotriazole , benzoisoxazole , benzofurane , isobenzofurane . a preferred class of compounds of formula ( i ) is that in which a and preferably also b are ch . d is preferably n . in a preferred embodiment the [ 6 + 5 ] heteroaromatic moiety is an indole or indazole unit , preferably a substituted or unsubstituted indole . in this case good results are obtained when the linker is connected to the position 2 or 3 of the indole unit , more preferably to the position 3 . more generally , in one variation of the present invention , the linker is on a carbon of the hetero ring at a position adjacent to the benzene ring , being for example the 3 position of the indole . such compounds are of the formula : another preferred class of compounds of formula ( i ) is that in which the tacrine moiety is substituted . more preferably it has a halogen substituent . in a preferred embodiment the tacrine moiety has a chloro substituent at position 6 . this gives improved activity and selectivity towards ache . we have found that the linker between the two units plays an important role in the activity and selectivity . indeed , a linker containing a number of l units in the range between 4 and 18 , more preferably between 7 and 13 gives good results . most preferred are values between 8 and 12 , and specially of about 10 or 11 . in a preferred embodiment the linker -( l ) k -( l ) m -( l ) n -( l ) q -( l ) x -( l ) w - is selected from the formulae —( ch 2 ) k — co — nr a —( ch 2 ) w —, —( ch 2 ) k — nr a — co —( ch 2 ) w —, —( ch 2 ) k — co — nr a —( ch 2 ) q — nr a —( ch 2 ) w —, —( ch 2 ) k — nr a — co —( ch 2 ) q — nr a —( ch2 ) w —, —( ch 2 ) k — o — co — nr a —( ch 2 ) w — wherein k , q , w and r a are as defined above . more preferably , the linker -( l ) k -( l ) m -( l ) n -( l ) q -( l ) x -( l ) w - has the formulae —( ch 2 ) k — co — nr a —( ch 2 ) w — or —( ch 2 ) k — o — co — nr a —( ch 2 ) w —. r a is usually h . the integer k is preferably 1 or 2 , especially 2 . the integer w is suitably from 6 to 9 , especially 6 or 7 . it is preferred that the linker contains one or more amide units , they can be at any position in the linker . it is to be understood that the present invention includes all combinations of the mentioned particular and preferred groups . in one aspect , preferred compounds of this invention are of the formula ( ii ): in a related aspect , more preferred compounds are of the formula ( iii ): in the compounds of the various formulae of this invention , z is preferably selected from h and ch 3 , especially h . r 1 , r 3 and r 4 are preferably h . r 2 is preferably selected from h , - hal , and — cn , especially h . preferably r 5 is halogen and r 6 is hydrogen . in particular , we prefer that r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , r 4 , z are hydrogen ; r 5 is halogen especially chloro ; and the linker includes an amido function , preferably an amido function flanked by oligomethylene groups . thus , the linker is preferably of formula —( ch 2 ) k — conh —( ch 2 ) w —, where the sum of k and w is preferably in the range 6 to 10 , especially 7 to 9 . suitably k is less than w , with k being 1 , 2 or 3 . as variants , r 1 to r 5 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen , — cn , and halogen ; and / or each l is independently selected from the group consisting of — cr a r b —, — co — and — nr a . as a further aspects the present invention extends to compounds of the formula ( a ): n is zero , one , two , three , four , five , six , seven , eight , nine or ten r ′ and r ″ are independently selected from hydrogen , alkyl , aryl , heteroaryl , halo , haloalkyl , alkoxy , alkylthio a is independently selected from — co —, — c ( r ′)( r ″)—, ═ c ( r ′)—, — n ( r ′)—, ═ n —, — o —, — s ( o ) t - r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , r 4 and r 5 are independently selected from hydrogen , alkyl , alkoxy , alkylthio ; cycloaklyl , haloalkyl , halo , aryl , -( z ) n - aryl , heteroaryl , — or 3 , — c ( o ) r 3 , — c ( o ) or 3 , — s ( o ) t , cyano , nitro , mercapto z is independently selected from c ( r 3 )( r 4 )—, — c ( o )—, — o —, — c (═ nr 3 )—, — s ( o ) t —, n ( r 3 )—. in a related aspect , the compounds of this invention are in agreement with both the formula ( i ) and the formula ( a ). such compounds are of the formula ( b ): where the respective definitions are selected to overlap with those of both formula ( i ) and formula ( a ). a is ch or n ; b is ch or n ; d is ch , o , s or n ; at least one of a , b and d is a heteroatom ; z is hydrogen alkyl , alkoxy , cycloalkyl , haloalkyl , aryl , aralkyl , heteroaryl ; r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , r 4 , r 5 , r 6 are hydrogen , alkyl , alkoxy , alkylthio , cycloalkyl , haloalkyl , halo , aralkyl , heteraryl , or 3 , cor 3 , coor 3 , so t r 3 where t is 0 , 1 or 2 ; at least one of r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , r 4 is hydrogen ; l is cr a r r ; co , o , nr a where r a and r r are hydrogen , alkyl , aryl , heteroaryl , halo , haloalkyl , alkoxy , k , m , n , q , x and w are 0 to 10 , provided that the total is not more than 40 and preferably x and w are 0 . unless otherwise stated , the compounds of the invention 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 or 15 n - enriched nitrogen are within the scope of this invention . the term “ pharmaceutically acceptable salts , derivatives , solvates , prodrugs ” refers to any pharmaceutically acceptable salt , ester , solvate , or any other compound which , upon administration to the recipient is capable of providing ( directly or indirectly ) a compound as described herein . however , it will be appreciated that non - pharmaceutically acceptable salts also fall within the scope of the invention since those may be useful in the preparation of pharmaceutically acceptable salts . the preparation of salts , prodrugs and derivatives can be carried out by methods known in the art . for instance , pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds provided herein are synthesized from the parent compound which contains a basic or acidic moiety by conventional chemical methods . generally , such salts are , for example , prepared by reacting the free acid or base forms of these compounds with a stoichiometric amount of the appropriate base or acid in water or in an organic solvent or in a mixture of the two . generally , nonaqueous media like ether , ethyl acetate , ethanol , isopropanol or acetonitrile are preferred . examples of the acid addition salts include mineral acid addition salts such as , for example , hydrochloride , hydrobromide , hydroiodide , sulphate , nitrate , phosphate , and organic acid addition salts such as , for example , acetate , maleate , fumarate , citrate , oxalate , succinate , tartrate , malate , mandelate , methanesulphonate and p - toluenesulphonate . examples of the alkali addition salts include inorganic salts such as , for example , sodium , potassium , calcium , ammonium , magnesium , aluminum and lithium salts , and organic alkali salts such as , for example , ethylenediamine , ethanolamine , n , n - dialkylenethanolamine , triethanolamine , glucamine and basic aminoacids salts . particularly favoured derivatives or prodrugs are those that increase the bioavailability of the compounds of this invention when such compounds are administered to a parent ( 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 . any compound that is a prodrug of a compound of formula ( i ) is within the scope of the invention . the term “ prodrug ” is used in its broadest sense and encompasses those derivatives that are converted in vivo to the compounds of the invention . such derivatives would readily occur to those skilled in the art , and include , depending on the functional groups present in the molecule and without limitation , the following derivatives of the present compounds : esters , amino acid esters , phosphate esters , metal salts sulfonate esters , carbamates , and amides . the compounds of the invention may be in crystalline form either as free compounds or as solvates and it is intended that both forms are within the scope of the present invention . methods of solvation are generally known within the art . suitable solvates are pharmaceutically acceptable solvates . in a particular embodiment the solvate is a hydrate . the compounds of formula ( i ) or their salts or solvates are preferably in pharmaceutically acceptable or substantially pure form . by pharmaceutically acceptable form is meant , inter alia , having a pharmaceutically acceptable level of purity excluding normal pharmaceutical additives such as diluents and carriers , and including no material considered toxic at normal dosage levels . purity levels for the drug substance are preferably above 50 %, more preferably above 70 %, most preferably above 90 %. in a preferred embodiment it is above 95 % of the compound of formula ( i ), or of its salts , solvates or prodrugs . the compounds of the present invention represented by the above described formula ( i ) may include enantiomers depending on the presence of chiral centres or isomers depending on the presence of multiple bonds ( e . g . z , e ). the single isomers , enantiomers or diastereoisomers and mixtures thereof fall within the scope of the present invention . the compounds of formula ( i ) defined above can be obtained by a convergent pathway strategy by coupling the two heterocyclic moieties which contain part of the linker . synthetic procedures to obtain the intermediates containing the tacrine moiety or the benzofused 5 ring heterocyclic system are available in the literature and involve standard organic synthesis procedures . the person skilled in the art of organic synthesis will readily design the process for each compound depending on the desired functionality of the heterocycles and the nature of the linker to be obtained . see for example wo 0117529 and wo04032929 . other intermediates are reported in the literature . 9 - alkylaminotetrahydroacridines can be synthesized following the previously reported procedures [ carlier , p . r . ; chow . e . s .- h ; han , y . ; liu , j . ; el yazal , j . ; pang y .- p . j . med . chem ., 1999 , 42 , 4225 - 4231 ]. the general method for the synthesis of indole derivatives was previously described in padwa a . et al , synthesis , 1994 , 9 , 993 - 1004 . 5 - cyanoindole - 3 - propionic acid can be synthesized according to the method reported in the literature [ agarwal , a . ; jalluri , r . k . ; dewitt blanton , c . ; and will taylor , b ., synthetic communications , 1993 , 23 , 8 , 1101 - 1110 ]. alternative heterocycles can be prepared and used . general methods of organic synthesis are available for example in “ march &# 39 ; s advanced organic chemistry : reactions , mechanisms , and structure ” 5th edition wiley ; wiley series “ the chemistry of heterocyclic compounds ”; wiley series “ compendium of organic synthetic methods ”, etc . schemes 1 and 2 exemplify processes for the preparation of compounds of the invention when the linker contains an amide or a carbamate bond : alternative processes for compounds with amine , ether , ester or other units in the linker will be readily apparent to the skilled person . for example to a solution of the corresponding indole derivative in anhydrous thf was added 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazole under n 2 , and the resulting mixture was stirred for 4 hours at room temperature . a solution of the corresponding 9 - alkylaminotetrahydroacridine in thf was added and the stirring was continued for further 20 hour . after evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure , water was added and the resulting mixture was extracted with dichloromethane . the combined organic extracts were washed with saturated nacl solution and dried with na 2 so 4 . evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure gave a residue which was purified by silica gel flash - column chromatography as indicated bellow for each case . the reaction products may , if desired , be purified by conventional methods , such as crystallization or chromatography . where the above described processes for the preparation of compounds of the invention give rise to mixtures of stereoisomers , these isomers may be separated by conventional techniques such as preparative chromatography . if there are chiral centers the compounds may be prepared in racemic form , or individual enantiomers may be prepared either by enantiospecific synthesis or by resolution . one preferred pharmaceutically acceptable form is the crystalline form , including such form in a pharmaceutical composition . in the case of salts and solvates the additional ionic and solvent moieties must also be non - toxic . the compounds of the invention may present different polymorphic forms , it is intended that the invention encompasses all such forms . the typical compounds represented by the abovementioned formula ( i ) of the present invention , a salt thereof , a solvate or a prodrug of them exhibit a superior acetylcholinesterase inhibitory action . therefore , another aspect of this invention relates to a method of treating , improving or preventing an ache related disease or condition which method comprises administering to a patient in need of such a treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula ( i ) or a pharmaceutical composition thereof . among the diseases that can be treated are cognitive disorders as senile dementia , cerebrovascular dementia , mild recognition impairment , attention deficit disorder , and / or neurodegenerative dementing disease with aberrant protein aggregations as specially alzheimers &# 39 ; s disease or condition , or prion disease as creutzfeld - jacob disease or gerstmann - straussler - scheinher disease , or parkinson &# 39 ; s disease or condition , or polyglutamine disease , or tauopathies as pick &# 39 ; s disease , frontotemporal dementia , supranuclear progressive palsy , or familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or systemic amyloidosis or condition . the present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of this invention , or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt , derivative , prodrug or stereoisomers thereof together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier , adjuvant , or vehicle , for administration to a patient . examples of pharmaceutical compositions include any solid ( tablets , pills , capsules , granules etc .) or liquid ( solutions , suspensions or emulsions ) composition for oral , topical or parenteral administration . in a preferred embodiment the pharmaceutical compositions are in oral form , either solid or liquid . suitable dose forms for oral administration may be tablets , capsules , syrops or solutions and may contain conventional excipients known in the art such as binding agents , for example syrup , acacia , gelatin , sorbitol , tragacanth , or polyvinylpyrrolidone ; fillers , for example lactose , sugar , maize starch , calcium phosphate , sorbitol or glycine ; tabletting lubricants , for example magnesium stearate ; disintegrants , for example starch , polyvinylpyrrolidone , sodium starch glycollate or microcrystalline cellulose ; or pharmaceutically acceptable wetting agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate . the solid oral compositions may be prepared by conventional methods of blending , filling or tabletting . repeated blending operations may be used to distribute the active agent throughout those compositions employing large quantities of fillers . such operations are conventional in the art . the tablets may for example be prepared by wet or dry granulation and optionally coated according to methods well known in normal pharmaceutical practice , in particular with an enteric coating . the pharmaceutical compositions may also be adapted for parenteral administration , such as sterile solutions , suspensions or lyophilized products in the apropriate unit dosage form . adequate excipients can be used , such as bulking agents , buffering agents or surfactants . the mentioned formulations will be prepared using standard methods such as those described or referred to in the spanish and us pharmacopoeias and similar reference texts . administration of the compounds or compositions of the present invention may be by any suitable method , such as intravenous infusion , oral preparations , and intraperitoneal and intravenous administration . oral administration is preferred because of the convenience for the patient and the chronic character of the diseases to be treated . generally an effective administered amount of a compound of the invention will depend on the relative efficacy of the compound chosen , the severity of the disorder being treated the weight of the sufferer . however , active compounds wills typically be administered once or more times a day for example 1 , 2 , 3 or 4 times daily , with typical total daily doses in the range of from 0 . 1 to 1000 mg / kg / day . it will be appreciated that it may be necessary to make routine variations to the dosage , depending on the age and condition of the patient , and the route of administration . the compounds and compositions of this invention may be used with other drugs to provide a combination therapy . the other drugs may form part of the same composition , or be provided as a separate composition for administration at the same time or at different time . the following examples are given as further illustration of the invention , they should not be taken as a definition of the limits of the invention . the general procedures for the preparation of compounds of the invention have been described above . reagents : indole - 3 - propionic acid ( 57 mg , 0 . 3 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 3 ml ), 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazol ( 51 mg , 0 . 32 mmol ), and 6 - chloro - 9 -( 5 - aminopentylamino )- 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroacridine ( 100 mg , 0 . 32 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography using dcm / meoh ( 7 : 1 ). yellow solid , yield : 121 mg ( 83 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz , δ ppm ): 8 . 53 ( brs , 1h ), 7 . 87 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz ), 7 . 88 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 55 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 7 . 30 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 0 . 8 hz ), 7 . 21 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 13 ( td , 1h , j = 8 hz , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 7 . 06 ( td , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 0 . 8 hz ), 6 . 90 ( m , 1h ), 5 . 61 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 24 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 43 ( t , j = 6 . 4 hz ), 3 . 16 ( c , 2h , j = 66 . 4 hz ), 3 . 10 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 2 hz ), 3 . 01 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 52 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 56 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 2 hz ), 1 . 84 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 60 ( 2h , m ), 1 . 38 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 25 ( m , 2h ). 13 c - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 100 mhz , δ . ppm ): 172 . 9 , 159 . 0 , 151 . 4 , 147 . 9 , 136 . 5 , 134 . 6 , 127 . 2 , 126 . 6 , 124 . 9 , 124 . 5 , 122 . 0 , 121 . 9 , 119 . 4 , 118 . 7 , 118 . 2 , 115 . 4 , 114 . 8 , 111 . 4 , 49 . 5 , 39 . 4 , 37 . 7 , 33 . 6 , 31 . 5 , 29 . 6 , 24 . 9 , 24 . 3 , 23 . 1 , 22 . 7 , 21 . 8 . esi - ms [ m + h + ] + 489 . reagents : indole - 3 - propionic acid ( 63 mg , 0 . 33 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 3 ml ), 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazol ( 57 mg , 0 . 35 mmol ), and 9 -( 5 - aminopentylamino )- 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroacridine ( 100 mg , 0 . 35 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography using dcm / meoh ( 3 : 1 ). yellow solid . yield : 147 mg ( 97 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz , δ ppm ): 8 . 53 ( brs , 1h ), 7 . 90 ( t , 2h , j = 8 . 4 hz ), 7 . 55 ( t , 1h , j = 8 . 4 hz ), 7 . 52 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 0 . 8 hz ), 7 . 35 ( t , 1h , j = 8 . 4 hz ), 7 . 30 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 0 . 8 hz ), 7 . 13 ( td , 1h , j = 8 hz , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 7 . 05 ( td , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 0 . 8 hz ), 6 . 90 ( m , 1h ), 5 . 61 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 90 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 40 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 19 ( c , 2h , j = 6 . 4 hz ), 3 . 10 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 2 hz ), 3 . 01 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 62 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 56 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 2 hz ), 1 . 80 - 2 . 00 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 60 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 38 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 25 ( m , 2h . 13 c - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 100 mhz , δ ppm ): 172 . 9 , 158 . 6 , 150 . 8 , 147 . 0 , 136 . 5 , 128 . 9 , 128 . 8 , 127 . 0 , 123 . 8 , 123 . 0 , 122 . 1 , 122 . 0 , 120 . 1 , 119 . 4 , 118 . 8 , 116 . 2 , 114 . 8 , 111 . 4 , 49 . 6 , 39 . 5 , 37 . 8 , 34 . 4 , 31 . 7 , 29 . 7 , 25 . 2 , 24 . 5 , 23 . 5 , 23 . 2 , 21 . 8 . esi - ms [ m + h + ] + 455 . reagents : indole - 3 - propionic acid ( 70 mg , 0 . 37 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 3 ml ), 1 , 1 ′ carbonyldiimidazol ( 63 mg , 0 . 39 mmol ), and 6 - chloro - 9 -( 6 - aminohexylamino )- 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroacridine ( 131 mg , 0 . 39 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography using dcm / meoh ( 50 : 1 , 25 : 1 , 20 : 1 ). yellow solid . yield : 143 mg ( 77 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 m δ ppm ): 8 . 40 ( brs , 1h ), 7 . 85 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 84 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz ), 7 . 55 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 7 . 29 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 0 . 8 hz ), 7 . 23 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 15 ( td , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 7 . 07 ( td , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 0 . 8 hz ), 6 . 97 ( m , 1h ), 5 . 41 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 42 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 41 ( t , 2h , j = 6 . 4 hz ), 3 . 13 ( c , 2h , j = 6 . 4 hz ), 3 . 09 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 2 hz ), 3 . 01 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 64 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 54 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 2 hz ), 1 . 91 - 1 . 88 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 59 - 1 . 53 ( 2h , m ), 1 . 36 - 1 . 27 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 22 - 1 . 16 ( m , 2h ). 13 c - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 100 mhz , δ . ppm ): 172 . 7 , 159 . 4 , 150 . 7 , 148 . 0 , 136 . 4 , 134 . 0 , 127 . 3 , 127 . 1 , 124 . 6 , 124 . 2 , 121 . 8 , 119 . 1 , 118 . 6 , 118 . 4 , 115 . 7 , 114 . 7 , 111 . 3 , 49 . 5 , 39 . 4 , 37 . 6 , 34 . 1 , 31 . 8 , 29 . 6 , 26 . 6 , 26 . 6 , 24 . 8 , 23 . 1 , 22 . 8 , 21 . 7 . esi - ms : m / z [ m + h + ] + 503 . reagents : indole - 3 - propionic acid ( 70 mg , 0 . 37 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 3 ml ), 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazol ( 63 mg , 0 . 39 mmol ), and 6 - chloro - 9 -( 7 - aminoheptylamino ) 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroacridine ( 135 mg , 0 . 39 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography using acoet / meoh ( 50 : 1 ). yellow solid . yield : 151 mg ( 79 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz , δ ppm ): 8 . 10 ( brs , 1h ), 7 . 87 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz ), 7 . 85 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 57 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 7 . 32 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 0 . 8 hz ), 7 . 24 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 16 ( td , 1h , j = 8 hz , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 7 . 09 ( td , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 0 . 8 hz ), 6 . 99 ( m , 1h ), 5 . 32 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 91 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 45 ( t , 2h , j = 6 . 4 hz ), 3 . 13 ( c , 2h , j = 6 . 4 hz ), 3 . 11 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 2 hz ), 3 . 02 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 65 ( m , 2h , 2 . 55 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 2 hz ), 1 . 92 - 1 . 88 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 64 - 1 . 57 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 36 - 1 . 14 ( m , 8h ). 13 c - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 100 mhz δ ppm ): 172 . 4 , 159 . 3 , 150 . 6 , 147 . 9 , 136 . 1 , 133 . 8 , 127 . 3 , 126 . 9 , 14 . 4 , 124 . 0 , 121 . 8 , 121 . 6 , 119 . 0 , 118 . 5 , 118 . 2 , 115 . 6 , 114 . 7 , 111 . 0 , 49 . 5 , 39 . 3 , 37 . 5 , 34 . 0 , 31 . 7 , 29 . 4 , 28 . 9 , 26 . 7 , 26 . 6 , 24 . 6 , 22 . 9 , 22 . 7 , 21 . 5 . esi - ms : m / z [ m + h + ] + 517 . reagents : indole - 3 - propionic acid ( 70 mg , 0 . 37 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 3 ml ), 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazol ( 63 mg , 0 . 39 mmol ), and 6 - chloro - 9 -( 8 - aminooctylamino )- 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroacridine ( 140 mg , 0 . 39 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography using . acoet / meoh ( 50 : 1 ). yellow solid . yield : 104 mg ( 53 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz δ ppm ): 8 . 21 ( brs , 1h , 7 . 86 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz ), 7 . 85 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 57 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 7 . 24 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 0 . 8 hz ), 7 . 24 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 16 ( td , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 7 . 09 ( td , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 0 . 8 hz ), 6 . 99 ( m , 1h ), 5 . 35 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 91 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 46 ( t , 2h , j = 6 . 4 hz ), 3 . 14 ( c , 2h , j = 6 . 4 hz ), 3 . 10 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 2 hz ), 3 . 01 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 65 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 55 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 2 hz ), 1 . 92 - 1 . 89 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 64 - 1 . 58 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 36 - 1 . 31 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 28 - 1 . 14 ( m , 6h ). 13 c - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 100 mhz , δ . ppm ): 172 . 6 , 159 . 4 , 150 . 8 , 148 . 1 , 136 . 4 , 133 . 9 , 127 . 4 , 127 . 1 , 124 . 6 , 124 . 1 , 121 . 9 , 121 . 8 , 119 . 1 , 118 . 6 , 118 . 4 , 115 . 7 , 114 . 8 , 111 . 3 , 49 . 7 , 39 . 6 , 37 . 7 , 34 . 2 , 31 . 9 , 29 . 7 , 29 . 3 , 27 . 0 , 26 . 8 , 24 . 8 , 23 . 1 , 22 . 9 , 21 . esi - ms : m / z [ m + h + ] + 531 . reagents : indole - 3 - propionic acid ( 28 mg , 0 . 15 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 3 ml ), 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazol ( 25 mg , 0 . 15 mmol ), and 6 - chloro - 9 -( 9 - aminononylamino )- 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroacridine ( 57 mg , 0 . 15 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography using . dcm / meoh ( 7 : 1 ). yellow solid . yield : 10 mg ( 14 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz , δ . ppm ): 8 . 53 ( brs , 1h ), 7 . 87 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz ), 7 . 88 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 57 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 7 . 30 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 0 . 8 hz ), 7 . 21 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 13 ( td , 1h , j = 8 hz , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 7 . 06 ( td , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 0 . 8 hz ), 6 . 90 ( m , 1h ), 5 . 61 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 24 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 50 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 19 ( c , 2h , j = 6 . 4 hz ), 3 . 10 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 2 hz ), 3 . 01 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 62 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 56 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 2 hz ), 1 . 81 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 52 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 01 - 1 . 40 ( m , 13h ). 13 c - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 100 mhz , δ ppm ): 172 . 7 , 159 . 0 , 151 . 2 , 147 . 8 , 136 . 5 , 134 . 3 , 127 . 3 , 127 . 2 , 125 . 0 , 124 . 4 , 122 . 1 , 122 . 0 , 119 . 3 , 118 . 8 , 118 . 2 , 115 . 3 , 115 . 0 , 111 . 4 , 49 . 8 , 39 . 8 , 37 . 8 , 34 . 0 , 32 . 0 , 29 . 8 , 29 . 7 , 29 . 5 , 29 . 5 , 27 . 2 , 27 . 1 , 25 . 0 , 23 . 4 , 23 . 0 , 22 . 0 . esi - ms [ m + h + ] + 545 . reagents : indole - 3 - propionic acid ( 47 mg , 0 . 25 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 4 ml ), 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazol ( 44 mg , 0 . 27 mmol ), and 6 - chloro - 9 -( 10 - aminodecylamino )- 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroacridine ( 105 mg , 0 . 27 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography using dcm / meoh ( 10 : 1 ). yellow solid . yield : 21 mg ( 19 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mz , δ . ppm ): 8 . 63 ( brs , h ), 7 . 89 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz ), 7 . 87 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 56 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 7 . 32 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 0 . 8 hz ), 7 . 21 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 14 ( td , 1h , j = 8 hz , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 7 . 08 ( td , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 0 . 8 hz ), 6 . 97 ( m , 1h ), 5 . 61 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 24 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 50 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 19 ( c , 2h , j = 6 . 4 hz ), 3 . 10 ( t , 21 , j = 7 . 2 hz ), 3 . 01 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 63 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 56 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 2 hz ), 1 . 80 - 2 . 00 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 51 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 01 - 1 . 40 ( m , 14h ). 13 c - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 100 mhz , δ . ppm ): 172 . 7 , 159 . 0 , 151 . 2 , 147 . 8 , 136 . 5 , 134 . 3 , 127 . 3 , 127 . 2 , 125 . 0 , 124 . 4 , 122 . 1 , 122 . 0 , 119 . 3 , 118 . 8 , 118 . 2 , 115 . 3 , 115 . 0 , 111 . 4 , 49 . 8 , 39 . 8 , 37 . 8 , 34 . 0 , 32 . 0 , 29 . 8 , 29 . 7 , 29 . 6 , 29 . 5 , 29 . 5 , 27 . 2 , 27 . 1 , 25 . 0 , 23 . 4 , 23 . 0 , 22 . 0 . esi - ms [ m + h + ] + 559 . reagents : indole - 3 - propionic acid ( 56 mg , 0 . 29 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 4 ml ), 1 , 1 ′ carbonyldiimidazol ( 50 mg , 0 . 31 mmol ), and n 1 -[ 3 -( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydro - acridin - 9 - ylamino )- propyl ]- n 1 - methyl - propane - 1 , 3 - diamine ( 100 mg , 0 . 31 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography using dcm / meoh ( 20 : 1 + 0 . 1 % nh 3 , 10 : 1 + 0 . 2 % nh 3 , 10 : 1 + 0 . 4 % nh 3 . yellow solid . yield : 70 mg ( 46 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz , δ . ppm ): 8 . 80 ( brs , 1h ), 7 . 86 ( t , 2h , j = 8 . 4 hz ), 7 . 51 ( t , 1h , j = 8 . 4 hz ), 7 . 46 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 4 hz ), 7 . 27 ( td , 1h , j = 7 . 0 hz , j = 2 . 0 hz ), 7 . 25 ( d , 1h , 7 . 0 hz ), 7 . 10 ( td , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 7 . 03 ( td , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 6 . 85 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 6 . 37 ( t , 1h , j = 4 . 5 hz ), 5 . 00 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 46 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 19 ( c , 2h , j = 6 . 3 hz ), 3 . 07 - 3 . 01 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 63 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 47 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 0 ), 2 . 36 ( t , 2h , j = 6 . 4 hz ), 2 . 24 ( t , 2h , j = 6 . 8 hz ), 1 . 91 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 86 - 1 . 84 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 70 - 1 . 67 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 54 - 1 . 50 ( m , 2h ). 13 c - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 100 mhz , δ . ppm ): 172 . 0 , 158 . 3 , 150 . 8 , 147 . 2 , 136 . 3 , 128 . 4 , 128 . 3 , 127 . 1 , 123 . 6 , 122 . 8 , 121 . 8 , 121 . 8 , 120 . 2 , 119 . 0 , 118 . 5 , 115 . 9 , 114 . 7 , 111 . 3 , 56 . 6 , 56 . 1 , 48 . 7 , 42 . 2 , 38 . 5 , 37 . 7 , 34 . 0 , 28 . 5 , 26 . 6 , 25 . 3 , 23 . 2 , 22 . 9 , 21 . 7 . esi - ms : m / z [ m + h + ] + 498 . reagents : indole - 3 - propionic acid ( 56 mg , 0 . 29 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 4 ml ), 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazol ( 50 mg , 0 . 31 mmol ), and n 1 -[ 3 -( 6 - chloro - 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydro - acridin - 9 - ylamino )- propyl ]- n 1 - methyl - propane - 1 , 3 - diamine ( 100 mg , 0 . 31 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography using dcm / meoh ( 20 : 1 + 0 . 1 % nh 3 , 10 : 1 + 0 . 2 % nh 3 , 10 : 1 + 0 . 4 % nh 3 ). yellow solid . yield : 70 mg ( 46 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz , δ ppm ): 8 . 79 ( br , 1h ), 7 . 83 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz ), 7 . 79 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 30 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , 1 . 2 hz ), 7 . 24 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , 0 . 8 hz ), 7 . 14 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 8 hz , 2 . 4 hz ), 7 . 08 ( td , 1h , 0 . 8 hz , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 7 . 01 ( td 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz , j = 0 . 8 hz ), 6 . 86 ( m , 1h ), 6 . 30 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 91 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 45 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 17 ( c , 2h , j = 7 . 2 hz ), 3 . 03 ( t , 2h , j = 6 . 4 hz ), 2 . 94 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 50 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 46 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 2 hz ), 2 . 41 - 2 . 23 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 22 - 2 . 18 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 10 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 18 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 73 - 1 . 60 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 59 - 1 . 49 ( m , 2h ). 13 c - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 100 mhz , δ . ppm ): 172 . 7 , 159 . 5 , 151 . 0 , 148 . 0 , 136 . 4 , 134 . 0 , 127 . 3 , 127 . 2 , 124 . 7 , 124 . 1 , 121 . 9 , 122 . 0 , 119 . 2 , 118 . 6 , 118 . 4 , 115 . 7 , 114 . 8 , 111 . 4 , 56 . 7 , 56 . 21 , 49 . 0 , 42 . 3 , 38 . 6 , 37 . 8 , 34 . 2 , 28 . 5 , 26 . 8 , 25 . 2 , 23 . 2 , 23 . 0 , 21 . 8 . esi - ms : m / z [ m + h + ] + 531 . reagents : indole - 3 - carboxylic acid ( 151 mg , 0 . 94 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 4 ml ), 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazol ( 153 mg , 0 . 94 mmol ), and 6 - chloro - 9 -( 8 - aminopentylamino )- 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroacridine ( 276 mg , 0 . 90 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography ( eluent : etoac / meoh 50 : 1 ). yellow solid . yield : 198 mg ( 52 %). 1 h - nmr ( cd 3 od , 400 mhz , δ . ppm ): 8 . 07 ( d , 1h , j = 9 . 0 hz ), 8 . 06 ( d t , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz and j = 0 . 8 hz ), 7 . 80 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 69 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 0 hz ), 7 . 41 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz ), 7 . 22 ( dd , 1h , j = 9 . 0 hz and j = 2 . 0 hz ), 7 . 17 ( td , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz and j = 1 . 2 hz ), 7 . 12 ( td , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz and j = 1 . 2h 3 . 58 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 0 hz ), 3 . 37 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 0 hz ), 2 . 88 ( t , 2h , j = 6 . 2 hz ), 2 . 65 ( t , 2h , j = 6 . 2 hz ), 1 . 79 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 71 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 63 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 45 ( m , 2h ). 13 c - nmr ( cd 3 od , 100 mhz , δ ppm ): 168 . 6 , 160 . 3 , 153 . 4 , 148 . 6 , 138 . 2 , 135 . 6 , 128 . 9 , 127 . 2 , 126 . 7 , 126 . 6 , 125 . 1 , 123 . 5 , 122 . 0 , 121 . 8 , 119 . 5 , 116 . 7 , 112 . 9 , 112 . 0 , 40 . 1 , 34 . 3 , 32 . 0 , 30 . 7 , 26 . 1 , 25 . 4 , 24 . 0 , 23 . 6 . esi - ms [ m ] + 461 . 07 . reagents : indole - 3 - carboxylic acid ( 153 mg , 0 . 95 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 10 ml ), 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazol ( 154 mg , 0 . 95 mmol ), and 6 - chloro - 9 -( 8 - aminohexylamino )- 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroacridine ( 300 mg , 0 . 90 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography ( eluent : etoac / meoh 50 : 1 ). yellow solid . yield : 120 mg ( 28 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz , δ ppm ): 10 . 24 ( brs , 1h ), 7 . 89 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 85 ( d , 1h , j = 9 . 4 hz ), 7 . 83 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 0 hz ), 7 . 71 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 8 hz ), 7 . 39 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 18 - 7 . 22 ( m , 3h ), 6 . 13 ( t , 1h , j = 5 . 8 hz ), 4 . 0 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 46 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 97 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 60 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 84 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 60 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 39 ( m , 4h ). 13 c - nmr ( cd 3 cl , 100 mhz , δ ppm ): 166 . 0 , 159 . 6 , 151 . 0 , 148 . 1 , 136 . 7 , 134 . 2 , 128 . 4 , 127 . 2 , 124 . 8 , 114 . 7 , 124 . 3 , 122 . 8 , 121 . 5 , 119 . 7 , 118 . 3 , 115 . 7 , 112 . 4 , 112 . 1 , 49 . 5 , 39 . 4 , 33 . 9 , 31 . 7 , 30 . 0 , 26 . 7 , 26 . 6 , 24 . 6 , 22 . 9 , 22 . 6 . esi - ms [ m + h ] + 476 . reagents : indole - 3 - carboxylic acid ( 147 mg , 0 . 91 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 10 ml ), 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazol ( 147 mg , 0 . 91 mmol ), and 6 - chloro - 9 -( 8 - aminoheptylamino )- 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroacridine ( 300 mg , 0 . 87 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography ( eluent : etoac / meoh 50 : 1 ). yellow solid . yield : 226 mg ( 51 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz , δ ppm ): 9 . 88 ( brs , 1h ), 7 . 90 ( dd , 1h , j = 6 . 3 hz , 3 . 0 hz ), 7 . 87 ( d , 1h , j = 9 hz ), 7 . 84 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 0 hz ), 7 . 73 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 7 hz ), 7 . 41 ( dd , 1h , j = 0 . 3 hz , j = 3 . 0 hz ), 7 . 23 ( d , 1h , j = 9 hz ), 7 . 23 - 7 . 19 ( m , 2h ), 6 . 06 ( t , 1h , j = 5 . 5 hz ), 4 . 0 ( brs , 1 hz ), 3 . 46 ; ( m , 4h ), 2 . 98 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 61 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 85 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 59 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 34 ( m , 6h ). 13 c - nmr ( cd 3 cl , 100 mhz , δ ppm ): 165 . 7 , 159 . 6 , 151 . 1 , 148 . 2 , 136 . 6 , 134 . 2 , 128 . 3 , 127 . 4 , 124 . 8 , 124 . 7 , 124 . 3 , 122 . 8 , 121 . 6 , 119 . 8 , 118 . 4 , 115 . 8 , 112 . 4 , 112 . 3 , 49 . 6 , 39 . 5 , 34 . 0 , 31 . 8 , 29 . 9 , 29 . 1 , 27 . 0 , 26 . 9 , 24 . 7 , 22 . 9 , 22 . 7 . esi - ms [ m ] + 489 . reagents : indole - 3 carboxylic acid ( 92 mg , 0 . 57 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 3 ml ), 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazol ( 92 mg , 0 . 57 mmol ), and 6 - chloro - 9 -( 8 - aminooctylamino )- 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroacridine ( 196 mg , 0 . 54 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography ( eluent : hexane / etoac 1 : 2 + 0 . 1 % nh 3 , 1 : 3 + 0 . 2 % nh 3 ). yellow solid . yield : 110 mg ( 40 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz , δ ppm ): 10 . 51 ( brs , 1h ), 7 . 85 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 79 ( d , 1h , j = 9 . 0 hz ), 7 . 76 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 0 hz ), 7 . 65 ( d , 1h , j = 1 . 6 hz ), 7 . 31 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 15 ( dd , 1h , j = 9 . 0 hz , j = 2 . 0 hz ), 7 . 10 ( m , 2h ), 6 . 09 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 9 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 36 ( c , 4h , j = 7 . 3 hz ), 2 . 91 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 53 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 78 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 52 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 26 - 1 . 19 ( m , 8h ). 13 c - nmr ( cd 3 cl , 100 mhz , δ ppm ): 165 . 4 , 158 . 9 , 150 . 4 , 147 . 5 , 136 . 1 , 133 . 5 , 127 . 7 , 126 . 6 , 124 . 2 , 123 . 6 , 122 . 1 , 122 . 0 , 120 . 7 , 119 . 1 , 117 . 7 , 115 . 0 , 111 . 7 , 111 . 4 , 48 . 9 , 38 . 9 , 33 . 2 , 31 . 1 , 29 . 3 , 29 . 1 , 28 . 5 , 26 . 3 , 26 . 1 , 23 . 9 , 22 . 3 , 22 . 0 . esi - ms [ m ] + 503 . reagents : indole - 3 - acetic acid ( 1 . 10 g , 6 . 3 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 50 ml ), 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazol ( 1 . 07 g , 6 . 6 mmol ), and 6 - chloro - 9 -( 8 - aminoheptylamino ) 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroacridine ( 2 . 29 g , 6 . 6 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography ( eluent : etoac / meoh 50 : 1 ). yellow solid . yield : 2 . 48 g ( 80 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz , δ ppm ): 9 . 25 ( brs , 1 ), 7 . 79 ( d , 1h , j = 9 hz ), 7 . 79 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 0 hz ), 7 . 45 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz ), 7 . 29 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz ), 7 . 6 ( dd , 1h , j = 9 hz , j = 2 . 0 hz ), 7 . 11 ( t , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz ), 7 . 03 ( t , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz ), 7 . 03 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 71 ( t , 1h , j = 5 . 5 hz ), 3 . 82 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 65 ( s , 2h ), 3 . 34 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 0 hz ), 3 . 08 ( c , 2h , j = 6 . 6 hz ), 2 . 93 ( brs , 2h ), 2 . 56 ( brs , 2h ), 1 . 81 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 48 ( m , 2 hz ), 1 . 28 - 1 . 06 ( m , 8h ). 13 c - nmr ( cd 3 cl , 100 mhz , δ ppm ): 171 . 4 , 159 . 4 , 150 . 6 , 148 . 0 , 136 . 4 , 133 . 7 , 127 . 2 , 126 . 8 , 124 . 4 , 123 . 9 , 123 . 7 , 122 . 2 , 119 . 6 , 118 . 4 , 118 . 2 , 115 . 5 , 111 . 3 , 108 . 5 , 49 . 3 , 39 . 2 , 33 . 7 , 33 . 3 , 31 . 4 , 29 . 1 , 28 . 6 , 26 . 5 , 26 . 3 , 24 . 3 , 22 . 7 , 22 . 4 . esi - ms [ m ] + 503 . reagents : indole - 3 - butyric acid ( 134 mg , 0 . 66 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 10 ml ), 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazol ( 107 mg , 0 . 66 mmol ), and 6 - chloro - 9 -( 5 - aminopentylamino )- 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroacridine ( 200 mg , 0 . 63 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography using etoac / meoh ( 100 : 1 ). yellow solid . yield : 220 mg ( 44 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz , δ ppm ): 8 . 47 ( brs , 1h ), 7 . 84 ( d , 1h , j = 1 . 9 hz ), 7 . 83 ( d , 1h , j = 10 . 0 hz ), 7 . 54 ( d , 1h , j = 7 . 4 hz ), 7 . 30 ( d , 1h , j = 7 . 4 hz ), 7 . 21 ( dd , 1h , j = 9 . 0 hz , j = 1 . 9 hz ), 7 . 13 ( td , 1h , j = 7 . 4 hz , j = 1 . 2 hz ), 7 . 05 ( td , 1h , j = 7 . 4 hz , 0 . 1 = 1 . 2 hz ), 6 . 10 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 4 hz ), 5 . 52 ( t , 1h , 5 . 4 hz ), 3 . 91 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 40 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 18 ( c , 2h , j = 6 . 4 hz ), 2 . 98 ( brs , 2h ), 2 . 76 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 0 hz ), 2 . 60 ( brs , 2h ), 2 . 18 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 0 hz ), 2 . 02 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 85 ( m , 4 h ), 1 . 61 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 45 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 36 - 1 . 31 ( m , 2h ). 13 c - nmr ( cd 3 cl , 100 mhz , δ ppm ): 173 . 3 , 159 . 8 , 150 . 8 , 148 . 3 , 136 . 5 , 134 . 1 , 127 . 6 , 127 ; 6 , 124 . 7 , 124 . 4 , 122 . 0 , 122 . 7 , 119 . 2 , 118 . 9 , 118 . 6 , 116 . 0 , 115 . 6 , 111 . 3 , 49 . 5 , 39 . 2 , 36 . 4 , 34 . 2 , 31 . 4 , 29 . 6 , 26 . 3 , 24 . 7 , 24 . 7 , 24 . 3 , 23 . 0 , 22 . 8 . esi - ms [ m ] + 503 . reagents : indole - 3 - butyric acid ( 134 mg , 0 . 66 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 8 ml ), 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazol ( 107 mg , 0 . 66 mmol ), and 6 - chloro - 9 -( 5 - aminohexylamino )- 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroacridine ( 200 mg , 0 . 63 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography using dcm / meoh ( 20 : 1 , 20 : 1 + 0 . 01 % nh 3 ). yellow solid . yield : 163 mg ( 48 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz , δ ppm ): 8 . 93 ( brs , 1h ), 7 . 85 ( d , 1h , j = 1 . 9 hz ), 7 . 84 ( d , 1h , j = 9 . 0 hz ), 7 . 51 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz ), 7 . 29 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz ), 7 . 20 ( dd , 1h , j = 9 . 0 hz , j = 2 . 0 hz ), 7 . 10 ( t , 1h , j = 7 . 5 hz ,), 7 . 02 ( t , 1h , 7 . 5 hz ), 6 . 87 ( d , 1h , j = 1 . 4 hz ), 5 . 80 ( brs , 1h ), 4 . 12 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 41 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 4 hz ), 3 . 16 ( c , 2h , j = 6 . 6 hz ), 2 . 97 brs , 2h ), 2 . 72 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 4 ), 2 . 56 ( brs , 2h ), 2 . 17 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 4 hz ), 1 . 99 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 83 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 56 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 41 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 35 - 1 . 21 ( m , 4h ). 13 c - nmr ( cd 3 cl , 100 mhz , δ ppm ): 173 . 6 , 159 . 2 , 151 . 4 , 147 . 7 , 136 . 7 , 134 . 5 , 127 . 6 , 126 . 9 , 125 . 1 , 124 . 5 , 122 . 0 , 121 . 9 , 120 . 0 , 118 . 9 , 118 . 3 , 115 . 6 , 115 . 4 , 111 . 5 , 49 . 5 , 39 . 4 , 36 . 5 , 33 . 7 , 31 . 8 , 29 . 8 , 26 . 7 , 26 . 6 , 26 . 4 , 24 . 8 , 24 . 7 , 23 . 0 , 22 . 7 . esi - ms [ m ] + 517 . reagents : indole - 3 - acrylic acid ( 88 mg , 0 . 47 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 6 ml ), 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazol ( 76 mg , 0 . 47 mmol ), and 6 - chloro - 9 -( 5 - aminohexylamino )- 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroacridine ( 150 mg , 0 . 45 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography using etoac / meoh ( 100 : 1 , 100 : 1 + 0 . 1 % nh 3 ). yellow solid . yield : 20 mg ( 8 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz , δ ppm ): 8 . 93 ( brs , 1h ), 7 . 83 - 7 . 76 ( m , 4h ), 7 . 33 - 732 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 19 - 7 . 08 ( m , 3h ), 6 . 35 ( d , 1h , j = 15 . 0h ), 5 . 79 ( t , 1h , j = 5 . 9 hz ), 3 . 92 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 38 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 0 hz ), 3 . 33 ( c , 2h , j = 6 . 6 hz ), 2 . 94 ( brs , 2h ), 2 . 56 brs , 2h ), 1 . 81 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 61 - 1 . 36 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 32 ( m , 4h ). 13 c - nmr ( cd 3 cl , 100 mhz , δ ppm ): 167 . 8 , 159 . 4 , 151 . 0 , 147 . 9 , 137 . 5 , 134 . 8 , 134 . 2 , 129 . 0 , 127 . 0 , 125 . 4 , 124 . 9 , 124 . 3 , 122 . 8 , 120 . 9 , 120 . 2 , 118 . 3 , 115 . 6 , 113 . 1 , 112 . 2 , 49 . 4 , 39 . 6 , 33 . 8 , 31 . 7 , 29 . 8 , 26 . 7 , 26 . 6 , 24 . 6 , 22 . 9 , 22 . 6 . esi - ms [ m ] + 50i . reagents : 5 - bromoindole - 3 - acetic acid ( 155 mg , 0 . 61 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 10 ml ), 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazol ( 99 mg , 0 . 61 mmol ), and 6 - chloro - 9 -( 8 - aminoheptylamino )- 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroacridine ( 200 mg , 0 . 58 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography ( eluent : etoac / meoh 50 : 1 ). yellow solid . yield : 185 mg ( 54 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz , δ ppm ): 9 . 36 ( brs , 1h ), 7 . 86 ( d , 1h , j = 9 . 0 hz ), 7 . 83 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 3h ), 7 . 63 ( t , 1h , j = 0 . 8 hz ), 7 . 23 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 21 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 09 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 3 hz ), 5 . 72 ( t , 1h , j = 5 . 8 hz ), 3 . 95 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 64 ( s , 2h ), 3 . 42 ( t , 21 , j = 7 . 2 hz ), 3 . 15 ( c , 2h , j = 6 . 6 hz ), 2 . 98 ( brs , 2h ), 2 . 61 ( brs , 2h ), 1 . 86 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 56 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 34 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 30 - 1 . 17 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 14 ( m , 2h ). 13 c - nmr ( cd 3 cl , 100 mhz , δ ppm ): 171 . 2 , 159 . 5 , 151 . 09 , 148 . 1 , 135 . 2 , 134 . 2 , 128 . 9 , 127 . 3 , 125 . 4 , 125 . 3 , 124 . 9 , 124 . 3 , 121 . 4 , 118 . 4 , 115 . 7 , 113 . 2 , 113 . 1 , 108 . 6 , 49 . 6 , 39 . 6 , 34 . 0 , 33 . 5 , 31 . 8 , 29 . 5 , 29 . 0 , 26 . 8 , 26 . 7 , 24 . 6 , 23 . 0 , 22 . 7 . esi - ms [ m + 1 , 79 br ] + 581 , [ m + 1 , 81 br ] + 583 . reagents : 5 - cyanoindole - 3 - propionic acid ( 111 mg , 0 . 52 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 10 ml ), 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazol ( 84 mg , 0 . 52 mmol ), and 6 - chloro - 9 -( 8 - aminoheptylamino ) 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroacridine ( 164 mg , 0 . 49 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography ( eluent : etoac / meoh 50 : 1 ). yellow solid . yield : 60 mg ( 22 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz , δ ppm ): 9 . 48 ( brs , 1h ), 7 . 89 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 87 ( d , 1h , j = 9 . 0 hz ), 7 . 82 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 1 hz ), 7 . 33 ( brs , 2h ), 7 . 23 ( dd , 1h , j = 9 . 0 hz , j = 2 , 1 hz ), 7 . 10 ( brs , 1h ), 5 . 70 ( t , 1h , j = 5 . 6 hz ), 4 . 00 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 44 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 2 hz ), 3 . 18 ( c , 2h , j = 6 . 6 hz ), 3 . 08 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 2 hz ), 2 . 98 ( brs , 2h ), 2 . 62 ( brs , 2h ), 2 . 52 ( t , 2h , j = 7 . 4 hz ), 1 . 88 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 58 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 42 - 1 . 24 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 40 - 1 . 24 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 23 - 1 . 18 ( m , 2h ). 13 c - nmr ( cd 3 cl , 100 mhz , δ ppm ): 172 . 5 , 159 . 7 , 151 . 2 , 148 . 3 , 138 . 3 , 135 . 3 , 134 . 42 , 127 . 6 , 127 . 4 , 125 . 0 , 124 . 9 , 124 . 7 , 124 . 6 , 124 . 4 , 121 . 1 , 118 . 7 , 116 . 2 , 116 . 1 , 112 . 4 , 102 . 5 , 49 . 6 , 39 . 6 , 37 . 6 , 34 . 2 , 31 . 9 , 29 . 8 , 26 . 7 , 24 . 9 , 23 . 2 , 22 . 9 , 21 . 3 . esi - ms [ m ] + 528 . reagents : 1 - methylindole - 3 - carboxylic acid ( 212 mg , 1 . 21 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 10 ml ), 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazol ( 197 mg , 1 . 21 mmol ), and 6 - chloro - 9 -( 8 - aminoheptylamino )- 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroacridine ( 400 mg , 1 . 16 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography ( eluent : etoac / meoh 50 : 1 ). yellow solid . yield : 45 mg ( 8 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz , δ ppm ): 7 . 88 ( d , 1h , j = 7 . 0 hz ), 7 . 86 ( d , 1h , j = 9 hz ), 7 . 84 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 3 hz ), 7 . 63 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 33 ( d , 1h , j = 7 . 0 hz ), 7 . 28 - 7 . 20 ( m , 3h , 5 . 97 ( t , 1h , j = 5 . 5 hz ), 3 . 9 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 44 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 99 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 62 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 87 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 59 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 36 ( m , 6h ). 13 c - nmr ( cd 3 cl , 100 mhz , δ ppm ): 165 . 3 , 159 . 7 , 150 . 9 , 148 . 3 , 137 . 3 , 134 . 0 , 132 . 4 , 127 . 7 , 125 . 3 , 124 . 7 , 124 . 3 , 122 . 6 , 121 . 5 , 120 . 0 , 118 . 5 , 115 . 9 , 111 . 1 , 110 . 2 , 49 . 7 , 39 . 5 , 34 . 2 , 33 . 4 , 31 . 8 , 30 . 0 , 29 . 1 , 27 . 0 , 26 . 9 , 24 . 7 , 23 . 0 , 22 . 8 . esi - ms [ m ] + 503 . reagents : indazole - 3 - carboxylic acid ( 162 mg , 1 . 00 mmol ), thf anhydrous ( 5 ml ), 1 , 1 ′- carbonyldiimidazol ( 170 mg , 1 . 05 mmol ), and 6 - chloro - 9 -( 8 - aminoheptylamino ) 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydroacridine ( 364 mg , 1 . 05 mmol ). purification : silica gel column chromatography ( eluent : etoac / meoh 50 : 1 ); yellow solid . yield : 6 mg ( 1 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz δ ppm ): 11 . 26 ( brs , 1h ), 8 . 34 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz ), 7 . 84 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 0 hz ), 7 . 82 ( d , 1h , j = 9 . 0 hz ), 7 . 43 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz ), 7 . 5 ( t , 1h , j = 7 hz ), 7 . 23 - 7 . 17 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 03 ( t , 1h , j = 5 . 5 hz ), 3 . 9 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 42 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 96 ( brs , 2h ), 2 . 58 ( brs , 2h ), 1 . 82 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 57 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 32 ( m , 6h ). 13 c - nmr ( cd 3 cl , 100 mhz , δ ppm ): 162 . 9 , 159 . 6 , 151 . 1 , 148 . 2 , 141 . 5 , 139 . 6 , 134 . 2 , 127 . 5 , 127 . 4 , 124 . 8 , 124 . 4 , 122 . 9 , 122 . 8 , 122 . 1 , 118 . 5 , 115 . 8 , 109 . 9 , 49 . 7 , 39 . 0 , 34 . 1 , 31 . 8 , 29 . 8 , 29 . 1 , 26 . 9 , 26 . 8 , 24 . 7 , 23 . 0 , 22 . 7 . esi - ms [ m ] + 490 . the indole - tacrine carbamate derivatives were synthesized following a similar method to that reported in the literature : bruce , a . ; spangle , l . a . ; kaldor , s . w . ; tetrahedron letters , 1996 , 7 , 937 - 940 . the synthetic strategy is summarized in scheme 2 . to a solution of 2 -( 1h - indol - 3 - yl )- ethanol ( 1600 mg , 9 . 92 mmol ), in n - methyl morpholine ( 2000 m g , 19 . 84 mmol ), was added p - nitrophenyl chloroformate ( 4000 mg , 19 . 84 mmol ), and the mixture was stirred for 24 hours at room temperature . water was added and the mixture extracted with dichloromethane . evaporation of the solvent gave a residue which was purified by silica gel column chromatography using a mixture of dcm / hx ( 3 : 1 ) as eluent to produce 1034 mg ( 32 %) of the title compound as a yellow solid . to a solution of the carbonic acid 2 -( 1h - indol - 3 - yl )- ethyl ester 4 - nitro - phenyl ester , was added a solution of the corresponding alkylaminotetrahydroacridine in dmf , in presence of dmap , and the resulting mixture was stirred for 24 hours at room temperature . after evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure water was added and the mixture extracted with dichloromethane . evaporation of the solvent gave a residue which was purified by silica gel column chromatography as indicated bellow for each case . reagents : n1 -( 6 - chloro - 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydro - acridin - 9 - yl )- pentane - 1 , 5 - diamine ( 500 mg , 1 . 58 mmol ), carbonic acid 2 -( 1h - indol - 3 - yl )- ethyl ester 4 - nitro - phenyl ester ( 260 mg 0 . 79 mmol ), dmap ( 1930 mg , 1 . 58 mmol ). purification : silica gel chromatography using dcm / meoh ( 7 : 0 . 5 ) as eluent . yield : 126 mg ( 32 %). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz , δ ppm ): 8 . 51 ( brs , 1h ), 7 . 86 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 57 ( m , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz ), 7 . 28 ( m , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz ), 7 . 21 - 7 . 23 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 14 - 7 . 10 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 07 - 7 . 03 ( m , 1h ), 6 . 97 - 6 . 82 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 77 ( brs , 1h ), 4 . 33 - 4 . 30 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 04 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 14 - 3 . 13 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 05 - 2 . 98 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 58 ( brs , 2h ), 1 . 87 - 1 . 83 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 62 - 1 . 61 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 49 - 1 . 47 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 37 - 1 . 36 ( m , 2h ). 13 c - nmr ( cd 3 cl , 100 mhz , δ ppm ): 165 . 7 , 159 . 4 , 151 . 3 , 1 . 47 . 7 , 136 . 5 , 134 . 6 , 127 . 7 , 127 . 0 , 124 . 9 , 124 . 6 , 122 . 3 , 122 . 1 , 119 . 4 , 118 . 9 , 118 . 3 , 116 . 3 , 115 . 8 , 112 . 2 , 49 . 5 , 40 . 8 , 33 . 7 , 31 . 5 , 30 . 0 , 25 . 4 , 24 . 7 , 24 . 2 , 23 . 0 , 22 . 7 . reagents : n1 -( 6 - chloro - 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydro - acridin - 9 - yl )- hexane - 1 , 6 - d amine ( 610 mg , 1 . 84 mmol ), carbonic acid 2 -( 1h - indol - 3 - yl )- ethyl ester 4 - nitro - phenyl ester ( 300 mg , 0 . 92 mmol ), dmap ( 225 mg , 1 . 84 mmol ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz , δ ppm ): 8 . 25 ( brs , 1h ), 7 . 90 - 7 . 87 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 62 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz ), 7 . 34 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz ), 7 . 30 - 7 . 25 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 20 - 7 . 16 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 13 - 7 . 08 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 03 - 7 . 02 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 67 ( brs , 1h ), 4 . 36 - 4 . 33 ( m , 2h , 3 . 46 ( bs , 2h ), 3 . 17 - 3 . 03 ( m , 6h ), 2 . 66 ( brs , 2h ), 1 . 92 - 1 . 90 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 66 - 1 . 33 ( m , 6h ). 13 c - nmr ( cd 3 cl , 100 mhz , δ ppm ): 159 . 5 , 156 . 7 , 150 . 7 , 148 . 0 , 136 . 1 , 134 . 0 , 127 . 5 , 124 . 5 , 124 . 2 , 122 . 0 , 119 . 3 , 118 . 7 , 118 . 3 , 115 . 7 , 112 . 1 , 111 . 1 , 65 . 0 , 49 . 4 , 40 . 6 , 34 . 0 , 31 . 6 , 30 . 0 , 26 . 4 , 26 . 3 , 25 . 2 , 24 . 5 , 23 . 0 , 22 . 6 . reagents : n1 -( 6 - chloro - 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrahydro - acridin - 9 - yl )- heptane - 1 , 7 - diamine ( 344 mg , 1 . 0 mmol ), carbonic acid 2 -( 1h - indol - 3 - yl )- ethyl ester 4 - nitro - phenyl ester ( 166 mg , 0 . 5 mmol ), dmap ( 122 mg , 1 . 0 mmol ). purification : chromatography purification using dcm / meoh ( 7 : 0 . 5 ) as eluent . yield : 70 mg ( 40 %) crystalline solid , colour amber . 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 , 400 mhz , δ ppm ): 8 . 25 ( brs , 1h ), 7 . 90 - 7 . 88 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 62 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz ), 7 . 34 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 0 hz ), 7 . 30 - 7 . 25 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 20 - 7 . 15 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 13 - 7 . 08 , ( m , 1h ), 7 . 03 - 7 . 02 ( m , 1h , 4 . 71 ( brs , 1h ), 4 . 35 - 4 . 32 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 5 - 3 . 45 ( n , 2h ), 3 . 11 - 3 . 12 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 09 - 3 . 06 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 03 ( brs , 2h ), 2 . 64 ( brs , 2h ), 1 . 91 - 1 . 88 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 64 - 1 . 60 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 47 - 1 . 44 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 31 - 1 . 25 ( m , 6h ). 13 c - nmr ( cd 3 cl , 100 mhz , δ ppm ): 159 . 6 , 156 . 9 , 151 . 2 , 148 . 2 , 136 . 4 , 134 . 3 , 127 . 7 , 127 . 5 , 124 . 9 , 124 . 5 , 122 . 3 , 122 . 2 , 119 . 0 , 118 . 5 , 115 . 8 , 112 . 3 , 111 . 4 , 65 . 1 , 49 . 8 , 41 . 1 , 34 . 0 , 31 . 9 , 30 . 2 , 29 . 2 , 27 . 0 , 26 . 7 , 25 . 4 , 24 . 7 , 23 . 1 , 22 . 8 . the n -[ 2 - 3 ( indolyl ) ethyl ]- 6 - chlorotacrine having a short linker was synthesized following the reported method ( ming - kuan , h . u . and jiajiu , s . wo 01 / 17529 ) and its characterization by 1h nmr and 13 c nmr was in agreement with that in the literature ( same reference ). ache inhibitory activity was evaluated at 30 ° c . by the colorimetric method reported by ellman [ ellman , g . l . ; courtney , k . d . ; andres , b . ; featherstone , r . m . biochem . pharmacol . 1961 , 7 , 88 - 95 ]. the assay solution consisted of 0 . 1 m phosphate buffer ph 8 , 0 . 3 mm 5 , 5 ′- dithiobis ( 2 - nitrobenzoic acid ) ( dtnb , ellman &# 39 ; s reagent ), 0 . 02 unit ache ( sigma chemical co . from bovine erythrocytes ), and 0 . 5 mm acetylthiocholine iodide as the substrate of the enzymatic reaction . the compounds tested were added to the assay solution and pre incubated with the enzyme for 5 min at 30 ° c . after that period , the substrate was added . the absorbance changes at 405 nm were recorded for 5 min with a microplate reader digiscan 340t , the reaction rates were compared , and the percent inhibition due to the presence of test compounds was calculated . the reaction rate was calculated with , at least , triplicate measurements , and the percent inhibition due to the presence of test compound was calculated relative to the compound - free control . the compound concentration producing 50 % of ache inhibition ( ic 50 ) was determined . the results shown in table 1 . buche inhibitory activity was evaluated at 30 ° c . by the colorimetric method reported by ellman . the assay solution consisted of 0 . 01 unit buche from human serum , 0 . 1 m sodium phosphate buffer ph 8 , 0 . 3 mm 5 , 5 ′- dithiobis ( 2 - nitrobenzoic acid ) ( dtnb , ellman &# 39 ; s reagent ), and 0 . 5 mm butyrylthiocholine iodide as the substrate of the enzymatic reaction . enzyme activity was determined by measuring the absorbance at 405 nm during 5 minutes with a microplate reader digiscan 340t . the tested compounds were preincubated with the enzyme for 10 minutes at 30 ° c . the reaction rate was calculated with , at least , triplicate measurements . the ic 50 is defined as the concentration of each compound that reduces a 50 % the enzymatic activity with respect to that without inhibitor . the results are shown in table 1 . the cytotoxicity effect of the molecules was tested in the human neuroblastoma cell line sh - sy5y . these cells were cultured in 96 - well plates in dulbecco &# 39 ; s mod eagle medium , supplemented with 10 % fetal bovine serum and 1 % penicillin / streptomycin , and grown in a 5 % co 2 humidified incubator at 37 ° c . the cells were plated at 10 4 cells for each well , at least , 48 hours before the toxicity measure . cells were exposed for 24 hours to the compounds at different concentrations ( from 10 − 5 to 10 − 9 ), quantitative assessment of cell death was made by measurement of the intracellular enzyme lactate dehydrogenase ( ldh ) ( citotoxicity detection kit , roche ). the quantity of ldh was evaluated in a microplate reader anthos 2010 , at 492 and 620 nm . controls were taken as 100 % viability . the results are shown in table 1 . propidium exhibits an increase in fluorescence on binding to ache peripheral site , making it a useful probe for competitive ligand binding to the enzime . fluorescence was measured in a fluostar optima plate reader ( bmg ). measurements were carried out in 100 μl solution volume , in 96 - well plates . the buffer used wad 1 mm tris / hcl , ph 8 . 0 . 10 μm ache was incubated , at least 6 hours , with the molecules at different concentrations . 20 μm propidium iodide was added 10 min before fluorescence measurement . the excitation wavelength was 485 nm , and that of emission , 620 nm . the results are shown in table 1 . the generation of ache - aβ complexes were carried out as described previously [ alvarez , a et al . j . neurosci ., 1998 , 18 , 3213 - 3223 ; muñoz , f . j . ; inestrosa , n . c . febs let ., 1999 , 450 , 205 - 209 ]. stock solutions of aβ 1 - 40 ( rpeptide , georgia usa ) at 3 . 5 mm were dissolved in pbs ( ph 7 . 4 ) after hfip treatment to obtain monomeric starting material , according to manufacture &# 39 ; s recommendations . for co - incubation experiments , 0 . 1 mm of peptide was mixed with human recombinant acetylcholinesterase ( huache , sigma - aldrich ), in the same buffer at molar ratio aβ : huache 200 : 1 , and stirred for 48 hours in a microtiter plate at room temperature . the fibrils obtained were characterized by congo red ( cr ) binding . for the inhibition of β - amyloid aggregation , the compounds tested were used at the ic 50 defined in the previous paragraph of the biological evaluation , 50 μm propidium iodide was used as reference [ inestrosa , n . c et al ., j . neuron , 1996 , 16 , 881 - 891 ]. to quantify the amount of fibrils aggregated , the binding to cr was done as described [ klunk , w e . ; pettegrew , j w . ; abraham , d j . j . hystochem cytochem ., 1989 , 8 , 1293 - 1297 ]. briefly , 5 . 5 μl aliquot of the aggregation mixture was added to 132 μl of a 25 μm cr solution ( 100 mm phosphate buffer ph 7 . 4 , 150 mm nacl ), and incubated for 30 minutes at room temperature . absorbance was measured at 480 and 540 nm and the molarity of aggregates calculated by cr ( m )=( a 540 / 25295 )−( a 480 / 46306 ). in the conditions above described , the indol compound derivative &# 39 ; s 3 and 8 showed a 15 % and 17 % reduction respectively , in the β - amyloid - huache aggregation complex . the peripheral inhibitor propidium iodide used as reference did show a 10 % reduction .	2
the heating device shown in fig1 , 2 and 3 comprises a lid 21 which can be coupled to a pan 18 . the lid 21 is rotatably mounted in a cover 5 and is provided to this end at its circumference with a bearing ring 16 which can rotate in the cover 5 about a rotation axis 19 and which is positioned inside the cover 5 in the axial direction by , inter alia , an edge 17 . the edge 17 protects the underside of the lid 21 , preventing a user from accidentally touching the hot parts of the lid 21 . six springs 30 are provided on the lid 21 for coupling the pan 18 to the lid 21 , which springs are provided , at their loose ends with a hook 29 which can grip around an upper edge of the pan 18 ( in fig1 , the springs 30 on the left - hand side of the figure have been drawn in a position which is rotated about thirty degrees for the sake of clarity ). as the lid 21 is pressed onto the pan 18 , the upper edge of the pan 18 presses the hooks aside until these hooks 29 fall around the upper edge and grip the pan 18 securely in such a manner that the pan 18 and the lid 21 are coupled . a resilient ring 20 is placed between the pan 18 and the lid 21 as a seal . this resilient ring 20 and the springs 30 are designed such that the hooks 29 can engage with the upper edge when the ring 20 is pressed , following which the ring 20 presses the upper edge downward in such a manner that the latter is pressed down against the hook 29 . on that side of the lid 21 which faces the pan 18 , a coiled heating element 23 is arranged , as well as a fan 24 . the fan 24 is attached to a shaft 25 of a motor 7 . a grid 22 is arranged on the underside of the lid 21 on order to protect the heating element 23 and the fan 24 . this grid 22 preferably consists of small - meshed gauze made of thin metal wire , so that a good permeability is ensured for the infra - red radiation emanating from the heating element 23 . the grid 22 can be detached from the lid 21 for ease of cleaning . in the embodiment shown , the lid 21 is made of metal , but it is likewise possible to use other materials . during switching on of the heating element 23 the lid 21 heats up , resulting in an increase in its diameter . an expansion rim 15 is provided between the part of the lid 21 which becomes hot and the bearing ring 16 which can absorb the increase in diameter of the heated part of the lid 21 so that the bearing play between the bearing ring 16 and the cover 5 does not become too small . before the pan 18 can be detached from the lid 21 , the six hooks 29 have to be moved outwards simultaneously . in order to achieve this , a ring 14 rests on the springs 30 , the springs 30 being shaped in such a manner that the hooks 29 move outwards when the ring 14 is pressed downwards . the springs 30 and the ring 14 rotate with the lid 21 . the ring 14 has a flat top surface which moves under push - buttons 1 when the lid 21 rotates . by means of the push - buttons 1 , the ring 14 can be pushed down as a result of which the hooks 29 move outwards and the pan 18 is detached from the lid 21 and the lid 21 , together with the cover 5 can be lifted off the pan 18 . the push - buttons 1 are pushed upwards by the springs 30 and the ring 14 . the upward movement of the push - button 1 in the cover 5 is limited by a pin 2 . handles 33 are arranged in the cover 5 for easy operation of the push - buttons 1 . the motor 7 can rotate with respect to the lid 21 , for which purpose a bearing ring 26 is incorporated in the lid 21 , enabling this rotation . the motor 7 is clamped inside a holder 8 by means of a clamp 34 . the holder 8 is coupled to the cover 5 by supports 4 . the heating element 23 is fastened to the underside of the motor 7 and a supply lead 10 for the heating element 23 runs to a switch 13 via the underside of the motor 7 . a supply lead 9 for the motor 7 also runs to the switch 13 . the motor 7 is also used for rotating the lid 21 inside the cover 5 . to this end , a pulley 6 is arranged on the shaft 25 at the top of the motor 7 . a drive belt 3 is tensioned around the pulley 6 and also runs around a disc 36 . the disc 36 is mounted on a shaft 31 which can rotate at the top in a bearing ( not shown ) mounted in the cover 5 . at its bottom , the shaft 31 is provided with a drive roll 37 which is pressed against the bearing ring 16 by a spring 32 . by selecting the diameters of the pulley 6 , the disc 36 and the drive roll 37 , the speed of rotation of the lid 12 and thus of the pan 18 can be selected . the cover 5 is provided with two supports 28 which are dimensioned such that there is a distance a between the supports and a table when the rotation axis 19 is vertical and the pan 18 is on the table and clamped securely by the hooks 29 . after tilting , when a rotation axis 19 of the pan 18 is horizontal , the supports 28 rest on the table by means of a support plate 27 and a support plate 38 and the pan 18 can rotate freely . in order to facilitate the tilting , a handle 35 is provided on the cover 5 . it will be clear that it is also possible to have embodiments where the supports 28 and the support plates 27 and 38 are designed in such a manner that the rotation axis 18 is not at an angle of ninety degrees to the vertical when the support plates 27 and 38 rest on the table , but are at another angle , different from zero . a sensor 11 is arranged in the cover 5 for detecting this tilted position in which the pan 18 can rotate freely . when the sensor 11 detects the tilted position , the heating element 23 , the fan 24 and thus the rotational drive of the pan 18 can be switched on . in use , the pan 18 described above is filled with food to be heated , coupled to the lid 21 , and subsequently the pan 18 is tilted . then , the heating element 23 , the fan 24 and the drive of the lid 21 are switched on and the food is heated . after a few minutes , when the food is cooked , the heating element 23 , the fan 24 and the drive of the lid 21 are switched off , the pan 18 is put on the table . subsequently , the push - buttons 1 are pushed in , as a result of which the hooks 29 move outwards and the cover 5 can be lifted from the pan 18 . the heated food can then be taken out of the pan 18 . it has been assumed in the embodiment shown that the pan 18 rotates continuously in the same direction . in a situation where the direction of rotation of the pan 18 vary and the rotation in one direction is in each case limited , the motor 7 can be securely mounted in the lid 21 , while the supply leads 9 and 10 can run directly to the motor . in this case , however , a sensor and / or switch in order to limit the rotation is required . one possible embodiment may feature a reverse clutch between a motor and the pan 18 , the sensor switching the reverse clutch and thereby reversing the rotational direction of the pan 18 . optionally , the drive for the pan 18 and the fan 24 are designed as separate units and there are two motors which can be operated independently . as a result , the use of the pulley 6 , the disc 36 and the drive belt 3 is redundant , resulting in fewer failures . the pan 18 may have a diameter of between 20 and 60 cm and a depth of 15 to 30 cm . the speed of rotation of the pan 18 is approximately 10 revolutions per minute , if desired between 5 and 15 revolutions per minute . optionally , the supports 28 of the device are designed such that , during the heating , the pan rotates about an axis which is at an angle to the horizontal plane , for example an angle of thirty degrees , so that the food partially rests against the side wall and on the bottom of the pan 18 during heating . the pan 18 may be made of heat - resistant glass . the surface of the glass is preferably metallized or the glass is made to be reflective in another way , so that the infra - red radiation from the heating element 23 reflects on the pan 18 and further heats the food present in the pan 18 . other embodiments are likewise possible , such as a metal pan or also a basket . in one embodiment , the pan 18 or basket , respectively , may be provided with partitions , which may be removable , if desired . in that case , different kinds of food are placed in the various compartments of the pan 18 , which can be heated separately . indentations 12 may be provided in order to be able to pick up the pan easily . these indentations may also be useful for moving the food in the pan 18 , as these indentations interrupt any possible sliding of the food , so that it starts to “ roll ” and is better heated on all sides . in the embodiment shown , a simple switch 13 is shown for operating the device . obviously , the device may also be provided with features which prevent overheating of the heating element 23 and it is also possible to design the device to have a programmable controller , a timer and other features known for the use of the device in the preparation of meals . it will be clear to those skilled in the art , that the abovementioned cover 5 may be moved by a manipulator which , for example , forms part of a machine for heating food , rather than by a cook . once the food has been place in the pan 18 , if desired automatically , the cover 5 and the pan 18 are coupled by the manipulator and subsequently also tilted . after heating , the pan 18 and the cover 5 are uncoupled by displacing the ring 14 using a drive fitted into the cover 5 for this purpose . the pan 18 is removed and automatically emptied , if desired , into a small tray which can be taken out of the machine . the machine may be provided with a payment system with selection means , so that an individual may , after payment , have a portion of food heated in the machine , with the machine carrying out the heating in the manner described above . fig4 shows a second embodiment of the heating device , in which most components are more or less identical to the components of the first exemplary embodiment . in the second embodiment , the cover 5 is pivotably attached between two supporting legs 43 by means of , inter alia , a hinge 40 . the supporting legs 43 are attached to a baseplate 45 which may be placed on a worktop , for example . a fastening eye 41 is fixed to the cover 5 and a fastening eye 44 is fixed to the baseplate 45 . a spring 42 is arranged between the fastening eyes 41 and 44 , which spring is designed such that the cover 5 with all the components attached to it , and the pan 18 are tilted upwards by the effect of the spring force of the spring 42 , in such a manner that the rotation axis 19 of the pan is at an angle with the vertical , as indicated in fig4 . positioning projections 46 are fitted on the baseplate 45 into which the pan 18 ′, indicated in fig4 by a broken line , can be placed . when using the heating device according to fig4 , the pan 18 , which is filled with the foodstuffs to be heated , is placed on the baseplate 45 between the positioning projections 46 . by pulling the handle 35 , the cover 5 is pressed downwards until the hooks 29 grip around the rim of the pan 18 and the pan 18 is coupled to the cover 5 . the force of the spring 42 lifts the pan 18 up until the rotation axis 19 of the pan is at an angle to the vertical . then , the heating device is switched on , as described above . once the foodstuffs are sufficiently heated , the pan is pressed between the positioning projections 46 again and the hooks are pressed outwards by pressing the buttons 1 , causing the pan 18 to be detached from the cover 5 . the cover 5 can now move upwards again and the pan 18 with the heated foodstuffs can be removed . it will be clear to those skilled in the art , that the hooks 29 , the positioning projections 46 and the other components are designed such that the cover 5 is able to make this tilting movement . if desired , the pan can slide over the baseplate 45 during the movement or the hinge 40 is designed such that restricted horizontal movements of the cover 5 are possible .	0
the component ( a ) used in the present invention may be a product chemically synthesized . however , an extract of a natural substance containing this component , particularly , a plant may be used . examples of the plant include coffee , onion , radish , lemon , moroheiya , cnidium officinale makino , angelica acutiloba kitagawa , pine , captis japonica makino , asafetida , sugarcane , corn , barley and rice . caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid may also be extracted from a plant such as green beans of coffee , leaves of nandin or an immature fruit of apple . for example , an acid obtained by extraction of seeds of coffea arabica linne , rubiaceae with hot water or with an aqueous solution of ascorbic acid or citric acid under heating may be used . ferulic acid is a compound contained , as an ester thereof , in natural substances , particularly plants such as rice and adlay and may be obtained as a purified product from such a plant or a synthesized product industrially obtained . a ferulic ester is obtained in a hydrous ethanol fraction after rice bran oil obtained from rice bran is partitioned with hydrous ethanol and hexane at room temperature under weakly alkaline conditions . ferulic acid can be obtained by hydrolyzing the ferulic ester obtained by the above - described process with sulfuric acid with heating under pressure and purifying the resultant hydrolyzate or by culturing pseudomonas in a medium containing clove oil from buds and leaves of syzygium aromaticum merrill et perry , myrtaceae by steam distillation , or eugenol obtained by purifying the clove oil and subjecting the medium to isolation and purification . when ferulic acid is prepared by chemical synthesis , it may be prepared by , for example , a condensation reaction of vanillin and malonic acid ( journal of american chemical society , 74 , 5346 , 1952 ). incidentally , stereoisomers exist in caffeic acid , chlorogenic acid , ferulic acid or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof . however , pure stereoisomers or a mixture thereof may be used in the present invention . the term “ chlorogenic acid ” in the present specification means chlorogenic acid or a derivative thereof and designates 3 - caffeoylquinic acid , 4 - caffeoylquinic acid , 5 - caffeoylquinic acid , 3 , 4 - dicaffeoylquinic acid , 3 , 5 - dicaffeoylquinic acid , 4 , 5 - dicaffeoylquinic acid , 3 - feruloylquinic acid , 4 - feruloylquinic acid , 5 - feruloylquinic acid , 3 - feruloyl - 4 - caffeoylquinic acid or a mixture thereof . esters of caffeic acid , chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid include those naturally contained in natural substances , particularly , plants , those obtained by conversion by a chemical treatment upon extraction and / or fractionation and those chemically modified . specific examples thereof include esters with an alcohol having 1 to 40 carbon atoms , i . e ., ester compounds with a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl alcohol , allyl alcohol , terpene alcohol , sterol or trimethylsterol , and esters with plant sterol . as with ferulic acid , their corresponding esters of caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid may be used . the solubility of caffeic acid , chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid in water can be improved by providing them in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt , and their physiological effectiveness can be enhanced . examples of a basic substance used for forming such a salt include inorganic bases such as alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxides , for example , such as lithium hydroxide , sodium hydroxide , potassium hydroxide , magnesium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide ; and ammonium hydroxide ; and organic bases , such as basic amino acids such as arginine , lysine , histidine and ornithine ; and monoethanolamine , diethanolamine and triethanolamine , with the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxides being particularly preferred . the agents according to the present invention may be formulated either by preparing such a salt and adding the salt to other components , or by separately adding a salt - forming component and a component to be formed into a salt to other components to react them in the formulation system . two or more of the above - described compounds may be used in combination as the component ( a ) according to the present invention . in the agent according to the present invention for preventing , improving or treating hypertension , the component ( a ) may be contained in a proportion of 0 . 001 to 5 % by weight ( hereinafter indicated merely by “%”), preferably 0 . 005 to 5 %, more preferably 0 . 005 to 1 %, particularly preferably 0 . 01 to 1 %. as the component ( b ) used in the present invention , the central nervous system stimulating components serve to stimulate the central nervous system to induce an exciting effect and are preferably selected from the group consisting of heat components of ginger , red pepper , pepper and the like . ginger , red pepper and pepper are known as spice . as ginger , red pepper and pepper , plants belonging to zingiberaceae , capsicum and piperaceae , respectively , are used . with respect to the heat components of these plants , cinerol , zingerone , zingerol , shogaol and the like are contained in a proportion of 0 . 6 to 10 % in ginger , capsaicin and the like are contained in a proportion of about 20 % in red pepper , and piperine or the like are contained in a proportion of about 6 to 13 % in pepper . these heat components may be either extracts obtained by solvent extraction making use of an organic solvent or the like , or commercially available products . two or more of these heat components may be used in combination . when the component ( b ) is a central nervous system stimulating component , it is preferably contained in a proportion of 0 . 001 to 1 %, particularly 0 . 005 to 0 . 5 % in the agent according to the present invention for preventing , improving or treating hypertension . specific examples of the food fibers as the component ( b ) used in the present invention include wheat bran composed of exodermis ( testa and embryo ) prepared by sieving in a milling process of wheat , beet fibers prepared by sieving after grinding of beet pulp , corn fibers prepared by purifying an exodermis division obtained from a wet milling process of corn flour , apple fibers prepared by drying pulp ( residue after squeezing of juice , and the like ) derived from an apple fruit , cellulose prepared by hydrolyzing pulp and then purified and drying the hydrolyzate , hardly digestible dextrin prepared by partially hydrolyzing starch , further hydrolyzing the partial hydrolyzate with amylase and then decoloring and desalting the hydrolyzate , a decomposed product of guar gum prepared by subjecting guar gum taken out of guar , which is a leguminous plant in an indian region , to an enzymatic treatment , thyrium testa prepared by grinding testa and exodermis of a plant of plataginaceae , alginic acid extracted from tang or low molecular sodium alginate prepared by heating and hydrolyzing alginic acid to lower the molecular weight of alginic acid , thereby enhancing the solubility thereof , chitin which is a basic polysaccharide purified by treating a crab shell or the like , or chitosan obtained by leaving the acetyl groups in chitin to make soluble in an acid solution , glucomannan purified by grinding a tuberous root of devil &# 39 ; s - tongue to remove starch and washing the resultant devil &# 39 ; s - tongue flour with alcohol or water , and lignin which is a phenolic high molecular compound prepared as it is from pulp , hull or bran of cacao or other plants , or from a product obtained by subjecting it to a physiochemical treatment or chemical pretreatment . carrageenan , agar , xanthan gum , durane gum , pullulan , pectin , methyl cellulose , which are generally used in food , may also be mentioned . as the food fibers , are particularly preferred chitosan , lignin , hardly digestible dextrin , alginic acid and low molecular sodium alginate . two or more of these food fibers may be used in combination . when the component ( b ) is food fiber , a drink or food is preferably provided . when the component ( b ) is food fiber , it is preferably contained in a proportion of 0 . 1 to 20 %, particularly 0 . 5 to 10 % in the agent according to the present invention for preventing , improving or treating hypertension . examples of the extracts of perennial evergreen leaves of the genus camellia , theaceae as the component ( b ) used in the present invention include parched ( chinese style ) green tea and roasted ( japanese style ) green tea as unfermented tea , hoshu tea and oolong tea as semi - fermented tea , and black tea ( leaf , broken , etc .) as fermented tea . examples of the extract of eucommia ulmoides oliver include those produced by subjecting leaves collected from eucommia ulmoides oliver , eucommiae to solar drying and roasting . these extracts are preferably extracts with water or an organic solvent . examples of the organic solvent include methanol , ethanol , acetic acid , ethyl acetate , n - hexane , acetone , benzene , petroleum ether and chloroform . extracts with ethanol or water are more preferred . the extracts may be used as it is . however , concentrates obtained by partially removing the solvent , or powders obtained by removing the solvent may be used . two or more of these extracts may be used in combination . the extracts of eucommia ulmoides oliver and oolong tea are preferred . a preferred combination with the component ( a ) includes a combination of ferulic acid and the extract of oolong tea or eucommia ulmoides oliver , and a combination of ferulic acid and the extract of oolong tea is more preferred from the viewpoint of easy drinking in view of continuous use or intake . when the component ( b ) is one of these extracts , it is contained in a proportion of 0 . 1 to 10 %, particularly 1 to 5 % in terms of solids in the agent according to the present invention for preventing , improving or treating hypertension . examples of the organic acids having a molecular weight of 60 to 300 as the component ( b ) used in the present invention include carboxylic acids , hydroxycarboxylic acids , polycarboxylic acids , keto - carboxylic acids and the like from the viewpoint of structure , and specific examples thereof include acetic acid , lactic acid , citric acid , gluconic acid , fumaric acid , α - ketoglutaric acid , succinic acid , glycolic acid , malic acid , tartaric acid , pyruvic acid and malonic acid . as the organic acids , are preferred other organic acid than citric acid . those naturally contained in natural substances , particularly , plants , those converted by a chemical -* treatment upon extraction and / or fractionation and those * chemically modified are also included . examples of those derived from the natural substances include brewed vinegar prescribed in the japanese agricultural standard and extracts thereof . the term “ brewed vinegar ” as used herein means vinegar made by acetic acid fermentation , and specific examples thereof include grain vinegar using rice or other grains as a raw material , for example , grain vinegar called “ black vinegar ” made by stationary brewing by a single - stage fermentation making use of brown rice and koji as raw materials , fruit vinegar making use of apple , grape or any other fruit , and other brewed vinegar than grain vinegar and fruit vinegar . fruit juices or extracts thereof may also be used . specific examples thereof include juices of fruits such as orange , mandarin orange , apple , grape , pineapple , peach , grapefruit , lemon , japanese pear , pear , japanese apricot , navel orange , strawberry , passion fruits , melon , lime , guava , apricot , shikuwassha , kabosu orange , shaddock , iyokan orange , hassaku orange , cranberry , banana , japanese plum , mango , kiwi fruit , persimmon and aserora , mixed juices and concentrates thereof , and extracts thereof with water , ethanol , methanol , acetic acid , chloroform , dichloromethane , ethyl acetate , n - hexane , acetone , benzene , petroleum ether , ether or the like . extracts with water or ethanol are particularly preferred . two or more of these organic acids may be used in combination . when the component ( b ) is an organic acid having a molecular weight of 60 to 300 , it is contained in a proportion of 0 . 0005 to 10 %, particularly 0 . 001 to 6 % in the agent according to the present invention for preventing , improving or treating hypertension . examples of the sugar alcohols as the component ( b ) used in the present invention include those naturally contained in natural substances , particularly , plants , those converted by a chemical treatment upon extraction and / or fractionation and those chemically modified . specific examples of the sugar alcohols used include those obtained by reducing the carbonyl groups in monosaccharides , oligosaccharides , polysaccharides and the like to convert them to their corresponding alcohols . specific examples of monosaccharide alcohols include erythritol which is a sugar alcohol of a tetrose , xylitol from a pentose , and sorbitol and mannitol from a hexose , which are selected by fermentationally decomposing glucose with yeast . specific examples of oligosaccharide alcohols include parathinit ( reduced parathinose ), maltitol ( reduced maltose ) and lactitol of disaccharide sugars , and branched oligosaccharide alcohols . specific examples of polysaccharide alcohols include reduced dextrin used as reduced starch syrup . among these , erythritol , xylitol , maltitol , parathinit , reduced dextrin and branched oligosaccharide alcohols are preferred . two or more of these sugar alcohols may be used in combination . when the component ( b ) is a sugar alcohol , it is contained in a proportion of 0 . 1 to 70 %, particularly 1 to 50 % in the agent according to the present invention for preventing , improving or treating hypertension . when the agent according to the present invention for preventing , improving or treating hypertension is used as a medicine , a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier may be added to the above - described active components to prepare an oral or parenteral composition . forms of the oral composition include tablets , granules , grains , pills , powder , capsules ( including hard capsules and soft capsules ), troches , chewable preparations and solutions ( drinks ). on the other hand , forms of the parenteral composition include intravenously administering preparations such as injections , suppositories , and external skin care preparations . when the agent according to the present invention for preventing , improving or treating hypertension is used as a food , other food stuffs may be added to the active ingredients of the components ( a ) and ( b ). examples of the food include drinks and foods , and foods for specific health , such as drinks such as juice and coffee ; liquid foods such as soup ; emulsion or paste foods such as milk or curry ; semisolid foods such as jelly or gumi ; solid foods such as gum , bean curd or supplement ; powdered foods ; and oil - containing foods such as margarine , mayonnaise and dressing . drinks are particularly preferred . the effective dose of the agent according to the present invention for preventing , improving or treating hypertension per day for an adult ( body weight : 60 kg ) is as follows : when the component ( b ) is a central nervous system stimulating component , caffeic acid , chlorogenic acid , ferulic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is preferred as the component ( a ). the component ( a ) is preferably ingested in a dose of 0 . 001 to 10 g , particularly 0 . 01 to 5 g , while the central nervous system stimulating component is preferably ingested in a dose of 0 . 0001 to 1 g , particularly 0 . 001 to 0 . 5 g . when the component ( b ) is food fiber , the component ( a ) is preferably ingested in a dose of 0 . 001 to 10 g , particularly 0 . 005 to 5 g , and the food fiber is preferably ingested in a dose of 0 . 1 to 50 g , particularly 1 to 10 g . when the component ( b ) is an extract of perennial evergreen leaves of the genus camellia , theaceae , or eucommia ulmoides oliver , eucommiae , the component ( a ) is preferably ingested in a dose of 0 . 001 to 10 g , particularly 0 . 005 to 5 g , and the extract is preferably ingested in a dose of 0 . 01 to 50 g , particularly 0 . 05 to 10 g in terms of solids . when the component ( b ) is an organic acid having a molecular weight of 60 to 300 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof , the component ( a ) is preferably ingested in a dose of 0 . 0001 to 5 g , particularly 0 . 0005 to 1 g in terms of ferulic acid , and the organic acid or the like is preferably ingested in a dose of 0 . 0001 to 5 g , particularly 0 . 0005 to 1 g in terms of citric acid . when the component ( b ) is a sugar alcohol , the component ( a ) is preferably ingested in a dose of 0 . 001 to 10 g , particularly 0 . 005 to 5 g , and the sugar alcohol is preferably ingested in a dose of 0 . 1 to 50 g , particularly 1 to 20 g . the blood pressure of each of male spontaneous hypertensive rats ( shr ) was preliminarily continuously measured for 7 days by means of a commercially available non - invasive sphygmomanometer ( manufactured by softlon co . ), thereby fully accustoming the rats to the sphygmomanometry , and an evaluation test was then started . all the rats were bred ( in a breeding chamber in a rat zone ) under conditions of a temperature of 25 ± 1 ° c ., a relative humidity of 55 ± 10 % and a lighting time of 12 hours ( from 7 a . m . to 7 p . m .). six or eight shrs were used as a group . the systolic blood pressure of a tail artery of each rat was measured after 4 weeks from the beginning of the test . the thus - obtained test results were expressed by a mean and standard error to conduct a student &# 39 ; s t - test . a level of significance was defined as at most 5 %. in control group , drinking water and a commercially available powdered feed were freely ingested . in comparative group 1 , a solution with ferulic acid ( product of wako pure chemical industries , ltd .) added to water at a concentration of 0 . 2 % was used as drinking water , and a commercially available powdered feed was freely ingested . in test group 1 , a solution with caffeic acid ( product of wako pure chemical industries , ltd .) added to water at a concentration of 0 . 2 % was used as drinking water , and a feed with capsaicin ( product of wako pure chemical industries , ltd . ; 0 . 1 %) incorporated into a commercially available powdered feed was freely ingested . in test group 2 , a solution with chlorogenic acid ( product of wako pure chemical industries , ltd .) added to water at a concentration of 0 . 2 % was used as drinking water , and a feed with zingerol ( product of matsuura yakugyo k . k . ; 0 . 1 %) incorporated into a commercially available powdered feed was freely ingested . in test group 3 , a solution with ferulic acid added to water at a concentration of 0 . 2 % was used as drinking water , and a feed with piperine ( product of wako pure chemical industries , ltd . ; 0 . 1 %) incorporated into a commercially available powdered feed was freely ingested . in each group , 6 rats aged 7 weeks at the time the intake test was started were used . the systolic blood pressures in each group before the administration and after 4 weeks from the administration are shown in table 1 . as apparent from table 1 , a marked inhibitory effect on the rise of blood pressure was observed by using caffeic acid , chlorogenic acid , ferulic acid or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and the central nervous system stimulating component in combination . six rats aged 15 weeks at the time the administration test was started were used in each group . the systolic blood pressure of a tail artery of each rat was measured after 1 hour from the beginning of the administration . in control group , water was orally administered . in comparative group 1 , a 0 . 2 % aqueous solution of ferulic acid was orally administered . in test group 1 , an aqueous solution containing caffeic acid ( 0 . 2 %) and capsaicin ( 0 . 1 %) was orally administered . in test group 2 , an aqueous solution containing chlorogenic acid ( 0 . 2 %) and zingerol ( 0 . 1 %) was orally administered . in test group 3 , an aqueous solution containing ferulic acid ( 0 . 2 %) and piperine ( 0 . 1 %) was orally administered . the systolic blood pressures in each group before the administration and after 1 hour from the administration are shown in table 2 . as apparent from table 2 , marked lowering of blood pressure was observed . in control group , drinking water and a commercially available powdered feed were freely ingested . in test group 1 , a feed with chitosan ( 5 %) incorporated into a commercially available powdered feed was freely ingested . in test group 2 , a solution with caffeic acid added to water at a concentration of 0 . 2 % was used as drinking water , and a feed with chitosan ( 5 %) incorporated into a commercially available powdered feed was freely ingested . in test group 3 , a solution with chlorogenic acid added to water at a concentration of 0 . 2 % was used as drinking water , and a feed with chitosan ( 5 %) incorporated into a commercially available powdered feed was freely ingested . in test group 4 , a solution with ferulic acid added to water at a concentration of 0 . 2 % was used as drinking water , and a feed with chitosan ( 5 %) incorporated into a commercially available powdered feed was freely ingested . in test group 5 , a solution with sodium ferulate added to water at a concentration of 0 . 2 % was used as drinking water , and a feed with chitosan ( 5 %) incorporated into a commercially available powdered feed was freely ingested . in test group 6 , a solution with cycloartenol ferulate added to water at a concentration of 0 . 2 % was used as drinking water , and a feed with chitosan ( 5 %) incorporated into a commercially available powdered feed was freely ingested . in each group , 6 rats aged 7 weeks at the time the intake test was started were used . the systolic blood pressures in each group before the administration and after 4 weeks from the administration are shown in table 3 . as apparent from table 3 , marked lowering of blood pressure was observed by using caffeic acid , chlorogenic acid , ferulic acid , or the ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and the food fiber in combination as compared with the single administration of the food fiber . in control group , drinking water and a commercially available powdered feed were freely ingested . in test group 1 , a solution with ferulic acid ( product of wako pure chemical industries , ltd .) dissolved in drinking water at a concentration of 0 . 2 % was freely ingested . in test group 2 , drinking water and a feed with powdered green tea extract (“ ryokucha shokubutsu mf ”, trade name , product of maruzen seiyaku k . k . ; 3 %) incorporated into a commercially available powdered feed were freely ingested . in test group 3 , a solution with ferulic acid added to water at a concentration of 0 . 2 % was used as drinking water , and a feed with the powdered green tea extract ( 3 %) incorporated into a commercially available powdered feed was freely ingested . in test group 4 , a solution with chlorogenic acid ( product of wako pure chemical industries , ltd .) added to water at a concentration of 0 . 2 % was used as drinking water , and a feed with powdered oolong tea extract (“ sunoolong ”, trade name , product of suntory limited ; 3 %) incorporated into a commercially available powdered feed was freely ingested . in each group , 6 rats aged 16 weeks at the time the intake test was started were used . the systolic blood pressures in each group before the administration and after 4 weeks from the * administration are shown in table 4 . as apparent from table 4 , the compositions according to the present invention for eating and drinking were observed having a marked effect to lower blood pressure . in control group , drinking water and a commercially available powdered feed were freely ingested . in test group 1 , drinking water and a feed with powdered extract of tea leaves of eucommia ulmoides oliver (“ tochucha ekisu ”, trade name , product of matsuura seiyaku k . k . ; 3 %) incorporated into a commercially available powdered feed were freely ingested . in test group 2 , a solution with ferulic acid added to water at a concentration of 0 . 2 % was used as drinking water , and a feed with the powdered extract ( 3 %) of tea leaves of eucommia ulmoides oliver incorporated into a commercially available powdered feed was freely ingested . in test group 3 , drinking water and a feed with powdered triterpenyl ferulate mixture ( 1 %) derived from rice bran and the powdered extract ( 3 %) of tea leaves of eucommia ulmoides oliver incorporated into a commercially available powdered feed were freely ingested . the systolic blood pressures in each group before the administration and after 4 weeks from the administration are shown in table 5 . as apparent from table 5 , marked lowering of blood pressure was observed by ingesting the compositions according to the present invention for eating and drinking . six rats aged 15 weeks at the time the administration test was started were used in each group . the systolic blood pressure of a tail artery of each rat was measured after 1 hour from the beginning of oral administration . in control group , drinking water was orally administered forcedly by means of a metal - made stomach tube . in comparative group 1 , a 0 . 1 % aqueous solution of malic acid was orally administered . in comparative group 2 , a 0 . 1 aqueous solution of ferulic acid was orally administered . in test group 1 , an aqueous solution containing malic acid ( 0 . 1 %) and ferulic acid ( 0 . 1 %) was orally administered . the systolic blood pressures in each group before the administration and after 1 hour from the administration are shown in table 6 . as apparent from table 6 , marked lowering of blood pressure was observed by administering the composition according to the present invention . in control group , a 1 % aqueous solution of sugar was used as drinking water , and a commercially available solid feed was freely ingested . in test group 1 , an aqueous solution containing ferulic acid ( product of wako pure chemical industries , ltd . ; 0 . 1 %) and sugar ( 1 %) was used as drinking water , and a commercially available solid feed was freely ingested . in test group 2 ( invention ), an aqueous solution containing ferulic acid ( 0 . 1 %) and erythritol ( product of wako pure chemical industries , ltd . ; 1 %) was used as drinking water , and a commercially available solid feed was freely ingested . in each group , 8 rats aged 8 weeks at the time the intake test was started were used . the systolic blood pressures in each group before the administration and after 4 weeks from the administration are shown in table 7 . as apparent from table 7 , a marked inhibitory effect on the rise of blood pressure was observed by ingesting the invention composition in test group 2 . six rats aged 15 weeks at the time the administration test was started were used in each group . the systolic blood pressure of a tail artery of each rat was measured after 1 hour from the beginning of oral administration . in control group , a 1 % aqueous solution of sugar was orally administered . in test group 1 , an aqueous solution containing ferulic acid ( 0 . 2 %) and sugar ( 1 %) was orally administered . in test group 2 , an aqueous solution containing ferulic acid ( 0 . 2 %) and erythritol ( 1 %) was orally administered . the dose was determined to be 15 ml / kg . the systolic blood pressures in each group before the administration and after 1 hour from the administration are shown in table 8 . as apparent from table 8 , marked lowering of blood pressure was observed by administering the composition according to the present invention . table 10 no . 4 5 6 7 8 ( g ) ferulic acid 1 cycloartenol ferulate 1 ) 1 1 1 extract of coffee bean 1 piperine 1 lignin 15 powdered extract of oolong tea 5 orange extract 5 5 reduced dextrin 14 cacao extract 5 rapeseed oil 15 10 15 12 soybean oil 15 corn starch 15 15 15 12 wheat 50 44 46 50 40 butter 5 5 5 5 5 fructose 14 14 14 14 common salt 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 baking soda 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 water 10 10 10 10 these cookies nos . 4 to 8 were tasty and observed permitting being ingested by adults suffering from hypertension . healthy drinks composed of their corresponding compositions shown in table 11 were prepared . four adult men ( the highest blood pressure : 135 mmhg ) who were somewhat high in blood pressure were got to drink the healthy drink no . 10 ( 200 ml ) every day for 4 weeks . as a result , lowering of the blood pressure by 7 mmhg was observed . [ 0088 ] olive oil 40 . 0 % wine vinegar 50 . 0 common salt 1 . 25 pepper 0 . 3 sodium caffeate 0 . 1 granular mustard 8 . 35 a separate type dressing composed of the above composition was prepared .	0
the structure and method of fabrication of the present invention is applicable to a conventional burglar alarm having a string of switch or tape sensing elements arranged in a series circuit , in series with a power supply , a coil of an alarm relay , and a normally open contact of the alarm relay . the burglar alarm device , upon the condition that all the series circuit switch or tape elements , used to sense the opening of doors , breaking of windows , breaking of photoelectric beams , etc ., and upon the momentary shorting out of the normally open relay contact , enables the coil of the relay to be &# 34 ; locked - up &# 34 ; to the power supply for an indefinite period , terminated only by the failure of the power supply or the opening of any portion of the series sensing circuit comprising the switch or tape elements therein . auxiliary contacts of the relay are utilized to energize alarm devices including bells , sirens , lights , and automatic telephone dialing equipment . the instant invention utilizes a plurality of wires running from each discrete switch or tape element , or series groups thereof , to normally open relay contacts , which when closed , successfully bridges those elements or groups of series elements having an open circuited condition . each switch closure relay is energized by operating a nand gate of a latching circuit upon the request of a logic generator used to detect which switch element is in an open circuited condition . there is one logic generator for each bridging path providing an output , feeding to the nand gates of the latching circuits . the logic generators may be triggered into operation only upon the presence of a coded tone , or a series of coded tones , received over a telephone line . the telephone lines , comprising a tip line and a ring line , are connected to a first and second transformer , used for 110 volt line isolation purposes . additionally , the first transformer is utilized to couple 20 h z ring generator signals into a 20 h z ring up amplifier . the second transformer is used for decoder tone coupling into a tone amplifier . upon telephone line seizure , the 20 h z ringing voltage , whose amplitude is in the range of 50 to 100 volts r . m . s ., is applied across the primary winding of the first transformer by way of the ring side of the line , through a neon gas filled discharge tube , through a pair of normally closed contacts of the alarm relay , through the first transformer primary , and back to the tip side of the line . the alarm relay contact will only be in the closed condition because of an alarm failure or an otherwise caused de - energizing of the coil of the alarm relay . the ring voltage , coupled through the first transformer , is passed through a half wave rectifier followed by an amplifier . the amplifier , of the direct current variety , permits a capcitor to be charged up acting as a timer . the capacitor upon being charged to a sufficient level , energizes a holding relay for a period of time of approximately 11 / 2 minutes . a series circuit , comprising a normally open contact of the holding relay and a normally closed contact of the alarm relay and the primary of the second transformer is hard wired across the telephone lines . closure of the holding relay contact , in combination with the closed alarm relay , closed only when the burglar alarm has been tripped allows the primary of the second transformer to bridge the telephone lines for the period of time the holding relay contact is closed . therefore , an incoming ring signal may only seize the line for a predetermined period of time when and only when the alarm apparatus has been previously triggered and has not been reset . after the telephone line has been answered automatically by the apparatus , an authorized person introduces one or more decoding tones into the telephone lines . conventional well known circuits may be utilized to decode multiple digit codes of multifrequencies , commonly used in certain telephone apparatus . the second transformer couples the coded alternating current signal into a decoding amplifier . the amplified signal is fed into a tuning fork assembly and thence into a diode detector so as to charge up a following capacitor . therefore , the voltage across the capacitor goes into a logic high condition upon the presence of a successfully introduced coding tone . the output voltage from the capacitor is fed into a four input nand gate . any unused leads of the nand gate are pulled in the direction of a high voltage condition by a resistor connected to the input of the gate . a pnp transistor has its collector and emitter connected across the normally opened latching up contact of the alarm relay . the base of the transistor is connected to one end of a resistor . the other end of the resistor is connected to the juncture of the output of the nand gate , one end of a load resistor , whose other end is connected to a power supply terminal , and the input of an inverting circuit . when the transistor is turned on , a path is prepared for the reclosure of the alarm relay when and only when open portions of the alarm sensing circuit are properly bridged . the instant invention may be used in conjunction with a burglar alarm system utilizing a plurality of sensing switches whose number is virtually unlimited . the embodiment described and illustrated herein utilizes three such sensing switches . all of the logic circuitry employed is grouped on modular logic boards , wherein each board has the capability of sensing three open circuit paths and bridging the same as required . the logic boards are arranged in sequential fashion so as to permit an unlimited number of sensing elements to be utilized therewith . the wires connected to the alarm sensing elements operate logic generators , wherein the number of logic generators equals the number of sensing elements associated therewith . each of the three logic generators produces an output signal , signifying the open circuited condition of the associated alarm sensing element , and the first and second logic generators , utilizing inverting circuits , produce an output signal signifying the closure of such an associated switch . such closure signifying output signals are fed to three latching circuits having an inverting circuit . the first inverting latching circuit is adapted to receive the &# 34 ; open &# 34 ; output latching signal from each of the three logic generators into a first four input nand gate from each of the three logic generators . the second inverting latching circuit is adapted to receive the &# 34 ; open &# 34 ; output latching signals of the second and third logic generators and the closed output signal from the first logic generator , into another four input nand gate . the third inverting latching circuit is adapted to receive the &# 34 ; open &# 34 ; output signal of the third logic generator and the not open output signals from the first and second logic generators into still another four input nand gate . the three nand gates , operated as part of the inverting latching circuits have their fourth input gate terminals tied together and connected to the other end of the inverting circuit operated by the output terminal of the four input nand gate that is activated by the tone detector and capacitor circuit . thus , the logic generators provide output signals , of the &# 34 ; open &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; closed &# 34 ; or not variety so as to turn on one of the three operating nand gates . the following truth table illustrates the relationship between the logic output signals , the status of open switches , and the energization of the individual operating relays , derived from the logic circuitry employed herein ; ______________________________________appearance of signal : energizeda b c a &# 39 ; b &# 39 ; relay______________________________________switch 1 hi hi hi lo lo k1openswitch 2 lo hi hi hi lo k2openswitch 3 lo lo hi hi hi k3open______________________________________ the output of each of the three nand gates utilizes a conventional latching circuit in combination with a separate sensing element bridging relay . when an operating nand gate is turned on , the bridging relay associated therewith is energized , and remains energized until the power source is removed , causing the normally open contact thereof to bridge the open circuited sensing element and , utilizing an auxiliary pair of contacts , to energize a light emitting diode , suitably identifying the portion of the circuit bridged by the relay causing the energization thereof . as soon as all the logic conditions have been met , the bridged sensing element , in combination with the low impedence of the p n p transistor across the normally open contact of the alarm relay , causes the alarm relay coil to be re - energized , turning off the burglar alarm signalling apparatus and restoring the burglar alarm with continued protection . all the functions of the original burglar alarm apparatus is restored excepting those open sensing elements bridged by the contact closure of the individual sensing bridging relays . furthermore , when the alarm relay has been re - energized , the telephone line seizure circuit involving the primary of the second transformer is open circuited affecting a disconnect to the telephone lines . the authorized person may , if desired , institute a verifying call , at any later point in time , to verify the status of the burglar alarm which , when operable , prevents a subsequent line seizure . further , alarm failures due to additional unauthorized entries or additional equipment failure , can be corrected by a subsequent placing of a telephone call in which the identical coded tones are utilized to operate the logic circuitry , causing a bridging of further open circuited sensing elements . now referring to the embodiment illustrated in fig1 telephone lines 10 and 12 are connected in series with the primary of transformer 14 and neon bulb 16 . a diode 18 feeds the input of amplifier 20 , whose output is electrically connected to timer 22 . relay coil 24 operates for a period of time determined by timer 22 , when a 20h z ring signal is present at terminals 10 and 12 after being amplified by amplifier 20 . contacts 26 close and , providing that alarm relay contacts 28 are closed , the primary of transformer 30 appears across terminals 10 and 12 causing the telephone lines to be seized . incoming coding tones , introduced at terminals 10 and 12 , are amplified by decoding amplifier 32 . tuning fork 34 responsive to the incoming coding signals , provides an output signal at wire 36 so that detector 38 may provide a charging signal for capacitor 40 . when capacitor 40 achieves a maximum voltage level , four terminal nand gate 42 is turned on , causing resistor 44 to operate p n p transistor 46 due to the potential available from point 48 producing a current passing through operating relay coil 50 , in conjunction with the internal impedence of the transistor . capacitor 40 continues to maintain the transistor in a turned on condition until discharged or until the incoming tone signal fails to maintain capacitor 40 charged or until timer 22 causes the de - energization or coil 24 . nand gate 42 must enable alarm sensing elements 52 , 54 and 56 , when opened , to be closed before nand gate 42 is turned off . wires 58 , 60 , 62 and 64 serve to indicate the status of sensing switch elements 52 , 54 , and 56 and to bridge any one or more of them as they become open circuited by utilizing operating relay contacts 66 , 68 , and 70 . the voltage present at wires 58 , 60 and 62 , equal to the voltage at point 48 or equal to ground potential , due to normally closed contact 72 of the alarm relay , is utilized to operate logic generators 74 or 76 or 78 , as a function of which sensing element of the group including elements 52 , 54 , and 56 is in an open circuited position . dotted lines 80 symbolize the unlimited extent in which additional sensing elements , bridging relay contacts , and logic generators may be utilized in burglar alarm apparatus having more than three sensing elements . logic generators 74 , 76 and 78 are selectively operated dependent upon which sensing element is in an open circuited condition . logic generator 78 produces an output voltage identified as c , when sensing element 56 is open . logic generator 76 produces an output voltage identified as the numeral b , when sensing element 54 is open and a logic signal identified as b , when sensing element 54 is closed . logic generator 74 produces an output voltage identified as a , when sensing element 52 is open and a logic signal identified as a when sensing element 52 is closed . three additional four terminal nand gates , not shown , are utilized in inverting latching circuits 82 , 84 , and 86 . all of the inverting latching circuits cease to be inhibited when nand gate 42 is turned on , and the voltage available at its output terminal is inverted by invertor 88 and fed to line 90 , feeding inverting latching circuits 82 , 84 , and 86 . the remaining three input terminals for the nand gates of inverting latching circuits 82 , 84 , and 86 are fed with the logic voltage signals identified by numerals a , b , c , a &# 39 ;, and b &# 39 ; as shown . bridging relay coil 92 operates contacts 70 . bridging relay coil 94 operates contacts 68 . bridging relay coil 96 operates contacts 66 . when inverting latching circuit 86 is operated by proper logic voltage signals injected into the four terminal nand gate three - within , not shown , bridging relay coil 92 is latched up into an energized state , causing contacts 70 to close when and only when sensing element 56 and wire 98 , located intermediate point 100 and point 102 , and wire 104 , located intermediate point 106 and point 108 , is open circuited . thus , contacts 70 , upon closure , bridge all the elements between points 102 and 106 . though sensing element 56 is depicted as a single switch device , points 102 and 106 may be electrically interconnected by a series circuit comprising a plurality of wires and a plurality of sensing elements including tape strips , photo - electric detecting devices , pressure sensitive mat switches , and the like . when the series circuit between point 48 and point 102 is closed by the operation of bridging contacts 66 , 68 , or 70 , as required , the current flowing through transistor 46 is no longer required to maintain alarm relay coil 50 energized due to the current now flowing through now closed alarm relay contacts 110 , emanating from point 48 . simultaneously with the energization of any of the bridging relay coils 92 or 94 or 96 , bridging relay contacts 112 , 114 , and 116 , associated therewith respectively , close and energize light emitting diodes 118 , 120 , and 122 respectively , from a voltage obtained across points 124 and 126 . an energized light emitting diode signifies , by proper labeling , which bridging relay has been energized and thereby denotes the location of the fault or otherwise opened portion of the series circuit between points 48 and 102 . because inverting latching circuits 82 , 84 , and 86 , when operated , latch up associated bridging relay coils 96 , 94 and 92 , light emitting diodes 118 , 120 , and 122 , when individually energized , indicates such fault locations to authorized personnel arriving at the site of the burglar alarm after the burglar alarm has been reset into an operating condition by prior operation of the instant invention . thus , there is disclosed in the above description and in the drawings , an embodiment of the invention which fully and effectively accomplishes the objects thereof . however , it will become apparent to those skilled in the art , how to make variations and modifications to the instant invention . therefore , this invention is to be limited , not by the specific disclosure herein , but only by the appending claims .	7
fig1 illustrates an exemplary central office ( co ) layout for a telephone company ( telco ). the figure shows the various types of equipment that may reside in , or interface with , a co . not every co will have , or interface with , every type of equipment shown in the figure . in the illustrated co , digital switch 200 is connected by a ds 1 data voice channel to digital signal cross - connect ( dsx - 1 ) 230 , as is digital access and cross connects ( dacs ) 210 . an m 13 mux is connected to the digital signal cross - connect 230 , by ds 1 , and to the digital signal cross - connect ( dsx - 3 ) 235 , by ds 3 data voice channel ( coaxial cable ). another ds 3 cable connects the digital signal cross - connect ( dsx - 3 ) 235 to fiber optic system 240 and the fiber optic system is in turn connected by fiber jumpers to light guide cross connect ( lgx ) 245 . connections from that point are by osp fiber cable . digital signal cross - connect ( dsx - 1 ) 230 connects by ds 1 to integrated services digital network ( isdn ) 250 , which is in turn connected , by 2b + d basic rate interface ( bri ) to the main distribution frame ( mdf ) 275 . digital signal cross - connect ( dsx - 1 ) 230 also connects by ds 1 to a fourth generation channel bank ( d 4 channel bank ) 255 , which is in turn connected , by vf signal , with the mdf 275 . digital signal cross - connect ( dsx - 1 ) 230 also is connected to very high speed digital subscriber loop 260 ; which is in turn connected , by hdsl ds 1 , to the mdf 275 . digital signal cross - connect ( dsx - 1 ) 230 also connects , by ds 1 to ds 1 line termination shelf 270 , which is in turn connected , by span powered ds 1 , to the mdf 275 . an mdf in a typical co provides pair protection by including protectors , which terminate the outside plant pair and provide lightning protection to the pair , and blocks , which terminate the lines from the equipment and are wired out to a cross connect cabinet . fig2 illustrates the protector 4 and terminal block 6 of a typical mdf , in relation to the cable pair 3 , the line equipment jumper 5 and the equipment cabling 7 . the organization and layout of telecommunication frames is rather complex , in no small part because of the number of pins on each of a very large number of frames . to bring some order to this complexity , a set of identifying conventions have been developed . these conventions allow a person to identify a particular frame at a particular location , as well as a particular portion of that frame . at the highest level , each frame may be referred to by identifying its physical location , e . g ., at which co it resides . since there may be more than one frame at any given location , each frame is further identified by a number . in addition to location and number , frames are differentiated by type . specifically , a frame may be classified as being either a main distribution frame ( mdf ) or a tie frame ( tie ). an mdf connects lines coming from outside or going to outside of the co , while a tie frame provides jumpers internal to the co . an mdf may be either single sided or double sided . a tie frame is always single sided . a single sided frame , whether an mdf or a tie frame , is organized by sub - components known as modules . each module contains hardware known as shelves ; each shelf contains hardware referred to as blocks . the modules , shelves and blocks are usually identified by numbers . a combination of these numbers , known as a “ triple ” ( module number , shelf number and block number ) uniquely identifies any particular block on a frame and acts as the block &# 39 ; s frame coordinates . a double sided frame has two sides . one side is called the “ horizontal ” side . the other side is called the “ vertical ” side . each side of a double sided frame is divided into constituent blocks . a block , on either the horizontal side or the vertical side of the double sided frame , is identified by its vertical coordinate and its horizontal coordinate . the terms vertical and horizontal in this context should not be confused with the use of those terms in the context of vertical and horizontal sides . a block on a double sided frame can be uniquely identified by its “ triple ” ( side , vertical , horizontal ). this triple functions as a block &# 39 ; s frame coordinates . by convention , verticals are identified by a number and horizontals by an alpha character . a frame break table defines the position and characteristics of each break in the frame , a break being a physical gap between two modules ( verticals ) of a frame . a frame may have zero or more frame breaks . fig3 shows an exemplary main distribution frame ( mdf ), which provides pair protection and has a two sided frame horizontal side having line blocks and a vertical side having cable protectors . in particular , the figure shows a single sided frame . reference numeral 300 indicates a shelf . other shelves are situated above and below the referenced shelf 300 . reference numeral 310 indicates an example of a block , with other blocks situated to the left and right of the referenced block 310 . an example of a module is indicated by reference numeral 320 . note that the module has several blocks . fig4 shows a main distribution frame vertical side , showing the protectors for the termination of cable pairs in greater detail . fig5 shows a main distribution frame cable pair protector , which provides a hundred pair termination of cable pairs and lightning protection . fig6 shows a main distribution frame cable pair protector , showing jumpers to the line circuit of the telephone switch . in particular , the figure shows a double sided frame vertical side . fig7 shows a main frame horizontal side , having blocks , such as the one indicated by reference numeral 400 , for termination of line circuits . fig8 shows blocks on an mdf . in particular , the figure shows a double sided frame horizontal side . an exemplary shelf is indicated by reference numeral 500 . an exemplary block is indicated by reference numeral 510 . according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention , a graphical user interface ( gui ) is provided to allow a user to map connections from a port on a switching card inside a co to a pin on a frame , and to map a pin on a frame to an outside plant feeder . the software generating the gui provides this functionality by presenting the user with a series of windows , including a graphical representation of any given frame within the telecommunications system . in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention , accessing a given block of the frame , by clicking - on the graphical representation of that block , displays , among other things , information regarding how many pins are contained in the block , how many are in use and how many are available . a user may map ports to pins , pins to other pins , or pins to feeders by accessing a visual representation of a block and indicating , by interaction with the graphical user interface , that he wishes to map a port or feeder to it . the software will select the specific pin automatically , if one is available , by referencing a database of telco assets . the graphical user interface that is used to implement this visualization is formed by software running on a user &# 39 ; s computer or workstation . the software is operable to access a database of information as to the assets of the telco , including current information as to the current usage and availability of pins of each frame in every co . the software is preferably implemented to run as a browser on a client computer in a system having a client / server architecture . in such a system , the server runs on a site on a network , such as a site on the world wide web . the client browser is operable to request information from the server site . preferably , the server has access , e . g ., via well - known common gateway interface ( cgi ) techniques , to a database of the hardware assets of the telco . the client / server architecture advantageously allows many different users to run the gui software to access the server and the database simultaneously . as will be shown , the gui of the present invention presents the frame data in an easy to visualize format , making it simple for a user to keep track of frame pin assignments and oversee the growth of the frame . fig9 shows an exemplary frame browser window in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention . the frame browser window lets the user view a list of wire center locations ( i . e ., co &# 39 ; s ) and the frames associated with each . clicking on the wire center folder lets the user see the location list . clicking on a location lets the user see any frames that are at the location . for example , in the figure , the locations for wire center sw77738 are listed and the folder for location grapevine has been opened to show frame main . highlighting a frame in the list changes the function buttons displayed in the window . function buttons let the user access other windows that can be used to perform frame administration tasks . the frame browser having the gui of the present invention preferably is included as a menu option in a larger on - line transaction processing system of the telco , but may run as a standalone program on a client with access to a network server as described above , without departing from the spirit of the present invention . tables 1a and 1b list and describe the available fields and functions in the frame browser : the field wire center is for entry of the name or identification of the co . the function button wire center lookup displays the wire center window to allow the user to search for a wire center by name , code or number . function button delete deletes the selected row from the list box . function button detail opens the frame detail window , function button map opens a frame map window , and function button modify displays the message “ open the map to modify frame ”. fig1 shows an exemplary add single - sided ( ss ) frame window of the frame browser of the present invention . as shown in the figure , the add ss frame window lets allows the user to add a single - sided frame to the selected wire center location . the user can set the number of modules , shelves , and blocks per shelf . the user also can define the direction of growth , shelf direction , primary use , a vertical trough and frame properties . tables 2 and 3 describe the fields and functions available in add ss frame : the name field is for the descriptive name of the selected frame ( e . g ., jackson spring rsu ). the frame number field relates to the number assigned to the frame . the no of module field identifies the number of modules on the frame . the shelf per module field shows the number of shelves in the modules . there can be a maximum of 31 shelves in a module . the starting vertical field refers to the number identifying the first vertical in the frame . the starting horizontal field refers to the number identifying the first horizontal in the frame . the block per shelf field shows the maximum number of blocks allowed on a shelf on a single - sided frame . the desired short jumper length field shows the number of frame verticals that can be spanned by a jumper connecting the outside plant facilities to the ln 1 . frame use fields include mdf , which , if selected , indicates that the specified frame is a main distribution frame ( mdf ), and tie , which , if selected , indicates that the primary use of the frame is as a tie frame , as opposed to a main distribution frame . direction of growth fields include left , right and up , which indicate the direction of growth for the frame . if left is selected , the direction of frame growth will be to the left , if right is selected the direction of frame growth will be to the right , and if up is selected , the direction of frame growth will be upward . shelf direction fields are designated same and opposite . if selected , same indicates that new shelves are added to the frame in the same direction as the frame growth , while opposite indicates adding new shelves in the direction opposite to frame growth . vertical trough fields include vle , vl 0 , both and none . vle stands for vertical left even and indicates the vertical trough is on the left side of the even number verticals . vl 0 stands for vertical left odd and indicates the vertical trough is on the left side of the odd number verticals . both indicates that a trough used as a pathway for jumper wires is present on both the left and right sides of the vertical . if none are selected , that indicates that there is no vertical trough on the frame used as a pathway for jumper wires . the properties fields include the following fields . intra - ties indicates whether cable ties are allowed within the same frame . ties exist indicates that there are tie cables on the specified frame . assign ties indicates that tie cable pairs need to be automatically assigned to the frame . h top trough indicates whether the frame has a top horizontal trough used as a pathway for jumper wires . h bottom trough indicates whether the frame has a bottom horizontal trough used as a pathway for jumper wires . jmprx m - shelf indicates whether jumpers cross in the middle of the module . grandfathered indicates whether no frame assignments are permitted . the function button reset restores fields to their default values . function button ok executes a specific task , ( e . g ., add or modify data , initiate a search ) closes the window , and returns you to the previous window . the function button cancel closes the window without saving data . fig1 shows an exemplary screen add double - sided frame ( add ds frame ). the add ds frame window lets the user add a double - sided frame to the selected wire center location . it also lets the user set the number of verticals and horizontals on the frame , the direction of growth , the use of the frame , and the number of verticals a short jumper can span . the user also can specify whether tie cables are present and available to be assigned . the add ds frame window preferably appears in response to a menu or radio button selection in the frame browser window of the present invention . tables 4 and 5 list and describe the fields and functions available in add ds frame : the field name is the descriptive name of the selected frame ( e . g ., jackson spring rsu ). frame number is the number assigned to the frame . no of vertical is the number of the added or modified vertical . no of horizontal is the number of shelves on the frame . starting vertical is the number identifying the first vertical in the frame . starting horizontal is the number identifying the first horizontal in the frame . desired short jumper length is the number of frame verticals that can be spanned by a jumper connecting the outside plant facilities to the lni . frame use fields include mdf and tie . mdf indicates whether the specified frame is a main distribution frame ( mdf ). tie indicates that the primary use of the frame is as a tie frame , as opposed to a main distribution frame . direction of growth fields include left , right and up . left indicates the direction of growth for a frame . if selected , frame growth will be to the left . right indicates the direction of growth for a frame . if selected , frame growth will be to the right . up indicates the direction of growth for the frame is upward . properties fields include ties exist , ties can be assigned and grandfathered . ties exist indicates that there are tie cables on the specified frame . ties can be assigned indicates that tie cables can be assigned in the future . grandfathered indicates whether no frame assignments are permitted . function button reset clears all data fields , ok saves data entries to a database , and cancel closes the window without saving data field entries . fig1 shows an exemplary frame window , which allows the user to view the attributes of a specific frame . table 6 shows the fields available in the frame window : as shown in the table , the name field is the descriptive name of the selected frame ( e . g ., jackson spring rsu ). frame number is the number assigned to the frame . no of vertical is the number of the added or modified vertical . no of horizontal is the number of shelves on the frame . desired short jumper length is the number of frame verticals that can be spanned by a jumper connecting the outside plant facilities to the lni . frame use fields include mdf and tie . mdf indicates , if selected , that the specified frame is a main distribution frame ( mdf ). tie indicates , if selected , that the primary use of the frame is as a tie frame , as opposed to a main distribution frame . direction of growth fields include left , right and up . left indicates the direction of growth for a frame . if selected , frame growth will be to the left . right indicates the direction of growth for a frame . if selected , frame growth will be to the right . up indicates the direction of growth for the frame is upward . properties fields include ties exist , ties can be assigned , grandfathered and shelf per module . ties exist indicates , if selected , that there are tie cables on the specified frame . ties can be assigned indicates , if selected , that tie cables can be assigned to the future . grandfathered indicates whether no frame assignments are permitted . fig1 shows an exemplary frame map window that allows a graphical representation of a specified frame to be viewed . options from the menu bar in this window let you add and delete frame components and search for blocks containing equipment specified by the user . note that in each displayed block , information for that block is displayed . also , in the upper left hand corner of the window is a representation showing the overall frame layout and indicating in black which blocks are currently shown in the large display window . fig1 shows an exemplary modify frame window , which allows a user to modify the attributes of a specified frame . two frame attributes , the number of verticals and the number of horizontals , are protected on this window and must be modified in the frame map window . the modify frame window is preferably presented in response to its selection from a menu bar in the frame map window . the fields and functions available in modify frame are listed below in tables 7 and 8 : as shown in the tables , the name field is the descriptive name of the selected frame ( e . g ., jackson spring rsu ). frame number is the number assigned to the frame . no of vertical is the number of the added or modified vertical . no of horizontal is the number of shelves on the frame . desired short jumper length is the number of frame verticals that can be spanned by a jumper connecting the outside plant facilities to the lni . frame use fields include mdf and tie . mdf indicates , if selected , that the specified frame is a main distribution frame ( mdf ). tie indicates , if selected , that the primary use of the frame is as a tie frame , as opposed to a main distribution frame . direction of growth fields include left , right and up . left indicates the direction of growth for a frame . if selected , frame growth will be to the left . right indicates the direction of growth for a frame . if selected , frame growth will be to the right . up indicates the direction of growth for the frame is upward . properties fields include ties exist , ties can be assigned , grandfathered and shelf per module . ties exist indicates that there are tie cables on the specified frame . ties can be assigned indicates that tie cables can be assigned to the future . the reset function button clears all data fields . the ok function button saves data to the database and returns to the previous window . cancel closes the window without changing records . fig1 shows an exemplary find block window , which allows the user to enter the coordinates of a block and display the block on the graphical representation of the frame in the frame map window . the find block window is preferably accessible from a menu bar in the frame map window , under a search heading . the field side indicates the side of the frame in double - sided frames . module is the number of the module being searched for . shelf is the shelf on the frame where the user wishes to search for the block . function button ok executes a specific task ( e . g ., add or modify data , initiate a search ), closes the window , and returns the user to the previous window . function button cancel closes the window without saving data . fig1 shows an exemplary find equipment window . the find equipment window allows a user to enter equipment information and display the block containing that equipment on the graphical representation of the frame in the frame map window . the find equipment window is preferably accessible from a menu bar of the frame map window , under the search sub - heading . the following fields and functions are available in the find equipment window : the cable tab fields , which are not visible in the figure , are name , from [ with name ], and to . name is the name or other identifier of the cable , tie cable , carrier , meq , or lni being searched for . from [ with name ] is the first identifier in a range of identifiers used to limit a search . to is the ending number in a range of numbers . this number is used to limit the search . the tie cable tab fields are not visible in the figure but also are designated name , from [ with name ], and to and , as is shown in the table , have the same functions as the cable tab fields . the carrier tab fields , which are not visible in the figure , are next described . the name field has the name or other identifier of the cable , tie cable , carrier , meq , or lni being searched for . start sysno is the first number in a range of system numbers used to limit a search . start chno is the first number in a range of channel numbers used to limit a search . end sysno is the last number in a range of system numbers used in a search . end chno is the last number in a range of channel numbers used in a search . meq tab fields , not visible in the figure , also are designated name , from [ with name ], and to and , as is shown in the table , have the same functions as the cable tab fields . lni tab fields are name , switch and inlets . name is the name or other identifier of the cable , tie cable , carrier , meq , or lni being searched for . switch determines the switch numbers for the line equipment search , i . e ., 1 - 4 . inlets is the number that identifies the port on the line card . the functions associated with the find equipment window are next described . the cable tab function buttons for all of the tabs are cancel and ok . cancel closes the window without saving data . ok executes a specific task ( e . g ., add or modify data , initiate a search ), closes the window , and returns you to the previous window . tie cable tab function buttons , carrier tab function buttons , meq tab function buttons and lni tab function buttons , are the same as the cable tab function buttons , that is , cancel and ok . fig1 shows an exemplary available pins window . the available pins window allows a user to search the frame map for a block with a specified number of available pins . search results are shown as highlighted blocks on the map of the frame in the upper left corner of the frame map window . preferably , the available pins window is accessible from a menu bar in the frame map window , through sub - headings search , and highlight available blocks . the following tables describe the fields and functions available in the available pins window : the available pins field is the number of available pins used in a search of the blocks on the frame . function buttons available are ok and cancel , with have the same descriptions as given above . as can be appreciated from the above description , the gui of the present invention allows a user to visualize easily the characteristics of frames throughout a telco &# 39 ; s service area . by virtue of those features , a user can remotely control the maintenance and growth of subscriber service by monitoring and controlling connection to the frames . while the above exemplary embodiment has been described in terms of a preferred implementation of the present invention , the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment and other variations and modifications of the invention and its various aspects will become apparent , after having read this disclosure , to those skilled in the art , all such variations and modifications being contemplated as falling within the scope of the invention , which is defined by the appended claims .	7
a preferred embodiment of the optical communications system and method of the present invention provides a unique method and system for performing optical communications with high bandwidth and extended range between two access points in a network . it is noted , however , that additional embodiments exist , as specifically outlined herein , and additional ones as one skilled in the art will readily appreciate . specific examples of components , signals , messages , protocols , and arrangements described herein are presented to simplify the disclosure , and not intended as limitations on the claimed invention . well - known elements are presented without detailed description in order to simplify the disclosure . details unnecessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention have been omitted inasmuch as such details are within the scope of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art . for example , details regarding control circuitry or mechanisms used to control the various elements described herein are omitted , as such control circuits are within the skills of person of ordinary skill in the relevant art . an embodiment of the optical communications system and method of the present invention relates to establishing optical communication between pairs of devices , and can be thought of as a general replacement for category 5 or 5e networking cable system , which is used for ethernet networking , at distances up to 100 meters . a significant advantage associated with use of this embodiment is the ability to use cost effective laser sources that may not have uniform energy distributions in the beam . in this embodiment , each single device may have an optical transmitter and receiver , which are used to provide two optical paths that enable bidirectional data flow between the pair of devices . each device may also have a separate electrical networking connection that is used to connect to a standard ethernet network . data is passed transparently between the electrical and optical networking connections on each device in both directions . a pair of the devices will communicate with each other as well as passing data transparently and bi - directionally between the electrical networking ports of each device . the communication between the devices serves primarily to establish and maintain an optical link . some embodiments of the present invention can also be managed as a standard piece of networking equipment providing industry standard control and statistical information , as well as control and statistics specific to the invention . previous prior art systems and methods of providing optical data links have relied on one or some combination of three techniques ( large divergence of the transmitted beam , large receiver optics , and supplemental positioning detectors ) to overcome environmental conditions that would otherwise render an optical path unusable . conditions such as temperature variations , atmospheric disturbances , and base vibrations can affect the positioning of optical beams , as well as the quality of data being transmitted across such beams . embodiments of the optical communications system and method of the present invention , by contrast , provide reliable , high speed optical links without the use of any of these prior art techniques , resulting in a simpler , more flexible and cost effective design . advantages over the prior art exhibit by the optical communications system and method of the present invention flow from its reliance on intelligent , adaptive , software solutions versus costly , bulky , and complex hardware solutions . one embodiment of the optical communications system and method of the present invention incorporates as a basis the teachings of co - pending u . s . ser . no . 10 / 090 , 249 to provide enhanced performance in the presence of external error sources . turning now to fig4 there is illustrated a diagram of one embodiment of the optical communication system of the present invention . an end user computer 402 is in communication with a connect unit a 404 via a conventional connection illustrated by communication links 406 and 408 . similarly , a connect unit b 410 is in communication with a network 412 via a conventional connection illustrated by communication links 414 and 416 . in this embodiment , the connect unit a 404 and the connect unit b 410 communicate with each other via optical signals , which are represented as communication links 418 and 420 respectively . relative to the connect unit a 404 , the connect unit b 410 is the “ opposite unit .” similarly relative to the connect unit b 410 , the connect unit a 404 is the “ opposite unit .” in this embodiment , the communication link 418 represents an optical signal transmitted from the connect unit b 410 and received by the connect unit a 404 . similarly , the communication link 420 represents an optical signal transmitted by the connect unit a 404 and received by the connect unit b 410 . thus , the end user computer 402 may communicate with the network 412 via the connect units a 404 and connect unit b 410 over communication links 418 and 420 . as illustrated in fig5 an alternative embodiment of the optical communications system of the present invention may also be coupled to a network management system 502 . in this embodiment , a connect point 504 , provides information to , and receives information from , the network management system 502 when connected through a network 506 . the information that can be provided to the network management system 502 includes standard network equipment managed information base (“ mib ”) information , via simple network management protocol (“ snmp ”), as well as information specific to the system of the present invention . such information may include , but is not limited to , statistics on beam acquisition and tracking behavior , and operational state and control information . the network management system 502 may control standard network equipment mib settings , via snmp , as well as some settings specific to the system of the present invention . these settings include , without limitation , assignment of a partner unit and characteristics of the beam acquisition and tracking behavior . referring now to fig6 there is illustrated a diagram of the components of a connect unit . for illustrative purposes , the connect unit a 404 of fig4 will be discussed . an optical receiver 602 configured to receive an optical signal , such as communication link 604 , converts the optical energy from communication link 604 into electrical signals and sends the electrical signals to a processor 606 . the processor 606 forwards data in the electrical signals to the network via an ethernet interface 608 . similarly , information received from the network is received by the ethernet interface 608 and sent to the processor 606 . the processor 606 sends the data it receives in the form of electrical signals to a transmitter 610 , which converts the electrical signals to optical signals that are transmitted via the transmitter 610 . in this embodiment , the transmitter 610 directs the optical signal to a small electrically positionable mirror 612 . the mirror 612 is positioned such that the optical signal is reflected via the mirror 612 . the mirror 612 can be selectively positioned to aim the optical signal to another connect unit , such as the connect unit 410 ( fig4 ). in this embodiment of the optical communications system of the present invention , the position of the mirror 612 is preferably controlled by the processor 606 . additionally , there is a feedback mechanism 614 between the mirror 612 and the processor 606 to provide information on the position of the mirror . this information may be used to more precisely positioning the mirror 612 , if warranted . due to mechanical characteristics of the mirror 612 , it may be prone to vibration and may experience a damping action similar to a settling spring . the feedback mechanism 614 also assists in addressing this issue . since the mirror 612 is sensitive to impulses and externally induced motions , it can move slightly in response to external forces . use of a mirror position detection mechanism 615 allows the processor 606 to detect and isolate these externally induced motions . the processor 606 is capable of compensating for the externally induced motions by applying opposite forces to the mirror , thereby canceling the effects of the external motion on the position of the beam 616 relative to the detector of the receiving unit . an alternate embodiment monitors the measurements via feedback mechanism 614 for externally induced motions of the mirror 612 to estimate accelerations applied to the housing of the connect unit due to vibration or low frequency motion of the physical mount . processor 606 can use the information produced to stabilize the laser beam against base motion disturbances . control information may be sent between connect units via control packets using ‘ in - band ’ or ‘ out - of - band ’ signaling techniques . for purposes of this application , ‘ in - band ’ is used to mean embedding the control packets within the signaling bandwidth of the information data stream . in an embodiment of the optical communications system of the present invention , use of an in - band technique requires injecting the control packets into the ethernet data stream in the same manner as all user packets . the term ‘ out - of - band ’ is used in this application to denote the use of a portion of the signaling spectrum that is out of the normal information bandwidth . in an embodiment of the optical communications system of the present invention , use of an out - of - band technique includes the use of packets modulated onto a sub - carrier of the primary ethernet signal . the out - of - band approach is preferred since it does not reduce the available bandwidth for the ethernet packets , and it provides a higher data rate and more dedicated path to enhance the ability of the units to stabilize against base motion of either unit . the structure of one exemplary control packet is shown in fig7 . in this embodiment of the optical communications system of the present invention , representative data fields comprise an identification of the transmitter 702 , an the identification of the intended recipient 704 , control packet version 706 , status information 708 , sequence number information 710 , last rx sequence number 712 , received quality measurements , such as instantaneous rx quality information 714 , rolling average instantaneous rx quality 716 , transmit x position , 718 and 720 , and received mirror position information , such as tx x position 722 and tx y position 724 . the control packet version 726 is also preferably included . control packet version compatibility is verified on each received packet . other embodiments of the control packet may rely on the underlying transport to provide identification of senders and receivers , thereby reducing the amount of information required for each control packet . yet additional embodiments may also include additional information on control packet error counts or information related to the performance of lower transport layers ( e . g ., phy symbol error counts ). now referring to fig8 a flow diagram of a process 802 used by one embodiment of the optical communications system of the present invention is shown . according to the process , when a connect unit is powered on it performs certain self - diagnostic tests in step 804 . in step 806 , the laser and mirror draw a registration pattern ( see fig9 & amp ; 10a ). the registration pattern is used as a positioning aid and , when viewed , shows the available scanning area where a similar connect unit can be placed . an exemplary registration pattern 902 is shown in fig9 . the registration pattern 902 can be used as a positioning aid with visible lasers or with employing a device that allows the beams to be viewed . the registration pattern 902 also aids with freedom of movement of the mirror . the registration pattern 902 is traced to the extremities of the steering angles the mirror is capable of rotating in a rapid fashion . referring again to fig8 in step 808 the process 802 “ locates ” another connect unit with which to establish a communications link . once a link has been established , a calibration may be performed in step 810 to determine the performance center of the detector of the opposite connect unit . prior art systems assume both the detector and the laser beam are uniform in shape , and attempt to center the beam spatially on the detector . the optical communications system of the present invention is not limited by such assumptions . the present invention system and method maintains a distinction of a performance center and specifically attempts to position its transmit beam at the point where the optical and environmental characteristics allow the best link quality , a point not necessarily co - located with the optical center of the beam . after the calibration step 810 , the data rate is then negotiated in step 812 . a tracking routine 814 is subsequently commenced . the tracking routine 814 monitors the signal quality so that the communications link established in step 808 may be maintained . for example , when the signal quality drops below a predetermined set gate , a recalibration or reacquisition step 816 is invoked . the re - calibration or reacquisition step 816 utilizes the same process ( es ), including , without limitation , the same algorithm ( s ), as utilized in the original acquisition step 808 to continually optimize the performance centering of the beam on the detector . turning back now to fig7 when sending control packet information to another connect unit ( fig4 ) each connect unit may include its current mirror position 722 and 724 , the last seen mirror position reported from the opposite unit 718 and 720 , and the instantaneous receive quality 714 , and rolling average quality measurement 716 for that position . this information is used to maintain a running weighted average estimate of the center of the detector of the opposite connection unit . for instance , if the “ seen ” positions were as shown as in fig1 , the positions 1002 , 1004 , 1006 , and 1008 would have higher quality measurements associated with them than those indicated by positions 1010 , 1012 , and 1014 . this position information would affect the weighted average by moving the weighted average towards the values of positions 1002 , 1004 , 1006 , and 1008 , and , consequently , closer to the actual center of the detector 1016 . the use of a weighted average based on quality measurements speeds up the acquisition step of the method and provides an accurate estimation of the position of detector of the opposite connect unit . an alternate embodiment employs a relatively simplified approach of maintaining the weight on the center calculation by directly adding to or subtracting from the estimate the weight for each occurrence of new position information or on quality or distance information from current center measurements . in the optical communication system and method of the present invention , the calculations regarding the location of the detector center are performed on the connect unit including that detector ( i . e ., locally ), as opposed to remote performance ( i . e ., calculations are performed at the opposite connect unit ) of such calculations by prior art systems and methods . by calculating the performance center locally , manual adjustments to the calculations and the results are more easily performed . these may be performed when certain conditions occur , such as some operational state changes and / or during acquisition steps . receive - based quality measurements are made and averaged over a time period . the time period varies with the operational state of the optical communications system and method of the present invention . measurement of received - based quality is made by determination of the amount of control information received in a set time period as compared with the predicted amount of such information and / or with direct measurement of the received laser signal quality . alternate embodiments use measurements obtained directly from the link at layers below the control packets to accomplish these measurements . for example , symbol errors counted on a phy ( physical interface ) device can be factored into the quality measurement . when received from the opposite unit , the quality measurement and last seen position are added to a running calculation of the position of the center of the detector of the opposite connect unit . the location of the position is weighted by the quality measurement when added to the average . the average is performed over a set number of samples that occur at regular time intervals . if information is not received from the opposite unit during a sample , an older measurement may be removed from the average such that after an extended time period with no received new information the average will be zero . older measurements may be replaced by newer measurements of higher quality . when an older measurement is not replaced by a newer measurement of lower quality , the weight in the average is reduced such that after several occurrences of older information not being replaced , the measurement will be reduced to a quality level of zero and removed from the list . this behavior precludes degradation of the calculated center by inaccurate measurements over an extended period of time . an alternate embodiment uses a relatively simplified approach to this feature by adding to or subtracting from the weighted average based on available quality measurements or by use of alternate techniques of maintaining an evaluation of the quality measurements over time . by calculating location of the performance center locally , manual adjustments to the calculations and the results may be more easily performed . such manual adjustments may be performed when certain conditions occur , such as operational state changes and / or during acquisition steps . turning now to fig1 , there is illustrated a sub - process 1102 of step 808 of the optical communications method of the present invention . the sub - process 1102 allows the connect unit to acquire a signal from an opposite connect unit . in step 1104 , the characteristics of a spiral pattern are first initialized . associated with step 1102 is the sub - step of initiating a sample period . in step 1106 , a determination is made as to whether a new sample period has been initiated . if a new sample period has been initiated , the receive quality is calculated in step 1108 . while the unit is transmitting in a spiral pattern , it is also transmitting quality and position information ( step 1110 ), such as receive remote positions and receive quality information . at this stage of the subprocess 1102 , the larger process 802 proceeds to step 810 ( fig8 ). the foregoing steps are repeated once for each sample period until the acquisition gates are met ( step 1112 ). adjustments to the spiral are made in step 1114 , and measurement and calculation of quality values , step 1108 , are performed periodically as controlled by decision 1106 . these steps allow adjustments to the spiral pattern to be made periodically in step 1114 , until the acquisition step 810 is complete . the decision to complete acquisition is based primarily on the rolling average quality measurements made by both connect units . when both connect units achieve quality measurements above a predetermined level , acquisition is considered complete . the primary goal of the acquisition process , as well as the post acquisition centering processes , is to find the optimum position for the beam relative to the location of the detector of the opposite connect unit . turning to fig1 b , the optimum position 1024 is considered to be the location of the center of the largest region 1022 within the beam 1020 that provides the maximum link quality . centering a beam within this region is critical for providing the maximum tolerance to disturbance of the beam due to environmental factors . if a beam can be assumed uniform in shape , an optical centering technique can provide the optimal position . turning to fig1 c , it is demonstrated that such an assumption ( i . e ., that a beam is considered uniform in shape ) can produce problems for optical communication systems . an apparently uniform beam 1030 may have a non - uniform maximum data region 1032 . in such a case , the location of the optical center 1036 of the beam 1030 does not coincide with the location of the center 1034 of the beam . prior art optical communication systems consider the acquisition process complete when the beam was located over the detector . such a determination would lack the optimization and any post acquisition optimization provided by the optical communications system and method of the present invention . lack of such features in this example would result in a sub - optimum positioning of the beam , likely rendering the communications link incapable of supporting full data rates and more susceptible to disruption due to environmental factors . after the acquisition sub - process 1102 is completed , an embodiment of the optical communications method of the present invention includes a process for producing a more precise determination of the location of the performance center of the detector of the opposite connect unit . turning to fig1 , which is an elaboration of step 810 of fig8 this process is illustrated in a flow chart . in this embodiment , two connect units coordinate the ordering of the calibration in steps 1202 , 1204 , and 1206 . the connect units may perform calibration one at a time so that measurements can be transmitted from the connect unit not currently calibrating . an estimate of the range is made during this process in steps 1208 and 1210 by comparing the data received while the calibration patterns are drawn against the known spatial characteristics of the beam and the detector . the calibration process follows the same steps on each connect unit . in step 1202 , there is a determination made as to which connect unit will conduct calibration first . this determination may be performed utilizing a handshake protocol using unique identifiers on each connect unit . such a determination step can also be accomplished using a collision detection and random back off scheme approach . after the initial determination step 1202 , a calibration pattern is drawn by the first connect unit and measurements are recorded in steps 1212 and 1214 . these measurements are used to make a calculation of the location of the center of the detector of the opposite connect unit in steps 1216 and 1218 . the beam may then be moved to the calculated position . a calculation of a range is made in steps 1208 and 1210 , which may involve drawing a second calibration pattern and collecting additional measurements . if warranted , the quality gates for subsequent behavior are modified to match the determined range . a handshake at the end of the calibration in steps 1220 , 1222 , and 1206 , completes the synchronization of the connect units . as discussed in reference to steps 816 and 814 of fig8 after the initialization phase , the beams of the two connect units may drift . thus , the process 802 also tracks the signals and if the measured quality dips below a predetermined gate , a calibration process is performed to re - center the beam in detector of the opposite connect unit . this process is illustrated in fig1 , which is an elaboration of step 816 of fig8 . in this embodiment of the optical communications system and method of the present invention , the two connect units coordinate the ordering of the calibration in steps 1304 , 1306 , and 1308 . they may perform calibration one connect unit at a time so that measurements can be transmitted from the connect unit not currently undergoing calibration . the calibration process follows the same steps on each connect unit . in step 1304 , there is a determination of which unit will undergo calibration first . this determination is preferably performed with a handshake protocol using unique identifiers on each connect unit in conjunction with a collision detection and random back off scheme approach . such determination may also be made to assist with the tracking calibration to be performed on only one connect unit . after the initial coordination on which connect unit will be calibrated first , the calibration pattern is drawn and measurements are recorded in steps 1310 and 1312 . these measurements are used to make a calculation of the location of the center of the detector of the opposite connect unit in steps 1314 and 1316 , and the beam is moved to the calculated position . a handshake at the end of the calibration in steps 1318 , 1320 , 1308 , completes the synchronization of the connect units . the post acquisition calibration and tracking calibration processes are similar , but have at least two differences in the illustrative embodiments . the first difference is that the tracking calibration process does not perform a range calculation and an adjustment of the quality threshold gates . the second difference is that while the primary goal of the processes is both to position the beam , the secondary goals are different . a secondary goal of the tracking calibration process is to minimize data loss across the communications link . as a result , the tracking calibration is undertaken while the link is active . the post acquisition calibration process , however , is accomplished while the link is inactive and is intended to find the location of the center of the detector of the opposite connect unit regardless of beam aberration or diffraction artifacts , such as halos . these different secondary goals of the two calibration processes are addressed by using different calibration patterns drawn by the laser with a mirror , recognizing that different configurations may be better suited for different functions . for example , a crossbar pattern may be well suited to a post acquisition calibration process when a uniform circular beam shape can be assumed . on the other hand , a spiral pattern or a matrix pattern can be used when beam shape uniformity cannot be assumed . selection of a pattern also may be based on the mechanics of the positioning mechanism ( s ) of the mirror . with some mirrors , a spiral pattern may provide smoother and more accurate movement . on the other hand , a crosshair pattern drawn just slightly larger than the detector of the opposite connect unit may be better suited for the tracking calibration process . such configuration patterns will be discussed in further detail below . turning now to fig1 , there is shown an exemplary pattern 1602 of beam movement that may be used for calibration . the pattern 1602 draws two lines 1604 and 1606 , respectively . in the example , the line 1606 is substantially horizontal and the line 1604 is substantially vertical . the pattern 1602 may allow the connect units to determine the center of the data detector 1608 . this illustrative pattern may be well suited to the location of center determination portion of the post acquisition calibration process as discussed in reference to steps 1216 and 1218 of fig1 . the pattern 1602 also may be used for beam size determination . the first line drawn , 1606 , will be through a center 1610 as determined by the acquisition process . the second line 1604 will be through the center determined by the measurements taken when drawing the first line 1606 . in fig1 , there is shown a pattern 1702 of beam movement that also may be used for calibration processes . the pattern 1702 employs four lines . in this example , lines 1704 and 1706 are substantially horizontal and lines 1708 and 1710 are substantially vertical . the pattern 1702 may assist in the determination of a detector 1712 , as well as the size of the beam 1714 relative to the detector 1712 of the connect unit . the pattern 1702 is intended to determine the location of center and beam size with the least disruption to an operational link and may be suited to the center determination portion of the tracking calibration process as discussed in reference to steps 1312 and 1314 of fig1 . the first line 1704 and second line 1706 may be drawn through the center of an area 1714 where location of the detector 1712 was determined during the acquisition . the third line 1708 and fourth line 1710 employed may be drawn through the center of the detector 1712 determined by the measurements taken when drawing the lines 1704 and 1706 . [ 0077 ] fig1 shows an alternative pattern of beam movement that may be used for calibration . the pattern draws a grid 1802 , across an area around and encompassing the detector of the opposite connect unit 1804 . such a matrix calibration can be used to determine beam shape and halos , which may be used to evaluate running analog measurements . this type of pattern is suited to calibration use when the beam shape cannot be assumed to be circular . this pattern also has the best ability to determine the location of the optimum performance center for beam positioning when beam shapes are non - uniform . [ 0078 ] fig1 shows an alternative pattern 1902 of beam movement that can be used for calibration . the pattern 1902 draws a spiral across an area around and encompassing the detector 1904 of the opposite connect unit . this type of pattern can be used to determine beam shape and halos , which can be used to evaluate running analog measurements . the pattern 1902 is suited to calibration use when the beam shape cannot be assumed to be circular . the spiral pattern 1902 can be used to accomplish the same tasks as the matrix pattern 1802 ( fig1 ), but may be better suited to the specific mechanics of a certain mirror . turning back to fig8 after the calibration has been completed between two connect units , the data rate may be negotiated and determined in step 812 . fig1 shows one example of a negotiation process 1402 that may be used in connection with an embodiment of the optical communication method and system of the present invention . acquisition is performed at the lowest available data rate to provide the greatest range for the optical link established . when acquisition is completed and the beam has been centered on the detector of the opposite connect unit , the connect units will move up to the highest data rate that they can maintain with acceptable quality . this is accomplished by progressively switching to the next higher data rate as in step 1404 , and then , at each switch , determining whether the quality of the link is acceptable in step 1406 . if the quality of the data rate is acceptable , in step 1408 a determination is made whether the current rate is the highest data rate available . if so , the negotiation will be considered complete . if the quality is not considered acceptable by step 1406 , the data rate may be dropped back to the previous rate in step 1410 . in step 1412 , the quality will be reassessed and the acquisition will be considered complete , if that level of quality is determined to be acceptable . if the quality is determined to be unacceptable , the data rate will be progressively backed off in step 1414 , until a suitable rate is achieved . if an acceptable quality can not be established at any rate , the negotiation will fail , which will trigger a reacquisition process , such as described in reference to step 808 of fig8 . in one embodiment , a spiral pattern , such as spiral pattern 1902 of fig1 a , may be used for search and acquisition . the size , position , and geometry of the spiral are altered dynamically to efficiently acquire the opposite connect unit . such a process is shown in fig1 via a flow diagram . quality measurements , reported positions , center calculations , and historical information are all used to calculate the various aspects of the spiral pattern . in general , the goal of the spiral control process is to shrink the spiral to a very small size centered over the detector of the opposite connect unit . the radial spacing of the spiral is also controlled dynamically to reduce the average time that it takes to cross detector of the opposite connect unit . turning now to fig1 b , an example of a spiral pattern is shown . the first spiral 1910 drawn by the connect unit is spaced ( radially ) by a greater amount than would be used for a single pass with complete coverage . the second pass 1912 has a different initial angle so that it fills in the gaps of the spiral 1910 . this technique allows optimization of the efficiency with which the spiral 1910 is radial spaced while precluding gaps in the area covered . turning to fig1 c , a second related technique is illustrated . in addition to optimization of radial spacing , the spacing of the transmission of data relative to the angle on any given spiral rotation is also critical for providing complete coverage efficiently . in this case data transmissions occur at the positions indicated in fig1 c by the points , such as points 1922 and 1924 . the path 1920 through which the beam is moved is shown . by careful choice of the frequency of the spiral drawn , the transmit spacing relative to angle can be forced to change in a known pattern from one rotation of the spiral to the next providing the most efficient data spacing for achieving complete coverage of the area to be drawn . turning back to fig1 , the spiral control process is triggered in step 1502 , on a regular , periodic , basis while acquisition is being performed , for instance in step 808 of fig8 . all spiral geometry changes are calculated from the running quality measurements or derivatives or integrals thereof . in step 1504 , a determination is made as to whether new control information has been received from an opposite connect unit . if new information has been received , the center of the detector of the opposite connect unit is calculated using the new information and the spiral center is moved smoothly to the new position as the spiral is being drawn in step 1506 . in step 1508 , a decision is made based on the size of the outer edge of the spiral . if it is below a predetermined size , in step 1510 the spiral size is adjusted using a running calculated trend of the remote quality . the adjustment at this point serves to shrink the spiral . if step 1508 determines that the outer edge of the spiral was above a predetermined size , a gross adjustment is made to reduce the spiral size in step 1512 . the adjustment at this point serves to rapidly shrink the spiral . additional adjustments may also be made to the spiral geometry in step 1514 , based on quality measurement trends and the current spiral size . an alternate embodiment of this process is to alter the spiral geometry based solely on the quality measurements without the use of the accompanying logic . in this embodiment , the spiral size is increased or decreased based on the quality measurements . the minimum radius of the spiral is also adjusted during this process and becomes the key factor in determining the link quality ( not considering post acquisition centering ) when the acquisition is completed . by adjusting the minimum radius of the spiral such that it is maximized while the quality measurements indicate that the maximum data rate is available , a reasonable estimate of the location of the optimum performance center of the beam can be obtained . if the beam maximum data rate region does not contain severe multiple peaks , this technique can effectively find the location of the optimum performance center without the use of post acquisition centering techniques . referring again to step 1504 , if no new data was received when the spiral control process is triggered , the process proceeds to step 1516 . in step 1516 , a determination is made to adjust the spiral size based on the time since the last control information was received and on calculated quality trends as to whether to adjust the spiral size . if it is determined that the spiral size should be adjusted , then the process proceeds to step 1518 , where a further determination is made based on the size of the outer edge of the spiral . if the size of the outer edge is below a predetermined size , the spiral size is adjusted using a running calculated trend of the remote quality in step 1520 . the adjustment at step 1520 serves to increase the size of the spiral . if it was determined that the outer edge of the spiral was above a predetermined size , a gross adjustment is made to increase the spiral size in step 1522 . the adjustment at this step 1522 serves to rapidly increase the size of the spiral . in step 1514 , additional adjustments are made to the spiral geometry based on quality measurement trends and the current spiral size . [ 0083 ] fig2 shows a graph 2002 illustrating the relationship between the distance between the connect units , or range 2004 ( x - axis ) and signal quality 2006 ( y - axis ). as can be seen as range 2004 increases between two connect units past a certain point , the quality 2006 of the signal decreases . one embodiment of the optical communication system and method of the present invention uses quality gates as determination criteria . it is sometimes desirable that embodiments be allowed to operate at greater range even if the quality is degraded . a set of quality gates indexed by range as indicated by plot 2008 , may be used for this purpose . the quality gates may be selected by the range calculation performed during post acquisition calibration , as performed in steps 1208 and 1210 of fig1 . [ 0084 ] fig2 depicts an exemplary installation of an embodiment of the optical communications system and method of the present invention where connect unit 2102 is within the fields of view 2104 and 2106 of two other connect units 2108 and 2110 . since connect unit 2102 can receive control information from both connect units 2108 and 2110 , it may be necessary for connect unit 2102 to discriminate between the two connect units 2108 and 2110 . prior art systems and method propose to achieve this discrimination through spatial discrimination whereby no more that one connect unit is allowed within the field of regard of any other connect unit . if it is required that multiple connect units be within the field of regard of a connect unit , additional hardware ( i . e ., unique retro - reflectors and / or additional positions sensing elements ) are required to perform discrimination . in contrast , the optical communications system of the present invention achieves this intra - field discrimination through signal processing and / or control information , precluding the need for added hardware or sensors . [ 0085 ] fig2 illustrates a process 2202 for discrimination between connect units . in this embodiment of the optical communications system and method of the present invention , there are at least two mechanisms provided for assigning a mate connect unit . the medium access control address (“ mac ”) for a mate connect unit may be assigned directly via the network management interface ( as discussed in reference to fig5 ). if the mac for a mate connect unit has not been directly assigned , the process 2202 will favor the connect unit that is pointed most directly at it . according to the process 2202 , a control packet is first received in step 2204 . in step 2206 , it is determined whether a mate connect unit has been assigned , either explicitly or from previously received control packets . if a mate connect unit has not been assigned , in step 2208 control information is examined to determine if the other connect unit has an assigned mate . if the other connect unit has an assigned mate , in step 2210 the assigned address of the other connect unit is compared against its own address . if it does not match , the control packet is rejected in step 2212 . if it does match , then the process proceeds to step 2216 , where the mac of the other connect unit is assigned as the mate , and the control packet is accepted in step 2216 . turning back to step 2208 , if a determination is made that the connect unit sending the control packet did not have a mate connect unit assigned , the process continues to step 2218 where the mac of the other connect unit is assigned as the mate connect unit , and the control packet is accepted in step 2216 . turning back to step 2202 , if a determination is made that a mate connect unit has been assigned , the process proceeds to step 2220 where the assigned mac is compared against the address of the connect unit that sent the control packet . if the assigned mac matches , the control packet is accepted in step 2222 . if the assigned mac does not match , the process proceeds to step 2224 , where a decision is made based on whether the mac was assigned by a network management system . if it was assigned , then the process proceeds to step 2226 where the control packet is rejected . if the mac was not assigned , then the process proceeds to step 2228 where the operational state is checked . if an acquisition is not being performed , the process proceeds to step 2226 where the control packet is rejected . if an acquisition is being performed , the process proceeds to step 2230 where the positional information of the control packet ( e . g ., items 722 and 724 of fig7 ), is compared against the last seen position of the currently assigned mate connect unit . if the last seen position of the control packet is closer to zero , the process 2202 proceeds to step 2232 where the center calculation is reset . the process then proceeds to step 2218 where the mac of the other connect unit is assigned as the mate connect unit and the control packet is accepted in step 2216 . if the currently assigned position of the mate connect unit is not closer to zero , the control packet is rejected in step 2226 and the current mate connect unit is retained . a control packet also may be rejected if its mac matches the devices assigned mac , which indicates that the packet was reflected back to the sender . in an alternative embodiment , a physical method for establishing preferred discrimination is also provided . this is accomplished via a switch on the device allowing selection of one number in a set of numbers . by selecting the same number on two connect units , such connect units would establish a discrimination preference for each other over any other connect units from which they may receive control information . another alterative embodiment provides discrimination between connect units even if the multiple connect units are within the instantaneous field of view . application of well understood code division signal modulation allows the receiving unit to isolate and lock - on to only one of the connect units within the instantaneous field of view . as previously discussed , positional drift or oscillation of a beam can be caused by mechanical or environmental factors . an example of positional drift is shown in fig2 . a position 2302 of a mirror has moved after a tracking calibration or after a reacquisition . by comparing previous positions , such as 2304 and 2306 , with each other and the current position 2302 , a positional drift can be determined . a positional drift can also be detected by comparing a series of measurements taken over several control packets . regular , periodic movements can also be detected in this fashion . these movements may be addressed via the application of motion to the mirror to counteract the measured periodic movement . when a positional drift is detected , a periodic motion may be applied to the mirror . this counteracting motion keeps the beam centered longer and minimizes the need for more severe corrective actions , such as calibration or reacquisition . referring now to fig2 , there is shown a corner reflector 2402 ( also referred to as a retro - reflector ) which optionally may be fitted to the front of a connect unit , such as connect unit 2404 . the reflector 2402 will reflect a beam of light 2406 , back towards its origin , which in this illustrative example is connect unit 2408 . depending on the size of the reflector 2402 , there may be only a small displacement . prior art optical communications systems and methods make use of retro - reflectors along with additional dedicated sensors to achieve discrimination . in contrast to such prior art , the optical communications system and method of the present invention uses the retro - reflective technique along with its existing detector to detect its own transmitted signal for assistance with pointing its transmitted beam . this reflection may be utilized by the connect unit 2408 as an initial pointing aid while mounting the connect unit , as well as an aid in more rapidly locating the detector of the connect unit 2404 during acquisition . while mounting the connect unit 2408 , and pointing it at the opposite connect unit 2404 , an audio and / or visual indication may be provided when a reflection is received . this indication informs the user that the opposite unit 2404 is within the field of view of the connect unit being mounted . additionally , during the acquisition phase , the reflection can be used to re - center a spiral pattern and greatly reduce the area to be scanned to more rapidly converge on its opposite unit . multiple retro - reflectors may also be employed so that the invention may make a direct estimate of the opposite unit &# 39 ; s detector and directly position with or without additional scanning . referring now to fig2 , there is shown an embodiment of corner reflector similar to that illustrated in fig2 . in the embodiment illustrated in fig2 , however , there is additional information provided via received reflection 2502 from a corner reflector 2504 added to the control information transmitted across optical path 2506 . a receiving unit 2508 may be able determine the angle 2510 , between the reflection and a beam 2506 incident on its detector 2512 using the known distance between the corner reflector 2504 and the receiver 2512 . this determination allows the receiving unit 2508 to determine the pointing angle it needs to position its mirror to target the opposite connect unit 2514 . the pointing angle can be used during acquisition to more rapidly converge on a detector 2516 of the opposite connect unit . referring now to fig2 , it is noted that when field of view of the receiver 2604 is less than that of a mirror 2606 , it is possible for the connect unit 2602 to transmit over a larger area than it can receive . an embodiment of a connect unit 2602 of the optical communications method of the present invention that increases the receive field of view to match the transmit field of view is shown . by using a coincident transmit 2608 beam and a receive 2610 , beam 2612 , and the mirror 2606 , can be used both to steer the transmit beam 2608 out of the device as well as steer the receive beam 2610 to the receiver 2610 . the beams 2610 and 2608 may be combined and separated in this embodiment of the present invention using a one - way mirror 2614 . this embodiment of the present invention provides a wider field of view to the receiver 2604 and may be particularly useful at higher data rates where the connect units may be used for receiving the optical energy are smaller and have inherently smaller fields of view . [ 0095 ] fig2 is a front view of one embodiment of a connect unit 2700 of the optical communications system and method of the present invention . in this embodiment of the present invention , two optional position sensors 2702 and 2704 are used in conjunction with an analog measurement taken from a detector 2706 to enhance pointing accuracy and to address movements and vibrations experienced by the connect unit 2700 . the information from the two position sensors 2702 and 2704 is used to supplement the processes described herein that address these issues using a single detector . by comparing the analog measurements of the x - axis detector 2704 with the detector 2706 , the x - axis position relative to the detector 2706 is computed . similarly , the y - axis position is also determined . the use of only two supplemental analog detectors provides lower cost and complexity than the use of a standard quad configuration . a number of embodiments of the invention have been described . nevertheless , it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . accordingly , other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims . in the claims , means - plus - function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents , but also equivalent structures .	7
the description and operation of the invention will be best described with reference to fig1 which is a distributed exploded view of the ordering of components of a vertical blind track system 11 , with track removed , and illustrating the interrelationship of the components , including a lead carrier 15 having a control wand 17 connected into the lead carrier through a universal linkage 19 . the carrier has two pairs of wheels including a first pair of mutually adjacent wheels 21 and a second pair of mutually adjacent wheels 23 . the carrier 15 has a recessed cross shaped space 25 and an aperture or bore 27 for accepting an optional threaded member 29 . an in - track turning distributed control rod 31 is shown in short section as extending through a turn actuation sleeve 33 supported within the lead carrier 15 . an optional flat support member 35 has a series of three upper projections 37 , 39 , & amp ; 41 , a rod accommodation bore 43 , and a stop accommodation bore 45 . in some cases , a magnet 47 is located within the flat support member 35 in order to engage with the threaded member 29 so that the flat support member 35 will travel along with the lead carrier 15 until one of the three upper projections 37 , 39 , & amp ; 41 , engages a threaded member 51 shown suspended above the projection 41 . the threaded member 51 is usually engaged into the top of the head rail ( not shown ) the tail of the threaded member 51 protruding downwardly to interfere with the projection 41 as it translates along the head rail , to cause it to become separated from the lead carrier 11 and where it can provide added support to the turning distributed control rod 31 when the lead carrier is drawn back against a series of single carriers 55 leaving extended portions of the turning distributed control rod 31 otherwise unsupported . note that flat support member 35 has a pair of notches 57 which engage internally disposed track structures ( not shown ) in the head rail which enable a much more exacting degree of support . in long head rail applications , where the lengths of the control rod 31 left un - supported with be great , several of the flat support members 35 may be used , each with its own associated one of the series of three upper projections 37 , 39 , & amp ; 41 left standing in order to engage its associated threaded member 51 . adjacent the flat support member 35 is the end cap 61 having an upper aperture 62 which is amenable to engagement by a threaded member or locking pin or any other structure which facilitates holding the end cap 61 in the head rail ( not shown in fig1 ). end cap 61 has a recessed area 63 . above the end cap 61 a threaded member 64 is seen and is of such length that combined with the thickness of the head rail and the distance between the top of the end cap 61 and the upper recessed area that the threaded member 64 will not penetrate the recessed area 63 . end cap 61 also has an aperture through which turning distributed control rod 35 extends ( not seen in fig1 ), and a stop engagement aperture 65 . the control rod 35 will be terminated in its extent within the recessed area , typically with a slide lock fitting , which helps hold the end cap onto the head rail ( not shown ). to the other side of the lead carrier 15 and between lead carrier 15 and the single carrier 55 is shown a connector 67 which places the adjacent single carrier 55 in close relationship to the lead carrier 15 . the next most adjacent structures seen include a turning distributed control rod 31 shown adjacent a spacer 71 and an end cap 73 which may be a mirror image of the end cap 61 , and is shown with an aperture 75 through which turning distributed control rod 35 extends , and a stop engagement aperture 77 . there is no lead carrier adjacent the end cap 73 although there may be in an actual installation . the configuration of fig1 illustrates that the end caps 61 , 73 are mirror images of each other unless their stop engagement apertures 77 , 65 are the same size as their apertures , including aperture 75 through which turning distributed control rod 35 extends . if these apertures are the same size , a single configuration of end cap 61 , 73 can be used . an end fitting 79 has a diameter greater than the aperture 75 and is for engaging the terminal end of the turning distributed control rod 31 and to better keep the end cap 73 in place with respect to the track ( not seen in fig1 ). above the lead carrier 15 , an installable and removable end stop engagement structure 81 is seen . the lead carrier 15 has an upper through slot 83 into which the end stop engagement structure 81 fits . the end stop engagement structure 81 has a generally cylindrically shaped body having a general centerline which over fits the base of the through slot 83 . at one end is a cylindrical extension 85 having an enlarged end 87 which is bifurcated by a slot 89 which allows the bifurcations to bend in a cantilevered fashion toward each other . just past the enlarged end 87 , the cylindrical extension 85 has a conical section which may have an increased diameter to facilitate engagement with any structure provided to form a stop structure to the installable and removable end stop engagement structure 81 , especially where , for example a stop engagement aperture 65 has a matching diameter such that when the cylindrical extension 85 gets past the enlarged end 87 , the cylindrical extension 85 conical section may be stopped by a solid conical engagement with an appropriately sized engagement aperture 65 . this can permit several flat support members 35 to be engaged onto the cylindrical extension 85 which may easily clear the enlarged end 87 or not , as the case may be , but with a conic section just behind the enlarged end 87 which will stop the cylindrical extension 85 with regard to the engagement aperture 85 . the main body of the end stop engagement structure 81 has a flat top 91 from which a pair of side spacing protrusions 93 extend in order to insure that the position of the end stop engagement structure 81 within the slot 83 will be at a position close to the center of the lead carrier in order to pre - align with the stop engagement apertures 77 , 65 of the end caps 61 , 73 . the underside of the end stop engagement structure 81 includes a lateral slot 95 defined by a first projection 97 extending away from the cylindrical extension and for engaging the front corner of the base of the slot 83 recessed cross shaped space 25 , and a second more rounded and / or more gently angled projection 99 for engaging the rear edge of the base of the slot 83 . projecting away from the end of the end stop engagement structure 81 opposite the cylindrical extension 85 , is a lip 101 to facilitate manual attachment and detachment of the end stop engagement structure 81 into and out of the slot 83 , especially facilitated by the combination of the size and shape of the second more rounded and / or more gently angled projection 99 . in typical fashion , the first projection 97 will be placed around the lower end edge of the slot 83 , and the second more rounded and / or more gently angled projection 99 , which can be more easily engaged over its lower end edge of the slot 83 being snapped into place with downward pressure on the flat top 91 perhaps combined with some upward pressure on the lip 101 . to remove the end stop engagement structure 81 , the reverse action of providing upward pressure on the lip 101 perhaps with some downward pressure on the flat top 91 . the end stop engagement structure 81 could be made with a wider body , or the axis of its extent could be shifted , etc . however the side spacing protrusions enable the end stop engagement structure 81 to be advantageously located within the slot 83 to enable its engagement with the stop engagement apertures 65 , 67 . referring to fig2 , a top view shows more of the thickness detail of the end cap 61 may have a boss 105 surrounding the stop engagement aperture 65 and which may advantageously give control of the ability to insure that the engagement aperture 65 has a well defined and precisely determinable inner diameter . a well defined internal diameter will enable reproducible control of the force necessary to move the enlarged end 87 of the cylindrical extension 85 through the stop engagement aperture 65 . the flat support member 35 stop accommodation bore 45 is seen having the cylindrical extension 85 having passed through it . the interaction between the flat support member 35 stop accommodation bore 45 and the enlarged end 87 of the cylindrical extension 85 may range from complete non - interference to slight interference . where the magnet 47 is not present , and a very slight interference , perhaps only a vertical interference , can be used to cause the flat support member 35 to follow the lead carrier 15 until separated by the threaded member 51 . with slight and controllable interference , and perhaps only in one dimension , on the way back , the flat support member 35 would either be re - engaged by the cylindrical extension 85 at a position near the threaded member 51 after the cylindrical extension has reached the boss 105 . thus , the magnet 47 in combination with the threaded member 29 works well , but can , in some cases be eliminated . recall also that the flat support member 35 is optional and only used where the extent of the control rod 31 is great such that it would be left to sag should the lead carrier 15 move the individual carriers 55 to one side . where the flat support member 35 is not utilized , the shape of the cylindrical extension 85 may in any event be formed so that it will not overextend through the boss 105 . put another way , the limitation of passage through the boss 105 may be dependent upon the size and shape of the cylindrical extension 85 . as can be seen in fig2 , the shape of the cylindrical extension 85 just past the enlarged end 87 is angled but of such size that the flat support member 35 , with its stop accommodation bore 45 , has passed over it . the diameter of the boss 105 may be so as to prevent further passage of the cylindrical extension 85 . in most applications , the end cap 61 may also be bound by a wall or other structure , and it too may act as an ultimate stop for the extent to which cylindrical extension 85 extends through the boss 105 , but preferably not . a break is shown in fig2 to illustrate that the system 11 may not necessarily consist of a single slide with one lead carrier 15 , but may consist of a system 11 having two lead carriers 15 , one at each end . fig3 helps to illustrate this . if the breaks in fig2 and fig3 are considered to be such that the shorter ends are gone and what remains is part of complete system . a two lead carrier 15 system 11 results , but the other lead carrier 115 seen in fig3 is a mirror image of the lead carrier 15 of fig1 & amp ; 2 . aside from the mirror image carrier configuration of lead carrier 115 , the carrier itself may be such that it is reversible and is exactly the same as carrier 15 . however , even where this is so , the installable and removable end stop engagement structure 81 cannot be merely reversed as it would cause the pair of side spacing protrusions 93 to project toward the center of the carrier 115 and thus cause the centerline or center axis ( running roughly through the slot 89 of the enlarged end 87 and through the gently angled projection 99 ) to move farther outboard of the carrier 115 . thus carrier 115 utilizes a structure which is a mirror image to the installable and removable end stop engagement structure 81 , namely , a the installable and removable end stop engagement structure 121 . aside from the mirror structure , other smaller aspects of the structures seen in fig3 are the same as structures of fig1 & amp ; 2 . referring to fig5 , a side sectional view of a head rail 125 having a wheel track 127 illustrates the lead carrier with the the installable and removable end stop engagement structure 81 penetrating both the stop engagement aperture 65 of the end cap 61 as well as the stop accommodation bore 45 of the flat support member 35 . fig5 illustrates a view from the same perspective as that seen in fig4 , but with the the installable and removable end stop engagement structure 81 having been just disengaged from the stop engagement aperture 41 , but still carrying the flat support member 35 along with it . the operation is such that an operator urges lead carrier 15 toward the end cap 61 with enough force that the the installable and removable end stop engagement structure 81 cylindrical extension 85 enlarged end 87 extends through accommodation bore 65 and engages it to provide some force threshold which must be broken to remove the lead carrier 15 to travel in the other direction . while this positive end stop or temporary capture is in effect , the user can rotate the wand 17 to cause the vertical blind holders 135 to rotate without otherwise having to apply force to the lead carrier to hold the lead carrier in closed position . this translates to much less force which otherwise has to be applied to the wand 17 . the snap - stop action also lets the user know at what point the system 11 is completely closed to the full extent . in this way the user does not have to continually keep closing the vertical blind arrangement . when the user wants to open the vertical blinds by causing the carriers 55 to be collected at the other end , only enough initial pulling force need be applied to free the lead carrier 15 , and the relatively friction free wheels , such as wheels sets 21 and 23 , enable the user to very easily open and thereafter close the series of vertical blinds associated with the carrier . while the present invention has been described in terms of a positive end stop system which can be utilized in both vertical blind and other window covering systems , both with and without a magnetic assist on a support member , one skilled in the art will realize that the structure and techniques of the present invention can be applied to many similar appliances . the present invention may be applied in any situation where positive end hold is desired , as well quick release operation . although the invention has been derived with reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof , many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . therefore , included within the patent warranted hereon are all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of this contribution to the art .	4
fig1 shows a characteristic of a centrifugal pump , namely the delivery head h as a function of the delivery flow q , or more precisely as a function of q / q bep which is the ratio of the delivery flow q to the delivery flow q bep at the best point . the shape of this h ( q )- curve depends on the flow profile of the fluid in the centrifugal pump , in particular on a large number of geometrical parameters which relate to the design of the centrifugal pump . centrifugal pumps often have an unstable h ( q )- characteristic as is shown by a second characteristic a i over the range a1 . this unstable region a1 proves to be disadvantageous when running a centrifugal pump up to speed and also when operating under part load within the unstable region , since a centrifugal pump can only be reliably operated within a stable region . the first characteristic a s shows a h ( q )- curve with a steadily falling profile which is termed a stable h ( q )- characteristic within which the centrifugal pump can be operated reliably . fig3 shows a cross - section through a centrifugal pump 10 with a radial , closed rotor wheel 1 , a shaft 2 , a pressure housing 16 and a guide wheel 5 . the fluid flows from an intake duct 3 into a rotor wheel inlet aperture 8 , through the rotor wheel 1 , and enters at the rotor wheel outlet aperture 9 into the pressure duct 4 via a guide wheel 5 . the closed rotor wheel 1 comprises a carrier disc 6 , a cover disc 7 and also at least one blade 7a arranged between them . the present embodiment shows a guide wheel 5 with guide blades . the transition between the rotor wheel outlet aperture 9 and the spiral housing 19 or pressure duct 4 can however also be formed as a bladeless ring chamber . a flow with a velocity profile 11 forms between the carrier disc 6 and the cover disc 7 when a fluid is flowing and is bounded by an inner flow line d and an outer flow line c . fig2 a - 2d show various velocity profiles 11 arising between the inner and outer flow lines ( c , d ) as a function of the delivery flow q , or more precisely as a function of the ratio q / q bep . in the above embodiment it is assumed that the components of a rotor wheel 1 or of a centrifugal pump 10 which determine the velocity profile 11 are designed in such a way that an approximately symmetrical velocity profile exists at the design point of the centrifugal pump , i . e . at q / q bep = 1 , as shown in fig2 d with the profile a s . fig2 c , 2b and 2a each show one velocity profile 11 with a stable profile a and one with an unstable profile a i with a reduced flow rate q , with fig2 a showing a flow rate q / q bep = 0 . the stable profile a s changes continuously as a function of the flow rate q , the back flow contribution increasing towards the outer flow line c . in the present patent document , a continuously changing velocity profile is to be understood as a profile with the properties that the flow direction does not change abruptly in certain regions of the velocity profile as a function of the flow rate q , as can for instance be seen in the unstable profile a i in fig2 b and 2c towards the outer flow line c , but rather that the velocity profile as a function of flow rate q varies without an abrupt change in the flow which , in the present example , manifests itself in that the back flow contribution of the fluid for the stable profile a s steadily increases with a decreasing flow rate q towards the outer flow line c . in contrast , the unstable profile ai , which is representative of the flow behavior of known centrifugal pumps , shows an unstable discontinuous behavior from fig2 d to fig2 a . the unstable profile ai of fig2 c has a back flow current at both flow lines c , d . the unstable profile ai changes in such a way that with a further reduction of the flow rate q / q bep = 0 . 25 of fig2 b , no more back flow current arises . on further reduction of the flow rate q / q bep = 0 the flow strongly rises at the outer flow line c whereas a marked back flow arises at the inner flow line d . this abrupt change in the flow of the unstable profile a i is the reason for an unstable h ( q )- curve as shown with a i in fig1 . the components of the centrifugal pump 10 which determine the velocity profile 11 of the delivery flow q are formed in such a way in the invention that the velocity profile 11 steadily changes as the flow rate q changes , as is shown by the stable profile as . along with the design of the rotor wheel 1 with at least one blade 7a , carrier disc 6 and cover disc 7 , further components can also be correspondingly provided such as the rotor wheel inlet 8 and the rotor wheel outlet 9 , and also components fitted in front of or behind the rotor wheel 1 such as a guide wheel 5 . the velocity profile 11 can be influenced by further measures such as by apertures 15 provided in the rotor wheel 1 through which liquid flows , or through a design of the inlet flow gap 14a of such a kind that liquid flows out of the gap 14 so that the velocity profile 11 is influenced , particularly in the region of the rotor wheel inlet 8 . the design of the components of the rotor wheel 1 or of the centrifugal pump 10 determining the velocity profile 11 of the conveying flow q between the inner and outer flow lines c , d allows many design options for the implementation . however , a person skilled in the art knows how to design the components so that a steadily changing velocity profile 11 is achieved . for instance , a person skilled in the art uses numerical calculation methods in order to select components appropriate for a desired specification . the rotor wheel 1 has a center of rotation la . the velocity profile shown in fig2 a to 2d lies between the inner and outer flow lines c and d and in a common plane with the center of rotation la and therefore includes the radial components of the velocity vector . the rotor wheel and , if provided , also the guide apparatus are designed in such a way that a steady development of the velocity profile 11 as a function of the delivery flow q results , in particular at the rotor wheel inlet 8 and at the rotor wheel outlet 9 . in the embodiment shown in fig2 a to 2d , a low energy flow zone at the outer flow line c is avoided in order to avoid destabilizing flow discontinuities , in particular for half - axial or axial centrifugal pumps . moreover , the rotor wheel 1 and the guide apparatus 5 can be designed in such a manner that flow separation in the guide apparatus does not take place in the region where the characteristic of the static pressure at the rotor wheel outlet is flat or unstable . the shape of the rotor wheel and the guide apparatus is made such that an asymmetric velocity profile is produced at the rotor wheel outlet 9 shortly before a flow separation in the guide apparatus to avoid the destabilizing influence of low energy flow zones appearing simultaneously at the inner and outer flow lines c , d . this is also important for the stability of the characteristics for pumps with twin - flow rotor wheels as these usually have a symmetrical design and thus , by reason of that geometry , produce a symmetrical velocity profile . a closed rotor wheel is shown in fig3 . for half - open or open rotor wheels , the outer and inner flow lines c , d would partly follow or be attached to the housing 16 . fig4 shows a plan view onto a carrier disc 6 of a rotor wheel 1 with blades 7a . the velocity profile 11 can be determined by , amongst other things , the blade arrangement , for example by the blade separation a2 , and / or the blade outlet angle beta2 and / or the angular profile of the blade 7a and / or the rotor wheel outlet width b2 . apertures 15 can be seen which are arranged in such a manner that the velocity profile 11 is changed in a specific manner , for example by arranging the apertures or perforations 15 in a low energy flow zone . fig5 shows a plan view onto a guide device with a guide wheel 5 , wherein the choice of the inlet width a3 of the guide wheel 5 also affects the velocity profile 11 . as shown in fig6 intermediate blades 7b can also be arranged in the rotor wheel 1 which extend over a part of the width b3 of the rotor wheel outlet width b2 in order to influence the flow of the fluid . fig7 shows a gap 14 of a centrifugal pump 10 with a fluid flow 23a , 23b , 23c emerging from between the rotor wheel 1 and the housing 16 or a sealing ring 20 . the flow direction of the emergent fluid flow can be influenced with a guide element 21 so that , depending on what is required , a fluid flow 23a , 23b , 23c in different flow directions is produced in order to thereby influence the velocity profile 11 . a trip edge 22 clan be used to influence the velocity profile 11 and , in the present embodiment , is arranged at the outer flow line c of the rotor wheel 1 . further examples of possibilities for influencing the velocity profile 11 can for example be achieved by the following measures : the components of the centrifugal pump which determine the flow behavior are specifically designed so that , for an axial or half - axial centrifugal pump , a high energy zone is produced at the outer flow line c . the twist of the blade 7a in half - axial or axial rotor wheels is designed in such a way that flow separation at the hub takes place before a low energy zone arises at the outer flow line c . the relationship between the blade length and blade pitch is selected for half - axial or axial rotor wheels such that a low energy zone at the outer flow line c is avoided . the inlet width a3 of the guide wheel 5 is varied in its width between the outer flow line c and the inner flow line d in order to effect an asymmetric velocity profile 11 . the inlet opening 18 of the guide wheel 5 and the rotor wheel outlet opening 9 are offset relative to one another in a direction axial to the shaft 2 . the components of the centrifugal pump which determine the flow behavior are specifically designed so that flow separation occurs in the guide wheel 5 before the gap characteristic becomes flat or unstable . the blade separation a2 at the rotor wheel outlet is varied [ in its width between the inner flow line d and the outer flow line c in order to produce an asymmetric velocity profile .	5
embodiments of the present invention will be described next with reference to the accompanying drawings . fig1 is a block diagram of an electronic circuit of an electronic notebook 10 involved in a first embodiment of a communication device and method and a recording medium which contains a communication program , according to the present invention . the electronic notebook 10 is provided with a controller ( cpu ) 11 , which starts up a system program contained in a rom 16 in accordance with a key operation signal entered from a key - in unit 12 , or touch position data entered via a position detector 15 from a tablet 14 overlapping with a display screen of a liquid crystal display unit 13 to thereby control the respective operations of the circuit elements . the controller 11 is connected to a ram 17 and to the liquid crystal display unit 13 via a display driver 18 . the controller 11 is connected to a speaker 20 via an amplifier 19 ; to an external modem 22 via a send - receive circuit 21 ; and to a host computer ( not shown ) via a telephone line for communicating purposes . the key - in unit 12 is provided with an on key 12 a operated to turn on a power supply of the electronic notebook 10 and an off key 12 b operated to turn off the power supply . the tablet 14 is made of a transparent panel overlapping on the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13 and outputs a voltage signal representing a position touched , for example , with a pen e . in accordance with the voltage signal outputted from the tablet 14 depending on the position touched with the pen e , the position detector 15 detects the coordinates of the position touched with the pen e in an x - y coordinate system corresponding to a displayed area of the liquid crystal display unit 13 and delivers data indicative of the position coordinates to the controller 11 . the controller 11 determines the coordinate data corresponding to the touched position on the liquid crystal display unit 13 and the contents of data ( for example , an icon ) displayed at the touched position . in addition to the system program , the rom 16 contains subprograms corresponding to various operational modes such as a notebook mode and a my - room mode . the rom 16 further contains a my - room - part subrom 16 a which contains images of different pieces of furniture , articles attached to the furniture , and animals / plants , as room parts . ( in fig1 ( 16 a ), 7 d and 12 , “ drawings ” stands for “ a chest of drawers ”.) the ram 17 is provided with a display register 17 a in which data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13 stored as bit map data ; a my - room register 17 b in which the kinds of part images selected as components of a room image from the my - room - part subrom 16 a and information on a specified display positions are stored in a set my - room mode ; a use frequency register p in which data representing a use frequency of the electronic notebook 10 is set , the data being incremented one when the notebook 10 is used once ( each time a cleaning process ends in the my - room mode , or each time the communication mode ends ); an upgrade data register 17 c to and in which when the use frequency data set in the use frequency data register p reaches a predetermined level , for example , of “ 5 ” or “ 10 ”, the use frequency data is transferred and stored as upgrade data ; an upgrade status register t where an upgrade level is set as 0 , 1 or 2 depending on the upgrade data “ 0 ”, “ 5 ” or “ 10 ” stored in the upgrade data register 17 c as an upgraded - menu item is selected in the communication mode ; a notebook data register 17 e where , for example , schedule data inputted in the set notebook mode is stored and entered ; and a program register 17 d which stores a program installed externally . in a second embodiment of the present invention to be described later , program register 17 d contains a word processor program read from a recording medium . a register r indicates a total accumulated time in which the word processor mode is used . the speaker 20 produces an electronic sound depending on a sound generating command signal from the controller 11 . for example , it generates a confirming sound “ pi ” each time a pen touch operation is performed on the tablet 14 or an alarm sound “ pi :” each time a misoperation is performed . the send - receive circuit 21 sends / receives data to / from the host computer ( not shown ) via the modem 22 and telephone line in a state where the electronic notebook 10 is set in the communication mode . for example , when an upgraded menu is selected in the communication mode , the send - receive circuit 21 sends upgrade data stored in the upgraded data register 17 c to the host computer , and receives an upgrade limitation releasing signal by return from the host computer . in this case , if the upgrade data is “ 5 ”, the send - receive circuit 21 receives a first - stage limitation releasing signal , so that the upgrade level is increased from “ 0 ” to “ 1 ”. if the upgrade data is “ 10 ”, the send - receive circuit 21 receives a second - stage limitation releasing signal , so that the upgrade level is increased from “ 1 ” to “ 2 ”. when a room part image is selected and read from the my - room - part subrom 16 a in the my - room mode , the kinds of selectable room part images vary depending on the upgrade level set in the upgrade status register t . for example , in this embodiment , when the upgrade level is 0 , only five different pieces of furniture images are selectable ; when the upgrade level is 1 , all pieces of furniture images are selectable ; and when the upgrade level is 2 , all pieces of furniture images and animal and plant images are selectable . the recording medium reader 30 reads data in various replaceable recording mediums 31 such as rom / ram cards or rom / ram disks . the data recorded in the various recording mediums 31 read by the recording medium reader 30 are data of programs similar to those stored in rom 16 . the controller 11 is capable of performing various processes in the electronic notebook 10 on the basis of program data read by the recording medium reader 30 . fig2 is a front view of the electronic notebook 10 which has a housing of such a size that the user can hold the housing sufficiently by one hand . the housing has at its center a touch panel tp composed of the liquid crystal display unit 13 and the tablet 14 overlapping with the display unit 13 ; power supply keys 12 a , 12 b provided on the right side of the touch panel ta ; and a speaker 20 provided on the left side of the touch panel . the input display screen of the touch panel ta is separated into a key operation area 13 a provided in a lower portion of the input display screen , and a data display area 13 b of the input display screen above the key operation area 13 a . displayed and disposed in the key operation area 13 a are “ clear ” key 13 a 1 , cursor keys 13 a 2 (,+,←,→, δ ,∇), “ menu ” key 13 a 3 , and “ ok ” key 12 a 4 . the data display area 13 b of the touch panel ta of the fig2 notebook 10 shows a displayed menu display screen . when , for example , a “ door ” is selected in a pen - touching operation , the my - room mode is set ; when a “ personal computer ” is selected , the communication mode is set ; when a “ calendar ” is selected , the schedule mode is set ; and when a “ book ” is selected , a dictionary mode is set . fig3 shows the modem 22 connected to a telephone set 23 and the send - receive circuit 21 of the electronic notebook 10 . the modem 22 is provided on one side with a 3 - pin terminal 22 a to which a communication cable extending from the send - receive circuit 21 of the notebook is connected , and a modular terminal 22 b to which a communication cable extending from the telephone set 23 is connected . the modem 22 is also provided at its front with a “ communication ” switch 22 c and a “ telephone ” switch 22 d for selecting a communication mode for the electronic notebook 10 and a telephone mode for the telephone set 23 , respectively , whereby communication based on the connection of the electronic notebook 10 to the telephone line 24 and telephonic communication based on the connection of the telephone 23 to the telephone line 24 are respectively had . fig4 a shows the internal structure of the modem 22 . fig4 b is a timing chart of the modem 22 operation . the modem 22 is provided with the above - mentioned 3 - pin terminal 22 a which is composed of a send data line connector pin 22 a 1 , a receive data line connector pin 22 a 2 , and a gnd line connection pin 22 a 3 ; a modem ic 25 ; a communication circuit 26 ; and a monostable multivibrator 27 . the output q of the monostable multivibrator 27 becomes low with a falling edge of a send signal a input from connector pin 22 a 1 , and becomes high a given time t which is a cr time constant after the send signal a disappears . the modem ic 25 is set in a send mode when its mode terminal is low while the modem ic 25 is set in the receive mode when the mode terminal is high . in the send mode where an edge of the send signal a falls , the send data input to a trns terminal is modulated by the communication circuit 26 and the resulting data is outputted to the telephone line 24 . in the receipt mode the given time t after disappearance of the send signal a , the receive data input from the telephone line 24 is demodulated by the communication circuit 26 , and the resulting data is outputted as digital data from a rcv terminal to the 3 - pin connector terminal 22 a 2 . a dummy signal is added to the send signal a from the electronic notebook 10 immediately before a main data of the send data of the send signal a is sent . the dummy signal sets the output q of the monostable multivibrator 27 at low level to thereby set the modem ic 25 in the send mode . the modem 22 is automatically switched to the send mode in accordance with the output of the send data from the notebook 10 . when the output of the send data disappears , the modem 22 is automatically switched to the receive mode the given time t after the disappearance of the send data . therefore , a control system which switches between the send and receive modes and a control line therefor are not required to be provided for the electronic notebook 10 , and hence the electronic notebook itself is reduced in size and cost . fig5 is a flow chart of a whole process performed by the electrode notebook . fig6 is a flow chart of a my - room mode process of the electronic notebook . fig7 a - 7e each show the display of an operation of the electronic notebook involved in the my - room mode process ( part 1 ). fig8 a and 8b each show the display of an operation of the electronic notebook involved in the my - room mode ( part 2 ). when the “ menu ” key 13 a 3 on the touch panel tp is touched , a menu select display screen for selecting the respective operational modes in a pen - touching operation is displayed on the display unit 13 , as shown in fig7 a ( step s 1 → s 2 ). when any one of mode icons “ door ”, “ personal computer ”, “ calendar ”, etc ., is selected in a pen touching operation on the displayed menu select display screen , the corresponding selected operational mode is set and the corresponding control program is started up , and an initial display screen in the set operational mode is displayed on the display unit 13 ( steps s 3 → s 4 , s 5 , s 6 ). when the “ door ” of the menu select display picture is pen - touched in the mode selecting and setting process ( steps s 1 - s 6 ) to thereby set the my - room mode , a my - room display picture which is composed of combined room part images stored in the my - room register 17 b of pam 17 ( initially , no room part images are entered ) is displayed as an initial display picture on the display unit 13 , and the my - room mode process for creating and displaying a desired room image is started up ( step s 7 → sa ). when upgrade data has been stored in the upgrade data register 17 c of ram 17 , the display unit displays a part image which represents a letter inserted into a drop in the door is displayed , which represents that room part images are upgradable ( that is , the number of room part images is increasable ) ( fig8 a ). when the “ personal computer ” of the menu select display picture is pen - touched in the mode selecting and setting process ( steps s 1 - s 6 ) to thereby . set the communication mode , a message display picture for communication guidance is displayed as an initial display picture on the display unit 13 , as shown in fig1 b , to thereby start up a communication mode process for desired data communication ( step s 8 → sb ). when one of other notebook modes ( schedule mode , memorandum mode , clock mode ) is selected and set , a corresponding operational mode process is started up ( step s 8 → another process ). when the “ door ” displayed on the my - room display picture which is the initial display picture where the my - room mode is set is touched with the pen , a my - room menu display picture for selecting “ clean ” or “ furniture ” is displayed on the display unit 13 , as shown in fig7 c ( step a 1 → a 2 ). when the “ clean ” is pen touched on the displayed my - room menu display picture , an image of a scene where a person is cleaning a room is displayed on the my - room display picture which is , in turn , displayed on the display unit 13 ( step a 3 → a 4 ). in response to this operation , the use frequency data in the use frequency register p of the ram 17 is incremented by one , and it is determined whether the use frequency data has reached “ 5 ” or “ 10 ” ( step a 5 , a 6 ). when it is determined that the use frequency data is not “ 5 ” or “ 10 ”, the my - room menu display picture of fig7 c is restored a predetermined time later . if it is determined that the use frequency data is “ 5 ” or “ 10 ”, the use frequency data “ 5 ” or “ 10 ” is stored in the upgrade data register 17 c of ram 17 , and the my - room menu display picture of fig7 c is then restored ( steps a 6 → a 7 ). when the “ furniture ” is pen touched in the displayed my - room menu display picture of fig7 c , it is determined whether the upgrade level set in the upgrade status register t of ram 17 is “ 0 ” for a regular state or “ 1 ” for a first upgrade state or “ 2 ” for a second upgrade state ( step a 8 → a 9 or a 10 ). if it is determined that the upgrade level set in the upgrade status register t is “ 0 ” for the regular state , data on only five pieces of furniture images are read out from the my - room - part subrom 16 a , and a my - room furniture select picture for selecting any one of five pieces of furniture images corresponding to the data on five - pieces of furniture is displayed on the display unit 13 ( step a 9 → a 11 , a 12 ). if it is determined that the upgrade level set in the upgrade status register t is “ 1 ” for the first upgrade state , data on all pieces of furniture images are read out from the my - room - part subrom 16 a , and a my - room furniture select picture for selecting any one of all pieces of furniture images corresponding to the data on all pieces of furniture images is displayed on the display unit 13 ( step a 10 → a 16 , a 17 ). if it is determined that the upgrade level set in the upgrade status register t is “ 2 ” for the second upgrade state , data on all pieces of furniture , animal and plant images are read out from the my - room - part subrom 16 a , and a my - room - part select picture for selecting any one of all pieces of furniture images , animal images and plant images corresponding the data on all pieces of furniture , animal and plant images is displayed on the display unit 13 ( step a 10 → a 18 , a 19 , a 20 ). when any one of the part images is selected in the pen touching operation in a state where the my - room part select display picture is displayed at any one of the steps a 12 , a 17 and a 20 , data on the selected part image is stored as one which composes a part of the my - room image in the my - room register 17 b , the room part image corresponding to the selected and stored part image is read out from the my - room - part subrom 16 a . when , for example , a “ chest of drawers ” is selected , a chest of drawers image as a part image is combined with and displayed along with my - room display screen , as shown in fig7 e ( step a 13 → a 14 , a 15 ). thus , the user can select any room part images , compose a desired my room image , and then display it . as described above with reference to fig8 a , when a my - room display picture which includes a part image in which a letter is inserted into a drop in the door is displayed , which represent that room part images are “ upgradable ” ( that is , the number of part images is increasable ) in a state where upgrade data is stored in the upgrade data register 17 c of ram 17 , a guide message representing that the part images are “ upgradable ” is displayed on the display unit 13 when the letter on the my - room display picture is pen touched , as shown in fig8 b ( step a 21 → a 22 ). fig9 is a flow chart of a communication mode process performed by the electronic notebook . fig1 a - 1 od each show the display of an operation of the electronic notebook involved in the communication mode process performed by the electronic notebook ( part 1 ). fig1 a - 11c each show the display of an operation of the electronic notebook involved in the communication mode process performed by the electronic notebook ( part 2 ). fig1 shows a displayed state of a my - room part select picture involved in a my - room - mode process performed after the “ upgrading ” of room part images by the communication mode process of the electronic notebook . when the “ personal computer ” is pen touched on a menu select display picture displayed on the display unit 13 to set the communication mode , as shown in fig1 a , in the mode selecting and setting process ( steps s 1 - s 6 ), a message display picture for communication guidance to urge the user to connect the electronic notebook 10 and the modem 22 is displayed as an initial display picture on the display unit 13 , as shown in fig1 b , and the communication mode process of fig9 is started up . when the electronic notebook 10 is connected to the modem 22 , and “ communication ” switch 22 c is depressed , and “ ok ” key 13 a 4 displayed in the key operation area 13 a of the display unit 13 is pen touched , as shown in fig3 a dummy signal is sent to the host computer ( not shown ) from the send - receive circuit 21 via the modem 22 ( fig4 ) and the telephone line 24 to start the communication process and to perform a communication starting process such as an id number checking operation and then to display a communication menu select display picture , as shown in fig1 c ( steps b 1 , b 2 ). when a communication menu “ upgrade ” is pen touched and selected on the displayed communication menu select display picture , upgrade data is detected from the upgrade data register 17 c of ram 17 , and it is determined whether there is upgrade data “ 5 ” or “ 10 ” ( step b 3 → b 4 → b 5 , b 6 ). if it is determined that no upgrade data is detected from the upgrade data register 17 c and that there is no upgrade data , a message that upgrading is impossible is displayed on the display unit 13 ( step b 6 → b 7 ). if , for example , upgrade data “ 10 ” is detected from the upgrade data register 17 c and that it is determined that there is upgrade data , the upgrade data “ 10 ” stored in the upgrade data register 17 c is sent along with a head dummy signal from the sent - receive circuit 21 to the modem 22 , and as shown in fig1 d , message data “ under upgrading ” is displayed on the display unit 13 ( step b 6 → b 8 , b 9 ). the notebook 10 then receives from the host computer the second - stage limitation releasing signal to release the notebook from the limitation on “ upgrading ” that is , an increase in the number of my - room part images to be selected , in correspondence to the upgrade data “ 10 ” sent to the host computer 24 , and upgrade level “ 2 ” corresponding to the second - stage limitation releasing signal is set in the upgrade status register t of ram 17 ( steps b 1 o , bll ). as shown in fig1 a , in response to this operation , a guidance message to inform the user that the number of my - room part images have been “ upgraded ” is displayed and the upgrade data “ 10 ” stored in the upgrade data register 17 b is cleared to “ 0 ” ( steps b 12 , b 13 ). when “ ok ” key 13 a 4 displayed on the key operation area 13 a of the display unit 13 is pen touched in a state where the message “ upgrading is impossible ” is displayed at step b 7 or the message “ already upgraded ” is displayed at step b 12 , the communication menu select display picture is again displayed on the display unit 13 , as shown in fig1 b ( step b 14 → b 2 ). when an “ end ” key displayed also on the communication menu select display picture is pen touched because the upgrade communication process or another communication process such as “ mail ”, “ news ” or “ contest ” has ended based on a corresponding other communication menu element , a communication end signal is sent to the host computer to terminate the series of the communication processes to increment by one the use frequency data in the use frequency register p and it is then determined whether the use frequency data has reached “ 5 ” or “ 10 ” ( step b 15 → bl 6 , b 17 , b 18 ). if it is determined that the use frequency data is not “ 5 ” or “ 10 ”, the my - room menu display picture is restored , as shown in fig1 c . if it is determined that the use frequency data is “ 5 ” or “ 10 ”, this use frequency data is stored in the upgrade register 17 c and the my - room menu display picture is restored in a manner similar to that mentioned above ( step b 18 → b 20 or b 19 , b 20 ). when “ furniture ” is pen touched in the displayed my - room menu display picture ( fig7 c ) in the my - room mode process in a state where the upgrade level in the upgrade status register t is increased to the second upgrade status “ 2 ” after the communication process “ upgrade ” of the communication mode process , all pieces of furniture image data and animal / plant image data are read out from the my - room part subrom 16 a , and a my - room part selecting display picture in which any part image is selected from all pieces of furniture , animal , and plant images corresponding to the all pieces of furniture and animal and plant image data is displayed on the display unit 13 ( step a 2 → a 8 → a 10 → a 18 , a 19 , a 20 ). more specifically , each time each of the “ clean ” process in the my - room mode process and the communication mode process ends , the use frequency data is incremented . when the use frequency data becomes “ 5 ” or “ 10 ”, it is set as upgrade data in the upgrade data register 17 c . when the upgrading process in the communication mode is performed between the notebook and the host computer in a state where the upgrade data “ 5 ” or “ 10 ” is set in the upgrade data register 17 c , the first or second stage limitation releasing signal corresponding to the upgrade data “ 5 ” or “ 10 ” is sent back to the notebook 10 and the upgrade level is incremented from “ 0 ” for the normal state to “ 1 ” for the first stage upgrade level or “ 2 ” for the second upgrade level . thus , the number of my - room part images to be selected in the my - room mode process is “ upgraded ” or increased to thereby produce and display my room image in a manner free from getting tired . fig1 is a flow chart of a communication process performed by the host computer in correspondence to the communication mode process of the notebook . when the computer receives data from the notebook 10 via the modem 22 and the telephone line 24 , it starts a communication process , for example , by checking an id number of the notebook 10 ( step c 1 → c 2 ). when the computer determines that the notebook 10 is set in the upgrade mode on the basis of the data received from the notebook 10 , the computer is placed in a state where it waits for incoming upgrade data ( step c 3 → c 4 ). when the computer receives , for example , upgrade data “ 10 ” from the notebook 10 , it sends the second stage limitation releasing signal to the notebook 10 ( step c 4 → c 5 ). when the notebook 10 is set in a communication mode other than the upgrade mode , the host computer performs a communication process with the notebook depending on the set mode ( step c 8 ). when the computer receives a communication end signal from the notebook 10 , the communication process with the notebook ends ( step c 6 → c 7 ). in summary , according to the notebook 10 and the host computer , each time each of the “ clean ” process in the my - room mode process or the communication mode process ends , the use frequency data is incremented by one . when the use frequency data becomes “ 5 ” or “ 10 ”, it is set as upgrade data in the upgrade data register . when the upgrading process is performed in the communication mode between the notebook and the computer in the state where the upgrade data is set in the upgrade data register , the first or second stage limitation releasing signal corresponding to the upgrade data “ 5 ” or “ 10 ” is sent back from the computer to the notebook . thus , the upgrade level increases from “ 0 ” for the normal upgrade level to “ 1 ” for the first stage upgrade level or to “ 2 ” for the second stage upgrade level . therefore , the number of my - room parts to be selected in the my - room mode process is “ upgraded ” or increased depending on the use frequency of the notebook 10 to thereby produce and display a my room in a manner free getting tired . the modem 22 which connects the notebook 10 to the telephone line 24 is automatically switched to a send mode in accordance with send data from the notebook 10 . when the send data disappears , the modem is automatically switched to a receive mode a predetermined time t later , so that no control system and lines for switching the send or receive mode of the notebook 10 are required to thereby reduce the size and cost of the notebook itself . the processes described with reference to the embodiment , more specifically , the whole process performed by the notebook shown in the fig5 flowchart , the my - room mode process shown in the fig6 flowchart , the communication mode process shown in the fig9 flowchart , and the host computer process shown in the fig1 flowchart can be stored and delivered as a program executed by a computer in a recording medium such as a memory card ( rom or ram card ), a magnetic disk ( such as a floppy or a hard disk ), an optical disk ( such as a cd - rom or dvd ) or a semiconductor memory . the computer reads a program recorded in such a recording medium and its operation is controlled by the program to fulfil the respective functions described with reference to the above - described embodiment and perform various processing operations in the manner mentioned above . a second embodiment of the present invention will be described , using a word processor mode provided by the notebook 10 . a word processor mode program is a program having only basic functions for the beginner read by a recording medium reader 30 and stored in a program register 17 d of ram 17 of fig1 . the register r of ram 17 is used to count an accumulated time for which the user used the word processor mode . fig1 mainly shows various word processor functions to be fulfilled in the word processor mode . first , when an icon on a sheet of paper on a desk image is touched with the pen e on a displayed menu of fig2 the word processor mode is started up to display an initial display picture as shown in fig1 ( fig5 steps s 1 - s 6 ). when the user sequentially depicts loci , for example , of characters with the pen e on the tablet 14 , the loci of the pen touch are depicted on the display 13 . in response to this operation , the depicted loci are recognized and hence corresponding characters are entered ( no at step d 1 → no at step d 3 → step d 4 ). when any one of items of a tool bar t 1 such as “ file ”, “ edit ”, . . ., is selected to fulfil a corresponding function of the word processor to edit the input characters and others , control passes to step d 1 to d 2 to thereby display a menu of the selected item ( fig1 a ). when any one choice of the menu of an item “ help ” is selected in the tool bar t 1 , control passes from step d 1 to d 3 where yes is determined . then , at step d 5 the selected one menu choice of the item “ help ” is detected . it is then determined whether a function corresponding to the detected menu choice of the item “ help ” is already “ upgraded ” or added and installed ( step d 6 ). if so , at step d 9 the function selected at step d 6 is fulfilled . if not at step d 6 , control passes to step d 7 , which determines whether the register r = 10 or whether the accumulated time spent for the word processor mode has exceeded 10 hours ( step d 10 ). the register r counts the accumulated time in which the user has used the notebook in the word processor mode at step d 10 . when step d 7 determines that r is more than 10 hours , the detected menu choice of the item “ help ” is stored as upgrade data in the upgrade data register 17 c ( step d 8 ). thereafter , as in the first embodiment ( fig9 ), the notebook sends “ upgrade ” data to the host computer for upgrading the word processor functions . the host computer receives the sent upgrade data from the notebook 10 , sends a program having functions corresponding to the upgrade data back to the notebook 10 . the notebook 10 receives and stores the program to install new functions to thereby increase the number of functions usable in the word processor mode . while the notebook 10 receives the releasing signal from the host computer at step b 10 of fig9 in the first embodiment , the notebook receives the program having the new functions from the host computer in the second embodiment . at step b 13 the notebook 10 clears the upgrade data and resets the register r to “ 0 ”. thereafter , the notebook starts again to count ten hours . fig1 a and 16b show display pictures which represent the upgraded and unupgraded states in the word processor mode , respectively . for example , as shown in fig1 a , when a menu of an item “ insert ” is displayed before “ upgrading ”, the menu indicates that functions 1 - 4 are usable . thereafter , when the user refers to the explanation about a choice “ function 5 ” of a menu of the item “ insert ” in the item “ help ”, and it is detected that the menu choice represents an unupgraded function and that the time of use of the word processor mode is more than 10 hours , “ upgrading ” is possible . when the user then communicates with the host computer for upgrading purposes , the new “ function 5 ” is installed in the notebook . when a menu of the item “ insert ” is displayed again in the word processor mode , as shown in fig1 b , the new “ function 5 ” is selectable and fulfillable . thus , according to the present invention , the processing is not determined by the functions provided initially in the notebook , but a new function is additionally obtained to thereby increase an interest in the use of the notebook .	6
according to the embodiment ( s ) of the present invention , various views are illustrated in fig1 - 26 and like reference numerals are being used consistently throughout to refer to like and corresponding parts of the invention for all of the various views and figures of the drawing . also , please note that the first digit ( s ) of the reference number for a given item or part of the invention should correspond to the fig . number in which the item or part is first identified . one embodiment of the technology is a single colony basket design adapted to be used throughout poultry processing from the hatchery , through growing and to production . the colony basket includes components designed for the growing process and components designed for transport . the colony basket is adapted for an automated loading system including a stackable tray design , a transport system , and unloading and storing system . the details of the invention and various embodiments can be better understood by referring to the figures of the drawing . referring to fig1 , a colony basket integrated with a watering and feeding system is shown . the colony basket growing assembly 100 is shown with a colony basket 102 having vented vertically upright side walls 104 and 106 extending between a top rim flange and a bottom rim flange . the vertically upright side walls include vented areas 108 . the top rim flange includes a plurality of stand - offs as represented by items 110 and 111 . the stand - offs can provide spacing between colony baskets when they are stacked one on top of the other and can resist lateral movement of the stacked baskets one with respect to the other . the bottom rim flange can include complimentary recessed receptacles to receive the stand - offs therein in order to interlock the stacked colony baskets and in order to prevent or resist lateral and longitudinal movement . the top rim flange and the adjacent side wall can have vertical slots 116 and 118 for receiving the water channel having a downward pointing exit nozzle and water trough assembly 120 and 122 . the colony basket 102 can also be integrated with a feed channel 124 and feed trough 126 . the feed assembly and the watering assembly can be more generally referred to as sustenance assemblies that can be elevated above the basket for basket removal and installation and ultimately lowered into the basket . the parametrical top rim flange defines an upward facing opening through which birds can be inserted into the basket . the downward facing opening is closed by a floor 112 providing support and a trap for debris . the floor 112 can have placed thereon elongated elevator strips 114 over which a flexible mesh flooring ( not shown ) can be supported and installed . the flexible mesh flooring , not shown , can have small openings through which debris can fall downward through the mesh flooring and be trapped by the floor 112 . the flexibility of the mesh flooring prevents injury to birds standing thereon . the colony basket growing assembly 100 is shown in its configuration when it is integrated within a colony system whereby the birds are housed within the colony basket and provided nourishment for the growing process . for another embodiment , the floor 112 can be a mesh floor and the strips 114 can support the mesh floor . a further modification to this embodiment can include an under panel or cover that removably attaches immediately underneath the mesh floor 112 . referring to fig2 , a colony basket stack is shown . in fig2 a - 2c various views of a colony basket stack 200 is shown . the colony baskets are shown stacked one on top of the other . the colony basket stack 200 can be transported in this configuration and as seen in the various views , the colony baskets are vertically spaced one with respect to the other by the stand - offs 111 and 110 . the bottom facing rim 202 of the basket above can be configured with a mating receptacle recess 204 for receiving the stand - off of the basket immediately below . referring to fig3 , a colony basket rack is shown . a rack assembly 300 is shown and configured for a colony system . the rack transfer and conveyor assembly 302 is shown which is utilized to support the colony basket as well as transfer the colony basket into and out of the colony racks of the colony system . the colony system configuration is shown with a feed assembly 304 and a watering assembly 306 . the slot 116 shown where the water assembly 306 can be lowered therein . the feed assembly 304 and the water assembly 306 is shown in a lowered position but can be elevated above the colony basket using a wench system adapted to raise and lower the assemblies so that the basket can be inserted and removed from the colony basket rack without being obstructed by the assemblies . other drawer designs are not adapted such that watering and feeding assemblies can be raised above or lowered into the container . referring to fig4 a through 4e , a colony basket rack assembly is shown , a side plan view of a colony basket is shown , a side plan view of a colony basket is shown , a colony basket rack support is shown and a colony basket rack conveyor assembly is shown . fig4 a - 4e show the various components of the rack assembly 300 within the colony system configuration . the colony baskets are longitudinally installed within the rack assembly 300 . the longitudinal installation aligns the vertical slots of the colony baskets to be aligned with the water trough system . the components of the transfer system including the support transfer rack 400 and the rack transfer conveyor assembly 302 is also shown . a standoff 111 is shown protruding vertically upward from the basket . the bottom facing rim can have a recess for receiving the standoffs . referring to fig5 a - 5b , a colony basket rack support is shown and a colony basket rack conveyor assembly is shown . fig5 a and 5b show further detail of the support transfer rack 400 and the rack transfer conveyor assembly 302 . the rack transfer conveyor assembly 302 includes a conveyor belt 500 and a conveyor roll assembly 502 . the rack transfer conveyor assembly 302 also includes a hydraulic cylinder extension arm 504 that can be utilized to engage the baskets with engagement members 506 and extend to transfer a colony basket stack from one rack to another and / or from one rack to a transport system . the basket cylinder arm and basket retention bar can be actuated to longitudinally extend and retract during retrieval and insertion of a basket . the basket retention bar can include basket engagement members that engage the basket by applying lateral pressure against the side of the basket and / or engages a complimentary receptor configured to receive the engagement member . the retention bar and engagement member can be rotated about pivot 508 in order to rotate upward to engage a basket or to rotate outward and downward away from the basket . the support transfer rack 400 can support a basket and the support transfer rack can be integral with a rack allowing the transfer rack 400 to elevate or lower the basket with the rack when it is supporting a basket . referring to fig6 a flow diagram of the colony basket methodology is shown . fig6 shows a flow diagram of a circular process utilizing a system of colony baskets throughout the entirety of the process . a given colony basket will retain the same colony ( grouping ) of birds throughout the process . initially a colony basket is filled with doc at a hatchery as reflected by step 600 . groupings of colony baskets each containing their own individual grouping of birds are then transferred to a growing house ( colony farm ) 602 where the baskets are loaded into a colony system as reflected by 604 . the birds are retained in the same colony basket in which they were originally installed throughout the growing process and the growing process proceeds as reflected by 606 . the colony baskets are integrated with the watering and feeding systems within the colony system of the growing house . once the growing process has been completed , the birds are retained in their original colony basket and the baskets are removed from the colony system and transferred to the trailer of a transport as reflected by step 608 . the transport carries the grouping of baskets to a processing plant where the colony baskets are stacked and stored for future processing as reflected by steps 610 and 612 . again , each of the grouping of birds are retained in their original colony basket throughout the process . the baskets are unloaded as reflected by step 614 and transferred to the kill line as reflected by step 616 or 617 which is the controlled atmosphere stunning system ( cas ) path and there can be separate paths that can be chosen . the birds can be removed from the original baskets in which they were placed and installed on shackles for further processing . the baskets can then be sent through a cleaning process as reflected by step 618 . the cleaned baskets can then be transported to a hatchery 620 and a new batch of doc can be installed into the baskets and the process can repeat itself . referring to fig7 , an illustration of the hatchery conveyor is shown . fig7 is an illustration of a hatchery system where groupings of doc 700 can be placed on a conveyor system 702 and transferred into colony baskets by a transfer system 704 and the baskets filled with doc can then be stacked and transferred to a growing house containing a colony system . the transfer system 704 installs the doc in a basket and separates the doc from the shells that remain after the bird hatches . referring to fig8 , an illustration of a colony system is shown . fig8 is an illustration of a colony system where rows of rack assemblies 800 and 802 are aligned side - by - side in which colony systems are installed as reflected by items 800 and 802 respectively . a rack assembly 300 can be utilized for transferring the colony baskets from the rack to the colony system . the colony baskets can be longitudinally installed within the colony system for the growing process . the colony basket stacks 200 can be installed on wheeled platforms for transporting the colony baskets stacks as reflected in the illustration . referring to fig9 , an illustration of loading colony baskets from a rack to a colony system is shown . fig9 is a further illustration of transferring a colony basket stack 900 on a wheeled platform 902 to a colony rack for insertion of the colony baskets into the colony system as reflected by items 800 and 802 . referring to fig1 , an illustration of the colony system operation is shown . fig1 is an illustration of the growing process in operation whereby workers 1002 utilizing platforms 1004 can tend to the growing process by maintaining the watering and feeding systems . the water and feed assemblies are shown in an elevated position above the basket . when the assemblies are elevated , the baskets can be readily inserted and removed . referring to fig1 , an illustration a transport loading system is shown . fig1 is an illustration of transferring colony baskets 102 from a colony system into a rack assembly for transfer into the transport 1104 having a flatbed 1106 . the colony baskets 102 can be transferred by a transfer conveyor 1102 into a rack assembly . the rack assembly can then be utilized to load the transport 1104 by placing the colony basket stacks on the flatbed of the transport . referring to fig1 a - 12c , an illustration of loading a transport is shown . fig1 a - 12c is a further illustration of transferring colony baskets from the colony system onto a rack assembly for placement on a flatbed of a transport . referring to fig1 - 19 , an illustration of transferring colony basket stacks from a colony system to a trailer is shown . fig1 - 19 provide an illustration of a step - by - step process for transferring colony baskets from the colony system onto the flatbed of a transport . as illustrated , the support transfer rack 400 are rotated to receive the first colony basket from level 4 . the basket is loaded onto the basket support and a netting material 1302 can be installed or draped over the top of the colony basket 102 to retain the birds therein . fig1 illustrates loading a second basket from level 4 and again applying a netting or other covering material over the top of the basket . fig1 illustrates loading a third basket from level 3 and again applying the netting material and draping over the top of the basket . this process is repeated for each of the levels of the colony system as two baskets are loaded from each level and then stacked with the previously loaded baskets . fig1 reflects loading the eighth and final basket from level 1 onto the rack transfer conveyor assembly for subsequent stacking of the colony baskets . when a complete stack has been loaded , the basket supports can be rotated outward such that the rack transfer conveyor assembly can begin transferring stacks onto the transport . fig1 illustrates the completed stack and ready for rotating the basket supports outward to ready the loading of the basket stacks onto the transport . fig1 illustrates the rack transfer conveyor assembly conveying the basket stacks onto the flatbed of the transport . fig1 illustrates the completion of the stack loading utilizing the hydraulic cylinder extension arm for placing and loading the stack onto the flatbed of the transport . referring to fig2 - 22 , an illustration of retrieving colony basket stacks from a trailer is shown , which is essentially the reverse of the process for loading a trailer . fig2 is an illustration of subsequently retrieving the basket stacks from the trailer using the hydraulic cylinder arm to engage and pull the stack onto the rack assembly . the hydraulic cylinder arm pulls the stack onto the rack and onto the conveyor for subsequently engaging the support transfer racks for installing and longitudinally inserting the basket into the colony system . fig2 illustrates the beginning of the process for transferring the basket stacks into the colony system . the transfer support racks can be rotated to engage the colony baskets to begin the process of transferring the baskets into the colony system . a reversal of the previous process can be performed by installing two colony baskets per level , beginning with level 1 and moving upward to level 2 , 3 and 4 . fig2 is an illustration of this process . referring to fig2 - 24 , illustrations of transferring colony baskets to a kill line are shown . fig2 is an illustration of transferring the colony baskets from the transport to the rack assembly 300 and then transferring the colony baskets onto the colony basket entry conveyor 2302 to convey the colony baskets to the rendering station 2304 . once the birds have been unloaded from each colony basket , the empty colony baskets can then be transferred to the colony basket exit conveyor 2306 . the colony baskets can then proceed through and along the colony basket wash conveyor 2308 which carries the colony baskets through the colony basket washer 2312 . the colony baskets once they are washed can then be reconfigured in a colony basket stack where the process can be started again . fig2 is an illustration of a colony basket entry station 2402 which is another embodiment for transferring the colony basket stacks from the transport to the rendering station . referring to fig2 - 26 , an illustration of colony baskets traveling through the kill line and the cleaning station is shown . fig2 is a further illustration of the rendering or kill line whereby workers remove the birds from the colony baskets and hang the birds on the hanging conveyor shackles 2502 . the process can begin at the hatchery where a grouping of birds ( for example doc ) are gathered and placed into a colony basket . a plurality of baskets can be stacked on over top of another for transport . a netting material can be shrouded over each colony basket to assist in containing the birds . the grouping of birds and their respective colony basket in which they are placed can remain in the same colony basket throughout the process until they are removed as broilers at the kill station . this reduces the handling of the birds to avoid injury and helps to prevent the spread of bacteria or disease between bird groupings . the grouping of doc can be transported to a growing house in the same colony basket in which they were originally placed at the hatchery , where the poultry are grown for future processing . at the growing location there can be a series of growing colony racks for housing the colony baskets with the original grouping of birds placed therein at the hatchery . at the growing facility , the colony baskets can be integrated with water and feed channels and watering and feed troughs . the colony baskets can have a specific configuration to integrate with the watering and feeding systems as outlined herein in order to assist poultry going through the growth process and assist the operators at the growing facility for attending to the birds . when the poultry have completed the growth process , now in the broiler stage , they can be transported to a location for processing as a final food product . a transport can arrive at the growing location to receive the poultry that have completed the growth process . the transport system can be a truck and trailer combination . the trailer can be a standard flatbed trailer on which colony baskets containing the fully grown poultry can be loaded . the colony baskets containing the original grouping of birds , or some subset thereof , can be transferred from the colony racks of the colony system to the flatbed of the transport . a netting material can be shrouded over each basket before it is stacked in order to assist in retaining the bird . the colony baskets can be stacked one atop another . the transport can be loaded with the fully grown birds and transported along a travel route to an unloading station at a processing facility . the transfer system for transferring the colony baskets from the colony racks to the flatbed can be automated as described herein . the unloading station can include an automated unloading system for automatically unloading a colony basket stack from the trailer for storage in an adjacent storage area of the processing facility . tray stacks can be conveyed to a storage location having a climate controlled storage facility for housing the poultry in the stacked configuration prior to the rendering process . the storage area can be operated on a first in first out system such that a given colony basket stack does not dwell in the storage area for an extended period of time . the storage area can also have a system for controlling and tracking the weight of the tray stacks which could ultimately provide weight information regarding the fully grown poultry . within the storage facility there can be an automated unstacking system for unstacking the colony basket stacks for conveyance through the processing facility . there can be a stunning system utilized including a gaseous environment for stunning the poultry or it can include an electric shock stunning system or a combination of the two . if a gaseous environment stunning system is utilized , the gaseous environment can be a multi - stage stunning system where the first stage ( s ) can be a combined induction phase and the second stage ( s ) can be the combined stunning phase . this system can generally be referred to as a controlled atmosphere stunning system or cas . once the colony baskets containing the original grouping of birds / poultry have transitioned through the stunning system , the poultry can be unloaded from the trays at an unloading station . the unloading station can comprise an automated unloading system which is operable to tilt the colony baskets sufficiently to remove the stunned poultry from the colony baskets . this is the first point in the process that the birds are removed since their original placement into the colony basket at the hatchery as doc . once removed from the colony baskets , the stunned poultry can be conveyed to a shackling station where the poultry can be hung from a shackle conveyor for being conveyed to a plant evisceration facility . as described the colony baskets can be stackable . further the colony basket can have an interwoven wire mesh elevated floor above the colony basket bottom floor where the mesh openings are sufficiently large for debris to pass therethrough and also providing a means for the bird to grasp hold in order to stabilize itself and the mesh floor can be flexible in order to avoid injury to the birds . the frame of the colony baskets include various portions including perimeter top and bottom rim flanges and upright vented side walls . the upward facing surface portion of the upper perimeter top rim flange can be designed to be complimentary with respect to the downward facing portion of the bottom perimeter rim flange . this complimentary configuration can be designed such that the trays interlock when they are stacked thereby resisting longitudinal and latitudinal movement of the trays with respect to each other . the stackable tray can be constructed having a top rim flange and a bottom rim flange , which defines the longitudinal and latitudinal dimensions of the tray . the top and bottom rim flanges can have l - shaped cross sections . the inner perimeter of the top rim flange can define an upper opening or upward facing opening through which birds can be easily inserted . the bottom rim flange defines the perimeter of the lower or downward facing opening closed off by the solid floor . the solid floor can have elevators for elevating the mesh floor proximately above the solid floor . the mesh flooring is designed with vented openings where the openings are sufficiently large to allow debris to pass there through . the flexible mesh floor design provides for a surface that can be grasped by the talons of a bird without injury . upright side walls can be attached around the perimeter of the tray and attached to support members . the inner perimeters of the top rim flange and the bottom rim flange , which define the upper and lower openings respectively , can have substantially the same geometry . the top rim flange can include stabilization standoffs which can extend vertically . the top rim flange can have on an upper surface a vertical standoff . the flange and the complementing recessed receptacle on the underside of the colony basket when engaged , one with respect to the other in a stackable fashion , they can resist longitudinal and latitudinal shifting of trays , one with respect to the other . also , the stabilization standoffs can be placed along the latitudinal and longitudinal sides of the top rim flange . the spacing between the longitudinal , the latitudinal , and the corner upright support ribs define the vented openings of the tray . the spacing between the support members and the height of the support members can be optimized depending on the type of bird being contained within the stackable trays . for stacked colony baskets the uppermost colony basket can have a top cover or a netting installed of the uppermost colony basket . the top cover can have a mesh screen for covering the opening of the uppermost tray . the perimeter of the mesh screen can be defined by the top cover flange . the top cover flange can have recessed receptacles for interfacing with the raised standoffs of the uppermost tray . the colony basket stacks can be transitioned to the transport and loaded on the flatbed by way of a transfer rack or loading dock or other means for loading the colony basket stacks . vertically protruding standoffs can be provided on the flatbed for and dimensioned to be received by the recessed receptacles of the lower most colony basket in a stack . the transport can have a shroud covering for better controlling the environmental exposure of the poultry . the shroud covering can be supported by transport side rails . one or both of the side panels of the shroud covering can be a retractable curtain for exposing the flatbed from either side . the shroud covering can also have a rear transport cover opening and or a side transport cover opening through which colony baskets can be loaded . the stacked colony baskets can be loaded through the transport cover opening by sliding them along tray tracks which extend along the flatbed . the trailer can be a standard trailer ; however , the trailer can have side railings for supporting shroud covering . the top surface of the flatbed can have raised standoffs that conform to the recessed receptacles on the underside of the tray to restrict lateral sliding or movement of the bottom most tray . the various poultry handling examples shown above illustrate a novel system and method for handling poultry . a user of the present invention may choose any of the above chicken handling embodiments , or an equivalent thereof , depending upon the desired application . in this regard , it is recognized that various forms of the subject chicken handling could be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention . as is evident from the foregoing description , certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein , and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications , or equivalents thereof , will occur to those skilled in the art . it is accordingly intended that the claims shall cover all such modifications and applications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention . other aspects , objects and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings , the disclosure and the appended claims .	0
fig2 is a schematic diagram of a pivoting device according to a first embodiment of the invention . according to the invention , the endstone ( referenced 63 ) is a multi - functional endstone since it also plays the part of a pole piece . referring to fig2 , there is seen a permanent magnet 106 , a pole structure 119 and a pivot 103 . pole structure 119 is formed of a central portion formed by endstone 63 and a peripheral portion , notably a frame 61 . in the present example , frame 61 has the general shape of a plate at the centre of which is arranged the endstone . according to the invention , endstone 63 is formed of a material with a high magnetic permeability , and frame 61 which surrounds it may advantageously be formed of the same material as the actual endstone . in such case , the plate which , in the first embodiment , forms the frame , preferably has a thickness which is considerably thinner than that of the actual endstone . indeed , the fact that the plate is of small thickness prevents it becoming a shield returning the field lines back towards the other pole of the magnet . preferably , frame 61 has the form of a thin plate which surrounds the endstone and whose thickness is less than one tenth of the thickness of the endstone . alternatively , it is also possible to make the frame in a different material from that forming the endstone . it is possible , for example , to choose a material that has a low magnetic permeability , in particular a non - magnetic material ; i . e . a material having a magnetic permeability close to the value 1 . in the second case , the plate , which in the present embodiment forms frame 61 , may advantageously have approximately the same thickness as endstone 63 , the latter being inserted in a hole , preferably a through hole , located at the centre of the frame . within the context of the development leading to the invention , the inventors sought magnetic materials that also have good tribological properties for endstone 63 . they therefore selected alloys that combine a hard metal with a cobalt or nickel binder . according to an advantageous variant , the hard metal in question is tungsten carbide ( wc ). according to a preferred variant , the material forming the endstone is a mixture of tungsten carbide and cobalt including between 20 and 25 % of cobalt . alternatively , the material forming the endstone may be a magnetic metallic glass . advantageously , the metallic glass is a member of the iron - based metallic glass family ( iron - cobalt - nickel ). preferably , a metallic glass of composition ( fe , co , ni )-( ai , ga )-( p , c , b , si , ge ) or of composition ( fe , co , ni )-( zr , nb , hf , ta , mo , w )-( p , c , b , si ) will be used . another advantageous alternative is to choose a praseodymium - neodymium based metallic glass . if the material of which the endstone is made is such a praseodymium - neodymium based metallic glass , it is preferably a metallic glass of composition ( nd , pr )-( fe , ni , cu )- al . referring again to fig2 , it can be seen that in the illustrated example , pole structure 119 is placed directly on magnet 106 . the magnet and the pole structure are both in cylindrical form with an identical diameter . it will be understood , however , that the diameter of the pole structure is not necessarily equal to that of the magnet . for example , the diameter of the magnet could advantageously be comprised between 0 . 4 and 1 . 5 mm , and its thickness could be comprised between 0 . 2 and 2 . 0 mm . according to the invention , the dimensions of endstone 63 , in cross - section to the pivot axis , are smaller than those of the magnet . also by way of example , the diameter of the endstone could advantageously be comprised between 0 . 1 and 0 . 2 mm , and its thickness between 80 and 150 μm . finally , the external diameter of frame 61 could be comprised , for example , between 0 . 1 and 1 . 2 mm . if the frame is made in the same material as the endstone , its thickness is preferably comprised between 40 and 100 μm . referring again to fig2 , it can be seen that pivot 103 is in direct contact with endstone 63 at the centre of the pole structure . because of its magnetic properties , the endstone acts as a pole disk concentrating a considerable share of the total magnetic flux . thus , pivot 103 is subject to a magnetic force that attracts it towards the centre of pole structure 119 . further , as seen above and according to the invention , endstone 63 is centred on the pivot axis provided . in these conditions , it will be understood that arbor 101 ( fig3 and 5 ) is maintained in the pivot axis , with some radial play , by a magnetic centring structure formed by the endstone . referring now more specifically to fig3 and 5 , a design variant will now be described in more detail for the first embodiment of the invention . this embodiment corresponds to an anti - shock pivoting device . the illustrated pivoting device includes an arbor 101 whose ends form two pivots , respectively referenced 102 and 103 . pivot 103 is made of a magnetic material . the figures also show a first bearing 105 including a magnet 105 , arranged to support and guide in rotation pivot 103 , and a second bearing including a magnet 104 similar to the first bearing . hereinafter there will be described only the first bearing , which includes a setting 144 , a bearing jewel 146 abutting against the bottom of the setting , a permanent magnet 106 mounted in the setting against the bearing jewel , and a pole structure 119 inserted between the magnet and the opening of the setting . in the illustrated example , bearing jewel 146 has no technical function other than closing the bottom of the setting and acting as a bearing surface for the magnet . the bearing jewel also fulfils a decorative function by concealing the magnet . the figures also show a support 145 , whose base includes an opening 135 for the passage of the pivot 103 . support 145 is arranged to position and to resiliently maintain setting 144 . to this end , the setting is retained in an inverted cone - shaped housing in support 145 by resilient means , which , in the present example , are formed by a spring 110 . in the illustrated example , support 145 is a part of revolution comprising a circular rim . according to the invention , endstone 63 is arranged in the timepiece movement to be centred on the pivot axis . it will be understood that , according to the embodiment of the present example , the endstone is positioned by means of frame 61 which is in turn rigidly maintained in setting 144 , the setting thus serving as a support for the endstone . one possibility for rigidly assembling the pole structure and the setting is forcibly inserting the frame into the setting . if the timepiece movement is subjected to an axial shock , pivot 103 of balance staff 101 pushes pole structure 119 and setting 144 upwards . in such case , it is only spring 110 that acts to return the setting and the balance staff to their initial position . spring 110 is dimensioned to have a limited displacement so that beyond its limit , a shoulder of staff 101 abuts against the outer edge of opening 135 so as to allow a thicker portion of the staff to absorb the shock . in the event of a lateral shock of moderate intensity , it is only the magnetic field produced by magnet 106 and concentrated by endstone 63 that acts to return the pivot to its position of equilibrium . it will be understood that the position of equilibrium of the pivot corresponds to the maximum magnetic field intensity and that the location of this maximum intensity coincides with the centre of endstone 63 . if the intensity of the lateral shock exceeds a certain limit , the force produced by the magnetic field is not sufficient to retain pivot 103 . the pivot then abuts against the outer edge of opening 135 . next , once the travel of the pivot has been stopped by the outer edge of the opening , the magnetic force can return the pivot towards its position of equilibrium . fig6 a and 6b correspond to a second specific embodiment of the invention . fig6 a is a partial longitudinal cross - section of this second embodiment of the pivoting device of the invention . fig6 b is a schematic perspective view corresponding to the second embodiment . referring first of all to fig6 b , it can be seen that the illustrated pole structure 219 has the general form of a hollow socket ( which opens downwards in the drawing ). as shown in the figure , a permanent magnet 206 is inserted from below into the cavity formed inside pole structure 219 . above magnet 206 , the flat bottom of the socket is similar to the pole structure 119 shown in fig2 . endstone 63 is arranged at the centre of the flat bottom , in the axis of the socket . the rest of the socket forms frame 216 a , which , as in the preceding example , can either be made of the same material as the endstone , or in a different material . in the illustrated example , the pole structure has cylindrical symmetry . it will be understood however that the socket could alternatively have a square , elliptical , polygonal section , etc . fig6 a is very similar to fig3 . this is why any elements of fig6 a that are virtually identical to elements of fig3 have been attributed the same reference numbers and will not be described again here . it will be noted , however , that magnet 206 has a smaller diameter than the diameter of magnet 106 of fig3 , which makes it possible for magnet 206 to be driven into or adhesive bonded inside the socket - frame of pole structure 219 . as a result of the cavity contained therein , pole structure 219 of the pivoting device according to the embodiment of the present example simultaneously fulfils the function of a pole structure that includes endstone 63 according to the invention , and of a setting arranged to receive magnet 206 . one advantage of this embodiment is therefore that it simplifies the construction of an anti - shock bearing . fig7 a and 8b illustrate a third exemplary embodiment of the invention . as can be seen in the figures , according to this embodiment , the pole structure includes an annular space which separates the frame from the endstone which , according to the invention , is formed of a magnetic material having good tribological properties . at least three bars connect the frame to the endstone through this annular space . referring first of all to fig7 , there is seen a permanent magnet 306 , a pole structure 319 and a pivot 103 ( the end portion of the pivot has been removed to make pole structure 319 more visible ). it can be seen that pole structure 319 is formed of a central portion defining endstone 63 a , which is formed by a small cylinder defining a central disc , and of a peripheral portion or frame 361 . in the present embodiment , frame 361 has the general shape of a ring which is connected to the endstone by at least three arms referenced 365 . it will be understood that frame 361 and arms 365 can be formed of the same material as the actual endstone . in such case , the presence of an annular space between the endstone and the frame prevents the pole structure forming a shield returning the field lines back towards the other pole of the magnet . thus , the third embodiment makes it possible to have a thicker , and thus more solid frame , even if it is made of the same material as the endstone . alternatively , frame 361 and arms 365 may be made of a different material from that forming the endstone . referring more specifically now to fig8 a , it can be seen that the pole structure shown includes a frame 371 and an endstone 73 connected to each other by four connecting elements 375 . as can be seen , the connecting elements illustrated are in the form of small bars bent in an arc of a circle . it will be understood that , in the variant shown , the curvature of small bars 375 forms a resilient connection between the central portion and the peripheral portion . indeed , frame 371 is arranged around endstone 73 in order to carry it . in such conditions , the resilience of the arms allows the endstone to be resiliently maintained in place at the centre of the frame . thus , even if the frame is deformed when it is inserted into a setting for example , the endstone substantially maintains its central position relative to the frame of the pole structure and to the setting . it will be understood that the resilient arms thus ensure a degree of “ self - centring ” of the endstone . referring now to fig8 b , it can be seen that the centring structure illustrated includes a frame 381 and an endstone 83 connected to each other by three connecting elements 385 . as can be seen , the connecting elements illustrated are in the form of small bars bent in an s shape . it will be understood that , as in the preceding variant , in the variant shown , the curvature of the small bars 385 has the effect of increasing the resilience of the connection between the central portion and the peripheral portion . fig9 is a partial longitudinal cross - sectional view illustrating a bearing of a pivoting device corresponding to a fourth embodiment of the invention . one peculiarity of this latter embodiment is that the pole structure does not have a peripheral frame but is limited to an endstone whose dimensions , in cross - section to the pivot axis , are smaller than those of the magnet . in the figure there is seen a magnet 406 and an endstone 463 which is bonded directly onto the magnet . the endstone is formed , according to the invention , of a magnetic material having good tribological properties .	5
the inventor has discovered that marionette - type puppet toys can be made readily accessible to users that would otherwise be precluded from such devices by providing a kit that permits facile assembly , customization , and storage of a puppet and performing stage , and that includes a near - invisible control element that permits users to manipulate the puppet . in one preferred aspect the invention may be configured so that at least a part of the inventive subject matter serves as a storage or transport container ( also referred to as a box ) for other components . such a container may be comprised of any suitable lightweight rigid or semi - rigid material , including paper , cardboard , and / or plastic . alternatively , or additionally , laminated materials and plastic materials are utilized . the container portion may be of any suitable shape , including those having polygonal , circular , or elliptical cross sections . in a preferred embodiment the container has a rectangular cross section that is consistent with its use as a component as a stage floor when configured for play . an example of this is shown in fig1 , which shows a cardboard box 100 with a height of about 2 cm , a width of about 30 cm , and a depth of about 20 cm . the cardboard material is preferably resilient to mechanical deformation and has at least one flap 110 along the width of the box that operates as a flap that provides access to the interior of the box and a closure to retain and protect materials stored therein . resilience to mechanical deformation may be accomplished by using cardboard of appropriate thickness , for example up to 2 mm , or by utilizing corrugated materials . in order to support reconfiguration of the storage or transport container for play at least a portion of the container has one or more retention elements that provide support for other components . in one embodiment the retention element is constructed of the same materials used for the storage or transport container . in other embodiments the retention element may be constructed of different materials if such materials are more suitable for supporting other kit components . a preferred embodiment is shown in fig2 , in which the container has flap 210 and two retention elements 220 that are configured to slidably receive and retain base elements of a post element ( not shown ). of course , it should be appreciated that the particular nature of the retention element may vary considerably and all alternative retention elements are deemed suitable for use herein so long as they rigidly and releasably retain a base element of a post . for example , alternative retention elements may include plastic clamps , snaps , matingly and / or lockingly engaging corresponding surfaces between a portion of the post and a portion of the storage or transport container , etc . a toy of the invention can incorporate the above described container and additional components by arranging them to provide a stage upon which a marionette performs . such components include , but are not limited to , a tether , a marionette that is configured to couple to the tether , a stage backdrop , and one more posts that connect to the container and provide support for the tether and the stage backdrop . additional components may include lights for illuminating the stage area and speakers . fig3 depicts an exemplary kit configured as a stage upon which a marionette performs , showing a container 300 to which two posts 330 are coupled via the base elements of the posts and retention elements 320 of the container . container 300 further comprises a recess 302 into which a digital media player or tablet computer 380 placed as a source for light and / or sound . a stage backdrop 340 having a personalized surface 342 and a reflective surface 344 is shown attached to the posts 330 , and a tether 350 is shown threaded through these posts such that a user ( not shown ) can grasp the tether and thereby move marionette 360 . a light 370 is shown illuminating the marionette 360 . the posts may be shaped in an angled configuration such that a base portion of the post can slidably engage with the retention element ( that is preferably formed from the box material ) while another portion of the post extends upwards so as to engage the stage backdrop and support the tether . the angle of this angled configuration can range from about 30 to about 90 degrees relative to the stage . it should be noted , however , that alternative modes of retention are also contemplated . for example , the posts may have a base element that releasably engages with the box to so retain the posts . additional elements may be provided to increase the stability of the assembly . for example , supplementary angles and supports may be provided to support the posts and / or the backdrop . such supplementary angles and supports may be made of plastic or other suitably rigid materials . in some embodiments the backdrop may be coupled to the container . regardless of the particular arrangement , it is preferred that the stage and posts are of sufficient stability such that the tether can be moved vigorously without causing the posts , the backdrop , and / or the stage to move . in preferred aspects of the inventive subject matter the container in which the components of the kit are provided also serves as the stage . in alternative embodiments , however , the stage may be provided as a separate element . in still other embodiments the posts can be configured to allow positioning of the posts in a stable and stand - alone manner , without the use of a stage . it should be appreciated that the post or posts may be configured in numerous manners , and that the specific manner of attachment is not critical so long as the post or posts will retain the tether and marionette , preferably in a manner that is sufficiently stable to allow movement of the marionette without causing the stage and backdrop to move . thus , in alternative embodiments the post or posts may be replaced by sidewalls , arches , triangles , and other structures that provide sufficient stability . indeed , all structures are deemed suitable that allow coupling of the tether to the stage in a manner that allows the marionette to be moved in a fixed position and / or any direction . in some embodiments all of the components ( the stage , the backdrop , the posts , the retention elements , and the marionette ) are made from cardboard or otherwise fiber - based material , and may include printed subject matter in accordance with a particular theme ( e . g ., rock concert , ballet , etc .). in preferred embodiments at least some portion of the stage and / or backdrop comprises reflective material or holographic reflective foil , and in especially preferred embodiment , the stage and / or backdrop has holographic reflective foil and / or multiple mirroring surfaces that allow production of complex light patterns using only a limited number of light sources . in an exemplary arrangement , between one and four light sources , and four mirrored surfaces that reflect light could be arranged to produce a complex light pattern . additionally , other materials , and especially reflective materials may be included to further enhance appearance of the backdrop , and / or marionette . such reflective materials may be metallized , holographic , or otherwise scatter light towards the user . in a preferred embodiment the marionette may decorated or “ dressed ” with such a reflective or holographic material . moreover , it is contemplated that reflective materials may also be configured on the stage and / or backdrop such that a viewed will not only see the marionette , but also multiple reflected images ( e . g ., 2 , 4 , 6 , 8 , or even more ) of the marionette and / or lights pointing at the reflective materials . such reflective materials may be multifaceted , folded , or otherwise angled to provide multiplication of images . additionally , it is contemplated that the kit may be adapted to incorporate one or more consumer items that will enhance the game experience . for example , the container may have a recess , pocket , or receptacle formed to allow placement of a portable display device , such that the display portion of the portable display device will impinge upon or illuminate the stage . suitable portable display devices include , but are not limited to , cellular telephones , smart telephones , digital music players , tablet computers , laptop computers , and portable video players . for example , illumination of the stage could be achieved using a smart telephone running software that emulates a strobe light or “ disco ball ” effect . in yet another example , an animation file displayed using a suitably positioned tablet computer could serve as a moving background during a marionette performance . where desirable , it should also be appreciated that the cardboard box may be entirely omitted , especially where the stage is the display surface of a portable display device . thus , the stage backdrop and posts may be suitable configured to allow stable coupling of these elements to the portable display device . as noted above , the kit may include one or more lights and other items . suitable lights include miniature light bulbs , light emitting diodes , and even low wattage solid state lasers . in a preferred embodiment the kit includes light emitting diodes for illuminating the stage area . in some embodiments light sources may be configured to allow for change in light colors , to blink , to act as strobe light , and so on . in still other embodiments the kit may include light filters , beam splitters , or other optical devices that can be configured to simulate or provide laser - show effects . additionally contemplated embodiments include smoke or mist generators ( which may include small fans ), one or more disco balls ( preferably comprising reflective and / or holographic materials ), and movable stage elements ( which may move vertically , in a horizontal direction , or move in a pattern ). the kit may also include a sound system , which may be functional or decorative . such a sound system can include speakers and music storage devices . suitable music storage devices include , but are not limited to , digital music players , compact disc players , and audio cassette players . alternatively , the kit ( and especially the stage ) may be adapted to accommodate at least a portion of a digital media player for production of sound effects and / or to provide music . where desirable , the kit may include low cost speakers that cooperate with an external media player . marionettes may be of any size that is suitable for the dimensions of the stage . in one embodiment , marionettes are less than about 10 cm in height . in another embodiment , marionettes are more less than about 7 cm in height . in a preferred embodiment marionettes are less than about 5 cm in height . marionettes may be manufactured from any suitably rigid and lightweight materials , including but not limited to paper , cardboard , plastic , and metal foils . in a preferred embodiment the marionette is manufactured from paper or cardboard materials . the marionette can be provided as a pre - shaped figurine . alternatively , the user may construct the final marionette by assembling parts or folding them into shape . thus , the marionettes contemplated herein are light - weight and simple to use . while not limiting to the inventive subject matter , the marionette will preferably include limbs that are configured to allow at least some degree of articulation or other bending motion so as to simulate dancing movements . such articulation can be achieved by joints , ring - shaped connectors , or by connection of the elements via a flexible material . such flexible materials include paper , plastics , and string or cord . secondary control features , for example additional tethers , may be connected to these limbs to permit articulation that is at least partially independent of that of the primary tether . in some embodiments the marionette is at least partially covered in a reflective and / or holographic material to enhance visual effect , especially where lighting is used . in some embodiments of the invention the marionette is further personalized using one or more items that are specific to a user and that are provided in response to a user input . for example , a user may select one or more color schemes or specific items for the marionette that are complementary to the theme of a performance , for example the selection of a cowboy hat and an acoustic guitar , or mask - like make - up and an electric guitar . in a preferred embodiment the user may upload a personal picture ( for example , a portrait of the user or a picture or the user &# 39 ; s home ) to a website that is programmed to process the uploaded picture to generate one or more printout patterns that are configured and dimensioned for use with the marionette or stage components . the so generated printout patterns may be sent to a printing unit that produces printouts , or sent to the user for printing at home . regardless of the printer location it is contemplated that the printouts are configured to allow for integration into the toy , and particularly for coupling to the marionette and / or stage . for example , the printout may be printed onto a material that is sized and shaped to match at least a portion of the marionette and . a user can thereby modify a marionette to have a face ( and / or other body portion ) that is derived from a photograph of the user &# 39 ; s face ( and / or other body portion ). in one embodiment such a printout may be provided on an adhesive material , however numerous suitable alternatives such as papers , metallic foils , and textiles are contemplated . similarly , such printouts may be affixed by means other than adhesion , including but not limited to hook and loop surfaces , clips , and static charge . in other embodiments a selection of pre - printed printouts may be provided with the kit so that the user may mix and match the printouts to so produce a individualized marionette . additional toy elements may be personalized in a manner as described above . for example , the stage may have a stage banner carrying a personalized name , and other components ( such as instruments , garments , etc .) may be personalized according to a user input . in a preferred embodiment such personalization includes color schemes , choice of items , inclusion of names or pictures ( representative or caricaturized ) of the user , and lyrics that allow the user to sing along a tune while the marionette performs a stage show . likewise , it should be appreciated that a variety of pre - printed and / or preformed additional game elements may be provided with the marionette and that the user may then mix and match the toy elements to so produce a individualized marionette kit . as noted above , the presence of visible strings and other wires can detract from a marionette performance . in some embodiments of this the tether that is utilized as a control feature may be fabricated from numerous materials and combinations and may have a relatively wide range of thickness so long as such a tether has sufficient tensile strength to carry the weight of the object without breaking , and so long as such the tether is near - invisible to the unaided eye . used in conjunction with a tether , the terms “ near - invisible ” and “ near - invisible to the unaided eye ” are interchangeable . in some embodiments such a near - invisible tether can have a thickness of less than 300 microns . in other embodiments a near - invisible tether can have a thickness of less than 100 micron . in yet other embodiments a near - invisible tether can have a thickness of less than 50 microns . in a preferred embodiment the near - invisible tether has a thickness of between 5 microns and 50 microns . visibility of the tether can also be reduced by using materials with dark colors . in some embodiments contemplated tethers can be black ; in other embodiments the tether may be dark blue . a near - invisible tether may also have a surface with low reflectivity ; suitable surfaces may reflect less than 20 % of incident light . while not limiting to the inventive subject matter , in a preferred embodiment the tether is a single filament . alternatively , the tether may be a small filament bundle of less than 10 individual filaments . in other embodiments the tether can be a small filament bundle of less than 5 individual filaments . suitable tethers are typically prepared from a larger yarn . for example , multifilament kevlar ™ yarns ( aramid yarn commercially available from ei dupont de nemours , inc .) at 10 to 2000 denier are suitable and can be separated into single filaments or small filament bundles . however , and where available , single filaments or small filament bundles may also be commercially obtained . of course , it should be appreciated that the material is not limited to kevlar ™, and numerous alternative materials , including but not limited to polyesters , polyamide , carbon fibers , nylon , glass , and naturally occurring polymers are also deemed appropriate . in one embodiment of the invention , one end of the tether is coupled to a user while the other end of the tether is coupled to at least one of the posts . in an alternative embodiment , the user may hold both ends , while the tether is movably coupled to the posts . such an arrangement advantageously allows side - to - side movement of the marionette across the stage . this arrangement , in conjunction with the horizontal orientation of the tether and the configuration of the posts , permits the user to not only remain out of the line of sight of the viewing audience , but also to view the performance as an audience member if so desired . as such , the invention as described herein is uniquely suited to both social and individual play . note that as used herein , and unless the context dictates otherwise , the term “ coupled to ” is intended to include both direct coupling ( in which two elements that are coupled are in physical contact ) and indirect coupling ( in which at least one additional element is situated between the two coupled elements ). therefore , the terms “ coupled to ” and “ coupled with ” are used synonymously . in a preferred embodiment the marionette is fixedly coupled to the tether , and all manners of such coupling are deemed suitable for use herein . a plurality of such tethers may be used in conjunction with the invention . in one embodiment , a second and independent tether may be used to couple a second marionette to the stage ( using the same or different posts ). in another embodiment , the second tether may be used to control movement of the marionette in a second direction . in yet another embodiment , the second tether can be used to move articulated portions of the marionette at least partially independently from other movement of the marionette . thus , it should be noted that multiple tethers and multiple marionettes are deemed suitable for use herein , wherein the tethers may be coupled to a single marionette , and may be used for separate movements of the marionette or portions thereof . in some embodiments tethers may also be used to move items other than the marionette . for example , one or more tethers may be used to move lighting , decorative items ( for example , a disco ball ), and / or special effects ( for example , a smoke generator , holographic surface , etc .). it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein . the inventive subject matter , therefore , is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims . moreover , in interpreting both the specification and the claims , all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context . in particular , 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 . furthermore , where a definition or use of a term in a reference , which is incorporated by reference herein is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein , the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply . where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of a , b , c . . . . and n , the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group , not a plus n , or b plus n , etc .	0
in the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention , reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements . the illustrative embodiments described herein are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention . the following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense , and the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims . referring to fig1 a , a cross - sectional view of a microelectronic structure is shown having a substrate layer ( 100 ) adjacent a first dielectric layer ( 102 ), which is depicted adjacent a sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ). the sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ), selected for its relatively low dielectric constant , controllable dissolution or decomposition characteristics , compatibility with adjacent materials , and mechanical properties , is positioned between the first dielectric layer ( 102 ) and a second dielectric layer ( 106 ) in one direction , and between two conductive layers ( 108 , 110 ) in a substantially perpendicular direction , as is convention for semiconductor interconnect structures . relatively simple structures such as the one depicted in fig1 a are well known in semiconductor processing , and are produced using conventional techniques , depending upon the materials selected . the substrate layer ( 100 ) may be any surface generated when making an integrated circuit , upon which a conductive layer may be formed . the substrate layer ( 100 ) thus may comprise , for example , active and passive devices that are formed on a silicon wafer , such as transistors , capacitors , resistors , diffused junctions , gate electrodes , local interconnects , etcetera . the substrate layer ( 100 ) may also comprise insulating materials ( e . g ., silicon dioxide , either undoped or doped with phosphorus or boron and phosphorus ; silicon nitride ; silicon oxynitride ; or a polymer ) that separate active and passive devices from the conductive layer or layers that are formed adjacent them , and may comprise other previously formed conductive layers . a first dielectric layer ( 102 ) may be integrated to protect , isolate , and / or provide etch stop functionality adjacent the substrate layer ( 100 ). referring to fig1 a , the first dielectric layer ( 102 ) preferably comprises a material , such as silicon nitride or other known etch stop material appropriately matched with the etchability of adjacent layers , which selectively does not substantially etch when the layer above ( 104 ) is being etched . other ceramic and glass materials conventionally employed as etch stops also are suitable , and materials for the first dielectric layer ( 102 ) preferably have thermal decomposition temperatures higher than about 500 degrees , celsius . the first dielectric layer ( 102 ) may be deposited using conventional chemical vapor deposition (“ cvd ”), plasma enhanced cvd , or low - pressure cvd techniques , as are well known in the art , in a layer preferably a thickness between about 10 nanometers and about 200 nanometers . the sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ), depicted in fig1 a between the first dielectric layer ( 102 ) and the second dielectric layer ( 106 ), is denominated “ sacrificial ” because it is selected for removability , at least in part , from the volume it occupies as depicted in fig1 a - 1d . the sacrificial layer ( 104 ) preferably has a thickness between about 10 nanometers and about 2 , 000 nanometers . preferred sacrificial dielectric layers comprise organic polymeric materials including but not limited to polynorbornene ; cross - linked photoresist ; photosensitive polyimide ; polyarylene - based dielectrics such as those sold under the tradenames “ silk ™” and “ gx - 3 ™”, distributed by dow chemical corporation and honeywell corporation , respectively ; and poly ( aryl ether )- based materials such as that sold under the tradename “ flare ™”, distributed by honeywell corporation . polyarylene - based materials , such as silk ™, and poly ( aryl ether )- based materials , such as flare ™, may have thermal decomposition temperatures of about 450 degrees celsius . variants of polynorbornene and polyimide , which generally have a thermal decomposition temperature of about 400 degrees celsius , are available from suppliers such as tokyo ohka kogyo corporation and jsr corporation . as would be apparent to one skilled in the art , photoresist may comprise a polynorbornene polymer backbone with photo - acid generating groups (“ pags ”) based on phenyl - sulfonates which are tuned to specific wavelengths of radiation by adding various substituents , while photosensitive polyimide may comprise a polyimide backbone with appropriate pags . the sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ) may be formed using conventional deposition techniques such as spin - on for suitable polymers , conventional cvd , or physical vapor deposition (“ pvd ”). referring to fig1 a , each of the conductive layers ( 108 , 110 ), comprising materials conventionally used to form conductive layers in integrated circuits , and preferably comprising metals such as copper , aluminum , and alloys thereof , is formed using known techniques . for example , the depicted conductive layers ( 108 , 110 ) may be formed using known dual damascene techniques , wherein a trench is formed using conventional lithography , etching , and cleaning techniques , the trench having a via portion ( 140 ) and a line portion ( 138 ). the trench may then be lined with a barrier layer ( not shown ) to isolate conductive material , after which the trench is filled with a conductive material using , for example , known electroplating , electroless plating , chemical vapor deposition , or physical deposition techniques , to form the conductive layers ( 108 , 110 ) shown . alternatively , the conductive layers ( 108 , 110 ) may be formed using known subtractive metallization techniques , wherein a larger layer of conductive material is etched away to form conductive layers which are electrically isolated from one another , as are the specimens depicted in fig1 a . the resultant interconnect structure has conductive layers ( 108 , 110 ) positioned between the sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ). alternatively , conductive layers ( 108 , 110 ) may be made from doped polysilicon or a silicide , e . g ., a silicide comprising tungsten , titanium , nickel , or cobalt , using known techniques . the conductive layers ( 108 , 110 ) preferably have line widths between about 10 nanometers and about 2 , 000 nanometers . the spacing between the conductive layers ( 108 , 110 ) may vary with the feature size of the microelectronic structure as would be apparent to one skilled in the art , and is related to the volume of sacrificial material per each exhaust vent , as is discussed below in reference to fig1 g . preferably the spacing is between about 20 nanometers and about 1 , 000 nanometers . depending upon the selected conductive material , a shunt layer may be formed over the conductive layers using conventional techniques and materials , to isolate the conductive layers from subsequent treatments and materials . with copper metal conductive layers , a metal shunt layer comprising , for example , cobalt or tungsten , is effective for isolating the copper . the shunt material ( not shown ) is deposited using conventional techniques such as chemical vapor deposition , subsequent to a planarization using known techniques such as chemical - mechanical planarization ( hereinafter “ cmp ”). shunt material deposited upon the exposed portions of the sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ) may be removed using subsequent cmp or etch back , as would be apparent to those skilled in the art . subsequent to formation of the conductive layers ( 108 , 110 ), a second dielectric layer ( 106 ) is formed . preferably the second dielectric layer ( 106 ) is not a “ sacrificial ” layer , in that it remains substantially intact during subsequent decomposition or dissolution and removal treatments which modify the sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ), with the exception that an exhaust vent , as described in further detail below , may be defined across the second dielectric layer ( 106 ) to facilitate removal of portions of the sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ). the second dielectric layer ( 106 ) preferably comprises a material , such as silicon nitride other known etch stop material appropriately matched with the etchability of adjacent layers , which selectively does not substantially etch when a subsequently - formed layers is being etched . other suitable materials include but are not limited to silicon carbide , silicon dioxide , carbon doped oxides , as further described below , and other ceramics or amorphous glasses , such as aluminosilicate , which have relatively high thermal decomposition temperatures in the ranges over 500 degrees celsius . the high thermal decomposition temperatures of preferred materials for the second dielectric layer ( 106 ) facilitate thermal decomposition and removal of associated sacrificial materials without thermal decomposition of the second dielectric layer ( 106 ). the second dielectric layer ( 106 ) may be deposited using conventional chemical vapor deposition (“ cvd ”), plasma enhanced cvd , or low - pressure cvd techniques , as are well known in the art . the second dielectric layer ( 106 ) is preferably between about 10 nanometers and about 500 nanometers in thickness . referring to fig1 b , a structure similar to that depicted in fig1 a is shown , with the exception that an etching pattern layer ( 112 ) has been formed adjacent the second dielectric layer ( 106 ), the etching pattern layer ( 112 ) preferably comprising conventional photoresist material formed and patterned using known lithography techniques . referring to fig1 c , trenches ( 114 ) are etched to the sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ) employing the etching pattern layer ( 112 ) and appropriately selective etching techniques , such as conventional acid - based wet etching or plasma - enhanced dry etching . the trenches ( 114 ) define exhaust vents ( 118 ), which may be used to facilitate removal of portions of the sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ), as described below . as shown in fig1 d , the etching pattern layer ( 112 ) previously depicted in fig1 c has been removed , preferably using known ashing or polishing techniques , leaving the second dielectric layer ( 106 ), with exhaust vents ( 118 ) defined therethrough , exposed . in another embodiment , the etching pattern layer ( 112 ) is left intact to be ashed during a subsequent thermal decomposition treatment , described below , to streamline the overall process . referring to fig1 e , a closer cross - sectional view of the microelectronic structure is depicted wherein a transformation is partially depicted . as shown in fig1 e , a volatile gas ( 199 ), comprising at least a portion of the sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 in fig1 a - 1e ) in thermally decomposed form , escapes through an exhaust vent ( 118 ) along an escape pathway ( 124 ) defined by the exhaust vent ( 118 ). as the volatile gas passes by the portions of the second dielectric layer ( 106 ) which define the exhaust vent ( 118 ), residue ( 122 ) accumulates . the accumulated residue ( 122 ) decreases the size of the exhaust vent ( 118 ), eventually forming a plug ( 126 ), as depicted in fig1 f . the plug ( 126 ) isolates the void ( 144 ) from the environment opposite the second dielectric layer ( 106 ) by at least partially , and preferably substantially completely occluding , or blocking , the exhaust vent to a degree enabling subsequent layers to be deposited upon the surface defined by the plug ( 126 ) and second dielectric layer ( 106 ) without substantial infilling of the adjacently positioned air gap or void ( 144 ). the fit or seal provided between the plug ( 106 ) and second dielectric layer ( 106 ) need not be perfect or hermetic to achieve this objective , given the viscosity , particle size , and other relevant properties of materials commonly used in such positions . as shown in fig1 f , the result is a void ( 144 ) confined cross - sectionally by the substrate layer ( 100 ) or first dielectric layer ( 102 ), the conductive layers ( 108 , 110 ), the second dielectric layer ( 106 ), and the plug ( 126 ). thermal processing is a critical aspect to the successful formation of structures like those depicted in fig1 e and 1f . in particular , at least a portion of the intact sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ), as shown in fig1 d , must be decomposed without substantial decomposition of surrounding structures such as the first and second dielectric layers ( 102 , 106 ), barrier layers which may be present ( not shown ), or adjacent conductive layers ( 108 , 110 ). generally this is accomplished by selecting a sacrificial dielectric layer material having a lower thermal decomposition temperature threshold than suitable materials for surrounding structures , to enable heating past the decomposition temperature of the sacrificial dielectric layer material , which also is below the thermal decomposition thresholds for adjacent materials . the aforementioned preferred sacrificial dielectric materials , for example , have thermal decomposition temperatures between about 400 and about 450 degrees celsuis , while the preferred second dielectric layer materials thermally decompose at temperatures above 500 degrees celsius . the result of thermally decomposing at least a portion of the sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ) is a gas phase dielectric decomposition . when combined with a carrier plasma ( not shown ), such as an oxygen , hydrogen , or nitrogen rich plasma , as are known in the art for their reactivity and / or ability to act as carriers , a volatile gas ( 199 ) may be formed from the gas phase dielectric decomposition and carrier plasma , which deposits residue ( 122 ) around an exhaust vent ( 118 ) when exhausted through such a vent during a process of cooling from the temperature of formation of the volatile gas , substantially the same as the decomposition temperature for the material comprising the sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ), to room temperature , or about 25 degrees celsius . cooling the environment around the volatile gas preferably occurs by removing the heated structure , including the volatile gas , from heating chamber and exposing it to room temperature . in other words , taking such a structure out of the oven and into a laboratory atmosphere generally is enough of a temperature transformation to cause high - speed exhausting of the volatile gas ( 199 ) through the exhaust vent ( 118 ), as residue ( 122 ) is concomitantly formed into a plug ( 126 ), and at least one air gap or void ( 144 ) occupying the volume ( 105 ) previously occupied by the intact sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ) is defined . as is further described below , the embodiment of the exhaust vent depicted in fig1 d and 1g , for example , defines a substantially cylindrical geometry . with this exhaust geometry , the plug ( 126 ), as shown in fig1 f , preferably has a substantially cylindrical shape where confined by the second dielectric layer ( 106 ), and may have a substantially convex top surface ( 150 ) and a stem - shaped bottom surface ( 152 ) due to the deposition pattern of the exhausting volatile gas . the plug ( 126 ) and residue ( 122 ) preferably comprise the same material as the sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ), although modifications may occur during the carrier plasma treatment depending upon locally available precursors , as would be apparent to one skilled in the art . as shown in fig1 f , a plug ( 126 ) may have a greater thickness than that ( 146 ) of the associated second dielectric layer ( 106 ). such a geometric discrepancy subsequently may be remedied with known planarization techniques , such as cmp , before or after formation of additional adjacent layers . additional layers preferably are formed upon the second dielectric layer ( 106 ) and plug ( 126 ) before any planarization of the plug ( 126 ), since one of the primary reasons for forming a plug ( 126 ) is to establish a subsequent layer above an air gap ( 144 ), and planarization may cause the plug ( 126 ) to be repositioned in an orientation or position unfavorable in terms of subsequent layer formation and retention of the air gap ( 144 ). referring to fig1 g , a notion of allocated volume of sacrificial dielectric material , per exhaust vent , is introduced . the microelectronic structure , shown in top view cross section , via a plane perpendicular to that of the plane of fig1 f , has three exhaust vents spaced apart approximately equally . in this variation , each exhaust vent ( 118 ) has a substantially cylindrical ( 128 ) three - dimensional geometry , as may be achieved using conventional etching procedures such as those employed for creating via trenches having substantially circular geometries . a representation of the total sacrificial dielectric material volume is outlined with a dashed line ( 130 ). a line of larger dashes ( 134 ) outlines approximately { fraction ( 1 / 3 )} of such volume ( 130 ), which is associated by geometry and fluid dynamics , assuming similar associated materials and processing schedules , with the center vent ( 132 ). the sacrificial material allocatable to the center vent ( 132 ) should be at least the same volume as the volume defined by the vent itself , in this case a cylindrical vent volume ( 128 ), or the chances of occlusion during the aforementioned processing is unlikely . in other words , the sacrificial material allocatable based upon factors such as heating , geometry , and fluid dynamics factors , must be voluminous enough to fill the vent volume , or occlusion may not be accomplished . fluid dynamics factors , such as greater fluid pass - through restriction in certain adjacent vents , geometric factors , such as nonuniform vent geometry , or nonuniform heating and / or cooling , are likely to have significant affect on such a model , as would be obvious to one skilled in the art . adjacent vent geometries preferably are substantially uniform , as is thermodynamic treatment and relevant geometry , and exhaust vents with substantially cylindrical shapes preferably have diameters between about 200 nanometers and about 500 nanometers . substantially complete occlusion may be preferable for structural integrity of the layer comprising the second dielectric layer and associated plugs , and may also be preferred for sealing the voids ( 144 ) created from other surrounding materials and environmental factors . referring to fig1 h and 1l , two variations of an embodiment of the invention wherein some residual sacrificial dielectric material ( 136 , 142 ) remains located in the volume previously occupied ( 105 ) by the intact sacrificial layer ( 104 in fig1 a - 1d ). such residual sacrificial dielectric material generally is the result of an allocatable volume of sacrificial dielectric material which is larger than that which is needed to form a plug ( 126 ) in the pertinent vent . as shown in fig1 h , the residual sacrificial dielectric material ( 136 ) forms a layer positioned between the first dielectric layer ( 102 ) and a void ( 144 ), and between the two conductive layers ( 108 , 110 ), the layer being substantially segregated from the void ( 144 ) within the volume previously occupied by the intact sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 in fig1 a - 1d ), and being formed as a result of a plasma - assisted thermal decomposition wherein a portion of the sacrificial dielectric material is dry etched during heating , which improves reactivity with the carrier plasma and creates a relatively low temperature thermal decomposition , at a temperature not substantially greater than the thermal decomposition temperature for the sacrificial dielectric material . with such as scenario , the plasma reacts with the most immediately exposed surfaces of the sacrificial dielectric material ( 136 ) first , creating a concave surface into the residual sacrificial dielectric material ( 136 ) as shown , then gradually works through the first dielectric layer ( 102 ) toward the substrate layer ( 100 ), producing volatile gas ( 199 in fig1 e ), which escapes and concomitantly contributes to the formation of a plug ( 126 ). the layer formed by the residual sacrificial dielectric material ( 136 ) preferably is between about 10 nanometers and about 1 , 000 nanometers with such an embodiment . as shown in fig1 h , portions of the residual sacrificial dielectric material ( 136 ) may be substantially aligned with the via portions ( 140 ) of the conductive members , while the void ( 144 ) is substantially aligned with the line portions ( 138 ). such a construction may be desirable since the via portions , relatively unstable due to their geometry , are supported by adjacent solid material , and since the highly conductive line portions ( 138 ) are positioned adjacent the low - k dielectric properties of the void ( 144 ). referring to fig1 i , a variation is depicted wherein the residual sacrificial dielectric material ( 142 ), substantially segregated from the void ( 144 ) within the volume previously occupied by the intact sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 in fig1 a - 1d ), is positioned substantially evenly about the borders of the volume , preferably with a thickness between about 10 nanometers and about 100 nanometers . such a variation may be formed by rapidly quenching a thermally - driven volatile gas ( 199 in fig1 e ) to room temperature in a manner wherein portions of the volatile gas condensate upon the adjacent solid surfaces , such as the surfaces of conductive layers and other dielectric layers , because the adjacent solid surfaces would cool faster than the region no longer occupied by a solid . a centrally located air gap ( 144 ) results , providing low - k dielectric benefits along the associated lengths of conductive members ( 108 , 110 ), as well as some support of the associated structures through the thin layer comprising the residual sacrificial dielectric material ( 142 ). referring to fig2 a - 2h , an analog of the structures and processes described in reference to fig1 are presented , with fig2 a - 2h paralleling fig1 a - 1f and 1 h - 1 i and like references indicating similar elements . referring to fig2 a , the depicted structure varies from that of fig1 a in that a third dielectric layer ( 248 ) is disposed between the first dielectric layer ( 102 ) and the sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ), which is decreased in geometry in this variation to provide room for the third dielectric layer ( 248 ). in the depicted variation , the third dielectric layer ( 248 ) is positioned adjacent via portions ( 140 ) of the conductive layers and not adjacent to the line portions ( 138 ). in a similar manner as with the residual sacrificial dielectric material ( 136 ) of fig1 h , such a geometric configuration may be desirable because support is provided to the narrowed via portions ( 140 ), which may be more susceptible to undesirable bending or deformation due to their smaller relative size , while the highly - conductive line portions ( 138 ) are more likely surrounded by a void or voids resulting from the decomposition and removal of a portion of the sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ). the third dielectric layer ( 248 ) may comprise any material that may insulate one conductive layer from another , and preferably comprises a dielectric material having a higher thermal decomposition temperature than that of the sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ) with which it is paired . for example , the third dielectric layer may comprise silicon dioxide ( either undoped or doped with phosphorus or boron and phosphorus ); silicon nitride ; silicon oxy - nitride ; porous oxide ; an organic containing silicon oxide ; fluorine silicate glass (“ fsg ”), or a polymer . preferred are polymers or carbon doped oxides , as further described below , with a low dielectric constant : preferably less than about 3 . 5 and more preferably between about 1 . 5 and about 3 . 0 . when other adjacent dielectric layers comprise materials having a low dielectric constants , the capacitance between various conductive elements that are separated by such layers should be reduced , when compared to the capacitance resulting from use of other conventionally used dielectric materials such as silicon dioxide . such reduced capacitance may decrease the rc delay that would otherwise exist and may also decrease undesirable cross - talk between conductive lines . the third dielectric layer ( 248 ) may comprise an organic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyimide , polyarylene , poly ( aryl ether ), organosilicate , polynaphthalene , and polyquinoline , or copolymers thereof . when the third dielectric layer ( 248 ) comprises a polymer , it is preferably formed by spin coating or chemical vapor depositing the polymer onto the surface of the first dielectric layer ( 102 ), using conventional equipment and process treatments . the third dielectric layer ( 248 ) may alternatively comprise a compound having the molecular structure si x o y r z , in which r is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen , carbon , an aliphatic hydrocarbon and an aromatic hydrocarbon . when “ r ” is an alkyl or aryl group , the resulting composition is often referred to as carbon - doped oxide (“ cdo ”). when the third dielectric layer ( 248 ) comprises a carbon - doped oxide , it preferably comprises between about 5 and about 50 atom % carbon . more preferably , such a compound includes about 15 atom % carbon . examples of other types of materials that may be used to form the third dielectric layer ( 248 ) include aerogel , xerogel , and spin - on - glass (“ sog ”). in addition , the third dielectric layer ( 248 ) may comprise either hydrogen silsesquioxane (“ hsq ”), methyl silsesquioxane (“ msq ”), or other materials having the molecular structure specified above , which may be coated onto the surface of a semiconductor wafer using a conventional spin coating process . although spin coating may be a preferred way to form the third dielectric layer ( 248 ) for some materials , for others chemical vapor deposition , plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition , a solgel process , or foaming techniques may be preferred . the third dielectric layer ( 248 ) preferably has a thickness between about 10 nanometers and about 500 nanometers . referring to figures and 2 b , after the third dielectric layer ( 248 ) has been formed adjacent the first dielectric layer , subsequent formation of the sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ), conductive layers ( 108 , 110 ), second dielectric layer ( 106 ), and etching pattern layer ( 112 ) proceeds as described above using conventional techniques . in reference to fig2 c and 2d , trenching ( 114 ) to define each vent ( 118 ) also proceeds as described above . as depicted in fig2 e , subsequent to thermal decomposition of at least a portion of the sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ), and introduction of a carrier plasma ( not shown ), such as a hydrogen , nitrogen , or oxygen rich plasma , a volatile gas is formed ( 199 ) which escapes during cooling , forming residue ( 122 ) around the exhaust vent ( 118 ), to preferably result in a structure such as that depicted in fig2 f , wherein at least one void ( 144 ) is positioned within the volume previously occupied ( 105 ) by the sacrificial dielectric material , the void being isolated by a plug ( 126 ) through the second dielectric layer ( 106 ) from the environment opposite the second dielectric layer ( 106 ). in a similar manner to that of the variations of fig1 h and 1i , residual portions ( 136 , 142 ) may continue to occupy portions of the volume previously occupied ( 105 ) by the intact sacrificial dielectric layer ( 104 ), and may form shapes such as those depicted in fig2 g and 2h ( 136 , 142 , respectively ). thus , a novel dielectric solution is disclosed . although the invention is described herein with reference to specific embodiments , many modifications therein will readily occur to those of ordinary skill in the art . accordingly , all such variations and modifications are included within the intended scope of the invention as defined by the following claims .	7
in the following description , various embodiments of the present invention will be described . for purposes of explanation , specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments . it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art , however , that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details . furthermore , well - known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described . referring now to the drawings , in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views , fig1 shows a conventional portable shelter 10 that includes a frame assembly 12 and a canopy ( not shown ). frame assembly 12 is of a conventional construction and 12 includes leg members 14 and upper frame 16 , preferably made of steel . there are preferably four leg members 14 for supporting a four - sided shelter , each leg member 14 comprising an upper leg 18 telescopically connected to a lower leg 20 to enable the entire frame assembly 12 to be set at various heights through the use of locking mechanisms ( not shown ) which are known and used in the industry . base feet ( not shown ) are located at the lower end of lower legs 20 to provide a stable foundation for the shelter frame . upper frame 16 comprises truss assembly 22 which extends between the leg members 14 on each side of the shelter near the top edge and roof assembly 24 . as shown in fig1 , truss assembly 22 is comprised of multiple individual truss members 23 which are criss - crossed and connected to each other at hinge points to allow for scissor - like folding of the members for deployment and collapsing of the frame . roof assembly 24 comprises roof members 25 and center hub 26 which are similarly connected to each other at hinge points to allow for expansion and collapsing . certain of the hinge points are uni - directional hinges which are known in the industry and which allow the frame structure to maintain its desired rigidity . the upper criss - crossed truss members 23 having ends located at each corner of the frame are connected to a corner bracket 28 and the lower criss - crossed truss members 23 having ends located at each corner of the frame are connected to a sliding bracket 30 as shown in fig1 - 3 . the sliding bracket 30 comprises a locking sleeve that can move vertically along the upper leg 18 to allow for adjustment of the frame height . the foregoing description of the shelter frame construction is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention but is intended only to provide a general description of “ instant ” type shelters that are known in the industry such as the structure disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 632 , 293 and similar patents . other frame constructions known and used in the industry can also be utilized with the present invention . a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in fig2 , wherein deployment handle 32 is connected to the sliding bracket 30 on leg member 14 . deployment handle 32 is preferably a loop of nylon or polypropylene webbing , or a similar functioning material such as grosgrain ribbon , rope , folded fabric or the like . although a loop is preferred , deployment handle 32 could also be a rigid or semi - rigid ring , a rigid or semi - rigid toggle handle , or similar structure provided it allows easy gripping by a user . deployment handle 32 is preferably permanently attached to frame by a rivet 34 or other permanent attachment means such as a screw , nut and bolt or the like . although not the most preferred method , it is also within the scope of the present invention for the deployment handle 32 to be attached by a more temporary means such as quick release buckles , ladder lock buckles , clips , hook and loop connectors , toggles and other releasable attachments known in the industry . an alternative embodiment is shown in fig3 , wherein the deployment handle 32 is attached to the frame 12 at the upper corner bracket 28 . although it is preferred for deployment handle 32 to be attached to the frame 12 in an upper corner area when the frame is collapsed , it is within the scope of the invention for deployment handle 32 to be attached at any point along the vertical axis of upper frame 16 ( not shown ). two deployment handles 32 are preferred . the deployment handles 32 are located in opposed corners of the shelter frame 12 as shown in fig1 so that only two users would be utilized to deploy a four - sided shelter , thus reducing the amount of stress on the frame members . it is within the scope of the present invention , however , for the shelter to have more than two deployment handles , although this is not the preferred method for a four - sided shelter . it is also within the scope of the present invention for the shelter 10 to have more than four corners — such as a hexagonal shaped shelter with six corners , an octagonal shelter with eight corner and the like . in such a case , the shelter would preferably have at least two handles which would be located on opposite corners . although not described herein in detail , the shelter may have additional features known in the industry such as side walls , cup holders , vents , leg weights , stakes , guy lines and the like . the present invention would also be used with a tent having sidewalls and a floor if the tent comprises a similar frame structure . for deployment of the shelter 10 , the folded shelter is set on its base feet in an upright position as is conventionally done . two users each grasp a deployment handle 32 located on opposed corners at or near the upper corner brackets . each user then moves outward in opposite directions from each other , pulling the shelter frame corner as they move . the users continue moving outward until the shelter frame has been expanded to its standard footprint . at this point , the users can raise the shelter frame to its desired height and lock the frame in place . if the canopy is not already attached to the shelter frame prior to initial deployment , the canopy can be placed on and attached to the frame either before or after the frame has been raised to its desired height . other variations are within the spirit of the present invention . thus , while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions , certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail . it should be understood , however , that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed , but on the contrary , the intention is to cover all modifications , alternative constructions , and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention , as defined in the appended claims . the use of the terms “ a ” and “ an ” and “ the ” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention ( especially in the context of the following claims ) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural , unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context . the terms “ comprising ,” “ having ,” “ including ,” and “ containing ” are to be construed as open - ended terms ( i . e ., meaning “ including , but not limited to ,”) unless otherwise noted . the term “ connected ” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within , attached to , or joined together , even if there is something intervening . recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range , unless otherwise indicated herein , and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein . all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context . the use of any and all examples , or exemplary language ( e . g ., “ such as ”) provided herein , is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed . no language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non - claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention . preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein , including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention . variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description . the inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate , and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein . accordingly , this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law . moreover , any combination of the above - described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context . all references , including publications , patent applications , and patents , cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein .	4
referring now to the drawings , the details of specific example embodiments are schematically illustrated . like elements in the drawings will be represented by like numbers , and similar elements will be represented by like numbers with a different lower case letter suffix . referring to fig1 , depicted is a schematic block diagram of an input - output ( i / o ) node having an i / o keeper cell in an integrated circuit device , according to a specific example embodiment of this disclosure . an integrated circuit device 102 , e . g ., microprocessor , microcontroller , digital signal processor ( dsp ), programmable logic array ( pla ), application specific integrated circuit ( asic ), etc ., may comprise a configurable input - output ( i / o ) node 104 , a low power mode register 134 and a plurality of logic circuits 132 , some of which may be coupled to the configurable i / o node 104 and / or the low power mode register 134 . the configurable i / o node 104 may comprise a driver 108 , a receiver 110 , and an i / o keeper cell 106 . an i / o configuration and data states signal line 130 may be used for configuring the configurable i / o node 104 as an input and / or an output node by asserting a desired configuration through the i / o keeper cell 106 and configuration control signal lines 128 and 126 . the i / o configuration and data states signal line 130 may also be used to configure the driver 108 as open collector , active pull - up , active pull - down , or tri - state having active logic high and active logic low with a high impedance third state . selection of the pull - up or pull - down resistance value , slew rate , drive capabilities , etc ., for the driver 108 may also be configured . these configurations may be performed by firmware in the integrated circuit device 102 and / or external program software having access to and configuration permission for the integrated circuit device 102 . when the configurable i / o node 104 is configured as an output node , a data - out signal line 118 may be used to convey data from the plurality of logic circuits 132 of the integrated circuit device 102 , through the i / o keeper cell 106 , over the data signal line 122 to the driver 108 . the output of the driver 108 is coupled to the external i / o connection 112 of the integrated circuit package ( not shown ) containing the integrated circuit device 102 . when the configurable i / o node 104 is configured as an input node , a data - in signal line 120 may be used to convey data to the plurality of circuits 132 of the integrated circuit device 102 , from the i / o keeper cell 106 , over the data signal line 124 from the receiver 110 . the input of the receiver 110 is coupled to the external i / o connection 112 of the integrated circuit package ( not shown ) containing the integrated circuit device 102 . when the configurable i / o node 104 is configured as an input - output node , the data - in signal line 120 and the data - out signal line 118 function as described hereinabove . the driver 108 may remain active at all times wherein the receiver 110 will monitor the output state of the driver 108 , and / or the driver 108 may be placed in an inactive state , e . g ., unasserted open collector or tri - state in high impedance , whenever an external data signal is expected to be received on the external i / o connection 112 . when the integrated circuit device 102 goes into a low power mode , a signal on the enter low power mode signal line 114 will tell the i / o keeper cell 106 to latch - in ( store , retain , etc .) the i / o configuration of the configurable i / o node 104 and the present data - in and / or data - out logic level on the data - in signal line 120 or data - out signal line 118 , respectively . this latched - in ( stored , retained , etc .) i / o configuration and data logic level ( s ) may be retained during and after the integrated circuit device 102 goes into and comes out of the low power mode . the configurable i / o node 104 and low power mode register 134 remain operational with sustained power from a maintained power supply , v dd / v ss . as the integrated circuit device 102 comes out of the low power mode , the plurality of logic circuits 132 will perform a systematic , well - defined sequence for waking up and for establishing proper logic levels on all internal signal paths of the integrated circuit device 102 . only after all internal logic levels have been properly re - established may a wake - up and restore signal be sent on the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 , wherein the i / o keeper cell 106 will cease to latch - in ( store , retain , etc .) the last i / o configuration and data logic level ( s ), and will become transparent again between circuits in the configurable i / o node 104 ( e . g ., driver 108 and / or receiver 110 ), and the data - out signal line 118 and / or data - in signal line 120 and the i / o configuration and data states signal line 130 . a bit from the low power mode register 134 may be used as the wake - up and restore signal sent over the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 . it is contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure that the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 may be activated by software and / or firmware after the i / o configuration and data logic level ( s ), retained by the i / o keeper cell 106 , have been read by the software and / or firmware . thus , software control of the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 may insure that the same i / o configuration and logic level ( s ) are retained , thereby not disturbing any external devices in the electronic system ( not shown ). the enter low power mode signal line 114 may also be activated by software and / or firmware before the integrated circuit device 102 goes into a low power mode . it is also contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure that signal lines 114 and 116 may be combined into one signal line with a first logic level thereon indicating “ enter low power mode ” and a transition to a second logic level thereon indicating “ wake - up and restore from low power mode .” since the low power mode register 134 may be powered along with the configurable i / o node 104 from v dd / v ss , the single signal line “ enter low power mode / wake - up and restore from low power mode ” may be maintained in either the first logic level or second logic level when going into the low power mode or coming out of the low power mode , respectively , e . g ., the transition from first logic level to second logic level , or visa - versa , would cause the change in operation of the configurable i / o node 104 from “ enter low power mode ” to “ wake - up and restore from low power mode .” referring to fig2 , depicted is a schematic block diagram of an output node having an output keeper cell in an integrated circuit device , according to another specific example embodiment of this disclosure . an integrated circuit device 102 , e . g ., microprocessor , microcontroller , digital signal processor ( dsp ), programmable logic array ( pla ), application specific integrated circuit ( asic ), etc ., may comprise an output node 204 , a low power mode register 134 and a plurality of logic circuits 132 , some of which may be coupled to the output node 204 and / or the low power mode register 134 . the output node 204 may comprise a driver 208 and an output keeper cell 206 . an output configuration and data states signal line 230 may be used for configuring the output node 204 by asserting a desired configuration through the output keeper cell 206 and configuration control signal line 226 . the output configuration and data states signal line 230 may also be used to configure the driver 208 as open collector , active pull - up , active pull - down , or tri - state having active logic high and active logic low with a high impedance third state . selection of the pull - up or pull - down resistance value , slew rate , drive capabilities , etc ., for the driver 208 may also be configured . these configurations may be performed by firmware in the integrated circuit device 102 and / or external program software having access to and configuration permission for the integrated circuit device 102 . a data - out signal line 118 may be used to convey data from the internal logic circuits 132 of the integrated circuit device 102 , through the output keeper cell 206 , over the signal line 222 and to the driver 208 . the output of the driver 208 is coupled to the external output connection 212 of the integrated circuit package ( not shown ) containing the integrated circuit device 102 . when the integrated circuit device 102 goes into a low power mode , a signal on the enter low power mode signal line 114 will tell the output keeper cell 206 to latch - in ( store , retain , etc .) the present data - out logic level on the data - out signal line 118 . this latched - in ( stored , retained , etc .) data logic level may be retained during and after the integrated circuit device 102 goes into and comes out of the low power mode . the output node 204 and low power mode register 134 remain operational with sustained power from a maintained power supply , v dd / v ss . as the integrated circuit device 102 comes out of the low power mode , the plurality of logic circuits 132 will perform a systematic , well - defined sequence for waking up and for establishing proper logic levels on all internal signal paths of the integrated circuit device 102 . only after all internal logic levels have been properly re - established will a wake - up and restore signal be sent on the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 , wherein the output keeper cell 206 will cease to latch - in ( store , retain , etc .) the last output configuration and / or data logic level , and will become transparent again between circuits in the output node 204 ( e . g ., driver 208 ), and the data - out signal line 118 and the output configuration and data states signal line 230 . a bit from the low power mode register 134 may be used as the wake - up and restore signal sent over the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 . it is contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure that the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 may be activated by software and / or firmware after the output configuration and data logic level , retained by the output keeper cell 206 , have been read by the software and / or firmware . thus , software control of the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 may insure that the same output configuration and output logic level are retained , thereby not disturbing any external devices in the electronic system ( not shown ). the enter low power mode signal line 114 may also be activated by software and / or firmware before the integrated circuit device 102 goes into a low power mode . it is also contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure that signal lines 114 and 116 may be combined into one signal line with a first logic level thereon indicating “ enter low power mode ” and a transition to a second logic level thereon indicating “ wake - up and restore from low power mode .” since the low power mode register 134 may be powered along with the output node 204 from v dd / v ss , the single signal line “ enter low power mode / wake - up and restore from low power mode ” may be maintained in either the first logic level or second logic level when going into the low power mode or coming out of the low power mode , respectively , e . g ., the transition from first logic level to second logic level , or visa - versa , would cause the change in operation of the output node 204 from “ enter low power mode ” to “ wake - up and restore from low power mode .” referring to fig3 , depicted is a schematic block diagram of an input node having an input keeper cell in an integrated circuit device , according to yet another specific example embodiment of this disclosure . an integrated circuit device 102 , e . g ., microprocessor , microcontroller , digital signal processor ( dsp ), programmable logic array ( pla ), application specific integrated circuit ( asic ), etc ., may comprise an input node 304 , a low power mode register 134 and a plurality of logic circuits 132 , some of which may be coupled to the input node 304 and / or the low power mode register 134 . the input node 304 may comprise a receiver 310 and an input keeper cell 306 . an input configuration and data states signal line 330 may be used for configuring the input node 304 by asserting a desired configuration through the input keeper cell 306 and configuration control signal line 328 . the input configuration and data states signal line 330 may also be used to configure the receiver 310 for input impedance , speed , slew rate , power consumption , etc . these configurations may be performed by firmware in the integrated circuit device 102 and / or external program software having access to and configuration permission for the integrated circuit device 102 . a data - in signal line 120 may be used to convey data to the plurality of logic circuits 132 of the integrated circuit device 102 , from the input keeper cell 306 , over the signal line 324 from the receiver 310 . the input of the receiver 310 is coupled to the external input connection 312 of the integrated circuit package ( not shown ) containing the integrated circuit device 102 . when the integrated circuit device 102 goes into a low power mode , a signal on the enter low power state signal line 114 will tell the input keeper cell 306 to latch - in ( store , retain , etc .) the present data - in logic level on the data - in signal line 120 . this latched - in ( stored , retained , etc .) data logic level may be retained during and after the integrated circuit device 102 goes into and comes out of the low power mode . the input node 304 and low power mode register 134 remain operational with sustained power from a maintained power supply , v dd / v ss . as the integrated circuit device 102 comes out of the low power mode , the plurality of logic circuits 132 will perform a systematic , well - defined sequence for waking up and for establishing proper logic levels on all internal signal paths of the integrated circuit device 102 . only after all internal logic levels have been properly re - established may a wake - up and restore signal be sent on the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 , wherein the input keeper cell 306 will cease to latch - in ( stored , retained , etc .) the last input configuration and / or data logic level , and will become transparent again between circuits in the input node 304 ( e . g ., receiver 310 ), and the data - in signal line 120 and the input configuration and data states signal line 330 . a bit from the low power mode register 134 may be used as the wake - up and restore signal sent over the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 . it is contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure that the wake - up and restore from low power mode signal line 116 may be activated by software and / or firmware after the input configuration and data logic level , retained by the input keeper cell 306 , have been read by the software and / or firmware . thus , software control of the wake - up and restore from the low power mode signal line 116 may insure that the same input configuration and input logic level are retained , thereby not disturbing any external devices in the electronic system ( not shown ). the enter low power mode signal line 114 may also be activated by software and / or firmware before the integrated circuit device 102 goes into a low power mode . it is also contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure that signal lines 114 and 116 may be combined into one signal line with a first logic level thereon indicating “ enter low power mode ” and a transition to a second logic level thereon indicating “ wake - up and restore from low power mode .” since the low power mode register 134 may be powered along with the input node 304 from v dd / v ss , the single signal line “ enter low power mode / wake - up and restore from low power mode ” may be maintained in either the first logic level or second logic level when going into the low power mode or coming out of the low power mode , respectively , e . g ., the transition from first logic level to second logic level , or visa - versa , would cause the change in operation of the input node 304 from “ enter low power mode ” to “ wake - up and restore from low power mode ”. referring to fig4 , depicted is a schematic operational flow diagram of an integrated circuit device entering into and returning from a low power mode , retention of data states and i / o configurations of an input - output ( i / o ) node of the integrated circuit device , according to a specific example embodiment of this disclosure . in step 402 , an integrated circuit device enters into a low power mode . in step 404 , the input and / or output data state ( s ) and i / o configuration are retained in a keeper cell . in step 406 , the i / o configuration and data state ( s ) are controlled by the retained information in the keeper cell irrespective of the logic states from the plurality of logic circuits of the integrated circuit device . in step 408 , the plurality of logic circuits of the integrated circuit device wake - up from the low power mode and their logic circuit states are woken - up and restored after coming out of the low power mode . once the logic circuit states of the plurality of logic circuits have been properly restored to a fully operational condition , an exit from low power mode will be asserted in step 410 , and then in step 412 control of the i / o configuration and data state ( s ) will be returned back to the now fully operational plurality of logic circuits . referring to fig5 , depicted is a schematic operational flow diagram of an integrated circuit device entering into and returning from a low power mode under software control and retention of data states and i / o configurations of an input - output ( i / o ) node of the integrated circuit device , according to another specific example embodiment of this disclosure . step 500 determines when an enter low power mode command is made from a software and / or firmware program . when the enter low power mode command is determined in step 500 , an integrated circuit device will enter into a low power mode in step 502 . in step 504 , the input and / or output data state ( s ) and i / o configuration are retained in a keeper cell . in step 506 , the i / o configuration and data state ( s ) are controlled by the retained information in the keeper cell irrespective of the logic states from the plurality of logic circuits of the integrated circuit device . in step 508 , the plurality of logic circuits of the integrated circuit device wake - up from the low power mode and their logic circuit states are woken - up and restored after coming out of the low power mode . step 509 determines when a wake - up and restore from low power mode command is made from a software and / or firmware program . when the wake - up and restore from low power mode command is determined in step 509 , the integrated circuit device will exit from the low power mode in step 510 . then in step 512 , control of the i / o configuration and data state ( s ) will be returned back to the now fully operational plurality of logic circuits . while embodiments of this disclosure have been depicted , described , and are defined by reference to example embodiments of the disclosure , such references do not imply a limitation on the disclosure , and no such limitation is to be inferred . the subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modification , alteration , and equivalents in form and function , as will occur to those ordinarily skilled in the pertinent art and having the benefit of this disclosure . the depicted and described embodiments of this disclosure are examples only , and are not exhaustive of the scope of the disclosure .	6
while any patient undergoing renal hemodialysis may encounter complications because of the frequency and duration of treatment , certain patient subgroups appear to be especially prone to complications such as hypotension occurring early in the procedure or in the later stages . these recurrent hypotensive episodes can be generally of two types , ( 1 ) in which blood pressure fluctuates , sometimes erratically , or ( 2 ) the patient experiences a sudden drop in pressure resulting in dizziness and actual fainting . these episodes may be accompanied by cardiac arrhythmia , which actually contributes to the condition . such sudden drops in pressure may occur more than once in a single dialysis procedure . in general , a hypotensive event is said to occur when blood pressure falls either suddenly or transiently about 10 minutes after procedure initiation , by greater than about 20 mm hg , or when systolic blood pressure falls below 100 mm hg although these criteria will vary and are often interpreted very subjectively . patients who experience hypotension or blood pressure fluctuation can be identified from their file histories , and may be considered for the hemoglobin therapy of the present invention if routine adjustments in the dialysis procedure ( lowering rate of ultrafiltration , salt concentration of the dialysate , etc .) do not produce a remission of the episodes . it will largely be a matter for the attending physician or nephrologist to ascertain those who qualify for hemoglobin therapy , taking into account factors such as the age and condition of the patient , secondary pathologies , drug regimens , the frequency and severity of hypotensive episodes , etc . administration of hemoglobin suppresses blood pressure fluctuation , and largely prevents intradialytic hypotension . one unexpected benefit is to minimize and virtually obviate conventional therapeutic intervention , even for causes of hypotension classically associated with fluid imbalances . infusions of albumin , iso - and hypertonic saline , are avoided , which enhances patient comfort and well - being during the dialysis procedure . the hemoglobin therapy of the present invention involves administration of hemoglobin in a pharmacologically effective amount , generally , at low doses . in the clinical studies set forth in the example , three dose levels of 25 , 50 and 100 mg hemoglobin / kg body weight were infused . in other studies , and from animal models , pharmacologic efficacy is achieved in dose ranges from 10 mg / kg to about 1200 mg / kg . any dose in this range is &# 34 ; low &# 34 ; when defined as an amount of hemoglobin too low to serve as a one - for - one oxygen carrying replacement for whole blood in which blood loss results in hypotension at least as pronounced as is observed in susceptible patients undergoing hemodialysis . response of individual patients to particular doses of hemoglobin will vary , as with any drug , and the physician will adjust the dose to achieve the optimal effect . in some patients a dose of 15 mg / kg may be adequate , but in others a dose towards the high end of the recommended dose range ( 1200 mg / kg ) may be required . in the occasional patient a dose in excess of 1200 mg / kg may be needed to be pharmacologically effective , and is still considered by applicants to be within the scope of the invention so long as the low dose definition set forth herein is met . while it is known that the pharmacologic effects of hemoglobin are dose dependent up to a certain threshold , the duration of the effects is affected by dose , with the effects obtained at a larger dose continuing longer . in patients having a history of primarily late stage hypotension , larger doses may be indicated so that an adequate level is present at later times in the dialysis treatment , when hypotensive episodes are anticipated . in some patients , it may be most beneficial to administer the hemoglobin in more than one dose , or even in a continuous dose , over the course of dialysis . such variations are within the scope of the present invention , so long as administration occurs peridialytically in relation to the treatment . timing of hemoglobin administration is preferably coincident with the commencement of dialysis , and continues by intravenous infusion over a 10 to 45 minute period . although hemoglobin administration may be efficacious as a palliative during acute episodes of hypotension , the principal embodiment of the invention is to administer the hemoglobin prophylactically in advance of such episodes so as to prevent hypotensive episodes from occurring . the hemoglobin utilized in the treatment of this invention is stroma - free , substantially free of endotoxin , and sterile . while unmodified stroma - free hemoglobin is pharmacologically effective , it tends to dissociate readily into its subunits giving it a much reduced half - life in the bloodstream . renal toxicity has also been reported . it is therefore preferable to utilize a cross - linked , or cross - linked polymerized hemoglobin manufactured according to a number of methods in the art , for example , as described in u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 826 , 811 , 4 , 001 , 401 , 4 , 412 , 989 , and 5 , 084 , 558 . most preferred is diaspirin cross - linked hemoglobin made as disclosed in u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 600 , 531 and re34 , 271 hereby incorporated by reference . the hemoglobin is further purified and sterilized as disclosed in u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 831 , 012 , 4 , 861 , 867 , and 5 , 128 , 452 . further advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the example which follows : diaspirin cross - linked hemoglobin ( dclhb ) in a 10 percent solution was infused into patients undergoing hemodialysis according to the randomized , single - blinded , cross - over protocol illustrated in fig1 . approximately equal numbers of patients ( n = 3 ) for a test group and a control group receiving normal saline , for each of 3 treatment groups ( 25 , 50 , and 100 mg hemoglobin / kg of body weight ) were infused on day 1 with either saline or dclhb . at day 7 the groups were reversed and then infused with the opposite of either saline or dclhb than they received on day 1 . since one patient received only the control solution and did not cross - over , an extra patient was added to the control group , bringing the total to 19 . patients were unaware of which treatment was received . various physiologic parameters were monitored , including blood pressure and the incidence of conventional intervention for hypotension . fig2 a and 2b depict the data for systolic and diastolic pressures . it is evident that the test and control groups at each dosage level do not differ at the commencement of dialysis , but thereafter out to about 210 minutes there is a significant elevation in both systolic and diastolic pressures . thereafter , the groups once again become indistinguishable . table 1 summarizes the combined systolic blood pressure data . blood pressure increases are dose dependent averaging 2 mm hg for 25 mg / kg dose and 29 mm hg for the 100 mg / kg group . table 1______________________________________blood pressure change 25 50 100 mg / kg mg / kg mg / kg______________________________________change in bps dclhb 2 ± 12 * 15 ± 29 * 29 ± 8 * change in bps placebo - 1 ± 9 4 ± 10 - 4 ± 12______________________________________ * p & lt ; 0 . 05 vs . placebo ; manova correspondingly , the control groups generally demonstrated a reduction in systolic blood pressure . the results in table 2 indicate an increase in hypotensive events as indicated by increased administration of hypertonic saline . the frequency of hypertonic saline interventions were significantly less in the dclhb groups . the stabilization of blood pressure as indicated by the number of hypertonic saline interventions ( table 2 ) indicates 1 hypotensive episode in one of 18 patients receiving dclhb compared to 20 episodes in 9 of 19 patients while receiving the control solution . thus , low dose hemoglobin administration incident to hemodialysis stabilizes blood pressure and significantly reduces the need for conventional hypotensive interventions . table 2______________________________________frequency of 23 . 4 % nacl ivp for treatment or prevention ofhypotension dclhb normal saline # interventions # interventions (# patients ) (# patients ) ______________________________________25 mg / kg 1 ( 1 ) 3 ( 2 ) 50 mg / kg 0 ( 0 ) 9 ( 5 ) 100 mg / kg 0 ( 0 ) 8 ( 2 ) total interventions 1 ( 1 ) 20 ( 9 )( total patients ) ______________________________________	0
in a demonstrative example according to this invention , a solid pipe made of metal or plastic is tested for sound transmission over the frequency range from 20 to 1000 hz . the pipe is then cut axially in half and then taped back together with axial lengths of duct tape . the reconstructed pipe is then tested again for sound transmission over the frequency range of 20 to 1000 hz . the pipe reconstructed using the axially aligned strips of duct tape attenuates more noise over a majority of the frequency range of 20 to 1000 hz , which is the frequency range of most motor vehicle engine noise , than the original duct . the improved sound attenuation is thought to occur due to radial expanding / contracting vibrations of the reconstructed pipe , allowed by the pliancy of the duct tape and caused by sound generating energy traveling through the pliant walls of the pipe . some of the sound - generating energy is absorbed by the pipe as work causing the pipe to move and some of the sound generating energy is rebroadcast into and out of the pipe as self - canceling sound waves due to the symmetrical and out of phase vibrations of the pipe . in this example , the physical motion by the pipe walls increased over the motion generated on the original pipe surfaces , however , the total sound emitted from and by the pipe decreased . in a second example according to this invention , a duct comprising a support structure of a plurality of steel strips measuring , for example , 0 . 035 inches thick by 0 . 50 inches wide are aligned axially running the length of the duct and are spaced radially about the perimeter of the duct . the steel strips are attached to circular rubber rings periodically spaced along the length of the duct . the support structure comprising the rubber rings and steel strips is covered by an airtight pliant material to form the duct wall . tests show that a 2 . 75 diameter duct of such construction absorbs more engine generated noise in the 100 - 500 hz range than a typical hard plastic duct of similar size . another example according to this invention is illustrated by duct 33 in fig1 having a portion of the pliant material outer duct wall 38 removed to reveal the support structure 34 thereof . the support structure 34 of the duct 33 includes a wire cage structure having axial wire members 32 and annular wire members 36 attached together in a suitable manner , i . e ., through welding or soldering , to form a wire cage frame for the pliant material 38 . rubber or plastic rings may be provided as ends 30 , 40 to facilitate clamping of the duct 33 to other components of the air flow system . the support structure prevents radial collapse of the duct due to events of negative pressure that may occur within the duct with respect to atmospheric pressure outside the duct during engine operation . surrounding and supported by the support structure in an annular manner is a pliant material 38 providing an air tight tubular wall for the duct 33 . the pliant material 38 may be any of a variety of materials and is preferably characterized by high pliancy and low resiliency . because low resiliency is preferred , materials such as rubber that store energy when deformed and return to the original shape after the force that caused the deformation is removed are not suitable pliant materials according to this invention . however , it is well understood that many pliant materials include thin layers of rubber or a rubber backing that act to seal the material for air tightness or provide resiliency only after a predetermined non - resilient deformation occurs . such materials fall within the scope of pliant materials 38 . the pliant material 38 may be held on the support structure through any suitable method including through adhesive . thus an adhesive backed material may be used to form the wall 38 . indeed , in a simple example , duct tape may be used to form the wall 38 . in another example , a suitable air tight adhesive material sold under the trade name arno ™ may be used . in another example , the pliant material 38 may be placed in a mold with the steel support structure 34 and attached to the support structure during the same process of molding the ends 30 , 40 either using rubber , plastic or another suitable rigid or semi - rigid material . in yet another example the support structure may be made from a plastic or composite material . the result is a duct having an air flow passage as shown in fig1 through which air or exhaust gases may flow and that maintains a minimum effective diameter due to the strength of the support structure . the pliant material may freely travel and vibrate at least over a range of positions due to pressure pulses and sound shock waves in the air or exhaust gas flowing through the duct 33 . use of semi - rigid material in the support structure allows the support structure itself to flex , increasing the sound attenuating capabilities of the duct . referring now to fig2 and 3 , the cross sections shown are of duct 33 in fig1 . the pliant material 38 is divided into rectangular ( or square ) sections whose boundaries are defined by the underlying support structure . fig2 and 3 show that the material in each section can freely move radially out ( fig2 ) or in ( fig3 ) in response to changing pressure and / or shock waves within the duct . the pliant material has no strict pre - formed shape to which it must return and thus is freely affected by pressure and shock waves to absorb energy that would otherwise broadcast noise and to transmit a certain percentage of that energy back into and out of the pipe as self canceling sound waves . applying the pliant material over the support structure with too much tension reduces the sound attenuating capabilities of the duct . according to this invention , therefore , the pliant material is not tensioned so tight as to eliminate the characteristic of free pliancy . while the ducts constructed for use with this invention may be simple straight ducts , as shown above with respect to fig1 the ducts may be provided in the configuration shown as reference 60 in fig4 . the duct 60 has an internal duct structure 58 according to fig1 and an external duct structure 56 also according to fig1 with a radius , for example , 3 / 8 inches larger than the radius of the internal duct 58 , so that the two ducts are concentric and coaxial . each of the ducts 56 and 58 has an internal support structure 55 , 57 and a pliant material 53 , 59 forming the tube wall . the ends 61 . 63 of the external duct 56 are closed to the outer periphery of duct 58 . openings 62 and 64 at each end of the duct 58 provide ports leading from the interior of duct 58 to the annular resonance chamber between duct 58 and duct 56 . in the example shown in fig4 the ducts 52 and 54 on both ends of the duct 60 may be standard steel or hard plastic ducts or any other known type of duct . referring to fig5 the example shown illustrates that this invention is not limited to straight ducts with a single diameter or to a combination of straight ducts , but can be applied to various shaped ducts , such as duct 70 , including horned or snorkeled ends 74 , bent or curved portions 72 and venturi like decreasing radius portions 78 . the desired shape is easily obtained by constructing the support structure 75 to the desired shape and assembling the pliant material 77 over the support structure . referring now to fig6 a cross section of a typical duct for use in a motor vehicle engine air flow management system is shown comprising duct structures according to this invention . the duct 90 comprises a circular cylindrical duct 92 according to fig1 and venturi - shaped duct 93 . the ducts 92 and 93 have support structures 91 and 95 according to this invention and pliant material walls 97 and 99 . the venturi duct 93 has reflecting walls 96 for reflecting back noise waves that may be traveling out of the duct and forms a pressure transient point 98 that also reflects many sound waves back into the duct 90 . typically the duct 90 is oriented so that sound energy enters at end 94 . the duct according to this invention may be other shapes including square and rectangular , and any other shape that is symmetrical about a plane running through the center of the duct axis . referring now to fig7 a 44 inch long 2 . 75 inch diameter hard plastic duct having a hard plastic venturi , similar in shape to venturi duct 93 shown in fig7 is compared for sound broadcast properties to a 44 inch long , 2 . 75 inch diameter , duct according to this invention consisting of a structure shown in fig1 and an end venturi duct 93 ( fig6 ), also having a structure according to this invention . the pliant material for the duct according to this invention is an adhesive backed material sold under the trade name arno ™. the plots show the amount of noise transmitted out of each duct from a common noise source over the frequency range of 20 - 500 hz . the input noise in this and all of the examples herein is maintained at a constant decibel level over the entire frequency range tested . trace 114 illustrates the noise transmitted through the hard plastic duct and trace 116 illustrates the noise transmitted through the duct according to this invention . as can be seen , for the majority of the 20 - 500 hz . frequency range , the duct according to this invention transmits less noise and attenuates more noise from the sound generator . a majority of the automotive engine generated duct noise is in the frequency range of 100 - 500 hz . and , as shown in fig7 the pliant wall duct according to this invention attenuates significantly more noise over the 100 to 500 hz . range than the hard plastic duct . referring now to fig8 the trace 118 graphs the noise transmission of a 24 inch long , 2 . 75 inch diameter hard plastic duct for the frequency range of 20 - 500 hz . trace 122 graphs the noise transmission performance over the same range when 12 inches of the hard plastic duct is removed and replaced with a 12 inch section of duct constructed according to fig1 described above . trace 122 illustrates that the addition of the 12 inch section of duct according to fig1 achieves significant noise attenuation for almost the entire frequency range of 20 - 500 hz over the duct represented by trace 118 . the trace 120 graphs the noise transmission of a duct similar to that used to generate trace 122 with the addition of a ten inch long exterior duct around and coaxial with the twelve inch section of duct constructed according to fig1 . the exterior duct has a diameter 3 / 8 inches greater than that of the interior duct and forms an annular passage around the interior pliant wall duct providing the configuration of reference 60 shown in fig4 . the exterior duct is also constructed according to fig1 with a pliant wall and the annular passage between the exterior and interior ducts is ported to the flow passage of the interior pliant wall duct . trace 120 illustrates that the duct according to this invention with the configuration of reference 60 in fig4 provides further improvement in the amount of low frequency attenuation . \| cl example 3 referring now to fig9 three ducts are tested over a 20 - 1000 hz . frequency range for noise transmission . trace 136 illustrates a 24 inch duct having a first section 12 inches long and a second section made of a spiral wire frame with fabric attached over the spiral wire frame . the spiral frame acts as a spring trying to unwind , causing a large amount of tension in the fabric that maintains the fabric stiff so that the fabric is no longer freely pliant . thus plot 136 is not for a duct according to this invention . such fabric covered wire frame ducts are known to those skilled in the art . trace 138 illustrates the sound transmission response with 12 inches of plastic duct and 12 inches of duct constructed according to fig1 covered with a rubber backed fabric available from fabreeka ™, boston , mass . trace 140 illustrates a 25 inch long , 2 . 75 inch diameter arno ™ covered duct according to fig1 . as can be seen , over a majority of the 20 - 1000 hz . range , the two ducts according to this invention , represented by the traces 138 and 140 , provide improved sound attenuation over the fabric covered spiral - shaped wire frame duct . referring now to fig1 , an example automotive internal combustion engine air flow system is shown . the system has an air intake of a known type ( not shown ) that leads to the intake passage 301 comprising a duct 302 leading to air filter 304 , which filters the intake air in a known manner . duct 306 leads from the air filter 304 to the air intake of the engine 308 . any of the intake ducts represented by references 302 , 306 , or all thereof , are constructed according to this invention . the engine exhaust typically leaves the engine manifold to an exhaust manifold pipe 310 which connects passage 312 to a catalytic converter . the exhaust then flows through more piping to a muffler ( not shown ) and a tail pipe ( also not shown ). any of the exhaust connecting pipes ( i . e ., pipe 310 ) may be made according to this invention with the restriction that the support frame and pliant material be able to withstand the heat and chemistry generated by the exhaust gases . a simple substitution of ducts according to this invention in place of prior art hard plastic or metal ducts or pipes , or in place of other ducts with sound attenuating capabilities inferior to those demonstrated by this invention , enable a quieter vehicle due to less noise being radiated by the engine air flow and exhaust gas management system . the advantages according to this invention are achieved without requiring added space such as the space typically taken up by quarter wave length tubes , volume resonators and expansion chambers . a further advantage according to this invention as compared to many resonators is an extreme insensitivity to tolerance variations . for example , a helmholtz resonator &# 39 ; s frequency and noise attenuation response can vary drastically by a tolerance variation of just one or two millimeters in the length or width of the neck porting the resonator to the air flow system . this can cause the resonator to have a response completely missing its target attenuation and frequency . in contrast , ducts constructed according to this invention have been hand made with large tolerance variations in diameter , spacing of the frame , etc ., while maintaining similar attenuation levels over a large spectrum of noise frequencies .	5
there are a great many possible implementations of the invention , too many to describe herein . some possible implementations that are presently preferred are described below . it cannot be emphasized too strongly , however , that these are descriptions of implementations of the invention , and not descriptions of the invention , which is not limited to the detailed implementations described in this section but is described in broader terms in the claims . the terms “ caregiver ”, “ rescuer ” and “ user ” are used interchangeably and refer to the operator of the device providing care to the patient . referring to fig1 and 2 , an automated external defibrillator ( aed ) 10 includes a removable cover 12 and a device housing 14 . the defibrillator 10 is shown with cover 12 removed in fig2 . an electrode assembly 16 ( or a pair of separate electrodes ) is connected to the device housing 14 by a cable 18 . electrode assembly 16 is stored under cover 12 when the defibrillator is not in use . referring to fig3 , the aed includes circuitry and software 20 for processing , a user interface 21 including such elements as a graphical 22 or text display 23 or an audio output such as a speaker 24 , and circuitry and / or software 25 for detecting a caregiver &# 39 ; s progress in delivering therapy — e . g ., detecting whether one or more of a series of steps in a protocol has been completed successfully in some preferred implementations , the detecting also includes the ability to determine both whether a particular step has been initiated by a user and additionally whether that particular step has been successfully completed by a user . based on usability studies in either simulated or actual use , common user errors are determined and specific detection means are provided for determining if the most prevalent errors have occurred . if it is determined that the current step in the protocol has not been completed , then the processor will pause the currently - scheduled sequence of instructions . if , for instance , it has been determined that a particular step has been initiated but not completed , but none of the common errors has occurred subsequent to initiation of the particular step , then the processor may simply provide a pause while waiting for the user to complete the step . if , after waiting for a predetermined period of time based on prior usability tests , there has been no detection of the step completion , the processor may initiate a more detailed set of prompts , typically at a slower sequence rate , describing the individual sub - steps that comprise a particular step . if one of the common errors is detected while waiting for completion of the step , the processor may initiate a sequence of instructions to correct the user &# 39 ; s faulty performance . device housing 14 includes a power button 15 and a status indicator 17 . status indicator 17 indicates to the caregiver whether the defibrillator is ready to use . the cover 12 includes a cover decal 30 ( fig1 ) including a logo 31 and a series of graphics 32 , 34 and 36 . logo 31 may provide information concerning the manufacturer of the device and that the device is a defibrillator ( e . g ., “ zoll aed ”, as shown in fig1 , indicating that the device is a semi - automatic external defibrillator available from zoll medical ). graphics 32 , 34 and 36 lead the caregiver through the initial stages of a cardiac resuscitation sequence as outlined in the aha &# 39 ; s aed treatment algorithm for emergency cardiac care pending arrival of emergency medical personnel . ( see “ guidelines 2000 for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care . supplement to circulation ,” volume 102 , number 8 , aug . 22 , 2000 , pp . i - 67 .) thus , graphic 32 , showing the caregiver and patient , indicates that the caregiver should first check the patient for responsiveness , e . g ., by shaking the patient gently and asking if the patient is okay . next , graphic 34 , showing a telephone and an emergency vehicle , indicates that the caregiver should call for emergency assistance prior to administering resuscitation . finally , graphic 36 indicates that after these steps have been performed the caregiver should remove the cover 12 of the defibrillator , remove the electrode assembly 16 stored under the lid , and turn the power on by depressing button 15 . the graphics are arranged in clockwise order , with the first step in the upper left , since this is the order most caregivers would intuitively follow . however , in this case the order in which the caregiver performs the steps is not critical , and thus for simplicity no other indication of the order of steps is provided . the device housing includes a device housing decal 40 , shown in fig2 . the graphics are configured to lead the caregiver through the entire resuscitation sequence , as will be explained below with reference to fig6 a - 6 e . decal 40 also includes a center graphic 50 , which includes representations of a hand and a heart . center graphic 50 overlies a treatment button which , when depressed , causes the defibrillator to deliver a defibrillating shock to the electrode assembly 16 . each of the graphics on device housing decal 40 is accompanied by a light source that can be temporarily illuminated to indicate that the illuminated step should be performed at that particular time . these light sources guide the caregiver , step - by - step , through the resuscitation sequence , indicating which graphic should be viewed at each point in time during resuscitation . the light source for each of the graphics 42 - 49 is preferably an adjacent led ( leds 56 , fig2 ). the heart may be translucent and backlit by a light source in the device housing ( not shown ). alternatively , the heart may include an adjacent led ( not shown ) and / or the hand may include an led 57 as shown . programmable electronics within the device housing 14 are used to determine when each of the light sources should be illuminated . in some preferred implementations , a liquid crystal display 51 is used to provide the more detailed graphical prompts when a user is unable to complete the rescue sequence on their own . in these implementations , the purpose of the printed graphics is to provide a more general indication of the current step in the overall sequence , e . g . airway graphics 44 provides an indication that the rescuer should be performing the “ open airway . check for breathing .” sub - sequence , but may not provide a detailed enough description for someone who has forgotten the correct actions to perform . in an alternative embodiment , the graphical instructions may be provided by a larger version of the liquid crystal display ( lcd ) 51 whereby the led - lit printed instructions are eliminated or removed and most or all of the graphical instructions are provided by the lcd 30 . in this case , the lcd 51 will automatically show the more detailed instructions when it determines that the user is unable to properly perform the action . the programmable electronics may also provide audio prompts , timed to coincide with the illumination of the light sources and display of images on the liquid crystal display 51 , as will also be discussed below with reference to fig6 a and 6 e . the cover 12 is constructed to be positioned under a patient &# 39 ; s neck and shoulders , as shown in fig1 a and 10 b , to support the patient &# 39 ; s shoulders and neck in a way that helps to maintain his airway in an open position , i . e ., maintaining the patient in the head tuck - chin lift position . the cover is preferably formed of a relatively rigid plastic with sufficient wall thickness to provide firm support during resuscitation . suitable plastics include , for example , abs , polypropylene , and abs / polypropylene blends . prior to administering treatment for cardiac arrest , the caregiver should make sure that the patient &# 39 ; s airway is clear and unobstructed , to assure passage of air into the lungs . to prevent obstruction of the airway by the patient &# 39 ; s tongue and epiglottis ( e . g ., as shown in fig1 a ), it is desirable that the patient be put in a position in which the neck is supported in an elevated position with the head tilted back and down . positioning the patient in this manner is referred to in the american heart association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care as the “ head tilt - chin lift maneuver .” the head tilt - chin lift position provides a relatively straight , open airway to the lungs through the mouth and trachea . however , it may be difficult to maintain the patient in this position during emergency treatment . the cover 12 has an upper surface 24 that is inclined at an angle a ( fig9 a ) of from about 10 to 25 degrees , e . g ., 15 to 20 degrees , so as to lift the patient &# 39 ; s shoulders and thereby cause the patient &# 39 ; s head to tilt back . the upper surface 24 is smoothly curved to facilitate positioning of the patient . a curved surface , e . g ., having a radius of curvature of from about 20 to 30 inches , generally provides better positioning than a flat surface . at its highest point , the cover 12 has a height h ( fig9 ) of from about 7 . 5 to 10 cm . to accommodate the width of most patients &# 39 ; shoulders , the cover 12 preferably has a width w ( fig9 ) of at least 6 inches , e . g ., from about 6 to 10 inches . if the cover 12 is not wide enough , the patient &# 39 ; s neck and shoulders may move around during chest compressions , reducing the effectiveness of the device . the edge of the cover may also include a lip 11 ( fig9 ) or gasket ( not shown ) to prevent water from entering the housing when the cover is in place . the positions shown in fig1 a and 10 b ( a patient in the head lift - chin tilt position and a patient with a closed airway ) are also shown in the aha guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care , aug . 22 , 2000 , p . i - 32 , fig7 and 8 . the cover 12 is provided with one or more sensors for determining if the patient &# 39 ; s shoulders have been properly positioned on the cover 12 . referring to fig8 , two photoelectric sensors 156 , 157 are used to determine if the cover has been placed underneath the patient &# 39 ; s back . the sensors 156 , 157 are located along the acute edge of the cover 12 , with one facing inward and one facing outward with the cable 155 providing both power to the sensors 156 , 157 as well as detection of the sensor output . if the cover 12 is upside down , the inner sensor 156 will measure a higher light level than the outer sensor 157 ; if the cover has been placed with the acute edge facing toward the top of the patient &# 39 ; s head , then the outer sensor 157 will measure higher than the inner sensor 156 and will also exceed a pre - specified level . in the case of a properly positioned cover , both inner 156 and outer sensor 157 outputs will be below a pre - specified level . in another embodiment , the detections means is provided by a pressure sensor 158 located underneath the cover decal . referring to fig6 c , if the processing means 20 detects that the cover is upside down 153 , it will cause an audible prompt 151 to be delivered to the user that is more detailed than the original prompt . the processing means 20 will also slow down the rate of speech of the audio prompts . if the cover is still upside down after a predetermined period of time , the processing means 20 will deliver an even more detailed message on how to properly place the cover . if , after three attempts to get the user to properly position the cover 12 , the processing means 20 will deliver the next audio prompt 160 without further waiting for proper placement of the cover 12 . in the preferred embodiment , the defibrillator includes communication capability such as cell phone , global positioning system ( gps ) or simpler wireless phone capability . preferably , both cell phone and gps are included in the device . the cell phone is preconfigured to automatically dial the emergency response center ( erc ) in the community in which it is located such as “ 911 ” in much of the united states . the cell phone service is chosen which is able to provide voice , data , as well as gps capability . thus in response to a command by the device to “ call 911 by pressing the phone button ”, the device automatically dials 911 and the built - in speaker 158 and microphone 159 on the device function to provide speakerphone capability . if a connection is successfully made to the emergency response center , the device transmits its exact location based on its gps capability and also can transmit to the response center the status of the defibrillator . in more advanced modes , the emergency response center can remotely control the operation of the defibrillator via the bidirectional data capability . when a connection is made to the erc and emergency response personnel ( erp ), the automatic voice prompting of the defibrillator can be remotely de - activated by the erp so as not to distract the rescuer from the instructions given by the erp . while coaching the rescuer via the speakerphone capability in the defibrillator , the erp can utilize the responsive feedback prompting functionality of the device to provide more accurate coaching of the rescuer . it is well known , however , that cell phone and other wireless communication methods are not especially reliable even under the best circumstances , and are often completely unavailable in industrial facilities , basements , etc ., thus it is important to provide a means of automatically reverting to the mode wherein the device provides all responsive feedback prompts to the user when the processor detects that the communication link has been lost . additional prompts will also be provided to the user to assuage any concern they might have that the connection to the human expert has been lost ( e . g . “ communication has been temporarily lost to 911 personnel . don &# 39 ; t worry . this aed is able to perform all steps and help you through this procedure .”). when a communication link has been lost , the device will preferably automatically begin recording all device and patient status as well as all audio received by the built - in microphone . if the communication link is subsequently reacquired , the device will preferably automatically transmit the complete event , including patient , device and audio data , acquired during the time communication was not available , providing erp valuable data to help in their medical decision - making . the erp may remotely control the defibrillator via a bi - directional communication link that transmits both voice and data . in another embodiment , a remote computer located at the erc , that is more capable than the processor in the device may provide the remote decision - making capability . the remote computer would run artificial intelligence software utilizing such techniques , e . g ., as fuzzy logic , neural nets and intelligent agents to provide prompting to the user . fig6 a illustrates , in flow chart form , the default graphical and audio prompts provided by the device for a caregiver performing resuscitation . the prompts shown in the figure do not include responsive feedback prompts by the device that provide more detailed instructions depending on whether particular sequences have been successfully completed by the caregiver . the text in boxes indicates steps performed by the caregiver . the text in caption balloons , with ear symbols , indicates audio prompts generated by the defibrillator . fig6 b - 6 e provide flowcharts of more detailed responsive feedback prompts ( the content of which are shown in fig7 a , 7 b ) that may be provided to supplement the steps of calling for help , open airway / check for breathing , and defibrillation electrode application . thus , when a person collapses and a caregiver suspects that the person is in cardiac arrest 100 , the caregiver first gets the defibrillator and turns the power on 102 . if the unit passes its internal self tests , and is ready for use , this will be indicated by indicator 17 , as discussed above . next , the defibrillator prompts the caregiver with an introductory audio message , e . g ., “ stay calm . listen carefully .” ( audio prompt 104 .) shortly thereafter , the defibrillator will prompt the caregiver with an audio message indicating that the caregiver should check the patient for responsiveness ( audio prompt 106 ). simultaneously , the led adjacent graphic 42 will light up , directing the caregiver to look at this graphic . graphic 42 will indicate to the caregiver that she should shout “ are you ok ?” and shake the person ( step 108 ) in order to determine whether the patient is unconscious or not . after a suitable period of time has elapsed ( e . g ., 2 seconds ), if the caregiver has not turned the defibrillator power off ( as would occur if the patient were responsive ), the defibrillator will give an audio prompt indicating that the caregiver should call for help ( audio prompt 110 ). simultaneously , the led adjacent graphic 42 will turn off and the led adjacent graphic 43 will light up , directing the caregiver &# 39 ; s attention to graphic 43 . graphic 43 will remind the caregiver to call emergency personnel ( step 112 ), if the caregiver has not already done so . after a suitable interval has been allowed for the caregiver to perform step 112 ( e . g ., 2 seconds since audio prompt 110 ) the defibrillator will give an audio prompt indicating that the caregiver should open the patient &# 39 ; s airway and check whether the patient is breathing ( audio prompt 114 ). the led adjacent graphic 43 will turn off , and the led adjacent graphic 44 will light up , directing the caregiver &# 39 ; s attention to graphic 44 , which shows the proper procedure for opening a patient &# 39 ; s airway . this will lead the caregiver to lift the patient &# 39 ; s chin and tilt the patient &# 39 ; s head back ( step 116 ). the caregiver may also position an airway support device under the patient &# 39 ; s neck and shoulders , if desired , as discussed below with reference to fig1 a , 10 b . the caregiver will then check to determine whether the patient is breathing . after a suitable interval ( e . g ., 15 seconds since audio prompt 114 ), the defibrillator will give an audio prompt indicating that the caregiver should check for signs of circulation ( audio prompt 118 ), the led adjacent graphic 44 will turn off , and the led adjacent graphic 45 will light up . graphic 45 will indicate to the caregiver that the patient should be checked for a pulse or other signs of circulation as recommended by the aha for lay rescuers ( step 120 ). after a suitable interval ( e . g ., 5 to 7 seconds since audio prompt 118 ), the defibrillator will give an audio prompt indicating that the caregiver should attach electrode assembly 16 to the patient ( audio prompt 122 ), the led adjacent graphic 45 will turn off , and the led adjacent graphic 46 will light up . graphic 46 will indicate to the caregiver how the electrode assembly 16 should be positioned on the patient &# 39 ; s chest ( step 124 ). at this point , the led adjacent graphic 47 will light up , and the defibrillator will give an audio prompt indicating that the patient &# 39 ; s heart rhythm is being analyzed by the defibrillator and the caregiver should stand clear ( audio prompt 126 ). while this led is lit , the defibrillator will acquire ecg data from the electrode assembly , and analyze the data to determine whether the patient &# 39 ; s heart rhythm is shockable . this analysis is conventionally performed by aeds . if the defibrillator determines that the patient &# 39 ; s heart rhythm is not shockable , the defibrillator will give an audio prompt such as “ no shock advised ” ( audio prompt 128 ). the leds next to graphics 48 and 49 will then light up , and the defibrillator will give an audio prompt indicating that the caregiver should again open the patient &# 39 ; s airway , check for breathing and a pulse , and , if no pulse is detected by the caregiver , then commence giving cpr ( audio prompt 130 , step 132 ). graphics 48 and 49 will remind the caregiver of the appropriate steps to perform when giving cpr . alternatively , if the defibrillator determines that the patient &# 39 ; s heart rhythm is shockable , the defibrillator will give an audio prompt such as “ shock advised . stand clear of patient . press treatment button .” ( audio prompt 134 .) at the same time , the heart and / or hand will light up , indicating to the caregiver the location of the treatment button . at this point , the caregiver will stand clear ( and warn others , if present , to stand clear ) and will press the heart , depressing the treatment button and administering a defibrillating shock ( or a series of shocks , as determined by the defibrillator electronics ) to the patient ( step 136 ). after step 136 has been performed , the defibrillator will automatically reanalyze the patient &# 39 ; s heart rhythm , during which audio prompt 126 will again be given and graphic 47 will again be illuminated . the analyze and shock sequence described above will be repeated up to three times if a shockable rhythm is repeatedly detected or until the defibrillator is turned off or the electrodes are removed . after the third shock has been delivered , the device will illuminate leds 48 and 49 and issue the audio prompts 130 / 132 . the device will keep leds 48 and 49 illuminated for a period of approximately one minute indicating that if cpr is performed , it should be continued for the entire minute . “ continue cpr ” audio prompts may be repeated every 15 - 20 seconds during this period to instruct the user to continue performing chest compressions and rescue breathing . after approximately one minute has elapsed , the device will extinguish leds 48 and 49 and illuminate led 47 . audio prompt 126 ( stand clear , analyzing rhythm ) will also be issued and a new sequence of up to three ecg analyses / shocks will begin . if the caregiver detects circulation during step 132 , the caregiver may turn off the defibrillator and / or remove the electrodes . alternatively , the caregiver may not perform further cpr , but nonetheless allow the device to reanalyze the ecg after each one minute cpr period in order to provide repeated periodic monitoring to ensure the patient continues to have a non - shockable rhythm . thus , in the continuing presence of a shockable rhythm , the sequence of three ecg analyses and three shocks , followed by one minute of cpr , will continue indefinitely . if , instead , a non - shockable rhythm is or becomes present , the sequence will be analyze / no shock advised , one minute of cpr , analyze / no shock advised , one minute of cpr , etc . when a shock is effective in converting the patient &# 39 ; s heart rhythm to a heart rhythm that does not require further defibrillating treatment , the sequence will be : analyze / shock advised , shock ( saves patient ), analyze / no shock advised , one minute cpr period ( if pulse is detected then caregiver will not do cpr during this period ), analyze / no shock advised , one minute cpr period , etc ., continuing until the caregiver turns the defibrillator ( e . g ., if the caregiver detects a pulse ) or the electrodes are removed . if electrode contact is lost at any time ( as determined by the impedance data received from the electrode assembly ), this will result in an appropriate audio prompt , such as “ check electrodes ” and illumination of the led adjacent graphic 46 . the electrodes 212 , 214 may be stored in a well 222 ( fig1 ) that is structurally integrated with the housing 14 or may be a separate pouch 16 . it has also been discovered that a not - insignificant portion of caregivers are unable to open the packaging for the electrodes ; therefore , a sensor may be provided to determine if the electrode package has been opened . if detection of the electrode package 16 opening has not occurred within a predetermined period of time , the unit will provide more detailed instructions to assist the user in opening the packaging 16 . referring to fig1 and 13 , in preferred implementations , a means is provided of detecting and differentiating successful completion of multiple steps of electrode application : ( 1 ) taking the electrodes 208 out of the storage area 222 or pouch 16 ; ( 2 ) peeling the left pad 212 from the liner 216 ; ( 3 ) peeling the right pad 214 from the liner 216 ; ( 4 ) applying the left pad 212 to the patient 218 ; and ( 5 ) applying the right pad 214 to the patient 218 . referring to fig1 and 13 , a package photosensor 210 is provided on the outer face of the electrode backing 220 . detection that the electrode 208 is sealed in the storage area is determined by the photosensor output being below a threshold . a photoemitter / photosensor ( peps ) 223 combination is embedded into each electrode facing towards the liners 216 . the liner 216 is constructed so that a highly reflective aluminized mylar , self - adhesive disk 224 is applied to the liner 216 in the location directly beneath the peps 223 . the reflective disk 224 is coated with a silicone release material on the side in contact with the electrode 208 so that it remains in place when the electrode 208 is removed from the liner . in such a configuration , the processor is fully capable of differentiating substantially the exact step in the protocol related to electrode application . when the package photosensor 210 detects light above a certain threshold , it is known that the electrodes have been removed from the storage area 222 or pouch 16 . the high reflectance area 224 beneath each peps 223 provides a signal that is both a high intensity as well as being synchronous with the emitter drive with low background level ; thus it is possible to distinguish with a high degree of accuracy which , if either , of the electrodes 212 , 214 is still applied to the liner 216 . when an electrode 212 , 214 is removed from the liner 216 the background level of the signal increases due to ambient light while the synchronous portion decreases because there is little if any of the photoemitter light reflected back into the photosensor ; this condition describes when an electrode 212 , 214 is removed from the liner 216 . when it has been determined that an electrode 212 , 214 has been removed from the liner 216 , the processor means 20 proceeds to the next state — looking for application of that electrode to the patient . application of the electrode 212 , 214 to the patient will result in a decrease in the background level of the signal output and some synchronous output level intermediate to the synchronous level measured when the electrode 212 , 214 was still on the liner 216 . if it has been determined that both electrodes 212 , 214 are applied to the patient 218 but there is an impedance measured between the electrodes that is significantly outside the normal physiological range then it is very possible that the user has applied the electrodes to the patient without removing the patient &# 39 ; s shirt . surprisingly , this is not uncommon in real situations with users ; a patient &# 39 ; s shirt will have been only partially removed when electrodes are applied resulting in insufficient electrical contact with the patient &# 39 ; s skin . fig6 d shows the flowchart for prompting related to retrieval and application of electrodes . as in the case with responding to a user &# 39 ; s interactions . in other implementations , the graphics on the center decal can be accompanied by any desired light source . for instance , if desired , all of the graphics can be translucent , and can be backlit . alternatively , the graphics can be provided in the form of led images , rather than on a decal . while the electrodes have been illustrated in the form of an integral electrode assembly , separate electrodes may be used . in some implementations , generally all of the graphically illustrated steps are shown at the same time , e . g ., as illustrated by the decal described above . this arrangement allows the caregiver to see the steps that will be performed next and thus anticipate the next step and begin it early if possible . however , alternatively , the graphics can be displayed one at a time , e . g ., by using a screen that displays one graphic at a time or backlit graphics that are unreadable when not back lit . this arrangement may in some cases avoid overwhelming novice or lay rescuers , because it does not present the caregiver with too much information all at the same time . if desired , each graphic could have an associated button that , when pressed , causes more detailed audio prompts related to that graphic to be output by the defibrillator . the cover 12 of the aed may include a decal on its underside , e . g ., decal 200 shown in fig1 . decal 200 illustrates the use of the cover as a passive airway support device , to keep the patient &# 39 ; s airway open during resuscitation . graphic 202 prompts the caregiver to roll the patient over and place cover 12 under the patient &# 39 ; s shoulders , and graphic 204 illustrates the proper positioning of the cover 12 under the patient to ensure an open airway . while such a graphic is not included in the decal shown in fig5 , the decal 40 may include a graphic that would prompt the user to check to see if the patient is breathing . such a graphic may include , e . g ., a picture of the caregiver with his ear next to the patient &# 39 ; s mouth . the graphic may also include lines indicating flow of air from the patient &# 39 ; s mouth . “ illuminated ”, “ light up ”, and similar terms are used herein to refer to both a steady light and a light of varying intensity ( e . g ., blinking ). a blinking light may be used , if desired , to more clearly draw the user &# 39 ; s attention to the associated graphic . referring to fig1 , in other implementations , a home first aid device may be provided for providing instructions and therapy , as needed , for a variety of medical situations . in some implementations , the device would include : ( a ) a cover to the device whose removal the processor is capable of detecting ; ( b ) a series of bound pages 230 on the face of the device under the cover 12 with a detection means providing for determining to which page the bound pages have been turned ; ( c ) a processor ; ( d ) a speaker 232 providing audio output . the home first aid device may also include a portion of the device used specifically for storage of items commonly used in the course of providing aid such as bandaids , bandages , splints , antiseptic , etc . the storage area preferably takes the form of a partitioned tray 234 . alternatively , the storage area may take the form of multiple pockets , pouches , straps , or slots . the storage area is partitioned into individual wells in which each of the items is stored . photoelectric sensors 236 , 237 may be provided in each of the wells , thereby providing a means of determining which , if any , of the items has been removed by the user . detecting which page the bound pages are turned to may be provided by embedding small high magnetic intensity samarium cobalt magnets 240 in locations specific to each page 242 . in some implementations , the magnets 240 are located along the bound edge of the pages 242 , outside the printed area of the pages 242 . magnetic sensors 241 are located in the device housing 14 that correspond to the locations where the magnets 240 located in the specific pages 242 make contact when the specific page 242 is turned . the magnetic sensor 241 may be a semiconductor device employing the hall effect principle , but may also be a reed switch or other magnetically activated switch . by providing a means of detecting user actions automatically such as the detection of which page the user has turned to or which first aid item has been removed from the storage container , the device is able to interact and respond to the rescuer in an invisible manner , improving both speed as well as compliance to instructions . in such a manner , interactivity is preserved while at the same time providing a printed graphical interface to the user . in some implementations , a pressure sensor 21 ( ps ) may be provided ( fig3 ), e . g ., the mpxv5004 pressure sensor manufactured by freescale semiconductor . the mpxv5004 has trimmed outputs , built - in temperature compensation , and an amplified single - ended output , which make it compatible with an analog to digital converter ( a / d ). the mpxv5004 uses a piezo - resistive pressure sensing element , which can produce shot ( white ) noise and 1 / f ( flicker noise ). shot noise is the result of non - uniform flow of carriers across a junction and is independent of temperature . flicker noise ( 1 / f ) results from crystal defects , and is also due to wafer processing . this noise is proportional to the inverse of frequency and is more dominant at lower frequencies . signal conditioning element 23 ( fig3 ) will filter out much of that noise . one possible circuit for accomplishing this filtering is shown in fig3 a . using the pressure sensor 21 configured as a gauge - type sensor , ventilation rates can be detected from variations in the generated pressure waveform . conventional techniques may be used to process the pressure waveform to generate ventilation rate — e . g ., template matching , bandpass filtering , or dynamic thresholding . the pressure sensor 21 may also be configured as a differential pressure sensor . the pressure sensor may be located on the electrode pad assembly , as shown in fig1 . tubing 215 is connected between the electrode assembly and an adapter 219 positioned in the airway . if a differential pressure measurement is being made , two tubes 215 are brought from the adapter to the electrode assembly . the adapter 219 has a small vane positioned between the pressure sensing ports so that the pressure difference generated between the two ports is proportional to the velocity of air flow through the adapter into the patient . knowing the cross - sectional area of the air path through the adapter , allows the tidal volume to be estimated ( using known differential pressure tidal volume measurement techniques ). having calculated the ventilation rate and tidal volume , it is possible to detect whether or not the appropriate number and rate of breaths have been given as well as the proper amount of tidal volume . if the processor determines that the ventilation rate may be correct , but the tidal volume may be insufficient , a message may be generated , “ make sure to breathe more deeply into the patient ” ( prompt 13 in fig7 ). similar messages may also be provided to correct for incorrect ventilation rate . in another implementation , an accelerometer 76 ( fig1 ) can be used instead of the pressure sensor . the accelerometer can be used to detect both the cpr compressions and the ventilation rate . sternal displacement due to compressions has a high frequency leading edge and is initially negative ( compression ), while the ventilation cycle has a leading edge that is approximately an order of magnitude lower in frequency ( 0 . 5 hz vs . 5 hz ) than the compression cycle , and is positive ( chest rising due to lung inflation ). thus , ventilations can be distinguished from compressions , e . g ., using a bandpass filter in the software detection algorithm . a limitation of this method is that accurate measurements of tidal volume would not normally be attainable . in another implementation , the pressure sensor 21 can be combined with a second sensor , such as accelerometer 76 , to detect the common clinical situation in which the intubation tube , commonly called the endotracheal ( et ) tube , has been improperly positioned into the stomach via the esophagus , rather than into the lungs via the trachea . it is also not uncommon for the et tube to become dislodged during the course of resuscitation , or as a result of vibrations during transport by ambulance or other mode of transportation . detection of a pressure waveform pulse is used to initiate an analysis of either the accelerometer waveform , the tti waveform , or both to see if the attempt to deliver respiratory gas via ventilation is delivering the gas to the lungs or to the stomach ( via the esophagus ). if the gas is delivered to the lungs , there will be an associated pulse waveform of the actual measured displacement of the sternal region where the accelerometer is placed ( double integration of the accelerometer waveform will show a rising sternum ). alternatively , a tti measurement can be used , as air delivered to the lungs will cause a rise in transthoracic impedance ( tti ). due to both the compressible nature of the gas as well as the fact that the lungs expand both sternally and diaphragmatically , there will be some delay following generation of the pressure pulse before the associated displacement waveform is observed from the accelerometer or the tti measurement . in some implementations , two pulse detection methods are used . the first time aligns the pressure waveform pulse with the pulse waveform of the sternal displacement and tti measurement . if the delay from the leading edge of the pressure pulse waveform to the leading edge of the displacement and tti waveforms is less than 700 milliseconds , and the delay of the trailing edge of the pressure pulse waveform to the trailing edge of the displacement and tti waveforms is also less than 700 milliseconds , then the displacement and tti pulse waveforms are considered to be as a result of the ventilation cycle . the second pulse detection method uses the acceleration waveform to detect the first initial movement of the sternum due to the ventilation . the displacement waveform is calculated , and the first pulse of the acceleration signal that contributes to the displacement pulse determines the start of the sternal displacement pulse . a more accurate onset of motion of the sternum due to ventilation can oftentimes be achieved in this manner . if the displacement and tti waveforms are found to be the result of the ventilation pressure waveform pulse , then the et tube is considered to be in the proper location in the trachea and not in the esophagus . a visual indicator comparable to those shown in fig1 may be located on the electrode assembly , providing visual feedback to the rescuer as to whether or not the et tube has been properly placed . when the tube is determined to be properly placed , the processing means mayl activate a green led on the electrode assembly . if the previous ventilation attempt resulted in the determination of an improperly placed et tube , then the processing means may activate a red led of the visual indicator 216 . the visual indicator may also include a series of leds configured as a dual color bar - graph to indicate the tidal volume of each successive ventilation , with the color of the led bars indicative of whether or not the tube is properly placed ( green indicating proper placement ; red - indicating improper placement ). alternatively , separate indicating lights may be provided for airway and breathing , to indicate proper et tube placement and ventilation tidal volume , respectively .	0
in the following discussion , numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure . however , those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments may be practiced without such specific details . furthermore , lists and / or examples are often provided and should be interpreted as exemplary only and in no way limiting embodiments to only those examples . exemplary embodiments are described below in the accompanying figures . the following detailed description provides a comprehensive review of the drawing figures in order to provide a thorough understanding of , and an enabling description for , these embodiments . one having ordinary skill in the art will understand that in some cases well - known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments . referring now to the drawings , fig1 shows a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a trillium wind turbine 100 . in the embodiment shown in fig1 , the wind turbine apparatus 100 employs three blades 101 , 102 , and 103 . in other embodiments , the number of blades 101 , 102 , and 103 can be one , two , three , four , or more . the individual components that make up each of the blades are not highlighted in fig1 , see fig6 . the aerodynamically - shaped , electricity generating nacelle 700 is shown in fig1 as being located in front of the plurality of blades 101 , 201 , and 301 with the tower / support structure 800 mounted to the nacelle 700 . this location has a number of benefits . first , because the mounting tower / support structure 800 attaches to the nacelle 700 , and the blades 101 , 201 , and 301 are swept - back from the nacelle 700 ( and attached to the rotor shaft , not shown in fig1 , see rotor shaft 750 in fig2 ), the blades can not be forced by high winds into impacting with the tower 800 ( as could happen in conventional wind turbine systems where the blades are in front of the tower and can be distorted or bent backwards in very high - wind situations ). additionally , because the blades 101 , 201 , and 301 are attached to the rotor shaft behind the nacelle 700 and the tower 800 and are swept backwards , the apparatus automatically turns to face into the wind . this is accomplished by a turntable device ( or any similarly functioning device ) between the tower 800 and the nacelle 700 which allows the nacelle and blades to turn to face any direction . and , as the wind blows against the turbine , the turbine provides the least resistance to the wind when it is directly facing into it , thus , the wind automatically turns the turbine into the wind . this provides a significant advantage over other systems which require the use of a sensor and an actuator motor to ensure that the wind turbine is always facing directly into the wind . it is preferred that the tower / support - structure 800 be attached to the nacelle 700 and in front of the plurality of blades 101 , 201 , and 301 with the nacelle 700 extending forward of the blades , and the blades sweeping back therefrom . as illustrated in fig1 , with the blades 101 , 201 , and 301 being positioned behind the nacelle 700 and tower 800 , the blades act as a vane and help to keep the entire trillium wind turbine 100 oriented into the wind . fig2 illustrates a left elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a trillium wind turbine 100 . the turbine 100 is illustrated from the side so that the swept - back nature of the blades 101 , 201 , and 301 is apparent ( note attachment of the blades behind the nacelle 700 and the location of the blade tips 190 , 290 , and 390 well back from the nacelle 700 ). the blades 101 , 201 and 301 are and cupped inwards to catch and direct the incoming wind 144 down the length of the blade . using what is the middle blade 101 in this view as an example , each blade has an edge extension 110 and a trailing edge blade 130 that , together with the main blade 150 between them , form a trough or partial tube / cylinder extending from the nacelle 700 outwards and back to the tip of the blade 190 . the edge extension 110 extends from the nacelle 700 down towards the tip of the blade 190 , first rapidly increasing in height from the main blade 150 and then gradually decreasing before disappearing completely before reaching the blade tip 190 . the trailing edge blade 130 also first increases and then decreases in height relative to the main blade 150 , and eventually disappears completely as well before reaching the tip 190 . the main blade 150 funnels the incoming wind down the blade 101 and extends through to the tip of the blade 190 . see fig7 a - 7f for more detail of the blade shape . the twist of the blades 101 , 201 , and 301 also helps direct the incoming wind 144 so that it acts on the edge extension 110 , trailing edge blade 130 and main blade 150 to spin the blade 101 on the rotor 750 . the front surface of the main blade 150 faces approximately forwards into the incoming wind 144 near the nacelle ; and , at the blade tip 190 , it eventually twists nearly ninety degrees to face approximately downwards . in the embodiment shown in fig2 , the rotor shaft 750 is clearly visible . it extends into the nacelle 700 and serves to transfer the rotary motion of the blades 101 , 201 , and 301 into rotational energy which the nacelle 700 converts into electricity . the rotor shaft 750 is connected to each blade by an attachment block ( see items 760 , 770 , and 780 in fig3 ). fig2 also clearly illustrates the relative position of the nacelle 700 , the swept - back blades 101 , 201 and 301 , and the support structure / tower 800 . as can be seen by the wind direction arrow 144 , the wind is blowing from the right and contacts first the nacelle 700 , then the tower 800 , and finally the blades 101 , 201 and 301 . this configuration allows the trillium wind turbine 100 to automatically face into the wind as wind pressure against the blades causes them to act like vanes , forcing the nacelle 700 to spin on its mounting atop the tower 800 to point directly into the wind . fig3 illustrates a back elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a trillium wind turbine 100 . the turbine 100 is illustrated in the three - blade 101 , 201 , and 301 configuration of fig1 - 2 . the back view shown in fig3 provides a view of the three blade attachment blocks 760 , 770 and 780 . the attachment blocks are an exemplary means for securing the blades 101 , 201 , and 301 to the rotor shaft and the nacelle 700 . fig4 illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a trillium wind turbine 100 . a single blade attachment block 760 is visible in this view and it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that other types of attachment mechanisms can be used to secure a blade to the rotor shaft 750 and / or nacelle 700 . in this view , the sides of the blades are shown to more clearly illustrate the shape of the main blade 150 and the location and shape of the diversion blade 117 relative to the edge extension 110 and the tip 190 . the general size and shape of the blade 150 is illustrated : the area and volume of the blade adjacent to the nacelle is the greatest and then reduces along the length of the blade until the area and volume of the blade is very small at the tip . fig5 illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a trillium wind turbine 100 . the tower 800 and nacelle 700 are visible in this view as is a single attachment block 760 . because of the position of the blades 101 , 201 , and 301 , all three can be seen . fig5 illustrates the backwards pitch of the blades relative to the nacelle 700 . the backward pitch reduces the amount of shear stress on the tower and / or support structure ( similar to the reduced shear resistance of a swept back or delta wing of a jet fighter ), and the horizontal dynamic load that needs to be appropriately restrained by the foundation of the trillium wind turbine apparatus . fig6 illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary blade 101 of a trillium wind turbine showing a number of cross - section lines a , b , c , d , e , and f . the nacelle 700 displays an “ x ” axis and a “ y ” axis ; the “ z ” axis is positioned at the origin of the “ y ” and “ x ” axes and extends outwards from the figure so is it not visible in fig6 , see fig7 a - 7f . the “ x ” axis helps to show the overall curvature and twist of the exemplary embodiment of the blade 101 shown in fig6 . extending back from the nacelle 700 is the main blade 150 which makes up a large portion of the blade 101 itself . nearest the nacelle 700 , the blade 101 has an edge extension 110 that extends from the main blade 150 and helps to catch and direct more wind onto / into the blade 101 . the first cross - section , labeled a , is taken through the edge extension 110 and the beginning curve of the main blade 150 ( see fig7 a , cross - section ). running along the outer leading edge 115 of the edge extension 110 is the diversion blade 117 . the diversion blade 117 is attached to the outer surface of the edge extension 110 and extends outwards to attach to the back surface of the main blade 150 near the tip 190 . as can be seen in the cross - section of fig7 a - f , the diversion blade 117 is at a pitch relative to the direction of the wind . between the two attachment points , the diversion blade 117 bows outwards from the leading edge 115 and creates a gap between itself and the main blade 150 . this gap allows the diversion blade 117 to divert some of the wind behind the blade 101 so as to not interfere with the wind traveling along the length of the main blade 150 from the nacelle 700 to the tip 190 . it is important to note that a secondary purpose of the diversion blade 117 is that when wind hits the diversion blade 117 , it produces additional lift . the second cross - section , labeled b , is taken just before the diversion blade 117 , and includes the edge extension 110 , the curve of the main blade 150 , and the trailing edge blade 130 ( see fig7 b , cross - section ). the trailing edge blade 130 extends outwards from the main blade 150 generally in parallel to the direction of the wind so that the wind is blowing across it . the trailing edge blade 130 functions in part to keep the wind “ in ” and acting upon the main blade 150 as it travels down the blade . furthermore , the underside of the trailing edge blade 150 is at a pitch relative to the wind direction , thus producing additional lift . the third and fourth cross - sections , labeled c and d , respectively , include the diversion blade 117 , the outer leading edge 115 of the edge extension 110 and the edge extension 110 itself , the curve of the main blade 150 , and the trailing edge blade 130 . the fifth cross - section , labeled e , includes the diversion blade 117 but not edge extension 110 since it ended between d and e . cross - section e also includes the main blade 150 and the trailing edge blade 130 . the final cross - section is labeled f and is taken near the tip 190 of the main blade 150 . the progression across the cross - sections helps to understand the changing nature of the underlying complex curves ( see fig7 a - 7f ). the outer leading edge 115 changes orientation relative to the main blade 150 as you move from the nacelle 700 to the tip 190 . this occurs because of the roughly ninety - degree twist in the main blade 150 as you move from the nacelle 700 to the tip 190 . the diversion blade 117 is at an angle of attack to the relevant wind , thereby adding additional lift to the turbine . the wind deflected by the diversion blade 117 is directed behind the main blade , and there imparts a positive aerodynamic influence by reducing the pressure behind the main blade . additionally , the aerodynamic design of the nose - cone - shaped nacelle 700 diverts air to the blades . fig7 a - 7f illustrate cross - sectional views of an exemplary blade 101 of a trillium wind turbine 100 . note the axes shown in fig6 and 7 a - 7 f for reference in order to help orient the viewer to the locations of the cross - sectioned components . the viewer should understand that because the blade 101 is swept back and does not extend parallel to the “ x ” axis in fig6 , the cross - sections appear somewhat elongated . the “ x ” axis in fig7 a - 7f is located at the origin of the “ y ” and “ z ” axes , but extends “ outwards ” from the figure towards the viewer so is not visible . fig7 a illustrates a side elevation view of the “ a ” cross - section noted in fig6 . the front surface of the main blade 150 is illustrated in fig7 a . given that the “ x ” axis extends outwards from the figure towards the viewer , the swept - back nature of the main blade 150 should be apparent . the cupped nature of the main blade 150 is apparent form the cross - section , as is the relatively straight nature of the edge extension 110 that extends from the main blade 150 . fig7 b illustrates a side elevation view of the “ b ” cross - section noted in fig6 . this cross - section view includes the features shown in fig7 a , while introducing the trailing edge blade 130 . cross - section “ c ” is illustrated in fig7 c and includes the same components as b , but is taken further down the main blade 150 so it introduces the diversion blade 117 . fig7 d illustrates cross - section “ d ” which highlights the fact that the gap between the diversion blade 117 and the main blade 150 first grows and then continues to narrow as you approach the blade tip . further , the cup - like shape of the blade is very apparent in fig7 d . in cross - section e , shown in fig7 e , the twist of the main blade 150 is almost complete as the diversion blade 117 comes to an end . what little of the main blade 150 that remains near the blade tip is nearly parallel with the wind direction and the “ x ”-“ z ” plane ( formed by the “ x ” axis and the “ z ” axis ). in some embodiments , the cross - sections b to e will have a trailing edge blade at an angle of attack to the relevant wind thereby providing additional lift . in yet other embodiments , the components described above will have varying angles as the rate of twist and / or overall twist can be greater than or less than that described above . fig7 f illustrates cross - section “ f ” which highlights the fact that the diversion blade 117 and the trailing edge blade 130 both come to an end before the tip of the blade is reached . in fig7 f , only the main blade 150 remains to extend through the tip of the blade . fig8 shows a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a trillium wind turbine having only two blades 101 and 201 . as discussed above , a trillium wind turbine can have any number of blades . here , a two - blade wind turbine 100 is illustrated . note that the nacelle 700 is also shown . although not explicitly shown , the connection components ( the attachment blocks ) that connect the blades 101 and 201 to the rotor shaft can include a mechanism to automatically furl the blades in high - wind situations . in order to see more detail of the blades , the tower is not shown in fig8 . while particular embodiments have been described and disclosed in the present application , it is clear that any number of permutations , modifications , or embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of this disclosure . particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the embodiments should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics , features , or aspects with which that terminology is associated . in general , the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification , unless the above detailed description section explicitly defines such terms . accordingly , the actual scope of the claims encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments , but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the claimed subject matter . the above detailed description of the embodiments is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiment or form disclosed herein or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure . while specific embodiments of , and examples for , the invention are described above for illustrative purposes , various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention , as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize . also , the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems , not necessarily the system described above . the elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments . any patents , applications and other references that may be listed in accompanying or subsequent filing papers , are incorporated herein by reference . aspects of the invention can be modified , if necessary , to employ the systems , functions , and concepts of the various references to provide yet further embodiments of the invention . in light of the above “ detailed description ,” the inventor may make changes to the invention . while the detailed description outlines possible embodiments of the invention and discloses the best mode contemplated , no matter how detailed the above appears in text , the invention may be practiced in a myriad of ways . thus , implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the spirit of the invention as disclosed by the inventor . as discussed herein , specific terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics , features , or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated . while certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms , the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms . accordingly , the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention . the above specification , examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary implementations of the described articles of manufacture and methods . it is important to note that many implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .	5
the modular , folder based approach for semi - automated document classification consists of a set of and software processes organized around a set of core entities . each core entity consists of a set of folders that are used for specific purposes , software that monitors certain folders , performs categorization on documents placed in monitored folders , and moves those documents to other folders which are associated with a particular list of categories that can be considered to be the child nodes of some particular element of a hierarchical semantic ontology , where they can be utilized by human reviewers , or by other core entities which form a network of relatively autonomous units that sort documents into folders that are associated with a particular concept in a complex hierarchical semantic ontology . each core entity also includes a basic set of business practices which enable the system to incorporate human feedback to refine the system &# 39 ; s ability to place unknown documents in to an appropriate category . each core entity includes configuration information , used by the software modules that service the core entity , that identifies the following set of folders : the data folder : an optional folder where configuration information and data generated by the core entity is stored . each core entity should use a different data folder . the use of a data folder highly recommended as it leverages the modularity implicit in the folder based system ; however it is also possible to use naming conventions or other approaches to bookkeeping to ensure that each core entity uses the entity data designated for it so that the use of a data folder within a core entity is not essential to implementing this approach the training folders : a set of folders that correspond to the categories that the core entity is configured to consider . documents that are used as training data for the core entity are placed into the appropriate training folder . the review folders : a set of folders that correspond to the categories that the core entity is configured to consider . documents that have been categorized pending human review are placed in these folders . it is possible that a review folder may be configured to be the inbound folder for a different core entity . the approved folders : a set of folders that correspond to the list of categories that the entity is configured to consider and into which documents that have been reviewed by a human and deemed appropriate to the category are placed . the recategorization folders : a set of folders that correspond to the list of categories that the entity is configured to consider and into which documents that have been rejected by a human reviewer from a particular review folder are placed . re - categorized documents are placed in recategorization folder that corresponds to the last category from which they are rejected . the exemplar folders : a set of folders that correspond to the list of categories that the entity is configured to consider and into which a subset of the documents that have been approved may be copied or linked . note : notionally the exemplar folders are different than the training folders , however under a limited set of circumstances these folders may actually be one and the same . the inbound folder : into which uncategorized documents are introduced into the core entity . documents can be placed in the inbound folder in any number of ways including the following : uncategorized documents can be placed into the inbound folder by a human using a file system manipulation program such as a file browser utility , the save dialog of some document authoring software or custom file manipulation user interfaces that are implemented to supplement the core entity software implementation . uncategorized documents can be placed into the inbound folder by an external automated process such as an e - mail client , or some other software . uncategorized documents can be placed into the inbound folder by a folder monitor that services a different core entity . the categorized folder into which a subset of documents which have been placed into a category subfolder of the approved folder are optionally copied the uncategorized folder into which documents , deemed not to be suitable for inclusion in any category under consideration by the core entity , are placed . an optional working folder into which temporary files are placed by some implementations of file converter modules may need to place their output as part of the file conversion process . each core entity consists of a common set of software modules that perform specific functions within the approach . these are : the classification module : which examines a document and determines the relative degrees of probability that the document belongs to the set of categories that the core entity is configured to work with ? the classification module can use any technique deemed suitable for the particular implementation however it is expected that the most commonly used technique will be some variation of a naive bayesian categorization method . the classification module minimally has 2 functions : the train function , and the classify function . the train function examines the documents stored in the training folders and computes an expectation model which depending on implementation decisions is either persisted to a data set , data file , or maintained in memory . whenever the train function is about to be executed , all running folder monitors associated with the core entity are notified so that they can safely go into a suspended state . to ensure robust operation the software components of core entity implementation should ensure that running folder monitors do not use the training data currently being developed by the train function and that any decisions made by a folder monitor as to where to move a file to , are based upon categorizations made using a consistent set of training data either before or after the training ( or retraining ) process is complete . this means that while the classification module is being retrained file monitors associated with the core entity may have to be temporarily suspended . the classify function utilizes the expectation data generated by the train function , and generates an output vector of relative probabilities for each category associated with the core entity . the inbound folder monitor : is a software module which monitors the inbound folder and executes a sort activity for each document that is placed in the inbound folder . the sort activity performs the following steps having the prefix “ srt ”: srt001 : the inbound folder monitor locks the file to prevent any other process or thread from modifying , moving , or deleting it and then determines whether the document is an format that the core entity can recognize , immediately removing documents that are not in a recognizable format , placing them into the uncategorized folder and optionally generating some sort of error message or error log entry . srt002 : the inbound folder monitor invokes the classification module passing the original document reference , identity or stream to the module for analysis . there is a high degree of likelihood that the classification module will only be able to deal with a limited number of file formats ; however it is possible to utilize file converters to convert inbound documents into a format suitable for analysis by the classification module . in such cases the inbound folder monitor would be designed and configured to make use of an appropriate file converter software module to transform the document into a format that the classification module understands . obviously the original document would need to be preserved in such cases , so the system must either make use of a temporary file which the classification module will analyze , or utilize a stream based file converter software module which performs the translation on the fly as it reads the input document and generates an output stream that the classification module is able to read from . such decisions should be left up to the particular implementer of the core entity based on the utilities available and / or personal preference . srt003 : the inbound folder monitor takes the output vector of the classification module which contains a relative relevance score for each category under consideration by the core entity , and selects the category associated with the highest relevance score . some tie breaker heuristic will be used so that in the case where two or more relevance scores are identical , the selection of the appropriate category is completely deterministic ( for example selecting the category that has the lowest lexicographic value , e . g . the apples category gets priority over the blueberries category because a comes before b in the english alphabet ) srt004 : the inbound folder monitor moves the original document thus analyzed into the review folder associated with the selected category and unlocks the file and optionally generates an event to the system which could trigger other document management processes such as a workflow in order to prompt a human to review the file thus placed . alternatively , a review folder may also act as the inbound folder for a different core entity , thus enabling a cascading downward trickling of documents from a place high in the semantic ontology down into a leaf of the semantic ontology . the document reviewer : the document reviewer if utilized by a particular core entity for some or all of the categories it is configured to consider is one or more humans which look at the set of files in one or more review folders , and determines if they have been appropriately categorized . upon determining that a document is in fact in the appropriate category , the document reviewer causes the system to move the document into the approved folder that corresponds to the correct category . upon determining that a document is not properly categorized , the document reviewer causes the system to move the document into the recategorization folder that corresponds to the category associated with the review folder into which the document was found . it should be noted that an alternative implementation might also allow savvy document reviewers the option of placing the document directly into the approved folder corresponding to the category they believe the document belongs in . however such an implementation should also include the basic review , reject , recategorize methodology described here . the implementer of the system may implement the system in such a way as to have the document reviewer simply use the file system utilities provided by the platform to move the document into the appropriate location , or they might build a custom utility that allows the reviewer to invoke some sort of accept command , from within a convenient user interface such as an add - in menu item integrated into the document view software , which performs the move behind the scenes . the training monitor : this is a software monitor that keeps track of documents as they progress through the approval process , folder monitors can register and update documents that they manipulate with the training monitor using event message architecture , or an api call . the training monitor responds to two three events : the detected event , the moved event , the removed event and the accepted event . the primary function of the training monitor is to decide which , if any , of the documents that are accepted ( e . g . identified as fitting within a category ) should be copied into the exemplar folders for the purpose of updating the training folders at regularly scheduled intervals . the detected event occurs when a document is placed into a recategorization folder . upon receiving notification that this event has occurred , the training monitor will create a record of the document identity and / or the current location of the document file . ( note : this event is optional ) the moved event occurs when a document is moved to another folder within the core entities domain ( e . g . one of the folders the core entity is configured to know about ). upon receiving notification that this event has occurred , the training monitor updates the record to reflect the document &# 39 ; s new location within the core entity . ( note : this event is optional ) the removed event occurs when a document is moved to a folder that is not within the core entities domain ( e . g . a folder that the core entity is not configured to know about ). upon receiving notification that this event has occurred , the training monitor will delete the record associated with the document thus removed . ( note : this event is optional ) the accepted event occurs when a document is moved into one of the accepted folders thus indicating to the system that the document has been appropriately categorized . upon receiving notification that this event has occurred , the training monitor will execute decision logic to decide whether to copy the accepted document into an exemplar folder that corresponds to the category into which the document has been accepted . the decision logic used to make the decision to copy or not to copy is outside the scope of this invention and may be as simple as take every 1 out of n previously recategorized documents that have been accepted , or may involve more advanced heuristics . ( note : this event is pretty much central to the purpose of the training monitor and is not optional ) the training scheduler : this is either a human driven or automatically scheduled process by which the periodic execution of a training activity is invoked . tm001 : the scheduler causes all monitors that service the core entity to suspend their activity . tm002 : the scheduler copies some or all of the files from the exemplar folders into the corresponding category folders . tm003 : the scheduler copies some or all of the files from the exemplar folders into the categorized folder . tm004 : the scheduler empties the exemplar folders . ( note : this step is optional ) the recategorization folder monitor : this monitors the recategorization folders and whenever a document is placed into one of the recategorization folders executes a recategorization activity for each file thus placed . the recategorization activity performs the following steps having the prefix “ recat ”: recat001 : the recategorization folder monitor locks the file to prevent any other process or thread from modifying , moving , or deleting it and then determines whether the document is in a format that the core entity can recognize , immediately removing documents that are not in a recognizable format , placing them into the uncategorized folder and optionally generating some sort of error message or error log entry . recat002 : the recategorization folder monitor invokes the classification module passing the original document reference , identity or stream to the module for analysis . in the same way that file converter software modules are able to be used in conjunction with the inbound folder monitor during step srt001 of the sort activity , file converter modules may also be used in this step to transform files into a format suitable for consumption by the classification module . recat003 : the recategorization folder monitor takes the output vector of the classification module which contains a relative relevance score for each category under consideration by the core entity , and selects the category associated with the highest relevance score that is lower than the relevance score associated with the category that the document was most recently rejected from ( this can be determined by the folder identity in which the document currently resides ). some tie breaker heuristic will be used so that in the case where two or more relevance scores are identical , the selection of the appropriate category is completely deterministic ( for example selecting the category that has the lowest lexicographic value , e . g . the apples category gets priority over the blueberries category because a comes before b in the english alphabet ) recat004 : if the recategorization folder monitor is able to select a folder it moves the original document thus analyzed into the review folder that corresponds to the selected - category and unlocks the file . if all categories have been exhausted then the recategorization folder monitor moves the file into the uncategorized folder . note in cascading systems , the uncategorized folder may actually be the review folder of a different core entity . with respect to this invention the term folder represents a logical collection of files with the assumption that the invention is built upon some type of software infrastructure that can manifest the notion of files and folders as defined in the background of the invention section of this specification , or the logical equivalent thereof . the actual infrastructure can vary quite a bit . some examples include : most modern operating systems , a relational database so constructed that records within the database are used to represent the concept of folders and files , a distributed system such as webdav that organizes information in a structure that uses atomic units of information analogous to files collected into groups analogous to folders . the main features of such an infrastructure are that it provides low level services for uniquely identifying atomic units of information analogous to files , as well as services for grouping related files into collections analogous to folders . other features said infrastructure must provide , are services to support basic file handling operations which include : read the contents of a file in serial fashion , move as well as copy a file from one folder to another , services that allow a particular software module or process to obtain a lock on a file such that no other software module or process concurrently running may modify , move or delete the file without first having the lock released by the locking software module or process . additionally the infrastructure must provide some means by which a software module can detect that a file has been added to a folder that the module is instructed to monitor along with enough information to enable that monitoring process to perform the aforementioned file handling services . the infrastructure must provide some means by which multiple software modules can operate concurrently and independently , with the exception of the aforementioned locking services which are used to synchronize the activity of concurrent software processes or threads with respect to the files that they handle . some examples of infrastructures that meet the above stated requirements are : the unix operating system , the macintosh operating system , the windows operating system ( winnt , 2000 , xp , vista ), the documentum content management system , a set of webdav servers and clients . a single core entity utilizes a set of software modules that operate together to produce a system that organizes files into folders based upon decisions made by the various modules within the core entity . the assignment of particular roles to these folders is purely a logical convention . it is possible for two core entity instances to be interconnected by assigning different roles to a folder with respect to different entities . each core entity is modular in that it has a particular folder which serves the role of providing input to the system , a particular pair of folders which serve the role of providing sinks for output from the system as well as sets of folders that may be considered internal with respect to a particular core entity that serve as either temporary or final storage areas for files handled by the core entity . however any folder that is considered internal with respect to a particular core entity can simultaneously are configured to be used in a different role with respect to a different core entity . it is by this mechanism that collections of core entities may be configured to utilize a divide and conquer strategy to the problem of organizing documents according to a complex semantic ontology . alternatively , in highly decoupled architectures , the touch - points between two core entities might be established by some sort of file transfer protocol rather than actually sharing the same folders . the following pseudo code shows how a simple classification function might be implemented using a naïve bayesian method . this is an original approach to implementing a naïve bayesian classification and is different in some respects to published implementations that the inventor has previously seen in the following ways . this method stores the probabilities in a table for later use . this method takes a normalization step at the end of the computation of raw relative logarithmic relevance scores so as to produce a vector that is representative of an actual probability ( or probability like ) score for each category between 0 and 1 . if w is not a stop word , and w matches none of the other if exists item i in wcount map with a key matching with the possible exception of the classification module itself , any aspect of the system can be implemented either as a software module , process or as a human actor with access to basic file system functions . the system can utilize different implementations of the classification module in different core entities . some examples of types of classification modules that might be employed are naïve bayesian , hierarchical bayesian , and support vector machines . no system level information needs to be maintained in order for the network of core entities to interoperate . in other words , each core entity only needs to be aware of the files that are currently maintained within the folders associated with that entity , and the state of the monitors associated with the entity . core entities are entirely self - contained with the possible exception that two core entities may share some of the same physical folders . the self contained nature of the core entity architecture lends the entire system quite favorably to a parallel computing architecture . within the description of the operation of a core entity there was made mention several times of copying files from one folder to another . one storage optimizing step that could be taken is to utilize file links or shortcuts rather than physical copies of the files in some or all of the steps where files are copied from one folder to another . note the term copy and the term move are not interchangeable terms . for storage constrained systems where some or all of the core entities share the same file system , the use of symbolic links to manage the touch - point folders ( e . g . inbound , uncategorized , and categorized ) may make sense . for highly decoupled implementations , including systems wherein each core entity manages its own internal file system ( which is a possible option ), some sort of file transfer protocol could be used to move files between one core entity and another at the touch - points .	6
the following description is presented to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention . descriptions of specific devices , techniques , and applications are provided only as examples . various modifications to the examples described herein will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art , and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . thus , the present invention is not intended to be limited to the examples described herein and shown , but is to be accorded the scope consistent with the claims . the word “ exemplary ” is used herein to mean “ serving as an example or illustration .” any aspect or design described herein as “ exemplary ” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs . reference will now be made in detail to aspects of the subject technology , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and tables , wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout . it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed herein is an example of exemplary approaches . based upon design preferences , it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present invention . the accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order , and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented . fig1 illustrates an exemplary wireless communication system 100 for transmitting and receiving signals , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention . the system 100 may include components and elements configured to support known or conventional operating features that need not be described in detail herein . system 100 generally comprises a base station 102 with a base station transceiver module 103 , a base station antenna 106 , a base station processor module 116 and a base station memory module 118 . system 100 generally comprises a mobile station 104 with a mobile station transceiver module 108 , a mobile station antenna 112 , a mobile station memory module 120 , a mobile station processor module 122 , and a network communication module 126 . both base station 102 and mobile station 104 may include additional or alternative modules without departing from the scope of the present invention . further , only one base station 102 and one mobile station 104 is shown in the exemplary system 100 ; however , any number of base stations 102 and mobile stations 104 could be included and be within the scope of the invention . these and other elements of system 100 may be interconnected together using a data communication bus ( e . g ., 128 , 130 ), or any suitable interconnection arrangement . such interconnection facilitates communication between the various elements of the wireless system 100 . those skilled in the art understand that the various illustrative blocks , modules , circuits , and processing logic described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented in hardware , computer - readable software , firmware , or any practical combination thereof . to clearly illustrate this interchangeability and compatibility of hardware , firmware , and software , various illustrative components , blocks , modules , circuits , and steps are described generally in terms of their functionality . whether such functionality is implemented as hardware , firmware , or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system . those familiar with the concepts described herein may implement such functionality in a suitable manner for each particular application , but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention . in the exemplary system 100 , the base station transceiver 103 and the mobile station transceiver 108 each comprise a transmitter module and a receiver module ( not shown ). additionally , although not shown in this figure , those skilled in the art will recognize that a transmitter may transmit to more than one receiver , and that multiple transmitters may transmit to the same receiver . in a tdd system , transmit and receive timing gaps exist as guard bands to protect against transitions from transmit to receive and vice versa . in the particular exemplary system depicted in fig1 , an “ uplink ” transceiver 108 includes a transmitter that shares an antenna with an uplink receiver . a duplex switch may alternatively couple the uplink transmitter or receiver to the uplink antenna in time duplex fashion . similarly , a “ downlink ” transceiver 103 includes a receiver which shares a downlink antenna with a downlink transmitter . a downlink duplex switch may alternatively couple the downlink transmitter or receiver to the downlink antenna in time duplex fashion . the mobile station transceiver 108 and the base station transceiver 103 are configured to communicate via a wireless data communication link 114 . the mobile station transceiver 108 and the base station transceiver 102 cooperate with a suitably configured rf antenna arrangement 106 / 112 that can support a particular wireless communication protocol and modulation scheme . in the exemplary embodiment , the mobile station transceiver 108 and the base station transceiver 102 are configured to support industry standards such as the third generation partnership project long term evolution ( 3gpp lte ), third generation partnership project 2 ultra mobile broadband ( 3 gpp2 umb ), time division - synchronous code division multiple access ( td - scdma ), wireless interoperability for microwave access ( wimax ), and other communication standards known in the art . the mobile station transceiver 108 and the base station transceiver 102 may be configured to support alternate , or additional , wireless data communication protocols , including future variations of ieee 802 . 16 , such as 802 . 16e , 802 . 16m , and so on . according to certain embodiments , the base station 102 controls the radio resource allocations and assignments , and the mobile station 104 is configured to decode and interpret the allocation protocol . for example , such embodiments may be employed in systems where multiple mobile stations 104 share the same radio channel which is controlled by one base station 102 . however , in alternative embodiments , the mobile station 104 controls allocation of radio resources for a particular link and is configured to implement the role of radio resource controller or allocator , as described herein . processor modules 116 / 122 may be implemented , or realized , with a general purpose processor , a content addressable memory , a digital signal processor , an application specific integrated circuit , a field programmable gate array , any suitable programmable logic device , discrete gate or transistor logic , discrete hardware components , or any combination thereof , designed to perform the functions described herein . in this manner , a processor may be realized as a microprocessor , a controller , a microcontroller , a state machine , or the like . a processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices , e . g ., a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor , a plurality of microprocessors , one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a digital signal processor core , or any other such configuration . processor modules 116 / 122 comprise processing logic that is configured to carry out the functions , techniques , and processing tasks associated with the operation of system 100 . in particular , the processing logic is configured to support the frame structure parameters described herein . in practical embodiments the processing logic may be resident in the base station and / or may be part of a network architecture that communicates with the base station transceiver 103 . the steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware , in firmware , in a software module executed by processor modules 116 / 122 , or in any practical combination thereof . a software module may reside in memory modules 118 / 120 , which may be realized as ram memory , flash memory , rom memory , eprom memory , eeprom memory , registers , a hard disk , a removable disk , a cd - rom , or any other form of storage medium known in the art . in this regard , memory modules 118 / 120 may be coupled to the processor modules 118 / 122 respectively such that the processors modules 116 / 120 can read information from , and write information to , memory modules 118 / 120 . as an example , processor module 116 , and memory modules 118 , processor module 122 , and memory module 120 may reside in their respective asics . the memory modules 118 / 120 may also be integrated into the processor modules 116 / 120 . in an embodiment , the memory module 118 / 220 may include a cache memory for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor modules 116 / 222 . memory modules 118 / 120 may also include non - volatile memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processor modules 116 / 120 . memory modules 118 / 120 may include a frame structure database ( not shown ) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention . frame structure parameter databases may be configured to store , maintain , and provide data as needed to support the functionality of system 100 in the manner described below . moreover , a frame structure database may be a local database coupled to the processors 116 / 122 , or may be a remote database , for example , a central network database , and the like . a frame structure database may be configured to maintain , without limitation , frame structure parameters as explained below . in this manner , a frame structure database may include a table for purposes of storing frame structure parameters . the network communication module 126 generally represents the hardware , software , firmware , processing logic , and / or other components of system 100 that enable bi - directional communication between base station transceiver 103 , and network components to which the base station transceiver 103 is connected . for example , network communication module 126 may be configured to support internet or wimax traffic . in a typical deployment , without limitation , network communication module 126 provides an 802 . 3 ethernet interface such that base station transceiver 103 can communicate with a conventional ethernet based computer network . in this manner , the network communication module 126 may include a physical interface for connection to the computer network ( e . g ., mobile switching center ( msc )). note that the functions described in the present disclosure may be performed by either a base station 102 or a mobile station 104 . a mobile station 104 may be any user device such as a mobile phone , and a mobile station may also be referred to as ue . embodiments disclosed herein have specific application but not limited to the long term evolution ( lte ) system that is one of the candidates for the 4 - th generation wireless system . embodiments described herein provide various exemplary csi - rs per - cell patterns . each of these csi - rs per - cell patterns illustrates a layout of csi - rs res that can belong to a single cell , according to various exemplary embodiments of the invention . according to an exemplary embodiment , the csi - rs location is configured to inform the ue of two exemplary pieces of information : which downlink subframes and which res in those subframes carry the assigned csi - rs reuse pattern . the following exemplary configuration mechanism can be used to configure the csi - rs transmission cycle and subframe offset in a downlink subframe : δ csirs : the cell specific subframe offset for the csi - rs subframe per period ; an exemplary subframe instance to transmit csi - rs is specified by n f and n s that satisfy ( 10 × n f +└ n s / 2 ┘− δ csirs ) mod t csirs = 0 , where t csirs and δ csirs can be signaled to ue by a radio resource control ( rrc ) parameter i csirs , based on a certain predefined table . an exemplary table is provided in table 2 . one instance of such a table can be given by setting t 1 = 5 , t 2 = 10 , t 3 = 15 , t 4 = 20 , t 5 = 30 , t 6 = 40 , etc . as illustrated in exemplary embodiments in fig2 and 3 , the res to carry each csi - rs reuse pattern are fully determined by the number of csi - rs ports and the location of csi - rs re # 0 in each prb . one framework may be created to cover csi - rs reuse patterns that coexist with port - 5 urs and another framework where csi - rs reuse patterns do not coexist with port - 5 urs . the reuse patterns in fig2 ( a ) and fig2 ( b ) can be assigned to the cells in the same measurement set . therefore , the normal - cp system has total of eight ( 5 from fig2 ( a ) and 3 from fig2 ( b )) 8 - tx csi - rs reuse patterns . the reuse patterns in fig3 ( a ) and fig3 ( b ) can co - exist in the same measurement set . therefore , the extended - cp system can have a total of seven 8 - tx csi - rs reuse patterns ( 4 from fig3 ( a ) and 3 from fig3 ( b )). the signal encoding of csi - rs re # 0 for a 8 - tx reuse pattern can be identified by 0 ˜( n 8tx − 1 ) which utilizes ┌ log 2 n 8tx ┐ signaling bits . this assumes that the location of csi - rs re # 0 is identified by & lt ; k r , 0 , l r , 0 & gt ;, where k r , 0 and l r , 0 are respectively the subcarrier offset and symbol offset for the re # 0 location within one prb for the r - th csi - rs reuse pattern and the total number of different locations of csi - rs re # 0 within one prb is n mtx where m is the number of csi - rs ports . signal encoding is illustrated in the following examples : wherein the encoding of re # 0 location is based on table 3 . wherein the encoding of re # 0 location is based on table 4 . wherein the encoding of re # 0 location is based on table 5 . for the nested 4tx and 2tx csi - rs , n 4tx 2 * n 8tx and n 2tx = 4 * n 8tx : it is envisioned that the first n 8tx entries and the corresponding columns illustrating & lt ; k r , 0 , l r , 0 & gt ; in table 3 , table 4 and table 5 may be reordered . thus , it is envisioned that the resulting encoding signal may also be reordered . the locations of rest of res ( re # 1 re # 7 ) in the 8 - tx reuse pattern can be determined when the locations of re # 0 are given . the location of re # 0 for m - tx ( m = n ant ε { 2 , 4 , 8 }) reuse pattern can be either directly signaled or derived based on the actual number of csi - rs ports ( n ant ) because of the nesting structure of the 2 - tx and 4 - tx csi - rs patterns . exemplary embodiments utilized to inform ue of the number of csi - rs ports ( n ant ) and the actual location of re # 0 of assigned m - tx reuse pattern are illustrated in the following examples : separate and direct encoding of n ant and & lt ; k r , 0 , l r , 0 & gt ; in this exemplary signaling method , n ant and the assigned csi - rs re # 0 location are separately encoded . there are as many as n 2tx = 4 * n 8tx different re # 0 locations . this signaling method costs as many as ┌ log 2 3 ┐+┌ log 2 ( 4 × n 8tx )┐= 7 bits per cell . it also uses a table with 4 * n 8tx entries to encode & lt ; k r , 0 , l r , 0 & gt ; of the assigned csi - rs reuse pattern . separate and non - direct encoding of n ant and & lt ; k r , 0 , l r , 0 & gt ;, where & lt ; k r , 0 , l r , 0 & gt ; is derived from other parameters in this exemplary signaling & lt ; k r , 0 , l r , 0 & gt ; is derived from the nested 8 - tx csi - rs reuse pattern by f ( x ) ε { 0 , 1 , 2 , 3 }. & lt ; k r , 0 , l r , 0 & gt ; of the m - tx ( m = n ant ) reuse pattern is equal to & lt ; k r , z , l r , z & gt ; of the nested 8 - tx reuse pattern where z = m · f ( x , m ). the function ƒ ( x , m ) is pre - defined and the parameter x can be either the cell identification parameter n id cell or another rrc - signaled parameter . if x = n id cell , one example of f ( x , m ) is f ( n id cell , m )=└ n id cell / 6 ┘ mod ( 8 / m ) to decouple the cell identification requirements based on crs deployment and csi - rs deployment . here , the total signaling overhead is 5 - bits per cell where 2 - bits encode n ant and 3 - bits encode & lt ; k r , 0 , l r , 0 & gt ; of the nested 8 - tx reuse pattern . if x is a rrc - signaled parameter , f ( x , m )= xε { 0 , 1 , 2 , 3 }. in this case , the total signaling overhead is 7 - bits per cell . for either choice of parameter x and function ƒ , example - 2 utilizes an exemplary table with n 8tx entries to encode & lt ; k r , 0 , l r , 0 & gt ; of the nested 8 - tx csi - rs reuse pattern as given by the corresponding columns in table 3 , table 4 and table 5 . joint encoding and signaling of n ant and & lt ; k r , 0 , l r , 0 & gt ; n ant and & lt ; k r , 0 , l r , 0 & gt ; can be jointly encoded to result in ┌ log 2 ( n 8tx + n 4tx + n 2tx )┐= 6 bits signaling per cell . this example can have a table with ( n 8tx + n 4tx + n 2tx )= 7 n 8tx entries to encode the assigned n ant and & lt ; k r , 0 , l r , 0 & gt ; of the assigned csi - rs reuse pattern . an exemplary combination of examples 2 and 3 , i . e ., joint encoding and signaling of nant wherein certain parameters are used to derive & lt ; k r , 0 , l r , 0 & gt ; the assigned & lt ; k r , 0 , l r , 0 & gt ; of the m - tx ( m = n ant ) reuse pattern is equal to & lt ; k r , z , l r , z & gt ; of the nested 8 - tx reuse pattern , where z and n ant are jointly encoded according to exemplary table 6 wherein the ue is informed of the reuse pattern location by a rrc - signaled csi - rs configuration index j csirs it is envisioned that the entries in the first column j csirs , the number of csi - rs ports m = n ant , and the location of re # 0 in the nested 8 - tx csi - rs pattern of table 6 can be re - ordered and be within the scope of the invention . the exemplary table in example - 4 utilizes n 8 - tx entries to encode & lt ; k r , 0 , l r , 0 & gt ; of the nested 8 - tx csi - rs reuse pattern which are given by the corresponding columns in table 3 , table 4 and table 5 . example 4 may use up to 6 - bit signaling per cell wherein 3 - bits indicate j csirs and 3 - bits indicate the corresponding entries in table 3 , table 4 and table 5 . in another exemplary embodiment , the assigned csi - rs re locations per cell can be identified by a combination of k ′, l ′, n s and n csirs where the three parameters k ′, l ′, n s stand for k ′ as the subcarrier index ( k ′, 0 ≦ k ′& lt ; 12 ), l ′ as the ofdm symbol index in slot ( l ′, 0 ≦ l ′& lt ; n symb dl , where n symb dl is 7 for a normal - cp subframe or 6 for an extended - cp subframe ) and n s as the slot index per frame ( n s , 0 ≦ n s & lt ; 20 ). k ′, l ′, n s and n csirs can be either jointly or separately signal encoded . up to eight csi - rs ports in lte - a can be labeled with indices { 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 }. in exemplary subframes configured for csi - rs transmission , the reference signal sequence r ( m ) can be mapped to complex - valued modulation symbols a k , l ( p ) used as reference symbols for resource grid p according to : a k , l ( p ) = w l ″ · r l , n s ( m ′), where wherein n rb dl is the actual system bandwidth in units of rb ( or equivalently prb ) and n rb max , dl = 110 refers to the maximum system bandwidth in units of rb ( or equivalently prb ). it can be seen that the complex - valued csi - rs modulation symbols a k , l ( p ) are the product of two components : the walsh code w l ″ that orthogonalizes the csi - rs signals of two ports sharing the same two subcarriers and the csi - rs sequence r l , n s ( m ′). both indices m and m ′ count over every rb in frequency domain . for the transmitted rb &# 39 ; s indexed by m = 0 , 1 , . . . , n rb dl − 1 , the csi - rs sequence transmitted on a port is segmented by index : according to an exemplary joint signal encoded embodiment , the ue is jointly informed of n csirs and k ′, l ′, n s through two exemplary configuration indices that respectively correspond to two exemplary tables : one exemplary table ( with a configuration index of k csirs ) lists the locations of csi - rs re # 0 , denoted as k 0 , l ′, n s , in all allowed 8 - port ( instead of n csirs - port ) csi - rs patterns . the above is illustrated in exemplary table 7 for a normal cp and in exemplary table 8 for an extended cp . the second exemplary table ( with a configuration index of j csirs ) illustrates the allowed n csirs and the parameter k δ for k δ = k ′− k 0 . this second exemplary table is illustrated in table 9 . according to an exemplary embodiment , the ue can derive k 0 , l ′, n s , k ′= k 0 + k δ , and n csirs upon reception of k csirs and j csirs . the joint encoding may utilize a total of 6 bits ( 3 bits for the index of each table ) in signaling overhead for both cp types . according to exemplary embodiments , separate encoding can enumerate all possible k ′, l ′, n s for each n csirs value . for example , separate encoding can enumerate 32 cases for a normal - cp and 28 cases for an extended - cp . certain exemplary ordering rules may be utilized to separately encode . for example , given an exemplary bit format b 4 b 3 b 2 b 1 b 0 , the numeration index of k ′, l ′, n s can be specified for n csirs = 2 . the exemplary bit format b 4 b 3 b 2 b 1 0 can be used to specify k ′, l ′, n s for n csirs = 4 and b 4 b 3 b 2 00 can be used to specify k ′, l ′, n s for n csirs 8 . the above encoding rule may result in the following exemplary benefits : b 1 b 0 can specify the relative location of a 2 - port csi - rs pattern within an 8 - port csi - rs pattern . b 1 can specify the relative location of a 4 - port csi - rs pattern within a 8 - port csi - rs pattern . further , bit b 0 for n csirs = 4 and b 1 b 0 for n csirs = 8 can be kept free from transmission or marked as reserved for other purposes in a rrc signaling format . one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that various other benefits may be observed and derived according to the various exemplary embodiments disclosed relating to separate encoding . an exemplary implementation based upon the exemplary embodiments of separate encoding is given in table 10 for a normal - cp subframe and in table 11 for an extended - cp subframe . the encodings of k ′, l ′, n s are given in table 10 and table 11 according to n csirs ={ 2 , 4 , 8 }. according to exemplary embodiments of the invention , csi - rss may be transmitted in slots where n s mod 2 fulfils the conditions recited in table 7 and table 8 for exemplary embodiments utilizing joint signal encoding methods and table 10 and table 11 may be used for exemplary embodiments utilizing separate signal encoding methods . note that table 7 and table 8 define the symbol index l ′ within one slot whereas table 3 defines the symbol index l r , 0 within one subframe or two slots . ultimately , the csi - rs patterns utilized by the exemplary embodiments disclosed in table 3 , table 7 , and table 8 may be the same as shown in fig2 - 4 . it is further envisioned that the table rows may be re - ordered and still be within the scope of this invention . the invention is generally related to the positions of csi - rs res . thus , the value of each re and the corresponding sequence function r ( m ) has not been presented . however , the function r ( m ) in the above equations are in their general form . thus , it is envisioned that the csi - rs locations may exist with varying sequence functions r ( m ) and still be within the scope of the invention . further , it is envisioned that various other options and values for the table rows in table 7 - table 11 could be utilized and be within the scope of the invention . according to an exemplary embodiment , the comp feature in lte rel - 10 is limited to intra - site comp where no comp signaling is transmitted over an x2 interface . accordingly , the measurement set that the ue sees in rel10 does not contain information relating to cells that belong to different cell sites . there would be limited benefit to muting only the csi - rs of inter - cells of the same site . additionally , muting is much more desirable in the border areas of inter - site - coverage to facilitate better csi - rs measurement . if muting is defined in rel10 , the muted pdsch res may not be limited to those colliding with all csi - rs res in the measurement sets that the serving cell belongs to . some pdsch res may not collide with any csi - rs res in the measurement sets but it may still be desirable to mute them . on the other hand , there could be some pdsch res that collide with certain csi - rs res in the measurement sets where it would be desirable to partially mute them . accordingly , for example , the muting configuration of one cell is not directly based on all measurement sets that the cell belongs to . instead , for example , the cell - specific muted res can be configured to be subsets of ψ , where each subset is associated with a muting cycle and a subframe offset . additionally , ψ may contain all the csi - rs re locations as illustrated in fig2 and 3 . certain exemplary embodiments of ψ are provided below . however , ψ may be constructed in a multitude of ways as understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art and still be within the scope of the invention . each subset is defined as a set of csi - rs res from each interfered - cell . the number of subsets is equal to the number of non - serving cells whose csi - rs res are interfered with by the pdsch in the serving cell . generally , the number of subsets is no smaller than the measurement set size . each subset can have the same signaling format to indicate the location of each cell in csi - rs measurement set as previously described . each subset contains 8 res that construct one 8 - tx reuse patterns in fig2 and 3 . the configuration of each subset includes the following signaling information : 1 ) an index of re # 0 per subframe of the 8 - tx pattern encoded with 3 - bits as illustrated in the exemplary embodiments of table 3 , table 4 and table 5 ; 2 ) a muting bitmap encoded with 4 - bits wherein if the j - th bit in the bitmap is set to 1 , the two pdsch res in the corresponding locations that are labeled by & lt ; 2j , 2j + 1 & gt ; in the 8 - tx reuse pattern are muted ; if the j - th bit in the bitmap is set to 0 , the two res that are labeled by & lt ; 2j , 2j + 1 & gt ; in the 8 - tx reuse pattern are not muted as shown in the exemplary embodiment of fig3 ; and 3 ) a subframe duty cycle and a subframe offset for the muting as shown in the exemplary embodiment of table 2 . according to an exemplary embodiment , it may be efficient to employ the method of example - 2 when the csi - rs transmissions are arranged so that the neighboring cells are configured with the same muting cycle and the same subframe offset . this is applicable to the neighboring cells whose 4 - tx or 2 - tx csi - rs are nested into the same 8 - tx reuse pattern . all csi - rs related muting per serving cell may be in one subframe . according to the exemplary embodiment of example - 3 , all possible muting locations in one subframe are identified by a single bitmap that contains 4 × n 8tx bits . each bit in this bitmap indicates whether the corresponding two res that are mapped to one of 4 × n 8tx cdm - pairs of the csi - rs in the whole prb are muted or not wherein n 8tx may defined as illustrated in the exemplary encoding tables of table 3 , table 4 and table 5 . the configuration of each subset of example - 3 includes the following signaling information : 1 ) a muting bitmap of 4 × n 8tx bits where the j - th bit indicates whether the two res labeled by & lt ; 2 ×( j mod 4 ), 2 ×( j mod 4 )+ 1 & gt ; in the └ j / n 8tx ┘- th 8 - tx reuse pattern should be muted ; 2 ) a subframe duty cycle and a subframe offset for the muting as illustrated in the exemplary embodiments of table 2 . according to an exemplary embodiment , partial muting may be modeled mathematically so that muting takes place on a fraction ( p / q ) of the total res that have been fully muted . in a further exemplary embodiment , p may be fixed to equal 1 in order to reduce the number of variables and to simplify the muting configuration . in a further exemplary embodiment , full - muting may be considered a special case of partial muting where q = p = 1 . in a further exemplary embodiment , partial muting can be performed in the cell - domain , the time - domain , the frequency - domain , or the spatial - domain or any combination thereof . according to an exemplary embodiment , the cell - domain partial muting can be implemented by enabling muting in some of cells and disabling muting in the rest of the cells . accordingly , partial muting is defined system - wide rather than on a per cell basis . according to further exemplary embodiments , any given single cell may have two states that relate to muting : no muting and full muting . according to an exemplary embodiment , time - domain partial muting can be implemented by assigning the muting cycle as q × t csirs , where t csirs is the corresponding csi - rs cycle as illustrated in the exemplary embodiments of table 2 . according to an exemplary embodiment , frequency - domain partial muting can be implemented by applying the muting only in the prb whose index k satisfies k mod q = 0 . according to an exemplary embodiment , spatial - domain partial muting is a variation of frequency - domain partial muting where different csi - rs ports may correspond to frequency - domain partial muting with different prb - offsets . more specifically , the pair of re locations identified by & lt ; 2j , 2j + 1 & gt ; in fig2 and fig2 are muted in the prb with index k if : ( i ) ( k − j ) mod q = 0 ; and ( ii ) & lt ; 2j , 2j + 1 & gt ; is identified as a muted pair of res as described in the construction of a muting subset . according to exemplary embodiments , time - domain partial muting does not require extra signaling to carry parameter q as q is contained in the signaling of a muting cycle . however , the partial muting in the frequency - domain and the spatial domain needs to signal the parameter q along with the basic muting configuration as described in the construction of the muting subset . if any re of the re pair that is needed to be muted actually carries the non - pdsch signal , such as crs or port - 5 urs , the muting on both res of the re pair is not performed . in implementation , the above described architecture , methods and their variations may be implemented as computer software instructions or firmware instructions . such instructions may be stored in an article with one or more machine - readable storage devices connected to one or more computers or integrated circuits or digital processors such as digital signal processors and microprocessors . in a communication system of 3gpp lte and / or lte - a , the csi - rs transmission method and related signaling flow and process may be implemented in the form of software instructions or firmware instructions for execution by a processor in the transmitter and / or receiver or the transmission and reception controller . in operation , the instructions are executed by one or more processors to cause the transmitter and receiver or the transmission and reception controller to perform the described functions and operations . while various embodiments of the present invention have been described above , it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only , and not of limitation . likewise , the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the invention , which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the invention . the invention is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations , but can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations . additionally , although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations , it should be understood that the various features and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described , but instead can be applied , alone or in some combination , to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention , whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment . thus the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above - described exemplary embodiments .	7
the present invention comprises compositions and methods that use calcium alginate , with or without endovascular coils , stents , balloons , or similar devices , to form occlusions at or within a site within the mammalian body targeted for occlusion . in some embodiments of the inventions , calcium alginate , a biocompatible and mechanically stable two - component polymer , is selectively delivered as a two - component polymer to blood vessels from microcatheters to produce effective endovascular polymer occlusion . purified calcium alginate has optimal material characteristics for use as an endovascular embolic agent . alginate has an adjustable viscosity in its liquid form , mechanical stability in its solid form , and non - adhesive properties . the flow properties and the viscosity of liquid alginate can be used to optimize its delivery through microcatheters . alginic acid is a natural polysaccharide gel derived from brown algae . alginate is a co - polymer consisting of blocks of mannuronic ( m ) and guluronic ( g ) acids in various arrangements along the polymer chain ( fig1 ( a )) and in various molecular weights . the concentration of g and m acids ( the g / m ratio ) contributes to varied structural and biocompatibility characteristics . alginic acid is soluble in water and can be ionically cross - linked with a non - toxic divalent cation solution , such as calcium chloride ( fig1 ( b )). the calcium ions bind the guluronic acid sites of individual alginate molecules together to form a stable alginate gel . the resulting polymer has non - adhesive , tissue - like mechanical properties . purified alginates with a high g acid content ( phg ) have optimal material properties for use in endovascular occlusion . thus , calcium alginate is a natural polymer with a simple structure and high water content , allowing diffusion of the reactive component , calcium chloride , and biological fluids into the polymer . in particular , phg alginate is biocompatible , requires no harsh solvents , and is non - adhesive . in some embodiments , a large volume of alginate may be delivered from microcatheters to the vessel system for a more complete occlusion without the concern of the catheter being glued to the vessel wall . as one example , without limitation , a dual - lumen catheter can be used to inject the alginate and the calcium chloride reactive component simultaneously , allowing for flow direction of the polymer to the vessels requiring occlusion . also , multiple catheters can be used to inject the alginate and reactive components from opposite directions ( bidirectional injection ) and allow the flows to meet and polymerize . other feasible injection techniques include local flow arrest with a proximal balloon catheter and distal retrograde injection of alginate and the reactive component . alginate and its separate reactive components may allow for multiple options for endovascular occlusion . current endovascular polymers are pre - mixed with a catalyst and polymerize within a specific time . the polymerization is irreversible , and the polymer attaches to the vessel , blocks the lumen of the injection catheter , and sometimes can glue the catheter tip to the vessel wall . the non - adhesive alginate gel may provide greater flexibility and control of the polymerization process over current endovascular embolization materials . material injectability and mechanical characterization are important for selecting a suitable aneurysm occlusion polymer , yet few have been extensively investigated . our studies have shown that calcium alginate , as one example only and without limitation , algel ® ( neural intervention technologies , ann arbor , mich . ), is a non - adhesive material with high mechanical strength in its reacted solid form , low viscosity in its unreacted liquid form , and controllability during injection . our investigation shows that algel alone can effectively occlude small - neck , low - flow aneurysms . however , wide - neck , high - flow aneurysms require assist devices to reduce potential outflow . according to the invention , algel combined with coils is an effective treatment solution for these aneurysms , and controlled algel delivery can eliminate flow to aneurysms and , when combined with coils or other devices , can eliminate the potential for algel outflow from wide - neck , high flow aneurysms . without limitation , in one embodiment , the invention comprises controlled injection of alginate to the target site using a concentric tube microcatheter delivery system . in another embodiment , the invention comprises insertion of unmodified coils with or without stent placement , at the targeted site , followed by alginate injection . in yet another embodiment , the invention comprises insertion of modified coils , with or without stent placement , at the targeted site , followed by alginate injection . in another embodiment , the invention comprises insertion of modified alginate coated coils , with or without stent placement , at the targeted site . in some embodiments , the claimed invention is comprised of an in vitro aneurysm model , which allows testing of some embodiments . the model provides flexible design and easy access for occlusion cast removal to expedite material testing of alginate and alginate - coil embolization for mechanical stability and fatigue resistance . the model permits identification of the polymer plug , as well as tracking any potential downstream embolus . using the model , alginate flows may be tracked , for example , using a radioopaque dye so that any alginate flow can be recorded on the angiogram imaging system during injection , or by equipping the model &# 39 ; s outflow paths with narrow outlet connectors ( less than lumen diameter ) to catch any potential alginate particles that are released downstream . in the invention , alginate particles can be read immediately by the real - time pressure readings that are taken at the model &# 39 ; s two outlets . the outlet that becomes clogged will have a significant pressure drop ( simulating a stroke ). the pressure reading at the second outlet will also rise significantly due to compensation for lost flow . the invention is also comprised of methods and compositions to enhance treatment options with a variety of occlusion techniques , ranging from alginate delivery systems to modified alginate - coil systems . alginate is a highly biocompatible material with desirable characteristics for filling and occluding vessel lesions . its unique material properties can be utilized independently or in combination with endovascular coils or other devices to maximize vessel occlusion and enhance the short - and long - term alginate embolization characteristics . polymer embolization offers a significant complement and advantage to coiling alone . thus , in accordance with the inventions , algel &# 39 ; s effectiveness as an occlusion material alone and in combination with other devices can increase application to a variety of neurovascular lesions , such as avms , aneurysms , and tumors . embodiments of the invention may comprise , without limitation ( fig2 ): controlled injection of alginate using a concentric tube or dual lumen microcatheter delivery system ; catheter placement to deliver alginate , with balloon inflated across the aneurysm neck ; insertion of unmodified coils with or without stent and / or balloon placement , followed by alginate injection ; insertion of modified coils , with or without stent and / or balloon placement , followed by alginate injection ; insertion of modified alginate coated coils , with or without stent and / or balloon placement . currently , coil technology is useful to disrupt flow into the aneurysm and help activate thrombus formation within an aneurysm . however , due to the nature of coil delivery and the potential for entanglement during treatment , coils can fill only 25 % to 33 % of the aneurysm fundus space . the remaining space is filled by a thrombus . continued pulsatile blood pressure on the aneurysm can force the coils to compact . the thrombus provides no mechanical strength to prevent this occurrence . the aneurysm can therefore continue to grow , and the risk of hemorrhage returns . in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions , combining coils with alginate can ensure more complete filling of the aneurysm , increase control of delivery , and decrease the potential for occlusion failure or polymer outflow into the blood stream . in some embodiments , the invention is comprised of a modified coil coated with a calcium ion releasing material . the coil obstructs flow into the body of the aneurysm ( fundus ) and the fundus becomes diffused with calcium ions . alginate is then injected into the targeted site , as one example only and without limitation , from a single - lumen microcatheter , to fill the remaining space . in other embodiments , the invention is comprised of modified coil with a dehydrated alginate coating . when applied at the target site , the coil &# 39 ; s alginate hydrogel rehydrates and swells to fill the aneurysm fundus . some embodiments of the invention comprise novel occlusion materials and delivery methods . aneurysms are high - risk lesions that require precise delivery of treatment materials to avoid aneurysm rupture due to overfilling or embolus flowing upstream and causing a stroke . neuroradiologists can accurately assess the treatment risk by analyzing factors such as aneurysm size , shape , and flow patterns : aneurysm size , measure fundus diameter : small 7 - 10 mm , medium 11 - 15 mm , large 16 - 25 mm , giant & gt ; 25 mm . aneurysm neck size : small & lt ; 50 % of fundus diameter , large & gt ; 50 % of fundus diameter . aneurysm flow volume exchange rate : time needed for blood flow to flush contrast from the aneurysm : fast rate & lt ; 30 sec , medium rate 30 - 60 sec , slow rate & gt ; 60 sec . in vitro modeling of aneurysms using simulated clinical blood flows and blood pressures have helped grade aneurysms by their ease of treatment : simple aneurysm : small to medium fundus , small neck , and slow volume exchange . moderate aneurysm : medium to large fundus , small neck , and medium to fast volume exchange . complex aneurysm : medium to large fundus , large neck , medium to fast volume exchange . in some embodiments , the invention comprises novel alginate delivery methods which are particularly effective in low - flow and / or narrow - neck aneurysms . thus , in some embodiments , optimal control of alginate delivery can be conducted using a concentric tube microcatheter design . the catheter consists of a single lumen microcatheter that has a second smaller - diameter catheter fed inside the first . the inner catheter is fed through a hemostatic valve or similar valve system ( fig3 ). alginate can be injected through the inner catheter and calcium chloride injected through the side - port of the hemostatic valve , where the fluid flows inside the larger microcatheter , but outside the inner catheter . the material can be injected from either catheter site , however , alginate is more viscous than calcium chloride , and therefore there is significantly less resistance to flow when injected through the inner catheter than when injected between the inner and outer catheters . the alginate and calcium chloride mix at the exit of the catheter tips . the inner catheter can be adjusted to either terminate inside the larger catheter , at the same position as the larger catheter , or outside the larger catheter . each position has unique injection results that improve the controllability of the alginate injection and resulting alginate gel formation . mixing inside the larger catheter creates an alginate mass that begins to form upon exit , and the gel can build upon itself to form a stable mass . mixing at the exit of the catheter when both lumens are flush with each other creates a formable mass that can expand to completely fill a vessel defect ( fig4 a ). releasing alginate from the inner catheter that has been placed beyond the exit of the larger catheter will minimize further mixing and thereby release any pre - formed gel from the catheter ( fig4 b ). in accordance with embodiments of the invention , greater flow control and filling of the defect comes from alginate and calcium chloride mixing external to the catheter tip . this is accomplished by using a concentric catheter as configured in fig4 a . the inner and outer catheter tips are placed adjacent . the fluids are released external to the catheter and mix to a formable mass . this mass can be controlled to grow and fill the defect more completely , unlike a pre - made fiber which folds onto itself to fill the volume and thereby leaving space between the folds , much like current coil technology . fibers are also less likely to bond to each other because the calcium chloride - alginate reaction is complete and does not consistently bond adjacent fibers together to form a mass . mixing external to the catheter , however , forms a mass that builds upon itself to form a solid and more complete fill of the defect . further control is attained in some embodiments by altering the flow rates and the injection timing of the two components ( alginate and calcium chloride ). this technique includes , but is not limited to , uncoupled injection of the calcium chloride and alginate , asynchronous flow rates during injection , or variations in the injection start and stop times of the two components . even synchronous or coupled injection of the two components , but using two syringes of different volumes , can be considered asynchronous because the flow rates vary for the two components . calcium chloride and alginate flow rates can be varied during the injection and even stopped and restarted after assessing fill progress . in some embodiments , calcium chloride is always flowing whenever alginate is flowing , with a calcium chloride flow rate preferably between about 0 . 5 × and 2 × the alginate rate . as one example , without limitation , a continuous flow of calcium chloride controlled by a pump and begins before the alginate injection , then alginate is injected by hand at any flow rate deemed appropriate by the user , as long as the calcium chloride is flowing before , during and after the alginate injection occurs to guarantee the presence of calcium ions at the site of alginate delivery and therefore maximize gelation . the traditional embodiment comprises a coupled synchronous flow system that delivers exact volumes of each component at the same rate and same time . the synchronous flow system is not recommended as a way to maximize injection control , unless the injection device can be uncoupled and controlled individually , if deemed necessary . asynchronous flow - rate injections allow for staged injection techniques that can be used to assess the progress of alginate filling and then continue the injection from the same catheter multiple times if needed . the staged technique also allows for addition of agents to the alginate or to the calcium chloride , including a combination of different agents that can be varied during the staged injection . agents include but are not limited to drugs , radioactive or contrast agents , and growth factors or inhibitors . injection of alginate without calcium chloride is suggested only for detaching the gel mass from the catheter . this can be most easily done by pushing the inner concentric tube out past the outer tube ( fig4 b ) and injecting alginate without calcium chloride to release the mass . unreacted alginate in the body is not an embolization concern . unmixed calcium chloride is also not a concern for embolization or toxicity , especially at the small volumes ( typically much less than 10 cc ) used to gel alginate in vivo for most vessel defects . in some embodiments , external mixing and asynchronous flow can also be accomplished with any dual - lumen catheter , with any conceivable number of lumen shapes , so long as the lumen tips are flush with each other and do not deliver the components into a mixing cannula . rather , the components are delivered to the in vivo system and mix external to the catheter to form an occlusive mass . in some embodiments , without limitation , further control of the alginate gel delivery can be accomplished by first placing a stent in the parent vessel that begins proximal to the aneurysm neck and extends distal . the concentric - tube microcatheter can then be fed through the stent mesh and into the aneurysm to deliver the gel . the stent provides structural support so the alginate gel does not migrate into the parent vessel . an inflatable balloon could also be temporarily delivered across the aneurysm neck when the injection catheter is already in place to further control the alginate delivery . ( fig5 ). in some embodiments , without limitation , a catheter can be fed to the aneurysm and a second balloon catheter placed proximal and distal to the neck of the aneurysm and inflated to anchor the injection catheter and reduce outflow during alginate injection ( i . e . fig1 b ). after alginate delivery and gelation , the balloon is deflated and removed . the balloon can also be made of a material either non - permeable or semi - permeable to ions ( such as calcium ions ). with a permeable balloon , a single lumen catheter may be placed in the aneurysm , and the balloon is inflated with calcium ions . alginate is delivered through the catheter and calcium ions permeate in from the balloon to gel the alginate . a modified system would be a single catheter with a dual lumen configuration where one lumen can be placed into an aneurysm and the second attached to a semi - permeable balloon system . the alginate and ions is delivered as stated previously , except that the catheter system is combined into one instead of two separate catheters . balloon and catheter combination injections could be used with continuous or staged injection techniques . without limitation , the invention comprises the use of alginate and unmodified coils . our in vitro studies show that placement of coils in high flow and / or large neck aneurysms can provide structure and disrupt the blood flow effects , increasing the delivery control of alginate into the remaining aneurysm space and decreasing potential outflow into the blood stream ( fig6 ). for further protection , this method may also be combined with stent and / or balloon placement . our mechanical stability tests on algel occlusion samples removed from in vitro aneurysm models showed that algel has a mechanical stability ( measured by complex modulus ) that is approximately 8 × higher than typical in vivo aneurysm shears . data shows that algel alone can effectively occlude small - neck , low - flow aneurysms . however , wide - neck , high - flow aneurysms require assist devices to reduce potential outflow . algel combined with coils is an example of an effective treatment solution for these aneurysms . other embodiments comprise use of modified coils combined with alginate injection . modified coil surfaces accelerate the bioactive response for tissue growth to heal an aneurysm . however , the inability to completely fill an aneurysm with coils only is a limiting factor to successful aneurysm healing . rather , the coils of the present invention comprise a base structural component and alginate as a non - adhesive , bioactive , and tissue - like filling material that enhances occlusion stability . our studies show that alginate induces a positive bioactive response that promotes tissue growth . in one embodiment , without limitation , coils are impregnated with calcium ions in conjunction with alginate injection . the coils provide a structural matrix and release calcium into the fundus . liquid alginate is then delivered to the target site , for example , from a single - lumen microcatheter , where it polymerizes in the presence of the calcium ions , creating a complete aneurysm fundus occlusion . in one embodiment , without limitation , the invention is comprised of coil surface modification by the following steps : 1 . prepare a type i collagen mixed with 20 % calcium chloride ( ionic diffusion ) 2 . place the coils in collagen - calcium solution and dry to physically attach coating to the coil ; 3 . ion implant the surface coating to the coil at the molecular level , increasing shear resistance ; and 4 . test coil deliverability , alginate reactivity , and occlusion stability in vitro . studies known to those of ordinary skill have tested extensively the tissue response of surface coatings . for example , it is known that type i collagen fibronectin induces a bioactive response that increases endothelial cell migration and proliferation on aneurysm coils . in some embodiments , these materials are mixed with 20 % calcium chloride to form a coil coating that will be tested for ion diffusion and bioactivity . the coating is applied by immersing the coils in solution for 1 hour at 37 ° c ., allowing collagen polymer arrangement on the coil surface . the coils are then air - dried in a sterile laminar hood for 1 hour . some studies show that dried coatings alone cannot resist the shear stress induced by catheter delivery and the shear effects of blood flow . therefore , in some embodiments , the coating is ion implanted to the coil surface . ion implantation has shown to increase wear , reduce corrosion ( hip joints ), and improve blood compatibility of a material without affecting its mechanical properties . ion implantation of the coil coatings creates a physicochemical surface modification . ne + ions are accelerated and bombard the coated coil ( dose of 1 × 10 15 ions / cm 2 at 150 kev , other ions , such as he +, and higher energies , such as 500 kev , can also be used to obtain similar doses ). the ions form a crater - like coil surface , embedding the coating into the coil . the coils are then delivered to an aneurysm where the calcium ions are released from the embedded protein coating . the injection of alginate fills the remaining aneurysm volume and thereby isolates the aneurysm defect from the normal blood flow path . the coil placement and alginate injection can also be further protected with the use of a stent and / or balloon placed across the neck of the aneurysm during alginate injection . some embodiments of the invention comprise modified coils with alginate coatings . ion releasing coils supplemented with alginate delivery can be directly compared to modified coils that contain alginate coatings . because it is a hydrogel , alginate can be dried and rapidly rehydrated in a variety of liquid environments ( such as blood ). thus , in some embodiments , the coil and alginate may be delivered as one unit . this approach has the advantage of reducing the coil treatment to one step . a perceived disadvantage , however , is the need for multiple coil insertions to completely fill the aneurysm fundus . since coils typically only fill 25 % to 33 % of an aneurysm volume , the alginate hydrogel coating will have to swell and fill the remaining space . modified alginate coated coils have been tested in vitro to determine aneurysm filling potential and coil expansion properties . alginate is over 95 % water , therefore the potential volume expansion can be significant and is worth investigating and characterizing . the creation of an alginate coating follows a similar procedure as described above . the coating procedure is summarized below : 1 . mix 1 . 75 % alginate solution in water 2 . coil coating stage 1 : dip the coils in the alginate solution , then dip in a 10 % calcium chloride solution 3 . dry alginate - coated coil to create a physical attachment to the coil 4 . coil coating stage 2 : ion implant the alginate coating to the coil at the molecular level 5 . test coil deliverability , alginate reactivity , and occlusion stability in vitro 6 . test coil deliverability , alginate reactivity , occlusion stability , and bioactivity in vivo algel coating of coils can improve the filling of aneurysms to attain a complete occlusion . three coatings of algel increase the coil diameter 3 × ( fig7 a ), yet when dehydrated , the modified coil shrinks to nearly its original diameter , with only a 1 . 08 × diameter increase ( fig7 b ). then after 5 minutes back in a liquid environment , the diameter swells to 1 . 7 × ( fig7 c ), and after 1 hour , the diameter reaches 2 . 7 ×, a regain of 90 % of the original coating diameter . these modified coils can add an additional 8 - 10 × increase in aneurysm volume filling to maximize effective occlusion , yet can be dehydrated to near the original diameter to facilitate delivery through conventional coil delivery catheters . modified alginate coils can also be prepared by placing a conformal coating of liquid alginate ( not reacted with calcium chloride ) on the coil and dehydrating the layer . the conformal coating and dehydration process can be repeated multiple times to create a coating of desired thickness . these coils could then be placed in the aneurysm , then calcium ions added either by a catheter or in combination with calcium eluding coils , as described herein . the short - and long - term tissue reactivity was tested by injecting calcium alginate into the fat capsule surrounding the kidney of 32 rats weighing 300 ± 50 g each . the rats were anesthetized with a ketamine cocktail ( 50 mg ketamine , 5 mg xylazine , 1 mg promace ) dose of 0 . 5 to 1 ml per animal . a 3 cm incision was made on the left side of the abdomen . the fat capsule around the left kidney was isolated . a pocket was made in the capsule , next to the kidney , and approximately 0 . 5 ml of alginate and 0 . 68 m cacl 2 . 2h 2 o , at a 1 : 1 volume ratio , was injected and polymerized . each of the four polymer types was injected into the kidney of two separate rats to determine the significance of the tissue reaction during a set time period ( total of 8 rats per time period ). the second kidney of each rat was untouched and served as a control . separate groups of 8 rats were sacrificed after 1 day , 1 week , 3 weeks , and 9 weeks , a total of 32 rats for the entire study . both kidneys were harvested from each rat . tissue reactivity was first classified by visual inspection . polymer encapsulation , organ and tissue adhesion , and tissue necrosis are strong indicators of polymer incompatibility . visual severity classification was adopted and modified from a nonspecific , acute astm standard test of polymer - tissue interaction and irritation , which consists of ranking the reactivity of the kidney and surrounding tissue on a scale of 0 to 4 ; 0 to 1 being little or no reaction , adhesion , or encapsulation and 4 being major adhesion , encapsulation , and / or tissue necrosis . crude alginate exhibits significantly higher reactivity than purified alginates , and high m acid gels induce a faster immune response than high g acid gels ( table i ). overall reactivity of crude alginate is consistently high ( severity of 3 to 4 ) independent of acid content . purified alginate exhibits a significantly lower immune response . the overall reactivity remains consistent between the two alginic acid concentrations ( severity of 1 to 2 ), and the high m content alginate again exhibits a faster immune response . table i visual severity averages and standard deviations of polymer reactivity implant polymer type time ( days ) chm std . dev . chg std . dev . phm std . dev . phg std . dev . 1 3 . 0 1 . 41 1 . 5 0 . 71 1 . 0 0 . 00 1 . 0 0 . 00 7 3 . 5 0 . 71 2 . 0 0 . 00 2 . 0 0 . 00 1 . 0 0 . 00 21 4 . 0 0 . 00 3 . 5 0 . 71 2 . 0 0 . 00 2 . 0 0 . 00 63 3 . 0 0 . 00 3 . 0 1 . 41 1 . 5 0 . 71 1 . 5 0 . 71 the studies were expanded to determine the effect of alginate structure and purity on the resulting mechanical strength and biocompatibility . it was found that alginates with a high guluronic acid content ( g / m ratio & gt ; 60 / 40 ) had optimal strength , polymer yield , and biocompatibility . reacted alginate molecular chain length is often referred to by the alginate &# 39 ; s apparent viscosity ( in mpas ) and molecular weight ( mw in g / mol ). the apparent viscosity of unreacted alginate is determined by creating a 1 . 0 wt % solution of alginate dissolved in water and measuring its viscosity at 20 ° c . the apparent viscosity is proportional to the molecular weight of the alginate . molecular weight can be measured by size exclusion chromatography with multi - angle laser light scatter detection analysis . purified , high g acid content alginates ( phg ) come in various molecular weights , which can affect the usable concentration and final viscosity of the liquid alginate in solution . various phg alginates were tested in vitro for mechanical stability and polymer yield based on final viscosity : phg alginate , apparent viscosity of 34 mpas , mw of 78 , 000 g / mol , g / m of 68 / 32 phg alginate , apparent viscosity of 37 mpas , mw of 87 , 000 g / mol , g / m of 68 / 32 phg alginate , apparent viscosity of 53 mpas , mw of 110 , 000 g / mol , g / m of 68 / 32 phg alginate , apparent viscosity of 110 mpas , mw of 155 , 000 g / mol , g / m of 68 / 32 . a range of alginate concentrations were tested for mechanical stability , and the strengths of specific viscosities of alginate were interpolated from the data set . the data was graphed and fitted with trend lines to predict compressive strength versus alginate concentration , compressive strength versus viscosity , and polymer yield versus alginate concentration . next alginate injection viscosity was also graphed and fitted with trend lines to predict injection viscosity versus alginate concentration [ fig8 ( a )]. the resulting trend line equations were used to interpolate alginate strengths and alginate polymer yield of each alginate type at an injection viscosity of 100 cp . the results were graphed in fig8 ( b ). interpolated data shows the trend of alginate strength and polymer yield as a function of apparent viscosity . the original , non - heat treated 34 mpas alginate has the highest strength and yield . the non - heat treated 110 mpas alginate has 60 % of the strength and 75 % of the polymer yield of 34 mpas alginate . however , alginates with smaller apparent viscosities that approach 34 mpas ( lower molecular weights ) have increased polymer yield and polymer strengths that increase respectively , approaching the mechanical characteristics of 34 mpas alginate . results show that alginate gels made from lower molecular weight liquid alginates are more stable than those made from long chain length alginates . alginates with lower molecular weight can be mixed at higher concentrations than high molecular alginates to attain the same injection viscosity . the resulting low molecular weight alginate solution has a 20 to 40 % greater mechanical stability of and a 5 to 10 % higher polymer yield than a high molecular weight alginate solution with the same viscosity . alginates of nearly any molecular weight range can be used ( typical alginate mw range : 65 , 000 g / mol to 200 , 000 g / mol ), however results show that a molecular weight range from 65 , 000 to 90 , 000 has optimal maximum strength and polymer yield . algel occlusion studies were performed with an in vitro aneurysm models made from glass tubes and then from models cast into flexible polymer resins . the vessel models simulate the accurate vessel sizes and aneurysm sizes that form on the carotid ( c ) vessel , the middle cerebral ( mc ) branch , and the anterior cerebral ( ac ) branch ( fig3 ). the model allowed for endovascular embolization treatments to be tested in a simulated surgical environment . the resulting occlusions could be subjected to pulsatile flows and pressures for up to two weeks . the algel samples were then removed from the model post - embolization and further analyzed for occlusion effectiveness and mechanical stability . the model consisted of a pulsatile pump to simulate systolic - diastolic flow and pressure effects ( 200 ml / min , 160 - 80 mmhg ). artificial blood was used to accurately simulate viscosity , ionic content , and protein content . the artificial blood was made with 12 wt % dextran ( 70 , 000 mw ) dissolved in ringers solution . adjustable tubing clamps with pressure transducers were used to regulate blood flow pressure and capture large downstream particles that may occur during an over - injection . a büchner funnel and 20 jm filter paper were used to capture any potential small particles that may pass through the transducers . aneurysm vessels ( 8 mm - 20 mm fundus , small neck : 3 - 6 mm , wide neck : 7 - 14 mm ) were molded into flexible and compliant resins ( cf50 urethane ) in two form - fitting pieces that clamped together to form the flow system ( fig9 ). the model was catheterized through the flexible tubing to simulate femoral access to the carotid artery pathway . neuroradiological devices and catheters were fed into position using a fluoroscope imaging system . in one embodiment of the invention , without limitation , in vivo pressures and flow rates were simulated in a model of a bifurcation aneurysm and two side - wall aneurysms . pre - embolization model flow was determined with the fluoroscope ( fig9 ). after algel injection , the model was opened to access embolic material and remove it for further analysis . the aneurysm components of the model were occluded in two ways : 1 ) algel injection only , and 2 ) a combination of partial aneurysm coiling , followed by algel injection . algel injection into small - neck aneurysms was expected to provide complete occlusion . however , giant aneurysms and wide - neck aneurysms have significantly different flow properties , and therefore a greater potential for algel flow downstream without the use of preventative measures . therefore , a base of 2 - 3 coils was placed in the wide - neck aneurysms (& lt ; 5 % volume filled ). the coils served as a matrix structure and algel was then injected to fill the remaining space . pre - embolization angiograms were taken to image the flow into and out of the small - neck aneurysm model ( fig1 a ). commercial endovascular coils ( detach - 18 , cook inc .) were delivered to the aneurysm to form a structural matrix and stop turbulent flow in the aneurysm fundus ( max . of three coils used , 5 % vol . occluded , fig1 b ). the injectable algel mixture , ( 1 . 6 wt % 37 mpas phg alginate mixed with 50 % conray in water and 0 . 25 g tantalum per 1 ml of algel ) was tested extensively and optimized to provide maximum visualization in vitro and in vivo , as well as low viscosity in liquid from and high mechanical strength in gel form . a 3f double lumen microcatheter ( target therapeutics , fremont calif .) was inserted into the inlet stream and fed to the aneurysm utilizing angiographic imaging . the algel was delivered along with the alginate re component , calcium chloride , to occlude the aneurysm fundus ( fig1 c ). aneurysm filling with coils and alginate created a 90 % to 100 % occlusion of the aneurysm . analyses of fluoroscope image density pre - and post - occlusion were compared to assess occlusion effectiveness and identify any potential downstream occlusions . post - occlusion angiograms showed removal of the aneurysm from the vessel flow ( fig1 d ). the models were then disconnected from the flow , and the halves were separated to access to the vessel lumens and compare visual occlusion results with radiographic images . the model was then cleaned out , the halves were re - clamped together , and the model reused for further injection experiments . in further tests a wide - neck aneurysm model was used ( fig1 a ). a combination of up to three coils was followed by algel injection into the coil matrix to occlude the high - flow , wide - neck bifurcation aneurysm ( fig1 b ). the post - embolization angiogram showed complete occlusion of the aneurysms with no downstream flow and sustained patent flow through the vessel model ( fig1 c ). the following table summarizes the embolization treatments of the completed algel occlusions and the preliminary algel - coil occlusions ( table ii ): table ii occlusion success # aneuysms % controlled wide - neck aneurysms algel only 22 27 coils + algel 5 100 small - neck aneurysms algel only 15 80 coils + algel 3 100 algel - coil test results show an enhanced occlusion technique for wide - neck aneurysms . several aneurysm sizes were cast in flexible resins to simulate side - wall and bifurcation aneurysms in an in vitro system . first , algel was delivered to small neck aneurysms from a 3f dual - lumen microcatheter . second , a minimal number of coils were delivered to wide - neck aneurysms to form a matrix structure . algel was then delivered to fill the remaining aneurysm space . algel completely and effectively filled both small - neck aneurysms and , when combined with coils , completely filled wide - neck , high - flow aneurysms and eliminated outflow . the alginate occlusions were recovered from the in vitro model tested for gel volume and mechanical stability . volume was measured with a 5 cc syringe was prefilled with 2 cc of artificial blood and the algel sample was submerged in the fluid . the volume displacement was noted as the algel sample volume . the algel volume was compared to the known aneurysm volume and represented as a percent filling . mechanical stability was tested with a rheometer ( rms - 800 / rds ii , rheometrics scientific ) to measure complex modulus and resistance to shear at 37 ° c . ( body temperature ) and 1 % strain across a frequency sweep of 1 to 500 rad / s . complex modulus was compared to the typical shear stress and shear frequency sweeps seen in vivo . shear stress on an aneurysm can be estimated by the following equation : τ w = δ ⁢ ⁢ pd 4 ⁢ l ( 1 ) where ( l ) is the longitudinal width of the aneurysm neck , ( d ) is the internal diameter of the vessel , and ( δp ) is the systolic - diastolic change in pressure across the aneurysm neck . stress frequency sweep for an in vivo system was estimated by converting typical blood flow velocities ( υ ) to radians per second ( rad / s ) using the algel sample radius ( r ): the calculated shear and frequency estimations for an in vivo system were compared to the actual shear resistance of the samples tested across an expansive frequency range that included the estimated in vivo frequency range ( table iii ). table iii comparison of calculated in vivo shears ranges to actual in vitro shear resistance of alginate freq . calc . in vivo actual in vitro strength factor ( rad / s ) shear ( kpa ) shear ( kpa ) actual / calc . max 63 . 0 7 . 1 21 . 1 3 . 0 typical 25 . 1 1 . 1 19 . 5 18 . 2 min 7 . 9 0 . 1 17 . 8 161 . 5 results of the mechanical stability and fatigue resistance results showed that low molecular weight alginates ( 65 , 000 - 90 , 000 g / mol ) have superior short - and long - term fatigue resistance . high molecular weight alginates had good initial stability , but degraded in strength over time ( tested after 2 weeks in simulated in vivo conditions fig1 ). alginate gel volume decreases over time due to liquid loss of the gel from constant in vivo pressures , but the % fill of the aneurysm remains between 60 % and 90 % ( table iv ). table iv change in alginate % filling of aneurysm over time comparison 95 % conf . p value vol % st . dev . 37 - 1 hr = 37 - 2 wk yes 0 . 753 37 - 1 hr 80 5 . 0 37 - 1 hr = 65 - 1 hr yes 0 . 630 37 - 2 wk 63 9 . 1 37 - 2 wk = 65 - 2 wk no 0 . 029 65 - 1 hr 65 2 . 4 65 - 1 hr = 65 - 2 wk no 0 . 002 65 - 2 wk 65 8 . 5 mechanical stability results show that optimized alginate ( 37 mpas phg alginate ) has a shear resistance that is up to 20 × greater than the shear effects seen in the human vascular system . low molecular weight alginates ( 20 - 40 mpas , or 65 , 000 - 90 , 000 g / mol ) have superior short - and long - term fatigue resistance as tested for up to two weeks . studies with embolizing in vitro aneurysm swine models with alginate show that the alginate completely filled and occluded the aneurysm fundus ( fig1 a - d & amp ; fig1 a - c ). in other embodiments of the inventions , in vivo vessel models were created in the neck of swine , based on swine models of an avm lesion known to those of ordinary skill in the art . the results showed that algel could be precisely visualized with modern fluoroscope equipment and focally delivered to precise areas of the vessel model , resulting in complete occlusion with no distal embolization . swine studies also resulted in a new chronic swine model that could be used to determine an endovascular gel &# 39 ; s long - term mechanical stability , biocompatibility , and bioactive tissue growth response . the chronic model has been used extensively to focally deliver algel without the concern of particulate flow downstream . current studies show that the algel delivery and reaction properties downstream particulates have been verified in chronic animals survived for up to 6 months . effective algel occlusion , biocompatibility and a lack of downstream particulates were verified in chronic animals survived for up to six months . the swine rm is a network of vessels found in the base of the skull ( fig1 ). the rm is fed from both the left and right common carotid ( cc ) arteries . the ccs branch just before the base of the skull into the external carotid arteries ( ec ) and the ascending pharyngeal arteries ( ap ). the left and right ap directly feed the inferior portion of the rm . the superior portion of the rm connects to the circle of willis ( cw ), supplementing blood flow from the basilar artery ( ba ). the superior rm is also connected to the ec by the ramus anastomoticus ( ra ) and the arteria anastomotica ( aa ). smaller vessels branch from the ap , the occipital arterial branch ( oa ) and the muscular arterial branch ( ma ), and bypass the rm . blood flow exits the model from the external jugular vein ( ejv ). a 15 cm incision is made on the right side of the neck , parallel to the sternocleidomastiod muscle , to the base of the skull . a 5 cm segment of the ejv and the cc is dissected , isolated , and cleaned of adventitia . a 2 cm longitudinal incision is made in the cc segment and the adjacent ejv . the vessel lumina are washed of blood with heparinized saline . the posterior edges of the incisions are approximated and anastomosed with continuous 6 - 0 prolene suture , and then the anterior edges are anastomosed to complete the fistula . the resulting blood flow crosses at the anastomosis , exiting through the ejv . the cc , proximal to the anastomosis , is ligated and coagulated to prevent flow from the carotid into the anastomosis . the cc , distal to the anastomosis , is followed to its bifurcation into the ec and ap near the base of the skull . the ec is then ligated at its origin with 6 - 0 prolene and coagulated with bipolar cautery . the oa and the ma of the ap are the secondary flow paths that bypass the rm , therefore these branches are also ligated or coagulated . the result is a blood flow loop , with the left cc and ap acting as arterial feeders , the rete mirabile becomes an avm mass ( nidus ) and the right ap , cc , and ejv become the venous drainage system ( fig1 ). the in vivo swine aneurysm model is a well - documented procedure for creating aneurysms and testing occlusion materials , such as coils , in a chronic setting . a 10 cm incision is made on the right side neck . the common carotid artery ( cca ), internal carotid artery ( ica ), and the external carotid artery ( eca ), and the carotid bifurcation are exposed and the external jugular vein is exposed ( ejv ). all vessel surgery and aneurysm construction is performed using a surgical microscope by a neurosurgeon or an expert researcher . after exposing a sufficient length of ejv , it is ligated at the ends . a 2 cm section of ejv is then removed and placed in saline . the removed ejv is then cut into a smaller section to create the aneurysm fundus . the distal lumen of the vessel is cut and the vessel wall is sewn shut to form the spherical fundus . the aneurysm fundus created will have an elliptical shape with a major diameter of 8 mm and a minor diameter of 6 mm . the neck diameter will be approximately 4 mm . after clamping the carotid vessels , circular side wall cuts are made along the length of the exposed common carotid ( usually the ica and eca may also be used ). the proximal open end of the modified ejv segment is then sewed in an end to side fashion onto the side wall of the carotid vessel , creating a saccular aneurysm pouch . by varying the length of section of ejv and the size of the carotid vessel opening , aneurysms with varying neck sizes and fundus sizes can be constructed . long - term embolization studies of alginate have been conducted on 13 avm swine models and 3 aneurysm models . of the avm models , 4 were survived 1 week , 3 for 1 month , and 6 for 6 months . the 3 aneurysm models were survived for 1 month . all animals were embolized with 1 . 6 wt % 37 mpas ( 87 , 000 g / mol ) phg alginate dissolved in 50 % conray and water , and mixed with 0 . 25 g tantalum per 1 ml of algel solution . the algel injections were conducted with 150 cm , 3f prototype double lumen or concentric - tube microcatheters ( target therapeutics , fremont , calif .). the double - lumen microcatheter design allowed for the simultaneous injection of liquid algel and the reactive component , calcium chloride , separately until mixing and polymerizing upon exit from the microcatheter tip . treatment involved partial occlusion of the inferior portion of the left rm and total occlusion of the ap vessel in the avm models , and complete occlusion of the fundus sac in the aneurysm models . acute aneurysm model injections were conducted with the following protective devices : stent , coil ( s ), balloon , stent and coil ( s ), stent and balloon , coil ( s ) and balloon . all 3 survival aneurysm models were embolized with alginate and a balloon . fluoroscopy was performed with an oec 9800 series super - c fluoroscope with image digitization on an oec 1k × 1k workstation ( oec medical systems inc ., salt lake city , utah ). the double lumen catheter / concentric catheter injection was introduced through a 6f guide catheter , to the entrance of the rm ( for the aneurysm model , an 8f guide catheter was used to accommodate the introduction of the injection and balloon catheters ). purified algel ( 37 mpas ( 87 , 000 g / mol ) phg , heat - treated batch # 411 - 256 - 06 , pronova biomedical , oslo , norway ) and its reactive component , 0 . 68 m calcium chloride anhydrous ( cacl 2 ), were then delivered to the left rm . the more viscous algel component ( approx . viscosity of 130 cp ) was injected from a 3 cc syringe at 1 to 1 . 2 ml / min with a high - pressure syringe pump ( high pressure ‘ 44 ’, harvard apparatus , boston , mass .). injection volumes ranged from 0 . 2 to 0 . 6 ml . the reactive component , cacl 2 , was injected simultaneously through the adjacent catheter lumen with a 10 cc syringe at 0 . 75 to 0 . 9 ml / min ( previous studies showed that the optimal reactive component injection rate was 75 % of the algel injection rate [ 3 , 4 ]) with a standard syringe pump ( phd 2200 , harvard apparatus , boston , mass .). the partial occlusion technique required two or more injections of approximately 0 . 1 to 0 . 2 ml of algel . the angiogram showed that the first injection flowed into the inferior portion of the rm and occluded a section of the lower vessels . the remaining injections , done within five minutes of the first and with the same microcatheter , flowed into the remaining open vessels at the inferior entrance to the rm . an angiogram verified that flow to the inferior half of the left rm was blocked , yet flow to the superior portion of the rm from the ra and aa was maintained ( fig1 ). all nine swine recovered from the partial embolization procedure and were survived : three for one month and six for six months post - embolization . all nine swine showed no signs of neurological deterioration or abnormal behavior . a final angiogram , done immediately prior to sacrifice of the animals , showed that the left ap vessel remained occluded during the six - month survival . the superior rm and the cw remained patent in all nine chronic animals . the angiogram showed marked dilation of the feeding vessels ( basilar , aa and ra vessels ) as well as recruitment of new vessels to compensate for flow lost to the occluded ap vessel ( fig1 ). fluoroscopic imaging during the aneurysm embolization procedure showed vessel flow and aneurysm filling pre - embolization ( fig1 a ). the alginate was then injected to fill the aneurysm sac with protection of a balloon ( fig1 b ). the balloon was removed and vessel flow was imaged post - embolization . no signs of the aneurysm could be seen , verifying complete aneurysm occlusion ( fig1 c ). the survival aneurysm model occlusions resulted in 90 - 100 % occlusion of the aneurysm sac , and all 3 survival animals recovered with no signs of neurological deterioration or stroke . histology on the avm model tissue verified that algel was concentrated in the inferior portion of the rm , as seen by angiographic tracking of the algel injection into the left rm . no signs of algel were found in the sectioned cw histology slides . histology of the rm occlusion showed endothelial growth around the algel . the vessel walls appeared intact , with no signs of tissue damage . the algel underwent encapsulation that stabilized the occlusion long - term ( fig1 ). 1 - month follow - up angiograms on the 3 occluded aneurysm swine models showed that all three aneurysm models remained occluded and the parent vessel remained open . no evidence of alginate degradation or downstream propagation of the occlusion material was seen . no evidence of an abnormal immune response was seen , as determined by the parent vessel remaining patent . a controlled bioactive response appeared to seal the aneursym neck , effectively removing the aneurysm from the normal flow in the parent vessel . no overgrowth of abnormal tissue was seen at the aneurysm site , therefore no flow impedement or blockage was seen in the adjacent parent vessel . algel is non - adhesive and catheter retention was not an issue . algel appears to promote a positive bioactive response , and tissue growth that strengthens the polymer plug and serves as a permanent occlusion of the avm and aneurysm area . while the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred and alternative embodiments , it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims . it is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that the method and apparatus within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby . this description of the invention should be understood to include all novel and non - obvious combinations of elements described herein , and claims may be presented in this or a later application to any novel and non - obvious combination of these elements . the foregoing embodiments are illustrative , and no single feature or element is essential to all possible combinations that may be claimed in this or a later application . where the claims recite “ a ” or “ a first ” element of the equivalent thereof , such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements , neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements .	0
various embodiments and variants of the present invention are described hereinafter . the term “ about ,” as used herein , refers to any value which lies within the range defined by a number up to ± 10 % of the value . the term “ solvent ,” as used herein , includes , for example , saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbons , alcohols , ethers , halogenated hydrocarbons , carboxylic acids , ketones , amides , sulphoxides , water , or mixtures thereof . examples of saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbons include benzene , toluene , cyclohexane , and xylenes . examples of alcohols include methanol , ethanol , 1 - propanol , 1 - butanol , 2 - butanol , and tertiary alcohols having from one to six carbon atoms . examples of ethers include diethyl ether , ethyl methyl ether , diisopropyl ether , tetrahydrofuran , 2 - methyltetrahydrofuran , and 1 , 4 - dioxane . examples of halogenated hydrocarbons include dichloromethane and chloroform . examples of carboxylic acids include formic acid , acetic acid , and propionic acid . examples of ketones include acetone , diethyl ketone , ethyl methyl ketone , and methyl iso - butyl ketone . examples of amides include n , n - dimethylformamide and n , n - dimethylacetamide . examples of sulphoxides include dimethyl sulphoxide and diethyl sulphoxide . the term “ base ,” as used herein , includes , for example , inorganic and organic bases . examples of inorganic bases include hydroxides , carbonates , and bicarbonates of alkali and alkaline earth metals , ammonia , and sodium hydride . examples of alkali and alkaline earth metal hydroxides include lithium hydroxide , sodium hydroxide , potassium hydroxide , magnesium hydroxide , calcium hydroxide , and barium hydroxide . examples of alkali and alkaline earth metal carbonates include sodium carbonate , potassium carbonate , calcium carbonate , and magnesium carbonate . examples of alkali metal bicarbonates include sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate . examples of organic bases include n , n - diisopropylethylamine , pyridine , triethylamine , triisopropylamine , methylamine , n , n - 2 - trimethyl - 2 - propanamine , n - methylmorpholine , 4 - dimethylamino - pyridine , 2 , 6 - di - tert - butyl - 4 - dimethylamino - pyridine , 1 , 4 - diazabicyclo [ 2 . 2 . 2 ] octane , and 1 , 8 - diazabicyclo [ 5 . 4 . 0 ] undec - 7 - ene a first aspect of the present invention provides a process for the preparation of ertugliflozin of formula i , b ) protecting the compound of formula iii with benzyl bromide to obtain a compound of formula iv ; c ) deprotecting the compound of formula iv to obtain a compound of formula v ; d ) oxidizing the compound of formula v to obtain a compound of formula vi ; e ) reacting the compound of formula vi with formaldehyde in the presence of a base to obtain a compound of formula vii , a compound of formula viii , or a mixture thereof ; f ) optionally , reducing the compound of formula vii to obtain the compound of formula viii ; g ) cyclizing the compound of formula viii to obtain a compound of formula ix ; and h ) debenzylating the compound of formula ix to obtain ertugliflozin of formula i . a second aspect of the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula iii , a third aspect of the present invention provides a process for the preparation of ertugliflozin of formula i , with tert - butyldimethylsilyl chloride to obtain a compound of formula iii ; and a fourth aspect of the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound formula iv , a fifth aspect of the present invention provides a process for the preparation of ertugliflozin of formula i , with benzyl bromide to obtain a compound of formula iv ; and a sixth aspect of the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula iv , with tert - butyldimethylsilyl chloride to obtain a compound of formula iii ; and b ) protecting the compound of formula iii with benzyl bromide to obtain the compound of formula iv . a seventh aspect of the present invention provides a process for the preparation ertugliflozin of formula i , b ) protecting the compound of formula iii with benzyl bromide to obtain a compound of formula iv ; and an eighth aspect of the present invention provides a process for the preparation of compound formula v , a ninth aspect of the present invention provides a process for the preparation of ertugliflozin of formula i , a tenth aspect of the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound formula vii , with formaldehyde in the presence of a base to obtain the compound of formula vii . an eleventh aspect of the present invention provides a process for the preparation of ertugliflozin of formula i , with formaldehyde in the presence of a base to obtain a compound of formula vii ; and a twelfth aspect of the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound formula viii , a thirteenth aspect of the present invention provides a process for the preparation of ertugliflozin of formula i , a fourteenth aspect of the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound formula vii , b ) protecting the compound of formula iii with benzyl bromide to obtain a compound of formula iv ; and a fifteenth aspect of the present invention provides a process for the preparation of ertugliflozin of formula i , b ) protecting the compound of formula iii with benzyl bromide to obtain a compound of formula iv ; c ) converting the compound of formula iv to a compound of formula vii ; and a sixteenth aspect of the present invention provides a compound of formula iii . a seventeenth aspect of the present invention provides a compound of formula iv . an eighteenth aspect of the present invention provides a compound of formula vii . a nineteenth aspect of the present invention provides the use of compounds of formula iii , formula iv , or formula vii for the preparation of ertugliflozin of formula i or ertugliflozin l - pyroglutamic acid of formula ia . the present invention further provides the conversion of ertugliflozin of formula i to ertugliflozin l - pyroglutamic acid of formula ia . the compound of formula ii may be prepared by methods known in the art , for example , the methods described in u . s . pat . no . 8 , 283 , 454 or by the method as described herein . the compound of formula ii may be isolated , or the reaction mixture containing the compound of formula ii may be used as such for the next step . the protection of the compound of formula ii with tert - butyldimethylsilyl chloride to obtain the compound of formula iii is carried out in the presence of a base and a solvent . preferably , the base is triethylamine . preferably , the solvent is dichloromethane . the protection of the compound of formula ii is carried out at a temperature of about 10 ° c . to about 40 ° c . preferably , the protection is carried out at a temperature of about 25 ° c . to about 30 ° c . the protection of the compound of formula ii is carried out for about 6 hours to about 20 hours . preferably , the protection is carried out for about 10 hours to about 15 hours . the compound of formula iii may be isolated by employing one or more techniques selected from the group consisting of filtration , decantation , extraction , distillation , evaporation , chromatography , precipitation , concentration , crystallization , centrifugation , and recrystallization . the compound of formula iii may further be dried using conventional techniques , for example , drying , drying under vacuum , spray drying , freeze drying , air drying , or agitated thin film drying , or the reaction mixture containing the compound of formula iii may be used as such for the next step . the protection of the compound of formula iii with benzyl bromide to obtain the compound of formula iv is carried out in the presence of a base and a solvent . preferably , the base is sodium hydride . preferably , the solvent is n , n - dimethylformamide . the protection of a compound of formula iii with benzyl bromide is carried out at a temperature of about 10 ° c . to about 40 ° c . preferably , the protection is carried out at a temperature of about 25 ° c . to about 30 ° c . the protection of a compound of formula iii is carried out for about 1 hour to about 4 hours . preferably , the protection is carried out for about 1 hour to about 2 hours . the compound of formula iv may be isolated by employing one or more techniques selected from the group consisting of filtration , decantation , extraction , distillation , evaporation , chromatography , precipitation , concentration , crystallization , centrifugation , and recrystallization . the compound of formula iv may further be dried using conventional techniques , for example , drying , drying under vacuum , spray drying , freeze drying , air drying , or agitated thin film drying , or the reaction mixture containing the compound of formula iv may be used as such for the next step . the deprotection of the compound of formula iv to obtain the compound of formula v is carried out in the presence of an acid or an acid chloride , and a solvent . the acid is selected from the group consisting of organic acids or inorganic acids . examples of organic acids include formic acid and acetic acid . examples of inorganic acids include hydrochloric acid , sulphuric acid , nitric acid , and perchloric acid . the acid chloride is selected from the group consisting of acetyl chloride , oxalyl chloride , and thionyl chloride . preferably , the acid chloride is acetyl chloride . the deprotection of the compound of formula iv is carried out at a temperature of about 10 ° c . to about 40 ° c . preferably , the deprotection is carried out at a temperature of about 25 ° c . to about 30 ° c . the deprotection of the compound of formula iv is carried out for about 30 minutes to about 2 hours . preferably , the deprotection is carried out for about 1 hour . the deprotection of the compound of formula iv may also be carried out in the presence of a catalyst , for example , tetrabutylammonium fluoride . the compound of formula v may be isolated by employing one or more techniques selected from the group consisting of filtration , decantation , extraction , distillation , evaporation , chromatography , precipitation , concentration , crystallization , centrifugation , and recrystallization . the compound of formula v may further be dried using conventional techniques , for example , drying , drying under vacuum , spray drying , freeze drying , air drying , or agitated thin film drying , or the reaction mixture containing the compound of formula v may be used as such for the next step . the oxidation of the compound of formula v to obtain the compound of formula vi is carried out with oxalyl chloride and dimethyl sulfoxide in the presence of a base and a solvent . preferably , the base is triethylamine . preferably , the solvent is dichloromethane . the oxidation of the compound of formula v is carried out at a temperature of about 10 ° c . to about 40 ° c . preferably , the oxidation is carried out at a temperature of about 25 ° c . to about 30 ° c . the oxidation of the compound of formula v is carried out for about 1 hour to about 4 hours . preferably , the oxidation is carried out for about 1 hour to about 2 hours . the compound of formula vi may be isolated by employing one or more techniques selected from the group consisting of filtration , decantation , extraction , distillation , evaporation , chromatography , precipitation , concentration , crystallization , centrifugation , and recrystallization . the compound of formula vi may further be dried using conventional techniques , for example , drying , drying under vacuum , spray drying , freeze drying , air drying , or agitated thin film drying , or the reaction mixture containing the compound of formula vi may be used as such for the next step . the reaction of the compound of formula vi with formaldehyde in the presence of a base to obtain the compound of formula vii , the compound of formula viii , or the mixture thereof is carried out in a solvent at a temperature of about 10 ° c . to about 40 ° c . preferably , the reaction is carried out at a temperature of about 25 ° c . to about 30 ° c . preferably , the base is potassium hydroxide . preferably , the solvent is n , n - dimethylformamide . the amount of formaldehyde ( 37 % aqueous solution ) used for reacting the compound of formula vi with formaldehyde is about 1 mole equivalent to about 5 mole equivalents with respect to the compound of formula vi . preferably , the amount of formaldehyde is about 2 mole equivalents to about 3 mole equivalents with respect to the compound of formula vi . the amount of the base used for reacting the compound of formula vi with formaldehyde is about 1 mole equivalent to about 3 mole equivalents with respect to the compound of formula vi . preferably , the amount of the base is about 1 mole equivalent to about 1 . 5 mole equivalents with respect to the compound of formula vi . preferably , the potassium hydroxide is dissolved in water and cooled to a temperature of about 15 ° c . to about 20 ° c . prior to the addition . the reaction of the compound of formula vi with formaldehyde is carried out for about 2 hours to about 10 hours . preferably , the reaction is carried out for about 4 hours to about 8 hours . the compound of formula vii , the compound of formula viii , or the mixture thereof may be isolated by employing one or more techniques selected from the group consisting of filtration , decantation , extraction , distillation , evaporation , chromatography , precipitation , concentration , crystallization , centrifugation , and recrystallization . the compound of formula vii , the compound of formula viii , or the mixture thereof may further be dried using conventional techniques , for example , drying , drying under vacuum , spray drying , freeze drying , air drying , or agitated thin film drying , or the reaction mixture containing the compound of formula vii , the compound of formula viii , or the mixture thereof may be used as such for the next step . the reduction of the compound of formula vii to obtain the compound of formula viii is carried out in the presence of a reducing agent and a solvent . preferably , the solvent is methanol . the reducing agent is selected from the group consisting of sodium borohydride , lithium aluminum hydride , lithium borohydride , aluminum hydride , diisobutylaluminum hydride , raney nickel , and palladium / carbon . preferably , the reducing agent is sodium borohydride . the reduction of the compound of formula vii is carried out at a temperature of about 10 ° c . to about 40 ° c . preferably , the reduction is carried out at a temperature of about 20 ° c . to about 30 ° c . the reduction of the compound of formula vii is carried out for about 30 minutes to about 2 hours . preferably , the reduction is carried out for about 1 hour . the reaction of the compound of formula vi with formaldehyde in the presence of a base to obtain the compound of formula viii is carried out in a solvent at a temperature of about 10 ° c . to about 40 ° c . preferably , the reaction is carried out at a temperature of about 25 ° c . to about 30 ° c . preferably , the base is potassium hydroxide . preferably , the solvent is n , n - dimethylformamide . the amount of formaldehyde ( 37 % aqueous solution ) used for reacting the compound of formula vi with formaldehyde is about 10 mole equivalents to about 25 mole equivalents with respect to the compound of formula vi . preferably , the amount of formaldehyde is about 15 mole equivalents to about 20 mole equivalents with respect to the compound of formula vi . the amount of the base used for reacting the compound of formula vi with formaldehyde is about 1 mole equivalent to about 5 mole equivalents with respect to the compound of formula vi . preferably , the amount of the base used is about 2 mole equivalents to about 4 mole equivalents with respect to the compound of formula vi . preferably , the potassium hydroxide is dissolved in water and cooled to a temperature of about 15 ° c . to about 20 ° c . prior to the addition . the reaction of the compound of formula vi with formaldehyde is carried out for about 2 hours to about 10 hours . preferably , the reaction is carried out for about 4 hours to about 8 hours . the compound of formula viii may be isolated by employing one or more techniques selected from the group consisting of filtration , decantation , extraction , distillation , evaporation , chromatography , precipitation , concentration , crystallization , centrifugation , and recrystallization . the compound of formula viii may further be dried using conventional techniques , for example , drying , drying under vacuum , spray drying , freeze drying , air drying , or agitated thin film drying , or the reaction mixture containing the compound of formula viii may be used as such for the next step . the cyclization of the compound of formula viii to obtain the compound of formula ix is carried out in the presence of an acid and a solvent . preferably , the solvent is dichloromethane . the acid is selected from the group consisting of organic acids and inorganic acids . examples of organic acids include formic acid , acetic acid , and trifluoroacetic acid . examples of inorganic acids include hydrochloric acid , sulphuric acid , nitric acid , and perchloric acid . preferably , the acid is trifluoroacetic acid . the cyclization of the compound of formula viii is carried out at a temperature of about 10 ° c . to about 40 ° c . preferably , the cyclization is carried out at a temperature of about 25 ° c . to about 30 ° c . the cyclization of the compound of formula viii is carried out for about 2 hours to about 5 hours . preferably , the cyclization is carried out for about 3 hours to about 4 hours . the compound of formula ix may optionally be isolated by employing one or more techniques selected from the group consisting of filtration , decantation , extraction , distillation , evaporation , chromatography , precipitation , concentration , crystallization , centrifugation , and recrystallization . the compound of formula ix may further be dried using conventional techniques , for example , drying , drying under vacuum , spray drying , freeze drying , air drying , or agitated thin film drying . the debenzylation of the compound of formula ix to obtain ertugliflozin of formula i is carried out in the presence of a hydrogenation agent , hydrogen gas , and a solvent . the hydrogenation agent is selected from the group consisting of palladium / carbon , platinum oxide , and raney nickel . preferably , the hydrogenation agent is palladium / carbon . preferably , the solvent is a mixture of methanol and tetrahydrofuran . the debenzylation of the compound of formula ix is carried out in the presence of 1 , 2 - dichlorobenzene . the debenzylation of the compound of formula ix is carried out at a hydrogen pressure , for example , of about 1 . 5 kg per cm 2 to about 4 . 0 kg per cm 2 , preferably at a hydrogen pressure of about 3 kg per cm 2 to about 3 . 5 kg per cm 2 . the debenzylation of the compound of formula ix is carried out at a temperature of about 10 ° c . to about 40 ° c . preferably , the debenzylation is carried out at a temperature of about 25 ° c . to about 30 ° c . the debenzylation of the compound of formula ix is carried out for about 2 hours to about 6 hours . preferably , the debenzylation is carried out for about 4 hours . the ertugliflozin of formula i may be isolated by employing one or more techniques selected from the group consisting of filtration , decantation , extraction , distillation , evaporation , chromatography , precipitation , concentration , crystallization , centrifugation , and recrystallization . the ertugliflozin of formula i may further be dried using conventional techniques , for example , drying , drying under vacuum , spray drying , freeze drying , air drying , or agitated thin film drying . the ertugliflozin of formula i is optionally purified by dissolving ertugliflozin in methyl tert - butyl ether followed by the addition of n - hexane . further , ertugliflozin of formula i may be converted into ertugliflozin l - pyroglutamic acid by following the process described in the art , for example , in u . s . pat . no . 8 , 080 , 580 . while the present invention has been described in terms of its specific aspects , certain modifications and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention . the following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way . nmr spectrum was recorded using a bruker avance iii ( 400 mhz ) nmr spectrometer . the mass spectrum was recorded using a mass ( api 2000 ) lc / ms / ms system , ab sciex ® qtrap ® lc / ms / ms system . 3 , 4 , 5 - trihydroxy - 6 -( hydroxymethyl ) tetrahydro - 2h - pyran - 2 - one ( 100 g ) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran ( 1 l ) to obtain a solution . n - methylmorpholine ( 455 . 9 g ) was added to the mixture , and the reaction mixture was cooled to 0 ° c . to 5 ° c . trimethylsilyl chloride ( 366 g ) was added to the reaction mixture , and then the mixture was stirred for 15 hours at 35 ° c . to 40 ° c . the reaction mixture was cooled to 0 ° c . to 5 ° c . ethyl acetate ( 1 l ) and deionized water ( 1 l ) were added , and then the layers were separated . the organic layer was washed with deionized water ( 1 l ) and an aqueous sodium chloride solution ( 5 %, 1 l ), and then concentrated under reduced pressure . the residue obtained was dissolved in toluene ( 200 ml ), then filtered through a hyflo ®, and then concentrated under reduced pressure . the residue was again dissolved in toluene ( 200 ml ), and then concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the title compound . 5 - bromo - 2 - chloro benzoic acid ( 100 g ) was dissolved in dichloromethane ( 200 ml ) to obtain a solution . n , n - dimethylformamide ( 1 ml ) and oxalyl chloride ( 91 . 6 g ) were added to the reaction mixture , and then the mixture was stirred for 15 hours at 25 ° c . to 30 ° c . the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure at 40 ° c . to 45 ° c . dichloromethane ( 80 ml ) was added to the mixture , and then the mixture was cooled to 0 ° c . to 5 ° c . ethyl phenyl ether ( 51 . 9 g ) and aluminum chloride ( 64 g ) were added to the mixture , and then the mixture was stirred for 2 hours at 0 ° c . to 10 ° c . the reaction mixture was poured into chilled water ( 600 ml ) maintained at 0 ° c . to 5 ° c ., and then stirred for 60 minutes . deionized water ( 200 ml ) and dichloromethane ( 350 ml ) were added to the mixture , and then the layers were separated . the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane ( 350 ml ). the combined organic layers were washed with aqueous hydrochloric acid ( 1 l , 100 ml hydrochloric acid in 900 ml deionized water ), an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution ( 4 %, 1 l ), and an aqueous sodium chloride solution ( 20 %, 1 l ), successively . the organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain an oily residue ( 115 g ). ethanol ( 250 ml ) was added to the oily residue , then the mixture was stirred for 5 minutes , then deionized water ( 100 ml ) was added to the mixture , and then the mixture was stirred for 60 minutes at 20 ° c . to 25 ° c . the mixture was filtered , and the wet solid obtained was washed with a mixture of deionized water ( 120 ml ) and ethanol ( 60 ml ). ethanol ( 250 ml ) was added to the wet solid and the slurry obtained was stirred for 5 minutes . deionized water ( 100 ml ) was added to the mixture over 20 minutes , and then the mixture was stirred for 60 minutes at 20 ° c . to 25 ° c . the solid was filtered , then washed with a mixture of water ( 120 ml ) and ethanol ( 60 ml ) and then dried under reduced pressure at 40 ° c . to 45 ° c . for 12 hours to 15 hours to afford the title compound . aluminum chloride ( 176 . 6 g ) was added to dimethyl ether ( 900 ml ) at 0 ° c . to 5 ° c . to obtain a reaction mixture . sodium borohydride ( 50 g ) was added to the mixture in lots over 30 minutes at 0 ° c . to 5 ° c ., and then the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at 0 ° c . to 5 ° c . a solution of ( 5 - bromo - 2 - chlorophenyl )( 4 - ethoxyphenyl ) methanone ( 225 g , example 2 ) in dimethyl ether ( 450 ml ) was added slowly at 0 ° c . to 25 ° c . the temperature of the reaction mixture was raised to 60 ° c . to 65 ° c ., and then the mixture was stirred for 30 hours . the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure at 40 ° c . to 45 ° c ., and the obtained residue was cooled to 0 ° c . to 5 ° c . the obtained residue was slowly added into precooled deionized water ( 2250 ml ) at 0 ° c . to 10 ° c . ethyl acetate ( 2250 ml ) was added to the mixture , and then the mixture was stirred for 10 minutes . the layers were separated , and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate ( 450 ml ). the combined organic layers were washed with an aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution ( 8 %, 1125 ml ) and deionized water ( 450 ml ), and then concentrated under reduced pressure at 40 ° c . to 45 ° c . methanol ( 675 ml ) was added to the mixture , then the mixture was cooled to 0 ° c . to 5 ° c ., then stirred for 1 hour at 0 ° c . to 5 ° c ., and then the solid was filtered . the wet solid obtained was washed with precooled methanol ( 75 ml ), and then dried under vacuum at 40 ° c . to 45 ° c . for 12 hours to 15 hours to afford the title compound . a mixture of tetrahydrofuran ( 400 ml ) and toluene ( 600 ml ) was cooled to − 75 ° c . to − 70 ° c . n - butyllithium ( 160 ml , 2 . 3 m ) was slowly added at − 75 ° to − 60 ° c . over 30 minutes . a solution of 4 - bromo - 1 - chloro - 2 -( 4 - ethoxybenzyl ) benzene ( 100 g dissolved in 300 ml toluene , example 3 ) was added at − 75 ° c . to − 60 ° c . over 30 minutes , and then the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at − 75 ° c . to − 70 ° c . a solution of 3 , 4 , 5 - tris [( trimethylsilyl ) oxy ]- 6 -{[( trimethylsilyl ) oxy ] methyl } tetrahydro - 2h - pyran - 2 - one ( 65 . 6 g , example 1 ) in toluene ( 700 ml ) was added at − 75 ° c . to − 60 ° c . over 60 minutes , and then the mixture was stirred for 2 hours at − 75 ° c . to − 70 ° c . a solution of methane sulfonic acid ( 30 ml ) in methanol ( 670 ml ) was added at − 75 ° c . to − 70 ° c . over 60 minutes . the reaction mixture was warmed to 20 ° c . to 25 ° c ., and was then stirred for 18 hours . an aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution ( 8 %, 500 ml ) and ethyl acetate ( 500 ml ) were added to the reaction mixture . the layers were separated , and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate ( 2 × 500 ml ). the combined organic layers were washed with an aqueous sodium chloride solution ( 5 %, 500 ml ), and then concentrated under reduced pressure at 40 ° c . to 45 ° c . the residue was dissolved in toluene ( 200 ml ), and then hexane ( 700 ml ) was added under nitrogen . the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes , then filtered under nitrogen , and then washed with hexane ( 100 ml ) to obtain a wet solid . the wet solid was dried under reduced pressure at 35 ° c . to 40 ° c . for 12 hours to 15 hours to afford the title compound . methyl - 1 - c -[ 4 - chloro - 3 -( 4 - ethoxybenzyl ) phenyl ]- α - d - glucopyrano side ( 75 g , formula ii , example 4 ) was dissolved in dichloromethane ( 750 ml ) to obtain a solution . triethylamine ( 86 . 43 g ) was added to the solution , and then the mixture was cooled to 10 ° c . to 15 ° c . tert - butyldimethylsilyl chloride ( 30 . 9 g ) was added to the mixture at 10 ° c . to 15 ° c ., and then the mixture was stirred for 12 hours to 15 hours at 25 ° c . to 30 ° c . an aqueous ammonium chloride solution ( 20 %, 750 ml ) was added to the mixture , the mixture was stirred for 10 minutes to 15 minutes , and then the layers were separated . the organic layer was washed with deionized water ( 375 ml ) and an aqueous sodium chloride solution ( 20 %, 375 ml ), successively . the organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure at 40 ° c . to 45 ° c . and the residue was as such used for the next step . 1 h nmr ( 400 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ ppm 0 . 09 ( s , 3h ), 0 . 11 ( s , 3h ), 0 . 91 ( s , 12h ), 1 . 39 ( t , j = 8 hz , 3h ), 3 . 06 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 20 - 3 . 22 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 63 - 3 . 66 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 87 - 3 . 96 ( m , 7h ), 6 . 80 ( d , j = 11 . 6 hz , 2h ), 7 . 07 ( d , j = 8 . 64 , 2h ), 7 . 30 ( dd , j 1 = 8 . 32 hz , j 2 = 2 . 1 hz , 1h ), 7 . 34 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 37 ( t , j = 2 . 04 hz , 1h ) methyl 6 - o -[ tert - butyl ( dimethyl ) silyl ]- 1 - c -[ 4 - chloro - 3 -( 4 - ethoxybenzyl ) phenyl ]- α - d - glucopyranoside ( formula iii , example 5 ) was dissolved in n , n - dimethylformamide ( 300 ml ), and then the mixture was cooled to 0 ° c . to 5 ° c . sodium hydride ( 33 . 9 g ) was added to the mixture , and then the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes . benzyl bromide ( 118 . 6 g ) was added to the mixture at 0 ° c . to 25 ° c ., and then the mixture was stirred for 2 hours at 25 ° c . to 30 ° c . the mixture was cooled to 0 ° c . to 5 ° c ., and then an aqueous ammonium chloride solution ( 5 %, 1500 ml ) and ethyl acetate ( 750 ml ) were added . the layers were separated , and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate ( 750 ml ). the combined organic layers were washed with deionized water ( 750 ml ), and then concentrated under reduced pressure at 40 ° c . to 45 ° c . the obtained residue was used as such for the next step . 1 h nmr ( 400 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ ppm 0 . 01 ( s , 3h ), 0 . 03 ( s , 3h ), 0 . 85 ( s , 12h ), 1 . 3 ( t , j = 8 hz , 3h ), 2 . 98 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 23 ( d , j = 9 . 5 hz , 1h ), 3 . 60 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 70 - 3 . 91 ( m , 7h ), 3 . 97 - 4 . 10 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 43 ( d , j = 10 . 6 hz , 1h ), 4 . 65 ( d , j = 10 . 8 hz , 1h ), 4 . 81 - 4 . 84 ( m , 3h ), 6 . 66 ( d , j = 8 . 7 hz , 2h ), 6 . 92 - 6 . 98 ( m , 4h ), 7 . 08 - 7 . 13 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 15 - 7 . 28 ( m , 12h ), 7 . 38 - 7 . 40 ( m , 1h ) methyl 2 , 3 , 4 - tri - o - benzyl - 6 - o -[ tert - butyl ( dimethyl ) silyl ]- 1 - c -[ 4 - chloro - 3 -( 4 - ethoxybenzyl ) phenyl ]- α - d - glucopyranoside ( formula iv , example 6 ) was dissolved in a mixture of methanol ( 750 ml ) and dichloromethane ( 75 ml ). acetyl chloride ( 13 . 6 g ) was added to the mixture at 25 ° c . to 30 ° c ., and then the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes . deionized water ( 750 ml ) was added to the mixture , and then the layers were separated . the organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure at 40 ° c . to 45 ° c ., and the residue was used as such for the next step . oxalyl chloride ( 43 . 3 g ) was added to dichloromethane ( 750 ml ), and then the mixture was cooled to − 80 ° c . to − 75 ° c . a solution of dimethyl sulfoxide ( 40 g ) in dichloromethane ( 375 ml ) was slowly added to the mixture , and then the mixture was stirred at − 80 ° c . to − 75 ° c . for 30 minutes . a solution of methyl 2 , 3 , 4 - tri - o - benzyl - 1 - c -[ 4 - chloro - 3 -( 4 - ethoxybenzyl ) phenyl ]- α - d - glucopyranoside ( formula v , example 7 ) in dichloromethane ( 375 ml ) was slowly added at − 80 ° c . to − 65 ° c . over 30 minutes , and then the mixture was stirred for 2 hours . triethylamine ( 86 . 4 g ) was added at − 80 ° c . to − 65 ° c ., then the temperature was raised to 25 ° c . to 30 ° c ., and then the mixture was stirred for 2 hours . aqueous hydrochloric acid ( 10 %, 750 ml ) was added , and then the layers were separated . the organic layer was washed with deionized water ( 750 ml ), and concentrated under reduced pressure at 40 ° c . to 45 ° c . the obtained residue was used as such for the next step . methyl 2 , 3 , 4 - tri - o - benzyl - 1 - c -[ 4 - chloro - 3 -( 4 - ethoxybenzyl ) phenyl ]- α - d - gluco - hexodialdo - 1 , 5 - pyranoside ( formula vi , example 8 ) was dissolved in n , n - dimethylformamide ( 750 ml ), and then the mixture was cooled to 10 ° c . to 15 ° c . an aqueous formaldehyde solution ( 37 %, 150 ml ) was added to the mixture at 10 ° c . to 15 ° c ., followed by the addition of an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution ( 4 . 8 g in 75 ml water ) at 15 ° c . to 20 ° c . the temperature of the reaction mixture was raised to 25 ° c . to 30 ° c ., and then the mixture was stirred for 8 hours . an aqueous sodium chloride solution ( 10 %, 3750 ml ) and ethyl acetate ( 750 ml ) were added to the mixture , and then the layers were separated . the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate ( 750 ml ). the combined organic layers were washed with deionized water ( 2 × 750 ml ), and then the organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure at 40 ° c . to 45 ° c . the obtained residue was used as such for the next step . methyl 2 , 3 , 4 - tri - o - benzyl - 1 - c -[ 4 - chloro - 3 -( 4 - ethoxybenzyl ) phenyl ]- 5 -( hydroxymethyl )- α - d - gluco - hexodialdo - 1 , 5 - pyranoside ( formula vii , example 9 ) was dissolved in methanol ( 750 ml ). sodium borohydride ( 9 . 7 g ) was slowly added to the mixture at 20 ° c . to 25 ° c ., and then the mixture was stirred for 1 hour . the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure at 40 ° c . to 45 ° c . ethyl acetate ( 750 ml ) and deionized water ( 750 ml ) were added to the obtained residue , then the layers were separated , and then the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate ( 375 ml ). the combined organic layers were washed with deionized water ( 750 ml ), and then concentrated under reduced pressure at 40 ° c . to 45 ° c . the obtained residue was used as such for the next step . methyl 2 , 3 , 4 - tri - o - benzyl - 1 - c -[ 4 - chloro - 3 -( 4 - ethoxybenzyl ) phenyl ]- α - d - gluco - hexodialdo - 1 , 5 - pyranoside ( formula vi , example 8 , 5 g equivalent of formula ii ) was dissolved in n , n - dimethylformamide ( 50 ml ), and then the mixture was cooled to 10 ° c . to 15 ° c . an aqueous formaldehyde solution ( 37 %, 18 . 5 ml ) was added to the mixture at 10 ° c . to 15 ° c ., followed by the addition of an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution ( 1 . 3 g in 6 . 5 ml water ) at 15 ° c . to 20 ° c . the temperature of the reaction mixture was raised to 25 ° c . to 30 ° c ., and then the mixture was stirred for 5 hours . an aqueous sodium chloride solution ( 10 %, 250 ml ) and ethyl acetate ( 250 ml ) were added to the mixture , and then the layers were separated . the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate ( 50 ml ). the combined organic layers were washed with deionized water ( 2 × 125 ml ), and then the organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure at 40 ° c . to 45 ° c . to afford the title compound . methyl 2 , 3 , 4 - tri - o - benzyl - 1 - c -[ 4 - chloro - 3 -( 4 - ethoxybenzyl ) phenyl ]- 5 -( hydroxymethyl )- α - d - glucopyranoside ( formula viii , example 10 ) was dissolved in dichloromethane ( 750 ml ), and then the mixture was cooled to − 10 ° c . to − 5 ° c . to obtain a reaction mixture . trifluoroacetic acid ( 38 . 9 g ) was slowly added to the mixture , and then the mixture was stirred at − 10 ° c . to − 5 ° c . for 1 hour . the temperature was raised to 25 ° c . to 30 ° c ., and then the mixture was stirred for 4 hours . an aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution ( 8 %, 750 ml ) was added to the mixture , and then the mixture was stirred for 10 minutes to 15 minutes . the layers were separated , and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane ( 375 ml ). the combined organic layers were concentrated under reduced pressure at 40 ° c . to 45 ° c . the residue thus obtained was purified by column chromatography using ethyl acetate - hexane . the oily mass obtained was further purified by crystallization in ethyl acetate ( 25 ml ) and hexane ( 400 ml ) to afford the title compound . {( 1s , 2s , 3s , 4r , 5s )- 2 , 3 , 4 - tris ( benzyloxy )- 5 -[ 4 - chloro - 3 -( 4 - ethoxybenzyl ) phenyl ]- 6 , 8 - dioxabicyclo [ 3 . 2 . 1 ] oct - 1 - yl } methanol ( 18 g , formula ix , example 12 ) was dissolved in a mixture of methanol ( 270 ml ) and tetrahydrofuran ( 270 ml ) to obtain a reaction mixture . 1 , 2 - dichlorobenzene ( 9 ml ) and palladium / carbon ( 10 %, 5 . 44 g ) were added to the reaction mixture , and then the mixture was twice flushed with 2 kg per cm 2 hydrogen gas pressure . the reaction mixture was agitated under hydrogen gas pressure ( 3 kg per cm 2 to 3 . 5 kg per cm 2 ) at 25 ° c . to 30 ° c . for 6 hours . the mixture was filtered through a hyflo ®, and then the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure at 40 ° c . to 45 ° c . to obtain a residue . the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate ( 180 ml ), and then washed with an aqueous sodium chloride solution ( 10 %, 2 × 180 ml ). the organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure at 40 ° c . to 45 ° c . to afford the title compound . ( 1s , 2s , 3s , 4r , 5s )- 5 -{ 4 - chloro - 3 -[( 4 - ethoxyphenyl ) methyl ] phenyl }- 1 -( hydroxymethyl )- 6 , 8 - dioxabicyclo [ 3 . 2 . 1 ] octane - 2 , 3 , 4 - triol ( 11 g , formula i , example 13 ) was dissolved in methyl tert - butyl ether ( 11 ml ), and then n - hexane ( 88 ml ) was added slowly to the mixture at 25 ° c . to 30 ° c . the reaction mixture was stirred for 3 hours , then filtered , and then washed with n - hexane ( 44 ml ) to obtain a wet solid . the wet solid was dried under reduced pressure at 25 ° c . to 30 ° c . for 12 hours to afford the title compound .	2
the process of this invention is applicable to high solids content alkenoic acid - alkyl acrylate latexes . the term high solids content means that the amount of the copolymer remaining in the latex after removal of the water is in the range from 10 - 55 % by weight based on the original latex . preferably , this range is from 35 - 45 weight percent . the invention is broadly applicable to alkenoic acid - alkyl acrylate copolymer latexes having about 8 to about 50 % and preferably about 15 to about 30 % by weight of alkenoic acid . preferably , the alkenoic acid is methacrylic acid . however , the alkenoic acid used can be a mixture of acrylic and methacrylic acid if desired . the preferred copolymer latex is an ethyl acrylate - methacrylic acid latex containing about 15 to about 30 % by weight of methacrylic acid . the alkyl acrylate used to make the copolymers can have 1 - 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety . examples of these are the lower alkyl groups such as methyl , ethyl , propyl , butyl , groups as well as the higher alkyl groups such as the octadecyl , heptadecyl , and hexadecyl groups if desired . preferably , the alkyl groups can have 1 - 6 carbon atoms . the copolymer latex is combined with the aqueous alkali metal hydroxide by continuously flowing metered streams of these materials together at the inlet of a low shear positive displacement zone . examples of the apparatus which provides the low shear displacement zone that can be used herein are low shear positive displacement pumps such as a tuthill twin impeller pump or if desired one can impinge the two streams together under high pressure in a suitable chamber . the combined streams are then mixed under low shear conditions to minimize polymer degradation . this is accomplished in a static mixer zone having at least 5 fixed elements and preferably 7 - 25 fixed elements . the temperature during the mixing step is maintained in the range from about 40 ° to about 90 ° c and preferably from about 70 ° to about 80 ° c to reduce the viscosity of the mixture . the mixture is then heated or maintained at a temperature in the range from about 40 ° to about 90 ° c and preferably from about 70 ° to about 80 ° c for a period of time sufficient to allow any residual alkali metal hydroxide to saponify a like amount of alkyl acrylate moieties . this step is generally carried out in a stirred reactor having appropriate heating mechanism . however , a coiled tube reactor may be used if desired provided that it is long enough and heated high enough to give the desired residence time in the reactor to complete the saponification . the invention is illustrated by , but not limited to , the following preparation and examples . the acrylic latex used in the following examples was prepared as described below : ______________________________________part a2120 . 0 g water6 . 0 g sodium bisulfite1 . 3 g sodium persulfate15 . 4 g surfactant ( dowfax 2a1 ) part b1158 . 0 g ethyl acrylate386 . 0 g methacrylic acidpart c175 . 0 g water3 . 9 g sodium persulfate______________________________________ part a was charged to a 5000 ml round bottom flask equipped with stirrer , heating mantle , cooling fan , and inlets for feed streams . the stirrer was turned on and dry nitrogen bubbled through the solution for 30 minutes to purge the system of air . part a was then brought to 60 ° c and 10 % of part b added . when the exotherm subsided , part b was fed in over the next 5 hours and part c for 30 minutes longer . the latex was then digested at 60 ° c for 60 minutes , cooled to 40 ° c , filtered through a 100 mesh filter , and bottled . it assayed 39 . 5 % non - volatiles . the copolymer was calculated to be about 75 weight percent ethyl acrylate and 25 weight percent methacrylic acid . a blend of five copolymer latexes prepared as in preparation 1 ( except that one run contained 85 % ethyl acrylate ) was fed to a tuthill positive displacement pump at a rate of about 20 cc per minute where it contacted a feed of about 40 cc per minute of sodium hydroxide solutions of various concentrations . the combined streams were then mixed in a static mixer having 10 elements which was heated to various temperatures . the pressure required to push the mixture through the mixer was recorded . following this , the mixture was heated at 50 °- 80 ° c in a stirred reactor for 6 hours or until the ph stabilized at 7 to 8 to convert the latexes into a water solution of the sodium salts of the copolymer . in the experiments of table i , the sodium hydroxide is equivalent to 48 mole percent of the polymer repeating units as shown in the following calculation for the latex blend containing 39 . 55 percent solids ( calculated to be 76 . 8 mole percent ethyl acrylate and 23 . 2 mole percent methacrylic acid ). one hundred grams of latex contains 39 . 55 g polymer consisting of : __________________________________________________________________________30 . 37g ethyl acrylate = 0 . 3037 moles9 . 17 g methacrylic acid = 0 . 1067 moles39 . 55g total 0 . 4104 moles × 0 . 48 = 0 . 1970 moles naoh = 15 . 76 g 50 % naoh__________________________________________________________________________ assuming complete reaction the polymer composition for 100 g latex is : ______________________________________moles compound m . w . grams______________________________________0 . 1067 sodium methacrylate 108 11 . 520 . 0903 sodium acrylate 94 8 . 490 . 2134 ethyl acrylate ( unconverted ) 100 21 . 340 . 4104 total 41 . 35 g / 100 g latex______________________________________ ______________________________________ethanol ( from saponification of ethyl acrylate ) 4 . 15 gwater ( in 50 % sodium hydroxide ) 7 . 88 gwater ( in latex ) 60 . 45 gwater ( from neutralization of methacrylic acid ) 1 . 92 gtotal 74 . 40 g / 100 g latex______________________________________ therefore without additional dilution , solids content of the blend is : ## equ1 ## the usual reactant charge was 300 g of latex , and 47 . 3 g 50 percent sodium hydroxide solution , diluted to the concentrations listed in table i . the results of these experiments and two controls are shown in table i . table i______________________________________ aqueous naoh static inlet conc . mixer pressure (% by temp . ( static prod . conc . runs wt .% (° c ) mixer ) ( wt . % solids ) ______________________________________control 1 7 . 8 25 180 psi 20example 1 7 . 8 50 50 psi 20example 2 13 . 4 60 80 psi 25example 3 13 . 4 73 50 psi 25control 2 15 . 8 80 170 psi 27______________________________________ from the above table it can be seen that it is important to control temperature and concentration in order to minimize the viscosity of the streams in the static mixer . the pressure at the inlet to the static mixer is directly dependent on the viscosity of the material passing through the mixer .	2
in the following examples of portable electric hand tools are described as preferred embodiments of the system for accident prevention — whereby after a description of the individual system components , their functions and use will be explained . as indicated at the outset , data which authorizes a user to begin the operation and the use of an electrical hand tool is transmitted by means of a user end device or terminal over the body of the user to the portable electric hand tool . in fig1 an embodiment of a user end device or terminal 2 has been schematically illustrated . the authorization data or the use of a portable electric hand tool is transmitted from the user end device or terminal 2 , which can also be described as a signal transmitter utilizing signals transmitted through the skin of a user . this can be achieved in that the signals of the user end device or terminal 2 can be applied directly to the skin via a contact location or indirectly coupled to the skin capacitatively and / or inductively . for this purpose a contact location or for capacitative and / or inductive coupling , components serving as a pole can be used , whereby for the other pole , parasitic capacity between the user end device or terminal 2 and the receiver described in the following can he used ( for example ground , body , the ground potential of the portable electric hand tool , etc ). with an indirect , capacitative and / or inductive coupling of signals , by means of appropriate couplers , stray fields are produced which feed the signals of the user end device or terminal 2 to the skin . for transmitting of signals directly through a contact location , the user end device or terminal to itself can directly contact the skin of the user or can be connected with a device ( for example electrodes , patches , etc .) directly in contact with the skin . for the user end device or terminal 2 schematically illustrated in fig1 , for the capacitative and / or indicative coupling of signals , a coupling unit 4 is provided for the direct coupling of the signals through a contact location with the skin of the user with a contact region 6 and for the transmission by means of an electrode connected with the body of the user and the like , signal output 8 is provided . the components 4 , 6 and 8 of the user end device or terminal 2 have been designated in the following collectively as the output unit 10 . by contrast of the illustration of fig1 , output unit 10 can comprise individual components or a plurality of each of the components 4 , 6 and 8 is determined basically by the nature of the device or machine with which the user end device or terminal 2 is employed and how a user will use the user end device or terminal 2 . when , for example , a portable electrical tool is to be provided with a user end device or terminal 2 which has been formed as a check card or chip card , the output unit 10 of the user end device or terminal 2 need only be equipped with the coupling device 4 . in order to use the portable electric hand tool by coupling the authorization data to the skin of the user and , as described in the following to the portable electric hand tool , no direct contact of the user and device or terminal 2 with the skin of the user is required . rather , by means of the coupling device 4 , the required signals for transmitting authorization data to the skin of the user can be coupled to the skin when the user end device or terminal 2 for example when provided in the trouser pocket or shirt pocket . if the user of a portable electric hand tool , also required for its use to wear a protective helmet , protective glasses or the like , the user end device or terminal 2 , for the purposes described can for example be integrated in such protective clothing and can be equipped with an output unit 10 provided with one of the coupling devices and / or a contact region 6 . in order to ensure that the output unit will rest against the skin of the user in a manner required for signal transmission or signal coupling , at least the coupling unit 4 and / or the contact region 6 is so arranged on the protective clothing that , with the protective clothing that , when the protective clothing is put on , a coupling of the authorization data or a direct contact of the contact region 6 with the skin of the user will be ensured . for example , the contact region 6 can be so arranged in a region of the protective glasses that when the protective glasses are put on , a portion of the ear or the bridge of the nose of the use will be contacted thereby . the same applies in the case of a capacitative and / or inductive skin transmission . to produce the signals to be transmitted via the output unit 10 , a signal generator 12 is used which for example can be a voltage - controlled oscillator ( vco ). to generate signals reproducing the authorization data , it is provided to drive the signal generator with different frequencies , different frequency durations , different signal intervals and combinations thereof so that the so generated signals have characteristics which will as described in the following serve for testing the auhorization of a user . it is further permissible in this manner to distinguish between different user end devices or terminals 2 by means of he signal generator . with the embodiment schematically illustrated in fig2 of the user end device or terminal 2 , the signals generated by the signal generator 12 can have information impressed thereon by means of amplitude and / or frequency modulation . apart from a key of such information , it is possible to repetitively modulate the signals of the signal generator 12 when the information , especially with the information at least partly characterizes a user identification code and / or authorization data . it is also possible correspondingly to prepare authorization data using the signal generator signal and onto which modulated information or a combination thereof can be applied . as can be seen from fig2 , the modulation of signals of the signal generator 12 with information uses mixer or modulation 14 . to control the signal generator 12 and the modulator 14 , a computer unit 16 is provided which serves as a configurator . the configurator 16 can control the signal generator 12 and the modulator 14 or further components as described in the following of the user end device or terminal 2 based upon a predetermined algorithm which is fixed in the configurator 16 , for example in a rom component thereof . to achieve different control sequences with the configurator 16 , the configurator 16 can be programmable by means of an input unit 18 and / or by supplying it with corresponding control data which can have been deposited in a memory 20 . if for example authorization data is to be reproduced which contains modulating information in these signals with a predetermined frequency , the configurator 16 will control the signal generator 12 to produce the predetermined signal frequency . to modulate that frequency with information capable of characterizing the authorization data at least in part , the configurator 16 is connected to a memory 20 containing the corresponding data . the data memory 20 is transmitted from he configurator 16 to the modulator 14 together with corresponding control commands for producing signals at the output unit 10 which can be transmitted and which have the predetermined frequency and the modulating information . a cyclical output of the data from the memory 20 can be achieved for example when the memory 20 is formed as a shift register with a serial output so formed that the data is applied repetitively to the configurator 16 . for this purpose a clock or cadence generator 22 is used to control the data of memory 20 , for example , bit - wise or byte - wise . to be able to detect the start of the signal containing the modulating information for the signal generator 12 , before the modulation of the data for the memory 20 , suitable information ( e . g . start bits ) of signals are applied for modulation purposes to the signal generator 12 . this is especially significant when the data from the memory 20 is provided repetitively as modulating signals for the signal generator 12 . by means of a clock or timer 24 , upon transmission of authorizing data and the signals carrying same , a pause or interval is defined after which the next reproduced signal frequency with the authorization data is transmitted . to reduce the power required for the operation of the user end device or terminal 2 , during the pause or interval , the user end device or terminal 2 or at least one or more components thereof can be set in a stand - by mode or a slip mode . a further advantage of the use of pauses or intervals between signal frequencies is that , with the use of a plurality of user end units 2 , the pause can allow an individual or a plurality of user end devices 2 to transmit their signals in a collision - free manner . furthermore it is provided that the lengths of the pauses can be randomized to reduce the probability that in the use of a plurality of user - end devices or terminals 2 , signal transmission will partly overlap or intersect one another in a time sense . in order to check whether the user end device has transmitted its signals in an error - free manner or has received them in an error - free manner , the configurator 16 can provide a test sum characterization information by means of which the modulator 14 can modulate the signals of the signal generator 12 . in the following table ( table 1 ) the components and their functions for the user end device or terminal according to fig2 have been set forth : for supplying energy to the user end device or terminal 2 , batteries or accumulators can be used , whereby as described previously , by means of the cadence timer 24 , distinct operating pacers or intervals can reduce the power consumption and thus increase the overall operating duration . such energy sources can also be enhanced by solar cells which have not been shown in the figures or can be provided by such solar cells . the use of solar cells for the energy supply to the user end device or terminal has further advantages . it is especially advantageous with the use of a device or a machine which is required , for safety reasons , to be used in a workplace of sufficient brightness or at least of minimum brightness value , whereby the energy supply to the user end device or terminal will be carried out with solar cells so configured that the user end device or terminal 2 can only be operated when light in sufficient quantity is available at the workplace . for example , it is possible to use a solar cell for energy supply to the user device or terminal 2 on the protective glasses or on a protective helmet . when the brightness prevailing in the workplace is too low , the solar cell will not produce the required energy to operate the user end device or terminal 2 . to set in operation and use an apparatus or machine , the requisite authorization data can comprise specific person data which allows a user of the user end device or terminal to be singularly identified . depending upon which apparatus or machine is to be used with the user end device or terminal 2 , the latter can be equipped with attachment needles , key hangers , adhesives or the like . furthermore the function of the user device or terminal 2 may be provided in other articles or products by integrating its functional components therein . thus it is possible , for example , by the incorporation of corresponding components and circuitry to integrate the user end device or terminal 2 or its function in safety shoes , protective helmets , safety glasses and comparable articles of clothing to make available the functions of the user end devices or terminals 2 shown in fig1 and 2 . especially the user end device or terminal 2 can be formed as a press button which can be riveted or otherwise connected to an article of clothing . in a further embodiment , the user end device or terminal 2 including its energy source , can be provided in a flat card comparable to a check card or credit card as shown in fig3 schematically , the signal can be coupled into the body of the user by means of a capacitive circuit 26 . to receive the signals transmitted by the user end device or terminal 2 , a signal receiver is used . in the embodiment schematically illustrated in fig4 , the signal receiver 28 and , to receive signals from the user end device or terminal , of interface unit 30 . as described at the outset , the interface unit 30 of the signal receiver comprises a contact - sensitive unit ( not shown ) and / or an inductive and / or capacitive unit which can receive the signals from the user end device or terminal 2 by contact with the contact - sensitive unit of the user or by means of inductive or capacitive coupling . in addition , the signal receiver 28 comprises an active high amplification band pass 32 for spacing noise signals , for example especially ripple voltage ( or hum ). this is optionally connected with an operational amplifier 34 in order to amplify the signals of the band pass 32 . the signals of the band pass 32 or the operational amplifier 34 is supplied to a sound decoder 36 . the sound decoder 36 can have a predetermined evaluation frequency which can be adjustable by an rc network in order to detect the existence and duration of corresponding signals to those transmitted by the user end device or terminal 2 . the sound decoder 36 can also be used with a ramp generator 38 which can detect the frequencies present in the signals passed by the band pass 32 or the operational amplifier 34 . in combination with the sound decoder 36 , it is additionally possible to detect frequencies present in the signals transmitted by the user end device or terminal 2 . with the use of the sound decoder 36 , without the ramp generator 38 , it is possible to produce by means of the signal receiver 28 , signals which serve to switch on and switch off an apparatus or machine . with a combination of the sound decoder 36 and the ramp generator 38 , the signals from the band pass 32 or the operational amplifier , with the respective information can be delivered to units not shown , for example microcontrollers to control based upon this information an apparatus or a machine . these units can also be used to control the ramp generator 38 . signals or information from the sound decoder 36 are evaluated by means of a computer unit 40 to test whether the data transmitted by the user end device or terminal 2 authorizes the use of the apparatus or machine . if this is the case , via the output unit 42 corresponding data and / or signals are passed to the apparatus or machine utilized with the signal receiver 28 to permit its operation . should the computer unit 40 determine that the received signals do not authorize use of the apparatus or machine or that previously received authorization data is no longer being received , via the output unit 42 , the apparatus or machine will be so controlled that its operation cannot be undertaken or so that its operation is interrupted . the signal receiver 28 schematically shown in fig5 in another embodiment has , apart from the components indicated in fig4 , a receiving register 44 which serves for the central control of the signal receiver 28 . the receiving register 44 controls the ramp generator 38 and via the ramp generator , the sound decoder 36 so that the latter can evaluate signals of a predetermined frequency . the signals received by the signal receiver can contain a start character transmitted by the user end device or terminal 2 or a comparable element of signal information and in that case the receiving buffer ( not shown ) of the receiving register , for example bit - wise can be filled with the received information and , where provided , can form a test sum . through the use of test sums , information is only transmitted , as the processing described in the is following of information collected from signal of the user end device or terminal 2 , when the test sum determined by the signal receiver matches the test sum provided in the user end device or terminal . the receiving register 44 controls a correspondence register 46 so that the latter frees up a predetermined memory location for the comparator 48 . for this purpose , for example , a 4 - bit memory storage location can be used . the so selected memory location of the correspondence register 46 is used by the comparator 48 to store information in the selected storage location which can be compared with the information recovered from signal of the user device or terminal 2 obtained by the receiving register 44 . the selection of the memory location in the correspondence register 46 can be effected based upon information recovered from signals of the user end device or terminal 2 and / or from the apparatus or machine with which the signal receiver 28 is used . in a simpler configuration instead of a correspondence register 46 , a memory is used which contains only one set of authorization data which is compared by the comparator 48 with data extracted from the signals from the user end device or terminal 2 . with manually - operated tools and machines whose operations do not require an electrical current supply , the clearance for operation and the blocking can be effected via a device controlled by the signal receiver 28 , but not shown , and which is capable of mechanically blocking or unblocking , for example , movable components of the tool or machine . if a comparison of the data by the comparator does not show a match , that is the signal from the user end device or terminal 2 do not provide authorization , no data and / or signals will be issued by the signal receiver 28 for controlling the operation of the apparatus or machine . alternatively it is possible in this case for the signal receiver to output data and / or signals which will block an operation of the apparatus or machine . should the comparator 48 detect an agreement between the data recovered from the signals of the end device or terminal 2 with the data of the corresponding register 46 ( or the mentioned memory ), a switch 50 is so actuated that via the output unit 42 the data and / or information enabling the operation of an apparatus or machine is outputted . in this case it is provided that the operating clearance data and / or information is outputted as long as the signal receiver 28 receives signals from the user end device or terminal 2 , as long as the received signals authorize the operation and as long as the comparator 48 provides an appropriate data test and until an output unit 52 provides a reset signal via the switch 50 or a timer 54 times out on a predetermined time period , the signal being , for example , received by an apparatus or machine . to test for clearance of operation of the apparatus or machine , whether authorization data is being received from the user end device or terminal , a unit 54 referred to as a loss timer can be used . if within a predetermined period no signals are received from the user end device 2 which corresponds to the data in eh selected memory location of the correspondence register 46 , the switch 50 is so actuated that the output of a clearance signal is interrupted or terminated . for initialization of the loss timer , a corresponding signal from the switch 50 can be used . the above - described components of the signal receiver 28 are described briefly in table 2 : apart from the function of the user end device or terminal to transmit signals which identify a user of an apparatus or a machine as an authorized user therefor , the user end device or terminal 2 can launch through the skin of a user further signals which provide or comprise a control code . these signals are converted into the signal receiver into corresponding control commands and the receiving register 44 is thereby controlled . as schematically illustrated in fig6 , a signal sequence is which provides the auhorization data , comprises control commands which define the desired function to be carried out by the signal receiver 28 and a memory location of the correspondence register 46 , and a code which characterizes a user of the user end device or terminal 2 as an authorized user . the memory location selected in the correspondence register 46 is defined by an address , such that the comparator 48 can compare the contents of the so - defined memory location of the correspondence register with the code . should there be agreement between the code and the stored data in the selected memory location of the correspondence register 46 , the signal receiver 28 will carry out the defined functions in the received signal from the user end device or terminal 2 . such a control command can , for example , be given upon a definite agreement determined by he comparator 48 to the switch to operate with the required clearance signal , the apparatus or machine . in addition it is possible in this manner in free memory locations of the correspondence register 46 to store data transmitted by a user end device or terminal 2 . if for example the address supplied by a signal transmitted from the user end device or terminal 2 is a memory location of the correspondence register 46 in which no data has yet been stored , using a control code of the user end device 2 or end control of the signal receiver 28 , the captured code can be stored . this kind of operation also known as a teaching mode of the signal receiver 28 enables the authorization of further user end devices or terminals 2 to be checked . in addition the signal receiver 28 whose memory ( not shown ) or correspondence register 46 has no data required for authorization testing , to be programmed . this sequence and the aforedescribed procedure can be carried out for the authorization of a user also with a plurality of signal receivers 28 which receive signals from a user end device or terminal 2 . in this manner a plurality of apparatuses or machines have been at the same time , can be cleared for use by an authorized user . in addition , the test can be effected for example as to whether a user may use a device at a predetermined location , utilizing at least one interface unit 30 assigned to a signal receiver 28 and in contact with or nearby the same . this increases the reliability since the user can only utilize the device when , for example , predetermined service elements are actuated and / or a predetermined body position or engagement of the tool has been established . it is also possible that a signal receiver 28 will receive authorization data from a multiplicity of user end devices or terminals 2 . this allows a check as to whether one or more individuals will have access to a machine and , therefore permits a predetermined number of persons to have such access and to determine whether they are authorized . in order to ensure that the operation of the apparatus is carried out by an authorized person and the safety rules are observed , for example a helmet , is worn , a user end device or terminal is carried by or provided with a user and a user end device or terminal 2 is provided on the helmet . only when the signal receiver 28 receives authorization data from both user end devices or terminals 2 and checks such data can a clearance be given for operating the apparatus . the invention enables , in the case of a portable electric hand tool that for safety reasons the tool is handled by two hands , for example , in the case of a heavy drill , each of the hand grips of which will have a respective signal receiver or receiving device for a signal receiver assigned thereto so that these are so connected in circuit and programmed that only upon receipt of the signals supplied by the user end devices or terminals 2 at both hand grips is clearance given for tool operation . it is also possible to arrange in a hand grip of a portable electric hand tool a user end device or terminal 2 and in another hand grip a signal receiver 28 . only when the user through his body or also through protective work gloves , engages both hand grips , will operation of the device be cleared . it is further possible to use the signals transmitted by the user device or terminal 2 for emergency shut off . for this purpose , for example , the signal receiver 28 or an additional signal receiver 28 or a least the component thereof used to receive eh signals from the user end device or terminal 2 can be arranged in a region which upon operation of the device can detect an accident to the operating individual ( for example by a rotating tool component , a cutter , the blade or the like ). if the dangerous region of the tool comes close to the individual operating the tool or contacts the operator , signals from the user end device or terminal 2 will be received by the signal receiver or the other signal receiver . in response thereto the signal receiver 28 can control the operation of the tool which is used to avoid the danger to the operator in that , for example , the apparatus is shut down . in addition it is possible between authorized service personnel to ensure that the dangerous region of a tool is held in an appropriate position and that will be an emergency shut - off of the apparatus when it comes too close to an individual , especially an unauthorized person in the region of danger . the use of a plurality of user end devices or terminals 2 in combination with a signal receiver 28 and a plurality of signal receivers 28 in combination with a user end device or terminal 2 end device is explained in conjunction with the following table 3 . table 3 diagrams how signal sequences from three user end devices or terminals 2 ( 1 ), 2 ( 2 ), 2 ( 3 ) control three signal receivers 28 ( 1 ), 28 ( 2 ) and 28 ( 3 ). the signal frequencies set out in table 3 all encompass the control command “ set ” which can enable an output of the clearance signal upon an agreement at the receiver 28 ( 1 ), 28 ( 2 ) and 28 ( 3 ) with a code with data from a selected storage location of the respective correspondence register 46 . the cipher following the control command “ set ” gives the memory location in the respective correspondence register 46 . the cipher following he control command “ set ” gives the memory location in the respective correspondence register 46 . the following letters serve to indicate the authorization code from the user end device or terminal 2 ( 1 ), 2 ( 2 ) and 2 ( 3 ). for example , if the user end device 2 ( 3 ) transmits the signal frequency “ set 7 abc ”, in the signal receivers 28 ( 1 ), 28 ( 2 ) and 28 ( 3 ), the storage location with the cipher 7 in the correspondence register 46 are compared with the code “ abc ”. since only the signal receiver 28 ( 1 ) can provide agreement or a match with that code , only this signal receiver will output a clearance signal . by contrast when the user end device or terminal 2 ( 2 ) transmits signal frequency with “ set 9 , klm ”, the signal receivers 28 ( 2 ) and 28 ( 3 ) can trigger the clearance signals since their storage location coincides with the number 9 in the correspondence register 46 at which the code “ klm ” is present . as has been shown diagrammatically in fig7 , it is no necessary that a device or apparatus to be controlled be equipped with a signal receiver 28 . rather , it is possible for the authorization data transmitted from a user end device or terminal 2 , to be transmitted via an electrical unit 56 ( through direct contact or capacitive / inductive coupling ) and a net conductor 58 to a signal receiver 28 which for example is inductively coupled by means of a unit 60 with the net conductor . as has been described above , if it is determined that a user is authorized to use the electrical device or apparatus 56 , under the control of he signal receiver 28 , energy feed to the device or apparatus 56 through the net conductor 58 will be permitted , or example by means of controllable switch 62 . this allows , for example , individual or multiple household units in a kitchen to be operated only when they are used by an authorized user ( an adult ) or the authorized user is a least so close to one of the devices or apparatuses that a transmission of authorization data to the signal receiver 28 is possible . in this manner it can also be ensured that the device or apparatus is used only as requirements mandate . for example the operation of the device or apparatus can be permitted only when a person answerable for monitoring the device operation or a person trusted with the task is at least in the vicinity of the signal receiver 28 . if the signal receiver 28 does not receive authorization data from such person or persons , operation of the device or apparatus is not permitted , even in the case that exclusively authorized individuals want to use the device or apparatus . a further advantage of this mode of operation is that the operation of multiple devices or apparatuses which are supplied by a common energy source can be monitored by means of one signal receiver 28 while all of the devices can be used only by individuals authorized for the purpose . if at least one user is detected who is not authorized to use a device or apparatus , automatically the entire energy supply or all devices or apparatuses will shut down . in a configuration in which the identification itself of an authorized user leads to clearance for energy supply , it is not possible that other devices or apparatuses can be placed in operation by unauthorized users . furthermore , it is possible in this manner to monitor which devices are operated . when the data transmitted from the user end device or terminal includes data which identifies the user in addition to the authorization data , it is also possible to determine which user is operating which device . in fig8 , in the form of a schematic illustration , an electric tool 101 has been shown which comprises a machine housing 102 . the electric tool 101 also comprises an electric motor 103 which is operable by a power control unit 104 here schematically shown as a transistor with power control , torque control or speed control . the electric tool 101 is equipped with a grip unit 105 and a second grip unit 106 . the first grip unit 105 can be a lateral grip device which can be selectively removed from the housing 102 in this embodiment . the second grip unit 106 is considered to be a machine grip or handle integrated in the housing 102 . the arrangement can be such that , upon removal of the first grip the power spectrum of the electric tool is reduced . ( for example no operation at first speed may be permitted , the maximum power being reduced ). the first grip device 105 includes a hand grip outer surface 107 which provides contact with an inner surface of the hand of a user . in the region of the hand inner surface contact segment , a first pressure sensitive zone 108 is formed for generating switching signal indicating the state of gripping by the hand of the user . this first pressure sensitive zone 108 forms part of a fluid chamber system 109 , whereby the pressure sensitive zone 108 comprises an elastically deformable pressure chamber wall 110 . the pressure chamber wall 110 is made from an elastomeric material and forms part of the outer surface 107 of the hand grip . the fluid chamber system 109 is filled , in this embodiment , with a semiviscous fluid . the fluid filling of the fluid chamber system 109 communicates with a switching device 111 here formed as an on / off switch . this switching device 111 can assume an on state or an off state depending upon the holding force applied to the grip at the first pressure sensitive zone 108 . the here illustrated fluid chamber system 109 comprises in addition a compensating chamber 112 which communicates with a pressure switching chamber 113 located beneath the pressure sensitive zone 108 . the compensating chamber 112 in this embodiment is so arranged that it is spaced from the pressure switching chamber 113 . the compensating chamber 112 is , like the pressure switching chamber , bonded by an elastically formable chamber wall 114 . this elastically deformable chamber wall 114 of the compensating chamber 112 extends also in the region of the contact segment of the handle with the inner surface of the hand and as part of the outer surface of the hand grip 107 . the arrangement of the two chambers 112 , 113 with respect to one another is such that a pressure or force is produced when a certain degree of gripping of the hand grip device 105 both at the chamber wall 114 of the compensating chamber 112 and at the pressure sensitive zone 108 of the pressure switching chamber is achieved by the inner surfaces of the hand . as a result of the formation of this pressure force , the pressure in the region of the fluid chamber system 109 increases and activates , when it exceeds a certain pressure threshold , the switching device 111 . the switching device 111 coupled with a signal transmission device 115 to transmit a signal indicating the handgrip gripping state at the first hand grip device 105 . in this embodiment , the signal transmission unit 115 comprises a frequency generator for generating a signal sequence , which through coupling units not shown here in greater detail and on the basis of electrostatic exchange effect , is couplable to the hand of the tool user engaging the first gripping device 105 . the voltage supply for the electrical components in the first gripping device 105 can be effected through a power storage device incorporated in the gripping device 105 ( for example a battery ). alternatively thereto it is possible , in the region of the electric tool 101 , to provide means which enables an energy supply to the electrical components in the vicinity of the first grip device 105 by inductive or electrostatic paths . it is also possible , in the region of the first grip device 105 to provide an energy supply system which provides the requisite electrical energy from externally applied forces acting on the grip device 105 . the second grip device 106 , which is connected permanently with the machine housing 102 in this embodiment also comprises a pressure switch chamber 113 and a compensating chamber 112 . both chambers 109 , 112 are also bounded at least in part by elastically deformable walls 110 , 114 . it is possible here as well , to generate signals indicating the grip status on the second gripping device 106 . the pressure switching chamber 113 of the second grip device 106 also communicates with a switching device 111 which here also is configured as an on / off switch . the signal produced by the switching device 111 assigned to the second grip unit 6 is applied via a switching signal line 116 to a decoder device 117 . the decoder device 117 is in a signal connection via a control signal line 118 with the power control unit 104 . the power control 104 is connected via a further input signal line 119 with a pressure sensor 120 . the pressure sensor 120 in addition communicates with the fluid chamber system 109 through the compensating chamber 112 and the pressure switching chamber 113 . the pressure sensor 120 and the switch device 111 are so calibrated that an operation of the electric motor 103 can first proceed when a predetermined minimum holding force is exceeded at the second grip 106 . in the illustrated embodiment , the switching device 111 is so configured that it , only upon the detected holding force exceeding a minimum holding force , will produce an output signal indicating this state . when this output signal is produced , the decoder device 117 is switched into a switching state which controls the power output of the electric motor 103 through the is power control unit 104 . the control of the power drawn by the electric motor 103 using the power control device 104 as a function of the signal applied to the input signal line 119 is a result . these signals are provided by the pressure sensor 120 . the pressure sensor 120 can be so constructed that the power control signals applied to the input line 119 are analog signals . the function mode with which so a switching arrangement , provided for a drill , operates will be described in conjunction with a process . in order to carry out a drilling process , initially the drill must be gripped at the machine housing 102 and fitted with a drill bit . then the drill is gripped by a user of the machine at the first grip device 105 and the second grip device 106 . when both grip devices 105 , 106 are engaged , the pressure sensitive zone 108 of the two grips are loaded . as a consequence of the loading the pressure sensitive zone 108 , the two switching devices 111 are actuated under pressure . the two switching devices 111 are so configured that these first supply an output signal when the force applied to the respective gripping devices 105 , 106 exceed minimum holding force and thus signals which are indicative of the reaching at least of these minimum forces . the minimum holding forces can be so chosen that they are reached only when the holding force applied to the two grips 105 , 106 exceed the weight of the drill by a predetermined amount . should the holding force applied to the first grip 105 exceed this predetermined value , the signal transmission device 115 will be activated through the respective switching device 111 . the signal transmission device in this case is in this case connected via a signal coupling unit shown in greater detail , utilizing the capacitive interaction effect , enabling the signal transmission device 115 to produce a signal which is coupled into the hand of the work of the tool user engaging the first grip . the signals coupled into the user are transmitted through the tool user to the second grip 106 . in the region of this second grip 106 , when the minimum holding force is exceeded as indicated by its switching device 111 , a decoder 117 by means to which the signal is supplied through the hand of the tool user engaging the second grip . to the extent that in the region of the decoder 117 is capable of detecting signal inputs with the appropriate criteria , the power control unit 104 is readied to regulate the power as a function of the signal from the pressure sensor 120 . the pressure sensor 120 produces a signal which is a function of the holding force with which the user engages the second grip 106 . higher holding forces allow higher power draws of the electric motor 103 . to activate the drill , therefore , the holding force applied to the second grip 106 is increased until the drill operates to rotate the bit at the desired drilling speed . correspondingly , during the drilling process the drill speed that is desired is controlled by controlling the grip holding force applied to the second grip 106 . the activation of the drill is however only possible when both the first grip 105 and the second grip 106 are properly engaged . in fig9 a and 9 b , an orientation detecting device has been illustrated which can be integrated especially in the grip units described in connection with fig8 . fig9 a shows the orientation detecting device in a horizontal orientation . the orientation detecting device comprises a float 121 in a float chamber 122 . the float 121 assumes a position which depends upon the orientation of the float chamber . this float position can be detected by measuring units 123 , 124 , 125 . in the embodiment illustrated here , based upon the position of the float 121 in the float chamber , signals in the form of potential differences between the measurement conductors 123 , 124 , 125 can be derived . these potential differences between the measurement conductors 123 , 124 , 125 can especially be supplied when the float chamber 122 is filled with a conductive liquid and the float forms a constriction body for changing the conductivity cross section within the liquid . the float can be formed as a hollow body . it is also possible , instead of a float , to provide in the chamber 122 only a gas bubble . the pattern or configuration of the wall of the chamber 122 can be so selective that with a certain orientation of the chamber 122 , higher angular resolutions are achieved than with other orientations . it is possible to provide the chamber which is utilized to detect the machine orientation , in conjunction or in combination with the chambers 112 , 113 already described in connection with fig8 . the device illustrated in fig9 a and 9 b for detecting the orientation can be so arranged that they support a horizontal or vertical orientation of the drill . within the grip which can be comprised advantageously of a flexible material , for example , rubber or a silicone rubber , at least one pressure chamber and a compensating chamber connected with the pressure chamber can be provided which is advantageously filled with a conductive liquid ( water with an antifreeze additive ). the pressure chamber is connected to a pressure switch . upon a one sided pressure from the exterior on the pressure chamber , the compensating chamber can be filled without actuating the pressure switch only when the compensating chamber also has pressure applied to it from the exterior will the switch be activated . an alternating current voltage with a fixed frequency ( for example 300 khz ) can be applied to the conductive liquid in the side grip . in the main grip of the machine , there is an identical arrangement with a pressure switch , but on the latter a sound decoder can be applied which is adjusted to the frequency of the side grip . when an operator engages both grips firmly with the hands and thus switches the pressure switch , the frequency is capacitively transmitted through his skin from the side grip to the sound decoder . this produces a switching state to turn the motor of the machine on until the capacitive alternating current circuit ( for example upon release of the grip ) is opened . when the output of the alternating current voltage from the side grip is effected at the finger side as well as the region of the ball of the hand and the location at which the ball of the hand rests on the grip , the machine cannot be turned on by winding the grip with adhesive tape . in the hand grip , apart from the pressure switch , a pressure sensor is provided ( for example a strain gauge measuring strip ) which controls the speed based upon the hand pressure applied and the reaction of the surface to be machined thereto . in addition , with this system one can avoid the effect that the machine will run at high speed after the load has been removed . when for example the drill has broken through a wall or the tool has sawn through a workpiece , the machine drops to low speed because of the absence or reduction in the pressing force . in this manner as well , the invention enables a “ soft start ” in a simple manner , thereby avoiding strong torque pulses . with an impact drill machine , the liquid damps the impact on the hand bone which permits longer operation without tiring . finally it is possible to use the liquid to determine the working position of the machine . in that case especially a constriction - float system can be arranged in the side grip .	5
reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention , an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings . wherever possible , the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts . fig1 shows a functional block diagram of a key control system of a cassette tape recorder in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention . the key control system includes an input pot a which transmits signals into the main body ( not shown ) of the recorder when a cassette tape is inserted into the recorder . a key input unit 3 includes a key 1 relating to performing play , stop and direction functions , and a key 2 relating to performing rewind , fast - forward , radio on / off and radio tuner pre - set functions . a microcomputer 4 controls the key control system in response to a monitored condition of keys 1 and 2 of key input unit 3 and input pot a , and simultaneously controls a tape system 5 and radio system 6 . fig2 shows a circuit schematic of key input unit 3 of fig1 . key input unit 3 comprises key processing units 3a and 3b . key processing unit 3a includes transistor tr1 and tr2 , capacitor c1 , and resistors r1 , r2 , r3 and r4 . key processing unit 3b includes transistors tr3 and tr4 , capacitor c2 and resistors r5 , r6 , r7 , r8 and r9 . key 2 is connected in series with a resistor r10 . when key 1 is pressed , key 1 becomes conductive by a voltage vcc from a power terminal to process a key signal . then , key signal processing unit 3a applies the key signal to an output terminal vout1 which is connected to microcomputer 4 . when key 2 is pressed , key 2 becomes conductive by voltage vcc to process a key signal . then , key signal processing unit 3b applies the key signal to an output terminal vout2 which is connected to microcomputer 4 . fig3 shows a circuit schematic of input pot a of fig1 . input pot a includes a switch sw1 and a resistor r11 . when a cassette tape is inserted into the cassette tape recorder , switch sw1 is automatically &# 34 ; turned on &# 34 ; setting input pot a to a tape mode and generating a low - level signal to microcomputer 4 . when the tape is not inserted , switch sw1 is &# 34 ; turned off &# 34 ;, setting input pot a to a radio mode and generating a high - level signal to microcomputer 4 . in other words , when the tape is not inserted , the tape mode is not activated . during the time the tape remains inserted , the following functions are performed in key input unit 3 . when key 1 is pressed , voltage vcc bypasses to ground , via resistors r1 , r5 and r6 of key signal processing units 3a and 3b and key 1 . a low - level signal is applied to the base of transistors tr1 and tr3 , via resistors r2 and r7 , respectively to turn transistors tr1 and tr3 on . this , in turn , causes voltage vcc to be applied to the base of transistors tr2 and tr4 , via transistors tr1 and tr3 , and resistors r3 and r8 , respectively to turn transistors tr2 and tr4 on . voltage vcc bypasses to ground through a path of resistor r4 and transistor tr2 , and through a path of resistor r9 and transistor tr4 . at this time , a low - level signal is sent to output terminals vout1 , vout2 which are connected to an input terminal b of microcomputer 4 . when key 2 is pressed , due to the presence of resistor r10 connected in series with key 2 , voltage vcc , after passing through resistors r1 , r5 and r6 , is not bypassed to ground . accordingly , vcc is divided by resistors r1 , r5 and r6 , and the divided voltage vcc turns transistor tr1 off , through resistor r2 . the turned off transistor tr1 in turn turns transistor tr2 off , which is connected to transistor tr1 through resistor r3 , causing a high - level signal to flow to output terminal vout1 . further , when the above divided voltage vcc is applied to the base of transistor tr3 through resistor r7 , a low level signal is applied to the base of transistor tr3 through resistor r7 having infinite resistance . this causes transistors tr3 and tr4 ( through resistor r8 ) to turn on simultaneously . a low - level signal is applied to output terminal vout2 . key input unit 3 , which is monitored by microcomputer 4 , controls tape system 5 and radio system 6 of the recorder in accordance with a monitored condition . for example , initially when the cassette tape recorder is set to a stop mode , if key 1 is pressed , microcomputer 4 sets the operating mode to a play mode . if key 1 is pressed once while the recorder is set to the play mode , the stop mode is set . if key 1 is pressed twice at a predetermined time interval while the play mode is set , a direction play function is executed . when the stop mode is set , if key 2 is pressed once , microcomputer 4 executes a rewind function . if key 2 is pressed twice at a predetermined time interval , a fast - forward function is executed . if key 2 is kept pressed for more than a predetermined time period , radio system 6 of the recorder becomes operative . under this state , each time key 2 is kept pressed for the predetermined time period , a tuner pre - set mode of radio system 6 is set . if key 1 is pressed while radio system 6 is operative , play , stop , direction of play functions are not executed . if key 2 is kept pressed for more than the predetermined time period while radio system 6 is operative , radio system 6 becomes inoperative . if key 1 is pressed when radio system 6 is inoperative , the play , stop , direction of play functions are executed . the operation of the key control system is explained in reference to the flowcharts shown in fig4 - 9 below . fig4 illustrates a flowchart of a main routine . initially , microcomputer 4 checks whether key 1 or key 2 of key input unit 3 is pressed or turned on . if key 1 or key 2 is turned on , microcomputer 4 executes a key check routine . if keys 1 and 2 are not turned on , microcomputer 4 repeatedly checks the condition of the keys . referring to fig5 if there is a key signal , microcomputer 4 executes the key check routine . microcomputer 4 causes a delay for a predetermined time to prevent chattering of the key signal applied from key input unit 3 , and then checks the key signal at input pots b of microcomputer 4 . if there is no key signal , the main routine shown in fig4 is executed . if there is a key signal , microcomputer 4 will check if the signal from input pot a is the high - level signal which represent the radio mode . if it is the high - level signal , a radio key check routine is executed . if the input pot a shows the low - level signal which represent the tape mode , microcomputer 4 checks again whether if key 1 is turned on . if key 1 is turned on , a play / stop / direction of play key check routine is executed . if key 1 is not turned on and key 2 is turned on , a rewind / fast - forward / radio key check routine is executed . referring to fig6 when the play / stop / direction key check routine shown in fig5 is executed , microcomputer 4 checks whether the recorder is in ( i . e ., the present set state is ) the stop mode . if the present set state is the stop mode , the play mode is set , and the main routine shown in fig4 is executed . if the present set state is not the stop mode , microcomputer 4 checks whether the present set state is a rewind / fast - forward mode . if the present set state is the rewind / fast - forward mode , the stop mode is set . if the present set state is not , a key scan timer is turned on . when key 1 is turned on ( i . e ., key 1 is in the &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; state ), it is determined whether the on state is maintained for more than a predetermined time period . if the key scan timer is turned off within the predetermined time period , the stop mode is set . if key 1 is turned off after key 1 is turned on for more than the predetermined time period , the key scan timer is turned off . then , the operational process is delayed for a predetermined time period . after that , if key 1 is not turned on within a predetermined time period , the stop mode is set . if key 1 is turned on within the predetermined time period , it is determined whether the on state is maintained for more than a predetermined time period . if key 1 is turned on for more than the predetermined time period , the present set state is set to a direction mode , and if not , the stop mode is set . consequently , if key 1 is pressed while the present set state is the stop mode , microcomputer 4 causes to set the play mode . if key 1 is pressed once while the present set state is the play mode , the stop mode is set . if key 1 is pressed twice at a predetermined time interval , the direction play function is executed . referring to fig7 when the rewind / fast - forward key check routine shown in fig4 is executed , microcomputer 4 turns on the key scan timer . when the key scan timer is turned on , it is determined whether its turned on state is maintained for more than a predetermined time period . if key 2 is turned off within the predetermined time period , a rewind mode is set . if key 2 is turned off after the key scan timer is turned on for more than the predetermined time period , the scan timer is turned off . when key 2 is turned off , the operative process is delayed for a predetermined time period to avoid any malfunction which may be caused by possible chattering noise . after this delay , if key 2 is not turned on within a predetermined time period , the radio key check routine is executed . if key 2 is turned on within the predetermined time period , it is determined whether its turn on state is maintained for more than a predetermined time period . when key 2 is turned on for more than the predetermined time period , a fast - forward mode is set . consequently , when key 2 is turned on once when the stop mode is set , the rewind mode is set . if key 2 is turned on twice at a predetermined time interval , the forward - fast mode is set . referring to fig8 when a radio key check routine is executed , microcomputer 4 checks whether radio system 6 is turned on . if the radio is not turned on , microcomputer 4 checks whether key 1 is turned on . if key 1 is turned on , the main routine shown in fig4 is executed . if key 1 is not turned on , a routine for setting radio system 6 on ( i . e ., a radio on setting routine ) is executed . when the radio is turned on , microcomputer 1 checks whether key 1 is turned on or off . if key 1 is turned on , play , stop , direction of play functions are not activated . if key 1 is turned off , key 2 is checked . when key 2 is turned on , the key scan timer is turned on . when key 2 is turned on , it is determined whether its turned on state is maintained for more than a predetermined time period . if key 2 is turned on for more than the predetermined time period , the key scan timer is turned off , and the radio mode is set off . if key 2 is turned off within the predetermined time period , the key scan timer is turned off , increasing the radio memory time and setting the radio tuner to a pre - set mode . referring to fig9 in the radio on setting routine , microcomputer 4 checks whether the present set state is the stop mode . if it is not the stop mode , microcomputer 4 executes the main routine shown in fig4 . if it is the stop mode , the key scan timer is turned on . if key 2 is turned off within a predetermined time period , a radio &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; mode is set . fig7 and 8 have been separately prepared for convenience because key 2 simultaneously causes to execute rewind , fast - forward , turning on radio , and pre - set functions . as set forth above in the detail , the key control system of the present invention , as embodied herein , includes two keys each executing a plurality of functions , such as play , stop , direction of play , rewind , fast - forward , radio on / off , pre - setting of radio tuner functions , thereby offering an easy operation of the key system and a simplified circuit structure for the cassette tape recorder . other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to the skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein . it is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only , with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims .	8
advertisement materials are routinely handed out or sold by manufacturers or businesses as a practical type of promotional material . it is apparent that the more striking or obvious the advertising material is , the more it will be noticed by the public and will thus lead to better advertising . also , as function is provided with the item , the likelihood that a product will be used increases . it has also been learned that making and using promotional items appreciably smaller or larger than the actual item being marketed , also adds to the value of the promotional article . this is believed to be due to the humor value of having , for instance , a replica of a medicinal capsule substantially larger than an actual capsule . the present invention provides a mock - up simulation of a product being marketed which possesses a specific utility unrelated to the product being marketed . the novelty attached to the present invention presents a noteworthy item that catches the attention of the client , or visitors , while simultaneously increasing the marketing potential for the product . in a preferred embodiment , the promotional item of the present invention is used for marketing a pharmaceutical agent . the item is a replica of a capsule containing medicine and is substantially larger than an actual capsule . the item , generally indicated at 100 , has a secondary utility as notepaper holder and is sized for use on a desk , table or the like . fig1 a is a perspective view of the item , while fig1 b shows a back view and fig1 c shows a side view of the item . it should be recognized that the secondary utility of the device is not immediately obvious to a viewer when the item is not being used for that purpose , thereby increasing the aesthetic value of the device as a decorative item . fig2 a and 2b show a side cross - sectional view of the device 100 ( see fig1 ) in a horizontal position as it would rest on a desk , table or the like . fig2 a shows a side profile of the device 100 wherein a top push - button release 201 is placed in a closed position . fig2 b shows a side profile of the device 100 , wherein the push - button release 201 is placed in an open position . fig3 shows a cross sectional cut - away drawing of the bottom portion of the device 100 to show a roll of note paper 301 placed on roller 302 contained within the item . when in a closed position , the item resembles an enlarged medicine capsule without any indication of its intended secondary function . a user may depress the push - button release 201 to reveal a roll of paper 301 contained on a roller 302 . a user then pulls a sample of paper from the roll to record a note . this device provides a client with an eye - catching novelty item that may be displayed in an office setting , while providing a useful secondary utility as a note holder . because the device is both functional and decorative , the likelihood that it will remain in view and in use is increased , thereby extending the marketing effect on the underlying product being promoted . [ 0032 ] fig4 a shows a second embodiment of present invention constructed to resemble a vintage radio broadcast microphone generally indicated at 400 . the item has a microphone 401 in the shape of an enlarged medicinal capsule . a portion of the capsule is removed to reveal the medicine 402 contained within the capsule . the microphone capsule 401 is attached to a strut 403 , which is supported by a base 404 . the item has a primary function as a decorative , marketing / promotional item , and a secondary utility as a clock 405 . the novelty associated with this item is that it is a replica of a vintage radio broadcast microphone having a strong aesthetic value . interest in such microphones is evidenced by the large number of collectors of vintage memorabilia . the unique structure of the device makes it ideal for displaying in an office setting as a decorative furnishing , increasing the likelihood that it will be placed in view for a long period of time . because the item has a clock placed on it , the device will draw attention to itself on a continual basis and thereby reinforce the product name in the minds of all those who view it . [ 0033 ] fig5 a illustrates the manner in which the cord spinner embodiment of the present invention , generally represented at 500 , is connected between a phone line and a phone handset . the cord spinner comprises a body 501 having first 502 and second 503 ends . in a preferred embodiment , the body is designed to resemble , in color and shape , a capsule of a drug manufactured by a client . the first end 502 of the body comprises a male plug 504 for plugging into a jack 510 on a phone handset 511 . the second end 503 comprises a jack 505 for receiving a phone cord plug 510 . the plug 504 and jack 505 have standard electrical connections similar to those incorporated into other connectors currently available . fig5 b shows a front view of the first end of the cord spinner showing the plug 504 extending from a rotatable segment 506 of the body 501 . the segment rotates 360 ° to prevent the cord connected to the second end from tangling . fig5 c shows a front view of the second end of the cord spinner showing the jack 505 into which a phone cord plug is received . fig5 d is an angled side profile of the cord spinner showing the orientation of the body 501 , plug 504 and jack 505 . the cord spinner may , alternatively , be connected between a phone cord and a base receiver . fig5 e is a side profile of a specialty marketing container for holding a cord spinner embodiment of the present invention . the container adds an additional element to the marketing of a particular product by providing a visually appealing package marked with the product name in several locations to reinforce the name of the product in the mind of a recipient . as shown , a container 530 contains a cord spinner 500 , which may be easily viewed through a clear plastic sleeve 531 comprising the body of the container . over each end of the container , removable plugs 532 are inserted to hold the cord spinner in place . on part of the inserted portion of the plug 532 , is emblazoned a large primary logo 533 normally associated with the drug being marketed , and an identification tag 534 describing the secondary function that is performed by the object . a smaller secondary logo 535 is placed on a section of a plug 532 that is not inserted into the container . one or both plugs may have a design 536 that is similar to a design associated with the drug being marketed . through use of this specialty - marketing container , a recipient will be made immediately aware of both the drug being marketed and the function of the novelty item . in yet another embodiment , the promotional item of the present is a replica of a capsule containing medicine and is substantially larger than an actual capsule . the item has a secondary utility as a cutter for cutting open packaging film on a box containing a cd , cd - rom , vcd , dvd disc or the like . fig6 a shows a side profile of one embodiment of the cutter , generally represented at 600 . the cutter has a body 601 comprising upper 602 and lower 603 halves and a sliding floor 604 formed in the body to receive an edge of a package covered with packaging film . upper 605 and lower 606 sliding side walls are disposed perpendicular to the floor 604 to keep the edge of the package in contact with the floor as the package is moved toward a blade 607 . an arrow shows the direction of movement required to open the box with the cutter . fig6 b shows an angled side view of the cutter shaped to resemble a drug capsule , and depicts the process of cutting packaging film on a box . a box 610 covered with packaging film 611 is positioned along one end of the cutter such that it is flush with the floor 604 of the cutter . through movement in the direction of the arrow , a leading edge 612 of the package contacts the blade 607 . the blade 607 cuts to a depth sufficient to remove the packaging film without harming the package . the package is moved forward along its length such that packaging film is cut along the box from the leading edge 612 to a trailing edge 613 . fig6 c shows a top view of the cutter designed to market a pharmaceutical product . the cutter has advertising indicia placed thereon comprising a product name 620 and a product logo 621 , which serve to reinforce product recognition during each use of the cutter . this embodiment expedites the opening of packages rapped in packaging film without damaging the package . other embodiments are also contemplated . for example , in another embodiment the item is constructed in the shape of an enlarged medicinal capsule , wherein the device has a secondary utility as a flashlight . one knowledgeable in the field will immediately recognize that a large number of embodiments not disclosed herein , fall within the scope the present disclosure . in each variation of the disclosed or contemplated items , the name of the product being marketed is overtly located thereon to reinforce name recognition each time the object is viewed . in those cases where the function of the product can be determined by the product name , it may be advantageous to create a novelty item that has no connection with the function of the device . in most cases however , the name of the product will not suggest its use . in those situations where the function of the product is unclear from the name , it may be advantageous to construct a product that indicates its use upon view . in any embodiment , a useful secondary function which encourages continued use is incorporated into the item . this invention is well suited for mass - production and scale - up techniques to reduce marketing costs while ensuring maximum exposure of product . in view of the foregoing , one can recognize that the present invention provides a unique marketing tool for advertising a product that has a secondary utility capable of aiding a particular activity . it is noted that the figures depicting this invention are merely representative of particular embodiments and are not meant to limit the range of possible configurations . those skilled in the art will appreciate that the scope of this invention should be measured by the claims appended hereto , and not merely by the specific embodiments exemplified herein .	6
prior to describing the system and its function in assessing mobility of a subject from observing the subject performing 8 specific movements : sit still in a chair ; arise from a chair ; stand still ; stand still with eyes closed ; walk in a straight line path ; turn 360 degrees walking in a circle ; and turn 360 degrees walking on - the - spot . a number of the typical assessment environments will be described to provide context to the operation of the system . referring to fig1 , an expert system apparatus is used within a typical professional office environment for observing and video - recording specific movements of a subject , ( 101 ). the system includes a computer ( 107 ) that implements an active logic neural networks decision engine , to administer the active logic engine algorithms to video data obtained from motion sensors ( 103 and 104 ). the motion sensors may be a camera or cameras operating in one or more of the visible , or infrared , or ultraviolet spectrum , an acoustic image capturing device or location sensors such as gps positioning devices or rf motion / location devices from which to generate and record information of the movement of the subject . for convenience they will be collectively referred to as cameras . the expert system embedded in the computer ( 107 ) operates on and administers active logic machine vision engine algorithms to the video data stream from the cameras ( 103 & amp ; 104 ) to derive and record a multi - joint skeleton nodal data stream with each node representation of one of the joints of the subject &# 39 ; body in each frame of the video . administration to the skeleton representation , of additional active logic engine machine learning algorithms and tests enable the expert system to determine and record 13 specific features &# 39 ;’ values measured , to be described later , of the subjects &# 39 ; movement and determines whether the movements observed are an abnormal condition , that is , one that departs from expected or desired kinesiology standards of motion and commonly referred to as normative or normal motion . the system utilises that condition information to assess a particular condition , such as presence of a bio mechanical injury or neurological injury causing the limited level of compliance to the kinesiology standards for that movement . in fig1 , a subject ( 101 , solid lines ) sitting in a chair ( 102 ) is being observed by a cameras ( 103 & amp ; 104 ), connected via wired or wireless interfaces ( 105 & amp ; 106 ) to the computer ( 107 ) being operated by a test facilitator ( 100 ). the test procedure conducted provide computerized voice instructions to the subject , requiring the subject to sit upright , straight and steady in the chair and the administration of the additional active logic engine algorithms to the derived the skeleton nodal data stream from which 13 specific features &# 39 ;’ values of the movements are determined as representation of the movement of the subjects &# 39 ; body and further administration by the engine of mobility algorithms to the set of feature values will detect any abnormal position or movement of each body joint of the subject represented by a node . the subject is then requested by the computerized voice to arise and the administration of the additional active logic engine algorithms to the skeleton nodal data stream and derived specific features &# 39 ;’ values representative of the rising movement of the subjects &# 39 ; body will detect any abnormal motion of that movement of subject arising from the chair from the measuring the 13 specific features &# 39 ; values in a process that will be detailed later herein . the cameras ( 103 & amp ; 104 ) detect the motion of the subject ( 101 ) and the expert system transfers and records the data representing the motion to the computer ( 107 ) for further processing . as an example , say the subject takes two attempts to rise from the chair ( 101 , dotted lines ). the cameras ( 103 & amp ; 104 ) capture the movement of the subject ( 101 ) in a time dependant manner and the data are transferred to the computer ( 107 ). as will be described more fully below , the expert system administers the new and uniquely developed mobility assessment movement algorithms being revealed herein , which will be referred to as mobility algorithms to determine normality or abnormality of the movement according to kinesiology standards of movement as derived from the 13 specific features &# 39 ; and applies this information and additional input to provide the criteria required to apply standardized kinesiology test criteria and test parameters . in the example provided , the two attempts to rise are determined as an abnormal mobility condition and these determinations indicate that the subject has a significant limited level of compliance to the kinesiology standards for that movement and defining the subject &# 39 ; s impairment condition for that movement . fig2 shows a typical functional test assessment process and decision computations for a subject ( 201 ) having risen from a chair ( 202 ), to stand still , then turn around 360 degrees . the test facilitator ( 200 ) and the computerized voice instructions asks the subject , to stand still for assessing steadiness without wobbling or swaying . the computer ( 207 ) and the cameras ( 203 & amp ; 204 ) capture and record the video data of the movement indicated at ( 201 ), where solid lines stick - person subject and dotted lines stick - person subject indicate change of position over time to indicate that the subject is wobbling . in this example , the expert system , administering the algorithms in real time or to the recorded data , may determine the wobble or swaying as being a limited level of compliance to the kinesiology standards of mobility for that movement . these determinations are provided to the selected established kinesiology standards for those movement test procedures and mobility scoring , and , depending on the cumulative results , the expert system may decide the subject has a significant level of difficulty performing that movement ( 201 ). the expert system also determines the level of mobility of the subject &# 39 ; s actions while standing ( 201 ), wherein wobbling , swaying or stumbling is detected , recorded and scored . continuing with this fig2 example , the computerized voice instructions then asks the subject to turn 360 degrees in a circle along the path ( 205 ), for which the solid line indicates the expected circular track for normal turning . the expert system observes the actual movement ( 206 ) indicated by the dotted line and administers active logic engine algorithms to the sensor data to determine the wandering and stumbling as being a limited level of compliance to the kinesiology standards for that movement . this is input into established test procedures and mobility scoring to determine if the subject has significant mobility limited level of compliance to the kinesiology standards for that movement for that movement . eight kinesiology accepted movements have been selected that are used to observe and assess mobility , the occurrence of mobility impairment and conditions of a subject and the subject &# 39 ; s potential of having related injury , illness , pain or disease for that subject being assessed . fig3 illustrates examples of two movements of a subject which would normally be determined by a mobility assessment algorithm to deviate from expected normal or standard movement . normal for a specific subject means movement that has been previously observed and recorded in databases for this subject and is accepted as a base level of compliance to the kinesiology standards for that movement . standards for that movement can be defined as movements that have been observed and recorded in databases of typical movements for subjects of similar age , sex , health , and mobility and is accepted as a base level of compliance to the kinesiology standards for that movement for any similar subject . algorithms revealed in this invention are administered by the active logic engine algorithmic expert system , to the input video data streams from a multiplicity cameras to derive the skeleton nodal data streams and to derived specific features &# 39 ; values data streams , said additional algorithms functioning as an administrator , to conduct detection determinations , and specific features &# 39 ; extraction from the nodal data stream administrations , from which to assess the likelihood of limited level of compliance to the kinesiology standards for that movement for a subject . this is accomplished by administering active logic engine algorithms to video data , to develop for each frame of the video data stream a computerized frame by frame skeleton nodal data stream representation of the subjects &# 39 ; body including multiple control joints such as : head , neck , shoulders , elbows , wrists , hands , torso , hips , knees , ankles and feet . further algorithms are administered to each skeleton nodal representation for each frame to determine a measurement of specific features &# 39 ; values of the movements of each joint relative to their location in the previous frame . additional algorithms are administered to each measurement to determine metric amount of that joint &# 39 ; s movement where by the algorithms can determine the bio mechanical movement of the subject &# 39 ; s body at each joint . for example specific features &# 39 ; movements values such as for feet movements : step length , height of moving foot off the floor , separation between feet , step frequency can be determined . another example for arm specific features &# 39 ;’ movements relative to : shoulder , elbow , wrist and torso joints , the angle of the upper arm and lower arm relative to the position of the torso can be determined from the angles formed by the wrist - elbow - shoulder joints . not all such movement examples will be discussed here but it will be clear to any one informed in bio mechanics that with sufficient control joints , most bio mechanical body movements can be determined . these specific features &# 39 ; values as determined by administration of the algorithms described above , also produce electronic or mathematical signatures of said movements such that administration of additional algorithms can derive from these movements , an allocator value to determine whether the values of said signatures are within known norms of the movement of personal , and / or , normal range level of compliance to the kinesiology standards for that movement and deviations there from for features &# 39 ;’ movement of normal subjects which provide features &# 39 ;’ signatures of movement are stored in the system in related databases . then , deriving similar signatures of subjects to be assessed as to mobility performance of the movements , the active logic engine algorithms determine the deviation of these signatures from the normal signatures to make the decisions as to infer limited level of compliance to the kinesiology standards for that movement . if limited level is interpreted , the algorithms then determine whether the movement indicates a bio mechanical or neurological injury , pain , or illness and if so indicated , it informs the appropriate health care personnel or systems . similarly , determinations of the deviation of subject &# 39 ; s movements could result from medical emergencies such as heart attack , or seizure that such emergencies also require healthcare personnel assessment in responding to the subject in question for which appropriate medical actions can be taken . the administration of the algorithmic system using the active logic engine , can implement unique determinations and subsequent reporting assessment results for mobility level of compliance to the kinesiology standards for that movement . these reports can be in readily accessible text format that can be cut and pasted into internal and external standardized reports based on kinesiology practice . later , such observations of the subject will determine the changes in the subject &# 39 ; s movement as it correlates to their earlier determinations and in real time determine any deviations that could relate to mobility reduced level of compliance to the kinesiology standards for that movement and possible existence of injury , pain or medical health condition as determined by the active logic engine algorithms . however , if the algorithm administration system through access to related databases has access to medical and health information and database of related mobility impairment signatures of the subject , the active logic engine processor may be able to determine if the subject being observed is in fact having a health problem such as heart attack , stroke , diabetic coma , epileptic seizure or brain related diseases such as multiple sclerosis , parkinson &# 39 ; s , dementia , cerebral palsy , or brain concussion , and any of which could be needing immediate medical assistance and if so determined , can inform the proper health care providers . in the case for that a subject is determined to have a reduced level of compliance to the kinesiology standards for a movement , for example as a stagger back shown in fig3 , the subject in attempting to step forward ( solid line stick figure ), actually staggers backward ( dashed line stick figure ) in which the major motions of the subject &# 39 ; s back and right arm could be determined by the mobility impairment assessment algorithms administered to the specific features &# 39 ; values data stream , to have deviated from expected for either the normal or standard movement . similarly a stagger from side to side could indicate impairment . in the stagger forward example , the subject in attempting to step forward ( solid line stick figure ), actually staggers forward ( dashed line stick figure ) in which the major motions of the subject &# 39 ; s back and right arm and left leg could be determined similarly by the mobility impairment algorithm to deviate from expected for either the normal or standard movement . details will be discussed later . fig4 a ) illustrates movements of ( 400 ) a subject &# 39 ; s feet , normal ( 406 ) or wander ( 407 ), in which the subject &# 39 ; s walking path wanders from a normal or standard path ( 401 ) for the subject &# 39 ; s feet indicated by a deviation right 1 ( 402 ) and a deviation left 2 ( 403 ) which would be determined by the administration of walking algorithms to the skeleton nodal data stream of control joint data to deviate from expected for either the normal or standard movement . further , fig4 b ) illustrates specific features &# 39 ; movements derived from the skeleton nodal data stream of ( 405 ) a subject &# 39 ; s feet which wander from the expected normal ( 408 ) or standard foot spacing where the subject &# 39 ; s left to right wander - 1 ( 409 ) spacing is larger than expected and right to left wander - 2 ( 410 ) spacing is shorter than expected . the unexpected movements could be determined by the mobility level of compliance to the kinesiology standard movement &# 39 ; s algorithms to deviate from expected for either the normal or standard bio mechanical movement . details will be discussed later . further , a significant foot placement specific features &# 39 ; test while walking is to request the subject to walk toe - to - heal such that the subject places each foot at each step so that the heal of the front foot touches the toe of the back foot . this is a more difficult and perhaps stressful walking task for the subject and the mobility assessment of the subject &# 39 ; s movement can determine more subtle effects of and existence of bio mechanical or neurological problem . further , an even more difficult walking task is to request the subject to walk either regular walk or toe - to - heal walk but with the moving foot to cross over the stationary foot such that the subject &# 39 ; s feet when both are stationary are crossed at every step in the walk . mobility assessment of the subject , under the stress in this task , can determine even more subtle effects of and existence of bio mechanical or neurological problems . it will be obvious to anyone verse in bio mechanics , that many more movements will be applicable for administration of the algorithms revealed herein for mobility assessment , however for brevity are not detailed here . the above examples relate to an assessment performed in a controlled environment by a medical practitioner , tester or operator . the mat system incorporates computerized voice instructions for each movement the subject is requested to perform thereby providing consistent reproducible test procedures . the expert system may also be used in a normal non - clinical environment as a continuous , non - invasive mobility assessment tool , such as a mobile computer and cameras system implemented near an athletic playing field to provide quick on - sight assessment of athletes before , during or after play . particularly if a player is suspected of having suffered a hit , shaking or injury to the body during play , a prompt mobility assessment at the time of such occurrence could be critical in assessment for potential bio mechanical or neurological problem and the expert system algorithms could be administered to alter health providers and practitioners such that immediate action for medical attention can be taken as needed . the implementation of the expert system can be considered as having two main linked components : a basic mobility assessment system and an advanced mobility assessment system . the basic system permits an operator to control part or all of the assessment process and to input assessments of the mobility of the subject being assessed . the advanced system contains the algorithms and computer facility active logic engine neural networks decision computations with which the expert system determines the assessment outcomes and recommendations according to established parameters , the mobility assessment total score number , and the differential determination of current assessment to previous assessments , and generates reports of remedial actions , possible aids and healthcare procedures , to the subject , or to the subject &# 39 ; s employers or to the caregivers of the subject . further , the expert system may be administered using a limited number of skeleton nodal control points such as head , shoulders , trunk , elbows , wrists , hands for monitoring larger arm movements . alternatively the expert system could also use a larger number of control points including the above plus thumbs , fingers , knuckles for refined higher resolution of movements such as for observing shaking of hands that could be typical of diseases such as parkinson &# 39 ; s . the advanced system can compute a larger number of skeleton nodal control points and related selected specific features &# 39 ; values assessed than does the basic assessment system , for each video frame . using known video skeleton nodal control point to create additional points , the advanced system can then derive additional specific extracted features &# 39 ; with which to detect the finer more precise subject &# 39 ; s movement of each control point from frame to frame based on the displacement of each control point on a given frame relative to the same control point on the previous frame by differentiating between those two to determine the control points that are moving and those that are stationary on a frame to frame basis . this may be performed by determining a specific extracted feature such as whether a given skeleton nodal control point , e for example of an elbow movement , in the image frame , x , moves or is displaced by or more than say 3 video pixel spaces in any direction for this control point in its location in the next image frame , y . if so then this control point , e , in frame x is identified as moved and assigned pixel component location . if pixel e in frame x , moved less than 3 pixel spaces at its new location in frame y , then this control point , e , is identified as not moved and assigned the pixel components it had in frame x . by computing the movement of all control points from frame x to their locations in frame y and assigning all those that move 3 or more spaces , with the new pixel locations where they appear in frame y and all those control points in frame x that move less than 3 pixel spaces to retain their pixel locations from frame x , a skeleton motion - rendition of the subject &# 39 ; s movements wherein all movement of the subject can be observed and movement assessed . the number of pixels , for example here being 3 or more , is set by an adjustable algorithm pixel parameter by which the administration of the pixel movement algorithms determines the number of pixels moved . additionally , administration of the pixel movement algorithms to the 3 - d data stream components of the cameras can determine the physical distance of the skeleton nodal control joint movement from frame to frame where the distance of the movement is set by an adjustable algorithm distance parameter input to the administration of the algorithms . the finer movement and measurements resulting from the higher number of skeleton nodal control points can be considered as a higher resolution detection skeleton nodal data stream and derived specific features &# 39 ; values representation which in this case is the subject being mobility level of compliance to the kinesiology standards for that movement assessed , and stores that skeleton nodal data steam and derived features &# 39 ; values representational data in a database . it is preferred that the mobility impairment detection algorithms revealed herein are advances on and entirely new derivations of those stagger algorithms of u . s . pat . no . 7 , 988 , 647 , and u . s . pat . no . 7 , 999 , 857 , and networking algorithms of u . s . patent application 20060190419 and determination of medical conditions by measuring mobility patent application 20100049095 , and assessment and cure of brain concussion and medical conditions by determining mobility patent application 20140024971 , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference . by using such techniques , it is possible to evaluate if a particular movement is indicative of a mobility level of compliance to the kinesiology standards for that movement and if an impairment condition exists from determining the movements of a subject . each of these evaluations may be made from the specific extracted features &# 39 ; values derived from the skeleton nodal data stream of the motion by determining the average deviation of a set of specific features &# 39 ; data representing the body , for example determining the average location of the centreline of the subject relative to the normal path for that movement . the mobility assessment algorithms are administered to the real - time or recorded video data stream and to the associated skeleton nodal data for determination of the specific features &# 39 ; values measure of the movements by a subject according to the tinetti mobility test requirements which are defined and accepted as following kinesiology standards and protocol . the eight selected movements of the subject are : sit still in a chair , arise from sitting in a chair , stand still , stand still with eyes closed , sit down on a chair , walk in a straight path , turn 360 degrees walking in a circle and turn 360 degrees turning on - the - spot . with these eight , simple movements , the administration of the mobility assessment algorithms of the mat extracts 13 specific features &# 39 ; values measure of mobility parameters with which the mobility assessment determines if the measured numerical values of these features &# 39 ; are within the range of the thresholds set for each feature . feature values lying outside these thresholds allow additional algorithms to determine the mobility abnormalities these out - of - range features &# 39 ; and may further determine the possible conditions , illness , injury , pain , disease of the subject indicative of such abnormalities . in an alternative embodiment images from multiple cameras may be used as shown schematically in fig1 ( camera a 103 and camera b 104 ). one of these cameras could be an infrared illumination source and receiving detector and the other could be a visible detector such the microsoft kinect duel camera system utilized in the microsoft games console . both the original kinect v - 1 and the newer version kinect v - 2 have been implemented in this mobility assessment tool ( mat ) system and each has been found to be an inexpensive 2 - camera sensor system with the added advantage of significantly improving separation of the background from the moving image of the subject . the data are composed into a stereoscopic 3 - dimensional ( 3 - d ) representation of the subject &# 39 ; s movements using known image reconstruction techniques , and the kinect cameras can transform the images of the subject in the video recording to become an isolation of the moving subject with full retention of all movements of all of the subject &# 39 ; s body including feet , legs , trunk , arms , hands and head while rendering the recording devoid of the information needed to identify the subject . additionally , the kinect video camera system has imbedded software that produces multiple skeleton nodes ( 20 for the v - 1 and 25 for the v - 2 ) which we have incorporated into the mat assessment algorithms for making the measurements on the movement of these nodes video frame by video frame observations of a subject performing the movements of the tinetti test . the mat omits the tinetti nudged a subject sub - assessment as herein it is considered to be an invasive interference of the subject . for data acquisition , the kinect sensor samples at a frequency of approximately 30 hz and video frames are captured both in color and depth . using captured frames , the middleware of kinect software sdk , segments and tracks human skeletons and gives the output of a human skeleton represented by 20 nodes , for the kinect v - 1 and 25 for the v - 2 , or control points in the kinect &# 39 ; s own reference frame known as the skeleton space . each node represents a specific joint with 3d position information in units of meters . the skeleton space uses a right - handed coordinate system : the y axis lies in vertical direction of the image plane , the z axis extends in depth perpendicularly from the sensor and the x axis is horizontal in the image plane and orthogonal to the y and z axes . in pre - processing , the position and the speed of each joint in the time sequence are considered as one - dimensional signals . two 2 nd order low - pass butterworth smoothing filters were used to reduce the noise in the signals . empirically - determined cut - off frequencies of 4 hz and 1 hz were used for the position and speed signals of each joint , respectively . to extract the features &# 39 ; of walking steps , it is necessary to accurately segment the steps , i . e . determine the start and the end of a step . the z component ( in depth ) of foot speed is used because it showed good regularity in relation to the phases of the steps . the algorithm robustly segments the steps while ignoring the small peaks generated by the interference from parts of the body overlapping or the distance between the subject and the camera being too long . algorithms determine the time series of the z speeds of both feet during stepping . the most important features &# 39 ; are the start -, the mid - and the end - points . these are identified as feature points and used for analyzing the gait . the algorithm is insensitive to the tilt angle of the kinect sensor since we use the z component ( in depth ) of foot speed for step segmentation . algorithms finding overlaps of the feet in the 360 ° turn analysis uses the same pre - processing step as the gait algorithms . since a subject is turning 360 ° on spot , it is difficult to segment the steps using the method for the gait analysis . to measure the continuity of a turn , the algorithm identifies the skeleton frames in which the speeds of both feet are below a certain speed threshold . specifically , the speed is defined as the euclidean norm of x and z components of the speed of a foot . a group of consecutive skeleton frames below a certain speed threshold indicates that a subject may have paused during a 360 ° turn . the algorithms identify pauses during the 360 ° turn based on a toe - off speed threshold of 0 . 2 m / s . the time interval of each pause is determined by the difference in timestamp of the first skeleton frame and the last skeleton frame in a group . several trunk features &# 39 ; are measured . the stability of the trunk of the body is monitored by two factors : the use of arms for balancing and the lean angle of the trunk in the coronal plane . additionally , for gait algorithms it is necessary to calculate the deviation of the base of the spine relative to the traveled path . it is assumed that at the start of an assessment the subject is not using the arms for balancing and the wrists are placed at the sides of body as directed by the computerized voice instructions . in other words , the wrists are at their resting positions . the distance between wrists is defined as the euclidean norm of x and y components of positions of two wrists . the z component is ignored since the arms typically swing during walking . during a walk or a 360 ° turn , when subjects use their arms for balancing or lean the trunk of their body , the distance between the wrists will increase . by calculating the difference of the distance between the wrists at the resting positions and the distance of wrists during a walk or a 360 ° turn , the use of arms for balancing can be detected . to illustrate the process , the algorithms detect the changes of x distances of two wrists with respect to the origin of the kinect to measure the interval in which a subject may use an arm for balancing . the leaning angle of the trunk is defined as the angle between the vector of the trunk ( between the center of shoulders and the spine base ) and the gravitational vector in the coronal plane . the angle can be obtained by calculating the mathematical dot product of these two vectors . to measure the deviation from the path during a walk , a path vector p is calculated using the position of spine base in the first frame and last frame in a walk . the instantaneous deviation from the path is defined as the perpendicular distance between the position of the base of the spine and the straight line path along vector p . there are several specific features &# 39 ; values extracted from the above measurements that further administration of algorithms will determine for the walk gait assessments . for the gait algorithms , of interest are the three feature points of each step : the start , the mid and the end . each feature point contains the timestamp , the position and the speed of the moving foot . the gait specific features &# 39 ; values involved in the gait algorithms are the following ( with units in parentheses ): 1 . initiation of gait t 1 ( in milliseconds ): time consumed between computerized voice instruction “ begin ” and start of a walk by a subject ; 2 . step through length for right foot : lr ( in meters — left ); ( also for left foot : ll in meters ): mean distance between the ankles of two feet when both of them touch the ground during a walk ; 3 . step height for right foot : sr ( in meters per second ); ( also for left foot sl : meters per second ): mean speed of a moving foot in the vertical direction ; 4 . step length for left foot : dl ( in meters ): length of left foot step from step - start at heel lift - up to step - stop at heel put - down ; 5 . step length dr ( in meters ): length of right foot step from step - start at heel lift - up to step - stop at heel put - down ; 6 . step stance df ( in meters ): distance between the left foot heel at heel - down and right foot heel at heel - down ; 7 . step interval t 2 ( in milliseconds ): time consumed between end of a right ( or left ) foot step and a start of new left ( or right ) foot step ; some of these specific features &# 39 ; values associated with the movements of feet are illustrated in fig5 . we define the following features &# 39 ; involved in the 360 ° turning analysis : 8 . continuity of steps t 3 ( ms ); 9 . steadiness d 5 ( m ) the classification of normal and abnormal patterns of each gait feature of a subject is performed by setting thresholds for the features &# 39 ; values extracted from the recorded skeleton . to determine the thresholds of the features &# 39 ;, data were captured from athletes with potential risk of concussion and a kinesiologist was asked to score the athletes by watching the pre - recorded videos using the software developed for the study . the scores given by the kinesiologist were used as the ground truth for determining the thresholds . the algorithms were designed using matlab 2014a for data analysis and later were redesigned and coded in c ++. using microsoft visual studio 2013 , a desktop application was designed for performing experimental real - time assessments and further advancement of the designs has created the mat as a tool for kinesiology professionals , practitioners and clinical testers to use as the new and validated mobility assessment tool . by way of example , the design methods will now be revealed herein . in this example data were captured from 14 athlete subjects sample group by researchers in the department of kinesiology at york university . three athletes had a history of concussions , one had a suspected concussion and the rest were healthy controls . informed consent was obtained from the participants in accordance with a protocol approved by the human participants review subcommittee at york university . a kinect v - 1 sensor ( camera ) used was placed 0 . 84 m above the ground . for gait assessments , the athletes were asked to stand 3 . 8 m away from the camera , perform a straight line walk towards the camera and stop at 1 . 8 m away from the camera . for 360 ° turning assessments , the athletes were asked to stand at a position between 1 . 8 m and 3 . 8 m away from the camera and perform a 360 ° turn . to calibrate the system , the specific features &# 39 ; values to be extracted from the collected data were determined using the developed algorithms , as shown in the table of fig6 . from the table , some interesting patterns can be observed . for example , in the range of features &# 39 ; values from all 14 subjects , it took most subjects more than 1000 mil - seconds ( ms ) to initiate a walk as shown in the second column ti . ideally , the sample data should cover all normal and abnormal patterns of gait analysis and 360 ° turning analysis so that it is possible to determine optimal thresholds for each feature . the approach taken to set the thresholds is to consider the 14 - subject sample group representative of normal variation . then , for each feature , the values limit selected is one that will enable all normal participants to pass the automated assessment since all 14 were passed by the kinesiologist &# 39 ; s subjective assessment ; the limit is normally the value that represents the worst case in a sub - assessment as shown in the table of fig7 . for example , in steadiness assessment in 360 ° turning analysis , the value 0 . 1564 meter was selected instead of 0 . 3564 meter because , in the latter case , the subject used arms for balancing which is determined to be abnormal , and which resulted in a longer distance . these features &# 39 ; values thresholds are entered as parameters for the algorithms in the mat application in this example , for use in experimental real - time assessments of subjects . these parameter settings form the initial baseline for scoring detection of abnormal gaits determined in follow - up clinical studies and subsequently refined to optimize discrimination of normal and abnormal gait for this particular group . the primary task for any given subject sample group is to build a database that contains as many samples as possible from relevant clinical populations . when the number of samples is large enough and adequately covers normal and abnormal patterns of each gait feature , the accuracy of the determination and segmentation of normal and abnormal gait is improved and new thresholds and more advanced classification algorithms can be determined . it will be clear to anyone with a kinesiology understanding that the mat methods and algorithms revealed in this patent disclosure , will allow the establishing of databases specialized for clinical populations having particular mobility issues such as related to specific injuries , illnesses , pain , diseases and conditions such as concussion , dementia , chronic pain , parkinson &# 39 ; s , and stroke . the database described by the above example was dealing with male and female subjects in age ranges of 18 - 25 , who are athletic and who have a risk of suffering brain concussions . it will further be clear that due to the objectivity , reliability and reproducibility of the testing mobility of subjects with the mat system and algorithms , that the results from repeated testing with the mat of subjects will permit the tracking and monitoring over time , of a subject &# 39 ; s particular condition and it &# 39 ; s progression of improvement or lack of improvement during treatment being given the subject for that condition . the mat could become as common and fundamental a medical professional tool as the blood pressure measuring tools found in almost every medical practitioner &# 39 ; s office to track and monitor patient &# 39 ; s heart and blood pressure cardio vascular condition . in clinical tests of subjects with the mat mobility assessment system conducted to date to test and validate the assessment methods and apparatus , it was found that the methods and apparatus were well received by the kinesiology professionals as functional and highly accepted as a unbiased , objective and reproducible tool providing valuable patient mobility information . for the linkage relationships determined between current and previous subject &# 39 ; s assessments in evaluating the changes in mobility and mobility impairment and potential existence of concussion as well as and for illness , pain or disease curing , arresting or reversing effects of the illness , pain or disease the mat was also recognized to be effective . the system described above has the capability to determine relationships of a subject &# 39 ; s present assessments to the subject &# 39 ; s previous assessments whereby the expert system can determine and measure the changes in any of the actions and motions of the subject specifically tailored to the subject &# 39 ; s individual conditions and health . the expert system not only has databases of information on what are considered normal movements and actions of persons depending on age , sex , health condition and drug use , but also has similar databases specific to the subject being assessed , and thus the expert system can also base - line calibrate its decision - making determinations to what are considered normal movements and actions of the subject being assessed . determining the relationships to the subject &# 39 ; s base - line the expert system can further determine if the present assessment is normal or if it indicates a mobility impairment condition and possible potential existence of injury such as concussion , illness , pain or disease . if the system determines that a mobility impairment condition exists , then the system can determine relationships of the present assessment to previous assessments for this subject to further determine changes in the mobility impairment conditions . further , if video monitoring in areas where the subject moves about , such as in a residence , home , hospital , playing and sports fields , professional stadium and sports entertainment facilities or natural environments are implemented as the earlier discussion noted , the expert system can determine relationships of these data with which the system can determine the mobility impairment and changes in the subject &# 39 ; s mobility in the subject &# 39 ; s daily living environment from which the system can determine more comprehensive preventative and remedial practices , health and well - being programs , mobility aids , and monitoring programs for improved quality of life activities , work related activities , monitoring of rehabilitation programs and their success or failure or modifications specific for the subject . in either real - time or post - recording , the mat expert system can be the decision - making facility which permits the actual operation of the system and assessment to be done by regular staff of the subject &# 39 ; s employer , or clinic , or athletic or sports facilities without the need for highly qualified and expensive professional personnel . this frees up the professional practitioners time by integrating the mat results into the diagnosis of their patient &# 39 ; s mobility and health condition . the apparatus and methods described above can also allow authorized personnel , such as professional physiotherapists , neurologists and concussion specialists to review this new source of mobility assessment data and the determinations made by the mat system , and integrate this information into their diagnosis of their patients &# 39 ; conditions . a new and unique embodiment of the expert system is revealed here , that for the first time provides a fully computerized automation implementation of the standard kinesiology mobility test fundamentals of the tinetti test as a tool for the kinesiology professional which provides consistent , reproducible and reliable testing results across any and all testers . every subject receives identical computer generated verbal and video instructions , each and every time the subject performs the assessment test . this eliminates inter - tester and intra - tester reliability errors . instructions are in a variety of selectable languages suited to the subject &# 39 ; s requirements . also , the mat revealed herein , is designed to save time for both administrators and health care professionals . assessment results are provided in both gross overall mobility scores and detailed results of the subject &# 39 ; s performance of specified movements . numerical and textual data are provided in readily accessible formats that can quickly and easily be stored and transferred within internal file format frameworks and exported to standardized spreadsheet and word processing formats based on kinesiology practice and setting . from the above it will be clear the assessment methods and apparatus of the mat tool described could be applied to many environments , such as , hospitals , private homes , hotels , commercial establishments , doctor &# 39 ; s offices , clinics , drugstores , mobility - aids stores , and in the broad sense anywhere people are moving about such as sports and athletic facilities , playing fields , gyms , employment facilities . also it will be clear to anyone versed in the healthcare field that many different algorithms , algorithm test parameters , action scoring methods and determinations can be implemented , including , mobility impairment algorithms , time derivative determinations and mobility testing , such as those we reveal as incorporated into the computer facility active logic engine neural networks decision determinations methods and apparatus with which we can assess mobility impairment and potential existence of injury , illness , pain or disease , the preventative outcomes and recommendations to reduce further mobility impairment and potential further injury , and for improved quality of life for assessed subjects . further , it will also be clear that the methods and apparatus of the mat tool , assessments and recommendations facilitated by the expert system can have application to any subject persons regardless of their age , health , sex , location or activity . also , it will also be clear that the methods and apparatus , assessments and recommendations facilitated by the expert system can have application to assessment of and the tracking the progression of injury such as concussion , and the effects of treatments and rehabilitation regimes whether trials or long - term such as drugs , physiotherapy , nutrition , exercise , and success or failure of those treatments , and for other conditions such as diseases , illnesses , pains and injuries not limited to only those disclosed herein .	0
referring to fig1 an apparatus 10 is shown for depositing the conductors 12 on the substrates 14 according to the present invention . the substrates 14 may be formed from molded plastic , stamped fiberboard , or sheet plastic extrusion , though it is to be understood other materials may be used . the apparatus 10 receives a carrier strip 16 from which the conductors 12 are formed . the carrier strip 16 is a planar member fabricated from copper , brass , bronze , aluminum , or other suitable materials . to form the conductors 12 from the carrier strip 16 , the apparatus 10 includes a punch 18 which sequentially blanks the carrier strip 16 thereby forming the conductor 12 . once the conductors 12 are formed by the punch 18 during the blanking operation , the punch 18 deposits the conductors 12 onto the substrates 14 . the conductors 12 are secured to the substrate 14 by mechanical interference between the conductors 12 and the substrates 14 in the manner described below . to support the punch 18 , the apparatus 10 includes a punch plate 20 and a die plate 22 . the punch plate 20 is vertically disposed over the die plate 22 and is connected by a plurality of posts 24 . the posts 24 insure that the geometric relationship between the punch plate 20 and the die plate 22 is maintained . the die plate 22 floats on the posts 24 so that the die plate 22 will not interfere with the projections 28 on the substrate 14 during the indexing operation described below . to permit separation of the punch plate 20 from the die plate 22 during the upward stroke of the punch 18 , a plurality of springs 30 are provided . the springs 30 are used to bias the position of the punch plate 20 in a direction opposing the die plate 22 . to deliver substrates 14 to the apparatus 10 , an indexing mechanism 32 is provided . the indexing mechanism 32 includes a base portion 34 and a movable member 36 with a plurality of lateral members 38 . the indexing mechanism 32 sequentially delivers the substrate 14 to a position below the punch 18 by movement of the lateral members 38 . after the punch 18 blanks and deposits the conductors 12 on a particular substrate 14 , the lateral member 38 moves a new substrate 14 into position underneath the punch 18 . several means for securing conductors 12 to the substrates 14 may be used . as shown in fig3 ( a ), the substrate 14 has a projection 40 which is initially able to pass through an aperture in the conductor 12 . after the conductor 12 has been deposited on to the substrate 14 by a first portion 42 of the punch 18 , a second portion 44 of the punch 18 deforms the projection 40 into a bead . the mechanical interference between the projection 40 and the conductor 12 prevents the removal of the conductor 12 from the substrate 14 . in fig3 ( b ), the substrate 14 includes a depressed area 46 having a centrally located projection 40 . to secure the conductor 12 , the punch 18 deforms the projection 40 causing the projection 40 to form a bead within the depressed area 46 . the mechanical interference between the projection 40 and the conductor 12 secures the conductor 12 to the substrate 14 . by causing the projection 40 to deform in this manner , the possibility that the projection 40 will interfere with subsequent operations is minimized as the projection 40 is located below the surface of the conductor 12 . another means for securing the conductor 12 to the substrate 14 is shown in fig3 ( c ). after the conductor 12 is blanked as described above , the punch 18 forces a portion 48 of the conductor 12 into the substrate 14 . the material from which the substrate 14 is made then flows into the region of the substrate 14 which is lanced , thereby securing the conductor 12 to the substrate 14 . in fig3 ( d ), the punch 18 forces a portion 50 of the conductor 12 through an aperture 52 in the substrate 14 . then the end of the portion 50 is then deformed as shown in fig3 ( e ). in fig3 ( f ), the punch 18 is used to force a portion 54 of the conductor through an aperture 56 in the substrate 14 . a roll set 58 is then used to deform a region 60 of the portion 54 of the conductor 12 so as to secure the conductor 12 to the substrate 14 . a similar means for securing the conductor 12 to the substrate 14 is shown in fig3 ( g ), in which the punch 18 forces a portion 61 of the conductor 12 through an aperture 62 in the substrate . the roll set 64 is then used to deform a region 66 of the portion 61 of the conductor 12 to secure the conductor 12 to the substrate 14 . further means for securing the conductor 12 to a substrate 14 is shown in fig3 ( h )- 3 ( i ). the substrate 14 is formed with a plurality of ribs 68 which are able to receive the conductor 12 . the conductor 12 is blanked from the carrier strip 16 and then deposited on the substrate 14 between the ribs 68 . a second punch 70 is then used to cold stake the ribs 68 . the mechanical interference between the ribs and the conductor 12 thereby secures the conductor 12 to the substrate 14 . additional means for securing the conductor 12 to the substrate 14 is shown in fig3 ( k )- 3 ( l ). in fig3 ( k ), the carrier strip 16 contains a lance 72 which is able to be inserted into an aperture 74 in the substrate 14 during blanking . as the tip of the lance 72 reaches the movable member 36 during insertion , the edges of the lance 72 are forced against the sides of the aperture 74 , thereby mechanically securing the conductor 12 to the substrate 14 . as shown in fig3 ( l ), the carrier strip 16 contains a finger trapping lance 76 on the conductor 12 . the finger trapping lance 76 is forced into the aperture 78 in the substrate 14 so as to mechanically interfere with the substrate 14 . while several means for forming and securing the conductor 12 to the substrate 14 by mechanical interference are shown , other suitable techniques may be used . with respect to the formation of the apertures and lances , u . s . pat . no . 2 , 971 , 249 illustrates the initial formation of various shaped components before being secured to a base member as discussed above . the apparatus 10 may be used to form and attach vertical conductor projections to the substrate 14 . as shown in fig4 ( a ), a conductor 12 having a projection 80 is formed during the blanking operation . the projection 80 is then secured to the substrate 14 in the manner as discussed above . the apparatus 10 may also be used to form the conductor 12 having the projections 80 in the manner shown in fig4 ( b ), in which a form punch 86 is displaced vertically through an aperture 88 in the substrate 14 to cause the projection 80 to form against the punch 18 . alternatively , the punch 18 may force the projection 80 of the conductor 12 through an aperture 92 in the substrate 14 as shown in fig4 ( c ). while several means for forming and securing vertical conductor projections to substrates have been described above , it will be understood that other suitable means may also be used . the apparatus 10 may also be used to form multilayer circuit boards . as shown in fig5 a substrate 94 is provided to which a first conductor layer 96 is attached . an insulator layer 98 having a plurality of apertures 100 is then secured to the conductor layer 96 , upon which a second conductor layer 102 is attached . the second conductive layer 102 has a plurality of projections 104 which are able to extend through the apertures 100 in the insulator layer 98 and electrically communicate with the first conductor layer 96 . accordingly , electrical power may be delivered from the first conductor layer 96 to the second conductive layer 102 through the projections 104 . the apparatus 10 may also be used to form and secure component terminals to the substrates 14 as shown in fig6 ( a )-( d ). a component terminal 106 is blanked to include a groove 108 for accommodating a lead 110 from a component 112 . the component terminal 116 is then secured to the substrate 14 by mechanical interference in the manner described above . the component terminals 116 may be used for securing a wire 114 between two portions 116 and 118 of an electrical assembly 120 as shown in fig6 ( b ). the component terminals 106 may also be used for mechanical surface mounting an electrical component 122 as shown in fig6 ( c ), in which the lead 124 from a component 122 passes through an aperture 126 in the substrate 14 in which a portion 128 of the component terminal 106 is disposed . the end of the lead 124 is then bent to physically secure the component 122 to the substrate 14 as well as to provide for additional electrical connection . the substrate 14 may also include projections 130 which further secure the component 122 to the substrate as shown in fig6 ( d ). the apparatus 10 can also be used to form a variety of switches 132 as shown in fig7 ( a )-( e ). in fig7 ( a ), two stationary contacts 134 and 136 are formed and secured to a substrate 14 by mechanical interference in the manner described above . an actuator 138 is provided which mechanically communicates with a movable contact 140 . the movable contact 140 is biased in a direction toward the stationary contact 134 by a spring 142 . when the actuator 138 is laterally moved , the movable contact 140 mechanically communicates with both of the stationary contacts 134 and 136 thereby providing electrical communication therebetween . in fig7 ( b ), two conductors 144 and 146 are secured to the substrate by mechanical interference in the manner described above . the conductors 144 and 146 are vertically displaced to provide a gap therebetween . an actuator 148 may be used to close the gap between the conductors 144 and 146 permitting electrical communication therebetween . in fig7 ( c ), a deformed portion of the conductor 150 is disposed in an aperture 152 in the substrate 14 . the conductors 150 and 154 can then be located close to the surface of the substrate 14 thereby minimizing the vertical space occupied by the switch 132 . in fig7 ( d ), a first conductor 156 includes a first portion 158 which is elevated from the second conductor 160 . the actuator 148 may then be used to close the electrical circuit by depressing the deformed portion 158 on to the conductor 160 . in fig7 ( e ), the two conductors 164 and 166 are secured in the manner described above . the portions 168 and 170 of the conductors 164 and 166 are bent by 90 degrees with respect to the unbent portion . contact between the conductors 164 and 166 is then made by allowing the actuator 148 to force the bent portion 168 of the conductor 164 against the bent portion 170 of the conductor 166 . the apparatus 10 may also be used to form a heat sink 174 as shown in fig8 in which a conductor 176 having a projection 178 is deposited and secured on the substrate 14 by mechanical interference in the manner described above . the electronic module 180 is then secured to the conductor 176 through a thermally conducted adhesive causing heat from the electric module 180 to flow into the conductor 176 . the heat generated by the electronic module 180 then flows into the conductor 176 and is dissipated into the environment through the projection 178 . in this embodiment , the substrate 14 may be used to distribute power to the electronic module 180 through a second conductor 182 and the stake header 184 . the apparatus 10 may also be used in the formation of a terminal block 186 as shown in fig9 ( a ) and ( b ). the substrate 14 is formed having the retaining projections 188 . the two conductors 190 and 192 are then formed and deposited on the substrate 14 in the manner described above . two die cast retainers 194 and 196 are then inserted into the substrate 14 and are held in place by the retaining projections 188 . the leads 198 from the cordset may then be inserted into the apertures 200 of the die cast retainers 194 and 196 , whereupon the screws 202 are used to secure the leads 198 of the cordset . after the screws 202 have been tightened , the wires 204 of the cordset are disposed against the retaining projections 188 . the apparatus 10 may also be used to secure power cords to electrical units in the manner as shown in fig1 ( a ) and ( b ). the power cord 206 includes a strain relief portion 208 which mates with the housing 210 of the unit 212 . the cord 206 further includes two leads 214 and 216 which are secured to a substrate 14 by molded conductor retainers 218 and 220 in the substrate 14 . attached to the unit 212 are two conductors 222 and 224 having conductor terminals 226 and 228 formed and secured in the manner described above . the conductors 222 and 224 act as a bus to distribute current to various components in the unit 212 . alternatively , the conductor 222 and 224 may electrically communicate with the barrel terminals 226 and 228 which allow for direct insertion of the leads 214 and 216 as shown in fig1 ( b ). while the above description constitutes the preferred embodiment of the invention , it would be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification , variation , and change without departing from the proper scope of a fair meaning of the accompanying claims .	1
in an embodiment of the present invention described hereinafter , a binary image which includes a binary pseudo expressed halftone image ( referred to as a pseudo halftone image hereinafter ) is divided into a region of a pseudo halftone image portion and a region of another portion , and a non - reversible multi - value ( or multi - level ) encoding is conducted to the pseudo halftone image portion after generating multi - value image data , while a binary encoding is conducted to another portion , thereafter , region division information is generated together with codes obtained by the above - mentioned manner . as a result , an entire compressive efficiency is to be improved by conducting a non - reversible encoding to the pseudo halftone image portion . in case of decoding , multi - value encoded data is re - binarized after decoding it . thus , processed data is superimposed to an ordinary binary decode image in accordance with the region division information to terminate an output . the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings . fig1 is an entire block diagram of a binary image encoder / decoder of the present embodiment . in fig1 a binary image input unit 1 fetches binary image data , a region divider 2 divides a region to process an input binary image for each divided region , a multi - value generation device 3 generates multi - value image data from the binary image data , a multi - value encoder 4 encodes the multi - value image data , a binary encoder 5 encodes the binary image data , a region division information encoder 6 ( referred to as a rae hereinafter ) encodes region division information generated when a region is divided , a multiplexer 7 arranges plural data previously in the order of being set to output them , a demultiplexer 8 divides input data and outputs them to target devices of each data , a multi - value decoder 9 corresponds to the multi - value encoder 4 , a binarizer 10 converts the multi - value image data into the binary image data , a binary decoder 11 corresponds to the binary encoder 5 , a region division information decoder 12 ( referred to as a rad hereinafter ) corresponds to the rae 6 , a binary image superimposer 13 superimposes a binary image and a binary image output unit 14 outputs the binary image data . binary image data 101 input from the binary image input unit 1 is divided into a pseudo halftone image portion and another portion in the region divider 2 . an example of the region divider will be described later . at this time , it is assumed that an image discriminated as the pseudo halftone image portion is cut off with the shape of rectangular and at the same time , such region division information 104 as a corner offset value ( one dot coordinate of a corner which is previously and optionally set from four corners of a cut - out rectangular portion ) in a screen of a rectangular region which is cut off as shown in fig2 a rectangular size , numbers of cut off rectangular region and the like are generated . binary image data 103 from which a rectangular region is cut off includes an empty portion , to which data of 0 ( without image ) is assigned . rectangular region data 102 which is cut off is transferred to the multi - value generation device 3 . the multi - value generation device 3 generates the multi - value image data from the rectangular region data 102 to output it to the multi - value encoder 4 . the method of generating the multi - value image data will be described later . the multi - value encoder 4 conducts the jpeg encoding being a non - reversible compression with the block unit utilizing an orthogonal conversion to output multi - value code data 106 . the jpeg encoding system has been already known , thus the description will be omitted . the binary encoder 5 encodes an image , from which the rectangular region data 102 is eliminated , with high efficiency by the jbig encoding system to output binary code data 107 . the rae 6 encodes numbers of rectangular region , the corner offset value and the rectangular size to output code data 108 . the multiplexer 7 has therein a code buffer ( not shown ) and holds code data 106 to 108 . upon terminating the encoding of an entire screen data , code data 109 composed of these data arranged with appropriate order is output to a transmission path . in this case , the multiplexer 7 adds header data including the data size or the like and the marker indicating the edge of three kinds of data . here , an example of outputting method of the code output 109 will be shown in fig6 . in fig6 the header data which is a head of data includes size information of data corresponding to one image or the like . then , the region division information data which is required to superimpose the multi - value code data 106 and the binary code data 108 as a binary image at decoding side is output . then , the binary code data seemed to have little data against the size of an image is output . by outputting this binary code data at first , if the binary image output unit 14 at the code data reception side is a monitor or the like , there obtains such advantage as an outline of an image can be quickly discriminated . then , the multi - value code data having a lot of data against the size of an image is output . as shown in fig6 the marker indicating the edge of data is inserted among each data . here , data are output in the order as shown in fig6 by treating one image as one block , however , it is possible to output data with the block unit or with the different order from that of fig6 and other data may be included therein . next , an operation of a decoder shown in the lower portion of fig1 will be described . code data 110 is input to the demultiplexer 8 from a transmission path . the demultiplexer 8 divides data stream in accordance with header information or the like added by the multiplexer 7 . among divided data , multi - value code data 111 is input to the multi - value decoder 9 , binary code data 112 is input to the binary decoder 11 and region division information data 113 is input to the rad respectively . the binary decoder 9 conducts the jpeg decoding to the multi - value code data 111 to output multi - value image data 114 . the binarizer 10 re - binarizes the multi - value image data 114 by a pseudo halftone process ( ed method or the like is utilized ) to output image information 115 . the binary decoder 11 conducts the jbig decoding to the binary code data 112 to output binary image data 116 . the rad 12 decodes a coordinate to which the cut - off rectangular region is to be applied , the size of a region and numbers of rectangular to output region division information 117 . the superimposer 13 superimposes the pseudo halftone image data 115 to the binary image data 116 in accordance with the region division information 117 to synthesize one binary image 118 which is output to the binary image output unit 14 . the binary image output unit 14 may be an image output device of an electrophotographic system , a recording system using a type of head discharging ink droplets by utilizing film boiling caused by heat energy ( what is called a bubble jet system ), or another type of image output devices such as a printer , a monitor and the like . next , an example of the region divider 2 is shown in fig3 . the binary image data 101 input from the binary image input unit 1 is divided into the block unit of n × n pixels in a block division circuit 15 to be output to a block delay circuit 16 , counters 17 and 18 in the block unit . the counter 17 outputs the number of black pixels in a block , and the counter 18 counts the number of inversion between the white pixel and the black pixel among adjacent pixels every vertical / horizontal line in a block and outputs the summed - up value of number . as to two counters , the number of counters and the combination of parameters may not be limited to the above - mentioned example but may be another manner which can discriminate the pseudo halftone image portion from another portion . a look up table 19 ( referred to as a lut hereinafter ) inputs the summed - up value of counters 17 and 18 , thereafter outputs a signal which can discriminate the pseudo halftone image portion from another portion based on a graph shown in fig4 . a selector 20 switches an output destination of the block - unit information which is output from the block delay circuit 16 to a side when the pseudo halftone image is processed , and to b side when the character image is processed , in accordance with an output from the lut 19 . a block information generation circuit 21 generates and outputs the region division information data 104 , based on the information switched at this time . an operation of the multi - value generation device 3 will be described with reference to fig5 . the pseudo halftone image portion which is cut off as the rectangular region is remarked , sequentially from its left upper corner to its right lower corner , every pixel . the 5 × 5 pixels around the objective pixel ( target pixel ) are cut off , and then assumed to be a coordinate p ( j , i ). by utilizing this coordinate p ( j , i ) and matrix m ( j , i ) shown in fig5 the multi - value v for the objective pixel is defined by the following equation . ## equ1 ## when p ( j , i )= 0 . . . white pixel when p ( j , i )= 1 . . . black pixel in this manner , the multi - value data is generated from the binary data in the rectangular region . with the foregoing description , the first embodiment is concluded . according to the present embodiment , with maintaining the same size , the multi - value data is generated from the binary image which is cut off as the rectangular shape . therefore , simply , the data becomes eight times as large as before . if it is taken into the consideration that the data is compressed to about 0 . 6 bit / pixel when an original data , that is , 1 bit / pixel of the pseudo halftone image data is encoded by the jbig system as it is , at least a compressive ratio equal to or larger than 1 / 20 is required in case of compressing the foregoing eight - time enlarged data by the jpeg system . this compressive ratio can be easily realized by setting the quantizing parameters or the like in the jpeg compression system . therefore , according to the first embodiment , a binary image which includes a pseudo halftone image can be easily and effectively compressed as compared with the conventional system . the structure of an entire block in the second embodiment of the present invention is same as that of the first embodiment . a different point is observed in an internal operation of a multi - value encoder 4 and a multi - value decoder 9 shown in fig1 . in the first embodiment , an image from which the multi - value data is generated by a multi - value generation device 3 is directly encoded in the multi - value encoder 4 . on the other hand , in the second embodiment , multi - value image data is dpcm encoded after sub - sampling to the resolution of 1 / 4 every vertical / horizontal line . it has been known that when a multi - value image having the different resolution of which value is multiplied by about 2 to 4 is binarized by an ed method , the quality of the binary image to be output does not have a great difference in its quality . ( however , a simple enlargement is conducted before binarization to have the same resolution .) the present embodiment utilizes the above - mentioned fact . the data which is increased to have the capacity of 8 bits / pixel data because of being transformed to the multi - value image data is compressed to the data of which capacity decreased to 1 / 16 by the sub - sampling of 1 / 4 every vertical / horizontal line . by conducting the lossless dpcm encoding to the data processed as above , the compressive ratio of about 1 / 2 can be further expected . finally , the data can be compressed to about the capacity of 0 . 25 bit / pixel or so . of course , thus obtained compressive ratio becomes more effective as compared with the prior jbig , mr system or the like . in the second embodiment , the multi - value decoder 9 shown in fig1 is a dpcm decoder , and a binarizer 10 generates the dpcm decoded pixel four times repeatedly every vertical / horizontal line before binarization to interpolate the sub - sampled data . similar to the second embodiment , the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment as to the internal operation of a multi - value encoder 4 and a multi - value decoder 9 . in the third embodiment , the jpeg encoding system is utilized again in the multi - value encoder 4 , however , the different point from the second embodiment is that a multi - value image is sub - sampled to 1 / 2 every vertical / horizontal line before conducting the jpeg encoding . according to this process , the data increased from the capacity of 1 bit / pixel to the capacity of 8 bits / pixel is compressed to the capacity of 2 bits / pixel . on the other hand , by adjusting the compressive ratio of the jpeg encoding only to 1 / 4 , it is possible to exceed the compressive ratio depending on the prior system . in this case , it can be expected that multi - value image data which is jpeg decoded in the multi - value decoder 9 becomes the high quality image data . before the jpeg encoding , by adjusting the compressive ratio of the jpeg encoding to about 1 / 10 depending on the sub - sampling of 1 / 4 every vertical / horizontal line , the compressive ratio almost similar to that of the ordinary character image can be obtained . in the first to the third embodiments of the present invention , the multi - value encoding system in the multi - value encoder 4 is not limited to the jpeg encoding , but it can be used another multi - value encoding such as a vector quantization , an orthogonal conversion encoding or the like . also , the binary encoding in a binary encoding 5 is not limited to the jbig encoding , but it can be used another binary encoding system such as mh , mr , mmr or the like . further , in the first to the third embodiments of the present invention , an entire portion other than a pseudo expressed halftone image portion which is region divided in a region divider 2 is binary encoded in the binary encoder 5 . however , without limiting to such method , it is considered that a part other than the pseudo expressed halftone image portion may be binary encoded by the binary encoder 5 , and another encoding system ( for example , conducting the encoding depending on the recognition of characters ) may be utilized to the expected binary image portion . a modified example of the first to the third embodiments of the present invention is shown in fig7 . in fig7 a different point from the block diagram shown in fig1 is to have a manual console unit 50 . the manual console unit 50 displays binary image data input from a binary image input unit 1 by using a monitor 51 . according to this displayed image , a region divider is controlled by the manual operation . that is , instead of an automatic region division operation conducted by a region divider 2 shown in fig1 the region division operation is controlled by the manual operation . a region divider 52 distributes the binary image data input from the binary image input unit 1 into the data 102 and 103 based on a control signal from the manual console 50 and outputs the encoding parameter described later . thereafter , the same process as that of the first to the third embodiments is executed . the manual console unit 50 can designate not only a pseudo halftone image region and another binary image region but also the encoding parameters such as the encoding method ( dpcm , jpeg , mr or the like ), the foregoing sub - sampling ratio ( 1 / 2 or 1 / 4 etc ), the jpeg compressive ratio or the like for each designated region independently . according to the present invention , the encoding parameter can also be assigned to each region as shown in fig8 and an example of an encoder in such case is shown in fig9 . in fig9 a different point from that of fig7 is that plural multi - value generation units 3 , multi - value encoders 4 and binary encoders 5 are provided . another structure in fig9 is same as that of fig7 . with the above , the description of an example of another modification is concluded . when the encoding is conducted by a computer , the algorithm of encoding utilized in the above each embodiment may be stored in various storing mediums such as the floppy disk or the like as the program to be read out by a computer for encoding the data . as described above , according to the present invention , a binary image including a pseudo - expressed halftone image of which high compressive ratio can be barely obtained conventionally can be data compressed effectively . the present invention can be modified in various manners , within the scope of following claims .	7
a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings . fig1 is a cross - sectional view illustrating major part ( interconnect part ) of a semiconductor device according to a first embodiment of the present invention . as shown in fig1 , a plurality of lower layer interconnects 12 are selectively formed in a first interlevel insulation film 11 . each of the lower layer interconnects 12 is formed of a first barrier metal film 12 a of a stacked layer film of tantalum ( ta ) and tantalum nitride ( tan ) on bottom and wall surfaces of a lower layer interconnect groove 11 a formed in the first interlevel insulation film 11 , a first copper film 12 b provided on the first barrier metal film 12 a to fill the lower layer interconnect groove 11 and a first cap film 12 c formed of metal or a material containing metal in upper part of the first copper film 12 b . an insulation material having a small mechanical strength ( relative permittivity ), such as , for example , carbon - containing silicon oxide ( sioc ) having a relative permittivity k of about 1 . 8 to 2 . 2 , is used for the first interlevel insulation film 11 . in the first interlevel insulation film 11 , a plurality of cylindrical gaps ( first nano column holes 11 b ), each having a diameter of a nanometer dimension , for example , about 2 nm to 5 nm , are formed . note that as an insulation material having a small mechanical strength , besides sioc , aurora , silk , slk , ncs , hsq , msq , polyimide or the like can be used . an insulation barrier film 15 is formed of silicon carbide ( sic ) on the first interlevel insulation film 11 as well as each of the lower layer interconnects 12 . as a material of the insulation barrier film 15 , besides sic , sin , sico , sicn , benzocyclobutene ( bcb ) or the like can be used . a second interlevel insulation film 16 is formed of the same material as that of the first interlevel insulation film 11 on the insulation barrier film 15 . on the second interlevel insulation film 16 , a plurality of upper layer interconnects 19 are selectively formed . in part of the second interlevel insulation film 16 located between the upper layer interconnects 19 , second nano column holes 16 c which are similar to the nano column hole 11 b are formed . as the lower layer interconnects 12 , each of the upper layer interconnects 19 is formed of a second barrier metal film 19 a of a stacked layer film of ta and tan on bottom and wall surface of a lower layer interconnect groove 16 b , a second copper film 19 b provided on the second barrier metal film 19 a to fill the groove , and a second cap film 19 c formed of metal or a material containing metal in upper part of the second copper film 19 b . herein , for the first cap film 12 c and the second cap film 19 c , for example , silicon nitride containing copper ( cusin ) film is used . in the second interlevel insulation film 16 , plugs 20 each being formed of parts of the second barrier metal film 19 a and the second copper film 19 b in a contact hole 16 a . thus , the lower layer interconnects 12 are electrically connected to the upper layer interconnects 19 via the plugs 20 , respectively . each of the first barrier metal film 12 a and the second barrier metal film 19 a functions as a copper diffusion prevention film . as has been described , in the semiconductor device of the first embodiment , the cap films 12 c and 19 c each being formed of metal or a material containing metal are provided in upper parts of each lower layer interconnect 12 and each upper layer interconnect 19 , respectively . due to the existence of the first cap film 12 c and the second cap film 19 c , each of the first copper film 12 b and the second copper film 19 b has an improved resistance against etching damages , so that reduction in reliability of interconnects can be prevented . moreover , unlike the third known example , sidewalls formed of an insulation film are not provided on the first interlevel insulation film 11 and the gaps 11 b . thus , as compared to the structure in which the sidewalls are provided , the effective permittivity between adjacent interconnects is reduced and variation in interconnect width is not generated . hereafter , a method for fabricating a semiconductor device having the above - described structure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings . fig2 a through 2e and fig3 a through 3d are cross - sectional views illustrating respective steps for fabricating a semiconductor device of the first embodiment of the present invention in order . first , as shown in fig2 a , a first interlevel insulation film 11 having a small mechanical strength ( permittivity ), such as , for example , a carbon - containing silicon oxide ( sioc ) film having a relative permittivity k of about 1 . 8 to 2 . 2 , is formed on a semiconductor substrate ( not shown ) of silicon ( si ) in which function elements and the like are formed . subsequently , a first sacrificial film ( not shown ) of silicon oxide is formed on the first interlevel insulation film 11 . note that the first sacrificial film is removed in a cmp ( chemical mechanical polishing ) step performed to lower layer interconnects , which will be described later . thereafter , a resist pattern ( not shown ) having a lower layer interconnect groove formation pattern is formed on the first sacrificial film by lithography and then dry etching is performed to the first sacrificial film and the first interlevel insulation film 11 using the resist pattern as a mask , thereby forming lower layer interconnect grooves 11 a . subsequently , a first barrier metal film 12 a of a ta / tan stacked layer film and a copper seed film ( not shown ) are deposited in this order by sputtering on bottom and side surfaces of each of the lower layer interconnect grooves 11 a formed in the first sacrificial film and the first interlevel insulation film 11 . subsequently , a first copper film 12 b is deposited over the copper seed film by electrolytic plating to fill each of the lower layer interconnect grooves 11 a . subsequently , parts of the first barrier metal film 12 a and the first copper film 12 b ( including the copper seed film and this also applies to the following description ) located outside the lower layer interconnect grooves 11 a are removed by cmp , thereby patterning to the first barrier metal film 12 a and the first copper film 12 b . next , as shown in fig2 b , a first cap film 12 c is formed of cusin in upper part of the first copper film 12 b , for example , by gas cluster ion beam processing . thus , lower layer interconnects 12 each being formed of the first barrier metal film 12 a , the first copper film 12 b and the first cap film 12 c are obtained . herein , mixed gas of sih 4 and nh 3 is irradiated as gas cluster ion beam to form the first cap film 12 c from the first copper film 12 b . in the first embodiment , sih 4 and nh 3 are used as gas cluster ion beam seeds . however , gas cluster ion beam seeds are not limited to sih 4 and nh 3 but at least one material selected from the group consisting of tantalum ( ta ), ruthenium ( ru ), cobalt ( co ), manganese ( mn ), tungsten ( w ), silane ( sih 4 ) and ammonia ( nh 3 ) may be used as a gas cluster ion beam seed . moreover , to form the first cap film 12 c , gas cluster ion beam processing is used . the method for forming the first cap film 12 c is not limited to this method but , for example , selective plating using at least one material selected from the group consisting of cobalt tungsten phosphide ( cowp ), cobalt tungsten boride ( cowb ), nickel molybdenum phosphide ( nimop ) and nickel molybdenum boride ( nimob ) may be used . next , as shown in fig2 c , for example , by gas cluster ion beam processing using argon ( ar + ) ions , gas cluster ion beam is irradiated to an entire upper surface of the first interlevel insulation film 11 as well as the lower layer interconnects 12 to form a plurality of first nano column holes lib having a diameter of nanometer dimension and arranged in a predetermined array pattern . in this process , it is preferable that ar + ions are formed into clusters each including about several hundreds mol of molecules and having a diameter of several nm and the clusters are irradiated at an acceleration energy of about 50 kev to several hundreds kev . in the first embodiment , argon ( ar ) is used as a material for forming gas clusters . however , at least one material selected from the group consisting of argon ( ar ), carbon ( c ), silane ( sih 4 ), ammonia ( nh 3 ), methane ( ch 4 ) and carbon tetrafluoride ( cf 4 ) may be used . the first interlevel insulation film 11 is a film having a small mechanical strength ( permittivity ) such as a carbon containing silicon oxide film having a relative permittivity k of about 1 . 8 to 2 . 2 and physical etching can be performed in a simple manner . thus , the gaps ( first nano column holes 11 b ) can be formed in the first interlevel insulation film 11 in a simple manner . thereafter , uv ( ultraviolet ray ) cure is performed to the first interlevel insulation film 11 in which the nano column holes 11 b are formed at a temperature of 200 ° c . to 400 ° c . thus , the first interlevel insulation film 11 is made to be a high mechanical strength film having a relative permittivity of about 2 . 2 to 2 . 6 . gas cluster ion beam processing will be described further in detail below . gas cluster ion beam is mainly charged beam of clusters , each consisting of several hundreds to several tens of thousands of molecules and charged to monovalent . the charged beam is implanted to a sample such as an insulation film or the like to physically etch the sample , thereby forming a plurality of nano column air gaps . in this method , when the number of molecules is set to be small , the energy of a cluster is increased . thus , holes having a diameter of several nm can be formed in a simple manner . next , as shown in fig2 d , an insulation barrier film 15 of , for example , silicon carbide for functioning a copper diffusion prevention film is deposited over the first interlevel insulation film 11 as well as the lower layer interconnects 12 to a thickness of about 5 nm . subsequently , a second interlevel insulation film 16 having a small mechanical strength ( permittivity ) such as a carbon containing silicon oxide film having a relative permittivity k of about 1 . 8 to 2 . 2 is deposited over the insulation barrier film 15 to a thickness of about 300 nm . thereafter , a second sacrificial film ( not shown ) is formed of silicon oxide . note that the second sacrificial film is removed by a cmp step to be performed to upper layer interconnects which will be described later . next , as shown in fig2 e , a resist pattern ( not shown ) having a contact hole formation pattern is formed on the second sacrificial film by lithography and then dry etching is performed to the second sacrificial film and the second interlevel insulation film 16 using the resist pattern as a mask , thereby forming a plurality of contact holes 16 a which pass through the second sacrificial film and the second interlevel insulation film 16 and through which the insulation barrier film 15 is exposed . next , as shown in fig3 a , as in the same manner for forming the contact holes 16 a , lithography and dry etching are performed to form openings in the second sacrificial film and the second interlevel insulation film 16 , thereby forming upper layer interconnect grooves 16 b which communicate the contact holes 16 a , respectively , in upper parts of the second interlevel insulation film 16 , next , as shown in fig3 b , the entire surface of the substrate is etched back by anisotropic dry etching , for example , using mixed gas of carbon tetrafluoride ( cf 4 ) and nitride ( n 2 ) to remove parts of the insulation barrier film 15 exposed through the contact holes 16 a , thereby achieving exposure of the first cap film 12 c . next , as shown in fig3 c , a second barrier metal film 19 a of a ta / tan stacked layer film and a copper seed film ( not shown ) are deposited in this order by sputtering on bottom and side surfaces of each of the contact holes 16 a and the upper layer interconnects grooves 16 b in the second interlevel insulation film 16 . subsequently , a second copper film 19 b is deposited over the copper seed film by electrolytic plating so as to fill the contact holes 16 a and the upper layer interconnect grooves 16 b . subsequently , parts of the second barrier metal film 19 a and the second copper film 19 b ( including the copper seed film and this also applies to the following description ) deposited outside of the upper layer interconnect grooves 16 b and the second sacrificial film are removed by cmp , thereby patterning the second barrier metal film 19 a and the second copper film 19 b . next , as shown in fig3 d , gas cluster ion beam processing is performed in the same manner as shown in fig2 b to form a second cap film 19 c of cusin in upper part of the second copper film 19 b . thus , an upper layer interconnects 19 each being formed of the second barrier metal film 19 a , the second copper film 19 b and the second cap film 19 c is obtained . subsequently , as in the same manner as shown in fig2 b , for example , by gas cluster ion beam processing , gas cluster ion beam is irradiated to an entire upper surface of the second interlevel insulation film 16 as well as the upper layer interconnects 19 to form a plurality of second nano column holes 16 c in the second interlevel insulation film 16 . thereafter , uv cure is performed to the second interlevel insulation film 16 in which the second nano column holes 16 c are formed at a temperature of about 200 ° c . to 400 ° c . thus , the second interlevel insulation film 16 is made to be a high mechanical strength film having a relative permittivity k of about 2 . 2 to 2 . 6 . by repeating the above - described fabrication process steps , i . e ., the process steps shown in fig2 a through 2e and fig3 a through 3d , a semiconductor device including multilayer copper interconnects can be obtained . the method for fabricating a semiconductor device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that , for example , the first cap film 12 c containing metal as a main component is formed in upper part of the lower layer interconnects 12 and then the nano column holes 11 b are formed in the first interlevel insulation film 11 . specifically , the first cap film 12 c and the second cap film 19 c are formed in upper parts of the first copper film 12 b and the second copper film 19 b , respectively , so that copper interconnects can have an improved resistance against etching damages and reduction in reliability of copper interconnects can be prevented moreover , because metal having a relatively close lattice constant to that of copper is used , the first cap film 12 c and the second cap film 19 c used in the first embodiment also have the effect of improving resistance against electromigration of copper . moreover , in the first embodiment , each of the first cap film 12 c and the second cap film 19 c is selectively deposited using gas cluster ion beam processing , and then the nano column holes 11 b and 16 c are formed without forming a resist pattern by lithography . thus , problems in pattern formation caused by a difference between a relativity of exposure light to interconnect metal and a relativity of exposure light to an interlevel insulation film can be advantageously solved . hereafter , a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings . fig4 is a cross - sectional view illustrating a cross section of major part of a semiconductor device according to the second embodiment of the present invention . in fig4 , each member also shown in fig1 is identified by the same reference numeral and therefore the description thereof will be omitted . as shown in fig4 , a semiconductor device according to the second embodiment is characterized in that an interlevel insulation film formed on a first interlevel insulation film 11 is made to have a two - layer structure including a second interlevel insulation film 16 a having a relatively high mechanical strength ( relative permittivity ) such as , for example , silicon oxide , and a third interlevel insulation film 18 having a lower mechanical strength ( relative permittivity ) than that of the second interlevel insulation film 16 a , such as , for example , a carbon containing silicon oxide film having a relative permittivity k of about 1 . 8 to 2 . 2 and cylindrical gaps ( second nano column holes 18 a ) each having a diameter of a nanometer dimension are formed in the third interlevel insulation film 18 . in this embodiment , contact holes 16 a are formed in the second interlevel insulation film 16 a , and upper layer interconnects 19 are formed in the third interlevel insulation film 18 . the second nano column holes 18 a provided in the third interlevel insulation film 18 are formed so that respective bottoms thereof are in touch with the second interlevel insulation film 16 a . the nano column holes 11 b and 18 a each having a diameter of a nanometer dimension can be formed in an insulation film having a small mechanical strength in an easier manner . therefore , an interlevel insulation film is formed so as to have a stacked layer structure including an insulation film having a relatively small mechanical strength and an insulation film having a relatively high mechanical strength , so that a selectivity when nano column holes are formed is large and variation in height dimension of nano column holes are improved . specifically , in the second embodiment , the second nano column holes 18 a can be formed so as to pass through the third interlevel insulation film 18 having a relatively small mechanical strength and have bottoms reaching an upper surface of the second interlevel insulation film having a relatively high mechanical strength . in other words , respective bottoms of the second nano column holes 11 a all reach the upper surface of the second interlevel insulation film 16 a having a relatively high mechanical strength . as a result , it is possible to form highly reliable nano column air gaps having an increased level of freedom and reduced variation while paying considerations about a balance between a high mechanical strength and a low relative permittivity . in fig4 , the height of an interface between the third interlevel insulation film 18 having a relatively low mechanical strength and the second interlevel insulation film 16 a having a relatively high mechanical strength coincides with the height of a lower surface of the upper layer interconnects 19 . however , the inventive structure is not limited thereto . specifically , the height of the interlevel may be located lower than the lower surface of the upper layer interconnects 19 . thus , compared to the structure of fig4 , the permittivity between interconnects can be further reduced . moreover , an interlevel insulation film having a small mechanical strength ( relative permittivity ) may be further formed between the second insulation film 16 a and the third interlevel insulation film 18 . as has been described , according to the second embodiment , the second nano column holes 18 a each have bottoms reaching the upper surface of the second interlevel insulation film 16 having a relatively high mechanical strength . accordingly , compared to the structure in which respective bottoms of the second nano column holes 18 a reach only the middle of the third interlevel insulation film 18 in which the upper layer interconnects 19 are formed , a capacity between upper layer interconnects 19 can be further reduced . hereafter , a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings . fig5 is a cross - sectional view illustrating a cross section of major part of a semiconductor device according to the third embodiment of the present invention . in fig5 , each member also shown in fig1 is identified by the same reference numeral and therefore the description thereof will be omitted . fig5 is a cross - sectional view illustrating a cross section of major part of a semiconductor device according to the third embodiment of the present invention . as shown in fig5 , the semiconductor device of the third embodiment is characterized in that a cap film 12 c having the function of preventing a copper diffusion is provided in upper part of each of lower layer interconnects 12 and a second interlevel insulation film 16 is directly in contact with the first interlevel insulation film 11 and the lower layer interconnects 12 . specifically , an insulation barrier film 15 for preventing copper diffusion is not provided , so that the effective permittivity of each of the first interlevel insulation film 11 and the second interlevel insulation film 16 can be largely reduced . note that it is obvious that the function of preventing copper diffusion is sufficiently served by the first cap film 12 c , instead of the insulation barrier film 15 . as has been described , according to the third embodiment , the step of forming the insulation barrier film 15 for preventing copper diffusion is eliminated , so that fabrication process can be simplified and also fabrication costs can be reduced . note that in the first through third embodiments , metal of co , mn , w , ta or ru , an alloy containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of co , mn , w , ta and ru , metal oxide of co , mn , w , ta or ru , or cusin can be used for the first cap film 12 c and the second cap film 19 c which have the function of preventing copper diffusion . in the first through third embodiments , copper is used as a material for the lower layer interconnects 12 and the upper layer interconnects 19 . however , an interconnect material is not particularly limited but , for example , copper , silver , aluminum , or an alloy of at least one selected from the group consisting of copper , silver and aluminum may be used . as has been described , a semiconductor device according to the present invention and a method for fabricating the semiconductor device allows prevention of increase in effective permittivity between adjacent ones of interconnects and in variation of interconnect width , and also allows reliable formation of nano holes ( gaps ). the present invention is particularly useful for a semiconductor device including metal interconnects exhibiting high performance and reliability formed by damascene .	7
as mentioned in the background section , objects are software containers located in memory having special properties . objects contain both data and instructions / functions and can send and receive messages between and amongst themselves , but they cannot be broken - into ( i . e ., they encapsulate the data contained in them and allow access only through a well - defined interface ). programmers can create relationships between objects , e . g ., objects can inherit characteristics from other objects and / or they can contain such other objects and / or they can contain links to such other objects . objects are defined by way of its class , and objects are thus instances of that class . for example , one can create an object called “ fluffy ” from a class called “ feline ”. multiple objects of this class can be made , each having a different name . object “ trees ” are pictorial representations of relationships between objects or nodes and , in the case of a network &# 39 ; s nodes being represented by objects , can readily convey such network &# 39 ; s entire functional relationship . although the present invention is not necessarily constrained to embodiments generated by object - oriented design , object trees are used in constructing a preferred embodiment of the present invention described hereinbelow . a user interface ( ui ) is a computer with terminal , mouse and keyboard sometimes referred to as a client , head - end station , head station or client workstation . it can also be thought of as that connective boundary between the human - user and the computer system , such boundary typically being conceived as the client terminal &# 39 ; s screen with keyboard and / or mouse interaction . the ui runs various kinds of software including what is termed storage management software or client software . a server , server location , host , agent , or remote agent are all synonymous terms meaning another computer which “ serves ” its client by functioning closely with its assigned network component or sub system such as a storage system or portion thereof . thus , the server responds to commands from its client and serves its client in response to those commands . a client can communicate with its server directly in certain configurations . storage management software which runs on the client has software components , which can run on various network nodes including its storage processors and server ( s ), and which are called agents or agent software . this software can be object - oriented software such as c ++, java , smalltalk , etc . the storage system includes media for storing binary to information and typically includes disk drives in an array configuration sometimes called raid ( redundant array of independent disks ). the storage system may require its own computer processing power ( independent of other computer power in or associated with the network ) called storage processor ( s ) which , among other things , can control disk drives and information flow thereto . these storage processors also can run agents or agent software . any of these computers or processors are also commonly referred to as hosts . peripheral cluster is storage and any other peripheral devices under control of their respective server or storage processor . referring to fig3 , there is shown a block diagram of a computer network organized in accordance with principles of the present invention , and showing a user interface and storage processors ( sps ) along with attached servers in a san configuration . ui 300 is communicatively connected via bus or link 318 , such as a lan bus , to san 319 and specifically to storage processor 304 in this example . there are other physical links from ui 300 to other sps such as to sp 305 , ( and to any others — not shown ) in the san but only one such link is used communicatively at any given time regardless of the total number of such physical bus links in existence , and more explanation about this is given hereinbelow . only one such link is thus shown in this fig . for purposes of enhancing clarity of explanation . sp 304 and sp 305 are inter - connected by bus 312 , and are also operatively coupled to disk drives 306 and 307 respectively , through busses 308 and 309 respectively . in addition these sps are cross coupled to each other &# 39 ; s disk drives in a backup capacity by busses 310 and 311 shown as dashed lines . disk drive 306 contains disks 0 , 1 , 2 , 3 and disk drive 307 contains disks 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 . all of these components circumscribed by boundary 303 comprise a storage system and they can be either physically close together or located remotely from each other while still representing the same storage system . sp 304 is connected via its local bus 316 to servers 320 , 321 , and 322 . symmetrically , sp 305 is connected via its local bus 317 to servers 313 , 314 , and 315 . all of these components , including the components within storage system boundary 303 and excluding ui 300 , are contained within san 319 . in operation , utilizing an object - oriented computer language such as c ++, sp 304 initially constructs an object tree of itself , showing actual relationships between the various components comprising itself as being relationships of corresponding objects or nodes in such tree ( more detailed discussion of object trees , per se , will be undertaken in connection with fig5 hereinbelow ). thereafter , sp 304 automatically and without user intervention requests or otherwise determines the internet address ( es ) of all peer processors , which , in this example , is the address of sp 305 . such address information is forwarded from sp 305 to sp 304 over bus 312 which can be a lan bus , ethernet bus , scsi bus , or combination thereof , and all being compatible with the internet . a scsi bus may be preferred in those instances where a scsi bus is also used internal to the disk array , allowing for better internal communication . then , sp 304 requests and receives over bus 312 object tree information from sp 305 which had earlier constructed such object tree information of itself in a manner similar , if not identical , to how sp 304 constructed its own object tree . if a scsi bus proves to be more work than that imposed by a lan bus , the latter can be used in this instance . sp 304 combines its own object tree information with that of sp 305 to provide a combined storage processor object tree view . sp 304 and sp 305 request over various interconnecting buses shown , or otherwise determine , ip addresses for all attached servers 313 , 314 , 315 , 320 , 321 and 322 , and for all attached other nodes in the storage system such as disk drives 306 and 307 . then , by way of those addresses , sp 304 and sp 305 each request from the other all object tree information about the other &# 39 ; s attached servers and disk drives ; all of that obtained non - processor object tree information is returned to each such requesting storage processor . each storage processor , sp 304 and sp 305 in this example , then combines its own previously - constructed object tree information which was rolled - up into the combined storage processor object tree view with all non - processor object tree information it receives thereby forming its own combined san object tree view . by way of a suitable command over bus 318 ( rather than over the other similar , if not identical , bus — not shown — to sp 305 ), ui 300 selects sp 304 to be its “ portal processor ”. this is the particular storage processor in the storage system selected to serve as a port for information flow from and to ui 300 . ui 300 further requests its combined san object tree view over bus 318 . sp 304 forwards such view via bus 318 to ui 300 which stores all such object tree information in its local database for purposes of allowing its users to access and view such object tree information as part of user storage system and san management activity . referring next to fig4 , there is presented a schematic diagram of a computer network showing a user interface and multiple san configurations being managed by such single user interface in accordance with principles of the present invention . ui 300 is the same ui as in fig3 . san 319 of fig3 is shown in fig4 and is connected to ui 300 by way of bus 318 , as in fig3 . other san configurations are designated 401 , 402 , 403 , 404 , and 405 . each san is connected to ui 300 directly by way of busses 406 , 407 , 408 , 409 and 410 respectively , each such bus being connected to its respective portal processor ( not shown ) located within its san . as noted before , only the bus being used as a communicative link to the ui from and to each san and not every bus connection between the ui and multiple storage processors within each san is shown , for purposes of enhancing clarity of presentation . multiple sans ( not limited to the number shown herein ) can thus be managed by a single ui in accordance with principles of the present invention because the ui has been relieved of an unduly burdensome processing load as a result of each portal processor forwarding its combined san object tree view to the ui rather than requiring the ui to dissipate its processing power by computing each combined san object tree view . fig5 is an object tree schematic diagram of information of various types including that which may be learned , stored , and combined in storage processors and utilized by the user interface . referring first to object or node labeled sp - a , it is shown as having several “ child ” nodes , namely : lun 1 , lun 2 , and lun 3 as well as a node labeled disk 0 , 1 , 2 , 3 . a node in addition to being used herein interchangeably with object is also a logical / functional construct enabling one to envision and design interrelationships in a computer system or computer storage system . under certain circumstances , a node could represent a complete functional entity and in another instance could represent a sub - function within such entity . lun means “ logical unit ” which is a logical construct that exists in or on storage systems , which is accessible by a server to store data and which can look like a disk drive to the server . there is a parent - child hierarchical relationship between node sp - a and its child nodes . node sp - a is intended to represent object information describing sp - 304 of fig3 . similarly , sp - b is also shown as having several child nodes , namely : lun 4 , lun - 5 , and lun - 6 as well as a node labeled disk 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 . there is also a parent - child hierarchical relationship between node sp - b and its child nodes . node sp - b is intended to represent object information describing sp - 305 of fig3 . in fig3 , each sp is shown connected to three servers and four disks and such a configuration would ordinarily be represented in a more complex object tree by more than only three luns per sp ; thus , it should be understood that more luns are implied in fig5 but only three luns per sp are shown for purposes of enhancing clarity of presentation . when sp - 304 functions to build its object tree representing itself and its directly connected nodes it constructs relationships that can be generally represented pictorially as shown as the parent - child relationships for sp - a ( although realistically in a much more complex pattern than that shown ). similarly , when sp - 305 functions to build its object tree representing itself and its directly connected nodes it constructs relationships that can be generally represented pictorially as shown as the parent - child relationships for sp - b , ( again , more complex than shown ). accordingly , at this stage of the object tree construction within a storage system such as storage system 303 , neither processor has an object tree representation of either the complete configuration of the storage system or the complete san . it should also be understood that more than two processors per storage system can be used . if there were three processors , then there would be three object trees constructed , etc . accordingly , to obtain a complete object tree representation of san 319 all constructed object trees must be combined ( whether , two , three or whatever number of storage processor trees constructed ). after such combination a new node is created , namely , “ root ” node or object 500 which is now the “ parent ” of two child nodes sp - a and sp - b , and which contains at least general header - type information about its storage processor children . essentially what is in root node 500 is either all of the information below it in the tree , or header information suggesting all of the information below it in the tree . accordingly , the root node or object is the best starting point for the inquiry , but , as noted , having only the root alone may not be sufficient . however , not only can you eventually get all of the objects in the storage system or the san via the root node , but you also get them in proper association with each other , which is of prime importance . all of these many different objects in this kind of a system include an object that describes a storage system . however , as noted , a storage system has components in it such as luns , disks and storage processors which are each also expressed as an object . thus , the manner in which to express the notion that a storage system object contains disk objects , via object - oriented design ( ood ) methodology is accomplished with the “ has a ” relationship , a familiar term in such ood . and , this relationship is expressable in an object tree where , as in this example , root object 500 “ has a ” sp object for spa and “ has a ” sp object for sp - b . similarly , sp - b “ has a ” disk object ( s ), lun object ( s ), etc . and , all of these objects are required for the computer system to really extract all the information needed about the storage system or san . for example , if a user needed capacity information about the disks , the user would ( via the combined object tree ) ask the storage system about the disk object , and then ( via the combined object tree ) ask the disk object to get the capacity . referring next to interface dashed lines 501 and 502 , they are used to represent locations within the network where such object tree combining can take place . in the prior art such object tree combining took place in the ui . prior art object tree construction interface line 501 shows root object 500 located on the ui side of that interface meaning that root 500 was constructed and all object trees were combined in the ui . accordingly , resources of the ui had to be dedicated to that activity . however , referring to present invention object tree construction interface line 502 , root node 500 falls on the storage side of that interface meaning that root node 500 was constructed and all object trees were combined in storage processors , thus alleviating that burden from the ui . then , ui 300 can request root node 500 from any particular storage processor on which it resides , and thus make such particular processor the portal processor . ( also , ui can select a different portal processor later if the first selected portal processor malfunctions or is otherwise no longer desirable to use .) by returning such root node to the ui , the portal processor allows the ui to have access to header information about the complete object tree representing the complete storage system or san . armed with such header information , the ui can then call for any or all of the complete object tree and store it in its local database for convenient access of its users . fig6 is a flowchart illustrating a startup algorithm in accordance with principles of the present invention . it is discussed in terms of a san , but it is understood that the present invention also encompasses a storage system by itself as well as part of a san . the algorithm is thus equally applicable to a storage system as well as the san of which it is a part . in block 601 all storage processors , disk drives , servers , and any other attached nodes in the san build their own respective object trees for themselves and for their child nodes . upon completion the algorithmic process moves to block 602 where each storage processor determines the respective internet protocol ( ip ) addresses for all other storage processors ( its peers ) over lan busses interconnecting them . when completed the algorithmic process moves to block 603 where each storage processor asks ( via the lan busses and / or ip addresses ) each other storage processor in the storage system for its constructed object tree . next , in block 604 each storage processor combines its own object tree with all object trees received from all other storage processors into its combined storage processor object tree view . at this juncture , each storage processor holds the same object information as the next processor although the “ view ” from each processor might be different . next , referring to block 605 each storage processor obtains ip addresses for all attached servers , disk drives and any other attached nodes in the san . next , referring to block 606 , each storage processor requests that all such attached servers , disk drives and nodes forward their respective object trees , and then combines them with the combined storage processor object tree view to obtain a combined san object tree view . next , referring to block 607 , the ui selects a particular storage processor to act as the san portal processor . finally , in block 608 , in response to a request from the ui , the san portal processor forwards the combined san object tree view to the user interface . fig7 is a flowchart showing the algorithm associated with commands issued by the user interface in accordance with principles of the present invention . in block 701 , the portal storage processor receives a command or request from the ui , for example , in fig3 , sp 304 can receive a command via bus 318 from ui 300 . for example , the ui might want to command a storage processor to “ clear cache ”. or , as another example , the ui may want to command a particular server to choose a different communication channel to storage . the algorithmic process moves next to decision block 702 wherein the query is made : is the command or request directed to the portal storage processor ? thus , in our example , portal storage processor 304 responds “ yes ” if the command is directed to it , and the algorithmic process moves to block 703 where the portal processor through its agent software executes the request and then sends an acknowledgment back to the user interface , as depicted in block 706 . on the other hand , if the command is not directed to sp - 304 , the algorithmic process moves from block 702 via the “ no ” output to block 704 where a determination is made regarding which san node this command is directed to and then forwards such command to such node . in block 705 , the addressed san node receiving such command , using its agent software , executes it and provides notice thereof to the portal storage processor . such notice is provided directly if , for example , the addressed san node is a directly - coupled peer processor ( as shown in fig3 ), and indirectly if , for example , it is a server operatively coupled to a peer processor . finally , the algorithmic process moves to block 706 where the portal storage processor , through its agent software , sends a response to the user interface acknowledging that such command or request has been executed . the present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive . the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description , and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein .	8
fig1 illustrates a first embodiment according to the invention wherein the system 10 is provided between two pairs of terminals 12 / 14 and 16 / 18 respectively . terminals 12 / 14 are connected to a battery b and terminals 16 / 18 are connected to a consumer c , where the system 10 is adapted to provide power from the battery b to the consumer c . terminals 12 and 16 are connected by a conductor . between terminals 14 and 18 , a transistor 24 is provided with the collector / sink connected to the terminal 14 and emitter / drain connected to the terminal 18 . the gate / base of the transistor 24 is connected between a zener diode 20 and a resistor 22 connected in series between the terminals 12 and 14 . also , the battery b is being charged by an alternator a . under normal operation , the voltage provided by the alternator a and / or battery b will be below the breakdown voltage of the zener diode 20 , which will then operate to have a current flow from the terminal 12 through the resistance 22 to the base / gate of the transistor 24 , which then will allow a current to flow between terminals 14 and 18 , whereby the consumer c is supplied power from the alternator a and / or battery b . the operation of the system 10 however changes under so - called load dump situations , where the battery b is suddenly disconnected from the alternator a , or where the battery b is connected ( in the absence of alternator a ) to the terminals 12 and 14 . in this situation , a high voltage is generated over the terminals 12 and 14 . in a 10 - 32v system of a vehicle , this increased voltage may be as high as 120v . naturally , any voltage regime may be used . this voltage , if applied to the consumer c , may destroy the consumer c or parts thereof , such as semiconductor devices therein . the system 10 , however prevents this situation in that this high voltage will exceed the breakdown voltage of the zener diode 20 , whereby gate / base the transistor 24 reaches the potential of the terminal 14 , which will make the transistor 26 “ disconnect ” the terminal 14 from the terminal 18 , thus protecting the circuits of the consumer c . in this circuit , the “ detection ” of the exceeded voltage is performed by the zener diode 20 . naturally , also other types of circuits may be used , such as amplifiers , comparators , voltage dividers or the like . naturally , the zener diode 20 and transistor 24 are selected to detect and withstand , respectively , the exceeded voltage . in the present situation , the battery b provides a voltage in the interval of 10 - 32v , the zener diode 20 has a breakdown voltage of 36v , the resistor 22 may be a 22 kω resistor , and the transistor 24 may be able to withstand at least 100v . it is noted that it may be desired to include a delay circuit , such as a schmidt trigger , in order to not open the transistor 24 immediately when the voltage over the zener diode 20 falls below the breakdown voltage . thus , it may be desired to not open the transistor 24 , until the voltage falls below a predetermined voltage , such as 3v , below the breakdown voltage . the present transistor 24 may be any type of transistor . the presently depicted transistor has a protection diode 26 therein . this is not required but is desired , as this will reduce the heat dissipation required a great deal . fig2 illustrates a circuit 50 with a semi - circuit 10 ′ which corresponds to the circuit 10 of fig1 . in fig2 , the alternator a has been left out , but it will usually still be present , at least in vehicles or vessels . the operation of the zener diode 20 is retained , but the set - up is altered so that it now is positioned in series with two resistors 22 ′ and 22 ″ between terminals 12 and 14 . a transistor 40 is positioned with its base / gate connected between the resistors 22 ′ and 22 ″, the collector to the base / gate of the transistor 24 and the emitter coupled , via a diode 42 , to the terminal 14 . also , a resistor 44 is provided between the base / gate of the transistor 24 and the terminal 12 . again , if the voltage over the zener diode 20 exceeds the breakdown voltage , a current will flow to the base / gate of the transistor 40 which will cause a current to flow to the base / gate of the transistor 24 , which again prevents current flow from the collector / sink to the emitter / drain . in addition , the circuit 50 comprises another transistor 28 , the base / gate of which is coupled between a diode 34 and a resistor 32 coupled in series between the terminals 16 and 18 . the operation of the transistor 28 is seen in the situation where the battery b is inverted . this may be the case where the battery b has been replaced incorrectly . this problem is known , and the solution of protecting the consumer c from this using a transistor 28 is known from e . g . us2008 / 0198522 . then , the diode 34 will become conducting , pulling the collector / sink of transistor 28 to terminal 18 , whereby the transistor 28 will “ close ”. also , the protective diode 28 will prevent current flow from the ( now positive ) terminal 14 to the terminal 18 . thus , when no load dump takes place , the transistor 24 is conducting . if a load dump takes place , the transistor 24 is non - conducting , and the protection diode 26 thereof will prevent any current from flowing from the terminal 18 to the terminal 14 . the transistor 28 , however , remains open , and the protection diode 30 thereof will allow current to flow . on the other hand , if the battery b is inverted , the transistor 28 is blocking , and the protection diode 30 will prevent current from flowing from the terminal 14 to the terminal 18 . the transistor 26 will not act to protect the consumer c from this situation . in fig2 is two black dots are provided between the resistor 32 and the diode 34 and the two resistors 22 ′ and 22 ″, respectively . these positions in the circuit 50 may be used for controlling the operation of the transistors 26 and 28 in other situations where it is also desired to de - couple the consumer c from the battery b and / or alternator a . one situation where this is the situation is that in which an external power source is used for feeding the consumer c . in one situation , where such applied voltage is lower than the voltage provided by the battery , the battery will still power the consumer , which is not desired . if such applied voltage exceeds that of the battery , it will power the consumer but will also charge the battery , which may not be desired or allowed . in vehicles or vessels , producers may not allow other charging of the battery than by the alternator a . thus , if the vehicle / vessel is connected to e . g . ac voltage from a mains network , the power may be allowed to be provided to the consumer c at terminals 16 and 18 , but not the battery b . in that situation , a circuit ( not illustrated ) may be provided for generating a dc signal ( such as 12v ) provided to the circuit 50 at the black dots . then , the transistors 16 and 28 will disconnect the terminals 14 and 18 . also , the diodes 30 will prevent any current from flowing , so that the consumer c is powered by this external source without affecting the battery b and alternator a . it is noted that the circuits 10 ′ and 50 may be interchanged without changing functionality . while the present invention has been illustrated and described with respect to a particular embodiment thereof , it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications to this invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present .	7
referring to the drawings and particularly to fig1 through 13 , one form of the apparatus of the invention for gliding over snow is there shown . in this form of the invention , the principal cooperating components comprise a support base 14 , a pair of identical foot enclosure assemblies 16 , and connector means connected to the support base for releasably interconnecting the foot enclosure assemblies with the support base . support base 14 includes an upper surface 14 a and a lower surface 14 b and , in the form of the invention shown in fig1 through 13 , comprises a snowboard . as best seen in fig3 and 7a , the lower surface 16 a of each of the foot enclosure assemblies is provided with a threaded bore 18 that receives a threaded stud 20 that functions to connect a generally circular shaped permanent magnet 22 with the foot enclosure assembly . magnet 22 is of a high holding power , compact design , and can be constructed from various materials . by way of example , magnet 22 can comprise powerful ceramic disk , permanent magnet of a character readily commercially available from various sources including a - l - l magnetics , inc . of palencia , calif . this type of ceramic magnet can be constructed in various configurations and , if desired , can be encased in nickel - plated steel cups . magnet 22 , which is commercially available in a number of different sizes , can range in diameter from about 2 inches to about 3 inches . it is to be understood that in constructing the apparatus of the present invention , a single , relatively large magnet can be used , or in the alternative , a plurality of smaller magnets disposed in a suitable array can be used to provide the magnetic forces necessary to releasably secure the heel portion of the foot enclosure assembly of the apparatus to the support base . referring to fig3 , 7 a and 7 b the foot enclosure assembly 16 of the present invention can be seen to comprise a snow boot - like foot enclosure 26 having a heel portion 26 a and a toe portion 26 b . as best seen in fig3 magnet 22 is affixed to the lower surface of the foot enclosure means intermediate the heel portion and the toe portion . for a purpose presently to be described , a toe locking member 28 having an outwardly extending locking tab 28 a is affixed to the lower surface of the foot enclosure means proximate the toe portion . also affixed to the lower surface of the foot enclosure means proximate the heel portion thereof is foot enclosure locking means for releasably locking the heel portion of the foot enclosure means to support base 14 . this means here comprises a generally “ u ” shaped heel - locking member 30 having an opening or bore 32 therethrough . turning to fig2 one of the two identical connector means of the invention for releasably interconnecting the entire foot enclosure assemblies 16 with the support base 14 can be seen to comprise an elongated frame - like assembly 34 having a first end 34 a and a second end 34 b . each of the assemblies 34 is adjustably connected to support base 14 by two sets of threaded connectors 36 . affixed to each of the frame assemblies intermediate the first and second ends thereof is a ferrous metal plate 36 that is engageable by magnets 22 when the foot enclosure assemblies 16 are mated with the frame assemblies in a manner presently to be described . the ferrous metal plates 36 comprise a part of the heel securement means of the invention for securing the heel portion of the foot enclosure assemblies 16 within their respective frame assemblies . the heel securement means of the invention also includes heel locking means for locking engagement with the heel portion of one of the foot enclosure assemblies 16 . each of the identical heel locking means here comprises an upstanding heel - receiving block 40 that is connected to base portion 35 of its respective frame assembly 34 . block 40 has a concave surface 42 and a bore 44 therethrough for telescopically receiving the locking tongue end portion 46 a of an elongated , generally cylindrically shaped locking pin 46 that is carried by block 40 . ( see fig4 , 7 a , 8 and 9 ). also comprising a part of the heel locking means of the present invention is finger gripping means that includes a finger gripping lever 50 having a yoke portion 50 a that is pivotally connected to heel receiving block 40 and to locking pin 46 by means of connecting links 52 and 54 respectively . as best seen in fig8 a transverse pin 55 interconnects link 54 with locking pin 46 . with this construction , lever 52 can be moved between the upward , boot locking position shown and fig7 a and 9 , wherein end 46 a of the locking pin is received within opening 32 of locking member 30 and the downward release position shown in fig2 , 10 a and 12 wherein the end of the locking pin is retracted from opening 32 . as is also shown in fig2 each frame assembly 34 includes a generally disk shaped connector member 60 that is rotatably mounted within a central opening 63 formed in base portion 37 . connector member 60 comprises a part of the adjustment means of the invention for adjustably interconnecting the frame assemblies 34 with support base 14 . more particularly , by loosening threaded connectors 36 , the frame assembly can be rotated relative to connector 60 in a manner to vary the angle of the frame assembly with respect to support base 14 . similarly , connector member 60 is provided with a pair of spaced apart parallel slots 62 that receive threaded connectors 36 . with this construction , by loosening threaded connectors 36 , each connector member 60 can be moved transversely of the support base to adjust the transverse position of frame assembly 34 on the upper surface 14 a on support base 14 . the connector means of the present form of the invention further comprises toe - securement means for securing the toe portion of foot enclosures 16 within their respective frame assemblies 34 . each of the identical toe locking means here comprises an upstanding locking element or bracket 64 that is connected to the frame assembly proximate second end 34 b thereof ( fig2 ). bracket 64 is provided with an opening 64 a that closely receives locking tab 28 a of toe locking member 28 when a foot enclosure 16 is positioned within a frame assembly 34 in the manner shown in fig6 . in this regard , to initially correctly position the foot enclosures 16 within the frame assemblies 34 , positioning means are provided on each of the frame assemblies proximate end 34 b thereof . as shown in fig6 these positioning means here comprise a pair of upstanding locating pins 66 that are engageable by the forward portion of foot enclosure assembly 16 when the foot enclosure assembly is properly positioned within its respective frame 34 with the locking tab 28 a thereof correctly positioned within opening 64 a of bracket 64 . the foot enclosures can be removed from their respective frame assemblies in the manner illustrated in fig1 a and 10b . more particularly , by moving lever 50 into the downward position shown in an fig1 a , the user can lift the heel of the foot enclosure upwardly in the direction of the arrows of fig1 a against the urging of magnet 22 so that the heel portion moves free of the frame assembly . this done , the user can move the foot enclosure rearwardly in the direction of the arrow of fig1 b so that tab 28 a of the toe locking member slides free of the locking element 64 . to interconnect the foot enclosure with the frame assembly , the reverse procedure is , of course , followed . turning now to fig1 through 18 , an alternate form of the apparatus of the invention for gliding over snow is there shown . this form of the invention is similar in many respects to that shown in fig1 through 13 and like numerals are used in fig1 through 18 to identify like components . as in the earlier described embodiment of the invention , the principal cooperating components of this latest embodiment comprise a support base 14 , a pair of foot enclosure assemblies 70 , and connector means connected to the support base for releasably interconnecting the foot enclosure assemblies with the support base . as best seen in fig1 , the lower surface 70 a of the foot enclosure assembly is provided with a threaded bore 72 that receives a threaded stud 20 that functions to connect a generally circular shaped permanent magnet 22 with the foot enclosure assembly . magnet 22 is of the character previously described and can comprise a powerful ceramic disk , permanent magnet of a character readily commercially available from various sources including a - l - l magnetics , inc . of palencia , calif . referring to fig1 , 16 , 17 and 18 , each of the identical foot enclosure assemblies 70 of the present invention can be seen to comprise a snow boot - like foot enclosure 76 having a heel portion 76 a and a toe portion 76 b . as best seen in fig1 , magnet 22 is affixed to the lower surface of the foot enclosure means intermediate the heel portion and the toe portion . for a purpose presently to be described , a second magnet 78 is affixed to the lower surface of the foot enclosure means proximate the toe portion . as illustrated in fig1 and 17 , the foot enclosure assembly is provided with a second threaded bore 80 that receives second threaded stud 82 that functions to connect the generally circular shaped permanent magnet 78 with the foot enclosure assembly . magnet 78 also comprises a powerful ceramic disk , permanent magnet of a character readily commercially available from various sources including a - l - l magnetics , inc . of palencia , calif . also affixed to the foot enclosure means proximate the heel portion thereof is a generally “ u ” shaped heel - locking member 30 having an opening or bore 32 therethrough . the important connector means of this latest form of the invention for releasably interconnecting the foot enclosure assemblies 70 with the support base 14 comprises a pair of identical , elongated frame - like assemblies 84 , one of which is shown in fig1 . this assembly has a first end 84 a , a second end 84 b and is adjustably connected to support base 14 by two sets of threaded connectors 36 . affixed to each of the frame assemblies intermediate it &# 39 ; s first and second ends is a ferrous metal plate 37 that is engageable by a magnet 22 when the foot enclosure assembly 70 is mated with the frame assembly in a manner presently to be described . also affixed to the frame assembly intermediate the first and second ends is a second ferrous metal plate 87 that is engageable by magnet 78 when the foot enclosure assembly 70 is mated with the frame assembly in a manner shown in fig1 . ferrous metal plate 87 here comprises a part of the toe securement means of this latest form of the invention for securing the toe portion of the foot enclosure within the frame assembly . like frame assembly 34 , frame assembly 84 comprises two interconnected base portions 89 and 91 and is adjustably interconnected with support 14 in the manner previously described . affixed to each frame assembly 84 proximate the heel end 84 a is a heel locking means for locking engagement with the heel portion of said foot enclosure assembly and more particularly with locking member 30 . this important heel locking means is identical in construction and operation that described in connection with the embodiment of the invention shown in fig1 through 13 and comprises an upstanding heel - receiving block 40 that is connected to base portion 89 . block 40 has a bore 44 therethrough for telescopically receiving the locking tongue end portion 46 a of an elongated , generally cylindrically shaped locking pin 46 . ( see fig4 , 7 a , 8 and 9 ). also comprising a part of the heel locking means of the invention is finger gripping means that includes a finger gripping lever 50 having a yoke portion 50 a that is pivotally connected to heel receiving block 40 and to locking pin 46 by means of connecting links 52 and 54 in the manner previously described . this heel locking means functions in the identical manner previously described . as is also shown in fig1 , each frame assembly 84 includes a generally disk shaped connector member 60 that is rotatably mounted within a central opening 63 formed in base portion 91 . connector member 60 comprises a part of the adjustment means of the invention for adjustably interconnecting the frame assembly 84 with support base 14 in an identical manner to that described in the embodiment shown in fig1 through 13 . more particularly , by loosening threaded connectors 36 , the frame assembly can be rotated relative to connector 60 in a manner to vary the angle of the frame assembly with respect to support base 14 . similarly , connector member 60 is provided with a pair of spaced apart parallel slots 62 that receive threaded connectors 36 . with this construction , by loosening threaded connectors 36 , connector member 60 can be moved transversely of the support base to adjust the transverse position of frame assembly 34 on the upper surface 14 a on support base 14 . the foot enclosures can be removed from their respective frame assemblies in the manner previously discussed and as illustrated in fig1 and 18 . more particularly , by moving lever 50 into the downward position shown in fig1 a and 15 , the user can lift the heel of the foot enclosure upwardly in the direction of the arrows of fig1 a so that the heel portion moves free of the frame assembly . this done , the user can move the toe portion of the foot enclosure upwardly in the direction of the arrow of fig1 so that the toe locking member , or second magnet 78 releases from metal plate 87 in the manner shown . having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes , those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions . such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention , as set forth in the following claims .	0
in the following description , numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention . however , it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details . in other instances , well - known circuits have been shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail . for the most part , details concerning timing considerations and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention and are within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art . refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are not necessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements are designated by the same reference numeral through the several views . fig2 illustrates in block diagram form a static random access memory 30 in accordance with the prior art . memory 30 includes memory block 31 , row select circuitry 32 , address buffer 34 , row predecoder 36 , column predecoder 38 , and data i / o circuit 40 . memory block 31 includes bit line equalization block 42 . memory block 31 includes bit line equalization block 42 , memory array 44 and column logic / decoder 46 . memory block 31 is a representative memory block of memory 30 and there may be other memory blocks present in memory 30 . memory cells in memory array 44 are located at intersections of word lines and bit line pairs . address buffer 34 receives an address signal labeled &# 34 ; address &# 34 ;, and provides a buffered differential row address labeled &# 34 ; row address &# 34 ;, and a buffered differential column address labeled &# 34 ; column address &# 34 ;. for simplicity , only one memory block 31 is shown . in other embodiments , different numbers of blocks , different sizes of blocks and different word widths could be used . a bit line equalization signal labeled &# 34 ; eq &# 34 ; is provided to bit line equalization block 42 . bit line equalization block 42 may provide precharge and equalization to each bit line pair of memory array 31 , thus decreasing the access time of memory 30 . row predecoder 36 receives differential row address signals row address , and in response , provides a plurality of predecoded row address signals labeled &# 34 ; predecoded row address &# 34 ; to row select 32 . column predecoder 38 receives differential column address signals , column address , and in response provides a plurality of predecoded column address signals labeled &# 34 ; predecoded column address &# 34 ; to column logic / decoder 46 . the particular address signals received by row predecoder 36 and column predecoder 38 have no special significance and may be different in other embodiments . also , the amount of decoding performed by the row and column predecoders may be different in other embodiments . in a preferred embodiment , memory 30 operates with a power supply voltage of about 3 . 3 volts , and memory array 44 is a very high density memory array having a feature size of about 0 . 5 microns or less . memory cells in memory array 44 are located at intersections of word lines and bit line pairs . row select 32 receives a predecoded row address and in response , enables one of the word lines . all of the memory cells connected to the enabled word line are able to provide their contents to their respective bit line pairs . each bit line pair serves as an input to the memory cells during the write cycle of memory 30 and as an output during the read cycle . column logic / decoder 46 couples the bit line pairs to be read or written , to data i / o circuit 40 . during a write cycle , data i / o circuit 40 receives a plurality of single - ended data signals labeled &# 34 ; data &# 34 ;, and provides differential data signals to selected bit line pairs . during a read cycle , data i / o circuit 40 receives differential data signals from selected bit line pairs and provides a plurality of single - ended data signals data . for example , for a word width of x4 , column logic / decoder 46 may couple 4 bit line pairs to data i / o circuit 40 . note , that in a preferred embodiment , memory 30 may be synchronous or asynchronous . to read data from memory 30 , row predecoder 36 receives a row address decoded from buffered differential row address signals row address , and provides predecoded row address predecoded row address to row select 32 , to select a word line . each memory cell of memory array 44 that is coupled to the selected word line provides its output as a differential voltage on a corresponding bit line pair . predecoded column address signals predecoded column address are provided to column logic / decoder 46 . column logic / decoder 46 is also coupled to each bit line pair . the number of data signals provided to , or received from , memory 30 have no special significance and may be different in other embodiments . column logic / decoder 46 senses and amplifies the relatively small differential voltage provided to the bit line pair , and couples the bit line pair to data input / output circuit 40 . data input / output circuit 40 receives a differential signal from column logic / decoder 46 corresponding to the differential signal from the bit line pair , and provides a single - ended data signal data to a data output pad ( not shown ). during a write cycle of memory 30 , the flow of data is essentially reversed . single - ended data signal data is provided to data i / o circuit 40 . column predecoder 38 provides predecoded column address predecoded column address to column logic / decoder 46 which couples data i / o circuit 40 to a bit line pair . row predecoder 36 provides predecoded row address predecoded row address to row select 32 which selects a word line . as in the read cycle , memory cells located on an enabled word line provide data to bit line pairs . however , a voltage differential driven onto the bit line pairs by column logic / decoder 46 is greater than the drive voltage of the memory cell and over writes a stored bit in the memory cell . at the end of a write cycle , the differential voltage on the bit line pair must be reduced to a level small enough to prevent the data from being erroneously written into a memory cell during the following read cycle . equalization of the bit line pairs is achieved by bit line equalization block 42 . fig3 illustrates in partial schematic diagram form and partial block diagram form a portion of memory 30 of fig2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention . a plurality of memory cells in memory array 44 , represented by memory cells 52 and 54 , are connected to bit line pair 68 . bit line pair 68 includes bit lines 69 and 71 . charging circuit 55 , diode 61 , capacitor 806 , and word lines 73 and 74 are also illustrated . charge pump 56 provides output voltage vboost to voltage regulator 58 and to the second terminal of diode 61 . vboost is also provided to capacitor 806 , which increases the charge of vboost and functions as a filtering capacitor . charging circuit 55 includes charge pump 56 , oscillator 57 , and voltage regulator 58 . as illustrated in fig7 described below , charge pump 56 may be integrally implemented with oscillator 57 . a word line driver circuit 300 receives a row select signal labeled &# 34 ; rs &# 34 ;, a block signal labeled &# 34 ; bsb &# 34 ;, and power supply voltage , and in response , provides a logic high signal to word line 73 . memory cells 52 and 54 are each six - transistor sram cells representative of the memory cells of memory array 44 . memory cells 52 and 54 each include n - channel transistors 62 and 63 , p - channel transistors 64 and 65 , and n - channel pass transistors 66 and 67 . memory cells 52 and 54 are high density memory cells designed to operate at low power supply voltages ( approximately 3 . 3 volts ). therefore , it is important that the transistors of memory cells 52 and 54 have low leakage currents to reduce power consumption and to prevent unwanted voltage drops . p - channel transistor 64 of memory cells 52 and 54 has a source for receiving a boosted supply voltage labeled &# 34 ; vboost &# 34 ;, a gate connected to node 104 , and a drain connected to node 103 . n - channel transistor 62 has a drain connected to the drain of p - channel transistor 64 at node 103 , a gate connected to the gate of p - channel transistor 64 at node 104 , and a source connected to a negative power supply voltage terminal labeled &# 34 ; v ss &# 34 ;. n - channel transistor 63 has a drain connected to the gate of p - channel transistor 64 at node 104 , a gate connected to the drain of n - channel transistor 62 at node 103 , and a source connected to v ss . p - channel transistor 65 has a source connected to the source of p - channel transistor 64 for receiving boosted supply voltage vboost , a gate connected to the drain of n - channel transistor 62 , and a drain connected to the drain of n - channel transistor 63 at node 104 . n - channel pass transistors 66 and 67 of sram cell 52 each have a gate connected to word line 73 labeled &# 34 ; wl &# 34 ;, and n - channel pass transistors 66 and 67 of sram cell 54 each have a gate connected to word line 74 . n - channel pass transistor 66 of both sram cells 52 and 54 each have a first current electrode connected to bit line 69 , and a second current electrode connected to node 103 . n - channel pass transistor 67 of both sram cells 52 and 54 each has a first current electrode connected to bit line 71 , and a second current electrode connected to node 104 . diode 61 has a first terminal connected to a positive power supply terminal labeled &# 34 ; v dd &# 34 ;, and a second terminal connected to the sources of p - channel transistors 64 and 65 of both memory cells 52 and 54 of the plurality of memory cells . charging circuit 55 provides boosted supply voltage vboost to the sram cells of memory array 44 of fig2 as represented by memory cells 52 and 54 . voltage vboost is also provided to word - line driver 300 , which is part of memory 44 . word - line driver 300 comprises pfet devices 301 and 302 and nfet devices 303 and 304 implemented as shown . the gate electrode of device 303 receives the predecoded row address while the drain electrode of device 303 receives the block addresses , which is part of the predecoded row address and part of the predecoded column address . as a result of this configuration , the word line varies between vboost and v ss . switching the word line to vboost decreases the v t loss across the transfer device 66 when writing a &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;, by increasing the gate voltage of the transfer device 66 to a voltage above v dd . this is of particular advantage when v dd is near the minimum specified limit . as a result , there is a marked improvement in bit cell stability . charge pump circuit 56 may be a conventional charge pump or one like that disclosed in cross - referenced u . s . patent application ser . no . sc02731a !. another example of a known charge pump circuit is taught in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 138 , 190 , entitled &# 34 ; charge pump circuit .&# 34 ; oscillator 57 generates a series of pulses having a predetermined frequency . in one embodiment , oscillator 57 is a conventional ring oscillator , and diode 61 is a relatively large base - collector connected bipolar transistor . diode 61 may also be a relatively large schottky diode . diode 61 may also be a diode - connected transistor where a first current electrode and a control electrode are coupled to v dd and a second current electrode is coupled to memory cells 52 and 54 and to word line driver 300 . charge pump circuit 56 has a capacitor that is charged and discharged in response to the oscillator pulse . by charging and discharging the capacitor , charge pump circuit 56 can obtain voltages exceeding the positive power supply voltage . voltage regulator 58 receives boosted supply voltage vboost from charge pump circuit 56 and a band - gap generated reference voltage labeled &# 34 ; vbg &# 34 ;. in response , voltage regulator 58 provides a feedback control signal labeled &# 34 ; onoff &# 34 ; to control the pumping operation of charge pump 56 . voltage regulator 58 controls the pumping operation of charge pump 56 within an upper and a lower voltage range . when boosted supply voltage vboost reaches a predetermined upper limit , voltage regulator 58 provides feedback signal onoff to disable charge pump 56 . when voltage vboost drops to a predetermined lower limit , voltage regulator 58 provides feedback signal onoff to start the pumping operation of charge pump 56 . in one embodiment , boosted supply voltage vboost varies about 100 millivolts ( mv ), having an upper limit of about 4 . 0 volts and a lower limit of about 3 . 9 volts . during power up , memory array 44 , including memory cells 52 and 54 , receives a voltage equal to approximately the power supply voltage received at v dd minus a base - emitter diode voltage drop across diode 61 . charge pump 56 continues to increase the voltage to the predetermined upper limit . with an upper limit of about 4 . 0 volts , the logic high of nodes 103 and 104 will be equal to approximately 4 . 0 volts . by keeping the supply voltage to memory array 44 above the power supply voltage , the voltage change due to an alpha particle &# 34 ; hit &# 34 ; δv . sub . α must be large in order to induce the logic change in the sram cell . referring back to equation ( 1 ), a larger supply voltage will increase the critical charge q crit required to change the logic state . hence , the possibility of soft errors due to alpha particle hits is reduced without greater process constraints caused by adding capacitance to the cell . also , in a preferred embodiment , p - channel transistors 64 and 65 are thin film transistor ( tft ) loads . tft transistors provide the advantages of low standby current and good cell stability without increasing cell size . the small transistor size of the tft transistor results in lower power consumption and higher operating speeds . however , the small size of the memory cell also results in decreased cell capacitance , which in turn may cause increased soft error rates ( ser ) at low power supply voltage . by boosting the supply voltage received by p - channel transistors 64 and 65 , the benefits of a smaller memory cell can be realized without increased ser , or increased process complexity to add capacitance to the memory cell . also , cell stability is improved . in one embodiment , a conventional back - bias generator ( not shown ) is used to provide a negative substrate bias . the negative substrate bias is more negative than ground , and improves the performance of the memory by increasing the threshold voltage ( v t ) of transistors 62 - 63 . an increased v t often provides higher margins and also improves soft error resistance . referring next to fig4 there is illustrated , in block diagram form , charging circuit 55 , which includes voltage regulator 58 coupled to charge pump 56 and band - gap voltage source 401 , labeled vbgonly , supplying voltage vbg to voltage regulator 58 . voltage regulator 58 receives an nbias signal . the nbias and pbias signals are reference voltages for p and n current source transistors . voltage regulator 58 also receives the boosted voltage vboost from charge pump 56 . voltage regulator 58 outputs a bim signal . the bim signal is a control signal , which may be utilized within other portions of the integrated circuit during a burn - in cycle , e . g ., the bim signal could turn off some other circuit ( not shown ) that needs to be deactivated during a burn - in cycle . voltage regulator 58 also produces the onoff signal supplied to charge pump 56 for controlling the operation of charge pump 56 . charge pump 56 outputs the vboost signal in response to the onoff signal received from voltage regulator 58 . charge pump 56 also receives a pbias signal . referring next to fig5 there is illustrated voltage regulator 58 in further detail . bimsense circuit 601 functions essentially as a comparator to sense that burn - in has commenced at 4 . 25 volts . resistor 511 establishes hysteresis causing circuit 601 to come out of burn - in mode at 4 . 00 volts . the bim signal may be used to map the correct signal to onoff . bimsense circuit 601 receives voltage supply v dd through resistors 509 and 510 . bimsense circuit 601 also receives the vbg voltage at its vref input , and receives the nbias signal at its nbias input . the output vout of bimsense circuit 601 is provided to one of the inputs of nand circuit 505 and is also outputted from regulator 58 as the bim signal . the output node vout is also coupled to capacitor 513 . the vin input receiving the v dd voltage supply is also coupled to voltage source v ss through resistor value 512 . note that all of the resistor values shown in fig5 have been selected so that the circuit illustrated in fig6 and further described below , may operate to function as each of circuits 601 , 602 , 603 and 604 . circuits 501 - 504 , each with its respective resistors , form differential feedback amplifiers . bimset circuit 602 functions to set the vboost voltage at v dd plus 0 . 74 volts used during burn - in . its output signal is supplied from output node vout to one of the inputs to nand circuit 505 . the burn - in stress voltage is often set as a result of early burn - in data . typically , this is done by varying v dd . the primary goal of burn - in is to detect bit cell defects . by setting vboost to v dd plus 0 . 74 volts , the appropriate voltages are delivered to the bit line , word line , and bit cell . this is done to make sure that the vboost voltage remains greater than v dd during the burn - in cycle . the vin node of bimset circuit 602 is coupled to v dd through resistor value 524 , and is also coupled to voltage source v ss through resistor values 528 and 515 , and is coupled to the voltage vbg through resistor values 528 and 514 . the vref input node of bimset circuit 602 receives the vboost voltage signal through resistor value 523 . the vref input node is also coupled to voltage source v ss through resistor values 516 and 517 . the nbias input node of bimset circuit 602 receives the nbias signal inputted into voltage regulator 58 . boost4v circuit 603 functions to set the vboost signal produced by charge pump 56 at a maximum reliable operating voltage , which in this example is 4 volts . the output node vout of boost4v circuit 603 is coupled to one of the inputs to nand circuit 506 , which receives at its other input the output of nand circuit 505 . the vin node of boost4v circuit 603 receives the vboost signal through resistor value 525 , and is coupled to v ss through resistor value 518 . the vref input node of boost4v circuit 603 is coupled to v ss through resistor values 519 and 520 , and receives the vbg voltage . the nbias input node of boost4v circuit 603 receives the nbias signal . boostcap circuit 604 operates as a regulator to prevent vboost from exceeding v dd by more than 1 . 45 volts . this is because the switching of the word lines is a function of the vboost voltage , while the bit lines are biased to v dd . if the gate to source voltage of transfer nfets 66 and 67 exceed 1 . 45 volts ( a threshold voltage with body effect ), then there is a possibility that charge will be pulled out of the bit cell into the bit lines . the output node vout of boostcap circuit 604 is coupled to one of the inputs of nand circuit 507 , which has its other input coupled to the output of nand circuit 506 . the nbias input node of boostcap circuit 604 receives the nbias signal . the vref input node of boostcap circuit 604 is coupled to v ss through resistor value 522 and receives the vboost signal through resistor value 527 . the vin node of boostcap circuit 604 is coupled to v dd through resistor value 526 and is coupled to v ss through resistor values 521 and 520 . the output of nand circuit 507 is coupled to the input of inverter circuit 508 , which produces at its output the onoff signal . boostcap circuit 604 senses when the vboost signal provided to the vref input node exceeds the v dd signal supplied to the vin node by more than 1 . 45 volts . this 1 . 45 volts is configured through the use of resistor values 526 , 527 , 520 , 521 and 522 . when the vboost signal exceeds the v dd signal by more than 1 . 45 volts , a low signal is outputted from node vout . this low signal provided to one of the inputs to nand circuit 507 results in nand circuit 507 outputting a high signal , which is inverted by inverter circuit 508 , resulting in the onoff signal going low . this low onoff signal operates to turn off charge pump 56 , which allows the discharge of the vboost voltage . when the vboost voltage transitions below v dd + 1 . 45 volts , then the vout node will output a high signal . boost4v circuit 603 operates to keep the vboost voltage at around 4 volts during normal operation . the vref input is coupled to the vbg signal , the v ss supply , and the v dd supply . the various resistor values coupled between these voltage sources and input node vref , along with resistor value 525 coupled between vin and vboost and resistor value 518 coupled between vin and v ss , all assist in setting this boost voltage at 4 volts . when the boost4v circuit 603 detects that the vboost voltage is below 4 volts , the vout node will output a low signal , which is supplied to nand circuit 506 . this causes nand circuit 506 to output a high signal , which is supplied to one of the inputs of nand circuit 507 . if boostcap circuit 504 has not sensed that the vboost voltage has exceeded v dd by more than 1 . 45 volts , then nand circuit 507 will be receiving two high signals at its input . this results in a low signal being outputted from nand circuit 507 , which is inverted by inverter 508 to produce a high signal as the onoff signal , thus activating charge pump 56 to result in the vboost signal rising until it reaches approximately 4 volts . when this occurs , boost4v circuit 603 will output a high signal , which is supplied to the input of nand circuit 506 . this will cause the output of nand circuit 506 to be a low signal , since the output of nand circuit 505 is a logic 1 when v dd is below 4 . 25 volts . the output of nand circuit 507 is a logic 1 and inverter 508 is a logic 0 . ( see fig1 , which is discussed later .) during burn - in , v dd is raised above its normal operating level . bimset circuit 602 monitors the v dd signal at its vin input . the vboost signal is monitored at the vref input of bimset circuit 602 . as discussed above , the bimset circuit 602 acts as a regulator to set the vboost signal outputted from charge pump 56 at v dd plus 0 . 74 volts . again , the various resistor values associated with the signals received at the vin and vref input nodes are configured to provide this type of regulation . bimsense circuit 601 acts to sense burn - in when v dd rises to 4 . 25 volts . again , the various resistor values associated with circuit 601 are configured so that circuit 601 senses burn - in when v dd equals about 4 . 25 volts . resistor 511 causes hystersis of about 2 . 5 volts to avoid oscillation of signal bim near the 4 . 25 volt threshold . note , the resistor values within regulator 58 may be configured by one skilled in the art so that all of the various voltages within this description may be altered to other desired values . when bimsense circuit 601 senses that v dd has risen above 4 . 25 volts , then it will output a high signal through output vout . this high signal will be provided to one of the inputs of nand circuit 505 . bimset circuit 602 also senses that vboost does not exceed v dd by about 0 . 74 volts ( a v t ), which causes vin to exceed vref , causing a high output at output node vout from bimset circuit 602 . this high signal is also provided to nand circuit 505 . since nand circuit 505 now receives two high signals , it will output a low signal , causing nand circuit 506 to output a high signal . since the output of boostcap circuit 604 is normally high when vboost exceeds v dd , nand circuit 507 will then output a low signal , which is inverted into a high signal by inverter circuit 508 . this high onoff signal causes charge pump 56 to turn on to start increasing the vboost voltage so that it exceeds v dd by the designated value , herein 0 . 74 volts . when vboost exceeds v dd by 0 . 74 volts , the output of circuit 602 will cause the output of inverter 508 to be reduced to a logic 0 , thus turning off charge pump 56 . vbg is a bandgap voltage of 1 . 173 volts , which varies only a few millivolts over voltage and temperature . vbg is produced by a conventional bandgap voltage generator circuit and will not be discussed in detail . amplifiers 501 - 504 use multiples of the vbg voltage ( set by their resistor networks ) to derive precise trip points for the comparison . referring next to fig6 there is illustrated the circuit embodying each of amplifiers 501 - 504 of regulator 58 . this circuit illustrated in fig7 essentially operates as a comparator , which produces a high output signal at vout when vin is greater than vref . the vin input node is coupled to the base of bipolar transistor 703 . the vref input node is coupled to the base of bipolar transistor 702 . transistors 702 and 703 are a differential pair . the emitters of transistors 702 and 703 are coupled together and to the drain electrode of nfet 701 , which has its gate electrode coupled to the input node nbias and its source is also coupled to voltage source v ss . the collectors of transistors 702 and 703 are coupled to v dd through resistors 704 and 705 , respectively . the collector of transistor 702 is also coupled to the base of bipolar transistor 707 . the collector of transistor 703 is coupled to the base of bipolar transistor 706 . the collectors of transistors 706 and 707 are coupled to v dd . the emitter electrodes of transistors 706 and 707 are coupled to the drain electrodes of nfet transistors 708 and 709 , respectively . the gate electrodes of devices 708 and 709 also receive the nbias signal . the source electrodes of devices 708 and 709 are coupled to v ss . devices 701 , 708 and 709 are configured as current sources . the emitters of emitter followers 706 and 707 are coupled to the gate electrodes of pfet transistors 713 and 714 , respectively . the source electrodes of transistors 713 and 714 are coupled to v dd . the drain electrodes of transistors 713 and 714 are coupled to the drain electrodes of nfet current mirror devices 710 and 711 , respectively . the gate electrodes of devices 710 and 711 are coupled and are also coupled to the drain electrode of device 710 . the source electrodes of devices 710 and 711 are coupled to v ss , which is also coupled to the drain and source electrodes of nfet decoupling capacitor 712 . the gate electrode of nfet 712 is coupled to the drain electrode of pfet 714 and the drain electrode of nfet 711 . this connecting node is coupled to the input of inverter 715 which produces the vout signal . devices 701 - 709 in fig6 essentially operate as a differential amplifier , while devices 710 - 711 and 713 - 714 operate as a current mirror . the current mirror and differential amplifiers are well - known standard circuits . nbias is derived from the conventional band - gap generator , and is the reference voltage for an n - channel transistor used as a constant current source . referring next to fig7 there is illustrated charge pump 56 , which produces the vboost boosted voltage in response to receipt of the onoff signal from voltage regulator 58 . charge pump 56 also receives the pbias signal at each of stages 801 and control gates 802 and 803 . the pbias signal is a reference voltage biased to drive p - device constant current sources . charge pump 56 may alternatively comprise any well - known charge pump for producing a boosted voltage in response to an onoff signal from a voltage regulator . further , charge pump 56 may comprise the charge pump described within co - pending u . s . patent application ser . no . sc - 02731a !, cross - referenced above . stages 801 and control gates 802 and 803 are configured in a ring as a ring - oscillator to produce an oscillating signal , which is utilized to drive the charge pumping capacitors within each of the stages and control gates . the charge from these charging capacitors is outputted from the vboost outputs of each of these stages and control gates , which is used to produce the vboost signal . these vboost output nodes are also coupled to the emitter of bipolar device 61 , which is configured as a diode to act as a bootstrap during power - up . the collector of device 61 is coupled to v dd . the vboost output is also coupled to capacitor 806 , which increases the charge reservoir on vboost and acts as a filter capacitor . nor gate 804 operates to prevent harmonics and a mid - state condition . the inputs of nor gate 804 are coupled to the outputs of selected stages 801 . the output of nor gate 804 is coupled to the hctl input of control gate 803 . the onoff signal is received at the onoff inputs of control gates 802 and 803 . the various stages 801 and control gates 802 and 803 are further described below . referring next to fig8 there is illustrated a circuit diagram of one of stages 801 . the inverter comprised of pfet 901 and nfet 903 receives the oscillating signal in from the previous stage 801 and inverts this signal sending it on through node out to the next stage 801 . this signal is also used to charge pump capacitor 904 . pfet 902 , having its n - well coupled to v dd , operates to receive the pbias signal and acts as a current source for the inverter . pump capacitor 904 is also coupled to output node bout , which is coupled to voltage source v dd through nfet device 905 . nfet device 905 receives at input node bin the bout signal from the previous stage 801 . this bin signal is also received at the gate electrode of pfet device 906 which is a pmosfet which has its n - well coupled to the vboost output node . the boost feed - forward signal from the previous ring stage 801 turns on device 905 as out decreases and turns on pfet 906 hard before bout increases , preventing hole injection . referring next to fig9 there is illustrated control gate 803 . the inverter comprising pfet 1007 and nfet 1006 operates in a similar fashion as the inverter of circuit 801 . pfet 1008 operates similarly as pfet 902 in receiving the pbias signal . the remainder of circuit 803 that operates in a fashion similar to the circuitry within stage 801 is pump capacitor 1009 , nfet device 1012 and pfet device 1014 which operate similarly as devices 904 , 905 and 906 , respectively . nfet device 1010 acts to bootstrap the distributed charge pump during power up . device 1011 prevents device 1012 from leaking current when onoff is a logic 0 . a device like 1011 is not needed in fig8 because when onoff is a logic 0 , n - channel transistor 905 is substantially nonconductive , or off . nfet 1003 , coupled to the inverter comprising devices 1001 and 1002 , operates to receive the hctl signal from nor gate 804 . device 1003 with nor logic gate 804 functions to filter harmonics in the oscillator comprising the ring of pump stages 801 . the current source 1008 reduces ring speed dependence upon v dd . the double nor gates comprising devices 1004 and 1005 are required to have a dean ring halt / start . a logic 0 received at input node in when input onoff is off locks the ring oscillator off with a logic 0 into device 1005 and a logic 1 into device 1004 . thereafter , the ring oscillator starts clean as onoff becomes a logic 1 , because it releases the lock without requiring a state flip . referring next to fig1 , there is illustrated the second control gate 802 . inverter 1101 operates similarly as the inverter in circuit 803 comprising devices 1001 and 1002 . the double nor gate 1104 and 1105 is similar to the double nor gate 1004 and 1005 . the inverter stage comprising devices 1106 and 1107 , along with current source 1108 , operates similarly as a devices 1006 - 1008 . pump capacitor 1109 operates similarly as pump capacitor 1009 , and devices 1110 - 1114 operate similarly as devices 1010 - 1014 . hctl and the devices used for filtering the harmonics are not needed in this stage . referring next to fig1 , there is illustrated a graph of vboost versus v dd as configured in one embodiment of the present invention . note , as v dd increases , a steady state independent of v dd of approximately 4 volts is achieved in vboost over period 1201 . if v dd falls below a certain level , then vboost will follow v dd during this low supply period 1200 . as described above , if vboost were not lowered along with v dd as v dd continues to decrease , vboost would become more than 1 . 45 volts greater than v dd , which would result in the bit line pulling charge out of the bit cell . furthermore , the lower vboost voltage may be needed for tests of circuit margins to optimize the bit cell stability at low voltages by determining if there are any defective bit cells within the memory . during burn - in , as v dd increases , vboost increases accordingly during period 1203 . the hysteresis loop illustrated as 1204 is implemented by the regulator 58 so that the vboost voltage is prevented from jumping between the operating mode 1201 and the burn - in mode 1203 . although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail , it should be understood that various changes , substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims .	6
fig1 illustrates apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention wherein a rotatable embossing roll 11 formed of a rigid material such as steel or the like forms a nip with a rotatable platen roll 13 through which a web w of paper tissue , toweling or the like passes . the platen roll 13 in the embodiment illustrated includes a solid steel core 15 having disposed thereabout deformable outer element 17 . both rolls are supported by suitable bearing structure ( not illustrated ) in the usual manner so that an appropriate nip pressure may be obtained therebetween . outer element 17 may be constructed of synthetic poly material , rubber or any other suitable natural or synthetic resiliant material falling within the durometer range of from about 40 to about 80 shore &# 34 ; a &# 34 ;. suitable conventional drive means ( not shown ) rotates the rolls so that the outer peripheral speeds thereof are substantially equal . as may best be seen with reference to fig2 grooves 19 are cut or otherwise formed in the deformable outer element . the grooves 19 extend about the periphery of the platen roll so that a plurality of spaced , radially projected fins 21 are formed in the deformable outer element . the fins 21 define a land area constituting from about 40 % to about 80 % of the total peripheral surface of the platen roll when the platen roll is not subjected to external pressure . the depth of the grooves 19 lies in the range of from about 0 . 06 in . to about 0 . 25 in . when the platen roll is not subjected to external pressure . as may be seen in fig2 when fins 21 contact web w in the nip formed between the embossing roll and the platen roll they deform under nip pressure into grooves 19 to provide a yieldable platen surface conforming to the configuration of projections 23 formed on the embossing roll . thus , although the platen roll outer element is constructed of relatively hard material , the fins and grooves cooperate to provide a &# 34 ; soft &# 34 ; surface at the nip point . also , the fins tend to radiate heat to contribute to cooling of the platen roll . fig3 shows a platen roll 13 &# 39 ; which is similar in construction to platen roll 13 except that the grooves and fins thereof are formed helically in the roll rather than at right angles to the major axis thereof as is the case in the fig1 embodiment . a platen roll similar in construction to that shown in fig1 was used in conjunction with a steel embossing roll to form a web embossing nip . the platen roll deformable outer element which was constructed of hard rubber material had a shore &# 34 ; a &# 34 ; durometer of 52 and employed 0 . 030 in . wide grooves , 0 . 25 in . deep , spaced on 0 . 060 in . centers . such a roll produced a finish sheet caliber on a 32 lb . toweling face sheet of 19 mils as compared to 14 mils on an ungrooved roll of the same durometer .	1
embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below . in describing embodiments , specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity . however , the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected . while specific exemplary embodiments are discussed , it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only . a person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations can be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the invention . the invention provides a lightweight , unmanned air vehicle and a launcher for the air vehicle that can be carried by a single person in , for example , a battlefield situation . the air vehicle and launcher form a compact , lightweight unit that is durable and easily deployed by a single person . the system launches the air vehicle with minimal noise , making the system particularly appropriate for stealth , covert operations . the extremely low noise levels generated by launching are achieved by containing most of the gas used to launch the vehicle within the system and , thereby , substantially eliminating the gas release noise common with pneumatic launch mechanisms . fig1 shows an example of a system 10 in accordance with the invention . system 10 includes an air vehicle 100 and a launcher 200 . air vehicle 100 has a pressure tube 110 that , in this example , forms a portion of a fuselage 120 of air vehicle 100 . air vehicle 100 has , in this example , two wings 130 that are folded while air vehicle 100 is in launcher 200 . a tail 140 is also shown schematically at the rear end of air vehicle 100 . a folded propeller 150 is also provided in this example . in preferred embodiments , an quiet , electric motor is used to power the propeller . pressure tube 110 has an open end 112 and a closed end 114 . pressure tube 110 receives a launch tube ( discussed below ) of launcher 200 and is the interface of energy transfer between launcher 200 and air vehicle 100 . launcher 200 has a tube 210 that provides an enclosure for the launcher components and air vehicle 100 . launcher 200 has a launch gas reservoir 220 that stores a gas used to launch air vehicle 100 . appropriate gases include , but are not limited to , air , nitrogen and helium . attached to launch gas reservoir 220 is a launch tube 230 that extends into pressure tube 110 of air vehicle 100 . a free piston 240 is located inside launch tube 230 and is permitted to slide freely between an end stop 250 and a stop pin 260 . a valve 280 may be provided to allow an operator control over when gas is permitted to pass from launch gas reservoir 220 to launch tube 230 . a hold back mechanism 290 can be used to hold the air vehicle onto launch tube 230 when gas pressure is applied to launch tube 230 . a trigger release mechanism 291 can be provided to release hold back mechanism 290 . an example of a launch sequence is shown in fig2 - 6 . fig2 is a simplified view of the system immediately prior to launch ( similar to fig1 ). with hold back mechanism 290 engaged , pressurized gas filling launch gas reservoir 220 will be applied to launch tube 230 and free piston 240 . fig3 is a view of the system shortly after hold back mechanism 290 is activated and launch gas is allowed to transfer from launch gas reservoir 220 to launch tube 230 . in this view , air vehicle 100 ( schematically represented by pressure tube 110 ) has moved relative to launch tube 230 under the force exerted on closed end 114 of pressure tube 110 by the launch gas that has moved from launch tube 230 into pressure tube 110 . the arrows in fig3 represent launch gas moving around free piston 240 through spaces between free piston 240 and the inside wall of launch tube 230 . the size and number of these spaces is important to properly regulate the amount of launch gas that passes by free piston 240 during the launch procedure . if the spaces allow too much launch gas to pass by free piston 240 , the result will be excessive gas loss which will result in an undesirable noise signature . in the extreme case , the entire volume of launch gas could be lost , creating the maximum noise signature . if the spaces are too restrictive and allow too little launch gas to pass by free piston 240 , free piston 240 could block the open end of launch tube 230 before air vehicle pressure tube 110 clears launch tube 230 . when this happens , the launch energy is isolated from air vehicle 100 and launch performance ( velocity ) is reduced . fig4 shows free piston 240 at rest against end stop 250 of launch tube 230 and pressure tube 110 preceding further away from launch tube 230 . when free piston 240 is in this position , it is pressed against , and forms a seal with , end stop 250 to prevent any further launch gas from escaping from the system . fig5 shows pressure tube 100 clearing the end of launch tube 230 . at this point , air vehicle 100 will be clear of , or almost clear of , tube 210 of launcher 200 . after the launch is complete , free piston 240 has sealed most of the pressurized gas from escaping the system . to reuse the launcher , the operator has several options depending on the design features included in the launcher . in the simplest launcher design , the pressurized gas is vented to the atmosphere using a venting needle valve located , for example , between launch gas reservoir 220 and launch tube 230 . once the gas is vented , free piston 240 releases from end stop 250 and an air vehicle can be installed and latched in position using hold back mechanism 290 . to execute another launch , the launcher may need to be charged by an external pressure source . if the launcher is equipped with a valve 280 , this can be closed off . pressure inside launch tube 230 is vented to allow free piston 240 to fall to the pre - launch position . this venting can be accomplished by several methods , including : ( 1 ) a vent valve located between valve 280 and launch tube 230 ; ( 2 ) a slow leak like a pin hole in free piston 240 which would slowly vent the chamber ; or ( 3 ) a vent valve located in free piston 240 that could be manually activated to vent the chamber . once launch tube 230 is vented , another air vehicle can be mounted . a small boost charge from an external pressure source may be required . if the launcher is not equipped with valve 280 and venting is not desired ( since it wastes pressurized gas ), a vent valve located in free piston 240 and a small pin device located inside pressure tube 110 can be used . during engagement of hold back mechanism 290 , the pin could push the vent valve in free piston 240 allowing free piston 240 to unseal and fall to the pre - launch position . a small boost pressure charge from an external pressure source may be required to restore full launcher performance . fig7 shows a larger scale view of free piston 240 forming a seal with end stop 250 as described above in reference to fig4 . an optional seal 292 is shown between end stop 250 and pressure tube 110 . fig8 shows the air vehicle 100 after being launched from tube 210 . this embodiment is provided with two legs 270 positionable against tube 210 in a stored position and deployable to the position shown in fig8 . legs 270 are preferably adjustable to compensate for different terrain at the launch site . fig9 is a perspective view of an air vehicle 100 ′ in accordance with the invention . in this figure , air vehicle 100 ′ is shown in the flying , unfolded state . wings 130 pivot about shaft 138 from the closed ( storage and launch ) position to the open ( flight ) position under the force of springs or other urging devices . tail 140 also moves from a folded ( storage and launch ) position to a open ( flight ) position after leaving tube 210 of launcher 200 . fig1 and 11 show an example of a mechanism that links the opening of tail 140 and wings 130 . in this example , a linkage 136 connects a tail plug 148 to a slider 134 that is provided with a wing knife 132 that engages wings 130 in the closed position . upon tail 140 opening , tail plug 148 slides relative to fuselage 120 and , through linkage 136 , moves slider 134 to fuselage 120 . as a result , wing knife 132 moves relative to wings 130 and disengages from wings 130 allowing wings 130 to open under the force of , for example , springs . fig1 shows an example of a tail release mechanism . in fig1 , air vehicle 100 is being launched and pressure tube 110 is about to clear launch tube 230 . tail 140 ( two tail fins are shown in this view ) is held in the closed position by at least one cam 144 that engage a lock recess 146 in at least one of the fins of tail 140 . a spring 142 attempts to push cam 144 into a cam recess 116 in the wall of pressure tube 110 . in the position shown in fig1 , the progress of cam 144 through cam recess 116 is prevented by the presence of launch tube 230 . as pressure tube 110 continues upward in fig1 as the launch progresses , pressure tube 110 clears launch tube 230 and launch tube 230 no longer prevents cams 144 from progressing through cam recesses 116 under the force of springs 142 . as cams 144 progress through cam recesses 116 , cams 144 disengage from lock recesses 148 and allow the fins of tail 140 to move to the open position under spring , or other , force . it is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description , together with details of the structure and function of the invention , the disclosure is illustrative only , and changes may be made in detail , especially in matters of shape , size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention . the embodiments illustrated and discussed in this specification are intended only to teach those skilled in the art the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention . nothing in this specification should be considered as limiting the scope of the invention . all examples presented are representative and non - limiting . the above - described embodiments of the invention may be modified or varied , without departing from the invention , as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings . it is therefore to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described .	1
with reference to the drawings , embodiments of the present invention will be detailed below . fig1 is a perspective view of an armature unit constituting a linear motor in accordance with embodiment 1 of the present invention . an armature unit ( 10 ) comprises a stator ( 3 ) made up of winding ( s ) ( 1 ) for one phase and plural magnetic poles ( 2 ), and a mover ( 5 ) including a row of permanent magnets ( 4 ). the stator ( 3 ) comprises magnetic poles ( 2 ) made up of upper and lower pole teeth ( 6 ), ( 7 ) arranged opposite to the magnets ( 4 ) and iron cores ( 8 ) connecting the pole teeth ( fig2 ), and winding ( 1 ) wound around plural magnetic poles identically . additionally , the mover ( 5 ) is equipped with the permanent magnets ( 4 ) arranged so that the magnetic poles of adjacent magnets are inverted . the stator ( 3 ) is normally fixed to a structure etc . and the mover ( 5 ) equipped with the permanent magnets ( 4 ) moves relative to the stator ( 3 ). a structure is also possible in which the magnets ( 4 ) side is fixed and the magnetic poles ( 2 ) side is moved . plural magnetic poles are basically arranged so as to form magnetic pole pairs ( 9 ). thurust ripple can be reduced by setting the magnetic pole pairs ( 9 ) pitch as described below . fig2 is a sectional view of the armature unit of the linear motor in accordance with embodiment 1 of the present invention cut by a plane perpendicular to the traveling direction . the magnetic pole ( 2 ) is made up of upper and lower pole teeth ( 6 ), ( 7 ) opposite to the magnets ( 4 ) and iron cores ( 8 ) connecting the pole teeth , and the winding ( s ) ( 1 ) are wound around the pole teeth ( 6 ), ( 7 ). the winding ( s ) ( 1 ) can be wound around other positions of the magnetic poles . additionally , the pole teeth ( 6 ), ( 7 ) and the iron core ( 8 ) are separated , but can be integrated alternatively . fig3 is a sectional view of the armature unit of the linear motor in accordance with embodiment 1 of the present invention cut by a vertical plane parallel to the traveling direction . in the armature unit , the magnetic pole ( 2 ) pitch ( pc ) against the magnet ( 4 ) pitch ( p ) is pc = 2np + 2p /( qk ) or pc = 2np − 2p /( qk ), where n = 1 , 2 , 3 , . . . , k = 1 , 2 , 3 , . . . , and q = number of magnetic poles constituting a magnetic pole pair . for fig3 , since the magnetic poles ( 2 ) constituting a magnetic pole pair ( 9 ) are two , q is 2 in this case . and , k can be selected arbitrarily . in a three phase linear motor , for example , in the case of a lot of ripple components of 6th order harmonic waves are included , the 6th order ripple components can be reduced by making k = 6 . in the case of q = 2 and k = 6 , the ripple can be reduced by determining the magnetic pole pitch ( pc ) to be pc = 2np + p / 6 or pc = 2np − p / 6 . for this magnetic pole pair , multiple arrangements of the same pairs can be made with magnetic pole pair pitch pg = 2ap . in the formula described above , a = 1 , 2 , 3 , . . . , and these constants n and a are set so as not to cause interference mechanically . in addition , the magnetic pole pair ( 9 ) is not necessarily made up of adjacent magnetic poles ( 2 ). fig4 is a sectional view of the armature unit of the linear motor of which a magnetic pole pair is made up of three magnetic poles in accordance with embodiment 1 of the present invention cut by a vertical plane parallel to the traveling direction . in this case , the magnetic pole pitch ( pc ) becomes pc = 2np + 2p /( 3k ) or pc = 2np − 2p /( 3k ). by constituting the armature unit in this way , the thrust ripple of the linear motor can be reduced , and the degradation of the thrust can be controlled to be small . also , it is possible to constitute the armature unit with the magnetic pole pairs ( 9 ) having different magnetic pole numbers such as the magnetic pole pair ( 9 ) made up of two magnetic poles ( 2 ) and the magnetic pole pair ( 9 ) made up of three magnetic poles ( 2 ). by combining the armature units constituted in this way , a poly - phase linear motor can be constituted . fig5 is a perspective view of armature units ( 10 ) constituting a three - phase linear motor of which magnetic pole pair ( 9 ) is made up of four magnetic poles in accordance with embodiment 1 of the present invention . when q = 4 and k = 6 , the magnetic pole pitch ( pc ) becomes pc = 2np ± p / 12 . also , it is possible to constitute the three - phase motor by making the pitch between adjacent armature units ( 10 ) to be bp + p / 3 or bp + 2p / 3 . when a m - phase linear motor is constituted , magnetic pole pitch ( pc ) is made to be pc = 2np ± p /( qkm ). in the formula described above , n = 1 , 2 , 3 , . . . , k = 1 , 2 , 3 , . . . , q is number of magnetic poles constituting a magnetic pole pair , and m is the phase number . by constituting the linear motor in this way , the main ripple components of the m - phase linear motor can be reduced . fig6 is a perspective view of a three - phase linear motor having armature units , each armature unit is made up of two magnetic pole pairs , and each magnetic pole pair is made up of two magnetic poles , in accordance with embodiment 2 of the present invention . when q = 2 , k = 1 , and m = 3 , the magnetic pole pitch ( pc ) becomes pc = 2np ± p / 6 . the magnetic pole pairs can also be arranged with an interval of 2ap . in the case of armature units ( 10 ) having plural magnetic pole pairs ( 9 ), different orders of thrust ripple can be reduced . fig7 is a sectional view of an armature unit of a linear motor in accordance with embodiment 3 of the present invention cut by a vertical plane parallel to the traveling direction . when each magnetic pole pitch ( pc ) of magnetic pole pair ( 1 ) and magnetic pole pair ( 2 ) is pc = 2np ± 2p /( qk ), magnetic pole pair pitch ( pg ) is pg = 2ap ± 2p /( qj ), and k is not equal to j , the thrust ripple having two order components can be reduced . for example , in the case of k = 6 and j = 12 , the 6th component and 12th component of the thrust ripple can be reduced . in the case of k = j , the ripple of the same order is reduced . in this case , the reduction is more effective when the magnetic pole numbers of both magnetic pole pairs are the same , but the reduction effect can be obtained even if the magnetic pole numbers are different . fig8 is a sectional view of an armature unit of a linear motor in accordance with a modification of embodiment 3 of the present invention cut by a vertical plane parallel to the traveling direction . as shown in the drawing , it is more effective to make all of the magnetic poles ( 2 ) constituting the armature unit to be magnetic poles ( 201 ) that form the magnetic pole pairs ( 9 ), but there are some magnetic poles ( 202 ) that do not form the magnetic pole pairs ( 9 ) for structural reasons etc . in this case , arrangement is made in such a way that magnetic pole pitch ( pc ) within the magnetic pole pairs ( 9 ) is pc = 2np ± 2p /( 2k ), and the interval between the magnetic pole ( 202 ) that does not form the magnetic pole pair ( 9 ) and the adjacent magnetic pole ( 201 ), that is , magnetic pole pair pitch ( pg ) is pg = 2ap ± 2p /( 4k ). alternatively , the interval between the magnetic pole ( 202 ) that does not form the magnetic pole pair ( 9 ) and the adjacent pole ( 201 ) may be any value in the arrangement . in this case , the ripple reduction effect of the magnetic poles ( 201 ) that form the magnetic pole pairs ( 9 ) can be obtained similarly . fig9 is a perspective view of an m - phase linear motor having armature units , each armature unit is made up of two magnetic pole pairs , and each magnetic pole pair is made up of two magnetic poles , in accordance with embodiment 4 of the present invention . the constitution to reduce the main ripple components will be explained . when magnetic pole pitch ( pc ) within each magnetic pole pair is pc = 2np ± p /( qkm ), magnetic pole pair pitch ( pg ) is pg = 2ap ± 2p /( qjm ), and k = 1 , j = 2 , the 6th ripple component and 12th ripple component can be reduced simultaneously . as described above , by combining magnetic pole pairs , plural order components of thrust ripple can be reduced . accordingly , by arranging magnetic pole pairs depending on the ripple components to be reduced , the reduction effect can be obtained even when the ripple components of plural orders are included . for example , as magnetic pole pitch ( pc ), similar effect can be obtained from either of pc = 2np + p /( qkm ) or pc = 2np − p /( qkm ), and arbitrary selection is possible depending on the dimensions of the magnetic poles constituting the magnetic pole pairs and maximum thrust . in this embodiment , magnetic pole arrangement for reducing thrust ripple of two different orders , but by increasing magnetic pole pairs , thrust ripple of further different orders can be reduced . combinations of magnetic pole pairs shown in fig3 through fig9 are examples of constitution , and constitution can be made with combinations of other magnetic pole numbers and with magnetic pole pairs of which intervals are widened on purpose . in addition , explanation is made about the case of one or two of the magnetic pole pairs , but the number of the magnetic pole pairs is not limited to these , and plural magnetic pole pairs of different magnetic pole numbers can be used . fig1 is a perspective view of armature units ( 10 ) constituting a three - phase linear motor of which the magnetic pole pair is made up of four magnetic poles in accordance with embodiment 5 of the present invention . the drawing shows a case where a mover ( 5 ) on which a magnet row is arranged and magnetic pole pairs are retained by shafts ( 11 ). the magnets ( 4 ) are arranged on the ladder shaped mover ( 5 ), and the magnets unified with the movers ( 5 ) can move relative to the magnetic poles ( 2 ). also , all of the magnetic poles ( 2 ) within each armature unit ( 10 ) are connected by shafts ( 11 ). and if correlation between magnetic poles ( 2 ) is kept , any support means of the magnetic poles ( 2 ) can be used . for example , if movement for changing intervals between magnetic pole pairs is made possible through the shafts ( 11 ), constitution with any magnetic pole pitch ( pc ) becomes possible . by making the position of the magnetic poles ( 2 ) movable as described above , control of thrust ripple becomes possible . control of thrust ripple due to unevenness of material characteristics and dimension accuracy of components also becomes possible . fig1 is a sectional view of an armature unit of a linear motor in accordance with embodiment 6 of the present invention cut by a vertical plane parallel to the traveling direction . the drawing shows the armature unit having inclusions intervening between magnetic poles . by putting the inclusions ( 12 ) between the magnetic poles , the positions of the magnetic poles can be stable , and by changing the dimensions of the inclusions , the magnetic poles can be arranged at arbitrary intervals . by adjusting the thickness of the inclusions ( 12 ), small ripples can also be controlled and thrust ripples can be further reduced . moreover , by devising the shape of the inclusions ( 12 ), the positions of the magnetic poles can be changed easily even after the linear motor has been assembled . the inclusions between magnetic poles ( 12 ) can be constituted as one or constituted with plural members . in addition , the inclusions can be adjusted to an arbitrary thickness by combining thin plates having different thicknesses . fig1 is a sectional view of an armature unit of a linear motor in accordance with embodiment 7 of the present invention cut by a vertical plane parallel to the traveling direction . in the armature unit , inclusions between magnetic poles made of a magnetic material ( 121 ) are used . since the directions of magnetic flux of the adjacent magnetic poles ( 2 ) within the armature unit are identical with each other , the inclusions between magnetic poles made of a magnetic material ( 121 ) can be used . when the inclusions between magnetic poles are constituted with magnetic material , the cross - section area of the magnetic flux path is enlarged , whereby improvement of characteristics , reduction of magnetic reluctance , and miniaturization are enabled . fig1 is a perspective view of an armature unit , which is constituted by putting inclusions between magnetic poles , of a three - phase linear motor in accordance with embodiment 7 of the present invention . the three - phase linear motor can be constituted by lining up three armature units ( 10 ) in which the inclusions between magnetic poles ( magnetic material ) ( 121 ) having an arbitrary thickness are put between the magnetic poles ( 2 ). intervals between the magnetic poles can be adjusted arbitrarily by putting the inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) having an arbitrary thickness between the magnetic poles ( 2 ), threading shafts ( 11 ) through the inclusions , and tightening the inclusions . fig1 is a perspective view of an armature unit of a linear motor in accordance with embodiment 8 of the present invention cut by a vertical plane parallel to the traveling direction . a three - phase linear motor is constituted with the armature units to which inclusions at phase ends ( 13 ) and inclusions between phases ( 14 ) are arranged . by arranging the inclusions at phase ends ( 13 ), winding ( s ) ( 1 ) can be protected , whereby damage to the winding is prevented . moreover , danger of contacting winding ( s ) ( 1 ) at an elevated temperature can be reduced . and the inclusions at phase ends ( 13 ) can also be used as members to retain the winding ( s ) ( 1 ). the inclusions between phases ( 14 ) have similar effects as the inclusions at phase ends ( 13 ), and , in addition , by adjusting the thickness of the inclusions between phases ( 14 ), intervals between the armature units can be adjusted . fig1 is a perspective view of an armature unit of a linear motor in accordance with embodiment 9 of the present invention cut by a vertical plane parallel to the traveling direction . the linear motor is a three - phase linear motor in which inclusions at phase ends ( magnetic material ) ( 131 ) are arranged at both ends of the armature units ( 10 ) and inclusions between phases ( 14 ) are arranged between the armature units ( 10 ). since the directions of magnetic poles ( 2 ) within the armature units ( 10 ) are identical with each other , by changing the material of the inclusions at phase ends ( magnetic material ) ( 131 ) to a member having magnetic property , the cross - section area of the magnetic flux path is enlarged , whereby improvement of characteristics , reduction of magnetic reluctance , and miniaturization are enabled . inclusions between magnetic poles ( magnetic material ) ( 121 ), the inclusions at phase ends ( magnetic material ) ( 131 ), and the inclusions between phases ( 14 ) can be constituted by inserting cylindrical inclusions or quadrangular members . any shape of the inclusions is accepted unless the traveling of the mover ( 5 ) is prevented due to the shape . fig1 is a sectional perspective view of an armature unit of a linear motor in accordance with embodiment 10 of the present invention cut by a vertical plane parallel to the traveling direction . the linear motor is a three - phase linear motor of which inclusions between phases ( 14 ) are non - magnetic bodies . by making the inclusions between phases ( 14 ) non - magnetic bodies , magnetic interference between the armature units is reduced . in addition , by adjusting the thickness etc . of the inclusions between phases ( 14 ), the thrust ripple can be reduced . any shape of the inclusions between phases ( 14 ) is accepted if the inclusions are non - magnetic bodies . and any state such as solid , liquid , or gas is accepted . material having the lowest possible permeability is preferable for the inclusions between phases ( 14 ). fig1 is a perspective view of an armature unit of a linear motor in accordance with embodiment 11 of the present invention . the drawing shows an example of a three - phase linear motor of which inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) are constituted to be u - shaped . if the inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) are made to be u - shaped , the inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) can be inserted without pulling out shafts ( 11 ) when adjusting intervals between the magnetic poles . in addition , by pulling out the u - shaped inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ), the state of winding ( s ) ( 1 ) and magnets ( 4 ) can easily be checked . moreover , vertical ventilation of the magnet ( 4 ) row and inside of the winding ( s ) ( 1 ) is improved , whereby the magnet ( 4 ) and the winding ( 1 ) are cooled easily . and even when the inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) are not u - shaped , by dividing the inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ), the work can be done without pulling out the shafts ( 11 ). fig1 is a partly exploded perspective view of the armature unit of the linear motor in accordance with embodiment 11 of the present invention . the drawing shows a situation in which a pair of u - shaped inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) is pulled out . the divided inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) can easily be pulled out in the lateral direction . fig1 is a perspective view of the armature unit of the linear motor of which inclusions at phase end are divided in accordance with embodiment 11 of the present invention . the inclusions at phase ends ( 131 ) can also be a divided constitution in a similar way as the inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) in fig1 . by adopting the constitution described above , advantages such as easy disassembly of the armature units can be obtained . fig2 is a partly exploded perspective view of an armature unit of a linear motor in accordance with embodiment 11 of the present invention . the drawing shows a three - phase linear motor of which magnetic poles ( 2 ) are divided . by dividing magnetic poles ( 2 ) at the level of the mover ( 5 ) into upper parts and lower parts , the magnetic poles ( 2 ) can be disassembled without removing winding ( s ) ( 1 ). thus replacement of magnetic pole teeth and changing of the pitch of the magnetic poles ( 2 ) can be easily done . for example , when the magnetic poles above the mover ( 5 ) are changed , by removing the upper shaft ( 11 ) and the upper magnetic poles ( 2 ), arrangement of the magnetic poles ( 2 ) can be changed without removing the winding ( s ) ( 1 ). for example , inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) also can be divided into two parts of top and bottom or four parts of left , right , top , and bottom . fig2 a is a perspective view of an armature unit of a linear motor in accordance with embodiment 12 of the present invention . fig2 b is an exploded perspective view of the armature unit of the linear motor in accordance with embodiment 12 of the present invention . the armature unit is constituted by putting a plurality of magnetic poles ( 2 ) and inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) between inclusions at phase ends ( 131 ). vent holes inside of winding ( s ) ( 1 ) and magnets ( 4 ) are constituted by some inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) and inclusions at phase ends ( 131 ) depending on their shapes , and the holes can be used as cooling apertures ( 15 ). and by arranging a plurality of the units and fixing them to plates etc ., the linear motor can be constituted . fig2 shows arrangement examples of armature units of a linear motor in accordance with embodiment 13 of the present invention . by arranging a plurality of the armature units in such a way that the traveling directions of movers ( 5 ) are identical , the linear motor can be constituted . fig2 ( a ) shows an example in which three - phase linear motors are constituted in two columns . by combining the movers ( 5 ) in two columns , the linear motor having a large thrust can be constituted with the units of the same shape . in addition , arrangement in the lateral direction can be made as shown in fig2 ( b ). in fig2 ( c ), three - phase linear motors are arranged in six columns , and the arrangement can also be made in such a way that the force generated at each unit is balanced . fig2 ( d ) shows an example of a three - phase linear motor of which one phase is constituted with one shaft and two units . fig2 ( a ) is a perspective view of an armature unit ( 10 ) of a linear motor in accordance with embodiment 13 of the present invention ; fig2 ( b ) is a top view of the armature unit of the linear motor in accordance with embodiment 13 of the present invention ; fig2 ( c ) is a sectional perspective view of the armature unit of the linear motor in accordance with embodiment 13 of the present invention taken along the line a - a of fig2 b . the drawing shows the armature unit ( 10 ) constituted with u - shaped inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ). when u - shaped inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) are inserted between magnetic poles , paths for a cooling medium are formed to winding ( s ) ( 1 ) and magnets ( 4 ) as can be seen from the top view of the armature unit ( 10 ) and the sectional perspective view of the armature unit taken along the line a - a , whereby the cooling effect of the winding ( s ) ( 1 ) and the movers ( 5 ) is increased . in addition , an advantage is obtained in which the state of the movers ( 5 ) and inside of the winding ( s ) ( 1 ) can be confirmed easily . fig2 is an exploded perspective view of an armature unit divided into upper and lower parts of a linear motor in accordance with embodiment 14 of the present invention . as shown in the drawing , inclusions at phase ends ( 131 ), inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ), magnetic poles ( 2 ), and inclusions between phases ( 14 ) are divided into upper parts and lower parts at the level of movers ( 5 ), and winding ( s ) ( 1 ) can be removed easily . in addition , since the upper and lower parts can be manufactured to be the same shape , an advantage is obtained in which the manufacturing cost can be reduced . in fig2 , one shaft ( 11 ) ( not shown ) penetrates three armature units ( 10 ), but alternatively each unit can be divided into an upper unit ( 16 ) and a lower unit ( 17 ) by penetrating the shaft ( 11 ) per armature unit . fig2 shows a sectional perspective and a partially enlarged view of an armature unit of a linear motor in accordance with embodiment 15 of the present invention cut by a vertical plane parallel to the traveling direction . the drawing shows the chamfered shape of magnets ( 4 ) of a mover ( 5 ). when the width of a magnet ( 4 ) is lm , leakage flux of the magnet ( 4 ) can be reduced by making the chamfer dimension of corner parts of the magnet ( 4 ) cm to be 10 cm & gt ; lm . moreover , the effect to control the thrust ripple can also be obtained . places to be chamfered can be changed depending on the motion of the mover ( 5 ), and all of the specified places are not necessarily chamfered at the same time . fig2 shows a sectional perspective and a partially enlarged view of an armature unit ( 10 ) of a linear motor in accordance with embodiment 16 of the present invention cut by a vertical plane parallel to the traveling direction . the drawing explains the chamfer of corner parts of magnetic poles ( 2 ) of the armature unit ( 10 ). by determining the chamfer width of the magnetic pole ( 2 ) ( ct ) against the thickness of the magnetic pole ( 2 ) ( lt ) to be 10 ct & gt ; lt , the change of flux becomes moderate , thrust ripple can be controlled , and leakage flux can be reduced . by chamfering the magnet ( 4 ) described in fig2 and chamfering the magnetic poles ( 2 ) described in fig2 at the same time , effects can be obtained in a synergistic manner . an explanation has been made about the drawings in which the corners of the magnet ( 4 ) and the magnet poles ( 2 ) are chamfered in a linear fashion , but alternatively corners can be chamfered arcuately or polygonally . fig2 shows a perspective view of an armature unit of a linear motor and an exploded perspective view of some parts of the armature unit in accordance with embodiment 17 of the present invention . the drawing shows a constitution in which parts facing magnets ( 4 ) of inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) are made arcuate . when the inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) are constituted with members having magnetic properties , the inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) can be constituted as magnetic paths . by changing the shape of parts facing magnets ( 4 ) of the inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) arcuate or stepwise and devising the shape , leakage flux can be reduced and thrust ripple can be controlled . the shape of the inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) is not limited to that of fig2 if the inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) are constituted as the magnetic paths or reduce the effects of the ripple . fig2 is a sectional perspective view of the armature unit of the linear motor in accordance with embodiment 17 of the present invention cut by a vertical plane parallel to the traveling direction . the drawing shows an example of the armature unit in which the shape of the parts facing the magnets ( 4 ) of the inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) is made arcuate and the magnets ( 4 ) and the magnetic poles ( 2 ) are chamfered . fig2 shows a perspective view and an elevated view of an armature unit of a linear motor in accordance with embodiment 18 of the present invention . the drawing shows an example in which inclusions at phase ends ( 131 ), inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ), and magnetic poles ( 2 ) are divided into two parts of top and bottom to constitute an armature unit , and winding retention components ( 18 ) are arranged on the inclusions at phase ends ( 131 ). fig3 shows a perspective view and an elevated view of a modification of the armature unit of the linear motor in accordance with embodiment 18 of the present invention . the difference of this example shown in fig3 from that of fig2 is that the inclusions at phase end ( 13 ) are constituted as one , and the inclusions between magnetic poles ( 121 ) and the magnetic poles ( 2 ) are constituted by being divided into two parts of top and bottom . as described above , the armature unit can be constituted with a plurality of combinations . fig3 shows a perspective view and a side view of another modification of the armature unit of the linear motor in accordance with embodiment 18 of the present invention . the drawing is an example in which three armature units ( 10 ) are assembled individually with shafts and fixed to a fixing plate ( 19 ). fig3 shows a perspective view and an elevated view of yet another modification of the armature unit of the linear motor in accordance with embodiment 18 of the present invention . fig3 ( a ) , ( b ), ( c ) show examples in which cross - section shapes of movers ( 5 ) are different from each other . in fig3 ( a ) , the example of the h - shaped cross - section mover ( 5 ) is shown , and in fig3 ( b ) , the example of the cross shape mover ( 5 ) is shown . moreover , in fig3 ( c ) , the example of a combination of the mover shapes in fig3 ( a ) and 32 ( b ) is shown . the movers ( 5 ) of each shape can be constituted as one or by assembling components manufactured individually . fig3 is an overall perspective view of the mover shown in fig3 . fig3 shows an example of mover constitution of the armature unit of the linear motor in accordance with embodiment 18 of the present invention . in fig3 ( a ) , members between the magnets ( 4 ) are made individually and pinched out . by pinching h - shaped members ( 20 ), the magnets ( 4 ) can also be retained . in fig3 ( b ) , adhesive holes are made for when each part is chamfered and the magnets ( 4 ) are glued . in fig3 ( c ) , a ladder - shaped magnet retention member ( 21 ) is shown of which the part to retain the magnets ( 4 ) of the mover ( 5 ) is made to be ladder - shaped . fig3 shows a partly exploded perspective view of the armature unit of the linear motor and a drawing showing the magnetic pole structure in accordance with embodiment 19 of the present invention . the drawing shows an example of an open type linear motor of which the shape of magnets ( 2 ) etc . is made to be c - shaped . the linear motor is shown without upper winding ( s ) ( 1 ) for easy understanding of core shapes . by adopting a structure like that , support can be made from one side . alternatively , by fixing the mover ( 5 ) to walls etc ., the c - shaped armature unit can be moved . in addition , alternatively , by arranging the mover ( 5 ) and the armature unit ( 10 ) etc . to be arcuate or curved , the mover ( 5 ) or the armature unit ( 10 ) can be made to rotate . in this specification , the linear motors are mainly described about three phase structures but are not limited to three phase linear motors . any phase of linear motors can be constituted with identical armature units ( 10 ) depending on the arrangement of the armature units . according to the embodiments of the present invention , it is possible to change the dimensions easily and to change the magnetic pole positions so as to reduce thrust ripples etc . by the inclusions at phase ends ( 13 ) or ( 131 ), inclusions between magnetic poles ( 12 ) or ( 121 ), inclusions between phases ( 14 ), magnetic poles ( 2 ), etc . in addition , besides the components described above , flat shims etc . can be used for fine - tuning , and other shapes of inclusions and spacers can be used for adjustment . moreover , a similar effect can be obtained even if the inclusions etc . having magnetic properties are formed with the magnetic poles as one . the magnetic poles and inclusions of each embodiment can be made by laminating magnetic steel plates , or can be constituted with a powder magnetic core etc . for other members , it is effective to use materials having high permeability . in addition , when each member is constituted by laminating laminar material , similar effects can be obtained even if ramped parts and arcuate parts are stepwise . fig3 shows a perspective view showing the magnet arrangement of a mover of a linear motor and two top views showing the presence or absence of skew in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention . by arranging the magnets ( 4 ) on the movers ( 5 ) so that the angle θm between the longer direction of the mover ( 5 ) and the magnets ( 4 ) is 45 °& lt ; θm & lt ; 90 °, the thrust ripple can be controlled easily by synergetic effects with other thrust ripple reduction actions . by applying this magnet ( 4 ) arrangement to each embodiment described above , the thrust ripples can be controlled more easily . the number of magnetic poles of the present invention is not limited to the numbers shown in the embodiments etc .	7
as briefly described above , this disclosure provides separation techniques that utilize azeotropic or azeotrope - like compositions of 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene ( hcfc - 1233zd ) and water and methods of recovering 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene ( hcfc - 1233zd ) from azeotropic or azeotrope - like compositions comprising 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene and water . 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene forms azeotropic and azeotrope - like compositions or mixtures with water , and more particularly , forms heterogeneous azeotropic and azeotrope - like composition or mixtures with water . 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene has a boiling point of about 19 ° c ., has a vapor pressure of 1516 hpa at about 30 ° c ., and has the following structure : as used herein , the modifier “ about ” used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context ( for example , it includes at least the degree of error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity ). when used in the context of a range , the modifier “ about ” should also be considered as disclosing the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints . for example , the range “ from about 2 to about 4 ” also discloses the range “ from 2 to 4 .” as described above , u . s . pat . no . 8 , 921 , 621 describes a process for the production of 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene ( hcfc - 1233zd ) on a commercial scale from the reaction of 1 , 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - pentachloropropane ( hcc - 240fa ) and hf . in one embodiment of the &# 39 ; 621 process , hcc - 240fa and hf are fed to a liquid phase reactor operating at high pressure . the resulting product stream of 1233zd , hcl , hf , and other byproducts is partially condensed to recover hf by phase separation . the recovered hf phase is recycled to the reactor . the hcl is scrubbed from the vapor stream and recovered as an aqueous solution . the remaining organic components including the desired hcfc - 1233zd are scrubbed , dried and distilled to meet commercial product specifications . fig1 is a process diagram for the recovery of 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene from water . in one embodiment , wet and acid - free 1233zd ( hcfo - 1233zd ) crude vapor from the caustic scrubber outlet are condensed in a condenser . the condensed wet 1233zd will then flow ( illustrated in fig1 as flow stream 11 ) into a distillation pump tank or decanting tank 12 , where the water will settle as the top layer ( first aqueous layer 14 ) and the 1233zd will settle as bottom layer ( first organic layer 16 ). at a production rate of 1000 to 1500 lbs / hr of 1233zd , including scrubber liquid entrainment , it is expected that about 2 gals / hr of free water will accumulate in the distillation pump tank ( capacity of 19 , 000 gallons ). accordingly , it is estimated that the tank 12 can easily handle about 4 , 000 gal of free water , at least temporarily . during commercial processing of 1233zd , it is expected that one should not need to attend to this water for up to 3 months at 1 , 500 lbs / hr crude 1233zd production rate and when water is removed , it may be removed as first removal stream 18 . the removal of water as first removal stream 18 may be accomplished by decanting , selective pumping , or other liquid - liquid separating processes . a monitoring program to track this water volume , and its acidity content , e . g ., to prevent any corrosion or overspill incident , has been developed . the water is expected to contain about 2 , 000 ppm crude 1233zd , or about 0 . 03 lbs / hr organic . as used herein , the term “ ppm ” or “ parts - per - million ” shall be understood to be the mass fraction unless explicitly stated otherwise . this water can be recycled to the caustic scrubber for organic recovery and disposal . the first organic layer 16 may then be further processed , such as by distilling the first organic layer . thus , first organic layer 16 may flow through distillation inlet 22 to distillation column 20 , where the 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene and water may be distilled , including being distilled until forming an azeotrope . as used herein , distillation column 20 can be understood to include any conventional fractionating column or fractionation column that uses distillation to separate a mixture into component parts or fractions based on differences in volatilities . thus , the first organic layer 16 may be distilled in distillation column , yielding a bottoms 24 of essentially pure 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene while overhead 26 may be condensed and sent either to the first separator 12 and / or to a second phase separator 30 . in various embodiments , the top vapor fraction or overhead 26 may be an azeotropic or azeotrope - like composition of 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene and water . it should be noted that , in some embodiments , other organics and / or impurities ( e . g ., 1 , 3 , 3 , 3 - tetrafluoropropene ( hfo - 1234ze )) may also be present and / or may also form an azeotrope with the water in the overhead of the distillation column . in some embodiments , other other organics and / or impurities in the composition which themselves form azeotropes with water may be used to advantageously further draw additional water from the contents of the distillation column 21 in addition to the water which is drawn into the principal azeotrope of 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene and water , further drying and purifying the 1233zd collected product . additionally , relatively low boiling point impurities , even when not themselves able to form azeotropes with water , may nevertheless volatilize and thereby be removed in the overhead stream . thus , in the present process , both water - containing azeotropes of impurities and / or non - azeotropic compositions of impurities may be drawn away from 1233zd in the distillation column 20 to enhance the purity of the recovered 1233zd . furthermore , in some embodiments , excess 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene may be present in azeotrope composition in the overhead , for example , due to tray inefficiencies or distillation column inefficiencies . the thermodynamic state of a fluid is defined by its pressure , temperature , liquid composition and vapor composition . for a true azeotropic composition , the liquid composition and vapor phase are essentially equal at a given temperature and pressure range . in practical terms this means that the components cannot be separated during a phase change . as disclosed herein , an azeotrope is a liquid mixture that exhibits a maximum or minimum boiling point relative to the boiling points of surrounding mixture compositions . also , as used herein , the term “ azeotrope - like ” refers to compositions that are strictly azeotropic and / or that generally behave like azeotropic mixtures . an azeotrope or an azeotrope - like composition is an admixture of two or more different components which , when in liquid form under a given pressure , will boil at a substantially constant temperature , which temperature may be higher or lower than the boiling temperatures of the individual components and which will provide a vapor composition essentially identical to the liquid composition undergoing boiling . as used herein , azeotropic compositions may be defined to include azeotrope - like compositions , which is a composition that behaves like an azeotrope , i . e ., that has constant boiling characteristics or a tendency not to fractionate upon boiling or evaporation . thus , the composition of the vapor formed during boiling or evaporation is the same as or substantially the same as the original liquid composition . hence , during boiling or evaporation , the liquid composition , if it changes at all , changes only to a minimal or negligible extent . this is in contrast with non - azeotrope - like compositions in which during boiling or evaporation , the liquid composition changes to a substantial degree . accordingly , the essential features of an azeotrope or an azeotrope - like composition are that at a given pressure , the boiling point of the liquid composition is fixed and that the composition of the vapor above the boiling composition is essentially that of the boiling liquid composition , i . e ., essentially no fractionation of the components of the liquid composition takes place . both the boiling point and the weight percentages of each component of the azeotropic composition may change when the azeotrope or azeotrope - like liquid composition is subjected to boiling at different pressures . thus , an azeotrope or an azeotrope - like composition may be defined in terms of the relationship that exists between its components or in terms of the compositional ranges of the components or in terms of exact weight percentages of each component of the composition characterized by a fixed boiling point at a specified pressure . in various embodiments is this disclosure , a composition which comprises effective amounts of 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene and water to form an azeotropic or azeotrope - like composition is provided . as used herein , the term “ effective amount ” is an amount of each component which , when combined with the other component , results in the formation of an azeotrope or azeotrope - like mixture . the compositions preferably are binary azeotropes which comprise or consist essentially of combinations of 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene and water , or consist of combinations of 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene and water . as used herein , the term “ consisting essentially of ”, with respect to the components of an azeotrope - like composition or mixture , means the composition contains the indicated components in an azeotrope - like ratio , and may contain additional components provided that the additional components do not form new azeotrope - like systems . for example , azeotrope - like mixtures consisting essentially of two compounds are those that form binary azeotropes , which optionally may include one or more additional components , provided that the additional components do not render the mixture non - azeotropic and do not form an azeotrope with either or both of the compounds ( e . g ., do not form a ternary azeotrope ). as used herein , the terms “ heteroazeotrope ” and “ heterogeneous azeotrope ” mean an azeotrope - like composition comprising a vapor phase existing concurrently with two liquid phases . the present disclosure also encompasses generating an azeotropic or azeotrope - like composition of 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene and water followed by isolating the azeotrope from impurities . the present disclosure also includes steps for separating and purifying 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene from the azeotropic mixture , as discussed in greater detail below . 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene may be produced using one or more methods that are known in the art , in which 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene is produced as a component of a reactant mixture containing one or more impurities . post - purification , it also may be desirable to separate the component parts of the 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene and water azeotrope to a purified form of 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene which is essentially water - free . as used herein , “ essentially water - free ” or “ water - free ” refers to compositions of 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene which include less than 1 . 0 wt . % water . for example , compositions of 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene and water that have less than 0 . 4 wt . % water , or less than 0 . 1 wt . % water , would be considered to be water - free . separation methods may include any method generally known in the art . in one embodiment , for example , the excess water can be removed from the 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene by liquid - liquid phase separation , though other alternatives include distillation or scrubbing . the remaining water can then be removed from the 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene by distillation and / or the use of one or more drying media or desiccants such as molecular sieves , calcium sulfate , silica , alumina , and combinations thereof . exemplary methods , such as those illustrated in the flow diagram of fig2 , can be used for recovering 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene . recovery method 1 may include forming an azeotropic or azeotrope - like composition consisting essentially of 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene and water ( step 2 ), conveying the formed azeotropic or azeotrope - like composition into a separator ( step 3 ), and recovering an organic layer comprising 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene ( step 4 ). for example , with continued reference to fig1 , the overhead may be split , before or after condensing , into a light organics purge 25 and an overhead products stream 26 , which may have an azeotropic composition of water and 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene , and may be condensed and sent to a second phase separator 30 . in some embodiments , the light organics purge may be part of second phase separator 30 . light organics purge may be used to remove light organics present in production systems and may include compounds such as 1 , 3 , 3 , 3 - tetrafluoropropene ( hfo - 1234ze ) isomers , 1 , 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - pentafluoropropane ( hfc - 245fa ) and , in some cases , some hfo - 1233zd . here , with overhead products stream 26 flowing into separator 30 , a second water phase 34 and a second organic layer 36 may form . the second water phase 34 may be decanted off and discarded ( illustrated second discard stream 38 ) or may be recycled ( in whole or in part ) to first phase separator 12 via recycle stream 32 . in various embodiments , the exemplary process 10 may allow for greater yields of 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene at higher purities . in some embodiments , second organic layer 36 may have other organic compounds , in addition to 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene . for example , in some embodiments , reflux stream 40 from second organic layer may comprise significant amounts of 1 , 3 , 3 , 3 - tetrafluoropropene ( hfo - 1234ze ), 1 , 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - pentafluoropropane ( hfc - 245fa ), and / or other impurities ( e . g ., about 70 wt . % hfo - 1234ze , about 15 wt . % hfc - 245fa , and about 15 wt . % 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene purified 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene removed from distillation column 20 as bottoms stream 24 may include less than 50 ppm , less than 40 ppm , less than 25 ppm , less than 20 ppm , or 10 ppm or less , of water or , in other embodiments , may include as little as 10 ppm , 15 , ppm , or 20 ppm , or as great as 25 ppm , 40 ppm , or 50 ppm of water , or any amount of water within any range defined between any two of the foregoing values . the purified 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene ( 1233zd ) may be used as an end product such as a refrigerant , blowing agent , propellant , or diluent for gaseous sterilization , or it may be used as a monomer , as an intermediate , or otherwise further processed for the production of alternative hfos or similar compounds . also , the purified azeotrope meets the current need in the art for mixtures that have no ozone depletion potential and are negligible contributors to greenhouse global warming and are nonflammable . such a mixture may be utilized in a wide range of uses such as , but not limited to , refrigerants , blowing agents , propellants and diluents for gaseous sterilization . the azeotrope may be provided in combination with other useful additives or ingredients for such purposes . 1 , 000 lbs of wet and acid - free crude hcfo - 1233zd vapor from the caustic scrubber outlet is condensed in a condenser . the condensed wet hcfo - 1233zd will then flow into a decanter . the water will settle as top layer while the hcfo - 1233zd will settle as bottom layer . the top water layer is withdrawn and expected to have about 4 lbs of water and to contain about 2 , 000 ppm of dissolved hcfo - 1233zd or 0 . 008 lbs . this water can be recycled to the caustic scrubber for organic recovery or be disposed . the bottom hcfo - 1233zd organic layer is withdrawn and expected to have about 1 , 000 lbs of hcfo - 1233zd and to contain about 400 ppm of dissolved water or 0 . 4 lbs . this resulting hcfo - 1233zd stream is then dried with a drying agent such as molecular sieve 3 a or 4 a , activated alumina , silica gel , caso 4 , and the like . using a commercial 3 a molecular sieve desiccant which can adsorb up to 15 % moisture , this improved process would have consumed only 2 . 7 pounds of molecular sieve for every 1 , 000 pounds of hcfo - 1233zd processed . the water content is about 10 ppm after this treatment . in view of this low desiccant consumption rate , the drying equipment size can be made much smaller than those used in prior art processing . furthermore , given that the molecular sieve can be regenerated , the ultimate drying agent consumption can be minimized . 1 , 000 lbs of liquid crude hcfo - 1233zd containing 10 lbs of hf acid is mixed with about 300 lbs of water and / or diluted caustic solution and then washed to remove the acid at sub - cooled temperature while maintaining the mixture in a liquid phase . the resulting wet and acid free hcfo - 1233zd will then flow into a decanter . the water or caustic solution will settle as top layer while the hcfo - 1233zd will settle as bottom layer . the above can be carried out stage - wise ( e . g ., first washing with water and decanting , then followed by washing with aqueous caustic and decanting , etc .). the top water or caustic layer is withdrawn and expected to have about 300 lbs of water and to contain about 2 , 000 ppm of dissolved hcfo - 1233zd or 0 . 6 lbs . this water or caustic solution can subsequently be heated or stripped to recover valuable organic or be disposed . the bottom hcfo - 1233zd organic layer is withdrawn and expected to have about 1 , 000 lbs of hcfo - 1233zd and to contain about 400 ppm of dissolved water or 0 . 4 lbs . this resulting hcfo - 1233zd stream is then dried with a drying agent such as molecular sieve 3 a or 4 a , activated alumina , silica gel , caso 4 , and the like . using a commercial 3 a molecular sieve desiccant which can adsorb up to 15 % moisture , this improved process would have consumed only 2 . 7 pounds of mole sieve for every 1 , 000 pounds of hcfo - 1233zd processed . the water content is about 10 ppm after this treatment . in view of this low desiccant consumption rate , the drying equipment size can be made much smaller than those used in prior art processing . furthermore , given that the molecular sieve can be regenerated , the ultimate drying agent consumption can be minimized . 100 lbs of wet and acid - free crude hcfo - 1233zd vapor from the caustic scrubber outlet is condensed in a condenser . the condensed wet hcfo - 1233zd will then flow into a decanter . the water will settle as top layer while the hcfo - 1233zd will settle as bottom layer . the bottom hcfo - 1233zd organic layer is withdrawn . this resulting hcfo - 1233zd stream is then dried with a drying agent such as molecular sieve 3 a or 4 a , activated alumina , silica gel , caso 4 , and the like . using a commercial 3 a molecular sieve desiccant which can adsorb up to 15 % moisture , this improved process would have consumed only 2 . 7 pounds of molecular sieve for every 1 , 000 pounds of hcfo - 1233zd processed . the water content is about 10 ppm after this treatment . alternatively , the organic layer may be further processed , such as by forming an azeotropic or azeotrope - like composition to further separate water and 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene . for example 4 and example 5 below , 1 , 000 lbs / hr of wet and acid - free 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene vapor was condensed in a condenser . the condensed 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene along with 100 lbs / hr of wet azeotropic 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene and water from a distillation column were combined . the resulting mixture was then sent to a phase separator . water settled as the top layer while the 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene settled as the bottom ( organic ) layer . the water layer contained 2 , 000 ppm crude 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene or about 0 . 2 lbs / hr organic . the water layer containing 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene was then processed as below according to example 4 and example 5 . 1 , 100 lbs / hr of a mixture of crude 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene and 0 . 4 lbs / hr water was fed into a distillation column , where essentially all of the water was distilled in the overhead along with about 100 lbs / hr of the 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene . the overhead was found to be an azeotropic mixture of 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene and water . this overhead mixture was then sent to a phase separator or caustic scrubber to re - separate out the water from the 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene contained in the overhead . the bottom stream yielded about 1 , 000 lbs / hr of crude 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene containing about 50 ppm moisture of less . 1 , 100 lbs / hr of crude 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene and 0 . 4 lbs / hr of water was fed into a distillation column where essentially all of the 0 . 4 lbs / hr of water and about 100 lbs / hr of azeotropic crude 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene was contained in the overhead . the overhead azeotropic mixture was then sent to a second phase separator , forming water phase and organic phase . the top layer was found to contain the 0 . 4 lb / hr of water and may either be recycled back to the first phase separator , may be discarded , or may be partially recycled . the water phase of first phase separator may also be discarded or sent for further processing . the organic phase was then returned to the distillation column as reflux . when used with the second phase separator , the bottoms was found to yield nearly 100 % 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene , whereas the reflux stream 40 was found to contain about 50 ppm of water . in additional trial runs , the composition of the bottoms stream was able to be controlled to yield between 11 ppm by weight water to about 90 ppm by weight water . thus , a substantially pure and dry 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene was removed from the distillation column . thus , as can be seen from the above examples , azeotropic or azeotropic - like compositions of 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene and water can be used to recover 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene in an economical fashion . an ebulliometer consisting of vacuum jacketed tube with a condenser on top which was further equipped with a quartz thermometer was used . about 10 cc of trans - hfo - 1233zd was charged to the ebulliometer and then water was added in small , measured increments . temperature depression was observed when water was added , indicating a binary minimum boiling azeotrope had been formed . from greater than 0 to about 30 weight percent water , the boiling point of the composition changes less than about 0 . 5 ° c . at ambient pressure . as used herein , the singular forms “ a ”, “ an ” and “ the ” include plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise . moreover , when an amount , concentration , or other value or parameter is given as either a range , preferred range , or a list of upper preferable values and lower preferable values , this is to be understood as specifically disclosing all ranges formed from any pair of any upper range limit or preferred value and any lower range limit or preferred value , regardless of whether ranges are separately disclosed . where a range of numerical values is recited herein , unless otherwise stated , the range is intended to include the endpoints thereof , and all integers and fractions within the range . it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific values recited when defining a range . from the foregoing , it will be appreciated that although specific examples have been described herein for purposes of illustration , various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit or scope of this disclosure . it is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting , and that it be understood that it is the following claims , including all equivalents , that are intended to particularly point out and distinctly claim the claimed subject matter .	2
reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . wherever possible , the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts . refer to fig1 , which is a drawing illustrating a news media management , production , and delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention . as shown in fig1 , the news media management , production , and delivery system comprises a media database server 110 , a wire service 105 , an editing system 120 , a publishing system 130 , and a media archive server 140 . media such as video clips , audio clips , music , movies , and photos are stored on the media database server 110 . as news reports cross the wire the text is stored in a news database on the media database server 110 and is accessible by the editing system 120 . an editor using the editing system 120 connects or links media relevant to the news report to the text of the report . the editing system 120 also allows the editor to edit the media , crop pictures , and preview the media . after editing , the publishing system 130 publishes the media in a plurality of formats . for example , the media is broadcast on television 150 , broadcast to mobile devices 170 such as cellular telephones , or published on a web site 160 . the edited media is also archived on the media archive server 140 and made available to users for future access and use . when a user accesses the media text , for example , a news article is viewed along with media associated with the news article . for example , a text news article about a war also includes on the ground video footage relevant to the text news article . refer to fig2 , which is a drawing illustrating a news media management , production , and delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention . as shown in fig2 , the news media management , production , and delivery system 200 comprises an a source 205 , a b source 206 , a c source 207 , and a d source 208 which provide media and text data . the a source 205 provides a live video stream , for example from a television channel . the live video stream is recorded and stored on a shared editing storage server 230 . the b source 206 and the c source 207 provide media such as video clips , movies , audio , music , photos , and text . the b source 206 and c source 207 are websites where users upload media which is then stored on a storage server 209 . the d source 208 comprises a cooperative media source , for example , a news wire service such as reuters or the associated press . an editor or editors 220 , 221 , 222 select the media or text material and convert the files . the media is automatically converted when selected . preliminary manuscript revising and sorting is performed and the media or text is edited . the editors 220 , 221 , 222 also select a layout , for example , a web page layout or style for the media and text to be displayed in . the edited or modified material is then submitted and stored on the shared editing storage server 230 . the shared editing storage server stores text , pictures , video clips , audio clips , music , and movies . an assistant editor 210 removes advertisements or commercials from the media or text and combines each segment of a program . the assistant editor 210 also sorts the media according to a manuscript or text and delivers the edited media to the editor 220 . when text only material is provided by a source , for example , a wire service , the editor 220 , 221 , 222 or assistant editor 210 select the text and search a media database for media relevant to the text or article . the relevant media is linked to text so that they can be utilized together . a publisher 240 reviews material which the editors 220 , 221 , 222 have edited and submitted to the shared editing storage server 230 . the publisher 240 also reviews the layout of the media or text . if acceptable , the publisher 240 publishes the media to a television station 250 for broadcast , to a website or websites 260 , and to a mobile device or service 270 . in this way the media is enjoyed by television viewers , internet users , and mobile device users . edited and published material is stored on a service storage server 245 and is available for use or sale . users or subscribers can use or purchase the media or material stored on the service storage server 245 . the media is stored in a variety of formats so that users of different devices can access the media according to their needs . the edited and original media or material is automatically stored in a database or archive on a near line storage server 246 . the archive is searchable so that the material can be used in the future . in an embodiment of the present invention the editors 220 , 221 , 222 are the same person . in another embodiment they are different people . refer to fig3 , which is a drawing illustrating a news media management and delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention . in order to efficiently manage and deliver the edited material the present invention provides a media management screen 300 . in this screen 300 or window an editor or publisher searches for media using a search term box 310 or a date search box 311 or menu . after the date , date interval , or search term have been selected and the search button 312 is clicked , a results list is provided comprising a list of media associated with the date or search term . an editor or publisher selects the media to publish by selecting a select box 325 next to a thumbnail 326 of the media . the title and text abstract of the media is displayed in a title area 327 and abstract area 328 respectively . the abstract is a summary of the contents of the media or an abstract of text associated with the media . the file name 329 , media duration 330 , creation date 331 , and size 332 are also displayed . as well , the type of service is displayed in a service box 333 . a media preview window 350 with player controls 351 are provided to allow the media to be previewed before publishing . the media management screen 300 also provides a publish destination input box 335 for inputting or selecting a location or locations where the media is to be broadcast or published to and a publish go button 336 to execute the publishing . for example , a television station , internet website , and a mobile service can be selected and the media in the correct format is published or broadcast to each one . the publishing or broadcast order is determined or changed by dragging a media clip into a new location ahead of or after another piece of media on the media management screen 300 . additionally , a publishing timeline allows users to create a media playlist for scheduled broadcast . refer to fig4 a and 4b , which are drawings illustrating a webpage layout of a news website according to an embodiment of the present invention . in embodiments of the present invention the media is published to a news website . prior to publishing the media , an editor or publisher selects the layout for the webpage . in the embodiment illustrated in fig4 a and 4b , the webpage comprises a story content list with a plurality of different sizes of images linked to media . in fig4 a the different sizes of images are shown as content 1 420 being the largest sized image , content 2 - 4 430 as smaller images and content 5 - 10 440 as the smallest images . in this way , breaking news or top stories are highlighted by making the image larger and at the top of the story content list . minor stories are given smaller images lower on the page . in the embodiment illustrated in fig4 a ten items are shown . in other embodiments of the present invention the story list is scrollable and a large number of images for content are available . the webpage also comprises a menu 410 for navigating to different categories of news , for example , regional , national , local , international , sports , and entertainment . each main category comprises multiple subcategories to narrow the category , for example , under the main category sports , subcategories baseball , football , and baseball are provided . each image is linked to a specific media file and when clicked a thumbnail 460 and text abstract 465 or text article of the media associated with the image is displayed . a user can read the abstract 465 or the complete text of the news article as the media is displayed or played in a media player window 470 . the media is controlled by media player controls 475 located next to the media player window 470 . options are also provided to change the media player window &# 39 ; s size . for example , the media player window can be set to full screen to increase enjoyment . in an embodiment of the present invention the media player window is detachable from the main window . in this way , the media can be viewed on top of other applications while the user performs other tasks . for example , the media is enjoyed while the user is working on a text document . in another embodiment of the present invention the browser is minimized so that only the media player window is visible . in another embodiment of the present invention when a user selects media the media window is displayed and the text article scrolls in the media player window or next to the media player window . in another embodiment of the present invention an advertising window is provided along with the media player window . in this way users can enjoy the media without interruption from advertising while advertisers can have marketing opportunity . users can view advertising if they wish and aren &# 39 ; t annoyed by advertising interruptions . when the editor or publisher determines where on the page layout the news story will appear , the correct image size will be published to the website and the webpage is updated . in this way , the website content and layout is easily managed . for example , the publisher can easily change the layout to move a news story up or down the story content list . templates are provided for page layouts to increase efficiency . an editor simply selects a template and where to display the stories in the layout . since all pictures are cropped for all sizes the layout is very flexible . for example , all levels in the story content list can have different layouts . the present invention provides integrated text , pictures , video , and audio so that users can utilize the news service in various formats thereby ensuring an improved user experience . in an embodiment of the present invention the news is streamed to users as a webcast or internet television . a user can switch between categories of news and the media is streamed to the user similar to television . in this way , the user does not need to continually select news items and can simply enjoy a continuous stream of news media . additionally , a user can select breaking news or top news media and the media will stream similar to a television news broadcast . in an embodiment of the present invention , users or media sources can provide media content in various formats . the original media is transcoded to a high resolution version for archive and television , a low resolution for editing , a web resolution for internet use , and a mobile device resolution . the editor uses the low resolution version during editing and the edit decision list edl is used to edit the high resolution version . in an embodiment of the present invention a scrolling banner or ticker - tape style window is provided in which the latest news stories are displayed . in an embodiment of the present invention a plurality of media is associated or linked to a news item . for example , when a user selects a news item a stream of media is played one after the other . in an embodiment of the present invention the text associated with the media is sent to a television station and displayed on a teleprompter for the announcer to read while the media is played . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention . in view of the foregoing , it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of this invention provided they fall within the scope of the invention and its equivalent .	6
fig1 will serve to illustrate an example of a prior art flat band 10 which may be hand wrapped about telescoped tubular members , and then tightened by means of threaded fasteners so as to tend to conform the band to the peripheral surfaces of the tubular members . in a specific example , the band may be of type 304 annealed soft ( nonhardened ) stainless steel having a thickness of 0 . 020 inch and a width of three inches . the strip stock of desired width and thickness may be obtained in a coiled form . in a specific example of such a flat band for coupling of telescoped stainless steel tubular parts of an automotive exhaust system , the band 10 is provided with reinforcing bars 11 and 12 at the opposite ends such that the length a at one side of the strip is about one - fourth inch less than the length b at the other side of the strip . the strip ends may be wrapped about the bars 11 and 12 , and welded thereto . the threaded fasteners may be accomodated by cooperating bolt holes 14 , 15 and 16 , 17 extending through the reinforcing bars 11 and 12 . the holes 14 - 17 may be of diameter to snugly receive 7 / 16 inch diameter bolts serving as force means in conjunction with nuts and washers , for drawing the reinforcing bars toward each other , once the strip has been hand - formed about the tubular members . referring to fig1 if the longitudinal portion of the band 10 with length a is to be wrapped about a tubular member with a circumference of a value greater than a some portion of the band ( e . g . adjacent the apertured and welded end regions of the band ) will be stretched by a substantial amount . if the central part of band 10 is considered to be at a six o &# 39 ; clock location while the reinforced ends have a gap therebetween centered at a twelve o &# 39 ; clock location ( as indicated for a band 10 - 2 in fig3 ) then it is considered that the length a of the band will not be uniformly stretched ; rather tensile stress will be markedly concentrated at the end portions of the band nearest the twelve o &# 39 ; clock location ( e . g . the end portions of the band between nine o &# 39 ; clock and twelve o &# 39 ; clock , and between twelve o &# 39 ; clock and three o &# 39 ; clock ). a similar situation is considered to apply at the flat longitudinal portion of the band having the dimension b . applying lubricant to the surfaces of the tubular members in an effort to tend to equalize tension over the length of the band must be considered as disadvantageous . further the application of high torques for tightening the nuts on the bolts also can only be considered a detriment to rapid and easy application of the band in the field . in a different prior art flat band , such lubricant is recommended when the band is applied to galvanized or rusty flexible tubing of an exhaust system which is being repaired , and torques of from fifty to seventy - five foot pounds are contemplated . this different prior art system does not provide close tolerances at the bolt holes as shown in fig1 so that the reinforcing bars tilt toward each other at the radially outer edges during tightening of the nuts on the bolts . since the reinforcing bars cannot be brought together at their radially inner adjacent edges as with the example of fig1 a sealing gasket is provided in the package containing the flat band which sealing gasket is to be compressed between the reinforced ends of the band as the bolts are tightened . the flat band of fig1 is commonly sold in a plastic package generally conforming in size to the band of fig1 but with sufficient slack to accomodate a small plastic packet containing two 7 / 16 inch fine thread bolts , two washers and two nuts . the different flat band with the sealing gasket is commonly sold in a flat cardboard package with bolts , nuts , and washers and the length of sealant material , the package having dimensions of about 20 inches by 33 / 4 inches by one inch . the bolts furnished in the cardboard package for a five inch o . d . pipe have a length of thread about 21 / 4 inches and an overall length of about 23 / 4 inches . referring to fig2 and 4 , it would be considered ideal if the band 10 could be preformed into a c configuration as indicated at 10 - 1 , in fig2 with preformed ( or set ) segmental cylindrical faces 10 - 1a and 10 - 1b of diameters d1a and d2b less than the respective outside diameters d2a and d2b of the telescoped tubular members 19 and 20 to be wrapped thereby . taking account of preliminary stretching of the band 10 at its apertured and welded ends 21 and 22 and suitable tolerances in the dimensions and positioning of the bars 11 and 12 , it would be convenient to have the arcuate distances corresponding to dimensions a and b of the preformed segmental cylindrical surfaces 10 - 1a and 10 - 1b such that when the band is placed about the tubular members 19 and 20 there is a separation or gap between the reinforced ends 21 - 1 and 22 - 1 , fig2 of the band 10 before tightening of the bolts , of about three - eighth inch . thus for a diameter of six inches and a circumference of about 18 . 8 inches of a tubular member 19 , if the reinforced ends are closed tightly together , the total stretch of such c - shaped band would be 3 / 8 inch or about two percent . this might correspond to a tensile stress of about forty thousand pounds per square inch if uniformly distributed about the length of the band . such a nominal gap of 3 / 8 inch would insure an effective uniform stretching of the preformed band 10 - 1 of at least about two - tenths percent ( in spite of tolerances and the like ) corresponding to a tensile stress below the tensile yield strength ( measured for a 0 . 2 % permanent offset ) of the material , but corresponding to a uniform tensile stress of the band 10 - 1 of at least about thirty thousand pounds per square inch . an ideal preformed c - shaped band 10 - 1 made from the band 10 of fig1 might have , as formed , an arcuate length ( l1a ) on the a side equal to the circumference ( c2a ) of the inner tubular member 19 , fig3 and 4 , less 3 / 8 inch , while , as formed , the arcuate length ( l1b ) on the b side would correspond to the circumference ( c2b ) of the larger diameter tubular member 20 , less 3 / 8 inch . where in fig1 the b length exceeds the a length of the flat band by 1 / 4 inch , corresponding to a larger tube diameter ( d2b ) greater than the smaller tube diameter ( d2a ) by 1 / 4 inch , then the arcuate length of the preformed c - shaped band 10 - 1 on the b side would be π / 4 inch longer than the arcuate length of the preformed c - shaped band 10 - 1 on the a side . in order to retain the advantages of a flat package and convenient storage , the present invention provides a prefabricated band such as shown at 10 - 2 in fig2 . ideally such preformed band 10 - 2 has segmental cylindrical surfaces 10 - 2a and 10 - 2b of diameters d1a and d1b as previously described . also the band 10 - 2 has lengths along the inner surface ( la , lb ) at the a and b sides which correspond with the corresponding lengths ( l1a , l1b ) described for the completely preformed band 10 - 1 . the band 10 - 2 has reversely curving connecting portions 23 and 24 and oppositely directed end portions 25 and 26 which extend in opposite directions from a central arcuate bend portion 27 which has the segmental cylindrical surfaces 10 - 2a and 10 - 2b . the segmental cylindrical surfaces 10 - 2a and 10 - 2b are at least about one - fourth of the a and b side length dimensions ( la and lb , respectively ) of the band 10 - 2 and may be about one - third of such length dimensions . with the preformed band configuration 10 - 2 , the overall lengths loa and lob measured in a straight line are reduced in comparison to distances a and b in fig1 while the thickness dimensions overall hoa and hob are less than one half of the ideal diametric values d1a and d1b . for a six inch value of d2b an ideal diametric value d1b would be less than six inches and hob would be less than three inches . the spaces provided by the arcuate bend portion 27 , in a plastic package conforming to the preformed band 10 - 2 , would enable placing a packet of bolts , washers and nuts , indicated at 28 , within the rectilinear space defined by the length lob , the height hob and the width of the band 10 - 2 , e . g . three inches , for sizes of the band 10 - 2 corresponding to sizes of tube 19 of two inches through six inches , for example . as indicated in fig1 pursuant to the present invention , different portions of the flat band may be preformed to different lengths even in the essentially flat configuration . for example the longitudinal portion 10b of band 10 may be pressed upwardly out of the plane of the paper ( where side 10a is assumed to be in the plane of the paper ) so as to retain a preformed bowed configuration between bars 11 and 12 having a length ( lbb ) greater than length a of the flat longitudinal portion 10a , by π / 4 inch , so that when such a type i band as so preformed is wrapped about tubular members 19 and 20 , and the threaded fasteners tightened , the metal of portions 10a and 10b will be stretched by the same overall amount . furthermore by forming the resultant preformed type i band about a mandrel with diameters d1a and d1b in the field , the preformed type i band can be converted into a nearly ideal band such as shown at 10 - 1 with the remaining gap between the ends as wrapped about members 19 and 20 less than 3 / 8 inch . thus instead of attempting to lubricate the surface of an exhaust pipe to be repaired in the field , the type i band for example can be placed on a mandrel with ideal low friction surfaces of diameters d1a and d1b , and stretch formed by closing the reinforced ends completely together . if by so doing the type i band is uniformly stretched by two percent , then because of the well - known spring - back of ductile metal the attained diameters ( dia and dib ) will not be the ideal diameters d1a and d1b but the type i band will have been uniformly stressed toward the ideal configuration indicated at 10 - 1 . furthermore the gap remaining between the reinforced ends of the type i band as preset to circular configuration will have been reduced by the amount of residual stretch left by the mandrel - forming step . in this way , the gap to be closed during application of the type i band for coupling tubular members 19 and 20 can be one percent or less . by using a slightly oversize perimeter oval mandrel configuration , the central section of the type i band can be formed to mandrel semicylindrical surfaces having diameters d1a and d1b , while the type i band is left prestretched by a residual 11 / 2 percent , leaving only a 1 / 2 percent or less stretching of the type i band when actually applied to tubular members 19 and 20 . for the type i band the bowed length portion 10b will have a transition region 10c at its inner margin which will provide a transition between the bowed portion 10b and the completely flat portion 10a . in a type ii pre - formed band according to fig1 in addition to the bowed raised portion 10b , there is an intermediate bowed raised portion 10d which is raised relative to transition region 10c , so that the transition region 10c has a central portion with a length generally corresponding to the dimension a , but at the b side merging into the length of the portion 10b and at the a side again merging into a length corresponding to the length of portion 10b . at the a side of intermediate region 10d , there is a further transition region 10e which has a length at the b side thereof , generally corresponding to the length of the raised portion 10b and at the a thereof as a length substantially corresponding to the length dimension a in fig1 . such a case ii band when wrapped about the pipes 19 and 20 will have a configuration as illustrated in fig4 the longitudinal portion 10a providing a portion such as indicated at 10 - 2a in fig4 conforming with the diameter d2a , and the portion 10b providing an arcuate portion as indicated at 10 - 2b conforming with the outside circumference of pipe 20 . the portion 10d provides a pocket as indicated at 10 - 2d in fig4 for positioning a gland ring 30 in direct abutting engagement with the free end edge of pipe 20 . the gland ring 30 is formed of a relatively hard steel material in comparison with the steel of the inner tubular member 19 , and is preferably initially preformed on a diameter as indicated at d1a slightly less than the diameter d2a of the tubular member 19 . the gland ring 30 has a circumferential extent at its radially inner edges less than the circumferential extent of the tubular member 19 by an amount such as 3 / 8 inch so that as the threaded fasteners are tightened to tighten a type ii band or the band 10 - 2 of fig4 about the tubular members 19 and 20 , the gap in the gland ring will be reduced in size , and the adjacent edge of the gland ring 30 will be driven into tight sealing engagement with the adjoining end edge of the tubular member 20 . at the same time , the region 10e of the type ii band and the corresponding region 10 - 2e in fig4 will be driven into interlocking relation to the gland ring 30 , tending to prevent separation of the tube 20 and the band 10 - ii of fig4 from the gland ring 30 which is in tight gripping relation to the inner tubular member 19 . thus , the gland ring 30 not only seals the joint between the tubular members but further tends to interlock the members against axial separation with a relatively low degree of applied force to the fastening means . in this way , the tubular members 19 and 20 can be coupled in sealing relation with a stretching of the material of the band 10 - ii of a relatively small amount such as two - tenths percent , such amount of tensioning being less than the tensile yield strength of the material of the band 10 - ii .	5
this invention is described in the following description with reference to the figures , in which like reference numbers represent the same or similar elements . while this invention is described in terms of modes for achieving this invention &# 39 ; s objectives , it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be accomplished in view of these teachings without deviating from the spirit or scope of the present invention . the embodiments and variations of the invention described herein , and / or shown in the drawings , are presented by way of example only and are not limiting as to the scope of the invention . unless otherwise specifically stated , individual aspects and components of the invention may be omitted or modified , or may have substituted therefore known equivalents , or as yet unknown substitutes such as may be developed in the future or such as may be found to be acceptable substitutes in the future . the invention may also be modified for a variety of applications while remaining within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention , since the range of potential applications is great , and since it is intended that the present invention be adaptable to many such variations . fig1 a is an example of a 5 gallon water bottle vending machine . as illustrated in fig1 , a vending machine 100 holds and stores a number of 5 gallon water bottles . the vending machine 100 includes a vend door 110 . the vend door 110 is raised off the ground to allow for easy access and retrieval of the 5 gallon water bottles by a consumer . fig1 b is an example of the 5 gallon water bottle vending machine with a front panel removed . as illustrated in fig1 b , the vending machine 100 holds and stores a plurality of 5 gallon water bottles 105 . the 5 gallon water bottles 105 may typically be fed into the vending machine 100 through an opening in the top 115 . the 5 gallon water bottles 105 move down the vending machine 100 shelves in a snake pattern . the 5 gallon water bottles 105 are obtained from the vending machine 100 at the platform 125 , inside the vend door 110 ( shown in fig1 b ). a snail wheel 120 lifts the 5 gallon water bottle 105 off of the vending machine 100 shelf and onto the platform 125 for the consumer to retrieve . fig2 is an example of a snail wheel in a vending machine . as illustrated in fig2 , the snail wheel 210 , ( which has a cam - like profile ), may be used for 5 gallon water bottles 205 . fig2 illustrates the bottom shelf 201 of the vending machine 200 where the bottles are ultimately dispensed to a customer . the 5 gallon water bottle 205 rolls to a stop prior to entering the snail wheel 210 . the snail wheel 210 includes a lip 213 , which allows the neck of the 5 gallon water bottle 205 to rest upon . the lip 213 remains at a resting point that is level with the bottom shelf 201 . the 5 gallon water bottle 205 stays in place with a license plate stopper ( not shown ). when a customer wants a 5 gallon water bottle , for example 5 gallon water bottle 205 , the license plate stopper depresses and the 5 gallon water bottle 205 rolls onto the snail wheel 210 . the snail wheel 210 rotates 90 ° counter - clockwise , lifting the 5 gallon water bottle , for example 215 , off the bottom shelf 201 . once the snail wheel 210 rotates 90 °, it stops to allow the 5 gallon water bottle 215 to roll down the remainder of the snail wheel 210 and onto a slightly raised platform 225 . the platform 225 is behind the vend door 110 shown in fig1 . the customer may then retrieve the 5 gallon water bottle , for example 220 , from the platform 225 . although in the example shown is fig2 the 5 gallon water bottle 220 is lifted only a small amount , it should be understood by those of skill in the art that this is an example only . greater or lesser amounts of height may be achieved by changing the configuration and dimensions of the snail wheel 210 . fig3 is an example of a 5 gallon water bottle entering a snail wheel in a vending machine . in fig3 , a 5 gallon water bottle 305 rolls onto the snail wheel 310 after the license plate stopper 320 is depressed . the 5 gallon water bottle 305 has a neck 315 that fits into a flange of the snail wheel 310 . when the 5 gallon water bottle 305 rolls on the snail wheel 310 , it remains on the bottom shelf 301 of the vending machine until it is lifted up and over the snail wheel 310 . fig4 is an example of a 5 gallon water bottle being lifted off a vending machine shelf for distribution to a customer . as illustrated in fig4 , the snail wheel 410 rotates 90 ° counter - clockwise , lifting the 5 gallon water bottle 405 off the bottom shelf of the vending machine . once the snail wheel 410 rotates 90 ° it stops thereby allowing the 5 gallon water bottle 405 to roll down the remainder of the snail wheel 410 and onto a platform for customer retrieval . it should be understood that although the snail wheel 510 is generally shown as circular in nature , it may be elongated , such that it can lift the 5 gallon water bottle 505 to greater heights for dispensing , depending upon the height requirements . in this case , the flanges 515 will hold the 5 gallon water bottle 505 at a greater axial distance from the central shaft . fig5 is a first view of a snail wheel . fig5 is an example of the snail wheel 510 where the 5 gallon water bottle 505 has entered the snail wheel 510 and has begun to rotate , approximately 30 °. as illustrated in fig5 , the snail wheel 510 has flanges 515 that act as support for the 5 gallon water bottle 505 . the flanges 515 may be about 1 . 5 - 2 inches wide to hold the 5 gallon water bottle 505 . the flanges 515 hold and support the 5 gallon water bottle 505 on either end for the highest strength and to avoid damage on impact . the snail wheel 510 may have a spoke pattern on the outside edge . the shape or cam profile of the snail wheel 510 , as illustrated in fig5 , is designed to slow down the queue of 5 gallon water bottles 505 in the vending machine . the curvature of the snail wheel 510 allows the 5 gallon water bottles 505 to slowly move down the queue as the first 5 gallon water bottle 505 is lifted from the vending machine shelf in the snail wheel 510 . fig6 is a second view of the snail wheel . fig6 illustrates the snail wheel 610 which has rotated approximately 90 °. in fig6 , the 5 gallon water bottle 605 is sitting on the snail wheel 610 . the snail wheel 610 includes flanges 615 to cradle the 5 gallon water bottle 605 . the neck 601 sits on a lip 612 of the snail wheel 610 . the snail wheel 610 has two sides 613 ( a ) and 613 ( b ). the two sides 613 ( a ) and 613 ( b ) are plastic and may be created using injection molding , vacuum forming , or the like . the two sides 613 ( a ) and 613 ( b ) of the snail wheel 610 are connected by a shaft 620 at a center point . the shaft 620 may be 1 . 5 - 2 inches in diameter and may be composed of thin walled steel . the shaft 620 is positioned to be in line with a centerline of the 5 gallon water bottle 605 . the position of the shaft 620 diminishes the torque on the snail wheel 610 when the 5 gallon water bottle 605 rolls into the snail wheel 610 for delivery to a customer . the two sides 613 ( a ) and 613 ( b ) may be connected to shaft 620 with glue . the distance between the two sides 613 ( a ) and 613 ( b ) may be wide enough to allow part of the bottom shelf of the vending machine to fit between them . this allows the 5 gallon water bottle 605 to remain on the bottom shelf until the snail wheel 610 begins to rotate and lift the 5 gallon water bottle 605 up off the bottom shelf . to secure the shaft 620 in place a bearing 627 is fastened to the end . the bearing 627 is connected to end plate 625 . fig7 is a third view of the snail wheel . as illustrated in fig7 , the 5 gallon water bottle 705 sits on the snail wheel 710 . the 5 gallon water bottle 705 is cradled in the snail wheel 710 by the flanges 715 . the neck 701 sits on a lip 712 of the snail wheel 710 . the two sides 713 ( a ) and 713 ( b ) are connected with shaft 720 . the shaft 720 is secured in place with bearing 727 . the bearing 727 is connected to end plate 725 . the snail wheel 710 is rotated by a motor 730 . in between the side 713 ( a ) of the snail wheel 710 and the end plate 725 is a fly wheel with a slip pulley 735 , which is described in further detail below . the snail wheel 710 may be powered by a motor 730 attached to the shaft 720 . for example , a motor , a crank , or any other mechanism that forces the snail wheel 710 to rotate may be used . fig8 is a fourth view of the snail wheel with a motor . fig8 illustrates the snail wheel 810 of fig7 with on the end plates removed exposing the fly wheel with a slip pulley 835 . the fly wheel slip pulley 835 may be made of metal , such as aluminum . the fly wheel slip pulley 835 includes three solid panels 840 , which may be made of steel . the solid panels 840 may be included in the fly wheel slip pulley 835 the torque of the snail wheel 810 . the fly wheel slip pulley 835 and the solid panels 840 may be die cast . the motor 830 is connected to the fly wheel slip pulley 835 with a belt 845 . the belt 845 has enough torque to rotate the snail wheel 810 . the motor 830 may have two positions : a first position and a second position . the first position may rotate the wheel 90 ° counter - clockwise after accepting the 5 gallon water bottle 805 . the second position may rotate 270 ° back to the original position of the snail wheel 805 . those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many modifications and variations of the above may be implemented without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims . for example , although reference to a 5 gallon water bottle is made , other sizes are possible as well . thus , it is intended that the following claims cover the modifications and variations provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents .	6
consider the reflectance history plots shown in fig2 . the refractive index being deposited ( in simulation ) is n a = 1 . 9 , and the rugate line center is λ r = 1000 nm . the monitor wavelength λ m is 800 nm . the monitor chip or substrate refractive index is n s = 3 . 85 ( corresponding to si ). the monitor signal for two rugate cycles is shown . it is clear from fig2 that the reflection level of the first reflectance maximum relative to the initial reflection level is a good indication of the amplitude of the sine wave index being deposited . similar simulations were run for various values of n a . these simulations revealed a problem when the average rugate index is approximately the square root of the refractive index of the monitor substrate . a zero reflectance minimum occurs with this layer index . layers with index just lower or higher than this will give the same non - zero reflectance dip . however , we may avert this ambiguity by choosing another substrate material , as we did in fig3 , where we chose a substrate of ns = 2 . 4 ( corresponding to znse ). it is clear from fig3 that the reflection level of the first reflectance minimum relative to the initial reflection is a good indication of the rugate average refractive index . clearly these monitor plot histories contain information about n a and n p . there are several ways to extract this information . one could record the value of the first dip and the first peak and use “ look - up ” tables to surmise the parameters . these values could be normalized by the beginning reflectance to reduce the effects of some systematic errors . another approach is to use the accumulated reflectance data and fit it to a calculated reflectance from a parameterized refractive index profile given in eq . ( 1 ). this approach has been shown to produce robust estimates simultaneously for both n a and n p . other approaches may also become evident to those skilled in the art . such embodiments are included within the scope of this invention , including the use multiple monitor wavelengths . if the optical thickness is known then the least squares approach also produces λ r the rugate line wavelength position . however , in practice the abscissa may be time which is related to the optical thickness through the deposition rates of both materials . the time between two turning points τ tp ( seconds ) will be the time required to deposit one half wave optical thickness at the monitor wavelength λ m / 2 ( nm ). ( a half wave optical thickness at the wavelength of the rugate line position corresponds to a full rugate cycle .) thus , when the deposition rate is uniform or when its variation can be accounted for , the reflectance history period in seconds that is fit with the least squares procedure may be converted to the rugate line position according to , where p qw is the best fit period in seconds in the model given by eq . ( 1 ). 1 . an optical beam of light having wavelength λ m is incident on a substrate receiving the rugate deposition having arbitrary values of n a , n p , and λ r , according to , n ( z )= n a + 0 . 5 n p sin ( 2 πz / λ r ), ( 5 ) where z is the optical thickness depth parameter of the deposited coating . 2 . the reflection r of this beam is recorded along with the current optical thickness ( or time ) in arrays xd , yd while the deposition of the rugate proceeds . 3 . this data is then fit with a least squares algorithm to a function that evaluates the reflectance as a function of optical thickness from a refractive index profile given by , n ( x )= v 1 + 0 . 5 v 2 sin ( 2 πx / v 3 ), ( 7 ) where v 1 is the fit parameter for the average refractive index n a , v 2 is the fit parameter for the peak - to - peak amplitude refractive index n p , and v 3 is the fit parameter for the rugate line position λ r . a standard way to evaluate the reflectance r at wavelength λ m is to consider each deposited increment as a thin layer of constant refractive index and use the characteristic matrix for thin films . the above fitting approach has been constructed and tested using simulated deposition data . the process has proven to be robust even in the presence of random noise . an important result is that the rugate line position ( or all the rugate parameters ) may be determined when monitoring on - line or off - line of the rugate wavelength . this surprising result adds utility to this method . sometimes it is difficult or impossible to monitor at the rugate line . it also allows the use of standard inexpensive lasers or other light sources to be used as a monitor source . this invention fills a definite need in rugate technology . rugate filters have many important applications , but their construction has eluded many including reputable optical coating suppliers . rugate filters are often very thick and require long deposition times . the lack of a monitor to determine how well the rugate parameters are being achieved during a rugate deposition run is one reason for the lack of industrial progress in this area . this invention will allow the construction of higher performance rugate filters with controlled bandwidths and angle sensitivities .	6
typical embodiments of the invention include two or more x - ray source / detector combinations . each of these source / detector combinations includes an x - ray source and an x - ray detector . the x - ray source is configured to generate x - rays and direct them toward the associated x - ray detector . the x - ray detector is configured to detect received x - rays in a spatially resolved manner and to generate resulting projection image data . typically , a target is placed between the x - ray source and x - ray detector for analysis . the detected x - rays are , therefore , representative of a projection of the target onto the x - ray detector . in medical applications , the target is often part of a patient . each of the source / detector combinations is configured to image an overlapping volume within the target . for example , in some embodiments , the path of x - rays from a center of an x - ray source to a center of an x - ray detector can be represented by a beam axis , and each source / detector combination is configured such that their respective beam axes intersect in a target region . each source / detector combination is optionally operated in parallel to generate projection image data . this parallel operation can be used to reduce the time required to generate a three - dimensional representation of a target and / or increase the resolution of the resulting three - dimensional representation . in some embodiments , parallel operation includes simultaneous generation of x - rays . in some embodiments , parallel operation includes generation of x - rays by one x - ray source while the detector of another source / detector combination is involved in a data transfer process . in these embodiments , the generation of x - rays and data transfer processes may alternate between source / detector combinations . in alternative embodiments , each source / detector combination is operated in series . in some embodiments , a first source / detector combination is configured to generate x - rays in one energy range while a second source / detector combination is configured to generate x - rays in another energy range . for example , the first source / detector combination can be configured to generate projection image data using kv x - rays while the second source / detector combination can be configured to generate projection image data using mv x - rays . as described further herein , projection image data generated using one energy range is optionally scaled such that it can be combined with projection image data generated using another energy range in order to generate a three - dimensional representation . in some embodiments , the use of more than one energy range to generate a three - dimensional representation allows for reduction of disadvantages associated with a particular energy range . for example , the use of mv x - rays may reduce the generation of artifacts seen in kv only data , and the use of kv x - rays may reduce injury to tissue surrounding the target volume that would be caused by mv x - rays . fig1 is a block diagram of an imaging system 100 configured to generate a three - dimensional representation of a target positioned in a target region 105 , and optionally configured to provide a therapeutic dose of x - rays to a treatment region within target region 105 . the instance of imaging system 100 illustrated in fig1 includes two source / detector combinations . a first combination , referred to as the mv detector / source combination , is configured to generate projection image data using mv x - rays . the mv detector / source combination includes a mv x - ray source 110 and a mv x - ray detector 115 disposed such that their associated beam axis passes through target region 105 . a second combination , referred to as the kv detector / source combination , is configured to generate projection image data using kv x - rays . the kv detector / source combination includes a kv x - ray source 120 and a kv x - ray detector 125 disposed such that their associated beam axis intersects the beam axis of the mv detector / source combination within target region 105 . in typical embodiments , mv x - ray source 110 , mv x - ray detector 115 , kv x - ray source 120 and kv x - ray detector 125 are coupled to a movable gantry 130 . gantry 130 is configured to rotate around target region 105 under the control of motor 135 . in alternative embodiments , motor 135 is configured to rotate a target within target region 105 . in these embodiments , gantry 130 is optionally stationary . the kv detector / source combination is optionally rotated around target region 105 independent of the mv detector / source combination . imaging system 100 further includes a control logic 140 configured for operating motor 135 , mv x - ray source 110 , mv x - ray detector 115 , kv x - ray source 120 , and kv x - ray detector 125 . control logic 140 typically includes a processor and memory configured for storing projection image data . control logic 140 is further configured to control an optional conversion logic 145 , a ct construction logic 150 and an optional display 155 . conversion logic 145 is configured to scale projection image data received from mv x - ray detector 115 such that the scaled data can be combined with projection image data received from kv x - ray detector 125 . in alternative embodiments , conversion logic 145 is configured to scale projection image data received from kv x - ray detector 125 such that the scaled projection image data can be combined with projection image data received from mv x - ray detector 115 . the scaling can include logarithmic functions known in the art . the operation of conversion logic 145 is described further elsewhere herein . ct construction logic 150 is configured to construct a three - dimensional representation of a target using two - dimensional projection images of the target generated using both mv x - ray detector 115 and kv x - ray detector 125 . the construction process can be performed using several alternative construction techniques known in the art . for example , in various embodiments , the filtered back - projection technique or multi - level scheme algebraic reconstruction technique ( mls - art ) are used for construction of a three - dimensional representation . optional display 155 is configured for viewing various data generated using mv x - ray detector 115 and kv x - ray detector 125 , and for viewing three - dimensional representations of a target constructed using ct construction logic 150 . typically , three - dimensional representations are viewed as cross - sections of the three - dimensional representation . these cross - sections are referred to as ct images . fig2 is a photograph showing of parts of imaging system 110 , according to one embodiment of the invention . the mv source / detector combination and kv source / detector combination are positioned such that their respective beam lines intersect at approximately a right angle in target region 105 . fig2 shows an experimental instance of a target 210 positioned within target region 105 . as is discussed further herein , this experimental instance of target 210 includes a simulation of part of a human head and a device used to study resolution in x - ray imaging . in practice , the instance of target 210 shown in fig2 is typically replaced by a patient . fig3 is a flowchart illustrating methods of generating a three - dimensional representation of target 210 using imaging system 100 , according to various embodiments of the invention . in this method the kv source / detector combination and the mv source / detector combination are used to generate separate projection image data . optionally , a first set of projection image data generated using one of these source / detector combinations is scaled such that it can be combined with a second set of projection image data generated using an other of these source / detector combinations . for example , the projection image data generated using the mv source / detector combination may be scaled such that it can be combined with projection image data generated using the kv source / detector combination . following the scaling process , the scaled first set of projection image data and the second set of projection image data are used to construct a three - dimensional representation of target 210 . in a generate kv x - ray step 310 , kv x - ray source 120 is used to generate x - rays in the kv energy range . in a direct kv x - ray step 320 , these kv x - rays are directed through target region 105 in order to image target 210 . target 210 blocks passage of these kv x - rays as a function of the adsorption cross - section of target 210 . in a detect kv x - ray step 330 , those kv x - rays that pass through target 210 are detected using kv x - ray detector 125 . the detection of these x - rays includes generation , and optionally storage , of projection image data representative of a projection of target 210 on kv x - ray detector 125 . in a generate mv x - ray step 340 , mv x - ray source 110 is used to generate x - rays in the mv energy range . in a direct mv x - ray step 350 , these mv x - rays are directed through target region 105 . the mv x - rays can be used or imaging and / or treatment . in some embodiments , an aperture is used to reduce the volume within target region 105 that is exposed to the mv x - rays . while the volume within target region 105 that is exposed to kv x - rays and the volume within target region 105 that is exposed to mv x - rays are not necessarily the same , these volumes will typically overlap . some of the mv x - rays are attenuated as they pass through an instance of target 210 within target region 105 . in a detect mv x - ray step 360 , those mv x - rays that pass through target 210 are detected using mv x - ray detector 115 . the detected x - rays are used to generate projection image data representative of a projection of target 210 on mv x - ray detector 115 . detect kv x - ray step 330 and detect mv x - ray step 360 optionally both include a phase in which projection image data is transferred from kv x - ray detector 125 and mv x - ray detector 115 , respectively , to memory associated with control logic 140 . in an optional move gantry step 370 , motor 135 is used to move gantry 130 . this movement rotates the kv source / detector combination and / or the mv source / detector combination relative to target region 105 . in alternative embodiments , motor 135 is used to move target 210 while gantry 130 remains stationary . following move gantry step 370 , if further projection image data is required for the construction of a desired three - dimensional representation of target 210 , then the method returns to generate kv x - ray step 310 . if sufficient data has been generated for the construction of a desired three - dimensional representation of target 210 then the method proceeds to a scale mv x - ray data step 380 . in some embodiments , steps 310 through 370 are repeated numerous times in order to generate projection image data at a sufficient number of different projection angles to generate a desired three - dimensional representation . a projection angle is the angular position of an x - ray source around target region 105 relative to a fixed reference angle . for example , an angular position directly above target region 105 may be assigned 0 degrees while an angular position directly below target region 105 is assigned 180 degrees . the larger the number of different projection angles the greater the resolution of the three - dimensional representation , and the longer the imaging process takes . in some embodiments , gantry 130 is rotated such that both mv and kv projection images are generated at overlapping projection angles . typically , some or all of steps 310 - 330 are performed in parallel in time ( e . g ., at times that are at least partially overlapping ) with steps 340 - 360 . for example , any of steps 310 - 330 may be performed parallel in time with generate mv x - ray step 340 . thus , two different projection images , optionally using two different x - ray energies , can be generated at the same time . thus , in some embodiments , kv x - ray source 120 and mv x - ray source 110 are used to generate x - rays simultaneously . in these embodiments , scatter correction is optionally used to reduce cross - talk between each source / detector combination . for example , in one embodiment , scatter correction is used to reduce the generation of noise at kv x - ray detector 125 resulting from x - rays generated using mv x - ray source 110 and scattered to kv x - ray detector 125 by target 210 . fig4 is a graphical representation of projection angles used to generate projection images , in various embodiments of the invention . relative to a projection angle arbitrarily labeled 0 degrees , kv x - ray source 120 is rotated to various projection angles between 270 degrees and 10 degrees by moving gantry 130 . at the same time , mv x - ray source 110 , which is fixed at a position on gantry 130 at a position approximately 90 degrees from kv x - ray source , is rotated to various projection angles between 0 degrees and 100 degrees . using this rotation scheme , projection images are recorded between projection angles of 0 degrees and 10 degrees using both the kv source / detector combination and the mv source / detector combination . as is discussed further herein , the projection image data generated at these overlapping projection angles may be used to determine scaling factors for converting projection image data obtained using x - rays of one energy for combination with projection image data obtained using x - rays of the other energy . referring again to fig3 , in a scale mv x - ray data step 380 projection image data generated using mv x - ray detector 115 in detect mv x - ray step 360 is scaled such that it can be combined with projection image data generated using kv x - ray detector 125 in detect kv x - ray step 330 . this scaling is performed using conversion logic 145 . typically , the scaling process involves multiplication of the projection image data by a scaling factor or application of a non - linear scaling function . in alternative embodiments , the kv projection image data is scaled for combination with the mv projection image data . in a construct image step 390 , ct construction logic 150 is used to generate a three - dimensional representation of target 210 , or cross - section thereof , using both the scaled mv projection image data and the kv projection image data . the construction of the three - dimensional representation can be performed using any of the known algorithms for generating three - dimensional representations from two - dimensional projections known in the art of computerized tomography . cross - sections of the three - dimensional representation are optionally displayed to a user using display 155 . fig5 is a scatter plot of kv and mv conversion parameters , according to one embodiment of the invention . these data are generated by comparing projection images obtained at the same projection angles using x - rays of two different energies , such as kv and mv energies . these same projection angles include , for example , the angles between 0 degrees and 10 degrees as shown in fig4 . because , in some embodiments , the kv source / detector combination is oriented at a position approximately orthogonal to the mv source / detector combination , gantry 130 ( fig1 ) is rotated 90 degrees in order for the mv source / detector combination to generate projection images at the same projection angles as the kv source / detector combination . the scatter plot shown in fig5 is generated by examining pixels in the mv projection images and noting the intensity of detected mv x - rays at those pixels . the corresponding pixels ( e . g ., the pixels representing the same positions ) in the kv projection images are then examined and the intensity of the detected kv x - rays at those corresponding pixels are noted . in some instances , the noted values are normalized by dividing data obtained with an instance of target 210 placed in target region 105 by data obtained without any target placed in target regions 105 ( e . g ., background data ). the kv and mv intensity values are then plotted . a conversion parameter p for both kv and mv projection images is calculated using the formula p = log [( i b − i 0 )/( i b − i )]. where i 0 was the pixel value from the open field and i was the pixel value from the original projection image . i b was the background pixel value . this formula is based on an assumption that the radiation beam was attenuated exponentially through the imaging object . in fig5 the plotted intensities have been fitted to a line 510 . line 510 is optionally a linear function , in which case the slope and intercept can be used to convert mv projection image data to kv projection image data in scale mv x - ray data step 380 of fig3 . fig6 illustrates the conversion of mv projection image data to kv projection image data using the conversion parameter p calculated as discussed with respect to fig5 . the data shown represents a cross - section across a projection image . mv projection image data is represented by mv line 610 , kv projection image data is represented by kv line 620 , and converted mv projection image data is represented by converted data line 630 . discrepancies between the kv profile and the converted mv profile in fig6 are partially attributable to the use of a linear fit used to determine proportionality constant p . in alternative embodiments , a non - linear fit is used . in various embodiments , different approaches are used to determine the conversion parameter p . for example , in some embodiments , projection images are acquired using a ct phantom having regions of different density . because the regions within the ct phantom are well characterized , data taken using kv x - rays and mv x - rays can be compared typically at the same projection angle . once the conversion parameter p is determined then a target 210 of interest ( e . g ., a patient ) is place in target region 110 and the previously determined conversion parameter p is used to convert the projection image data of the target 210 of interest . in some embodiments , the conversion parameter p is determined using a less precisely characterized target 210 of interest . in these embodiments , data obtained at overlapping projection angles are used to determine the conversion parameter p . in some embodiments , both a ct phantom and overlapping projection angles are used to determine conversion parameter p . in some embodiments , the projection images generated using kv x - rays and mv x - rays are of different dimensions . for example , the volume covered by mv x - rays may be truncated such that it includes only a subset of the volume covered by kv x - rays . this arrangement may be desirable when the mv x - rays are used therapeutically and there is a wish to limit the exposure of healthy tissue to mv x - rays . thus , in some embodiments of the invention , a larger target volume is covered by kv x - rays for the purpose of imaging target 210 while a smaller target volume is covered by mv x - rays for the purpose of treatment . further , those mv x - rays used for treatment are optionally also used to enhance the three - dimensional representation by combining the mv projection image data with the kv projection image data as described herein . resolution of the three - dimensional representation is enhanced in the volume of target 210 receiving therapeutic x - rays . fig7 a and 7b are ct images obtained using mv and kv imaging , respectively , according to one embodiment of the invention . a ct image is a cross - section of a three - dimensional object generated using computerized tomography . in this embodiment , projection images were acquired using a varian clinac 21ex accelerator ( varian medical systems ) as mv x - ray source 110 to generate mv x - rays , and amorphous silicon electronic portal imager ( a si500 detector ) as mv x - ray detector 115 to detect the generated mv x - rays . a varian medical system &# 39 ; s on - board imager ™ ( obi ), including both kv x - ray source 130 and kv x - ray detector 125 , was used to generate and detect kv x - rays . these systems were mounted orthogonally on gantry 130 as shown in fig1 and 2 . three robotically controlled exact ™ ( varian medical systems ) supportive arms were used to position mv x - ray detector 115 , kv x - ray detector 125 and kv x - ray source 120 such that the beam lines of the mv source / detector combination and kv source / detector combination intersected orthogonally near the center of target region 105 . the active imaging area for both kv and mv source / detector combinations was 397 × 298 mm . the matrix size for mv x - ray detector 115 was 1024 × 768 pixels with 2 bytes depth , and the matrix size for kv x - ray detector 125 could be either 2048 × 1536 pixels ( high resolution ) or 1024 × 768 ( low resolution ) pixels with 2 bytes depth . a high - performance scatter rejection grid was mounted in the front of kv x - ray detector 125 . the x - ray tube of kv x - ray source 120 had a target angle of 14 degrees and two focal spots : a nominal small spot of 0 . 4 mm and a nominal large spot of 0 . 8 mm , per iec ( international electrotechnical commission ) 60336 . the heat load capacity of this x - ray tube is 600 k heat units , while the heat loading of the x - ray tube housing is 2m heat units . the x - ray generator , within kv x - ray source 120 , had a maximum output of 32 kw . projection images acquired using the kv source / detector combination could be achieved with two different modes : digital radiography , both in high or low resolution , and digital fluoroscopic imaging with a frame rate of 7 or 15 frames per second . the kv source / detector combination also had a cone - beam ct acquisition mode which could acquire over 650 projections within less than 70 seconds . this mode is used for clinical applications . in order to acquire the ct images shown in fig7 a and 7b , a target 210 was placed within target region 105 . target 210 included a head phantom and a contrast phantom taped together . the head phantom ( rando ® anthropomorphic phantom by phantom laboratories , salem , n . y .) and contrast phantom ( mini ct qc phantom model 76 - 430 , nuclear associates , ny ) are experimental tools configured to simulate a clinical instance of target 210 , such as a patient . the dimensions of the contrast phantom were six inches in diameter and one inch in thickness . the contrast phantom included insertions of different densities in six 1 . 125 - inch circular holes . projection images using the mv x - ray source 110 were acquired using gantry angles starting from 100 degrees to 270 degrees ( iec convention ), with an interval of 2 degrees . the projection images using the kv source were acquired using gantry angles starting from 190 degrees to 0 degrees . a total of 96 projections were acquired at each x - ray energy . because of the orthogonal relationship between of the mv source / detector combination and the kv source / detector combination , when mv x - ray source 110 was at 0 degrees , kv x - ray source 120 was at 270 degrees . fig8 a - 8f include several cross - sections of three - dimensional representations ( e . g ., ct images ) of one instance of target 210 generated using the techniques described herein . fig8 a illustrates a ct image generated using 48 different mv projection images obtained at gantry 130 angles between 100 degrees and 6 degrees . fig8 b illustrates a ct image generated using 48 different kv projection images obtained at gantry 130 angles between 94 degrees and 0 degrees . fig8 c illustrates a ct image generated using both the 48 mv projection images used to generate fig8 a and the 48 kv projection images used to generate fig8 b . the kv and mv projection images were obtained and combined using , for example , the methods illustrated by fig3 . the ct image of fig8 c includes more detail than either the ct images of fig8 a or 8 b . this improved detail is due to the greater number of projections used and possibly the different sensitivities of the kv and mv x - rays . for example , the kv projection images show more contrast resolution for soft tissues while the mv images are less susceptible to some types of interferences . fig8 d and 8e include ct images . the ct image shown in fig8 d was generated using 96 different mv projection images acquired using gantry 130 angles between 100 degrees and 270 degrees , and the ct image shown in fig8 e was generated using 96 different kv projections acquired using gantry 130 angles between 190 degrees and 0 degrees . for comparison , fig8 f includes a diagnostic ct image , reconstructed by using almost 1000 projections acquired with a philips acqsim ct simulator . fig9 a - 9c illustrate the use of projection images that cover different volumes within target 210 . fig9 a and 9b include ct images generated using only 12 full kv projection images , and only 12 truncated mv projection images , respectively . the mv projection images were generated using an x - ray beam truncated by an aperture to reduce the volume exposed to mv x - rays . in some embodiments , the mv x - rays are truncated to minimize the exposure of tissues outside a treatment volume to mv x - rays . fig9 c includes a ct image generated using a combination of both the kv projection images used to generate the ct image of fig9 a and the mv projection images used to generate the ct image of fig9 b . as a result of the combination , the center region of the ct image of fig9 c is enhanced relative to that shown in fig9 a . thus , mv treatment x - rays are combined with kv imaging x - rays to achieve greater ct image quality during treatment . this improvement may be used to refine the treatment volume and reduce the exposure of healthy tissue to harmful x - rays . several embodiments are specifically illustrated and / or described herein . however , it will be appreciated that modifications and variations are covered by the above teachings and within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended scope thereof . for example , while mv x - ray source 110 and kv x - ray source 120 are used herein as an example , either may be replaced by alternative radiation sources . in some embodiments both sources are configured to generate the same types and / or energies of radiation . in some embodiments , the methods discussed herein are used to generate four - dimensional ct data that includes a time dependent three - dimensional representation of target 210 . in some alternative embodiments , projection images generated using a kv source / detector combination are used to generate a first three - dimensional representation , and projection images generated using a mv source / detector combination are used to generate a second three - dimensional representation . the first and second three - dimensional representations are then combined using ct construction logic 150 to form one or more ct images . in these embodiments , scale mv x - ray data step 380 and conversion logic 145 are optional . in some embodiments , more than two source / detector combinations are used to generate projection images parallel in time . control logic 140 , conversion logic 145 and / or ct construction logic 150 are each optionally embodied in hardware , firmware , or software stored in memory . in some embodiments , the projection images generated using one or more of the source / detector combinations are each one pixel line , e . g ., one - dimensional . these projection images are each representative of the attenuation of x - rays along a line through target region 105 . in these embodiments , a plurality of one - dimensional projection images may be used to generate a two - dimensional representation of target 210 , using the systems and method of the invention . the adaptation of the systems and method of the invention to the generation of two - dimensional representations from one - dimensional projection images would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art . in some embodiments , mv projections are generated using x - rays configured for x - ray treatment of a patient . in these embodiments , a computerized tomography image constructed using kv projection image data and mv projection image data may be used for identifying and / or viewing the treatment volume . in these embodiments , mv x - rays are used for both treatment and imaging . the embodiments discussed herein are illustrative of the present invention . as these embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to illustrations , various modifications or adaptations of the methods and or specific structures described may become apparent to those skilled in the art . all such modifications , adaptations , or variations that rely upon the teachings of the present invention , and through which these teachings have advanced the art , are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention . hence , these descriptions and drawings should not be considered in a limiting sense , as it is understood that the present invention is in no way limited to only the embodiments illustrated . exact ™ and on - board imager ™ are registered trademarks of varian medical systems , inc .	0
the following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention , its application or uses . it should be understood that numerous specific details , relationships , and methods are set forth to provide a full understanding of the invention . one having ordinary skill in the relevant art , however , will readily recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods . the present invention is not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events , as some acts may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other acts or events . furthermore , not all illustrated acts or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present invention . embodiments of the invention may be practiced without the theoretical aspects presented . moreover , the theoretical aspects are presented with the understanding that applicants do not seek to be bound by the theory presented . unless otherwise defined , all terms ( including technical and scientific terms ) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs . it will be further understood that terms , such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries , should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein . as used herein , the singular forms “ a ”, “ an ” and “ the ” are intended to include the plural forms as well , unless the context clearly indicates otherwise . furthermore , to the extent that the terms “ including ”, “ includes ”, “ having ”, “ has ”, “ with ”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and / or the claims , such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “ comprising .” a spinal fusion is typically employed to eliminate pain caused by the motion of degenerated disk material . upon successful fusion , a fusion device becomes permanently fixed within the intervertebral disc space . referring now to the figures , the spinal fusion device 200 is inserted into the intervertebral space in the insertion mode to replace damaged , missing or excised disk material . in general embodiments , the spinal fusion device 200 comprises an upper section 202 , a lower section 204 , a hollow body 201 and a distractor 213 . the device may be made of conventional materials used for surgical implants , such as stainless steel and its many different alloys , titanium , titanium alloys , metallic alloys , polymeric materials , plastics , plastic composites , ceramic and any other metal or material with the requisite strength and biologically inert properties . the spinal fusion device 200 ( fig1 a , 1 b , 2 a ) for implanting or placing between adjacent vertebrae comprises a hollow body 201 having an upper section 202 with a top surface 203 for contacting one vertebra and a lower section 204 having a bottom surface 205 for contacting an adjacent vertebra , said top surface and said bottom surface providing a means for engaging the vertebra , the upper section having opposing depending sidewall 206 and sidewall 207 , each sidewall having opposing angled sides 208 , 251 for slidably receiving a wedge - shaped distractor 213 , a planar end 210 whereby the planar end 212 of the top sidewall engages the planar end 211 of the bottom side wall ; and , a distractor 213 . turning to fig3 , the distractor 213 is defined by a proximal end 214 and a distal planar end wall 302 , the proximal end 214 and distal 302 planar end walls connected to opposing wedge - shaped side walls , wherein the wedge - shaped side walls slidably engage a groove 216 in the sidewall 206 of the upper section 202 and the sidewall 207 of the bottom section 204 , whereby the distance between the top 203 and bottom surfaces 205 is adjustable as the wedge - shaped sidewalls of the distractor body slidably move relative to each other . the opposing wedge - shaped side walls of the distractor increase distance between the upper section 202 and lower section 204 when the wedge - shaped side walls of the distractor are closest in linear distance ( y ) to each other . the wedge - shaped side - walls 209 of the distractor slidably move in the groove 216 of the depending side walls 206 , 207 as the jack screw 218 is threaded into the distractor body 213 . in some embodiments , an actuator comprises a bore 217 and a jack screw 218 , the jack screw 218 into a planar body 219 placed within the hollow body comprising an aperture 220 and cylindrical body 221 for receiving the jack screw 218 , the planar body 219 dimensioned for insertion into the groove 222 of the inwardly facing surface 223 of the depending sidewalls . the hollow body 201 of the device is formed by the upper section sidewalls 206 , the lower section side walls 207 , the proximal end 214 and distal planar end plates 215 of the distractor , the hollow body dimensioned to fit bone or bone graft material . in some embodiments , the upper and / or lower sidewalls 206 , 207 further comprise opposing grooves etched on the inward facing surfaces 223 of the upper and / or lower section side walls for receiving the planar body 219 inserted into the hollow body . in other embodiments , a spinal fusion device for adjusting the space between vertebrae comprises a hollow body , an upper section 202 having a top surface 203 for contacting a vertebra , the top surface 203 partitioned by at least one cross - sectional bar 224 thereby forming a rectangular or a square shaped aperture , a lower section 204 having a bottom surface 205 for contacting an adjacent vertebra , the upper 202 and lower 204 sections comprising opposing depending sidewalls 206 , 207 , each sidewall being dimensioned for engaging a distractor and having a groove 216 for slidably engaging the distractor , the distractor comprising a proximal end 214 and a distal end 215 . in some embodiments , the depending side walls 206 , 207 comprise at least one pair of opposing grooves 222 on each inwardly facing inner surface 223 , the groove being formed by a lip 227 protruding inwards from the vertical section 228 of the depending sidewalls for receiving the proximal 214 and distal ends 215 of the distractor . in other embodiments , the opposing depending side walls 206 , 207 of the upper 202 and lower sections 204 comprise vertical planar sides 228 which angle 229 inwards , for receiving a wedge - shaped distractor body , and a planar distal edge 212 for contacting the opposing sidewall . the distractor comprises a proximal end 214 , a distal end 215 , and a body 219 disposed in the hollow body of the device , a jack screw 218 for adjusting the distractor , whereby the distance between the top 203 and bottom 205 surfaces is adjustable by moving the upper section 202 relative to the lower section 204 , the upper and lower section depending side walls 206 , 207 comprising grooves for slidably engaging wedge - shaped spacers of the distractor body and slidably moving the top and bottom surfaces . the distractor further comprises a bore 217 , a planar body 219 placed within the hollow body comprising an aperture 220 and cylindrical body 221 for receiving the jack screw 218 , the planar body 219 dimensioned for insertion into the groove 222 of the inwardly facing surfaces 223 of the depending sidewalls . the wedge - shaped sides of the distractor slidably move in the groove 216 of the angled edges 230 of the depending side walls 206 , 207 as the jack screw 218 is threaded into the distractor body . the proximal end 214 of the distractor comprises the bore 217 for receiving the jack screw 218 and the distal end 215 a plate 231 which protrudes into the hollow body and comprises an aperture 232 , aligned with the aperture 220 in the planar body 219 and bore 217 of the proximal end 214 of the distractor . the proximal 214 and distal 215 ends of the distractor comprise wedge - shaped sides 209 which slidably engage the upper and lower section depending side walls 206 , 207 . in some embodiments , the proximal 214 and distal 215 ends of the top 203 and bottom surface 205 comprise an interlocking groove 216 for receiving the proximal and distal ends 214 , 215 of the distractor . in some embodiments , the hollow body is formed from the depending sidewalls 206 , 207 of the upper and lower sections 202 , 204 and proximal and distal ends 214 , 215 of the distractor . in other embodiments , the upper and lower sections 202 , 204 further comprise a means for engaging a vertebra , the engaging means comprising a bracket 224 ( fig3 ). in embodiments , the hollow body is dimensioned to fit bone or bone graft material . turning to fig7 - 16 , various components of the distractor are shown in more detail . fig7 shows a top view of the distractor 213 . the proximal end 213 comprises interface grooves 300 a , 300 b run parallel to each other on opposing sides of the outer planar end plate 301 of the proximal end distractor body 214 . the outer planar end plate 301 is connected to the inner planar end plate 302 and is of a smaller width , height and surface area than the inner planar end plate 302 of the proximal end of the distractor . the wedge - shaped sides of the device comprises a lead - in taper section 303 . the wedge - shaped sides 209 are connected to the lead - in taper 303 . the distal end 215 of the hollow body 201 comprises a similar tapered lead - in 404 and wedge - shaped side architecture as the proximal end 405 . however , the wedge - shaped sides are connected to a lock - up stop 400 which protrudes into the hollow body . the lock - up stop 400 further comprises an aperture 402 for receiving the jack screw 218 , the aperture comprising a lock - up screw thread 403 . similar to the distractor 213 the hollow body 201 includes interface grooves 406 a along a first side edge 410 and interface grooves 406 b along the opposite side edge 411 . the invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments thereof . however , it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art , upon consideration of this disclosure , may make modifications and improvements within the spirit and scope of the invention . the following non - limiting examples are illustrative of the invention . all documents mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference . all publications and patent documents cited in this application are incorporated by reference for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent document were so individually denoted . by their citation of various references in this document , applicants do not admit any particular reference is “ prior art ” to their invention .	0
with reference now to the figures and in particular with reference to fig1 - 2 , exemplary diagrams of data processing environments are provided in which illustrative embodiments may be implemented . it should be appreciated that fig1 - 2 are only exemplary and are not intended to assert or imply any limitation with regard to the environments in which different embodiments may be implemented . many modifications to the depicted environments may be made . fig1 depicts a pictorial representation of a network of data processing systems in which illustrative embodiments may be implemented . network data processing system 100 is a network of computers in which the illustrative embodiments may be implemented . network data processing system 100 contains network 102 , which is the medium used to provide communications links between various devices and computers connected together within network data processing system 100 . network 102 may include connections , such as wire , wireless communication links , or fiber optic cables . in the depicted example , server 104 and server 106 connect to network 102 along with storage unit 108 . in addition , clients 110 , 112 , and 114 connect to network 102 . clients 110 , 112 , and 114 may be , for example , personal computers or network computers . in the depicted example , server 104 provides data , such as boot files , operating system images , and applications to clients 110 , 112 , and 114 . clients 110 , 112 , and 114 are clients to server 104 in this example . network data processing system 100 may include additional servers , clients , and other devices not shown . in the depicted example , network data processing system 100 is the internet with network 102 representing a worldwide collection of networks and gateways that use the transmission control protocol / internet protocol ( tcp / ip ) suite of protocols to communicate with one another . at the heart of the internet is a backbone of high - speed data communication lines between major nodes or host computers , consisting of thousands of commercial , governmental , educational and other computer systems that route data and messages . of course , network data processing system 100 also may be implemented as a number of different types of networks , such as for example , an intranet , a local area network ( lan ), or a wide area network ( wan ). fig1 is intended as an example , and not as an architectural limitation for the different illustrative embodiments . illustrative embodiments provide a semi - automatic stemming schema approach that can be used as a morphological analyzer that typically does not require a set of exact morphology rules , or it can be used to dynamically build a user - specific lexicon . a set of morphology rules comprises one or more items or rules . for example , morphology rules define usage of word constructs , such as length , compounds composed of more than one word and affixes which are typically prefixes and suffixes . using the process described in the illustrative embodiments typically reduces the time required to update a language lexicon . for example , in an illustrative embodiment a user of the described word stemming process on client 110 may access a corpus on server 106 through network 102 to perform the actual stemming of words located in the corpus . the results in the form of a created lexicon may be stored on server 106 or another server , such as server 104 or storage unit 108 for access by another client 112 that performs the function of a linguist to additionally verify and further process the created lexicon . in addition portions or the entire lexicon may be sent to users through network 102 , as required for subsequent uses . with reference now to fig2 , a block diagram of a data processing system is shown in which illustrative embodiments may be implemented . data processing system 200 is an example of a computer , such as server 104 or client 110 in fig1 , in which computer usable program code or instructions implementing the processes may be located for the illustrative embodiments . in this illustrative example , data processing system 200 includes communications fabric 202 , which provides communications between processor unit 204 , memory 206 , persistent storage 208 , communications unit 210 , input / output ( i / o ) unit 212 , and display 214 . processor unit 204 serves to execute instructions for software that may be loaded into memory 206 . processor unit 204 may be a set of one or more processors or may be a multi - processor core , depending on the particular implementation . further , processor unit 204 may be implemented using one or more heterogeneous processor systems in which a main processor is present with secondary processors on a single chip . as another illustrative example , processor unit 204 may be a symmetric multi - processor system containing multiple processors of the same type . memory 206 , in these examples , may be , for example , a random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non - volatile storage device . persistent storage 208 may take various forms depending on the particular implementation . for example , persistent storage 208 may contain one or more components or devices . for example , persistent storage 208 may be a hard drive , a flash memory , a rewritable optical disk , a rewritable magnetic tape , or some combination of the above . the media used by persistent storage 208 also may be removable . for example , a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage 208 communications unit 210 , in these examples , provides for communications with other data processing systems or devices . in these examples , communications unit 210 is a network interface card . communications unit 210 may provide communications through the use of either or both physical and wireless communications links . input / output unit 212 allows for input and output of data with other devices that may be connected to data processing system 200 . for example , input / output unit 212 may provide a connection for user input through a keyboard and mouse . further , input / output unit 212 may send output to a printer . display 214 provides a mechanism to display information to a user . instructions for the operating system and applications or programs are located on persistent storage 208 . these instructions may be loaded into memory 206 for execution by processor unit 204 . the processes of the different embodiments may be performed by processor unit 204 using computer implemented instructions , which may be located in a memory , such as memory 206 . these instructions are referred to as program code , computer usable program code , computer executable program code , or computer readable program code that may be read and executed by a processor in processor unit 204 . the program code in the different embodiments may be embodied on different physical or tangible computer readable media , such as memory 206 or persistent storage 208 . program code 216 is located in a functional form on computer readable media 218 that is selectively removable and may be loaded onto or transferred to data processing system 200 for execution by processor unit 204 . program code 216 and computer readable media 218 form computer program product 220 , in these examples . in one example , computer readable media 218 may be in a tangible form , such as , for example , an optical or magnetic disc that is inserted or placed into a drive or other device that is part of persistent storage 208 for transfer onto a storage device , such as a hard drive that is part of persistent storage 208 . in a tangible form , computer readable media 218 also may take the form of a persistent storage , such as a hard drive , a thumb drive , or a flash memory that is connected to data processing system 200 . the tangible form of computer readable media 218 is also referred to as computer recordable storage media . in some instances , computer recordable media 218 may not be removable . alternatively , program code 216 may be transferred to data processing system 200 from computer readable media 218 through a communications link to communications unit 210 and / or through a connection to input / output unit 212 . the communications link and / or the connection may be physical or wireless in the illustrative examples . the computer readable media also may take the form of non - tangible media , such as communications links or wireless transmissions containing the program code . the different components illustrated for data processing system 200 are not meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in which different embodiments may be implemented . the different illustrative embodiments may be implemented in a data processing system including components in addition to or in place of those illustrated for data processing system 200 . other components shown in fig2 can be varied from the illustrative examples shown . as one example , a storage device in data processing system 200 is any hardware apparatus that may store data . memory 206 , persistent storage 208 , and computer readable media 218 are examples of storage devices in a tangible form . in another example , a bus system may be used to implement communications fabric 202 and may be comprised of one or more buses , such as a system bus or an input / output bus . of course , the bus system may be implemented using any suitable type of architecture that provides for a transfer of data between different components or devices attached to the bus system . additionally , a communications unit may include one or more devices used to transmit and receive data , such as a modem or a network adapter . further , a memory may be , for example , memory 206 or a cache such as found in an interface and memory controller hub that may be present in communications fabric 202 . illustrative embodiments provide a semi - automatic or programmatic stemming schema approach that can be used as a morphological analyzer . the approach used in illustrative embodiments typically does not require a set of exact morphology rules , or the described approach can be used to dynamically build a user - specific lexicon . using the process described in the illustrative embodiments typically reduces the time required to update a language lexicon . with reference to fig3 , a block diagram of a word stemmer in accordance with illustrative embodiments is shown . a word stemmer provides a capability to analyze a word and determine which pieces may be stripped to reduce the word to a root form . the root may also be referred to as a kernel . the pieces removed during analysis are typically the prefix and suffix components , referred to as affixes . schema stemmer 300 is an example of a word stemmer in accordance with illustrative embodiments . a schema stemmer then is a word stemmer that links the removed prefix and suffix components to a kernel to show the relationships . a portion of schema stemmer 300 is shown comprising a parser 302 , a counter 304 , a mapper 306 , a receiver 308 , a sender 310 , a splitter 312 and a sorter 314 , located within memory 206 of fig2 . while shown within memory 206 , components of schema stemmer 300 may be located on storage unit 108 of fig1 until loaded for use . corpus 316 is shown outside of memory 206 , as corpus 316 may typically be stored on storage unit 108 and portions brought into memory for processing as required in a usual manner of processing data . parser 302 performs text data parsing of the strings of characters comprising corpus 316 . parser 302 is capable of walking through the characters of text to determine words . counter 304 is used to maintain a count for frequency determination . word counts are one common use . mapper 306 performs a mapping function , such as the mapping of prefix and suffix variants , the affixes associated with a word root , to the word root , the kernel . a mapping indicates a relationship , the schema , between the mapped entities . receiver 308 and sender 310 provide the sending and receiving communication access to bring data , such as words from corpus 316 , and requests in for processing and sending resultant data out of schema stemmer 300 . splitter 312 provides a capability of chopping words into defined fragments , such as a prefix , a root , and a suffix . the prefix and suffix are commonly referred to as an “ affix ,” while the root is called a “ kernel .” sorter 314 provides sorting capability to provide an ordered list of words , kernels , or affixes , as required . sorting may be performed based on the character values or frequency values associated with affixes and kernels . with reference to fig4 , a flowchart of an overview of a word stemming process is shown in accordance with illustrative embodiments . process 400 is an example of a process using schema stemmer 300 of fig3 . process 400 begins ( step 402 ) and accesses a corpus , such as corpus 316 of fig3 ( step 404 ). for example , in linguistic studies , a corpus or text corpus is typically a large and structured set of text data , usually stored and accessed electronically . the corpus is typically used in the performance of statistical analysis , and determining occurrences of , or validation of , linguistic rules for a specific language or set of languages comprising the body of text . in another example , a corpus may be used to determine and indicate the lemma , or base form of each word . analysis and processing of a corpus may typically be used in computational linguistics , speech recognition , and machine translation . by analyzing the contents of the corpus , process 400 deduces possible stemming schema to create a set of derived schema ( step 406 ). a stemming schema is a unique pairing of a word kernel and associated affix . a schema then represents a transformation from one affix to another . for example , in the words “ binary ” and “ binaries ”, the first affix is “ y ” and the second affix is “ ies .” the schema for the word “ binar ” may then have a transformation of “ y ” to “ ies ” according to a rule for plurals . a review and revision of the derived schema is then performed to optimize the remaining schema ( step 408 ). in this operation , rare occurrences are eliminated if not already done , as are kernels having only one affix . the reduced set of schema is then more representative of the main body of text processed . deduce a lexicon is performed to exploit the word stemming just performed ( step 410 ) with the process terminating thereafter ( step 414 ). the lexicon , a list of words associated with lexical information , may be created using the derived and pruned schema in a further analysis of the corpus used as input . in this step , programmatic use of stemming schemas may be used as a morphological analyzer that does not require any set of exact morphology rules on input . programmatic use of stemming schemas may be used to dynamically build a user - specific lexicon as indicated . a linguist , capable of performing analysis and verification , may be used to further refine the result of the generated lexicon in step 408 ( step 412 ). in this optional step of a semi - supervised mode , the derived schemas are applied to the corpus in a given language to programmatically suggest word roots that may then be confirmed or rejected interactively by a linguist . with reference to fig5 , a flowchart of a lower level view of the word stemming process of fig4 in accordance with illustrative embodiments is shown . process 500 is a more detailed example of a process using schema stemmer 300 of fig3 to find stemming schemas from a list of words and associated word frequencies that are deduced from a large corpus being analyzed . process 500 starts ( step 502 ) and obtains a list of words ( step 504 ). the list of words is typically a corpus that may be part of a set within a corpora or a single corpus , containing words of a language or multiple languages of interest . frequent concepts are identified by starting with a list of word tokens and their frequency , as in the corpus ( step 506 ). word tokens are created by separating the corpus into individual words separated by punctuation or blanks . rare words may be removed from the list of words . frequent concepts are a count of unique occurrences or frequency of words . when processing to identify suffixes rather than prefixes , reversing each word in the list is performed , and the reversed word list is used . finally , the list of words is sorted using binary values of the characters . the frequent affixes are then identified ( step 508 ). each word in the list is chopped into affixes sized from one to “ n ” characters long , where “ n ” is the word length . the frequency of each affix is then counted to generate a global mapping between each affix to a respective frequency . as an option , affixes with a frequency determined to be rare due to a low occurrence count may be removed . the result is the creation of a global set of frequent affixes , which is a count of each unique affix identified in the corpus being processed . word splits are then identified ( step 510 ). to obtain the word splits , given a minimal kernel size , each word is then chopped into all possible affix + kernel pairs . kernel size varies from the given minimal size to full word size , including an empty affix . for each split word , starting from the smaller affixes , locate each affix in the global set of affixes from step 508 . if an affix cannot be located in the global set , skip that affix and any larger affixes . if that affix is located , add the kernel + affix to a global “ kernel map ” that is a container mapping each kernel to a set of that kernel &# 39 ; s affixes . schemas are then created for each kernel , by examination of the set of the kernel &# 39 ; s affixes ( step 512 ). kernels that have only one affix are skipped . for each kernel , all unique pair combinations of affixes in the set are generated . each of the generated affix pairs is called a “ schema .” a schema represents a transformation from one affix to another affix , such as “ y ” to “ ies ” as previously shown , including null affixes . a global map from each schema to the schema &# 39 ; s list of kernels is then created . the affix count in the concepts is then generated as a global count ( step 514 ). for each affix , the occurrences are counted and categorized by kernel size . for example , mapping each affix to a secondary map that gives the affix frequency for each kernel size . for example , the generation may be performed by iterating on the frequent affixes identified in step 508 and locating the affix in the sorted list of words in step 506 . for each word that starts with a given affix , increment the count for the given affix and kernel size . the kernel size is word size minus affix size . then , add an entry for the null affix . the null affix points to a mapping that counts the frequency of word sizes for all words in the list of step 504 . the affix count in the schemas is then generated by generating a global count ( step 516 ). this is a similar count to the count obtained in step 514 , performed on the affixes that form the schemas of step 512 . for each affix in the schemas , count the occurrences categorized by kernel size . for example , the count may be obtained by iterating on the schemas of step 512 in which each schema maps to a list of kernels . for each of these kernels , and for each of the two affixes in the schema , increment the count for the given affix and kernel size . the schema scores are generated to identify the most useful schemas representing the transformations which are used by a large number of kernels ( step 518 ). a schema score is created for each schema identified in step 512 and categorized by kernel size . for example , for each schema , get the list of kernels and generate a score for each kernel size and for each of the two affixes in the schema to consider “ schema appearances ” by counting the number of occurrences of each kernel size , using the mapping information from step 516 and “ general appearances ” by counting the number of occurrences of each kernel size , using the mapping information from step 514 . both of the counts are cumulative , for example , the count for kernel size 3 sums the counts of kernel size 3 and 4 , up to the max kernel size . for each kernel size , the schema score is the “ schema occurrences ” divided by the “ general occurrences .” optionally this score is then normalized by multiplying it with the “ general frequency ”, which is “ general occurrences ” divided by the number of words in list of step 504 . normalizing reduces the score of infrequent schemas and “ general occurrences ” can be factored out of the calculation , leaving just “ schema occurrences ” divided by the number of words . each of the two affixes in the schema generates different scores . for each kernel size the minimum of the two scores is used . the best schema for each kernel is identified ( step 520 ). identifying the best schema is similar to identifying a representative word for a kernel . for example , for each schema in step 512 , get the corresponding list of kernels and the schema scores from step 518 . iterate on the kernels in the schema , and for each kernel get the score for this kernel size . the score will be the schema &# 39 ; s score for this kernel . generate a “ best schema ” global mapping from kernel to schema . for each new kernel and schema combination , update the “ best schema ” if the schema &# 39 ; s score exceeds the previous score found for this kernel . schemas are then pruned to keep only high - scoring kernels ( step 522 ). for example , iterate over the schemas from step 512 and each kernel of each schema . keep only those kernels whose best schema from step 520 matches the current schema . if no such kernels are found , delete the schema from the schemas of step 512 . the result of the process of identifying the high scoring schema is the creation of a set of pruned stemming schema . recalculate the scores now that low scoring entries have been removed ( step 524 ). for example , reverse - index the container of step 512 creating a mapping from each kernel to a set of the kernel &# 39 ; s associated schemas . break each word in the list obtained in step 506 into affix and kernel pairs as in step 508 , but skip all pairs in which the kernel is missing from the kernel - to - schema mapping . review the set of schemas for this specific kernel . if one of the affixes in the schema matches the current affix in the affix and kernel pair , update the container of schema scores from step 518 by incrementing the score of the current schema and kernel size by one . generate a set of schemas by score to create a list of the promising schemas ( step 526 ). for example , review the list of modified schema scores from step 524 , in which a first list contains average schema scores and a second list contains detailed schema scores . for example to create the average schema score for each schema , average the scores of the various kernel sizes , sort the schemas by this average score , and list the schemas , both affixes and the score . to create the detailed schema score , generate trios of schema , kernel size , and score , and sort by score and list . each schema may have several scores for different kernel sizes . the illustrative embodiments , as shown , provide a semi - automatic or programmatic capability for stemming schemas that can be used as a morphological analyzer . this typically does not require a set of exact morphology rules . the capabilities described can typically be used to dynamically build a user - specific lexicon . in an illustrative embodiment a corpus may be analyzed to identify word kernels and associated schema which may then be used to generate a lexicon related to the corpus . using the process described in the illustrative embodiments typically reduces the time required to create and update a language lexicon . the invention can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment , an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment containing both hardware and software elements . in a preferred embodiment , the invention is implemented in software , which includes , but is not limited to , firmware , resident software , microcode , etc . furthermore , the invention can take the form of a computer program product accessible from a computer - usable or computer - readable medium providing program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system . for the purposes of this description , a computer - usable or computer readable medium can be any tangible apparatus that can contain , store , communicate , propagate , or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system , apparatus , or device . the medium can be an electronic , magnetic , optical , electromagnetic , infrared , or semiconductor system ( or apparatus or device ) or a propagation medium . examples of a computer - readable recordable medium include a semiconductor or solid state memory , magnetic tape , a removable computer diskette , a random access memory ( ram ), a read - only memory ( rom ), a rigid magnetic disk and an optical disk . current examples of optical disks include compact disk - read only memory ( cd - rom ), compact disk - read / write ( cd - r / w ) and dvd a data processing system suitable for storing and / or executing program code will include at least one processor coupled directly or indirectly to memory elements through a system bus . the memory elements can include local memory employed during actual execution of the program code , bulk storage , and cache memories which provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times code must be retrieved from bulk storage during execution input / output or i / o devices ( including but not limited to keyboards , displays , pointing devices , etc .) can be coupled to the system either directly or through intervening i / o controllers . network adapters may also be coupled to the system to enable the data processing system to become coupled to other data processing systems or remote printers or storage devices through intervening private or public networks . modems , cable modems , and ethernet cards are just a few of the currently available types of network adapters . the description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description , and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed . many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art . the embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention , the practical application , and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated .	6

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

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